CHAP. I.

NOt long after the destruction of the magni [...]cent and proud Mo­narchie of the Romaines, wa [...] e­rected a new Empire in Greece, which the [...] bountie diuine, fauo [...]red with continual happines, placing the good Prince Palmerin d'Oliua, in the Crowne and lawfull go­uernment therof: as wel in re­spect of his great prowesse, high and knightlie paradores, which with vigilant [...]are he vsed for the defence of such an estate, the onely renowne whereof brake the desseig [...]es of manie, that by hostilitie sought to disquiet him: a [...] als [...] in regarde of the notable linage & posteritie discending from him, of whose vertues and heroycall perfections, this pre­sent [Page] Historie of Palmendos his Sonne is contriued, and therefore to be placed at the ende of his Fathers trauels. In which discourse alreadie extant, (gentle Readers) you haue vnderstood, howe the Emperour Palmerin so looued and honored Knights errant, that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Courte, because yéerelie hee continued a sumptuous spectacle in forme of a Tourney, for the exercise of knightly and millitarie discipline: and with such religious zeale was this worthy practise folow­ed, as the Court might well be called y^t Schoole of Armes, and Nursse of ciuilitie. For this cause, many Kinges, Princes, and great Lordes, sent their Sonnes to bee there educated, among whom, the good Knight Frysoll King of Hungaria sent one of his, named Belcar, and the Duke Eu­stace of Mecana another, called Tirendos: that they might deserue their knightho [...]de at the hand of the Emperor, the true mirrour and Idea of manhoode, and so consequentlie they to participate some part of his bountie and prow [...]sse.

THe time then béeing c [...]me, that Belcar Son to King Frysoll, shoulde [...] his order of knighthood, he humbly intreated the Empe­rour, that he might enioy it at his hand, and Tirendos Sonne to Duke Eustace of Me­cana, desirous of the selfe same honour, made like request vnto his Maiestie, whereto the good Emper [...]ur (who loo­ued them both with singuler affection, knowing h [...]w well Chiualrie woulde bee imployed by th [...]m) [...]ight willinglie condiscended.

Héereupon, after they had performed the accustomed vigill, he knighted these two Princes with great royaltie, desiring God to bestow such fauour on them, as at no time they might degenerate from their famous pr [...]decessours. And to Belcar, [...]mbracing him in his armes, he sayd▪ My good Nephewe, heauen accomplish in you such perf [...]ctiens of manhoode, as each one may knowe you to be the Sonne [Page 2] of the worthy Knight Sir Frysoll, a Prince so hardie and valiant, as anie that euer followed Armes. The ceremo­nies béeing ended, they all returned to the Pallace, where the newe Knights béeing vnarmed, rich Robes and Man­tles were brought them, for greater honour of the feaste, which in the Courte at this t [...]e excéeded. But Belcar tooke little pleasure, in beholding the diuers occurrences at this assembly, because his minde was more bus [...]ed with expectation of future glorie, which made him thus to com­m [...]ne with himselfe. Belcar, thou hast now no longer time to rest, séeing thou hast rec [...]iued the honorable order of knighthood, and that at the hande of the Empe [...]ur thyn [...] Unckle, whom the diuine prouidence hath endued with so manie la [...]dable vertues: nor dooth any thing want in the King th [...] Father, that is required in a man at Armes. If then hetherto thou hast liued in pleasure & delights, hence­foorth thou must bequeath thy selfe to trauaile, to shewe that thou doost resemble and imitate in some things thine Auncestors, who with great labour and industrie haue at­tained such fame and renow [...]e, as the memory therof shal remaine immortali. And if thou wilt not darcken this ho­nour, then must thou hasten thy departure from y^• Court, and follow the search of strange aduentures, as they dyd in their daies for thine example.

After many and sundry thoughts, that fought together within his spirit, he concluded to depart acccmpanied but with one Squire, and that so secretly as could be deuised. Thence would he trauaile directly towards Macedon, to make the first proofe of his valour in y^t aduenture of Fran­celina, who was enchaunted in y^• I [...]le of Carderia, as was declared in the History of Palmerin d'Oliua. And at thys time was little talke of any other thing, then of the num­ber of Knights that daily sought to winne her in marri­age, and with her the Kingdome of Thessalie: for such [...] the promised guerdon and recompence, to him that coulde deliuer her out of the enchaunted Castell, but hetherto all [Page] the Knights lost th [...]ir labour, for no one was able to finish the [...]duenture. Belcar béeing earnestly prouoked with the fame of this occasiō, which was generally r [...]puted strange and full of [...]aunger, resolued to frame his iourney thether, because he [...] earnestly desired to bring the enchauntment to ende: his reason héerein not to be disallowed, for beyond the atchiuement of great honour and praise, hee shoulde be [...] with so faire a Princesse, as coulde not be iudged inferi [...]r to anie. In this surpassing desire, conceal [...]d fr [...]m a [...]ie one but himselfe, in regard of his perfect hope to com­passe the same: thrée daies he honored the feaste with his prese [...]ce, and the fourth da [...] early in the morning, putting [...]n a cost [...]ie Greene Armour, which for this purpose he had secretly prouided, carying likewise in his Shée [...]de for hys [...]uise, a Castell Guelles in a Fielde argent, vnséene of a­ny he left y^• Cittie, ryding on towarde the Realme of Ma­cedon.

The Emperour soone after vnderstanding héerof, was not a little glad of his woorthy enterprise, which hee wit­nessed in the presence of al his Lords and Barons, saying. So helpe me God, as my opinion and hope is perswaded, that Belcar will so honourablie followe Armes, as each of [...]ou will reioyce to heare y^• discourse of his fortunes: hea­uen fauour and further his attempts, directing all his acti­on [...] in [...]uch [...], as no tongue may controll his noble for­wardnes. Belcars departure was liked of euery one, except Tirendos, who was therat meruailously offended, because he had not acquainted him with his intent, for gladly wold he haue borne him companie, and therfore he determined neuer to giue ouer traua [...] tyll he found him, as it came to passe verie soone after. In meane while, Belcar made such spéede in his iourney, as without méeting any aduent [...]re to hinder him, in short ti [...]e hee attayn [...]d the limits & con­ [...]nes of the Empire: and entring the Frontiers of Mace­don, that night he was lodged in the Castell of an olde cur­teous Knight, who sitting at his Gate, and séeing Belcar [Page 3] passe by in the [...]ning somewhat late, [...]: for that night to let [...] be hi [...] Hoste, which he not willing to refuse, was wel content to accept [...] offer. A [...]er that Bel­car was vnarmed, the olde Knight so well liked his br [...]e [...]onstitution of bodie, his [...] and mo [...]est [...] [...]hes, [...] [...]ad great pleasure to [...]tte and talke with him▪ and falling from one [...] to [...]nother, the good old [...] Knight perceiued in the en [...]e▪ that `his guest was one in great fauour with the Emperour Palm [...]rin.

Now must I let you vnderstand, that this curteous old Knight had thrée Sonnes, by nature prouds and euill dys­posed, enuying the liberall hospitalitie w [...]ich their father vsed to trauailing passengers: wherfore the good old man, too well acquainted with their ma [...]icious behauiour, tooke them aside to admo [...]sh th [...], that they should vse no frow­ [...]ing or discourtesie to his guest. Know my Sonnes (quoth he) that this night we hau [...] in our house one of the Empe­rours [...]nights, whose counte [...]aunce doth witnes that hee is of high discent: I pray you therefore doo him all the ho­nour you may, entertayning him with chéerefull a [...]d har­tie good will, not vsing any spéeches but such as are modest and méete for Gentlemen. They answered y^• they woulde fulfill his [...], yet their Father was no soo­ner gone, but they concluded altogether, on the morrow to assayle Belcar at the entraunce of a Forr [...]st. which was not farre distant from the Castell, to try if he were such a man as the [...]r Father commended him to bee: [...]nd béeing thus resolued, they would not b [...] séene at Supper▪ but ea [...] ­lie in the morning clasping on their A [...]nour, they rode to the place of their appointment. The reu [...]rend Father, sée­ing the ingratitude and disobedience of his Sonnes, did all the honor hee possibly coulde to Belcar, who requiting [...] gentlenes with many thanks, in the morning set forward on his iourney: and scantly had hee ridden two leagues, but he met the thrée br [...]thren vnder a wood side, when the eldest of thē came to him with these spéeches. Sir Knight, [Page] you must of necessitie Ioust with mee, otherwise your pas­sage may not be permitted, for now am I destrous to make proofe, if thou be so valiant as men doo estéeme thée. Belcar, who stood in doubt of a greater ambushe, tooke his Launce from his Squire, and in very courteous manner thus re­plyed. You may bee ashamed Sir Knight, to [...] any Gentleman belonging to the Emperour in this sorte, and happily you may deale with such a one, who shall giue you but little time to sitte downe and rep [...]nt ye. Trouble not your minde with such imaginations, quot [...] another of the Brethren, but prepare your selfe to try y^• euent. At which words they fetched theyr carire, and encountred together with such vigour, as their Launces flew in shyuers vp in­to the ayre, Belcar béeing not mooned in-his saddle, where contrariewise, he gaue his enemie such a puissaunt strok [...] with the counterbuffe of his staffe, as it was too late for him to call for a Chirurgion. When the other two Bre­thren saw this spectacle, and béeing perswaded that theyr elder Brother was wounded to the death: prou [...]ked with extreame rage and indignation, they came to Belcar with these wordes.

In an euill howre (Knight) didst thou giue that blow, because thy [...]eath shall recompence the same. So ran they both together fiercely against him, the one fayling in the méeting, and the others happe so good, as hee gaue Belcar a small wounde on the arme: yet béeing of resolute courage he buckled with them so close, as one of thē he sent to kéepe company with his eldest brother, and the other he brought into such extremitie, that he fell from his Horse depriued of his sences. The Squire that came with these thrée bre­thren, séeing the bad fortune of his Maisters Sons, rode presently backe to the Castel, and finding the aged Knight in his Chamber, thus began.

Alas my Lorde, in an vnhappy howre did you enter­taine the Knight that lodged héere the last night, who (as it séemeth) came onely to kill your Sonnes. So deliuered [Page 4] he the whole discourse of the fight, which pr [...]uoked the sad Father to shedde forth aboun [...]nce of teares: yet did hée especiallie condemne his Sonnes, whose pryde and arro­gancie had thus caused their owne death. His Seruaunts vnderstanding the cause of his laments, went presentlie to the place where the Bretheren were discem [...]ited, and there they founde two of them depriued of life, the thirde likewise in very great daunger, vnlesse spéedy prouision were made to preuent it. So causing him to be layde in a Litter, and the other two on a knightly Béere, they thus brought them to their Fathers Castel, where their Ladie mother met them with wonderful effuse of teares and la­mentations, as one wold haue iudged her alt [...]gether voide of sence and difcretion, then any way pertaker of humaine wit or reason. Like sorowe was made by one of her daugh­ters, who loued her brethren very déerely, & after shee had somwhat pacified herselfe, she made a solemne vow to her mother, neuer to take rest in her mind and thoughts, vntil she were thorowly reuenged on the [...]. Wherfore when her two dead brethren were buried▪ she departed a­gainst her Fathers will, accompanied onely wyth two Squires to séeke Belcar, intending to be auenged on hym by one meane or other.

CHAP. II.

BElcar ryding in great haste to­warde Carderia, sinding y^e heate of the day very troublesome, he alighted at a faire Fountaine to refresh himselfe a while, where long he had not stayed, but in a pathe leading directly to y^• same place, hee behelde a company of Knights and Ladies comming, attended on with a very suffici­ent trayne. It was the Duke of Pontus and Durace, who rode to Macedon, to the mariage which the King Floren­dos had made, betwéene his Daughter Denisa & the King of Thrace, Nephew to the Wife of Caniano. This Duke had his espoused Lady Laurana with him, as also one of his fayre Daughters named Alderina, who rode formost [...]n the troupe, beguiling the time in talk with her Ladies: y [...]t intending to stay tyll the heate was past, and in the meane while to sollace herselfe at the Fountayne. There shee arryued before Belcar had p [...]t on his Helmet, so that she beholding his amiable countenaunce, his rich Armor▪ and yet hauing no company but one Squire: as a Lady [...] wyse and w [...]ll gouerned she saluted him very graciouslie, wherat Belcar was somwhat amazed, doubting she kn [...]w of whence and what hee was. But soone did hee alter that opinion, and rather thinking this kindnes to procéede o [...] [Page 5] [...]ebonaire curtisie, imagined her of high calling, for which cause he made her humble reuerence, and séeing how ma­nie followed this Lady, among whom he might peraduen­ture be knowne, he called for his Horse, minding to ryde a contrarie waie. Alderina héerat [...]om what mooued, because shee desired to knowe of whence hee was, thus spake. Sir Knight, abide héere hardlie at your ease, and for our com­ming doo not for sake a place so swéete and delectable: you sée the heate of the daie is such, as scantlie will permit yee to trauaile. If you goe to aduenture your fortune in the Tourney at Macedon, you may ride with the Duke my Father, who will be verie glad of your companie: & much more my selfe, because my good hap was first to finde you héere.

Belcar, humblie thanking her for this courtesie, made an excuse that he could not goe to Macedon, because he had vr­gent asfaires els where, and whether he must trauel with all spéede: wherefore taking his leaue againe of her, hee rode which waie him liked best, onely to escape vnknown of this companie. And méeting a Squire, that came after the traine with the cariage, he demaunded if he knew the Lord that rode by so well accompanied, to whom y^• Squire aunswered, that it was the Duke of Pontus, who rode to Macedon, to the feaste of the King Florendos, for the mari­age of his Daughter Denisa, and y^• the Duke had his fayre Daughter Alderina with him, to sée the Iousts and Tur­nament which was nowe prepared. So soone as Belcar heard these words, he presentlie coniectured, that the Lady which came first to the Fountain was the Dukes daugh­ter, of whom report had made great commendation. Héer­vppon he determined to goe sée this assemblie, in the most secrete manner he could deuise: for he had time enough to accomplish his voiage. So for sooke hee the way to the Isle of Carderia, framing his iourney toward Macedon, and com ming néere the Cittie, he ouertooke two Knights y^• rode to the Tryumphe: they hauing riciprocallie saluted eache [Page] other, the two [...]nights demaunded of Belcar if he came to Iouster I come (quoth he) to sée what men at Armcs wil enter the fielde at this time of braue [...]rercise. Then let vs ride together if you please, (said they) for wee left our Countries for the selfe same cause. Thus rode they on fréendlie together, and arriuing at Macedon, they founde the Fielde all couered with Tents, which belonged to the Noble personages that were come to the feaste. For this cause, the two Knights gaue in charge to their Squires, to prouide their Pauillion, which was purposelie brought with them, intreating Belcar like wise to kéepe them com­panie: whereto (because hee woulde not enter the Cittie) he gladlie consented, thin [...]ing hee shoulde hard [...]ie finde a more con [...]enient lodging.

On the morrow there arriued the Duke of Pontus, be­fore whom rode y^• King Florendos, as one willing to wel­come his newe kinred: but Alderina shewed such maiesly in countenance, as euerie eye wondred at her rare perfec­tions, not withstanding, she was some what sad & pensiue­the cause proceeding from her desire, to know the Knight she saw at the Fountaine, whom yet she could not by anie meanes forgette. When Belcar behelde her arme in arme with the King of Thrace, and in what costlie garments she was attired: hee imagined her more faire then when hee sawe her at the Fountaine, so that he resolutlie intended, if hee coulde not [...]nish the aduenture of Francelina, to giue himselfe to trauaile, and to enterprise such attempts, as might be thought worthie the loue of this Ladie. All thys while the Quéene Griana, wife to the King Florendos, ve­rie honourablie entertained the Duchesse Laurana, & the young Princesse Denisa accompanying Alderina, woulde not for sake her till the marriage night.

On the morrow following, the King, the Nuéene and the newe maried couple, came into the Field to behold the Turney, where they were no sooner mounted on the Scaf­foldes, which were sumptuously adorned as beséemed so [Page 6] great personages: but bothe on the one side and the other, they might behold great store of armed Knights, chéefelie they that came from the Court of the Emperour, who be­cause he could not be present at his Sisters mariage, sent manie of his balde Barons to honour the assemblie. The braue exploits in feates of Armes there performed, surpas­sed them of greatest reputation, & among other, the Dukes of Anemon and Mensa so well behaued themselues, as they had well néere gained the honour of the first assaulte, if Belcar had not suddainlie arriued, who staied a while to behold the order of the Io [...]stes, intending to helpe y^• wea­ker part, when at length he saide to his companions: fol­low me my Freendes to assist the vanquished. So giuing his Horse the spurres, he ranne fiercelie with his Sworde drawne, against Bellequin the Sonne of Mosso, who dyd the greatest harme to the other side: and with him he met [...]o brauelie in his carire, as Horse and man went bothe to the grounde. Afterward, he delt so roughlie with all them that durst méete h [...]m in the face, as in short time courage began to reuiue in those Knights, who (in the iudgment of all the beholders) were before estéemed vanquished.

Which the Duke of Anemon perceiuing, and his com­panie to grow into such disgrace, he was therat excéeding­lie offended, & thrusting himselfe among the thickest, gaue [...]elcar a very great stroke with his Sword [...] on the Hel­met: for which he receiued spéedie repayment, for Belcar, raysing himselfe in his stirrops, returned the Duke such a cruel blow through the sight of his Helmet, as he fel to the ground astonied betwéeue his Horse legs. Then breaking in amidst the preasse, he gaue such sharpe entertainement to all that met him, as the King Florendos, and the other great estates that accompanied him, were driuen thereby into great admiration: nor was he knowne to anie there but the Princesse Alderina, who being seated on the right hand of y^• Quéene Denisa, could not smoother her thought [...], but thus spake, What thinke you (Madame) of the Knight [Page] in Greene Arm [...]r? What d [...] I thinke [...] aunswer [...]d the Quéene, cert [...] [...]uer did I s [...]e t [...]e man, who [...]ight equal or paragon himselfe with hun, for that he alone hath doone more in this [...]ourney then all y^e other: and greatly wold it content me, to know if he be discended of noble bloode, as hee deliuer [...] g [...]d testimonie of his knowledge in feates of Arino [...].

Madame, (q [...]oth Alderina) I cannot thinke him lesse then you doubt of, in respect he concealeth himselfe so close lie, and would not willingli [...] be knowne of anie. Heer with she recounted how she founde him at the Fountaine, bare headed without his Helmet: and this I can assure you, ꝙ [...]he, that as you confesse him valiant at Armes, so canne I witnes him of such braue [...]cature and complexion, as there is no one absolute point wanting in him. Your spéeches said the Quéene, makes me much more desirous to knowe him, wherefore I will sende one to him for the same pur­pose. Then I beséeche your Maiestie, answered Alderina, to sende one of my Pages, who shall attend for him til the ende of the Tourney, and then coniure him in your name, that he send you worde of whence and what hee is: and if he stand lothe to be known, to resolue him from your Ma­iestie and me, that no liuing creature shal b [...]wraie him by our meanes. Your counsell I verie well allowe, saide the newe [...]aried Queene, but I woulde that this Embassage should rather goe from you, because hee remembring what knowledge you had of him at the Fountaine, will happilie manifest himselfe vnto you rather then anie other. Heer [...] ­vppon Alderina called one of her Pages named Gracia [...], artificiallie instructing him in his erran [...]e to the Greene Knight: that vsing instant intreatie, accompanied with a singuler desire, he should gaine the m [...]ane to returne with his name and parentage.

All this while Belcar shewed such rare déedes of Chi­ualrie, as hauing well laboured the aduersarie, and none left that would [...] confront him: hee went a [...] Co [...]querour [Page 7] forth of the Lystes, where he mette the two Knights that came with him thither, who staied more destro [...]s to note his behauiour in the [...]ight, then to intrude themselues in place of such daunger, and béeing not a little gladde of the honour he had doone them, in that their companion bare a­waie the palme of victorie, they rode on eache side of him towardes their Tent, béeing followed all the way by the Princesse Page, who awayting due time to deliuer his message, tooke Belcars Horse by the bridle, and vs [...]ng such meanes of secrete conference, as Belcar stouped to heare him, hee softlie thus whispered with him. Sir [...]mght, I wold it might like you to ride aside a little, that I may de­liuer a matter of secrete to you. He who▪ was so courteous and affable as anie man coulde be, presentlie left his two companions, when Gracian thus began his message. My Lord, Alderina Daughter to the Duke of Pontus & Durace, hath at this time sent me to ye, to let you vnderstand, that she hath receiued iust cause of offence towards you, in that shee [...]omming to sée this Tourney, you dis [...]ained to make offer of your cōpanie. Notwithstanding, if you wil graunt one request that she makes by me, forgetting al passed vn­gentlenes, shee will gladlie leaue further to misd [...]me of you. My Fréend answered Belcar, the thing must bee very difficult or unpossible, that I woulde not enterprise, to ob­taine the gracious pardon of so choise a Ladie as is thy Mistresse: it may bee, that I haue trespassed in duetie to­wards her excellencie, but in sooth meere ignorance of her estate was the on [...]lie cause. And when I left her at the Fountaine, farre was my intent fr [...]m comming to this Tourney, in so much as I was thereto (in a manner) con­strayned, notwithstanding excuses of as great importance as those I vsed to thy gentle Ladie.

It resteth nowe (quoth the Page) that you graunt my Mistresse her earn [...]st desire, which is, to knowe what you are, and why you conceale your selfe in such sorte: for beholding your noble and valiant behauiour, shee sets you [Page] beyond all other in her conceit, and promiseth withall, v [...] ­der the word of so great a person as shee is, not to reueale it to anie, if you be willing it should be so. Highlie may I commend my fortune, said Belcar, that a Princesse so gen­tle and perfect, would daine to enquire after my poore de­serts: and though I had vowed to conceale my selfe from the whole world, yet would I straine courtesie wyth that vowe for her sake. Saie to her therfore, courteous Page, that my name is Belcar, Nephewe to the Emperor of Con­stantinople, and the cause why I wo [...]lde not willinglie be knowne to anie, is the small portion of time since I recei­ued my Knighthoode: and hauing not yet doone any thing worthie my name, or to be accounted among the actions of honor, I determined not to publish y^e same, vntil I might d [...] it with g [...]d testimony. Thou maist also assure her frō me, y^e henceforth I shall serue as her deuoted Knight: ho­ping vnder fauour of her name to gaine such account, as I and mine shall remaine perpetually bound to her excellen­cie. And when I haue accomplished anie thing, that may be reputed worthy honourable commendation, I wil come my selfe, and offer therwithall to her my hart, which hath receiued such an impression of obeysaunce to her, as hence­foorth it will attempt nothing but in her sweete regarde. Pr [...]fe may she make heereof in cōmaunding me, for s [...]ch is my desir [...] to be imployed in her seruice, as were I assu­red my death consisted in the attempt, yet coulde not anie feare thereof with-holde me. Let me further intreate her, not to disclose my name to anie one, because at this time I will not vis [...]te the [...]ing Florendos and the Quéene, albeit I am so n [...]re allied vnto them. With this aunswere re­turned Gracian to his Ladie, who attended his comming in great deuotion, that he was no sooner entred the Cham­ber, but she demaunded the successe of his message. All wel Madame, answered the Page, but you must kéepe it very secret, because the Knight himselfe hath so des [...]red. Which after she had faithfullie promised to doo, hee tolde her that [Page 8] the Knight was Belcar, Son to the King of Hungaria. May it be so? quoth the Quéene Denisa, then is he my Nephew, and thinkes hee scorne to be knowne to vs? right gladlie would I haue seene him, for from our infancie wee were nourished together: and well may you assure your self [...] Madame Alderina, that he hath béene euermore benigne and courteous, which makes me not reioyce a little, that his fortune in Armes is equall with his other vertue, yet séeing he desires to passe vnknowne, let vs kéepe the same so secret as we may. It were néedles to demaund if Alde­rina were pleased, when she heard that Belcar was issued of so gr [...]at and illustrious blood, offering himselfe withall so religiously her Knight: wherefore she now beganne ex­treamelie to affect him, and imprinted the remembraunce of him so liuelie in her spirit, as nothing might deface it a­gaine. Thus hourely raunged loues passions in her harte, wherein they tooke immediate ambush, so soone as she be­held him at the Fountaine.

CHAP. III.

SO soone as Belcar hadde ended with Alderinaes Squire, hee minded to departe presentlie, fearing least the King Floren­dos would sende for him, as in­deede he did soone after: for hee greatlye desired to knowe the Knight, that bare away the ho­nour of the Tourney. But hys [Page] expectation was greatlie deceiued, in that Belcar was al­readi [...] departed: whereof the King coulde not be per [...]wa­ded, but that he missed his presence in the Tryumphe fol­lowing, which hee compared with the pastime of little Children, in respect of the former day, when the vnknown Knight performed matters of incredible valour. And albe­it the Quéene Denisa and the Princesse Alderina, hearde euery iudgment passing [...]n the Knight, yet woulde they yeelde no other aunswer, but that hee seemed to bee one of the best estéemed Knights in the Emperours Court. Bel­car then hauing graciously thanked his two companions, for the courtes [...]e and humanitie they had vsed towardes him: tooke his fréendlie farewell of them, fayning an car­nest constraint, which commaunded his presence in mat ters of importaunce. The Knightes lothe to l [...]ose so g [...]od a Freende, made offer to accompany him in his trauaile: but hee excused their requeste with a necessarye d [...]nyall, wherewith they were pleased, and hee had libertie to de­part.

And ryding along the way where hee met Alderina, he happened into a faire greene Meddow, where (because no lodging was néere at hand) he determined to make his hostage that night: but as hee thought to enter a sounde sleepe, a suddaine imagination caught hold on his sences, presenting them with the rare beautie of Alderina, du­ring which passion, he was constrained thus to parle with himselfe. In sooth Belcar, right well maist thou bee char­ged with discourtes [...]e & ingratitude, hauing made so slender shewe of ciuilitie to so faire a Princesse as is the Dukes Daughter of Pontus: full well may it beséenie thee to a­mend this fault, and by the dutifull repentaunce fitting a Knight, recouer the note of thy former blemishe. After many amorous discourses, he concluded (if hee could finish the aduenture of Francelina) to make choyse of thys Ladie onelie as his Wife. And in these imaginations a sweete slumber ouertooke him, wherin he continued till the next [Page 9] morning, when [...], [...] rydi [...]g not p [...]t the sp [...]ce of two [...]iles, [...]e mette with [...] [...]night [...]t Ar [...]es: who dem [...]unded if hee came from Macedon, and if the n [...]ptials of the Kings daughter were finished: Be [...] ­car answered, th [...] they were now in performing, a [...] if it liked him to tra [...]aile thether, he should there finde matt [...]r enough to be impl [...]yed in. The Knight left Bel [...]ar t [...] [...]is iourney, and so without anie further spéeches they [...].

But if you be [...] to know the man, it w [...] Car­dino, who departed from Constantinople with Colmelio, in search of the Damosell that brought such a [...]daine m [...] ­sage to the Emperour Palmerin, as you may reade in the last Chapter of his Historie. And [...] they had trau [...] ­led manie Countries to [...]nde her, yet [...] they not heare anie tydings of her: because she presentlie returned to the Castell of Carderia, from whence the Fayries sent her to the Court on that occasion, the intent thereof beeing no o­ther, but onelie to extol and commend the future pro [...]sse of Palmendos, Sonne to the Q [...]éene of Tharsus and y^• Em­perour Palmerin, and that the Knight who should come to finish the encha [...]tment of Francelina, might be receiued with greater honour and magnificencs. Cardino had trie [...] his fortune in this aduenture, but hee could spéede no bet­ter then others had d [...]ne before him, wherefore hearing of the Feaste and open Court held at Macedon, he went as one doubtfull to come short to the Tryumphes, til Bel­car had thereof certainlie resolued him. These Knightes were not parted the space of a mile, but Cardino met the Damosell, who was Sister to the two Bretheren slayne by Belcar in the Woode, shée hauing followed him to the Court of the King Florendos, was aduertised by a Squire of his successe in the Tourney, and howe he rode the com­mon high waie leading to Carderia, whereupon shee made good haste after him, and mette with Cardino soone after ter their departure, to whom she began in this manner.

[Page]I [...], [...] [...]et a [...] in [...]rcene [...], the most trayte­ [...]ous and [...] all man that thi [...] [...] li [...]th: for my Fa­ther ha [...]ing [...]ne him al the honour he could deuise, while [...] [...]ght he c [...]e & lodged at his Ca [...], and on the mor­r [...]w [...] (the more to content him) commaunded my [...] [...]retheren to accompanie him somewhat on y^• waie: [...], [...] and vnthankfull wretch, with­out anie occasion [...]e we two of them, and put the thyrde in great [...]aunger of life. And in this iust cause I pursue y^• vyl­ [...]ine, in hope to méete with some worthie man, who dete­ [...]ing such [...] and horrible ingratitude, will (in ta­ [...]ing compas [...]ion on [...]y gre [...]fe) reuenge this iniurie. So [...]ell could the traytre [...] couller her sp [...]ches, and set such a [...] f [...]le on her rautelous prosopopey: as shee im­printe [...] in the hart of Cardino, a dutiful regard to reuenge [...]ch wrong, wherefore he thus answered.

[...], if it be so as you say, the [...]night cannot ex­cuse himselfe, but that he is bothe a Traytor and a fellon, nor will the God of Heauen [...]uffer him to escape [...] in this world. The Damosell with terrible othes pro­tested what shee had saide, desiring him to giue her ayde, if no other occasions might hinder her sute. Right gladlie (ꝙ Cardino) will I [...] my duetie héerein, for that I am a professed enemie to such offenders, and shal cause him to paie déerelie for his trecherie. So rode he with the Da­mosell after Belcar, but all that daie they c [...]ulde not ouer­take him. On the morrowe they gotte [...]ight of him on the edge of a Mountaine, whereat the Damosell not a littl [...] contented, desired Cardino now to rouse his forces, against the Tyrant that had so dishonoured her. Cardino promi­sing to accomplish her desire, gaue the spurres to his horse and galloped after Belcar, and in a great brauado thus [...]ri­ed to him. Stay Traytour, vnworthy y^• name of a Knight, and receiue thy guerdon at my hand, for slaughtering th [...]m that entertained thée with all humanitie. Belcar hearing [Page 10] himselfe thus iniuried, was immedi [...]e pr [...]ked [...]n­to choller, and turning towardes h [...] that touched him with disloyallie, hee thus sterneli [...] aunswered. But lit­tle to thy profite will it bee, to pursue mee with such [...]alfe and lying accusations. So clasping his [...], he r [...]n su­riously against Cardi [...]o, who mette him with no [...] [...] ­rage and viuacitis, and breaking hi [...] La [...]e brauely, [...] what scared the [...]kinne of his en [...]mie [...] but Belcar welcom­med him with so sound a salutation, as he fell downe with the saddle betwéene his legges, [...]o sore astonied wyth [...] fall as he was not able to stirre hand nor foote, which Bel­car perceiuing, rode on and there [...]ft him. The [...] séeing Cardino in such woful plight, [...]lighted frō her P [...]l­fray, and with the helpe of his Squire binding vppe hy [...] wounds, determined to bring him to s [...]ne place for helpe, vsing the greatest shewes of lamentation that coulde [...]ée. Ah heauen (quoth shee) why giue yee strength to wicked [...] against the good and vertuo [...]s? suffer not that di [...]oi­all [...] to doo anie further daunger, but rather [...] some mis [...]rable ende to his vnworthie life. By this [...] the Squire had [...]unted Cardino on his Hor [...]e, & so they returned the same way they came, happening to the place where Belcar had broken his faste the morning b [...]fore.

There they vnderstoode by the Hoste, that he was gone to proue the aduenture of Francelina, whether the Damo­sell would gladlie haue followed him: yet was she lothe to leaue Cardino in such daunger, and therefore abode ther [...] with him thrée daies, vsing all the meanes shee coulde to heale him, because for her sake he was so wounded: where we will leaue them, and returne to the o [...]ely thred of our [...]istorie.

So long rode Belcar▪ that hee arriued within halfe a daies iourney of the Castell where Francelina was, thy [...] Fortresse appertained to a Ladie y^• was a widd [...]we, who had two fayre Daughters, and a Sonne already knighted, of no lesse valour in feates of Armes, then learned and wel [Page] s [...]ene in [...]ers [...]r disciplines. In this place was hee meruailou [...] [...]ll entertained, the Lady of the Castell bee­ing a Woma [...] of great honour, and her Daughters of ve­ris Courtlie a [...]d ciuill behauiour. After Supper, Belcar entre [...] into [...] with them, and among manie other thinge [...], enqu [...]ed th [...] cause that moo [...]ed so many Knights to [...] the a [...]ture of that Isle, when the Ladies Sonn [...], who was named Lypes, answered him in this sort. [...] me Sir, I haue euermore accounted the man but [...]lis councelled, that takes such paines to trauell hether, séeing it is so long time since any Knight arriued here, who returne [...] not without dishonour: because the action and ex­p [...]oit of thi [...] [...]chauntment (so wonderfully compa [...]d by the thrée Fairies) is of such [...], as it behoueth hym that shall finish the same, to bee of most rare and exquisite perfection.

But tell mee then (quoth Belcar) the state of this ad­ue [...]ture, and wherein consisteth the greatest perill there [...] o [...] ▪ [...] as yet haue I not met with anie one that [...]uld tell [...], to satis [...]e my long and earnest desire. Bet­ter th [...]n a [...]y other, aunswered Lypes, [...] I dysceurse the [...]me vnto you, because I haue often accōpanied Knightes trauaili [...]g the ther as you nowe doo, and séene many Com­ [...]t with him that de [...]endes the entraunce on the Bridge, [...] to their great disaduantage. Know then gentle Sir­ [...] the Isle of Carderia stretchet [...] in diameter very far­beein [...] on the one side enclosed with the Sea, and on the o­ther are most wholesome Bathes and [...], which hin­der the falte [...]ters from c [...]mming néere: the Cast [...]ll: at the foote whereof is builded a mer [...]ilous arti [...]cial [...], heeretofore accessable for all Knights errant, but [...]nce th [...] time that Fra [...]celina was enclosed wit [...]in the great Dun­ [...]ion, there might not enter anie straunger, those o [...] y^e Isle [...]elie co [...]e and goe, but others not. Up [...] this Bridge are erected thrée Turrets, one of them béeing i [...] th [...] midde [...]t, [...]nd the other two at eyther ende. In th [...] [...] is a Knight, surpassing [Page 11] the common stature and proportion of men, so [...]erce, hardie and couragious, as since the time of this en­chauntment, hee hath not beene dealt withall by any one, that coulde in ought disable his prowesse: onely the Lorde of the Isle of Lique excepted, Son to him whome the Em­perour Palmerin [...]anquished, when in the Tourney hee conquered the Sagittarie. He, béeing named Lynedes, was so resolute and magnanimious, as hee fought against the Knight of the Bridge from morning til night, and though the Com [...]at was fierce and cruell, yet coulde no want of cour [...]ge be discerned in him: which fel not out so with the gardant of the Bridge, because the losse of his bloode so weakened him, as his hart began vtterly to dismay. But [...] huge ill fauoured Dwarffe, who neuer styres from the Beacon of the first Turret, to discouer such Knightes as come along the Fielde, by winding an enchaunted Horne that hunge about his neck, therwith so reui [...] y^• Knight [...] strength again, as though he had [...]ut e [...]en then [...]ntred th [...] Comb [...]t.

In thys sorte the fight continued till S [...]e setting, whē Lynedes perceiuing hi [...] enemie to were féeble again, and that the Dwarffe as yet blew not his Horne: brought the Knight of the Bridge into such extreamitie, as hee fell vppon his hands to the ground. Then running nimbly o­uer the Brydge, he came to the Turret in the midst [...], the Gat [...]s whereof béeing open before: clapt toget [...]er at his arriuall wyth such a fearefull trembling of y^• whole buylding, as Lynedes fell to the earth in a swoune. In this traun [...]e hee remayned a great whyle, that hys Squires [...] he [...] dead indeede, bemoned [...] Maister with wi [...] [...]ery gréeuo [...]s lamentations: but when hee came to h [...] former feeling, they sa [...]e he was so cruelly wounded­as they caryed him into his Tent, where three daies he re­mained to reobtaine his health, and on the fourth, feeling himselfe able to sit on horseback, and not willi [...] to make any further proofe of thys aduenture, hee departed thence [Page] sorrowing for his bad [...]ortune. And this I tell ye [...]ir for [...] certaintie, that when the Dwar [...]fe [...]its as [...]entinel in the Lanthorne of y^• first Tower, perceiuing the Knight of the Bridge to haue the worst of the Combat: with the sound of his Horne he renus his strength, which is the cause that no man is able to [...]le with h [...]. Seeing then thys [...]terpryse bryngeth such daunger▪ and oftentimes death withall: I could wysh that heereafter no man would at­tempt his owne ruine.

[...] t [...]ll me matter of meruaile, answered Bekar and ry [...]ht skylfull were the Fayries in framing thys enchant­ment, so it shoulde [...], that they haue not enclosed the Lady there without great occa [...]ion, béeing a [...]sured y^• some [...]night shal [...]d the aduenture: to which each one trauai­leth with this couragi [...]us hope [...] ▪ that hee is the [...]n for whome it is [...]eserued. Nor can I bee disswaded from it, if [...] heeretofore ha [...]e [...] in that errour, therefore no [...] of what shall hap [...] [...] h [...]der my determination. If I happen in my tryall to be ouercome, I shall [...]ut en­crease the [...] of them▪ that [...]ld not attaine y^• [...]eight of their enterpris [...], and no other dishonour can I receiue. Lypes [...]arnestly intreated him to forbeare the voyage, and so did his Sisters likewi [...]e, into whose grace he was greatlie entred, especially the yongest, fayre and debonay [...] [...] the other: but all their perswasiue reasons could not chaunge him, for Bel [...]ar hauing trauailed [...]o farre for tha [...] purpose, might not by any occasion whatsoeuer bee wyth­drawne from making proofe of his fortune. When Lypes saw him so obstinatlie inclined, he made offer to beare him company, if it were but onely to shew hi [...] [...] [...]ay▪ [...] [...]reendly courte [...]e Belcar accept [...]d▪ so one the [...] they mounted on horsebacke, and came to y^• I [...]e about mid day. There was set vppe a riche [...]ent for thys young Prince, which the Sisters to Lypes hadde sent thether by thr [...] Squires [...] with all necessary prouision for his attempt, and in the euening Belcar went to view y^• Isle, regarding [Page 12] the Towre wherein Francelina was imprysoned: inuo­cating on God in his spirite, to [...]ue him with such abili­tie, as he might deliuer her, and beare away the honour of the aduenture. These imaginations so busied his thoughts as all that night hee coulde entertaine no other, but often­times thus talked with himselfe. Ah Belcar, why shouldest thou thus delay time, and not rather couragiously att [...]mpt the execution of thys enterprise: admit thou want answe­rable force to a matter of such dignitie: yet should the re­nowne and generositie of thine anncestours stimulate thée heereto, beeing Sonne to one of the best Knights that ly­ueth thys day vnder the Zodiack, and Nephew to y^• great Emperour, with whom none may bee equalled. In these conceits hee consumed the night, and in the morning (ha­uing Armed himselfe) came to the Brydge, where in a con uenient place neere the first Towre, he espied the Knight that defended the passage: whose huge stature somewhat amazed Belcar, and as he [...]ffered to [...]teppe on the Brydge, the Knight very proudely thus spake.

