The marueilous aduenture that happened vnto the Dacian Prince Don Eleno in Calidonia. Cap. I.

THE Imaginary thoughts of swift desire, warring twixt Hope and Victorie, within the aspyring re­solutiō of those aduēturous youths of Greece, plowing the furious Ocean in a well rigg'd Shippe to­wards the Cholchian Isle, to im­mortalize their Fames, and with eternall glorie, to guild y^e Trophes of their Conquests, with the laborious winning of the gol­den fleece, posted thither with lesse celeritie, then the in­chanted barke of Don Eleno guided by the wise Nabato, fur­rowed the inhospitable Regions of Neptunes watrie King­dome, who at what time hée assayled the inchaunted Por­trature of selfe murthered Brutus, was by his learned friend [Page] commanded straight to Sea, on whose shoare he should find his Boate prouided for his voyage. The which he obaying, no sooner had entred it, but with such a tempestuous furie it rent frō the land, as doth a mighty rocke, oreturn'd with boysterous winds, tumble from aloft into the deepest seas, kéeping so admirable spéede, that in fewe days he past more waters then did Vlisses (toste on the angrie waues) in all his tenne yeares pilgrimage, which made him think he ne­uer should anchor in any harbor. For as the great Magi­cian Lirgandeo doth recorde, he first out-stript the Italian Seas, entring into the Affrican, and leauing on the one side the Cateonian Promontorie he tooke his course, through the Caspian and Percian Seas, and in the end of eyght days, he fell into the nauigable Indian Ocean, coasting along the Famous Isle of Tylos, celebrated of all men for her great temperature, whose Sommer neuer knewe extremitie of heate, nor Winter any excesse of cold, but kéeping a mode­rate meane of both, her fields were neuer disrobed of their flowered greene, nor springing trées of growing fruit: for scarse were some rype readye for the gathering (such was their spéede in growth) when others gloryed with coloured blossomes, & the rest bragd of their verdure liueries. Great and incredible was the pleasure that the Dacian Prince con­ceaued, beholding from the hatches the delightfull prospect of this soule-pleasing Countrey, where willingly he would haue strucke his sayles, accepting the kinde welcome of the chirping byrdes, whose chéerefull notes according with the soft bubbling of the running streames of litle Riuerets, pas­sing twixt the trées, made such a melodious consort of a na­turall Musicke, that it had almost rauished his senses, and drowned his intended voyage in obliuiō. But wrapt in con­templation of these wonders, he past along, & shortly disco­uered the Christaline waters of Thermodons cleere Ryuer, vpon whose borders the war-like Amazons sometime held their memorable Empyre. He also in this nauigation sawe the fruitful contrey of Beotia famosed by the Thespian land, [Page] onely mentioned through her bordering on the Helliconian Mount, the habitation of those sacred tryple Trinity of Si­sters, the diuine Muses, Ioues-brayne-bred daughters, Mo­thers of all learned Arts. To be short, with incredible spéede & delight, he compassed the most part of the orbed earth: for being acquited of Loues tributarie dueties, his quiet mind had the more scope to subiugate his thoughts to admiration of these things. So that now wearie of ease, he wished an end vnto his trauaile, that he might agayne exercise his often tryed forces, to augment the perpetuitie of his glories, which he thought were ecclipsed in the obscure cabbin of his honor-smothering bark, yet he stil perswaded himselfe some great aduenture could not but awayt the end of this Naui­gable toyle. At length passing the Ilands Sygares, in aun­cient times called Sydromades, (whose coastes to vnskilfull passengers is pitilesse death) some fiue dayes after, he say­led through the Mediterranean Sea, where vpon a morne, when glittering Phaebus mounted his fierie Carre, the boate ran ashoare to the Princes great contentment, who was al­most tyred with this long nauigation. Wherefore arming himselfe in his rich armour, he leaped on land, and mounting on his swift Tyrio, accompanied onely with his good squier Fabio, he tooke a narrow beaten path, through which he went with great desire, to know in what ayre he breathed. So with an easie pace they trauailed not long that way, but it brought them into a great wood, whose vnknowen pas­sage somewhat amazed the Dacian Lord. Yet was it no part to expell the great delight he did conceaue with the soft whi­stling murmure of the pleasant windes, that seemed to daunce vpon the mouing of the shaken leaues, on whome the whistling byrdes warbled their ditties in such accordant manner, that agreeing in one consort of an inartificiall har­monie, it arrested the amazed conceipt of the wandring Prince, that continued his iourney along a Christal Riueret whose bending turnings brought him at last vnto his sprin­ging head, whose purling brooke from a rockie quarie traced [Page] his continuall currant through a pibble paued channell, that gathering in one a many runnings, that from the naturall rocke did issue, seemed so many spouts proceeding from an artificiall fount, making the streame more great, whose sweete noyse could not but remoue the Mellancholiest heart (though neuer so much tormented with loue-oppressing pas­sions) euen from his deepest dispairing thoughts. This pleasant spring was all incompassed with high cressend trees, proud Cedars, and loftie Pynes, whose height seemed to controll the firmament aloft, and scorne the lower plants beneath; whose humble growth was accompanied with greene Palmes, fresh Oliues, and odoriferous Orange trees, that euer flourisheth with springing habits. Through these (vpon the dyaperd ground, with flowered tapestrie) ranne the sportful wanton yong Deare, that in aboundance increased the pleasure of this wooddie fount: for some scud­ded along to out-strip the others in running: others, nibled the tender growing sapplings, and others togither butted in wrangling pastime their horned foreheads. The Dacian wrapt in a suddein admiratiō with the vnhoped sight of such miracles, rested confounded in pleasant imaginations that perswaded him in a land so wonderfull of Natures wonders he should not but expect some vnlooked, vnconceaued, and unmerited happinesse. Here to ease himselfe awhile, he a­lighted, and washed his sweatie face & hands in those coole refreshing waters, and then sitting on the grasse, satisfied his hungrie stomack with such prouision as Fabio his page had brought with him from his ship. The collation ended, they discoursed of many matters (to beguyle the time with­all) especially, touching the Romane Ladies, whose affection towards him shewen by the Princesse Roselia, was not of meane respect: wherevpon Fabio tooke occasion thus to be­ginne.

I cannot (deare Lord) sufficiently conceaue the hidden reasons of your strange proceedings in Loue. For when I remēber your extreame passions for the first robber of your [Page] heart Florisdama, your second doting on Lidea, & your last affection towards Roselia, with the maner of your sudden departure from her without a farewell in recompence of her many fauors, which her accepting you for hers, condemnes you in the highest degree of ingratitude in Loue besides her many other merites (which I list not now memorate) de­serued no such sleight esteeme. The consideration of which things drownes my witts in vncertaine thoughts. Do you thinke when shee shall record her courtesies and your dis­courtesies, she will not call you a dissembling Dacian? a flattering friend? & a wauering changing Louer? Wil she not complaine of her ill aboading starres? exclame on for­tune? and banne your remembrance? Nay, how can shee otherwise hauing so great cause thereto. For shame (my Lord) awake your slumbring sences, and rayze vp againe the broken ruynes of your decaying credit, let not the honor of your byrth be tainted? nor the royall blood of Dacia stay­ned with an infamous blott of thanklesse ingratitude? Let not Roomes quarrell begunne in the fathers, continue in the children, and be ended (God knowes) in what po­steritie. But pardon me (my Lord) for thus passing the li­mits of duety and the duetie of a seruant, which only loue and zeale to your reputation hath moued me vnto. In deede Fabio (replied the Prince,) first thanking thee for thy care, I must confesse in some respect I stand guiltie in Roselias sight, for departing without her consent. But yet God knowes it was not either by negligent forgetting, or vn­thankfully reiecting her deserued merits, or the sleight re­garde of her kindnesse, for which, and for her infinite fauors, I euer shall rest debtor. But leauing this, I am perswa­ded, the heauens in their iust doome haue not allotted her to me (although her perfection a greater Monarche do deserue then me) which I do the more beleeue because my trusty friend Nabato did assure me, it touched me as neare as my life, not to speake to her at my departure: which I (with some vnwillingnesse) agreed vnto, hoping the Princesse [Page] (knowing my power to be yoked vnder her commaund) would not take any serious conceipt at so sleight a trespas. Yea but (quoth Fabio) women are so grieued by euery small occasion, that little offences wayghed in their feminine scales, are found to be excuses of inconstancie and selfe wa­uering affection, and therefore are taken in the worste part: For commonly women conceiue whatsoeuer is done for them, must (for so reason requireth) proceede of duetie: chiefely if moued by any amorous inclination: & hers was not little, if I may beleeue her exterior motions, when you were fiercest in your combate. For by no better meanes doth a louer expresse his loue towardes the thing loued, then when it is seene in any perill, how small soeuer, which things adde such credit to my doubt, that I certainly beleeue shee hath vttered a thousand complaints against you, moued with that inward and entyre affection shee beares you. And to conclude, her rare beawtie deserueth more then I can or am able to expresse.

This conference was here abruptly broke off with the pleasant crie (that stopped the Dacian lords reply) of a ke­nell of wel-mouthed hounds, whose noise ecchoing through the wood, gaue him warning of some hunting sport, whose game should already be on foote. As he was thus harke­ning, he sawe comming towards him with impetous fu­ry, a mighty white Hart, with the whole troope of his pur­suing enemies at his heeles, who wearie and faint with chase, came to refresh him in that brooke. This course highly pleasing the Prince (hauing bene in his youth brought vp with such exersise, snatched his launce, and as the Hart passed by, threwe it at him, and pierced his bodie side through side, and yet not brake his speare, and as a cunning huntsman he harted the hounds vpon their praie, expecting for the hunters comming. But from these dumps he was quickly put with the sudden viewe of a most beau­teous Ladie, that mounted on a gallant courser, galloped after the Hart: her habit was of greene cut vpon white, im­brodered [Page] with so many Pearles & stones, that it dazled the beholders eyes when the bright beames of Apollos face re­uerberated thereon, her amber haire in golden tramels hung about her shoulders, and on her head she wore a cor­ronet of Roses that defended her against the offending heat of Phaebus rayes. And as she came in hast, her dang­ling tresses wauered in the ayre, that he assured him selfe that this was Cupids warre, seing his ensigne of her haire borne by such beautie, and defended with a Boar-speare, which she carried in her hand: who in this manner appro­ched our Dacian Knight, that with this first and sole sight became the little blind triumphing gods sighes-tributary subiect, and by immagination lost the pleasure of his former libertie by gazing on so gallant a Ladie, that he acknowled­ged himselfe Loues captiue thrall, vowing in his hart such firmenesse, that his thoughts drouned in conceipts, strucke him with such a fearefull hope, that he almost lost his breathing senses, whereby the vnextinguishing flames of true loues fire so penetrated his free hart, that none but death could be the Phisicke to cure so deepe a wound. The engyne of his speach so ceast his motiō, that in steed therof, he wisht all his moouing powers, were then transformed to so ma­ny piercing instruments of sight throughly to viewe her ra­rities, and yet did he thinke them insufficient to note all her perfections, because something would still remaine vnseen. Gladly would he haue changed his present state for hun­dred eied Argos fortunes (though he should pay as dearly for his watching) if hee mought at his contented leysure, suruay all the excellencies, that glorious Nature in her pro­digalitie had bestowed on her. For in his pensiue cogitati­ons, he iudged this was shee the iust heauens had ordained to predominate his heart, his life, soule and will, & to whom he should acknowledge all soueraignetie ouer his due obey­sance, alreadie esteeming his nauigable toiles well im­ployed, since they brought him to so rich a land, to ancho­rage his wearie minde within the harbour of so braue a [Page] Road. To be short, the haughtie inuincible courage of his free thoughts, were so amazed with this admirable gallant­nesse, that it could by no meanes resist so strong incounter, but without farther combate, (for Fortitude is too weake to withstand the dartes of beautie) presently yeelded her his soule as a trophie of her victorie, and yet rested sorrowfull, he had no richer pryzes to glorifie her triumphs, because her merits deserued a greater conquest. So much amazed rested this valiant Dacian, as if altogither he were conuerted to y^e Ladie, on whome his gazing eyes were fixed, & so greatly, that being nigh her, he could neither moue the organs of his voice, nor ought else, but by signes signifie, his awfull dutie at her commaund, being all in all hers. With no lesse ad­miration did the valiant Ladie with her eyes coate his wonders, because her troubled thoughts told her (that from her infancie) shee had neuer seene a more brauer Knight. And as Ladies comonly in such accidēts of amorous traun­ces haue a freer power of their speech: so shee perceiuing the suddeine alteration of his colour-changing countenance, faining some displeasure (that in like cases followeth all Ladies of her beautie and valour) shee awaked him with these words.

I know not (Knight) what moued you so rashly to kill this Hart, bereauing me of the pleasure that awayted my comming: and he expected by receiuing his death at my hands: whereof your presumption by doing it, hath dispos­sest vs both of. Don Eleno, drawing strength from his van­quisht soule, replyed: My poore hart (most excellent Lady) doth alreadie suffer his deserued penaunce, for so sinning a­gainst your content. Yet do I hope this offence, confessing the fault, shal be absolued of your displeasure, hauing been through a wel-meaning ignorance committed. For suppo­sing none would except against mee, or take displeasure at it, incitated me thereto. But good hath bene his exchange: for in steede of the death he receiued (being ordained therto) with no lesse a wound haue your (deuine excellēcies) pierced [Page] my soule bycause the impartiall fates (I feare) will sooner cut my thréed of life, then you will daygne the cure, to salue the wound wounded by your selfe. Farre more haue you now aggrauated my discontent (answered the Lady) recea­uing greater displeasure at your bolde wordes, then did the poore Hart with death by your Launce. Answere would y^e amorous Dacian, but that he saw a Knight well armed and mounted on a mighty horse, issue from among the trees, who hauing ouer heard part of Don Elenos speech, cryed out vnto him.

Knight more bold then valiant, take vp thy weapons, for so great a presumption may not passe vnpunished. The va­liant Dacian was so captiuated with the beautie of that La­die, that his deepe affection (seeing that Knight in so gallant armour and so brauely Horst) made him thinke he was his Loues competitor. Whereat a sudden thought of Ielousie rapt at his breast, that without any word, taking vp his shield, he laced on his healme: and with more speede then the Hart came thether, he drew his Launce out of his dead body, leaping therewith into his Tyrios saddle, & in his hand brandishing the speare, he turned to his aduersary with these words: Discourteous Knight, coragious in nothing but in words: nowe shalt thou see how I vse to thanke those that with like pride entertaine others as you haue me. Sorrow­full became the beauteous Lady, to see them so eager against each other, greatly fearing the successe of the fight, because she thought the stranger would haue the better: but seeing them so fierce, withdrew her selfe, praying for both their vic­tories: For if she affects the one as her brother, the other she loues, as her liues cōmander. And as she was a nouice new admitted in Cupids Schoole, with such willingnesse shee yeilded to his deceipts, that with one and the like feare he forst her to be Iudge of that combate. Couragious was the Knight of the forrest, but hee hath before him the Dacian Prince with such haughtie thoughts, that Mars himselfe would haue feared him. With furie at length they mette in [Page] middle of their course with most strong incounters: But the Dacians Horse being the best in the world, meeting with his aduersaries, tumbled him on the ground, and with a mighty fall made his Maister measure his length on the earth, himselfe stumbling at a speares struchon. Whereat the Prince fearing some mischance, seeing him so stagger, leapte from him with such nimblenesse, that his gallant­nesse as much delighted the Lady, as it grieued her to see her brothers disgrace, who fearing a sudden death, with his sword drawne, and his shield wel buckled about his arme, made towards our Knight, that in like manner expected him, desirous to prooue the cutting of his Romaine blade, wherewith he laide vpon the toppe of his enemies shield entring it with such might, that al that quarter with a pece of his helme he threwe to the ground. He seconded another not so dangerous, yet more fearfull, because lighting on his breast, it gaue him a wide wound. Trembling stood the Lady at her brothers chance, though he like a valiant war­riour setting his right foote forward so struck him on the leggs, that had his sword been like the Dacians, he hadd greatly hazarded his victorie. Forward he stept with his other foote, to make a stronger blowe, and so thrusting at him with his point, it chanced between the buckles of his skirts, that had he not turn'd aside, he had there been slaine out-right, notwithstanding it made him a little wounde, whereout issued some blood.

The Dacian thinking it to be greater, like a furious Ly­on, before he was able to withdraw him, vpon the little left him of his shield gaue him such a blow, that parting it from one end to the other, and the point slycing all the armour of his arme, he threw his shield on the ground leauing all that side without defence. With the feare of death rested the Knight amazed, but incouraging himselfe, with his sword in both hands, he made against his aduersarie discharging on his shield so braue a blow, that falling on his head, he forst him to retire backe, with staggering stepps, which sée­ing, [Page] he followed the aduantage, & with a point had almost ouerthrowne him. But our new Louer firmely staied him­selfe, raysing aloft his Romain murthering sword, at such time as the Ladie getting to her Horse cried out. Knights withdraw your selues, for this is no combate, any farther to proceede? But she came too late, for ere shee mounted, her brother groaned his last falling on the earth with his head parted in two, which sudden death grieued euen the very soule of the vanguisht victorious Dacian: But what the so­rowfull Lady did, admits no comparisō: for casting her selfe from her Horse, all the moouing motions of her breathing senses left her so disposest of Life, as they hadde the Prince with this vnlook'd for accident. He vnlaced his helme, and sitting on the blood-dewd grasse, he tooke the amazed La­dies head betweene his hands, (which he durst doe bycause the weapons of her excellencies through a pale ashie trance had left her beautie without defensiue armes) and began to vse those meanes for her recouerie, that his braue heart did neuer study, and with bitter exclaimes he saide. Oh cruell fortune may it be, thou shouldest so soon temper with so sower a chance, the first time thou wouldest a little fa­uor me? Oh wise Nabato my professed friend, why didst thou tell me thy care should alwaies be to cure my woes, if all things now conspire against me to ouerthrowe my con­tent? In his owne helme hee caused some water to bee brought him, and sprinckled it vpon the Ladies faire face, till with a sighe proceeding from her oppressed soule she return'd vnto her selfe: yet for all this did she remember the pitifull lamentes that the Knight hadde vttered, and that the force of Loue did onely force him to: But séeing the brother that she most affected, lye before her besmeared with his owne blood, so cruelly slaine, she stepte from the Prince saying. Let mee goe (rude and discourteous Knight) for the wronges you haue gainst me committed, cannot be satis­fied with lesse then the heart blood of your dearest life. And casting her selfe on the dead carcase with such pitifull com­passion, [Page] that it would haue drawne teares from a Tygers eies, she wailed her brothers losse, and drowning his head and face, with a pearled shower of water distilling from her two clowdie founts, she thus began her plaintes. May it be (deare brother) that the angrye Heauens should so op­pose their happie reuolutions against our youth, suffering the cruell fates to persecute thee and me with so lamenta­ble a chaunce kept in store by that constant Lady of incon­stācie, giuing the world so great a losse thorow thy vntime­ly death? who shall dare carye the vnlucky newes of thy vnhappie end vnto our Parents? Oh Princes of Callidonia, now must you take new weapons, and put on armour of reuenge, and build an alter to Rhamnusia, offering thereon the cruell sacrifizes of Nemesis bloodie rites, that she maye further your reuenging thoughts to take so iust a vengance. For you haue this day lost a Prince of the best, the brauest. Ah tender youth so suddenly bereaft, and ill enioyed? Oh pittilesse inhumane death, with what extreames dost thou performe thy cruelties? hauing without mercie or respect of innocencie, with such barbarous sauagenesse snacht from hence my poore Larsyno, on whome the enuious worlde had placed all her hopes? And if impartiall destinies, inexo­rable Sisters, you had determined this partiall doome, within the consistorie of your counsell house, why suffred you not (sterne goddesses) my brothers mortall wound, al­so to fall on me and end in my hart, and not leaue mee thus with life to feele so many deathes? Thus did that beau­teous Ladie poure forth her sorowes, for her deare Larsyno. But the inraged passiōs y^t did possesse Don Eleno, when he vnderstood y^t he had slaine her brother, whom he loued more then his owne soule, had almost forced him with his owne dagger to drawe his owne harts blood, to pacifie her rage, if he had not feared eternall damnacion, for so great a sinne, yet esteemed he that a profitable death, where nothing was hoped but what should be more cruell. For all this he ani­mated his drooping heart, and turning to the weepyng [Page] Lady, sayde. Seing my more then vnhappie fortune (de­uine Lady) hath permitted he should displease you, and in this sort, that was only borne to adore you, soly desiring life to please you, bethinke what satisfaction you will haue, (though it be with the dearest blood chambred in my soule) and at your command, these hands shall sluce it forth, by­cause with such a death, my life will end with ioy, if some­thing it may extenuate part of your discontent conceaued. Any reuenge (most cruell Knight, replied the sorowfull La­dy) will be but little, in recompence of the highe wronge I haue receiued by those murthering handes, guiltie of my proper blood. But for this time I will no other reuenge but your departure from my company, leauing me sufficiently assured of your cruelty to my cost: and I will liue (for my misfortune will haue it so) with the only desire of a more full reuenge. Wherefore from hencefoorth I straight doe banish you my sight, for I will haue it so. If I shall depart in your disgrace (most beauteous Lady) I will not haue my life with your disfauour to torment me (replied the Prince) but since you desire to be reuenged on him that only would liue to admire you, take it with this sword cawser of your woes, and my misfortune, and therewith strike of my sacri­fized head to appease your wrath, for I willingly offer it on your pities altar, with all I else possesse already subiect to your will, and only this doe praie that after you haue done it, you would rent forth my harte (for none shall witnesse your crueltie but your selfe) and there shall you see your selfe engrauen, though not so naturally, yet with rarer perfecti­ons: reasons suffcient to force me to elect you sole patronesse thereof: The which remaining in your handes, (being loues thrall) may moue clemencie towardes his Lord, to sturre your anger to pitie your captiue, euen with his owne reliques.

Wherewith prostrated on his knees before her, with his eies closed with water, holding the sword by the point, a­gaine thus said. If only in my death (great Ladie) there [Page] rests any small comforte, for mee it will bee the greatest that I may imagine, receiuing it with this blade by your hands, for Guerdon of my rashe attempts: although, if I had knowne what this dead increaser of your griefes did concerne you, my selfe had only been the procurer of his life with farr greater care, then for my owne, which wil be hatefull to mee, if still you will insist in your conceaued wrath. Knight (said she) more barbarous, then the Sauages of Hircania, and the cruellest that ere my eies beheld, thus I will not execute my reuenge, for it will not be so cal'd, performed with the offenders liking: and bycause you said, it is life and the sweetest, to bereaue you thereof with my handes, neither will I therin so much content you, but ex­pect and sollicite the heauens, to order my reuenge after some other sorte. The afflicted Prince hearing so sower and bitter answere conceaued such extreame griefe, which with sobbes and sighes so besieged his harte, that it berest him of his senses, falling at his Ladies feete, which was another new kind of torment to afflict her, for abandoning all cru­eltie, she tooke him in her armes, and sitting on the ground she laid his head on her lappe (which had the grieued Dacian felt, he would not so soone recouer himselfe) and bewailed this lamentable spectacle with new laments, that moued the tender Ladye to breake into these exclaymes.

Oh blind despightfull Fortune, enemy to my rest, how well hast thou manifested thy mutabilities, hauing so well pleaded for the greatest enemie I had, that I am forst to cō ­miserate his woes, and pitie his distresse? Oh Goddesse, who might certenly knowe if with my death she would end her rigorous changing courses? execute at once against my tendernesse the whole power of thy despight? for y^e wrongs past hauing been the greatest that might befall mee, or thou do mee, will I with ioy accept, bycause I know they come from thee, for she that was borne to no good, can receaue no harme to hurt her, and with this deceipt may she passe her life, that in the beginning hath felt the vtmost of thy cruell [Page] power? Oh cruell Goddesse vnworthie of a better name, because in all thy actions thou performest the deedes of an Hircanian Tyger. And being vnable to doe otherwise, she cō ­manded Fabio to bring her some water, wherewith the di­stressed youth obtained his loste senses, and with a sighe that seemed to burst his weake harte, he saide.

Vnhappy stars that gouern'd my natiuitie, and more vn­happie I to liue to see my woes to conquer death, that dares not approche where he is onely wished, with his crueltie to end a life oppressed with cares? Oh vnfortunate hap who would haue thought so long and tedious a nauigation should anchor in so vnluckie a Port? Oh valiant friends, now must I for euer in absence with ayrie words take my latest leaue, for my fates saye, he shall neuer see you more that onely liued with your deare sights. Oh valiant Princes of Grecia, what balefull newes will it be, when you shall heare of my death, whose life alwaies and content, soly delighted yee? And seeing himselfe in the Ladies lappe, a little lifting vp his eyes (with so many sighes, and throbbing sobbs, that might haue mooued a Lions fiercenes to relent, but to the ex­treamest point was this Ladies furie come, that it would admit no Impression of any mercy, vnlesse it should alto­gether yeeld to pittie, which she thought was yet too soone to doe) he sayd. Since no pietie, noe pittie, nor no mercie, (that are the vertues which glorifies all your sexe) maye sturr a litle compassion in your obdurate breast, then at once (cruell Lady) end the tormenting of my poore soule, with so long prolonging a despised life, and take what reuenge you will on this weeping hart subiect to your Imanitie. Knight (answered the Lady) ill would it beseeme me, if by yeelding to your request, and in that maner to worke your content, I should become cruell against my selfe: I wil not take any reuenge that may rather redowne to my dishonour, then honour: But for this time, only I will haue you grant me two things.

Being all in all yours (replied he) there is no cause why by [Page] promise you should séeke to winne my will, which so true­ly doth acknowiedge your souerainetie.

Why then (said she) my first demaund is, you giue mee the order of Chiualry and as for my other request you shall after know it. I doe (sayd he) esteeme my happinesse farre greater now, then a little afore I esteemed my selfe vnhap­pie, in that (deare Soueraign of my soule) you haue deygned to imploye me, and in affayres more difficult farre, would I haue had you hazarded my life: but séeing this is your will, I am content to obaie, and bycause I perceaue you want armour, I do beseech you to accept these, which were giuen me for good, and I shall be more glad thereof bycause they shall obtaine a worthier owner. I thanke you for your offer (replied she.) But these of Semyramis nothing inferi­our to those, I had not long since on yonder vallie giuen me, and that with them I should end the greatest aduenture of the world.

And so casting off her hunting garments, she discouered the rarest armes that the whole earth could afford, for they were all of Pearles and Dyamonds, with such arte vni­ted, that it made them farre strōger then if they were of fine tempered steele: on one side they bare a painted harte, but made of inestimable orient Rubies, whose glister alyenated the beholders fight, and vntying a slender vnder garment, like to a paire of Bases, she remained the best accomplished, and in armor the absolutest that could bee desired. In hys sight she seemed the haughtie Knight of the Sunne, when he withdrew him frō his Country rusticke life. Hee gazed on her, with a pensiue admiration, and thought the longest time too short for his contemplation, altogether forgetting his promise past. Well did the Ladye perceaue his amaze­ment, (for shee of no lesse rare excellēcie did accompt him) wherewith, a new motion with her little experience learned at that time, ingendred a firme loue with more glories to dignifie her eternitie, but dissembling her inward passi­ons, she put him out of his dumps with these words.

[Page]The time Sir knight, begins to ware too late, for you to performe your promise. He started as one suddenly a­waked from a slumber, and with a sigh replied, your will (Heroicke Lady) be accomplished: though yet in this the heauens be opposed against my fortune. And so lacing on her helme (that at her saddle bowe did hang) whose riches doth exceede compare, with the sword, that vnder one Mo­narchie did once reduce with seruile yoak the greatest parte of the Orbed earth, he struck her a little blowe on the shoul­ders, whose scant heard sound, put him in so cold a trem­bling, with feare whether he had strucke too hard. And done, thus spake▪ Now (Soueraine Lady) maie you let the world know, that as you are the only Phoenix in beautie, so you are the sole Myrror in armes. And the sword guird, with the wondring puritie of your owne hands, for I will de­fend (mauger the strongest strength) they be the absolutest on this earth, she straight closed the visor of her helme with admirable gallantnesse, newe snares to intrappe his cap­tiue harte, and especially, if any thing else were left with libertie. But somewhat mooued, she turned her to him thus.

The seconde thing you must for me doe, is to take your weapons presently, for now like a Knight will I reuenge my selfe, not like a tender woman, but a rauening Wolfe. Trembling like an Aspen leafe, with a chill timerous feare stood Don Eleno, séeing her so determined in resolution, & trying whether with milde wordes hee could diswade her from that resolution, sayd. I knowe not what greater con­tent you doe pretend (most beauteous Lady) then to accept my disgraced lyfe, which I with such liberalitie doe offer, most willingly to dispossesse my selfe thereof, by your hands, that at one instant you may counterpoyze your beauty with your crueltie. I will in nothing (bloody Knight) replyed shee) so please you: But you shall now féele whom my bro­ther hath left to take his reuenge, and therefore you haue no more to doe but to put on your armes, for otherwise you [Page] shall force me to some fellonious outrage, killing you with­out them. With Millions of teares did he beseech her to de­sist from her purpose, but seeing nothing woulde preuaile he buckled on his helme, swearing onely to defend himselfe and not offend her, for rather he would suffer himselfe péece-meale ioynt by ioynt to be torne asunder. So soone as she did see him ready, more swifter then a hungry Eagle bent to her pray, she flang agaynst the yeilding youth, and flori­shing that so renowned sword, she discharged so furious a blowe vppon his helme, that though through his fine tem­per it was impenitrable, yet it fell so heauie, that his head was forced to receaue it with that humble dutie, which her high state merited, bending both his knees on the earth, with suche astonishment, that shee seconded another that made the blood gush through his Visor. Neuer in all his life did hee feele the valour of one Knight hand to hand so greatly to torment him: For neither in the cruell battell with the braue Teffereo brother to the King of Cerdena, did he receaue any such blowe: nor yet about the libertie of the angry Garrofilea Queene of Tynacria, was he so ouermat­ched, as this Ladie nowe did tyre him. For at his rizing, taking him somewhat amazed, shee stept to him with her left foot foreward, with twoo thrustes one after another, that he was forced backwardes, and florishing her sworde aloft, shee strucke him so fierce a blowe on the side of his shield, that she had almost feld him. The Lady, seing her enemie would not offend her, burned in kindled coales of inraged fury against her loue cōquered aduersarie: though more aptly they might be called messengers of the winged Lord, sent with so great hast to demande the Tribute due to his domination, that at such time they ariued, when al­together they could subiugate her will, and dispossesse her of her free libertie, that now her Combate was more tho­row dutie she ought her dead brother, then for any desire to offend the Knight, that so truely seemed to be hers.

Notwithstanding, she had so wearied him, that a Thou­sand [Page] times he doubted to scape wel y^e danger. But resolued rather to die then offer violent hands on whom he had cho­sen to command his thoughts, & as such a one acknoledging her, vsing his dexteritie, he began to shewe himselfe more nimble, then a light-foot hare pursued by a troope of hoūds leaping on al sides, making the Lady loose her blows, yet to his no small discontent, because he supposed, he therein dis­pleased her. Well did the gallāt Lady perceaue his intent, which was but adding of more fuell to the fier, wherin she burned for him. But returning her eyes on the bloodlesse carcas of her murthered brother, shee strayght forgot all conceaued affection, with the new griefe she receaued, ma­king her redouble her blowes with more fiercenesse, inso­much that now altogether vnable longer to hould out, hee thought it better at length to close with her, and trie whe­ther by that meanes he might moue her adamantine heart to some cōmiseration: so receauing one blow that made him set his hands on the ground, and quickly arysing, he threw his shield a toe-side, & running within her, he cast about her sholders his amorous & strong arms, w^t such happy contēt, (that he wisht such successe might happen to him, as befell vnto y^e son of Venus & Mercury, w^t the beauteous Nymphs, Salmacis, when she imbraced him in the cleare fount of her name whose transformation of two Natures in one shape, was the beginning of Hermaphrodites fayned fable) that he might fearelesse to his content enioy what, fortune then made doubtful, and houlding her, yet not to hard because he would not hurt her, he sayd.

Giue not occasion (most valerous Ladye) that it bee bla­zoned through the world, how the Mirrour of the newe mi­racle of your deuine beautie, is taynted with an ignomi­nious blot of barbarous crueltie, the onely enemie to those perfections that the almightie carefull Apelles of Natures rarest coulors hath bestowed on you: For yf my death will aduance your content, I doe receaue it with more anguish and paynes, by liuing, to liue pyning awaye in woes, in [Page] your seruice. Let it be so: for this way shall you treade the path that will leade you to a satisfied reuenge. Oh suffer not (remorcelesse Lady) that it be sayd of you, what is writ­ten of that inhumane and hellish sorceresse Medea, whome with a sauage desire of reuenge, most cruelly murthered her own children? cōsider (oh wonder of admiratiō) it wil scan­dalize the glorie of your excellencies, & you shall, (yf you wil do it) offēd the rarenesse of your beautie: for neuer any could boast of it, or worthely be nominated beautifull though she excell the brightnes of y^e brightest Sun, vnlesse she do aban­done the crueltie of an hardned hart, the sole dishonor of all honor'd Ladies? in steed wherof admit the pitie of a mol­lified brest, pittie the splendor of your name, pittie the try­ūph of your victorie, pitie the Trophy of your vertues, this, oh let this shine through your clouded clemēcy, whose beams shall stellify your chiualries, imortalize your fame, & infuze new life in me, whose blod is alredy almost vtterly defused, vnlesse your pitie gather it againe, restoring it to him y^e wil only kéep, as a memorial statue of this your eternal cōquest, else otherwise the vnhappie death of your haplesse brother, wil neuer by other means be suffitiently reuenged. With so many teares, & sighes did the woefull Dacian vtter these wordes, that they woulde haue melted a flintie rocke, to distilling dropps of water, much more her obduracie, that was assured his true loue passions forced him to it, and as she had already giuen him the principall commande ouer her will, these his new spéeches made her thus replie.

Séeing my starrs, (braue Knight) haue brought mee to such passe, that I must consent to what you will, I acquite you of this combate, because I thinke the conquest there­of, the mighty God of warre hath onely reseru'd to himselfe as a particuler honour due to his deitie. Moreouer yf wee should stay till my Knights come, there is no doubt but you shall incurre some great daunger, for the losse you haue gi­uen them by the timelesse end of my deare brother, or that I should carrie them the newes, would be no lesse, then yf [Page] they had seene the maner of his pitilesse death. So I will neyther consent to the one, nor do the other, but am deter­mined to depart in your company, (though it be troublesom vnto you) vntill by others this infortunate chance be kno­wen. So ioyfull became the afflicted Prince w^t the Ladies words, that like a man ouer-ioyed, he replyed.

I cannot (most excellent Ladie) for so high a fauor bind me anew, more then I am already: for since my happye destinies (though with so many aduerse accidents) brought me to the place where I might enioy your Celestiall sight, I haue no power ouer my will more thē to obay what euer you shal command as the sole Goddesse of my earthly deuo­tion, hauing to your behests for euer vowed deuoted dutie, as a true seruitor: And as such a one humbly prostrated on y^e lowly earth, I beg I may be accepted, in token of which graunt with like humilitie, I craue that you would deigne to giue me your victorious handes, on whose purity I may pay what all the world should doe. She replyed, I would not (sir Knight) you should so soone demand the cure of your distresse: but because you shall not altogether despaire of my pitie, I wil accomplish your request, were it onely but to fulfill the first commande, intreated by a Knight so great an enemie to my content. And so shee raysed him, and in­tertayned him as her Knight, giuing him her beauteous handes, which made the gallant Dacian thinke, there was no other happinesse to bee wished in the circled Orbe: and séeing himselfe so fauored by that excellent Lady, hee sayd, Make me at once diuinely happie (diuyne Goddesse of my hart) with the discouery of the Royall progeny of your So­ueraigne stocke, and the Kingly parentage of your high dis­cent. The same (answered she) was I determined to re­quire of you (sir Knight) but me thinkes you are so armed with asking, that you admit no leaue for my commaunde. Which séeing it is so, I am content in all things to content you, but first let vs from hence, least we be here taken by an elder brother of myne, with whome it cannot be but you [Page] should run into some imminent perill, for hee is reputed no lesse valiant then any of the Greeke Princes, & by the way I will discourse my byrth and parentage: first intreating you to direct our course to Grecia, for I greatly desire to knowe those Princes so highly famozed through y^e worlds spacious continents, as also because I would bee resolued whether they be your kinsfolkes, for I much suspect it.

And in great hast beginning to mount a horse-back, with farre swifter speed, out of the Forrest, there yssued the La­die that was wont to come to the Prince Don Eleno. Straight did the Dacian Lord know her, to whome with a chereful countenance he thus said: How now deare friend? tell me, haue you any neede of my person? Speake: for you know my debt, therefore, I shall hazard nothing, if for your sake, I indaunger my selfe. Your loues Sir Knight haue so much disquieted me, as not long since I was for your friēd Torismundo: But because I haue taken part of your griefes, there is no reason but you should let me enioy some of the glorie and content you haue obtained by the admira­ble bountie of this excellent Lady, whose beautie farre ex­celleth her, for whose sake Troy was subuerted. But be­cause your departure cannot be excused, my Vncle Lirgan­deo sends you this shield, that you may present it to this Lady, that in such great danger did put your valour, giuing her new armes, that shee may altogether conquer you. This said, she drew foorth a shield of the like colour of the armour, with so many precious stones, that it well denoted the workmanship of so rare a workman, it had the like de­uise that Don Elenos had, which was a Cupid with two faces: for in that he greatly delighted, saying: that both in peace and warre, it was iust to acknowledge him the tri­bute that ouer all things he claimes. And to you (braue la­dy) he bid me saie, you should not a little accompt of this Knight: for it were life to manie to see him as you now doe: and of your brother, he wils you to loose your care, leauing it onely to him, for he hath it, and will hereafter, so [Page] regard al your affairs as his own. She awaited no answer, but with the turning of her Palfrey, she made the Forrest make so great a noyse, as if it had ben ouerwhelmed. They looking what it might be, saw at the foote of a tree a rich tombe, admirable for curious works, and so transparant, that the Princes running to it, they saw the Ladies bro­ther, as he fell with the cruell wound, with certaine redd letters, which the Prince thus read: ‘Here shall the wounded Larsino abide, vntill his cruell mur­therer shall make satisfaction with his proper life, satisfying those two that dearest in the world did loue.’

They could not conceaue the meaning of those wordes, though y^e vnderstāding he remained inchaunted, somewhat comforted them, and seeing it waxed late, the Lady said: Let vs go (Sir Knight,) for I beleeue I shall one day see what I haue thought impossible: for as I thinke, my bro­ther remaineth in this inchauntment. So they began to take their way toward the Sea coast. When the valiant Astorildo the Ladies eldest brother, seeing shee was not to be found, and finding his brother inchaunted, caused all his Knights to returne home, commaunding them to tell his Father, he was gon to seeke his sister, and taking with him but one Squire, he shipt himselfe towards Graecia, in which voyage we leaue him, returning to the aduentures that happened the new Louers.

CHAP. II. The dangerous aduentures that the Princes met, nauiga­ting towards Liguria, and the maruailous end thereof.

WIth incredible ioy, more then well may be ex­pressed, & thankfully accepting the happy For­tune that y^e pleased heauens powred into their lapps, at length they ariued to the inchaunted bark, at such time, as y^e glory of bright Tytans rayes would [Page] their splendor in the waterie Ocean of Hesperia, leauing the earth vnto her nightly silence, that to his better content, the venturous Dacian might know of his Lady, what shee was, and in what reputation his yeelded soule was estee­med. Arryuing at the shore, he straight lept from his horse, holding the styrrop that his Lady might do the like: but not admitting it, with a smyle (alighting by the other side) shee said, you shall not thinke (Sir Knight) with so small a ser­uice to satisfie the great wrong you haue done me, and im­bracing him, they staied til Fabio had shipt their horses, the gladdest man aliue, to sée what good Fortune had happened to his Lord and maister, because he thought her beautie ex­ceeded all compare, wherein he nothing did deceiue him­selfe. For in deede the world contained fewe like vnto her. Both which entered the Barke, that launched from the sands, with such vellocitie, as do the inhabitants of Maiori­ca fling a stone with their steeled sling, or with like vehe­mencie that the lightning flasheth through the ayre, with such or more speede did the inchaunted Barke cut the salt waues of Neptunes bosome, hauing withing it so great pro­uision, and diuersitie of cates, as if those Princes were ser­ued with the greatest royaltie of Dacia. And after supper, (hauing vnarmed themselues) they sat them on the hat­ches of their Barke, to take the coolenesse of a fresh ayre, that softly blewe on their faces, as also to behold the clear­nesse of the pale resplending Moone, that then shewed the vtmost pride of her waterie shine, that with more ioy they might enioy ech others beautie, waying in the ballance of true affection, the perfections of the same, resting so enuious of one another, as amorous of eithers excellencies. For she thought that Knight was he to whome her beautie was due: and he that her merits deserued his true faith, till death, sacrifized with the fire of her valour. But to breake off eithers silent imaginations, he began: Now is the time (diuine Ladie) seing the Heauens and the Seas inuite vs with their calme quietnesse) that you would tell me whom [Page] I must acknowledge, for the soueraigne Princesse of my soule, paying the awfull fealtie of my due tribute, as a true liege man to his sworne Prince. I will not haue you thinke (Sir Knight) that with your great praising of my smal beauty, you do pay me the much good that I wish you. And because in all things I will haue you know, that La­dies do commit greater sinne in being pittifull, then in be­ing austere in denying the requestes of their amorous gal­lants, I will satisfie your demaund. Know therefore I am called Rosamond, (yet know I not why? since all things ioy in crossing me. I am daughter vnto the King of Calli­donia, which is the countrey from whence we come, & be­ing brought vp together with my brothers, seeing them so greatly affected and giuen to hunting, I determined also to keepe them company, refusing no danger that might be of­fered me, vntill our more yeares inabled vs, to presume to mount on horses, and with Boare speares follow the cruel­lest beastes that we met. My brothers attaining to the age of xvi. yeares, were by my Father knighted, who denyed me that honour, supposing I would absent my selfe frō him, because he heard me diuers times say, how greatly I desi­red to passe vnto Graecia to visite the Empresse Claridiana, whose fame through all the world, especially in these king­domes, glorifies her with the name of a sole Paragon of beautie, and only Myrrour of chiualrie. I could not but grieue with my Fathers denyall (yet I dissembled it) still following the chase, vntill this day two moneths, there be­fell me what I will now tell you.

We came, my brothers and I a hunting to this Forest, (called of the faire Fountaine,) and parting from them in pursute of that Hart, on the toppe of a mountaine, on the sudden a beauteous Lady set her selfe before me, crying, stay: for without armour, you cannot well passe forwards: and vnbynding a little packet shee there had, shee gaue me this armour, saying they were them wherewith Semyramis did winne Babylon, and that with them I should ouercome [Page] one of the best Knights of the world, and in whome with most honor flourished a firme constancie, although it should cost riuers of blood, and with them she gaue me the sword, wherewith she receiued the order of knighthood at the hāds of Artyne Emperor of Persia, and that I should make peace with him, that in the same honor should install me: for that would be the sweetest. This (Sir Knight) is the answere of your demaund, the which seeing I haue with such li­berall willingnesse perfourmed, be not you too nyce to let me knowe, who the murtherer of my brother is.

Magnificent Princesse (replyed the Dacian) my soule re­ioyceth to satisfie your request, because you may know I am he that with most faith do procure onely firmely euer to obey you, although I would not to you manifest the obscu­ritie of my lowe Fortunes. Notwithstanding, know my name is Don Eleno of Dacia, Nephew to the Emperour of Greece, and the onely sonne of his sole brother. And be­leeue me, no lesse signes haue befell me in the course of my life, then to you, that I should come to this you haue saide: For winning this armour in Rome, hauing my hart as free as now captiue, a wise man, my deare friend, commanded mee to depart thence, without speaking to any woman vntill I should yeeld the Soueraigne commaund ouer me, vnto the greatest Feminine enemie that in the whole earth I might procure: for therein consisted the only quiet of my felicitie: wherein I thinke the wiseman hath not erred, be­cause his sayings haue bene accomplished to the full: For maugre the libertie of my hart, and the content I ioyed therewith, togither with all my former successes through your meanes, the happie sight of your first approch, so alie­nated my selfe frō my selfe, that I was faine to submit my soule to hope some redresse for so great a change, and yet thereby loosing the same hope of remedie through the vn­happie death of your deare brother, though now I haue not altogether lost if of his life, because that learned man that sent vs this shield, hath vndertaken the care of his safetie. [Page] But because I am and will be yours, vntill the fatall Si­sters of life and death shall abridge my soule of her breath­ing sacrifices. I beseech you by the firmenesse of our sincere loue, you will assure my hopes, confirme my desires, and set an end to my painfull longings.

With the end of which wordes with more boldnesse thē his feare required, he kist her on the chéeke, which done, he dyed his own, with such a bashfull tincture, y^t it altogether stopt the passage of his spéech. Well did the Lady perceaue his alteration, who with some showe of anger replyed. I would not (Prince of Dacia) that the committing of my honours puritie, and my Maydens fame into your hands, should be occasion of your little regard vnto the great respect due to the confidence I haue in you reposed: wherein yf you neglect the dutie you owe thereto, I will rather cast my selfe into these deuouring waters, then the glorie of my chast thoughts shall endure any stayne. And the receauing you for my Knight hath not been so smal a fauor, but might sufficiently so content you: that my kéeping you company, & thus alone to trust you, with my immaculate, & vnstay­ned imaginations, should be no cause to mooue you to this discourtesie. And offering to goe frō the hatches, y^e Prince with Millions of sighes proceeding from his soule, stayed her by the arme with these wordes.

That I haue displeased you (Imperious Princesse) so torments me, that I know not how to satisfie your discon­tent conceaued, vnlesse you now will take a full reuenge, for my many trangressions, though it bee with effusion of my dearest, dearest lyfe: and yet what I did was forced by the motion of a pure sincere loue, and not of any lasciuious thoughts. So assured was the beauteous Rosamond ther­of, that she thus made answere.

Since my happie starrs (braue Prince) haue put me in your hands, they haue dryuen me to that necessitie, that I must forget and forgiue any offence whatsoeuer: but if you shall passe these lymits, my selfe will execute on my owne [Page] life the cruellest death ere heard of. With incredidle ioy y^e amorous Prince, kist her hands for the fauor, & being war­ned by the palenesse of Cinthias shine, that it was time to withdrawe themselues, they returned to their seuerall cab­bins, comparable to any Monarches chamber: where they past the night with such conformable thoughts, that hadd they durst either to visite the other at that seasō, it is doubt­full whether they would haue differred the glory attending on such attempts.

A little before the Messenger of morne began to lace the Heauens with her goulden hayre, the Princely youth, sée­ing himselfe so true a seruitor vnto y^e God of loue, & so dere­ly to be loued, raysed himselfe on the bed and leauing on his pillowe, tooke his Lute in hand, and making it sound the repetition of his ioyes, he sung the felicitie that the hea­uens gaue him in the possession of so rare a Lady: in these verses.

He ended with a sigh, saying. Oh loue, with how greate reason art thou honored? and like a God adored? seing thou canst cherish him that hath not felt thy churlishnesse, and on whom thou hast not extended the intollerable waight of thy rygorous power. Well did the Princesse heare him, ouer-ioyed [Page] to be loued by so braue a Prince, imagening she could not hope for more, hauing so great a good there present. Not­withstanding, she determined yet to dissemble her affection, vntill the time did counsell her what she should doe: and be­cause the Sunne had begun his rysing in the East, she made her ready, putting on her white & most rich armour, & went directly to the Princes cabbyn, who with his new care, had it not, to clothe himself, yet seing his Lady come, he woulde rise, but she staying him sayd, I would haue had you done it afore (Sir Knight) for he that liues so carelesse, should not belike doubt of his Mistres fauors, and with my soule I would be glad to know her, that I might aske her if she ioyes in so carelesse a louer. Deuinest Princesse, (replyed y^e ioy­full Prince) with nothing doe I more expresse my poore soules pensiuenesse, then with such carelesnes, which being well noted, it will be iudged a carefull confidence, for it can­not be more séene, nor better deserued in any, then in whome true loue hath rooted his conceipts, for without care of anye thing else, he doth onely busie himselfe, in the swéete imagi­nations of his owne alienation.

Notwithstanding (answered the Lady) I doe condemne so great confidence almost grounded vpon an extremitie, and in most respcts, little respecting the Lady loued, for the ouer­ielous louer did neuer, but die, confounded in his owne ex­pects. A care magnanimous and honorable, is to be alow­ed, excused, and worthy of estimation, but vtterly to bee o­uer-whelmed in pensiue suspence, and make you séeme no­thing but a louer, befits you not, nor yet becoms it one boūd, to accomplish so many things as you.

I doe ioy so much (deare Mistres of my hart) to loue and wholy to employ my selfe therein, that I would shewe no signe that I can any thing otherwise, and although I should doe so, I do not requite the worth of my imployment, for if I had a Thousand soules, al were to few, cōpared to y^e content of my imaginatiōs where al y^e good is decyphered, y^e other­wise I might expect, and I finde that being not this waye, [Page] yf would be more then troublesome. Sir Knight (replyed she) you doe so highly accompt the thing loued, that I doe wish I were she, to obtaine that glorie that neuer Venus did enioy, though in beautie a Goddesse, and it should be for no longer then I might knowe, whether it be true all that you publish. Thereof (excellent Princesse replied he,) craue no better testimonfe, thē the paine that I conceaued with your sight. Then (answered shee) you cannot denie mee, that to loue, is more to feare, then any other thing, seeing you say, that the first sight left you so wounded: whereby I inferre, your paine proceeded of your sight. All that you haue saide (braue Ladie, answered he) is armour to defend my cause, seing none could neuer loue, vnlesse he liued with feare: for he that doth not feare his losse with thousand sighes and Ie­lousies, is to make the world knowe, he is not trulie estea­med, because ielousie is the aboundance of the soule that lo­ueth, & with that he feares to loose the obiect loued. Wher­unto she answered, In all things will you remaine sole cō ­querour (Heroyke Prince) and herein will I witnes your true fayth, making it knowne vnto your Lady, that accor­ding thereunto she may reward you with fauors, or disfa­uors, and for the first there is no reason they should be ym­ployed on any that lesse loueth then you.

If (deare Lady of my life sayd hee) I might liue assured thereof, who like me should tryumph ouer Fortune? whoe should force strength out of a drooping heart to loue, but I? or who would feare a tempestuous storme, hauing the assu­rance of so swéete a calme? That, and what else you will braue Prince (sayd she) is in your hands quietly to possesse, onely admitting no new change, for if you doe, you shal re­ceaue no wronge, to be depriued of the fauors, that your loue deserueth. But make you ready for I perceaue a well ryg­ged shippe make towards vs, and I will in the meane while goe knowe who it is. Lyke to a nimble Deare leapt y^e gal­iant youth out of his bed, extreame ioyed of his Ladies pro­mise, and with his Squiers helpe hee armed him with the [Page] most rich armour of the great Romaine Brutus, and moun­ting on the hatches, where his Ladie did expect him, with a low amorous congie, he said to her. Happie is the Knight, that (immerited) hath obtained who with such care suppli­eth the faultes of my carelesnesse. It hath not been so little (saide shee) but it might need all: and looke yonder, for I thinke I see a Tower built vpon the Sea, vnlesse her byg­nesse doe deceaue me. Their barke quickly ioyned to it, that they well perceaued it was as the Lady sayd. So soone as they aryued to the foot thereof, (for it was the same, where Rosabell was inchaunted,) they saw certaine greene Eme­rald letters, to this effect.

Long did the two Louers stand guessing to vnderstand y^e darke inscriptiō, purposing to try the aduenture, euen at the time that to them ariued in another barke two Knights, of no lesse disposition then any they euer sawe, attyred wyth most rich abillements of warre, who no lesse admired their gallantnes, and hauing their visors open and shewing their deuine faces, yet they coulde not imagine who so braue Knights should be. They that aryued after a solemne cour­tesie sayd, sir Knights, we greatly desire to know, what ad­uenture this is, and the maner how we might proue it. It is so little since we aryued, (replyed the loued Dacian) that we cannot certifie you of any thinge. For if we had knowen how to haue entred it, we had not stayed for you. Some­what [Page] abashed were the newe commers, and he that read the Inscription, thus spake. Vnlesse I be deceaued Knights cō ­sidering the conditions demanded, although you had founde meanes to proue it, it would be too difficult for you. Pro­mising so much as it doth (answeared the Dacian) though more troublesome, we had tried it: for without a thinge be proued, it cannot be called difficult. But you that such con­fidence doe repose in your valour, tell me in how many dan­gers haue you hazarded your person, for a man that feares, is an euident signe, he hath been in some action, whose end should séeme to haue béen difficult, although heere a promi­sed hope doth lessen any feare, and therefore doe desire that I and you might trie our Fortunes in this attempt.

That were (answered the Knight) for you to expect, and receaue helpe and ayde from my arme, if you needed, the Dacian was not of such patience, & therefore his rashnesse was condemned) as to suffer so broade ataunt, and so repli­ed. Truly (Knight) I neuer thought that the offering you my person should haue moued you to such presumption: But prepare your selfe, for I will shew you I haue no néede of your helpe. Wherewith he closed his Beuer, and drew foorth his sword, finding his aduersarie in no lesse readi­nesse, being no lesse then the gallant Don Argante of Phe­nicia, and his companion was the valiant Torisiano, whoe hauing set from the defended Iland, were driuen thither by the tempestuous waues, and with his armour and valour, did imagine quickly to terminate that busines. But he met with him that admits no comparison but with the Grecian Péeres, who with the murthering sword of Brutus, with a florish in his first assault, kept it aloft till hee spyed occasion which offered (no knight like he could neuer with more spéed or in time better take it) he crost his good sword, and setling himselfe for the blow, vnderneath his shield he layd it on so fiercely, that he forst his aduersary to staggar thrée or foure stepts backward. He had scarce executed this blowe, when with an Eagles swiftnes, he leapt into his boate, encoun­tring [Page] him with his shield in his entrance so strongly, that ouerbearing him a little of one side he had quite ouerthrown him.

There wanted none with shrill voyces to solemnize the valour of the Russet Knight: for with the opening of cer­taine windowes on the toppe of the Tower, the Heauens séemed to vnlocke their casements, setting their Celestiall dwellers to the view: for all y^e Ladies y^t there were inchan­ted, being the Princesse Lyriana & her Couzens, setled thē ­selues to behold the battle, for onely this libertie hadd they to recreate themselues, although they were not suffred to know any, because of their great griefe, they might cōceaue by the sight of some, not enioying their louers company, for so did the Magician order that made that inchantment. No­thing was the braue Phenician amazed to sée his aduersarye in his barke, but reioyced, because he thought, hee might so better make his battle. And with this, as also with séeing such beauteous Ladies did behold their fight, he turned vp­on his enemie, and with his Tellamonian blade, discharged so braue a blow vpon his head, that it made him bende hys knées, in recompence of his bould entrance. Nymble was the youth and so would second another, but the Dacian fru­strated it with his celeritie: for with a thrust, he forced him backe with as much spéede as euer he came. And so at lēgth setling themselues firmely on their féete, they began the bra­uest combate that euer was fought vpon those Seas: for vn­able to penetrate their sure armes, all the force of their fight consisted on their valour, and nimblenes, which was their sole auaile. Not a little did the gallant Rosamond grieue to see her deare Prince in the battaile, not for the daunger thereof: for she well sawe the aduantage he had ouer his enemie: but the true louer doth onely waigh the present ill of the thing loued, admitting no entrance to the hope of a­ny future good. So resolued to accompany him in al things cloasing her Beuer with the best sword that the world con­tained, she went towards Torisiano with these words.

[Page]It ill beseemes vs, to see our friends in such egar warre, and our selues in peace. Neuer did the gallant youth see a more accomplished Knight then the Lady did represent, be­ing armed: for which in many places shee was reputed to be Claridiano. Notwithstanding, accepting the combate, (for with Ioue he would not haue refused it) he began to prepare himselfe. Easely did the Dacian Prince, heare the sweete name of friend: which augmented such courage in his amorous brest, that he began with fresh strength to be­stow such, him selfe receiuing mightie blowes, that the La­die clearely saw his aduantage. But quickly were they put from this, turning to gaze vpon the Knight with the white armour, on whome his excellent disposition, did drawe their affection. This was our Knightly Lady, that meeting with her enemie togither, they laide on each other so puissant blowes, that with their hands they were faine to sustaine themselues. Of greater strength was the Lady, for which cause shee rose soonest, and with her good sword shee gaue him such a blowe on the Helme, that shee made him see mil­lions of starres: shee seconded it somewhat lower, which had it bene in the same place, he could not but haue incur­red mightie danger, yet made she the blood flye through his eyes, and nostrels, which was but making the youth more furious, who going towards her, seemed to awaight her stroke which shee with eagernesse to bestowe, regarded not his intent. For in the discharge, he stept to his left side, fustrating her blowe, at which time, hauing opportunitie: for taking her without shield there, vnder her right arme, he strucke with such strength, that the Lady greatly felt the waight of her aduerse sword: for it made her giue backe with such a stagger, that shee had almost fell ouer­board. And the haughtie Torisiano seeing her amaze, would haue lept after her: but she returned with such speede, that she incountred him in his leaping, and so thrust him, that it was an admirable wonder, how he fell not in the Sea (yet he fell with a sore fall in the middle of his Barke. Gladly [Page] would the Lady haue done what her Lord did, but shee thought it would onely hinder him, because the shippe was little. So she stayed for his comming, who returned like a rauenous Tyger, renuing so fiercely their fight, that it see­med of an hundred Knightes together, so great was their noyse. For the Lady reputed it to be dishonour to her repu­tation, that her aduersary should indure so long against her, specially in her Princes sight, that being her first battaile. With like immagination was her enemie troubled, and so agreeing in one desire, discharged on each other the mightie strēgth of their furious armes, with such puisance, that the Eccho of their sounding blowes, made the valleyes in the firme land many myles off séeme to tremble with the shrill noyze. By y^e force of the blow, y^e royall Lady lost her Helme couering her white armour, with thousand tressed tramels of hairie gold, resting with some alteration, through a litle blood that issued from her mouth. But hers in a more la­mentable sort had put the gallant Torisiano, for with a great fall with blood bursting through his eyes, she tumbled him at the enemies feete of her deare Knight, who at the noyse, with more care then the Princely Eagle gardeth her yong­lings, turned about, and seeing his soules life, in that amaz­ment, and without Helme, thought her to be sore wounded, that with a rigorous blowe, driuing his enemie from him, with a leape he returned to his owne shippe, to know what danger she was in. With great applause was this care of Don Eleno celebrated by the towred Ladies, highly estima­ting the doubtfull regard he shewed of his Ladie. Well did the louers heare it, & so she receiued him with these wordes. It is no time now (braue Prince) to lose, what with so much blood you haue wonne. And seeing my daunger hath bene the cause thereof, I will put on no Helme, vntill my arme hath againe assured you what you vallour had obtained. So ending her speech, more nimbler then an Ounce, shee lept into her aduersaries shipp, at what time they had reco­uered them selues, with more furie then angry Lyons hun­ted [Page] by their foes. Betweene them, fearelesse of her head, did the Lady cast her selfe, & in her entrance meeting first with Don Argante, vpon his shoulder shee grounded the waight of her furious rage, whose paine was so extreame, that he thought that side was opened to his middle, and reaching Torisiano with a thrust, she made his shield ioyne with his brest, and himselfe almost loose his breath.

But this time was the inraged Dacian entred the barke florishing his rich sword, whereby they could not but incur great perrill: had not the most beauteous Princesse of Ny­quea foreséen it, who much pittying the twoo companions, thus spake.

So admirable is the losse that this spacious Orbe will receiue, with any of your deathes (valiant and couragi­ous Knights) that it constraynes me to entreate you (yf in you there be so much courtesie as courage) for this time to giue ouer this combate, for which these Ladies and I will worthely extoll your bounties. The Princesse Rosamond enuious of so rich a sight, quickly thus replyed: first admy­red Lady, yt doth so aduance the honor of wādring knights, that none can be more greater, then to obay the comman­ded seruice of all Ladies, insomuch that they accompt it a deuine felicitie, to haue such occasions to shew it. Where­fore I say, that for the incredidle desire, & inexplicable wil I haue to serue them, I doe on my behalfe giue ouer the fight, not onely for this tyme but for euer, because y^e Knight doth leaue so waued (to my cost) by this, that I thinke it best to craue an assurance against all future accidents. All the Princes greatly smyled at her spéech, because they knew her to bee a woman by her hayre, when shee lost her helme, whereupon Lyriano replyed. Brauely haue you defended your beauty (most valerous Ladye) bynding thereby all Knights to your perpetuall seruice. And wee wish wee were them, that you might know, if we can intreate, it is because we onely indeuored to be your dutyfull seruitors. Notwithstanding we hope, and so I doe beléeue, there is no [Page] Knight but will do it, soly to pleasure you, & to obtaine your fauour, though our intreaties ceassed in that case. With no lesse courtesie then valour were the Princes indewed, and so the Phenician replyed when on our side the victorie were most sure (deuine Ladies) we would leaue it to gaine some part of your fauours: much more, being constrained to loose by this, what by the other we obtained. Neuerthelesse, my companion and I, are contented to obey you, yeelding the trophie of the conquest to these triumphing Knights. Yours is the victorie (Heroike warriors) aunswered the Dacian, not onely of this battaile, but of all honour in the vniuerse. Hereupon they imbraced one another, crauing pardon of their last attempt, and so the Princes returned to their in­chaunted Barke: which no sooner had they entred, when swifter then an arrowe shot from a steeled bowe, it depar­ted from the inchaunted Tower, leauing the beholders so amazed, that they could not beliue it, loosing their sight whē they entred the Persian Sea, shaping their course towardes Lguria: what there befell them, in the next Chapter shall be related.

CHAP. III. How the two Princes Don Eleno and Rosamond arriued at Lyguria, and what aduenture they there found.

SO many, and so certaine are the inconueni­ences that happens to an amorous louer, so great his crosses, and so sure his misaduen­tures, that if amōg millions of misfortunes he obtaines one good Fortune, he may iustly say, it happened by chaunce, and so lawfully may it be accompted a miracle, esteeming it of no lesse rarie­tie then the Phaenix, whose nature neuer admitted any plu­ralitie, which being so, with reason should all men reioyce at anothers happinesse therein, because it is a deserued [Page] merite after so many paines. This thus considered, I can­not but with ioy exult, when I see another by his mistresse fauoured, and much more, if he obtaine the glorious end of his wishes, which gladnesse, hath possest mee with so sud­dein a pleasure, that I haue purposed to follow the Dacian Prince, who now among Venus chiefest fauourits may be named, and of them the happiest, because beloued of Rosa­mond. And in so much that for the least hope of her deare fauours, Apollo willingly would haue changed his eternal deitie for his decaying mortalitie. With her did Don Eleno merily discourse, and amongest other chat, demaunded her how she felt her selfe of the last combate, with her strong ad­uersarie? How could I but do well (replyed she) and be better (braue Prince) hauing on my side the valour of the Dacian Lord. That were (deare Lady, said she) because it was done in company of your Fortitude, whence redoun­deth the courage for greater aduentures? I wil not so soone (answered she) purpose to beleeue it so, till once againe (for nothing) you loose what your valour got. For it argues no lesse Fortitude to maintaine it, then to regaine it. And in my soule I would reioyce to knowe what those Ladies be, that in the Tower do remaine. For in my iudgemrnt, the beautie so greatly esteemed through the world, and so rare­ly honoured elsewhere, is but the shadow of that substance wee left inclosed there. And neuer beleeue mee, but their libertie will dearely cost, to him shall concerne, because the trophie of their gained honour, will counteruaile the greatest toyle. And no little pleasure should I also conceaue with the knowledge of those Knights, who surely cannot but be of high discent, considering with what courtesie they left the combate. Who is he that dares longer maintaine it (said he) the Princesse of Callidonia being his enimie, if he will feare to displease her, seeing they that liue in peace, (because they will not do it) also tremble at her name.

