CHAP. I.

IN the Historie of Palmen­dos, after which this Booke of Primaleon followeth, you haue hearde of the Loue be­tweene the Prince Arnedes [...] Philo­crista, Daughter [...] Em­perour Palmerin, and [...] a Courtier was sent to ad­uertise the [...]ing his Father thereof: That hee might [...]n­ [...]ay the like good fortune, [...]s Palmendos had done with his [Page 2] mistresse Francelina, and thereby confirme a generall reioy­sing. The messenger béeing carefull to dispatch this businesse, made such haste in his iourney, as in short time be arriued at the famous Cittie of Paris, where the King vnderstanding the will of his Sonne, quicklie resolued to conclude these as­sures: Electing as chiefe in this Ambassage, the Duke of Orleaunce, a verie wise & prudent Lord, commanding also that the Marquesse of Oliuet, & the Countie Peter (one of the bost knightes in his Court) should be are him companie, with ma­nie other Barrons so sumptuouslie accoustred, as euidentli de­clared, how far the French excéeded al other Nations in mag­nificence and good partes, whereof at this time wee haue no leysure to speake. The King hauing giuen them his Letters of credence, and instructions concerning the summe of their charge: he deliuered them sundry precious gifts, which he sent to Philochrista and the Prince Arnedes. But before their departure, there came a Knight to the Court from the King of Castile, to aduertise Recinde, howe his Brother béeing decea­sed without issue, all the people verse much reioyced, that the Scepter of the Kingdome should fall to a Prince so valiant.

When the King of Fraunce heard these newes by the gen­tleman of Spaine named Pinedo, be made answere, how Re­cinde was gone with his Son Arnedes to Constantinople, where (as hee heard by credible intelligence) hee daylie wonne great honour and renowne. Hereupon, Pinedo determined to passe into Greece with the Ambassadors, and comming to Tolloain Prouence, they embarqued them selues on the Me­diteranean Sea; where sayling with winde at will, it was not long before they arriued at Constantinople, euen at such time as Arnedes was in his wonted passions of loue. No sooner were they entred the Porte and bad cast Anker, but the Duke of Orleaunce commaunded a generall iouysance, in ap­plauding heauen for their happie nanigation: whereof the Emperour béeing aduertised, he sent to know the cause of this reioysing. When he heard the arriuall of the French Ambas­sadors, he was right glad thereof, hoping Arnedes woulde [Page 3] now recouer health by some good tidinges: and therefore sent spéedily to acquainte him therewith, intreating him to bee of good courage, séeing the Lordes of his Countrie were come so happilie. It were needlesse to demaund if Arnedes were wel pleased with these tydinges, considering the present cure hee found in one moment hée reby, which shewed, that herein con­sisted the onelie medicine for his malladie: this made him leaue his bed, and goe with Primaleon to the Emperour, who séeing him come so [...], was not a little glad of his good recouerie, and said: Me thinks Sir Arnedes that the ar­riuall of these French Gentlemen, hath reuiued and verie well strengthened you. Well haue you saide my Lorde (answered Arnedes) because it is the onlie meanes of my restoring. Phi­locrista (who knew full well the depth of his amorous desi­ers) reioyced maruellouslie at this fortunate occurrence, so that by outward view of her countenance, might easilie bee discer­ned the inward content of her bart, and whence procéeded this alteration: wherein (by silence) shee bewrayed to the French Prince, what boldlie she durst not vtter in spéech, and whereof he néeded no interpreter, but with like signes returned thank­full requitall, minding to goe presentlie to the Porte, to sée by whome the King his Father had sent this long expected mes­sage. The Emperour commaunded manie of his Barrons with him, for more Honourable accompanying the Ambassa­dors to the Pallace, and in signe of greater fauour, Primaleon himselfe went with Arnedes, who sent his divarse before, to let them vnderstand his comming to the Porte: Whereupon, the Duke of Orleaunce with his company immediatly lāded, where first beholding their yong Prince, they ran hare-hea­ded to kisse his hand, when he haning seuerallie embrased the, thus spake to the Duke of Orleaunce, My noble Cosen, how many pleasures hath your art shall héere inriched me withall, in sooth farre more than you can easlie thinke on? But tell mee (I pray yée) ere we passe any further, how sares the King my Noble Lorde and Father? So well as your heart can desire my Lord, answered the Duke, and as one wounderfull long­ing [Page 2] [...] [Page 3] [...] [Page 4] spéedilie to sée you: wherefore his will is, that making so little stay héere as possible you can, you vse some hast in retur­ning to your Countrie of Fraunce. Herein shall I most glad­lie obey him, replyed Arnedes, ere many dayes after this hée expired: in meane space, giue honour to Primaleon here the Emperours Sonne, who hath vouchsafed to come in person to welcome yée.