Withdraw thy selfe Knight, vnlesse thou wilt enter [...]ght with mee, for I am héere to denie passage to any. For no other cause come I, answered Belcar, but to try thy man hoode, and passe the Bridge if possibly I may. With these wordes he gaue the Knight such a sound stroke on the Hel­met, as he thought the fire flewe foorth of hys eyes, and so they beganne a long and daungerous Combat, the Knight gyuing Belcar many cruell blowes with his yron Mace, and he defending them so well as hee coulde: tyll hauing somewhat wearyed his enemie, and thinking to doo as he heard of Lynedes, but the Knight gaue him such a forcible stroke on the shoulder, as he was constray [...]ed to sette one knee to the grounde to escape the fal. Herwith y^• Dwarffe blewe his Horne, which re [...]oyced them within the Castel: albeit the Prince was astonied thereat, yet he dyssembled the same fr [...]m béeing espyed. The Knight hauing recoue­red his former strength, assayled Belcar with meruailous [Page] furie, who notwithstan [...]ing helde out couragious [...]ye: and one thing comforted him ab [...]ue all other, which was, that none of his aduersaries blowes gaue him any bleeding wounde, but brused his fleshe a little vnder his A [...]mour, whereby he fought at his owne pleasure. Three times the Owarffe blew to animate his Chāpion, by which meanes Belcar w [...]s ouer much laboured, because hee could finde no opportimitie to rest h [...]selfe: but considering if hee shew­ed lesse valoure then hee had d [...]ne, in vaine he might ac­count his trauayling thether, & greatly would it redound to his shame, if the E [...]perour should be aduertised there­of. In the end, he had brought his enemy into such a state, as he g [...]t on the Bry [...]ge without any more resistance, and came to the Towre that stoode in the middest thereof, but the Gates closed together so fur [...]ously, as hee was smitten to the earth depryued of his sences. Lypes being glad that he had recouered the Brydge, came to him, and wyth the helpe of the Squires caryed him into the Tent, where suddainly vnarming him, they applyed such remedyes as br ought him to his former sences. He had no sooner féeling of himselfe, but he entred into many rufull lamentations, as well for his mis-fortune and dysgrace, as also wyth the payne hee felt of his aduersaries strokes, whereof his Ar­mour béeing battered to péeces was a sufficient wytnesse. Comfort your selfe my Lorde (quoth Lypes) and let your wonted courage exile this anguish, remibring that these eyght yéeres no Knight came to the Isle, onely Lynedes excepted, that wunne like honor as you haue doone at this instant: greater reason haue yee then to cherish your for­tune, then thus to condemne it with acclamations. Ah my fréend, answered Belcar, little pleasure take I in this suc­ce [...]se, for that my intent procéeded further, but séeing there is no remedy, I must with patience beare my shame. For of matters so deuillishly enchaunted, can seldom arise grea ter good: but cursed be the Fa [...]ries & their hellish charmes that deale so discourteously with poore trauailing Knights.

CHAP. IIII.

BElcar beeing indiffer ently cal­med by the courteous behaui­our of Lypes, determined to re­couer his passed foyle by actions of Chiualrie, and therefore re­solued to cōtinue in that place, to combat with al such as came to trie the aduenture: but to his intent hee added this prin­cipally, y^• what déeds of Armes he there performed, or in anie other place where he might be imployed, all should be for the loue of Alderina, Daugh­ter to the Duke of Pontus, whom aboue all other he meant most constantly to ioue. And if his fortune were to be van­quished by anie Knight, he woulde then forthwith returne to the Cour [...] of the King Florendos. This disseigne he dis­couered to Lypes, who was not a little glad therof, saying, that he should apprehend great matters by his enterprise, because continually many good Knights resorted thither. And because (quoth hee) you are so resolutlie minded, no­thing shal make mee to forsake your company: but to be­hold the knightly Chiualrie, which I am out of doubt to sée executed by you. I offer my selfe to accōpanie you in al loyall seruice. Nowe the better to furnish their wants, hee sent to his Mothers house for all kind of prouision, y^• might agrée with the time of their abode there. By this time [Page] Belcar founde himselfe able to beare Armes, and therfore went to take his place of cha [...]ge, at what time the Mar­quesse of Trosse came to hazarde his fortune. This Mar­quesse was a braue and hardie man at Armes, & although [...]e came from his Countrey wel accompanied w^e Knights, Squires and Pages: yet caused hee them to stay a pretie distaunce from this place, and came thether but wyth one Squire that caried his Launce. When Belcar sawe him make so couragiouslie toward the Bridge, he mounted on horsebacke, and comming to him, thus spake.

Gentleman, you may not passe héere, except you first trie the Iouste with mee, because I haue established heere such a Lawe, as no Knight shall haue battaile with hi [...] that kept the Bridge, vntil hee haue first dismounted me: for hauing receiued some foyle in this place, not manie daies since, I wil not suffer anie one to preuaile in this ad­uenture, vnlesse he [...] bring me first into subi [...]ction. Great boldnes is this in you (aunswered the Marquesse) that you will take in hande to beare a burthen of such waight: but I thinke you doo it to this ende, that you would depart hence with greater shame and confusion, then euer you su­stained héeretofore. That quarrell (quoth Belcar) shall our Swordes soone discide, and so without any more spéeches they fell to the Combat, wherein the Marquesse she wed verie knightlie and gallant behauiour, albeit Belcar cast him from his Saddle, and afterwarde fought with him on foote a long while: but in the end the Marquesse was van­quished, and vnderstanding the name of his Conquerour, returned to the place where hee left his companie, and af­ter he had recouered better health, he rode straite to Ma­cedon, where he recounted his ouerthrowe by Belcar. Of these newes the King Florendos and y^• Quéene were ve­rie ioyfull, saying they had a Nephew that was so named, wherefore they desired to knowe what Armes hee wore? when the Marquesse tolde them hee was in Greene Ar­mour. Without question (quoth the King) it was the same [Page 14] [...]night that w [...]ne the honour of the Tourney, and went hence secretlie least he shoulde bee knowne, wherewith I cannot be iustlie offended, because bothe in this enterprise and knightlie valour, he resembleth his woorthy Father King Frysoll.

Eache one in Court was well pleased with these ty­dings, but aboue all other the Princesse Alderina, because she had bequeathed his remembraunce to the secrete closet of her hart, and as the daies, so her louelie affections to him increased, in respect of the great praises was eueri [...] where bruted of him, which made manie woorthy Knights to ad­uenture their fortune with him, with whose conquest hee still gaue grace to his owne report. But let vs now return to the Da [...]osell that folowed Belcar, to bee reuenged for her Bretherens death, shee séeing Cardino was indiffe­rentlie recouered, tooke her leaue of him, because shee in­tended to prosecute her [...]. It so fell out, that Tiren­dos, Sonne to the Duke Eustace, who trauailed to finde his companion Belcar, arriued at the same lodging where the Dam [...]sell was, and noting her complaints, which shée could deliuer verie artificiallie: he tooke cōpassion on her, promising to assist her in what he could. Demaunding the cause of her sorrowfull lamentations, she tolde him, howe she had two Bretheren trayterously [...]layne, by a dis [...]oyall Knight whō her Father entertained into his Castell, and she pursuing the murtherer, met a courteous Knight that vndertooke to reuenge her cause: yet his mis-fortune was such, as hee was likewise daungerously wounded, which made her gréefes the more impati [...]nt. These flattering gloses so beguiled Tirendos, as hee againe made her pro­mise of his ayde, enquiring of her where y^• woūded Knight was?

My Lord (quoth she) he is héere in his Chamber, méete­lie well recouered by my pains and dilligence. No sooner was Tirendos entred the Chamber, but hee immediatlic knew Cardino, for whose hurt he was a great deale more [Page] sorrowfull: and therefore vowed to him and the Damo­sell, if euer he met the Knight to b [...]e reuenged on him. Af­ter many courteous embracings and kind spéeches, he told Cardino, how Belcar and hee were bothe Knighted in one daie, by the Emperour of Constantinople, from wh [...]nce h [...]e very sudda [...]nlie and secr [...]tlic departed: and euer since haue I followed in searche of him, yet in no place can I heare a­nie tydings of him. What Armes dooth hee beare? saide Cardino. White, as I take it, aunswered Tirendos, and such as are bothe rich and costlie. No such Knight haue I seene, (quoth Cardino) happilie he may be now at Ma­cedon, at the magnificent nuptialles of the Princesse De­nisa.

Thether would I goe, sayd Tirendos, had I not past my promise to this Damosell: nor can my minde enioye anie quiet, vntill I haue sound the Knight that so wronged her and you. All this night they were merie together, especi­allie the Damosell for Tirendos his promise, because hee séemed a man of sufficient valour to accomplish her d [...]e. On the morrow they tooke their leaue of Cardino, & iour­nied toward the Isle of Carderia, where they arriued as Belcar was managing his great Horse: and no sooner had the Damosell espied him, but she presentlie kn [...]w him by his Armour, wherefore dissem [...]ling pittifull lookes, shee thus spake to Tirendos. Beholde Sir the Traytour that did my Bretheren to death, I thinke the heauens stayed him in this place, that vengeaunce might be taken on him for the shame he hath doone me. Tirendos was not a little glad heereof, because he should nowe make the first tryall of his Chiualrie. But Belcar (who knewe him by his Ar­mour, béeing the same wherein he receiu [...]d his order) was scant well pleased with his presence, because hee doubted that he was sent to finde him: not withstanding, he would make a little proose of him in the Ioust, and therefore hee came to him with these words. You may pa [...]e no further this way Sir Knight, because I stand here to make den [...]l [Page 15] thereof. Little count shall I make aunswered Tirendos of such as thou art, that trayterously murderest Gentlemen, who gaúe thée welcome beyond thy deserte, which I wyll cause thee buy full déerelie. That would I faine sée, sayde Belcar, if it be in thee to make mee confesse that which I neuer thought, much lesse committed. Thou liest as a ho­micide, answered Tirendos, I wil make good what I haue sayd, therefore get ye to your tooles. Heerewith they gaue the spurres to their Horsses, and met very valiantly toge­ther, so that with breaking their Launces, they gaue each other a little wounde, Belcar loosing his [...]rrops, and Ti­rendos cast foorth of his saddle to the ground: but recou [...] ­ring himselfe presentlie, he came against his enemie with his Sword drawne, saying. Alight Sir you were be [...], or I shall s [...]ay your Horse.

That will I gladlie doo (quoth Belcar) but it shall bee to embrace y [...], for I haue no will to enter Combatte wyth ye [...] Alas Sir, said Tirendos, it is n [...] time now to sco [...]fe, al­beit I am from my Ho [...], I am not vanquishe [...] ▪ Great plesure tooke Belcar to reason with hi [...] [...]inguler goo [...] fréend, and alighting from his Horse, thus replied. I speake for your good (Sir) if you can sée it [...] but séeing reason wil not rule you, I am content to deale with you a little. Tirendos somewhat offended at [...]s [...]ll, beganne to strike [...] B [...]lcar very [...]ughlie: but he who was lothe to wrong his fréend, thr [...]w his Sword and Shield to the grounde, and with o­pen Armes came to embrace him, saying. My perfect fréend Tirendos, I haue héeretofore had experience of thy valiant behauiour, wherefore forgiue thy Brother Bel [...]ar, [...] not acquainting thee with my departure from Constan [...], yet [...]as I assured that thou wouldest follow in sear [...]he of me.

Howe nowe? quoth Tirendos, are you then my Lord and louing Freende. Belcar? in sooth the errour commit­ted, w [...] only ignoraunce of you: put off your Helmet that I [...]y he resolued, for your disguised Armour made mee [...] [Page] mistake y [...]. So casting downe their Helmets, they embra­ced eache other verie courteously, when Tirendos thus spake to Belcar. Hardlie can I be perswaded my Lorde, that you wo [...]ld consent to such treason as this Damosell hat [...] [...]nformed me wit [...]al Declare I pray you (ꝙ Belcar) [...] [...]aryseth this sl [...]under, for an other Knight (who I thinke I haue slay [...]e or sore wounded) pursued mee wyth the like quarrell: doubtlesse this Damosell is some badde Woman, to accuse me with anie such disloyaltie. She told me, sayde Tirendos, th [...]t y [...]u beeing honourably eutertay­ [...]ed at her Fathers Castel [...], where one night you were ve­rie freendlie lodge [...]: on the morrow her thrée Bretheren [...] you company on the waie, and two of them without [...] [...]se you m [...]rdered, leauing the thirde in verie great daunger.

[...] trayterous Damosell, aunswered Belcar, what an euident sla [...]nder hath she raysed on me? and herewith hée rehearsed the wh [...] dis [...]ourse, according as you haue read it in the first Chapter of this [...] ▪ Shee séeing the two Knights agree thus [...], with the teares in her eyes gaue forth these spéeches. Miserable and vnfortunate that I am, what a subtill [...] doo I heare? this Knight i [...] as false and difloyall to me in not reuenging my shaine, a [...] the [...] that hath so high [...]y wronged me: but séeing I am thus circ [...]muented, and hee a periured wretche by breache of his promise, vnlesse I speedilic die, I will caus [...] him to repent it, and bee sufficiently reuenged on them [...].

So galloped she the same waie shee came, and Belcar with Tirendos went into the Tent, where they discour­ [...]ed together on many matters: Tirendos declaring [...]owe Cardino was the other Knight that fought in the Damo­sels cause, for which y^t Prince was greatly [...]ffended with himselfe, and to weare away that conceit, acquainted. Ti­rendos with his fortune at the Castell, and of th [...] [...] h [...] had taken [...]n hande, which he liked so well, as he concl [...]ded [Page 16] l [...]kewise to beare him companie. Thus Lypes and they two remained there together, oftentimes resorting to [...] his mother and Sisters, who would not suffer them to want [...]y thing: and such was the fame of Belcars victo­ries, as the whole Realme of Macedon and the Emperors Court of Greece, was cloyed with the dailie reports there­of. But heere will we leaue these Champious awhile, and speake of the good Knight Palmendos, Sonne to the E [...] ­perour Palmerin, and the Queene of Tharsus. [...]

CHAP. V.

CArefully did y^t Quéene of Th [...] ­sus nourish her younge Sonne Palmendos, whom shee had by the Emperour Palmerin, when he folowed y^t exercise of Armes and was entertained by y^• Ad­miral Alfarano in the Realme of Pasmeria, as you may reade in his worthy History. This Childe, as he grewe in yéeres, so did he increase in all vertuous behauiour, beeing vna­ble to shadowe his royall discent: yet to hinder his desyre from searche after his Father, (the Queene and all y^t No­bilitie so intirely affecting him) no knowledge might bee giuen him thereof, least by that meane he should become a Christian. And that he might be instructed in those heroy­call quallities, which be [...]éeme a Prince of so high calling, [Page] the Queene committed him to the charge of the Brother to the deceassed King her husband: a Knight of great wis­dome and valour, by whom hee was so worthilie educated, as he wunne the loue of euery one ingenerall. Rigour he wou [...]d requite with mercie and clemencie, and charitie he preferred all his actions: notwithstanding, as he shewed courteous and benigne countenaunce towards the good, so did he sternelie and seuerelie oppose himselfe against the badde, so that by his exquisite prudence and choyse care in honourable causes, in his youth hee woulde learne to ma­nage the affayres of the Realme, wherein he shewed him­selfe so quick of spirite and susceptible, as he wexed to bee such a pollitique oeconomie, that the Quéene intended to put the royall Gouernment into his handes. If hee were thus enriched with all perfect vertues, nothing wanting in him for braue constitution of bodie, whereof he made no shewe of pryde or presumption: but became so famous through all the neyghbour Marches and limitrophes of Tharsus, as the very be [...]t woulde come to offer him theyr seruice.

The Courte was filled with resort of Nobles & others, for beside the royall nature hee brought from his Mothers wombe, according to the Idea and celestial influence of his constellation, hee was borne and naturally inclined to Armes, which made him euermore conuersse with y^• most skilfull that way addicted. But one day before he was ar­med Knight, a very aged, decrepite & ouer-spent woman, came and sate down on a steppe in the Porche of the Pal­lace, attyred in such poore Garments, as her naked fleshe was seene in manie places: and there sate she trembling in such sorte, as though her soule were ready to forsake her bodie. Such as passed in & out the Court, were greatly amazed heereat, and mooued to pittie her case very much, so that Palmendos came himselfe to behold her: and séeing she would vse no spéeches to him, went in againe and sate downe to Dinner. Afterw [...]rde, comming foorth to walke [Page 17] abrode for hi [...] delight, h [...] found her [...]tting there stil in th [...] same place, wherefore hee called his Cozin Ozalio to [...], who was Sonne to his Unckle and Tutour, saying. Can we not vnderstand what this poore olde Woman woulde haue? Ozalio as desirous as the Prince, came to the olde Woman, demaunding of whence she was, and if she stood in néede of anie thing? but shee without aunswering one worde, gaue him a verie frowning countenaunce, and af­terward scornefullie turned her back towards him, wher­with Ozalio somewhat offended, gaue her such a spurne with his foote, as she tombled quite beside her seate, wher­at Palmendos and his Lordes me [...]ie laughed: but theye pastime was soone altered into admiration, for after the Woman arose againe, shee séemed of such huge deformed stature, as eache one was amazed that had beheld her be­fore, and turning her selfe ange [...]lie towardes the Prince, vsed these spéeches.

Ah Palmendos, little regardest thou to resemble the Emperour of Constantinople thy Father, whose gentlenes and swéetnes stretcheth as wel to the meanest persons, as them that are Lordes and of great account. What gaine [...]t thou in reioycing at the iniurie doone mee by thy Knight? I pray that the great imperious Monarch Cupid, (ꝙ shee with lifting her eyes and handes to heauen) may so cruel­lie wound thy hart with the looue of faire Francelina, and cause thee to conceiue such gracious thoughtes of her: as thou maist leaue this idle and delicious life thou leadest, to winne the honour that is got with paine and trauaile. So did thy Father heeretofore for the Princesse Polynarda, whom he loued so religiously, as with the dexteritie and strength of his bodie, he assaied to gaine y^• reward which Fortune prouideth for her cheefest fauourites: whereon imperially he is now amounted, accompanied with y^• grea­test felicitie, that can happen to anie one vnder this He­misphere. Leaue then these wanton and Courtlie surfet­tings, wherein thy Mother laboureth to containe thée, and [Page] no [...]e beginne to [...] Arm [...], which may make [...]hy name perpetuall, and yeelde the rewarde of immortal glo­rie: for it will redound to thy great shame, béeing Sonne to so rare and [...] a Knight, not this way to imitate his laboriou [...] d [...]des. And when I shall sèe thee thorowlie wrapped in the passions of lo [...] ▪ I will thinke my selfe sa­tis-fied with [...]uenge of the di [...]honour, which thou hast suf­fered to be [...] to me in thy presence.

The olde Woman so breaking off, immediatly vani­shed away, to the great terrour of all the beholders, especi­allie of the young Prince Palmendos, whose sences were for a while e [...]raunged, and walking vppe and downe mu­sing on the olde Womans wordes, his hart was so en [...]a­med with the loue of her he knew not, as he was enfor [...]d thus to commune with himselfe. What may the Ladie be, with whom (at the report of this Woman) I find my selfe so distraughted? Daubtles if her words be no Fables, [...]t that I am Sonne to the Emperour of Constantinople, it be­hooueth [...] to enterprise such actions, as I may be iudged so [...]what to resemble him. While his spirit was [...]hus bu­ [...]ed with diuersitie of these thoughts, and no one daring to interrupt him: Ozalio went into the Quéenes Chamber, and t [...]lling what had happened, she was therewith great­lie displeased.

Immediatlie she came downe into the great Hall, and [...]ding her Sonne thus perplexed, tooke him by the hand, causing him to sitte downe by her▪, and then began to him in this manner. I knowe not my Sonne what follies (it should se [...]) the olde Hagge hath tr [...]ubled your minde withall: but refraine from giuing credite to them, and I shall tell yée the verie trueth of all. Madame aunswered Palmendos, I am certaine you will not dallie with mee, notwithstanding, I cannot but meruail [...], that you woulde all this while conceale the originall of my byrthe: for [...]he Emperour Palmerin béeing such a woorthy [...] Knight, as he is estéemed of e [...]erie one, little occasion haue [Page 18] I [...] [...]isdaine to be his So [...], and you much le [...]e to keepe it from me. Wherfore I humblie i [...]reate your Maiestie, to resolue me faith [...]ullie of this present doubt, to the e [...]d, if it be so: I may [...]e we my selfe forwarde in duetie, in [...] ­sing the bud to floorish, that came from such a noble & ver­tuous stalke. And feare not that for his sake▪ I will aban­don you: because it is impossible for me to leaue the Law wherin I haue heth [...]rto liued, for a strange opinion which I am ignoraunt in.

Ah my Sonne (quoth the Queene) the Gods so inspire and direct your desseignes, that you may perfectlie accom­plish what you haue pr [...]mised: for the onely feare to loose your companie, hath caused me conceale the thing you are so desirous to know. But seeing you haue hearde what I can no longer dissemble: assure your selfe my Sonne, that the olde Woman hath tolde nothing but trueth. Héere­v [...]n she recounted the whole Historie, howe to haue issue by such a péerelesse Prince (imitating Thalestria, Quéene of the Amazons, who for like cause acquainted her self [...] with the valiant King Alexander) fhe by the counsell of a wise Magitian, amourously beguiled the Emperour Pal­merin. Lastlie, shee intreated him not to [...]orsake her while she liued, because her life was onelie prolonged by his pre­sence.

Great matters haue you tolde me, answered the young Prince: the Emperour then knowes not that hee [...]ath a­nie Childe by you? No verilie, replied the Queene, nor would I he should know for the whole world. Nor can hee (I thinke) vnderstand [...] by anie, saide the Prince, yet (in mine opinion) I count it necessarie, that one day I should goe sée my Father: but trust me Madame, it shall not hée without speedie returne, because I am determined not to leaue you, or giue ouer (with my will) the Countrey and Kingdome which the heauens haue appointed me to rule and gouerne. Thus reasoned the Mother and her Sonne on diuers matters, and hencefoorth the Prince shewed [Page] himsel [...]e [...] lie [...], [...] v [...]ry sh [...]rt­lie to be armed Knight▪ and to be calle [...] the Knight of Cu­pid, bearing for his deuise an hart [...] with an Ar­ro [...]. For [...] hee [...] an [...] as redde as [...], an [...] [...]or Ozalio, wh [...] hee loued as his Brother, a fair [...] white Armour, and were bothe knighted by Ozalio [...] Father, wh [...] was one of the best Knights in all those parts.

Hauing thus receiued their order, a very sollemne [...]east was made in honour thereof, during which time, Palmen­dos gaue away sundry sumptuous gifts: yet coulde he not be [...] of Francelina, or forget one iote of the olde Womans words, because he had lo [...]ged them so neere his hart, as they were a martirdome (in manner) to him. For [...]ase whereof he minded to goe sée Greece, as also to visite the Emperour his Father, and learne some tydings of his [...]nknowne Ladie: for he perswaded himselfe, that the old Womans speeches gr [...]w vpon no small occasion. And find­ing the Queene his Mother one afternoone at good ley­ [...]re, among diuers o [...]her pr [...]éedings betwéene them, Pal­mendos earnestlie entreated her to graunt him one re­que [...]t: which the Queene (who looued him as her proper life, and not thinking he wold hau [...] desired any such thing) agréed vnto verie willinglie. Then woulde I good Ma­dame (quoth he) not haue you conceiue anie displeasure, if I make a bréefe voyage to Constantinople, to sée the Empe­ [...]our my Father, and the good Knights in his Courte: for [...] the time you assured mee that I was his Sonne, my desires haue beene vnmeasurable to trauatle this iour­ney. Yet I sweare, by the sincere & inui [...]lable [...]aith, which the Child aboue all other oweth to his Mother, to returne againe with all possible speede. Ala [...] my Sonne (q [...]oth the Queene) giuing a bitter [...]ghe, your words haue so sharp­lie pierced my hart, as me thinkes I feele my very thred of life cut in s [...]nder, the feare of this present extreamitie, with-held me from vttering mine owne [...] ▪ [...]ut séeing [Page 19] I cannot [...] what I haue willingly con [...]nted to, with what [...] I can I will beare my mis- [...]. One thing y [...]t woulde I commend t [...] thee, if zeale and looue to thy M [...]ther may solli [...]ite anie cōpassion: that thou woul­dest return to the place of thy birth so soone as thou canst, that mine eyes beholding thee once more before I die, my soule may passe with greater comfort into another world. So helpe me God, aunswered Palmendos, as I intende not to breake the least of your commaundements, nor will I deceiue you in my short and speedie returne. Sith then my Sonne, quoth the Queene, you will needes vndertake this voyage, I would aduise ye to haue good store of hardie Knights with you, that your entertainment by the Em­perour may be the more honourable. Madame, (quoth he) I am certaine my Lorde will not esteeme any thing the more of me for my companie, because it shall suffise that I am King of Tharsus, wherein consisteth the poynt of my renowne: as for any paine of trauaile, some report of good successe in Chiualrie shal wipe that away. For (as you are not ignorant therof) his Maicstie trauailed alone through the world, opposing his vnconquerable mind against al ad­uentures whatsoeuer: yet did y^e diuine bountie euermore [...]heeld him from perill and death, and as he, so manie other famous Kings and Potentates. What emprise was more dangerous th [...]n y^• of Iason, when he won the Golden fléece in the Isle of Cholcos? or that of y^• gentle Champio [...] The­seus, when he conquered the Minotau [...]e in the inextricable Labirinth of Creete? yet the Gods defended them in all their attempts. In my time (Mother) I haue seene, that poore and simple Ships haue sailed in the Sea, with great fortune in tempests and outrage, and at length haue re­turned home richlie furnished: on the contrary I haue no­ted, that sundry gallant vessels, haue cut with full sayle through calme and quiet Seas, fauoured both with winde and wether, and at the verie entraunce of the Hauens mouth, haue splyt on some Rocke, or sustayned other mis­chance. [Page] Needles then were my feare of the Sea or For­tune, because (where ere I go [...]) Death tracks met as my shadowe, and dare not strike till he be commaunded: th [...]r­fore I am thus determined, to haue none with me [...]ut O­zalio and two Squires, because we wil trauaile as mean [...] Gentl [...]en, and try [...] manhoode with the [...] of Europe, before the Emper [...]ur shall haue a [...]ie knowledge of me.

The Nueene would no more contrarie his intent, but referred all things to his owne disposing, wherefore Pal­mendos hauing sent for the cheefe Lordes of the Kealme, [...]eclared to them openlie his minde: giuing them this ex­presse charge, to ob [...]y the Quéene his Mother, & his Unc­kle, whom he left a [...] Lieutenaunt generall of y^• Prouince in his absence. They all sorie that hee woulde so soone de­part, knewe not howe to hinder it hee beeing so reso [...]ute: notwithstanding, they promised to fulfill his commaunde, wyshing [...]him a tranquile & prosperous nauigation. Soone after the Queene went into her Cabinet, where her hand discharging the office of the tongue, shee wrote a freendlie Letter to the Emperour, which shee accompanied wyth a King, like to that she gaue him at his departure: to y^• ende that by this Iewell, Palmendos might be y^• sooner known of him.

Shippe and all thing [...]s readie for this voyage, hee tooke his leaue of his Lordes and Subie [...]s, and afterward of the Queene his Mother: who byting in her greefe so well as the could, de [...]uered him the King and the Letter, the contents whereof thus followeth.

CHAP. VI.

PAlmendos with Ozalio & their Squires embarqued, the Mar­riners hoysed saile and sette a­waie merilie, the Prince com­maunding the Pilotte to make towards Thrace, because he ho­ped to heare some tidings there of Francelina, whō he had made cheefe Mistresse of his affecti­ons. But after they had sayled halfe a daie, a violent contrarie winde arose, which droue them thrée daies and thrée nights so furiously, as the Mar­riners coulde scant tell in what part they were. At length this rough and boysterous tempest ceased, when Palmen­dos beeing desirous to know in what Country they were: was aunswered by the Maister that they were in Europe and the Mediterranian Sea, verie neare to the Isle of Del­phos, where after so long and vncomfortable wether, Pal­mendos wold goe on land to refresh himselfe. In this Isle the Pagans were ofté [...] wont in ancient time, to come and visite the Temple of Apollo, as also to consult with his Oracle, and at this time was Lord therof a Gyant named Baledon, the most fierce and cruell Tirant, that liued in all those three parts of the world. This Gyant had a Son no lesse valiant then himselfe, and after hee had by force [Page] gotten this Island, hee build [...]d a streng Castell on a little Promontorie: discending so artificialli [...] into the Sea, as hauing a huge Rocke on [...]ither side ther [...]of, it was wel de­sended from the extremitie of the water. No other Porte for landing woulde he permitte in all the Island, then this onelie, hemde in with the two Rocks, betwéene which hee had fastened a great chaine of yron, which commonlie laye somewhat shallowe in the water. But when anie [...] came to anker in that Porte, certaine villaines which hee kept in Towres for the purpose, woulde hoyse them vppe with the chaine in such sort, that they could depart no more thence except the Gyant pleased: and thus woulde he rob and spoile all that landed there, that al those parts lam [...]n­ted to heare of his villanie. If happilie hée mette with any Knights who resisted his will, then woulde he outrage thē by force of Armes, and afterward put them into an insec­tious stincking Pryson. The Merchaunts and others that vsed traffique, from th [...]m would he take all they had, and afterward deliuer them ouer to a most cru [...]ll death, so that all such as had notice of his tyrannie, fl [...]d that place as the daungerous Gulfe of Caribdis.

Yet not withstanding, there was in this Island a great aduenture, for in the time of the Gentiles, there inhabited a welthy Prieste, a Magitian and wonderfull inueftiga­tour of hidden thinges, hee was high Priest of the Sanctu­arie in the Temple, as also he had the generall admini­stration through the whole Prouince: he hauing a comlie beautiful Daughter, endued with al vertues requisite in a Uirgin, and her he gaue to the seruice of the Oracle. It so fell out, that the Duke of Feria, a very gentle and gracious youth, became enamoured of her onely by report, for often­times he had hearde her commended, to excéede in beautie the choysest Dames of that Countrey: wherfore he made sundrie requests to enioy her as his Wife, but all his la­bour was to no purpose, because her father [...]ould not part with her. And as it often happeneth, that the Messenger [Page 22] who is twyse or thryse sent to one place, to obtaine a mat­ter earnestlie desired, will deuise what meanes hee can for the behoofe of his Maister, more to escape the shame of re­fusall, then for anie great good will (happilie) to the par­tie: euen so fell it out with the minister of this sute, for séeing h [...]e went and returned so often without auaile, hee gotte one d [...]ie to speake with the Maiden herselfe, whome he laboured with so manie perswasions, and whetted on to ioyne in a secrete marriage: as shee became rauished with the loue of the Duke, and promised if his Maister coulde cunningly steale her from her Father, she would goe with him whether he pleased.

The Duke not a little glad of this aunswer, present­lie iournied to the Island, where béeing arriued, hee aduer­tised the Damosell: that he would stay for her in a conue­nient place néere her fathers Pallace, whether she should not fayle to come, so soone as the silent night had brought euery one asleepe. But the Prieste, who by meanes of his Magick foresaw all these practises, and knowing th [...] place where the Duke of Feria staied for his Daughter: caused two fierce enchaunted Lions to discend frō y^t Mountaines, which ranne with rau [...]nous mouthes on the vnprouided Duke, and he no way able to defende himselfe, they rent and tore him cruellie in peeces. Which pittifull spectacle whē his Squire that came with him behelde, he gaue such a lamentable shrike, as the Damosell (whose eyes & eares were car [...]fullie waking) easilie hearde it. In like sorte did diuers others of the house, who came foorth with lighted Torches to vnderstand the cause: but the Mayden hea­ring too soone in what case they founde the Duke, came running from the Castel as a mad Woman to accomplish the Sacrifice. Such was her greefe to beholde her vow [...]d Husband thus cruellie massacred, as she taking his Rapi­er, sette the pommell thereof to the grounde, and placing the point opposite to her hart: with meruailous violence threwe herselfe thereon, as one [...]isdaining to liue, béeing [Page] robbed of her loue. Neuerthelesse, she was heerein decei­ued, for the Sword passing through her right side, shee fell vpon the dead corpes, and so lay awhile aliue, breathing foorth many greeuous sighes and lamentations. And find­ing in her bosome a shéete of paper, with her owne bloode shee wrote twelue mornefull verses in forme of an Epy­taph: then seeing her latest howre to hasten on, with ru­full mones she deliuered these speeches. Séeing it is so, my sweete choyse and paragon of cour teste, that for my sake thou hast endured this martyrdome: it will remaine as a gall in my conscience, that I did not ende thy funeralles according to thy desert. And that my Father may knowe what wrong he hath doone vs, I will leaue some occasion for his too late repentaunce: yet I desire no other recom­pence, but causing our bodies to bee buried in one Coffin, he will suffer (for a perpetuall remembrance of this stra­tageme) this Epitaphe to be engrauen thereon.

This Epitaphe ended, shee yeelded the humaine tri­bute to nature, for afterward her bodie made no motion of vitall mouing: and it cannot be esteemed as fabulous that loue should cause the death of anie one, because in auncient Histories, we may finde innumerable of recent & moderne [Page 23] examples thereof. But returne we to the Pri [...]st, who vn­derstanding that his Daughter ranne foorth with such a clamour, followed her immediatlie, fearing she woulde of­fer some violence on herselfe, and finding her deade, hold­ing the Epitaphe in her hand, he was in great daunger to make a third in this wofull tragedie. Ah miserable & deso­late wretch (quoth hee) if thy knowledge had efficacie in working the Duke of Ferias death, why was it not suffici­ent to preuent thy Daughters mishappe? Unhappy was the houre when first I practised this deuillish sorcerie. Many other sorrowful lamentations he made ouer y^• dead bodies, whom we may aptlie compare to the loyall Louers Piramus and Thisbie: but afterward hee erected a costlie Sepulchre of Brasse, and hauing embalmed them accor­ding to the auncient ceremonies of funerall pompe, hee in­tombed them in the Temple bothe together, and caused the Epytaphe to be cunningly grauen thereon. Not long after, considering himselfe depriued of his lawfull heyre, and howe greatly he had peruerted the course of nature, very extreame greefe ended his daies: but ere he died, hee enclosed the Treasure of the Temple with such enchaunt ments, and with so strong and fearefull a guard, that from the time of his death, it was very dangerous to come néere the place. And tell the time of Palmendos arriuall there, there durst not anie one make tryall thereof, albeit before Baledon abused the Islande, Knights of diuers Regions came to prooue theyr fortune: and y^• Giant himselfe came thether for the same occasion, but séeing hee coulde not ap­proche the Temple, perceiuing the Island to be faire and delectable: he got it by force of Armes, the people thereof beeing vnable to resist his hostilitie.

Let vs nowe remember where we left before, the ar­riuall of Palmendos in this Islande of Delphos, to whome one of the Marriners told all these thinges, as also the hor­rible villanies of the Gyant: wherefore he intreated him not to anker in that Porte, because (quoth he) we shal all [Page] bee either slayne or taken prysoners. Why? sayd Palmen­dos, is no man able to punish his pryde and tyrannie? see­ing Fortune hath conducted me hether, and will permitte me but to haue a sight of him: I will not departe without some proofe of my selfe. For if I bee Sonne to the Empe­rour Palmerin, I must not bee frighted with the name of Gyants, who rather resemble huge Colosses without anie soules, then humaine creatures: much lesse strange ad­uentures, howe harde and daungerous soeuer they seeme. If I woulde acquire prayse and honour immortall, long time must I followe millitarie cxercise, as my Father did in his yonger dayes, preuailing against diuers such Mon­sters, & bringing innumerable enterprises to happy ende: turne prowe then towarde shore, and boldlie let vs enter the Porte, without anie feare of this difformed Golias. With much a doo they sette into the Porte, where they were no sooner entred, but they sawe themselues enclosed with the chayne, which sight dismayed bothe the Maister and Marriners: but Palmendos and Ozalio presently put on theyr Helmets and Gauntlets, standing ready for de­fence of all the rest.

The Gyant beeing aduertised that a rich Ship was gotte within the chaine, commaunded his Sonne present­lie to take Armes, and with sufficient assistaunts to goe take all the Strangers prysoners: wherto the young Ty­rant was very readie, and entring with three Knights in­to a boate, came directly to the Shippe, where Palmendos standing formost, the Gyants Sonne thus spake to him. Howe darest thou Knight be so bold, as to enter our Porte without licence? I dare doo more then that, answered Pal­mendos, in despight of such disloyall villaines as you are, who by trecherous meanes intrap the in [...]cent, and after­ward exercise what crueltie you please vppon them: but nowe is the time come, I hope, that shal guerdon you with recompence aunswerable to such brutish behauiour. The Gyants Sonne dyspleased with these wordes, sought with [Page 24] his Knights to enter violently the Ship: but Palmendos and Ozalio beeing to high aboue them, gaue them so many sharpe repulses, as yōung Baledon receiued his deathes wounde at the Princes hande, and Ozalio sent one of the Knights to beare him companie. With this foyle y^• boate speedilie returned, and t [...]ey aduertised Baledon what had happened, bringing his Sonne slaine vp into his Cham­ber, wherwith he was so wōderfully enraged: as he vow­ed to buy his bloode with the death of all the strangers. In bitter anguish of hart, he called for his Armour, preparing himselfe to the dismall attempt: in meane while the two Knights that escaped backe aliue, stoode on the shore re­uiling the Prince, wylling him to prepare, for his death was comming.

If your Maister (quoth Palmendos) bee so valiant [...]s you reporte, let him deale alone with mee in single fyght, and if I chaunce to vanquishe him, let him accomplishe what I shall sette downe, and I will graunt him life. On the contrary, if hee conquer mee, let him doo with mee and mine as him pleaseth: tell him, these brauadoes [...] proude speeches cannot daunt resolute mindes, and if hee dare graunt me safe conducte, with good assuraunce not to of­fer mee anie wrong, I will presentlie come on shore and try my fortune with him.

CHAP. VII.