If it be so (replyed shee) the Prince of Dacia neede not feare my armes. If my Fortune (aunswered the Prince) [Page] had giuen me that good that yet she hath not, I needed not then expect greater hopes? and therefore shee doth reserue this happinesse, that he may still be crauing, that liueth with such feare. All that shal little auaile you (replyed the Ladie) to defend you from mine anger, if once you fall into it. Ay me (saide the amorous youth with a sigh, a newe snare to intrap the captiue Ladie) how well can my soule auerre it, since that little instant that my life was prolon­ged to hope a perpetuall eternitie. I would not Sir Knight (faid she) you should so soone assure your selfe to liue in my fauour, were it onely, because you are so reputed by the La­dies of the inchaunted Tower, and so I will dissemble my former anger.

Thus went the loued youth, enioying of these fauours, when one morning when Aurora first shewed the brigthnes of her face, armed with their riche armes, they entred the broade cleare riuer Achelous that deriues his name from Tethis famous sonne, that combated with Hercules about y^e maraiage of Deianira daughter to Oneio King of Etolea vn­till the warrelike Theban, by dispossessing him of his life, gaue that riuer his name, which he christened with his blood. Within sight had they the mountaine Pindus, whence it springes. And had they knowne what there be­fell vnto their ancestors, there is no doubte but with more delight they had gazd on it, & with more pleasure pondera­ted his hight, But w^t the stream, through the currrent of the riuer, they were driusu with such velocitie, that within three daies they entred the Italian seas, & in the fourth, coa­sting along the Tuscane land, cutting twixt Vero, and Macra, two mighty riuers proud of their streams, y^e when the Sunne mounted on the highest promontory toppes, they ranne aland in Moneco, the hauē port of Liguria now called Ienua) not farre from the populous Cittie Sauona, wher then the courte laie.

With great content landed the two valiant louers, with the only companie of Fabio, and leauing the charge of their [Page] Barke to him that guided it, they tooke the broadest tro­den path they could finde, because they woulde the sooner meete with whom might tell them the land they iournied in. They trauailed with their armour for that they tooke most felicitie therein. In this manner went they in sweet chatt. (for none is like to that of two, if they intirely loue) til it was towards noone: at which time they spied a dam­sell come towards them as fast as her palfrey could runne, crying aloud after she saw them. Hay me (Sir Knights) now is the time, that you must make knowen the valour of your parsons, by redressing the greatest disgrace that might befall. And if you be determined to returne with me, by the way I will tell it you. We are content faire damozell (re­plyed the Prince) to accomplish what you will, hauing for such purposes, receiued the order of Knighthood. So shee turned her palfray, they all set forwardes in great haste, while the damozel thus said: you now (Sir Knights) are within the kingdome of Lyguria, nigh the citie of Sauona, where the King keepeth his Court. And because this coun­trey is so fresh, temperate and pleasant, the Princesse Or­syna walked abroad this morning vnto this Wood to re­create her selfe with other Ladyes, not farre from the tem­ple of Hercules: and sitting all together about a pleasant Fountaine, from one side of a groue there issued a most sa­uage monster, like vnto a bigge horse, and hurting none of vs, through a sudden trance that surprized vs, he had time to carrie away all the Ladies two by two, and amōg them the Princesse, except me and two other, that are gone to beare these heauie newes vnto the citie.

Consider (Sir Knights) my distresse, & whether I haue not reason to bewaile it. You haue it (faire Lady, aun­swered Rosamond) and so great, that it had moued mee to such cōpassion (that setting aside the duetie that al Knights are bound to, in procuring her libertie,) I do here offer my person to raunsome her from bondage, promising to be fore­most therein. Shee vttred it so quickly, that the Prince [Page] could not showe his willingnesse in that case. Yet did he hope that his Lady would commaund it him. Within short time they arriued at the Temple, which in their sights see­med no lesse gorgious then any they euer sawe. For the stones so shined, that they seemed of burnisht golde: and so many Pyramides it had, that the view thereof rauished the senses with pleasure. So soone as the damzell saw it, with teares she said: That (Sir Knights) is the place that har­bors him that stole the Princesse my Mistresse and her La­dies. In a tryce dismounted the two gallant louers, and leauing their horses to Fabio, with their naked swords they went to the Temple, which was with brazen barred gates fast shut, on whome they read this inscription.

Forwards stept the Lady, with whome nothing preuai­led the Princes intreaties, to make her leaue that dange­rous enterprise, but swearing what the entrance requi­red, and that so loud, that the Prince might heare, it so re­ioyced him, that his senses with pleasure were bereft him: For before shee knockt, she said: If my being in loue, may any thing auaile, then will I not loose what my constan­cie assures. For I vow by my high thoughts, that I liue by onely being so, enuying none therein, because I beleue I am the best bestowed of any that euer loued, since it was knowen what loue did meane. And so with a seld seene gallantnesse (able to intrap the God of Loue) shee rapt at the gates, which were opened with no lesse noise, then whē Theseus was entertained in hell, bent to the rape of faire Proserpine.

She could perceiue nothing about the gates but flames of fire, to defend them, whose timerous sight, was suffici­ent [Page] to affright the stoutest hart. But shee that was borne to liue without it (vnlesse it proceeded from a true loue) entred wiihout feare of the fire. Where not a little did she trye the vertue of het Babylonian armes, whose inestima­ble stones did mittigate that heat. Neuerthelesse, that which entred through her Beuer, was so extreame, that it almost smoothered her. Yet valiantly suffering it, with much toyle shee passed forward, till shee came before an Altar, whereon they vsed to sacrifice to Hercules, and lea­uing that, shee went into a large yard, (free of the flames) though not of the discontent shee conceiued, when there shee sawe vpon the tarras of the same many Ladies lamentably bewailing ouer a Knight, that shee supposed to be her deare Dacian, who by foure was carried on a Hearse, pear­sed with many woundes) saying, O poore Prince, how quickly haue the Fates conspired the ouerthrowe of thy content, with so cruell death: and turning to the Lady that in the yarde stoode dead with griefe, they saide: What a­uaileth thée Princesse of Callidonia, to haue protested thou thou didst loue, if so soone thou shouldest loose thy louer? They gaue her no time to demaund the cause and manner of that sight. For from a corner of the yarde, there issued a most fierce Centaure,, bigger then the greatest horse, who knowing her, swifter then the Winde, made towardes the Ladie with these wordes:

Stay captiue wretch, and straight thou shalt knowe the gaines of thy presumption, hauing vndertaken this enter­prise (accompting it an honorable act) that Ioues-borne Hercules my greatest foe durst neuer imagine. In his course, he was an Eagle, and so incountred her so mightily with his hayrie brest, that with a grieuous fall he ouer­threw her on her backe. Returne vpon her he desired, but the furie that conducted him, so farre did lead him, that whē he turned, the Lady was alreadie on her feete. But here was she in the hands of death. For the sauage monster brought with him foure mightie trees, which he threwe in [Page] steede of darts, whose force, were able topsiturnie to ouer­throwe a well built edificie. The Ladie was driuen to open her visar, the better to see how to defend herselfe from the vnequall fight, wherein shee did nothing amisse. For the furious Centaure, taking one, with such puisance like to a small darte he hurled it. Her nimblenesse saued her frō it, which lighting on a stone of the wall in y^e yard, it ranne vp to the middle, ouerthrowing a great peece thereof. So speedie was he in throwing, that though shee freed her selfe of the second: yet the thirde tooke her on the syde of her shield, that it turned her three or foure times about, that she was like to fall, and so in this amaze he struck her on the Helme with the last, that he laide her on the earth, voiding much blood through her mouth and nostrels. And herein is shee not to be blamed: for the whole strength of all the Grecian Princes vnyted, hadd not withstoode this furie.

In midst was his last tree broken: so was he constrai­ned, to vse the strength of his armes and nayles, that were longer then a spanne, wherewith he embraced the tender Lady. And because he could not penetrate her sure armor, (for that saued her life) hee tumbled her vp and downe with such force, that shee recouered her selfe, in no small wonder, to see her selfe in her enemies clawes. She would not striue with him, till shee tooke him at aduantage, and so staying till hee turned her on her right side, shee strained her selfe with such strength, that shee scapte his nayles. And not omitting that occasion before shee stept from him, she wounded him on the brest so mightily with her so fa­mous sword, that the blood like spoutes burst from his vaines, wherewith he stained the white paued yarde.

Hereat the Centaure beganne to rore so fiercely, that the noise was heard of y^e Prince that was left without, which so tormented him with feare of his Ladies daunger, that without longer stay, he cast himselfe through those fierie flames, following the Eccho of the noise that stil increased: [Page] for y^e the Heroyeke Lady, had so wounded him on the legg, that almost shee had cut it cleane asunder. Admiration would the sight of this battaile breede: for the nimblenesse and dexteritie that awayted on Rosamond cannot be ima­gined, which had so tyred the Centaure, as it had her selfe: which he not able to suffer, seeing his blood so fast to runne, cloased with the Ladie, crushing her so strongly, that shee could not fetch her breath: Yet not so much, but shee could finde force to vse her dagger, which then shee thought would most assist her, with which, ayming at the monsters brest, shee stucke it therein vp to the hilts, that he was forced to let her go. But feeling himselfe so woun­ded, he tooke vp the remainder of his Oake, and with it, began to stryke the Lady with such strength, that her flesh and bones he brused, and so after staggering her, that it was a wonder shee sustained her selfe so long. But consi­dering the honour rising by that aduenture, and how shee had left her deare Lord without, shee so animated her selfe with an inuincible resolution, either to end that perrilous attempt, or else to leaue her life, as a trophie of her valour. Whereupon shee made, as if shee would receiue a blowe vpon her shield, holding her sworde with the point against him, it happened as shee desired: For he discharged it as if he ment to cleaue a rocke: but escaping it, stept vnder his armes, bearing her point forward, thrusting it to the hiltes, which made him loose his blowe, yet not his closing her betwixt his armes, so sorely crushing her with the pangs of death, that both as dead, fel down on the ground, wherewith the heauens were darkened with clowdes and foggie mistes, with lightening and thundering, as if then the vtter desolation of the worlde were come: which past, there appeared in the middle of the yard, a most sumptu­ous Table, whereon were set Pyramides like massiue golde: vnder it lay the Centaure and the Lady, both pear­sed through the bodies, which sight was able to draw pitie from a Rocke. At this time entred the Prince of Dacia, [Page] in quest of his deare Lady: But seeing the Tombe, he wēt to it, whereon he read these wordes: ‘The life of Rosamond dependeth on him, that through compassion will giue his, to redeeme hers, contenting ra­ther to dye himselfe, then that the world should so soone loose her.’

Here woulde not Lirgandeo expresse the griefe, nor sette downe the extremitie of discontent, that Don Eleno did con­ceaue, suppossing her dead, whome dearer then his soule he tendered, his tongue ceast her moouing, his lippes cleaft to­gether, and all the motions of his breathing senses so lost their powers, that to complaine him hee wanted strength, his eyes he Metamorphosed in his Lady as she lay. In this manner did hee bewéepe the greatest losse vntill his breath gaue leaue to publish his sorrowe, beginning with a déepe sighe bitterly to exclaime aloude, whose noise refreshing the memorie of his woes, made him to burst to these exclaimes: Ah cruell Goddesse of inconstant happines, howe well hast thou manifested the extremes of thy mutabilities? on whom didst thou euer shewe the power of so monstrous tyrannie: that ere I could enioy so rich a good, myne eyes should be­hold so disastrous an euill? but indéede it was a happinesse to perfect to continue? Oh deceiptfull deceipt, howe soone hast thou taken the full possession of my hart assuring mee, there is nothing in y^e world to be trusted, specially if ma­naged by her hands, that neuer did assure any thinge but for a greater losse. Oh dyuine Princesse, lyfe of that body whom thou leauest behinde, eternally to bewayle thy time­lesse end: wherein did thy Eleno so offend thée that he maye not follow thée in so sower a storme, which to him were more pleasant then the passage through the starry Firmament? Oh you Sisters of Phaeton Mistres of sorrow, and you di­stressed Nymphes that dayly waile the pitious hap of Nio­bes stony change, come and vnite your woes in one, & helpe [Page] me to lament that losse, whose greatnesse so exceeds, that if I should melt in distilled showers of brinish teares, it were too little for so deare a want.

Now tyrannous Goddesse maist thou rest content, hauing bereft the worlde of his true ornament, his richest Iewell. Now remaines there nothing, whereon to extend the ima­nitie of thy power, with greater honour, vnlesse thou wilt still offend hers that thou hast slaine. Pardon mee (sacred Lady, for the offence against thy beautie by me committed, is not small, by lingring thus long in the world, thy selfe being out of it. None with more reason ought to loue but I, which I shall not seeme to doe, a Mi­nute proroging an abortiue, and despised life. But of more force is the effect which forceth, then the cause that gaue occasion of my death? Here ending, resolued to approue his firme loyaltie with his heart blood, remembring no­thing but his Rosamond, he snatched the dagger out of her handes, and lifting the skirt of his armour, hee stabbd it directly to his hart, saying: It is perpetuall death, (not life, while shee hath it not, that was wont to giue it to the Prince of Dacia.

But he had scarce beganne that bloudie sacrifice, when with more horror, and fearfull noyse then the Cyclops make with their pouderous hammers in Vulcans Forge, the Theater, Toombe, and Battlements, with the yarde did vanish, onely the Temple did remaine, in middest wherrof, lay the two faithfull louers harde by the mon­strous Centaure, which outright was slaine by that re­nowned sworde of Semiramis: (and this was not the last aduenture that it ended with immortall honour, and no small labour of the Lady, who with the greatest content that may be immagined, went to her true Knight, and casting her amorous armes about his necke, imbracing him shee saide: Who with a wish (most valarous Prince) might desire, at this instant, ali the forepast hanghtie at­tempts, and also they that with labour infinite to their im­mortall [Page] glories, did accomplish them, that they might now see them comprehended, and for aye portrayed in this sole one by you atchiued. For there can be none more greater, nor more illustrous thē to subiugate a propper wil, the which you haue so manifested, that in eternall I shall rest bound, remayning all in all suffitiently satisfied of my brothers death, for if thē, one you gaue me, you haue nowe restored it with a ioyfull life, which I accept onely to em­ploy it in your content, paying thereby the comptlesss debt that I doe owe. Of your valour (soueraigne Princesse) would I haue all the world to witnes, that it might be kno­wen with what felicitie, you gloriously did terminate the most difficult. Oh blisfull death since thence redownded the possebilitie to enioy your glorious victorie: & happy proofe, that by shewing the firmenesse of my constant hart, hath gi­uen mee assurance of the most impossible? But oh most happie Prince, that hath béen eye witnes of such acts. Now leaue this (replyed y^e glad Lady) and againe imbracing her déere louer sayd. Neyther my victorie nor your proofe can any wit augment the great loue that I afore did beare you or that she could wish, or you your selfe desire of her that did put her selfe in your hands. Deare Lady, (answered the be­loued youth) yt shalbe as you please, but let vs goe frō hēce lest the company of this hellish beast annoy vs. It hath not so much hurt me as you thinke (sayd she) and what it hath done I forgiue, because it was the occasion that I saw your high valour. And so they began to viewe the deformitie of y^e monster, whose like was neuer thitherto séen: Lyrgandeo sayth he was begottē & bred in Thessalie, where more Cen­taures did inhabit thē in any other place, his name was Mo­nicho & was general ouer those in y^e cruel war against y^e La­pithes on y^e foot of the mountain Othrys y^e greatest in al The­salie, whom the great Magician Nuranto Hercules speciall friend had their brought to guarde his Temple, where hee performed many cruelties. and one of them was the impri­sonment of the Princesse and her Ladies, who then appea­red [Page] in sight comming from a chamber where the Centaure had put them: the which being before the Knights, it were to tedious to dylate the courteous ceremonies betwen them, the one in receauing them, and they in thanking them for the timely ayde. Then ariued the King being aduertised what did happen, who with incredible ioye embraced the Knights, and his deare Daughter, (that one of the worlds chiefe beauties was) humbly requesting the knights to re­pose thē a while in his Court, where they should be intertai­ned as their merits had deserued. They would not accept it, kindly excusing themselues, how they could not doe it, be­cause it greatly did auaile them to take to Sea through the extreame necessitie of an aduenture that expected their per­sons in another place.

The Dacian told y^e King who he was, which greatly glad­ded him, which occasiō kindled in him a perfect fire of true friendship, which one day he made it knowne vnto him. And in his Daughter the vnconsuming flames of a true loue, for the Princesse Rosamond, supposing her a man, in whose ab­sence shee suffered the most grieued life with tormenting passions that euer louer did abyde, vntill she past to Grecia, where the truth extinguisht the effect of her deceipte, and in recompence therof she receaued at Rosomonds hands, a hus­bād meriting her beautie w^t whome she acknowledged her selfe suffitiently satisfied for the paines she for her indured. Hereupon the King & his trayne departed to the Citie, lea­uing the Princes in the Temple gazing on the pictures of the Chappell, whose admiration did astonish them.

They saw al his labours that he suffered, most liuely por­trayed, and the warres against the warlike Amazones, and in the end thereof they saw the cruell sacrifice made of him­selfe on Oeta mount in Thessalie, with the blod poysned shirt, which Ness [...]s with his venomde gore imbrued, and by Dei­anyra his wife sent him. It greatly delighted the Ladye to behould the haughty déedes of so braue a man, because shee deryued her pedegrée from him. And at length leauing the [Page] Temple they entred their barke taking their course to Greece, in which voyage the wise man remaineth doubtful whether the happie louer did seale the assurance of his hopes: only the heauens were witnesse to it, vnyting to­gether their happie influences w^t especial care in y^e forming one of y^e worthyest infants y^t his age did know. With this newe and most sweete content on the eyght daye of their nauigation they anchored on the Gretian shores not farre from Constantinople to the Princes great Ioy. Hauing taken foorth their horses they began to trauell through an intricate groue of trees whose end began the entrance in­to a hunting parke: But scarce had they set their feete on the sand when their Barke vanyshed, whereby they vn­derstood they shoulde not so soone leaue Grecia. Their vy­sors they closed for feare of being knowen: and with their launces in their handes they set forward on their waie. Many steppes they had not gone, but they hard a noise like to the clange of armour, and in their entrance into the plaine, they might see a little before them three Knights spurre away amaine with like celeritie, but as his Tirios was the greatest of any Horse knowen, and he thirsting with desire to know the matter he gallopt so fast, that he left his beauteous Rosamond behind, who like a furious Bazeliske spurred her Horse to ouertake her louer. What befell them worthely deserueth a new Chapter.

CHAP. IIII. The aduenture that in Gretia befel Don Eleno with the Greeke Princes, that in mortall battaile were combating with o­ther strange Knights, which is that controuersie begun in the last Chapter of the second Booke of the second part being the fift of this Historie.

WIth a more swifter course then doth Latonus sonne pace to the Antipodes, did the warlike Dacian post through the Greekish Forrestes, vntill the second houre after midday, that hee sawe the fiercest, and the most brauest battaile [Page] that euer, he either heard or sawe, of fower knights alone. Some of them he knew by the deuises of thir armour, and through the fame that with them they had atchiued, and who best seemed was he in the purple armour that comba­ted against a Knight that on the toppe of his healme ware a branch of siluer. Of both he had heard wounders. The third knight (that fought with another of strong timberd members, and in stature almost hygh as a gyant) had on Ruset armour with stripes of blacke amell, and grauen with gould, on his sheeld his deuise was a branch halfe gould, and halfe siluer.

This knight he hard saie to equall the valiantest in the vni [...]erus. Of no lesse disposition did he Iudge his aduersa­rie, that in his sight did greatly vexe him. While he thus gazed on them, arriued the three knights: and the best dis­posed of them approched where they were in combate as if he wuld haue it w^t the great knight. But first know these 3 knights were the valiant warriors, Rosicler, Meridian, and Oristides, that from the kingdom of Lacedemonia departed with great greefe for the losse of Rosabel, and no lesse gree­ued was the ofspring of Priams destroied race for y^e gallant Sarmatia, for whose loue, he felt mortal paines, especially for his sworde that he had giuen as a pledge therof. So soon as Rosicler arriued, & narrowlie viewing the great knight he perceaued him to haue on the rich armour of that fa­mous Bramarante, that with his owne handes sacrificed his lifes bloud, because he would giue none the glorie of his death. And seeing his armes that Brufaldoro had taken to poore Zoylos cost, as in the second part is mentioned: with the greatest furie of the world, he went against him, step­ping betwixt him and the Knight of the Branche, that was his brother Poliphebo of Tinacria (as in the last Chapter of the fift part of this Historie was related) and defyed him to mortall battaile.

Thus farre haue I past treading without feare on the sharpe pykes of a bold presumption, but no further dare I [Page] proceede without the implored ayde of some immortall helpe: of your deuinest beauties, (perfect perfections of Na­tures pure rarieties) whose honour shal with reading this simple storie, guild it with your woorth, doe I praye that fauour, without which I cannot prosecute the praises of your vnstained purities. Infuse (sweete Ladyes) parte of your sacred helpes, to sharpen my dull sences, that from your power they may take power with a bolde reuyued spi­rit, to vnfolde a worke more intricate and difficult, then y^e vntreading of the Laborinthian Maze. Graunt it (O ye powers, that alienate my thoughtes from their due obedi­ence) though with a fained smyle: yet vouchsafe it, & with it I will deceiue my heart, that trembling doeth await the vncertaine doome of your decreeing sentence, and yet but for a little helpe, which if I shall lacke, without ioy I must go forward, wanting the Whetstone of your fauours to sharpen the blunt style of a rude Witt, because it wanders in the shades of your disgrace. But deluding my pensiue immaginations, with my effect-obtayned prayers. The couragious Dacian, at length approached where they thus contended for the combate alreadie begun, and stepping to them thus said: Withhold awhile braue Knightes, for it doth not belong to those that glories in that name, to assalt any with aduantage.

The vtmost of extrrame rage did possesse the true louer of Oliuia, that not regarding the deuise of his cousen, aun­swered him with turning his swift horse, and with an vn­immagined speede, the flower of the worlds chiualrie, en­countred in the middle of that spacious field, with no lesse terror, thē if two well rigged Gallies had met. Good were the Knight of Cupids armour, yet Don Elenos admittes no compare, whereby their Launces could not take hold, but in shiuers mounted in y^e ayre, where in the fourth Spheare they were receiued as messengers from so valiant warriors that without alteratiō in their saddles, returned with their swords in hand. The Dacian had the best blade in the earth [Page] (except his Ladies) & against it no inchantment preuailed. Together they discharged y^e strength of their puisant armes vpon eithers head, making them bowe to the saddles pum­mels, with such reuerence, as befitted two such Princes. And so they began one of the brauest battailes in the world, with more noise and furie, then if it were between twentie Knights. Mightie and inuincible was Don Elenos power, but here he met his equall in the Prince of Grecia (that a­gainst Milo would maintaine the field) making him glowe like a kindled cole of fire. Yet for all that, did not he behaue himselfe best: for no blow did light on him, but mangled his flesh, bruzed his bones, & rent his armour: whereof the lookers on were not a little amazed, knowing Rosicler, se­ing him so busie in the combate of one Knight: and he being therewith vexed to the hart, tooke his sword twixt both his hands, & went to his enemie, giuing him so fierce a blowe on the side of his Helme, that it made him loose his feeling, falling on his horses necke, he doubled another somewhat higher, & such a one as his armour then gaue him his life. Neuerthelesse, the blood gusht out at his Beuer. Oh who would not now feare to see Don Eleno that recouering him selfe more furious then a sauage Lyon possest with a ra­ging Feuer spurd against his Cosen, & with both his hands not missing his Helme, it little auailed him, for the sworde and the strength that did guide it, snatcht away the toppe with his plume of feathers, & with Mars his puisance descē ­ding on his right shoulder, he layde him on his horse crup­per, the which setting his knees on the earth, through the strength of the blowe stoode still. The loued Dacian was no Knight to omit so good occasion & chifely with such a horse: pricking him with the spurres, he made him runne against the Greeks. It is doubtfull & not yet determined, whether y^e Prince of Dacia got any honor by the deede: for w^t so braue a horse, it was no maruell if he had ouerthrowen the Greeke & his, who in a tryce lept from him. But this custome had the Dacians Tyrio, that in sight he pardoned none on foote, & [Page] so returned vpon the Greeke, striking him with his brest, y^t he was forst backe, with much adoe, sauing himselfe frō fal­ling. He past forwards, & like a furious Tygre said, knight: either let me take my horse, or a light frō thine, vnlesse thou wilt haue me passe the limits of Chiualrie, or breake the lawes of a good Knight. Mount vpon yours (Sir Knight) said the Dacian to the Greeke: for with him may you main­taine what your valour doth assure you. So he lept on his, rayning him about at such time, as there arryued a great troope of Knights from Grecia: and looking on them he knew they were his father, brother, & the rest of his frends, that not a little did reioyce to see him, & he with them, who knew him by the deuise of his shield. And yet left they him (and with reason) to applaud with more then admiration the mortall battaile twixt the other foure.

Somewhat did the Tinacrian knowe his aduantage, yet was it so little, that a thousande times the Pagan made him doubt his victorie: For like a rauenous Wolfe that wanted his praye, did hee combate. Without trem­bling feare I dare not approche vnto the wonder of val­lour and beautie, that with Claridiano made her battaile, with such furie, that well shee blazoned her selfe to be no lesse then Archisilora Soueraigne Queene of Lyra, who more furious then a hungrie Vulture, had so wearyed the Knight (and her selfe no lesse tyred) that it was ad­mirable.

And he in the Purple, gaue the Ladye a blowe, that taking her on the toppe of the shielde, it ioyned it with her Helme, and somewhat it astonished her, and quickly with a syde thrust vpon it, he had almost tumbled her to the ground. The Lady recouered her selfe, and with both handes laide on the Purple Knight, & had it bene at full, it could not but haue indangered him: for it made him with the paine shrinke euen to his saddle pummell, with a sudden leape she stept to him with two thrusts one after an other, which not only raised him, but laid him along vpō his [Page] Coursers backe, and as he lay shee gaue him a downe right blow, that it almost draue him out of all féeling. He retour­ned to himselfe with the last stroke, and setling himselfe in his saddle, and crushing one tooth with another, he went a­gainst the Ladie, whose sight would haue feared the migh­tie God of Warre euen in his own spheare: yet in her it mo­ued no sparke thereof: perhaps shee was sure, with that blowe to conquer her enemy, although she receiued it. She awaited it, which was such, (ah who might here aduertise thee free youth, first to breake thy swoord then to execute it: For without conquest, thereby thou loosest thy libertie, and more, the verie hope of Remedie: for the Ladies chaste gra­uitie doth farther extend it selfe then so) that lighting on the toppe of her helme backwardes, he tumbled it to the earth, and with a little more she had done the like, for the strength of the blowe did driue her much backwards. And returning to her selfe, she spread her armour with tramels of more yel­low haire, than Apollo's in his most pride, and shewed the beawtie of her face more glorious than the spangled couert of the heauen, yet hers shined with more excellencie, be­cause adorned with the splendor of twoo goulden Sunnes. Astonished with a sudden admiration stood the Greeke, rest­ing so farre hers, that the mortall stroake of all conquering death was not able to bereaue him of the glorie that there he wonne. Well did the Lady note it, at that instant recording the remembrance of the Knight she did see portrayed in the Castle where she obtayned the siluer branch, yet shee let it passe, though not without infinite rapping alterations, at the gates of her all wondring breast. But possest with rage, she closed with the Greeke, that was prepared to receiue ac­comptlesse accompt of such fauours, & catching at his helme, shee pluckt it off, discouering a more fairer face than Alex­anders, causer of the deadlie discordes between the Greekes and the destroyed Troians. There had shee kild him with the dagger that in her handes she had, if the Prince had not em­braced her with more strength then doth the Iuie incom­passe [Page] the straight towering Elme, and staying her hand, said. Soft (soueraigne Ladie) doe not at once expresse so many extreames: hauing soly with that of your more than deuine beautie, carried away the palme of a triumphing victorie from the battaile of an euer conquering minde, and as a trophie of so memorable a cōquest: I present to you my swoord, as the spoyles of my subiection: let it suffice, for it is no true Nobilitie to require more of a vanquisht Captiue that willingly submitteth to your cōmaund: to the which, not onely I, but all that in the circled Orbe doe breath, ought to acknowledge, I will mainetaine against them all, yf you vouchsafe my life, the which can be but short, longer continuing in your disgrace. Well conceaued the Ladie to what end his speeches were directed, whereat she nothing grieued, bicause in her pensiue thoughts she iudged him one of the fairest and strongest Knights vnder the compasse of Phaebus daylie shining course. And so letting him goe (to the Princes no small griefe) shee said, sir Knight I would not by so many waies rest vanquished, it sufficeth mee to haue knowen y^e valour that the heauens haue adorned you with, to acquite you of this combate. The Emperour stopt his replie, running in hast vnto the warlike Queene (for euerie one did know her) saying: why how now (Heroicke Queene?) I neuer had thought, that your armes were bent gainst this your Gretian Empyre? and especially to bereaue me of my Nephew, whome I more tender then my soule? I will craue the amends of Claridiana, bicause she may take it, for her sonne. Most mightie Emperor (replyed the amo­rous Matrone) the honor of a distressed Ladie is well defen­ded in Grecia that it makes me thinke I haue most cause of complainte, and thereof will I intreate one of these Prin­ces present (poynting to the Knight of the Sunne) the care to defend my reputation on my behalfe. We are all yours (great Ladie answeared he) and chiefly to obay your com­maund, by how much the more, the glorie is so great, which at your hands Claridiano hath receaued, that he for himselfe [Page] and vs, shall acknowledge the dutie that we all doe owe you. There did the Tynacrian well know his father, and brothers, and perceiuing that he in the Purple was his co­sen, highly reioyced to haue such kindred. Notwithstan­ding, seeing what little honour he had gotten in that bat­taile, he saide vnto the Moore: Thou seest King of Mauri­tania, that these Knights haue knowen each other, whereby it is impossible we should end our combate, and bycause the night approcheth, as also for that among them I haue such kinsfolkes that knowing me would disturbe vs, ther­fore while they be thus busie take vp thy Lady behind thee, and stay for me in the forrest whither I will followe thee, and their onely death shall part our fight, the which, for many causes I doe: For no lesse doest thou gréeue me wearing that armour, then the Grecian Princes, that demaunds them of thee. Be it as thou wilt haue it, replyed the furious Pagan. And so with y^e swiftest running of their horses, taking the Lady, they thrust themselues through y^e woods. But with the nightes approche, the Tynacrian lost his waye, wandring farre from the place the Pagan did ex­pect him. To each of them befell things worthie the reher­sall, as shalbe mentioned in his due time. For now the bat­taile betweene Rosicler and Eleno must not be forgotten, which seemed but then to begin. For either had rather dye then in that presence to shewe want of valour. Well did y^e Greeke Alphebo knowe both deuises, and therefore did he cast himselfe betweene them, saying: Giue ouer braue Knights, for twixt cosens there is no reason to terminate so fierce a sight. Both withdrewe togither, and percei­uing their deceipt, they vnlaced their Helmes, & the Dacian hauing his beard wel growen, they remained so like, that by their face none could distinguish them. They went to kisse the Emperours hands, who with a Fathers loue im­braced them with these words.

Oh happie day, wherein my sonne and deare cosen are come to me. By the change of your armor, I know not [Page] which is Rosicler, yet neuerthelesse shall not Fortune make me thinke but that I haue Don Eleno of Dacia between my armes, to whom I will now satisfie the displeasure I did him in the Citie of Cymarra. It is I (replyed he) that there fell in the greatest error that euer Knight committed: And therefore I doe beseech your Soueraigne Maiestie, to par­don it me, and in signe you haue done so, grant me licence to part: For the first (braue Cousin) answered the Emperor, you haue you wish, for I dare not thinke my selfe secure within Constantinople, Don Eleno being displeased: But touching the last, there is no excuse must serue, for now I haue you in my power, I will not let you so depart. I pro­mise your Maiestie (replied the Prince) by the faith of a Knight, it is in my power to doe no otherwise, hauing left my companie behinde: and so it will be discourtesie, if I do not retourne: But I pawne mine Honor to your Highnes, not to depart your Empyre til I haue done my duty both to your selfe, & to my Ladie Aunt the Empresse. On that Con­dition I let you goe (answered the Emperor) though I shal not be mercy till you accomplish it. Thereuppon demaun­ding a Launce, and taking his leaue of his Cousins, he re­tourned with more furie then doth a Comet blaze through the ayre, leauing them all contented with his gallant dispo­sition, who with griefe for want of his Ladie, tormented brauely his inchaunted horse, in such sort loozing his way, that before hee met her hee shed manye teares, meeting with no small dangers: what they were shall ere long bee specified: For now Meridian and the Troian expecting this time, vnbuckled their helmes, and went to speake vnto the Emperour, who entertained them with that Maiestie that the highest God aboue all others had giuē him, and so said, Let vs go (braue Princes) backe to the Cittie, for the Em­presse must enioy with vs these ioyfull tidings. Galtenor would be first that should tell it them, who thus spake: In satisfaction of the discontent I gaue you (great Princes) by taking away the Princes my deare Children, receaue this [Page] small seruice, I meane the glad newes of the comming of the Princes Rosicler, Meridian, and Oristides with the mighty Queene of Lyra, who are comming to the Cittie, after the finishing of a mortall battell between my sonne Claridiano, and her, wherein both were conquerers of each other, a greater faulte then this should haue bene forgiuen you. Mighty Kinge replied the Empres, for the ioyfull newes you haue giuen these Princesses. In faith the leste shall not be the Princesse Oliuias (said Claridiana) for we all haue taken parte of her greefes, and with reason, wanting no lesse then Rosicler.

And so when they all arriued, they receaued one another with the greatest content in the world. I heere (faire La­dyes) shunne a tedious trouble-some prolixitie, referring to your thoughts y^e consideratiō of such courtesies that betwene such states, in such occasions is required. Hee that worst sped was poore Claridiano that could speake neuer a word vnto his Ladie: for she was so free and graue, that it made her dissemble what her harte sufferd, keeping the Prince thereby in wonderfull torments. But to the purpose: Tri­umphes and feastes are these that are ordained to drowne in obliuion the most memorablest that euer in the world were seene.

The Ladies appointed for chalengers, and their defen­ders (of certaine Iustes to be solemnyzed twenty daies af­ter) the valiant Troian Oristides, the hawghty Bransineano sonne vnto the puisant Prince Brandezell of Percia, and of the Princesse Clarinea a Knight no doubte of the brauest in the vniuerse, whom a litle before the Emperor had Knigh­ted. And the third with them was the coragious Clarindo (then also Knighted) sonne vnto Lindaraza and the Prince of Fraunce. Such were these Knights that euery one said, that the honour of the Greeke Ladies would be well defen­ded. All the court began to prepare their armour, horses and best abilliments of war & the gallant amorous youthes to solicite their Ladies for fauors against that daye. The [Page] Emperour cōmaunded againe, that proclamation with safe-conduct should be published throughout all his Empyre, for all Nations and Knightes whatsoeuer. Whereby the ci­tie, both within and without was so filled with multitudes of armed Knightes, as if it were on the point of warre. Where we must leaue them, returning to our loued & dis­pairing Rosabell, that with his great friend Oristoldo of Antioche, returned to Niquea, because they would there dis­charge their promise.

CHAP. V. What in Nyquea befell vnto the Princesse Rosabell & Oristoldo about the libertie of the three Kings.

WIth greater griefe then may be imagined, they took their leaues of their four friends, hauing lost the gallantest Lady vnder the starrie Canapie of Heauen, and knowing no certaintie where she might be, the poore Knight traueld the most afflicted in the world, thinking that he should neuer see her more, to as­swage which sorrowes nothing preuailed the comfort of his deare Oristoldo, that more felt his paine then if it were his owne.

It is proper vnto louers, to feare the thing loued, though hauing it present, then how much the more, seeing it ab­sent, and so doubtfull, and not knowing where it was. At length, (deare Mistresse of a reiected soule) they ar­ryued at the spring of a cleare fountaine, where sitting downe they eat of such meate, as the discreet Allirio had prouided, not without infinite sighes of the Heroike louer Rosabell, to whome the gallant Prince of Antioche thus spake.

If all the aduentures of the worlde (magnanimous Prince) might happen to the content and sort to euery ones [Page] desire, then neuer had any arriued vnto the topp of true Im­mortalitie, by reiecting of crosse successes only to knowe a transitorie good.

The touch-stone of valiantnes it is, wherwith their honor to eternitie is purified, as also to haue mighty & cruell foes, that obteyning a hard victorie, the triumph maie be more sweet, then that atchiued without blood. Neuer did Alexan­der the mightie Macedonian conqueror your Predecessor more esteme of any Kingdome, then of the Pertians, because none coste him somuch blood. And that for which apparant­ly he was seene to preferre all perills was for the famous Asia, bycause the very desire of the same would reioyce him, especially, when vpon the borders of the riuer Sale he mus­tered all his wel furnished host, receiuing a pleasure excea­ding measure, with y^e wauering of his displaied ensignes in y^e aire, the neighing noice of his barbed steeds, & the sound of innumerable military instruments for warre: But what most did delight him was, his marching against Asia. And so being demanded the cause of it, this was his answere to e­uerie one. Bycause I know it will cost much, and that is y^e cause it is worth so much. He neuer did cōceaue, a thought of care for the bridge that so many yeares was in building, nor yet for the toile in making firme land in midle of the fu­rious Sea, and why? for his perpetuall fames immortali­ty, that thereby he hoped.

This haue I said (magnanimous Prince) bycause con­forming your selfe with his wil that hath it so appointed, you should not loose the glorie of a valiant sufferance, by giuing exteriour signes of feeling this businesse thus greeuously. I well know the waight therof, & what reasō there is to waile so great a losse, with eternall teares of liuing luke-warme hartes blood: But I finde it a stayne to your honour, a ble­mish to your Nobilitie, and a weakning of your valour, in not shewing it, sufficient to resist, a more vnhappier chance. for she cannot be in place so secret but it will be knowne, and once found, who will dare without death to hinder what [Page] soly is due vnto your vertues? And liuing assured that Li­riana is yours, and you her deare espouse, what euill maye happen that this consideration, will not make gentle & plea­sant, and her absence tollerable? Glad and in truth verye glad, became the faire youth Rosabell, with his tender har­ted friends discourse, because hee knew he had reason, and so hee thus replied. Valiant Prince and my soules trea­surer, now rest I fully satisfied, & more assured that we shal happily terminate all our affaires, since fortune had reserud me so good a woes comforter, and griefes diminisher with your deare companie: and because it is no vertue vtterly to dispaire, I will hope, and expect how the heauens will dis­pose of Lyriana, to both our euerlasting ioyes, for fortune will not so farre prosecute her rigour against me, as at least not to shew me the place of her abode, that with the fauor of your mightie arme, I maye recouer that felicitie, that my teares and your valour shall purchase. I would it were no more but so (deare Rosabell replyed the Prince of Antioch) for it should more easier be accomplisht then the busines wee goe about: And because I thinke it fitte we returne to the Kings that so well ayded vs, we may set forwards in our way: and let me not see you no more so passionate, for you will but grieue me: And more torments and more paines indured your father in his louing pilgrimage, yet neuer had the like fauour that yesterday you possest, neuerthelesse, he did not desist with content to prosecute his Chiualries: let therefore his magnanimitie no lesse shine in the Sunne, nor in mee no lesse loue and true amitie, then my Fathers towards yours, till in your behalfe I sacrifice my soules life, to winne your happines.

But let vs goe, for now your sorrow wil be iniust, hauing one so to mittigate it: and let vs take all aduantage in these affaires, admitting no battle one without another, & though we both demand it, we must suffer so many to vndertake yt on their part. For this Souldan is verie subtle, & hauing ma­ny Gyants his frends, certainly it is like he wil to some of [Page] them commit that battaile, so his intent might be accom­plished, supposing that none wil dare to attempt it. For the Kings through feare of them. Thus discoursed these two deare friends, till they approched so nigh y^e citie of Nyque­a, that her gates winked vpon them, on the bank of whose riuer they alighted to passe the tediousnesse of the night in pleasing chat of that peerelesse Lady, and of the great desire they had to passe into Grecia. There he recompted the bat­taile he had with his Father in Lacedemonia vnknowen, whereby he vnderstood he was his sonne. In this prattle continued they, till it was time to sleepe, and so departing one a little from the other, they made their shields their pillowes, and so rested the greatest part of the night. Whē they awaked togither, either full of carefull thoughtes, for the others griefe. For therin is ciphered the true patterne of perfect friendship. And seeing thus pensiuely they heard the grones of some Knight that complained: togither they rose, and taking their shieldes and Helmes without any worde they went softly to heare what he saide. And being nigh him, they saw by y^e reflecting light of Cinthias beames, a well proportioned Knight, clad all in blacke armour, who lying vnder a bigg growen Oake, complained against the skyes, loue and Fortune. Oh heauens (said the afflicted More) how long will you suffer him to liue, from whome death doth fly? Why giue ye me life, y^t nothing thanke you for it, because tis hatefull to me? Why permitted ye my of­spring to be from thence, if on the earth I shall liue dying? Oh suffer not Bembo Prince of Achaya, to liue with so ma­ny passions, when you may end it with one gentle death, y^t neuer better welcome may come then now? Oh soueraigne Princesse of Niquea, how iustly maist thou complain of me, that louing thee so deerely, haue bene so remisse to visite thee? Oh forgetfull louer, if thou didst liue in Achaya louing, why didst thou then so long proroge thy comming, knowing y^t Liriana was in Niquea whereby thy delay is y^e cause, thou must dye, not seeing her, being thy only desire, as the most [Page] happiest life? and now (Prince of misfortune) behooues it thee to pilgrimage throughout y^e worlds vast continents, to know her habitation? which thou hadst saued comming in time, & then who would haue bene able or somuch as pre­sumed to thinke in his trembling harte to take her from thy hāds? Oh hawtie and presumptuous Knight, who may know what thou art, y^t I might make thee acknowledge y^e wrong thou hast done me? taking what only to my worthi­nesse was due? How maie I call my selfe Nephew to that mighty Bembo, y^e scourge & terror of all Greece suffering another to inioy whome thou dost loue? neuer more would I haue put on armour if I did not make him confesse this fowle iniurie? And yet there is no reason why? for seing Liriana was of beautie Angelical, it was like, others would loue her: and if fortune did fauour him to carry her away, I haue no cause to lament, & bewaile, but my slow hart, and sluggish thoughts, y^t spurd me not afore this to visit her.

Oh my friend Nicandro, how maie I complaine of thee bycause it is thy fault? for hadst thou by thy skill aduertized me of this successe, who would haue deferd such a voiage, though it had coste him a thousand liues? and come, were it only but to see her, whom to me thou didst canonize for beautie, as the sole meritor of my faith. So pensiue rested the braue greeke Rosabell, seing what that Knight did, and hearing what he said against his reputation, affecting that Ladie that more then his proper life he loued, that he knew not how to resolue himselfe, till Oristoldo perceauing his alteration stept to him, saying. Valiant Prince, seing by delaie the Kings doe incurre so great danger, it is not law­full you should procure now new battels: and especially he knowing they are prisoners about y^e stealing of y^e Princes, it cannot be but he will offer himselfe in that demaund, and thē in their defence will your combate be more iustified, thē at this instant: for though he loues whome you do, y^e extre­mity of contrarie passions may excuse you: but being assu­red of her loue towards you, great reasō haue you to forgiue him. Great is the wrong heerein I doe my Lade (replyed [Page] Rosabell, but your will be fulfilled, for I am determined al­together to follow your coūsaile. All that Oristoldo had said, was true: for Bembo was then thither come for no other purpose, but to maintaine, that the prisoners were consen­ting to y^e Princesse stealing. And had not Rosabell and O­ristoldo staied to defend it, there had byn none able from him to beare away the victorie, because he was one of the wor­thies of the world, and he that most persecuted Greece in y^e great warres. He was verie yong, and the most courteous of all his Nation. He would not suffer his subiects to crown him King, till he had traueld the worlde, and so created he gouernors ouer his kingdome, and accompanied with his valour onely he departed from Achaya, with that mornfull deuise, that many thought it signified more then it did. He was the amorousest that euer woman brought foorth, and he that was most loyall to Liriana: for after he knew her to be married, he still doted on her, alleaging, that he did loue, and had referd the guerdon of his loyaltie to the graciousnes of his Lady: but if she reiected his true loue passions, yet he would not forget her: for it were to iniurie his faith, that from the beginning he had consecrated to her beautie. And had fortune but a little fauoured him he had bene one of the famous Princes of the worlde, but seeing himselfe so cruelly by loue persecuted, did often make him loose part of his high valour. From him departed the two friendes, re­turning where they had left their horses, expecting the mornings approch, which scarce appeared, saluting the brightnesse of the Sunnes vprising, when mounted on their coursers, they had not galloped farre, but the glittering of Nyqueas gates reflected on their armours. Not long after did the valiant competitor do the like vpon a great & migh­tie Bay Courser, without any spot, and of the best broode that euer was seene: for as such a one it was giuen him by his louing friend the wise Nycandro. So soone as he sawe the two Knightes before him, with a little more then ordi­narie speede he ouertooke them, & being nigh them, he de­maūded [Page] in the Arabian tongue, (y^e better to dissemble) what countrey that was. It is so little (sir Knight) since we ari­ued here (answered Rosabell) that we are altogether igno­rant of your demaund, hauing not met any of whome wee might knowe, what you desire. The ariuing of another Knight of as braue apparances as any of them, interrupted his replie: This was Don Clarisell, that guyded by Luper­cio, Gellasios maister, was come in the Souldans behalfe, though he ariued too late, for he had already sent to that pur­pose for a subiect of his the fiercest of many Gyants that he knewe, being come to them, with great courtesie he reque­sted what Bembo had done before. But as euerye one dis­sembled their knowledge, they stayde till they might meete with some of whome they might learne their doubt: Long stayed they not but they saw a Page in great hast come wee­ping from the Cittie, and méeting with the foure Princes sayde. Ah me, braue Knights if in you there be what your gallantnes doth manifest, now you may approue it, by suc­couring of three Kinges, that vniustly are accused of y^e rape made of the Princesse and her couzen, by the deformedst gi­ant in the vniuerse: & I am sure they are in no fault. Leade the way good Page, (sayd y^e couragious Rosabell) for I wil for them hazard my person in any danger, and I will mine if it be néedfull sayd Oristoldo. The Assirian that was some­what bould, would no longer forbeare, but sayde, I woulde not haue on my part Knights so resolute. Then be you of the other sayd Oristoldo, and you shall see that our resolution is grounded on our armes and not on our tongues, & without more stay they rayned about their Horses, and with their swiftest pace they straight went to the Cittie. The lyke did the other two, remayning with great desire to combate w^t such confident Knights, specially he in the black, whome Rosabells behauiour highly pleased, hee had reason for on horse-backe fewe were like him. At length the first two ar­riued at the pallaice after the Souldan had Dyned, being accompanyed with his chiefe Nobilitie, because he would [Page] haue the Kinge of Garamantes cause tryed before them, for he would not beléeue but he had consented to the rape. And that he might be more sure of his reuenge, he had called the proude Grantel [...]rio Lorde of the Altana Isles, and subiect vnto him, though like a friend he vsed him, because of hys power. There were no 20 Knights so hardy as one houre to withstand him in the fielde.

This Gyant was also in the great hall, for the Souldan to honour him more had inuited him. And straight he com­manded the three Kings to be brought with suffitient garde, to whome the Souldan sayd. Knights you see what all my subiects doe obiect against you, that you were confederates in my deare Daughters rape, but I because I woulde in some respect beléeue the contrarie, haue put it to the tryall of a battell: and so within foure days may you present your Champion to combate against him that my counsell hath assigned, who is the King of the Altana Isles, that is here, The King of Garamantes thus replyed.

Greatly are we wronged (mighty Lord) to haue this bat­tle taken from our armes; knowing none in thy Kingdome on whom we might repose so waightie a charge, I haue al­ready vrged that (sayd the Gyant) and intreated y^e Souldan that you three might be admitted thereunto: but seeing hee sayth there is a law inuiolate that forbids it, take no care for that, for I giue leaue, and will admit Ten Knights in your behalfe, against all whom together, I alone will main­taine you were confederates in the rape of the gracious Liri­ana Princesse of Niquea. As the fearefull King was about to answere, the couragious Greekes, stopped foorth (backe with his friend Oristoldo) who doing his humble obeysance vnto the Souldan, sayd vnto him in the Assirian tongue, the which he knewe he could well speake. In the entring of thy great Cittie (great Monarch of this faire Empire) comming to séek for the King of Garamantes my Lord and soueraigne, I vnderstoode what on thy behalfe was against his honour obiected: And my selfe being assured of his vertues, relying [Page] thereon, I am resolued to vndertake the battle for him, and for the rest, to the extremest hazard of my life, because I am certaine of his right. Greatly reioyced the imprisoned Prin­ces seeing him come in such opportunitie, for they straight knewe him by his azure deuise, to whome the Souldan re­plyed. The tryall (sir Knight) is already remitted to bee arbitrated by combate, and so there remaines no more then that these Kinges doe graunt it, and then may you straight performe it.

Braue couzen (sayd the King of Garamantes to Rosabell) I for my part giue you all my power thereto, resting not a little assured, of the good successe, hauing so great iustice on my side, and so braue a knight to defend it. We graunt the like, sayd the other Kinges. Seing this is done (sayde the Gréeke humbling himselfe for the imposed charg) command mightie Souldan (turned to him) the apparance of the cha­lenger, and I beseech you that the prisoners may bee set in place, that the battle ended, they may without impediment depart. Like a deuillish furie did the furious Pagan steppe foorth saying. Why how now Knight, so sure art thou of the end, that before thou séest me thou darest demaunde the prize of the battle? But now consider, knowing what thou hast to doe, & against whom, whether thou wilt yet affirme thy spéeches. Not only doe I it, sayd the (hawghty youth) but sayd it waxeth late till it be done. Then I aduise thee Knight (replyed the Gyant) that if thou wilt thou mayest, chose to ayd thée besides thy companion eight knights more, for to that nūber haue I chalenged. Gyant (replyed y^e cou­ragious Gréeke) all your broode, thinks y^t w^t soly y^e outward shew, you may end any aduenture, & therefore presume you to vtter such blasphemies, not vnderstāding that he which estéemes himselfe a knight, wil admit nothing w^t aduātage. And so maist thou go arme thy selfe, for onely w^t these armor & weapōs y^t I haue, & the iustice of my cause I expect thy cō ­ming to the place, with the hoarse sound of a deuillish voice the Pagan cryed. Oh Mars what mighty wrong is this to thy beloued Grantelmio, permitting that one Knight maye [Page] looke me in the face, much more stay for me in the field, a­way Captiue as thou art, thou shalt not thinke to haue so honorable a death as to die alone, for neuer shall the heauēs suffer it to be said, that thou didst singly combate with me in open listes. Discourteous Giant farr more proude thā vali­ant (saide the bould Britanian) take thy armes, for I alone will giue thee so much worke, that I will make thee won­der at the droppes of thy liues blood, that I will make thee sweat. O hellish furies answered the rauenous Tyger, is it possible such words shold be spokē, w^tout suffitiēt reuenge? And not respecting the Souldan, but his infernall rage, hee stopt to the gallant youth with his fift raised aloft saying, stay, for without armour I will terminate thy demaund. Nothing did Rosabell feare him, but as he was striking, he parted aside, & with his hand he stroke him on the left chéeke so braue a buffet, that hee tumbled at the Souldans feete at suche time as the valiant Bembo, and the gallant Assirian entred the hall, where séeing the hurlyburly went on for­wards, to knowe the cause, and séeing the Giant casting blood through his mouth, and fier frō his eies, going against his aduersarie, the Achayan with his couragious minde stept betwéen thē hauing his sword drawne, and said kéepe foorth Knights, for before the Souldan this is vnséemely. He was already risen, and cōmaunded the Giant to arme him­selfe to end the battaile, who went to do it more to reuenge himselfe, than to obay a Lord whome he neuer acknowled­ged. And so was the amorous Bembo left between the Soul­dan, and the Greeke, who being infourmed of the matter, more guided with desire to fight with any of them, than by reason, said that the strangers had been ouer bould before the King. The gallant Oristoldo could not endure it and therefore sayde. Truly (Knight) yf of so great experience you are in arms, as rash in iudging that you know not, it were not much I refused your battle. Neuerthelesse I affirme y^t not only we haue cōmitted no misdemeanor before y^e King, but also y^t the giāt & you are dis [...]o [...]all, in ouer-boldly prating [Page] before the King, and hereupon accept my gage. He did ac­cept it, for on the earth he had not refused it to any, and so all of them being armed, they straight went to the field, where there assembled so much people, that they hindred the earth from the Sunnes warmth. The Kings were set by them­selues, whereof the Gréeke reioyced hoping to giue them li­bertie, and so hee sent his discréete Squire to aduertise the forreners to be in readinesse as the cause required, where­in he vsed such diligence, that hee quickly gathered aboue sixe Thousand men, that setled themselues, where easilye they might repaire to the Ladies scaffold, because the kings were not far frō them, & that way could they better rescue them being requisite. Sraight commaunded the Souldan that two Thousand men should garde the field, and that vp­pon paine of death none should ayde, or fauour anye of the combatantes. The first that entred the listes was the va­liant King of Achaya, mounted on his mightie Courser, and being a Knight of so braue disposition, and armed in such mourning armour, many at the sight did feare him, & chief­ly when with more Maiestie then the Sunne in his fierie carre, he traced round about the place, in the aire shaking his launce in Thousand shiuers, straight was he presented with another, leauing the assembly admired with his gal­lantnes. Presently entred the two gracious youths, Rosabell & Oristoldo, with as much brauery as the world contayned. They were attended with infinite forraine Nobles that be­cause they were the Kinges Champions woulde néedes ac­company him. But the entrance of the Gyant, (conside­ring the pride that ledd him) a newe volume rather then a Chapter doth require.

CHAP. VI. The end of the dāgerous battaile betweene the foure Knights, about the libertie of the three Kings.

WIth nothing so great an honourable trayne did the mighty Emperor Titus passe through the stréetes of Roome (natures rarest beau­tie) when hee triumphed ouer that sarced land, wherein the woorke of our saluation was wrought, as that which attended on the proude King Grantelmio: That of Alexander the great when he entred Bab [...]lon, was not comparable to this: and because he had taken y^e Souldans part, there was no Prince nor Lord but did accompanie him, so gorgiously attired, as it séemed only an immaginarie vision: More people came with him, then did guard the listes. He himselfe came last in the middle of two youthes Nephewes to the Souldan, yet neither carried his armes, because he would delay no time in taking them, thinking euerie minute a yeere. He was mounted on the mightiest horse for strength y^t was knowne, of colour he was roane, and called Bollador, because of his swiftnes, that was such as he might passe his carries along the edge of a sharpe sword, he came prauncing vp & downe with such grace, that a mans heart could desire no more: for though the Giants heauinesse were extreame, yet his strength sufficed for his weight, had it been farre greater. His armour was of a skie coloure with many srarres, in an azure field, in his shield foure Giants head-lesse, & himselfe in the middest without armes, sauing his sword, represen­ting him that ended that aduenture, as the true conqueror thereof: for one day being without armour, those foure Gi­ants would haue stollen away his wife, and hee with his sword alone rescued her from their villanies, striking off their heads for recompence of their madnesse.

[Page]So soone as he entred the listes he closed his Beauer, & said to the Knights, for he supposed they had been all three against him: why now discourteous Knights come, and you shall sée, how far better it had béen not to haue angred me: yet notwithstanding thē I had pardoned your liues, which now the heauens shall no way saue from my handes, & cru­ell sword. On his part stept the valiant Bembo, and mildely to pacifie him, said: Most puissant King, séeing this matter concerneth another, and not our selues, doe not refuse to fight with a single knight, for it is well knowen, this whole assembly is vnable otherwise to resist your mighty strength: and so I am of your side against the Knight of the Lyons in the russet armour, somewhat did the valerous Bembo quiet him with his gentle wordes, neuerthelesse hee vttered the vaunts that such infernall fiends accustome, which béeing heard of the Greeke to anger him said, that all the place heard. O sauage Monster, why doest thou spend the time in such proude boasting, when thou maist better employ it in déedes? No longer stayed the furious Pagan, but togither with his companion turned the best horses on the earth, and al of thē with their launces well rested, they set themselues one against another. Oh, who might in stead of so harsh a quill, and dull blunted spirit, vse the sharpnes of that Ro­maine orators rare eloquence, and if not his, then that of y^e Quéenes of learning dwellers on the Thespian mount, to de­clare in an Heroycke stile the famosest battle of two to two, y^t any mortal memorie may cōprehend. At length (oh ye glo­ries of beauties purest workmāship) in midle of their cour­ses they met, the couragious Bembo, & y^e gallant Oristoldo of Antioch, w^t such puisāt incounters, y^t the farthest spectators were left blodlesse, stolen frō thē by y^e fury of y^e combatants. With so braue a horse as vnder him y^e Achayan had it was much to see him passe by his enemy, w^tout alteratiō making him lose both his stirrops, which he so soone recouerd, y^e few spied it, strait he turned not a litle inraged, & w^t his sword in hād he made against his aduersary, w^t such strength that he [Page] forst him to let fall the bridle out of his handes: hee was not slowe in seconding another on the side vnder his left arme, that it made him shake therewith, and helping him, with a strōg thrust strake against his brest, with such force, as had not his armour been forged by so cunning an Artifi­cer it had pierst his body frō side to side. It made him som­what loose his breath, yet not so, but that he turned vppon him like a praying vulture, giuing him his answere so high­ly to his praise, that he thought himselfe suffitiently satisfi­ed, for discharging his blow on his helme, euen to his cour­sers head, he made him bend his, shedding much blood tho­row his visor, he would haue giuen another, but the swift­nesse of his horse made him loose it, passing so farre forwarde that, as he would, he could not wound him.

Somewhat astonished did Sacridoros deare sonne recouer himselfe, beginning between them so equall a fight, that yf added admiration to the wondering senses of the beholders. The which was without measure increased with the sight of that incomparable furie, wherewith the twoo worthies met in the middle of that large place, on whom the millions of many gazing eyes were so fixt, that winke they durst not, fearing in the meane time they would incounter.

Vnto the God of his Father did the amorous youth re­commend himselfe, which was of such effect, that méeting with more horror then doe the angrye billowes of a tempe­stuous Sea with the furie of contrarious windes, beate on the immoueable Rockes, the Pagan hit Lyrianas louer in y^e middest of his strong shield, that hee lost his bridle and his stirroppes, with most part of his saddle, casting him backe­wardes on the horses crooper, in such a traunce, y^t he knew not whether on horse-backe he were left or no, the which by the force of the incounter broke his backe, that falling to the ground Rosabell had no other shift but to set his hand on y^e saddle pummell, and leape of with great ligeritie, leauing y^e place amazed at the incounter hee had made, for hitting the gyante in the middle of his great shield, it clearely pierst it, [Page] and striking him a little belowe his left brest, (as there the woundes are most perillous, to hinder the passage of his breath it was of such effect, that making him a little woūd, it thrust him with such mightinesse: that bearing him clean ouer saddle and horse backe: it tumbled him headlong on the earth, making all the place & people tremble with the fall. All the beholders, in spight of the Souldans command, and guard, with a generall voice applauded to the heauens the mightinesse of the iealous Knight, for so they called the Greeke because of his deuise. Scarse fell the Gyant, when (though with great paine) he rose, & drawing foorth a mighty Courtelaxe, he went towards the warrelike Louer, that like a politike Knight prepared to proceede in that battel. But first he looked how his friend did whom he saw main­taining his fight, with no lesse then the worldes strength. It grieued him because he sawe him in the blacke longer winded, and quicker in his strokes, though therefore the gallant Oristoldo lost no ground: for no lesse then one of the worldes worthies he was reputed.

But a while leauing them, together mett the Actiue Greeke with the fierce Gyant, discharging at once such seue­rall strokes, that the farthest remoted towers of the Citie shooke with the blowe. His knees on the ground did the faire Louer of Liriana sett in such amazemēt, that he knew not where he was: But he had giuen the Gyant a more venturous blow, for not reaching him on the head, he strooke with his point close to his throate, with such strēgth that renting all the thicknesse of his helme, with his neck-peece, it made him along wound, from whence issued great abundance of blood. A gelded Bull was neuer seene more fierce, then with his wound the Pagan did become furious, for roring against heauen, & with thousand iniuries reuy­ling his Gods, he began to brandish his Courtelaxe w^t such mightinesse, that therewith he neuer reacht the youth, but he made him tremble like an Aspen leafe, shaken by a Nor­thren winde. Among the many that he gaue him, he rested [Page] one to his content vpon his shield, that the finest of the tē ­per vnable to resist that strength, it was cut quite asunder, & so tormented the youths strong arme, that through the paine he thought it lost. His shield fell on the ground, & his arme so hung downe, that euery one iudged it cut. Aside stept the couragious Greeke, for the paine admitted nothing else.