Primaleon maruelled that these French Lords and Knights so humbled themselues to Arnedes, which made him imagine that he was Sonne to their King: in regard whereof, vsing the greater kindnes to the Duke of Orleaunce and the other Ambassadours, he desired thē to resolue him concerning the e­state of Arnedes, who hitherto had not disclosed himselfe to anie one. My Lord (said the Duke) this yong Prince is out Soueraignes Sonne, who in respect of his earnest desire to be seruice to the Emperour your Father: thought it méetest for him to come vnknowne to this Court, and héere to remayne so concealed, till hee should perceiue his priuate deseignes fall out to his owne contentment. Concerning which, the pre­sent message committed to our trust by the King his Father, I hope will sort to good and successefull end; with the help of him whome I pray so spéed vs, as herein our enterprise may not be disappointed. In good faith said Primaleon (turning himselfe to the French Prince) I haue very great reason to complaine of you Arnedes, that you would thus long hide yourself from me, for although you resolued in comming hither, that no one should know ye: yet you might haue exempted me from that vniuersall number, considering the habitude and secrec [...]s you might boldlie haue reposed in mee, that I should not haue con­tinued so long ignorāt of your royal race. My Lord (answered Arnedes embracing him) herein I beséech you hold mee excu­sed, in respect that straying so far from the French Court, I de­termined to doo somewhat in actions of Armes, that might be worthie report of my progenie, before myselfe were knowne to anie one: And béeing concealed, I might best doe it, consi­dering no way els could I reach the top of my desire: but a­nie [Page 5] thing wherein I employed myselfe, might rather redound to my disgrace than commendation. Certainely (replied Pri­maleon) if by déeds of Armes you desire to publish our name, me thinkes you should hasten the day of Turney, considering your Royall geniture, and thereby expresse your knightly valour and resolution. Ah my Lord (saide Arnedes, interrup­ting him) it pleaseth you to account mee among men of desert, though far vnworthie am I to bee seene in anie such assembly. Notwithstanding, if good will may incite forward a generous minde, by puissaunce to witnesse some part of his strength: I hope I should not be reputed amongst the weakest. No true­lie (answered Primaleon) but rather amongst the strongest, where honourable victorie will set on your head a triumphall Crowne.

But leaue wee these spéeches till some better conuenient time, and goe wée to the Emperour, who will be most ioyfull hearing these news. So mounting on horse backe with the Ambassadors, they rode to the Pallace, where gratious en­tertainement was commanded them by the Emperour. And in this time Pinedo made knowen to the Prince Arnedes, how he past into Fraunce to finde Recinde, whome now hee came to acquaint with the death of his Brother, and how all the Barrons and people of Castile, would willingly accept him for their Lord and King.

Of these tidinges was the Frenchman not a little glad, that his Cosin Recinde (whome hee loued as himselfe) was heire to the Scepter of Castile: But yet was hee as sorie on the other side, because he could heare no report of him, wher­fore perswading Pinedo, that hee hoped of his short returne, in that the Tourney at his mariage would be a meane there­of, which was published through all the parts of the Empire, he thought it néedlesse anie further to pursue his search.

Now the Emperour (who in this space had vnderstood the discent of the Prince [...] Anedes) when hee saw him enter the Hall with his Sonne Primaleon, arose from his seat to em­brace him, saying: How happens it my Lord Arnedes, that [Page 6] you would all this while so cunningly dissemble with vs, in shade wing of whence and what you were? wherin you haue done vs g [...]at discourtesie, and lest such honour as your vertues deserued. Tell me I pray you, wherefore did yée so con­ceale your selfe, knowing how happie I would haue thought my selfe, to haue vnderstood of you with out thee sayning:

My Gratious Lord replyed Arnedes, most humblie I in treate yee, vse no such wordes on my behalfe, because I know my selfe vnworthie of them, much lesse of the honour I haue receiued in your Countrie, which a better man than I can no way deserue. But neuer could any quiet enter my thoughts, till I beheld the Maginficence of your Court, and that to my poore power I might do you seruice: poore and slen­der in truth is it in respect of my good will, which is equall with the most affectionate seruant you haue, among whom I desire your Grace to repute mee, as the man whome no one shall out-goe in zeale and deuotion of minde. And a great dis­countenaunce of heauen haue I accounted it, that no occasion hitherto woulde happen, whereby I might liuelie expresse the true affection imprinted in my heart.