RIght soone went the Knightes to the Gyant with Palmendos challenge, who béeing very wel pleased therewith, came downe proudelie to y^• Port with these speeches. Which is the wret­ched Knight, that dare so per­emptorilie venture on shore, to receiue the death he hath iustly deserued? I am the man, aun­swered Palmendos, and I will be so good as my worde, if thou wilt faithfully promise mee safetie from thy people. By the hallowed fayth, sayde Baledon that I owe to our Gods, thou shalt be as secure as thou ca [...]st require, albeit I die vnder thy Sworde in Combat. The Prince lothe to waste the time in wordes, called for a S [...]iffe to carrie him on shore, which the Marriners vnwillinglie consented to, beeing loth to loose a Knight so valiant. In breefe, he came on lande, and no one with him but his Cozin Ozalio, who woulde not at anie time forsake his companie. Baledon praunceth vppe to the plaine before his Castell, comman­ding his attendants on paine of their liues, not any wa [...]e to trouble or molest his enemie. Now are the Champions couered with their Swords and Sh [...]eldes, and with such furie do [...] the weapons clanche vpon y^t Armour, as though [Page 25] Vulcan and his Cyclops were at worke with their ham­mers. You must thinke tha [...] the Gyant, béeing a man of monstrous stature, dealing with a young Prince, but a grystle (in a manner) in cōparison of him, did often bring his life to very perrillous exigents: notwithstanding, so did the heauens fauour P [...]lmendos, and despise the mani­fold tyrannies of the Gyant, as after a long, cruell & bloo­die fight, Baledon had receiued so many woundes, as hee was constrained to fall at the Princes mer [...]ie: for which Palmendos humblie [...] heauen, boldlie sette hys foote vpon the Gyant, saying. Co [...]fesse thy selfe (Baledon) vanquished by me, and let mee en [...]y the prysoners which thou vniustlie detainest in thy Castell, for the remainder of thy life hangeth on the [...]oynt of my Sword.

When the Gyant behelde his great pompe so ouer­throwne, and hee had no meane nowe left wherewith to defende himselfe: he breathed forth these sorrowfull spee­ches. Ah angry Gods, howe strange and diuers are your iudgments, in suffering [...]othe mee and my Sonne to bee foyled by one Knight? Now see I well, that myne infinite and wicked offences, committed against men without de­sert, hath throwne this wreakefull sentence on me. Then calling his Serua [...]nts, hee commaunded them to conduct the Prince into the Castell, and to deliuer all his pryso­ners to him, with any thing els hee shoulde commaunde them.

So went the Prince with his Cozin Ozalio and two of the Gyants Seruaunts to the Castell, the rest remay­ned to bring theyr Maisters deade bodie, and when they were entred the [...]ase Courte, they met the Gyantesse hea­ [...]ilie lamenting, and curssing the Knight who was cause thereof. But Palmendos made no account of her wordes, commaunding all the prysoners to bee presently brought before him, which in sooth were very many, both Knights, Merchaunts and other trauayling Strangers, who had long time beene kept t [...]ere in captiuitie: and nowe séeing [Page] they were so generallie called, they verilie thought to die, or endure some cruell torment, but finding the contrarie, I leaue their [...]oy to the Readers iudgment. Then Pal­mendos called for the Knights Armour, that eache one knowing his owne Armour might bee armed therewith: for this their happie deliuera [...]nce, they all [...]ell downe at the Princes feete, desiring God to reward his honourable paynes.

But among the prisoners, there were two young Knights of comelie statur [...], béeing both Moores, who had not long time béene held in that seruitude, and witnessing by their countenaunces that they were discended of royal parentage. The one of them was Rifarano, Son to Tri­neus Emperor of Allemaigne, and Aurecinda the Soldans Sister, as you may reade in the History of Palmerin d'O­liua: the other was named Lecefin, Son to the Soldane of Persia: béeing the youngest of thrée which he had by the Princesse Zephira. These two young Lords were nouri­shed together by the Soldane, because hee behelde the to­warde inclination of Rifarano, whom hee euer imagined would prooue a worthie Knight: and for he was Sonne to his Sister [...]nd the Emperour Trineus his great fréende, he looued him as Lecefin his owne Childe. Rifarano com­ming to the age of tenne or twelue yeres, wexed very for­ward in all commendable exercises, and one day reasoning with his Mother: desired her to tell him the cause, why she went so continually clad in mourning, the truth wher­of she discoursed to him, and how his Father was the Em­perour Trineus of Allemaigne. When Rifarano vnder­stoode, that he was Sonne to one of the chéefest Princes in Christendome, hee made greater account of himselfe then he did before, and dysposed himselfe to matters of higher quallitie, so that béeing of yeeres to receiue his Knight­hoode, he requested the Soldane to honour him therwith: which he with right good will performed, causing Ioustes and Tournaments to sollemnize that time withall, wher­in [Page 26] Rifarano still bare awaie the pryze. Following Armes and Chiualrie he still continued, and with good successe wunne such fame through all Persia, as y^• Soldane thought to ioyne him in marriage with the King Maulerinos el­dest Daughter. But he would neuer harken to such mat­ters, for that hee had secretlie vowed, first to sée the Empe­rour his Father, whereto his Mother (whose dayes long sicknes had new shortened) euermore prouoked him: that Trineus beholding the fruite of her loue, might thinke the better of his acquaintaunce with her.

After the obsequies and royall funerall, as wel besée­med a Princesse of so great regarde, and Rifarano lothe to stay, his Mother beeing dead: hee desired y^• Soldane that he might trauaile to Constantinople, to sée th [...] Courte of the Emperour Palmerin, and thence he would [...] goe to his Fa­ther in Allemaigne. Albeit very vnwilling, yet y^e Soldane condiscended, whereat the young Prince Lecefin, who lo­ued Rifarano as himselfe, beganne to conceiue great sor­rowe: wherefore he intreated his Father that [...]ee might trauaile with him in companie, perswading him that it would be a cause of his Cozins more speedie return [...]. The Soldane liked heereof very well, and although he was yet verie young, he gaue him his knighthoode: and so with [...]i­uers presents from his Father & Zephira, as also Letters to both the Emperours, accompanied with thirtie hardie Knights they tooke shypping, and by meanes of an excée­ding rough tempest on the Sea, they were driuen perforce into this Isle of Delphos, where béeing hem [...]e in with the chayne, and [...]lattered by the Gyant to come on shore, with­out suspecting anie treason they went to his Castell, and finding outward freendlie entertainement, they were fet­ched foorth of their beddes and thrust into pryson, & twen­tie of the Knights that came with them cruelly murthe­red, the rest were brought into the Dungion to their Mai­sters, and afterward the Gyant tooke the spoyle of y^• Ship at his pleasure.

[Page]But to come to ou [...] p [...]rpose, Rifarano and Lecefin see­ing themselues deliuered fr [...]m this d [...]llorous li [...]e, much worse then th [...]t of the slaues in the [...]allies, they spa [...]e to Palmēdos in this maner. Tel vs in courtes [...]e, good Knight, by what meanes haue you obtained our libertie? for wee meruaile that we [...] not the Gyant, who brought vs he­ther by [...] & [...]reason. Gentlemen, (quoth the Prince) I am a Knight borne farre hence, and béeing by the an­grie Seas cast vpon this Island, I determined to come on shore, where beeing no waie able to escape the death pre­sent before mine eyes, I was constrained to Combat with the Gyant you talke of, who to allure me the sooner to the battaile; promised me securitie from any saue himself. But heauen giuing me strength, to erect a mortall Trophe of his slaughtered bodie, hath thereby giuen you all freedome againe.

Might we not, saide Rifarano, knowe your name, to whom wee are so much indebted for our deliueraunce? as for vs, it is necessarie you should knowe of whence & what we are, that if we should growe heereafter ingratefull for this kindnes, the meanest in the worlde might iustlie con­demne vs. This young Prince, (quoth hee) is named Le­cefin▪ [...]onne to the noble Soldane of Persia, and I his vn­worthie Nephew, issued from Trineus Emperour of Alle­maigne, brother by mariage to the incomparable Prince Palmerin d'Oliua: heereto hee added the whole discourse of their trouble, which you haue heard alreadie. In happie time came I hether, aunswered Palmendos, to succour so good and noble Knights as you are, cheefelie for your néere alliaunce to the Emperour Palmerin, whom I continual­lie desire to serue, and shortly shall present my selfe vnto him: but first (by the fauour of Fortune,) I woulde haue his eares so acquainted with some actions of account, as might mooue his spirite with the more affection to sée me. And séeing you goe [...]o soone to his Courte, let me intreate this fauour at your handes, as to conducte this company [Page 27] with you which I haue deliuered from prison, and present his Maiestie with them from me, as also the wife & daugh­ter of Baledon the Gyant: for it is both iust & reasonable, to dispossesse this Island of such bad people, as haue wyth such horrible tirannies so long time abused the same. For I dare say, the people y^• inhabite this Isle, wil more gladly submit themselues to y^e Emperors regiment, then be held in slauerie by such helhoundes▪ In meane while, wee wyll leaue some good Knight of this soyle as gouernour thereof in his highnes name, vntil he haue disposed thereof as shal seeme best in his wisedom. Willingly wold I make proofe before your departure, of a strange aduenture couched in the Temple: that if I die in y^• attempt, you may reuenge my death, & happilie liue to finish the same▪ Rifarano and Lecefin made answere, that they would fulfil any thing he pleased to commaunde them, for which Palmendos requi­ted them with many thanks.

CHAP. VIII.

AFter all the Knights & Gentle­men had Armed thēselues, Pal­mendos caused the Gyantesse and her daughter, to be fastened with a strong chaine to a piller, least they shoulde offer some vi­olence on themselues, and the chayne in the Port he comman ded to be taken away, with all [Page] other daungers that might hurt trauaillers: then sonuno­ning the people of the Island, he thus beganne to conferre with them.

My Bretheren and Freendes, I cannot thinke but you all reioyce, to see your selues deliuered from the mise­rable seruitude, wherein the Tyrant Baledon hath long time held you, henceforth therefore I intend, that you shal acknowledge for your liege Lord and S [...]ueraigne, the fa­mous & vertuous Emperour Palmerin d'Oliua, to whome I will make present of this Island, which the God of hea­uen hath su [...]fered me to conquere: for you knowe that the Gyant is slaine, his Wife and Daughter likewise remain my prisoners, and to his Maiesty wil I shortly send them. Let me therfore intreate ye, to continue his true and loy­all Subiects, and I shall so behaue my selfe with his high­nes, as he shall henceforth defend this Island and you: for the gouernment whereof in meane while, I wil leaue one that shall bee chosen among you, who shall sweare to re­signe his office, to him whom the Emperour shal please to send hether.

The Knights & Gentlemen of the Island were great­lie contented, hearing Palmendos vse such gratious spee­ches, acknowledging themselues happy to remaine y^• Em­perours vassailes: whereupon they swore fidelity to him, and elected a reuerende Knight of the Island named Guil­lador, to whom the authoritie of Deputie was commit­ted, and then they caused the Gyants bodie to bee burned, for the horrible villamies he had doone in his life time, to which execution all the people of the Island resorted, not so much for the sight thereof, as to honour the Patrone of their deliueraunce. Euery thing thus wisely and discréet­lie pacified, he determined to try the aduenture of y^e Tem­ple, whereupon the newe Gouernour desired him, not to [...]azard himselfe in a matter so perrillous, for that manie Knights had lost their liues in the attempt: which made Palmendos far more desirous, to know wherin y^• greatest [Page 28] danger thereof consisted, at whose request, Guillador thus beganne the discourse. Know my Lorde, that the Temple wherein our Priestes great Treasure is hidde, is a place now ouergrowne as a thicket of young Trees, by reason of the long time sin [...]e a [...]ie one durst approche the same, and in that Woode is a sauage wilde Bore, of more cruell nature certaine, then that which Hercules flewe on the Mountaine Erymanthus in Arcadia. And when anie one dooth offer to enter the Temple, he commeth forth of his denne, and makes him sure for euer returning againe. In sooth, quoth the Prince, these newes are very terrible in hearing, yet neuer was there any aduenture in the world so difficult, but one or other hath accomplisht it, and I tru­sting onelie in the helpe of God, will try if this enchaunt­ment were ordayned perpetuall, not fearing all y^• Bores or deuils in the world.

I am sure my Lorde, quoth Rifarano, that if you finish not this enchauntment, it will neuer be accomplished by anie other: therefore boldly sette vpon it, for gladly would I endure part of the paine, and by y^• faith of a true Knight, I shall assist ye with my vttermost endeuour. No other helpe doo I desire, answered Palmendos, then the fauour of the Gods onelie, and I hope they will not be farre from me, if so I stand in need thereof: notwithstanding, I hum­blie thanke yee for your good will, and if I happen to fayle in mine enterprise, you shall make no better witnesse of your wordes, then courteously to hazard the aduenture, to recouer the honour lost by me: for which cause, as also to beguile the tediousnes of trauaile, you shal accompany me to the Temple. So wylling the Merchaunts & other priso­ners to stay in the Castell, Palmendos, Ozalio, Rifarano, Lecefin and the rest of the Knights, beeing all wel armed, sette toward the Temple, many of the Islande trauailing with them, to guide them the way and doo other néedefull seruices. Now had Palmendos caused to be made by mer­uailous subtill cunning, a coate of Armes, composed of [Page] ware and other like clammie myxtures, wherewith he co­uered all his Armour, that the sharpe brystles and tu [...]kes of the Bore might haue no power to hurt him: and in this sorte they rode on together. Béeing at length come to a conuenient place, which was within sight of the T [...]mple, he beheld y^• brushie thornie plaine, which made him doubt how he should gette thether with his Horse. Yet resolute for all chaunces, he takes an yron Mace, y^• he had brought from the Gyants Castell, & forward goes to the Temple: desiring all his companions, that not one of them shoulde follow him: wherewith Ozalio and Rifarano were some­what offended, yet lothe to breake his commaundement, they stayed, vsing hartie and zealous inuocations for hys good successe.

Palmendos making way with his Mace through the enchaunted bryers, espyed a [...]night before him, who pre­sently winded a [...]ghtie Horne, at the sounde whereof the o [...]glie and monstrous Bore came forth of his De [...]ne, and ranne before the Temple Gate: there staying for Pal­mendos with such horrible grynning of his tusk [...]s, as the very sight thereof was sufficient to fray a manne of good courage. By this time the Prince gained a conuenient place by the Temple side, when beholding the cruel beast come running [...] towardes him, he co [...]mended him­selfe to the heauens, and fell to his worke. So thicke as hayle [...]lewe the enchaunted bristles from the [...]ore at the Prince, but the coate of ware so cōfounded their strength, as they could not pierce his Armour, which onely had béen the death of many Knights before: But the Prince gaue the Beaste such a sounde stroke with his Mace on y^• head, as he staggered to and fro vnable to sustaine himselfe, and following this good aduantage, thrust his Sword so déepe downe his throate, as casting forth a great dea [...]e of bloode vpon the Prince, at length he tombled downe on his side, when halfe a dozen good strokes with the Mace, made him safe for stirring any more. And alth [...]gh thys was a [Page 29] naturall Bore, yet had hee béene deuilishlie enchaunted, and brought into that place by the Priestes Magique, as the Lyons were y^• kild the Duke of Feria, this Bore was appointed by him to guarde his Treasure in the Temple, which (as you heare) was slaine by the hande of Palmen­dos. And euen as the Bore of Calydonia, that was sent to torment the whole Countrey, died by the valour of Mele­ager, who afterward made a present of his head to y^• fayre Atalanta, as a notable experience of his magnani [...]tis, in like sort did the Prince of Tharsus, as a remembraunce to all that should come thether, cut of the Bores head, and as a signe of his spoyle and Trophe, set it on a Pyller in the same place where he got the victorie. He had no sooner put off his coate of wa [...]e, which was well loden with y^• Bores brystles: but he sawe the Knight of the Horne come to­wards him with a huge Mace in his hand, saying. Unhap­pie was thy comming (Knight) into this Desert, when thou must buy thy boldnes with thy dierest bloode. Héere­with he gaue the Prince such a cruell blowe, as made him sette one knee to the ground, and so long endured the sharp fight betwéene them: as they bothe béeing farre spent and ouerlaboured, fell downe to the ground not able to styrre themselues.

Palmendos in short time recouering strength arose, and seeing his enemie was not to be founde: boldly went to enter the Temple, the Gates whereof stoode now wide open▪ which greatlie augmented his desire to enter. Being come within the Porche, two Images of Brasse stoode on eyther side, who with monstrous Trompets blewe such forcible wind on him, as hee was three or foure times car­ried forth againe therewith: but pressing on still with all the strength hee had, he gotte such sure footing within the Temple, as he felt no more of that violent winde. Passing forward in the bodie of the Church, he came to the magni­ficent Sepulchre, wherein the Duke of Feria and the high Preestes Daughter were interred, which was so riche, [Page] sumptuous and rarelie inuented, as he had neuer séene the like before. Hauing read the Epitaph, he espied y^e Sword, wherewith the most perfect Damosell in looue slewe her­selfe, then mounting on the bars that inuironed y^• Tombe, he tooke the Sworde in his hand, and in remembraunce of the accident, as also for the beautie thereof, hee hunge it at his girdle, determining to take it with him, and so walked higher to find out the Treasure. At length he came to the Sanctuarie, where stoode the auncient costlie Altare for the Sacrifice, hauing thereon an Idoll of massie Gold, vp­pon the head wher [...]of was a rich imperiall Crowne, and in his right hand a Scepter so curiously framed, as it was impossible to sée Iewels of greater price. In the Idolles other hand was a Booke, fast sealed with foure great buc­kles of Gold, and in such a meruailously costly Chaire was the Image sette: as nature her selfe woulde haue béene driuen into admiration, to behold a matter of such surpas­sing exc [...]llencie. All about the Altare stoode many Basons of Golde, and before it hung diuers Images of siluer with lighted Lampes, from whence came such a swéete smell of Mirrhe and other Aromatique drugg [...]s, and the light cau­sed the precious stones in the Idoll so to glis [...]er, as it wold haue rauished anie eye to note the Mai [...]stie ther [...]of. Pal­mendos carried away with contemplating this sight, and not able to withdrawe his eyes from gazing thereon: at length beheld the darke night to draw on, the Lamp [...]s in this holie conclaue hauing so beguiled him, wherefore hee concluded not to depart thence till the morning, that hee might behold the other singularities of the place.

CHAP. IX,

PAlmendos sate downe on a cu­rious piller, intending to repose himselfe till the next morning [...] but immediatlie he hearde such a bruite and rumour, as though the whole worlde had beene in one moment assembled. Héere­vpon he arose, and couragiously drawing his Sworde (because hee doubted some ambushe or newe charge) went directly to the Sepulchre of y^• Duke, where hee behelde a Damosell with her hayre about her eares, and all her garments soyled with blood, which verie sight greeued him to the hart. This was the shaddow and representation of the Priestes Daughter, who after shee had deliuered manie bitter sighes, with a voice hollow and trembling thus spake.

Am I not more wretched and vnfortunate, then anie other vnder the Globe of heauen? yes questionlesse, séeing the fatall Destini [...]s hath appointed me, to endure perpe­tuall, cruell and rigorous martirdomes, for thy sake noble Duke of Feria, the onely recorde of mine afflicted soule, for whom loue tooke such priuiledge on me, as I feared not to offend my selfe with mine owne hande. But who hath rob­bed me of the Sworde, that so suddainly made the sad exe­cution of my life? Ah Palmendos, thinke not to carry it a­way so lightlie, for that Sworde is yet more necessary for [Page] me. With these wordes she ranne violentlie vppon him, and shooke him as if she would haue torne him in pecces: at which instant there arose such a [...]hunder and trembling of the earth, as hee thought verilie the Temple woulde haue suncke, and the foure elements resolue and turne in­their former state of Chaos. By reason heereof, the Prince coulde not continue his magnammious and wonted vi­gour, but [...]ell downe depryued of his vnderstanding, as though pale death had taken possession of him. During this t [...]aunce, a faire Uirgin richlie accoustred, (whom the olde [...]oman that told him of so manie thinges at Tharsus, had sent thether by her poste) came and tooke him by y^• hand, saying.

Arise Palmendos, my noble Lorde, and c [...]me to her, who seeing the fearefull state wherein you are, onely by fantasie [...] represented to your eyes: d [...] intreate you not to disable your heroycall and noble courage, at the sight of vaine and fantasticall visions, for it beseemeth not so good and accomplished Knights, as you are, in such sort to passe thorow strange aduentures. Be of good cheere then, and repute this houre of your renowne, to surpasse all the bra­ [...]est men in the worlde: be [...]ause since the essence of thys enchauntment, no Knight coulde enter this Temple but you alone. [...]herefore by good reason ought the treasure to be yours, which hath so long time béene concealed here: take hence then the Golden Idoll on the Altare, with all the other rich and precious Iewels, and send them to the vertuous Emperour your Father. And for your sake shall this Temple héerafter be frequent and accessable for any, which you shal consecrate to the name of Christ, and of the Treasure you shall yet [...]nde, you shall erect a Monasterie of Uirgins, in honor of that incontaminate mayden, that brought the Sauiour of all man kind into the worlde, who hath giuen you strength to runne thorowe these action [...]: that this place may bee reuerently & de [...]utly vsed, which [...]eertofore hath béen blasphemed with Idolatrie, contr [...]rie [Page 31] to the bountie inexpuisable, making to sinful men vowe [...], offering [...] and sacrifices. And albeit you are not as yet a Christian, yet for my sake enter that vnspotted faith, for the time will come, when you shall sundry times say, hap­pie was that howre wherein you found me. Hauing taken good order for all that I haue said, contayne your selfe no longer in these Countries, because in other clymats is re­serued a tryumphall Scepter for you, enriched with honor and eternall praises.

In vaine it were to aske, if Palme [...]dos was filled with great meruaile, hearing the Damosels voyce, who cam [...] to comfort him in this austere calamitie, and could so well discipher hi [...] affayre [...], for the extasie & rauishment of hy [...] spirite, which euidently appeared in his cou [...]tenaunce, de­liuered ample testimonie thereof. Nor wer [...] these word [...] anie thing els, but fuell to e [...]crease loues [...]re already bur­ning: neuertheles, seeing himselfe in a place so commodi­ous, where freelie hee might holde chat with this Damo­sell, he called vp his spirits, and boldly made this answer. Madame, for the reuerend ho [...]our you beare to your God, conceale not who you are that knowe mee so well, intrea­ting ye to pardon my presumptuous request, because your rare and perfect beautie, which is the onely spurre to my demaund, hath confounded mee with greater admiration, then all the strange sightes I haue yet beheld: all which, (in respect of your excellence) I holde as diabolicall & [...]ri­uolous, for you seeme celestiall, and sent by the Gods into these nether Regions, where hauing discouered the futur [...] euent of my Destinies, my hart hath thereby receiued in­credible ioy and contentment. Bee not abashed courteous Knight, quoth she▪ at any thing I haue said, for it is long since I knewe what I haue vttered, and in regard of your worthy valour, I loue and esteeme yee aboue all other in the world, so that I haue left the Countries of my origi­nall, onely to see and tell yée what I haue doone: desiring you to excuse me in the rest, as concealing of whence and [Page] what I am, because at this time you cannot be satis- [...]ed therewith, yet ere it be long we will m [...]ete againe, and then shall you vnderstande more of mee▪ by one request I must make to ye, which as yet may not bee manifested. Wonderful will that consolation be (quoth the Prince, to me, that you will commaunde anie thing wherein I may expresse my forces, and in that deuotion I haue vowed, e­uermore faithfully to continue your freende: offering in witnes of this obeysaunce, to serue hencefoorth as your Knight, with promise not to preiudice y^• least of your com­maundements, so long as my sta [...]es giue mee leaue to breathe. Nor will I further presse ye to tell me what yee are, séeing your will standeth not thereto: but till y^• graci­ [...] howre o [...] co [...]undement come, I will accomplyshe your appointment, [...]ecting heere a Monasterie of vyrgins for the ser [...]ice of your God, and your words haue made me thirst with vn [...]enchable desire, till I bee resolued as con­cerning that [...]ayth. While she returned him many thanks for his freendly offers, the old woman arriued, who made him enamoured with the loue of Francelina in his Realm: she taking the Damosell by the hand, said. Goe wyth mee faire Daughter, and leaue this most discourteous Knight, who suffered me to be misused before him in Tharsus: wher of I hope to take sufficient reuenge, by the extreame passi­ons his hart shall endure heereafter.

No sooner had she ended these wordes, but immedi­atlie they bothe vanished away, wherewith the Prince greatly admiring: was driuen into such a profounde con­ceit of her rare beautie, as he thought euen there to yéelde vppe his ghost, because hee imagined neuer to haue seene her like. Heerein his iudgment was no whit beguiled, for he did as many young Louers doo, shewe thems [...]lues fa­uourable Iudges in their own causes. Now enters he into conceit, because the olde woman had taken her away, that this Damosell was Francelina, she whom he had so liuelie imprinted in his hart, as for her loue he had left his natiue [Page 32] Countrey. Thus c [...]mpassed with greefe on euery side, hee entred into these termes. Alas olde Woman, I know not what thou maist be, yet very true doo I find thy wordes: but small to my auaile did Ozalio smite thee in my pre­sence, that I must requite with so long, yrkesome and lin­ger [...]ng penaunce. Ah cruell enemie, why didst thou robbe mine eyes so soone of their vnspeakeable content? thou sufferedst me to see, that my loue might growe the more immesurable: but thy wordes were such daggers to my hart, as neuer can I taste a sharper corasiue. And if this were the obiect of Francelina, (for fayrer creature did the Sunne neuer shine vpon) at no tume shall my soule enioy rest, till once more I haue seene her againe. Thus enter­coursing a thousand opinions, he stoode a long time as dri­uen to the Antipodes, accusing himselfe with base pusilla­nimitie, and blaming the olde woman, who had so robbed him of his forces, as he could not stay the Lady with him, by whose presence and gracious speeches he supposed him­selfe in an eternall beatitude.

But now is the clowdie night chased toward the Oc­cident, when hee determined to effect wh [...] the Damosell had commaunded him, and going to the Altare, hee tooke the golden Basons and the other sumptuous thinges, ma­king them readie to be caryed thence, dispoyling likewise the Idoll of the Crowne, Scepter and Booke. But as hee would haue lifted the Image foorth of y^• Chayre, he found it so heauie as he was not able to stirre it: wherewith he béeing offended, said. And I shall [...]oo thée more honor then thou hast yet receiued of me: so lifting vppe his Mace, h [...] made it fall in pee [...]s to the grounde. From out the bodie of the Image, flewe a very strange Byrde all blacke, gy­uing such fearefull shrykes and cryes, as the Prince was thereat amazed: and foll [...]wing her out of the Temple, he beheld a great many more such like Birds with her, they flying altogether with that noyse, the same way where Ozalio and the Knights attended, whereat they like wyse [Page] meruailing, were certified by the men of the Islande, that this prodigie sigmsted Palmendos entrance into the Tem­ple: for they had heard be [...]ore, by sundry learned Nigro­mancers, that these were certaine infernall spirits, which should be chased forth of the Countrey, when the aduen­ture of the Temple was f [...]nished. Rifarano, Ozalio, & all the Knights glad of these newes, went where they beheld the monstrous wilde Bore, and thence to the Temple, where Ozalio first found y^• Prince opening a great chest, which contained the Priestes principall Treasure, con­sisting of such rare and inestimable Iewelles, as (it was thought) the like was neuer séene before. Palmendos be­holding his fréend Ozalio, ranne and embraced him mer­uailous kindlie, the like did hee to Rifarano, Lecefin and the rest, all of them extolling the happy starre that guided the Prince: and he acquainted them with all things since his departure from them, sauing his conference with the Damosel, because none of them shoulde suspect his loo [...]e. Thē intreated he Guillador to send for some skilful man, who might vndertake to deuise and build the Monastery: in short time the greater part of the Clergie was sent for, and among them to a vertuous mā of special knowledge, he gaue the charge and superintendaunce of the worke, as also bount [...]full stor [...] of Gold and Siluer, which was taken out of the Priestes welthy Chest. All things hee commit­ted to the trust of Guillador, that the Temple, Monasteri [...] and waies thereto, shoulde be doone in decent order: but he whose hart was onelie dedicated to the Ladies beau­tie, which appeared vnto him vnder forme of a bodilie il­lusion, tooke small delight in any thing els, but in her gra­cious and diuine remembraunce. Now did he hasten the daie of his departure, desiring Rifarano & Lecefin to make speede to the Emperour, and present the Gyantesse, her Daughter and the other prysoners to him, as also all the Treasure was found in the Temple, from a strange Gen­tleman religiously vowed to his seruice: who in respect of [Page 33] great affaires that called him el [...] where, coulde not com [...] to kisse his Maiesties hand, which he wil doo with all spéed possible. Rifarano and Lecefin were lothe to l [...]aue Palmē ­dos, but séeing it must needes bee so, they s [...]e after con­ [...]aied the Gyantesse and her Daughter on shipboord, they making great mone to bee carried from the Ifland, In the same Shippe was the Crowne, Scepter, Imag [...], [...] and all the other Treasure carryed, and in an other Ship, the prisoners found in the Castell on y^• promontorie, with all things els expcdient for the voyage: then Rifarano and Lecefin taking their leaue of Palmendos & Ozalio, went on boord where the Gyantesse & the Treasure was, com­maunding their Ankers to be weyed and theyr sailes hoy­sed, the winde then seruing fitte and fa [...]ourable, and so are they sayling toward Constantinople. As yet abode Palmen­dos in the Isle of Delphos, to sée what Guilladors workmen would compasse, in so great a worke as he had giuen them charge of.

CHAP. X.

AT what time Rifarano and Le­cefin should arriue at Constanti­nople, there were assembled ma­nie great Lordes and Barons, in honour of a sollemne Feaste, which the Emperour made for the marriage of the Hungarïan Prince, Ditreus sonne to King Frysoll, and twinne Brother to [Page] [...]. Dytreus so soo [...] [...] he was armed Knight, went to the [...] Court where hee was woorthilie wel­comm [...], [...] [...]lbeit he was his Mai [...]ies Nephew, yet he loo [...]ed [...] [...]th a particuler affection, his courtecus and [...]iuill maners, ioyned with his forwardnes in Armes, gaue hope that he [...] prooue a vali [...]nt Knight heerafter. Hée [...] not [...] long in the Emperours Court and thorow­ [...] [...] with euery on [...], but hee grewe [...]namoured with the [...] of Esquiu [...], Daughter to the Soldane [...] Babilon & Alchidiana, so that béeing one day in y^• Cham­ber of his Coz [...] Philocrista, eldest Daughter to the Em­perour, deuising with her and her Sister Melicia: hee got such apt time and occasion, as hee made his intent knowne to Efquiuela, she m [...]destlie answering him, that if he faith­fully me [...]t to make her his wife, shee woulde settle her choyse vpon him onelie. Dytreus who was thereon res [...]l­ned, defired the Empero [...]r and Empresse to graunt that marriage, they béeing willing to gratif [...]e theyr Nephewe, as also to preferre the young Princesse: with the consent of King Frysoll, affianced them together, and Dytreus fea­ring the mariage would be deferred too long, sollicited the Emperour in such sort, as hee sent with all spéede to make the same known to the Soldane. In meane while, his Ma­iestie snmmoned the cheefest Lords of the Empire, to pre­pare a Tryumphe in honour of this Feaste, for the accom­plishment whereof nothing wanted, saue onely the Em­bassadours returne that went to the Soldane.

But nowe are Rifarano and Lecefin entred y^• Hauen of Constantinople, intending to lande before the Emperour should knowe any thing of them, because they came not in such equipage as happilie he woulde expect. Béeing then all Armed, except with their Helmets, they rode through the Cittie but with two Squires onelie that bare theyr La [...]nces and Helmets, they béeing wonderfullie noted of euerie one, and reputed for some strange Lordes of great [...]irth, and in this sort they came to the Pallace, wher very [Page 34] boldlie they woulde haue entred: but the Guarde stayed them, to vnderstand the cause of their comming. We are, quoth they, two Knights of Countreyes far hence distant, and hether wee come to sée and serue the Empero [...]r P [...]l­merin. You must then leaue these offens [...] Armes, aun­swered the Guard, if you meane to goe where his high [...] is: or els declare your proper names to vs, that wee [...] goe sée if it be his pleasure you shall come in this sorte b [...] ­fore him. Our Armes we will not leaue, said Rifarano, be­cause it ill beséemes an honest Knight to doo so: but you may goe certifie his Maiestie, that heere is Lecefin Sonne to the Soldane of Persia & the Princesse Zephira, in whose companie is Rifarano, Sonne to the Emperour Trineus of Allemaigne, who hūblie desire to kisse his highnes hand. His Maiestie had no sooner notice of their names, but ( [...] excéeding contentation) he sent his Sonne Primaleon wit [...] diuers other Knights, to entertaine thē as beséemed: an [...] the Moore Princes séeing euery one giue place to him that came formost, immediatlie they reputed him to be y^• Em­perours Sonne, whereupon they allighted, when Prima­leon courteously embracing them, said.

My Lordes, you are more then welcome to my [...] ­thers Court, his Maiestie béeing not a little glad of your arriuall: so taking each of them by the hand, he conducted them into the great Hall, where the Emperour sat in hy [...] Chaire attending their comming [...] and they approching the state, made offer to kisse his highnes hande, but he [...] tooke them in his armes & would not suffer them, saying. [...]now my good Cozins, that I account my selfe greatly indebted to you, in that you woulde forsake your owne Countreyes to visi [...]e me so farre off, and that I may not faile in the vse of your names, let me vnderstand w^t of you is Rifarano, albeit you bothe stande equall in my grace and fauour: yet beeing singularlie desirous to continue my loue to y^• Prin­cesse Zephira, I must consequently esteeme and affecte all that come from her. On the other side, as well for the [Page] indi [...]oluble amitie, intire [...]ie grounded in [...]ur young yeres betw [...]ne the Emperour Trineus and me, as also in regard of the all [...] vnited betweene vs: I am constrained to lo [...]e his linag [...] and po [...]eritie, and thus I woulde haue you [...] pers [...]aded, that greater good co [...]lde not happen to me, then th [...] [...]ght of th [...]m I esteeme so déerelie. Heauen so pro [...]per and fauour you in all things, as they haue thorow­lie comforted my spirits, by the very hearing of my good Freende [...] & confederates the Soldane and Zephira, whose health I pray ye resolue me of, for it is long since I hearde any thing from them.

My Lord, answered Rifarano, at what time we depar­ted Persia, we left their personnes in most safe disposition, and they by vs (humbly kissing your Maiesties [...]and) haue sent this Letter in [...]gne of the reuerence and looue they [...]are yée: now for they could not th [...]mselues come so far, they haue sent this Prince their Sonne, named Lecefin, in their stedde to d [...] anie seruiceable duetie in your royall Court. As for my selfe, I am Rifarano, Sonne to Aurecin­da, expre [...]y lea [...]ing my Countrey to haue knowledge of your excellencie, and with my vtterm [...]st ende [...]ours [...]o fol­low your seruice: cr [...]ing this licence, that I may goe sée the Emp [...]ur Tryneus my Father, whose Sonne I ac­count my selfe not onelie happie to be, but greatlie a [...]use my selfe of ingratitude, that I haue so long time deferred this voyage. Lecefin kissing the Letter, vpon his knée de­liuered it to the Emperour: which he commaunding to be op [...]d, t [...]ke and [...] followeth.

CHAP. XI.

RIfarano and Lecefin beeing no sooner set frō Delphos, but Pal­mendos followed y^• spéedy buil­ding of the Monasterie, causing religious obseruations to b [...]e v­sed in the Temple: for the peo­ple of y^• Island were good Chri­stians, although the Gyant Ba­ledon was a Pagan. The Mo­nasterie being stored with faire Uirgins, he would haue them called the Sisters of Fran­celina, and manie Ladies of great byrthe resorted thither, to liue religiou [...]ly in seruice of the worldes Creator: Pal­mendos much delighting to behold the Christians Religi­on, meaning when time and place serued, to be further in­structed therein.

Hauing ordered euerie thing to his own contentm [...]nt, [Page 38] and placed Guillador in Iustice till the Emperour sent some other: hee with Ozalio tooke shipping, sayling sire daies with prosperous windes toward [...] Constantinople, yet first he determined to lande in Thr [...]e, [...] [...]ee woulde heare some new [...]s of the Emperours Court [...], and of Fran­celina if possiblie he could. Ryding thus with the fauour of Aeolus and Neptune, he came within sight of the [...]wo de­stroyed Townes Sestus and Abydos, when one of the Py­lo [...]s certified him, that he sawe diuers Ships and Foystes eager lie [...]ghting together, which made Palmēdos to co [...]e vp on the decke, to sée if he could difcerne what they were. H [...]aring the great tumult and cry made in the vessell [...]s, especiallie in two that séemed better prouided for warre then the other: hee was desirous to goe more neere them, wherefore he commaunded the Maister so to doo, that th [...]y might helpe them which too much were oppressed. Nowe to acquaint ye with the cause heerof, it is so, that when the Soldane o [...] Babylon and Alchidiana vnderstoode the mari­age intended by the Emperour, betweene their daughter and Dytreus Prince of Hungaria: they were very ioyfull of so great alliance, and t [...]erefore would sende them great store of ryches by their youngest Sonne, who had not yet receiued his order of knighthood. This young Prince was named Abenunco, a gentle youth and very well gyuen, who earne [...]ly intreated his Mother, to obtaine so much of the Soldane his Father, that after his Sisters mariage, he might stay a while at Constantinople, which sute at her request the Soldane gra [...]nted, and therefore sent him by Sea well a [...]companied with Knights. Abenunco say [...]ing along the cost of Thrace, mette with Ocurites King of Cu­laquin, who was Sonne in law to the great Turke, and re­puted the hardiest Knight among al the Turki [...]h Nobili­tie: his Maiestie hauing giuen his Daughter in mariage to this Barbarian, shee béeing one of the most accomplished Ladies in all Heathenesse. Ocurites knowing the [...] ­rate mall [...]ce betwéene the Emperour and his Father in [Page] Lawe, (the more to please him) prouided himselfe [...] good strength by Sea, and dailie came vppon [...]he Coast [...] of Greece, sending [...] with strōg Brigandines be [...]ore him, to dis [...]ouer what Christians stirred abroade, and sundry ti [...]es tooke many of them captiues, as nowe he intended to doo by the Soldans Sonn [...]. When Ocuri­tes by y^• streamers and banderolles heard of the Babilonian Prince, and knewe (withall) that his father was a chéefe Freende to the Emperour: in great furie with his Ships he sette vpon him, Abenunco with his Knights defended themselues so well as they coulde. During this conflicte [...]almendos approched very néere them, and of a Galley [...]il­led with Christian slaues, he demaunde [...] the cause of this [...]erce encounter.

Sir, answered one of the [...]aues, he to whom this great traine of shypping appertaineth, is Ocurites King of Cu­laquin, and Sonne to the great Turke, that with diuers of his [...]eague & faction dailie coastes on Greece, to endamag [...] the Emperour Palmerin, enemie to his Father, and those he hath nowe mette withal, belong to the Soldane of Ba­bilon, they sayling (as we vnderstand) toward Constantino­ple. When the Prince heard what the Christian had said, he [...]rauelie encouraged his Cozin Ozalio, in a [...]isting the wel [...]willers t [...] the noble Emperour: so comming to the Kings Ship, he thus spake.