Well did the valiant Oristoldo perceiue it which grieued him to the soule, doubting the successe of the fight being con­fronted with such cruell enemies. But desirous to help his friend, because the Gyant perceiued the effect of his blowe, followed him with a strong thrust, brauely pusht him in the backe from him, and spurring his good horse, (then which none in the world mounted a better beast) he sideling incoū ­tred the Gyant in so good a time, that he tumbled him at Rosabels feet, who lost not that opportunitie: for as he fell (helping himselfe a little with his painfull arme) he gaue him on the shoulders such a blowe, that he pearst it to the bone, leauing him somewhat breathlesse. For the want of blood that from his wounds ranne. Neither was the A­chayan so slowe, but with his bay he arryued vpō y^e Greeke faster then immagination, and taking him somewhat bu­sied with the Giant, he strooke him backwards so fierce a blowe, that hee sent him forwards euen where the Gyant was, and so their méeting was the cause he fell not, though he rested sore bruised. Alreadie was Oristoldo come, who with such furie laid on his Helme, that the sparkes of fire which from it he strooke, cinged all his yeallow feathered plumes, that like a despairer he did weare. He scapte not without recompence, for reaching at him with eager desire to execute his blow, he closed so nigh him that he could not, saue only cast his strong arms about him, & with his dag­ger, ere he could helpe himselfe or be succoured, gaue him a troublesome wound vpō his left arme: with one leape was Rosabell with them, and so strucke a downe right blow on the furious Bembo, that cutting away all his skirt on that side, he grieuously wounded him on the right thigh, which [Page] forst him to let his aduersarie goe: and though it so well fell out, yet it grieued the hawghtie Gréeke to sée the euill procéeding in that battle, and with what shamefull disor­der. Greatly did he desire that his were on horse-backe y^e better to succor his friend, whome he knewe to bee in some distresse: but yet he resolued to hazard it at once. So he went vnto the Pagan, that like a bayted Bull did roare and warding a mightie blow, he stept in with his right foot for­ward striking him on the outward side, y^e almost he cut his thigh cleane asunder. Great was the noise throughout the place, and greater the doubt of the victorie: fiue woundes, and all verie dangerous hath the Pagan, two on his brest, one in his throat, another on his shoulder, and the last on his thighe. All the field doth he bedewe with blood, & hadd for all that wounded Rosabell in three places, and so tyred him that he was scarce able to sturre. Hee closed with the Gyant on such a sudden, that amazedly he had verie neare throwen him downe, for as he had fore-thought it, he en­tred somewhat lowe, and taking him betwéene his legs, he hadde almost raysed aloft, but against his owne shoulders, did the Gyant stay himselfe, and so both so long striued that both fell downe togither. They were not on y^e ground when the valiant youth with his poniard, would terminate that warre: But the Pagan, with all his strength sudden­ly snatcht it out of his hand, wherewith he had there slaine him had not hee drawen the Gyant, with which either procured to end the others life. A happie starre did here de­fend the Prince, for casting himselfe aside he scapt the dan­ger of the blow, hauing his armour but a little scracht ther­with. But he happening on a better place thrust his to the middle into his belly, wherat w^t a fearefull grone he loosed his aduersary, & both stept to their swords, but the Gyant being so weake could not moue about: which being noted by y^e youth seming to feare him gaue back, suffering y^e Pagā to follow him, who was scarce w^tin his reach, but drawing strēgth frō weaknes, he gaue him such a thrust y^t had it bin w^t more aduise, he had out-right kild him: yet rested he not [Page] without wounding, or receiuing the greatest blow that in all that day he had felt, which falling on the toppe of his Helme, where not able to penetrate, it slyste away all the brimme vnto the shoulder, where staying with mightie force, it made him set his knees on the earth. Follow the blowe would the Gyant, but the youth knowing his dan­ger, set his sworde long-wayes betweene them, which made him staye, till he well recouered his feete. Alreadie was the Pagan through wearied, and so he would end that long lasting fight, with one blowe, which at his aduersary he cast: who assured of the perill, with a leape made him loose it, togither with his life: for he fell vpon his owne sworde, following the furie of his armes. The which no sooner did Rosabell perceiue, but with both hands he laide vpon his left syde (and as there commonly the armour is weakest, he opened it euen to his entrailes, where he like­wise parted his heart, and giuing passage for his life, to re­ceiue a deserued death, he flang him dead at his feete. Hee was not slowe in taking of Bollador that famous horse be­longing to the dead Gyant, and mounted thereon at such time as sencelesse he saw his good friend, carryed about the field vpon his steede. Immeasurable was the griefe that he conceiued, supposing him dead: and so he set himselfe be­fore the stoute More (that followed him) saying: Stay Knight, for to strike him that cannot defend himselfe, ra­ther diminisheth then augmenteth the fighters honour.

Mylde, and one of the courteoust in the worlde, was the incomparable Louer, but he then was so cholericke, that stumbling on him, the aunswere he gaue him was a hea­uie blowe, which the Greeke so felt, that like an Aspicke, he turned, seeing the discourtesie of his enemie, that with both handes he discharged on his inchaunted Helme so braue a blowe, that it sounded like a bell, casting him in a traunce along his horse backe, shedding an infinite quan­titie of blood through his mouth. Which when the Soul­dan sawe, and supposing, by his behauiour he shoulde be [Page] his sonne, he cast downe his golden Scepter (fearing his life) saying, Knight haue done: for I yelde the battaile for this Knight, and also adiudge you both free thereof,

Mightie Lorde (aunswered the Prince) I do reioyce in my very soule, to haue this occasion, that I may shewe part of the great desire I haue to serue you, being by duetie bound thereto. And seeing there restes no more to doe, as also because I and my companion (that alreadie was there) haue much to doe in another place, where wee be expected. Commaund my cosen the King of Garamantes, and his friends to be deliuered vnto mee: for wee can no longer staye.

That (replyed the Souldan) though you haue obtained, the victorie of the fight remaines to my disposing, because their fault was against my state and Crowne, and so I wil see it corrected. Great is the wrong offered vs (said Rosa­bell) and farre greater is it done vnto your owne person by vyolating your royall worde, which the meanest and ba­sest Knight would to his vtmost strength procure to keepe. Your vnreuerence Knight is so great (replyed the Souldan) that it deserues no other aunswere, but the sharpe punish­ment that against such as you the law in my kingdom doth allow. If that lawe agreeth with the first, touching your promise (sayde Oristoldo) you may glorie to bee a wise Le­gislator.

Not farre was the royall guard, that seeing the Knights arrogancy, began to lay about them, determinng to impri­son them. Betweene them stept the valiant Bembo, desy­ring the Souldan to liberate the prisoners, the like did Don Clarisell, that rested greatly affectionate to Rosabell. And seeing that not onely they would not deliuer the prisoners, but also offered violence vnto the Knightes, which their noblenesse not permitting, drewe foorth their swordes to helpe them: Which then was needelesse, for in the fielde were alreadie alone twentie thousand disguised, who go­ing where the Kings were, had cast them weapons, who [Page] were not slacke in arming themselues, for the tumult be­gan greatly to increase. Whereupon Oristoldo set him selfe at the staire foote executing wounders in their defence, giuing neuer a blowe, but was mortall, till the Kings des­cended, and were mounted, which being done, the furious Greeke said. It is no time now to fight valiant Princes, but only procure to follow me, for I being well acquainted with all the waies in the Cittie, will without danger safe-conduct you through it. As you will haue it (Sir Knight said they) so be it done, though willingly we would let the Souldan know what iniustice he had done vs, another time will serue for that sayd Rosabell. And so loosing the raignes of his Bollador, with both hands he cutt his passage through those troopes in such sorte, that he which could faster flie thought himselfe most valiant. It was admiration to see how higher then his owne elbowes ouer horse and all he was besmeard with blood. With no lesse courage followed Oristoldo in some perill which was lessened by the kings companie. In this order did they issue out of the Cittie leauing in it eternal memorie of their valour. The Souldan would haue had them followed: but the two Knights so handled the matter, that they pacified him, commanding the tumult to cease, and perswaded him to forget his dis­pleasure against the Kings: which he the sooner did because Don Clarisell gaue him a letter from Lupercio to thss effecte.

Some what pleased rested the Souldan with the wise mans let­ter, seing thereby that his Daughter was not in his enemies po­wer. Greatly did he honour the two Knights, knowing them to be so great Princes and so valiant of their handes, where leauing them we must a while returne to Rosabell.

CHAP. VII. How the Kings departed from the Princes resting eter­nally bound vnto them, and what happened vnto them with a Knight.

WIth incomparable ioy, did the two Prince­ly friendes issue out of the Cittie of Ny­quea after they hadde to their euer-liuing Fames terminated their busines. They ceast not till they came to the Sea-side [Page] where the Kings had their fleetes staying for them: for the gouernors of their kingdomes, being aduertised of their be­ing there, had made that prouision to fetch them. So soone as from their horses they had dismounted the king of Gara­mantes ranne to imbrace the Princes, and saide, while the others did the like. Magnificent and illustrious Knightes, the worthiest that euer buckled on armour, how may wee in parte shewe the thankfulnesse due for so many great pe­rils, that for our sakes you haue vndergone? Wee can finde no satisfaction sufficient to equalize your merits, but that ye will imploy and commaund our persons, and states in any your seruice, as patrons and defenders thereof, which to vs will be immortal happinesse, and yet shall we remaine in­debted, considering your deserts and our benefits receiued. But to make our ioyes compleat, let these Kinges and my selfe obtaine the fauour to knowe by whome wee haue our honours and our liues regained. It hath (most mightie Princes) bene so little (replyed Rosabell) what this Knight and my selfe for you haue done, that (respecting your many merites) no occasion may thereby be taken to fauour vs. But if you will do it, you do perfourme the honour that shal inlarge your fames, because the ayde that my compani­ons and I receiued, was of power ynough to binde our liues to your lasting commaund: and so may you vse vs as the onely procurors of your content.

Touching your last request, we are of such remoted coū ­treys, that though wee should reueale our names, you can­not knowe vs. This Knight is of Antioche, called the Knight of Fortune, and my selfe the Knight of the groue of Loue, because I did beginne so soone, that I cannot remem­ber when I was mine owne. It pleased his Fortune so to fauour me, as to minister occasion for our meeting, wher­by many yeares since wee contracted a firme league of in­uiolated amitie, which hitherto we haue maintained: and because I made him partaker of my woes, and how the cause of them was the Princesse of Niquea, he promised [Page] me his ayd together w^t my other foure cōpanions my great friends with whose vnited valour, and of your persons wee brought her away: But (oh despightfull fortune (sayde he with his eyes full of water) that scarcely did let me sée, much lesse enioy the happines she gaue mee, because with the ex­treamest crueltie she could deuise, she did bereaue me of her.

Whereupon he tould them the maner of her taking away, as is set down in the end of the first booke of this third part. Greatly grieued the Kings for the Ladies losse, chiefly for the Knights sorrowe, but being vnable to redresse it, they comforted them as became true friendes of their qualities. And seing that the Kings longer staying in that land would bee daungerous, they counselled them to depart vnto their owne countries. From whence they might obtaine a peace from the Souldan. They all liked well thereof, and so they tooke their leaues of their friends, taking their right course to their kingdoms, where they got y^e Souldans fauor, which prooued not a little costly to Grecia: For these Kings were they that most persecuted her in her generall warres, as in the Fourth part at large shalbe related.

Somewhat from the Hauen did the two valiant Princes lye themselues downe to passe away the lingring passage of of the sullen night, making their supper of such prouision as Allirio had brought with him, which done, after a litle chat they parted a sunder to sléepe vnder the shadows of pleasant smelling trées. A little more towards the Sea did Rosabell cast himselfe, who one while thinking on his Lady, and a­nother on his voyage vnto Greece, not letting himselfe to be knowen vntill his déedes might declare the Royaltie of his discent, lay tumbling on y^e grasse, till he fell a sléepe, which was so little that the Ecchoe of sighing groanes proceeding from some that cōplained, were of force to waken him, who being of nature bould, and of nouelties desirous, quickly set himselfe on foote, and with his sword in hand, went straite to the place whence he heard the plaintes: and so going in­to a little Meddowe, vnder the spreading of a towring Cae­dar [Page] he saw a Knight in azure armour all ouer crosse barred with Gold. He was tall of personage, and of well knit sin­newes betokning excesse of strength, who was without helme, with a hat vppon his head and laye pitiously lamen­ting, to knowe the cause he stoode still. Straight did the o­ther giue it him which beeing the disease of loue, none can hide it, for with Millions of broken sighs that his soule sent foorth, he began to sing as followeth.

The extremitie of passions were such and so many which surprized the louer, that not onely hindered his songe, but stopt his breath, accompanied with a suddaine fainting, that in a traunce leaft him spéechlesse leauing against the Caedar but being past, he returned with a sighe, (that I knowe not whose hart it would not mollefie,) but hers (oh pardon me) that is the swéete insulting enemie of my life, and sayd. Oh loue, how doest thou spare none from burning with thy vn­consuming fier? Oh you mightie Princes, by fortune exal­ted on the highest top of honor, I nothing enuie your estates if once it be touched with loue? Oh Gods, how farre hap­pier (by enioyning a contented life) where I, yf I had the of­fice of a laboring Countreyman, and not the tytle of so great a Prince, that my starres haue giuen mee? But oh cruell passions, & more intollerable griefe, what, Oh yes, thither would you follow me hauing as great a power in a poore cot­tage, as in a Princes Court? And therefore seeing I must loue, and must liue thereby, I will admit no comfort: but what shall come from Rosaluyra, for the swéetest otherwise is but hatefull, sower and abortiue? Oh despightfull chāce, Oh hap vnhappie, & vnheard of that I should loue, and not manifest it to the Empresse of beautie: and of my Idolatrie [Page] the sole Goddesse, and that I thus must languish without her knowledge? Well it must be so, she will haue her will deseruedly accomplisht, and I will remaine adoring, her more then euer was Lady loued? But in recompence to de­maund a thinge so small as Trebatios head, is a diminishing of the high deserts of her incomparable merits. By this way (oh Gods) to procure my content, I am resolued to doe because hers consisteth therein: But yet yf by my louing, and wéeping experience she would be assured of my faith, my death in this enterprize were eternall felicitie.

But oh slowe louer, and more bashfull wooer, why doest thou linger knowing there is no other meanes for thy hap­pinesse? Intollerable and more then may be imagined is y^e wrōg agaynst thy Lady thou cōmittest, in this delay? wher­upon, with a sudden hast that in such cases happens, hee la­ced on his helme, had tooke vp his weapons, calling to his Squire for his horse: But ere it was brought him Rosabell issued out of his ambush: For knowing the Knight to bee sonne vnto the Souldan of Niquea, and brother to his deare Ladie, it grieued him because he had vndertaken such an en­terprise against his Grandfather. The occasion and y^e cause thereof hee had tould Oristoldo as hath been largly discour­sed in the first of the second part.

And approching to the Knight, with a gallant audacitie he sayd. By that I haue heard (sir Knight) I haue vnderstood you are Lindoriano Prince of Niquea, the Knight that I as my soule doe loue, and euen to the same it grieues mee you haue vndertaken a demaunde so perrilous as that against y^e Emperour Trebatio: for you must consider how that Lady and her Mother rather procéede through hate then w^t rea­son that bindes them to dissemble it: And if Garrofilea com­plaines of the Emperour, her selfe was the cause thereof, procuring to her honours cost the accomplishing of her con­tent. And seing the Emperor did doe it, hee might no far­ther passe because the sacred law of marriage did forbid yt: whereof she was aduertized when she had him in prison, & [Page] so she might content he selfe with the children shee hath of so mightie a Prince, and not topsey turuie turne and offend the world with her vanitie, & méere follie, as to hope for hys head for hir reuenge? and well doe wee knowe that a wo­mans reuenge is but y^e aboundāce of feruent desire of things and things. None more then she I am sure would grieue with his death? because with reason the losse of such a per­son might iustly be lamented by his Daughter Rosaluira, & so she should cast her fame and honour on the dice, being cau­ser of so many deathes as haue already happened: for the world doth wel know there is none therin, that (against his will) is able to make that Prince leaue the listes. A greater honour were it for her to dissemble her angrie loue, as dooth her sonne Polliphebo who is reputed the flower Chiualrie, glorying in nothing more then of such a Father, & not pro­mise her selfe his head, at whose countenance the very hea­uens tremble.

And so (sir Knight) the great loue I beare you hath for­ced me to this discourse: because with more immortall ho­nour, by louing & by your haughtie déeds shall you sooner ob­taine your Ladies loue, then by so doubtfull and vncertaine a meanes that can nothing yeild then a blot to your reputa­tion. Attentiuely did the Prince of Niquea heare him thin­king he should know him, and well noting his spéeches, & perceauing hee grounded them vpon suffitient reason, was yéelding to his counsell: but surprized with the memorie of his Ladies commaunde, hee did reiect those perswasions, because he would bee obedient, and so shewing some anger, replyed thus.

Truely (sir Knight) I knowe not what you haue séene in me, nor in what distresse you haue succoured mee, that now suruiuing, you should with so large a discourse striue to per­swade me that there is difficultie, and the greatest possible, to behead the Emperor of Constantinople, did I not respect that thou didst say thou diddest, and doest loue me, I would make thée know, what twere to counsell him that requires [Page] it not? I well perceiue (aunswered Rosabell) thou speakest with affection: but because thou shalt knowe what thou haddest to doe, I defye thee from hence vntill the Sunnes approche vpon thy vnlawfull enterprise, that he which shall first loose his saddle or any peece of his armour, shall be vanquished, promising to perfourme what the Conque­rour shall commaund, and so shall you reuenge your selfe. I am contented (saide the stout youth) that thou mayste knowe I am able to terminate this deede. Then let this Knight that here commeth be the Iudge (aunswered Ro­sabell) poynting to Oristoldo that came with Allirio that led the horses to seeke for the Prince. Be it as you will haue it (said Lindoriano: For he that can loue such a La­dy, knoweth how to aunswere for her.

Presently did they declare the challenge vnto the gal­lant Prince of Antioche, who thereof was glad, because otherwise the Niquean should not scandalize the Emperour his Graundfather. On the best horses that the vniuerse did knowe, mounted the two Heroicke warriors, and in middle of the Meadowe, turned either against the other, and both together with an assured hope of victorie, though one must of necessitie be vanquished. A thing worthie ad­miration was it, to see that scarce they had turned their fyerie coursers, when through the Oakes, Elmes, and Ceaders, issued from the woods, Siluanus, attended with all his troope of Faunes and siluan dwellers, consorted with all the desert and Forrest Nimphes: Glaucus with his Trytones left his waterie habitation: and all with one desire to see that memorable combate had left their earth and water Cauernes. The heauens cleared their light more brighter then at such times was their custome, and in the ayre appeared Mars in his throne, and in another a little higher sate Cupid, for both Gods might learne prin­ciples in both sciences, of the Warriors: because if one is so, it is because he loues: Whereof no experience can better approue it, then by a bloudie Combate: and both [Page] gallants in those Artes, are as skilfull as Mars and Cupid: and therefore was it no wonder they shoulde sit as Iudges of so famous a battell. For the one leauing on the steeled shield forged by Vulcan, and the other on the Coate of wise Mynerua, they expected the successe thereof: when with more furie then the lightening passeth, they mett in the middest of the flowered Meadow, with such an impetous noyse, as if the two Thrones of both the Gods had fallen to the earth. Neither failed of their incounter, which were such, and of such strength, that though then there no starre did twinckle in the Firmament, yet fild they the ground with them. They past one by another with as much Ma­iestie, as the God of warre their heauenly Iudge could haue done. The Nyquean lost one stirroppe, but ere he stayed it was recouered, turning vpō his aduersarie with his sword, at one time giuing each other such blowes that they hum­bled them selues according to the friendshippe, y^t was be­tween thē did require. Fully rested they assured of eythers valour, beginning one of the brauest Battailes of the woorld, themselues being of the valiantest thereof. It greatly auailes the Nyquean to bée Lirianas brother, for the Greeke immagining thereon seemeth slowe in his executi­on, expecting some occasion to close with him, trusting on the strength of his Bollador. This did not his aduersarie perceaue, being more furious than a hunted Lion, and through the carelesnesse he sawe in his enemie, attributing it to weakenes, he had time (desirous to end the warre) to strike him inwards so troublesome a blow, that hee could enter with his quicke horse to wounde him with twoo thrustes one after another, that eyther of them (had he not beene Rosabell) had slaine him outright: Neuerthe­lesse hée caste him along his Coursers crooper, and as with furie hee past, he could but weakelie strike him sidelong vpon the brimme of his helme, that it cut asunder two buc­kles, and had he a little more stretcht forth his arme he had [Page] chopt of his head. Now is there no time for courtesies, now doth he forget himselfe, and in this agonie in great rage hee recouered his saddle, staying for the Prince that returned in quest of his pray. He let him come within him because hee would not loose his blow, but it was so much that he could hit him no otherwise then close to his hilts with such strēgth that from without, and within his helme hee fecht many a Thousand squadrons of fierie sparks that through the ayre went cracking like squibbes. He would haue cast his armes about his necke, but hee was so nimble that spurring his horse hee made him misse of his purpose, almost tumbling downe carried by the force of his armes, yet fell he vpon his horse pummell.

Well did Lindoriano note his amaze, and so followed w^t a florishing blow vpon his shoulders that he grieuously felt it: But it was to his euill for returning more fiercer then a Bazeliske, casting his shield behind his back with hoth his handes hee layde vpon his aduersaries, that parted in two hee cast it to the grounde, together with a péece of his brest-plate, he trembled tike a shakened leafe, so did the Iudges, fearing at the sight of so braue a blowe. He seconded ano­ther, (for nowe is hee gouerned by rage, and not with the griefe that Liriana might cōceaue hearing of her brothers cruell vsage) which was in such manner that casting blood through his mouth, his horse carried him about the fielde, follow him would not the gallāt Britaniā, whē himselfe cal­ling himselfe to accompt, howe that was Lindoriano wyth whom he fought.

Grieuously begā to chide himselfe for his offence, so greet­ly becomming penitent for the fault that while hee stoode onely imagining thereon, yt had like to haue cost him his life, for the Nyquean returning to himselfe, twixt both hāds raysed his sword aloft, making the hard earth tremble vn­der the passage of his horse hoofes, and so at his pleasure layd him on the helme that it dryued it downe, stryking awaye all the circuite thereof, it was not so waighty that sencelesse [Page] his steed bore him about the field he would not then vse with him any courtesies, but sturring his horse followed him amaine, and with his sword rayzed he thought at that blow to end that businesse.

The sight of this pittefull spectacle gauld the hawghtie Oristoldo to the harte, yet durst he not helpe his frende, be­ing appointed Iudg. Notwithstanding was Lindoreanos dasht in his intent for ere he arriued the braue Greeke had recouerd himselfe, and seing his aduersarie runne towards him gordged with desire of the blowe, he staied for him, and as he closed a little stept aside with his good courser that he was struck but on the side of his shoulder and all that quar­ter was brused. Three howres is it since the battle begune and yet no aduantage betweene them was knowne. The field was strewed with peeces of their armour that their blows did tare. By this the streakes of light laced the vaul­lie heauens, as messengers of the approching morne: wher­at Rosabell seeing the little he had done, and how much it concerned him, being a matter that so nearly towched his Grandfather, a quarter of an hower before the sunne prin­cipiated his dyurnall course, Iudging it weakenesse to lett a battle so long indure, he warded a heauie blowe the youth let flie at him: closed within him, where might there besene one of the branest wrasles that the world euer sawe: for their horses more firmely fixing their hoofes on the ground then the rooted rootes of strong oakes within y^e earth, gaue leaue vnto the combatants, to gaine aduantage in the loftie ayre.

New maner of warre was this for the two that in one daie were instalde in the honored order of armes and chiual­rous desynes. But the dexteritie, the strong sallyes, the braue closures, and furious moouings, made apparance of more experience then they had. For both their ages co-uni­ted, amounted not to xl. yeares: and notwithstanding she­wed they ensamples of learning armes for Mars that on them gazed, and documents for the proudest to emulate. In [Page] kindled wroth was our amorous Champion on fier, think­ing his owne side had the worst of that wrasling. So fay­ned he a new pollicie that altogether suffitiently contented the louer of Venus, Vulcans competitor which was, he made shewe to let him goe, that hee might doe the like, his hopes were effected, for the Nyquean seing that way he got a litle aduantage, loosd him: but scarcely had he done it, whē with the strength of his legges he set spurres to his fierie Courser, and taking hould of him with greater strength then before, he snatcht him from his saddle bearing him in his armes to the grieued Iudge Oristoldo, who the ioyfullest aliue, ad­iudged the Prince of Nyquea vanquished. Vnder y^e tytle, I [...]le not accept him (sayd Rosabell) but as a deare and my soules friend.

Let it suffice sir Knight (replyed Lindoriano) to haue con­quered me in the battle of swoordes, & not to require a more cōquest otherwise, by bearing away the trophies of knight­ly courtesie, which though it be due vnto you, yet wil I not so slightly let it goe: but seeing I am by you vanquisht, cō ­maunde me according to our agreement for I wil performe it. The first that I intreate (not command) is that you re­ceaue me as a friend which I will truely be vnto the extre­mest passage of my breath. And the next that you continue still to loue your Lady with the firmenesse of an immouea­ble hart: for there is no Lyon so fierce but will be mooued with the good done him. But this will I haue performed without preiudice to the Greeke Emperour, for otherwyse it will be rather an impouerishing then inriching of your honour. And in signe that you doe so, I must haue you shewe it in prohibiting any whatsoeuer that you shal méete with such an vniust demaunde.

Moreouer, if for the gayning of your loue there is any neede of our companieit, and our persons wee offer hence­foorth to be by you ymployed, the which we will better doe by deedes, then we speake it in wordes. Magnanimous Knight (replyed the Prince of Nyquea) I am exceeding [Page] glad that since this chance was allotted me that it fell out by your handes being a Knight, so well accomplisht in all vertues, and so I thinke you haue counselled mee what most befitted myne honour. And seing we haue no more to doe, I promise by the fayth and honour of a Knight, and Prince to accomplish it: (which he full-well did execute to y^e cost of som ones life as shalbe remembred: For no meane aduentures befell this Prince about his loues which were notable,) and that fully I may depart contented (sayd he) I beseech you tell me whome ye be. We are of such remoted countries, that if we should declare it, you cannot knowe vs. At this time onely are we named the Knights of For­tune: And this (sayd Rosabell) we accompt the worthyest y^t these many dayes hath happened vs. Thereupon they tooke their leaues & parted, the twoo friends taking their way to Grecia in which nauigation they met with many aduen­tures that the wise man here omitted, which not a little grieues me, for so famous a thinge as the winning of Hec­tors armes, wherewith he did desie Achilles challenging him vnto the fight, and Oristoldos getting those of Aeneas, should not onely distinctly be set downe, but at large particulari­zed in a sole Historie. He referres it vnto the Greeke An­nales, where Rosabells life is more copiously memorated.

There may these aduentures bee seene, for at this time is onely sayd that w^t the best armour in the vniuerse, they landed in the Port of Hircambella one of the chiefe citties of the Grecian Empire, where they went a shoare onely with Allirios companie, and seeing so many multitudes of strang Nations there arriued, and euery minute still ariue, they supposed some generall warre, had been against it mo­ued, vntill they were certified of the cause, to the Prin­ces great contentment, specially when they knewe their deare Fathers were in Greece.

In this manner mounted on the mightiest horses that the earth affoorded, surpassing those that daylye drewe [Page] the burning Charriot of the Sunne they approached Con­stantinople walles where wee must leaue them through certaine aduentures which in that season did befall.

CHAP. VIII. What happened in Grecia to Don Celindo, and the beauteous Floraliza his sister, with a Knight.

I Haue with such delight bene carryed away with the hawghtie deedes of Rosabell, that had I not remembred what affection (deare Saints and Venus votresses) you shewed to the Scithian Princesse I had ouerpast them with obliuion, did I not feare the rodde of your displeasure. But now with your fauours (for with­out them I dare not) I do enter in the relation of their fa­mous actes which were so memorable that Lirgandeo at large doth set them forth: the which hauing lefte their in­chaunted habitation, & entring within the Sea of Greece, they had in sight the worthie Zasinthus Isle situated right opposite to the Corinthian gulffe, where they learned how many trauailed to the Grecian Empyre, against the solem­nitie of the braue tryumphes, that should be made in the famous Citie of Constantinople. In millitarie actiōs great­ly delighted the two brothers, & thinking there better then in any other place they would be found by reason of the tri­umphes, cōmaunded their ship to be guided to Arrissa, a ha­uen some thing remote from the Citie, where the eight day they arriued, and taking land, they entred through y^e grene Forestes, taking the next waye to Constantinople, but first determined to linger thereaboutes the time that wanted for the feastes, which might be some vii. or viii. dayes. So their Fortune led them to passe away the night, hard by the place where the iealous Sarmatia bewailed her woes. For after she had parted from Brandafidell, she cast her selfe from [Page] her horse lamenting her misfortuns supposing that her be­loued Oristides, had forsaken her to Loue Floralinda, wife to the Prince, Meridean. And they arriued at such time that forced by a Ielous spleene she said. Oh rauning experience that before I can begin to Loue, I must with Ielousie be tormented? Oh Cupid if this be one of thy blowes establish­ed in all harts, how is it possible thou shouldest be honored? or to thee appeale, why shold any as to y^e Soueraine Prince and Iudge of the earth? how wilt thou haue, that La­dies shall worshippe and adore thee, if with such ex­treames thou plaguest their tender harts? Apparent signes did I see in that valiant Prince to loue me, but more certai­ner haue I met in Greece that he abhorrs, me. Oh happie Land only to me vnappie, I blame not thee but curse my starres that doe oppose their influences to ruinate my glory? who would haue tould me thou shouldest be a sepulcher to her that to thee came to seeke her life? O Gods how farre better had I done to split my hart in Lacedemon with my deare friends swoord, then to come to so great miserie in Greece? mightie will be the wrong I doe to Ladies when my death shall be published to haue been because I was not beloued. But wretch that I am, why impute I in him y^e sin of disloyaltie hauing to his owne cost assured mée by milita­rie déedes his soule to be soly thine, then, rather procuring thy victorie then the conquest for himselfe? And séeing it is yet doubtfull, I will cherish my selfe till I know it, and fin­ding it so, not that I loued him without hope of like, but for the dishonor I did thereby commit against my puritie, I will vpon my life execute the cruellest death y^t ere the world was guiltie of in recompence of my rash foolishnes, and af­fection so ill repaied. So somewhat quieted she could not so continue long, remembring what the Lady had tould her, whereuppon a little to prorogue her griefes, shee tuned her voice with this Dittie, to her Lute with a more melodious harmonie, than Mercury did sound whē Iupiter did send him to bewitch with musick the hundred eies of watching Argos charge.

With so short a winded, hay me ended the warrelicke Dame, that the Princesse which ouer hard it could not but greatly pittie her, hauing begun to tread thē inextricable maze of Loue, not a little wondring to see how general that passion was where with they cheefely liued. So afflicted re­mained the beautious Sarmacia, that she could passe no far­ther, giuing occasion to the Brother and Sister (their be­uers closed because they would not be knowne to go to her) and the Ladie (being naturally more tender) to the other said What haue you felt (Sir Knight) to expresse parte of your hearts aboundance to the aire, and part to these harde and sencelesse Oakes, which is but to increase your smart, the which, if in any thing we may diminish, we will effec­tually accomplish it.

At the noise did the Ladye start, for being drowned in [Page] imagination, shee did not remember her selfe, and hauing her thoughts dispearsed abroad, had giuen no eare to the Princesse wordes: and so seeing those Knightes in that place shee said: Greatly may you fauour me (Sir Knight) to leaue me to my solitude: for that onely hath the power to ease my paine, and strengthen my mynde to suffer it, add greater, if greater may be imagined. And this I in­treat, vnlesse any necessitie requires my person, which I will vse most willingly in either of your behalfes.

Braue Knight (replyed Floraliza) the sight of your pre­sent state so penetrated our harts, that it caused this Knight and my selfe to come and demaund the reason of it: offe­ring our persons at your neede, I doe highly esteeme your offer, renowmed Knight (aunswered Sarmacia) which could not proceede but from you. But my infirmitie is of such condition, that the remedie on your partes will aug­ment it, and for mee to relate it, were a griefe past griefe, and a newe kinde of torment: For I haue no leaue to pu­blish it to any, (much more to you) because it will but serue to refresh the memorie of passed griefes and present euils. And therefore, I praye you either to goe from mee, or giue me leaue, that I may doe it: For the verie sight of companie is to mee troublesome.

I neuer sawe a Knight (saide Floraliza) so deepely possest with Loue, but would delight to communicate his paynes and ioyes: For the one he mittigates by communication, and the other he encreaseth by relation. And so I thinke you are a Nouice in Loue, seeing you knowe not, there is no griefe how great so euer, but will by company be asswa­ged. Rather (replyed the Lacedemon Ladye) this proues you a fresh Scholler in Cupids schoole, seeing you ignorant what wrong is offered to the Ladye loued, publishing her secretes: For to immagine them is secrete treason, committed against her. And nowe I saye, I woulde not keepe companie with a Knight that so quickely de­syres to blabbe the thoughtes cloased in an amourous [Page] soule, being soly to be imagined, and not made common to euery voyce. Oh how braue a louer woulde you make gy­uing place in your hart, for euery loue tale? Oh that I knew your Mistres, be assured she should not longer liue deceaued in her hopes, although I thinke she doth not, yf this be not to her vnknowen, you speake more then befits you (said the hastie Floraliza) and with more bouldnesse then you should, which belike our simple & well meaning spéeches did cause, that rather is (answered Sarmacia) the truest testimony that any can haue of his Fortitude, and not the vaunting beasts that many vse, and commonly bragge of. And seing this way you haue brought it about, restore me the honour I did you esteeming you in the degrée of a good Knight, attribu­ting due glorie to your seming merits: and when you haue so done then doe what you wil, for I giue you leaue. What I will haue (sayd the angry Ladie) is to let you vndestand the discourtesie you haue committed, which is greater then the strength you boast of. Then stay (replyed Oristides Lady) and you shall sée how well I can shew the one, when the o­ther dependes thereof, and so leaping on her light horse, hee turned him about, defying her to mortall battle.

In matters of warre woulde not the Macedonian Prin­cesse dissemble with her brother, much more with whom she knewe not, and did challenge her. Oh Appollo the desire to see so braue a combate made thée hasten Auroras splendor to her wonted light, because without thy presēce none could witnesse their hawghtie déedes: or was it, because for­getfull of thy Alcestes loue thou wouldest surfeite on this beautie.

Which séeing it so, why doest thou not dippe my dull penne in the Nectar of thy Diuinetie, for if they each other wouunde, this and my tongue must memo­rize it: Now is the season thy liberall influence to impart with mee, when the whole worldes beautie is here like to perish.

[Page]There was left no Cittie in the first Heauen to guard their habitations, onely to be spectators, of so rich a fight, for e­uery of them would willingly loose their liues, to bee woun­ded by such beautie. They met by the swiftnes of their nim­ble Coursers in such manner, that the strength of their in­counters made the Brother shrinke at the viewe. No harme happened betwéen the Ladies most gallantly passing by ech other: & their méetings serued but in shéeuers to sende their launces through the emptie ayre to Phaebus middle Manti­on. At once drewe they the two admirable swords the one of Camilla, and the second of Pyrrhus by succession. Come to Oristides, who gaue it to his deare Sarmacia in Lacedemon, as the president booke reported. With them hoysted on high together did they ground them on their helms, resting either alike assured of the others strength, for the Heauens had in fortitude and beautie in euerie respect equald them. They began one of the fiercest battailes that the world did euer re­corde, for being Ladies increasing in wrath, their blowes were able to dissolue a Rocke: But such were their strong armours, that it assured them from all perils. Neuerthe­lesse with such furious strength they layd vppon each other, that the flesh more fairer then Venus in her chiefe pride, they mangled. The desperate Sarmacia gaue her gallant enemie a dangerous blow a little belowe her Beuer: it was to no small effect, for it made her bend her head below her Horse maine. She would not omit the aduantage, for sieldome like to this there happens none, and so with both hands she layd on the circuite of her helme, that shee struck her from all féeling, made her blood run through her visor and mouth, loosing the guiding of her horse, which sencelesse bare her a­bout the fielde a good while, till, recouering her selfe, (the rage that with furie ioyned to settle her firmly againe in her saddle is not set downe) for casting her Romaine shielde at her faire backe, she let flie at her helme with such strength, that had she carried her arme stiffe, that blow had termina­ted [Page] the controuersie. Notwithstanding the blad vnable to penetrate the magick temper, it went slyding downe the same falling on the shoulder, lighting so heauily that shee thought all that quarter had been beate asunder. She fell with her brest on her saddle pummell, and with y^e weyght of the stroake, the horse set both his knées on the earth.

Scarse had she executed this blow, when (worthy with admiration to be celebrated) at the wounded Sarmacias ry­sing, shee helped her with two thrustes one after the other, with such force that her owne handes trembled therewith, casting her aduersaries head vpon the horse croopper, shee would close with her to ouerthrowe her with her Steede, but with this desire she spurd hers with more force then née­ded, for it made him furiously passe further then she would, that stumbling on her aduersarie, she had like to fall which to preuent, she nimbly leapt from her owne to the ground. It was aduisedly done: for the Lacedemon Ladye arriued with a stroake in such blinde furie, that had she met her she could not but haue incurred certaine danger: For not mée­ting her the blowe fell in middle of the saddle deuiding it, & the horse in two. Tremble did the Prince with the sight of this blowe, iudging the Knight of mightie valour, in no lesse reputation did the aduerse Ladie accompt him, that se­ing him in some amaze, lying along the horse necke follow­ing the winde of the blowe, with a leape she stept thyther, & casting her strong armes on her, shee snatcht her from the saddle, and séeing her in some confusion therby because one foote hung in the stirrope, which shee could not take foorth, shee so striued that shee pluckt her dagger from her backe.

Hereat the hawghtie dame séeing her disgrace feared a sudden death dishonourable, and so shee had no other remedie, but loosing her sworde with all her strength to drawe her to her, and strongly setling her selfe on one foote she did in sight of her aduersaries brother a thing worthy her beautie, for casting her arme at Floralizas dagger, [Page] shee drewe it out of the sheath and with it hadd slaine Alicandros vnknowne Neece, yf she had not stept away with feare seeing her owne weapons in her aduersaries handes: It was no little good fortune, for the valerous Sarmacia, hauing thereby time to drawe her foote out of the stirrope, and with hard plucking shee had almost dis­ioynted: which founde to her griefe, for going to follow her enemie she could not treade thereon, which was the cause she had almost fallen on her. She dissembling yt as much as possible she might, expecting her enemies com­ming: which was not longe, for like a chaffed Lyonesse (seeing that was her first battle, and what little honor vn­lesse she spéedily did finish it she should get) she flung against Sarmacia, and with both handes she layde on her so thicke, and so quicke that breathlesse shee hadde almost tyred her, and yet she hawghtlie defended her selfe, often ma­king Floralindas daughter rest on the grounde both wyth handes and féete, till the paine of her foote was paste, and then she seemed but newly to begyn the combate, for the ligeritie wherewith shee entred and salyed deserued admi­ration.

With a florish they crossed aloft their putting swordes procuring that way to conclude their warre: But it lasted not long, for Alicandros Néece, thrusting her somewhat more inwards, stepping in with her right foote, and with imagined swiftnes she gaue her a venturous blowe, for taking her vnder the skirt it wounded her though little on the thigh. It was no newe matter for the Ladye, to receaue such blowes, it made her loose her patience, and like a rauenous Vulture did shee become with the sight of her owne blood.

Nowe seeke they no slyght no warde, nor no agilitie to defende and offend, but onely committe the hazarde of their Lyfe or Death to the strength of their armes, and with the vttermost force that Sarmacia hadd possest [Page] with Pyrrhus blade twixt both handes, shee layde on the ad­uerse helme, making her with the force of the stroake to set her handes on the grounde, which shee had not done when another was redoubled with no lesse furie, lighting on her shoulders,, which she extreamely felt. More nimble farre, and more vsed to toyle then was Horaliza, was the Lacede­mon Ladie, and so loosing her shield and sworde stayed till she rose, and ere she setled her selfe, closed with her, casting her right arme with such force twixt her legs, that ketching her some-thing suddenly, she raised her from the ground, and with a great fall cast her on the earth: But as it often hap­pens amonge the wrastling challengers at the Olympicke games, so fel it out betwéen these Ladies: For by how great the fall is, by so much the more it strengneth the vnder ly­ing to recouer his lost aduantage, by amendment of his foyle: euen so was it heere, because as shee cast her on the grounde, and both fell on their sides, the Macedonian Lady found opportunitie by a sudden scape to ketch warlike Sar­macia vnder.

There perceaued Horaliza that shee had occasion by the front through so venturous a fal, and so she set her knées vp­pon her, and because she had no dagger, for it had been ta­ken from her, she cast her strong arms about her, for it was all she could. The Ladies were so tyred with y^e former toile y^t this present labour left thē breathlesse: for after they had thus contended a long houre, without sence they stretched themselues vppon the earth, to Celindos great sorrow, who alinghting from his horse went to his deare Sister, and vn­lacing her helme found all hir face besmeared with blood, & pale like ashie Death. His hart trembled when so he sawe her lye, and leauing her that the aire might breath on her, he went to see what Knight the other shoulde bee, that had the power so to vse his Sister: and when he also sawe she was a Lady, with a shaking cold sweate was all his bodye coue­red: But this was not through any newe passion, but for the remembrance of Rosiluera, which he sawe portrayed in [Page] his inchaunted habitation, and seing her greatly to resem­ble Alphebos daughter, no feare was equall vnto his, think­ing they were dead. The which straight vanished, for beginning to stur, they shewed happy newes of their liues. He would not so leaue them, for it might be occasion of new quarrels, and so taking his Sister before him, (because hee would not leaue so valiant a Lady without a horse) hee ca­ried her within the Forrest to see if he could finde any place where shee might haue the rootes of her hayre cured on her head. For else, woundes had she none because her armour did defend it. And méeting with no place they were faine to alight there, bringing water from a cleare springe (whose current that way ran into the Sea, paying his Tribute to the Ocean) he cast it on her face, till she recouered her sen­ces: And seeing her selfe in that manner shee thought shee had béen by her aduersarie vanquisht.

The cōsideration of the caused griefe through these imagi­natiōs, I leaue to you kind Ladies to suppose: the which be­cause I haue so much to doe, onely wandering but vnder y^e shaddowe of your fauours, I doe not explicate. No lesse was the valerous Sarmacias: who not able there to reme­die it, she rose and mounted on her Co [...]rser, determined to take her next way to the Cittie, because the next daye the Tryumphes there began, whose aduentures doe not im­merited require a newe Chapter.

CHAP. IX. How the Tryumphes began in Constantinople, the woun­ders that in the Iustes did happen.

COme is the day (most beauteous Nymphes of the chast Goddesse) so celebrated throughout the world, when y^e Christians with prayses, and the Pagans with super­stitious ceremonies doe solemnize the Natiuitie of the glori­ous St. Iohn Baptist, on which the famous Tryumphs were [Page] begunne with the noise of so manye millions of millitarie instruments, as if the Citie were at the point of warre.

Nothing was heard nor seen but what apertained to Mar­tiall discipline, nor through y^e citie no vesture appeared but might be shewen before their Princes. Euery one would so adorne themselues as well in seruants liueries, as on their own persōs. Round about the place where y^e Iustes should be made were set great & bigge pillers, with fine chaines of steele, that the battles might better be deserued, & vpō them were painted all the haughtie deeds & chiualries of all the Greeke Princes, with so naturall & liuely coulors that they wanted nothing but speaking. At this time came the Em­peror from his pallace w^t such maiestie as he seemed a God on earth: For their horses, coches, chariots and attendants were numberlesse. In one y^t was drawen with foure white Vnicornes, road three Ladies, whose beautie darkened the shepherds brightnesse, that for loue left the golden eye of heauen. They were the most excellēt Princesses Claridiana, Oliuia, & Rosiluera, with the faire Artemisa Princes of Eng­lād, that more deuine then a humane creature séemed. The resplēding miror of beautie, & Fortitude, Archisilora Quéene of Lyra, would not be séene but on horseback, with Cappari­zons with so rich imbroderie of stones & pearles, that scarse her excellencies could be deserued through their reuerbera­ting rayes. By the brydle was she lead by the Emperour Alphebo Knight of the Sunne, & his mother, that on the vp­per hand accompanied her, did Sacridoro lead, y^t knowing of these feasts had sent for his déere wife Orisilua, who went in company of Lindaraza & Archirosa of Portugall, that already w^t Don Siluerio was arriued. Al these were attyred in murry vestures, cut vpon Gréene, w^t diuersitie of curious workes. More excellencie of perfect beautie & gallantnes, neuer did y^e worlds vast territories behold. The three Princesse Oliuea, Roseluera and Artemisa, were clad in greene robes, imbro­deed ouer with whit roses sett with infenitt stones of enesti­mable vallour. The Empresse Clarideana came al in whit, [Page] laid w^e goulden twist, w^e Iewels shining like the sunne. In this Maiesticke equypage ariued they vnto y^e proud stupen­dious theater that for their sight was built, & round about the place were scaffolds infenit set vp.

And after that w^t their presences it was Metamorphized vnto a brighter skie then the white Christall Heauen with their appearing out of the windows, y^e chalēgers pauilliō was set vp all of greene with like roses the Ladies woare, it was of no lesse wōder then any thing in y^e place. Through the which entered the Emperiall ensigne with twelue thou­sand men of guard, the which did set it on y^e Pauillions top, with such sound of trumpets, as if that were y^e generall ses­sions of the world: the which the ships & Gallyes anchorde in the road, replyed with many thousand pieces of dischar­ged Ordinance. So soone as the place was something quie­ted, there entred at one coruer of it the couragious Troyan with 50 pages cloathed in Carnation, & an 100 godfathers in long roabes, imbrodered on them his battel in Lacedemō & all full of red S. whose curiousnesse ioyed the sight to be­hold. Himselfe was armed in a rose colour armour, grauen with many harts parted in two. In the middle of his shield was figured a Ladye with a naked sworde, and he shew­ing her his heart, that she might stryke there, but shee ay­med higher at his head, with this note:

Next to him entred the gracious Prince of Fraunce Cla­rindo, that his affectiō towards Artemisa would needs shew by the pompeous traine that accompanyed him: for all his pages were in gréene, and in stéede of Roses which his La­dye woare, he had many A. with such Arte interlaced, that it euery one highly contented. His godfathers were in like manner apparelled with such maiestie, that it seemed no lesse then Trebatios Nephewe came there, who ap­peared in such rich Armour, that nothing was in them seen [Page] but great gréene Emeraldes with wonderfull art sett in the hard paste of the tempered stéele on his shield was portraied the Image of fayth with this inscription.

Well did the English dame vnderstand the poesie, greatly reioycing it was directed to her beautie, for shee disdained not her louers affection, especiall beeing so great a Prince. Euery one applauded this deuise, and chiefly her Parents were not a little glad knowing the intent. Wherefore the gallant Portuguese could not but say, I am sure (sweet Lin­daraza) that yf you woulde yeelde the fauour, this Knight would not rest sorrowfull. So contented was his Mother, that she could not denie him any thing she might, hauing a Sonne so faire & valiant. The wise that was heard brake of euerye ones conuersation, for the free Persian, with the mightines of his Persians, would néeds make more shewe thereof, then of a louer. For Cupid thitherto had forgotten him, he entred with a Hundred pages in Red and Russet, with many knots of goulden twists, of like liuerie 2000 attended on him, who at the ceasing of the instrumentes proclaimed Persia and Grecia. With this traine hee en­tred the place, and letting fall a certaine deuise in maner of a Clowde, he seemed of a burning flame of fire, till the sub­stance that caused it, was consumed, then did hee appeare one of the gallantest Knights of the vniuerse: he was not so bigge as his Father but of equall forces, armour were of colour like to his Pages, with many Roses of gold about them: in y^e middle of his shield was portrayed a starry Hea­uen, and in middest of it, himselfe looking at it, with this poesie at his féete.

[Page]He past the place with gallant disposition, brandishing his launce in a thousand peeces, and comming to the thea­ter where the Ladies were, he said. Deuine Ladies these Knights and my selfe must in your be halfe mantaine these Iustes which being a thing so difficult, none dares enter the listes, vnlesse he be assured of your fauorable licence. With a maiestik grace replyed Oliuea. Were it (Sir Knight) but only to inioy the sight of your haughty chiualries you haue it as you please being requested there to by all these Ladies, but I feare it wil be to loose much and aduenture nothing. Who hath your fauour Princesse Oliuia (said the beautious Archisilora may with assurāce vndertake a more harder enterprise, then what his proper valour doeth assure. Nay thē (said the gallant Rosiluera) letts not delaie in giuing it, leaste if any disgrace befall them, they attribute it, to that we shewed. Great reason haue you in it (said the English Artemisa) and so braue knight maye you begin to shew what euery one already knoweth of your high persons courage. Lower then his saddle pummel bended the Persian, a signe that the Instrumentes might sound, which Ecchoed foorth such mellodie that euery one was amazed.

Mounted on a mighty courser the Troian was the first that entered the listes. There wanted none to make him game, desirous to winne some of y^e rewards proposed which were manie, and of great value, against him came the mighty Alpyno reputed one of the valiantest in the kingdome, but he mett with Priames kinsman, who swifter thē imaginati­on ioyned with him, by the incounter the Troian lost his stirropes, and Alpyno his saddle, whereat the people shouted highly esteeming the Troian. Next came foorth those two valiant Princesse Rodamont, and Rodafeo, with whom he was in no little peril, but at last they measured their lengths on y^e earth. And as the rest that Iusted were not of name, he made such hauocke of them that in short time he ouer­threw aboue an hundreth.

Towards one a clock it was when y^e two strong brothers [Page] of Spaine presented them selues within the place, wherin was hard a great rumour because the Spaniards were repu­ted of high valour the which entring y^e lists first incountred with the Troian that both lost their stirrops. At the seconde carrier, which was w^t more furie breaking their launces in many peeces, they met with horses, shieldes, and Helmes so furiously, that the Spanyards horse tumbled on the ground with his Maister, and the Troian by the force of the blowe lost both his stirrops, and was so shaken, that not fynding on what to staye his legges, he also came to the grounde. Great was the noise that in the place was made, and grea­ter the ioy, that the Ladies conceiued, seeing how well their Knightes performed it. Whereupon the Quéene of Lyra tooke occasion thus: It is well seene (faire Ladies) how your fauours worke, seeing how well the challengers thereby maintaines their credits. It was giuen so willing­ly (replyed Rosaluira) that I maruell not at it. This talke was broken off by the cōming forth of y^e haughtie French­man vpon a mighty Gennet, who with such furie met with the other Spanyard, that he threw him from his saddle, him selfe loosing his stirrops & his raynes, holding by the horse necke for feare of falling. If this incounter gladded the Princesse you neede not doubt since she loued him: For the louer alwayes wishes the thing loued as much good as to it selfe.

To him intred Lireamandro and Bariandell. Euery one iudged they would winne the tent, & pryzes, for Lirea­mandro incountring with the frenchman so strongly, they made their incounters that the aduenturer lost his saddle, and the challenger paste forwards so amazedly that he knew not where he was he had scarce returned when Bariandell presented himselfe before him, and with Mars his puisance they met, y^e Frenchman lost his saddle falling vppon y^e horse backe euer y^t hinder saddle how, & not by his valour did he recouer it againe but through y^e which proceeded from the galant English lady who w^t a new fauor fauored her louer.

[Page]The couragious Bariandell with his saddle betwéene his legges, with all his gyrtes broken, went to the grounde, and drawing foorth his sworde, demaunded battell there­with.

I desire not (Sir Knight, said Clarindo) with you to haue newe quarrels, this that Fortune hath giuen me fully con­tenteth me. I am not vanquisht (aunswered Bariandell) and so may require my battell with the sworde. That must be (said the other) as the Iudges please, who seeing the controuersie, went to them, and adiudged the aduenturer vanquished. Whereupon the shrill sound of Trumpets was so great, that the one could not heare the other. The smoke that issued from the Ordinance darkened the splen­dour of the Sunnes brightnesse, that in the middest of his course stoode to beholde the Ioustes. The pleasure of the Ladies cannot be expressed, to see how brauely the French­man behaued himselfe. To him went the Persian, and in­treated him awhile to giue him leaue, which courteously he did. For between them was such friendship as amōg their fathers. The gallant youth prepared himselfe greatly con­tenting the Ladies with his presence, iudging he woulde continue to the ende, as his friends had happily begunne, yet found they themselues agreeued, with his libertie, este­ming themselues of little worth, that any one should enter the listes without the name of alienated. The which the great Matrone of Trabisound well noted, & therefore saide: In faith (braue Ladyes) it greeues me to see the libertie of yonder Knight, y^e looke to this window will not, much lesse to your beauties: Considering our nyce cōditions, & strāge­nesse (replyed the beauteous Archisilora) I do not maruel at yonder Knights. Not farre from her was Claridiano the af­flictedst youth in the worlde, seeing with what rigour his Lady vsed him, depriuing him of that, which by no meanes almost shee could deny: for which cause he was so passio­nate & pensatiue, that none in the vniuerse could be more. And seeing y^e good occasion to speak vnto his Lady, he said:

[Page]I am glad (soueraigne Queene of Lyra) that you haue graunted what my Lady mother hath noted, which is no small comfort to those that pyne, to knowe that all the fault is not in the gallants, but some also in their Ladies disfa­uours or disgrace. It is not so great (replyed the sharpe Quéene) as it is iust towards those Knightes, that without consideration place their hopes, on that which yeeldeth soo­nest cause of dispaire. And then this is rather a fauour for which Ladies ought to be gratified, when so plainly they leaue their louer hopelesse, that after they call it not a de­ceipt, seeing their faith, loue, and loyaltie so ill repaide, and so ought their complaints to be pittied and excused, had not our strangenesse at first diswaded them. Wherefore (cou­ragious Prince) if any Ladye hath had more power ouer you, then all we on the Prince of Percia, thinke that your disfauours proceeds from this: The wofull louer had not the strength to aunswere her, seeing how openly she would not shewe him no hope of fauour. From thence he went to his chamber, ad vttering a thousand exclaims he cast him selfe vpon his bed, cursing his Fortune that so was oppo­sed against his content. He durst not tarrie long, because he knewe his mother would send for him, so he returned & placed himselfe next to Oliuea, that loued him as her selfe, & this was at such time, as through the place entred two Knights armed in Russet, with barres of black, that euery one enuyed their disposition, but seeing they loued, & accor­ding to their deuises, that it was in some high place, it grie­ued them to know they liued vnbeloued. Yet that was not the cause thereof, but the losse of their deare Ladies: For these were the valiant Princes of Celandia, that hauing ta­ken their leaues of Rosabell tooke their way towards Gre­cia. Their deuise was a fierie Chariot, wherin their Ladies were caried away, & they looking after them w^t this Motto:

[Page]With great grace they passed forwarde, but yet their strength was not so great as y^e Persians, who taking a bigg launce, incounted the one so rigorously, that though on his feete he made him touch the ground, he lost his stirrops: for fewe blowes like that he had receiued and passed forwards. Against him setled himselfe the elder brother. This Knight was of more strength, and so with more might they incoun­tred, shiuering their Launces in a thousand pieces. The aduenturer lost one stirrope, yet was it scarse discerned. With new Launces they returned, but in this second car­rier, the Celandian got but little, for his length on the earth he left with the fall. The Persian lost his raynes, and the horse with the force of the incounter strucke his but­tockes on the ground: but spurring him, he made him passe forwards prawnsing as he went. The Instruments began their accustomed Musick, with such harmonie, that it seemed sent from heauen. The Galleys discharged their ordinance with such noyes, that y^e rebounding Eccho made all the Citie quake.

What say you now (deare Lady) saide Rosaluira to our Knights high deedes? I beleeue our fauours giuen so wil­lingly, is that which so animates them? Rightly haue you spoken (said the Queene of Lyra) but in the listes to shewe the freenesse of his hart, this Knight deserued not so mani­fest a fauour. She spake it, to let Claridiano vnderstand that she desired to haue him Ioust: but not seeing him there, she straight supposed that her sharpe aunswere had driuen him thence. It gréeued her, for shee loued him dearer then her selfe: But her grauitie was so great, that she would by no meanes haue him imagine any such thing of her: yet if to dissemble were to loue, this Lady may be eternized for a fa­mous louer, and the greatest that euer was. But at this time there entred some to proue themselues against y^e Per­sian, to their cost: for in short space he ouerthrew aboue 50 Knights. None durst enter within the listes, seeing how little there was to be got. So that towardes the houre of [Page] foure, through y^e place past two Knights of good semblance, cladd in yallow, that no small laughter caused the Ladies to see their dispayring deuise on their sheeldes had they a thou­sand distrustes all making against them: & they there pictu­red with this inscription.

The Motto the ladyes entertained as was their custome, when therein they will shewe their disdain equall to the cruelty that they show vnto their gallants. The one of the yellow knights sett him selfe right against the couragious Persian, who with his incountre laide him on the grounde, the like he did by y^e second, resting so brused by their strokes that he could scarce keepe a horse backe for those were the strongest incounters he had all that daie receaued. The Knights abashed returned the waye they came leauing the place merrye, for the Ladies alowd did saie. Wel befall so amorous Knights, for it is Iust that such as they do loose their right to make the Ladies sport. In this manner iested they when through one side of the place appeared a Knight, of haughtie disposicion, for besides the riches of his armour, his gallant behauiour and braue constitution, all the be­holders admyred his armes were tauny of coulour with many greene Emeraldes that they seemed there to groe, all the Ioynts were of a siluer colour, and euery one Iudged him of valour, on his sheeld in a tauny field was figured y^e picture of a Ladie whose beauty drew all eies vnto her. Be­fore her stood a Knight y^t gaue her his hart, with this motto.

[Page]It is not credible how the comming of the amorous ven­turer pleased, who giuing his horse the spurres, made him swiftly passe euen to the Ladies Theater, where curuetting made him bend his head betweene his legges, and himselfe bowed his own lower then his saddle pumell, in such braue manner, that no hart could more desire. Some courtesie did the Ladies shew him, resting verie fearfull that he woulde winne the prizes: With fresh horse issued from the pauilli­on the couragious Persian, and departing one against the other, in y^e midst of their carrier they met with more power then euer Mars was maister of. The aduēturers armor was of a Magicke temper, & therefore was the blow he receiued nothing seene, but that which he gaue the Maintainer was such, that piercing his shield & armes, with a little wounde he thrust him so hard, that he cast him behinde the saddle, & plucking the Launce to him, with the furie thereof the horse eleuated himselfe, which was the cause (though on feet) that he went to the ground. Great was the rumour in y^e place with the sight of the aduenturers braue blowe, raging like a furious Lyon, the iniuried French man entred the listes, assured to reuenge his friend, which issued otherwise then he thought: for the Tawnie Knight in power exceeded him. And so ending their course within their Speares length, so mightie was the incounter that the French Prince and his horse with his Helme broken, tumbled to the earth. The aduenturer in the beginning seeing his stumbled forwards like to fall, verie nimbly leapt from him, and being quie­ted with like ligeritie remounted on his backe. Oh God (said the Empresse Claridiana) what valour is this of yon­der knight, beleue me not, if the prizes are not like to be his? I thinke no lesse (replyed the gallant Meridian) that hard by her satt: for in the managing of his courser, I haue not seene a more brauer Knight.

From this talke were they driuen by the comming foorth of Troylus Nephew, whose incounter was not of y^e worst: for ouer along the saddle it layde the head of the valorous [Page] Lindoriano Prince of Nyquea which was he y^e Iusted, who hauing heard of y^e Tryumphs ordained in Grecia, came thi­ther being departed from Rosabell Princes of Great Britanie, and with that deuice of Rosiluira to whom in Tinacria he had yeilded his soule, he there arriued winning eternall honor by ending that which seemed most hardest, for that the va­liant Troian, although his leggs were lockt, was forced to y^e grounde, with the greatest clamours that euer yet the be­holders made. The challengers left their pauillion, though sore against their wills. But the haughtie louer went to them saying.

I intreate you (Heroyick Knights) to returne vnto your standing, for I shall esteeme it a high and vndeserued fauor to be receaued, as your companion & friend. Braue knight the valiantest in armes that we haue tryed (sayd the cour­teous Prince of Persia) since it hath pleased the gyddie blind commaundresse of chaunce to shew her mutabilities on vs, wee will not otherwise, but that you enioy the merits of your valour, which considered well, all this and farre much more you deserue. Wee did maintaine the beautie, & gal­lantnes of the Gréeke Dames, now hauing vanquisht vs, you may alter the condicions of the Iustes. In a matter that euerye one ought to acknowledge (answered the gal­lant Lindoriano) there resteth nothing more then to prose­cute it. And since it must bee done with the Ladies con­sent and leaue, there is no more but to craue it. Thereup­pon, he went vnto the heauenly windowes where they were and lyfting vp his Beuer shewing the admiration of hys face, he sayd doing his humble duetie.

Soueraigne and deuine Ladies, although my pretended demaund is more then audacious, yet trusting more to the Nobilitie and bountie of your courtesie then any valour of mine, vnlesse procéeding from you, I beséech that since these Knights haue laboured in your seruices, you will bee plea­sed vnder the same title to suffer me to proceede forward. All the Ladies kept silence, astonished at the Knights request. [Page] But the great Emperour Trebatio that was not far of, said. It is both honorable and iust what this knight intreateth, and therefore shall it be graunted him. We haue seen how little our fauours haue pruailed (replyed the frée Rosiluera,) and therefore we would not haue him loose with thē what hee hath without them won: but since your Maiestie will haue it so, there is none here that will gaine say it. Plea­sed rested euery one with the Ladies answere, but specially the Nyquean, that on her all the while did gaze, thinking that he saw his Mistres, whome she did highly resemble, as lowe as his knée he bowed his head in signe of thankfulnes for y^e exceding fauor, returning vnto the listes, where it was pitie to see how he vsed the Knights, for he gaue no incoun­ter, which was not eyther of Death, or of a mortall woūd. Already would Apollo end his course beginning it with our Antipodes, when through the place there entred a Knight in purple armour with many red Roses of fine orient rubies which admirably shewed, no lesse did he himselfe. In his shield was portrayed the picture of libertie, placed vppon a world, and a Knight that gaue her his hand, saying.

Fewe Ladies there, but desired the Knights ouerthrow, for thinking there was no pleasure and content where loue raigned, with this desire they stayed, for euery one iudged y^e Iustes would be admirable: so thought the Emperour Al­phebo, for the disposition of the Knight was no lesse then of the newe maintayner. Euery one called him so, knowing what he had required of the Ladies. Who iudging his ad­uersarie of great valour, with his owne hand choosed a bigg launce. Seing him doe so, the Princesse Oliuia sayd, I be­leeue that according to the will wherwith our Knight choo­seth his launce, he meaneth no good towardes the aduentu­rer, [Page] who with all the strength that he posseste made against his enemie, incountring with such furious blows, that the farthest of thought not himselfe secure. None séemed to haue any colour, for the mighty stroake had sūmoned all the blood vnto their fearefull trembling hart. Two well fur­nisht Gallies met not with such horror as did the warriors: for breaking their launces without farther motion, they gal­lantly past by each other, the like did they by the second: but at the third, eyther of them wearie of delay, with more fu­rie then bayted Bulles, they mette in middest of the place. The maintainers blowe was venturous, and that which gaue him the victorie, which otherwise more deerer it hadd cost him, for he chanced on the others visor, which though it was not dangerous, yet did it cause that the others was not as yt might haue been. Notwithstanding, they m [...]t with their shields and helmes that their horses iogging one another, the maintayners fell downe dead, and as hee was in better sence hauing receaued no hurtfull blow, ere he fell he cast himselfe aside from him, falling on his handes so a­mazed that on féete he knewe not where he was, worse be­fell vnto the disgraced Astorildo of Callidonia, that in search of his Sister Rosamond did goe, as is afore mentioned, who fell ouer his horse through the paine of his forehead. Such noise and clamours of Instruments and people was heard, that none knewe what the other sayde. Sorrowfull depar­ted the Prince of Callidonia thinking that the vnlucky blow had made him loose the Iust. Little stayed the maintayner on foote, for the Ladies sent him twentie Pages with so ma­ny horses brauely furnished, and a messuage that a weake cripple with it would haue become more fierce then a hun­ted Lyon: for one sayde. The Gréeke Princesses (braue Knight) cōmends thē to you, intreating you since you labor in their seruices you would accept these horses, which you shall not want requiring more, seing your valour & deedes far more do merit. Good page tell those Ladies that on this messuage sent you (replied the Prince) that it well seemes [Page] they will attribute the good fortune of the Iustes onely to their beauties, which seing they deserue, so they may try­umph in their owne wishes, and that it may bee so, I will loose my life, and a thousand, if so many I had. A retraite they were about to sound when in the place there entred a Knight of bodie bigge and great, and well proportioned, ar­med in gréene armour with many strawberries about thē, his on shield there was an imperiall head cut off, as if it freshly bléeded, with this Motto.