It suffiseth (answered the Emperour) what alreadie you haue done, proofe enough to giue you the reputation of one of the best Knightes in the worlde. And as for me, if I be not depriued of the fauour (considering the loue I beare yee) I shal euermore continue my former opinion, and repute my selfe happie in making alliance with you, when you shall thinke expedient to yeeld thereto.

Arnedes, who saw the passage open, whereby his soule might soonest be conducted to rest, and by him likewise that had the onely key thereof: was marueilously ouercome with thy, when taking the Emperour by the hand, to kisse it in signe of thankes, he said. Well may I now vaunt my self to haue at­tained the height of humane solicitie, beeing offered by your Grace an alliance so honourable, for which I know not how to shew my selfe thankfull (in discharge of the dutie wherein I stand bound) but onely by continuing your humble [...], [Page 7] and day by day to confirme the indissoluble bend, wherein I am euerlastingly wrapped by this extraordinarie fauour. Notwithstanding, if my vnsayned affection, to remaine your obedient seruant, or dutifull Sonne if you please, may stand for an earnest pennie: Then intreat I you to accept thereof as I present it, to the end I may hereafter be so readie in perfor­maunce, as now I am in heart. For euen as the greatest clap of thunder followes the fairest day, and nothing else in suddennes may be compared thereto: as readie shall I be vp­on receit of the verie coniectures of your desires, to satisfie the same, than if I should giue attendance vppon commande­ment.

The Emperour beeing maruellous glad to heare him vse such honest speeches, gathered very well with what shaft hee was wounded, & that the matter now opened by conference, was but only to seeke a speedie balme or medecine for the hurt receiued. Hereby he tooke occasion to let him [...]it by him, which drew on manie glaunces still to the same purpose: but among the rest, when the Emperour heard the whole storie of Recin­de his Cosen, he could not chuse but greatly wonder thereat. Hereof was M [...]lioia ioyfull beyond measure, because she in­tirely loued the Spanish Prince: yet could shee not compare with Philocrista in contentment of spirit, by reason shee wanted the amorous obiect which she had, nor could she par­ticipate in those vnspeakeable pleasures, wherewith the harts of the other twaine were specially delighted.

On the morrow, the Emperour caused the Pallace to bee richlie adorned with tapistrie of gold and siluer, and his most sumptuous Iowels to be placed in open shew, that the French Ambassadors should behold his stately pompe: they likewise comming into the Hall, attired in their fairest and costl [...]est ha­billimentes, were receiued by the Emperour with exceeding Honour, and to him (by faire Philocrista) they presented their Letters of crdence, the effect whereof hereafter fol­loweth.

This Letter béeing read, the Emperour tooke the Ambas­sadours into his Chamber, where after hee had heard at full the summe of their message: immediatlie hee called together the Princes and Lordes of his priuie Councell, to let them vnderstand his intent concerning these affayres.

This by their aduise was immediatly confirmed for good, as well to accomplishe his promise to the deceassed King of Fraunce, as also in respect Arnedes behauiour was so general­ly commended, béeing a vertuous Knight, and verie forward to Martiall exercise. But aboue all the rest, Primaleon was most willing and readie in consenting to this alliance, know­ing the earnest desire of his Sister, to sée herselfe the wife of Arnedes another Adonis: and for beautie, well might Philo­crista bée resembled to Psyches, or rather (if you will) a se­cond Venus.

The mariage béeing concluded, on the morrow following they were affianced together, with very stately and magnifi­cent triumphes, so that both in the Pallace and thorough the Cittie, was nothing but disportes and pleasure: to the no little content of the Emperour and Empresse, as well for the comming and knowledge of Palmendos, as for this loue knot betwéene Philocrista and the Royall Prince of Fraunce. And now dooth Primaleon arme himselfe for knighthood, that hereafter hee may bestowe his time in those commendable oc­casions.