Nor shalt thou Ocurites offend so good a Prince, as is the Emperour of Constantinople, heerewith he beganne to lay about him valiantlie, and Ozalio not one inche behind him, made the enemie well vnderstand his inuincible cou­rage. Palmendos knowing the King by his rich Armour, gaue him such a peazaunt stroke with the h [...]lttes of his Sword on the Helmet, as made him stagger, and at length fall downe, whē offering to rise againe, Palmendos caught h [...] so strongly by the Helmet, a [...] he pulde it violently frō of his head: kéeping him stil vnder his Sword in such sub­i [...]tion, as at length he was caryed prisoner into the Prin­ces [Page 39] Cabin, and there committed him to the charge of foure trustie Knights. In meane while Ozalio fought with the Kings Brother, who vnderstanding that Ocurites was taken prysoner, did what he coulde to recouer him againe: but Ozalio stept betweene him and his purpose, still la­bouring him with so manie, hardi [...] strokes, as at length he smote his head frō his shoulders. The rest beholding theyr King taken and his Brother slayne, bes [...]e the great mas­sacre made among them, and that they were no way able to withstand theyr fortune: a number fel hedlong into the Sea, rather then they wold die vnder the enemies sword. Palmendos séeing no further resistaunce, but y^• the Turks were vtterly discom [...]ted: he caused such prisoners as were taken to be made sure, the Ships likewise to bee seazed on as his owne: then comming to Ozalio, whose forwardnes he commended, he willed him to see all things disposed as beséemed such a victory, afterward he embraced y^• Soldans Sonne, and diuers courteous ceremonies passing betwéen them, the one for his happy deliueraunce, the other repor­ting what he had doone was for the Emperours sake, at length Palmendos vsed these spéeches.

My Lorde, willingly woulde I beare yee companie to Constantinople, but that a voyage of great importance dooth vrgentlie call me to another place, yet séeing you are deli­uered from the Tyrant Ocurites, and all your Knights in sufficient safety, let me obtaine this fauour at your hands, to take the King with ye to Constantinople, and all y^• Chri­stian prisoners deliuered from captiuitie. Them shall yee present on my behalfe to the Emperour Palmerin, re­questing that this auncient Christian enemie may be safe­lie kept, vntill I come to sée his Maiestie, which shall bee with all the expedition I can. Woorthy Sir, aunswer [...]d Abenunco, it greeues me that your iourn [...]y lyes not pre­sentlie to Constantinople, because I shoulde thinke my selfe happie in hauing your companie, béeing the man to wh [...]m I am continuallie bounde for my life and libertie: and [Page] [...]eereof I am assured, that ouer and aboue your gracious welcome, you shall winne the honour of the famous Try­umphe, ordained by the Emperour at the marriage of my Sister with the Prince of Hungaria.

And hartilie sorrie am I, aunswered Palmendos, that I cannot be present in so woorthy an assemblie: whereof at this time you may well excuse mee, not doubting but I shall come with some sufficient amends for my stay. These speeches he vttered, his thoughts beeing farre otherwise, for so soone as he heard of the Ioustes at Constantinople, he determined to goe thether secretlie, without making him­selfe known to anie, but as a strange Knight to aduenture his fortune among other: wherefore he departed from A­benunco, who offered him manie riche presents for hys great kindnes, yet woulde not hee accept of anie. Abe­nunco returned him manie thankes, cheefelie for hys promise, that hee woulde in shorte time visite the Empe­rour in personne: so after many courteous speeches, and sundry familliar farewelles, Palmendos commaunded his Pilot to launche into the high Seas, for that he intended an other kind of course.

CHAP. XII.

GReatly did Abenunco cōmende his fortune, in finding so good succour at a time of such necessi­tie, and all the Knights in hys cōpanie held opinion, that Pal­mendos was the only flowre of Chiualrie: but aboue all other the Christian slaues, accoūting their deliuerance for a miracle, imagined the Author thereof was some great Freende to the Emperour. In this ioy they sayled till they came to Constantinople, where his Ma­iestie béeing aduertised that the Soldans Sonne was ar­riued, commaunded Primaleon, Ditreus, and many of hys best Barons to goe conduct him to the Court. In meane while, Abenunco clothing himselfe most sumptuously, caused the King Ocurites and the Christian prysoners to be carryed on shore, that h [...]e might not fayle in the charge giuen him by Palmendos: so the Babilonian Prince riding to the Courte, with all the prisoners going orderlie b [...]fore him, he gaue charge to one of his cheefest Knights, that hée should present them to his Maiestie, and béeing come into the Emperours presence, the Knight deliu [...]red these spée­ches.

High and mightie Monarche of the world, b [...]hold héere [Page] the King of Culaquin, Sonne to the great Turke, who kee­ping the Seas with a stronge power to endaunger your Empire, our Maister the Prince. Abenunco and wee, [...]ell into his [...]aunger: from which [...] woorthy Knight named Palmendos, by deedes of rare and hautie Chiualrie, deli­ [...]ered v [...] in a time most needefull, and therefore hath sent bothe v [...] and hi [...] to your excellencie, [...]esiring that Ocuri­tes should be safely kept till he come himselfe. These sun­dry good turne [...] receiued from a Knight vnknowne, droue the Emperour into wonderfull admiration, and for hee could not imagine whence they should proccede, therefore he was the more desirous to behol [...]e the Knight: where­vppon hee committed the King into a strong Towre, com­maunding hee shoulde haue all thinges necessary for hys health, and a Page to attende on him least he shoulde of­fend himsel [...]e.

But nowe is Abenunco by Primaleon and the other Princes brought to the Emperour, who embracing him very honourably in his armes, gaue him such entertaine­ment as beseeme [...] his estate, & for hee was not yet knigh­ted, he willed he should be be [...]fellow to his Sonne Prima­leon, which vnited a faithfull league of amitie betweene them, hoping one day to trauell as companions in Armes together. Abenunco hauing likewise tolde the Emperour of his good successe, and wonderfull deliueraunce by the meanes of Palmendos: gaue no little contentment to Ri­farano and Lecefin, who imagined themselues as mnch be­holding to the Prince as anie. Afterward he was conduc­ted to the Empresse Chamber, where she and her Ladies graciously welcommed him: but especially the Princesse Esquiuela his Sister, because hee came to confirme what she most desired. My Lord and Brother, quoth she, nothing coulde happen to my greater contentment, then to haue your presence in the honour prepared for me, whereto sée­ing our gracious parents coulde not come, they haue for my sake sent you in their place: and doubt not but your [Page 41] [...]ntertainment shall be such, as shall agrée with theyr ex­pectation and your owne woorthines. Faire Sister, aun­swered Abenunco, the Soldane our Father [...]earing what honour the Emperour intended, by gi [...]ing you in mariage to the Prince Ditreus his Nephew, hath s [...]t me to tha [...] the Emperour on his behalfe, offering for this contract to articulate with his Maiestie, in all such thinges [...] with honour hee shall demaunde. As for our gracious Mother Alchidiana, she hath sent ye by me Iewels [...] Treasur [...] beséeming your degrée, that on your mariage [...]y yee may witnes the royall race from whence you are discended, not doubting but before you depart this Courte, to make the magnificence of the Babilonian Prince so famous, as th [...] most opulent Lorde of Asia shall not compare therewith. Diuers other spéeches passed betwéene the Brother & the Sister, till the Coffers of Treasure were brought and de­liuered to the Princesse, which when Ditreus behelde, h [...] iudged them to excéede the limits of all frugalitie, & might full well beséeme the greatest state in Christendome. Now did the Emperor cause the Tourney to be openly proclai­med, and the fift day following the mariage was solemni­zed, great store of worthy Knights resorting day by day to the Court, that all y^• field appointed for Try [...]mphes was couered ouer with Tents.

Among other came thether Lynedes the Lorde of Li­que, he that hazarded himselfe so farre in the aduenture of Francelina, béeing (in sooth) reputed one of the most vali­ant men at Armes in all Greece, and the renowne of thys mariage drew him from his Castell, accompanied onelie with the Countie of Pelada his Cozin, who albeit hee was younger then Lynedes, yet was he thought little inferiour to him in Chiualrie. This Countie had espoused a Ladie of great parentage, and lou [...]d her with such singuler affec­tion, as hee brought her in company to sée the Ioustes at Constantinople. Béeing there arriued, they woulde not en­ter the Cittie, but sette vppe their Tent far distant from [Page] all the rest, and afterward sent a Squire to the Courte, to publish that whosoeuer would ha [...]ard himselfe in y^• Tour­ney: shoulde [...]nde two Knights there ready in the fielde, that woulde Ioust with anie one durst enter the Lystes, such therefore as were min [...]d to make pr [...]ofe of their va­lour, might be entertained for thrée or foure courses. These spéeches béeing heard by the Duke of Pera, he stept to the Squire, and thus answered.

You may my Freende returne to your Maisters, and say that such as are minded to [...]oust, will not stay long ere they enter the Fielde: then turning to the Knights of the Court, he proceeded in this manner. Doubtlesse these Knights are valiant and hardie, that are lothe to she we themselues [...]othfull in any veruous exercise. With this aunswer the Squire went backe to the Tent, and the two Cozins béeing satis-fied there with, prepared [...]rong Laun­ces at the entraunce of their Pauilton, for all such as shold come to [...]oust against them: but the Countie intreted Li­nedes, to suffer him make y^e first triall of his fortune, which he did in regarde of his loue to his Ladie, who had caus [...]d the Tent to be so commodiously placed, as shee might at pleasure beholde all the pastimes, decking h [...]rselfe in most gorgious attire, and brauelie attended on by h [...]r waigh­ting woman, to out countenance such as came against her Lorde and Husband.

The Emperour vnderstanding what m [...]ssage y^• Squire had brought, imagined that these two Knights were Pal­mendos and his Cozin Ozalio: for when one thing conti­nuallie beateth on a mans conceit, hee imagineth [...]uerye thing conformable to the same. Wherefore h [...] tolde his opinion to the Prince Rifarano, who could not think th [...]m to be the Lordes of Tharsus, yet to satisfie the Emper [...]urs minde, he mounted on horsebacke, and acc [...]mpanied with other Knights of the Court, r [...]de to the Tent where the two Cozins [...]. Saluting the Squir [...]s, hee [...]ntred finding Lynedes vna [...]ed, but his Cozin was prouided at [Page 42] all p [...]ints except his Helmet: whereuppon he demaunded if they were the Knightes that sent the challenge to the Court? to whom the Lord of Lique. aunswered, that they were, th [...]n Rifarano proceeded thus. Gentlemen, ye haue attempted a thing (in mine opinion) but little for your ease: but I thinke you did it to this ende, that you might meete with [...]me one to abate your pride and presunipti­on.

When that comes to passe, aunswered Lynedes, wee shall but accompanie manie other, who vnable to effect their hautie enterprises, haue remained frustrate in theyr disseignes: in vaine therfore shal ye take any further care for our affaires, but if you wil goe Arme your selfe, return and prooue what this Knight can doo, who is more destrous to fight with his Sworde then his tongue, other wise you offer iniurie to the order, which euery noble minde prefer­reth as his proper life. Rifarano some what moou [...]d wyth these words, tooke his leaue and returned to the Emperor assuring him that these Knights were not Palmendos and Ozalio, not withstanding they seemed good & hardie Cham­pions, discended of some great birthe, in that they were so woorthilie accompanied, with women of choyse and singu­ler beautie, as also Gentlemen of c [...]uill behauiour. Héere­vpon many Knights [...]ousted with the Countie, who styll bare away the honour of the [...]elde, Lynedes all this while not arming himselfe, for the woorthy successe of his Cozin deserued high commendation, wherof his Lady was not a little proude, to s [...]e her husbande performe such Chiualrie. Rifarano and Lecefin enuying the Counties glory, inten­ded to see how they shoulde spéed in the [...]oust, yet they de­sired [...]o defer it til the last day, when they vanquishing the Counti [...] and Lynedes his Cozin, might beare away the whole praise of the Tryumph: but others came in meane while and altered their intent, as you at large shall per­ceiue heereafter.

CHAP. XIII.

THe King of Fraunce, Father to Lewes Duke of Burgundie, b [...]e­ing at y^• extreame poynt of his life, among other things remē ­bred, that when the peace was concluded betwéene the Empe­rour Palmerin and him, they determined vpon an alliaunce by marriage, if God graunted them issue wherby to doo it: to the end that in the heroycall house of Fraunce, Sonnes and daughters might be nourished, procéeding from such wor­thie aunc [...]ers, as the like might not be found thorow the whole worlde.

For this cause, when the time likewise shoulde con­ueniently agree therewith, he commaunded his Sonne to remember the Emperour of his promise: which Prince Lewes promising his dying Father to performe, with ex­céeding sorrow accomplished his funeralles, and making [...]hoyse afterward for his owne fancie, in hope to fulfill his Fathers desire in his issue, hee maried with the daughter to the King of Castile, by whom hee had thrée Sonnes, and two Daughters that were borne at a byrth. His eldest S [...]nne was named Arnedes, whose minde was euermore giuen to Armes and Millitarie discipline, wherein time [Page 43] and vse made him so expert, as he was estéemed the oneli [...] Champion of Fraunce. It came so to passe, as the King of Fraunce marryed one of his Daughters with the Kyng of Scicilie, at whose marriage Arnedes wunne such fame by his Chiualrie, as the report of him was blazed thorowe manie prouinces. To this marriage likewise came one of his Cozins, Sonne to the King of Castile, and named Re­cinde, who conceiued so good liking of Arnedes behauiour, that they swore an inuiolable league of amitie betweene them twain, neuer to forsake eche others companie in matters of Armes: where with the Queene was [...]ighly con­tented, because shee looued her Cozin Recinde with intire affection.

King Lewes seeing his Sonne. Arnedes of yeeres to haue a Wife, and fearing he should els where dispose hys lyking, one day called him into his Chamber, and thus conferred with him. My Sonne, such is the naturall in­clination of my looue towards thee, as I would not wyshe anie thing to thee, but to haue thee as well contented ther­with as my selfe: to this end I vse these speeches, for that our late kinglie Father of famous memorie, at the verie shutting vppe of his latest dayes, gaue me charge to ioyne thee in marriage with the Emperours Daughter of Con­stantinople, that such issue (as no doubt) shall procéede from you bot [...]e, may some what resemble their famous aunce­sters. Wherefore I am determined, right soone to send an Embassage to him, to sollicite this mariage which I hope he will like well of: and this I can assure thee, if Fame tell no leasings, that the Princesse Philocrista nowe aged sixteene y [...]eres, is a Ladie of such rare & singuler beautie, as Nature hath not framed the like vnder the moouing of these eyght Spheres.

When the Prince Arnedes saw that his Father tal­ked so courteously with him about these affayres, he hum­lye intreated him not to trauaile any further in y^e matter, for there was time enough heereafter to deale in such oc­casions: [Page] wherwith the King paci [...]ed him, because he saw his Sonne so colde (as he thought) in matter of marriage, nor would he trouble him any more therewith afterward. But the young Prince, wise and aduised in concealing his owne desires, hauing long before heard faire Pilocrista cō ­mended beyond compare, as also the deedes of the Knights in the Emperour Palmerins Court, he had no leysure now to forbid them his remembraunce, so that fayne would hee compasse a secrete iourn [...]y to Constantinople, intending if the Princesse pleased, to demaunde her of the Emperour in marriage, and if his Maiestie would not consent there­to, hée intended to doo such exployts in Greece, as the ho­nourable prayse of them should compass [...] his loue. Thys was the proiect of Arnedes resolution, which in secrete he impar [...]ed to his Cozin Recind, who with mighty perswa­sions annimated him heerein: vowing that till death they would loyalli [...] [...] freendly companions, and so well gouerne themselues by disgu [...]ng theyr persons, and con­trarying their languages in these affayres, as the mo [...] skilfull head sh [...]ulde not searche the depth of their intent. When the two Cozins were thus determined, Arnedes imagining it no wisedome to iugle with his Father, went and requested a fauour at his highnes hande, the effecte whereof was thus.

Gracious Lorde and Father, quoth hee, my desire is (without your displeasure) that I may got [...]ee the Prin­cesse Philocrista, as well to like as loue before any motion of marriage: and for my Cozin Recinde will beare me cō ­pany, I wold haue your Maiestie so perswaded, y^• in secret disgui [...]ng we wil passe vnknowne of anie, much lesse giue occasion of suspect what we are, not doubting but by our vertuous behauiour, to yeelde you content by our [...]oyage, and our selues good report. Beside, the worlde is well ac­quainted therwith, that this Emperour of Constantinople had not w [...]nne such fame and renowne, but onely by the innumerable Trophes, erected in diuers Regions of hys [Page 44] youthfull trauailes, which are examples sufficient for Knights of high desire, not to desist from worthy enterpry­fes for the obiect of death, who without regarde of time or place, pursueth in ambush the steppes of the woorthiest. Nor let doubt of our stay in Greece hinder vs, good father: for as we goe not to build any dwelling there, so is y^• hope of our returne to be expected more spéedie. It greatlie dys­pleaseth mee, answered the King, that I haue promised to myne owne dyscontentment, and which much more wyll redownde to your disaduantage: but seeing I haue past my worde, and in thys sorte you meane personally to vysite Greece, goe in Gods name, who guyde and sende you safely home agayne, els will your stay more hurt mee then you can imagine.

Humbly taking his leaue of the King, because he wold not haue his departure knowne, hee secretly gotte him to Marseilles, accompanied with none but his Cozin Recinde, his Dwarffe and three other, where [...]nding a Ship rea­die, they hoysed sayle and away, landing at the first Porte they came to in Greece, and commaunding the Shyppe to stay for them at Constantinople. One day Arnedes & Recind rested themselues where they landed, and the next day rode forward on theyr iourney, vnderstanding by the way what braue Tryumph [...]s were ordayned at the Courte, which pleasing them not a little, they made such dilligent speede, as they arriued there three dayes before the sports were ended: euen at the very instant, when the Countie had vanquished an other Knight in the [...]oust. Arnedes beholding the braue behauiour of the Conquerer, and that the Knights made daintie who shold try his fortune next, noting beside the honourable assemblie there present with the Emperour (who meruail [...]d what these two newe come Knights should be, vntill hee had aduisedlic marked theyr Armes, when immediatly hee iudged them to bee Frenchmen:) gaue the spurres to hys Horse and ranne a­gainst the Conntye, eache of them breaking theyr staues [Page] gallantly without any further daunger. At the seconde course the Countie was vnhorssed by Arnedes, whereat the Emperour and his Lordes very much [...], highly commending the behauiour of the French Knight. Needes must we thinke that Lynedes was offended, séeing his Co­zin throwne so furiously to the ground, wherefore Arming himselfe speedily and mounting on horse backe, with a ve­ry strong Launce he angerly encountred Arnedes, who gaue his en [...]mie as good as hee brought. Lynedes was ve­ry chollericke that he had spedde no better, whereuppon at the seconde race, Arnedes met him so full in the carrire, as he cast him out of his saddle ouer the crupper of his Horse: he thinking to recouer himselfe, and lothe to forsake the raynes of hys brydle, caused his horse to fall bacwarde vp­pon him, that hee was the worse for this fall long time af­ter. But Arnedes he remayned fresh & frollick, as though he had yet done nothing at all, wherefore hee came to hys companion, saying.

Nowe let vs goe kisse my Lord the Emperors hand, séeing there is no more to be done here: and so in y^• troupe they withdrew themselues, each one merua [...]ling at thys Frenchmans valour, because they knew Lynedes was ac­counted one of the hardiest Knights in Greece. When the Emperour saw them comming toward him, hee a [...]aunced himselfe to entertaine them, and embracing them graci­ously in his armes, sayd. Right welcome are yee Gentle­men into thys C [...]untrey, where you haue excéedingly con­tented mee by your fortunate successe: let mee therefore know of whence and what ye are, that I may loue and e­stéeme ye accordingly. It is the wonted grace and vertue of your Maiestie, answered Arnedes, that makes ye euer­more regard poore trauailing Knights, although theyr de­serts be nothing equiualent: the renowne whereof sprea­ding thorow al Regions, caused vs forsake Fraunce to come offer ye our seruice. Wee are, my Lorde, Knights atten­ding on the King of Fraunce, where hearing y^e daily report, [Page 45] what magnificent Chiualrie was héere continua [...]ie exer­cised: we came (so please it your Mai [...]stie) to liue in you [...] Court, as men willing to learne the rule [...] of Martiall dis­cipline, not doubting but to gaine such grace, as shall satis­fie the desire that mooued vs héereto. I th [...]nke you, quoth the Emperor for the paine you haue en [...]d in this [...]our­ney, which amplie [...]eclares the generositie of your braue mindes, because such principles cannot procéede but from hautie and resolute courage: with thése wordes (for thys daie) he returned to the Pallace, commaunding Arnedes to goe on his right hand, and Recinde on his left, they both meruailing to se [...] the goodlie traine of Knights that atten­ded on the Emperour.

All the way his Maiestie eyed Arnedes verie much, imagining he saw the liuelie countenance of Lewes Duke of Burgundie: and therefore desired to know his name and parentage. telling him whō he resembled in many points. In trueth my Lord, answered the French Prince, it not be­séemes me to dallie with your Maiestie, I am King Lewes his eldest Sonne. therfore I am the more like to him. And for his sake, said the Emperour, must I needes loue yée the more, because héeretofore I receiued by him and his Bro­ther very great honour: yet for his highnes perceiued that Arnedes was willing to be vnknown, he cut off these spée­ches, and being come to y^• Pallace, after the Princes were bothe vnarmed, hee welcommed them as beséemed theyr estates.

Primaleon dailie accompanied Arnedes and Recinde, because his Father had so commaunded him, yet could not the French Prince but meruaile, that all this while h [...] might not sée Philocrista, the [...]ause whereof was, the La­dies were lothe to be séene till Dytrcus wedding day, whē [...]ach one would then s [...]rpasse in bra [...]erie, till which time he was glad and faine to holde himselfe contented. Nowe had Bruquell his Dwarffe leysure to gette acquaintaunce with Risdeno Primalcons Dwarffe, for they were bothe [Page] of like stature and qualitie, and therfore their familiaritie was not long in breeding. Lynedes & the Countie displea­sed with their hard fortune, yet they were in hope to reco­uer their foile at the mariage Tourney, which made their greefes the better pacified: nowe leaue we th [...]m a while, to speake somewhat of the Princes of Tharsus.

CHAP. XIIII.

OUr gentle Knight Palmendos, merilie sayled on, hoping in short time to content his earnest de­sire [...], and hauing left Abenunco by Sestus and Abydos, hee cōman­ded his Pilot to strike to the ne­rest Porte for Constantinople, so with fauourable wind and wea­ther they came to Saint Lordin, which is a marine Cittie, foure daies iourney from Constantinople. There hee and Ozalio went on shore, onelie to chaunge their Armour & Shéelds, because they would gladlie escape vnknown: and hauing made [...] quicke dispatch, they rode till they came to y^• house of an auncient Knight, poore in goods, but noble of harte and person, who inuited them fréendly to be his guestes: and there were they right courteou [...]y entertained, though not with daintie and delicate viands, yet with indifferent [Page 46] good cheere and kind humanitie, which speciallie procee­ded from the Knights Wife and her faire Daughter, who dilligentlie noted the behauiour of these Knightes. Such was the countenaunce of the young Damosell, as by the continual office of her eyes, her hart began to be somwhat touched, and fáine woulde shee participate of the pleasure her minde conceiued: whereto Palmendos likewise was somewhat prouoked, séeing his eyes ouer busted with ba­thing in the floode of delight, which the presence o [...] thys Damosell onelie procured.

All Supper time these queint glaunces endured, when among other talke they had together, the olde Knight de­maunded of his guestes, if they trauailed to the Tourney at Constantinople: for yesterday, quoth hee, came I thence, not a little meruailing, to sée the number of Knights come thether from all Countreyes: herewith he discoursed the successe of Arnedes against the Countie of Pelada and hys Cozin, likewise howe the two Frenchmen continued May­sters of the [...]elde. But canne none in all the Emperours Courte, quoth Palmendos, where are such store of valiant Gentlemē, out goe those French Cozins in déeds of Armes? Truelie Sir, answered the old Knight, it is a matter much to be ineruailed, neuerthelesse, I thinke if Belcar Sonne to the King of Hungaria & Brother to the Bridegr [...]me that shall be, coulde come thether, he would dispossesse y^• Frenc [...] men of the victorie, which they haue gotten of the Cou [...] ­and Lynedes, considering what fame is dailie bruited a­broade of him, for his rare prowesse in garding the aduen­ture of Francelina. And since y^e time of his famous attēpt, no Knight hath arriued there in hope to ende the enchant­ment, but Belcar euermore hath béene his Conquerour, yet Francelina continueth in the Castell of the Fayries styll▪ and shall till some Knight (more fort [...]nate th [...]n Belcar) can gette her foorth, notwithstanding, hee hath vowed no one shall d [...] it, séeing himselfe hath fayled in the tryall, ex­cept be first surpasse him in valour and prowesse. [Page] Palmendos hearing the name of Francelin [...], was assayled­with such a suddaine & vehement passion, procéeding from the vnquenchable flame, wherein his hart lay [...]urning for her loue: as his countenaunce altered, and his very soul [...] was touched with the word Francelina. Wherefore most instantlie hee desired the [...]night his Hoste, to tell him of what race the Ladie was discended, and (withall) to pro­céede in discourse of the [...]uenture, which so manie woor­thy [...]ights had lost their labours about: lik [...]wise to tell hi [...] in what Country the C [...]stel was, where the Fairies ha [...] appointed this enchauntment, because he h [...]d sundrie ti [...] h [...]d spéeches therof, yet could not méete with anie o [...]e to resolue him of the trueth.

[...]nowe then good Sir, answered the old Knight, that this Ladie is on [...] of the fairest and moste gracious Prin­cesses [...] ▪ that this earthlie habitation enioyes betweene the t [...]o Tropiques of heauen, Daughter to the King of Thes­s [...]lie, nowe [...]risoner to the great Turke, shee béeing ta [...]n [...]orth of her Cradle, and encl [...]sed in the Cast [...]ll of Cande­ [...]ia▪ by the three enchaunting Sisters of the Island, bec [...]se [...]hey: foresaw by theyr Magicall arte, that her Father (who was theyr no [...]le Fr [...]ende) neuer could [...] deliuered fr [...]m the captiuitie of the I [...]fidels▪ but by [...]he [...] pe [...]ect ac [...]omplished Knight. Thus did they direct [...] thys enchauntm [...]nt, that the renowne of [...] beauti [...] ▪ [...]t be bl [...]zed by them throug [...] all Region [...], and desir [...] to gaine the kingd [...]me of Thessalie, (for hee that shall deli­uer [...]; must enioy her as his Wife, next heire af­ter the death of y^e captiue King) might [...]ncourage [...] to co [...]e proo [...]e this adu [...]ture: whether many [...] in hope of h [...]y conquest, as the afore n [...]med Prin [...]. Bel­car did, bu [...] he wa [...]ts stre [...]gth as su [...]dry other haue do [...]ne, y [...]t▪ will he [...]ke the accesse to this Fortresse more diffy­c [...]lt▪ [...]till he for [...]hom the Princesse is des [...], arriue there with so [...]h [...] and mag [...]animite, [...]shall en­force him to fors [...] the p [...]e. Manie o [...]er [...] [Page 47] concerning the Historie of Franceli [...]a (alrea [...]) [...] in the B [...]ke of Palmerin d'Oliua,) did the olde [...] count to the Prince Palmendos, who h [...]uing [...] gre [...] attention noted all, was strooken m [...]te and [...]ch am [...]zed: for so was his spirit caryed awai [...] with [...]we [...]nd dyue [...] thoughts, that he could hardlie tel what to doo [...]r s [...]y▪ Now he remembers the olde Womans wordes, an [...] sawe th [...]re was some likelihoode of trueth in them, thinking becaus [...] shée had spoken so much of Francelina, that shee w [...]s o [...]e [...] the Fayries which framed this enchauntment: the end [...] and abolishing whereof hee thought was rese [...]d for him onelie, comparing all pa [...]ed comectures toge [...]her, whic [...] made his hart conceiue incredible ioy, and thus [...] to p [...]rle with himselfe.

Alas Palmendos, well mightest thou account thy selfe fauoured of thy starres and Fortune, if thou couldest con­quer a Ladie of so faire and perfect beautie, and [...]herby at­taine the Kingdome of Thessalie, adi [...]yning to the [...] of thy Lord and Fath [...]rs Empire. Such was his inwa [...] ioy conceiued by these newes, in hearing her spoken o [...] whom his hart most of all honoured, as he said to the old [...] Knight. When you vnderstand, gentle Sir, tha [...] Palmen­dos is come to the Emperours Court, let me [...] y [...] to trauaile thether, and there shall I cause [...]im [...]o [...] the courtesie, which we béeing strangers haue héere recei­ued. Then commaunded he one of his Squires to bring a great bagge of Gold and Iewels, which hee powred foorth vppon the Table, giuing the olde Knight and his Daugh­ter the most part thereof: to the end hee should sée her ho­nourablie married, and furnish her with all things besee­ming such a beautifull Bride. The Knight and his daugh­ter séeing so much Treasure, fell downe on their knees and wou [...]d haue kissed his hande: but he very kindly tooke them vppe in his ar [...]es, saying this was nothing in re­sp [...]ct of that he would doo for thē [...]. For his minde beeing euer giuen to liberalitie, receiued such cont [...]ntment [Page] by the speech [...] o [...] his Hoste: as rare and precious thinge [...] séemed of no account, for her swéete sake who was y^• God­desse and [...] of his h [...]rt. All this night hee passed in premeditating what hee ought to doo in the present occasi­on, at length he resolued to goe see the Tourney, without making himselfe knowne to anie one, because soone after he would Iourney to the Isle of Carderia, heerupon he sent a Squire in the morning to S. Lordin, to leaue order that the [...]hyp should meete him at Macedon. Then courte­ously taking their leaue, Ozalio and he rode towarde Con­stantinople, whether the old Knight wold haue borne them companie, but Palmendos perswaded him to the contrarie, [...]nd so sette away in great haste, arriuing in the euening within two miles of Constantinople, from whence he sent [...] Squire to the Cittie, to vnderstand what was doone at the Court, and when the cheefest day for the Tourney shoulde be. The Squire well discharged [...]is Maisters commaund, [...]nd returned with full satis-fying him in euery point, [...]herefore Palmendos and Ozalio determined betweene themselues, not to ryde together in companie, but eche one alone with hi [...] [...]quire, and to returne thence very secretly againe: nor woulde they stay there but the two cheefest daye [...], le [...]st happilie they might be discouered, and so slac [...] their io [...]rney to the Isle of Carderia.

CHAP. XV.

VVHen the long expected daie o [...] mariage was come, the Empe­rour with all his Knight [...] were very richlie clothed, but especi­ally Arnedes, Son to the King of Fraunce, hee was excéeding braue bothe in attire and coun­tenaunce, for the hope he had to sée faire Philocrista, to whom he hadde religiously dedicated hi [...] hart.

Nowe set they forwarde in order to the Temple, the Empresse with Phylocrista and her other Daughters ac­companied the Bryde, with al the Ladies of blood royal in the Courte: so that i [...] one shoulde sitte downe to decipher their sumptuous attire, or els in speeches to cōmende theyr surpassing beautie, it would ouer-trauaile the eloqu [...]nce of Demosthenes or Cicero. But Philocrista was the fayrest starre among them all, which drewe the Prince Arnedes minde into such admiration, as hadde not his eyes beene witnesses of the same, hardlie coulde report haue induced him to beleeue it. For euen as the Sunne, the most excel­lent of all the Planettes, she wing it selfe in the Horyzon, dooth confounde the brightnes of all the starres together, and dazels theyr eye [...] which long gaze theron: euen so re­sembled [Page] the Princesse Philocrista, whose cel [...]stiall portra­ture disgraced all the other Ladies, and altred the iudge­ment of Arnedes in such sort, as he reputed her far beyond the [...], that appeared to the Sheephearde Paris on the Mountaine of Ida, when of him she was iudged to bee fayrest of the three.

The Empresse and her Ladies all mounted on theyr Palfrayes, with such pompe and state as was neuer séene the like: Primaleon on a lustie Courser of Barbarie, wyth rich caparisons after the Turkishe manner, conducted the Bryde, and Abenunco her Brother rode with the Prin­cesse Philocrista. Lecefin who looued her more aduisedlie, rode on her other [...]e for cōpanies sake, but Arnedes whō loue impatiently ouermaistred, vsed such meanes by ma­naging his Horse, as he gotte the Prince of Babilon out of his place, mooued thereto by earnest desire, that he might contemplate her beautie more easilie: whereat Lecefin wa [...] meruailously offended, conceiuing a mortall hatred [...]gaint him, perce [...]ing he had a ryuall in his loue. Recind accompanied the Princesse Melicia, who in his eye séemed bothe fayre and modest, Rifarano telling her by the way, that this Knight came with him which conquered the Countie, and for his laudable vertues deserued estimati­on: wherupon she began to conferre with Recinde, which she coulde doo with singuler regarde, in respecte of the rare gyfts bestowed on her by nature. In breefe, thys royall trayne is come to the Temple, and there is the marriage sollemnlie effected, returning to the Pallace with selfe­same maiestie they went thether. What should we waste time in speaking of the Feaste, when there is none so sim­ple but considereth, that the Feastes of Emperours ex­ceede common repetition: then may wee repute this sol­lemnitie aunswerable to that of the Gods, made at y^• nup­tialles of Peleus with the Goddesse Thetis. After Dinner the Lordes and Ladies fell to dauncing, a fitte occasion sor Louers to commune with theyr Ladies, yet dyssembled [Page 49] with such cunning modestie, as the eye and action were chéefe messengers of the hart, eche Ladie holding such opi­nion of her beloued, as their seuerall hope was for the ho­nour of the Tourney.

The time béeing so passed ouer, a [...] the newe married couple must to y^• place of amourous contentation, the Em­presse with her Daughters brought Esquiuela into y^• bri [...] Chamber, leauing her in bedde attending for the comming of the Bridegroome, who was soone after honourably con­ducted thether by the Emperour, and so committed to en­ioy her whom he had so long desired. Now are y^• Knight [...] close in their Chambers, when Arnedes thus communed with Recinde. What thinke yee Cozin of the beautie of Mada [...]e Philocrista? did you euer sée a more rare & per­fect creature? right soone must I giue end to these vrgent affaires, and ease the burthen of mine oue [...]-charged spirit: therefore wil I presentlie dispatch a Courrier to the King my Father, that he may with spéede send honourable Em­bassadors to the Emperour, whereby this desired mariage may be concluded. Meane while I wil sound the bottome of this amorous floode, and trie if the iudgement of fayre Philocrista, bee aunswerable to her exeelling beautie, and if the inward vertue agrée with the outward singuler per­fections. I may repute my selfe the happiest Knight in the world, in compassing the looue of so inestimable a Iewell. In sooth my Lord, aunswered Recinde, great cause haue ye to commend the Lady, and I desire that the like fortunate successe may befall mee, as I doubt not but will speedilie happen to you: for on mine owne behalfe, the grace and courtesie of Melicia hath giuen me a fauourable entrance, which if it procéed not to my harts desire, much better had it beene that I neuer had séene her. With these wordes Arnedes embraced his Cozin, saying. Howe sweetlie d [...]o these spéeches sound in mine eares, séeing thereby thou art my trustie companion in all thinges: lette this hope per­swade thee, that he on whom all actions doo depende, wyll [Page] by his diuine bountie so direct our course, as we shall en­ioy a succes-full ende. If I spéede according to my harte [...] content, in thy cause will I endeuour my selfe to the vtter­most: therefore let vs continue our resolute courage, and make the Grecians vnderstand, that Fraunce yéelds as good Knights as anie Countrey els, and thus concluding, they slept for that night.

On the morrowe, the Emperour, the Empresse, the Bride and the young Princesses, went to the Scaffoldes richlie prepared for t [...] sight of the Tourney, where no boyde place was left, but euery where filled with Lords, Ladies and Gentl [...]women. Wonderfull was the resort of Knights and har [...]ie Champions, eche one in Armour ve­rie costlie and curious, hauing their fethers, pendents and fauours, deckt with the deuises and coullers of theyr La­dies, as it was a most beautifull spectacle to beholde them, yet héereon consists not the substance of our Historie. Now stryue Lynedes and the Countie his Cozin like two fu­rious Lyons, to recouer the foyle they sustained by Arne­des: who perceiuing this was the time te [...]winne him ho­nour, when the Goddesse of his thoughts sate to beholde him, welcommed the challengers as hee had doone before. In like sort did Rifarano behaue himselfe, for he vnhorsed euerie Knight that ranne against him. But by this time i [...] Ozalio got in through y^• thronge, and he begins to deale with the Courtiers very roughlie, which made the Lordes and Ladies wonder what hee was. And then Palmendos séeing his Freende well wearied, comes brauely praun­cing into the fielde, so disguised as Abenunco and Rifara­no could not knowe him. A while hee stoode regarding the Emperour his Father, so honourably placed with his no­ble Lordes and Barons on the Scaffoldes: then viewing the Empresse with her gracious traine of Ladies, he won­dred at such pompe and magnificence, thus speaking to himselfe.

Soueraigne Creator and director of all thinges, h [...]w [Page 50] [...] I bounde in duetie to thy Maiestie, hauing made me the Sonne of such a Father: as not [...] is reputed the best Knight vnder heauē, but also is the mightiest Prince on the face of the earth. Seeing then thou hast bestowed on me such grace and fauour, as I shoulde issue from [...]ch an excellent personage, I must endeuour my selfe to resem ble him, and by some thing declare that I am his Sonne: for though nowe I goe against the Knightes of his Court, I hope hee shall haue small cause to mislike of mee, when he knowes my forwardnes in other matters on his Maie­sties behalfe.

Then beholding a Knight readie to encounter him, he brake off his musings, and gaue him so braue a welcome, as he tombled hedlong downe to the ground. Like succcsse had diuers other Knights of the Courte, which Arnedes angerlie séeking to reuenge, accompanied the other in mis­fortune, and after him Pernedin, Sonne to the Duke of Pera, one of the best estéemed Knights in Greece. Risarano next ranne against Palmendos, and thrée courses they past brauelie with the breake of the Launce, but at the fourth Rifarano was dismounted: whereupon Recinde came to reuenge his Cozin Arnedes foyle, whose fortune was as bad as any of the other, and Lecefin had his disgrace like­wise for companie.

The E [...]perour mooued to admire this Chiualrie, ig­noraunt who this gallant should be, affirmed that hee ne­uer sawe his equall in prowesse: the like did Primaleon, being very desirous to know his name, to whom Abenun­co aunswered, that he imagined him to be Palmendos, be­cause hee much resembled him in braue constitution of bo­die. At these speeches the Emperor was excéeding ioyful, requesting Abenunco to goe vnderstand the trueth there­of: but Palmendos had so thrust himselfe in the thickest of the crowde, which now went foorth of the Lystes, because the sports were ended for that day, as Abenunco could by no meanes come neere him, and therefore was fayne to [Page] return vnresolued. So went Palmendos closely to his lod­ging againe, wher [...] béeing vnarmed, he found he had recei­ued thrée woundes that day in y^• [...]oust, the greatest wher­of he took by Recinde the Prince of Spayne, but when he [...] sa [...]e Ozalio in good disposition, he was right ioyfull, com­mending him for his woorthy behauiour. And for hee was wounded, he stayed there two dayes without returning to Constantinople, least if he went againe, his intent might be preuented: afterwarde he rode to the Realme of Mace­don, in the selfe same Armes he wore at the Tourney, con­tinually hauing Francelina in his minde.