Verie few Knights were there in the place but by the de­uise knew for what the Knight came. The Prine of Ny­quea did not ignore it, for remembring what he had promi­sed Rosabell, seing him approch vnto the Theater, knowing his demaunde left his pauillion, and went thither. And the other being there come lifting vp his Beuer demaunded that euery one might heare. Who is here the Emperor Tri­batio, for among so many no maruell if I know him not? I am hee sir Knight (replyed the Emperor) therefore saye on what you require? For what I come, (Emperor) I am sure wil gretly grieue thée, for only thy head hath brought me hi­ther frō far countries, which I must haue, because thou wel knowest how thou hast wronged Garrofilea Quéene of Ty­nacria, the which being so notorious, thou hast no more to stay, but fetch thy armor, for here in her behalfe to mortall battle I defie thée. Truly knight thou sayest well (answered the Emperour) for thy demaunde doth grieue me, and ve­rie, verie much, not to refuse the battaile, (for that shall straight bee perfourmed) but because it is in time of such pleasures. He that hath so manye enemies (replyed the proude Pagan) ought with feare to looke for none other.

Before him stepte the moste couragious Lyndoriano, whoe praying lycense of the Emperour, and obtayned, [Page] turned to the Pagan with these woordes. It ill beséemes thée Knight, were it onely for the Ladies sakes at this time to come with such a demaunde, which cannot but greatlye discontent them. And so in their names I say you haue ill done, and that you are vnworthie of what you doe procure, vpon all which I doe defie you. Like to an Hircanian Tyger the forayner replyed. Were I not so sure of reueng I could not but rest displeased with thy discourteous wordes. Thy battle I accept hauing finished the Emperours. Why how now proude and insolent Knight (sayd Lindoriano) thinkest thou to vanquish him, whom Iupiter dares not in Heauen confront? our battle must bee straight, for after thou shalt haue time for that, vnlesse that hatefull of thy owne lyfe wilt presently loose it. Be it as thou wilt (answered the fierce Pagan) for being so neare the fielde wee may eschewe vain ayrie wordes. Returne they would into the listes, but the Emperour commaunded the combate should be left till the morowe. So they all departed leading their main­tayner out of the place with great honour, & no lesse trayne, who seing it to be time, returned to his pauillion, expecting the Sunnes vprise, where what happened, the next Chap­ter shall recompt.

CHAP. X. The cruell battaile that past betweene the Prince Linde­riano and Asmaell King of Norwege.

THe dawning of the péeping day, be­gan the Royall Gallies on the Sea to welcome, and the chirping birds to celebrate the approch of bright Auroras shining, when in the mid­dle of the great place of Constanti­nople, the most valiant Prince of Nyquea Lindoriano presented him­selfe, clad in his rich glittering ar­mour [Page] vpon his swift light Stéed, expecting y^e Emperors cō ­ming, who about Ten of the Clocke yssued from his Roy­all pallace, with all those Soueraigne Princesses and La­dies, which no lesse séemed then a troope of so many heauen­ly Angels, marching on the earth. For those that yester­day were seene in gréene, this day to assure their gallants hopes appeared all in red, and the rest of the Ladies were so gorgiously attyred, with so manye inestimable Iewells a­dorned that with reason it might well bee called the Para­dice of deuine rarieties. The warlike Quéene of Lyra came all armed, desirous to breake some Launces, and so would not mount on the Theater. Her armour was no lesse won­derfull, then her beautie adorned with many Carnation flo­wers of gold, that so well semed as euery one blest her with many millions of benedictions, so did the afflicted Claridia­no, that y^e sorrowfullest in the world, did set himselfe where none might see him the better to ponder on the immagina­rie causes of his griefe, occasioned by her that ouer-ruled his desires. There stayed he in silence sighing foorth his passi­ons, while his Ladie did the like, but her feare was so great that it made her forget both her comforts, by not succoring, y^e distressed amorous youth with a pityfull remedie. There was no Ladie in the place but desired a famous victory vn­to the Princesses Knight, so was he called by them all, and yet not without great and excéeding feare thereof, because they saw the Moore at this instant appeare in place with in­numerable tokēs of incomparable valour, which made ma­ny hould the conquest in suspence, not knowing on whether to decline. But the Pagan being arriued sayd.

Now Knight seing the time for déedes is come, there is no reason to delaye it, but in naming of the Iudge. Since the one of vs, must of necessitie remaine for euer breathlesse in this fielde, that question was néedelesse (replyed the Ny­quean Prince,) neuerthelesse I nominate that Lady, whom thou procurest to content with a head so honorable. I had not thought thy pride so great (sayd the King of Norwege,) [Page] but seing the matter is in this estate, I name the same La­die, for presenting her with thy head and the Emperors, she shalbe assured of the great reason she had to ymploy mee in her seruice. Answere would not the furious youth thinking thereby he should too long prorogue the warre, so they turned their horses, which swifter then two light Gallies borne w^t the furie of their full winde blowen sayles, met in the end of their course breaking in péeces their launces, whose shiuers mounted higher then the raging region of the ayre. Of stu­pendious strengtht were the warriors and so their launces no more mooued them then hadde they incountred seuerall rocks, eyther returned to themselues swelling with poison, and like rauening Lyons against their aduersarie, & draw­ing foorth their glittering blades at once they gaue each o­ther such blows, y^t euery one thought they were y^e last. Gret abundāce of blood yssued through Lindorianos mouth, which he thought would be a hinderance vnto his battle, he layde the Pagan on the toppe of the helme, that he made him and his horse staggar aboue Ten paces back from him: Neuer was there seen a deuouring Harpie mory swift then did y^e louer of Rosaluira follow the amazed King, giuing him thrée blowes one after another, that at euery one he made him sée more starres then the Firmament contayned. The best swoord of the fielde was the youthes, for it belonged to Artarax the first Souldan of Nyquea, he that in one day wold wyn thrée general pitched battailes, for which cause he gaue no blow, but threwe armour, and sometimes flesh vnto the ground. The better of the fight had not he, for though y^e fy­nest of his armor defēded his flesh frō woūding, yet was his body so tired & brused, that w^t great paine he staied himselfe w^tin wis saddle. The Pagan feared to bléede away, & therfore set hee his spurs to his horse thrusting at the Nyquean w^t a point, that as he ran with the strength of his courser he layd him along vpon his saddle, with such fury ioyning his shield w^t a great knock vnto his breast, y^t almost he left him breth­lesse. Scarse was he thus cast when with Marses power hee [Page] strucke him al along vpon the belly, y^t it caused him extreme paine. With more rauening fury turnes not y^e raging Ty­gre vpō his foe thē now did Lindoriano, for casting his shield at his back, with both hāds he discharged a blow on his ad­uersaries y^t frō the top quite asunder it was cleft, cutting a­way a great péece of his skirt he would close w^t him, & with like desire did y^e Pagan w^t his spurs animate his horse, & in such maner met y^t all foure tumbled to y^e groūd, yet had they not fallen whē they rose on foot, eyther setting aside all feare that for such a battle was vnfit. With fresh breath entred y^e Moore, & crossing aloft his sword more quicker then imagi­nation, he thrust him with a point so strongly, that a little he droue him from him, yet not so much but he could reach him with a counterbuffe vpō the knée that it fetcht blod, tremble did the blowe make him, but abandoning all feare, as also of his life, hee reclosed with him, & as his sword had no fault, he laid on his left shoulder, & sliding frō thence, it cut a­way al his elbow armor with his male sléeue drawing much blood. Quick was y^e youth & so wold he second it, but twas to his cost, for y^e More was skilfull, & letting him enter, he stept aside, laying vpon his shield y^e tormenting his arme he was glad to let it fall. Oh who hadd at that instant séene y^e two warriors w^tout shields, receauing their furious blows without warding. They began with cunning to procéed, for the Pagan as from death shunning the cutting blade, would against it shew his nymblens, so, well firming his leggs, as­saulted his enemy, but his stāding did not continue, for the Nyquean entring w^t both his, driued him from it, yet not so, but y^e other might giue him so grieuous a stroake, y^t it made him set his hāds on the earth. This cōtented not y^e Pagan y^t w^t both hands giuing him another (it was a miracle it kild him not outright) for taking him on y^e waff where y^e armor is buckled it cut his skirt, euen to the flesh, and a little more strengthning his arme that place being the weakest he had slaine him, without paiment would he goe his waies, but it was not possible, for the Nyquean already inflamed w^t rage, as he past (desirous to make himselfe amēds) thrust at him [Page] with his point: he could not misse him, for lighting on his right thigh, he māde him stagger foure or fiue paces backe, he could not giue it with force, for otherwise hee had cut it. They returned as they but thē begā the fight, w^t such admi­tion of the behoulders, that as a dreame they iudged it, for foure howers continued their combate without anye rest. Affectionated to the Knight of the Ladies were they them­selues, and therefore greater was their feare of him. Al­wayes the thing loued (Beauties miracles) is respected w^t most care. They parted a little to breath, and the Nyquean hauing time, began to recompt with how many things hee discharged the duetie y^t his honor had bound him, to ending wel that battle, and thinking that he had the worst, he loked towards the Theater, confirming his doubt by the pittifull sorrow that the Princesses shewed, and calling himselfe co­ward that a battle shoulde so long last him, not respecting how little he had breathed, furiously he resaulted him at the instant that the other left his standing to doe the like, and to­gither through the mightines of their armes, the one layde his hands, and the other his knées on y^e ground. They were so nighe that they could not but cast their armes about their bodies, pressing them with such force that they came to the earth, where who vp, and who downe, they striued a good while in a stronge and dangerous wrastle. The King no­thing gained thereby, for he was wounded mortally in ma­ny places, and so lost much bloode, whereby his faintnesse was plainely perceaued, the which was not in Lindoriano, for though he was brused & weake, yet was it not for want of blood. They returned vnto their swords, but euidently was the maintayners aduantage knowne, which made the spectators begyn a new ioy, for the Pagans demaund had angred them all.

The acknowledgment of his aduantage was not so great but that the other might recouer it, to the louers deare cost, wearying him with assaulting, auoyding, warding and of­fending. The people in the place celebrated euery blowe [Page] with promises aboue the skies. But the impatient Moore blaspheming against his gods, as thinking that his disgrace from them proceeded, went to his enemie, and with both hands let flye at him such a blowe, that lighting on the side of his Helme, he cut away all the buckles of the right side, which had he spyed, no doubt but he had made an end of him by againe recharging there. But he with-held so long that the gallant Louer recouered himselfe, and with both armes aloft marched against his enemie, who in like sorte met him, and with more horror then the furious waues beate vpon the flintie rockes, they discharged their blowes vpon their Helmes with such puissance, that both sencelesse fell on the ground: the Nyquean without his Helme, but the Pagan with his head, scull, and braynes broken, & scat­tered within his owne. The people would haue gone to them, had not the guard stayed them, till they sawe what became of the Knights traunce. But straight was the vic­torie proclaimed: for the valiant Lindoriano, returned and seeing him selfe in that manner, flung to his weapons, to as­sault his foe: but seeing him so lye, went to him and vn­laced his Helme, saw his head broken in three or foure pie­ces, it grieued him, for he was but yong, scarce hauing a­ny beard. But seeing he could not doe withall, demaunded the Iudges, if he had accomplished to his honour. And in such manner (replyed they) most valiant Knight, that for euer shall your memorie here indure. Alreadie came the Emperour, and all the Kings that were with him, to re­ceiue the Knight, who knowing which he was, prostrated himselfe vpon his knees, requiring his royall handes to kisse them, he would not do it, saying: He that hath them so good (Sir Knight) with more reason ought his to be de­maunded, then ours giuen, and raysing him from the ground verie kindly imbraced him, demaunding, who he was: he replyed, excusing himselfe the best that he coulde: saying that, for that time he was called Venus Knight The Emperour would not suffer him to staye in the Tent, but [Page] that he should be cured in court. Where the Empres Bryana in company of all the Ladies (in recompence of what for the Emperor he had done) visited him which from death reui­ued him, to giue it him more sweeter with their hāds. The Ioustes ceased (by the Emperors commandement) for eyght daies while the Knight was in cure, where he was so much made of, as if they knew him in estate to be one of the greatest Princes of the world. So many things happened in these few daies that some of them maye not be omitted: what they were the next Chapter memorateth.

CHAP. XI. What happened to Don Eleno of Dacia, after he departed from the Emperor, in search of his deare Lady Rosamond of Callidonia.

I Cannot (sweete Ladies) but intermingle some pleasing matter, amonge the turbulent hurleburlies of bloody Mars, shewing there­by in part y^e thankfulnesse of my minde due for your willing patience hitherto showen, for which your beauties admiration shall while these lynes endure eternally remain, the which if the world as a strange & new rarytie adoreth, my self by louing (though vnregarded) cannot but esteeme it: And while the reward proceedes from some danger: harken faire Ladies what befell vnto the warrelike Louer. Who departing frō the Emperor and the other Princes with the swiftnesse of his Tyrio returned the waye that he came thinking to meete with his Ladie, it otherwise happened, for loosing himselfe within the woodie thickets of that forrest, wandering many daies hearing no newes of his sowle. So great were the tor­ments he indured, and his exclaimes vnto the skyes, that his voice was hoarce with plaints. With his dagger on eue­ry tree he mett he engraued this.

[Page]And vnder it to explaine more the efficacie of his greefe, & how that waye he sought Rosamond, he thus added.

In this maner did the Datian Lord acquaint the buzing winds with y^e secrets of his pensiue hart, regestring it on the hard okes as if they were able to redresse his woes: but tis alouers cōfort to cōmunicat his greefs vnto the aire. Angry w^t this fortune he past 4 daies, in y^e end wherof hard by y^e sea side finding himself alone, and seing his misfortune, he thus began to sing, thinking that none did heare him.

None of all the forrest Goddesses, and Nymphes that in their shadie Celles were ending of their taskes, but gaue it ouer, and in such sort pittied the complaints of the wofull Louer, that the gentle Datian sawe himselfe incompassed, with a more then celestiall cōpanie, all of them offering him their helps, assuring him the happinesse that his constancie had obtained, and that he which can so well suffer the hard crosses of absence, should not loose the hope of his future good. They all promised him to aduertise his Lady of the intollerable passions, that for her sake he sustained. They brought him to the next straight way, and departing, retur­ned with matter ynough to talke off, concerning the amo­rous Prince, that with vnaccustomed pace began to trace the intricate wayes of the gloomie woods, calling himselfe a thousand times vnfortunate: for that the displeased hea­uens, for some offence of his, berest him of the swéete pre­sence of his deare Ladie, when he had most neede thereof. Of nothing did he more complaine, then of Loue, attribu­ting his losse to the enuie of his good, that with proper teares he had gained, and that therfore he was inioyned to so vnpleasant a iourney. Great comfort was it to him, the remembrance of the Nymphes promise: for that was only [Page] what nourished his life, which else he had him selfe from himselfe bereft. None loued as he, and therefore was his re­ward admirable. In this manner traueld he, til the second houre in the after-noone, that he sawe comming towardes him a Ladye in company of one of the best proportioned Knights that he had seene. He was so loden with fearfull weapons, that he iudged him of great valour. And ye be re­membred, this is our affectionated Brandafidell, that hea­ring howe the feastes were begun, was going towardes the Citie. So soone as they confronted ech other, raising his Beuer, he said: If you come from Constantinople Sir Knight, can you tell me who maintaines the Ioustes, and whether they be begun. I onely know (replyed Don Eleno) that certainly they are begun, and as for the rest, I haue heard the maintainers are the Prince of Persia and Baby­lon, in companie of him of Fraunce, and the Troyan Oristi­des. Then belike (saide the Gyant) assured are the Gréeke Dames to loose no part of their beauties. Famoused they are for valour (replyed the Dacian) Neuerthelesse, there will go to the Ioustes those that in no lesse reputation ac­compt their Ladies, from whome they will drawe strength to trye their Fortune. And seeing I haue satisfied your de­maund, you should do me a great fauour, to tell me newes of a Knight in white Armour, & on his shield a Sanguine heart, with the like deuise that I haue? Yesterday about this time (replyed the Gyant) we met him in greatest haste of his mightie horse, and to mee the speaking to him was costly: for being about to offer him my person to aide him, if he had neede, he went verie Cholericke: for sharply hee aunswered me. Well did I note it. Yet notwithstanding, I set my selfe in middle of the way to staye him with his in­counter he did not ouerthrow me, but it was the greatest, that in all my life I receiued. The heate of the Sunne somewhat annoyed the gallant Louer, and therefore he raysed his Beuer. It was not so soone done, but the Gy­ant thought verily it was his deare Rosicler. (For as it [Page] is saide, he so much resembled him, as the one scarse was knowen from the other,) and crying out alowde, he leapte from his beast, and flinging at the Prince saide: Oh, my deare Lorde, what good Fortune hath awayted thy faith­full Brandafidell, bringing him to see you. Thither was the beauteous Floralinda come and saide: Why, how now Soueraigne Prince, is it possible that in your owne coun­trey you will not know vs? Deedes are those that Floralin­da hath receiued, that byndes her to your knowledge: but you are so changed, that I will complaine vnto the Prin­cesse Oliuia of your disquietnesse.

Don Eleno was so amazed at what the Lady and Gyant did, that he could not aunswere, till he perceiued their de­ceipt, taking him for his cousin Rosicler, so altogether lis­ting vp his Beuer replyed. Most beauteous Ladye, to inioy so great fauour, as to that famous Prince you doe, I wish I were in deede him whome I do so much resemble. I am not that Prince you knowe, though you may accompt me for your friend, as I thinke he is. I am his cousin Don Eleno of Dacia, and account it my good Fortune, to haue met with your company, and haue vnderstoode of that Knight, that some fewe dayes hath made mee seeke him about these desert Woods. And seeing I haue no more to doe, I commit you to God. For euery Minute that I stay, I am in great fault with yonder Knight. So he tooke his leaue, departing swifter then any thought, that way which the courteous Gyant directed him. Somewhat abashed, rested the Ladye at her chaunce with the Dacian, but knowing who he was, it did not greene her. I do in­treat your Ladyship, to follow mee softly (saide the coura­gious Gyant.) For doubtlesse, some of those Knightes may haue some neede, and in ayding them, will Rosicler be pleased.

And turning the raynes of his Alfana, he tooke Don Ele­nos way, and as he bestryded the worldes best horse, hee could neither see nor ouertake him, and with feare to loose [Page] the Lady, went but leasurely: Yet Don Eleno iudged stowe the swiftnesse of his Tirio. For hauing crost most parte of the Forrest, when the Sunne would ende his course, hard by the Sea syde he spyed one of the brauest battels that he euer sawe. It was one sole Knight among many, and some Gyants, with lesse furie followeth a towring Hawke on his praying game, then did the Dacian descend those Mountaines, till he arriued hard by them, where he sawe a damozell bound, that greatly exclaimed on her outrage, so he perceiued that about her libertie the battell was. He remembred not to haue seene a brauer Knight then he that fought: for they were some twentie Knights and thrée Gyants, and sixe of them he had layde at his feete with one Gyant, so brauely he behaued himselfe among them, that the Dacian thought him to be the Emperour Alphebo of Trebisound.

No longer stayed the couragious Louer, but giuing a hal­low to his horse (a signe that he should not leaue the battell, till the ende) he strongly settled himselfe in his styrrops, and with Mars his strength he threwe his Launce, it could not light but hitting one of the Gyants, that it pearst him syde through syde. He cast his shielde at his backe, and with Brutus famous sworde, he began such hauocke among them, that ere they could perceiue their daunger, fiue he had slaine. The sonne of angry Garrofilla (for that was he) greatly esteemed the Dacian, seeing his valour to be so great, that none durst withstand him.

First, he would rid himselfe of that vylde peeple, before he assaulted the Gyants: he did so, when two Knightes of haughtie disposition arryued, the one knewe Polliphebo, as one that in her soule had him imprinted, being the beaute­ous Floraliza, who without further staye with her sworde in both handes arryued almost as soone as Don Eleno. Ne­uer was there seene more fiercer blowes, for both with the vtmost of their strength, not regarding that the other did y^e like, they discharged thē al vpon him, deuiding him in thrée. [Page] for euery one had his quarter. Enuious of the same, the Tinaerian casting his sheeld away brauely firming his feet in his stirropes raised his selfe on them, and with his sword in both hands with incredible strength he discharged his blow on the others left shoulder that to his saddle he cleaft him, and as if he had nothing done, he went to the Knights with these wordes. Had I bene assured of so good helpes Sir Knights, with more hope had I performed my combat. Small neede had you of our ayd (braue Knights) said the amorous dame, and if we came it was only to know you and the cause of your battel. That was soly to right this Damsell (answered Trebarios sonne) y^e came in my demaund for certain businesse, and so was she taken by these gyants, that lyke vyllanes doe nothing else but robbe in the high wayes, whose fame now your vallour hath liberated. Touching y^e rest, ther is no reasō I should disobey you, I am called the Knight of y^e golden Branch, and no other thing do I know of my stocke. Euery one had heard wounders of him, and so the ladie to bind him to asmuch a lighted frō her horse saying, dismoūt (braue warriors that we may rest. To content her, Don Celindo hauing some feeling of his sisters affection did so, as much did the Tinacrian. But the Dacian rather desiring to seeke his Rosamond, excused him selfe the best that he could, alleadging the necessity he had to part a­way▪ but ere he went, he tooke the vallorous Tinacrian aside and thus said.

I am sure (Soueraigne Prince) that you know me not, but many daies a goe haue I had perfect knowledge of your hauty deedes, and since our kindred bindes me to tell you whom I am, knowe that my name is Don Eleno of Dacia your louing cosen, he that for the liberty of your natiue soile imploied the vtmost of his power. Immeasurable ioye receaued the Prince to knowe him, and rendring him many thancks for it, replied. In faith none with more reason ought to liue contented but I, seing my happie starrs so highly blest me as to create me kinsman vnto so mighty [Page] Princes, though great is my bonde to procure by desert in something to resemble them, and for this would not be kno­wen of the Emperor, vntill my déeds might make me wor­thy to be estemed his Sonne. Those are already so well knowen, (most valiant Prince) replyed the Dacian, that you maye deseruedly bee called the Sonne of such a Father: and because it behooues me presently to depart, I must commit you to God, in me while life indures shal you be assured of a perpetuall friend, his companye desired the Tynacrian, but thinking it discourtesie so to leaue y^e knights that taryed for him, woulde not admit it, but taking his leaue of all he entred through the thickest of the Forrest, lea­uing them in loue with his valour and gentlenes, dismount did the Tynacrian, and lifting vp his Beuer, he went to the Lady that trembling expected him, to whome she sayde, I thinke sir Knight of the branch, that yonder Knight in the Russet did knowe you considering how hee vsed you and I wonder not, for some I knowe that only by hearing of your valour, beare you no small good-will, hauing left their farr remoted countries, soly to enioy your sight.

Thats the conditiō of true magnanimety (valiant knight) replyed he that becomming affectionate, in nothing doe they better shew the noblenes wherewith the Heauens haue in­riched them, then in honoring those in reputation inferior, and in credit. And therefore doe not I maruell, that more to ingreten your fame, then for any my deserts, you haue vndertaken so great a toyle: wherefore if gratefulnes there maye bee any for so great and vnderserued fauour, or if the imployment of my person in your seruice be part of a­ny payment I will doe it, euen with my verye soule, for of much more doe I iudge your worthines worthy of. No lesse was hoped of you (sir Knight of the branch) aunswered the Ladye, and you liue not deceaued in what is desired you. This opportunitie looked Don Cellindo for, to leaue his Si­ster alone, who gaue him a Thousand blessings for it, for taking occasion to stall their Horses, went away frō them, [Page] with such content of Floraliza to see her selfe so nere him she loued that she could not speake. The gallant Tynacrian al­togither toke of his helme, for y^e Knights conuersatiō gret­ly pleased him, but with such quicknes she put of hers, that when he regazed on her the seemed to disgrace Venus in her pride, a blow was it for the Tynacrian which he so sone for­got not, for first it cost him much blood: he was amazed and I maruell not, for with more experience the like had befal­len Apollo that did to y^e vnwarie youth. Well did the Lady note it, and was not sorrie for it, but the ioyfullest in the world, seing that occasiō said, what haue you felt (sir knight) for as I thinke by your exterior signes you should not iudge amisse of the sight of Ladies. Nay rather (replyed the woun­ded youth) so great is the ioy it giues me, that the good was part to interrupt my sences as the thing that excéeded their dull conceipts. More doth that astonish me (sir Knight of y^e Branch) replyed the Lady that you should make me belieue so difficult a thing, yet I would credit it (liued I not vnde­ceaued) that the grieuous shewes of gallants, many times prooues but conceipts, by which they would obtaine their Ladies fauours, onely due to those that truely loue. Such as the former (valyant Lady replied he) do not with reason ponder, how great good it is to liue alienated, and for that cause fayning their losse, demaunde a costly remedie. And for them woulde I haue no other punishment then what a distrust doth cause them, seing what fauors the true louers doe inioy. Nay then (sir Knight sayd the Lady) the experi­ence that you seeme to haue makes you condemne what o­thers take for good. A little is for that needefull (sayde the sonne of Garrofilea) hauing at hand the reason that shal con­firme it. Neuerthelesse (sir Knight answered she) you can­not perswade me, but the thought of your good imploymēt makes you haue that opinion.

Neuer (sayd he) would fortune make me happie with so rich a fauour most soueraigne Ladie, as to let mee taste of some good that by louing is obtained, and so thinke I long [Page] for the hower to imploy my selfe, that I may iudge thereof. I say (replyed she) I would not haue for my gallāt a knight y^e onely procureth his owne pleasure. As that must proceede from the Ladies hands (answered he) first should I measure my affection by her will, and according to that proceede to her content, and not mine. Your purposes be not so ill (said Floraliza) but that if your deedes were correspondent to thē, you might finde her that would loue you. The Lady could speake no plainer nor he see euidenter tokens to be beloued, but her beautie was so excellent that he thought all past but as chat to driue away y^e time. Neuerthelesse he would once trie the fortune of his desire, saying.

In these matters of loue (most excellent Lady) I haue of­ten heard that Ladies are alwaies sharpe and coye towards their gallants, and so this feare hath sometimes driuen me from my bouldnes. It is reason (sir Knight sayd she) that Ladies should be rather loued and wooed, then gallants by thē sued too: for so they should disparage their fame, (though not with desire) they shew oftentimes some disfauour: but for that cause must the louer be discréete, (which is what in him is first required) that he may note the one, and take the other in good part, attributing it to her feare, and not to her desire, and this consideration swéetenesse what is most so­wer.

Thus spunne they the webbe of their amorous liues whē the Damsell here cut off their discourse, saying with some anger, You (Knight of the branch) seeme to haue forgot­ten your promise, and seing the night approcheth there is no more to doe but straight with me you enter in your Barke: without any companie it behooues vs to goe. Vnderstan­ding (swéete damsell sayde Polliphebo) that wee shoulde so manye dayes together Nauigate by Sea, thought you woulde let mee enioy, some on land, but seeing it must bee so, letts away though great is the wronge you doo mee. Greater is that which is suffered by whom néedeth [Page] and sent me for your person, hauing power to request others that with more willingnesse would haue done it, for though our stay here hath been but little, not so small is the stayne that thereby your fame receaueth, and my necessitie increa­seth, with a sorrowfull looke the Prince turned to the La­die saying. You see (deare Lady) my vnhappie chance, ex­pelling mee from inioying your swéete conuersation, for which all my life I shall lead in griefe, hauing not some as­surance of hope to resee you againe, for till thē y^e anguish I shall suffer wilbe so great, as to debarre me from alpleasure, for I onely haue, and shall haue in being yours. Valiant Knight (replyed she,) no lesse doe I féele it seing you thus to depart from me and my brother (which is yonder Knight) and as for the rest you may liue assured, I tender you as my owne soule. And if this picture may be any cause of your cō ­tēt take it, for I will haue your coūterfeite for y^e same. The gladdest on the earth he tooke it, and falling on his knées a Thousand times kissing her handes, hee intreated her to take him for her Knight. The Ladye denied it not, for loue had made her liberall, and none did it euer touch, but made him become an Alexander, vpō paine of not knowing how to loue, seing that one of the chiefest condition that yf requires is (Magnanimetie.) And so seing with how great the Ladie had fauoured him, he againe kist her handes and taking his leaue of them knowing who they were they en­tred the Barke, which swifter then a towring. Eagle, in­gulffed it selfe in the swelling Ocean. Straight did they loose his sight leauing Floraliza greatly discontented, the which her brother nothing demaunded the cause, and rela­ting it she ended with a sigh saying.

I greatly feare deare brother that this Knight will put me in mortall dangers, for I iudge his libertie to be great: and being Sonne and Brother to our deadly foes, it will be difficult for him to consider if any pyne for him. Let not y^e grieue you (good Sister replyed Don Cellindo) for if he loues he will easily doe it, how much the more in my iudgement [Page] he departed captiue enough. So thought I (answered she) but here is my vnhappinesse, that trauelling through strāge countries, he may see some one fayrer, and being toucht w^t this infirmitie, he will be apt to decline and so must be faine to wander in his search. Let the feasts first passe (sayd Don Cellindo) and so I hope will this humor chang into cōtent. Thus determined they stayed till the next mornings Suns vprising, who knowing that Rosamond & the Dacian should méete, hastened his shining presence to see what happened in the next, related.

CHAP. XII. How the Prince Don Eleno of Dacia met with his deare Rosamond and what more befell them in their way towards the Cittie.

WIth as many teares as hast departed y^e Da­cian louer from his beloued cozen of Tyna­cria, entring within the Forrest, where o­uertaken with the night, he past it with ex­treame anguish of his soule, seeing the ym­possibilitie of his content, hauing it onely with the presence of his Ladie. His foode was soly the fruit of those wilde trées, and some of what Fabio had prouided, but his conuersation was it which most pleased this woe­full louer. For memorating the troubles he had vndergone, and the passions, and violent sorrowes he had resisted, ani­mated him to tollerate this present accident. Most part of the night spent they in this, intermingling it with diuersity of matter, to make him diuert from his pensiuenesse till yf was time to rest, which made either part aside to sleepe, yet small was the while that the Prince reposed. Neuer yeil­ded this infirmitie any quiet till throughly possest. Well may many speake it by experience, though with a newe e­state they be remoued from it, with a Thousand sighes be­gan [Page] the Dacian Lord to sing, for onely in that he thought he founde pleasure. And I my selfe neuer founde him other­wise while alone he trauelled with this passion.

With some small comfort ended the Prince, caused with his song, and being day broade, mounting vpon the earths best horse, hee began to leaue that thicket, delighting hys eares with Philomelas complaints, making him a witnes of Tereus rape & crueltie against her committed no lesse ioyed he with the others conceipts, for though the Musitions were naturall yet kept they a wonderfull harmonie, of an vnna­turall consort. In this maner wondered he till about Nine a clocke of the Morning, at the end of the groue hee sawe a Knight come toward him brauely mounted, hee coulde not see his armour for ouer thē he wore a blewe coate, & ouer his [Page] shield a case of the same coulor. Presently y^e disguised knight knew Don Eleno, and hauing purposed what he ment to do, vnbuckled, (but tooke not of) his helme, with extreme ioye to see him, for no lesse had he suffered in his looking him, ar­riuing sayd. Sir knight my Lady hath tane my oath, y^e méeting in Grecia with anye Knight that shoulde denie her beautie to be the greatest in the vniuerse, I should defie him to the battle, but this prouided that you bee in loue, though your deuise sheweth the contrarie, and therefore to mortall fight I challenge you, for with lesse then with your honour or life, I cannot satisfie the duetie that I owe vnto my La­die. Nay be it presently (sayd Eleno) insolent Knight, for if my fortune had not been so aduerse, fewe daies since, I had a Ladie in my companie, that Apollos light had darkened, for whose sake against the mightie God of warre, I would haue maintayned what thou hast vttered, being so great an vntroth: But here is Don Eleno that being hers is suffiti­ent to chastise thy follie. And without further spéech w^t such grace he turned his horse, that a Thousand soules if so ma­ny she had, she would haue giuen him. And turning hers in a trice, she tooke of her helme, glorifyng her armour with fine tresses of Gould, chaines wherein Apollo would giue his deitie to be fettered in.

In that manner she stayde for him, hauing in like sort be­fore vanquished him so. Like to a furious thunder-bolt came the fierie Tireo, till approching the rayes of that new disco­uered Sunne, with such brightnes they penetrated his Be­uer, that it was a wonder they did not altogether blind him.

He stayde his Courser, and without a worde stoode still thinking a vision what hee sawe, vnable to beléeue so great a good coulde redounde from so strange and vehement tor­ments.

To him stept the ioyfull Lady & putting of his helme, ioyn­ing her mouth to y^e princes said. I neuer imagined soueraign Prince y^e Don Eleno [...] armes against his Rosamond, for [Page] though the Prince of Dacia be displeased with the Princesse of Callidonia, he ought not so soone shew it, whereto he re­plyed. I am indebted to Rosamond, for her ayde, else, no doubt but the Princesse had incurred some peril (dearest La­die of my soule) but I am so highly bound to Rosamond, that it made me breake with all on paine of defending her rare beautie, although thereby the Callidonian Lady might rest grieued. But if the Prince of Dacia haue offended, heere stands Don Eleno to render his amendes. (She answered) for the loue that Rosamond beares him, y^e Callidonian Prin­cesse will not suffer him to take anye wronge. And letting him goe they entred to passe the heate vnder the braunching trées in the thicket with the greatest ioy in the worlde, dis­coursing what to either had happened. Greatly shee rested content that her Lord had spoken to the Emperour & other Princes, but that which most ioyed her was the newes of the Tynacrian, whom she greatly desired to know, through the fame that in Callidonia she heard of him. In conuersa­tion past they till the hower of three, that they tooke y^e next way to the Cittie, for they heard that three dayes after the Iustes would begin, ioying to see what multitudes thither resorted, hoping for the day that they might approue before that sinode of Maiestie the valour of their armes. In this and in other pleasing chat, (but most of loue for they were his slaues) continued the louers, and the ioyfullest that euer Cupid knew, when the same way they had taken, they saw towards them come two Knights of the best constitution, & in as rich armour as either of them had seen, accompanyed with onely two Pages. They quickly met, and as among such their chiefest ornament is courtesie, the biggest of them sayde.

Braue Knights can you tell vs any thing of the triumphs in Constantinople? We (sir Knight replyed the Dacian) haue not been there, but haue heard, they are begun with greate solemnitie, and it was yesterday told me the Emperour had commaunded them to cease for eight dayes: and this is all [Page] we know whilst he replied he attentiuely gazed on his companion that spake to him, that he espied his sword and looking well on it, he knew it hauing many yeares before bene his, and seeing it in a strangers hands, he straight re­membred he had lost it in Rome that night that he deliuered the Princesses from the Gyants, as is in the former part recited, so expecting no answer again said. And you Knight who gaue you that sword, which cost me no little blood in winning it? and therefore must you either giue it me or prepare to defend, for I will not part without it though it cost me my life: Scarse had he said so when the esquiers knew him, for y^e two Knights were the one Lisarte King of Tarsis, and the other his sonne Florisarte Prince of Argen­taria, and the pages those that afore haue bene named to be the Princesse Roselea of Rome, and Arbolinda Infant of Scotland.

The Louer was so much astonished as the Ladies to see him, for the other said, I do not denie but it may be yours Knight, but the partie that me it gaue would with reason greatly be offended, if I should so easily let it goe, not shew­ing first that the parting from it is by force and not for that it was so willingly giuen me, which animates me rather to dye then loose it. Why then (replied the Dacian) defend thy selfe for by no meanes must I leaue it.

The Louer answered not, but tourned his horse with such gallantnesse, that Rosamond did greatly admire him, The like did the valiant Dacian & with the lightnesse of his horse he incountred the Argentarian so mightily, that with­out any maner of motion he made him loose his stirrops, getting hould by his horse maine for feare of falling while Eleno past like the wind. And with like celerity he returned vpon his enemy with his sword in hand finding him in like preparation. In Greece was neuer seene a more fiercer bat­tle, nor with more affection admired, for the blow that Flo­risarte receaues on his helme, doth A [...]bolinda take it on her soule, and that which Don Eleno on his sheeld doth Rosa­mond [Page] ouerthrowen him, and with the furie of his Tyrio he ranne to the Tharsian, and as he past, with a flourish he gaue him a blow that on his horse necke he threw him. He returned vpon him & because he could not strike him with his sword he incountred him with his horse brestes so mightily, that both him and his horse he tumbled to the grounde, and leaping after him with more ligeritie then a nimble Hare, ere he could prepare himselfe, he closed with him, and as his strength was greater, he raised him aloft, but holding him so strongly for feare of falling with him, he was fayne to sett him downe, and with a thrust made him staggering giue backe three paces, and ere he could open his eyes, was againe vpon him. There had he wounded him, if his sonne had not come, and sydewayes gaue him so mightie a blowe, that maugre all his strength, he went foure paces backe. Follow him would the haughtie Prince of Argen­tarie, when the Ladye set her selfe before him, with more wrath then a troden Serpent, and with both handes laide on the youthes shield, which like to a piece of Wood shee cleft cleane in two, and myraculously he scaped his hande, which remained with such paine that he could not stirre it. Both the one and the other, Father and Sonne, incurred mightie daunger, hauing such strong enemies. The gal­lant of Argentaria, returned her his aunswere with such strength, that he made her see more starres then in the hea­uens were.

But who bewayled y^e blowes in their soules with sighes and pearled teares, were the two wofull Ladies, seeing their louers in such daunger. For Artimio alreadie bewai­led Florisartes death, alreadie calles the Heauens vniust, al­readie complaines on Loue, calling him a tyrant, that liued by honouring Cupid a pittifull God. If this way there is such excesse of griefe, what shall the beautifull Princesse of Rome do, seeing her Don Eleno with Lisarte: For though he had the better, her loue disliked it, making her beleue what easily she credited. But her sorrow helped not, nor her lo­uing [Page] with such intiernes auailed to asswage her passions. They could not deuise no meanes to make the battle cease, for as they were flesht in it, they thought it impossible, that any thing lesse then the death of some should part them, for at this time it semed that with more fiercenes it increased. The Tharsians dexteritie was it that defended him agaynst y^e angry Dacian, & yet was it not so much, but being reached euery time he set both hands and knees on the earth, he pas­sed not much better, for his aduersarie neuer gaue him blow but brused and tormented his body, so that if he gaue he re­ceaued. In no lesse danger was Rosamond, for onely her armour was it that in this battle saued her life. Euen whē the Sunne would set widdowing the earth of his light, there arriued the valiant Mauritanian Brufaldoro, that following the search of the Tynacrian, and not finding, he came thither iudging y^t for feare he had hiddē himselfe. And seing the cru­eltie of that fight, hee could not but say. Oh Iupiter what Knightly valour is this? The fierce Pagan was gentle and affable of condition, and so pittied the faire Pages that wée­ping stood speaking thus.

Can you tell me pretie Pages the cause of this battaile, which should not be little considering the fiercenesse thereof. It is so small sir Knight (replyed Artimio) that it is gret pitie it should be continued to the end for so slight a thing, y^e cause being only that this Knight (pointing to Florisarte) weareth asword which he in the Russet challengeth for his, saying he would not part without it, vnlesse it cost him his life. No longer stayed the mightie youth, but drawing foorth his sword put himselfe betwene them that were on foote saying. Heare me (sir Knights) that seing ye haue no other reason, then what these Squiers haue told me, it were to be reasō ­lesse to leaue the world Orphant for so small a cause of your valour, and for a sword? The vndertaken battailes, (all discréet Knights) should be grounde vpon some suffitiēt rea­son, for that is it which assureth the victorye, making hym more famous that prosecutes it with Iustice, and not with [Page] passion to procure to maintain their fame vntill death: well did the Dacian know him, iudging him of great vallor seing he sustained himselfe to his honour against his Cosen Polle­phebo and so replied. It is not so small Sir Knight as you thinke it for that knights sword is mine, and I requested it with much courtesie, which was enough for him to giue it me he not only denyed it but allso threatned me till death if I more demaunded it, which you see is sufficient for a-thousand battles: and I knew that in no cause you would haue left it. That were (answered the beautious Arbolinda with many teares) had not you giuen it willingly vncon­strained, and with it leaue to be giuen to any, hauing no action to require it, and if like a Knight you gaue it, you should no more haue rememberd it. The Dacian thought he should know that voice to be of the Princesse of Scotland and so with some a maze answered: how know you good page that I did giue this sword. I was brougt vp in Rome (replied y^e disguised Artimio sure enough to be vnknowen) where I saw that in recompence of an inprisonmēt, by the gentlest Gaoler in the world you gaue it. All this while the most beautious Roselea did nothing but weepe currents of sault teares, vnable to speake on word: yet thus replied Don Eleno. So many requires a peace valiant Sir that he should not deserue to inioy any that would deny it, and so for this time I remit the battle so pleaseth these Knightes. They will (saie the woefull distressed Roman) were it but to be more pittifull then you, that forgetfull of your owne honour and what you are bound to do, wander vp and downe, challanging battles of whom you know not, and without any reason.

More a mazed then at first with these things remained the Datian for by their voices he thought he knew them both, and thinking long till he spake with them said to Rosamond in her language, that it behooueth him to leaue that battle.

[Page]She that was borne to loue him woulde not therein dis­content him. And so stepping apart left the battle, leauing the Princes so brused that they could scarce stand. The king of Mauritania seeing the matter ended, demaunded for the Knight of the Branch, of whome Don Eleno gaue him the newes he knew, not knowing he was shipt to Sea after he departed from him. No longer stayed the Moore, but in all hast possible with his wife tooke the way that the Dacian di­rected him, and no sooner was he departed but Rosamonds louer mounting on his Tirio went to y^e Pages saying, your spéeches (gentle pages haue so confounded one, that I wold giue ouer a Thousand battles, so I might intreat you to tell me whether you know me or if my name in Rome bee kno­wen. Wherto Artimio answered, you haue no reason (prince of Dacia) to conceale your name, and yet wee wish wee had not knowne you, were it but because wee would not haue had a Prince so great an as you renowned, haue erred a­gainst such excellent Ladies as the Princesses Roselia and Arbolinda, for the former, is with reason wronged, with y^e discourtesie, and ingratitude (or rather crueltie) wherwith you departed from Court, she hauing shewed you so manye fauors which were suffitient for one that had a clearer iudg­ment then you to make him leade all his life with content: but I feare you were onely borne to mocke poore Ladyes: Then consider the blot of your fame, and reputatiōs staine, and the greatnesse that in Rome you are loued, and moreouer the toyle and labourous trauayle that I and my companyon haue suffered in our tedious voyage to séeke you, all which well pondered may bee some cause, that leauing the present state of all thinges you returne where by minutes you are expected by them that fill the ayre with sighes.

And that you maye see it signed, receaue this her bet­ter, whose tenor I knowe not whose obdurate harte it woulde not mollefie but Don Elenos Prince of Dacia, [Page] who tooke it, not to be moued to Loue for therein he had not where with all being possest by Rosamond (notwithstanding he replyed). In faith (good squiers) it greatly greeues me for the sorrow the Princesse doth sustain and of your trouble in seeking me: Although all might haue been remedyed, considering with what vyolence I was drawen away to leaue Rome, so much against my wil, seeing therein I offen­ded those Ladies, yet I could do no otherwise, and so haue I not herein any cause to satisfie them in any thing. In the rest, that my Lady the Princesse hath done me fauors, there is no satisfaction may come neere, nor so much as be thought a little parcell vpon accoumpt, in parte for so many, and manifould benefits, which she of her meere bounty & magnanimity extēded on me, inriching with them a poore forlorne Knight exiled from all content. And so since at this time there is no leasure to write, and we all intend­ing to visit Constātinople, there wil I giue you my answere. And meane while if in any thing I may pleasure you, com­maund me for I will do it. Valiant Prince (replied Arti­mio) what at this time will most content vs is your answer, for thereon dependes Roseleas life, and we will abide in Constantinople while the Tryumphes last.

Hereupon they tooke their leaues not without many teares of both the Ladies, and he finding the Knights with Rosamond leauing them, retorned to their intended Iourny, till very nere the cittie the night ouertooke them, and be­ing in the summer they resolued to passe it in that wood, a­mong the trees and Odoriferous flowers, vpon which they tooke their way. Hauing supt, the Lady demaunded him, how he knew the pages? and so much she importuned him that he tould her, she nothing suspecting his faith be­ing assured she was of him dearly Loued, and therefore said.

So that Don Eleno you haue been in prison, and in such a place, where no doubt but you paid for so sweete a gaole, he supposed she spake in earnest (it is vsuall in louers) wher­fore [Page] he replied. It is true dere lady y^e there I receaued fauors binding me to spend my life for those Ladies (a generall debt due to al Dames) but as my happie starres hadde predesti­nated mee to bee yours appointing the particularity of my soule for your seruice, I could not staye there, seeking onely your Heauen where my glory is inclosed. And that you may no longer doubt, what I once would haue assured with my lifes dearest blood: lets reade this letter which the Romaine Ladies haue sent me, so Rosamond read it thus.

The beauteous Rosamōd could not otherwise do, but shew some féeling w^t the amorous letter: but as the others discō ­tent might not be remedied but to her cost, that quickly was ouerblowen, remayning nothing penitent for it. None en­ioying a good would euer loose it, to please another, and so she sayd.

In faith no reason hath this Lady to complaine of Don E­leno, since hee is not bound to loue, but her that first chal­lenged him. Tis so (most beauteous Princesse replyed he) [Page] for many dayes after, I had ynough to wéepe, remembring I looked on her with any affection, seeing the happines the Heauens had in store kept for mee. In like discourse did these louers driue away the night, where wee must leaue them preparing for the Iusts to record the matter in y^e next Chapter remembred.

CHAP. XIII. The aduenture that the warlike Rosabell and his friende Oristoldo Prince of Antioche founde in the woodes of Grecia, and how they disinchanted the gallant Tartarian Zoylo.

HOw greatly the Magician Selagio procured a dyre reuenge vpon the Princes of Gréece (the course of this large History amply mē ­tioneth) for the desolation they had made of his whole progenie beginning with the mightie Mandroco, whom Rosicler (called the Knight of Cupid) slue in the Empire of Gréece, as was expreste in the second of the first part, which desire hee still prosecuting, he busied himselfe dayly in no other thinge thē the instant procurement, of the vilde execution of his dam­ned intent, and being so great a Nygromant, he founde by his art there should be in Gréece a most cruell warre, wher­with it should be at the point of an vtter ouerthrowe. Also he founde that the Souldan of Nyquea, should be an ayder to the Gréekes, the which to preuent hee stole away Rosabell so soone as he was borne, from Oliuias armes, and carry­ing him away he set him in Nyquea in the Souldans pallaice to be brought vp with two little children of his, a Sonne & a Daughter, foreseing that louing, and stealing her thēce, might be the cause to mooue him with all his power to pro­cure his reuenge for so gread a wronge. This plot was not [Page] in vaine, as hath and shalbe shewed, for by this meanes he disappointed Greece of this help. So not pawsing here he made his coniurations and exorcismes, wherewith hee tooke those fiue Princes, which he educated in his Castle (as the president part recordes) hauing long before prohibited that the valiant Tartare might not enioy his beloued Tigliaf­fa, because he knewe that by that Coniunction (at the time that Lirgandeo succored him) should be ingendred y^e migh­test Knight in the world, and he that should most be-friend the Grecians. A great hinderance did he Iudge this for his pretence, and therefore ordered that, (hauing drunke the a­morous water which Lirgandeo in the Forrest gaue him as in the first booke of the second part is expressed) hee shoulde meete with the mightie Brufaldoro, making with him that cruell battle, wherein he wished not his death, but only that hee should not ioyne with his Ladie that came to seeke him, finding him in maner already recited, till she supposing hee had been dead, he built him that admirable monumēt; where he set the Ladie, vnderstanding she should many yeres there remaine. And though Lirgandeo hadd placed there for the Dame, that keeper which the Emperour Alphebo slue tra­uelling that waye in companie of the valiant King of Cer­denna, within there was others so stronge that the inchan­ter Selagio rested sure that none woulde haue the power to disinchant him, hauing been therein ayded by the great Lu­percio his tutor. Twise a day came the Lady foorth of her lodging to lament ouer her Lords dead body. Which bitter and continuall laments penetrating the Ten-fold Heauens ascended to the high tribunall of the omnipotent and merci­full creator, who with pitie admitted them, sending Rosa­bell the haughtie Prince of great Brittaine that way in com­panie of his deare friend Oristoldo Prince of Antioch were going towards the Citie of Constantinople, because he heard the Tpyumphes were the next day to begyn. They trauel­led with some comfort, knowing hee shoulde agayne recouer Lyriana, hoping also to see hys deare Fathers [Page] which they heard in Greece. Their waye they continued through that Forrest till (to ouerpasse the Sunnes heate) they went along the bancks of a Christaline cleere brooke, which brought them to a stupendious and Magesticke buil­ding: they would not goe thither (though they were nighe them) but while Alerio prepared their collacion they walked among the trées gazing on the gréene freshnes of that groue, vnti [...]l their fortune leaded them vnto the pines whereon the Knight of the Sunne and Rosicler hadde grauen their Epi­taphes vpon the armes of the mightie Bramarante. Greatly ioyed the two Princes to see with what magnanimitie the Greekes had proceeded with that stoute Moore whose fame had filled the world with deeds. They also desired to know what was within the proude building, they left it till af­ter their repast, and so returned vnto Alirio, with whom they eate of the little hee had, hauing done they went a foote with all their weapons vnto the stately edifice com­maunding Alirio softly to followe them with their Horses. Great delight did they receaue to see the beautie thereof, for as the sunne shined vyon the stones wherewith it was builded, they so glittered that it rebounded backe the eyes of the behoulders, the fourme of it was like to a Pyrami­des ending with a point on the toppe, ingrauen with so many workes that the Princes sayde, they neuer hadde seene a more fayrer thing.

They approched with desire to knowe what might bee within a Pallace so pontificall: but for all they compassed it, they could finde no entrance thereto, more then tho­row a lane of Bryers and Thornes they discryed a most stately gate. That (as indeede it was) the Princes sup­posed to bee the entrie. They founde it shutt, and on them certaine Letters so fresh, that they seemed but then made, the which the couragious Gréeke to this effect did reade.

No longer did Lirianas gallant louer stay, but taking his leaue of his deare friend hee knockt at the gate, but it no­thing auailed, he saw a horne hang on it with this inscrip­tion: Sound me and thou shalt enter. He did it with such an ecchoe, that the sound was heard a farre off. No lesse horror made the gates in opening, none issued foorth: but within the Prince sawe foure Arches in a rowe, in eyther of them his keeper: For in the first there was a most vgly deformed Gyant, with a mighty heauie mace on his shoulder, who at each side brought twoo most fierce beasts shaped like Gryf­fens. A sudaine feare this vnequall fight caused the prince: but rememdring whose sonne he was, his courage increa­sed, thinking that if he ouercame the kéepers of that Castle, he might iustly discouer himselfe vnto his Father & friends, and in this desire he moued against them recommēding his protection vnto the God of the Gréekes. Scarse had he done it when the Gyant with furious paces came towardes him letting loose the beasts that bellowing flung at the valyant youth, hee let them come, yet they approched (according to their swiftnes more then he would. The one snatcht away his shield breaking the handles, which not a little auailed the youth. The other tooke hould of his left side with teeth and nayles, he could not penetrate it, because for more then y^t his armor had beene made at Venus suite, but they so much crusht them, that he could not stirre.

Already arriued the Gyant, hee was affrayde of death, for he ioyned with him with his mace aloft, and discharging his blowe, the Prince had no other remedie to scape it, but [Page] to close vnder vnder the Griffen, that held him, hee execu­ted his blowe, but vpon a piller of stones, the which it all broke. The other beast was not idle for not able to breake the shield, left it leaping vpon the Knight, houlding bim by the other side. Neuer stoode a Hart more stiffe helde by the force of houndes, then they made this new Mars stand. For these hungry Griffyns (not suffering him to bee Maister of himselfe) tumbled him as they list, which made him so im­patient that he raued like a mad man seeing the danger hee was in: till the swéete remembrance of Liriana, adding cou­rage to his strength, made him scape from them, & stepping aside he expected them with his sword twixt both his hands. They returned so hūgerly vnto their pray but with a migh­tie blowe he parted the one in two, dead, falling to y^e groūd: yet was it impossible for him to defend himselfe from y^e furi­rious gyāt, who seing his beast dead, let flie at his head, ad­uenturously did the Britanicke youth a little stept aside, so that it fully did not hit him, only it fell vppon the shoulder leauing all that part without armour, making him set that knée on the ground. Againe would the other fearefull beast close with him, & was so nere that he could not rise, nor do a­ny more then set the point of his sword against him, vppon which the Gryffen ran vp to the middest, and with y^e pangs of death would help himselfe with his winges. So somwhat parting from Oliuias ofspring, descending strucke him with his winges and bill that he almost wearied him, labouring also to defend himselfe from the cruell gyant, that striued to giue him one blowe at his pleasure, with which he made ac­compt to end the battle with the Princes life, which at this time was admirable to see with what dexterity he defended himselfe against the gyant, & w^t what audacitie he expected y^e rauenous beast, al besmeared w^t blood y^e frō his own belly yssued no more descending with his accustomed impetousi­ty, for his want of blood had greatly weakened him, plain­ly did the amorous warrior perceaue it, so warding the blow from the Gyant, on the one side firmly sett on his feete [Page] expected the comming of the beaste, which with horrible bellowing descended. It approched, and seing he could not shunne his blowe with the vtmost of his power he thrust at him so mightily vnder the wing that it pared it all away, falling to the earth where it scant lighted when he seconded another, that almost in two peeces deuided, he fell vpon the paued floore. At what time the Gyant came, foming through his Beuer like a chafed boare, and raysing his hor­rible mace would execute his blowe, with his lightnesse y^e louer shunned it, arriuing with a happie stroake, for it cut his mace and his left hande, whose paine made the gyant roare like a Bull, whereat Oristoldo that was without also feared, he gaue backe, yet not before the Prince hadd entred with a mortall thrust pittifully wounding him on the brest.

By this had he drawne a strong axe wherewith he mar­ched against the Gréeke Hercules, giuing so manye, and so mightie blowes that he néeded all his skill to frée him­selfe from them, and at length one reached him with such puissance that falling on his rich helme, it made him set hands and knées on the grounde, hee followed with ano­ther which made him thinke he was in Heauen, so neare him he saw the starrie Firmament, he loste much blood tho­rowe his Beuer which was the cause altogether to inrage him. And ere hee gaue him another, hee rose laying on his legge as he past so braue a blow that it cut it cleane off.

This was the blowe that gaue him the victorie, for fol­lowing him, as he wanted his legge, he stumbled with his head at the Princes féet, who receaued him w^t a blowe with both handes on his helme, whose two fingers thicknes was cut, wounding him on the head that the blood issued in gret aboundance, though with trouble, yet hee raysed himselfe stāding vpon one foot, which litle auailed him, for wāt of the excesse of blod he had lost by his 4 woūds, which had broght him to y^e passe that he could no lōger stād on foot. This noted [Page] the Britannicke Lord, and warding his last blow, he closed with him giuing another which hée felt no lesse then the o­thers. No other remedie had the diuilish Gyant but to cast his armes about him, crushing him so strongly that he oftē lost his breath. To end this warre, Rosabell drewe foorth Hectors dagger, and twice stabbing it within his infernall bodie, at the last he drew it foorth with the Gyants life and soule, remayning so weary that he could not stirre, but sée­ing what he wanted to doe, he stayed for Oristoldo, to buc­kle on his Gauntlet, which in the beginning hee had lost, who did it with exceeding ioy to sée what he had done. Hée straight tooke his leaue of him, and taking his shéeld mar­ched towards the second Arch, where was a bigge propor­tioned Knight, armed all in azuce armour, with barres of gréene ammell, who came to Rosabell, and saying neuer a word, drew foorth a most rich sword, the like did the Greeke and at once discharged the waight of eythers armes, that both field and Castle did resound. The Knight of the Arche tooke him vpon his Helme, and made no impression there, through the finesse thereof, yet it made him set handes and knées vpon the ground. He scapte not better, for the swoord being incomparable, reaching him on a side, it pared away halfe the helme, and with but a litle more strength taking him full it hadd doone the like of his head, yet the furious blowe past forwards throwing downe a peece of his shield. Like an aspen leafe the sight of his enemies blowes made him tremble, seing that euery time he reached him both ar­mour and flesh he cut, his lightnes & not his inchantments here auayled him, for his aduersaries sword was of more antiquitie, and so hee was faine with nimblenes to defend himselfe, entring and sallying to Rosabels cost. So sidelong he gaue such a blowe that he made him giue backe so much that hee almost fell, he was so quicke that with a counter-buffe he helped him to it and iustling him with his sholders, he almost ouerthrewe him if he had not fallen on his hands. The occasion would not the inchanted youth omit, for with [Page] both hands he gaue him such a blowe vppon his shoulders, that the paine made him roare a loude: but as hee ended so great was the inraged kindled wrath which in the Gréekes brest burnt, that the hunted Lyon by the furious ounce was inferior to it, and méeting with his enemie he gaue him a mightie wound on his breast, which verie neare did cut the bone. This contented not the angry youth, for hee gaue him another vppon his helme, leauing him their piti­ously wounded.

The gallant louer considering how much hee had to doe hastened the end of the battle, and therefore, they assaulted with their swordes crosse, and with a spéedie trauesse the Gréeke voyded his aduersaries stroake, and like an Eagle on the left-side he entred with a downe right blowe that his thigh was cut away. It caused the inchanted Knight in­tollerable griefe, but it was no time for pitie, with a poynt he pierst his arme, and followed it with such desire that hee of the Castle procured to cut away his cushes. It was no ill deuise for giuing him a mighty blowe on the legges, he so tormented them that had he at that instāt closed, he had ob­tained the victorie, but he staid himselfe with another that at his waste he let flie, which wounded him though but lit­tle. Till then was neuer séene a more crueller battaile, for the Greeke is almost tired, and with many blowes that bru­sed his flesh, and thought his enemie farre more nimbler thē at first, though besmeared with his owne blood, that from his woundes yssued. It was an admirable thing to see the horror that their swordes made, which excéeded the gy­anticke noise in Vulcans worke-house, when those armes were forged which the Gréeke woare, who putting his trust in them, letting fall his shield with both hands hee went to his enemie (that being alreadie resolued to die, killing or be kild) in like manner came against him, and together they discharged such blowes, that the Greeke Prince fell down, voyding blood from his eyes, nostrels, and mouth, he reco­uered himselfe a while after, and loking for his enemie hee [Page] founde him on the earth for though the blowe was not on y^e head, lighting on his shoulder it cut him down vnto y^e bone, casting him dead vpon the ground. He reioyced to haue ob­tained the victorie, though he remayned so brused, that hee was faine to sit downe, and take of his helme to wipe away the blood of from his face. Oristoldo and Allirio then came, for as he wonne the arches they past forwards which they could not doe till the end of euery battle. They demaunded how he felt himselfe? weary (replyed hee) though glad, to haue ended so dangerous a battle as with the Knight in the azure armor, he would no longer abide but taking his wea­pons went to the thirde arche, where walked a Knight no­thing inferior to the former, armed all in yellow armor bar­red with azure. This thus sayd. Knight I esteeme & honor thee as thy merits doe deserue, for the haughty deedes thou hast done, which none else in the vniuerse could atchiue, I counsell thée to returne backe, making no battle with mee, for of it thou shalt get nothing but a cruell death. I am be­holding to thee (answered the Greeke) for thy courteous ad­monition, but in no case wil I leaue this battle, for it wil be my euerlasting infamie, why then (sayd the keeper) take this launce and horse for so thou must make thy battle. This pleaseth me best (replyed the Prince) and so toke the launce. Already was his enemie prepared, & very neere to doe what the Greeke imagined not, for hee had scarce got into the sad­dle, whē the other spurring his horse, (which had bin taught to that) so brauely he incountred the Prince, that hee ouer­threw him w^t a great fal, the not hauing gotten his stirrops saued the Greeke from being conquered, and so though bru­sed he rose w^t the launce in his hands which he had not lost. But he was not well set on foot when behind him came another Knight, with an Iron mace and backwards gaue him such a blowe vpon his helme, that it fild it within with blood, casting him forwards againe vpon the ground.

The Prince that set himselfe so assaulted (feareful of deth) set himselfe on foote auoyding a blow of him with the mace, [Page] but he could not scape from hlm on horse-backe, with Ioues strength raysing himselfe on his stirrops flung his launce at the Prince which lighted on his shield, and resounding like a bell it bounded backe as if it had struck vpon a flint, ma­king the Greeke stagger twoo steps backwards. A hungry Tygre of Hyrcania rauening for his pray, was not more fierce then Rosabell nowe became, for brandishing his cruell launce, hee darted it to the knight lighting in the middle of his shield. It fetcht him from his saddle cleane ouer his horse backe tumbling him to the earth. More soner vpon her game is not a swift wingd Fawlcon then now was y^e Prince, for ere the Knight could rise to make himselfe redy, or he with y^e mace come, he gaue him on the helme so cruell a blow that al the brym he cut with a peece of his front. The blood blinded him, & so neither did he see, nor could helpe his companion that w^t his mace came after y^e Greeke, and before he parted from the wounded one, he thrust at him with a point which shrewdly wounded him, the other came so much side-long vpon him that he could not but cast his armes vpon him, he gayned litle, for the Britanicke louer being of geater forces then he, breathlesse did cast him to the ground. He striued so long with him till hee drewe his dagger, with which hee ended his life, striking it to his hart. It had like to had cost him no lesse then his life, for the other, though sore woun­ded was come vpon him, and with his dagger would back­wardes haue stabde it in his brest, wearing Hectors armor none but, Venus woundes coulde make any impression, ne­uerthelesse he felt excessiue paine euery time he strucke him he was ashamed of himselfe, that one Knight should alone so long, so handle him, & well firming himselfe, in spight of him he rose vp, & finding him within his reach, with one kinde of death hee equald them. This battle had most ty­red him, for the fall, & blowe had sorely brused all his body, with ioy he receaued his deare frend Oristoldo, that w^t admi­ration of his deeds did wipe away the blood. Greatly should [Page] that be esteemed (said Rosabell) that with such keepers is defended. That is not so much most valiant Prince (reply­ed Oristoldo) as the feare wherewith they were sett, suspec­ting that you would come and fetch it forth: he would not answer him but with double corrage he sett towards the last arch, which was not farre from him. To meete him there came a well proportioned Knight in hose and doublet saying. Sir Knight within this habitation are tho [...]e arms of Hector so feared that I am commanded in this maner to end this battell: and if you be pleased there with you haue no more to doe then to put of your armor. It is a thing vn­accustomed among Knights (replied the Prince) neuerthe­lesse I wil do it. Thē he straight put of al his armor, resting with only his sword and dagger. Those too must you laie a­side (said he of the Castle) for with these weapons that I shall giue you and with no other must our battle bee.

So many condicions doe you propound, (answered the Prince (that I dare almost saye it proceedes from cowar­dise. Now shall you see that (said the keeper) and so gaue him two rapiers, keeping two for him selfe.