Here the French Authour confesseth his fault, for hauing intiteled the whole booke the first Booke of Primaleon, both that which goes before, (called by me the History of Palmen­dos) the name agréeing with the discourse, and this, where [Page 10] Primaleons chiualrie doth now but begin. His reason is, that the young Prince béeing verie daintylie brought vp, and not of yeeres to receiue the order of Knighthood: he tooke occasion (in meane while) to report the braue behauiour of his brother Palmendos. But now shall wee speake of the gentle Prince himselfe, the onely mirrour of honour and Armes, as by rea­ding his History you may perceiue.

CHAP. II.

TO begin the narration and discourse of the déeds of our Primaleon, who in his yongest yeares exercised himselfe so well in vertuous Disci­plines (whereof according to his verie natu­rall inclination and desire, he declared himselfe a studious louer,) as one might iustly name him the true mi­racle of perfection: So among other endowments, for the spi­rite of wisedome he might be compared to Salomon, for beau­tie both exteriour and interiour, to the gentle Gréeke Alcibi­ades, and for magnanimitie, councell, millitarie strategemes and such like, to valiant Scipio the African, or the subtill Han­niball of Carthage, especiallie in this time of his youth, when he had not receiued his order of Knighthood.

But now fit time therfore being come, hée sell on his knée before his Father, armed with a light C [...]ret, which had no other beautie or brauerie then the plaine fashion which most he affected for his help in fight, and with humble gestures hee [Page 11] intreated one request: The Emperour very willingly made him graunt thereof, as the like, hee did to diuers others, who this day demaunded his gratious fauour, seeing him so boun­tifull in honour of this feast.

My Lord (saide Primaleon) the request which at this in­stant I desire your Grace not to denie mée, is, that I may be armed Knight by your hande in this armour, on the day of the feaste for the nuptialls of Philocrista my sister, for to make the same the more magnificent, I hope to prouide a Tourney worthy the view of your Maiestie, wherto I beséech you graunt me licence of safe conduct for all Knights whatso­euer, because I intend to haue it published in diuers Coun­tries.

This had I graunted (quoth the Emperour) with all my hart, albeit thou hadst not bound mee thereto by promise, be­cause these are the thinges that highly please me, and very ho­norable is it to sée such solempnities at mariages, especially of such a Princesse as thy Sister is. My Lord (sayd Abenunco to Primaleon) I humbly beséech you to preferre me in this acti­on, in that I likewise earnestly desire to receiue my order of Knighthood with you, so please the Emperour to honor mee with so much fauour. The like request made Arnasin sonne to Duke Ptolome, who was equall with them in youth­fulnes of yeares, wherwith Primaleon was not a little con­tent.

Immediatly were Heralds of armes dispatched into diuers Regions, to publishe the Tourney, and the day purposed for the beginning of the sportes, which shoulde continue during the feast, with Court royall openly kept, at the mariage of the Princesse Philocrista: assuring all knights that pleased to shew themselues there, to bee entertained with honour euerie way equall to desert. Meane while was Arnedes seated by his affianced Mistresse, (more faire and brauer adorned, than the daughter of Tindarus, when Paris Alexander was euer­come with her loue) they bothe ioying, yet with modestie and bashfulnes, as neither durst enterprise the hardines to speake [Page 12] the first woord: in which mute passions, they rather resembled the two beautifull starres Castor and Pollux, than humaine creatures possessed of life and moouing, whereuppon Melicia smiling, thus spake to them.

Ah that mine eyes were so happie, that they coulde now behold him, for whom my heart indures most passionate mar­tirdome, I would not show such pusillanimitie as you doe, sée­ming as though you scantly knewe each other: why then doo you not giue some recreation to your affectionate soules, but stand thus as dead bodies depriued of life? Madame, (answe­red the Prince) meruaile not to see mee silent and dispossessed of speech, in that loue by nature sealed vp my lippes, for seeing vs in greater content with the thing more conformable to our desires, hee tooke the benefit of speaking from vs, least the one should not please our eares so well as the other doth our harts. Moreouer, I haue till this houre so extreamely desired that, which now I am perswaded is altogether mine, as I shall ne­uer enioy any quiet in minde, (so yrksome is the thought of time to me) till I may see the Crowne of Fraunce on the head of faire Philocrista. As for you Madam, be you certaine, if my Cosin Recinde as yet liueth, one day to rule the Realme of Castile: for so perfectly doth he loue you, as his returne hether will not be long to conclude this affaire, which for my part, I would be glad to hasten, in regarde of the desire I haue to ple­sure you both to my power.