CHAP. XVI.

VErye much ashamed were [...]he vanquished Knights, of y^• harde entertainment they had recei­ued by Palmendos▪ and moste of all the Prince Arnedes, because hee was vnhorssed before hys Mistresse Philocrista, wherfore he vowed to be reuenged, or hee woulde die the death, and so di­uers other Knightes that mur­ [...]ured against the Conquerer, did the like. But the Em­perour perceiuing this discontentment, came to Arnedes, Recinde, and Rifarano, and to put them from these melan­cholie [Page 51] conceits, hee shewed them verie pleasaunt counte­naunce: saying they ought not to mislike with what▪ had happened, in that themselues shewed very sufficient Chi­ualrie, and desired them at the next Tourney to compasse the knowledge of the strange Knight. If hee come againe, aunswered Arnedes, it may bee happilie to his disa [...]aun­tage: for he hauing alreadie disgraced so manie, the sport [...] will hardlie ende without his foyle. By this time was A­benunco come backe to the Emperour, declaring howe hee could not speede of his intent, wherwith his Maiesty som­what offended, said.

Nor will anie quiet sléepe enter my head, vntill I know the name of that worthy Knight: and were it not I shold be esteemed ouer fonde, I woulde my s [...]lfe trauaile tyll I founde him. All the Knights meruailing at these spéeches, concluded when the Tryumphes were ended, if so bee the strange Knight returned not againe, to aduenture them­selues in the searche of him: and they who were most for­ward heereto, were Arnedes, Recinde, Rifarano, Lecefin, and Pernedin, Sonne to the Duke of Pera, these gallant [...] without any further conference together, constantly vow­ed to die, or bring backe the Knight again to the Emperor, if they might méete with him in anie place. Supper being ended, Primaleon and Ditreus tooke Arnedes & Recinde with them, going to sitte and deuise with the Ladies, whē Arnedes got the meane to courte Philocrista, and Recinde his chosen Mistresse Melicia: what contentment they re­ceiued by this good opportunitie, I referre to such as are desirous to breake the Ise of their amorous passions, to them that hold them in so seuere seruitude. Diuers famili­are spéeches tossed vp and downe, as of the Tourney and their vnhappy disgrace: Philocrista pittying that Arne­des should take it so discontentedly, thus spake. Me thinks (Sir) you shoulde not be offended at so small a matter, for oftentimes [...]he best Knights haue no better successe: and we haue so well beheld your valiancie, that y^• Conquer [...]rs [Page] haue cause to complaine of your comming, as the banqui­shed haue of the Knight departed, who as yet is vnknown to any in this Court. Arnedes hearing the gentle spéeches of Philocrista, bashfull modestie with-helde him a while from ma [...]ng anie aunswere, yet at length looue vnlocked his li [...] in this manner.

Madame, quoth he, the rare ornaments wherwith na­ture hath accompanied your diuine perfection, causeth you to speake so fauourablie on my behalfe, although no desert in me can apprehende the least part of this kindnesse: but were I possessed with anie such ab [...]litie, the very glaunce of her eye, who h [...]th [...]ower to commaunde me, would in­crease my strength and make me inuincible, wherfore my des [...]res cannot be satis [...]ed, till▪ I recouer my libertie lost in this Tourney, the conceite whereof is more intollera­ble to me, then the labor to Sisiphus in rolling the restlesse stone. The heauens will further your attempt heerein, an­swered Philocrista, and I hartilie desire it may so come to passe, because it were against reason, that you comming so farre to see my Lorde the Emperour, should receiue so vn­kind a rewarde for your labour. This swéete reply redo [...] ­bled the French Princes ioy, for which he humbly thanked Philocrista, with so manie courtesses & amorous shewes, as she well perceiued the effect of his greefe, procéeded frō the passions of a louers spirit.

Recinde (on the others [...]de) had [...]o communed with Me­licia, as she perceiuing howe manie offers he made to bee her Knight, fauourably gaue him entertainment: & more then any thing el [...], it pleased him to note her beautie, wis­dome and good grace, which sette his eyes and all his sen­ces to worke. And if they that are in such delight wyth their Ladies, giue some refrigeration to their harts enfla­med with the fire of loue: how could Lecefin but be in ex­treame iealouzie, seeing his ryuall thus to parle with Phi­locrista? gladlie could he haue wished him without raun­some in the strongest prysonne of Persia. But nowe is the [Page 52] howre of rest come, when the Emperour withdr [...] [...]im­selfe to his Chamber, and al the Knights likewise to the [...] lodgings, where Arnedes still meditating on the word [...] [...] his belou [...]d, immediatly wrote to the King his father, that hee shoulde sende Embassadours to the Emperour for con­clusion of the marriage: and til they came he would there [...]tay at the Court, without any further speeches of the mat ter till their arriuall, so sealing hi [...] pacquet as it shold bée deli [...]ered to his Fathers hands, he [...]ent one of his Squire [...] th [...] next morning away therewith in poste, who made no lesse speede then the Prince had commaunded him. After­ward he called Bruquell his Dwarffe aside, commaunding him not to stirre out of Const [...]ntinople, because hee was to depart about some matters of importanc [...], and if the Em­perour in meane while asked for him, to make him that aunswer, or anie other that enquired after him. Moreouer, that he should from time to time conferre with the Prin­cesse Philocrista, a [...]uring her of his zealous affection to her seruice, which that he might the better execute, he was rydden abroade to take the ayre of the fields: the Dwarff very willinglie performed euery thing hee had in charge, not daringe to breake the least article hee was commaun­ded.

The time beeing come of the Tourney, rare Chiual­rie was there deliuered on all sides, but Arnedes, Recinde and Rifarano had the cheefest honour, attending when the strange Knight should shewe himselfe againe: and when they sawe he came not, they immediatlie determined the execution of their enterpryse, without returning into the Cittie, or knowing w [...]ich way each other rode, but euen tooke theyr chaunce as Fortune directed t [...]em. The Em­perour was glad that his Knights had wunne the day, yet could bee not but meruaile that the stranger was seene no more: then comming to the Pallace, & se [...]ing none of these fiue which were departed in the search of Palmendos, hee coulde not tell what to imagine. Of euery one he desired to [Page] [...], yet coulde he not be [...] to his conten [...]. [...] Bruq [...]ell made aunswer for [...] h [...] [...] commaunded: which made his [...] t [...]n to [...] ­ceiue the trueth in [...], whereof he wa [...] not a little glad, hoping nowe to h [...]are more of the strange [...]night. When the sollemne Fea [...] for y^• marriage was ended, the Knights returned to their ow [...] Countreyes, so [...]id Ditreus and Esquinela towar [...] H [...]arie, with an [...]nourable trayne sent by the Emperor. Philocrista was sorre for the depar­ture of Esquinela, whom she loued as she had béene her si­ster, because frō their young yeres [...]ey were edurated to­gether: nor could Abenunco her Brother goe with thē so farre [...] happilie hee woulde, because the league of amitie betwéene him and Primaleon enforced him to stay. King Frysoll receiued his Sonne Ditreus and his faire Daugh­ter Esquiuela with incredible ioy, humbly (by Letters) thanking the Emperor for the honor he had doone him, re­turning his Knights with rich and [...] gifts. But come we now to the [...]ue Knights, that were departed in searche after Palmendos.

CHAP. XVII.

ALreadie you haue hearde, howe Arnedes secretly departed frō Constantinople, in searche of the Knight that [...]oyled him in the Tourney, demaunding of eue­rie one hee mette by the way, if they saw not a Knight in redd [...] Armour, hauing a littl [...] Siluer Flower for his deuise in his [Page 53] [...]: but no one could [...] him to his expectati [...]n. whereupon, the night béeing harde at hand, he came to an Hermitage at the foote of a Mountaine, where with the olde Father he lodged that night, cont [...]ted with his poore and homelie refection. On the morrow, bidding his Hoste courteously farewell, hee had not ridden an arrowe shotte from the Hermitage, but hee espied two Knights come [...] ­ding together, and staying to sée what they were, at length he knew the one to be Palmendos, which good happe plea­sing him not a little, hee intended by faire meanes or force to cause him returne again, wherfore he came to him with these words.

Sir Knight. I think my selfe fauoured of Fortune b [...] méeting you heere, in that I left the Emperours Court for nothing els but to séeke you, because his Maiestie desireth to sée and know you, in respect of your braue behauiour at the Touney: therefore I entreate ye for the loue ye beare his highnes, to return back with me, that I may discharge my promise heerein to his Maiestie. You did not wel Sir, aunswered Palmendos, to promise anie thing depending on an other mans wil, and for at this time I haue vrgent oc­casions els where, I cannot satis-fie his highnes desire, al­beit I am readie in anie thing els to d [...] him seruice, and so I beseeche you aunswer on my behalfe. Knight, quoth Arnedes, I pray you consider héereon a little better, and thinke that such spéeches cannot discharge mee of my due­tie: therefore determine right soone to goe with mee wyl­linglie, otherwise I must compell yee to returne perforce. Perforce? no, said Palmendos well may I goe with my wil if so be I please. I wish it for your good aunswered Arne­des, and the remembraunce of your valour in the Tour­ney, causeth mee to beare with you very much: but seeing you will not willinglie yeelde heereto, prouide for y^• Com­bat, and thinke not that your bráuerie at the Tryumphe, shall anie thing auaile yée now in this place. If yee will néedes enforce me to it, quoth Palmendos, let yours then [Page] [...] the [...]: as for my selfe, in respect of my looue to the Emperour, I woulde be lot [...]e to Combat with y [...]. H [...] ­vpon th [...]y [...]o [...] encountred together, that bothe of them were sent to the ground, and afterward they [...]ought a cruell Co [...]bat at the Sword, till Arnedes with y^• great expence of his bloo [...]e, [...]ing recei [...]ed many a greeuous wounde, fell downe at the Prince [...] T [...]arsus féete, who ha­uing made cléene hi [...] Sworde that was very bloodie, and put it into the [...]heath, said.

I thinke yee will not séeke heereafter to enforce anie Knight, remembring how déerelie you haue pa [...]e for this bolones: so mounting on horsebacke, (albeit hee [...] like­wise wounded) hee rode on his [...]ey [...] Oz [...]o. The [...] where A [...]edes lodged all night, hauing behel [...] this Combat, [...]ed with charitie and compassion came downe the Mountaine, to succour Arnedes wh [...] lay blee­ding in the grasse, and vnclasping his Helmet to giue him [...]yre, in short time hee recouer [...] his s [...]nces againe: when séeing none but the Hermitte, and y^• the Knight was gone, he reputed it for an act of great humamtie, in not kylling him out▪right, his life standing at his merrie, [...]erwarde, he thus spake to himselfe. What shall I now doo, if not cō ­plaine on the instabilitie of Fortune? was not my com­ming into these Countryes vnhappie, where I thought to winne honour and renowne, when all things [...]rne to my shame & reproofe? sith my strength is not correspondent to the val [...]re of my minde, I m [...] giue ouer the exercise of Armes, which Fortune (I see) [...]ies I should follow. Longer would he haue continued in these pensiue mones, but the Hermit interrupted him in this manner.

My So [...]e, giue thankes to him that deliuered thee out of the Knights hands, and hath not suffered both bodie and soule to perrish: let idle and vndecent thoughtes bee nowe abandoned, and [...]ft thy minde to the place of eter­nall comfort. With these wordes he bound vp his wounds [...]o well as he could, minding to lead him to his Hermitage, [Page 54] but as one mischaunce happen [...]th not alone, so [...]ell it out at this instant, for hee was no sooner gotten [...]n foote, but Lecefin his mortall enemie arriued, and knowing him to be his riual in loue, drawing his Sword, thus spake. Now shall I teache thee my capitall [...], what it is to loo [...] her whom th [...] a [...]t [...]t w [...]thy to serue, and that shall I make thee presently [...], or, b [...]y thy [...] with the price of thy bloode: for a Ladie of so rare perfections, stan­deth too farre out of a Frenclomans rea [...]e. Héer with he vi­olentlie strooke at Arnedes▪ whom the good olde Hermit seeing in [...]ch daungerous case, tooke [...] in his Armes, desiring Lece [...]n not to seeke his death, that had of late es­caped it so néere. But Lecefin beeing a Moore, and there­fore the more inexorable, wold giue no eare to his words. but cruelly gaue the olde man such a stroke on the head, as therewith he fell downe dead to the grounde. Ah dogged and distoyall Traytour, said Arnedes, when he beheld this tragicall act, why hast thou [...] this religious Father that neuer offended thee? the heauens I hope will not let thee passe vnpunished, but plague thee as such a damna­ble déede requireth.

So taking his Sword, as well as he might, by reason of his former hurtes, he séekes to defende himselfe and re­uenge the Hermits death: but all was in vaine, (for with out a meruailous chaunce) Arnedes death was nowe or­dayned. In a happy howre arriued there Pernedin, sonne to the Duke of Pera, one of them that departed in y^• search of Palmendos, who knowing both the Combatants, step­ped betweene them, saying. Why how now Gentlemen? are courtly freendes become enemies in Field? Arnedes who was no longer able to holde out, falling downe to the earth, sayd.

Ah Pernedin, reuenge my wrong on this inhumaine wretche, who seeing mee cruellie wounded before, by the Knight that bare away the honour of the Tourney, with­out any cause sette violently vpon me: and this villainous [Page] Moore, not content to wronge mee alone, hath [...]layne this holie Hermit, because he disswaded him from dealing with me, that had béene so hardlie intreated before. What ty­rannie is thi [...] in a [...]night? aunswered Pernedin, by my Sworde, did not my [...] to Rifarano ouer-tule mce, the gentle Prince that brought thee to y^• Court, heere I wol [...] make thee to breathe thy last: but I shall declare thi [...] treason before the Emperor & his Barons. what manhood thou hast vsed to a wounded man, whom y^• durst not deale with had he béen [...] in health: wherefore gette thee gone I [...]duise thee, or I shall sende thine accursed soule to hel. At these wor [...], Lecefin was so ashame [...] of himselfe, as moun ting presentlie on Arnedes Horse, he rode away not spea­king to eyther of them, knowing hee ha [...] notoriously ble­mished his honour: wherefore he went to a Monasterie of Nunnes neere at hande, to haue his woundes bounde vp that he had receined by Arnedes.

When the Sis [...]ers knewe that hee was of the Empe­rours Court, they entertayned him very courteously, an [...] one of them beeing a cunning Chirurgion, vndertooke in shorte time to heale his woundes. Nowe was Pernedin both offended and greeued, to see the olde Hermitte slaine and Arnedes in such daunger, wherefore calling the No­ [...]ice that alwaies attended on the olde Father, they lead [...] the wounded Prince into the Hermitage, and after warde [...]etching the dead bodie, buryed it as they coulde conueni­entlie, applying soueraigne salues (whereof the good olde man was neuer vnprouided) to Arnedes woundes. But Pernedin seeing there was no more helpe, and they like­wise ignorant in those kind of vnguents, thought it more meete they should goe straite to the Cittie of Constantino­ple.

There may ye, quoth he, sooner recouer your health, because men of skill and knowledge shall take special care of you: and for my parte I will willinglie accompany you thether, albeit I haue not sped in y^• cause of my departure. [Page 55] It will be to my shame, answered Arnedes, that the [...] ­perour should se [...] me in this daungerous plight: notwith­standing, I will at this present be councelled by you, be [...] ­ing neuer able to recompence thys honourable kindnes.

CHAP. XVIII.

P [...]esently after that Arnedes was brought (by the meanes of Pernedin) to Constantinople in a Litter, because he could not en­dure to sit on horsebacke: newes of this mischance was brought to the Emperour, who growing into extreme anger against the Moore, said. Well may Lecefin resemble the Sol [...]ane his Fa­ther, a man full of trecherous and ignoble practises, but he must not thus thinke to wrong a Prince of Fraunce. So stepping frowninglie from his Chayre, hee went to the Princes Chamber to see him, charging his Phis [...]tions and Chirurgions to tende him so well, as if they had his owne person in cure.

Then Arnedes reuealed the whole discourse of that which happened between Palmendos and him, at the end whereof the Emperour thus aunswered. I wonder that the [...]night should be so desirous to doo me seruice, and yet dooth flye in this sort from mee, doubtlesse hee is gone to prooue the aduenture of Francelina, if hee rode that way [Page] you say he did, and it may be his fortune to ende it I hop [...], except our Nephewe Belcar excéede him in valour, & that I can [...] beleene he will. When the Emperor depar­ted, h [...] commaunded that the Empresse and h [...]r Daugh­ters should goe visite the Prince, which shee accordinglie did, taking Philocrista and Melicia with her, shee beeing greatly offended at the iniurie doone to Arnedes. And Phi­locrista very much bemoned his mishappe, yet wiselie and discreetlie as became a sober [...]irgin, for the looue shee bare him was deriued from gentlenes and vertue, which shee noted him to preferre in all his actions, and nothing hadde [...] in [...] re especiall account, then to conferue her chasti­tie pure and vnsp [...]tted. Arnedes was ioyfull to sée h [...]r hee loued so deerelie, how she sorowed his hard fortune, and blamed Lecefin as a di [...]oyall Traytor: which gentle spée­ches did more comfort his hart, then all the phis [...]ck or cun­ning in the world could doo.

While the Empresse and her Daughters beguiled the time with him, Amenada a woman Dwarffe that atten­ded on Philocrista, & Risdeno her Nephewe, came to Bru­quell Arnedes Dwarffe, who vsed sundry lamentations, for the great mishappe had befallen his Maister. Amene­da comforted him in the best sort she coulde, saying, that in respect his woundes were not mortal, there was no doubt but he would soone recouer them, and the rather, because the Emperour had giuen such charge of him, as his owne person could not be better attended. Ah, quoth Bruquell, would God it were no worse: then breaking forth a ren­ting sigth, be proceeded in this manner.

Ah my noble Lorde Arnedes, how déere doth her beau­tie cost thee, for whom thou left'st thy Countrey? where the onelie reputation of thine estate, being extracted from such an high and illustrious linage, was sufficient to haue obtayned her, without hazarding thy life in so man [...]e per­rils and daungers. Amenada meruailing at these words, was immediatlie wrapt with a curious desire, to knowe [Page 56] which was the Knight he named, and therefore she labou­red Bruquell w^t intreaties: for her Ladie Philocista knew his Mai [...]er to be a Knight o [...] Fraunce, yet none but y^• Em­perour could tell that he wa [...] the Kings Sonne. All things that I can possible (quoth the Dwarffe) will I doo for ye, this onely excepted, which without his commaund I bare not attempt, because my libertie stretcheth not so far, yet will I promise yee to aske him the question, and if hee bee pleased I will satis [...]e your desire.

Melicia, who was earnest in affection to knowe more as concerning her louer Recinde, seeing these Myrmedons thus conferring together, and ouer-hearing some of theyr speeches: after they were departed to their Chambers, she demaunded of Amenada, what talk she had with Ar­nedes Dwarffe? whereupon she repeated the whole dys­course, to the no little content of Philocrista, because thy [...] way she might attayne to more knowledge of the French Prince. And as she heard her say that he left his Country for the leue of a Ladie, shee presumed immediatly her selfe to be the same, for commonly it falles out, that L [...]uers wil fauour themselues in scmblable iudgments & coniectures: wherefore she commaunded Amenada, to awaite Bruquel for performaunce of his promise. The Dwarffe when hee sawe conuenient time to talke with his Maister, hee ga [...] him to vnderstand what had past between him and Ame­nada, which pleased him so well as nothing could doo more, and commended to him the purfute of this practise. On the morrow, the Emperour and Primaleon dyned together, wherefore Amenada went to finde out Bruquell at hys lodging, and he meeting her by the way, first of all tolde her, that he would performe the promise he made the daie before: but (quoth he) before I satis [...]fie you herein, I must request one thing of you.

Demaunde hardlie what thou wilt, quoth Amenada, for thy sute beeing honest, thou canst not be denyed. You must promise me then, sayde Bruquell, that to no lyuing [Page] creature except Madame Philocrista, you disclose what I shall reueale vnto you. So is it Amenada, that for the loue of her onely, Arnedes my honourable Lord and Mayster, [...]ldest Sonne to the King of Fraunce, hath for saken his na­tyue Countrey, in that the renowne of her excellent beau­tie, spredde by Fame thorow all those partes, caused him to cutte through the daungerous Seas, to credite with his eyes what his eares were cloyed withall. And hauing at full contemplated her sweete face, he findes, that Nature willing industriouslye to embellishe this cheefe peece of worke, hath taken all abilitie from humane report, howe curious or eloquent so [...]uer it be, thorowly to acc [...]mplyshe the prayse of her merite: wherefore hee hath sent a Co [...]r­rier to the King his Father, that his Maiestie should s [...]nd Embassadours hether, to conferre with the Emperour on a marriage betweene my Mayster and your Ladie, and til they come to dispatche this occasion, he will not be known heereof to anie one, except it be to her gracious selfe one­lie. Humbly then desire her, with some benigne clemencie to intreate the hart, which her di [...]ine figure hath secretli [...] r [...]uished and made her thrall, so shall she gyue cure to hys woundes, and make him the most fortunate Champion that euer entr [...]d the fielde for his Ladie: otherwise he can not long enioy his vitall motion, and by his death shall occasion diuers other beside, especially his Cozin Recinde, Sonn [...] to the King of Castile, who looueth him as his pro­per life, and as hec bare him company in thys voyage, so wyll he take part of the hardest fortune, for the looue and neere alliaunce that is betweene them.

So well could this tall Pigmey vse his language, to gain successe for his Maisters intent, as he made no more diffe­rence betwéene the two Princes, in respect of their loyall vnanimitie together: then was betweene the two Pitha­gorick compani [...]ns, Orestes and Pyllades, or Nisus and Eurialus, that woulde one dye for an other. Greatlie d [...]d Amenada meruaile, hearing that a Prince of so high and [Page 57] great birth, would aduenture thorow such dangerous tra­ [...]ailes, onelie tor t [...] [...] of a marriage, and [...]ight haue gained [...] w [...]th much l [...]sse labour, wherefore she thus answered.

In sooth, if I had not promised to acquaint my L [...]die heerewith, I durst not for my life discouer such waightie matters, because I cannot tell her the whole discourse, in that her Sister Melicia i [...] neuer from her, and then shall she know as much as my Mistre [...]e. That hurteth not, re­plied Bruquell, neuer conceale it through feare of her pre­sence, for [...]ee is such a wise and well gouerned Princesse, as she will rather modestly hide it, then anie way seeke to spread it abroade, and will (beside) nothing at all mislik [...] thereof. This he spake, for that she had her part in y^• play, nam [...]ly by her looue to the Prince Recmde, and if perhaps Philocrista should be slow or opinitiue in her loue, Melicia happilie woulde councell her not to refuse so good an offer: in bréefe, that they might reciprocally aduise one another, as sicke folkes who had surfeited bothe of one disease, and so oftentimes it comes to passe, that two thoughts afflicted with one kind of martirdome, receiue together more con­solation, then they coulde by anie other that feele not the like torment.

Bruquell hauing doone his endeuour, for the conciliati­on of Philocrista with his Maister, returned immediatlie to him, whom he found attending in silent deuotion, to vn­derstand the issue of this amorous stratageme, and after that the Dwarffe hadde worde by worde recounted all his negotiation, Arnedes was rapt into such vnspeake­ble ioy, as hee imagined the howre happy when he mette with such an ingenious Truch [...]man. Amenada on the o­ther side, when she espied time for the purpose, interpre­ted so well and fai [...]hfullie the mtent of the Prince to her Mistresse Philocrista, as she therewith was caried into a thousande imaginations. And albeit the Knight dispayred not in his sute, but rather imagined so swéet a countenance [Page] would be inclined to mercie: yet she had so lost her libertie in this ca [...]se, by seeing her b [...]loued so daungerously woun­ded, as now she feared to send him anie seuere or rigorous aunswer, wherefore she thus spake to her Dwarffe. I am offended that thou didst promise Bruquell to acquaint mée with th [...]se newes, [...]ut séeing what hath happened cannot be preuented: thou shalt then goe to Arnedes, and tell him from me, that I meruaile he would thrust himselfe into so manie perrils, for which I account my selfe beholding to him, and promise in requitall of his hard sufferings, to ac­cept of him as my loyall Husband, if my gracious parents will so permit it: with this condition, that hee aduenture not the least spéeches hereof to me, but hold himselfe suffi­sed by knowing my will héerein. And that I may bee assu­red of the vehement affection he beareth me, desire him to feede on this aunswere, as on the most soueraigne Balme or perfect Cataplasme, that may soonest of all consolidate his woundes: so hastening his cure and conualescence, that (if it may be) he honour me with his presence to mo­rowe.

After Philocrista had instructed Amenada in her Em­bassade, she tooke Melicia aside, to whom (because they lo­ued eche other with sincere [...]) Philocrista discoue­red this amorous intent, and Uerbatim reported what the Dwarffe had tolde to her: which discourse well contented Melicia, cheefely when she heard that her Knight Recinde was of the royall blood of Castile. By this time is Amena­da come to the French Prince, and hath deliuered the mes­sage from Philocrista, wherwith he was so chéerfully ani­mated, as soone after he determined to forsake his bed, but before the Dwarffe returned againe he desired her to con­uay a French dittie to her Mistresse, which for her sake he deuised that morning, and withal to intreate the Maister of the Emperours Chappell, to order it in partes after the arte of Mu [...]que: the dittie was thus.

After that Amenada had receiued this Dittie, she saide to the Prince, that shee coulde not tell howe her Mistresse would like of her, bringing her such a presumptuous mes­sage: yet if she were displeased therewith, she woulde dis­guise euery thing so well, as eache of them in the ende should receiue contentment. So returning to y^• Princesse Philocrista, she tolde in what e [...]treamitie the Prince was for her loue, and to mittigate his passions, had framed that dittie: which when she had read and well noted, shee ac­counted her conquest greater, then if sh [...] were possessed of all Asia. Sundry times did the Empresse and her D [...]gh­ters visite the French Prince, to the vnspeakeable con­tentment of the secrete Louers, who awaited nothing but the comming of the French Embassadours, for the confir­mation of their long desired hope: but let vs leaue them a while, and come to Rifarano, who is all this while in th [...] searche of Palmendos.

CHAP. XIX.

SIxe dayes together rode Rifa­rano, after his departure fr [...]m Constantinople, without hearing anie tydings of the Knight he sought for, and nowe in the eue­ning, hée mette a Dwarffe on horsebacke, accompanied wyth foure Squires, o [...] whom hee en­quired likewise as concerning the Knight. In sooth, quoth the Dwarffe I saw not any such, but tell me I pray yee from whence you nowe come. From the Court of the Emperor Palmerin, [...]unswered Rifarano. Howe happy then am I, sayd the Dwar [...]fe, to meete you here, because I haue euer­more heard, that thence commeth manie good and vertu­ous Knightes: wherefore I shall pray (in respecte of the good I wishe to so benigne a Prince) that you may soone finde the man you looke for, and likewise that his Maiestie may pittie my cause, in [...] mee on a Knight that hath shamefullie o [...]t-raged mee, I giuing him no ca [...]se of offence in the world. With these words he gaue a meruai­lous sigth: whereuppon Rifarano desiring [...] vn [...]stande the cause, the Dwarsfe thus bega [...] ▪ Kn [...]we gentl [...] Knight, that albeit God hath fashioned me as ye sée, yet did hee be­ [...]tow [Page 59] on me riches & possessions, and among other thinges, I haue a strong Castell not farre hence, there fel▪ I in lou [...] with a beautifull Damosell, Daughter to a Gentleman my neere neighbour, with whome I dealt in such sorte, a [...] soone after I enioyed her in mariage. Liuing afterwarde in all prosperous felicitie, wee walked abroade to recreat [...] our selues, in a pleasant field neer adioyning to my house­where this proud and discourteous Knight, (who long la­boured to haue my Wife in mariage, and by reason of his euill conditions could not obtayne her) came accompanied with two of his Kinsemen, (as badde disposed men as him selfe) and there tooke my Wife perforce from me, carying her to a Castell of his two dayes iourney hence, where he ké [...]peth her vnder strong guarde, and hath sent me worde by one of his Squires, that if I complayne he [...]re of to ani [...] liuing creature, he will come kill me with his owne [...] in my Castell. Yet being vnable to endure this villaino [...] oppression, I am going to tell my cause to the Emperour Palmerin, who I hope will speedilie doo me iustice herein, bee [...]ng a Prince thereto greatlie addicted as I haue heard report.

Rifarano meruailing at this horrible iniurie, sayde to the Dwarffe. Shewe me the Castell where the Knight a­bideth, for I doubt not but to do so much in the right of thy cause, as he shall yéelde recompence for this faulte, & feare heereafter to offer any one the like, without any further troubling the Emperour heerein. The Dwarffe accep­ting this fr [...]ndlie offer, that night lodged Rifarano at hys Castell, where hee was excéeding well entertained, and [...]n the morrow, taking sixe Squires with them, r [...]de to the Knights Castel [...], where espying one vpon the walles, Ri­farano demaunded if his Lorde were within. Mary is he, answered [...]he Squire on the walles, hee is n [...]we sporting himselfe with that tall [...]llowes loue: but I am sorie that you would be so badlie councelled, quoth he to Rifarano, as to come ende your life in this place. Be not thou so careful [Page] [...]or me, aunswered Rifarano, but goe lette thy Mai [...]ter vn­ [...]erstand that I woulde speake two or three wordes wyth hi [...], [...]n matters that greatlie concerne his honour. The Squire went presentlie to his Maister, who hearing that the Dwar [...]e had brought a Knight with him, tooke the Gentle woman by the hande, and brought her with him to a windowe, where opening the Casements y^• they might see her, said.

Knight that didst call me hether, say boldly what thou canst, for I wel percei [...]e thou co [...]nest to seeke thine own ruine. And there didst thou finde thy dishonor, aunswered Rifarano, when by force and treason thou abusedst thys Gentleman, who neuer gaue thee any cause of offence: wherefore restore his Wife whome thou vniustlie detay­nest, or if reason may not thereto perswade thee, come downe and enter the Combat with me, and I shall let thée know the price of thy villainie. I had not thought, replyed the Knight of the Castell, that thy indiscretion had beene so great, as to thinke I would win a thing so hardlie, and deliuer it from me so lightlie, nor shall the paragon of my hart, bee in the custodie againe of so base an excrement of nature: then spake he to the Dwarffe in this manner.

Thou wretched and ridiculous creature, commest thou likewise to make one in the Tragedie? begin with thyne owne hand thou wert best, or I shall plague thee with ex­treame torments. So tooke he the Gentlewoman in hys armes, and oftentimes laciuiously kissed her, shee stryuing in teares to hinder his embracings, wherefore hee sayde. Good Madame, seeke no occasion whereby to offende your selfe, for yee shall sée me plucke downe the brauery of this Knight, and make y^e Monster your husbande safe frō trou­bling you anie more. Tush, these are but wordes, quoth Rifarano, let me sée thee come Armed into the fielde, then shall I liue in hope of some déeds. And if y^u wilt haue me i­magine thee couragious, bring down the Ladie with thee, that the Conquerer may carrie her whether him pleaseth. [Page 60] I am content, answered the Knight, because thou shalt see howe little I esteeme thy threatning, and soone shall all controuersies be ended betweene thee and me, that heere­after may arise on this occasion. Quickly had he Armed himselfe and came foorth leading the Lady in his hande: which when the Dwarffe saw, he durst not tary, but gotte him a bowe shoote further off. So fell the Knight and Ri­farano to the Combat, which continued long time doubt­full on eyther side, but at length Rifarano had the vpper­hand of his enemie, because he had giuen him many cruell woundes on his bodie. When the Squires of the Castell sawe their Maister ouercome, they woulde forcibly haue caryed the Ladie into the Castell again: but Rifarano ad­uertised thereof by her cry, made them forsake her & runne hastilie into the Castell, then taking her by the hand, sayd. Come with me Ladie, and I shall deliuer ye to your Hus­bande that loues yee loyallie, as you may be perswaded by this I haue doone at his earnest intreatie. Many humble thankes she requited him withal, seeing her selfe frée from her iniurious enemie, and the Dwarffe séeing this fortu­nate successe, came and humbled himselfe at the Conque­rers feete, embracing his Wife in aboundaunce of ioy, be­ing neither of them able to expresse theyr contentation, for that teares and inward motions of comfort had depriued them of speech. Afterward the Knight had recouered him­selfe againe, and came stealing on Rifarano thinking to murder him, but the Dwarffe espying him, cryed out, whereup [...]n the Prince returned, and getting him once more into subiection, with his Sworde smote hys heade from his Shoulders. The Dwarffe not a little ioyfull for this victorie, desired the Prince that he would accompany him to his Castell, because that trayterous Knight had a Brother and two Cozins, who hearing of his death, wold presently pursue them. Whereto Rifarano courteously condiscended, and mounting the Gentlewoman behind her Husbande, they iourneyed thence with all spéede possible. [Page] But ere they could recouer the place where they wold be, they were pursued by the Knights Brother and his two Cozins. When the Dwarffe and his Wife nowe verilie thought to die: notwithstanding, such was the braue be­hauiour of Rifarano, that one after another they syedde as the Knight of the Castell had doone, and so without any more▪ [...]nterruption they gotte h [...]me to their Castel, where they feasted the Prince very sumptuously. On [...] mor [...]w he departed thence, continuing his trauayle after Palmen­dos, and by the way he succoured a distressed Countesse, a­gainst a cruell Brother in Lawe of hers, nam [...]d Diole, who sought forcibly to depryue her of her possessions: but by the rare Chiualrie of Rifarano, hee lost hi [...] life in that bad attempt. And here wyth the Countesse we will leaue Risarano, because wee haue too long forgotten our cheefe Knight Palmendos.

CHAP. XX.

NOt long since you vnderstoode, how after Palmendos had van­quished Arnedes, hee followed his way with long desire to see Carderia, wherfore omitting all occasions that might hinder his voyage, he determined to make no stay till he came to the Isle: and very soone after it was his [Page 61] chaunce to arriue there, whē he implored the helpe of hea­uen in fynishing this aduenture, and as a sacrifice after victorie, he promised to offer his soule to the holy caracter of Christianitie, and to be baptized so soone as he could. At this time Belcar kept not the passage of the Bridge, be­cause he was departed certaine dates before, to visite the King and Queene at Macedon: for they hearing of his wonderfull deedes of Armes, in defending that Bridge, fent for him to the Courte by an expresse messenger. And truelie he woulde not haue gone (so resolute was he in his enterprise) but that the Princesse Alderina secreatly com­maunded him, by a Letter written with her owne hande: she hauing discouered the trueth of all to the Quéene Gri­ana, intreating her by some meanes to continue the Duke her Father there, till that Belcar came from the Isle of Carderia.

The Quéene liked heereof excéeding well, and know­ing her Nephewe could not ioyne in more honourable ma­riage, then with the chaste and vertuous Ladie Alderina: she conferred with the Duke and Duchesse of Pontus, who likewise were glad of so noble alliaunce. For this cause the Quéene sent one of her Gentlemen to Belcar, accompani­ed with Alderinaes Page, who closely deliuered y^• Prin [...] the Letter, the substaunce whereof followeth thus. [Page] the beholders were greatly amazed, for that since the de­parture of Belcar, he had p [...]uailed against many a Knight. Among the rest, the Queen [...] of Thessalie Mother to Fran­celina, who was come thether [...]lue or [...]xe dayes before, be­cause the la [...]t of the three Fayr [...]es that caused y^• enchaunt­ment in the Fortresse, foreseeing shee coulde not liue long, ha [...]tened the commin [...] of Pal [...]dos, as you haue hear [...] [...], and [...] word▪ to the Queene, that soon [...] [...]ter her [...] she [...] her de [...]res [...].

The death of the (Enchauntresse was no sooner known to the good Queene, (who had an extreame affection to [...] her Daughter free from the Magicall coniurations, that [...] the King her Husbande [...] be deliuered, fr [...]m [...] y^• [...]) but she departed fr [...]m Thess [...]ie, and [...] the [...] Carderia, where shee, nor [...] of hers co [...]ld [...] [...]urther then the Bridge: wherfore they ere [...]ed Tents and Pau [...]llions in the Fielde, atten­ [...] there the en [...] of the [...], when shee [...]eing that Tyrendos was [...] ▪ wished such successe▪ to y^• new [...] [...], as hee might happilie finish the [...]chaunt­ment.

Palinendos perceiuing how his first aduersarie would trouble him no further, approched to the Gates of the fi [...]st Tower, where he behelde the great Knight ready to offer him batt [...]e, wherefore hee alighted from his Horse, and drawing hi [...] Sworde, [...]. If the preuide [...]e of the▪ hea­u [...]ns haue desteni [...]me to c [...]nquer this enterprise, f [...]r [...] all [...] and cowardise fr [...]m me, till I haue deli­uered the gentle Princesse heere enclosed: forbeare then mine eyes as yet to couet the sight of Francelina, albeit yée burne in desire to beholde her, and I will keepe promise with [...]ee so soone as Fortune pleaseth.

After these words, hee closely buckled with the Knight of the Bridge, co [...]tinuing a l [...]ng, daungerous and [...] ­full combatte with him, the Dwar [...]fe in the Lauthorne sundry times with his Horne renewing his [...] [Page 63] forces: yet by the man of [...] courage, who [...] ­dained to be his Conquerer, hee was confounded mauget all his deuillish helps. So forwarde hee marched to the se­conde Tower, and as the Gates were clapping together, according as they did to the Prince Belcar, hee thruste hys Sworde betwéene the Gates, when immediatly the thun­der ceased, and they fell backe wide open as they were be­fore.

At this good happe the beholders greatly reioyced, especially the Queene of Thessalie, who followed on styll accompanied with Ozalio, and to him she highly [...] ded the worthy behauiour of this Knight: Ozalio an [...]we­ring her, that she had good cause to applaude her stars, ha­uing sent thether a Knight of such royal discent, as his [...] was not to bee founde thorowe all Christian kingdomes. Tirendos in this while was caryed into his Tent by hys Squires, where he so greeued for his disgrace, as hee was readie to die in despight thereof. Now is Palmendos come to the last Tower, which was defended by thrée Knights armed cap a pe, and they with thrée sharpe L [...]ces stood readie to receiue him at the poynt, wherewith hee beeing somwhat amazed, said to himselfe. Wheron thinkest thou Palmendos? what? beginuest thou now to dismay? tushe man be of good cheere, thou labourest for her, with whose beautie none in the worlde may compare: if by comming so farre theu hast doone more, then anie Knight before thée could performe, commit thy selfe to God and Fortune for the rest, and followe thine intent though thou die therein. Nowe begins he couragiously to aduenture on them, who ioyning altogether a [...]ainst him, ouerthrewe him that hee could hardly arise [...], notwithstanding reccuering his feete, hee pursu [...]d with such vnconquerable hope, as at length he droue th [...]m before him ouer the Bridge, when bothe they and the first Knight of the Tower vanished a­way together, and in like manner did the Dwarffe that sate in the Lanthorne, with a horri [...]le shaking of the earth [Page] and the whole Fortresse. The Quéene, Ozalio & the rest, fell downe and honoured heauen for this victorie, perswa­ding thēselues that the worst of the aduenture was past: as for the Prince himselfe, hee followed the matter with such alacritie, cōsidering faire Francelina was the reward of his trauaile, as nothing séemed to him nowe impossible. So pa [...]ing on, he found the posterne that guided the waie to the Garden, which was garded by two furious enchaū ­ted dogges, there through the wickette he beheld a Foun­tainc, with sundry gootly Da [...]oselles about it, and in the middest, in a carious Chayre of clothe of Golde, sate Fran­celina the sweete Goddesse of beautie, so wonderfull gor­ [...] decked in rich ornaments, as it would haue made any hart enamoured to beholde her. Palmendos rauished with the sight of her, stept in at the doore not dreading any perrill, when presentlie the enchaunted dogs ranne vpon him, as though they woulde haue rent him in peeces, and long time very daungerously they did assayle him, tearing his Armour cruelly in peeces, that he was now dryuen to dispaire of his life: yet in the ende with much a doo he pre­ [...]ailed against them, albeit they brought him into excee­ding great perplexitie, as [...]ee neuer felt the like in all his life before.