A gallant spectacle was this for he of the Castle was all in yellow and blacke, which so well became him that the Prince much commended him, and he him selfe was all in redd: his age acknowledg not a more accomplisht youth. It is doubtfull if Venus would dote agayn in Loue, she would with more affection choose the Prince, then whē she did elect the happelesse Adonis. Hauing taken the rapiers, they marched eyther against the other, with such warynesse as the necessitie of so dangerous a fight required, for there the strength of the Knights preuaile not. They ioyned (those I meane that were borne for the fight) with more grace then Mars did when on the behalfe of Iuno he challenged her Father Saturne to a single combate, in presence of all the Gods & goddesses, with somwhat more good hap entred the Gréeke with his left rapier for he aimed it inwardes, and striking downe his enemies right one he thrust a handfull of [Page] it vnder his arme pit, & as hee drewe forth y^e blody rapier w^t it he beat down the aduerse point, and with the other hee wounded him a little aboue the knee: from both there yssu­ed much blood, and fearing to bléede awaye, respecting no dexteritie he entred within the Prince, who doubted some mischance seing him come so carelesly hee commended him­selfe to the God of his Father, promising to renownce y^e va­netie af his Gods, and so stayed for the kéeper of the Castle, that without aduise with one arme, thrust at him twise out­wards: houlding his other point stiffe, with both he woū ­ded him, though but little. He stoode with such desire to ex­ecute the other, that the Prince with his left arme thrust at him so fiercely y^t he cut all the bone, that the other letting fall his rapie: frō his hand, would haue stooped for it: but it had cost him his life, for the Prince thrust at him on the head, y^t he mortally wounded him, with the paine hee felt he forgot to take vp his rapier, and so with the one he defended him­selfe, fearing another wounde. The Heroyck Gréeke would not vanquish him with any aduantage, for seeing him sore wounded and but with one rapier, he cast away one of his, farre off. And acte was this to haue made his enemie yeild, had he not been forst eyther to kill or die, and so not respec­ting the courtesie he entred so quickly, that ere he coulde de­fend himselfe, with a furious thrust he pierced his left arme. This wounde greatly grieued Trebarios Nephewe, and so with the paine he would enter vppon his enemie, who be­ing skilfull set his rapyer against him, that if he had not spi­ed it, hee had runne himselfe vppon it, notwithstanding it wounded him sorely vpon the brest. With his left hand he beate awaye his aduersaries rapier, and with the vtmost of his strength he thrust at him on the side of his head and bea­ring his rapier downewards, halfe of his head he threw at his féete, ending one of the difficultest aduentures that then the world contained. He sat him down staying the cōming of his friend Oristoldo, who with his Squire stanched the blood [...]f his woundes, binding his arme which caused him [Page] extreame paine, he was againe armed, and so great was his desire to end that aduenture, that without any wordes they entred into the great yard whose admirable workemanship greatly amazed them, for the pillers about it seemed of rich pretious stones, all inameld with gould and blew, which ioyed euery sight. One the floore of the same yard beneath were ingrauen many Histories, with all y^e famous Knights most liuely figured. They sawe the battle which the Tar­tarian Zoylo had made w^t the hawty Mauritanian Brufaldoro, and his dolefull departure from his deare Tigliaffa, who supposing he was dead, was by Lupersios order w^t drawne within that pallace. Greatly did the true Louer pittie her, seeing how intyrely she had loued the Tartare, and how ill her faith had bene repaid. In the middle of the yard they saw a great alter like to a Piramides made for the death of some great Potentate: and round about the galleryes of the same were burning many tapers, and two seruants clad down to the heele in mourning that did nothing but loke to them, and the lampes of siluer and finest gould. As they were about to goe to them and inquire where the Prince was, they heard within one of the galleryes a dore opē from whence came forth two and two to the number of 12 Ladies all in blacke veluet with their faces masked, Through a­way hung all of the same liuery they past vnto the Tombe, where they began a most lamentable musick whose time the Ladyes wold breake with many sudden sighes whose eccho was recorded with in y^e sepulcher with some doleful sounds of funerall instruments, which in the Princes caused some woefull fear when they had done: a dame that seemed Lady of the others, (wherby the Princesse iudged her to be the Princesse Tigliaffa) somewhat high that they might heare thus said. How long deare Lord will my cruell fortune suf­fer her to liue, that with thy want, accoumpts it but a mortall torment? what life maie I liue, that only liued by seing thee? ay me poore Tartare, how haue they offended heauēs propagated my happlesse life for my greater paine, [Page] that while thou art wanting (the glasse wherein I did be­hold my selfe) I might bewaile the good that from mee they bereft? haue done thou cruell death by one to rid mee of so many, as I suffer, seing (deare Lord) that my lucklesse fates haue appointed me a new kinde of torment, that when all y^e course of thy life being towards me without loue (vnto the cost of my content) thou shouldst shew such greatnes of vn­expected affection in that short momentarie space, y^t I enioy­ed thée twixt mine armes. Oh if I knew my life would doe thee good now thou art gone, whom should I make y^e execu­tioner, but her that more loued then she did her selfe. As she was performing certaine ceremonies she did espy the Prin­ces, that with their Beuers vp gazed on her beauty, which they reputed to be the greatest they had seen, whē she knew they were none of her newe keepers, shee ended her lamen­tations, in great hast entring frō whence she came, w^t migh­ty noyse shutting the gates after her. No lōger stayed y^e lo­uer, but like an Eagle mounted the staires, & comming to y^e dores he found them so fast as hee thought it impossible to o­pen them, he compassed all the cloyster to see if he could finde any other entrance but hee sawe it all built of impenetrable marble, he returned to break them open with his sword but found them to be made as he thought all of brasse, on the one side he reade these letters.

Straight did the couragious youth put them all off, set­ting his sword vpon them, and so went to the gates, at such time as Oristoldo came. Assone as he arriued they opened, seing no body sauing that within he heard some noise which the Ladies made, without any feare hee entred within the hall, which he hardly had done, when two stronge Knights set vpon him, they toke him so suddenly that they raysed him from the ground, and had verie nere ouerthrowne him.

[Page]But the youth whose forces admitted no compare, reco­uered himselfe winning his lost aduantage, and setled him­selfe farre better for he got an entrance for his armes. All helpes did he neede, for y^e two were there set onely to wras­tle, which at this time was admirable, for they hadde somewhat wearied the Greeke. They came tumbling at length to the gates, which occasion vnwilling to let passe, with great strength he droue the one from him, & in spight of his valour threwe him out of the inchanted hall, hee had scarce done it, when the Heauens were darkened with blacke fogges and mistie clowdes, with horrible thū ­dering and lightning, which fearefull tempest continued for a little space, with whose end all the Castle vanished, lea­uing no memorie thereof, more then the dead beasts which in the beginning the Princes had slaine, hee found himselfe vnarmed with his friend & page in the open field, hee quick­ly armed him, for they heard new cries, which was, that y^e distressed Lady wept ouer her louer, not to see him dead, but because he was wounded. Straight she remembred how she and he had been inchanted being liberated by a Knight that had slayne the kéepers which the wise man had toulde her did guard the Castle.

Then arriued the Prince, presenly she knewe to whome shee was so much bounde, and rising leauing the wounded Tartare with her damsells, she went to the Prince that with his Beuer vp was going towardes her and imbracing him sayde. Most valiant Knight the best that euer guerded sword, I cannot suffitiently thanke nor enough memorize, your deserued prayses for the good worke you haue done me and the Tartare my Lord, both which I leaue, and only say that in doing what you did, you did perform the duty which your selfe did owe vnto your selfe, by succouring the most distressedst Ladye on the earth: Neuerthelesse if in part of satisfaction for so great a debt, my life may be any imployed in your content the same shalbe my chiefest felicitie. Soue­raigne Princesse (replyed the Prince) so greatly were you [Page] wronged by being here detained that what I did, ought not to be esteemed any thing: for your constancie deserued far more. I want abilitie (most excellent Knight aunswered she) to expresse my thankfulnes, more then to remaine per­petually at your commaunde: onely nowe I must intreate you that since you haue restored vnto my handes the thinge that I most hoped for in this world, that you woulde helpe me to cure his woundes, for though we haue been inchan­ted, yet they séeme now, as fresh as when they were made by that most barbarous Knight. In hast they went al vnto him, and taking of his armour, with the ayre that breathed in his face he returned from the trance he fell in betwéen his Ladies armes, when she thought it was his lastly gaspe, he opened his eyes, and seing himselfe in hir hands he once did hate, and nowe excessiuely did loue, with great faintnesse sayde.

May it be (deare Ladie) that the power of a constant loue hath so rooted it selfe within your brest, that not respecting my sauagenesse, my more then barbarous sauadgnesse cō ­mitted against your loyaltie, you should still loue mee, you should now pittie me, you should feele my déepe wounds in your soule, hauing made them so great in yours with my life? Ingratitude hath been myne worthy of your disgrace, deseruing to haue left comfortlesse the most rebellious body that ere the earth did foster, leaue we this (answered the a­morous Ladie) my most dearest Lorde, for seeing I was borne onely to loue, by doing so I discharged my dutie, to­gether with what my loue-afflicted soule instructed mee to. It neuer grieued me to be vnloued, but it onely tormented mee (as in reason it should) that the first time so famous a Prince should shrinke from his worde, it should bee from me. This and nothing but this, hath made mee wander through the world, as it best can witnes, so greatlye to my fames cost, and honours blemish: but since it hath pleased the heauens to pittie my paines, mollifying your flint ob­durate heart, in recompence to see my selfe beloued of my [Page] deare Zoylo, I accompt my discontent my greatest content, yf I any did passe: And now lets giue order for your woūds cure, for yet you are more bound then you are aware of, de­part they would, vnto the next village, when through the Forrest they spyed a damsell comming towards them, more swifter then the raging winde, and arriuing sayde. Away braue sirs, for the Tartars life hath been reserued by the Au­thor thereof onely for my comming. And so going to hym, she drewe forth a glasse w^t a most Odoriferous licour, whose fragrant smell comforted all the circumstants the which she set vnto his mouth. Oh deuine thing, for scarce she had set it, and hee tasted what it contained, when hee remained whole of his wounds, though weake through the much blod he had lost, his due thanks would hee render for that great good déede, but she was vanished vn-seene of any. To this famous Knight (sayde Tigliaffa) must you giue them for tis he that his mightie arme hath fréede both you and me, from whence the world else had not béen able to do, deliuering vs from the cruell torment wee both iniustly suffered, for these wounds, for all they séemed so freshly to bléede, you recea­ued them aboue 6. yeares agoe, in presence of the vnhappie Tigliaffa, that seing it receaued them no lesse. Thereupon did the beloued Prince remember that about the armes of of Bramarante a Knight had giuen him them. He turned to the gallant Rosabell that excéedinly ioyed to sée him well, & casting his armes about his necke, seing him so young said. Oh most mighty Knight, is it possible that from your hands hath proceeded such a benefit? there is no recompence can equall my receaued fauor, I will not binde my selfe for it, (though eternally I will acknowledge my debt) because I feare that being of such waight my short life will not suffer me in part to shew my gratitude: but oh God what grea­ter comfort maye I now enioy then to beholde betwene my armes him that so much resembles Rosicler the Prince of Grecia my greatest friend: and if in any thing he touches you (sir Knight) I intreate you by the thing you must loue [Page] & hope to enioy in this world you would not denie it me: for if you are Sonne vnto my Lady the Princesse Oliuia, much did the king Sacridoro in her rape, yet cost it mee no lesse woundes, and had I lost my life it had been pleasing, so hee obtayned her his desired pryze to his valour onely due. Excellent Prince (replyed Rosabell) your valour was suf­fitient without your merits on the Gréeke Princes be­halfe deserued, to binde all the worlde to your seruice. In the rest touching himselfe, I knowe no more then that to this Prince of Antioch, sonne vnto that King you na­med, and to mee there hath happened so manye thinges, (since my Fortune caused vs to meete, in me to knitte a league of inuiolable friendship) besides what before befell mee, euen afore that Greeke Lord, that we dare presume to saye, I am sonne to those so much behoulding vnto you, and with like deceipte was prince Rosicler by a strange aduenture parted from me in Lacedemon: More then this I assure you I knowe not.

This is ynough most excellent Princes (aunswered the Tartare) and for me, the greatest comfort that nowe For­tune could giue mee to set mee with the Sonne of those in whose amitie I esteeme my greatest felicitie. Anewe they imbraced each other: for greater friendes the earth neuer knewe. Exceeding glad was the gallant Ladie to see her selfe in companie of such hawghtie knights, but more to be beloued of him that once liued by hating her.

So well did the two friendes handle this matter, that they altogether assured the Iealous Lady of her hopes procuring the Tartare to espowse her seing her fayth dyd meryt more then that. The gracious Zoylo dyd not refuse it, but rather expressed it was the greatest good hee might receaue.

There y^e braunches towring trees would bend to make them arbours to spende the nights in pleasure till they ar­riued at Constantinople.

[Page]Many times would the two louers willingly loose them­selues among the thickets, where they might inioy what y^e cursed Selagio pretended with his artes to auoyde: and it was no small benefite vnto them for the Lady remained w^t child of a Sonne that in armes was called Mars, & a daugh­ter, that in beautie excelled all those of her age: for whose loue one of the Gréeke Princes doted till the death, as the fourth part recordeth: where a while wee must leaue them returning to Constantinople, for alreadye were the Tri­umphes begun, with farre greater solemnitie.

CHAP. XIIII. How the Tryumphes were againe begun, and what admirable battailes happened in them.

WIth such verie gret affectiō hath y^e wise Lir­gandeo (faire Ladies) shewed him in the discription of the Tartarian Zoylos affaires inlarging himselfe out of measure in them, that it hath made me more labour in the a­breuiation of this inchantment then if my selfe had newely built it, indeede fearing, that though the matter of it selfe bee pleasing, yet the tediousnes of a harshe stile might prooue displeasing. The discréete breuitie with it bringeth the content, so it arriue not to a point of extremi­tie, for then with the newe name turnes it to discontent by loosing that good, which by a safe mediocritie it had obtay­ned. Procuring this in all thinges I dare almost say, that (your beauties) haue tane some delight in reading it, which by the other way had not been so: for though the Iusts that past in Constantines great Cittie deserued a large admira­tion, yet wil I striue to flie a delightlesse prolixitie procurer (in some respect) of heauie Melancholy, rather sinning by being short, then offending with a little superfluous length. So at length the terme appoynted for them being come (de­uynest [Page] purities of Natures treasurie) scarce had the gallant sheapheard of the Heauens, displayde his goulden Tresses ouer the earth in company of his chast Sister, when the cou­ragious Prince of Niquea, with his bright Sunne-shining armour presented himselfe in the place, to no small ioy of y^e Princesses seing how well the stranger maintayned their beauties. Need he had to inure his hāds in toyle, for he had no soner leapt into the listes, when against him did present himselfe a well proportioned Knight, clad all in gréene ar­mour, with so many pretious stones that it dazled the bee­holders sight: in the place a more brauer thing there was not séene. In his shielde was pictured the face of a beau­tious Lady, closing her eyes to a Prince that gaue her his soule with these wordes.

There was none but fixed his eyes on his gallantnes, ha­uing it as he that was no lesse then the valiant Don Clarisel Prince of Assiria, who departing frō Nyquea had taken his way towards Grecia, where it had been better he had not arriued, for by the swiftnes of their horses, at length mee­ting, they gaue one another such fierce incounters, that the Gréeke Ladies gretly feared the miscarying of their knight, who was incountred so strongly, that hee lost both bridle & stirrops, and also was it maruell hee did not forgoe his sad­dle too, if warily he had not got hold of his horse necke. But with it, he did a little prolong his honor, making his horse passe forwards. At this time the Assarian got the worst, for being hit on his inchanted shield, he was so hard thrust, that he was throwen out of his saddle, twas his good fortune to fall on his féet, and so with incredible spéede recouering his lost saddle, hee went out of the place leauing it glad to see the valour of the Ladies knight. A rumour arose in the [Page] place with the coming of another, for with the brauerie that he crost it, no maruaile if Mars had feared: he was apparel­led all in cleere bright steele, more blacker than the finest Iet, of the same colour was his Courser, sauing that he had some roane spots, which greatly beautified him: the plumes of his head, on his owne Crest were all yellow, agréeing best to his greeued thoughts. In the middle of his shield (which was like his armes) was portrayed a Heart, incō ­pased about with many flames of fier that seemed to burne it: beneath was this Motto.

A brauer Knight was not seene in Greece, nor that bet­ter managed his horse, he entred the Lists, and being excee­ding courteous, he first did his dutie to the Ladies, a thing that in euery one is highly to be comended. What thinkes your Maiestie (said the Prince Meridian to the Emperoure Trebatio) of the aduentures gallantnes, I doubt the Ladies Knight will incurre some disgrace, for such disposition few obtaine. Of the like opinion was the Emperour & the most of the Court, it was not much, for more deserued y^e knight who with admiring puissance spurred against Lindoriano, that doubting some mischance had taken fresh horse: but it preuailed not, for he in the Blacke encountring him in the middest of his shield, did cleerely pierce it, & staying in his brest-plate, hee thrust him so mightily that cleane ouer his horse-backe he fetched him to the ground with the saddle be­tweene his legges, for yet in that would Fortune seeme to fauor him, that som partial fauorits he had might attribute his fall to his horses fourniture, and not for want of strēgth [Page] which was so well knowne to the cost of so many. His stir­rops lost the distressed aduenturer, but he recouered them so soone that fewe noted it not, he returned with such brauery that most were affected to him, except the Ladies, that ex­tremelie sorrowed for their Knights disgrace. It no lesse grieued Rosicler, who fayning some indisposition went to arme himselfe, for he would not haue it sayd, that in Greece the strangers had got the best, and putting on his inchan­ted armor he cast ouer them a russet coate, that he might not be knowne. And in this manner vpon a mighty horse, hee went forth of the Citie determined to enter in the listes, in Ladies behalfe, astonished at the Knights valour vnable to imagine who it should be, bethinking himselfe it might bee the Mauritanian Brufaldoro, hauing heard him highly pray­sed. Hereupon he stayed to let the day be farther past, that the Knight might get more honor, who like a fleshed Lion w^t the anguish that for his Lady he sustained, twas pitie to be­hold his lamentable blows, for eyther slaine, or sorely woū ­ded none escaped his hands.

Well did the Mirrour of Chiualrie Claridiano see it, and had the like desire that his Vncle: but he so despaired to see the strangenesse wherewith his Ladie vsed him▪ that hee would not arme himselfe vnles he were commaunded. And to moue it, he stept to the Princesse Oliuia (for with her the Queene of Lyra Archisilora still accompanied) and to her he said, I belieue most excellent Princesse, that he in the black will so well he haue himselfe, that he will force many to trie their fortune, although some are so without it that not going with some particuler fauour, they are like to meete with some greater misfortune.

Well did she perceaue with what affection hee hadd eyed the Queene, and as shee was skilfull in that art, by the cause shee spyed the effect, and desirous to speake for him, shee sayde. Greate reason haue you braue Prince to require so iust a thing, and if myne may in any [Page] thing preuaile, from henceforth I giue it you though seeing what is betweene vs, it should be attributed onely to Ro­sicler: But here is the Queene of Lyra, that will giue it, if it be by cōmanding you, for otherwise against her is y^e wrong cōmitted, & it is well she may haue such a defender. The haughtie dame hereby suspected somewhat: and so gloryfi­ing her beautie with a heauenly tincture she replyed. Little can a Ladies graunted fauour auaile, for the valour of the Prince of the Greece most (excellent Lady) and rather there are some so happilesse in cōmanding, that they put in doubt what the gallants with their fortitude haue assured. A­mong these I accompt my selfe, and in so much that I know not when I could call my selfe happie. And this is the cause I dare not require any to goe forth in my name, but beeing dryuen to that necessitye, beeing able to doe it my selfe, I neede not intreate it of any. And because shee would not be more importuned shee turned to him in the blacke, that more furious then a hungry Beare ran vpp and downe. It was no small vertue in the Prince to in­dure with patience this bitter answere, a Thousand cries would hee haue giuen publishing the iniustice done to hys faith, vsing it with such cruelty, he departed from thence, for his sighes gaue him not leaue not so much as to take leaue of the sweete enemie of his tormented soule. Who with attē ­tion gazed on the amorous Knight, that at this time with his owne hand had chosen a strong launce, for at a corner of y^e place, there entred two Knights no lesse to be wondred at then the former, at the same instant, entred two other no lesse gallant then the first. These last were armed in Mur­rey armour, with barrs of azure and gold, on their shieldes he that seemed bigger of body had a Sunne, in middle of a cleare heauen, with these wordes.

[Page]His companion that a better disposition shewed, had ano­ther Sunne ecclipsed, with this Motto about it.

These two Knights posies greatly delighted euerye one, for if yee bee remembred they bee none other but Lysarte the mighty King of Tarsis, and his sonne Florisarte Prince of Ar­gentaria, that came accōpanied with y^e two disguised Prin­cesses, they past the place with more grace then Achilles had done. The like did the twoo first, for both were armed in most rich armour, hee on the right hand that was Don Ar­gante of Fenicia, had a siluer armor, full of Lillies: on his shield a Pyne tree, and hee himselfe leauing against it, with this posie.

That Knight is not like to want battailes, that to ym­peach the Ladies worthes shewes himselfe so free: for as euery one liueth by being alienated, they will presently put it to triall. Now am I very glad (sayd the beauteous Lin­daraza) that so free a Knight maye meete with him in the blacke, that is so constant in his alienation. No lesse dyd his companion shew himselfe vn-yoaked (being the gallant Torisiano, who was all in Carnation armour, quartered w^t golde and azure, a brauer temper was not seene in y^e place. In the middle of his shield was set a knight languishing in loue, accompanied with all his troubles, with these words.

[Page]Hauing approched they entred the Listes. None of the behoulders durst take their eyes from them thinking in the meane time they should loose them so furiously they past for­ward. The first that in Greece met with ill fortune was he of Phenicia, that quicker then an Eagle spurerd against him in black, he got little for the sorrowfull louer incountred him with the vtmost of his strength, (which only merited com­parison with the Greeke Princes) lightly fetching him frō his saddle threw him to the ground, he receaued no small encounter, for Don Argante was one of the strongest in the world, he made him loose his raynes, and forwardes passe more slowly then he would. Great was the noyse that rose in the place, as also among the Ladies, that celebrated the fall with accustomed disdaine, which well maye bee called death: And thats but little considering howe tis taken, (I almost speake by experience.) I maruell not at the Knights disgraces (deare Ladies sayd the old King of Bohemia,) en­tring with your disfauour. Your highnes speaketh w^t great reason (answered the Princesse Oliuia) to supplye which want, I intreated the Quéene of Lyra that (to shewe howe she loues me) she would haue bestowed one fauor vpō a gal­lant that from it he might haue drawen valour to assure our busines that so goeth to wracke, hee replyed. There is no reason any thing should be denyed to so iust a demaund, the which if my age did not disturbe, I would haue béen he that should haue craued it.

A Thousand should your highnes haue obtayned (reply­ed Archisilora.) But there wants not them that without any may returne the Grecian honor to their owners. Their that was broken off by the peoples rumor: for the mourning Knight, with more strength thē Hector had, did ouerthrow the braue Torisiano which displeased the Ladies. Many sup­positions past there who the blacke knight shoulde bee, for some Ladies were affected to him. And so with some pittie the Empresse Claridiana sayde to them that were with her. Greatly doe I commisserate this Knight to sée with what [Page] crueltie his loue his repayd: And if his fauors were equall to his strength none might more bragge of valour then hee. Those that on a sudden begyn to loue, (answered the beau­teous Rosiluera that in the secret of her soule, had portrayed the knight with such coulors that none but death could wipe away) any little occasion ministers vnto thē cause of Loue: but lets sée what shall become of the Knights of the Sunnes, that séeme of a valiant disposition, his Carrier had y^e braue King Lisarte taken, incountring with the blacke knight, so fiercely that he thought he had béen broken in pieces, either past by the other without any moouing. Of the valiantest was the Tarsian, but he there met with Bembo, then whom the Pagan nation neuer knewe more hawghtier, and coura­gious knight: who taking another launce incountred hym so mightily, that hee brought him to the ground, & himselfe had almost accompanied him, for loosing brydle and stirrops was fayne to stay himselfe by his horse neck. Like to a fiery Dragon his amorous sonne ran with him thrée launces, vn­able to mooue eyther of them from the saddle, to both theyr extreme griefes, that like to bloodie Lyons, they with their owne handes choosed their launces, & with y^e excessiuenesse of their forces incountred so puissantly that the beleued Ar­gentariā came to the ground with his horse slaine betweene his leggs, he leapt from him for feare of some disgrace. The Achayan with the strong shocke staggering backwards lost his saddle, falling on his féete, but with so small féeling, that though the couragious youth stept to him with his swoord, drawen, he so soone saw him not.

Almost was the whole place in an vproare, for Florisarte required a battle alleadging hee was not ouercome. So farre paste this matter, that of necessitie it was carryed to bee decyded by the Emperour and other Kings there, who adiudged that the Knight of the Sunne, could not returne to the Iustes nor demaunde farther battle, because hee had lost his saddle, he held his peace séeing whoe hadde orde­red it, and so on foote he stoode looking on the Iustes, talking [Page] to the timerous Squires. Long stood he not so, for y^e Em­perour sent him a Courser nothing inferior to that hee hadd lost. Both Father and Sonne imputed it to Soueraigne magnanimitie.

At what time matters past to Bembos immortal prayse, together there entred the yarde two Knights, on whose dis­position all the lookers on fixed their wondring eyes. The one y^e best became his saddle, was in yellow armour full of halfe Moones ouercast with a Russet coate, at his saddle pummell there hung a mightie mace of steele. On his shield (that of fine skill séemed) was a Ladye in liuely coulors fi­gured, and hard by her a Phenix with this Motto.

The Knight seemed so braue a horse-man and shewed so rare a constitution, that manye suspected who hee was, no lesse brauery adorned the second, that on a strong & mightie Roane Courser was moūted, his warlike abillements were of a sad red coulor with greene barrs, and golden grauings. On his shield was a beauteous Lady, lying along in a mea­dowe, and hard by her foure Gyants, among whom stoode he with his sword all bloody, for about her libertie he had cut off their heads, and hauing done he semed to approch the Lady, that stretching forth one of her hands, seemed to ac­cept that seruice, also on the shield were these words.

For a iust guerdon iudged the Princesses, and shee that was figured meritorious of much prayse for intertayning a knight, that in the beginning of his loues performed so ho­nored [Page] a fact. This Knight first arriued at the beginning of the listes, whose hawghtines well shews him to be y^e migh­tie Brufaldoro, that not finding the Tynacrian, hoping to meete him in those Feastes changing his armor, came thi­ther at the instant that the other Knight did the like, disgui­sed in the habit of an Affrican. Who comming with so great desire to Iust, without farther aduise would haue entred the listes, had it not been that the furious Mauritanian said, you Knight, because of your new attire will not onely commit a discourtesie, but thinke it should be tollerated, keepe you out for others haue first arriued, and with more reason to Iust then you. Courteous was the Knight: for if I be not deceaued it is the gallant Greeke Rosicler. So he replied. So greatly hath yonder Knight angred mee, that I thinke too late euery minute that my reuenge is deferd.

Nay thē stay (answered the Pagan) for gret is thy forget­fulnes so much to long to meete with him in the blacke, and therefore to deale with mee the large fielde will affoorde vs ampler roome. To make thee know and confesse thy rude vnciuilnesse I am content (replyed Oliuias husband) and w^t ­out more repetition of words with the Iudges leaue they went vnto the field. The whole world would I haue pre­sent (most beauteous S [...]nts of Venus Temple) to viewe the most valiantest that it contayned. Now doth my want crie out for helpe, intreating with incessant prayers, that Thalia or the recordresse of memorable acts vnto eternitye, Clio (I meane) would dippe my slowe pen in their brooke of euer-flowing eloquence, for therof it hath no litle need, & w^t ­out it dares not, daunted with feare, of insuffitient skill to distinguish the particularities of a war so admirable. There was none but with attention turned their wondring eyes vppon the battle.

The furious Bembo woulde not loose it, but rather ray­sing his Beuer vppon his fierie Courser, leauing on his launce stoode to behold it. With more horror then a Tem­pestuous Sea met the twoo most mighty warriours, in the [Page] middle of their strong shieldes, with their strenghts cleare­ly piercing them. The furie of each aduersarie was stayed on their brest-plate, frō whence the shiuers of their broken laūces mounted into the highest regiō of the aire, whose al­titude might haue bereaued Argos of his hundred eied sight. Forwards they past without receauing any more tormen­ting griefe then eyther did conceaue to sée the other on horse­backe. So with this rauening wrath which possessed both alike, they returned either vpon the other. On y^e earth there was not séene (then the Gréeke) a more skilfuller knight of the weapon that at his saddle hung.

And so at once with the strength of such mightie armes they discharged so puissant blowes, that euerie one (conside­ring their furie) thought them the last. All the toppe of his Burgonet lost the Greeke, and voyding blood hee was cast along his horse back. Worse sped the Pagan for Rosicler reaching him fully with the heauie mace, had almost tum­bled him from his horse, notwithstanding it so fell, that hee fell sencelesse vpon his Coursers necke, shedding much blod through his nose and eyes. Many with feare of those feare­full stroakes wisht themselues farre off: but they that were borne to it quickly ioyned. It was well for y^e Pagan to haue entred with his sword for vnder his shield about his left side betwene the closing of a buckle he wonded him. It is not a fierce or dāgerous blow that can daunt y^e hawghty Greeke: but to see his owne blood spilte, madded him, yet that con­ted not the Moore, but as he stept forth with a counter buffe he strucke him on the helme. This blow dazled his sight, and therefore he could not execute his to any purpose, for ta­king him on the outward side with the mace, the Moore tur­ned awaye (for fewe were nimbler then hee) making him not onely loose the blowe, but hazarded the condicion of his victorie: because the strength thereof with the wayght of the Clubbe so disturbed him, drawing hym after, that the Pagan might at his pleasure giue him twoo thrustes at one of his sides. Eyther of them hadd pierced [Page] him, if hee had not put on that precious armor, that with such curiositie of art the wise Artynidoro had forged. Ne­uerthelesse hee felt such paine that hardly hee could drawe his breath, he returned altogether like an Hyrcanian Ty­gre, and with his steele Mace he gaue him suche a blow (through anger of reuenge he somewhat mist his ayme) that the Pagan thought himselfe wrapt in fome clowde, so nigh he imagined to be to Heauen: séeing such multitudes of Starres about his head, hee arose, and began so fierce a battaile, that the Princes which beheld them rested ama­zed.

What thinke you braue Prince (said the Emperour Al­phebo to Meridian) of the valour of these Knightes? for in my opinion I haue not seene the like: and hee of the deuise with the Gyants, greatly resembleth a Pagan that I knighted, who after (about the armour of Bramarante) bereft of life our deare friend the Tartarian Zoylo: for by his sudden assayling, and the liberall domination he hath ouer himselfe in the battaile, I iudge him to be hee: he will neede all helpes (replied the Scythian Prince) for his aduersarie differs not in shew from that youth we met in Lacedemon, whome wée left with opinion to be your cou­sin: and if it be he the victorie will be his, for the Prince Rosicler (as he himselfe said) was with twoo blowes by him feld.

The noise that in the place did suddenly arise, broke off their talke, (for if any of them obtained any aduantage straight some fauourite of his would celebrate the blow of his affected) as now, some the Greeke, and some the Mau­ritanian, would praise aboue the heauens.

Somewhat a wearie were they, and séeing the sunnes declining with the nights beginning to approch, with the vtmost of their forces they discharged their furie in such sort that they struck each other frō their horses, to y^e astonish­ment of all the beholders. His Mace dyd the Greeke [Page] loose out of his hands, first executing a braue blow, which wrunge his aduersaries helme about his head, greatly blin­ding his sight: they had not fallen when quicker then im­magination they rose. The Greeke drew foorth that good swoord, which Brandafidell did giue him, when he lost his of Queene Iulias: and with it before the Pagan setled him­selfe, he strucke him about the toppe of his shield: he cut a­way a peece therof with all the brimme of his helme on that side, he made him stand trembling like a leafe shaken by a Northren blast: he well noted his amaze, and so lost not the occasion, for with a loftie florish ouer-head hee made him there repaire his warde, leauing his legs without defence. Whereuppon the Prince stept more in with his left foote, and standing strongly thereon, withdrawing his swoord, with both handes executed his blow, on his left thigh cut­ting it to the bone. This wound was it that gaue him some aduantage ouer the Mauritanian, and also the victorie, if the battaile to the end continued: For the Pagan began to loose much blood, and to shrincke through faintnesse on that side euery time he was there charged. They parted to breath, for foure houres without rest had they combated since they began. The Greeke as he walked cast vp his eyes towards the windowes, where he spied his deare Oliuia: and with a sighe breaking from the middest of his heart he began: I know not why thou shouldst esteeme thy selfe Prince of Grecia: to haue obtained thy Lady by force of armes? Thou art wronged and not in the least degree so to be praised for it, hauing no reason for it seing that before al thy Parents, freinds and kinsfolkes, their presence must beare witnesse of all thy former honors wracke in this sole battle. Where, in this particuler Combate with a single knight thou loosest in one minute all the glorie in so many yeares with dere ex­perience and losse of thy dearest blood, thou diddest atchiue. No lesse exclaimes did the furious Pagan, breath into y^e aire, blaspheming gainst his Gods, saying. Why now none néed feare the name of Brufaldoro? nor is there any cause his La­dye [Page] should estéeme him since before his greatest enemies, so ill he doth defend her beautie: reason hast thou to cōplaine (deare Ladie) of thy Gallant, that in sight of thy rare per­fections, he hath not the power to beate his aduersarie from the field, but see himselfe to be brought vnto the point of a shamefull ouerthrow: he ended turning to his enemie that like a raging whirlewind, marcht against him. To meete him went the haughtie Pagan, being the first that executed such a blow vpon the Greeke that he made him set one knee to the earth, discharge he would another: but Rosicler being more actiue, in that Art, before the Pagan strucke, setling himselfe on his right legge, he stept aside, not making hym loose his blowe, but staggering seeme to fall, with a thrust did the louer of Oliuia reach him, it pierst his armor, and he felt it within his flesh: like to the winde he rose, & with both hands, did strike at him. Little preuailed the defence of y^e strong shield, for frō the one end to the other it was cleane cut, and so ouer-charged him that both handes hee set on the ground. He thought to surprize him as hee fell, and so en­tred within him more then he should, insomuch that he could not wound him: For the Pagan cast his mightie armes a­bout him, beginning with aduise, an admirable wrastle. He raysed him from the ground, and had almost cast him down, if the Greeke, had not withall his power held him fast, and in that occasion with a trip got from him, & strongly swing­ing him about, hee hurled him well nighe foure paces from him, both falling downe. But scarce had they fallen, when with such courage they rose that all the behoulders were a­mazed to see so cruell a battle.

Nyne woundes hath the Pagan, and the one exceeding troublesome on the thigh. The Greeke hath foure all about the buckling of his armor, two of them dangerous and hys body brused and tyred that his legges coulde scant sustayne him. A windie noyse began to sound throughout the place who the Moore of the Moones was, iudging him the valian­test that ere was seen in Greece: for by this time the Pagan [Page] began to faint by reason of his wounded Thighe, whereby his aduersarie knewe his aduantage ouer him. So long it was argued who it might bee, that euerye one happened rightly on whome in deede it was: For the Emperor Tre­batio himselfe commaunded all the Pages to tell the truth. At last it was known that the valiant Moore was Rosicler. It could not be kept so close but it came to Oliuias hearing who (liuing by louing him) began to bewaile y^e battle with millions of pearled teares, that ran down the current of her rosed chéekes seing in what cruell combate her deare Lorde had put himselfe and so besmeared with blood. With many out-cries she had descended but that the Ladyes stayed her. As much griefe for it tormented the good Trebatio, that no longer able to with-hould tooke his horse, when Phaebus light was altogether drencht w^tin the Cauers of y^e western Ocean: at what time the two famous warriors cried out for lights. From out the Tent were presently brought a­boue 1000 torches: so wearie were either of the aduersa­ries, that scarcely they were able to stand on their féete. Neuer a steppe made the Moore but with his blood hee left it printed on the grasse: and the Greeke, sturd not but hee felt a bloody sweate ouer all his bodye. Great was the ad­uantage he had ouer the Pagan, because of the troublesome wound of his thigh. At length disparing of the long fight y^e Moore closed with his enemie. The Greeke well noted it & so entred to the wrastle with more aduise then strength: for ere his enemie had tooke hould of him, he had stabd his dag­ger into his left shoulder. Out of his hand did the Maurita­nian snatch it, and with it would haue had recouered what he did loose: But the couragious Greeke that saw himselfe in such manifest dāger had no other remedie, but w^t his left hand strongly to stay it, and with his right to take his, frō the Moores backe wherewith he had ended his life, if y^e Em­peror with all those Princes had not then arriued saying.

With-hold I say braue Knights, for this is no battle to be ended with such crueltie about a matter of so small conse­quence. [Page] Then came the beauteous Oliuia like an angry Ly­onesse. The Greeke seing such Nobilitie before him, could doe no lesse then withdrawe apart, through the great ym­portunitie of his friendes. They intreated the Mauritanian King to go with them to Pallace, where he should be cured, but reputing them all his enemies refused it: and rather w^t extreame fayntnes mounting vpon his horse, hee went out of the Cittie, with the greatest need of cure that euer knight had, and neuer perswading himselfe otherwise, thē that his aduersarie was one of the Greeke Princes. In the first vil­lage he arriued at, he stayed, where his wounds were boūd, and by his Lady cured, with such care as louers still haue in such cases: there he continued till he was able to trauell which he did vntill he arriued in his owne Kingdome, in­tending fully to be reuenged on Constantinople: where there was much griefe by reason of the wounded Prince. None would his Mother suffer to speake with him: So they drest him expecting the ensuing day, wherein happened no lesse battailes then in the last.

CHAP. XV. The end of the Tryumphes and howe Brandafidell arry­ued to them, bringing with him the beau­teous Floralinda.

WIth a kinde of newe content by the rising splendor, the nexte daye of the all-com­forting Sunne, did the whole Cittye of Constantinople seem to reioyce, when tho­row it was published y^e good amendmēt of Rosicler, whose indisposition most procee­ded from a weary brusement of his body, the which was no cause (the daye beeyng as it were somewhat [Page] spent) to keepe him from comming forth to beholde the bat­tailes of the same, which he thought would bee woorth the sight. In his gowne he toke his place betwene his deare O­liuia, Oriselua and her Sacridoro, whose swete friendshippe forst them as often as they could to meete, delighting to dis­course what eyther had done for the other, in the dangerous aduentures, for the obtayning of their Ladies.

Alreadie was the furious Bembo entred the listes, for at one side of the place, appered two Knights in the richest ar­mor, and of the gallantest disposition of anye that thitherto had Iusted. The warlike abillements of him on the right hande were all white, garnished with manye inestimable stones, and on the brest a hart of Rubies: his grace attrac­ted the beholders affection. Vppon the shielde that was no lesse rich then his armor, was portrayed his cōpanion y^t ac­companied him. At his feet a most faire hand that held a scrowle, with these words.

This cōming so sure denoteth that he in the white, is Ro­samond the hawghtie Princesse of Callidonia, that came w^t her deare Don Eleno, who was clad with his precious arms he wonne in Roome, excepting, that on the shield which his friend Nabato had sent him, he bare the portrature of his La­dy drawen in that manner when with his owne hand, hee guirded on, her sword with this Rotullo.

They past their course with such gallantnesse that euery one iudged that hee in the blacke was like to sustaine some [Page] disgrace. The vulgar sort with a shrill noyse beganne to publish it. The Princesses and Grecian Ladies were ama­zed to see so many louers in the place, and euerye one with such firme hopes, as rather they would loose their liues, thē leaue to Loue.

Another thing they did see which made them not a little suspect what they might be, for they saw him in the Russet with wonderfull courtesie stept to him in the white armor and demaunded his shield for the Iustes. The Ladie gaue it him, wishing that her fauour might not hazard, what the Dacians valour did assure. Notwithstanding w^t soueraigne Maiestie he turned the best Horse that the world contained, and with his strong launce hee spurred against his aduersa­rie. Be a while attentiue to mee (sweete Mistres of Na­tures perfect beautie.) Surcease your cōmon asking, whe­ther of thē was most gallantest, or with whome the Hea­uens cōmunicated more brauery: For considering y^e swift­nes that conducts the flower of Chiualry the least winking with your eyes (howe much more so Iealous a demaunde) may loose the sight of a memorable incounter. The terrible noyse of twoo roaring Cannons belching foorth the furie of their powder fiered bowels, caused not more horror, then did rebound from their fierce incounter. It was no maruell to see the Dacian here get the best, with so braue a horse.

So he met him with all the power his strength affoorded, that cleane ouer his horse backe he made him leaue the mea­sure of his length imprinted on the earth, but quickly lea­ping on his feet, he had recouered his saddle before the Da­cian did returne vnto himselfe. Who in all his life before had not receaued a more stronger incounter, for hee lost his his bridle, and his stirropps, and had not his Ladie beene present that in such extremities, with newe fauors did re­uiue him, he had also lost his saddle: but valiantly hee sus­tayned himselfe, for the losse of his life in that presence were more honorable, then the leauing of his horse, hee returned [Page] praunsing with maiestike gate, till he approched his Ladie, and with exceeding ioy demaunded his shield, with a thou­sand thousand imbracements shee would haue giuen it, for she loued him as her soule: but she contēted her selfe be say­ing. Courage deare Prince for with so sure a faith tis easie to bare away the victory. With the noise of many Instru­ments, and high prayses wherewith the popularity celebra­ted the russett Knight Don Eleno with both sheeldes went where the famous Bembo had hung vp his, (in whose place) taking away that hee set his Ladies, leauing the Greeke Nobilitie of Lordes, and Ladies pensiue in guessing who both they might be. The angry Achayan at this time, cur­sing his vnhappie starres, prickt through the multitude: more then one derely did abie his rage. By this time a gal­lant knight had leapt into the Lists, yet in more despayring colours of any that day seene: for he was all in yellow, and blacke with some barres of a sad russet, on his shield he had a Ladie at whose feete himselfe lay all alonge, with this motto.

Vnto the Iousts there entred not a Knight of whome a more generall commiseration was had. The Prince of Hy­beria did deserue it, who for the loue of the Armenian Kings Daughter that bordered in this Confynes, extreamely lan­guished, being therefore constrayned to tread the steppes of Pilgrimage, through forraine lands, arryuing at length at Constantinople: hee was of high valour, and one of them that shewed himselfe a capitall enemie to Greece: his name was the vnfortunate Lindelfo. They met with the puissance of their armes: but what auailes it though [Page] the Dacian loose his raines, and hould by his horse necke, if at his turning he saw his aduersarie on the ground, though quickly he leapt into his saddle: he pittied him re­membring the time, when comfortlesse accompanied with nought but despaire to ease his torments, hee wandered through the world in that manner. So hee craued his pardon requesting him to accept him for a friend. Ge­nerally was the yellowe Knight esteamed for the braue encounter hee had made, and to ouerthrow him was alre­die iudged impossible, so furious & so lucky did the Louer raunge about the yarde.

A sudden rumour, buz'd through the place, with the entring into it of one of the gallantest Gyants in the vniuerse, and so loaden with fearefull weapons, that the farthest of yet thought himselfe within his armes. This was the courteous Brandafidell, bringing with him the beauteous Floralinda being himselfe clad in rich armour of a mingled Red and Greene, and garnished with many Lillies.

On his shield hee had figured a Tower, wherein a faire Ladie seemed to bee inclosed, himselfe standing at the Gate with that huge Mace: and about this de­uise were these wordes inrowled.

There was no [...]ady in all the place but w^t gret laughter applauded the gyants deuise, seing the inequalitie betwene the Lady and him. She was attired all in gro [...], cut vppon Red, blackt in such curious manner, as if it were some workemanshipp of Heauen. A thin sendall masked her face except the sparkling light of her twoo Sunnes, whose [Page] beames exceeded Phaebus raies: Euery one longed with de­sire to know what foolish Ladie that might be that so besto­wed her beautie on so deformed a Gyant. Forwards stept the courteous Pagan, and knowing him in the Russet to be Cousin to him he highly honored, was vnwilling in any thing to moue him, and so said, your admired valour (Sir knight) is so highly knowen that none dares hazard his re­putation on the breaking of a Launce against you: If I may intreat, suffer me to runne on with your Companion, rather to shew I am all in all yours, then otherwise to offend you. Well did the haughtie Matrone vnderstand it, and al­so the whole place heard what the Gyant had said, thereby more esteaming the Russet Knight. The Ioust did the Lady demaund of her beloued Lord, with feare ynough did hee giue it her, and his shield with his soule. None in all the place did mis-imagine of the knights hardinesse in the white though his companion seemed of a stronger constitution: But she that fetcht her Pedegree from Hercules, for a grea­ter matter did encourage her selfe, and so turning her Cour­ser with no lesse grace then her louer, they encountred with asmuch furie as the god of warre could haue done. Twas well for the Lady to hit the Gyant on the Beuer, and bea­ring her launce with the vtmost of her strength (which was equall to any) she strucke of his helme, from his head, the paine whereof made him loose his owne blow: no sooner had it fallen, but presently the three Princes knewe him.

There no longer lingred the gallant Brandafidell, but ta­king his leaue of the Ladie (leauing her in opinion of vali­ant) he went straight to the Theater, and leaping from his beast, he alighted the Ladie twixt his armes, most ioyfull to see her selfe before her lord Meridian all her deare Father. By her hand did the courteous Gyant lead her vp staires, til euerie one knowing who they were, seeing Rosicler rise (though very weake of his last battle) they did the like to accompanie him. Along past the gentle Brandafidell saying I am sorrie (most excellent Princesse) that bringing such [Page] company with me, to her will all the content be attributed, wherewith I am receaued: but I am glad of it, to bee in re­compence thereof discharged of my guaridng my Lady the Princesse Floralinda, deliuering her vnto y^e Scythian prince, for if he be the Meridian, I belieue he will not be displeased with the gift. By this time had she vnmasked her face, dis­couering a more fayrer one, then Apollos in the moneth of Maye. The Prince imbraced his espowse, vsing betwene them such ceremonies as is accustomed amonge those that like ioyes expected. With such furie behaueth her selfe, the Calidonian Matrone in the listes (swéete sollaces of Melan­choly hartes) that I cānot stand to rehearse these welcomes on all partes, I remit it to your sober considerations, for to repeate the manners of y^e gentle Brandafidell, what with e­uery one he did, and to euerye one did say were to inlarge with superfluous courtesies the breuitie of the Historie, & fall into that error I haue already condemned.

To be short, euery one returned to their places, except the old King of Macedonia who with the Emperors leaue, went thence w^t his Daughter to know what had befallen her in so lōg an absence. Only (swéet Ladies comforts of comfort­lesse soules) pitie Claridiano burning in the vnconsuming fier of loue, that with his Ladies coynesse added the fewell of discontent vnto the selfe norishing flames of y^e reasonlesse warre of rude confused thoughtes. The fauour of some smyling chance lightly in such accidents as these doth some­time leaue his contrarious maleuolence, and so fortune at this instant brought him to meet with the Queene of Lyra, y^t returned frō speaking to the Macedonian ladie, & no doubt but to see him so pensiue and for her sake shee became more milde.

She shewed it by these wordes, but with such a hang­ing downe of her eyes, that I knowe not what heart of A­damant could haue indured it. Verie gladly woulde I haue you tell mee (Prince of Grecia) the cause of your sorrowe, For I feare your euill doth proceede of Loue, [Page] yf so? and the Ladye bee amonge vs, and my selfe a­ble in anye thinge to fauour you, may I but know hee, and I will doe it in respect, I am so much indebted to your vncle Rosicler.

Most excellent Queene (answered the afflicted Lorde) my infirmitie is of such equalitie, that I knowe no re­medie for it, for to nominate the cause therof, is a newe torment to augment it. For that to doe so is certainelye to offende. This onelye doe I knowe that I feele the approching of a longe lingring death, and would yt make an end to come, Oh happie it, and I farre hap­pyer: For to whome his lyfe is a griefe, his death is a sweete remedye. I doe not doubt but the tormentes of paynefull passions which I suffer is well knowne to whom gouernes the powers of my alienated soule from my selfe, but the vnworthinesse of my merits doth withhold imme­rited fauour.

Shee replyed neuer a word for she was so free, that for the world shee woulde not haue had him been more playner in what shee already knewe: yet she remayned glad to see her selfe so ingratefull and to be more intire­ly loued, and so shee spake: why then goe with your Fa­ther to beholde the Iustes, for I will tarrie here with these our newe-come friendes. Neuer did Louer receaue such a blowe nor on any was such Iniunction imposed: swell did his heart beyonde his limits with so rygorous an an­swere that hee could not replye, nor knewe hee where hee was, imagining that her parting him from her wyth so straunge a disdayne, was the shutting of the doore against all comfort. With no such imaginations did the Lady sit to looke on the Iustes, and with no lesse glorie did Rosa­mond mayntaine them. So returning to the listes she sawe afore her a Knight in azure armor, crosse bard wyth yellowe, his deuise was iealously in her naturall lynamēts, with this Motto.

Euery one well noted the Iealous deuise of the Knight, & the grace wherwith he past forwards, till the theater where he did his dutie with more Maiestie then ioye: It not a lit­tle auailed her towards the Iustes (for this was Sarmacia y^e Troians loue) to looke aloft to the windowes, for there shee spyed her welbeloued Lord sitting next to the Emperor Al­phebo, and on the farther side the beauteous Floralinda in pleasing conuersation discoursing with her Meridian. She straight knewe that was the Ladie which had been cause of her griefe, her bigge heart coulde not indure it, but shee must aske the first shee mette, whom that Ladye & Knight were. Shee was answered the truth, whereat shee concea­ued exceeding ioye, becomming nowe penitent, for her rash mideeming, and opprobrious exclaimes, agaynst her Oristides. She could not imagine the hower when to speak with him to craue his pardon of what against him shee had breathed. She returned to the listes the ioyfullest aliue. I feare the gallant Rosamond wil be in some danger with her, for her purefied thoughts had to such manner incoraged her that all the place seemed too little to mayntaine her. At her approching the Calidonian Matrone with some see­ming choller sayd.

In fayth Sir Knight if from the sight of Ladies, you doe attract your strength you may already assure your selfe the victorie: though hauing so little daye, for the much that is to bee done, you might for this present haue deferd your sight, by shortening the beholders hopes.

There is not so little tyme (replyed the gallant Sar­macia) but will suffice to make you knowe the great de­ceipte that doth possesse you. Shee aunswered not (for her anger woulde not permit it) saue wyth turning of her [Page] horse she went where the launces were, and chose her selfe a strong and knottie one, and more swifter then any Au­tumne winde, loosing the raynes of her Courser she ranne against her aduersarie, who to méete her did the like. Fiue launces brake the Heroyke Ladies, ere aduantage was betwene them knowne.

At the Sixt (for the Iudges told them they might runne no more) with newe forces they seemed to incounter wyth such furie that their blowes made all the scaffoldes in the place tremble with the noyse. Her stirroppes and brydle lost our Rosamond, and was fayne with the vtmost of her strength to holde by her horse necke, which was a haynous matter to commit that fault before her deare Lorde, and so shee thought it, yet was shee glad, when turning about her Courser, shee saw her aduersarie on the grounde, who thoughe she had w^t some aduantage fallen yet her horse eleuating himselfe made her altogether loose the recouerie of her seate. The other celebrated her victo­rie with admired Maiestie prawnsing vpp and downe her furious Stéede.

The hawghtie Lyrian Quéene was out of patience to indure it, so fayning some sodaine quame, went to her lodging, and secretly arming her selfe, in a disguised habit and without company went out of the Cittie. She had not gone farre, when shee spyed comming towardes her three Knightes of gallant disposition, mightily mounted with them also came some Ladies. The manner of their trauell denoted them to bee of Royall courage. The war­like Ladye Archisilora with great courtesie stept to them with these wordes.

Sir Knights I shall accept it as no meane fauour that seeing they are twoo which mayntaines the Iustes, you would take me in your company, and though in mee there bee no merits to deserue it, your proper valours may coun­teruaile my wants. Braue sir (replyed one of them whose courtesie knewe no superior in the vniuerse) your gallant [Page] presence binds vs to graunt your request, for rather there­by we are they that receaue speciall honour with your soci­etie. This kinde reply highly pleased the Lady more then before esteeming the Knights for it. Then this, nothinge more illustrateth a Prince. Thus this messe of choise war­riors began to approch vnto the Citie, they delighting ex­ceedingly in the disguised Ladies conuersation, & shee most ioyfull, of their braue company. She discourst to thē the ac­cidents befallen in the Iustes, and howe it was thought y^e two present maintayners would winne the prizes, for their shewē valour witnessed no lesse, being thitherto, by none de­priued of y^e hope. Memorable matters about this time hap­pened. For to the place ware arriued two Knightes whose hawghty semblance drew on themselues the spectators eies. He on the right hand was all in a sanguine armor of finest rubies, intermingled with some greene Emeraldes y^e mag­nificentlye it adorned him. His deuise on his shield was a Knight and a Lady, that seemed to giue her portrayture vn­to her gallant, in whose exchange shee receaued his. A fayrer thinge was neuer seene, for being set with stones of inestimable value, & the Sunne reuerberating thereon it dazled euery eye. Betwene the two Louers was this poe­sie which seemed to proceede from the Ladie.

Euery one praised the Knights inscription iudging him for a perfect Louer, that for all he was assured of his Lady yet hee assigned himselfe to liue amongst all the ioalousest. The armes of his companion were to his in show and esti­mation nothing inferiour. They were of a deepe red flori­shed [Page] all ouer with many greene enameld flowers set with vnualuable stones: on his shield that was no lesse rich then the rest, in a greene fielde, was pictured the face of a moste beauteous Ladie, in such maner as if through certen trees he gazed on her, yeilding his libertie to her captiuitie at that sight, his word was.

Together past they their course till they came to the win­dowes, where they made their horses bend their knees to the ground, and they their heades lower then their saddle bowes.

None of all those Princesses but answeared them with like courtesie, iudging the Knights worthy of it. After they raysed themselues, the first they met was with the beaute­ous Floralinda, and Brandafidell that then newly came to her where they were and said, I would not (Soueraigne Princesse of Macedonia) now you see the carriage of your thoughts anchored in a quiet harbour secure from any more vnquiet stormes, haue it bee any cause to banish Brandafi­dell out of your remembrance: for as the seruice done to La­dies, brings with it on the perfourmance his recompence, so straight they shake him off, thinking they wrong them­selues with the very memorie of it. So euill was not your companie braue Brandafidell replyed the Princesse, that I shoulde forget howe well you executed the function of a Ladies keeper, binding not only my selfe but my Lord the Prince for it. In their soules reioyced her reputed Children to heare their chatte, yet they doubted that it was not so, supposing that being so their wise friend, Lupercio would haue suffitientlye resolued them of it, and not suffer that so openly they should publish themselues mortall foes vnto [Page] the Greeks, w^t this imagination they terminated all their desires rather to remaine enemies to Greece, then sonnes to Miridian: As in truth both they were being Don Celyn­do and Floraliza, that parting from the hawghtie Tynacri­an they arryued in the Cittie to make knowen their valour. They turned their horses to the listes against the maintay­ners, and the furious Lady thus sayd. The time is so short sir Knight to Iust considering how many expectes it, that I haue thought it good that in the open field (seeing wee are foure, two to two, we trie the fauour of the changing God­desse. For that matter as you please sir Knight (replyed y^e faire Rosamond) for we are onely here to performe what ere is demaunded vs. Now you see (sir Knight sayde Don Ce­lindo) that our Iusting being without the listes our battle of the swordes is not prohibited. Not far from thence was the gallant Eleno that not a little ioying thereat replyed. I perceaue (sir Knights) how by little and little you haue ex­prest to vs your mindes challenging vs with so many Cir­cumstances, which indeede were needelesse, for by plainely asking wee had made answered with going into the field. Great is the confidence you haue of your valour (sayde Don Celindo.) Not so much (replied Don Eleno) as is your pre­sumption, to demaund in triūphs what none else hath done. Nere them stood the braue Astorildo of Calidonia brother to Rosamond with Hercules shielde, for onely foure were so good in the place. The Ladie knewe him well, for the heate had made him lift vppe his Beuer. And so because she would not take hers from whence it was, she demaun­ded the Iudges if according to the Greeke lawes, she might require a shield before the beginning of any particuler quar­rell? who answering shee might, made no more a doe but went to her brother and in her language said. May it please you braue Prince to lend me your shield, for w^t such a fauor I doe not doubt, but my enterprize will haue a happie ende. As hee spake it in her language and somewhat highe, the [Page] gallant Astorildo thought it was his sister, and in this doubt with great liberalitie he gaue it her saying. All my armor weapons and my selfe Sir knight are for euer at your com­maund, for your voice bindes me to more then this: and in faith it gets immortall honor by the change: without more ceremonies the Ladie humbled her selfe, yet said that after the Iusts she would speake with him which was a verefy­ing of his doubt. From him went the beauteous Ladie re­deliuering to her Lord his owne shield. If at anye time (faire Mistresse, to whome my soule hath vowed perpetu­all obedience) I had extreame need of your fauoures, it is the present wherein my Fortune hath put me in to describe such famous Iusts as in Constantines great Citie happe­ned. None stirred, with dumbe silence euery one expected the end of the swift Carrier of the Foure Worthies. Here Fortune seemed to fauoure Don Celindo, that séeing hee should loose by the match it might be at Rosamonds hands that with more furie then the fierie Comet renteth the clowdes she met him. In the place was not thetherto heard a greater noise then in their closure they made, breaking their launces with such ease as if they were of Canes, and so knockt each other with their shieldes and helmes. On the ground out of his saddle did Don Cellindo finde himselfe with the bridle in his hand, with more remembraunce, (though on foote) then the Ladie had on horse backe: for houlding by his necke hauing lost both raynes and stirrops, he past forward with such furie, that it was a wonder he did not leape out of the Lists: she recouered her selfe astonished at the mightie blowe, a greater than it was not giuen in all the Iusts. Euerie one agreed in the strength of the aduen­turers: But the praises wherewith the popularitie exalted the twoo Louers, may not easilie be credited: For the braue Dacian with incomparable strength encountred the Lady in the middest of her amorous breast: he did not wound her, for that honor was only reserued for Cupid to triumph ouer her captiue life: yet he met her with such rigor, that he fet­ched [Page] her frō her seate cleane ouer her Coursers backe, which guided by the bridle threwe her on the earth, with slow pa­ces did the Prince of Dacia passe along without stirroppes: And Lirgandeo sayth that till hee well returned to himselfe, he did not recouer them. There was nothing could be heard in all the place, for the noise of millitarie Instruments: till the comming of a companie of Ladies and Knightes y^e gaue occasion to enioy the sight of their gallant presence. They were to y^e number of 12 Ladies all apparelled in gréen Vel­uet, ymbroydered with gold twist vpon red Taffata, braue­ly mounted on white palfraies, and their faces masked. In the middle of them came a Ladie whose disposition denoted her to be commandresse of the others, as the rest, she had w^t a vaile couered her Angelicall face, her habit was of Crim­son with many Hartechokes imbost with stones of infinite estimation, her attire was of the Egiptian manner with many foldes concluding in two ends, which fell ouer either shoulder. A mantle of Purple ueluet shee wore lyued with Salamander skinnes, whose facing was imbroydered wyth many Thousand rich Orient pearles. With them came 4 Knights whose constitution admired the beholders. Arry­uing, two by two they past their course with such Maiestie, that there was none but wisht them the prizes of the Iusts. Of the first two hee on the right hande, that séemed of more strength, was all in armor quartered in gréene and azure with many stones that marueilously adorned it. In y^e mid­dle of his shield was set the picture of Amitie, as in antient times she was paynted in forme of thrée Ladies, her in the middle all naked, and shee on the right side, halfe couered, and the other altogether, with this word.

To be no lesse gallant, then amiable did the Knight ma­nifest [Page] himselfe, for hee was that Gracious Oristoldo Prince of Annoch: the other was the valiant Tartarian Zoylo whose armes were of an Indian colour with starres of gold and on his shield the Image of distrust with this Motto.

They went vnto the Ladies standing, giuing the lysts to the flower of armes and beautie, Rosabell and the faire Ar­chisilora Quéene of Lyra. The hawghtie youth had on the best armor of the world of cleane fine tempered stéele, grauen with flowers of diuers colours made with precious stones in such artificiall manner that no hart could more desire. In azure field vpon his shield was portrayed a fierie Chariot, and within it a Ladie, who carried away perforce stretched foorth her arme vnto a Knight that stood on a bancke vppon the Sea Coast, that he should succour her, with this inscrip­tion on his behalfe.

The warlyke Matrone was in Carnation and gréene armour with many gallant workes. In the middle of her shielde was onely a faire white hand wrapt in this word.

They turned about prawnsing till they came vnder the [Page] windowes where the Prince Rosicler with his deare Oliuia sat: to whom (at what time they bewailed the losse of their Sonne) they made a lowe obeysance, and the Sonne to his Father thus began. So little it is since our company hath arryued in his Countrey (most excellent Prince) that it knowes not the conditions of the Iustes: And so for that I haue farre frō hence seene you, and so long acknowledged you for my Lord vnto the death I doe beséech you to tell vs what herein is wonne or lost. The voice that was impres­sed in his soule the Gréeke séemed to remember, & therefore with some alteration he made answere. These tryumphes (gracious Knight) are to please y^e Ladies, for their gallants doe delight to hazarde their liues in of celebrating their gallantnesse: And so may you Iust, though I am sure your valour will want matter to extend it selfe vpon intrea­ting you that ere you depart, you will speake vnto mee, for I beléeue we haue in some place been alone with some con­tent. He bowed his head, signe that he would obay, and so returned with his companiō, leauing the Prince telling his Lady what had happened with him: who with infinit sobs and sighes prayed God he might be their lost Sonne. What befell, the next Chapter shall relate, for I feare in this I shalbe condemned of prolixitie.

CHAP. XVI. The cruell battle betweene Rosabell and Archisilora with the two hawghtie Louers. The end thereof with the knowledge of them all.