At these words Melicia began somwhat modestly to blush, neuerthelesse being prudent and well aduised, shee cunningly dissembled this youthful feminine shame, saying. My Lord, the Prince Recinde is of such a vertuous and gentle nature, and so well his valour and prowesse knowen where he trauaileth, as each one ought to reioyce at his good fortune: especially my selfe, beyond all other that loue and honor him, if it be so, that hee beares me such good will as you speake of.

These speeches of Melicia so imboldned Arnedes, that now he beganne somewhat to cheare vp himselfe, and entered in­to further conference with his Lady, taking of her the first er­nest [Page 13] of their loue, which were many daintie kisses, soft touch­ings and such like, yet so honest and comely discharged, as it was no scandall or offence to the beholders, but rather moued them to wish, that they would longer continue this agreeable and pleasing behauiour.

Now the Emperour amongst those that were of greatest regarde there present, highly esteemed and honored his sonne Palmendos, in that the cheefest ioy and pleasure of this feaste proceeded from him: heeruppon he remembred the sealed booke which he sent him, with so many other precious thinges from the Isle of Delphos, as in the tenth Chapter of Palmendos hath beene declared.

To make knowen therfore to the french Lords the magna­nimitie and vertues of his sonne Palmendos, hee commaun­ded the rich & exquisite chaire (wherin the Idol sat) to be bright before him, and the booke likewise, which hee had caused to be kept in his treasurie, amongst matters of greatest account.

To open the booke hee made proofe againe by many of his Knights, but there was none could come néere it, which hee perceiuing, deliuered it to Palmendos saying. My sonne, make some little proofe of this booke, for if you bring not this labour to end, I am assured wee may set our hearts at quiet, for rea­ding or beholding any thing theerin contained. Palmendos turning aside his head, and making a lowly reuerence to the Emperour, tooke the booke from foorth the hands of a Knight that endeuored to open it, and with such ease did he open it, as if the same had neuer been closed before: heerat the Emperour was exceeding ioyfull, and turning towardes the Noblemen of Fraunce, he could not containe, but néedes must expresse be­fore them a most euident signe of fatherly affection to Palmen­dos. Then taking the booke, he turned ouer the leaues from one end to an other, finding no matter or discourse written therin: only he beheld the figures of two Emperours painted in the midst therof, the one attyred after the greekish manner, holding a sheeld vppon his arme, wherein was the blazon and discription of the armes of the Empyre: the other was armed [Page 14] cap a pe after the Turkish guise, with a naked swoord in his right hand, wherewith he seemed to menace the Gréeke, and with his left hand very furiously hée snatched the shield from his arme.

If the Emperour were highly pleased with Palmendos o­pening the booke no doubte, but hee greatlye marueiled what sinister presage these figures deliuered by their shew & fashion, wherefore he said aloud, that these did signifie migh­ty matters: hereupon all the Lordes and Knights approched nere him to see the figures, and passing the booke from hande to hand, they all could coniecture nothing but matter of asto­nishment. But as each one deliuered his opinion, according to such reason as best séemed vnto them: there entred the pal­lace a young Gentleman in verie rich habilliments, carrying it Sheeld, and one of the verie best Swords for Armes, that e­uer Vulcan God of the Forgers could deuise to make by his diuine Arte: and being come before the Emperour, he set his knee to the ground, speaking in this manner.