CHAP. XXI.

FRancelina alreadie had felte the flames of loou [...], in as vehement manner as the Prince Palmen­dos, because the Fairies (know­ing the end of y^• enchauntment was at hand) told her that ere long shee should be conquered, and deliuered from that Castel by one of y^• best Knights in the world, shee beeing at her byrth appointed his Wife, in recompence of his avuenturous trauayles.

And this discoruse shee sealed with so many rare com­mendations of the Knight, as her hart was surprised with loue in such sort, y^• shee longed euery howre to sée the man appointed for her Husbande. And as the Pilot long per­plexed with outragious tempests, mounts to the toppe to sée if any Hau [...]n for reske we is at hande: so this Lady tos­sed to and fro in the roughe [...]illowes of looue, oftentimes left her Dungion and came vpon the walles, erpe [...]ting the comming of this promised Knight. By good hap she espy­ed when Palmendos came to the Bridge, beside, the trem­bling of the Castell at the departure of the Knights, tou­ched her hart with a signe of present comfort, wher [...]upon in this brau [...]y she [...] went with her Damoselles into the Garden, expecting the issue of the Knights fortune that [Page] presaged so much before hand. In breefe, he béeing entred the Garden▪ as you haue [...]eard already, she béeing dir [...]ted by [...]he Fair [...]es what she shoulde doo, when shee perceiued the dog [...]es ouercome: arose with her Damoselles & went towards the Knight, shewing many gracious [...] for his welcome▪ but Palmendos seeing her approche so [...], [...]el on his knee offering to ki [...]e her hand, wher­at Francelina [...] [...]shing, offered him the like, say­ing.

It is my duetie, Sir Knight, to vse such humilitie, al­beit your courte [...]e hath preuented me, for this wonderfull aduenture finished by you, declares your rare [...] in Chiualrie, [...]eeing second to none that at this day beareth Armes. Yet ere you take me hence, I woulde request one fauour at your handes, not any thing to make you doubt the losse of her, who fréely giueth herselfe as your owne, [...]ut for you haue deliuered me from the enchauntment, my request graunted, you may dis [...]ose of me as your loyall spouse and Wife. Madame answered, Palmendos, I now thinke my selfe no l [...]sse belooued of heauen, then fauour [...]d by fortune, hearing you say that I am yours, and you are mine, which makes mee thinke all my labours nothing in respect of you: therefore demaun [...] what you please, for I beeing your professed serua [...]nt, mu [...] with all reuerence o­bey your commaunde. A thousande thankes good Knight, quoth shée, albeit such spéeches agree not with your cal­ling, I béeing onely in your subiection, and ready to attend as your [...]and-mayden: but me thinkes it were necessarie you should take a little rest, béeing good to regard the ende and periode of all thinges, let me therfore humbly intreat [...] yee, to come refreshe your selfe for the better conserua­tion of your health. So went they both together to the Fountaine, where Palmendos was vnarmed by y^• Prin­cesse Francelina and her Damoselles, and a costly Mantle was brought to wrap about him, then sate he down by hys Ladie, in another Chayre couered all ouer with Gold, and [Page 65] as if Her [...]bus had sent his Daughter to hide the day light, spreading darke night all ouer the Hemisphere, so were great store of Torches and Tapers alighted. There was [...]elt the odori [...]ferous smell of Roses, Uiolets, & al the swéet flowers of the Garden, be [...]de the incomparable beauty of Francelina, her Maydens beguiled the time with [...] sorts of In [...]umentes, and thereto sung many dainty can­z [...]nets, as if Apollo, Orpheus, Arion, a [...]d all the other fa­thers of heauenly Musiqu [...] had béene present, which so at­tracted the sences of the Prince, as his memory began to wexe drow [...]e and forgetful, imagining himselfe in a very beatitude, where he séemed to sée, not onely y^• perfect beau­tie of a Goddesse, but a diuine shadow, which caried [...] both his hart and eyes in contemplation.

Of like opinion was the young Princesse, meruailing at the braue constitution of her Knight, and estéeming her selfe beyond all other in happines, that Fortune had sorted her out such a Husbande: and in sooth these Louers were the fayrest couple that euer were ioyned in m [...]riage toge­ther, not vn [...]tly compared [...]s Leander and Hero, the two goodliest starres that were in their times. In this surpas­ [...]ng contentation they continued, till a Damosell (vnder­standing that supper was prepared) there set before them a Table readie couered, the wood whereof was very pre­cious, deliuering a sauour much like to Balme, and theron was sette all sorts of costly viands: hard by stood a Cup­boorde richlie adorned with Basons and Cups of Golde, which were embellished with such precious stones, as th [...] value of them was reputed inestimable. But these louer [...] coulde eate verie little, because they had worke enough to regard eche other: for there is nothing in the worlde mor [...] agréeable to one enamoured, then to contemplate the ob­iect of his thoughts, because loue making a breach into the bodie, and planting his siege against y^• very soule, [...]nders the passage of nourishing m [...]ates, and makes them [...]éed on his louely deuises, which are such, as euery one of you that [Page] haue tasted thereof, can distinguish whether they be bitter or swéet▪ Hence procéedeth the pleasure conceiued by behol ding, when the eye takes his course to the hart, carrying with it the liuelie draught and effigies of the thing séene, making so sound impression therof in the spirit, as nothing els may be represented therto: in y^• end, this Idea passing through the penetrailes & secret r [...]yons of the stomack, en­graues on the hart the perfect portrait of y^• thing beloued. And what morsel more delicious, what wine more plesant, or licquor more ambrosius can one find, wher with to satis­fie the soule esprised with the brandon of Venus, then the exact contemplation and secret discourse, which the spirit maketh to his onlie choise, when he beholdeth himselfe ri­ciprocally bèloued of her whom hee loueth? doubtles none at al: happily some other might be spoken of, which séeme to yéeld more content, but then they are transitory & of no continuaunce. In this sort supped Palmendos & Franceli­na, when the Damosels withdrawing the Table, went to take their own refection, leauing these twaine to deuise to­gether: then approching the Knight to the Mistres of hys hart, said. Madame, how happy may I name the howre of my natiuity, séeing the celestiall bodies appointed me such a planet, as made me gaine y^• honor of your loue: now find I that for truth which you told me in the Temple at Del­phos, y^• in short time I should sée you at mine own pleasure. Com [...]aund then I beséech you what you would heue niee d [...], and [...]ew me the way to gather some fruit, by the per­petual sernice I haue vowed to your diuine beauty, that I [...]ay giue some cooling to the vnquenchable flame, wher in [...]y hart is more & more tormented. And if the artificiall [...]re which we receiue frō betwéen two stones for our vse, is lesse then nothing in respecte of the naturall, as na [...]clie the most noble of the foure elements lodged néere the cele­stial region: I dare, and by experience can affirme, that the violence of the diuine, surpasseth the action of y^• other two, because if they light on any body, they may quickly be ex­tinguished: [Page 66] but much more contrary is the other, the ve­hemence wherof euery way increaseth paine, without ly­mitting the life of the sufferer, as the very least of y^• other doth. My Lord, answered Francelina, in regarde of the fire which happily you now féele, estéeme the same to procéede from the spark, that equally hath taken hold on me, wher­of I make no such admiration (considering the disposition of the destentes) as to heare you say y^• you haue séene mee in an other, place: in sooth at y^• age of thrée yeeres I was fa­tally enclosed in this Castell, where neuer sn [...]e entred Knight or anie other straunger, but onely you. As for my request whereto you haue promised, thus it is, that you at­tempt not against my chastitie, vntill our mariage be sol­lemnly performed, which may not be, til you first haue res­cued the king of Thessalie my father, from the long impry­sonment wherein the Turke hath kept him. This aduen­ture you must néedes vndertake, which doubtles yee shall worthilie effect, and so be Lorde of me and the Realme of Thessalie, wherto I am lawful heire after my Fathers de­cease: for performaunce whereof, I commit my selfe into [...] your custody, prouided you kéepe your former promise. Pal▪ mendos attentiuely noted her words, and afterwarde re­mained a while silent, imagining whether he should send [...] or accōpanie his Ladie to the Emperor, or in meane space kéepe himselfe vnknowne to anie, till he had ended the ad­uenture in, Turkie, bringing at his returne the King of Thessalie with him, if the heauens fauoured him in his de­liueraunce, at length breaking off this silent determinati­on, he answered in this sort. Madame, so feruent and in ex­puisable is the loue I [...]eare ye, as to gaine the Monarchie of the whole world, I woulde not offende the very least of your vertuous thoughtes: and albeit I had not promis [...]d what you required, mine own regard shoulde haue taught me better gouernment. For I account my selfe the hap­piest Knight vnder heauen, not by anie honour or prayse gotten in this aduenture, but onelie to see my selfe subiect [Page] to such incomp [...]rable beautie, which hence forth shal make me so forward in Chiualrie, as the race from whence I am discended, shall thereby atchiue eternall commendati­on. And heerof Madame resolue your selfe, that paine or trauaile shall not with-both mee, from r [...]storing the King your Father to his pri [...]inate libertie, if my w [...]nted for­tunate starre shine on me in the action. In meane whyl [...] I will leaue you to the Emperours charge, the Prince whom▪ I loue and desire to serue, [...]earing patiently y^• [...]ur­den of my greefe in your absence, till time allow vs a gra­cious meeting. Be héere of assured my noble L [...]rde, quoth she, that neuer shall I loue anic but you, to wh [...]m the fa­tall destenies haue onely appointed me, and no lesse wyll my torments be in your absence, then yours, beeing nowe depriued of my former libertie, and the same trans-ferred to your dispo [...]ng.

Spending the time thus in amorous confer [...]ce, at length he told her al that happened to him in the Temple at Delphos, where if he sawe her not in person, yet did hee beholde her liuely representation, and had a great deale of talke with her: whereat Francelina coulde net but mer­uaile, yet commending the wisedom of the Fayrics in ap­pointing her so noble a husband. Now she desires to vnder­stand his name and birth, where with at large hee truelie acq [...]ainted her, yet willing her she should not [...] it to ani [...], till he returned with the King of Th [...]ssalie her father. Then did he giue her the King, which hee receiued of the Quéene his Mother when he came from Tharsus, request­ing her to kéepe it carefully, because hee must shewe it to the Emperour his Father, as the token whereby he s [...]old [...] him to be his Sonne.

CHAP. XXII.

HIghlie pleased was the Prin­cesse Francelina, whē she knewe her spouse to bee Sonne to the Emperor Palmerin, and al this night they beguiled y^• time with sundrye discourses pleasing to them both. The next morning, the Princesse brought her looue to beholde her stately lodging, where shée caused him to put on a costly blacke Armour, left there by the Fairi [...]s purpose­lie for him, as also a goodly Sword, by vertue whereof hee might bring such as him pleased into a sound sléepe, so cau­sing two Damosels to beare his Helmet and Launce, they intended to walke foorth of the Castell. Nowe s [...]ined faire Francelina brighter then the morning starre, her heade at­tire adorned all ouer with Carbuncles, Diamendes, Ru­bies, Emeraldes and Orientall Saphires, and her vpper garment béeing a long Robe of cloth of Golde, curiou [...]ie figured with pearles and precious stones, as the valewe thereof was imagined inestimable. In this, and far grea­ter pompe then I can sette downe, they left the Castell, méeting by the way sundry Knights & Ladies of the Isle, and among them all was an auncient graue Gentleman, Father to the thrée Fairies, whom they inuested in the gouernment of this Isle after their death, he falling on his [Page] knée before Palmendos and Francelina, deliuered these spéeches. Aduenturous and most fortunate Knight, happie was the Planet that ruled at thy birth, seeing that by thy vertue and wonderful prowesse, thou hast made this place accessable, which so long time hath continued full of trou­ble. Reuerend Sir, answered Palmendos, the soueraigne bountie hath made mee the instrument of your good, and therfore I reioyce a great deale the more: if you be either Father, Uncle, or allied to those noble Dames, that by their knowledge haue doone so much for me, I giue yee all the right heere to bee had by the conques [...] of Francelina. I humbly thank ye Sir, answered the Knight of the Isle, for offering me such a courteous gift, whereof I am altogether vnwoorthie, albeit my Daughters by their secrete Philo­sophie, in this action still directed your course: but leaue we these spéeches till better opportunitie, and goe we to com­fort the Quéene of Thessalie, who on the Bridge attendeth your comming, for till you haue brought her Daughter o­uer the Bri [...]ge, the enchauntments are not ended, & then shall the Castell be in the former state, as it was when Francelina came first hither. And is my gracious Queene and Mother heere? said the Princesse, then I see my ioyes will meete altogether. So walked they louinglie ouer the Bridge, attended on by manie Lordes, Barons & Ladies, when the Queene séeing her Daughter come towardes her, hardly could she refraine from swouning in the armes of Ozalio, who was likewise readie to doo as much at the ioyfull sight of his Freende Palmendos, yet at length shee embraced her Daughter, saying.

What aboundaunce of teares haue issued from myne eyes, since the time I sawe my beloued Daughter? Howe many bitter anguishes of hart haue I endured, and brea­thed innumerable [...]ghes and clamours into the ayre, for the absence of thee and the King thy Father, euery houre expecting the release of you both from unprisomnent? how yrksome is the remembraunce (O perfect substaunce of [Page 68] mine entrayles) that I was a Mother so cruel [...]d seu [...] r [...] to banish thee so long ti [...]e fro [...] me? but heerein I co [...] ­sented to the perswasion of the Fairies, who promised that by thine imprysonment, I shoulde recouer the King my Husband out of thraldome, it now remaineth whether theyr words will sort to effect or no. Wherfore [...]r Knight, séeing you haue exalted the soule th [...] lay dispayring in the floods of extreamitie, by deliuering my [...]ughter frō these Magicall charmes: let me intreate thée to follow thy for­tune, and accomplishe all my ioyes together, in restoring him for whom this sorcerie was inuented, that y^• remain­der of our life may be more happy, then it hath béene sinc [...] the time we met first together. Palmendos sorrowing to sée the Queene thus lament, encouraged her in this sorte. Good Madame torment not your selfe with any further greefe, séeing I haue determined to loose my life, or els to bring with me y^• King of Thessalie, in mean [...] space asswag [...] your sorowes by the presence of your daughter, whom th [...] [...]auens haue allotted to be my Wife, and there by confir­med you my gracious Mother. By this time the Knig [...]t of the Isle had made such prouision in the Castell, as they might there lodge according to their content, because more co [...]enient place there was not neere at [...], and there three [...]aies they sported themselues in pleasure, mer­ [...]ailing at the ingenious deuises there fra [...]ed by the Fayries, so that the Castell séemed as a [...] Para­dise. Which Palmendos perceiuing, and that it was sea­ted in a swéet and fertile clymat, hee intended to sende for people of his owne nat [...] Conntrey, where by it [...]ight [...] the better inhabited, and because some inc [...]ory of hi [...] and Francelina, might be referued to f [...]wing [...].

The Knight of the Isle feasted them [...]ery royallie, and nothing was wanting that any way mi [...]ht delight them, when Palmendos falling in conference with the Quéene, dest [...]ed that she would acc [...]mpany her Daughter to Con­stantinople, there to stay with her in the Emperors Courte [Page] [...] s [...]nt [...] him: and that she shoul [...] [...]oreouer [...] hi [...] [...], that hee hauing [...] his voyage into [...], would no longer conceale himsel [...]e as he had doone. My [...]o­ble Soone, quoth the Quéene, I shall wyllingly performe w [...]at ye haue appointed, but I would know if you meane to take a [...] strength wit [...] you against the Turke, beca [...]se I would s [...]nde for [...] to Thess [...]lie, and beside craue [...] of the Emperour, who I am sure will succour [...] with all his legion [...]. Gracious Madame and mother, an­swered Palmendos, I wil take no other company with [...] then I brought het [...]er, for such busines must be doone ra­ [...]her by [...] hazarde, then by bringing forces int [...] the [...]: so that were yours an [...] all the Emperor [...] [...] together, yet shoulde wee neuer compa [...]e our inten [...] that way. But you shall vnderstande that I béeing on th [...] [...]ea not long since, met with the King of Culaquin, [...]onne in lawe to the g [...]eat Turke, as hee coasted along Thr [...]ce with hi [...] Rouers and Pirats, onely to [...] the Em­pire [...]o far [...]e [...] he might: yet by go [...]d happe I [...] hi [...] prisoner, and sent him to his Maiestie at Constantinople. I [...] [...]appilie by secrete subtiltie I cannot preuaile, I [...]hall mooue an exchaunge of these two Kings, cullouring the [...]atter with manie plausible reasons: in bréefe, I wyll [...] as the occurences shall best aduise me, wherein I hope the diuine bountie will direct mee the best course, t [...]at I may compasse th [...] issue of mine affectionate desire. Th [...] Quéene reioyced [...]erie much, when she heard that y^• King of Cu [...]aquin was likewise prisoner, and hoping to haue her [...]usband in exchaunge for him, she more dilligentlie haste­ [...]ed the departure of Palmendos, the like (though lothe to leaue his cōpanie so soone) did faire Francelina, not doubt­ting but her Lord and Husband woulde soone returne, and [...]nit vp all their ioye [...] with the presence of the King her Father.

CHAP. XXIII.

LOthe are [...] Louers to part a sunder, but the causes [...]ing [...]rgent, [...]hey are con [...]rained to make a vertue of nece [...]itie: wher [...]ore ta [...]ing their leaue of the Knight of the I [...]e, as also of all the Lord [...] & Baron [...] that so fréendlie bare them compa­ny all this while, after many a­morous and ceremoniall cour­ [...]esses, [...]companied with sighes, teares and [...] lookes, and they had brought them h [...]lfe a dayes io [...]ney on the waie. Palmendos and Ozalio rode toward the sea­side, where they had lest order that their Shippe should [...] méete them. The Quéene and her Daughter, without any trouble to hinder their iourney, arriued at the Cittie of Constantinople, send [...]ng one of her Knightes to the Empe­rour to let him vnderstande the cause o [...] her comming, a [...] also the discourse of all that had happene [...]. The Knight discharging his duetie as he was commaunded, his M [...]ie­stie requested to know his name, who had so fortunatly de­liuered Francelina. Dre [...]d Lord, answered the Me [...]senger, hee is called Palmendos, the most valiant and courteous [...]ight in all these parts of the worlde. M [...]h good haue I heard of the man, said the Emperor, but comm [...]th he now [Page] in company with the Quéene? No my Lorde, replied the Knight, because the future deliueraunce of our King, hath procured his iourney into Turkie. Then the Emperor cō ­maunded Primaleon and his Sarons, to goe accumpanie the Queene and her Daughter to the Court, which they with all diligence performed, for that the fame & renowne spred of her thorow all those regions, enereased their de­ [...]re to behold her. Arnedes like wise would haue gone with them, but that as yet he was not perfectlie recouered, and beside hee wexed dailie verie melanchollie, séeing the Em­bassadours of Fraunce staied so long, nor coulde he heare a­nie tyding of his Cozin Recind [...] The Queene of Thessalie, and her Ladies came attired in mourning blacke, expres­sing her sorow for the King her Husband: but Francelina like glorious Cynthia in her cheefest pride, clothed (as you haue heard) in most statelie ornaments, drew euery eye to admire her beautie. Primaleon hauing saluted y^• Nueene, gaue her place and rode with the Princesse her Daughter, when caried awaie in conceit with her surpassing feature, he entred into these spéeches. M [...] thinkes (Madame) the Fairies were ouermuch iniurious, to locke vppe in prison such admirable beautie, in that anie gentle hart beholding you, would the sooner aduenture for the King your father, hauing such a gracious reward set downe for his trauaile: wherefore Palmendos hath good occasion to boast, if For­tune permitte him to deliuer the King of Thessalie. And I, quoth Francelina, account my happines nothing inferiour, gaining thereby the most valiant and debenaire Knight, that euer enterprised actions of Chiualrie, which makes mée estéeme the Fairies wise and discréet, by enclosing me in the enchaunted Castell: for verie few wold haue thrust their liues in perrill hauing once seene me, where contra­riwise to get honor by the aduenture, they made proofe of that wh [...]ch was onely destenied sor Palmendos, hee beeing the man that ius [...]ly may be called the flower of Knigh [...]es. In this matter I will not co [...]tende with yee, aunswered [Page 70] Primaleon, for the vertues and graces of your beloued is such, as no man may woorthilie bee compared with h [...]m, wherefore you haue good reason to affect him: and he like­wise is bounde to constant permanencie, if your diuine lookes haue peirced his hart as they ought. The Empe­rour and the Empresse, with Philocrista and their other daughters, came to the Pallace gate to welcom y^• Quéen, when thee and her Daughter alighting from their Pal­fraies, with humble reuerence saluted his Maiestie, who with his Empresse honourably entertained them, conduc­ting them into the great Hall, where the Quéene began in this manner.

Most mightie and inuincible Monarche, Palmendos the onelie Iewell of knight-hoode, by vs kisseth the hande of your imperiall Maiestie, hauing sent yee this young Princesse, to be kept vnder your protection, till he returne from Turkie, with my espoused Lord the King of Thessalie, if Fortune graunt his deliueraunce from the cruell Inf [...] ­dels, for which I continue in hourely deuotion, as wel for the great desire I haue to see the King my Husband, as al­so to sée the Knights spéedie returne, who onely dedicateth his trauailes to your highnes seruice. With these wordes she deliuered her Daughter to his Maiestie, and the Em­perour receiuing her very graciously, shewed himselfe ex­céeding ioyfull for their arriuall, desiring them to vse his Court as their owne and to be as frollike there as if they were in Thessalie. Beside, hee prayed God so to direct Pal­mendos in his at [...]pt, as hee might deliuer the King her Husband from captiuitie: withal, that i [...] he had requested assistaunce in the cause, he shoulde haue had his Maiesties power at commaund, then taking Francelina by the hand, he said. To you Daughter Philocrista, I committe the he­nourable charge of this young Prin [...]sse, vntill such time her Knight be returned. My Lorde, answered Philocrista, I shall right willinglic fulfill your commaundement, bee, ing no lesse glad of such a companion, then to haue y^• Ladie [Page] present with me, for whom such rare déedes of Chiu [...]lrie haue béene performed. The Empresse fooke the Quéen by the hande, and Philocrista her charge Francelina, they all sitting downe vnder a sumptuous Canapie, where the Knights regarding them, especially the Emprcsse and the two Princesses, imagined a second iudg [...]ment for the Ap­ple of beautie. And admit we Arnedes for y^• gentle shéepe­heard Paris, yet hee imagined his Philocrista to bee most perfect, although Francelina was very farre beyonde her, al the Knights concluding, that th [...] had neuer séene more choyse beautie, exc [...]pt the Empres [...] when shee was in the flower of her youth. But Philocrista neuer attained her Mothers perfections, albeit shee had two Sisters named Flcrida and Bazilia, (which by the Author of Palmerin are named Belisa and Melicia,) that came verie neere her in resemblaunce, especiallie Flerida, of whcm we shall haue occasion to speake heereafter, when wee c [...]me to the noble Prince Edward of England.

The Emperour intrcated Francelina, to tell him (if she coulde) of whence Palmendos was, where to the Prin­cesse modestlie thus aunswered. Dreade Lorde, I can re­ueale no further of him, then that hee is commaunder of a Kingdome, & diuers other Signories of great estate: what els I knowe of him, I am to be excused till his comming, when himselfe will manifest his Countrey and originall, not his valour & courtesie sor that is blazed through moste partes of the world For this discre [...]t aunsw [...]re, shee was greatly commended by the Emperour, who noting her comelic gestures and behauiour, esté [...]med her discréete and well aduised: and seeing the Ring on her finger that Pal­me [...]dos gaue her, he thought it very much resembled hys owne Ring, which the Queene of Tharsus gaue him at his beyarture. Now coulde hee not containe himselfe, but de­maunds of her, of whom she had that costly Iewell, so like one that he held in great estimation. She aunswered that Palmendos gaue it her, after her deliuera [...]nce frō the Isle [Page 71] of Carderia, wherat his Maiestie greatlie meruailing, ima­gined this Knight to be the Quéene of Tharsus Son. Now was he much more desirous to sée him, then before, remē ­bring what kindnes shee shewed him in the Realme of Pasmeria: then causing his owne Ring to bée brought, and compared with that the Princesse wore, they were founde in euery point so like and conformable, as hardly could the one bee knowne from the other. Indéede they were made both by one workman, and magicallie charmed like in re­semblaunce, as the perfect signall to discouer the originall of Palmendos: which made the Emperour conceiue some suspition, that this vnknowne Knight shoulde be his Son, especiallie when he called the Quéenes darke speeches to memorie, which she vsed after her acquaintance with him. Yet woulde he not reueale this doubt to anie one, but past it ouer with fresh welcomming the Queene & her daugh­ter, and deliuering in spéeches, that hee was glad Belcar kept not the Bridge, when it was Pālmendos fortune to arriue there, yet was hee sorrie for Tirendos mishap: al­beit he commended the courtesie of the Conquerer, in ex­acting no further on the Prince of Mec [...]na.

But leaue we Palmendos and Ozalio trauailing to­ward Turkie, and speake a little of Recinde the Castilian Prince, beeing one of them that followed in his search.

CHAP. XXIIII.

REcinde leauing Constantinople, for the same cause as the other Knights did, happened to the same place where Palmendos lodged the night before, deman­ding of his Hoste, [...] he had séene anie such man, who made this answer. Uerilie the same man that had the honour of y^• Tour­ney, was my gueste this last night, and neuer did I sée a more courteous Gentleman, which makes me hope he wil ende the aduenture of Fran­celina, whether he is gone as he tolde me he woulde. With these words the Spanyard wa [...] well contented, minding to follow him to the Isle of Carderia, and ryding by the way, he heard a verie lamentable cry, which caused him to looke about▪ when he espied one hanging on a Trée by y^e armes, and fiue villaines harde by making a fire, to dresse some foode they had killed on the Mountaine. Comming to the man that hunge in this w [...]full plight, he cut him downe, and vnderst [...]nding that these villaines had r [...]bd & so mis­used him: caused the Merchaunt to take his weapon, and so they setting vpon the Th [...]ues, s [...]ew three of th [...]m, dry­uing [Page 72] the other to flight, by which meanes the Merchaunt had most of his treasure againe, for which hee thanked the Prince, and mounting on horsebacke acc [...]mpanied him on the waie. Not farre had they gone, but they met a Knight vnarmed, of huge constitution and euill fauoured, hauing a [...] Bowe in his hand. and a Quiuer hanging by his [...]e full of Arrowes, of wh [...]m they desir [...]d to knowe which way they should get foorth of the Forrest. The discourte­ous Knight (without making any answer) let flye an Ar­row [...] them, wherewith hee killed the Prince Recindes horse, [...]e beeing not a little mooued at this mishap, grewe into great choller against him, who made no longer staye, but ranne from them so fast as hee could. Recinde and the Merchaunt still pursued, till hauing lost the sight of him, and meruailing where he should be hidden, at length they founde the mouth of a very dark Cau [...], which they suspec­ted the Knight had taken for refuge: whereupp [...]n the Prince intreated the Merchaunt to staie there without, because hee intended to sear [...]h the Caue, and be reuenged on the Knight that had so wronged him. Not farre had he gone vnder the earth, but hee hearde a pittifull voyce cry­ing for helpe, which caused him to returne backe againe, when at the entraunce of the Uaute he b [...]helde a mightie Lyon, which came foorth with the Knight, and ran [...]ppon the Prince [...] furiou [...]e: but he who could not [...]ee frighted with matters of greater moment, so valiantlie defended himselfe against the Beast, as in short time hee layde him dead at his foot [...]. New ranne the Knight backe agame into the Caue, and the Prince after him so fast as [...]e could, till at length he came into a goodly Hall, which was hanged rounde about with gorgious Tapistrie, and [...]herein might one beholde all such as passed by the mouth of the Caue, as if they had discernd the same in a Classe. While he stoode beholding this beautiful prospect, he saw the Knight comming towarde him Armed, and drawing his Sworde, thus spake [...]o the Prince.

[Page] [...] [...]ight, [...] foolish [...] brought thee to this place, for I shall let thee [...] the d [...]un­ger [...] by thy presumption. More [...], (ꝙ the Prince, hast thou behaued thy selfe, in killing my hors [...] without [...] of offence. H [...]erewith they [...] a long while together, till t [...]e Knight séeing himselfe vnable to resist the Prince, [...] haue [...] him [...]lfe in the Chamber he came from, offering to keepe the doore a­gainst him as his defence: but Recinde thrusting after him into the Chamber, behelde a great & [...] Dragon lying there, the [...]ght wherof made him somwhat a [...]azed, ye [...] seeing the beast stirred not against him, [...] his [...]ormer quarrell with the Knight, bringing him at length into such subiection, as with his Sword he [...] his hea [...] from his shoulders. The Serpent terre [...]ed with extreame feare, began to shrinke backe, when Recinde [...]ting [...]p his Sword [...]o strike, the S [...]pent spake in this [...].

Sir Knight, [...]or [...] sake p [...]ttie me, and séeke not to [...]hed my bloo [...], hauing [...] ye: so shall I be [...] perpetually [...] at your commaundement, for deliue­ring me from [...]his cruell Knight, who hath [...] mee [...] [...]he space of [...]. The Princ [...] [...] these wordes, hel [...]e do [...] his Sword, whe [...]the Serp [...] thus procéed [...]d. I am no Serpent Sir, as happily I [...] in your ey [...], but a most infortunate and abuse [...] Da [...]osell, hauing s [...]fered the most miserable [...] that euer [...], lyuing (aga [...]t my will) in the [...] of thys [...]. If th [...] a [...]t a [...] creature, [...] Recinde, I mer [...]le thou [...] haue the [...] of such a deformed beast. I know sayd the [...], what representation I haue in your [...]dgement, but I [...] as­sure y [...] on my life, that I am [...] S [...]rpent or any thing els but a most [...] Woman. Which well she might af­ [...]me, because the Knight nowe [...], ( [...] her the more cunningly) [...] to [...] [...]by Arte [...] ­gicke, as you shall [...] the [...] at large.

[Page 73]He loued this Damosell so extreamelie, shée bée [...]ng the Daughter of an auncient Widdowe dwelling not far [...]ff, as séeing he could not obtayne her in mariage, by reason of his badde manners and euill fauoured bodie: so laboured with a Magi [...]ian a fréende of his, to cause her resemble a Serpent to any but himselfe. Her Mother [...] ignoraunt of this trecherie: seeing [...]uch an ougly Serpent among them: aff [...]ghted at this strange [...], presently fled foorth of their [...]. The Mayden fo [...]w­ing to vnderstand the cause of their feare, wandred sorow­fully after them thorow the [...]ldes, where she was [...] by her Louer, and brought to the [...] prepar [...] [...] the Sorce [...], [...] should [...] that appe­raunce, till one of the [...]est [...]nights in the [...] ar­riue there, and valiantly [...] her cut of his [...], on­ly by his death to be deliuered, and [...]ixe yeeres shee had a­bode in that place, seeming a beautifull [...] to her [...] ­uer onelie, and to all [...] [...]er a [...] Serpent. [...] driu [...]n into [...] a [...]miration, [...], [...] spake.

In sooth, this is the most strange accident that euer [...] heard of, but séeing your Louer [...]s dead, boldlie may yee de­part this Chamber, and returne home to your [...] a­gaine: for in time (perhaps) this hidious shape will for­sake yée. My Lord. quoth she, I haue manie times [...]ryuen to get foorth of this pryson, but all my labour hath béene in vaine: for by like sortiledge hath the Knight bounde mee héere, as he got me from my Mothers Castell. So am I perswaded, aunswered the Prince▪ wherfore séeing of your selfe ye cannot depart, I will trie if my strength will re­lease y [...]e of this seruitude. Then taking his Arming gyr­dle from about him, hee made it fast about the Scrp [...]nts m [...]ddle, and forciblie thought to pull her out of the Cham­ber, but the strength of the enchauntm [...]nt ouer-maistring him, when he had gotten her to the veri [...] doore, would vio­lently pluck her back againe. Yet Rec [...]nde beeing all hart [Page] and courage, gaue not ouer for all these resistaunces, but at length by exceeding labour and trauaile, hee gotte her into the open Hall, and then she séemed a verie beautiful Wo­man, who falling downe at his féete, intreated him not to forsake her, till he had brought her to her Moth [...]rs Ca­st [...]ll. So going foorth of the Caue, she told the M [...]rchaunt all that had happened, which made him aunswere h [...]r in this sort.

Madame, bothe you and I are highly beholding to this Knight, for he hath miraculously r [...]called you fr [...]m a lam [...] ­table sufferaunce, and not onelie hath he saued my life, but holpe me to my goods againe which were vtterlie lost, wherefore wee haue good cause to thinke that hee is the onelie Paragon of Chiualrie. So breaking off these spee­ches, they tooke the Knights horse, because hee had slayne the Princes, and mounting the Damosell behynde him, brought her home to her Mothers Castell, the auncient Ladie, béeing not a little ioyfull to sée her Daughter, whō shee reputed vtterlie lost: likewise her Bretheren were verie glad to sée their Sister restored h [...]me againe. As for their freendlie entertainment, you may iudge it by the cause, which béeing of nature, must needes surpasse all o­ther whatsoeuer.

CHAP. XXV.

FOur [...] daies staied Recinde and the Merchant at y^• olde Ladies Castell, and then taking theyr l [...]aue, the Prince committed the Merchaunt to his owne oc­casions, and hee rode straite to­ward the Isle of Carderia, desi­rous to trie his fortune in the aduenture, as also to finde the Knight hée sought for: but bée­ing there arriued, he vnderstoode how Francelina was de­liuered, Palmendos gone toward Turkie, and Tirendos a­bode at the Castell with Lypes & his Sisters, frō whence he sent a Squire to Macedon, to certifie Belcar what had happened, as also to intreate him staie th [...]re for his com­ming.

As for the Prince Belcar, he béeing now with Alderi­na his chosen Mistresse, to speake of all circumstaunces entercoursing between them, woulde bée more laboure to me then pleasure to you. Shee accuseth him with a great manie articles of vngentlenes, that he would trauaile for Francelina, béeing before her vowed Knight, and he excu­seth al vnder this point, that what he did in a place of such tri [...]ll, was onelie to eternize the name of Alderina, and no­thing to the aduantage of Francelina, nor could y^• greatest [Page] Monarch on the earth haue commaunded him from that seruice, but only the gracious Letter sent by her, whcrfore he desired to returne thether againe, to make her more fa­mous til the aduenture were ended. To stay her aunswer, and appease his hote desire, at that very instant the Cour­rire arriued sent frō Tirendos, whose message being heard, highly w [...]s the Princesse contented, but Belcar ouercome with excéeding greefe, because fayne he would haue tryed his fortune against Palmendos.

Nowe come we to the Damosell againe, that pursued Belcar for the death of her Bretheren, according as you su [...]ficientlie heard before, she vnderstanding that hc [...] was in the Court of Macedon, so highly loued of y^• King, Quéen, and the whole nobilitie, she was out of hope to worke him iniurie there: wherefore she intended to returne h [...]me a­gaine, and by the way she happened to méet with y^• Prince Recinde, when beginning her accustomed complaints, she deliuered the same discourse which she had doone to Cardi­no and Tirendos, saying that the Knight who had so tray­terously slain her brethren, soiourned in the Court of Ma­cedon. Recinde desirous to win honor by succouring the di­stressed, and hoping he might find the Knight he sought for at Macedon, answered her in this maner. If it be Damosel as you say, that the Knight in such trayterous sortc sic we your bretheren, I pro [...]se ye, by the faith I beare to Chi­ualrie, that to my power I will reuenge your wrong, be­cause all [...] receiuing this ordcr, are bounde by dutie to assist Damosels, iniuriously wrong [...]d by d [...]storall varlets. The crafty deceiuer fel at the Princ [...]s séete, affir­ming what she had saide with many othes. G [...]e th [...]n with me (ꝙ Recinde) to shew me the Knight, and either I will loose my life, or m [...]ke him cōfcsse his villainy. The [...]n­ted palliard mounted on her Palfray, and such spé [...]de thcy made in trauaile, as at length they arriued at Maccdon, when entring the great Hall, they [...]ounde there the King, Belcar, and diuers noble Barons, whereupon the D [...]inoscl [Page 75] thus spake to Recinde. Sée here my Lord, the Knight that slew my Brethren, I beséech yee make him knowe before the King, the teason he committed against harmeles men: for his Maiestie not knowing the enormitie of the case, re­puteth this offendour one of the most courteous Knights in his Court, as my selfe perceiued at my last béeing here. Recinde hauing with humble reuerence saluted the King Florendos, turned to Belcar w^t these spéeches. Sir Knight, this Damosell hath sworne to mee that yeu haue trayte­rouslie slaine her two bretheren, after you had béen fréend­lie entertained at her fathers house: if yee did so, surelie it was an act far vnbeséeming you, and by force of Armes I shall make ye so to confesse it, if you haue the hardines to enter the field with mee. Belcar greatly offended to heare himselfe so charged, and euermore by one that sought to bring his life in danger, in anger thus replied.

In sooth Knight, I cannot but think thy discretion ve­ry simple, in saying if I haue the hardines to enter y^• fielde with thée, and thy presumption is as insolent, as this D [...] ­mosell is trothlesse and disloyall, in accusing mee without anie cause: notwithstanding, I hope to recompence ye [...]or light beléefe, & that false woman likewise the instrument of thy follie. After these spéeches, he went and Armed him selfe for the Combat, which the King many waies labou­red to hinder, but Recinde continued so resolutely against Belcar, as the King could not diswade the matter, wherfore he thus spake to Recinde. Séeing you wil not at my intrea tie giue ouer this rashnes, let me vnderstand the name of him that will not graunt so smal a matter, specially to one that is able to yéeld thanks therfore. I amm ꝙ Recinde, a Knight of a strange Country, who came to the Emperors Court at Constantinople, meane while the nuptiall [...]s of the Hungarian Prince were soll [...]mnized, whether likewise came a Knight vnknowne, bearing a siluer flower in hys Shéeld: hée hauing wun the honor of the Tourney, depar­ted secretly from the assembly, which made me followe in [Page] [...] [Page 75] [...] [Page] searche of him: and in respect I am but a poore Knight er­rant, I desire no wrong may be offered me in the battail. Be th [...]rof assured, answered the King, that none shal med­dle with you but your aduersary onlie: & trust me it gree­ueth me to the very hart, that comming from the Court of the Emperour Palmerin my Sonne, you should héere enter the fielde against Belcar, who is one of his Maiesties chee­fest fauourites. When Recinde heard Belcar named, on the one side it displeased him, y^• he was to deale with a Knight so famous and renowned: on the other side it gréeued him as much, when he considered the néere alliaunce betwéene him and Melicia, whom he loued as his verie soule, so that willinglie he would haue forborne the Combat, but that he could not with honor gaine say it.