ALthough y^e Rodiant heauenly harnest téeme, had almost ended his dayly goldē progresse in the West: yet to enioy the battle of the foure most famousest in arms, he staied his fiery horses turning their proud vnbridled heads towardes y^e place of Greece, which [Page] at this time according to the ecchoing noise therein it semed some generall battle was fought, for the vulgar comunalty affecting y^e new aduēturers w^t confused voyces made doubt­full the combates successe. I shall not néede (swéete Ladies) to pray your attentiō, for this war being for beauty, I shold not perswade you to it: yet being néedy in witt, and hauing none, but with laborious toyle. Whats drawen frō the flo­wing current of your fauors I must still implore it, without which in a swéet & pleasant stile ill canne I paynt forthwith wordes, such amorous, (though rigorous) blowes as heere were giuen. The two warlike louers opposed themselues in their Carrier while the Mirror of beauty & her cōpanion did the like. They prickt forth swifter then an aierie thought. None mist the incounters, for rather they were made with more horror, then the roaring Baseliskes do make. They passe (shiuering their launces in a thousand pieces) by each other, with such grace, that loue himselfe they inamored; setting downe also principles of war, for y^e mighty God of battles, which he semed not to disdaine euen in his fift throne. They turned about, but with such fury that the farthest remooued looker on trembled at the view. They drewe foorth the best blades in the world, & the two louers closed to wound each other, but there swords frō their armor reboūded vpwards. Their dexteritie inwards disliked them, supposing it impai­red their valour, so they seconded their blows w^t such wrath that their heads kist their saddle bowes. Longer had y^e Da­cian vsed his weapons, and was by nature couragious: but the gallant Britanian youth admits no comparatiue, for al y^e place admired his ligeritie. Againe they ioyned, astonished that their swords did not cut. Aloft offered the Greeke his blow hauing an eye still at his ayme, & as his strength was exceeding in the middest of his race he stayed, turning it in­wards, and discharging it, he made him sée a number num­berlesse of stars doubling him vpon his horse back. At large on his brest he gaue him another, that had not Brutus armor defended him hee had inlarged his imprisoned soule. A raue­ning [Page] Tygre nor angred Lyon depriued of his pray, was ne­uer seen more furious then the Dacian did become, and find­ing his enemie neere hee let flie at him twoo thrustes one after another that they left him breathlesse, they guyrded hym so sorylie hee had not executed them, when casting a­side his shielde, on the side of his helme hee gaue him such a counterbuffe, that it made him turne his head more then he willingly woulde haue done. Of a long time had not Greece been witnesse to a fiercer combate, for the hastening of their blowes, their warding, assaulting, and retires, a larger Chapter doe require. Giue me leaue (swéete La­dies) to tell you what passed betweene the twoo Matrones who like mountaine Lyonesses the one against the other re­turned with their raised swords. Little gets the Quéene of Lyra, for Rosamond weares y^e best arms & weapōs in y^e vni­uerse, for which cause she cut away al her plumed top, with halfe of her stéeled circuit, and a peece of her shielde. Better did she not speed, with the blowe she receaued, for voyding much blood through her visor she cast her ouer her horse croo­per: she seconded another when she would rise with no lesse force, she had no other remedie but outwards to put foorth her shield whereon it lighted, being a wonder she let it not fall so tormented remained her arme. Shee entred againe with a point, which Rosamond extreamely felt, so sure was her reuenge that ere she retired, she strucke her on the side of the helme, she somewhat slackned her arme, for else she had mortally wounded her, but to the cruell swoord the hardest steele seemes softest waxe. The imperious guider of the highest Orbes protected them to be instruments of his mi­racles in defence of his afflicted people, for else with a­thrust the Gallidonian let fly, she had ended that businesse. On the out side she cut away all the harnesse vnder the arme making the furious blade appeare on the other part. All the place had thought her to be slaine, the like imagined Rosa­mond: whereupon spurring her Courser, shee would haue parted without payment, but she thought it too late: for the [Page] Quéene séeing her chance, and amazed at the cutting edge of her aduersaries sword, with all her strength she gaue her a blow that made her make a thousand signes of falling, and altogether she had ouerthrowne her but that she feared the cruell slicing blade. She procured to helpe her selfe with her dexteritie: but it little auailes her, for though the Cali­donian Ladie be short winded, & her face within her helme besmeared with blood: yet euery time she reacht her, she cut both the armour and the most fairest skinne that the world did know. O Claridiano, who should approch thee with such newes, that the blood which thou most adorest doth enamell the smallest grasse? Ouerwhelmed in the studie of confused thoughts was the Loue-burning youth, to see with what crueltie hee was entreated by his Ladie, that hee neither heard, nor saw what in the field was done. Hard by him sat the beauteous English Artemisa, who seeing him in such pensiuenes pluckt him by the arme with these wordes, why how now (excellent Prince) is it possible there should be a­ny loue should so estrange you? if you please to participate your greefe with me, receauing it to ease you therof, it will be my content: and in faith it is no small paine what I con­ceaue to sée you in these passions. As frō a slepe newly awa­ked, did the afflicted youth looke vp, and hearing what that beauteous Lady had offered, made this replie. I doe most humblie kisse your Soueraigne handes (most Soueraigne Princesse) for the fauour done me, in pittying what I in­dure, yet is it but a small comfort: for in the strangest ma­ner hath crueltie plaste it selfe (to my more plague) in our place, and my thoughts in another laboured in their stri­uing dutie (setting apart all other things) to procure at once one death, a momentarie remedie for a long and pain [...]full life. Why then be assured (said the Lady) that this frensie of Loue is made gentle being tollerated, and communica­ted with one that will, like my selfe ridde you of it. In all things (replied the woefull Louer, hath Fortune fauoured me, animating my weakenes by so on high sublimating my [Page] hopes: only it hath giuen me as a Crosse to this glorie the greatest euill that could be, séeing I am comaunded & bound by a constant faith, to reueale my griefes to none. I féele it though well considered, it is my peace: For discouering the cause thereof, the present answere canne be no other, then that my torments are too easie waighed with her merites. So haue I chose in my bargaine, to suffer and be silent al­though your noble offer shall not want his due regard in the duties of my loue: why then (said the Ladie) I shall not a­nye more neede to importune you about the procéeder of your griefes. But for this tyme leaue wee it to looke on the battaile of you foure Knights, for valianter y^e earth doth not containe. Your highnes hath reason for it (replyed he) for they that are newe come especially he of the flowers is the soonest in assaulting, that I haue seene, and it be­hooues him combating with a Knight that so warylie maks his battle, as hee in the Russet: And beléeue me I would gladly knowe his companion whose armor doth assure him what the others strenghth cannot loose. Frō this were they interrupted: for Rosabell thinking it towardise that a bat­tle shoulde so longe last in presence of his Fathers, lyke stormes of hayle threwe his blowes vppon his aduersarie, which breathlesse made him almost goe vp and downe. A wrastling would the Dacian verie faine haue been at, think­ing thereby to get more aduantage: but the Gréeke that per­ceaued his intent suffered him to enter, and in his closing, with all his strength thrust at him betweene the ioynts of his armes harnesse, he wounded him, and with a litle more he had toucht the harts side, but turning about he cast it outwards, and becomming more fierce then a Bazeliske, casting his shield at his backe, with his handes he moun­ted his sword and discharged it on the Burgonet of Lirianas gallant louer, it strucke him sencelesse vpon his horse, filling his helme full of blood which ran frō his Beuer & nostrels. A better blow was not giuen in all y^e battle. Well was it no­ted by y^e gallant Quéene, that not a litle affected y^e knight of [Page] the Flowers both for his valour and courtesie. She would needes helpe him, so driuing Rosamond with a point apart sideling with her horse shee assaulted Don Eleno to wound him. She got little by it, for the Dacian was nimbler, and stronger than shee, and mounted on that Courser, it was nothing to make her bow vnto his brest with the blowe hee gaue her at her entring: and as she arose (he still hauing the sword between his hands) did let it flie at her: the powers of heauen defended her, for else (so rigorous was the blow) she had been parted in two. All the corner of the shéeld was struck away, he wounded her on the shoulder, and cut the great band of her helme, with part of her necke péece, and made her tremble like an aspen leafe. Then arriued the Callidonian Ladie, and betweene them they hadde surely slaine her: but she staied her sword thinking it cowardise to offend any with aduantage. By this was the furious youth come to himselfe making against them. Before him stept the Lady, but with him shee could get nothing, for in all thinges they were vnequall: he let flye at the toppe of her burgonet such a blow, that she thought she sawe the starrie firmament. Like to a rauening Tygre she raysed her aunti­ent sword, whose inchauntment being made long afore any other, there is no defence in Hectors shield, for a peece ther­of she cast to the earth. She came with another at his head, he warded it fearing the swoord, else had he fared ill, neuer­thelesse it extreamely opprest him. In himselfe was not the amorous Lord séeing so mightie enemies: impatient is hee of delaie, his shield he hurles at his backe, and with both handes hee reacht her, (though not at full) vppon her rich helme, it, next to the deuine powers saued her life, for to the saddle bowes it had otherwise diuided her: without sence or féeling it cast her vppon them, voyding infinite a­boundance of bloode through her helme, and was carried a­way about the field on her horse. O Don Eleno what didst thou féele, seing the thing thou most louedst in the world in such danger? Against Oliuias sonne he cast himselfe who [Page] trusting to his Bollador stayed to receaue him, but hee mett with the Dacians Tyrio that almost had ouerthrowne them both, he made him set his buttocks on the ground. The va­lour and admirable bountie of the warriors had suspended the iudgment of euery one, not knowing on whether part to decline, not daring so much as mutter, fearing to loose the sight of some notable blowe that might be giuen. When y^e furious Callidonian Dame, recouered her selfe shee woulde haue confronted him that had indangered her. Shee left yt doubting to displease her beloued Lord. And therefore shee turned all her wrathfull furie on the famous Quéene of Ly­ra: who seing her come, did not leaue to expect her w^t some doubt of her accursed blade. She came with such eagernes that her blowe was not worthy the giuing, but rather the Quéene vnwilling to loose that occasion, as shee past with both handes layde at her shoulder. Twas a good blow for the end, because it cut all the buckles of her helme on y^e syde. She returned ashamed to haue mist her stroake, and with­all her force with more aduise strucke at her shield. Tis no defence against the cutting swoord, for cleane a sunder yt was dyuided, doing the like with the pointe on her brest, a little wounding her arme. From her did y^e warlike Quéene cast the remaynder of her shield, and discharged the fury of her armes on her helme which at one side loose. So much it wayghed downe on the other, that she strucke it, from her head couering the white armour, of her more whiter shoul­ders with goulden tramells of Amber haire. More fayrer lookes not Apollo when hee beautifies the world with the Easterne vprise in y^e morne, or in his pride within his mid­day course, thē did y^e lady seme without her precious helme. All the field was in an vproare to sée so faire a Lady and so valiant.

It not grieued her to be without helme, for with both handes shee strucke the Quéene on her visor. It made her a small wound, but the payne was greater, which gaue Rosamond leaue as swift as an Eagle to close with [Page] her and with great strength and spéed snatcht at hers, that when she awaked she was without it, amazed to see them­selues in that manner. Euery one applauded with praises the Ladies battaile who afeard to hurte one another helde themselues fast imbraced with their armes, that I knowe not what hart would not ioy to be bound with such gyues. The Combatants were astonished at the successe, but Rosa­bell most of all with the sight of Rosamond, thinking he loo­ked on his deare Liriana: either of them woulde goe to aid his partener, but the Dacian that was assured of his Ladies strength, disturbed him from it by casting his armes about his necke: euery one that was looking from the windowes, descended. O Claridiano from the toppe of the scaffold to the ground didst thou thinke it a long iourney? with a sudden amazement did the sight of his Ladie assault him, and seing her in that danger, the swiftnes of a towring Faulcon is slow to his, for not knowing what he did, with a leape hee iumpt downe to the ground, making no kinde of sinister motion thereat, which admired both Ladies and beholders, and went straight to the warlike Matrones. Well did Ro­sabell note it, iudging it for a strange acte. By this was the Nobilitie coming to them, so the Quéene of Lyra seing the Emperour, said, for this time faire Ladie, canne wee not end our battaile: but we shall not want another time to doe it. When you will (replied Rosamond) for it is no rea­son we should thus longer continue, you being knowen in Court: so they demaunded their helmes of some that were by, and went to the Knights intreating them to giue ouer, which they presently accorded to. The Emperour then ar­riued: for Claridiano, hauing bethought him on what hee had done, was rather sorey for it, and that it should not be noted he went to Don Eleno, his beautie both the Dacian and Rosabell admired, whome he intreated to leaue the battaile. Seing our friends haue so done (braue Sir re­plied Rosabell) we cannot but heere make an end.

They went straight to the Emperour that imbraced Ar­chisilora [Page] with such woordes. In faith (gallant Ladie) I shall neuer cease my complaintes of you, séeing in my pre­sence you hazarded your deare person in such manifest per­rill.

There is none (most mightie Monarch replyed shee) Combating with so haughtie a Dame, whose blowes pro­ceeding from her handes, were easie to be suffered. Let vs knowe who she is (said the Emperour,) for I hope she will not so wrong vs, as to goe away without spea­kinge. By that time all the rest came thither accompa­ning of Claridiano: Being neere together Don Eleno put­ting off his Helme went to the Emperour, and on his knees prostrated said.

I haue (most mightie Monarch) so feared to fall into your disgrace, that I must (ere I am commaunded) be­seech your pardon, and also intreate your Highnes to ac­cept and commaund mee as one of your owne Sonnes: presentlie did the Grand Trebatio knowe him, and ten­derly with more than an Vncles loue imbracing and ta­king him vppe, said: Considering how you angred mee (good Couze) in the Kingdome of Cimarra, it were not much I shoulde continue so still: But you haue so well salued it, with honouring at this time our Court, both you and your companion, that a farre greater fault then that should be forgiuen you.

I beseech your Maiestie (sayde hee) to speake vnto the Princesse of Callidonia, that is here present. So soone as he had so sayde she had vnlaced her helme, knéeling before him to require the kissing of his handes. The Emperour would not consent it, but doing her like courtesie said.

She that hath them so admirable (Soueraigne Lady) ought of duetie require this of all the earth: For thys honour that my Court receaueth could not come from no other. A content hath this been so great, which (for it will be) I would haue Fortune water it but with some smal [Page] discontent, though I feare she will not respect it. But let vs to the Empresse, for shee must not loose what the Hea­uens haue sent vs. Euen where you will I in all thinges obay your commaund. So they began to march towardes the Theater, where by the way the two Ladies, receaued each other as befitted their Royalties, and hand in hand w^t ­out their helmes they followed the Emperor. Great vary­aunce was amonge the popularitie whether of the Dames were fayrest. Many inclined to Rosamond, for being som­thing younger a naturall white and red seemed more to flo­rish on her, but the Queenes graue perfections bewitched euery vnderstanding. Thitherto had not Rosabell put of his helme, though excéeding glad to sée that great Emperour, whome he accompted his Grande-father. By that was Ro­sicler come, yet somewhat weake, who thinking him to bee his deare Sonne thus sayd.

Now is the time (sir Knight) you must performe the pro­mise you made me, to speake to vs ere you departed, I am (answered he) and will be alwaies most ready to obay you (most excellent Prince) but yonder stands the Knight (poin­ting to the Tartare ouer-ioyed to se his friends) to whome I gaue my word not to vnlace my helme, vnlesse it be in pre­sence of all the Court, for he will haue it so to doe the like. Be it so (replyed the Father of the supposed Sonne) for here will we all onely procure your content. Straight went they to the Royall pallace that stoode not farre from thence, first agréeing that the prizes of the Iustes shoulde remaine at the two Ladies disposing. They for Rosilueras sake, be­stowed them on the Ladies that in the beginning were fa­uorers of the Tryumphes they were Claridiana, Oliuia, Rosiluera, and Artemisa.

This decrée was with admiration applauded, and with the noyse of all sortes of Musicke they were all cōuayde out of the place. Being arryued in the great Hall their receauinges beganne anewe whose prolixitie doth not Lir­gandeo set downe nor what past among the Ladies with [Page] their newe come guest, most of whome remayned enuious of her beautie. So when they were all quyet, the three newe and faythfull friendes, Rosabell the Tartare, and O­ristoldo with the beauteous Tigliaffa, went towardes the Emperour, and their dueties done, Lirianas couragious lo­uer thus began.

Comming some fewe dayes since (most mighty Monarch) vnto thy Court through fame of her greatnesse, From far Countries, my Fortune brought mee vnto an inchaun­ment where the Ladye, and Knight (meaning the Tar­tare) were, bereaued of their naturall powers, I indea­uored with the vtmost of my power, (though in the ven­ture I shoulde loose my selfe) to procure his libertie. In the ende it pleased the Gods, that I (yet with some la­bour) should enfranchize them, hauing done, I intrea­ted thē to tell me who they were. They answered, that yf they should, I being of such remoted parts could not know them, neuerthelesse they promised to doe it here in thy pre­sence. In recompence whereof I offered them my compa­nie: and seing we are arryued to this passe, may it please thy mightinesse I may (by thy commaunde) knowe them, for I must without delay depart. Here the gallant youth ended together with his awefull duetie, expecting the Em­perours answere, who contented with the Knightes be­hauiour, replyed. Hee that hath receaued so great good worke at your handes (sir Knight) will not so ill satisfie you as deny you who he is.

No in faith (answered the Tartare) for he that so greatly is indebted as my selfe, with hazarding my life I doe desire to acknowledge the beginning of my gratitude. Alreadie was the Ladie vnmasked, and the three valiant warri­ours without helmes: Besides himselfe was the Emperour séeing the Tartare louing him as any of his sonns, he imbra­ced him shedding some teares of ioy, and said, Braue Prince the Traytor that kept you so long from vs, did nothing loue you as I doe. The Emperour was not suffered to speake [Page] any more for all the rest rose to welcome the Tartare. Oh who might expresse without some note of tediousnesse, what Oliuia did with Rosabell. Twas long since she saw him euen since she was deliuered of him: but scarce he had doft his helme when she knewe him rising swifter then an Eagle to imbrace him, and spake without respect of her grauetie.

Oh deare, deare Sonne the procéeder of my most deare hearts bloode, may it bee that on this daye such happinesse was allotted mee: Euerye one thereat were amazed till Rosicler declared it to them. Agayne began their kindnes, which were no lesse with Oristoldo. The Gréeke Empe­rour that sawe such a Nephewe, cloyde with ioye tooke him about the necke and kist him on the right chéeke, hee was not more glad when he knew Claridiano. Their con­tent was greatly increased, by the hawghtie Lysarte and his Sonnes discouering of themselues to the three Princes, that wonderfully ioyed to see them, without were the two disguised Ladies. And Roselia seing Don Eleno in cōpany of so braue a Dame presently dispayred of her hope, and would returne vnto her Fathers Court. But a better meanes then this did Nabato ordaine, as shalbe sayd. By reason of these newe guestes the wofull Prince Claridiano had occa­sion thus to speake to his Mistres.

Nothing amisse did your soueraigne beautie, most ex­cellent Queene, seeing the cowardise of the Knightes, to maintayne your owne beautie: but being so sure of the ad­uantage you had no neede to take your weapons. She re­plyed. I would not (Prince of Greece) haue you take that for an excuse, to couer the remissenes of the gallantes of this Court, that haue shewen it so great, and since they haue done it tis well, for the Ladies may liue without care to redresse their woes suffering them to languish, seing they are content to bee so negligent and forgetfull, especially in busines that so greatly concerned them. They cannot choose (deuine Princesse) but by their carelessenes incur [...]e some [Page] fault and thereby merit some disfauour: answered the feare­full Prince: Neuerthelesse, had any of them béen comman­ded to it, no doubt but some would haue ioyed to spill their dearest lyfe vnder that behest. That (sayde shee) had not been meritorious, For the Ladye requiring it shee shoulde buy it at too high a rate. The haughtie Archisilora saw him amazed, so she went to chat with Rosamond, whome shee greatly affected, leauing the Prince in an obscure darknes, whose maladie séemed dayly more and more to increase, by the fading of his hopes. In his pensiues leaue wee him a while, to giue some ease vnto an easelesse spirit, that wyth fresh courage it may set downe in y^e next Chapter what far­ther happened.

CHAP. XVII. What happened in Court amonge the Princes: and how Don Eleno departed, with other successes.

WIth some content it may bee, (your perfec­tions swéete beauties Mirrors) haue with patience borne the bloody Iustes of Grecia: And the cause of them being a iealous pas­sion, there is none, that knowing howe good it is to bee estranged from himselfe, should rest discontented: For that affection fixed in a con­stant brest, cannot bee called Loue, vnlesse dispising all other fayrenesse, it onely accompteth of his imployment, imagining that if there bee any happinesse on earth, tis that he soly doth adore.

This conceipte hadde bereft the Greeke Prince of his best sences, seeing the coynesse and with what disdaine Archisilora vsed him, intertayning all other gallantes in the Courte wyth farre greater signes of affection, then him.

[Page]This was occasion to put him in no other state thē that he was in, for as his thoughts were his only comforters, & they imployed in such high contemplations, he brought the fortunes of his loue to that passe, that he manifested appa­rant tokens of the same, loosing the roseat colour of his face, shunning the conuersation of all his friends & kinsfolkes, who in nothing more than in pastimes busied themselues. All the Court did note it, and some that would shew them­selues his friends, required of him the cause of his discon­tent: he denied it to them all, for none loued with more se­crecie. A deede most meritorious for his Ladie to fauoure him: But she was so free, that to continue it, (for all shee loued him as her selfe) she would neuer let him know it, and so thence forwardes, the opportunitie that occasion appoin­ted him she would disappoint, by choosing foorth some other companie, which was a new kinde of tormenting martir­dome for the afflicted Prince. He tooke counsell, (vnable longer to dissemble) with the Countie of Acantos sonne, a youth wittie and discreet called Palisandro, to whome he dis­closed his griefes, whose repetition séemed to encrease them: his squire comforted him the best he could, saying how in that age it was so common to be alienated that to be so, meanes was found therein to suffer any crosse, and willed him to consider, w^t what troubles his Father had loued not noly to his cost, but of al Greeces, & that he shold know there could be no pleasure, with a desired end, vnles the meanes thereto were difficult and vnpleasant, for they are the re­ward of the thing procured, making the end to be esteamed according to their value. Tis true good Palisandro (answea­red the Prince) yet thou knowest with what sinceritie my Father was beloued: And being the cause of such bloodie & cruell warres in Grecia, yet knew he not what it was to be in the Empresse my mothers disgrace: And I am sure, should I demaund her for my wife, my Lord the Emperour being a mediator, I should not be denied her: But there are a thousand incōueniences and all to defame my Fame, [Page] and stayne the honor and reputation of my hopes, for it wil presently be sayd, that the feare to attaine vnto the winter of my deedes to recoumpt an haruest of honourable actes, & accomplisht aduētures, hath daūted y^e nonage of my glory, & mixt the springing of my yeres with ignoble slothfulnesse: & therefore since I must loue giue me some remedie to quyet my thoughts be it but in disguise or fayned.

I finde none other (sayd the Page) but that you wryte, for when she sées by experience how constantly she is loued, she cannot be so cruell, but will be moued, reading vnder so firme a firme, what the soule hath most firme. Oh Palisan­dro (replyed he) who may write, being thus with woes tor­mented, vnles hee should set downe he knoweth not what. Tis that (sayd the Page (which must with effect speake in your behalfe, besides there is no carelessenes betwene louers but procéedes of care, well, seing tis so (spake the Gréeke) how wilt thou conuay it to her? I shall (sayd hee) want no good occasion for the deliuery in the Court. So they went to write, with more feare in the louer then if hee went to com­bate with his father. The page tooke the letter promising to deliuer it in her owne hands, though hee indāgered his life therby, fortune gaue him leaue to do it (oh if she would effect as she giues occasion none would euer complaine of her:) For Rosamond and she being at a windowe that looked to the Sea discoursing of loue, (though Don Elenos were alrea­dy knowen:) yet the Quéene delighted with the newe ma­ner of woing in Calidonia. Sometimes in their talke wold they stumble on the gallant Prince, whose qualities the Princesse praysed aboue the skies without suspition of any thing else, and sayd. I doe not doubt (sweete Quéene) but some absent loues, doe make him thus to languish, for his sodaine change in so few dayes, cannot come from any thing else. Euery time (deare Princesse replyed the Quéene) that gallants will seeme so, their Ladies are not bound to fa­uour them to their honours costs, though they greatly loue. Then Rosamond, neuer did any liue by louing that woulde [Page] not remedie the thing loued seing it languish in paine: for herein is the tryall of loue, not to consent the languishing of the thinge loued, although the louer in that remedie doe a Thousand times indanger his life. And considering your highnesse words, I now estéeme the Gréeke Ladies as cru­ell as they are beautifull, for on that ground they built their crueltie, a thinge, that so much blemisheth the noblenesse y^e adornes them. Tis not so much (answered the Quéene) as is their small sufferance to dissemble their Ladies coynesse. Then the wary Palisandro caused to passe that waye, with slowe paces because he might be seene, who straight know­ing him they called, to whom Rosamond spake..

Come hither gentle Page, it hath been told vs that your Lord Prince Claridiano wil absent himselfe from Court, be­cause he cannot brooke so long absence: and truly hee doth well, if he thinke the sight of his Ladie will adde more con­tent vnto his thoughts, then now he sheweth heere, flying from vs all, publishing he liues best in solitude. Of his de­parture I knowe nothing (answered Palisandro) sauing of his woes, as he that dayly receaueth them no lesse to see how he pines away: and I dare well affirme no Knight e­uer loued with a more constant faith, nor none intreated w^t more crueltie a thing that would haue mooued a Tygre to pittie: and so I thinke, yf the Ladye continue in her rygor, we shall very shortly see him dead.

Oh God forfend it (sayd the dissembling Quéene) but tell me, hath not he manifested to his Lady the sorrow & payne that norishes him. His eyes (replyed he) are they that speak by signes. Why then (sayde Rosamond) shee is in Gréece that is cause of his maladie. So farre as I haue spoke (re­plyed he) knowe I of his departure, life and loues: for hee would not wrong his Lady as to tell me her name, or who she is. In faith (answered the Princesse) yf his loues agrée with his outward effectes he is iniustly vsed.

There is no doubt thereof (sayd he) for what the face ex­presseth, procéedes from the aboundance that is inclosed in [Page] a little corner of his brest, that yeildes assurance of the ouer­much the soule indures. Thy Lord will loose nothing (sayd the Quéene) by aggrauating the little he doth suffer. Then he, I am so fearefull (most excellent Quéene) of his life, y^t I cannot but acquaint euery one with his discontent, which hath not been to small effect since it is a meanes to moue his Soueraigne Princesse to pittie him.

They could no lōger talk for the Empresse Briana called thē. As they past they being so nigh, the bould Page thrust y^e let­ter into the Queenes hand. She could not choose but take it, least the Princesse should perceaue it seing her somewhat moued. Shee presently procured to withdrawe into her Chamber, not to read it, for a Thousand times shee was a­bout to rent it, without seing the contents: but considering it was no salue for the euill done, she opened it, whose effect was thus.

This Letter amazed euery one, for Don Eleno tould thē who he was, and seing with what spéed he was commaun­ded away he went to his chamber, where his Ladie helpt him on with his rich armour with many millions of sighes bewayling her Loues departure: she tould him softly shee was with Childe, which newes nothing discontented the Dacian, but rather said it therefore befitted her to stay in his Vncles Court. They brought him his swift Tirio, and the Dwarfe gaue him his shield bidding him take none other, he would suffer none to goe with him out of the Citie: he in­treated the Emperour to eare for his Rosamond, who estea­med her as his daughter, for the great loue hee bare to the Dacian. Arryuing at the sea he found his inchanted Barke, whereinto he leapt, which with his accustomed velocitie be­gan to rent the waues. where we must leaue him to shew what happened in Constantinople.

CHAP. XVIII. Howe one night the Greeke Prince diguised, absented himselfe from the Court: and what else happened.

WIth great care (sweete Mistres of beauty) leaft wee the faire Queene of Lyra, to deliuer her angry Letter to him shee most loues. Pre­sently [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] shall she bewaile with eternall teares, (and yet shall it bee no comfort to her) the rash resolution she had to write so seuerely, being assured with what faith she was beloued. Shee mist not occasion, for the carefull Palisandro quickly crost the hall: shee called him saying. Good Squire I be­léeue you erred in deliuering your letter, for it was written to some other Lady: So I bring it you againe, that she may not loose what from the same doth procéede, he well percea­ued the drift, and therefore answered. Why then most ex­cellent Quéene, I haue committed the greatest fault in the world, publishing the secrets of my Lord the Prince. There is no such fault for though I knowe his loues I will keepe them secret: and as for the rest neither thou nor hee hast lost any thinge with me, for tis verye common in his youth to ymploy it in some Ladies seruice.

She would staye no longer, because of them that too and fro did passe, which pleased the Page thinking hee carried good newes vnto his Lord: hee found him in his Chamber for he went not from him, and sayd. That you may know with what affection your matters are handled, reade this Letter, written with your Ladies hande, hee tooke it, and whyle he ouerpast the feare of reading a thing so doubt­full with attention heard all that happened betwene y^e two Ladies: at length he rent open the seales, and a Thousand times kissing the firme, the contents were these.

Out of his hand did the woefull Prince let the Letter fail: with a thousand cries would he publish his griefe, but hee feared to be heard: he would not suppe, but lay tossing on his bedde till the middle of the night were past, which he wasted with teares, & then called he for Palisandro to helpe him on with his armour, and to make his horse readie: hee did it, not demanding him the cause thereof, because he saw him so discontēted, he requested him to stay in Constantino­ple with his Father, for he would guerdon his good seruice towards him: to no other thing then this would the Prince be perswaded. So he tooke his Iourney through those de­sert woodes, Complayning to the heauens, with what cru­eltie he was intreated, & not knowing whether nor which way to goe, he trauailed all night, vntill by the appearing of the day he could decerue his armour, whose sight amazed him, seeing their murrey colour turned to yellow & blacke, with many red flames, which (though it were a pittifull de­uise) yet made it a gallant shew. In the middest of his shield was the picture of Crueltie, as the Achayans were woont to paint her, with foure punniards sharpe edged on all sides, & a Knight lying at her féete with many woundes. The word this.

He straight imagined that his father y^e wise Galtenor had byn doing there, which was some cōfort to y^e sorowful youth for he thought y^e since he knew his griefes, & the cause of thē, y^t he would procure their remedies, w^t that good will he had thitherto wisht his welfare, he came to y^e sea-side, where hee shipt himselfe for Alexādria, not remēbring how his father & kinsfolks wold lamēt his departure: who knowing he was not there, cōmanded him to bee loked for: but his page came declaring [Page] the manner of his going, not suffering him to goe in his company, alleadging he went in search of his Vncle Don Eleno. This somewhat quieted them, yet not in such ma­ner that being knowen vnto the Quéene of Lyra, and how through her meanes he was absented, but that her sorrowe excéeded the boundes of comfort. A thousand times was she about to follow him, had shee not feared to haue béen noted for it. She left it for another time, passing her life in conti­nuall laments deseruedly, seing she would not (only to shew her selfe cruell) liue a sweet and pleasant life, in her Louers companie. She could not so close couer her griefe, but Rosa­mond at length plainely perceaued it, and séeing she knewe it, did confesse it. She would requite it, disclosing vnto her, that shee was great with childe, which something gréeued speciallie with her Dacians absence: That day in the after­noone, to sport themselues and expell that heauinesse, the Emperour with all his Court went a hunting, for euery one desired it. On the beginning of the game the gallant Rosabell, and his friend Oristoldo, straied so farre that they came to the Sea coast, by the way rowsing a Hart whiche they in y^e plaine kild: they alighted to gaze on the calmenes of the quiet waues of the still sea. They had not long staied there when they sawe come towardes them a little boate more swifter then the racking clowdes, euen to the place where they sate talking of Lirianas losse. Out of it there came foorth a womā of strange behauiour, all clad in mour­ning wéedes accompanied with an old man: so soone as she sawe them of such gallant disposition, she went to thē, and doing her dutie, in the woefullest manner shee could with many teares, said. Braue Knights, so the diuine powers comfort you, tell me if lately you haue seene the knight that last of all entred the Iusts in Grecia, or else where I might finde him, for it concernes me to meete with him no lesse then my life, and others that iniustly are like to loose them? Well perceaued the Prince of great Britaine that she enqui­red for him, so he made himselfe knowen, saying, Gallant [Page] Lady, I am he you seeke. Shee suffered him to speake no more, but falling at his feete proceeded.

Oh most excellent Knight, now is the time you must shew your valour, for theron depends the life of the fayrest Prin­cesse liuing, who against all equitie is like to perish. And yf thou wilt not loose thy propagated Fame blazoned tho­rowe the worldes vast regions, then enter my barke for my time limited is short. I am cōtent, replyed y^e resolute youth, the like sayd Oristoldo, but to him the Lady sayd, how with­out cōpanie it behoued y^e Knight to goe alone, for in y^e secret­nesse of one alone consisted the good euent of her businesse. It grieued the two friends to part, yet being necessary they imbraced one another. The Gréeke intreated him to excuse him with his Parents and kindred, that he departed w^tout their leaue. And entring the barke, it cut away with incredible celeritie. Greatly desired Rosabell to haue his owne armour and horse, but seing it could not bee, hee con­tented himselfe with his good sword hee had with him. O­ristoldo returned where he had left the Ladies, that were re­die to goe backe to the Pallaice, being all there sauing Ro­sabell and the Troyan Oristides. They demaunded for them, whereupon Oristoldo declared the aduenture that befell his friend. It greatly grieued Oliuia, but the wisemen did cō ­fort her, intreating her not to thinke on him, for fortune did leade him where he should be the most esteemed (though to the cost of his cōstancie) of any in the whole vniuerse. Ther­vpon they went to the Cittie, whence euery one ordered his departure to their owne Kingdomes. So did the Emperor and Empresse of Trebizound taking with thē their daugh­ter Rosiluera with the beauteous English Artemisa, and eue­ry one aduertised of what the wise man had writ vnto Don Eleno. Onely was left in Court the Gracious Tartarian Zoylo with his louing Tigliaffa, to whome they tould howe the mighty Andronio his couzen did come to seeke him, and knowing he was dead returned, whome the Tartares hadd Crowned their King. A better thinge could not they haue [Page] done (answered Zoylo) then that. And so because I will not take from them the Prince the Heauens hath giuen them, I am contented, with what my deare wife hath. For An­dronios valour a farre greater recompence deserues, with soueraigne prayses euery one applauded that haughty deede of the Tartares, proceeding from the magnanimitie of a No­ble minde, where we leaue them, hauing much to dilate.

CHAP. XIX. What in the woods of Grecia happened to the valiant Sar­macia with her beloued Oristides, and how she stayed there.

SO small is not the faith, and beautye of the faire Sarmacia (swéete Ladies) but her per­ticuler affection maye deserue a particuler Chapter: who though she had wonne little in the Iustes, yet estéemed she more to bee ridde of her iealous feare, since she was as­sured who the Ladie was that hadd so daunted her, making her rather become iealous then amorous. With millions of Loues sighes she left the Citie, penitent of what vnwitting­ly she had breathed against her gallant. She put her selfe among those thicke woods, resolued to wander thereabouts till the Court were more quieter, for she was sure Oristides would not absent himselfe thence, being greatly estéemed of the Emperors of Trebizound, and of Greece, who determi­ned to giue him an honourable charge in his Kingdome of Thessalie, giuing him the Title thereof. This not a litle ioy­ed her thinking shee might so, well marrie him, obtayning thereby such mighty friendes.

She alighted from her horse, letting him féede on y^e gréene grasse, and she put off her helme, washing her face, & drink­ing of the water of a cleere spring whose brooke ranne all a­long that way: passing the night in pleasant imaginations, [Page] foulded in the good and euill of Loue. None in so short time loued so dearely, nor none with more occasion became so iea­lous, as she with that litle she conceaued by Floralinda. She arryued to that point, that Lirgandeo sayth she attayned the name of a firme Louer, amonge those that most deserued to be so called. She was affected to the Harmonie of concor­dant voyces hauing speciall grace in that vertue. So lea­ning against a Mirtle trée she began, raysing her voyce vn­to the Cloudes, in this manner.

[Page]With a thousand amorous laments did the warlike Ma­trone bedewe the springing hopes of her concluding songe, ioying to be so well imployed. She that had lately band, and cursed loue, did now with Thousand Benedictions blesse him, now without constraynt did the humble her selfe, that had liued by denying him his Tribute, to whome the whole world acknowledged awfull dutye, who did euer Loue (sayd the Ladye) that did not thinke it a most pleasant lyfe? There is on the earth no greater content then to loue, to ac­knowledge an owner, to haue him impressed in the middle of the hart. No discommoditie in true loue was euer séene to bréede discontent, since in saying, I am not mine owne, is included the glorie of sincere affection. So, maye I pe­rish, when I liue without it, for if the earth affoordes any pleasure, tis inserted on it as on the surest foundation, to vphold such felicitie. Not farre from whence she was with such content publishing her fayth, arryued a Knight to ouer­passe the gloomie melancholy night intending to goe to the Iustes, assured to obtaine the victorie and prizes. So shee thought he heard her loue reasons, but it was not so, for the griefe that possest him, had so amazed his sences, that he not so much as heard his owne spéeches.

By this time would the Iealous louer of the Heauens, display his fierie tresses ouer the world, when the Knight y^t in y^e woods did lye began to expresse his firmenes with no lesse testimonie then the Ladie had done: for to the mello­dious discord of the chirping byrdes that celebrated the cō ­ming of the lustie Sheapherd, he tuned his voyce with this Sonnet.

With a sigh séeming with it to send forth his soule ended the More, the famousest in all the Prouince of Peloponesus now called Morea whereof he was Prince: hee had obtay­ned high Fame through a Thousand valiant deedes he had done in the seruice of Lisiana Princesse of Lituania, whose beautie was accompted the greatest in y^e whole Paganisme: which in deed was so, for it did not a little cost Gréece. Ha­uing ended his Sonnet the Lady would see who hee was y^e shewed himselfe so true a Louer, and closing her Beuer shee went towards the place from whence shee hearde the voyce where she sawe a Knight tall of bodie, well proportioned & young, armed in Rose colour armour, with a halfe Moone in the middest of his shield, something Ecclipsed by the rayes that procéeded from a Ladies eyes, that gazed on it, the Motto this.

So soone as the valiant Epirabio saw her (so was the Pa­gan called) he sayd, What i'st you séeke sir Knight? nothing (replyed the Lady) but to knowe the Knight that publisheth himselfe so amorous: for if his outward signs may be credy­ted, [Page] I thinke you are vniustly wronged in reiecting of your woes. You haue (sir Knight verie ill) vnderstood my affec­tion (said the Louer) for though the paines I suffer be grea­ter then I make them, the beautie of her that causeth them is such, that if euery one were tenne times trebled, it were nothing comparable to her merites: and therefore, haue I sought the difficultest meanes, to make the Ladie sure, how greatly she is loued: Whereuppon I left my countrey, to come to Grecia, to giue her the prizes of the Iusts I haue heard held in Constantinople. In y^e imaginatiō of such glo­rious thoughts, a more harder enterprize (if any be) might be happily accomplished: but as for the Iusts of Grecia they are ended, & were the famousest, that any memory can com­prehend, and I am sure you had got little there, in respect of the valiant Knights that there miscarried, that reputed thē ­selues no lesse then you. Discourteous thou art (said the an­grie Moore) to iudge of anothers strength, not knowing it by experience: and that thou mayst not altogether be decea­ued, prepare thy selfe for the fight, else it were a shame for Epirabio louing Lisiana, to suffer any thing spokē to her prai­ses extenuation. If shee be so faire (replied the Ladie) as thou art bould, it were not much if I esteamed her as thou doest and as her beautie deserueth. More furious then the Sunne, roze the Pagan, and lacing on his helme, with his sword drawne marched against the Ladie, that with enra­ged steppes did the like, and together they discharged twoe such blowes, that they agreed to that, they professed, bending their heads below their brests, a better blade then his was the Ladies (hauing belonged to the Sacrificer of Polixena in reuenge of his murthered father Achilles) wher­with shee neuer strucke him but she cut away both armour and flesh. Neuer had the the Pagan met with so fierce and mightie a Knight, which amazed him to be so handled: hee crost his sword, thinking to close with her, but shee that on her brest would entertaine none other but Oristides, stept aside, and as he past, she laid so mightily vpon his heade, [Page] that she strucke him in amaze, shee seconded another on his sheild, it cut a péece, with another of his helme. Twas but more to anger the Pagan who fiercer then a leopard in y^e de­sert sandy Libia, discharged the strength of his armes on her rich helme. It sounded like a bell, slyding to the shoulder, ca­ryed away the brimme with a péece of the elbow armor. It was so heauie that she was faine to set her knées vppon the grounde, with a point entred the More, thinking to ouer­turne her, but the Lady seing it come voided it with a turne, making him following his owne strength tumble headlong at her féet. The Lady seing him so, thought she held the vic­torie by the hand: so she assaulted him, and to be another but he, it had not byn much had she slaine him, but y^e louer (few of whose like the world contayned) setting al his strength to rise at last (though it cost him a wound on the backe,) he cast his strong armes about her, & being lustier and bigger then she he extremely tired her, yet shewed she no sign of disaduā ­tage in y^e wrastle. Little got either that way (so the Lady w^t a swing did cast him from her, setting her owne hands tho­row the force thereof vpon the ground. She rose swifter thē an Eagle, for that occasion was not to be omitted, by a­ny weaknes. Alreadye came the Pagan against her. Shee stayed for him, perceauing her aduantage thereby, and as hee would execute his blowe, she entred with a thrust vnder his armes, making him not onely loose his blowe, but re­turne backe quicker then hee came, with desire of such ano­ther did the beauteous Sarmacia followe him, and warding a myghtie blowe that shee greatly felt, strucke at his leggs, quicke was the louer, so drawing backe his left legg, he made her loose the blowe, and almost the battaile, for ca­ryed with the furie of her armes, shee turned twice about, that shee had been lyke to fall, hee helped her with a strong stroake on the shoulder which wounded her and bounding vpwards it fel on her throat. The valiant Matrone thought it had been mortall. She became of y^e colour of a red burning cole, and casting her shield to her backe, with both hāds she [Page] strucke him, his shield is no defence, for the furious sword beginning at one end, it ceast not till it came out at another a little wounding him on the brest. Now doth the time ad­mit no dexteritie, nor the life of neyther is esteemed or desi­red so much as the death of one anothers aduersarie. Thrée howers hath the battle lasted, and on neyther side appeares no shewe of aduantage. At the noyse they made, did the hawghty Bembo arryue to the battle. Straight was he knowen by the Lady through the wounders he had done in Constantinople, which made her greatly affect him. Meeke and gentle was the mightie Achayan, and in him all cour­tesie did florish: he neuer suffered any battle to procede vn­lesse hee knewe the cause: so leaping from his horse, he put himselfe betwene them, saying.

With-hould awhile braue Knights, and in courtesie tell me the cause of so fierce a fight, which should not bee small. Those that are proude and haughtie in conceipt (replyed y^e Lady) iudge euery occasion suffitient to maintayne an er­ronious and false opinion: So this Knight, perswaded himselfe the prizes of the Grecian Iusts were due to him, sorrowing he had not come in time to them: I tould him it had been no small honour to haue wonne them, for manye had to their costes procured it, being as good as he, yet lost them, he grieued at this truth, and about it is our battayle. Therefore with-drawe you sir Knight, for it were a shame to let him returne to his country with such vaine thoughts. It had well pleased the gallant Lord of Achaya, and also to take the battle on himselfe, as one being particularly wrō ­ged therein, yet would he not suffer it, seing them so sorely wounded, and that thereby nothinge was expected but the death of one or both. So hee replyed, thanking her for her courteous relation.

Suffitient was the occasion (sir Knight) for many more battailes then this: Neuerthelesse I shall receaue speciall fauour, that for my sake you would giue it ouer. In more then this (replyed she) doe I desire (sir Knight) to shewe yt [Page] you, and if this Knight be pleased, I am content to leaue. He will he will said Bembo: doe not so rashly iudge (reply­ed the enraged Pagan) and for all the Greeke Empire will I not leaue this battaile: therefore get you from vs, for it would be my lasting dishonour to giue ouer the first battaile I vndertake for my Ladie: you will not so discontent vs (said Bembo) chiefely I intreating you, it will be to assault you both (said he) yf you leaue me not, and so made as if he would strike him: more furious was not Hercules among the Centaures, then the Achayan being angred, so spark­ling fier from his eyes, he said. I would I had found thee at more ease discourteous Knight, to teach thee how to accom­plish the intreatie of thy betters: let not that greeue thee, (said he) for in me there is suffitient mettle for an hardier enterprize: and not regarding any thing gaue him a mighty blow vppon his helme. Ioues sword drewe hee foorth that descended from him, and with the strength the heauens had giuen him, he discharged his furie on his helme, he cut a­way a peece, and with a dangerous wound he strucke him sencelesse at his feet. He left him and turning to the Ladie, said, forgiue mee valiant Knight, for his discourtesie to­wards vs farre worse deserued: better handes then yours could not he haue met (answered shee) to be assured of his owne follie, & let vs from hence, for his being alone may be occasion to driue him frō his deceipt. They went where the Lady had her horse, going frō thence by reason of the swift current of water that ranne that way, till they came to a fresh meade where the brooke did spring, there they alighted, letting their horses féede on the greene grasse. The Ladie was something wearie, and with her face somewhat blody, which made her put of her helme to wash it of in the spring. The valiant Bembo had not noted her to be a woman, so did the sight suddenly surprize him, that had he not been so yoked to the beauteous Liriana, surely some other had cured him: for this Ladie was of the fairest in the world, and ha­uing séene her valour, might haue moued any ones affectiō, [Page] yet was he a little amazed, & though applyed Phisicke doth not altogether heale, yet at lest it takes away some hurting quames. Remembring himselfe with a chéerefull looke, he sayd. In faith valiant Ladie, I must néeds confesse, I wrōg­ed your beauty, in taking the battaile from yonder Knight, since by the one, and by the other your honour was so great. Shee answered. I would not sir Knight haue you so soone shew your selfe against me, iesting at that little the heauens haue on you imparted, the which my good wil to worke your cōtent deserueth not, specially since I saw you at the Iusts in Constantinople: where I had been glad you had stayed to see the end of them, that you might not be deceaued with my little beauty, in that against so many Knights as thither came, two Ladies wonne the prizes, whose rare beauties made Cinthia pale, and Venus blacke, and I thinke Mars re­serued not for himselfe more valour then he gaue them, ey­ther was accompanied with a Knight, no lesse then they a­dorned with grace, and Fortitude, who after were knowne to be, the one for Nephewe, and the other being Don Eleno Prince of Dacia, couzen to the Emperour Trebatio. The la­dies were Archisilora Quéene of Lyra, and the other Rosa­mond Princesse of Callidonia. These be they braue knight whom the world should iustly serue, and acknowledge for Soueraignes therof, for their beauties doth deserue it. You haue highly fauored me faire Lady (sayd he) telling me such famous Tryumphes as the Greekes haue had, and you shal make it compleate binding me to your seruice to make mee partaker of your name and Eountrey, I am content (aun­swered the Dame) for in all things I desire to pleasure you, my name is Sarmacia Princesse of Lacedemon, and through a certaine aduenture in quest of a Knight I came to Greece, which hath not a little contented mee, hauing enioyed the sight of your valour. With the greatest ioy in the world dyd Bembo rise, and sayd.

Oh Soueraigne Princesse, I beséech you giue mee your Royall handes, for onely to me is this fauor due, as to your [Page] couzen Bembo being the Knight that stands before you. In her Countrey had the Ladye heard admirable report of that Princes valour, and howe neere of kinne they were, his Mother being her Fathers Sister. In her soule did she re­ioyce to bee acquainted with him, so she imbraced him vsing many kindnesse betwene them confirming the Consangui­nitie among them, with their pleasaunt couersation: which was not to so small effect, but after it greatlye auayled to­wardes the concluding of the geneall peace. In their dis­course hee could not but discouer to her his Loues, and losse of Liriana, which so tormented him with repetition thereof, that hee could not but watter them with many teares, more like a tender Louer, then a warlike Knight, whose enemies they be. His faire couzen did comfort him with these words. Courage braue Knight for onely it must set your Ladye in your handes, and be not amazed nor wonder at Loues pro­ceeding. For his vnconsuming fier pardons none, but ra­ther shewes it selfe most furious against them that are with lesse care, onely that it may bee knowen, yf there bee anye plague worse then other in the world tis subiect to his more fiercer torments, and that he is whom ought to be acknow­ledged for sole Supreame Lord of the vniuerse. A mallady is yours so common, that hauing many to bee companions in it, it may be some cause to lessen y^e paine that particulerly is receaued. And it is not possible the place where your La­dye is inchaunted should be so secret as not to bee knowne, and being, for what shall your valerous arme serue but to fetch her forth, though in the enterprize wee loose our liues, and my selfe from this time offer myne to bee imployed in a­ny thing you shall néede.

Thats not it (swéete couze) that grieues me (replyed the amorous youth) but to haue heard y^e in her house & company, a knight was brought vp, whom twas told me she loued as her soule & tis suspected this was he y^t stole her from Nyquea though I was there assured that hee had also lost her, why [Page] thats an easie remedy (sayd she) by taking away y^e Knights lyfe from betwene you. And if altogether fortune will per­secute vs with barbarous crueltie, there are other Ladies on whome you may imploy your thoughts, that may be no lesse beautifull then the Princesse of Nyquea, though hers be so matchlesse as you say, whereto he replyed Onely that doe I feare (excellent Lady,) that loue will bring me to that passe, that I shall not loue what I doe now. And in faith be­leeue me to a true louer nothing but this is odious: For he that loueth onely in this procures to propagate his Fame, leauing in hand of inconstant fortune the remedie from: y^e partie loued: who seing how shee is loued, and for her sake what is suffered, she may bestow her guerdon not as this de­serues, but according to the liberall fauors that louers vse. In this that were these amorous Princes, when along the same meadowe they spyed a Knight comming in rich white armor with many knots of gold and greene about them, on his shield in the middle of many flames was set a faire Cy­tie. Straight did she knowe him, and it was not a little she did in not manifesting her loue, with the ioye she conceaued to see her deare Oristides, who was he that came. At that in­stant she laced on her helme saying to Bembo. Behold yon­der deare couzen the whole remaynder of destroyed Troy, & beleeue me the world hath not a better Knight: I am glad you are in such an occasion present, for I haue a combate to performe against him agreede vpon in Lacedemon, where we had a certaine controuersie. But that arryued the gal­lant Troyan, verie glad to see them so well armed, hee sa­luted them and sayd.

Can you tell me (sir Knights) any newes of a Knight in Indian colour armour, with seauen starrs vpon his shield who maks me seek him with more care about these wods, then I haue reason for? The Ladie made answere, we haue not seene him sir Knight: but according to the care you saye you haue to seke him, no maruel if you bee carelesse of a bat­tle you appointed at Lacedemon: for tis an ignominious [Page] wrong you offer to your person, not to performe your pro­mise, hauing giuen as a pledge of your word & fayth, some of your armour. In quiet did not the Louer liue after he de­parted from her he had present, lamenting her absence with continuall teares a true token of his alienation, yet coulde not he thinke that his Lady should depart from her Country to séeke him. So he replyed. Truely sir Knight you doe me wronge to charge mee with what I neuer imagined. I am more soryer for that (replyed she) then for any other thinge you should haue cōmitted: For there nothing is more offen­siue to their Fames that hath it like you, then forgetfulnes of that which so much concernes them: & because I thinke I speake with y^e Troyan Oristides, see here his sword which was giuē me there y^t I might come to séek him here, & make you know it had been better you had shewed your selfe care­ful in returning thither, then to wander through these wods in search of other Knights. Shee spake it so high that hee presently knewe it was she his hart had choosen for his so­ueraigne. He leapt from his horse with more Maiesty then Mars could, and sayd. So euill entreated did I remaine of that battle (sir Knight) that I haue no strength to ende it now: so is it my surest way to render the glorie of the vic­torie to your all-conquering hand. Then he put off his helme shewing his faire face, and holding the sword by the poynte he knéeled before the Lady. Shee could not suffer it, for she loued him as her life. Shee also put of hers resting more faire then Apollo, and with that loue, as louers receaue the loued obiect, shee imbraced him saying. Seeing your for­getfulnesse braue Oristides, twas not much y^t I ventured my life to seeke you. He answered. Deeds are these (most So­ueraigne Princesse) nothing differing from your magnani­mitie: and I intreate you if anye offence your beauty hath receaued on my behalfe, which cannot be little, you wil with your owne hand take your reuenge, then replyed the Ladie. There is no such offence (gallant Lord) but thinking I re­mayned indebted for your comming to Lacedemon onely to [Page] combate with me. I thought to require it by coming to Gre­cia, not with warre, but to craue peace of the Knight that vanquisht me. I am, and euer will be yours vanquished (said the Troyan) moste beauteous Ladie as one that onlye winnes therein. Leaue this (replied the amorous Ladie) & speake to the Prince of Achaya that is this Knight which comes with me, who is not a little affected to you: where­to the Troian spake. All the worlde deare Ladie knowing how dearely I loue you, is bound to doe me fauour. There­upon they receaued one another as befitted their Royalties. In their that he vnderstood he was Cousin to his Ladie, for with no smalle alteration was he till then supposing he lo­ued her: well did the haughtie Moore perceaue the affection that his Cousin bare to that Knight (this passion can neuer be inclosed where tis well rooted.) It came to be so mani­fest, that Bembo would winne the gallant Oristides by mer­rits assuring his glorie, betrothing them there in his pre­sence to all their high contents. The two warriors con­tracted perpetuall ametie, which in particuler they solemn­ly obserued, for in generall in the Greeke warres, Oristides could not forsake the great Trebatio hauing receaued so ma­many fauours at his handes. The newe betrothed louers intreated the Prince of Achaya to goe and bee acquainted with the Gréeke Emperour, but as hee liued in continuall woes he could not condiscend to their intreaties, answering there would not want occasion to doe it another time, hee tooke his leaue of them to all their griefes. And mounting on his fierie Courser hee spurd through the thickest of the Forrest till he came to the Sea coast, where hee shipt him­selfe not directing his iourney to any certaine place more thē where fortune and the waues would conduct him. The two louers desirous to see themselues alone, past all the day in y^e Forrest, which they thought but a minute, where if y^e Tro­yan were couragious hee would not defer the end of their a­morous desires. It was not knowen for the trées kept si­lence: but her time being expyred, the Lady was deliuered [Page] of a Daughter whose beauty was imcomparable.

They named her Polixena at the Troyans request desirous to leaue some memorie of his antient stocke. Lesse discords then the first did not this cause, as the Fourth part doth recorde, for a Gréeke did loue her to the death. They re­turned to Constantinople where the Emperour receaued them with great ioy estéeming the Troyan as one of his chil­dren: and knowing they were betrothed hee gaue them the Tytle, and Crowned him Kinge of Thessalie, an Acte that through the world was applauded with high prayses. All the Lordes and Ladies celebrated his Coronation, & Festi­ualles, with stately shewes and reuealings. And the time of her deliuerie being come, she and Rosamond were deliue­red both in one day, Sarmacias being publique, but the beau­teous Rosamond was deliuered in the handes of Archisilora (to whome she disclosed this secret) of a Boy the fairest that his age did knowe. Both Ladies gaue his name according to his beautie: he was borne with a most bright Starre in the middle of his brest, they called him Roselindo.

A little they enioyed him, for through the wall there en­tred a graue wise man that toulde them that the life of the Child consisted to be deliuered in his handes: the Mother would by no meanes doe it. But the Quéene would, and so perswaded her to it. They charged the wise man to in­struct him in all thinges belonging to a good Christian.

This traytor Lupercio promised but did not accomplish it, and rather conuayed him to the Kingdomes of Prusia farr remoted from Gréece, where hee was brought vp with the Kinges Daughter, shee from that time louing him as her life. It shall be hereafter declared, for Lyrgandeo is nothing briefe in describing the actes of this haughtie Prince equall in valour to all his kindered, and a horse-backe he exceld them, for a better Gennet neuer did the world containe, where we must leaue these on the land, returning to Bembo on the Seas.

CHAP. XX. What befell to Warlike Bembo Prince of Achaya with a Knight vpon the Sea, at the Tower where Lyriana was inchaunted.

WIth some consolation did the Heroyck Bem­bo Prince of Achaya depart from his deare cozen Sarmacia Princesse of Lacedemon thinking he wronged his hawghty corage, not to shew the magnanimitie of his mind against the rigorous causes of blinde For­tune: with this desire he entred the first barke he found on the Sea shore, desirous a while to Nauigate by sea, seeyng how he languished on land. The Maister and all the Mar­riners, receaued him with great content iudging him of high accompt, and deseruer of farre more courtesie. He put of his helme, discouering his faire and sturdy visage, which more astonisht them binding thē more vnto more kindnesse. His haires were of a darke yellow color verie thick curled, a manifest token of his approoued strength. His colour was white: and his face full flesht & well proportioned: his eies séemed cherefull, but being inraged, they amazed the looker on with trembling feare, he was double brested, insomuch that no armour except purposely made woulde fit him, hee was an enemie to effeminate men. Neuer did fighting wea­ry him, nor neuer began battle, but assuredly thought the Iustice on his side. Being Conquerour, hee would more plainely shewe the generositie of his minde, attracting the wills of the conquered with singuler clemencie, saying, that so rare a vertue ought not to be extinguished by the honour of a bloody victory, and so would take the conquest on hym­selfe, as the conquered. Finally Lirgandeo sayth that ex­ceping his Competitors, the world had not a better Prince: his loues distracted him of his best sences, for imagining [Page] that another loued his Lady and was of her beloued, he lost the raignes of patience, with sighes publishing what his soule indured, vrged thereto by the aboundance of his swel­ling hart, as nowe hee did with in the shippe he went. For the fourth day of his Nauigation, seeing himselfe more o­uerwhelmed in his imaginarie thoughts then in the waters whose furious billowes his barke plowed, hee rose about midnight, sitting on the hatches, to ease his moanes, hee sighed forth, these loose rymes.

[Page]There wanted no louing sighes wherewith the valyant youth bemoaned his paines, and the glorie that from them he conceaued, calling the Sea Gods and Goddesses to wit­nes his passions, who hearing what the gentle Louer pub­lished, could not but pittie him. So past he the night till a­bout the bright lacing of the high heauens, he sawe a barke more swifter then the winde passe by his, along thereon lay a Knight all armed, no lesse lamenting his griefes then he, and yet with more reason, he went saying.

Oh loue, may it bee thou shouldst by all meanes seeke to ruinate my onely hopes being so long since assured, that if I liue tis but to loue, yeilding to thée the awefull tribute of my tributarie selfe as liedge man to thy deitie, and that for all these spoyles, hauing my hart as hostage of my faith thou shouldst delight to permit the enemie of my death to vse mee thus, giuing me life to liue in such distresse? No more could the amorous Pagan heare, by reason of the celeritie it carry­ed, though by it he vnderstoode the wrong he suffered, and seing howe generall it was, sayde. Oh woefull Prince, what little remedie is there left thée, seeing tis denyed to e­uery one, there is no hoping for it by liuing? Oh pestife­rous plague, how much art thou wrapt within the poyson of thy torments, and yet how wished is it to the dire cost of louers poore soules, that with such bitter lamēts doe celebra­te their swéete woes. By this did he sée that the bark was stayed not farre from the foot of a stately edefice, builded vp­pon the sea. The Achayan Lord rested amazed w^t the sight: and to knowe what it was commanded his to bee dirrected thither: he entred by the side of the inscriptions, in sight of y^e Knight, that was already ryzen, resembling Mars himselfe, by his magnificence: with y^e first scrowle that Bembo mett with, was this.

[Page]Naturally bould was the furious youth, and not respec­ting the contents of the scrowle, hee flunge at one of the pil­lers, thinking that way was the ascending to the Tower. But he had scarce taken it with his handes, when sodainely there arose so much fier that the Knight seemed all of a kin­dled coale, and certainely he had incurred mightie daunger of his life, had he not had on the armes of Saturne whose na­ture resisted that element. Notwithstanding he parted frō it, almost stifled with the heate that entred through his vi­sor. Well did the other Knight sée it that not farre from thence, gazed on those that looked towardes the occident, & seeing the fier that had risen, (though more ready he seemed for his graue, then to smile) yet he laughed so high that the fierce Pagan heard it, that not a little was abashed thereat, and not able to dissemble it, sayd. I would gladly knowe (sir Knight) the cause of your content, since with such exte­rior signes you haue shewen it. None other (replyed hee in the yellowe of this colour was his armour,) but to haue séene (sir Knight) with what vehemencie that flame would haue imbrast you within your armour. It cannot bee ex­prest what rage entred within the Pagan, by the aunswere, he turned to the dispayrer, saying. It had been farre bet­ter, since you haue séene armour to haue tryed the sauor of the fier of the pillers, in that the scorching flames of Loue, you haue already published along the sea in your Nauigati­on: and now I dare affirme you are with reason thus suf­fred to liue, considering how much you flie from labour.

Wise and aduised is the Ladye, that from so cowarde a Knight detaines her fauors: But since you haue séene with what audacitie I embrace yonder fier, prepare your selfe, for to your cost will I make you know, how I can defend y^e inclosed in my hart. There was no need to aduise him ther­of, for w^t Mars would he haue fought touching what Bembo there had vrged. Neuer vpon the doubtfull seas, nor on the certaine Lande was there euer séene of a single fight a more fiercer cōbate: For y^e warriors are the flower of Christen­dome, [Page] and Paganisme, and the dispayrer was no lesse then the Greeke Prince Claridiano, who out of hope in loue, as Lirgandeo hath related departed from Grecia. None of the waterie Gods woulde loose such a battle, for neyther Faune nor Nymphe but came to behold it: And not so much but the amorous Trytones lifted vp their heads to looke on the twoo sole rare in the world. In sight did y^e angry swelling waues neuer séeme more milde then nowe. Peace did Eolus and Neptune make together with all their seuerall attending traynes raynging along the gréene azured waters till they came to the place where the battle was to be fought. The gentle Dolphins Friendes to Humane kinde with sportiue leapes began to solemnize the fight. In the aire appeared y^e mighty God of battailes, in the same forme that he became Venus Champion to approoue her fayrest. The windowes of the wonderous Tower were opened at the which appea­red all the inclosed Ladies, whose presence beautified the deepe, and made the loftie heauens farre more faire. All the Ladies, & sea Goddesses with Marses cōsent ordained Iudge of the fight, the most beauteous Lyriana, that fayrer them the causer of the Grecian discordes, appeared all in white. E­uery one aboue & beneath made her a solemne coursie. Mars descending lowe with his Celestiall throne inuited her into his seate. The gallant dame would not admit it, but rather set her brests, (chiefe purities of chiefest purenes) to leane o­uer the windowes, at what time, the inraged Pagan turned his eyes and saw her whose Image in his soule was stampt. He was amazed with the new sight. Euery thinge slipt out of his memorie, and with the greatest forgetfulnesse of the world, he cast himselfe vpon the pummell of his sword, and loosing the raygnes of all his imaginations, he so occu­pyed himselfe in the good he viewed, that he thought there was no more to be hoped, ioying to haue founde where she was inchaunted, that so had inchaunted his desires.

There was neuer séene a more quicker distraction then that. Wherein Bembo was onely gazing on the excellencie [Page] of his Lady. Well did Claridiano note the Mores amaze, but thinking he did it, in little estéeming him, he leant into his shippe; and therefore was the battle more fiercer, and step­ping to him, shaking him by the arme, sayd.

It should séeme (Knight) you haue forgot the proud words you gaue me, seing how carelesly you stande looking on La­dies. As one wakened out of a swéet dreame returned y^e Pa­gan vnto himselfe, replying. I was not so forgetfull of thy discourtesie, but I haue it well in remembrance, & glad that none is here to disturbe me from reuenging it. That was no time of ceremonious courtesies, for ere hee ended his re­plie, our new baptized Knight had assaulted the Pagan with more puissance then he that beheld him. Vppon his rich helme hee gaue him such a blowe, that it made him set one hande vpon the grounde. This was the greatest blowe the Pagan did receaue since he put on armour. Before he rose he had giuen him another on his Beuer, that squadrons of sparkles flew about his head. Abashed was the Moore at such mighty stroakes; vnable to imagine whom so strong a Knight might hee; but altogether beeing recouered to the toppe of the Gréekes shéelde he let flie a pitty lesse blow, which made him giue backe with twoo or thrée vnseemely stepps.