Sir, the Knight of the enclosed Ile, sent me directly to this Court, to kisse your hand on his behalfe, béeing the man whō he loueth, honoureth and estéemeth, more than any other per­son this day liuing vnder the celestiall Spheres: Albeit as yet hee neuer saw yee, neyther knowes yée, but onelye by the re­nowme of your manhood and generositie, which hath so farre commended yée, and gotten such conquest ouer him, as hee cannot by his Magicke Arts, Necromancie, Cabalist and hid­den Philosophie, (wherein he may well bee named the second Zoroasbres,) foresée any thing, that may turne to your griefe or discontent of mind: but he imagineth himselfe bound to let yee know thereof. Wherefore, that yée may wade no further in the depth of doubtfull opinions, which the two figures in this enchaunted booke may cumber your thoughts withall: he tells yée by me, that as yée behold here these Images, euen so (one day) shall the Empire of Gréece, and the glorie of her good Knightes, be abated and destroyed by the enemies of our fayth. So that for the sinnes and iniquities of the Christi­ans, [Page 15] God will suffer betwéene the Gréekes and Turkes mor­tall diuorce a hatred, which shall end by a most bloodie discomfi­ture, whereto you and your Son Palmendos haue alreadie gi­uen beginning. Neuerthelesse, this raine and decadence shall not happen in your time, neyther of him or your posteri­tie, because all their liues (euen to the last day) shall bee most glorious and triumphall, not any of your enemies erecting one Trophe ouer them: therefore receiue no griefe at this fa­tall iudgment, considering we can no way escape the ineui­table destenie, whereto God hath appoynted vs.

I sée well then (replyed the Emperour in great heausnes) that man shall not haue anie one intire pleasure in this mor­tall life.

Ah soueraigne directer of all thinges, most deuoutly I in­treat thee, that thou wilt for euer imprint within my soule, the true caracters of thy holy catholike faith, to the end I may both liue & die thereafter, without any other desire, than to ac­complish thy most blessed will. And albeit that Greece (in my time) shall not receiue this wound, yet must it néeds mar­ueilously offend and displease me, that so good people (by a false and miscreant Dog) should be so outraged.

Neuerthelesse, séeing I can no other way redéeme it, I sweare and protest before yée all, hereafter to be a cruell and capital enemie to these harbarous and vnbeléeuing helhounds, making them dearely to buy before hand, the infelicity desti­nyed to this moane-worthie countrie. And euen so it came to passe, in that both he, and Palmendos in his Kingdome of Thessalie, did great and infinite dammages to the Turkes, for euer after there was continually open warres betweene those Nations,

But the Emperour then somewhat mittygating hys choller, with a more pleasing countenance and milder tearms, thus spake to them about him.

Wherefore should I offend my selfe wyth such things as we shall neuer behold? I pray yée (for all this) let vs not leaue the fruition of such pleasures, as God hath sent vs at this in­stant: [Page 16] for séeing it is hys will, that happy successe shall betyde the affayres of my time, and they that follow of my posterity likewise: I haue no reason to passionate my selfe, but rather to repute me the most happy Prince, that thys day inhabi­teth betweene the two Poles.

Therfore I pray you (quoth hée to the Messenger) on my behalfe, thank the Lord of the enclosed Isle your Maister, for putting mée out of those doubtfull imaginations, striuing to vnderstand what these two figures shoulde signifie: assuring him withall, that he hath no friend in this world, who can make more account of his goodwill than I doo, nor shall hee finde any iot lesse in me towards him, when pleaseth him to make any triall therof: so breaking off, the Gentleman went a little lower toward Primaleon, who likewise was there pre­sent, & thus spake to him: Happy & fortunate Prince, the Lord of the enclosed Isle my master, who louer you as himself, hath sent yée this good sword and rich shield, the two best and most exquisite weapons, that at this day are to be found in all the world, and them hee thinks méete for so valiaunt a Knight as you will prooue, aduertising you, that the clouen rock, being thus separated, as you may beholde héere figured in this shield: signifieth the partialitie and little looue betwene you and her, who in after time shall make one sole heart of twaine: so that on the day of this riciprocation hapning betwéene you, this impregnable rock shall then remaine intyre & closed againe, and without any impeach, to testifie your reconciliation.

Tell your Master from me (answered Primaleon, as one a­bashed to heare such spéeches,) that as it hath pleased him to send me this fayre present, which I shal wel & carefully hope for his sake: so wold I haue him commād me any thing wher­in I may do him pleasure, when he shall aduertise me, as the mā that may command my vttermost, & whom I highly thank for his curtesis, albeit I cannot but remaine in pensiuenes, [...] I vnderstand more clearly the matters you haue told mée.

The time will come (replyed the yong Gentleman,) when you shall knowe them sufficiently, although at this instant [Page 17] they séeme so hard and obscure to yée: and then shall ye recom­pence the seruice, which now yée receiue from my Maister.