Nowe the King desires the Duke of Pontus, and another of his cheefest Barons, to iudge the fight according to con­science, and without any exception of person. Soone after the Champions enter the Listes, where breaking theyr Launces brauelie in the carrire, they were both dismoun­ted, notwithstanding they quicklie recouered themselues, and drawing their Swordes fell to the Combatte. Long while they continued a most furious fight, sharpe & cruell woundes being deliuered on either side, that iudgement could not be giuen who was in greatest daunger: but his Maiestie séeing Belcar were very feeble, and that it was like this [...]ght would ende bothe their liues, as one loth to sée the death of eyther, he threw his staffe of peace betwéen them: then comming downe from the window where hée stoode into the [...]eld, he desired them at his request to giu [...] ouer the fight. My gracious Lord, answered Recinde, that may we not consent vnto, vnlesse the Damosell that com­plained of Belcar, will first remit the iniurie he hath doone her. My selfe will thereto perswade her, said the King, in meane while doo you trauaile no further in this controuer­s [...]e, séeing you haue bothe shewen sufficient and haughtie Chiualrie. So went the King to the Damosell, who was [Page 76] wonderfull glad to sée Belcar in such daungerous estate, as no Knight before had brought him in the like. Damosel ꝙ he, séeke not the death of two so good Champions as these are, but (for my sake) pardon Belcar if hee haue in ought offended, and I shall cause him to make such amendes, as your selfe shall like well thereof: beside, such courtesy shal ye find at my hand, as happilie shal yéeld occasiō of thanks while yee liue. Héereto will I neuer consent though I die, quoth she, and more wold the present death of Belcar con­tent me, then if the whole Monarchie of y^• world were vn­der my puissaunce: considering the enorme and dete [...]table treason, wherwith hee villainously wronged my Father and Bretheren, which makes mee I cannot discharge my Knight of his promise. The King with great instance in­treated her againe, and so did all the Lords attending on him: but all was in vaine, shee was so resolutly grounded in her wickednes, as shee accounted it pleasure to be selfe­willed therein. Wherupon, the Quéene (hartily sorie to sée Belcar so sore wounded) vnderstanding the obstinate refu­sall of the Damosell: she accompanied with the Duchesse of Pontus, and the Princesse Alderina her Daughter, came altogether and desired her, to discharge her Knight of his promise, and the Qu [...]ene would entertaine her among the Ladies of honour in her Court. But these prayers and re­quests nothing auailed, to mooue any pittie in this inexo­rable Damosell, which the Quéene perceiuing, and that she continned so obstinate in crueltie: she made a sollemne othe, that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights, (hearing a murmuring among the people, how her accusa­tions against Belcar, were false and flaunderous) that her selfe should die a most shamefull death. The Damosel sée­ing the Queene so displeased, was affraid of her cause, and beside she greeued to beholde the teares of faire Alderina, wherfore she alighted from her Palfray, and falling at the Quéenes féete, desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude, which she had shewed to y^• King her husband, [Page] in denying a matter consisting in her power: but for her Maiesties sake, shée was cōtent to pardon both y^• Knights. The Queene embraced her in signe of thank [...]s, s [...]nding word to Recinde, that hee shoulde proceede no further in battaile, so the Damosell went with the Quéene and her Ladies to the Pallace, and bothe the Champi [...]ns acccm­panied the King, who bringing them to their Chambers, commaunded that his che [...]fe Physitions and Chirurgi­ons should giue dilligent attendaunce to sée their wounds healed.

Dailie woulde the Queene, accompanied wyth the Duchesse of Pontus, and the fayre Princesse Alderina her Daughter, come to visite them, so that at length they re­conciled the two Princes to amitie, and shortly after, the Queene (in regarde of her promise) caused the Damosell to bee very honourablie married, when Belcar made her openly confesse, that her accusations were m [...]st false and vntrue, in respect that hee neuer sawe any of her Brethe­ren, before that night wherein hee was intreated by her Father to lodge at his Castell. But leaue we these, and let vs nowe returne againe to our noble Knight Palmen­dos, whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie.

CHAP. XXVI.

AFter that Palmendos and O­zalio, had left the Quéene of Thessalie & her daughter Fran­celina, they posted with al spéed to theyr Ship: the Marriners hauing in the time of their a­bode there, happened on a Turke left therein the Hauen by reason of extreame s [...]cknes, wherefore they of Tharsus, knowing him to bée a Moore, tooke him into their ship, and by the time of the Princes arriuall, he had verie w [...]ll recouered his health. He vnderstanding that Palmendos woulde saile into Turkie, desired to graunt him passage thither, and in recompence of that gentlenes, hee would direct him whether hee pleased, because hee knewe all the portes and créekes of the [...], and most of the Cit­ties and Townes on the land. Palmendos ioyfull of this good hap, accepted him for his patrone, and without con­cluding to what place they would first saile, hee wylled them to make toward the neerest port to the Citie of Tu­bant: demaunding of the Turke, if he knew any harbour of suretie neere that place. My Lord (quoth the Turke) I will conduct ye if you please, into a straight of the Sea, which is verie secret, where oftentimes ride diuers great vessels, and no other place of lodging is néere at hand, but [Page] my fathers house onely, which standeth a daies iourney from Tubant, and th [...] like from the Castell of Albayzo, where the great Turke at this present kéepe [...] the king of Thessa [...]e and all his treasure, vnder the charge of a good [...]night who is the Captaine of the Castell, and this pl [...]ce hee reputeth a [...] the strongest holde in all the Countrey. Moreouer this I [...]are [...] Sir, that there is no part so little in all that Co [...]ntrey, but I knowe it as well by night as by day, [...]uen as perfectly as the porte▪ whereof I tell ye: there may you abide in [...], and d [...]e what best your selfe shall please, vncontrouled by any, this wyll I make good for [...]e g [...]eat [...] I [...] found. Palmen­dos seing how Fortune fa [...]oured him, co [...]mitted his con­ducting to the Turke, who was named Orycano, when at length they came to the porte neere Tu [...]ant: then Orica­no went on shore with the Knightes, to take some order for their good entertainement, but [...]nding not his father at home, entreated his mother [...] two bréethren, who were not a little glad of his [...]afe return, to vse those Gen­tlemen so curteou [...]y as might be, expressing what kinde­nesse hee hád found at their hands. Palmendos reioyced that they were in a place so sore and secret, and [...]éere Al­bayzo Castell, where the K [...]ng of Th [...]ssalie was detained in captiuitie, yet kept he on his rich black Armour, which the Fairies left for him at the Castell of Carderia, his good sworde likewise hee had by his side, wherewith hee could enchaunt and bring asléepe anye one by drawing it foorth. It was large and short as a woodknife or Fauchion, most arti [...]cially damasqued and garnished with three sortes of Diamonds, the who [...] sheath béeing compos [...]d of one, the mosse-barre and pomell of an other, and the handle of the crost ra [...]e and pretious Calamite that euer was séene, the blade of the finest tempered stéele that coulde bee in any sworde, in bréefe, the like weapon was hardly to be found through the worlde. By this time Orycanos father was come home, who reioycing to beholde his Sonne, shewed [Page 78] very louing [...] to the prince [...] for his sake: whe [...] among▪ other talke, Palmendos requested to knowe of the olde man whence he came [...]o late, whereto the poore man humblie [...] answer [...]d. I come Sir, from a Town not far hence, whether I went in the morning to sell fish, be­cau [...]e great [...] number of Knightes are assembled there, a­gain [...] th [...] mariage of the Lordes daughter, with the son to the Captaine of Albayzo Castell: and I staied the lon­ger, [...]o sée the Bridegroome and his Sister, who is repor­ted to bee the fairest woman in the worlde. By manie great Pri [...]ces she hath béene requ [...]sted in m [...]riage, but [...]he hath refused euery one, saying she will neuer be mar­ri [...]d, but with him that can winn [...] her by Martiall pr [...]w­csse: for which canse many braue and gallant Knights are come thither, and on the third daye of the feast, haue ap­pointed a Tourney for her loue, the resort being so great to sée this Ladie, as i [...] the great Turke with all his Bas­saes a [...]d [...] kept Court there. Palmendos atten­tiuely noting this tale, con [...]idered with him selfe, that if hée could by subtill traine [...] entice this Ladie to lou [...], he [...] might easily get into Albayzo Castell, where he should th [...] better compasse th [...] stratageme, to set the King of Thessa­lie at libertie: for this cause he determined to be present at the Tourney▪ and in bedde acquainted Ozalio with hi [...] whole intent, who thought it the onely waye to woorke their enterprise. On the morrowe Palmendos tolde the Fisher, that he would make one in the Ioust: so giuing him good store of money, prayed him to regarde his Ship and Marriners till hee returned, and so hee set forwarde with Ozalio and Orycano, who serued them faithfullye during all this busine [...]. Not farre had they rid, but they met with a Page that attended on Iffida, for so was the beautifull virgin named, the Captains Daughter and oc­cas [...] of this triumphe: Palmendos asketh him, if the Tourney held the day following. It doth Sir, answered th [...] Page, by generall agréement, and [...]o please yee to bee [Page] there, you shall sée many valiant Knights enter the [...], where I hope the pertakers of Ripole, for so was the Bridegroome called, shall beare away the honour of the day: and sundrie braue champions will aduenture for the loue of Iffida my Mistres, wherby they may gaine the bet­ter meane to offer her their seruice, intending therfore to bee on her brothers side, who is the chiefe man in this en­terprise.

The Prince calling to minde the perfections of Fran­celina, breathed foorth a [...]gh that came from his very soul, on the other si [...]e, [...]e, was marueilous glad, that he had so fortunately met with the Ladies Page: and desirous to gaine some acquaintaunce with her, hee speaketh to the youth in this manner. Gentleman, I thinke the graces of your Mistresse to be so amiable, as in one [...]nstant they are sufficient to captiuate al such as beholde [...], and ther­fore I can ass [...]re ye, that with the better wi [...] & more sin­cere affection, is [...]e prouided to her seruice th [...]t neu [...]r saw [...]er: which I speke on mine own behalfe, wh [...] abandoning [...]he place of my original, haue with insuppo [...]table trauels crost many Countries, onely to come let her vnderstande my extreame deuotion, to be her perpetuall and faithfull seruant, whereto the renown of her beautie induced me, which I thinke is spread ouer the face of the whole earth. And séeing my hap wa [...] so good to m [...]ete with you, albeit yo [...] know mee not, nor haue I yet deserued any thing at your hand: yet let me intreat ye to do one fauour for me, the issue wherof, beside your a [...]hieuement of notable re­putation in [...]ebonaire courtes [...]e, which all of your young yé [...]res ought to haue in singuler [...] ▪ I hope shall let ye sufficiently perceiue, that you deale not for an ingrate [...]ull person, nor wil ye mis [...]ike your trauaile in the cause. What would you haue me do? answered the Page, in respect you séeme a man of vertue and quality: if it bée a thing possible f [...]r me and honourable, I will with al my [...]eart acc [...]mplish it. A thousand thankes for your [...]iend­linesse, [Page 79] answered Palmendos, and for nothing els is my sute, but that you would say to your Ladie Mistresse, how a strange Gentleman, which came into this countrey on­lie to see her graces and vertues, most humbly commends him selfe to her fauourable opinion, earnestlye desiring that she would accept him as her Knight in the Tourney, where to morrow hee intends to shewe him selfe, as one that will ouer ballance her most fauoured in weight of af­fection, and will be accounted second to none in exploits of armes, hauing no better meane, whereby to acquaint her with the insupportable burthen of his heart: and that she may well perceiue it, I will not bee on her brothers side, but against them that take his part, h [...]ping to send them [...]anquished out of the fielde, or make them gladde to take their béels, by the strength and hardines her diuine beau­tie shall giue mee, so please her to graunt mee the afore­said fauour, and which will cause me to account my self [...] the happiest Knight, on w [...]om the planets haue breathed their cel [...]stiall influence. The Page séeing Palmendos faire and so richly armed, imagined him to be some great personage, wherefore he modestly thus replied. My Lord this dare I not doo for any man liuing, without I knewe the partie to haue some familiaritie with my Mistresse: neuerthelesse, béeing a matter of so small consequence, and that you deserue much more then this on my behalfe, I shall deliuer [...]er this message, for your sake who haue so import [...]natly requested it. Palmendos requited the Page with many thanks, and to make him more forward in the matter, hee tooke a bracelet of golde from his arme and gaue it him: so beg [...]ling the time with other sp [...]eches, at length they arriued at Prissa, for so was the Town called where the Triumphes were appointed, the field being co­uered all ouer with costly Pauilions, wherefore Palmen­dos made choise of a conucnient place, and there comman­ded his rich Tent to be presently erected. Meane while the Page curteously tooke his leaue, & entering the town, [Page] went straight to his Mistresse lodging, where hauing [...]rst disnatched the answere sent from her Sister, and séeing her so conuenientlie apart from her Damosels, he rehear­sed all that Palmendos had saied vnto him. I woonder, (quoth she) what the Knight should bee, that durst send mee such a presumptuous message, seeing he saieth he is a straunger, and for my loue hath forsaken his Countrey. Beléeue me Madame, answered the page, nor doo I know him, but hee séemeth to bee discended of great parentage, and is one of the goodliest personages that euer I saw: as for his courtes [...]e and liberalitie, beholde Mistres, what a costly Bracelet hee hath giuen mee, that ne [...]er did anie thing for him in all my life.

Me thinks this is verie straunge, replied Iffida, that this Knight should come from farre Countries to sée me, and verie ingratefull might I be reputed, if I shoulde not thanke him for so great paines: therefore faile not but shewe me him to morrow, so soone as hee dooth enter the Listes, that I may giue good héede to his behauiour. Here­in, (quoth the Page) wil I accomplishe your commaund, because right well I know him by his rich Armour, as al­so the lustie Courser hee rode on yester day. Thus made the Page a train for loue, which afterward reached to the heart of his Mistresse, where hauing kindled the fire her selfe, shee felt the sparkes so to leape about her imaginati­ons, as all this night she could enioy no rest, for thinking on the Knight that came from far Countries.

CHAP. XXVII.

ON the morrow, which was the appointed day of the Tri [...]mph: Iffida decked her selfe in moste sumptuous ornaments, and af­ter dinner came with the Bride and diuers other Ladies, to the Scaffoldes and Pauilions pre­pared for them in the field. Thē assembled the Knightes on all sides, and entered the Lists ech one to shewe his prowesse, but because the greater part were on the Bridegroomes side, therefore the contrarye went apace to wracke, and the other were verily iudged to beare the Prize out of the fielde, if Palmendos and Oza­lio had not suddainlie arriued. For they knew better how to handle their weapons, then the Knightes of this Coun­trey did, and that they made them verie well perceiue, thieflie Palmendos who did marueilous exployts, as Iffida (without any instruction of her Page) knew well inough the man that sent her the message, whereat both she and al the beholders were amazed, to sée him so play the Deuil a­mong the Knights, as no one dealt with him but was vn­horssed. When they saw there was no more worke to doo, they with-drewe themselues into their Tent, and would not vnarme them selues, least some treacherie should bee practised against them, as oftentimes at such occasions it [Page] happeneth, when the vanquished attempt vnhonourablie against the Conquerours. When Ripole saw his Knights so discomfited, he was excéedinglie agréeued therewith, be­cause he entirely loued his Sister Iffida, and doubted shee would now conuict him of great dishonour: but shee whose minde was no where el [...], then on the Knight to whom the victorie was due, extolled his admirable magnanimity to the heauens, as the rest of her Historie will plainely dis­couer, and knowing no better meane to worke by, she cal­led the Page aside, whome the Prince had imploied as his Amba [...]adour, and thus shee spake to him. Unspeakable (in mine owne opinion) is the generositie of the Gentle­man stra [...]nger, who hath right well perfourmed the reso­lution, whereof by thée he assured mee yester-day: very ne­cessarie is it th [...]refore, that thou goe thanke him on my be­halfe, for his long iourney and great paines taken for my sake: beside, as he hath sufficiently shewen me his fortune in déedes of armes, so doo I desire secretly to sée his person, in which request to satisfie me, if he wil this night come to my brothers banquet, which is prouided for the newe ma­ried couple, I shal not fail to estéeme him among my chee­fest fauourites.

While euery one was busilie censuring on the con­querour, the messenger from Iffida came to Palmendos Tent, where bréeflie discharging what he was commaun­ded, and the Prince marueilous glad of this good fortune, thus answered.

[...]entleman, I desire ye to tel your Lady, that nothing shall make me disapoint her pleasure, because the onely oc­casion of my long trauaile, was extreame desire to offer her my seruice, and right happye shall I account my selfe, if she will imploy me in any thing to her content. To bée at the Bridegroomes banquet, me thinkes should argue o­ [...]er much boldnesse, in respect of the slender acquaintaunce and habitude, which as yet I haue with him or any of hys company: Notwithstanding, I would willinglie bee there [Page 81] after the banquet, to guide mine eies to the place, where they might féede on the celestial and graciou [...] countenance of your Mistresse, yet with this entreatie before hand, that I would not be knowen to any what I am. And if it hap­pen I may conferre a little with her in secret, I wil tel her suc [...] thinges, as all the rest of her life-time shall yéelde her contentation, wher [...]in likewise if you will bee loyall and fa [...]ourable to me, to compasse both her good and your own: your guerdon happily will be such, as you will a hundred & a hundred times thinke the hower fortunate, when by so good chance you met me on the way, for though you see me here but in simpl [...] equipage, and as a Knight errant, I am the Lorde of many Prouinces, great estates and wonder­full riches. My Lord answered the Page, right willingly will I aduenture my person, in dooing you all the faithf [...]ll seruice can be deuised, the actions no way stretching to the dish [...]nour of me and my Lady: and such good order will I likewise take, as you shal not be knowen to any, but onely her that longeth to sée you.

Herevpon Palmendos vnarmed him selfe, and putting on a T [...]rkish mātle, taking his good sword vnder his arm, hee and Ozalio went with the Pag [...] into the great Hall wher the banquet was; afterward they closely got to a con­ [...]enient place, where both Iffida and he might behold each other, which he did but with faint and deluding looks, one­lie to adde some grace to his subtill determination, which he had practised for the King of Thessalies deliuerance. And while in this counterfeit contem [...]lation he busi [...]d his eies, the Page cunninglye went to Iffida, and wispering in her eare, saied. Sée Madame the conquering Knight of the Tourney, who desires you very instantly, to conceale hym onely to your sel [...]e, in that his trauaile hither was to no o­ther end, but to sée if your gracious gifts and beauty, were aunswerable to the renowne blazed thereof so far hence in his Countrey, hoping to co [...]passe the matter so, (for to me he hath opened the very secrets of his heart) that when you [Page] haue f [...]rther [...]nowledge of him: you shall not onelye [...] occasion to lo [...]e him, but account your selfe likewise b [...]hol­ding to him, in respect of the voluntary paine he hath suff [...] ­red for your sake. The rest of his spéeches I shall tel you [...]t better leasure, in place more conuenient for suche dis­course.

Iffida who was prudent and well aduised, forbare to conferre longer with her newe solicitour, least her looue sho [...]ld be lightly espied by any: then secretly shee glaun­ [...]th on Palmendos, whose thoughts were busie to cōpasse his intent, and séeing him so pensiue, she immediatly inter­preted this Saturnine taciturnitie to her own aduantage, thinking it procéeded from the rauishment of her beautie, as her Ambassadour had before perswaded her: herewith she iudged in him, more elegancie of fourme and swéetnes of complection, then in any other knight whatsoeuer, which made her so esprized with his attracting regard, as to allay the extreamitie of this heat, she desired nothing more then to speake with him, that she might bee resolued of whenc [...] and what he was. Palmendos stirred not from his place, nor thought be long of [...]is stay there, because bee hoped to gather some frnite thereby: but warily markes the amo­rous lookes of Iffida, and how her e [...]e was the messenger of her inward desire, all which he couettly imparted to Oza­lio, who mooued not one foot from his deere friend.

They fearing least their long staye would canse suspi­cion, went their way, which made Iffida likewise repaire to her Chamber, and calling the minister of her loo [...]e aside, began in this maner.

Ah Page, how [...] [...]idst thou discouer the perfecti­ [...]us of the [...] Knight, whose behauiour and discre [...]t [...], ioyned with his rare & martiall prowesse, makes mee repute himfor the chéefest man, that euer came into this Countrey. Madame answered the young Co [...]cel­ler, if you would sée innumerable vertues conioyned in [...]ne body, I beséech yée hasten your speaking with him, and [Page 82] let not the happye houre miscarrie through your default, which the fatall destinies haue so graciously appointed: hys loouely spéeches shall acquaint yee with his endowments, which you may beholde so correspondent in euery point, as you can wish for nothing but is to be found in him. Now should I speake with him, saied Iffida, without impeach to mine [...]onor, which hithertoo I haue carefullyregarded, vn­l [...]sse it be by thy meanes in some secret place, free from the hurt of suspected persons, wherewith the worlde is nowe mightily stored? I shall tell ye how Madame, replied the Page, you know my Lord your father willed yée the other [...]ay, that yée should returne home to him with all possible spéed, which will serue as a fit occasion, to take your honest sure well of this company: if then you will depart hence to morrowe towarde euening, you may lodge by the way at my mothers house: whether I will go before with the two Knights, and cause her to say they be both her Nephewes, who now are friendly come to visite her, so may ye confer togeather at your pleasure. The inuention is good aun­swered Iffida, yet must ye be very circumspect herein, that the drift of our intent be not discouered.

The complot thus concluded, the Page went in the morning to Palmendos, and making him not a little glad with these newe [...], caused both the frends to mount on hors­backe, and set forward with him to his mothers house, sea­ted in a pleasant place betwéene Tubant and the Castell of Albayzo. When the Gentlewoman saw the two knights, she was much abashed, but her Sonne soone resolued her in euery point: and that shee might boldlye call them her Nephewes, her selfe being a straunger borne far from that Countrey. The mother béeing thoroughly enstructed by her Sonne, desired their intent might take good successe, wherevpon the Page returned to his Mistresse, who had in this while so well ordered her departure, as the new mar­ried nor any other coul [...] gather suspicion: then forwarde she sets, for her iourney had hast, so surely had Loue seazed [Page] [...]n [...]er hart, hauing no other company with her, then her foure waiting Damosels and two Squiers of her fathers.

Nowe is she come to the long desired place, where be­ing very graciously entertayned, both by Palmendos and Ozalio, as also the Pages mother. Iffida beeing not to learne her lesson, desires to know what Knights they were that so friendly saluted her. They are quoth the Pages mother, my two Nephewes, who hauing not séene mee of long time, are come to know if they may stand me in anie stéede: as also to offer their seruice to my Lord your father, if in any thing it shall please him to imploy them. Right hartily welcome are they, aunswered Iffida. and of dutye I must néeds thanke them, for the good will they beare my Lorde and Father: for which cause, as also their néere alli­aunce to you, I loue them as they were my proper Bre­theren.

Palmendos comming to her with great reuerence, gaue her humble thanks for her honourable kindnes, and while they spent the time about other familiar conferences, s [...]p­per was set on the table in a pleasant Arbour, where Iffi­da cold digest no meat, her eies were so busted in beholding her Champion, afterwarde they walked vp and downe the Garden, and shee séeing the Pages mother was deep [...] in talke with Ozalio, as one loth to loose so good an eportuni­ty, she beginneth with Palmendos in this manner.

I cannot but mar [...]aile at my selfe, (Sir Knight) that being nothing touched with the loue of sundry gentlemen, which heretofore haue diuers times offered mee theyr ser­uice: my heart should by you (whcme I neuer saw before these two daies past) so vehcmently be prouoked to loue, so that I cannot heare or think on any thing, but it is broken or r [...]ted by the remembraunce of you: let mee then in­treat yée, not to repute me as carelesse of my chastitye, or forgetfull of the modestie beséeming a Uirgin. For the worthy behauior. I sée couched in your incomparable perso­nage, hath fatally depriued mee of my former libertye, and [Page 83] yéeld [...]d me wholie your Captiue: not doubting but you wil so esteeme of your conquest, as not to impeach the same by any vnhonorable att [...]mpt, considering my noble birth and parcntage. And to satisfie my earnest longing desire, one­lie adicted▪ to haue further knowledge of your estate, ac­quaint me with the secret consideration of your heart, and what you wil commaund me, in g [...]erdon of the paines you haue taken for my sake: wherein (mine honour defended) I will yéeld that willingly to you, which none els but you can haue of me.

Madame aunswered Palmendos, I cannot expresse my high good fortune, finding such grace and courtes [...]e at your hands, béeing on my part no way as yet deserued, but tyme may yéeld the due to euery gentle minde, and make mee a­ble to requite such extraordinary fauour. And thinke not swéet Goddesse of my heart, that in pittying the insuppor­table burthen of mine oppressions, you shall any waye en­curre the detection of lightnes, but rather of honorable and wel gouerned care. when you shal beholde the place wher­to I [...]ope safely to bring you: for Madam, setting aside my simple out ward appearance, I am a King borne, & Gouer­ner of sundry famous Prouinces, and this attempt procee­ded onely of religious zeale, to make you Lady of mee and mine, as your woonderful fame at first tooke the soueraign­tie of my heart.

How can I woorthy Lord, quoth Iffida, but stand am [...] ­zed, that you being a King, and a man of so rare fortune in mannaging arms, shold come hither for so simple a Damo­sel as my selfe, not woor [...]hy to cast mine eies to such prefer­ment? yet not to dissemble with yée as concerning my re­solution, without my fathers consent, I neither may or will goe hence with yée, because it were both disobedience and iniurie to nature.

Not withstanding, one thing I will doo for yée, which neuer heretosore I offered to any Knight, I will bring you to my Father, and tell him you are one of this Gentle wo­mans [Page] Neph [...]wes, she being my nursse in the time of mine in [...]nice: to him must yée offer your seruice, and no sooner shall he beholde your Knightly chiualrie, but he will gladly accept yée as his Sonne.

So with my Parents consent you may conuaie mee hence, and in meane while I shall kéepe secret your estate, al [...]eit it were good you tolde him the trueth. Palmendos, who desired nothing but to get into the Castel, and to com­passe the same by any way he could, thus replied.

Madame, such is the extreamitie of my vehement passi­ons, as no one can recure them, but shee from whome they tooke their originall, nor doo my vitall spirites receiue ani [...] force to execute their office, but from your gracious and gentle disposition: therefore I will go with you when you please to your Father, and say what you can best imagine, for the peaceable assuraunce and fruition of the good pre­tended. These wordes hee vttered with very chéerefull countenaunce, by reason of the hope wherewith his heart was encouraged, seing the practise of his neg [...]tiation stand nowe on the tearmes himselfe desired: the Labie on the o­ther side was so rauished with his loue, as she could not bee satisfied with beholding him, or consent to forsake his com­panye, till time of constraint came that they must to their lodgings, where Iffida could not sléepe thorough the whole night, her slumbers were so broken by the aboundance and plurality of amorous discourse, which chased all other ima­ginations from her spirit.

In these extreames poore Iffida was tormented, a dis­ease cleane contrarye to that which troubled Palmendos, who only sought by dissimulation to recouer the good king of Thessalie, whereof he conferred in bed with Ozalio, what stratagems and subtilties hee must compasse in the action: intreating him most affectionatlie, they hauing once gotten [...]nteraunce into the Castell, to she we him selfe hardie and valiaunt, putting euery one to the sword when the watch­word shold be giuen. When the morning was come, Isfida [Page 84] decked her selfe in her braue accoustrements, and c [...]mming into the Garden, found there the two Knightes armed ex­cept their helmets, she praying them to go with her to the Cast [...]ll of Albayzo, that she might haue the honour of pre­senting them to the Captaine her Father.

This matter being soone concluded, they all mounted on horsebacke, and about noone arriued at the fortresse, the foundation and structure whereof caused Palmendos to woonder, in that it was placed on a high and mightie rock, and storred with such munition for war as it was thought impregnable. Béeing come to the gate, Iffida lighted from her haqueney, and entred taking the Knights by the hand, the Arches permitting them quietly to passe, without any feare or further enq [...]irie what they were, séeing them so well acquainted with faire Iffida, whome the Castilian lo­ued so well, as none might gaine-say what shee commaun­ded.

Afterward the Bridges were drawen, and the gates strongly barred according as they were woont to bée, so the Princes entering the great Hall, Palmendos diligentlie looked about him, thinking eche hower a yeare till the skir­mishe were fought in this strong holde, thanking the hea­nens that had so well guided them thither.

CHAP. XXVIII.

WHen the Captaine of Albayzo Castell, (who was an honoura­ble olde man, and put in chéefe trust with the great Turkes treasure) saw his Daughter ac­companied with [...]wo such [...]rane Knights, hee was thereat excce­dingly amazed: as if this occur­rence had alr [...]adye presaged the conflicte and cr [...]ell slaughter, which was immediatlie to followe in the Castell, where­fore he said. Why Daughter? how chaunceth it that [...] are come with [...]ut your Brother? My Lord, quoth [...]ee, [...] desire I had yester-night to sée yée, hastened my [...] in company of your two Squires, my soure waiting Damo­sels, and these two knights, who are both Nephews to my nursse, where I found them as I passed by that way: and héereof bée assured good father, that this Knight (peinting to Palmendos) is one of the most hardie and curteous Gen­tlemen that euer ye knewe. Whereof his victorie in the Tourney at my Brothers mariage, hath giuen me euident example, as also the honest spéeches he hath vsed to mée this morning, declaring his earnest desire to offer you his ser­uice: vnder hope whereof I haue béene his guide [...]ither, e­stéeming the acq [...]isition of such a man rare & of great con­sequence, and will chiefly helpe the strength of your charge.

[Page 85]He is the better welcome, answered the Captaine, and in recompence of his good will, hee shall commaunde any courtesie at my hand. For all these wordes, he had other matters in his minde, and because his Daughter praised him so much, so much the more willinglye could hee haue spared his company [...] in the Castell, for that his presence made him mis [...]ont and feare some what: yet to dissembl [...] the matter, & take away all occaston of contrary mistrust, with a counterfeit merrie countenaunce he said.

Goe Daughter and salute thy motber, meane while these Knights shalbe vnarmed: which he spak [...] to bee as­sured of their Armour and weapons, intending they shold not haue them againe till they were foorth of the Castell. But Palmendos hearing these wordes, began to misdoubt their interpretation: and therefore thought best not to vse anye more spéeches, but going with Iffidaes Page into a faire Chamber: in stéede of vnarming them selues, they clasped on their Helmets, and taking their Shields with resolued courage, came foorth hauing their good swordes readie drawen, Palmendos intending to trie y^• vertue of his enchanted swoord, or els to put both their liues in dan­ger. The Page séeing this sudden alteratiō, driuen into as great a quandarie as if he had béene new metamorphised, began to crie out very pitifully, terming this act abhomi­nable and s [...]elerous distoyaltie: where with he ran downe to aduertise the Guard thereof, but they themselues were not farre behinde him, because Palmendos knew this en­terprise was not to bee deferred, therefore [...]ee and Ozalio came into the Castell C [...]urt, where they found the Cap­taine threatning the Guarde, that they had so lightly suf­fered the Knights to enter: but they ercused them selue [...] on Iffida who brought th [...]m with her, wherwith the Cap­taine turning about▪ and séeing them come in such furie, hee cried to the [...], saying. Take Armes my loyall and faithfull Knights, an [...] let vs mnrther these false vil­latnes, w [...]o haue beguiled vs s [...] [...].

[Page] Palmendos hauing instruct [...]d Ozalio, to kéepe sure the Gate that none might issue foorth, or more reske we [...]ome in, remembring his swéete Ladie Francelina, deter­mined to die or deliuer her father frem imprisonment.

Now makes he proofe of his Swoord charmed by the Fairies, which as hee lifted about his head, caused euerie one that came against them sléepel [...] to stagger, and when they offered to strike with their weapons, they fell down as though they had béene in a sound sléepe, béeing all in that case depri [...]ed of their liues, both the Captaine, the Guard, and the rest that could be found, except the Turke who guided them by Sea, and the Page that came wyth these newes to Iffida▪ saying. Alas Madame, wee are all betraied, by the false Knights that e [...]tred the Castel with vs: right worthy am I of a thousand deaths, in that your Father and all the Guarde haue lost their liues by my meanes.

When Iffida and her mother heard these vncouth newes, they came downe as women dis [...]raged of their wits, and seeing this lamentable massacre, she fell downe on her fathers dead bodie, saying. Ah my good Lorde and Father, pardon mee that was the cause of this thy death and séeing innocently I haue béene so circum [...]nted by a false Traitour: my life shall presently followe thée at the héeles▪ to accomplishe thy obsequies with more selemne po mpe and ceremonies. Herewi [...]h she offered to r [...]n her he ad against a marble piller, but Palmendos came & stai­ed her, when shee béeing greatly offended there at, raging against him, thus spake.

Thou cruell, false an [...] disloyall Knight, séeing thou [...]ast slaine my Father and his chiefest friendes, why doest thou not send me to beare them company? Tell me thou blooddie Barbarian, what mooued thée to repaye my sayth­full loue with such extreame rigour? How durst thou de­cei [...]e me so trecherously, considering what fauour I shew­ed thée on so small acquaintaunce? with gu [...]lefull and dis­sembling [Page 86] spéeches, thou secretly say [...]st thou wast a King: but if tho [...] bee one, it is of robbers and thée [...]es, and art come hither to steale the great Emperours treasure. Mi­serable and vnhappie that I was, in giuing credite to such false perswas [...]ons, the ende whereof sorteth to such mon­strous effect.

If such as heretofore haue knowen me, imagined m [...] wise and discréetlye inclined, hencef [...]rth they [...] well tearme me a disloyall Daughter, being the onely cause of my fathers death: but though vnwittingly I haue béene deceiued, yet will I complaine o [...] ▪ Fortunes instabilitie that by the report of I know not wha [...], [...] and vain ostentation should so easily change my heart▪ [...] what will the mightie Emperour of Turkie say, [...]en [...] [...]hall vnderstand the trueth of this slaughter, wrought onely for the stealing hence of his treasure? Foolish and [...]iserable [...] ▪ that I am, why did I not remember the su [...]dry in­iuri [...]s, his Maiesties brother [...]ustained by th [...] E [...]perour Palmerin of Constantinople, when he tra [...]ailed the worl [...] a [...] a Knight er [...]ant? had I but remembr [...] th [...]se [...], they would haue for warned me from affecting this stran­ger: yet if the fatal decrée made me so soone s [...]biect to him, why could he not fauour mee with my fathers life? Pal­mendos litle reg [...]ding h [...]r [...] spéeches, de [...]red [...] to be better [...], promising if she [...] d [...]part [...] with him, to sette the Crowne of Th [...]rsus vppo [...] [...] ▪ which he wo [...]ld giue to his Cosin Ozal [...]o, an [...] ioyne her i [...] mariage with him if she pleased.

Moreouer [...]e assured her, that he would not take [...] thing out of the Castell [...] the King of Thessalie, [...] deliuerance could not bee compassed by any intrea [...]y, [...] therefore he ransommed him with the liues of so many. O Mahomet, cried Iffida at these wordes, why sufferest thou Christians to make such incursions on thy people & Coun­tries? Why didst thou creat and appoint women so néer to men, séeing that for them they passe thorough innume­rable [Page] [...]orments? The brother to our great Emperor the [...], was cruelle murthered by the mea [...] of a wo­man, and now by me is his Captaine my father brought to the [...], his prisoner likewise the King of Thessa­ [...] [...] [...]liuered▪ how can I but loath and despise my life. [...]ing hemmed in on euere side with such monstrous [...]?

[...] is it now to remēber mortal incombrances, or to thinke on the warres which Hesione and Helena cau­sed betwéene the Greekes and Troyans: Lauinia betwéene Ae [...]eas and Turnus, or Deianira betwéene Hercules and Acheolus, [...] the Centaures: for those which will spring by these newe occa [...]ous er [...] long ti [...]s bee spe [...]t, I [...]eare will bee so horrible and infamous, as they will [...]face the memorie of them doone so long agoe. Afterward the mother and her daughter ran furiouslie on Palmendos, labouring to do him what iniurie they [...]ld, but he (vnwilling to hurt them) suffred their violence, til Ozalioes Squi [...] [...]ing their impacience, & fearing with their kniues they would in the end murther him: [...] vp one of the Guardes hatchets, and therewith depriued thd mother of her life.

Iffida extreamely r [...]ging at this gréeuous spectacle, [...]nt her hair [...] from her head, and with her nailes cruelly [...]tyred her [...]ire face, then [...]ing suddainly supprized [...]th a raging ap [...]plexie, pre [...] died without [...] more [...]. The Page gr [...]uing to behold this wo­ [...]ul accident, determined not to liue any longer after her: but first vpon the wall he wrote certaine dolorous vers [...]s, which afterward we [...] [...] to a [...] all [...], in this [...].

These verses fixed on the wall by the Squire, hee ran hastily and caught vp a Sword from one of the slaine Knightes, and setting the point thereof against his heart, said. If you (Madame) by my meanes haue receiued this harde fortune, reason requires that for your sake I should endure asmuch: and with these wordes hee fell vpon the Sworde.

This was the second act of the tragicall comedie begun at Prissa, & thus after cōtinued in the Theater of Albayzo, where all they of the Castell miserably ended their liues, except thrée or foure Damoseiles, and their waiting wo­men: who likewise were so amazed at this lamentable spectacle, as they thought them selues halfe depriued of life. Palmendos béeing stricken in a dump by these acci­dents, stood a good while not able to speake a word: which his Cosin Ozalio perceiuing, and marueiling at his alte­ration, he came and comforted him in this sort. My Lord, you must now abandon all dumpish musing, and reioyce for your good successe in this attempt: neuer trouble your thoughts with other imaginations, but let vs determine our departure hence, before the matter bee further mani­fested, otherwise we may fall in daunger a hundred times more to be feared, then were we enclosed in the inextrica­ble Labyrinth.

Your reason is good, Cosin, [...]aunswered Palmendos, wherfore presently we will go séeke for the prison: wherin my Lord the King hath béene kept so long: After they had searched a good while in vaine, at length they found him [Page 88] in a stong Tower, bound with huge barres of yron, he be­ing so leane, wrinckled, pale and w [...]n, as they marueiled to sée him so withered away.