To helpe him downewardes did he enter with one, and another thrust with the vtmost strength of his arme: either of them had stuck him, but his sure armour rebounded thē backe, notwithstanding they put him to great paine. The Pagan followed with vehemence thinking to ouerthrowe him: but Archisiloras Louer that perceaued it, houlding his owne swoord hard, turning away let him goe by him, and as he past, on the toppe of his plumed helme did Claridiano discharge the furie of his strength, that he made his mouth a conduit of his luke-warme blood. Ere he recouered him­selfe, he gaue him on that side a furious thrust, it was well for the Pagan to giue backe at the strength thereof, yet it happened betwixt a ioynt, cutting his flesh, & leauing him [Page] sore wounded. The warmest blood within the Pagan fréezed to see it on his aduersaries blade, his shield he cast at his backe, and with both handes at Claridianos hee let flye, it yeildes him no defence, for from the one to the other end it was diuided, and it was a miracle he did not the like by his arme, with the swords point he descended, cutting a great peece of his skirt, also falling on his Cushes which being pierst it wounded him a little on the thigh. They that were borne to bee feared, feared not each other, but setting their left féete forwards, and swoords in both hands, began to change their practise to that vsed among the Cyclopes in Vulcans Aetnean worke-house: the seas resounded with the furious noise of their battaile. The heauens racking clouds were driuen with amazement from their standings, posting one through the other at the sight thereof. So did they that gazed thereon, sometimes ducking their heades vnder the water because they would not see the remorcelesse blowes of so pittilesse a combate. Three howres haue they sought, yet no aduantage could be decerned: they were so tired, that w^t one selfe will they w^tdrew apart to breath. It was worse for the Moore, because the Barke being narrow he had no roome to walk, and so the wound in his side being great, be­gan exceedingly to grieue him. In a thousand imaginati­ons was he in, calling himselfe coward, that in presence of his Ladie one sole Knight should put him in that state. In faith with reason (said the Pagan) may the world blame me, since so little courage I doe shew, where, from whence I ought to drawe it out of weakenes: what iustice canne I haue to craue redresse, and remedie for my paine, putting the first battaile in my Goddesse presence on such a danger? how may I be trusted with any rendring so ill an accompt of this? next to this a thowsand blasphemies breathed the Moore against his Gods, whose furie with such deuotion he had procured: but séeing it is come to this (continued he) I will reuerence yee as your carelesnesse deserues.

But Claridiano insenced with yre, vttered many things [Page] against himselfe being by one Knight so bayted. Iniustly (said the furious Greeke) may I be called the sonne of such a Father: for he had by this ended twoo such Combates, but I that am his Sonne, haue hazarded the losse of one that is presented to me. I cannot be he that is the Louer of Ar­ [...]silor▪ for he that tributaried his hart to her in the woods of Greece, had before this obtained a glorious victorie. His furie so encreased, that he tooke his swoord twixt both his handes, and made towardes the Pagan, that more couragi­ous than a Lyon stayed for him? Together they met, and with such blowes regreeted each other, that Mars in his supreame throane did tremble. One knée to the ground did the Greeke set, but the Pagan his right hand, he arose as swift as a towring Faulcon: and crossing his swoord with the Greekes, entring on a sudden with his left foote, with more celeritie then the quicke minde he let slie at his legs. It was a wonder he did not vnlace them, but it so tormen­ted with payne the one of them, that hee could not sturre it, and Lirgandeo sayth the smart thereof lasted all the while the fight indured.

Well did the More sée the good blowe hee hadd made and therefore would he close with him, and the Gréeke could not refuse it, being taken with some aduantage, he was almost ouerthrowne, so fiercely hee entred to the wrastle: but ma­king of one foote two, he stoode so strongly, that the Pagan thought he hadde incompassed a Rocke. So longe they stryued that they fell on the hatches, not daring to loosen, fearing to loose thereby. By this meanes did the Achay­an loose so much blood that it was maruell how he could hold out, for all the barke was stayned with the hewe, tumbling vppe and downe the boate, the Gréeke went so nighe the boorde thereof, that taking houlde thereat with more strength then maye bee imagined, in despight of the Moore with a swinge hee flung him to the farther syde, & with admirable lightnes he set himselfe on foot. Slow was not y^e Pagan in doing the like, though in this seconde battle [Page] was plainely séene what aduantage the yellow Knight had ouer his aduersarie, and the Combate continuing to the end, the More could not but be ouercome. The Ladie would not suffer it, for only to that intent had she her perfect iudge­ment, by meanes of the peruerse Lupercio: so shee spake, heere me sir Knights? Hearing the Ladies voice, neither stirred their swoords, for the gallantnesse wherewith both were adorned, bound them to it: shee procéeded. May this testimonie (braue Knights) suffice which you haue giuen to the déepe seas, that for my sake making no longer battle, yée leaue it in this estate. They could not do otherwise then the Ladie intreated: it benefited the Moore therein, and so re­plied. So long hath my will obayed the supreame cōmaund of yours most Excellent Ladie, that I cannot do more then what is your content: and seing herein you doe receaue it, I am content, so pleaseth this Knight. She said, he will, for it is the Gallants sole honor to accomplish a Ladies behest, much more her kinde request. She did not so dislike the Greeke, that he should not obay her, and therefore made an­swere. In faith most Soueraigne Ladie, I am glad occasi­on is offered, that I may be obedient to your seruice, and since herein it is shewen, I am content, and so remit this knights battaile, beseeching you to giue me leaue to depart, for I haue much to doe in another place. To doe so you haue it sir Knight answered the Ladie. He tooke his farewell of her and the Pagan; leauing with him ynough to talke of his valour many yeares after. He leapt into his boat, which be­gan to saile, with such velocitie, that the Ladies straight lost the sight thereof; so did Bembo, that stood amazed at his Goddesse view, not knowing whether he was in heauen or on earth. With greater courage then at any time he said. If the Faith (swete Ladie) which I owe you, may be any meanes somewhat to assure mee the entrance, I intreate your soueraigne beawtie, to shewe me which way I maye thether ascend, and take her frō so inhumane a Gaole, that hath perpetually imprisoned my heart. The Ladie answe­red [Page] neuer a word, for she neyther knewe her selfe nor any o­ther, only might she disturbe any battaile when any of Lu­percios faction sustained the worst. She returned away w^t her Ladies leauing the Prince in obscure darknesse. Hee lost all the mouing powers of his body, and stoode gazing at the place where he had séene his glorie. In that vision wold he haue dyed, thinking he departed in quiet: but hauing o­uer-past that amorous care, with a sigh, he burst into these spéeches.

Oh cruell Lady, scourge of the Achayan house, may it be such inhumane crueltie should bee inclosed within so faire a Lady? what law permits thou shouldst knowe I dye, I ioye therein, that tis my life to suffer many deathes for thy sake, and that thou hast neuer been pleased to say I am plea­sed to admit it? This is a tirannie that admits no compa­ratiue, for if my death wil auaile thée, or that thou wilt not loue let me knowe it, and my selfe will bee the cruell execu­tioner, of a most cruell death if therein consistes thy contēt? But vnfortunate mishhap, tis enough it comes from me, & that Bembo doth desire it, to be denyed by Lyriana? If any should be cherished in life for well louing, is there any on y^e earth that better then my selfe hath done it? Is there anye that with more puritie doth Idolatrize thy affaires then I? Is there any that omitting his owne pleasure will procure thine, but I? If then (fairest of all Fayres, beauteous Li­riana) thou art of this assured, why doest thou thus prolong my remedie? why becomest thou deaffe to my exclaymes? Thine I am, and thine will I die? let fortune still be oppo­site euen to my hopes, and may the heauens euermore con­spire against Bembo, my heart hath patience to endure all. First began I to pyne, ere I knewe whome I loued, & since from all aspects I am disswaded, (and shoulde belieue it) will I onely in thoughts end my dayes. So much blood lost he, that the Maister pittying him sayd. Sir Knight bee not such an enemy to your selfe, for it may cost you your life, the differring of your cure. My happe will not bée so good [Page] (replyed the Prince) as to meete with death for it, doth my paine expect and desire anchorage of the griefe it sustaines. Neuerthelesse (sayd the Maister) tis a kinde of dispaire to suffer a death by the heauens vnappointed, for tis a blemish to any ones honour. Such perswasions he vsed, that he put of his armor, and layde him on a bed within the Maysters cabbin. They drest him with greate care, yet greater was his of his Lady. They would not suffer him to rise in foure daies which he continued the thinking to sée his Goddesse, & seing twas but in vaine, he commanded to direct to Achaya intending to demaund of his friend Lupercio what armour & weapons the entrance to that Tower required. The Mar­riners to please him would haue done it, but there arose a so­daine tempest, that twas vnpossible to arryue there, so were they carryed backwards vp & downe y^e Grecian Ocean, vn­till the eyght day they arriued in a most aboundant land full of many trées and woods. It gladded the Prince, for the Sea had tyred him. So he commanded his furious Courser to be landed, and armed in all his armor, he leapt on shore, com­maunding the rest to staye for him eyght dayes, while hee learned what countrey that was. He tooke the most vsedst path he could sée till the after-noone that the Sunnes myd­day heate was somewhat coole, he alighted to rest close to a Fountaine, eating such prouisiō as his pages had brought from the ship. So eating was the Pagan there, but his pyl­grim thoughts wandred on Lyriana, when to the same foun­taine where he was, arryued a damozell no lesse beauteous then well attired, who not (for all the Prince was there) a­lighted with rare gallantnes, to refresh her faire face in the pearled spring, where she reassured her selfe shee was beau­tifull, hauing dried her face with a semely wantonnesse, she stept to the Prince with these words. Sir Knight, y^e heate, and the commodiousnes of the place haue forced me to beare you company, although respecting the sorrow your armour doth expresse, I belieue it will discontent you, delighting in [Page] solitude, a meanes that loue hath inuented to louers costes to ease their paines and incorage their pensiuenesse. A­morous was the Pagan, and vsed to saye hee merited not the to bee named a Knight that woulde not in a La­dies behalfe aduenture his life, hazarding his owne affaires to doe them seruice: and so answered.

In faith (faire Damozell) though all humane con­uersation were troublesome vnto mee, yet yours shall not bee so, because I thinke you are a little schooled in the good of solitude, a manyfest token that hee that spares none, hath pleased to make you his tributarie: these discourses beeing those the soule conuerseth al al­one, to haue nowe one to aunswere mee, will make my paines more tollerable, perswading my selfe of good lucke in all thinges in his lande, where my fortune hath cast me, being welcomed by such a good beginning, where shee re­plyed.

It well séemes (sir Knight) you bee in loue, seeing with your reasons you woulde so soone launche into the déepe of beautye, a common thinge amonge Knightes that on­ly loue for the present, & there is no cause you should assure mee of my beautye, for with it the Fountaine restes more gladded, then that wherein Narcissus gazed: So that Sir Knight you must séeke other meanes then these to Court the Dames of Trebizound (which is the Lande you nowe are in) for this here is too common, and they knowe it verye well that presume so on their beautyes, for tel­ling them of it, is to increase their rygor against them that in this land so wooe.

I am much bounde vnto your seruyce pleasaunt La­dye (replyed Bembo gladde to heare the chatte of the rig­gish Dame) for this aduise, for as a Nouice in thys lande not knowing the manners thereof, I talked according to y^e practizes of other Nations at this time, since there is no [Page] content to Ladies equall to the calling of them beautifull, re­ceauing griefe by the contrary, and not y^e least in compting them not fayre although the heauens haue towardes them byn niggards in their influences, making them not of y^e ab­solutest. She answered. They doe so that will not beléeue what they are, contrary to vs in Trebizound, and therefore be they pleased to be tearmed by what they are not, giuing their louers fauors though faygned for it: who more by insi­nuating then a firme faith procure the content of beeing be­loued. Not for all the Ladies so saying to their gallantes, (sweete damozell answered the Pagan.) Cease they to be li­berall, carefull, and for their Mistres good most ready. The damozell replyed, with that, tis so: for it doth more euident­ly shew how the hart loues: and on the last, groūding what abroade is vsed, I saye, that Ladye is ingratefull that will not shew her pittie being assured shee may, by a Thousande new fauors that her gallant may be animated, knowing if he liues by louing that his fayth is also repayd by loue. This is that which best assures the hoped good betwene louers, & on y^e Ladies behalfe their glory of being beloued. Other ma­ner of courting vse you here (faire damozell sayd Bembo) thē in those places I haue trauailed: for the gallāts in my coun­trey, onely procure by louing to assure their Ladies thereof, that they may be pleased to condescend therto, making their wills knowen vnto them.

In respect of the intollerable paines suffered, do they ne­uer require any guerdō, but only procure to propagate that magnanimitie wherwith they sacrifize thēselues vnto their Ladies, setting in their hands their hearts & soules, expec­ting nothing hereby but the glorious sirname of their amo­rous knights. Strange things haue you tould me sir knight said she, & gladly would I know whome you loue, to be cer­tified whether it be so or no: but perswaded it is so, I know not what the Trebizound Ladies meane, so much to debase their beauties. And far more thē to receaue a iewel of great prize would I esteeme to haue longer time to discourse with [Page] a knight so grande a seruitor to Cupid: but the hast that cals me away constraines me to depart, for my Lady the Prin­cesse expects an answere of some busines by my returne who to rest a while remayned not farre hence in a house of plea­sure, and with her is the Princesse Artemisa of England, and to my thinking not so frée as were conueniēt: So (sir knight) I pray you pardon me, for fortune maye appoint better oc­casion that I may enioy your amorous conuersation, which hath not a little attracted me. At all times (faire Ladye re­plyed the Moore) that you will so fauour me, will I accompt past my deserts reputing it according to your many merits, & the discretion of so faire a dame. And if my power may any way procure your content, commaund me, for with all dili­gence necessarie will I accomplish it. With this she depar­ted leauinst the amorous Pagan affected to her witty wan­tonnes. And mounting on his horse he cōtinued on his way wherein befell him, what the next recounteth.

CHAP. XXI. What in the Forrest happened to the couragious Bem­bo, with the Princesse of Trebizound and her guard: with other aduentures.

MOunted on a brauer horse then anye they which drawing the goulden eye of heauen compasse about the Terrene Orbe, some­what after his meridionall decline trauel­led the mighty Bembo, with his pilgrime thoughts onely on his Lady, that to driue him from them was the wanton damozels prettie chat no meanes, desirous ere he left that Empyre to see that Court so famoused throughout the world, by reason of the excellent Princes that gouerned there. On this ranged his pensiue imaginations, with some ease, which the pleasant sounde of the chirping birdes mooued, seing that to, among them loue [Page] hath his cōmaund: For if they will striue either to excell o­ther in their notes, it is because he raignes among thē, that makes the rusticke countrey swayne more excellenter then Demostenes in eloquence of speech, so he be toucht with loue. What tongue or pen hath he subingated, that hath béen poore in skill, and not rich in wit? who could euer vtter the aboū ­dance of a copious and artificiall tongue, vnlesse mooued by the sonne of his moother Venus? The Sarracine Prince did not call himselfe deceaued for yeilding of his faith, but con­sidering he had past any time without Loue, he tearmed it lost: and that life worse thē death that is not troubled with Cupids amorous passions. In this and in a thousand com­plots which Loue propounded him was he occupied, when from out a fragant thicket he saw comming a companie of Knights richly armed: not farre after them there came three attending on a sumptuous Carre, wherein he thought hee sawe some Ladies, till approching more nigh, he was assu­red it was so ouer-viewing the riches of the knights: Two of them were of one deuise, all gréen with the spanish armes vpon their shields, wherby he knew them to be Spaniards, as indeed they were, being those two valiant brothers that went to the Grecian warres, for the Emperoure Alphebo would not suffer them to retourne accoumpting greatly of them, so they were entertayened with name and Charge of Captaines of the Empyre. The other (that séemed of a big­ger constitution although so well proportioned, that the Prince highly reputed him) was that warlike and gallant Teferreo, great friend to the Emperour and Don Eleno: his armour was russet set with many riche stones, which with curious knots wonderfully adorned his strong brest­plate. Neuer did the Prince see so bigge & comely a knight, and though he himselfe was not much lesse than ix. féete in height, yet with his hand could he not reach the others head. So soone as they sawe the Prince, with so lamentable a de­uise, they did with admiration view him, séeing his Ma­iestie on horse-backe, only by this in many places when he [Page] would not, he was knowen. The Ladies being verie yonge entertained hys deuise with some smiles, which made the English Lady thus say, I am besides my selfe when I consider what power a Ladies disfauoure hath ouer any Knight, for presentlye as if they were slaine, they bewaile in mourning the life they liue, iudging it tenne times worse then death. It is common among Knights (answered Ro­siluera) to expresse the paine of the soule, caused by the sight of the ordresse. And belieue me not if our kéepers bee not like to incurre some disgrace with him in the blacke, for he seemes valiant. Where Teferreo is (said Artemisa) there is no reason to feare that. Neuerthelesse (answered the Princesse) shall you see I speake true. Shee alreadie be­gan to speake partially, for in Greece did shee see the woon­ders of Bembos deedes, imprinting his portraiture so truly in her heart that séeing him, she knew to whome she had gi­uen entrance to the most secret, and dearest lodging of the same.

The Knightes sent to the Pagan a Page with this message. Sir Knight. In yonder Charriot rydes the Princesse of Trebizound Rosiluera, and to woorke her content, the three Knightes are determined to demaunde the Iustes of al they shall méete by the waye, and thinking vnder such deuise there cannot want any loue, they sende me to intreate you, that in seruice of yonder Ladye you would Iuste with eue­ry one of them, and your guerdon (yf you vanquish) shalbe the greatest that can be, for you must accompany them as their keeper, defending them gainst all aduentures that shall happen: and they themselues to loose what the La­dies to fauour them had graunted. This demande glad­ded the furious youth, and so replyed.

Good page I had rather in any other thing then by Iustes serue those Ladies, for alwaies by them redounds perpetual enmitie. Notwithstānding if therew^t they be pleased, bar­barous & rude were I to disobay thē, & so tell those knights I am content to doe it, but that I will admitte no more [Page] then the Iusts. With this answer returned the Page vnto the Ladies, which greatly pleased them to see him so cour­teous: for the Iusts the chollerick Spanyard prepared him­selfe, but here got he little, for Lirianas louer encountred him so strongly, that he threw him frō his saddle, he lost one stir­rop but he recouered it so quicke that none perceaued it. To reuenge his brother prickt forth y^e elder, finding like gaine, although this encounter was stronger, yet not to lette him from passing forwards on his swift Courser, vntill the La­dies Charriot, who to enioy better of his sight had cōmaun­ded it to be opened on all sides: he had not séene out of Gre­cia greater nor rarer beautie then there was. Some altera­tion in his brest did it cause, remedies are they, that though they doe not altogether salue, yet dispose of cure for the de­ceipt of his blindnesse, placing his loue, where hope of re­dresse was méere despaire. To gaze on them he stood still, to whome Rosiluera said: we knowe not wherein we haue of­fended you sir Knight, that with such crueltie you should de­priue vs of our kéepers: he replied. Most excellent Ladies, as I was requested be them to doe it, I presumed so to doe your pleasure: since that, haue matters happened so to my Honor, that I know not wherto I should attribute it, saue that Fortune alredie wearie in persecuting me, would be­gin to shew some fauour. Neuerthelesse if I haue displea­sed, I am readie to make satisfaction, rendring the victorie vnto these knights, and leaue the Iusts with him that ex­pects me. So let he his launce fall to the ground, wee will not accept this excuse (said the Princesse) but wil haue you follow the auspiousnesse of your fortune. Not I faire Ladie (answered he) except your beautie do commaund me: suffi­ceth we are pleased therby (replied Artemisa) that you may fearelesse doe it sir knight, and as for the other that doth re­maine against your winning of the thrée knights place, to aduenture my life for it is nothing (answered the gallant lo­uer:) and therfore will I trie whether my Fortune be chan­ged or no. He humbled himselfe to them with such gallant­nesse, [Page] that both Ladies wisht him victorie, hee tooke vp his launce himselfe, more quicker then a birde returning to his Carrier. To the Iuste spurd the couragious Gyant, with more horror then a flashe of Lightning renteth through the Clowdes vanishing in them. The shieuers of their Laun­ces mounted so high that they were neuer more séene: Fiue launces did they breake without knowen losse. Abashed was Teferreo thereat, seing his hap before the Princesses, there­fore he sayd. Sir Knight if you thinke good lets end the bat­tle at all aduentures, seeing wee cannot bee vnhorst. The Prince feared to displease the Ladies, so made this answere. I would (sir Knight) gladly content you herein, but that I come with such hast, that I may not stay so long but I ac­cept it, to be performed this day foure moneths in Achaya. It pleaseth me (replyed the Gyant) and bearing this deuise you shall not now néede to tell your name. With such cru­eltie (replyed he) doth fortune persecute mee, that I intend all my life to weare this empreze, so wheresoeuer you shal séeke me, demaunding in Achaya for the vnfortunate knight shall you heare newes of me. They turned their horses with more furie then Mars hadde done, and with an vnthought spéede they met with such force that all the Forrest ecchoed. Out of the saddle did Teferreo finde himselfe, newes to him since Don Elenos battaile, yet was his fall good by carrying his raygnes in his hande, though the Horse helpt him little for eleuating himselfe made him that hee could not recouer his seate. The valerous Bembo that stronger bare his legs, remayned on horsebacke, but with such disorder, without brydle and stirropps, that to shunne some disgrace, hee was fayne to leape from his Courser. Courteous was the gyant, so he sayd.

Yours is the prize of the Iustes sir Knight, hauing wyth such honour obtayned it, so may you take our place in guard of the Princesse, whose aduantage in not small by the ex­change. None in kindnesse went beyond Bembo, and there­fore made this reply. Most Heroyke Knight, the Gods de­fend [Page] that through my meanes you loose the merits deserued by your person, and worthy to these Knights, for if I must attend on the Ladies it shalbee as your friend in your com­panie, or otherwise I will returne the way I came. Wee will not haue you (sayd one of the Spanyards) to vanquish vs in all thinges, and since the condition was ours, there is no cause why we should not suffer it, and so lets speake to y^e Ladies for tis time they were going. Be it as you wil haue it sir Knight answered Bembo, seing I must not diobay. Al­ready approched the Charriote with the Princesses, who in respect of the Knights séemed sorrowfull, though the beaute­ous Rosiluera was the ioyfullest in the world, seing how wel the Knight in the blacke had defended himselfe, so she spake. I beléeue (Knights) we must impute to our small merits, and lesse good fortune, the cause of our changing new guard, which being so, henceforth (sir Knight) begin to execute your new charge which I feare you will thinke painefull, procu­ring better lucke now then our kéepers had before. Abashed were the vanquished with Rosilueras words who accompted him in the blacke the sole owner of her hart, who made her this reply. I doe rather remaine so fearefull of my Crosse fortune (most excellent Princesse) that seeing howe aduerse she hath still shewen her selfe, will now with newe paynes discharge her selfe of this my present (so I feare momentary) good, which last, if it be equall to the former, no hart is able to indure the griefe, though mine hath had the power to pro­mise it selfe to be yours vntill the latest minute.

O God, how great was the ioy the Lady receaued with y^e answere thinking (tis common amongst them that loue) he vttered it with the firmenesse of his soules truth, and not as words, of course, tending on the ceremonious dutie that her kindnes bound him too. They toke their way to the purling of a clere bubling brooke that sprung somewhat more with­in the thicket, minding there to passe the heate of the after­noone, where the Princesse séemed the ioyfullest in y^e world, seeing him goe close to her stirrop whom shee had pictured in [Page] her hart, whose silence she thus brake. How fare you Sir Knight with your new office, I am in doubt, it makes you already repent, to haue it vndertaken? Twere so (most so­ueraigne Lady) replyed the gallant Achayan. Did I not cō ­sider the supremacie of the high glorie wherin my thoughts haue placed me combinde thereto, stopping al passage to my imagination of hoping other happines, loosing the present I do enioy. Hereupon (the beauteous Artemisa tooke occasion thus.) We would not (sir Knight) you shold so soone haue ac­knowledgd it, onely passing with the imagined glory of the Princesse commaund: he made answere. As my hart (beau­teous Lady) hath alwaies byn full of continuall miseries & torments, now feling it selfe discharged of his heauy oppres­sing loade, it straight iudged that fortune prepared, greater paines yeilding mee this present extenuation, in middest of which thought, to expell y^e worse from remēbrance made me breake into that passion, I call it so, for though I séeme (be­ing not continuall) as such a one but litle to féele it, publish­ing it with such rudenesse, how should I doe were it perpe­tuall: but oh inconstant chance, why name I a perpetuitie, when I know this good more then felicity, is but y^e prologue to an vnterminate end of greater paines, by bringing me to the accōplishing of your commaund whose greatnes excéeds all worth of happines cōpared? here Artemisa replyed. Why (sir Knight) we required not to know more thē the princesse demanded, for whosoeuer doth guard our chariot, must haue his hart so exempt of imaginary thoughts, that his care may be only busied on the present obiect of his eie: with these and such like spéeches they arriued to the fount where the ladies descended, ioying to refresh their heated beauties in y^e coole­nes of the water, or to speake more aptly to purifie it w^t their presence. The like did the foure Princes, the Achayan disco­uering his louely countenance. Newe amorous launces to pierce the tender brest of the all wounded Lady, though (not knowing who he was) she would not disclose it to any, wil­ling rather to suffer & liue w^t her maidē honor (but w^t paine) [Page] then to blemish it by other meanes, yet the eyes wherewith she gazed on him with such particuler care, were euident y­nough of her affection had the Prince noted it. Together hand in hand the two Ladies walked into the thicket alone, to enioy the freshnes of the aire, which was so pleasant that it made them go further then they would, and being thicke, & without pathes, they could not when they would returne which not a little grieued thē. Wherupon y^e Princesse said. What shall become of vs Lady, if we shold remaine in this remoted place? great hath béen our carelessenes to part so far without the companie of our Knights, for we might vn­happily miscarrie if any wilde beast should yssue out of these woods. I maye goe secure (replyed Artemisa) for seeing you I shal be left, to repaire vnto the fayrest. Hay me (sayd she) I pray thee saye not so, for my flesh trembles to heare it. In these Feminine feares were they busied, when frō the wood there came a mighty bigge Knight in bignes, like a gyant, all in armor, with foure Knights with him, of no lesse force then y^e Maister, who was Lord of y^e famous Isle of Rhodes situate in the Carpatian Sea, not far disioynd from the Frō ­tiers of Egypt and Lycia, he was called Valdanio y^e stronge, who inamored by heare say of Rosiluera, came to Trebizoūd with 16 Knights, whome hee disperst foure seuerall wayes for this intent, which was by anye meanes to steale her a­way, for once in safety set in his Isle gainst all the vniuerse he would defend her. In seing the Ladies, he knew whom he loued, and with extreame ioy hee cryed out. Oh Ioue may it be thou hast kept for me such good fortune? I wil ac­knowledge it with rich sacrifices vntil the death. He would not deferre it, supposing there might bee thereabouts her at­tendance: so went he to y^e Ladies that séemed more like dead coarses then liuing creatures. She whome he loued, did she barbarous Gyant take in his armes: a better prize ne­uer any made, had Fortune fauored him to the end. The English Lady had more courage so she ran into the thicket: whether the Knights would not followe her, but seing their [Page] good occasion spurring with greatest spéede their horses, toke their way to the Sea coast where their Galley expected thē with her sayles ready spread. This while had Artemisa time to send her clamors, through the emptie aire kéeping on her slight, whose eccho, broght her where their knights expected, thē, to whom, in most pittifull maner she recounted y^e Prin­cesse misfortune. Which thing excéedingly gréeued euerye one, with sudden amazement, except it were the furious Bembo knowing which way she went, more swifter then y^e passage of the racking Cloudes, vpon his fierie Courser (thē which the world yeilded not two better) he followed y^e villa­nous Gyant with the Princesse: who in a trance was car­ryed till hauing run the space of some two miles, in y^e myd­dle of a spacious field, at the foote of a spreading Caedar shee sawe a knight lye, clad all in armor, that with y^e noyse was risen, to knowe the reason of it. So soone as the Lady sawe him, with great lamentation she sayd. So the heauens in all your actions blesse you (sir Knight) suffer not this moste vniust outrage to bee done mee. Straight did the Knight knowe her for many dayes since, had he made her the proper loue of his owne soule, tributarie to hers. For this was the haughtie Don Cellindo of the hidden groue, where he hadde séen the portrature of that Lady, who by chance was sunde­red frō his Sister, nothing sorrowing for it, to goe to Trebi­zound & sée that Princesse that so had captiuated him. No­thing slow was Alicandros Nephew for swifter then an Ea­gle he ioyned with the Gyant thus. Set downe thy burden vntutred beast, for lesse then thy head it shall not cost thée, he durst not run against him, for hitting of the Lady, but be­ing more nigher sayd againe.

Stay villanous Knight for so easilye is not the fairest Flower of Trebizound to be carried away, in whose defence first will I loose my life then see her sustaine the least iniury. Otherwise then set her downe could not the Rhodian Lord doe, sure to remoue that blocke out of his way, and glad to, that his Knights as he thought would not stay long, but [Page] himselfe being better mounted they loste their waye in the wood, where they paid full dearely for their presumption, for the furious Teferreo committing Artemisa to the Spani­ards kéeping, committed his fortunes to the running of his horse til he met with thē as shalbe expressed: returning now to Don Cellindo, wo seing himselfe before his Lady, & that battle to be for her libertie, he couched his launce with such gallantnes, that the Pagan somewhat feared, they encoun­tred with more noise thē the méeting of two Rockes: migh­ty was the Moore, yet notwithstanding receaued he a dan­gerous wound on his left breast, from whence issued much blood. The gallant Cellindo past forward with losse only of his stirroppes: ere the horse turned againe hee recoue­red them, and drawing foorth Quéene Iulias famous blade marcht against his aduersarie, beginning betwéen them one of the fiercest & best fought combate euer made in Trebizoūd. For the warriors being mightie, strong & of lusty courage, gaue & receaued puissant blowes, the one cutting both ar­mor & flesh of the other, & he brusing & tormenting the body of his aduersary within his inchanted armor, which though it tired him, yet he had made the Moore almost faint with losse of blood from his many woundes, receiuing the last, & dangerousest on his breast, with such horror that it awake­ned the Lady (which all that while did lie sencelesse & with­out féeling) who seing how brauely her knight behaued him­selfe, with more ease she sat gazing on the battaile, perswa­ding her selfe hers would be the victorie: but to the vnfortu­nate, euery litle thing is a let to their pretence: For Don Cellindo imagining it would not meanly benefite his loues to bind the Ladies kindnes, by vanquishing that Gigantine knight, made all the hast possible for the Conquest, and in faith for greater matters was his valour suffitient, had not the Goddesse of indirect procéedings diricted the therward y^e Tygrian Bembo setting him in middest of that faire plaine, whē y^e Prince ended his stroke. Through the velocity of his Courser he quickly ioined with thē, & his launce aboue hand [Page] he acted a déed worthie of the Achayan Lord, for setling him­selfe strongly on his stirrops, he darted it to y^e mighty Pagan taking him ful in y^e middle of his side, had it byn twise thic­ker it had pirest him, a third part therof appered on y^e other side. There is no asking whether the blow pleased y^e lady, lo­uing y^e black dearer thē her own soule. He y^t to y^e death grie­ued therat was Don Cellindo, & not able to smother his an­ger sayd. It ill besemed thée (bold knight) seing me in fight with y^e other, to procede as thou hast done because to liberate the Princesse my arme was suffitient, néeding not y^e ayde of thy pride. Mild & courteous was Bēbo before he was an­gred, but being he made his hearers trēble. So somwhat w^t a hoase voice he replied. The offence if any hath byn cōmit­ted is in thee audacious knight, for doing anothers busines, we should not stay one for y^e other, either procuring y^e liberty of one Lady. And y^t thou maist know how I vse to guerdon those y^t are discourteously arrogant & lauish of their tongue. Defend thy selfe, for y^e ones head shalbe witnes of the others right: wherupō w^t that celerity he in al things vsed, he drew forth his magick tempered blade, better thē which the earth cōtained not. Tis requisite that w^t new corage y^e Prince for­tifie himselfe, whose armor not a litle auailes y^e defēce of his body, for else in ten thousand péeces w^t his Herculean arme had Bēbo cut him. Like Lions, Bazalisks, or rauening wolfs did they make their battle. Of corage inuincible were they both, & euery blow of power to deuide a rocke, for all their armor was inchanted, yet their strēgth guiding their sharp swords māgled it, cut it away, bruised their flesh, & woūded it in many places with dangerous wounds: with y^e crimson blood that yssued from them was the grasse inamelde their armor died, & their horses all be-sprinkled. Their nimblenes in auoyding, & quicknes in assaulting, w^t their skill shewen in euery blow was admirable. The worst of y^e 2 sped Meri­dians son, & so much that being continued to y^e end, either he shold suffer a valiant death, or scape w^t eternal dishonor: for w^t a blow that Bēbo gaue him on his visor, he struck him all [Page] along vpon his horse, without sight and féeling: he follow­ed the chase where he had surely slain him, had he not heard a voice that staied him, It was the Ladies, that considering what the knight had done for her, would not be vngratefull for it, but in signe thereof, caused the battaile to cease: thin­king (as indeed it was her Bembo) had the better. She roze from whence shee came, and in great hast ranne to him in the blacke with these wordes. For my sake sir Knight leaue this battaile, whose victorie will yeild but little profite, and it were ill to repay his good will so, that with such liberali­tie offered to free me frō the dead knight: he saw (though he was angrie) that the Ladie had reason in her wordes, and so replied. Soueraigne Princesse of Trebizound, although this Knight had greatly wronged me, I am content to leaue it in this estate so he will: he will, he will: (answered shee) if he will leaue me debtor, for that he hath done for me. In what maner the voice surpriz'd him, in the same he stood a good while, hauing his power subiect to no more then to o­bay the beauteous Ladie, to whome hee replied. My ad­uantage being hereby the greatest (most faire Princesse) I wish, it had been commaunded mee before (not now, this knight hath got the best) that your soueraigne beauty might haue been assured of my will, which is with my life to bee employed in your seruice vntill the death. In what maner soeuer you doe it, I accoumpt it no small fauour sir knight (did Rosiluera answere) since the cause to be respected is the wil that perfourms it, & till some of my attendants come I pray you alight, that with some thing wee may binde your woundes. Both from their horses leapt, and being Louers set all their felicitie in obeying Ladies. They put of their helmes, faire was the gallant youth Don Cellindo, more white then browne, and of so braue a constitution, that no Lady (being in loue) but would desire to be of him. Shee bound his woundes with more gentlenesse then Venus did her Adonis when shee thought he had not been slaine. These three, the famousest Louers that euer Cupids amorous host [Page] did knowe, sat them downe together vnder the couert of a spreading mirtle. Where, oh loue, who may haue a tongue so exquisite sharpened in skill to accord thy discordes and or­der thy disorders? In what dost thou delight thou scourge of humane liues. To see the youthfull Don Cellindo fixe his eyes, and thoughts on the beauteous Ladye, making it norishment to his heart, and all other thinges, but to bee hers, to accompt, a death, a plague, a torment? or to behold the Lady frée of his paine, to explicate with her two earthly Sunnes the cause that doth augment hers, within her selfe suffering a Thousand tormentes all of loue procéeding of lo­uing the Achayan Bembo? to drawe y^e pleasure for her soule from him, to Don Cellindos cost? who noting with his Iu­diciall eyes with what affection the Princesse woulde cast hers vpon his aduersarie, it was more then eternall payne which he suffered, then which the hel of Loue wherein hee liued, he Iudged could yeild no greater. Ioyest thou destroi­er of the vniuerse (not sparing the little, little corner of my iniuried hart) to sée the ingratefull More iest at Rosiluera, ha­uing his thoughts there, but his soule with Liriana, in this liuing with ioye, but of the other hauing onely of all his po­wers, his body there on the plaine, casting his eyes aloft vp­on the towring Cypresses, and odoriferous mirtles? Some comfort was this to Meridians Sonne, for to himselfe hee sayde. It was not possible hee should loue where his sight did not gaze theron. Oh valiant Princes who might please you, displeasing neither, pardon, oh pardon mee swéete La­dies, for my long progressing through y^e pathes of loues sin­cere puritie, for Don Cellindo gazing on her he loues, & shee on him, she had afore her on the other side, made y^e last view­ing her beautie, iudge it but a parcell, or an abstract draw­en from the perfect modell of Lirianas perfections on whome his imagination did féede, accompting the greatest euil for her sake to be his chiefest ioy.

The Lady spake (for in loue discourses they haue greater power in this war of Venus, then Hector amonge Mars his [Page] troopes) sir Knight (looking at Don Cellindo) I doe greatly desire you would communicate your name to vs, that Trebi­zound may know her creditor for my libertie: nothing more then to obay her can the gallant: so he replyed. Most So­ueraigne Princesse the certainest thing that I can tell of my name, is to knowe nothing of the same. In companye of a Sister of mine a wise man brought me vpp, not telling vs who we are, but that I was called the hidden Don Cellyn­do, though now the fortunate Knight I am termed. It shold séeme they suspected this would befall me, wherein I might doe you some seruice, although it may bee more aptly attri­buted to the valour of this Knight. Any other thing I know not of my selfe, nor haue I y^e hart to declare it. The last vn­derstood the Lady as one wounded with that disease, & be­cause she would not giue him farther occasion for that argu­ment she thanked him for that hee had done, and turning to her soule sayde. Seeing sir Knight that by your valour you haue obtained to be my kéeper, I must now haue you also de­clare your name vnto me. In all things (soueraigne Prin­cesse) am I bound to your seruice, although of your demand I know lesse thē this Knight: only can I tell, that from my minoritie I haue acknowledged anothers soueraigntie o­uer mee, and for all my life dependes thereon, yet was my name giuen me contrarie to this Knights, calling mee the vnfortunate. I am sure she will now bee weary of paines, hauing reserued for mee in Trebizound such supreame good. As the Lady was about to answere appeared Teferreo, with signes that hee had fought, for all his armor was dashed w^t fresh blood of others. Twas so for not far there had hee met with the 4 Knights, whose vanquishment cost him no little trouble, but in the end their heads payd for their bouldnes. He toke vp the Lady behind him on the horse, & (shūning y^e prolixitie of their gréetings) tooke their way where the bro­thers of Spaine & Artermisa were, w^t whome after the passing of some iests betwene them about her flight, they altogether went to the house of pleasure where the Emperour brauely [Page] welcomed them, and the better knowing what had befallen them. What intertaynement, or with what pleasure they should intertaine the two Princes, they knew not. The one knewe no more of himselfe then what he had sayd. The o­ther neuer declared his name to any but Liriana. There staid he eight dayes, which was but a momentary instant for the Ladye, that by a thousand meanes woulde haue made him knowe her affection: but his was so great towards another that it woulde not so much as let him marke hers, thinking hee had byn stayed a whole age in Trebizound. Hee craued leaue for his departure to euery ones griefe for hee was lo­uing who felt it worse then death, was Rosiluera, though she dissembled it: in this she exceld all Ladies of her time. Hee returned to Achaya, where his frend Lupercio expected him, who to expell his loue of Lyriana from his minde toulde him how she was betrothed to one of the valiantest Knights of y^e world, and of the house of Grecia. It grieued him so extreme­ly, that he fell into many infirmities, although the wise man with hopes deluded him which was the cause of his recoue­ry: where we must leaue him, and Don Cellindo, feasting in vaine the gallantnesse of his Ladie Rosiluera: because we must treat a while of Claridiano, whome with obliuion we haue greatly wronged.

CHAP. XXII. How Prince Claridiano arriued in the Kingdome of Es­clauonia, and what aduentures there befell him.

AFfectionate to the valoure of the Blacke Knight departed the Gréeke Prince, vna­ble to imagine whom so faire a Lady shold bee which hee iudged to remaine within that tower inchanted, but as he in sorrow progrest, hee woulde with nothing ioy, [Page] nor in any delight thinking he wronged his Ladye, to con­uerse with pleasing thoughts, hauing forsaken Grecia in her disgrace. He crost all the Macedonian Sea, & sayled alonge the Coast of Panonia Foure dayes, and on the fift his inchā ­ted bark furrowed the raging billowes of the Illyrium Sea, till the Tenth day that it ran alande in an vnknowen port, where he leapt on shoare, hauing nor méeting any of whom he might demaunde where he was arriued. Vpon his Ze­phirus he mounted that horse which he with such immortall honour wonne at the Nabatran Feasts as the second part re­zited. His Heroyke cariage better denoted him to bee the Sonne of Mars, then Claridianas of-spring, his shield he ca­ryed at his backe, and his launce on his shoulder, with his Beuer vp. In this maner laden with Millions of grieuous passions, he tooke in hast, the most vsed path; through which hee had not far gone, when the same way he saw a knight comming, as fast as his horse could runne. He stept before him, demaunding the cause therof, but he was so grieued, y^t he could, or would not tell it. Whereat the afflicted Prince beeing abashed with the Knightes discourtesie hauing his launce aboue hand strucke him with it from his horse, say­ing. Now discourteous Knight shall you perforce tell mee what I intreated you, or else I will let foorth your life. So did he set the pike of his launce at his brest, threatning him with death if he tolde not, who fearing it replyed.

Pardon me (sir Knight) for the greefe I had, made mee thus forget my selfe: but know, you are in y^e kingdome Es­clauonia very nere the auntient Citie Zantho, where at this time the King kéepes his Court, accompted one of the famo­sest in the world. He hath a Daughter for her beautie cal­led the second Venus, whose excellencies are sayd to surpasse the Mother of Loues. Of this Lady the Sonne of y^e Siconi­an Sophi became amorous, who hath with him foure Bro­thers no lesse mighty then himselfe, he hath shewen himselfe so affectionate towardes the second Venus, that he demaun­ded Lycense to keepe a brydge in her name, maintayning [Page] that hee alone deserues to bee beloued of her, and none like him to loue her. It is knowen she nothing respectes him as he would, for which cause many do aduenture against him: but most vnequall, and vniust is the fight, in that yf any o­uerthrowes them all with y^e launce, they altogether assault the Conquerour with their swords, and they being so vali­ant many in the enterprize haue lost their liues, and others their Fame, amonge the last was a couzen of the Prince of Croatia, that at the third incounter was ouerthrowen: So I was going to aduertize the Prince my Lord thereof, that no lesse then the Siconian doteth on the beauteous Venus, who by a certaine aduenture was stayed at the Sea coast where we all landed, with two fierce Gyants to guard him: hym went I to call to reuenge the misfortune of his couzen. This sir Knight is all I knowe of this Country, in which I haue not béen foure dayes. The Prince greatlye thanked him for his relation, and parting from him, entred to passe the heate of the day among those braunched trées, from whence there rose a spring, wherein he washt his face and drunke of the water, vnbrydling his horse that he might féede on the grasse. For himselfe, would he no other foode, but the glory of his thoughts. Vppon the grasse hee laye himselfe alonge breathing forth his soule in sighes, which still with euerye no thing séemed to increase to the Louers good, where he be­gan to extend the eyes of his imaginations, through y^e vast Sea of passions, wherein he was ouerwhelmed, thinking y^t by little and little his life consumed, remembring how dis­dainfully y^e Quéen of Lyra had reiected him, louing her more then himselfe, and not able to conceaue, wherein he had of­fended her. Hee had no other comfort then to exclaime on loue, not because he was his vassayle, but that he had made him so vnfortunate, as that although hee had admitted the greatest paine for his speciall consolatiō, yet it was pro­hibited from her knowledge: which cōsideration bereft him of his wits, but that he set his hopes on Galtenor, to procure all possible meanes for his redresse. A while to ease his sor­row, [Page] he would communicate it, to the gentle buzing wind, and flowred field, with more grace and swéetnesse, then the famoused Thracian Poet. To strengthē his voice, and helpe his thoughts, he sate him downe vnder a Béech, not farre from the spring, singing thus.

Here brake of y^e Gréeke w^t many sobs, & pitifull grones, gi­uing a begining to his lamēts in this maner. O tēder yeres, to to much tried on y^e tuch-stone of my ladies coynes? O cru­elty, shewē against none but him y^t liues by louing, ioying in [Page] nothing but to be anothers? wherefore soueraigne Quéene, leftst thou me with life, yf shold I liue dying, tutord in no­thing but thy loue, and in my soule to adore thy perfections? What honor hast thou (swéete Lady) got to banish me from thy sight with such crueltie? what didst thou loose admit­ting my paine caused by the effect of thy beautie? I did not procure, manifesting the same, thou shouldest loue me, or co­miserate my harme, but I prayed leaue, to loue, & languish till y^e death, acōpting that a swéet life imployed in this? But to forbid me yet alone to worshipp thée? who will reioyce in such crueltie, but Achisilora, whose disdaine I haue & do féele to equall her perfectiōs more thē humane? A noyse he heard amōg the bushes, brake of his exclaimes: he rose to sée what it was & saw his dere squire Palisandro, y^t in great hast came towards him, who leapt from his horse and sayd. Did you thinke (souerainge Prince) that you shold wander alone, so lāguishing in paine through parts so remoted frō your Coū ­try, Parents & friends w^tout company, & of whom doth féele thy greife far more thē his proper sorow? These causes are y^e tuch-stones to try your valour, shewing it against fortunes disorders, who to change her lowring countenāce, requires nothing but the resistance of her frownes, seming more cora­gious whē she is most fiercest. Far more out of fauour was your Father, yet neuer did hee loose the raignes of his pati­ence, which hath not a little grieued your Tutor Galtenor, who brought me hither to waite vppon you which was the thing I only desired, cōmanding me to tell you, you should not for any thing diminish y^e haughtines of your mind, for al wold be y^e more to eternize your glory. Such hopes were ne­uer giuē to any louer, & therfore I wil but anger him, longer to continue in these extremes: for tis good, since Archisilora must be yours, you shold obtain y^e happines of hauing her, w^t a more rigorous harm, thē any you haue suffred, y^t according to your pains, you shold after esteme your glorious tryūphs. And w^t no lesse griefe takes she your absēce thē you hers: for nothing els procured I to know but this while I was there, vntil your tutor saw how necessary my cōming to you was. [Page] Is it possible friend Palisandro (said the Prince) that my la­dy gréeues to see me absent? I cannot beléeue it, for so great a good brings with it an incredulitie. He imbrast him, for neuer had any Prince a more discréeter squyre, except Alli­rio, that was borne according to Rosabells humor. A thou­sand things demaunded he of the Court, whose presence did adorne it. Some griefe was to him hearing that all his kinsfolkes were there missing, not knowing the cause ther­of. Great comfort did hee conceaue by seeing him, hee had made the Consistorie, within whose secrecie he recorded his soules thoughts: imagining his companie would be a lesse­ning of his paines, but that, which most did mittigate it, was the care his Foster-father Galtenor had to succour him. By this it was time to trauaile, so getting a horse-backe, tooke their next way to the famouse Citie of Zantho, aduer­tising Palisandro he should by no meanes discouer what they were, more then that he was called the persecuted knight, discourse they did of many things, and the most of Archisilo­ra, when about two of the clocke after midday the rayes of the reuerberating sunne vpon the stony walles of the Cittie, guilded their plumed toppes, whose stupendious buildings made them amazed with admiration. On the north side it hath Panonia: on the west Istria, on the East Mysia the grea­ter, and on the south the Adriaticke sea. The wall was round moted with an arme of the famous Gersian riuer, where (it is beléeued) that Iupiter first fell in Loue, and therefore did the Kings heere neuer want most beautifull daughters, as this now was, accoumpted the worlds machlesse Paragon for gallantnes and beautie.

The path which they hadde taken brought them vnto the bridge, whose passage the Siconians Son with his bretheren did defend. It was admirable in workmanshippe, for in y^e middest therof was edified a stately pallaice, where y^e prince and his brothers lodged. It reached vnto the Cittie wall, ending with a large and great plaine, payled in for the bat­tailes, which the Siconian had cōmanded there to be made, [Page] because that way stood the Kings pallaice, from whose win­dows might the second Venus behold all the cōbates, though not with such affection as the warlike Lindauro (so was the Prince named) could wish because he was of himselfe proud and insolent being so mighty, which is the chiefest thinge y^e Ladies doe abhorre. A tumult there was in the place, for y^e Gréeke heard the noise of blowes, hee hastened his horse, so did his Page, to arriue in time to sée the cause. Which was for that the Prince of Croatia with his two gyants had entred the bridge (before him) desirous to reuenge his Cou­zens disgrace, with such fury did Claridiano crosse the same, that euery one beholding the fight was moued to laughter se­ing him with so mornefull deuise. Thrée of the brothers had Pollidolpho Prince of Croatia ouerthrowne & returning a­gainst the fourth, he encountred him so brauely, y^t the launce slyding from his shielde to the right side, which beeing of a knotty Oake ere it broke, thrée pats thereof appeared at the other side, tumbling his enemie dead at his féete to his Bro­thers extreme griefe. There was none there but cōmended the azure knight, for of this colour was his deuise: who like an angry Lyon made towards the haughty Lindauro. They met with more ferrocity then the roaring of raging waters beating within the cauers of hollow rocks. Valiant were the louers, but both were vnhorst. Of the two falls the bet­ter was the Croatians, because he held the bridle in his hāds. Recouer would he his seate to end the rest of the battles but the Iudges on Lindauros behalfe, did put him from it, saying he was vanquisht. Not I (replyed the youth) since we both fel on our féet. Thats al one (said they) for you, to wyn, were bound not to leaue your saddle, though your aduersary dyd loose his. To that passe came the matter that the Prince of Croatias gyants stept among them, saying that he in y^e azure was not ouercome, but that he might prosecute his battle, & that they would maintayne it gainst all the world. Least a­ny dangerous tumult should happen the King descended, to whom the Iudgement of the combate was remitted: verie [Page] neere approched the Gréeke determined to take the Croati­ans part thought it shold cost him his life, for his valor shew­en in the Iustes had drawen his affection. So did the Kinge greatly affect Lindauro, & because he was so great a Prince, and so néere neighbour to him, it had moued him in secret to giue him hope of his Daughter Venus that none but he shold haue her, although y^e lady one day her father talked w^t hir a­bout it made answere contrary to her sires expectations. Ne­uerthelesse he would not openly disgrace the stranger, but onely that hee could not procéede farther in fight, loosing his horse and shield. Forward came the angry Gréeke with fu­rious rage shaking like an aspen leafe, & lifting vp his Beuer sayd. Notwithstanding y^t against what so wise a king hath decréede nothing ought to be sayd, neuerthelesse (sauing y^e re­spect, & honor due to your imperiall Crowne & state) in my o­pinion the knight may continue his battailes to the end, for this being y^e last, it is certaine it went at al aduenture, either procuring the maintenance of his owne fame. If there any wanted to Iust yet were there in this difficulty, resting in y^e thrée knights choice to assault him on foote or otherwise, but to remaine vanquished at least w^tout his horse, your maiestie hath iudged it, & it may be the best, yet in my countrey it is not vsed. This highly gladded the beauteous Venus who sée­ing Pollidolphos haughty déedes was visited by y^e Embassa­dors of the blinde God. There stood a Knight y^t was accomp­ted the strongest in all Slauonia, a kinseman of y^e kings, who hearing the Gréeks spéeches, stept forth w^t these words. It ill beséemes thée knight to repugne what my Lorde y^e Kinge hath iudged. Incompassed round about with knights and o­thers was y^e mighty Alphebos sonne, which was some cause that he replyed with more méekenes then he would, & so an­swered. What the king hath decréede (sir Knight) I approue & allowe for good, but if vpon thy proude & arrogant wordes spoken thou darest accept this my gage, Ile teach thée that strangers comming to serue kings ought to bee intreated w^t more courtesie. In this kingdome (sayd the third Brother & [Page] she valiantest) must not be admitted so vniust a battle as you demaunde, but rather such as you ought to bee punished as troublers of the Court. The limits of patience did y^e Prince passe, hee presumed on more then Mars or Iupiter durst, answering. Discourteous insolent art thou knight, & thereupon that thou mayst knowe, how little I esteme thée, thou mayst enter to the battle with this knight, in company of thy bretheren, for the proude wordes vttered cannot be a­mended with lesse thē all your heads. The haughty challeng admired eury one iudging it a meere madnesse, & in fayth any other vndertaking it but the Gréeke prince, it could not but be called wil-ful temeritie, for either of the 4 might haue copt w^t Milo. The king allowed the challeng, greatly desy­ring to be reuenged on the knight, but the 4 Knights would not accompting it cowardise to assault one, & rather euerye one for himselfe, would vndertake the battle, thinking (not knowing the challenger) it was suffitient. But hee to dis­grace them sayde. Knights it befits you not with effemina­ted reasons to refuse the battle, séeming thereby more co­wardlyke then valiant. This altogether blinded thē so all 4 vpon mighty horses, set thēselues against the Grecian Mars. Now Mercury would I faine sée thée here to draw y^e perfect lineaments of this braue battle. Orpheus tonge in this effect were but blunt, for either is abashed of y^e other to haue help against one sole aduersary: with greater horror prickt forth the fiue warriours then the racking cloudes rent with a fie­rie Thunder-bolt.

The earth neuer saw a stronger, nor fiercer incoun­ter, for euery one thinking to end the battle with his blowe met him with such fiercenes, y^t none mist his stroke. To bee hit by so many was a help to stay him in his saddle. They tormēnted his body w^t the strength of their seueral launces, for few greater incounters had he receaued. He helde him­selfe valiantly, & w^tout making any shamefull motion in his seate he met y^e first brother w^t such puissance, y^t he made him fly from his saddle, w^t his proude brest pierced side, through [Page] side: he turned vpon the thrée that with some feare staid for him, seeing how mighty he had shewē himselfe against thē. All in the place were struck as in a traunce with admiratiō, especially whē they saw him in y^e yellow, how w^t his sword in one hand, & shield in another, he thrust himselfe amōg his enemies, with far greater courage then if he had to doe but with one. In his charge with that good sword that Galtenor had giuen him he struck the Kings couzen vppon his helme. All his plumes he cut away, with the top thereof, wounding him most dangerously on the head: he could not defend him­selfe of them all, for the brothers at once, laid vpon his impe­netrable helme, the which although they could not rase, yet forst they him to make an vnpleasing musike with his téeth, bowing his head below his brest. Through rage y^e Elclauo­nian cōceaued to be woūded he discharged on the Gréeks left shoulder al his strength, it so tormēted him y^t he could scarce hold his shield. The other two second it w^t seuerall thrusts. Twas their aduantage for the second brother quickly repai­red againe stryking him vnder the right arme. The swoord chanst to light outwardly els it had mortally wounded him, for it fell betwene the buckling of the armor nere the brest. It wounded him, though but little, yet altogether to set the Greeke on the spurs of furie. Being once at this point (Gal­tenor saith being he y^e Cronicled his acts) he was feareful to be beheld. Hee manifested it, for not regarding the other thrust (which put him to great paine) he florished his sword among the thrée. He could not misse the Kinges couzen, cut­ting away al his armor on y^e side with a piece of y^e shield: for­ward past the blowe lighting on the second brothers Beuer, woūding him there very dāgerously, & also the blod y^e issued hindred his eie-sight. He turnd with a counterbuffe vpon the third (this was the strongest of them) it beate him vpon hys horse without féeling. The king seing it cried out amazedly. O Saturne (what haughty corage is this of one knight) wher­in oh mighty Ioue haue I offended thée, that thou shouldest send him hithirto shame, & disgrace my Court? for al that no [Page] iot of fayntnes shewed the other twoo, beating on his helme like an anuell, which seemed to be of a light fier so many sparkes flue from it. Seing with what valour that knight defēded the azures part, the second Venus shewed her selfe more faire then did the first, when shee Courted young Adonis in the wood, from the window she looked, glad that y^e azure knight withdrew not his eyes from her casement, per­swading her selfe she might be sure of his faith. In a won­derfull fight were the twoe with the Gréeke louer, when y^e third brother, recouering himselfe, & casting his shield at his backe went to him. He assailed him on the sodaine, & ther­fore stryking him at his pleasure, executing y^e brauest blowe he did in all his life: for he tooke him on the very top of hys helme with such strength that he fell on his horse necke. All of thē followed the chase, laying on him most cruell blows. The new-come would faine haue closed within the Gréeke, & so offered it. It had byn very ill for Claridiano because of y^e others, so he auoyded it, by spurring his swift Courser ma­king him leape from them. After him followed the two rea­ching him together on his swords arme. Twas a venturous blowe, for it so paind it that he could not stir it. There was none in the place but perceaued it, nor anye but excee­dingly grieued thereat, especially Pollidolpho in his soule, who gazed on the battle with such affection as if he were his brother. Their good fortune did his enemies imbrace, w^tout feare entring, and salying, hammering his soule more then his body, so great was y^e wrath kindled in his furious brest. By little and little he felt the paine diminish: Aswell as he might he defended himselfe, not without mighty blowes of the thrée, that to make an end drew strength from their fain­ting, for he had wounded thē dangerously. At length féeling himselfe frée of the dāger, faining neuerthelesse the cōtrary, he suffered the secōd brother to enter for he was most eager. When he was so neare he could not scape him, hee raysed a­loft his reuenging arme, with more strength, then wyth whéeles the mightiest burthens are crayned vpp, & with as [Page] much rage as courage hee discharged it on his helme, the which downe to the shoulders with his head was clouen. Great was the noise that sodenly aroze in the place with the knights death, thinking the like would happen to the rest. The like presumed y^e king so did Lindauro, that bloody teares did shed for the losse of the brothers. Redoubled was their gréefe, for Archisiloras louer imagining he too lōg deferred y^e end: flung at the Kings Couzen wounding him with such a blow, that sencelesse he cast him forwards on his horse neck, he ran against him with his Coursers brest, tumbling him & his horse on the stony pauement more dead thē aliue. The third brother would defend himselfe, but the Prince thin­king it vnméet to assault him, did close casting his strong armes about him wherewith he pluct him from his saddle, & spurring his horse went to y^e bridge side offering to cast him into the riuer ouer the railes: whereat the King cried out to him he should not doe it, for he gaue him the victorie of the fight, accompting him the best knight vpō the earth. To do your Maiestie some seruice which is my sole desire (answe­red the Prince) I am content to do it, although his rude in­ciuilitie deserues a farre greater punishment. Thankes for the same did the king giue, receauing him with better coū ­tenance then will, for he would haue giuen any great prize so he had miscarried in the battaile. To him went the cou­ragious Prince Pollidolpho, saying.

Ioue Guerdon you for me (sir Knight) what this day you haue on my behalfe performed, which is so much, y^t I know not how I may séeme gratefull for the least of the same, but yf in any thing my life and my companions bee néedefull in your seruice, dispose of them, for we will offer & ymploye them with as great willingnes as you this daye haue done yours for vs, hauing not deseured it at your handes. The Gréeke replyed knowing him to be whom the Knight hadde sayd. This & far much more then I haue done is due to your gentlenes, & bounty (great Prince) for there is none (kno­wing what it is) but remaineth ingaged thereto, and there­fore [Page] may you accompt me as one of your true, sure, and vn­fayned frends. The Prince acknowledged the kindnes rest­ing so affectionate vnto him that in all things he shewed it. They accompanied the King, who though hee bare them no good will more then what hee ought, would not but honour them, inuiting them vnto his Court, where there befell thē, what the next Chapter mentioneth.

CHAP. XXIII. What befell vnto the Greeke Prince being with the King in his great Hall.

ALthough the cankered Rancor of ill-will within the brest of the Esclauonian Kinge, pleaded against the merits of the Gréeke Prince by reason of his challenge in preiu­dice of his decrée, yet so louing, & worthy of respect is the very & sole opinion of ver­tue & good parts (by how much y^e more thē y^e triall, & know­ledg of y^e same) (bright saints of idolatrized beauty) y^t he al­most forgot it, inclining so much vnto him through the sight of his valour shewen, and honour obtayned agaynst his foure enemies, that he regarded, and in the common Iudg­mentes did affect him. On y^e other side extreame was the griefe Lindauro didde conceaue, wanting the thrée bro­thers, & himselfe disgrast, attributing thereto the beauteous Venus disdain towards him, whose beauty y^e gréeke admired esteaming it equall to his Ladies the Queene of Lyra. No lesse admiration caused his in Court, that there was no Dame but enuied his fairenes, iudging he yet was fairer then Venus (hee was there a Noueltie. As hee, so reputed they the Croatian Pollidolpho, whose truelye affectionate the Princesse was become, desiring nothing more then to speake w^t him, that hee might knowe her will and the place his hart had obtained within her brest, glad in her soule of the amity he had cōtracted with y^e desparing knight (so cal­led they y^e Gréeke) imagining she might securely put her selfe [Page] in his hands, then suffer any wrong by her Father on Lin­dauros behafe, which would be no lesse then her death: For she neuer had thought well of the pride, werewith he had, & did procure to winne her goodwill. A thousand times was she about to write it to y^e Greeke, that as a Louer (euery one accompted him so, seing his cruell deuise) he might seeke meanes to auoyd so great an euill as she expected by the ma­riage: But she was as modest as beautifull (for in this she exceld y^e first of her name.) So durst she not write, belieuing it would blemish her honor, & staine y^e reputatiō, they of her kinde are bound to maintaine in all their actiōs, rather in­during a thousand deaths, then by their doinges, to giue the popularitie occasion to misiudge of their liues, when they ought to be the presidents, for others to modell out y^e course of theirs. This withheld her, suffering euery day many im­portunities, till that her Father seing her obstinacie, com­maunded her plainely to arme herselfe with patience, for he would force her against her will to that, whereto all his coū ­sell intreated him. This so put her to her shifts that she had none other but to write vnto the Knight in yellow, trusting the matter to a Ladie whome she thought would kéepe it se­cret. She vowed it acknowledging great dutie, for the re­posing on her a thing of such consequence. All the Knights lodged within the Pallaice excepting Pollidolphos two Gy­ants, that disguised kept aloofe of, carefully watching what would befall their Prince in those affaires, For they knew how intirely he loued the faire Venus: Wherefore the Da­mozell had opprtunitie (so soone as it was darke y^t she might leaue her lodging) to go vnto y^e Knights that kept together, and demanding who, and where the knight in yellow was: Palizandro beeing there conducted her vnto them, to whome with a pleasant countenance (after salutations she said.) Sir Knights assured of your valours that you will not denye it vnto distressed Ladies that haue néede thereof, I am boulde to come on the behalfe of one, whose name this Letter doth contayne, directed to the despairing Knight, glad, that be­ing [Page] able, he will not permit her in indure any outrage. So with great courtesie she deliuered y^e letter vnto the Gréeke, saying, she would the next morrowe returne for an answere. And staying no longer kindly tooke her leaue and departed. Tis scarce possible to expresse the alteration that surprised the Prince of Croatia imagining the letter came from Ve­nus, that seing the haughty déedes which he had done, and al­so his faire constitutiō, she was enamored of him, certifying him therof by that meanes. The Gréeke put him frō those dumpes, calling him saying. In the end hee was wounded with anothers hand. Lets see (braue Prince) what this La­dy requireth, that should haue no small néede of our succour, strengthning her necessity with our weake helpes, binding vs thereby to loose our liue in her defence? Twill bee an act procéeding of your magnanimitie (haughty dispayring knight) to procure that none suffer any iniurie, (replyed Pol­lidolpho) and from this time doe I offer my person. The like did the Gréeke, and opening the Letter were amazed to sée the name: neuerthelesse he read it thus.

Wonderfull greatly did the Princes (hauing read y^e Let­ter) estéeme the confidence reposed in them of so waightie a matter, whose yssue they could not auoyd without great ad­uenture and danger of their liues: well had the Gréeke vn­vnderstoode the Princes affection, and thinking he that way might binde him, sayde. Excéedingly doth Fortune fauour you (great Prince) hauing by such meanes ordred the put­ting in your hands so faire a Lady: And I vowe neuer to put on armor more yf I performe it not, although more per­rils depend thereon, he made answere. Most excellēt knight, I doe confes the Gods had appointed mee to méete you that seing my great necessitie, you should take pittie of the same. I will not againe rebinde my selfe, for these magnanimous offers, but onely set my life and state in your handes, to go­uerne, & dispose of them to your pleasure, for that will bee mine, in nothing derogating from your direction. Why thē (sayd y^e Gréeke) I find no better remedie, thē to remoue frō betwene you y^e knight y^t hath shewen himselfe your cōpeti­tor in loue: and that it may be effected, it will be good we ad­uertise the Ladye to yéelde to her Fathers request, and I with vnknowne armes will challenge him, procuring his, or taking my death to quiet your life. Afterwards it will be easie to take the Ladye from the Pallaice: but for this it will bee requisite you haue some number of men, for it is impossible but wee shall haue some conflict with the kings [Page] people: whereto he replyed. That is already prouyded: for my couzen (I being with onely my twoe Gyants departed from my Kingdome) came to séeke mee with twelue Thou­sand men, well armed and couragious for anye dangerous exployte. Tis ynough (answered the Gréeke) to set her on the Seas, where wee will defende her maugre all their strength. With this agréement they concluded their dys­course, wherewith Pollidolpho remayned the gladdest in the worlde, séeing howe well his affaires were ordered to­wards the procurement of his ioyes. The war-like Gréeke, writ his answere, deliuering it to the Damozell y^t mist not to come for it, carrying it straight to her Lady, that w^t ma­ny pittifull lamētations beséeched the Gods they would not permit so vniust a marriage, but rather to end her sorrow­full dayes which should bee her greatest good, that liued ex­empt of all content. Though she receaued it excéeding with y^e Gréeke Princes letter, whose seales hauing rent open, it contayned this effect.