Then commaunded Primaleon, that one should fetch a rich present for the Lord of the enclosed Isle, in requitall of the ex­cellent Armes he sent him, and another in like manner for the Gentleman that brought them: which immediatly was per­fourmed in euery respect, when the youth (with great reue­rence taking his leaue) returned presently towarde the Isle, leauing all the Court meruayling at the newes before re­hearsed.

The Emperour and his Barrons long looked on the wea­pons, each one commending the artificiall workemanship of them, & meruayling what the strange seperation of the rocke should meane, being thus foretold, that one day it should ioyn together againe, which made the Emperour deliuer these wordes before all there present. I am perswaded wee shall behold great matters of importance, when this halfe deuided Rock shall knit together againe: So that as séemes to mee my Sonne (speaking to Primaleon) for thée are reserued ma­ny aduentures, which none but thou canst effectually finishe: Wherein I pray God to bee thy directer, enduing thée with such strength and hardines, as thou mayest honorably make an end of them.

So doe I deuoutlie pray my selfe (answered Primaleon) els shall I repute all my life verie careleslie bestowed, and I vnworthie to come in companie of so great personages, if I shuld not resemble (in some good part or other) the noble Lord that begot me: and that I may attaine thereto, it is necessarie I should passe through many perillous tranayles, knowing that without excéeding endeuour, it is impossible to reach such honour, as doth for euer make men to be estéemed. For this may serue me as a most worthie crample, yea and an infalli­ble mirrour of all vertues, proceeding from your excellencie so great a president, as not onely hath sweetly conquered the loue of your subiects, but gayning likewise a priueledge of e­uerie ones good will, hath beside constrayned the enemie and [Page 18] most barbarous Nations, to admire and honour yée for al per­fections, being the cheefest peece of workemanshippe that euer Nature made.

These gentle and gratious speeches of the Prince Primale­on, made the Emperour his Father so pleased as possiblie might be, hearing from him such honest commendations, yet collourably ayming at a third person, as thence forth he repu­ted him verse magnanimous, and remembring Achilles, A­lexander, Themistocles, and other such valiant Champions, which Greece in former time had brought forth, he began to conceiue some hope, that one day he should see him go beyond all other of his time. Whereupon hee gaue commandement, that the weapons sent from the Lorde of the enclosed Isle, should be verie charilie layde vp, and for this cause, if after­warde in any place Primaleon would not be knowen, he na­med himselfe the knight of the clouen rocke. From that time all the whole day, there passed no other speeches among them, but of the meruaylous knowledge of this great Magi­tian, the Emperour entring into so good opinion of him, as he could neuer forget that the Empire of Greece should be sackt by the Turkes, which was a continuall griefe to his heart: yet would hee not outwardly deliuer any show thereof, but with Princely iestures shadowing them still, seemed as plea­sant as euer be was before.

Primaleon likewise on the other side was very pensiue, de­siring also to know her name, who already by the very words of the yong Gentleman, had inflamed his thoughts with the heauenlie fire of Venus: for till this houre hee had no know­ledge of amourous passions, but now his heart was so liuely touched therewith, as there they had taken a perpetual dwel­ing place, as yee shall perceiue by the following discourse of the Historie.

But now he fell to make prouision with the other knights, giuing order that all thinges might bee readie against the tri­umph day, which was appointed for the Nuptialles of his Sister. And for the more magnificent gracing thereof, the [Page 19] Emperour grently desired, to see the king his Father and the Queene his Mother there present, which made him send a pest in this behalfe to request them. The like did hee to the king of Sparta and Arismena his Aunt, whome hee had not seene since their espousalls: hee sent for King Frisoll also, with the residue of his chiefest friendes, that they would honour him with their presence at his Daughters wedding, because soone after she was to depart for Fraunce.

The Horseman which the Emperour sent for Macedon, found king Florendos in exceeding pleasure, in that hee had married Belcar with Alderina, Daughter to the Duke of Pontus, and as yet the feast endured, where Recinde was enforced to abide, at the earnest intreatie of Belcar, who pro­mised afterward to accompanie him to Constantinople: So that when the Poste arriued there, they were prouiding to set forward on the way.