Palmendos beholding him in this gréeuous plight, remembring this was the father to his best beloued Fran­celina, compassion caused the teares to trickle down hys chéekes: but the King not perceiuing this humanitie, ra­ther amazed to sée their Swordes so bloodie, thought they were come to end his miserable & distressed life, wherfore he willingly prepared himselfe therto, saying. Soueraign redéemer of humain nature, to thée I commend my soule, which must now leaue this loathsome prison, be thou then my intercessour to thy mercifull Father, hauing so paci­ently for my sinnes suffered punishment in this wretched place. And séeing hee^• hath reputed my bodie vnworthy longer being in this life, be thou my gracious mediatour for my soule, that in his iudgement it bee not bannished from eternall felicitie promised to the good.

This prayer hauing stopt the passage of Palmendos spéech, Ozalio vsed these wordes to the King. My Lord, bee not dismayed, wée come not hither to offer yee anie outrage, but to deliuer you from this thraldome, and cary yee with vs to Constantinople: where you shall finde your Queene and faire Daughter Francelina, by whose means your troubles haue nowe taken end, and there they stay [...] onely for your comming.

Afterward he declared the whole successe of the acti­on, and breaking the barres of the little wicket, tooke him foorth of that darke prison, wherein hee had remained twentie yéeres, such marueilous hatred did the great Turke beare him. Yet could hee not bee certainelye resolued of his libertie, till hee sawe the Captaine and the rest that were slaine, when embracing the Knightes, hee thanked GOD and them for his happie deliue­rance.

Palmendos thought it necessary to make no longer stay [Page] there, wherfore cōmanding on [...] of their Squires to fetch a good horsse out of the Captains [...]able, they caused the king to mount thereon: then remembring the former spéeches of Iffida, he would not suffer any thing els to bee carried from the Ca [...]ell.

CHAP. XXIX.

PAlmendos remembring his re­turne to Constantinople, and deuis [...]ng how hee might safeli [...] get awaye from the Castell of Albayzo, he caused all the gen­tlewomen that were left aliue to bee locked in one Chamber: and so soone as it wa [...]ed darke, leauing the great Oates wide open, and the Bridges downe, they all rode away: Orycano being their guide as he was before. About midnight they came to the Pages mothers house, where among the trées in the Garden, they espi [...] di [...]ers lighted Torches, and a sumptuo [...] bed in the mid­de [...]t of the Arbour, at which [...]ight not marueiling a little, they [...]aied there awhile: but Palmendos destrous to bee further sati [...]ed heerein, gaue his horsse to Orycano, and drawing his vertucus Sworde, charmed all that were in the Garden fa [...]t a [...]léepe, by which meane [...] hee came to the [Page 89] rich beds [...]de, wherin he saw a very beautifull Ladie. Her name was Marencida, eldest daughter to y^e great Turke, and wife to the King Ocurites of Culaquin, whom Palmen­dos found néere the Gulfe of Tanais & Meotides: she nowe iournying to recreate herselfe with her Mother, at a fayre Castell not farre from this place, whether she went three daies before in great anger from the Courte, because the great Turke loued another of his concubines better then her. Marencida mourning for the taking of the King her Husband, craued leaue of the great Turke her father, that she might goe visite her Mother for seauen or eight daies, where with her she might beare a share of her greefe and heauines: so parting from the Courte honourably accom­panied, and alighting at this pleasant bower to refeshe her selfe, because the night suddainly preuented her, shee com­maunded the Groomes to prepare her bed for that night in the Arbour, her Ladies, Gentlewomen and Guard, bée­ing all there about her. Palmendos hauing charmed with his Sword all her attendants a sleepe, approched néere the beddes side, when the Princesse thinking on her Hus­bands imprisonment, gaue many gréeuous sighes from the depth of her hart, cursing the Knight that took [...] him, as al­so Constantinople for vniustly detayning him, and to these mournfull regrets added these speeches.

My noble Lord, Oh that I had some sure & loyall per­son, that might conduct me to the place where thou art, to the ende my longing mind might be satis- [...]ed with sight of thée, and these two sources of teares stayed from further streaming ouer: for liuing here, my greefes grow intolle­rable, and I abide y^e most desolate Ladie in all Asia, Other lamentable speeches she vttered, till nature no longer a­ble to outstand the charges of drowsines, caused her to fall fast a sleepe: and Palmendos hauing heard what had pas­sed, imagined her to be the great Turks Daughter, Wife to the King Ocurites, whō he sent to Constantinople. Wher­fore seeing all her Guarde soundly sléeping, he folded down [Page] the bed clothes, and because the precious Calamite in hys Sword, by nature draweth the body of man or woman to it, as the Adamant dooth the yron: the Ladie presently a­rose into his Armes, so béeing kept a sleepe by his enchan­ted Sworde, lay as quiet in his armes, as fayre Daphne did with Phaebus, when Iupi [...]er conuerted her into a Baye trée. Wrapping her costly Mantle about her, hee departed safely from the Guarde, & comming where Oricano stayed with his horse, made such shift as he mounted into the sa­ [...]le, and so galloped to the rest of his company, who mer­uailed not a little that he had got so good a bootie. Great hast they made till they got on ship-boord, when Palmen­dos laying her vpon his bed, and vsing her reuerently be­cause she was of such honor: he put vp his vertuous sword into the sheathe, when very soone after Marencida awa­ked, and seeing herselfe in the company of straungers, cry­ing out with feare, she said. Alas where am I? what? haue I no one about me that I know? how came I so strange­ly into this place? why Fortune? hast thou not yet afflic­ted me enough? are my starres grown into such hatred to­warde mee, as in my sleepe to seeke my destruction? And what are you y^• haue béene so bolde as to take me out of my bed? this audacious behauiour will returne you no other gu [...]rdon, then the very sharpest death that can be de [...]ised. Madame, answered Palmendos, from that wee shall keepe our selues so well as we may, as for my selfe, I am a Knight of a Countrey far hence, and hearing by chaunce what mone ye made, for the captiuitie of the King your Husband, as also howe desirous you se [...]med to see him in Constantinople, I wa [...] greatly mooued to pittie y [...]ur afflicti­on, and as one willing to pleasure you heerin, as also what other thing you shall commaund mee, I tooke yée foorth of your bed, promising ye by my religiou [...] vowes to Chiual­rie, not onely to shewe you the King Ocurites: but also to guarde your chastitie incontaminate, as frée from the least s [...]ot of dishonour, as when yee happened into my custodie.

[Page 90]False and disl [...]yall Knight, quoth shee, how can I but receiue shame and infamie by this treacherie, hauing in such sort beene taken from among my Guarde? If I desi­red to see the King my husband, it was only to content my minde, which is theret [...] mooued with vehement [...]ffection: yet might my meaning be far enough from my words, be­cause I could not doo it without my Fathers licence, and more willingly woulde I ende my life in this place, then goe with thee of whom I canne imagine no good thought, but as thou hast felloniously stollen mée from my bedde, so wilt thou heereafter trayterously murder me. I am ney­ther Theefe or Traytour, aunswered Palmendos, but [...] Knight readie at your commaundement, if so you take my seruice in good worth: and seeing you are now in my pu­issaunce, determine to goe with me willinglie or perforce, and thinke not I intend your death, for it is farre fr [...]m my thought I promise you.

Then began Marencida to teare her haire, which see­med as the Golden wyer, and beate her faire handes so white as the Alablaster, with out-crye [...] as a Woman de­priued of her sences: when y^• Prince pittying these femi­nine importunities, drew his Sword, and to ease these ex­treames charmed her a sleepe againe. During thys time, Ozalio had tolde the King of Thessalie the whole newes of his Daughter Francelina, whereto hee gaue good attenti­on, because since the time of his imprisonment, he had not he [...]rd any thing as concerning the aff [...]ires of hi [...] Realm, or that y^• Queene his wife had any such Daughter, where­fore the teares trickling downe his face, he came and em­braced Palmendos, saying. In sooth my Sonne, al the grée­uous torments I haue heertofore endured, se [...]me nothing in respect of the comfort I nowe feele, that my vnknowne C [...]ild shall enioy a man so vertuous: and for this Ladies ta [...]ing I am likewise glad, because by this meane I shall be reuenged sufficiently on the Turke. Thus dooth God, aunswered Palmendos, shewe himselse a iuste Iudge, and [Page] the true directour of all humane actions, limitting [...]uerie occasion according as best him pleaseth: but we were best to make what speed we can hence, els may we repent our comming among these inexorable Tyrants. Marencida awaking againe, and not perswaded with all the court [...] ­ous intreaties the Prince could deuise, shee still continued her former acclama tions, not vnlike Ariadne at the com­ming of Bacchus, when she w [...]s found forsaken by These­us at the sea-side: in like sort did she renew her mal [...]dicti­ons, inuocating on Neptune and Thetis, as also y^• Tritons their Herralds, Monsters, Nimphes and Sirens, that shée might suffer shypwracke in the Sea, and the Fishes féede on her vnhappie carcasse. But Ozalio pittying her dollo­rous complaints, and finding his hart somewhat espryzed with her loue, intreated Palmendos to graunt him one re­quest, which aboue al things els he required at his hands, when the Prince yeelding to any thing his Cozin would [...] demaund, Ozalio proceeded in this manner.

My sute is worthy Lord and Cozin, to enioy this Lady as my Wife, to whom I know the destenies haue fatallie reserued mee, considering the suddaine chaunge and inex­plicable controuersie my hart endureth: wheras the con­tinual accompanying of beautiful Ladies heertofore, could neuer moo [...]e my frozen affections, and nowe I feele them not warme but boyling. Easilie may yee (quoth Palmen­dos) obtaine this demaund of mee, if nothing els stande in the way to hinder it, and as much doo I desire your ad­uauncement, as any waie I can be couetous of mine own, hoping while I liue to sée no diuorce between vs, but that our estates shall continue equally together, and in witnes of my worde, I deliuer yee the charge of this Princesse, heereafter to dispose of her according to your desires. Oza­lio now vseth all decent courte [...]ies to Marencida, wherby to gaine fauour in her cōceit: yet all was in vaine, for she would not affoorde him any good countenaunce, but remai­ned in her w [...]nted obstinacie.

[Page 91]When the poore Fisherman vnderstood by his So [...] Orycano, how his guests had deliuered y^• King of Thessalie out of Albayzo Castell, hee thought it no longer tarrying for him in Turkie, wherefore hee came and intreated the Prince Palmendos, y^• he might saile with him into Chri­stendome, which sute was very soone obtained, so hee, his wife and familie did all come aboord the Ship, the Prince promising to reward their gentlenes liberallie.

Nowe let vs come to the Guarde and them that atten­ded on Marencida, who waking & not finding their Ladie in her bed, began to chafe and rage in most extreame ma­ner: some renting their haire & beardes violentlie. others running mad among the Trees, thinking she had been [...] metamorphized in the Garden, nor coulde they imagi [...]e how to escape the daunger when the great Turke shoulde heare of this mishap. These comfortles creatures thus a­mazed, not daring any one of them to goe tell the Emperor heerof, they determined to flie the Countrey, and returne no more to the Courte, leauing Marencidaes Ladies and Gentlewomen mourning in that vnhappy place, where (a­bout noone) Ripole Brother to Iffida arriued, returning from the wedding with his wife & diuers braue Knights: but when he vnderstood the cause of their sorrow, hee was strooken into such a quandarie, as hee woulde passe no fur­ther before hee enquired [...]ore of this [...]uent. In meane while he sent a Squire to Albayzo Castel, to aduertise his Father of his comming, and the Squire prauncing vp to the Fortresse, meruailed to see the Gates wide open, but much more when he saw the slaughter of the Knights, and the Captaine himselfe lie [...]laine among th [...]m: nowe was he surprized with such feare, as hee had not the hart to ta­rie there any longer, but trusting to the speedy succour of his horse legges, galloped with all speede to his Maister, where standing awhile as a man beside himselfe, at l [...]ngth he thus spake. Pardon me, my Lord, in declaring a bloodie and tragicall report, your worthy Father & all the Guard [Page] o [...] the Castell, lye cruellie murdered in the base Courte, and because I found [...] the greate Gates open, I doubt the Treasure and riches in the Castell, hath occasioned thy [...] massacre by some robbers and theeues. Ripole hearing these vnlooked for newes, terrified in such sort as he coulde not tell what to say, mounted on a lusty Courser and rod [...] to the Castell, the Gentlemen bringing his wife faire and softlie after▪ but when he beheld this woful spectacle, and what a butcherie Palmendos Sworde had made, his Ser­ [...]aunts seared he woulde haue followed in this harde for­tune. Nor can I heare set downe the rufull mones, which Ripole made ouer his Father, Mother & Sister, no doubt they were a [...] strange and yrkesome as this accident: but when they had searched through the Castell, and found [...] nothing wanting but the King of Thessalie, they iudged the Authors of this tiranni [...] to be Christians, and that they likewise had caried awaie the Queene Marencida. After he had taken order for interring the deade, he rode imme­diatlie toward the great Turke, hauing heard of Iffida [...]s Nursse, all that had past betweene her & the two Knights, and beeing come before the Emperour, he fell at his feete, deliuering the signes of an afflicted spirite, which onelie sought for grace and mercie. At length he declared the sub­s [...]aunce of this wreakfull occurrence, as well that of Ma­rencida his Maiesties Daughter, as the other of hys Fa­thers death, and deliueraunce of the King of Thessalie, af­ [...]rming his Sister Iffida as onely cause thereof, & by what traynes she had béene beguiled, himselfe béeing altogether innocent of the treason: notwithstanding, hee freely offe­red himselfe at his gracious disposition, to abide whatsoe­ [...]er he would assigne him. These wordes so wounded the Turke to the hart, as hee remained silent a great while, anger had so locked vp the passage of his speeche: yet fu­riously at length starting from his Chayre, hee rayled on the Gods, starres, deuils and all the infernall powers. A [...] Mahomet, quoth he, doubtlesse thou art angry with mee, [Page 92] or els dost take but little care of thy seruaunts, that euer­more haue extolled thee a [...]oue all other Gods and Pro­phets: but much I wonder thou woldest thus forget me, vnle [...]se thou wilt haue mee thinke thée extreamely offen­ded, or that the hope is vaine and frustrate which is repo­sed in thee. You starres, not inclined to fauour me, but ra­ther affecting my tot [...]ll ruine, wherin haue I so haynou [...]y [...]ffended, that you shoulde take so sharpe and rigorous ven­geaunce on me? what may this presage to me héereafter, but some great mis-fortune & suddaine mutation in Asia? yet will I so carefully foresée these affayres, as the sedici­ous performers of this villainie, shall not cary it away so lightlie. Like sorrowes made this Infidell for his mishap, when many of his Knights, without attending other com­maundement, got ready Foystes, Gallyes & other vessels for warre, to pursue the causers of this tragicall accident, but their labour was spent in vayne, albeit not long after they hearde the trueth of all: which procured such hatred betweene the Turkes and the Grecians, as they ceased not till with hostilitie they had inuaded Greece. But it was not during the raigne of the Emperour Palmerin, or anie of his race or next posteritie, for while they liued y^• Turkes durst not stirre against them: yet long time after, when Ottoman a fierce and proude Prince gouerned▪ in [...]nite [...] ­uilles happened in Europe, where he tooke and sacked ma­ny good Cities, Townes & Castels. Now would the great Turke not suffer Ripole to bée further tormented, because he was found altogether innocent in y^• action, but sent him back to the Castel of Albayzo, making him Captain ther­of as his father was before. And long time continued he sad & mellanchollie, thinking hee had reciued wonderfull dishonour by the losse of his Daughter Marencida: nor shold he euer recouer the same, til Greece were beaten flat to the grounde, and the Emperour Palmerin with all his kindred vtterly destroyed: where in these ragings we wil leaue him, and returne to our purpose.

CHAP. XXX.

THe Marriners chéerefully hoy­sing their sailes, left the coaste of Turkie and launched into the maine Sea, hauing the winde and weather so fauourable, as without anie impeachmēt they attained y^• Bosphor of Thrace, where Palmendos sent his Co­zin Ozalio before to the Empe­rour, that the King of Thessali [...] might bee entertained with honour beséeming so great a Prince. Ozalio making spéede in a swift little Pinnesse, béeing landed went directly to the Pallace, and finding the Emperour in the great Hall, conferring with his Lordes [...]bout the enchaunted Birde, which that morning had de­liuered manie pleasant notes, wherfore hee expected some comfortable newes, when Ozalio falling on his knée, be­gan in this manner.

Dread Lord, I am the seruaunt and freend to the no­ble Palmendos, whose renowne hath héeretofore béen bla­zed in this Court, and he humblie intreateth your highnes by mee, that you woulde entertaine the King of Thessalie, whom he hath brought from Turkie, with such grace and honour as beséemeth his dignitie. By this time I thinke they are entred the Hauen, in that they were not farre off [Page 93] when I left them, I beeing sent before to acquaint your Maiestie heerewith. The Emperour excéeding ioyfull at these newes, rose and embraced Ozalio very graciou [...]i, and causing all his Knights and Barons to prepare them­selues, said, he would goe to the Port in person to welcom them. Right soone were these tydings bruted through the Court, wherwith the Empresse & her Ladies were highly pleased, especially the mourning Quéen of Thessalie for her Husbands returne, and faire Francelina for her loouelie freende, whose absence made her imagine euery howre a yeere: wherfore in haste they got them before to y^• Porte, attended on by their Ladies and Gentlewomen, where Palmendos being new come on shore with the King, thus spake to him. Behold my good Lorde, your Queene and Daughter, who are ioyfullie come to salute your arriuall: but when he looked on Francelina, the whole quire of hea­uen was present in his thoughts. The Queene ver [...]ar­nestlie beheld the King her husband, when séeing his haire and beard so strangelie ouer-growne, beside, his skyn and complexion so wonderfully altered, as doubtfull in minde, she came to him with these wordes. Are ye (my Lord) the king of Thessalie, for whom my hart hath suffered excéeding greefe? I praie ye resolue me presentlie, without holding me in longer suspence, in that your deformed estate hath greatlie peruerted my remembraunce.

Madame, aunswered the King, it is no meruel though you know me not, considering the long time since ye sawe me last, which the integrity of our loue hath made vs ima­gine of greater compasse, although the accustomed reuolu­tion of yéeres, neither deminish or increase one moment in their naturall course: notwithstanding, I am the same King your Husband, who haue felt more passions for your absence, then anguish or torment in my miserable captiui­tie. But seeing the immortall bountie hath suffered mee once againe to sée you, before my foule forsake this passible bodie, which was my continuall desire during my tribu­lation, [Page] now [...] c [...]re I not though Death presentlie doo his duetie, for séeing the circle of your armes haue embraced me, I am the read [...]er for my mother Earth to receiue me. Nowe are Ioy [...]ull teares plentifullie powred foorth on all sides, and embracings so vehement, as though they should neuer vnfold againe the libertie of speeche béeing [...] all this while, for Palmendos and Francelina were trans­ported into a second heauen, where the outward ceremo­nies serued to confirme the inward contentation, at length the Quéene taking Francelina by the hande, thus spake to the King. Sée héere my Lord your Daughter, of whom I was but newlie conceiued when you went from Thessalie, [...] and fortu [...]ate may she iustly bée tearmed, in that her destenie hath deliuered you from prison, restored me my former ioy, and giuen her the most perfect Knight that euer [...]are Armes. When the King behelde his Daughter so f [...]re and gracious, he tooke her in his armes, expressin [...] with silent fauours his hartie ioy: and in this while the Emperour came with his traine, alighting from his horse to welcome the King of Thessalie, whom when he behelde so spent and dis-figured, the teares fell from his eyes, and embracing him in his armes, sayde.

My noble Brother, heauen haue the honour for deli­uering ye from our common enemie, where albeit I was heeretofore glad of your reskewe, yet was I agreeued at your imprisonment, béeing then my selfe (as you know) in the Turkes power, although hee gaue mee more libertie then you, in hope I would haue ayded him with my vtter­most abilitie: my desire then to get from his seruice, con­strayned me to deale somewhat hardlie against you, an er­rour too notable, and I confesse worthy reprehension: but God pardoning the offences of the repentaunt, hath in pit­tie regarded vs both, and by his inexpuisable goodnes, di­rected all thinges to a happy ende. My Lorde, reply [...]d the King, the whole discourse thereof haue I heard by Palmē ­dos, which giues me reason not to thinke any fault in you, [Page 94] when yee coulde not otherwise helpe the same [...] but let vs leaue occasions past, séeing heauen hath so miraculously de­liuered me, that I should come my selfs to present the en­tire affection, wherwith I am bound to your highnes ser­uice. Nor could any thing in the world, said the Emperor, more d [...]light me, then your comming with the Knight I haue so long desired to sée: with whom I cannot but be of­fended, (these words h [...] merily vttered) in that hee hath taried so long time from mee: then Palmendos falling on his knee, modestly answered in this maner. Dread Lord, if heertofore I haue prouoked your displeasure, I confesse such punishment is due to me as you shall ordaine, & wyl­linglie will I endure it, to fashion mee the better to your seruice, wherein I woulde employ my selfe according to your appointment, although it were to fight against the Gates of death: wherof I gladly could affoord some proofe so please your highnes to enioyne me such a taske, as may expresse my zeale & forwardnes. And that you may know the name of your voluntarie Seruaunt, I am that Pal­mendos, who was since the howre of my birthe destenyed to follow your vertues, hūbly intreating to discharge your remembraunce of any discontentment I haue héeretofore occasioned: in that mine owne minde still perswaded me, I wanted worthines to come before your excellenci [...].

The Emperour beholding him of such gallant stature, did not a little meruaile at his rare persections, wherefore taking him graciously in his armes, desired he would com­maund any thing wherein he might stand him in sted, for he was not able to requite his high deseruings. Afterward [...]ame Primaleon & courteously entertained him, the like did Abenunco, signifying how much he was bound to him for his happy deliueraunce: then came. Arnedes with the other Lordes and Knights, all of them embracing the har­di [...] Champion that went away with the honour of the Tourney.

By this time had Ozalio brought Marencida on shore, [Page] she [...] [...] to [...]old such stat [...] an [...] roy [...]ltie, wherefore she desired to know the place of her landing. Madame, an­s [...]ered O [...]alio, this Cittie is calle [...] Constantinople, and a­mong thi [...] [...]orishing troope of Princes, who haue vouchsa­fed their comming hether [...]o this Porte, there may yee be­hold the [...] Emperour Palm [...]rin, who i [...] heere in per­son to receiue the King of Thess [...], and the worthy Knight that deli [...]ered him from prison: your selfe like wis [...] wil e­stéeme him a vertuo [...]s Prince, by the good ent [...]rtainment you s [...]all enioy, when once hee vnderstandeth your state and calling, so that I hope you will not r [...]pent this voy­age, were it but to haue kn [...]wledge of him alone.

New miserable▪ and vnfortunate am I, quoth she, to fall into the mercy of my Fa [...]hers capitall eneme? howe can my greef [...]s but growe into [...]n excéeding surplusage? If I sée the King Ocurites my hus [...]and, the meeting will bee wi [...]h meruailous hart breake on either side, be [...]ing both of vs captiue t [...] the very worst enemy we haue. The Empe­rour and his Lords kindly saluted her: but s [...]ée wou [...]d n [...]t [...]nce bowe herselfe or make any aunswer, whereat y^• stan­ [...] by very much wondred, tearming her a W [...]man of rough & vnséemely behauiour, saying nature might much better haue made her a man. Mounting all on horseback, in most comeli [...] order they rode to the Pallace, where the Empresse and her Ladies met them in the Court: and to tell the courte [...]es, gratulations and welcome there [...], would aske a world of time, yet little to the purpose, [...]t it suffise th [...]n, they are so well entertained as you can anie way imagin [...].

Palmendos taking Marencida by the hande, brought her to the Princesse Philocrista with thes [...] speeches. I [...] you Madame, to accept this Lady into your c [...]mpany, and giue her such▪ good counsell as you can best deuise, for she is discended of royall blood I tell ye. Sir Palmendos, replyed the Princesse, I must [...]bey what you commaund [...] me, [...]or the looue I beare to you and your swéete Fre [...]nde, [Page 95] and I imagine my selfe fortunate, hauing such a precious gage from a Knight so perfect, nor shal she be worse intrea­ted then mine owne selfe.

Marencida hearing these gracious speeches, and what courtesie Palmendos vsed to the Princesse, perceiued that she was the Emperours Daughter, wherefore she gaue her many thankes, sh [...]wing better countenaunce then be­fore she did to any: which Philocrista tooke very kindlie, and mounting vppe the steppes with her into the Hall, shée came to Francelina with these wordes. Thys Ladie, Madame, dooth now supply▪ your place, seeing Lorde Pal­mendos is returned, for now your company with me must discontinue, because reason and your fatall loue d [...]th so commaunde, notwitt [...]anding, I hope our amitie shal con­tinue.

Fayre Princesse, answered Francelina, wee are bothe so farre yours, and so good part haue y [...] in my Lord, as you shall finde your selfe no le [...]e [...] then abashed when ye knowe all: therefore feare not that I will forget your freendly familiaritie, rather will I continue your louing Sister, as our further assuraunce of our mutuall agree­ment. Sundry other speeches passed betweene the two young Ladies, in meane while Marencida looking about her, and remembring the great pompe, state and riches of her Father, shée made but slender account of the Empe­rours Courte, which was not at this time so well-stored with Knights as it was wont to b [...]e, whereupon shee gy­ [...]ing a great sigth, thus vttered her minde.

You knowe, Emperour of Constantinople, that the sump­tuous royaltie of my Fathers Courte, dooth exce [...]de the greatest Princes in the whole world, as also howe manie mightie Lord [...]s serue him with homage and fidelitie, be­cause heeretofore you haue seene the same, where if yee were so aduenturous and hardie, to kill without feare of them (as the whole worlde knoweth) the mightie Empe­rour mine Unckle, thinke I pray you, what miserable case [Page] the Ladie is in, so trait [...]rously brought from her owne n [...] ­tiue Countrey, and now deliuered captiue into your custo­die, wherein me thinkes, in respect of the renowne spread abroade of you, you should take example by my aduersitie, and rather greeue then glorie therin, as I sée you doo, con­sidering that inconstant Fortune is still variable, and doth not alwaies allowe men felicitie. This I speake not, whereby to gaine y^• more fauour or honour in your Court, because death would be much more welcome to mee, then to liue in the vexation of mind I d [...]o: wherfore I intreate ye againe (if intreatie may bes [...]eme an aduersarie) heere­after to conserue your reputation in such sort, as I may receiue no impeach to mine honour, and you shall comfort mee better therein, then all the cōmendation o [...] your fame can doo.

To thes [...] wordes shee added many rufull complaynts, as the Emperour beeing therewith mooued to compassi­on, replyed in this manner. I [...]derstande, Madame, full well what ye haue said, and knowe beside, that the femi­nine choller which gouerneth your spyrite, maketh you vse such kinde of language, as is cleane ex [...]mpt fr [...]m all the rules of womanlie modestie: nor a [...] I now to learne, that the strength of earthlie Kinges and Potentates is lesse then nothing, when God is bent repugnaunt against them, whereby we are all to resolue, that we can doo no good acte without his assistaunce. According to his di [...]ecti­on came I to your Unckles Courte, before [...]hom I pro­test, and craue no mercie in the day of vengeaunce, if I [...]we him, or euer thought to doo it, beeing too farre cary­ed away from minding anie such intent, by the honour I had before receiued at his highnes handes. Yet was I priuie to his forcible detayning of the Ladie, and laboured to restore her to her Lorde and Husbande, shee béeing Daughter to the renowned King of Englande, and Wife to the nowe famous Emperour Trineus of Allemaigne: [Page 96] heerein (mee thinkes) I committed no osfence, hee kee­ping her moste vniustlie, profaning thereby the sacred Lawes of royall equitie.

And because the wyse haue euermore patiently en­dured their fortune, beeing either good or badde, I verilie perswade my selfe Madame, that you wyll forbeare to complaine and lament in this vnseemely manner, know­ing your selfe to bee conquered by the most courteous and debonaire Knight that this daie lyueth in Europe, euen he that in Hellespont ouer-came the King Ocurites your Hus­bande.

These newes so greeued Marencida to the harte, when she heard the Emperour say, that the King her hus­bande and shee herselfe were taken bothe captiue by one Knight, as frantick-like shee coulde haue eaten her fleshe with anger, but the young Princesse Philocrista conduc­ting her to her Chamber, appeased her furie with diuers freendly speeches and curteous behauiour. But let vs nowe returne againe to the Prince Palmendos, who in this time vnarmed himselfe, that the Emperour might at more pleasure beholde him.

CHAP. XXXI.

AFter that Palmendos had put off his Armour, hee thr [...]we a rich Turkish robe about him, imbrodered all ouer with ori­ental pearls, which he brought from Tharsus with him, accor­ding to the moderne custom [...] vsed among the most magnifi­cent Kings of Asia, intending to were it when he shold come in the Emperours presence. Beeing returned into the great Hall, and eche one couetous to vnderstand his origi­nall, Primaleon tooke him by the hande and sate downe, when the Emperour began in this manner. My noble friend Palmendos, longer must ye not conceale your selfe, your renowne being so lanishly brut [...]d thorow all Coun­tries: tell me then I pray y [...], of what parents ye are issu­ed, as also what yee thinke els conuenient to acquaint vs withall.

Gracious Lord, answered Palmendos, with you whome I so reuerence by honour, I maye not dissemble in anie point, for that I were vnworthie your presence, if I shold deale double with so great a state. Knowe then mightie Emperour, that I am Sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus, the affectionate seruant and vowed friend to your Maie­stie, forsaking my Countrey by a strange occasion, so soone as I vnderstoode where my father remained, which long before was concealed from me. The cause of my comming into your highnes Court, was the same & praises I heard [Page 97] of Francelina, to whose seruice the fatall [...] [...] ­ned me at my very essence, in that I neuer affected any o­ther Ladie, yet reputing my selfe, vnwoorthy her grace and fauour, or to be séene in this honourable Court. To this he added the discourse of the olde woman, that appea­red to him in the Pallace at Tharsus, and how she blamed [...] for his idle and slot [...]full life: yet hiding how she [...] ­red him to bee his Sonne, because further opinion should passe till that were discouered. But quoth he, as hither­too I haue liued according to the law of Mahomet, so now would I willingly receiue Christian Baptisme, which I faithfully promised for my good successe, whē heauen made me able to deliuer this woorthy Prince [...]e. When the Emperour heard these thinges, hee presently iudged Pal­mendos to be his Sonne, by the suddaine and summarie supputation he made of his age, and of the time he was in Pasmeria, where the Quéene his mother came subtilly ac­quainted with him▪ Bashful her of he was when he looked on the Empresse, as his vermilion colour plainly discoue­red, yet did he discréetly shadowe the same: notwithstan­ding, the Empresse misdoubted somewhat, remembring her dreame of the Quéene of Tharsus, and what the Em­perour himselfe had told her before, yet made she no shew of any such matter, wisely gouerning her thoughtes from outward suspition, whereupon the Emperour thus began againe.

In sooth my especiall good friend Palmendos, I nowe loue and estéeme yee much better then before, vnderstan­ding that you are Sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus, who did mee so great honor in her Countries, her very nam [...] maketh me remember my trauailes in those parts: so that I know not howe to expresse my ioy, hearing your selfe so well resolued, to forsake the Ethnicke paganisme of your blasphemous God [...]. Wherefore I am thus aduised, no [...] to prolong so good an occa [...]on, but to morrow you shall re­c [...]iue the holy charracter of Christianitie, and be likewise [Page] a [...]iaunced to your Lady Francelina: for reason requireth herein to hasten your right, séeing for her you haue endu­red such daungerous trauailes, and forsaken a Realme of so great estate, the riches and fertility whereof I am wel acquainted withall. The King and Quéene of Thessalie were not a little glad, when they heard that Palmendos was heire to a kingdome, but much more was their [...] ▪ vnderstanding his original, whereof the Emperor would not as yet make further inquirie, till he were better assu­red of the certaintie: and good occasion falling out so wel, as the Empresse, her Ladies and euerye one departing to their Chambers, leauing the Emperor and Palmendos se­cretly conferring together, of matters concerning the Ile Delph [...]s and such like, but at length his Maiestie opened his minde, saying that he imagined him to be his Sonne, wherefore he was desirous to be therein resolued. In re­spect, my good Lord, answered Palmendos, that truth must and will come foorth at length, know then mighty Prince and my gracious father, that in the Realme of Pasmeria, you begot me your Sonne, the night before you departed from the Quéene my mother, for shee being aduertised of [...]our rare perfections, became impacient in her amorous affections, and compassed the meane of your acquaintance, by a charmed drinke prouided for that purpose. And heere beholde the effect of this action, my selfe your humble son and obedient seruant, yet did my mother giue mee a fur­ther testimonie hereof, hauing her selfe giuen you the like at your departure: but Franc [...]lina hath the same nowe in possession, for to her I tooke it after her deliuerance. And [...]uermore she concealed this matter from me, till miracu­lou [...]ly I was enfourmed both thereof, and as concerning Francelina, because she feared I would forsake my Coun­trey, to come and s [...]rue in your highnes Court. As concer­ [...]ing my behauiour since that time, some what I am sure hath happened to your hearing, yet of such small and slen­der [...], as they neither beséemed this place or your [Page 99] person. The Emperour rauished with conceit of this re­port, knew not which way best to signifie his ioy, for con­sidering the straunge course of the action pa [...], and what the successe thereof now prooued, his spirites were carried away with woonderfull imaginations.

Ah my noble Sonne Palmendos, quoth he, full well [...] I assured of what thou hast said, although nature hath shaped thée not much vnlike me, & giuen thée such [...]eroy­call courage as I had in my younger daies: and albeit the Empresse may well be offended with me, when shee shall be thus thorowly resolued, yet is her wisedoome and mo­destie such, as she will not mislike what I allow. With these wordes the Emperour tooke him by the hand, going with him presently to the Empresse Chamber, and after his Maiestie had kindly kissed her, hee entered into these spéeches.

I know well Madame, that héertofore you haue held good opinion of my loyaltie, and that I euer loued you en­tirely, as your selfe could desire no better proofe thereof: but the cause why I vse these wordes at this instant, is a little scruple that long since entered my minde, and I fear wil offend yee when the same is knowen. Yet least fur­ther doubtes should trouble your thoughtes, I protest be­fore him who is the only searcher of hearts, and I sweare by all the diuine assistaunts about his tribunall, that ne­uer with my will and knowledge did I contaminate our wedlocke-bedde, much lesse haue I infringed the lawes of mariage, or polluted the inuiolable faith I solemnely gaue yée.

Notwithstanding such hath béen my former fortune, that another woman beside your selfe, by charmes obtay­ned what was your right, then must you not (Madame) be so seuere and rigorous, as not to pardon mee, séeing I haue voluntarily confessed mine offence, beside, the fault not procéeding from me, deliuers my cause to be more in­nocent.

[Page]Remember then Madame, what sometime you tolde me concerning the Quéene of Tharsus, your dreame I per­ceiue was [...] altogether in vaine: in that shee had suche knowledge of mee, by meanes o▪ an enchaunted drinke I receiued vnawares, as engendered Palmendos this gentle Knight. My Lord, answered the Empresse, with a smy­ling countenance, at the first time I beheld Palmendos I was perswaded what you haue tolde me, so liuely doth he resemble ye, in countenance and personage: wherefore I not onely pardon ye, being ignoraunt of begetting such an excellent and perfect creature, but thanke heauen that you [...]ere the father to a Son so famous. As for Palmendos, be shal now accept me as his mother, & I wil loue him no lesse then mine owne Sonne Primaleon. With sundrie other spéeches were these ioyes confirmed, and Palmendos right louingly imbraced by the Empresse, at length Pri­malcon came, and hee being thoroughly acquainted with the matter, tooke the Prince in his armes thus speaking.

Hath the mighty gouernour of the heauens appointed, that the onely flower of chiualrie should bee my brother? wherein can I more honour that supercxcelling bountye, then confirming my thanks to him by kindnes to the wor­thy copartner of my vitall bloode, drawen from the selfe same source where I receiued my originall? Assure your self [...] the refore my most noble brother, that Primaleon is vowed to imitate your rare fortun [...]s, & tr [...]ding the selfe same [...] you haue doone, to [...] the name of our re­nowmed father: continuing in the meane time so readie at your commaund, as hee that honoreth you with most zealous affection. Might I enter the boldnes, answered Palmendos, as to title you by the name of my brother, the second step of my desires were attained, and thogh I dare not str [...]e to coequall my self with you in kindn [...]s, yet wil I o [...]er pace ye in dutie & affection: continuing the seruant of Primaleons welfare, while the starre▪ of my birthday vouchsafeth mee breathing.

[Page 99]Here is occasion offered mee of large discourse, concer­ning the seuerall salutations of the courtly personages, so soon as these news happened in their ears, how the Lords and knightes came to gratulate this newcome sonne, and the Ladies likewise striuing to excel them in curtesie: but it were needlesse labour, considering the King and Quéen of Thessalie concerne this present occasion, and with their daughters ioy vnite them altogeather, preparing for the religious obseruations, to bee vsed on the morrowe at the christning of Palmendos.

On the morrow, the Emperour and all his Barrons, mounted on horsebacke, the like doth the Empresse withal her Ladies, and in most honourable manner they ride to this solemnitie: so passing in this pompe through the Ci­tie, they allighted at the Church of S. Sophie, where Pal­mendos was religiously baptized, and afterward affianced to Francelina by the reuerend Archbishop, she béeing atti­red in as sumptuous ornaments, as when Andromachye was espoused to the valiant Hector of Troy, or Cleopatra Quéene of Aegipt, when shee contended in magnificence with Marke Anthonie the Triu [...]uirate her husband, drin­king one of the pearles that hung at her eares, estéemed woorth two hundred and fiftie thousand crownes. For e­uen as the Carbuncle, the most rich and precious of all the Orientall stones, dooth in the darke giue such a cléere and illustrious splendour, as not onely illuminateth all the place, but also setteth the regarders eies [...]o woonder there­at: of no lesse vertue séemed Francelina in the Temple, as the onely and perfect Phenix of her time. In like pompe and royaltie they returned to the Pallace, there beeing such a sumptuous feast prepared, as beséemed the time of so general reioycing, where wanted no honorable d [...]uises to accompany the same. And during the time of this is their honorable whole pleasure, héere thinke I good to pause a little, while you consider on the discourses passed, and I haue moreleasure to perfect the rest of this Historie.

[Page]NExt (Gentlemen) followeth the historie of [...], wherin (what you see wāting here) is per­fectly finished, both Palmendos mariage, Ozalios loue to Marencida, Rifaranoes fortunes, & Recinde his re­turne to Con [...]tantinople. But this I must tel you with al, that now Primaleon beginneth his chiualrie, & the famous Prince Edward of England the course of his [...]duentures, which are briefly touched in my book of Palmerin of Egnland, who was his Son: what woon­derfull stratagems both he and Primaleon performed together, attend till the next tearme and you shalbe resolued. And to accompany this discourse, I hope to send ye the first booke of Amadis of Fraunce, that when ye are wery of the one, you may delight your selfe with the other: so wishin [...] ye no wo [...]se then to my selfe, I end.