The teares of ioy ran down the Ladies eyes in gret abun­dāce w^t her soule thanking y^e knight for what he vndertoke on her he halfe, calling that Lady vnworthy of any good, that ioyed in the sorrow of so valiant a Knight, with whose loue any might accompt her selfe happie, and had she not known he had on another bestowed himselfe, hee had been the first whome the second Venus had made Patrone other hart, w^t more loyalty then Cupids mother did yeild her selfe vnto her louer. Almost w^t the letter in her hand did her Father take her, for the Syconian Prince woulde not let him rest wyth his imrortunities: he required her to obay his behest, regar­ding how well it became her to marrie him, one of the grea­test Princes of the world, being his neere neighbor, which might moue her to doe it more willingly, shee answe­red. Deare Father nothing can be told me of the Syconian Prince, more then I knowe, and haue considered, it excee­ded my deserts to receaue him for my Lorde & husband: but so tender is my age, and my yeres so few in their vnripenes, that I thought I shoulde nippe the springing hopes of the same, by vnder-going the heauie yoake of Matrimonie. Neueerthelesse seeing both you & he so much desire it, your will be done, for now, nor neuer will I more disobay it. The Father imbrast her with extreame ioy seing the thing effec­ted which he thought impossible. Presently was it publish­ed through the Cittie, where many tryumphes were ordai­ned by the Citizens. The next day the King woulde haue it solemnized and inuited the chiefest of the Citie, reioycing in his hart to haue (as he thought) the marriage sure, and also to haue the despairing Knight in his Court, to glad it wyth his haughty deeds. He did it but with death and bitter la­mentations of many. The King would needs haue them all Dine in his great hall that ouer-looked the riuer: but the La­dies apart. At once together in that pallace was there ne­uer [Page] séen more nobility, for besides the King, there was Elea­uen Princes, some disguised & some woūded with loue were come to sée the beauteous Venus, imagining in their Coun­tries that she which had such a name could not, but in beauty be Venus her selfe. This Lady bride came forth al in white, of which coulor was the Prince also attired, with all his pa­ges, with so costly & rich ornaments y^t it was well séene loue was his instructer. After dinner (hauing sat to it something long, yet ere their reuealing began) they Cōmenst discourse of seuerall matters. Very nere Lindauro sat y^e Gréeke prince only w^t his sword, & dagger, cloathed in yellow & black, a de­uise which wonderfully became him. About that quarter, be­ing all youths, & in y^e May of their yeres, & Ladies seruitors y^t chose their argument euery one to prayse y^e beauty he had séen or most affected. The Prince Pallidolpho knowing who the Gréeke was, & assured that y^e Gréekish beauty admitted no comparatiue w^t the world beside, set a foote (praysing y^e Ladies of Grecia) y^e gretest tumult y^t euer there was séen: for Lindauro w^t his accustomed pride, thinking hee might there safest speake, answered: That may b [...] to them that knowes not y^e good of Esclauonia, nor cānot conceaue it: but to them y^t liue without partiall affection, there is nothing faire on the earth nor absolute but here. The amorous Gréeke with the onely sight of Venus was so transported in y^e contemplation of his Lady, that he had scarce vnderstoode what had bin dis­coursed, but rather gaue occasion of a farther mischiefe, by a sigh that burst from his hart, which made euery one note y^e griefe y^t possest him. Well did Lindauro perceaue it, & hauing the death of y^e brothers sticking in midst of his hart thought y^t with so many as there was to take his part, hee coulde by no meanes scape his hands, sayd to him. What haue you felt despairing Knight, for in such a place as this, more lyke a Knight, thē otherwise must the faith sacrificed to the Lady be approued. The Prince had already vnderstood what had been ventilated, and hearing himselfe so plainely taunted w^t cowardise, was mightily incensed with wrath: he refraynd [Page] it, yet not so, but he was forced to this reply. My thoughts ending the imaginarie consideratiō of my Ladies perfections, & seing the wrong the world commits against her, not yeil­ding to her the supremacie of all excellencies, I acknowled­ged it with a sigh: But least you shoulde thinke I haue no hands, or dare not mainetaine my words, I here defie thée to mortall battaile, where thou shalt see, that if I now here shew my selfe milde through the gallantnes of the loued ob­iect, in field I am fiercer then an angred Lyon, being toucht with her beautie. Néere him was the Brother who with like confidence of being there, spake thus.

In these parts, and chiefly in this Kingdome any chal­lenge is prohibited, in time of peace, and he is worthie of se­uere punishment, that led by an inordinate passion of selfe pride doth disturbe it. The most in the hall agréed with him therein, being also approued by the kings Nephew, a king, that but the night before was come thither. The King him­selfe did ratefie it, whose Guard expected no more to lay vi­olent hands on the twoo Princes to imprison them: but it was to their euill, for the Greeke like an Hyrcanean Tigre, leapt from his place, & drawing foorth his swoord wounded Lindauro the Bridegroome most dangerously on the head: he would haue made an end of him, but that the Brother stept betwéen, wounding the Prince a little on the arme, but he thrust at his shoulder so furiously, that sencelesse hee threw him at his féete. At this time was not the Croatian idle, ha­uing on the ground before him twoo of those Princes, al­though himselfe were wounded: well did the Greeke per­ceaue it, banning his fortune, to be without armour, for in spight of them all he had scapte them: he had no other reme­die but taking his friend behind him, betooke himselfe to the doore that went vnto the Ladies chamber. They all succou­red them, especially the beauteous Venus, that with teares of blood celebrated the wonders which the Prince perfour­med at the dore, backt by her gallant Louer. So great was the increased multitude which incompassed the Prince, that [Page] his lyfe was in extreme dāger though at his féet there lay 10 dead. All were not suffitient to defend Trebatios Nephews lyfe: had not an Vncle of the Ladies, her Mothers brother, (who greatly grieued at the marryage, although he dissem­bled it by reason of the King) that being affectionated to the Gréeke, (seeing his gallantnesse and valour) thinking that w^t him (though he were worth but one horse & armor) his co­zen might with greater honour match then with the proude Lindauro. He arose and went straight to the Kinge, that in all hast cryed for more ayd. In all thinges did the Kinge credit this his brother, who thus spake.

Thy fame for Iustice (most mighty King) is spread ouer all the earth, and therefore haue the Gods magnified thée, making thée happy with such a Daughter as thou hast, and Emperour of so large a Monarchy: Let not then the con­ceite of rash wrath (which by other meanes may be reueng­ed) be at this time the occasion of the wracke of thy supreme honour till now euer increased, for which thou art bound by Iustice to giue euerye one his due: and therefore suffer not yonder Knight to be slaine with such vnequall aduantage, hauing giuen no cause for it, and thou oughtest to maintaine his right. These wordes tooke such impression in the King, that without more adoe he cast his warder in the hall, that euery one might withdrawe: and taking his brother in law by the hand, went towards the Gréeke that was wounded in many places whose paine he felt not, so gret was his con­conceaued rage: but seing the King comming, he with-held his sword saying. I had not thought (mighty Prince) in thy Pallace he should be suffered to indure any wrong, that wished nothing more then to serue thée, soly expecting this daye to doe it. It behooued him to saye so, séeing his ma­nifest dāger, & being in place where he could not vse his own valor. Come w^t me knight (sayd the King) & I will doe you right, for it hath not a litle greued me, this tumult shold haue befallen on this day, which I hoped for my gretest content: [Page] vnder your royall woord, I will doe it (replied Claridiano) trusting that if I haue any excuse it shall auaile me. Feare not y^t (sir knight said Venus Vncle) for on my perill here shal you not receaue any more wrong. To him comaunded the King, he and Pollidolpho should deliuer their swords, who through his wounds was not able to stirre. Of him had the Kings brother in law charge, to the Princes extreame sor­row thinking his sundring from the Greeke would be his vntimely death. Hee was deceaued, for the Ladie had as much care of him as if he were in her chamber shewing her Vncle manifest tokens that shée loued the Croatian which nothing displeased him, thinking he was a knight of great accompt, & excéedingly reioyced when afterwards he knew how great a Prince hee was. The Greeke they committed to a strong tower not farre from the Ladies lodging, whose custodie a Couzen of the Kings had, that like a good knight caused him to be well cured though he was so weake of his lost blood, that he could not arize from his bed, yet his anger and rage more tormented him then his wounds, arryuing a thowsand times at the point of death only for that he could not come to be reuenged on the trecherous Lindauro. Who for all he was wounded, thought it well imployed, imagi­ning they could not from thence escape without death or e­uerlasting infamie. For which intent he one day secretly sent for the King of the Cremonian Isle, the mightiest Pagan that was knowen on the earth, for with one sonne whome a little before he had knighted, he had vanquished twoo great Hoasts. He was in peace and had contracted league with them: and aduertising them the necessitie he had of their helpes, with foure Knights of their kindred they came thether in poast, and sending Lindauro word of their arry­uall, they did what the ensuing Chapter doth relate.

CHAP. XXIIII. How the Princes were by some strange Knights challen­ged to the battaile, and what about it happened.

SVch is the power (sole wonders of heauens beauties, and onely admirations of earthly miracles) of an amorous passion rooted in y^e tender soule of a blind louer, that it for­ceth him, respecting no respect of proper ho­nour, to attempt those things manifestly a­gainst it: for once fully possest of the louer, it tramples with disdaine on the gouernment of reason, guiding the affection with the loose raignes of a selfe-will, the which hauing ob­tayned an vncontrolled regiment, doth commaund as abso­lute Empresse of the minde: this is that which only guides Lindauro, who because hee was a louer, & in presence of hys Lady to sée himselfe wounded, & his thrée Brothers slayne, & yet vnreuenged, conceaued so great a passionate desire of vē ­geance, that not regarding the laws of Knight-hood, he pro­cured against thē & his Royal reputation an vniust reuenge vpon the Gréeke louer, a thing that redounded to his euer­lasting shame, and dishonour eternall. He conferred it w^t the King, who being determined to obserue, and by Iustice and right to determine that controuersie, inclyned to his in­discréete sonne in lawes perswasions, animated thereto by the arryuall of the two Gyants, on whose valour the prince so firmely builded because he thought none wold dare to en­ter combate with them. Being thus determined, one daye (dissembling his knowledge) they entred the great hall, clad in resplending rich abilliments of warre. There was none but only with their sight did tremble: for though they were not of deformed proportion, yet were they of so stronge com­posed ioynts, and bigge timbered sinewes, that plainely they demonstrated the strength of their armes.

[Page]The Father raysing his visor with a hollowe voyce thus sayd. Mighty Potentate of Esclauonia, in our Land of Sy­conia we heard of some brawles thou hast had with certaine strange Knights, and this daye was it toulde vs their in­solence committed in thy presence, killing some of thy No­bilitie and wounding our Prince Lindauro, and moreouer howe thou hast promised to deale with them by lawe: a­gaynst offendors to Princes states no such respecte is due, but to execute the power of consuming wrath vppon them. And so vppon the one, and the other wee defie two Knights whatsoeuer that will vndertake the battaile, by the same will I defende they worthely deserue a cruell death: Hee made them sit downe knowing who they were, saying. I would not (braue Gyants) for any thinge haue it sayd, that in my Court Iustice is lesse obserued then in anye other of the vniuerse, and therfore did I referre this cause vnto my Counsell: but séeing you haue challenged them, there is no more but to admitte your challenge, aduertising them thereof.

Well did Alanio the Princesse Vncle vnderstoode the drift, and by whome that complotte was ordayned, grée­uing that so great iniustice shoulde bee permitted. The beauteous Venus did nothing but wéepe, purposing wyth her owne handes rather to sacrifice her life then to wedde so false a Knight. At length came the twoo Princes so weake and faint, that they were not able to stande, ve­rye fewe there were in the Hall, but greatly did pittie them. Straight was it toulde them the cause why they were sent for, and what those Knights demaunded.

Somewhat was the Prince mooued with their sight, but that being past as long it lasted not, hee sayde with his ac­customed animositie, that it pleased him straight without any further delaye to enter the battaile, affying onelye on his Iustice. That maye not bee (aunswered the Kinges counsell, who all were agréed against him) for there is an inuiolate law in this Kingdome (since Xantho the first King [Page] thereof was challenged) that none challenged maye com­bate his propper cause, but present his Champion, within the limitted time prefixt to finde him, that he, for him, may right him or else fayling in eyther, or in both, to remayne subiect to the Lawes inflicting punishment. But we being strangers of such remoted Countries (sayde the inraged Gréeke) and the finding a friend to hazard for vs his life be­ing so difficult, great is the wronge herein you doe vs, and on both I will enter the battaile. Afore him stept the furi­ous King of Cremania with these wordes.

Well doest thou knowe Knight howe impossible it is for thy sake to vyolate the lawes for the common good establish­ed, and so because thou shalt not bee permitted to it, makes thée so vehemently insist in thy request. That mooues mee not to it (replyed the angry Gréeke,) but onely to sée the in­solēt pride that hither hath brought thée, not like a Knight, but a barking rauening Curre of Assyria, that liue by how­ling against the splendor of the bright Moone. So furious was the Pagan that hee would haue flung at him, which had not gréeued the Prince, for hee so spake purposelye to vexe him. Betwene thē stept the King, commanding them to be conuayed to prison, first lymiting them a Moneth to séeke their defendors. So furious rested the Pagan, that tho­rowe his mouth hee foamed lyke a Boare, a thousand times intreating the King to permit the battaile to the Knight, but hee so feared the Prince that by no meanes hee woulde a­grée thereto, perswading himselfe he had his reuenge more surer that way.

Neuer was gelded Bull nor mountaine Lyonesse nor hee himselfe in all his lyfe more madde, then Claridiano was at that instant, to sée himselfe inclosed within a stonye wall, which made him roare like a chaffed Beare. Lirgandeo saith that as hee hadde afore béene a Pagan, hee so let his tongue passe the limittes of reason, that forgetting his professi­on hee let slippe some blasphemies. Galtenor no other men­tioneth saue that he would not that night sup, nor go to bed, [Page] for all what the Phisitions, and Chirurgions vrged it so be­hooued for his health. All the night walked he imagining what remedie he might deuise to yssue foorth to be reuenged on those villaines: he was about to cast himselfe downe the Tower, but it was timeritie, considering the heighth. In no lesse anguish was Pollidolpho, yet something more comfor­ted with Alanios kindnes that reputed him a person both of valour and high estéeme. In nothing could he better shew it then in that extremitie. But the beauteous Venus a thou­sand plottes deuised (mooued with pure loue) to sée if anye woulde preuayle. None was good, nothing pleased her, saue solitude that was her comfort, and if merily she looked on her Father it was with dissembling her inward gréefe, which was the greatest that euer Ladie did indure. With Fausta her gentlewoman shee disburdened her heart, for Thousand doubts perswaded her she should suffer some dan­ger which she thought could be but little, how great soeuer, happening for remedie & release of those Princes, for whom she would hazard lyfe and honour. Sixe dayes of the thir­tie were past, and no Knight appeared to accept the battle, nor none in the Court durst doe it, iudging madnesse to vn­dertake it against the Father and Sonne.

Verie fewe were in the Court but lamented the lamen­table certaine death of the Knightes, and aboue all Alanio, not knowing what meanes to deuise to eschewe it, because the King still insisted in his rygorous obstinacie, vrged ther­to with continuall perswasions of that trecherous Lindauro of Syconia. Her griefe did the fayre Venus smother out­wardly, but alone she shed more teares thē y^e first of y^t name did whē she bewayled the obsequies of her deare Adonis. One after-noone with her discréete Fausta shee walked into a Garden, (where none but she and her Damozells vsed to sport them in tyme of solace) to giue her thoughtes the ly­bertie of their vnbrydled pensiuenesse, which by so manye wayes was assayled.

It was their good Fortune, (by the Fates appointed that [Page] those Princes should not so iniustly dye) to leade them to a place where they satte downe hard by certaine thicke gro­wen bushes, and as Fausta pluckt vppe some of the rooted braunches to sit vpon, she spyed a great hole like to a Caues mouth. She was astonished thereat, supposing some beast or Adder to bee in it that might hurt them: the cause there­of demaunded the afflicted Venus, and being tould yt, the amorous Ladye sayd.

Oh I would to loue it were so, that by taking away my lyfe, it would end so many deaths which I indure, for there is no hart longer able to tollerate so much. She rose with more courage then her tendernesse allowed, & taking away the bushes to sée what it was, they espied a Caue that to­wards the Pallace bended, of such widenes that twoo ar­med men might easilie passe through it. She expected no o­ther resolution, for couragiously, and with great bouldnes (for in the end she was in Loue) she entred it, commaun­ding Fausta to followe her, for though shee lost her life shee would know what was in it, and find the end therof: your beautie will vnder-goe too great a bouldnes (said she) and I would not for any thing we should be spied.

There is no danger to bee feared nor yet that wee should be seene sayde Venus) for considering the safetie of the Gar­den it is impossible that any should haue come hither. They had not gone Fiftiepaces, when they founde themselues at the foote of a stone wall, yt was so darke that verie litle light they could sée, but yet they felt what it was. They went about (hand in hand, for let go they durst not) to sée if they could finde any steps or stayres in the wall because y^e Caue there ended. At length they met with their desire, but it was so narrowe that one could scarce goe vp. They put of their Pantoffles to doe it better, & the Princesse began to mount trembling like an Aspen leafe so did Fausta, who though she helde her Mistres be her sléeue, yet was not able to goe vpp a step, which were aboue Fortie, and with extreme feare hauing ascended them, whē they came to the top, they were [Page] so wearie they could not stirre. They sate thē downe awhile to breath, speaking so softly, that they themselues could not almost heare one another: what shall wée doe (faire Prin­cesse said Fausta) if in the Pallaice our absence shalbe found, no doubt but it will be noted, and iudged I feare for wantō ­nesse? That the Caue would bring vs (replied Venus) to y^e tower of the despairing knight, then would I not care what the world should say, for he being set at libertie, the same would he procure to vs all? Such goodnes will not our hap abode vs (said Fausta) to let it be so, for then who with a more iust title could bragge of felicitie? let vs rize (said Ve­nus) for my hart is passing light, and let vs sée where we shall arriue. They went softly féeling (fearing to be heard) till they met of the same stone, one of the fashion of a doore, that arteficially was set in the wall: they were not able to stir it because it was to be opened on the inside of the tower, though many hūdred yeres twas it had not bin opened, & y^e was the reason none of the Court, neither knew it, nor any such thing euer imagined. Lirgandeo saith it was made by a Persian king, that fell in loue with Licida daughter of Xā ­tho, who being lodged in the tower, and séeing her walke in that garden, with the force of his armes brake downe the wall till he came to the earth, where with more facilitie he prosecuted his amorous intent, making then that Caue as they found it, by which meanes he obtayned the Ladies will, bringing her that way vnto his chamber, till he found time to steale her and conuay her to his Kingdome. To this rape doth Astildo attribute the cause of Persias desolation, by the Father of the stolen Ladie. This was the dore that now the Ladies found where attentiuely hearkening (because it was very nigh to the bedde of the despayring knight) they might heare him with Millions of sighes complaine him in this manner.

O Quéene of Lyra (said the Prince of Gretia) how maiest thou nowe liue contented, séeing thy crueltie hath absented me from my countrey. and thy deuine presence, which was [Page] the thinge whose power might nourish an abhorred life, that nowe doth kéepe me inclosed within a stonie limmit, wounded, sicke and weake, and where none with helpe can preuaile to liberate him from a cruell and shamefull death, that only wishes a tormented life to adore thy beautie? O deare Father Galtenor, this is the time wherein thou shoul­dest shewe thy loue towardes thy Sonne, on whome thou sometime diddest put thy glorie, and the recouerie of thy whole Kingdome. Regard with what will I hazarded my life for thy content. I onlie require thée to set me at libertie, that I maye bee reuenged on these villanous Traitors: which if I might obtaine, I would not then gréeue at any thing that I haue sustayned so I might make them know, and also teach them howe they should entertaine valiant Knights.

O Emperour Trebatio my Lord and Grandsire, knewe you my anguish and gréefe, I know you would reuenge it. O Claridiana my soueraigne Lady Mother, who would tell you that your beloued Son hath but xxiiij. daies of life lim­mited by a mortall man, with lyke affection would you put on your armor to rescue me, as when you went to séeke the great Alphebo my louing Father, The Prince sup­posed that none did heare him, which in déede might ve­rie well bee, for that Tower was hygher then any of the rest. Great ioye conceaued the Ladyes with the fynd­ing out of so braue an aduenture, and séeing how that waye they myght frée him, that hee might so doe by the Prince Pollidolpho: yet most woundered, that vnderstan­ding hee was so highe a Prince, Nephewe and Sonne to those that with their haughtie déedes hadde illustrated the spacious world.

Of him (being so young) they had not heard, but what they had séene was suffitient reason for to mooue them to esteame him for the best and moste worthiest Knight that euer guirded swoord. Returne we nowe my Fausta (sayd [Page] the gallant Venus) for so happie an aduenture as this, could not but be kept for so great a necessitie as ours, and we will giue order that (vnknowen to the Prince) the doore may be opened vs by his squyre, for he is wittie, and will do it, be­ing intreated: but goe wée softly least wée be heard. Then let vs be gone (said shee) and I knowe not what it is that Knights can séeke, since your beauteous selfe hath discoue­red an aduenture so hard & difficult, & of such perill. There is none now (said the Lady) giuing the despairer armor, for when I sée him with thē gainst all the world I liue assured, though it would iniurie me. Come let vs away, (replyed the Damozell) for that confidence hath in Loue most force. And if so we might liberate the despayring knight we néede not harbour the least feare. A good successe I doe not doubt, for fortune hath reserued for this busines (answered Venus) since it pleased her with so good a beginning to discouer vn­to vs the way vnto so sure a hope. They came away, & that no Lady walking that way might finde the Caue, they co­uered it againe with those bushes & briers the best that they could. No body had mist thē because they thought they wal­ked according to their custome about those greene arbors. That afternoone procured the Damozell to speake with Pa­lisandro, which happened as shee desired, for she spied him crosse by the tower where his Maister lay. Shée made him signes to come to her, which he did, and because shee would not prolong their conuersation, least they might be espied, she said. Good squire it hath so gréeued vs the Princesse my Lady & my selfe, to sée the imprisonment of thy Lord that we cannot expresse it, and therfore we haue procured a meanes to frée him from it, so our good hap was to shew vs to day a Caue, that from my Ladies garden reacheth to thy Lords chamber, which we could not open, though we heard him complaine of many things, and we alredy know how great a Prince he is: and that he may performe what to my Lady Mistres he promised, she will set him at liberty, that he may procure it for the other Knight. Of neither aduertise him, [Page] but onely open the dore which in the same wall you shall sée of stone, that we may on the sodian enter, for it will so great­ly please my Lady Venus. And because this matter requires a secret breuitie no more, but, that this night after y^e Chi­rurgions be gone, stay you with a light, to doe what I tell, for we will not fayle you. The discréete Palisandro toke his leaue, pondering that matter in his minde, as the waighte thereof required. In the end he resolued to doe yt, vnable to imagine that in so great a Princesse there shoulde bee anye thinge ment contrary to what shee sayde. After the Prince was dressed Palizandro shut the dores verye fast, to execute his appointment, and hee found their tale to bee true which not a little gladded him, seeing that his Maister might that way goe foorth: hee opened the wall, and set a taper by his Maisters bed side, that y^e Ladies might sée him, & was about himselfe to goe méete them, but he feared to displease them. They stayed not long, for the houshold being withdrawne, with Summer garmēts, they descended to the garden, ma­king fast the dore after them. The Princesse Venus woare a Damaske mantle imbroydered with gold, cast ouer a peti­coate of russet Satten layd about with golden lace, vpon her haire she had a Lawne of curled Cypers, which so reuerbe­rated the beames of her owne beauty vpon her selfe, that no Knight (not louing Archisilora) could haue the hart to for­get her. In beauty onely thrée contayned y^e world to equall her, & yet they knew not any aduantage ouer her, the first y^e rezited Lady, Rosamond & Liriana. They went more nym­bler by reason of their light garments, which made thē easi­er mount to the staire head whence through the tapestry that hung before the dore, they spyed the light. With a thousād imaginations were the Prince & Palisandro expecting what might fall out. At the entring they started as it were wyth feare in such sort that they made not so little noise but the Prince might heare it, he feared some treasō, and though he had no armor at the time that he would leape out of his bed, entred with her damozell that excellent Ladye who with a [Page] ioyfull countenance able to reuiue a dying man, sayd. Did you thinke (sir Knight) to passe so sorrowfull a life, and we not come to receaue part of your griefe, the which if it might be deuided there should not want one, so you might be ryd thereof, to take the greatest part. Ryse would the Prince admired not onely of her beautie, but of the meanes she had to come thither. The Lady would not suffer him, nor giue him her handes, which the Gréeke instantly required, sup­posing he was before his deare Quéene of Lyra, he replyed. Much am I behoulding to my griefe (most excellent Prin­cesse) since it is the cause that causeth me to acknowledge an eternall duety to your high seruice, for this kinde remem­brance, the which being immerited by a Knight so vnfortu­nate as my selfe, stopps me from binding my selfe any more then that I heretofore do owe, nor can I beléeue there shold be strength to aduance mee in any thinge, more then I haue promised: Neuerthelesse of my life maye your beauteous selfe dispose, which to lose wil be a happines perpetual, pro­curing yours thereby to your content, the which to mee would be excéeding to knowe what waye you found hither to bring you: No other hath it béen replyed she, but the de­sire I was to sée you at libertie, ioyned with the griefe I cō ­ceaued, imagining howe greatly yours would be with my Fathers offerred wronges: For this daye walking to take the ayre into my Garden with this my Damosell, amonge certaine bushes wee founde a Caue, that hitherto arriues. I lost all feare with the will I had to haue you from hence, that I past the same till wee mette with this dore, deferring our comming against this time, and we heard you so bitter­ly complaine, that I knowe not what to saye of the Quéene of Lyra, whether she be in fault or the Prince of Grecia. It ioyes mee to sée you so well bestowed, though to ill repayd: Stormes are they to the Laberithian Seas of Louers inci­dent, still pretending a more happy calme.

If therefore in the meane time that your content is ab­sent you will receaue it, by hearing to whom these wrongs [Page] are done we will, tell it. Greatly disconted rested the Prince hearing that the Ladye knewe him but hee dissembled it re­plying. Well doe you expresse the greatnes of your No­bilitie (moste gracious Princesse) hauing procured lyfe to him that incertaine hadde it, your owne affaires haue you therein done, for it shall not lesse be employed then in your seruice, though to deserue so great an aduenture as you this day haue discouered, a higher person should haue béen kno­wen, to celebrate with her due honour that it merits. Tou­ching the rest highlye shall I rest satisfied, in reuealing my name and estate to none, the which I haue tould onelye to my friende the Prince Pollidolpho of Croatia, which is hee that is in prison, and yet that were pleasant, hadde hee but promise of some remedy, not of libertie, but of comfort, pa­tiently to beare the bondes wherein your perfections haue inthrald him.

More liuelyer colours then the blushing Rose possest in her chiefe pride, be-paynted the deuine heauen of the beau­teous Lady hearing what the Prince had sayde, shee would not displease him through want of hope, and therefore thus replyed. I would not haue had you (despayring Knight) that with such despaire, and to my cost, tell me the ametie twixt you and that Prince: But because you shall not saye that in Esclauonia there raigneth crueltie equall to that in Greece, let vs order your libertie, for after it shall not want for your friende, for I will neither nowe nor at anye time gaine-saie what you shall appoint mee, because a Knight of your valour and qualitie will not procure but what may most glorifie my honour. The ioyfullest in the worlde would the Prince kisse her hands, accompting Pollidolpho the happyest in the vniuerse, hauing with so fewe soules tormentes and heart oppressing passions of a despayring Melancholie loue, obtayned the most rarest Iewell on the earth, the purest fayrest, and most immaculte.

You sée valyant Prince (fayde the Ladies) what the Kinge my Father hath ordayned, and the danger that your [Page] lyfe incurres, yf for all the weakenes and debilitie you now are in you will vndertake the battle, to morrow at this time I will prouide you with the best armour that my Fathers whole Kingdome doth containe, neuer of any séene, and the rest I refer to your discretion: and that you may not be mist, I had imagined that Fausta my damozell should remayne in bed in your stéede, (for in more then this doth shee desire to pleasure you, and we will giue forth that you lye at the point of death, because the King my Father may not send for you, neyther for the challenge nor to sée the battaile. Now con­sider whether this counsell likes you, if not, we will seeke some other better. There is none (deare Princesse) answe­red the Prince, farr more estéeming her for her wit & discre­tion: why then (sayd she) take rest and courage, for to mor­rowe we will be with you, and commaunde your Squire to publish what I said of your infirmitie, for I haue vnderstood that by your valour you haue obtayned manye friendes in Court, that will helpe you with the vtmost of their powers, and I will procure that your friend shall commit his title & right of the battaile to your good fortune. And thereupon she imbrast him, (which Ioue had thought a happier lyfe had it béene done to him then to bee God of Gods) and returned with her belooued Fausta to her Chamber, where they past the night, with repetition of Knights qualities and courte­sies.

The next daye Palizandro published with manye teares (though fayned) the great infirmitie of hys Maister the des­pairing Knight, and how he would not be spoken to by any by reason he was on the exteamest moment of his life. Some there were that greatly bewailed his supposed end. Others blinded with a fawning flattery, at euery slight occasion to shew it, séemed then to insinuate with the Kinge by ioyning with his vniust acte, cause of the others ruine. But y^e He­royke Prince (reserued to accomplish more difficult attēps) reioyced at their follies, when hee knewe what credit was giuē to his counterfeiting squire, neuer suffitiently praysing [Page] the excellent perfections of the Princesse Venus, iudging y^e Fate to none other but to her selfe due. Who with the grea­test care possible past the day imagining in what imminent perrill she had put the Prince, though the confidence she re­posed in his valour, made her more assured then the cause re­quired. When they sawe tyme the twoo Ladyes by little and little, conuayed the armour into the Garden, that the Prince might there arme him, and also his swoord which she had demaunded of her Vncle, onely that she desired to be­hould the brightnesse, that being drawen it yéelded: he gaue it her not thinking on the good hee did, for had it béene with any other he could not but hardly escape in y^e battaile. They ascended to the toppe of the tower, where the lustie youth ex­pected them in his apparell, and so strong that in all his life he knew not when better he felt himselfe, so great was his desire he had to be reuenged on those Traitors. The Ladie embraced him with these words.

Sir Knight I so feared yeaster-days combate, because I was armour-lesse, that I durst not come vnto the second w^t ­out them, though in your presence mine will but little pre­uaile: Wherefore I will giue you your swoord, for it was not lawfull it shoulde come to another Maister hauing been y^e Gréeke Princes, because it were so to wronge him. Grea­ter is that it now receaues (deuine Ladye answered hee) that hauing béen in your beauteous handes, it shoulde come to y^e most vnfortunatest in y^e worlds wide continent. Name no more that fearefull Epetithe (sayde she) for you make me thinke you are ill conditioned to loue, one of the worst parts incident in any gallant, for he, that the power of disfauour forceth to deny y^e acknowledgmēt of his fortune in his good imployment is the apparent witnessing, hee not so much estéemes his Ladye as hee ought, for if she liues beloued, a disfauour at their handes must bee accompted a greate fa­uour.

Your excellent beautye (replyed the Prince) hath greate reason, and I confesse my fault, for all it procéeded from an [Page] amorus passion. Whatsoeuer how great soeuer, (said the Ladie) procéeding frō Loue, is worthie of pardon, for none that truly loues is subiect to any on the earth but to the thing loued, which is esteamed for life, reputed for a lawe, honoured as a King, and obayed as a Lord: and since in loue nothing is required but a perpetuall acknowledgement thereof, héere let vs no longer staye, but instruct Fausta in what she hath to doe. Palisandro shall doe that (replied the Prince) who must stay with her, suffering none to come in with any light, and when the challenge is knowen, then publish my extremitie to be most.

Héereuppon descended the twoo chiefe Beauties of the world into the garden, where (O Archysilora who shoulde haue tould thée so, with what gréefe wouldest thou haue heard it?) is it possible thou shouldest be so carelesse, as not to respect the loyaltie of the Gréeke Prince, who being alone with her that challenged equalitie of thée, remembred no­thing but the battaile, armor, and horse chéefly? She gaue him a stéeled temper one of the best that the earth possest, say­ing. This (braue Prince) was his that raysed the buildings of this Cittie, of which a wise man tould me, that it should come to the handes of the famousest Knight, and greatest Louer of the world, and with it he should terminate many haughtie aduentures, and I thinke in all thinges hee did lye, except in this, for comming to your handes the earthes glorie doth ingraten them. It is a guift (most soueraigne Ladie said he) to end any enterprise, hauing béen obtayned, by the woonderfullest hap euer recorded. The Ladie had in that nothing missaide, for that (next to the Creator) in a thousand places it did saue his life, the first being in the bat­taile against the fearefull Ballurdano, for so was the diui­lish Gyant called. The Prince did put it on hauing neuer as he thought séene a better in all his life, and shee closed the buckles with more grace then strength. Hee made an end of arming, and his armour being of a rose colour grauē with gréene ameld flowers, he rested the best accomplisht [Page] knight that might be séene. The beauteous Venus could not but imbrace him, saying.

In this doe I now wrong Archisilora, but so I may with truth say I had the flower of Knighthood twixt mine armes, I am bould to doe it, vowing héereafter to amend it with my vtmost power.

With whatsoeuer gracious Princesse your Highnes shal vnto me doe (replied he) I am the man that onely thereby gaines, though I wish my friend were in my place. For a­mong such there must be nothing, but ought to be participa­ted twixt both.

Now am I sorrowfull that I did it, for (said she) it is the greatest wrong my fauors could receaue, seing you tell me, that not louing your friend, I am the looser, being, before I am intreated, vsed with such disdaine: and till another time I will deferre my reuenge for this iniurie. When it shall please you (gallant Ladie replied hee) will I receaue the paine of your inflicted punishment, though séeing it must procéede from these hands I wrong it with that name: here ending, she led him to a wicket that to the fieldes did open, made with barres of strongest stéele: and opening it with a kisse, she sayde.

I would to God (renowned Prince) I were a Knight in this Iourney to accompanye you, the better to ioy your haughtye Cheualries. It suffizeth, for my glorie and the happye successe of them, Heauenly Venus (answered hee) that in your name I vnder-goe them: Yet yf that were so (replyed the Ladye) more ioyfuller should I remayne. So here departing she gaue him a Thousande imbracemenets suffitient to Metamorphize the weakest Lambe, into the strongest Lyon.

Hee tooke his leaue of her entring through a wood, where what did happen vnto him the insuing Chapter shall me­morize.

CHAP. XXV. What happened to the Prince Claridiano with a Knight, with whom he went to the Citie to combate against the Gyants.

BOund in his soule till death (swéet Ladies) did the mightie Nephew of Trebatio leaue the fa­mous Citie of Xantho, séeing with what care­full kindnes the beauteous Venus had procured his libertie, & so he fully resolued, either to loose his life, were it ten times ten thousand times more preti­ous, or else to take her thence, espowsing her vnto his friend (if so she would) and that she ment it he had receaued some hopes therof from her in the tower the first night. The ima­gination of his vndertaken enterprise (though of such conse­quence) could not diuert him finding himselfe alone, amon­gest those big branching oakes, from remembring the tirā ­nie, wherewith he was vsed forgetting his promise of Pati­ence, that the same night hee past vnto the Princesse, (but there can be none being in his estate.) He sate him downe at the foote of a spreading Béech, making the Eccho of his voice reiterate the repetition of his woes, and tempering them with the fauours the Princesse Venus had done him, he warbled foorth this Dittie.

He ended saying, what doth it auaile (Sacred Venus) so haue set me at libertie by those diuine hands of thine with hope that I might be the meanes to frée him frō prison that is wronged to be kept therein, if thou shouldest leaue me in a perpetuall Gaole, & where it is impossible, either for my selfe to frée my selfe, or any else to aide me in distresse. I will imbrace my death? and my Lady doth procure it, why ther­fore comes there to mee so great a good going to craue a li­cence to end my ill ioyed life, vnles she doe replie me with a no? Turbulent stormes are these, which only a hart with passions vnacquainted may distinguish, and he shall sée the reason he hath, not to complaine for that were to wrong the Ladie, but to publish his gréefe, & his vnluckie happe to sée himselfe, his loues & hopes disgraste? I know not (deuine Ladie) wherein I haue offended, vnlesse it were in making thée soueraigne Dominatrix of my soule: And if because this Monarchie is too small I doe deserue so cruell an exile: In that I did presume to acknowledge it, I now languish in eternall punishment for that offence, & doe not behould those twoo celestiall sunnes of thine, the lodestarres of mine affects, the guiders of my actions, and the light to lighten my eternitie. Now banish from my friends societie, I wan­der through vnknowen groues and desert wildernesses, cō ­uersing with huge bigge oakes, complayning to them vn­der their shadye couertures the anguish of my soule, the which a fresh blowing gentle Zephirus conuayes among a companie of straight towring Cypresses, who with funerall obsequies in tombes it in the aire.

Not farre from him was there a Knight with different thoughts, for he only sorrowed for not hearing from his La­die, hauing assurance by his good fortune that he might cō ­tentedly [Page] trauell amiddest his greatest absence: hee rose for through like tempests hee had recouered the quiet harbor of a delightfull loue: Hee closed his visor and went were he o­uer-heard the knight, & hauing done in his going made some noise which was a warning to y^e louer y^t clasping his beuer started vp, & by the brightnes of the Moone they could ouer­viewe each other. Either admired the others disposition. Straight did the Gréeke knowe the Knight by his armour, reioycing to méete him there in such time, attributing ther­by a happie conquest to his aduenture: for hee that he sawe was no lesse then the gallant louer Don Eleno Prince of Da­cia, who by order of Nabato that fore-saw Claridianos neces­sitie would helpe his couzen by sending him thither, where­in he nothing erred, for few else with honour could haue ter­minated that battle. What is it you require (sir knight de­maunded the glad Prince) for if of my person there be anye néede, I will imploy it in any danger to doe you good? I was only hither moued to come (replyed he) by hearing thy lamē ­tations (braue Knight) and the recompting of thy griefes to these sencelesse trées resolued to loose my life, or to my power redresse thy woes. For such a knight lesse could not be hoped (answered the Gréeke) although the infirmitie that possesse me cannot be cured but by my death. To despaire was yet in such cases neuer good sayd the Dacian he spake by experi­ence,) for sometimes the Lady giues a Thousand disfauors, onely better to proue her louer, specially if hee bee a person whom the Vulgar sort admireth, & so ought they to be taken as fauors. Neuer were any I haue receaued (sir Knight re­plyed he) which haue byn infinite called by y^t name. For thē in middest of them would my grieued life finde content, but so plainely she tould me, how little she respected my actions, that I thought it was to wronge her longer to abide in her presence, cōming to liue in this country many miles remo­ued from my owne. I greatly desire to know in what king­dome we are, for this is the first night that I arriued in the land, & after we will trace some plot for your remedy. In all [Page] things I wish to satisfie you (sir Knight) replyed the Prince because I iudge your person worthy of much more obediēce. And therefore know you are now in y^e kingdom of Esclauo­nia & very nere the famous Citie of Xantho, where w^tin these few daies there hath happened many things amōg y^e which was the comming of a knight called y^e Despayrer, who vā ­quisht foure brothers that the Princesse beauty defended, & from thence he tould him all y^e the former Chapters haue re­zited. So that sir Knight the worthy in the yellow with his Chāpion must die through the greatest iniustice of y^e world, And imbouldened with his Iustice not my valor, I left this night the Citty, resolued to returne vpon the mornings ry­sing, to demaund the combate, though I greatly doubted y^e successe considering the aduersaries fiercenes. But my mis­fortune that neuer is weary to persecute me, ordayned that in my cōming forth (hauing occasion to alight, & tie my horse vnto a trée) certaine théeues did take him frō me, & wold not stay my iust reuenge I woulde haue taken, hauing at such a time bereft mee of my stéede, not giuing them occasion for it. Truely (sir knight answered the Dacian) you accomplish the valor of your boūty, in hazarding your life in so iust a cause: & though my deserts containes not what so haughty an en­terprize requireth, I offer neuerthelesse my person, to accō ­pany you till death, defending any from receauing outrage, or wronge, and want, I hope you shall not a horse by some meanes or other. I doe not doubt it (replyed Claridiano) for we haue time ynough, & so he thanked him with soueraigne prayses his bounteous offer, which coulde by no lesse degrée be correspondent to his gallant disposition. But little rested the two kinsmen, with diuersity of thoughts: And therefore scarce had y^e golden shepheard regent of the worlds splendor shewen his light but they ryzed, y^e valiant Dacian presēting the Gréeke the best horse that euer the world knew. Mount thereon (valiant Knight sayd Claridianos Son) for I am v­sed to gooe a foote and trauelling softly, it may bee we shall méete with some to helpe vs.

[Page]They had scarce gone out of the wood when from the Ci­tie they spyed a Knight comming horst on a mighty Courser and séeming of great valour: Lets returne into the thicket (sayd the Gréeke) sir knight, for if any thing befall me with this Knight, none may witnesse it but these trées, for some­times for a man to doe such trickes, it is no infamie. The Dacian turned his horse highly pleased with the Knights be­hauiour. Alreadye approched the Knight, carelesse of that which happened: before him did Claridiano set himselfe say­ing. A fauour should I receaue (sir Knight) yf you would tell mee whither you trauell. No further (sayd hee) but to walke into these fieldes and run my horse, because for a good one it was giuen me. I am verie glad thereof (replyed the Prince) for now to a man that hath such néede of one and of a shield as my selfe, and going to so difficult a busines, in­treating you to lend it him you shal nothing loose therby, but it wil rather be a liberality that wil more aduance your per­son, for I must combate with this Knight, & he onely stayes till I get one. I would gladly pleasure you therein (replied y^e Knight) but truely you demaunde a thinge that neuer was séen, & I had rather take the battle for you. That maye not be (answered the Gréeke) for he hath challenged me, and I must defend my owne honour: Yf he must stay for you (sayd the Knight) you shall not want occasion, to gett one by some other meanes, for this is impossible. My patience (replied the Prince) cannot brooke so long a stay, & therefore you shal giue it me, or your life vpon it. With the point of his launce would the knight haue strucke him, but ere he could turne it the Prince had taken it out of his hand, & casting his strong armes about him, he pluckt him from his saddle, his shield falling from him to the grounde: what the Gréeke did was an act worthy of Claridiano, for houlding him between hys armes wyth a swinge, hee flunge hym aboue 20 pa­ces frō him falling with a heauy fall among certaine thorns & bryers, that before he rose, the Gréeke was gott within y^e Cittie, for quicker then an Eagle taking the shield he leapt [Page] a horse-backe, saying. Lets goe sir Knight, & pardon mee yf in any thinge I haue disparedged your estate by my deuise, for beléeue me my present extremetie vrged mee to no lesse. The Dacian could not aunswere him for laughing: but hys Dwarfe sayd. In fayth (sir Knight) you are so nimble in it, y^t I dare say you haue vsed this office aboue once. Thereby (answered he) maist thou gather in what necessities I haue bin, for in them there is nothing seueral to one alone, & so as much was this horse mine, as his that brought him: I am sure he curses y^e Law that any such thing doth allow sayd y^e dwarfe. Yf he doe so (answered the Prince) that of a good man might haue moued him of courtesie to haue done it, sée­ing y^t my present want requested it. And because (sir knight) we are so nigh the Cittie, lets not loose our selues, or vnadui­sedly cast our selues awaye, by reason I am so greatly kno­wen here and therefore it behooues you to speake, yf you do not ignore the language, demaunding battaile for the ym­prisoned Knights, the one called y^e Despayrer, & the other y^e Suspitious. As you (sir Knight aunswered Don Eleno) will haue it, so shall it be, and belieue mee, I neuer delighted I in any knights company more thē with yours. That is pro­per to good men (replyed Claridiano) that with their vertues adorne him whose parts deserue but meane regard. Thus arriued they at the pallace about Ten of of the Clock, when the King was in the great Hall, shewing some exterior ex­traordinary discontent for the newe infirmity of the dispai­ring Knight. Then entred the two most graciousest Prin­ces of the earth, who with a Soueraigne behauiour hauing made their due obeysance, with an audible voice the Dacian thus began. It is so little since we ariued in thy kingdome, (Might king of Esclauonia) this knight and my selfe, that we more desired thy high seruice, (by reason of y^e great fame that of thee the wast orbe doth publish) then by other means to procure thy displeasure. But hauing vndestoode the im­prisonment of two Knights, we are constrayned, they bée­ing challenged, and their owne persons from the fight pro­hibited, [Page] to vndertake it for thē, only relying on their Iustice (if any they haue) and not on our weake valours. I am be­houlding to you Knights (replied the King) for the kindnes you offer me, the which I shall not want will to gratifie ha­uing occasion to shew it. As for the rest the battaile cannot be denied to any that for them will vndertake it, if they please to giue their consent, for which let them be sent for. Straight went they that had charge of the Prisoners to ad­uertise them: But the discréet Palisandro made the Kings Nephew belieue that the Gréeke was at the point of death, who stept to the bedside without light telling him what did happen. With no little feare did Fausta answere, that seing hée could not goe, hée rezined his power to the suspicious knight, admitting whatsoeuer he should doe. With this re­ply returned the young man the which the King allowed, & it highly contented the Lady Venus that in her face till then had changed to more colours then the Raynebow euer had, awaighting for the answere, wherwith she reioyced, toge­ther with the sight of her fréed knight, who had brought ano­ther with him in her iudgement of no lesse valour then him­selfe. Presently came the Prince of Croatia, that was adui­sed without feare to graunt the battaile to any that should demaund it: he greatly thanked thē for what they did, say­ing. So strange (Braue Knights) is this countreys law, that it constrayneth vs in necessitie, to trouble those whome most we should desire to serue. It is not any for vs (Sir knight) said the Dacian, for contentedly we shall die in your seruice loosing our liues my companion and I, and seing we néed no more delay be our battaile straight. This could not Balurdano dissēble y^e sitting by the King said. Make not such hast (knights) to séek your deaths, for you shall haue time y­nough, & yet now knowing you must haue it against me, I feare you do repent your foolish hardines. Considering y^e de­sire wee haue (replyed the Gréeke counterfeiting his voyce more furious then a Lyon) to chastice thy mad insolence we stay to long. A mighty shrike gaue y^e Gyant, going to flie at [Page] y^e knights though to his liues cost had not y^e king & Lindauro stayed him by his armes, whom with the fury y^t possest him, a prety way had dragged them after him. Take thy armour & weapons infernall beast (sayd the angry Gréeke the more to inspense him,) for with them the verye ffeldes shalt thou iudge to little to containe thée, such worke we will employe thée in. The king cōmanded them to silence, & to go vnto the field to stay for y^e gyants. At their going forth as y^e Gréeke saw the beauteous Venus, he could not but make a courteous signall vnto her with his gauntlet, she answered it w^e a kind nod most glad to sée the two stout warriors, y^e more furious then a thunderbolt past forwardes. They cōmanded Fabio to go forth of the Citie least that vild people (should at y^e bat­tles end) offēd them, & for thē stay at their méeting place, for all this had the dwarfe made prouision, because to y^e purpose onely he was come with Don Eleno, who on his horse ranne round about the listes, expecting the combate, whose strang accidents deserueth (being the last) a large newe Chapter.

CHAP. XXVI. The cruell battaile that past betweene the twoo Princes and the Gyants, with the end thereof.

THere remained none (Deuinest Ladies) able to come in all the Cittie of Xantho, but in multy­tudes flocked to sée the famous battle of the foure rare in valour. The little children left their Schooles, to gorge their desires with the skilfull blowes of y^e haughty warriors. The gallāt gentlemē forsoke their other pastimes, & delights, to learne new wards, & new maner of defēces, y^t thē by their experiēces they better (iudged) might learne thē in any schoole of y^e wide world besides. The yonge amorous youths, for y^e time (oh admiring thirst of armes) to forget their loues, onely to witnes the memory of so braue a cōbate thither came. The old men ioyed to sée what their age prohibited.

[Page]The beauteous Dames and rarest Ladies to sée by exam­ple the power of their working beauty, came glad, vnto the field (making that more brighter then the imperiall heauen, because glorifyed with y^e radiant splendor of more dazeling Sunnes) with admiration to eternize that warre. And once againe with more attention & silence awayted the gal­lant louers, the discharging of euery blow, for euery one y^e was worthy note procéeded from the force of loue. And all in generall greatly argued which of the two Knights should be most valerous, for both so well pleased with their gallant­nesse the spectators that most with a partiall voyce expected the combate. Of thosē that least feared was the Princesse Venus none who at that instant accompanyed with manye Ladies, more glorious then Apollos shine, had set her selfe at her windowe that ouer the Knights looked, all apparelled in gréene to let the dispayrer know how much she relyed on his valour. On her head a Coronet of her owne haire shee had set, remayning with such a naturall true perfect beauty, that I know not who at y^e verie sight would not haue made her Soueraigne of his soule.

Is this the Lady (demaunded the Dacian) gainst whome the wrong is done and we séeke to right? And I thinke it a happy lyfe to loose it in the seruice that shal aduance her con­tent: For her beauty doth deserue it, and few or none there is that may compare with hers. It is so? Braue Knight (an­swered the Prince) that you may knowe what fauour wee haue on her behalfe. The noyse that y^e common people made with the comming of the Gyantes, interrupted their talke from farther procéeding. Many Knights & Nobles to please the Kinge, and the Prince Lindauro accompanied them, yet none would they trust with their heauy weapons, but their owne timbered shoulders. Both had one deuise on their In­dian coulord armour, grauen with many Lillies on y^e same, & were mounted on mighty horses, for such they had néed be to support their hugenes. Hauing marshalled the field w^t the vsuall rites they set the Knights each opposite against the o­ther, [Page] and the Iudges tooke their places. Balurdano was by nature so insolent, that séeing they somewhat ouer-long did stay, said: haue done with your new inuented folish ceremo­nies, for longer you are about them, then I vse in the win­ning of a pitched field? Peace proude hellish beast (said the Gréeke him hauing sorted and required for his enemie) for now thou art in place, where déedes must more helpe thée then arrogant vaine boasting woordes. He would not an­swere, for he could not his rage so choaked him. He turned his horse with such a curuet that aboue foure trēbled, borne to armes and valour. All of them placed themselues to fling against his enemie, thinking the fearefull signall ouer-long was kept. But (O yée Angels of chastitie, Vesta's only vir­gins, and Ladies of all rarieties) you that hitherto disquie­ted with desire haue expected this instant: now setled before the sacred sinode of your perfections, in presence of your ce­lestiall beauties, they beséech that with all intention possi­ble you make them Victors, with your conquering lookes: For considering the ligeritie of the foaming Tyrio champing on his bit, no maruaile if by a little diuerting your sunny eyes, you loose the enioying of so braue an encounter as the Dacian made, who being mounted on the earths best horse was first in méeting of his enemies. They encountred with more terror then the noise of two discharged fild Cannons. That happened to the Sonne which the Father would not haue beléeued, for the bigge launces shiuered in thousand péeces, they met so furiously with their horses, that the Gy­ant with his tumbled to y^e ground sore bruised with the fall. The lusty Tyrio, by the force of the shocke was driuen back­wards thrée or foure steps so disorderly, that the Dacian to auoyde occasion of some disgrace, leapt from him like to a long wingd hawke, leauing the behoulders not a litle affec­tionated to him, and no lesse the beauteous Venus that in her hart reioyced with the braue encounter that the Knihgt had made. All the spectators commended him with loude voices not regarding the gréefe that the King and the Sophy might [Page] conceaue with that successe, imagining that the Knightes would beare away the victory of the fight, since the one be­gan to shew it by so gallant an incounter. But stay a while & you shal sée what our Gréeke doth, that backing his stolne horse representing Mars on earth but far more angry, tooke his Carrier somewhat long, to take surer ayme with hys launce. They met, like the incountring in the wide vast O­cean of two well furnished shipps carryed with the furye of contrarious windes. Timerous in sight semed the vgly gy­ant mounted on so great a Courser: but he that was borne without feare, stronglye resting his launce stayed it in the middle of his shield that in fouldes excéeded Aiax: yet can­not it resist the strength of that Herculean arme y^t easily pier­ced it with his brest, casting a brace of launces on the other side vnder his arme. All the spectators thought he had slaine him, but it was not so, for it onely past twixt his armour & coate of male, yet he thrust him so hard, that he threw hym from his saddle, tumbling like a Rocke vppon the ground. And the Gréeke guirded his horse so strongly with his leggs for feare of falling, that, with the strong incounter, he made his Courser burst vnder him. He would not so long stay, but in sight of all the place, setting his hand on the pummell, w^t such lightnes he leapt forwards ouer his necke & head, that on his féet w^t his sword in hād he stūbled very neare where the Gyant, with great payne was rysing. He helped him with a lofty florish, that finding him something carelesse yt strucke away all the helme top and part of his armed scull, woūding him a litle on the head: he returned with another before he could be setled on his féete that almosted had layde him againe alōg, which lighting on his visor, vpō his front, it made him a long and daungerous wound.

Neuer was the like afore séene in that place, which made the beholders séeke newe meanes of prayses for the knight, saying aloude, it was impossible for Mars to doe, with what such facilitie the Gréek had done. The gallant Venus alone celebrated in her soule the Gréeks haughty Chiualries, ha­uing [Page] there none with whom she might communicate them. Of higher estimation, (seing what he did) was the Knight reputed then the Dacian. Who emulating the sound of those high lawdes, with his inchaunted Romaine blade made a­gainst the Gyant, and in his first assault he strucke the more to mayme him vpon his sword arme.

That was not a place strong ynough to resist the blow, & therefore was it to some effect, for it tooke away all his defē ­siue armour, with a great piece of the maled sléeue. To his defence came y^t Gyant entring with his left foot forwards. It was what the Dacian desired: For by his nimblenesse a­uoyding the blowe, (for on foote his companion hadd no ad­uantage ouer him) he gaue him another on the toppe of hys helme. He stretcht not foorth his arme to much fearing his aduersaries lightnes, and therefore was not his blowe mor­tall, neuerthelesse it cut away all the Collet of his plumes, and with them, a great péece of the Burgonet with some of his scull. Yt descended to his shoulder bearing away a péece of the fine stéeled Targe, that in stead of a shield he vsed. It did not a little auaile him to leaue y^e pursuite of his assault, because y^e Gyant turning his heauy Semiter, discharged it in middest of his shéelde. It did not cut it, but it ioyned yt with such strength to his heade, as if a Tower had fallen thereon.

It made him stagger two steps backward. He followed him close thinking hee had him sure with a mighty thrust of his sharpe sword. Aduised was the Dacian, and so expec­ted him opening his legges to stande more firmer: all was little ynough, for a Thousand signes of falling didde hee make: Hee was so abashed heereat, that like a Lyon hee turned vpon his enemie. At once they discharged such mighty blowes, that at the noyse all the fielde left sée­ing of the Gréekes combate to gaze on this.

His knees bended Don Eleno, thinking y^t the latest momēt of his life hee so felt the blowe: the bloode that through his [Page] Beuer yssued witnesseth asmuch. Hee so remained, for so soone to rise he had not power. The Gyant did the like, with his sword hand vpon the ground, wanting al that part of his helme, with a most dangerous wound on his right side, and the sword descending to the brest, though thrée fold double it was it cut it downe right vnto his thighes, with al his coate of male. Trembling like a shaken sappling w^t Boreas breath stoode the knight Iudging y^e battle lost, the like did Lindau­ro with the sight of such blowes, who sitttng next the Kinge was animated by him saying, he should not grieue thereat, for he purposed to deny the prisoners. Hereuppon they tur­ned to wonder at the Gréeke, for the earth contayned not a better sight, then to behould, the ligeritie, & strength where­with he combated and had couered the gyant with his own blood, he stayed for him, for he well saw his amazednes, so did the Gyant (who in that science was most skilfull) per­ceauing the Gréekes intent, whereby both stoode fore-war­ned. The furious Gyant woulde execute his blowe which was the Gréekes desire, the which hee had scarce intended, when swifter then a bird he closed, letting fly at his knées to make him forsake his standing: but his nimbles yssued too costly, for the Pagan being Maister of his arme stayd y^e blow till then, discharging it with his strength vppon his helme. Miraculously héere God defended him, (for his head hée had strucke cleane off, bearing aloft his blade) yet was it such a one, that it cut away part of his burgonet wounding him a little on the head, it made him fall on his face, a thing that all the place hung the head to sée, especially y^e beauteous Ve­nus that in hart shed teares of blood, seing the disgrace of her Princely Champion. Héere the Nephewe of great Trebatio was not slow nor remisse (for it is dangerous in war) quick­ly setting himselfe on foote, not losing his blow prepared. It was venturous, and that which to his little cost did assure y^e victory, for it cut him to the bone, making a fount whence procéeded more blood then had an Oxe béen there kild. Forth [Page] stept the Gréeke, saying. Now shalt thou sée (infernal beast) that here do déeds more auaile then insolent proud words, & that thou maist know gainst whom thou fightest, I am the Despayring Knight. Some feare conceaued he at the name seing himselfe so sore wounded: But his pride was so great y^t he salued that saying. Then stay base Knight, & thou shalt sée how neither heauen, nor earth are able to kéepe thée from my hāds, by which I wil disioynt thée bone by bone. Wher­vpon he wold haue flung after him (which had bin his death) for his knée vnable to support him, hee staggred that hee al­most fell with his head forwards. The Gréek seing it, thoght himselfe sure of y^e victory, & so desirous to terminate y^e war, he toke his sword with both hands, letting it fly at his head, with all the strength that he could fetch. He mist his blowe, which caused in many great griefe, striking his sword vpon the earth that therein it ran to the middle, himselfe falling vppon the pummell. Very neare him was his Vncle that in his soule did sorrow for it, & so desirous to succour him with a point thrust the Gyant from him, & at two steps was with the Gréeke at such time as the mightie Ballurdano with both his hands raised his heauy semiter. He had slaine him, had he not arriued, who at his armes let fly y^t venturousest blow of the world, for it was with such strength that his left arme from the elbow it snatcht away, leauing the other so tormē ­ted y^t his sword fell from it, loosing the execution of his owne stroke. Great was the content himselfe & the fielde receaued at the good ayd hee had giuen his companion. But specially the gallant Venus, that almost swonded with ioy, not know­ing who the knight in the Russet might be, that more fury­ous séemed then the Sunne in his hastye course. Who ha­uing that good occasion, hearing the Sonne side-waies com­ming in his Fathers defence went towards him, séeing the Gréeke already dangerlesse, and as both went with migh­ty strength and hast, they could not choose but méete with more horror, then a blazing Comett renteth through the Cloudes. Both went to the ground breathlesse, to the ad­miring [Page] wonder of all that beheld the battaile. The furious Giant for all he was maymed, would go to helpe his sonne: but Claridiano stept before him saying. Stay vilde beast for ere he returne vnto himselfe, thy head shalt thou leaue with me. He warded a stronge blowe which made him see more starres then did the Heauens containe: yet was it no part to driue him from casting his Herculean armes about him. The like did the Pagan, but wanting one arme, and his mortall wound on the knée, with a trippe he fell with the Louer vpon him, that not forgetting his dagger, thrée times he stabd it in his body drawing it foorth with his hart blood, Concluding that warre with the fiercest Pagan of all Syco­nia, himselfe remayning so weary that not able to stand he made a seate of the Gyants tronke, making all the specta­tors laugh to sée what stoole he had found. The Dacian was alredy risen, excéeding glad to sée that the knight had ended his battaile. He continued not long with his, for hauing his aduersarie mortally wounded with two blowes he laid him on the ground, & following that aduantage with like kinde of death that the Father suffered, he was bereft of life. Which Don Eleno made cleane his sword and dagger prai­sing him that deserueth all praises, from whome procéedeth strength and victorie. He mounted vppon his light horse that straigght came to him, giuing cause of no lesse admira­tion at that, then what the Gréeke did do, for finding hard by him Ballurdanos stéed, that was both mightie and strong, not setting foote in stirrop, he nimbly leapt into his saddle as if that day he had done nothing, which euery one ama­zedly admired seing him so sore wounded. They demaunded of y^e Iudges if about the Prisoners libertie there remayned any more to do: They replyed. No more valiant Warri­ours, for what is done is more thē suffitient, the memorie of whose fame while y^e world doth last, shall euermore indure. Frō thence as they were they rode vnto the window where y^e King was, to whome they made a low obeysance vnwor­thy of his imagination. To him the Dacian thus spake.

[Page]Though in our soules (most mighty King) wee gréeue to haue discontented thée, yet considering by thy commaunde and consent wee were admitted to this battaile, we maye stand excused: And so your Royall Maiestie wee beséech that (because we haue hast of businesse that in another place doth sumon vs) you will commaunde the prisoners to bee deliuered vs, which to vs will bee newe fauours. Knight (answered the King) though to your honour you haue ac­complished the performance of the challenge: the offence was committed agaynst my Royall Crowne and state, and so it remaynes to be determined by my Counsell: where­fore to stay a few dayes will bee no great matter. For all (sayd the Dacian) was the battle made and you comman­ded the prisoners to bee sent for, that they might giue vs their consent, so that by this meanes all is cleared, nothing remayning to be remitted to any Counsell.

It is true (replyed the Kinge) but the kinsfolkes of those dead, anew demaunde of me Iustice agaynst them, which must bee obserued, especially required by this valerous Prince. With his person it were more honourable for him to doe it (sayde the Gréeke a Thousand times about to followe them vp stayres) and not in this maner, which is more for a woman then a Knight and a Prince. Be not so bould (replyed Lindauro) before my Lord the Kinge, for else I will haue you well chastised, according to your insolēce: For what I wil procure by my selfe, I haue arms and ffrength to doe it, which I haue not because I knewe it was to base and dishonourable for my person, and so I leaue it in the Kings hands, for he will maintayne Iustice law, and right. Well did the Dacian note his alteration, & perceauing with what rage his Companiō mēt to answer, he stayd him, because hee would not giue occcasion of newe brawles, and sayd.

In faith (Prince) I neuer saw a knight, y^t while he might obtayn fame & reputation by his owne sword, wold procure it by anothers hand. But seing it is thus vsed in Esclauonia wee shall not want meanes more cruell and rygorous ere [Page] long, to liberate the Prisoners. Hauing thus said, the twoo couragious Warriours turned about their horses & went their waies, leauing behind them ynough for many yéeres to be talked off. Where breathlesse, and of sences tyred, I am forced to cast anchor in an vncertaine Port, till the ioy­full calme of new expected fauours (hauing disperst the boy­sterous tempest of contrarious thoughtes) shall increase strength by adding courage to a faynting minde, to gratefie your kinde acceptances with another part.