Now were the king and Quéene not a little ioyfull, when they vnderstood that Palmendos was their Nephew, & Phi­locrista should marrie with so great a Prince, as was the son to the king of Fraunce: Hereupon they concluded, not to frustrate the Emperours desire, which hee had to see them at this solemnitie. Then the messenger recounted to them, how Arnedes had remayned vnknowen in the Court, without a­ny intent to make him selfe knowen, untill the Ambassadours of Fraunce arriued there. With whome (quoth hee) there came a knight of Spaine, that enquired after Recinde Son to the Castile king: because his eldest brother being deceassed, the Subiectes of the Realme desire him for their king.

Recinde hearing these newes, beeing vnable longer to en­dure, deliuered forth meruaylous sorrowe for the death of his Brother, saying that hee more desired his life, than all the Kingdomes in the world.

Sundrie other mournefull spéeches hee procéeded in, when the king and Balcar (wundring that two such knights had so long concealed themselues) reioysed not a little, thinking themselues happie, that they had done such honors to Recin­de: [Page 20] with whome they vsed many reasons and sweet perswa­sions, to comfort and put him from his sorrowfull dumpes.

The messenger being likewise glad, because hee had found the end of the Spanish Knights perigrination, thus spake.

My Lord Recinde, cease these teares, which serue to no pur­pose, for recouering the thing that is out of all hope of men, but rather to hinder the Castillians, who desire shortly to see yee as their Lorde and King Soueraigne: For which (me thinkes) ye haue greater occasion to thanke God, than thus to torment your selfe against all reason, considering that the Scepter of Castile, is one of the most rich and honourable in all Europe. And if yee meane shortly to see the Prince Arne­des in Constantinople, who is not a little pensiue for your cause of heauines: yee will procure great ioy both in him and the whole Court of the Emperour, because each one doth wish your presence there, especially vpon so good occasion as is now offered.

When Recinde heard the Gentleman vse such spéeches, he began to remember himselfe, that nowe hee was to deliuer some Heroicall spectacle, for better attayning his Lady Me­licia, whome, by the sad and certaine newes of his Brothers death, he thought the sooner to recouer as his owne. Where­fore he determined to make one in this Tourney, and as hee resolued on this honourable purpose, many secret discourses combatted with his spirite, which he generally imparting to Belcar, receiued this answere from him.

My Lord and Brother, although I durst not enterprise to goe so soone to Constantinople, yet would I gladly beare you companie, as well to grateste yée herein, as any thing els I am able to deuise, because you are the man, to whom I would haue my nearest thoughtes knowen throughout my whole life, with this assurance beside, that yée shall not find any man lesse sparing of him selfe, in such matters as may be déemed a­greable to yée.

Seigneur Belcar, answered Recinde, I may well say, that if Fortune heretofore hath slenderly fauored mee, entertay­ning [Page 21] me often with verie rigorous tearmes, yet might it bée interpreted but as a presage of vnspeakeable content in fu­ture prosperitie: for the ioy I take in being of so good account with you, surmounteth all the mishaps that haue befallen mee.

So knitting vp these courteous entercourses, they purpo­sed to take order for their voyage, each one according to his owne best contriuing, desiring the King not to make ouer much haste, because they minded to trauaile together: For Belcar, Recinde and Tirendos required to go thither before, meaning to perfourme some matter at honour and worthie commendation, in the sight of the Emperour, who had ne­uer seene anye deedes of Belcar and Tirendos, whereto King Florendos agréed verie willingly, who notwithstanding hee was aboue thréescore yéeres old, yet was hee neuerthelesse of strong nature, able to endure the paine of trauaile.

Nowe when hee had appointed euerie thing in equipage, with a goodly companie, he set on towarde Constantinople, whither the Duke of Pontus could not come so soone as hee, for certaine businesse of importaunce that had befallen him, to the great griefe of the Princesse Alderina, that shee should so long be absent from her deare spouse Belcar. So leaue we them voyaging as time fauoured, to speake of such things as happened in the Emperours Court in meane while.

CHAP. III.

WHile the Horsemen and messengers were thus busied about their charge, the Emperour com­maunded preparation for the great triumph, feasting his Sonne Palmendos and the French Lords, & entertayning them with all pastimes his hart could deuise: so that the whole Court exercised them­selues in nothing els, than in such things as might yéeld grea­test pleasure to this honorable assemblie.

Among them all that were thus contented, Ozalio had little minde of pleasaunce, séeing his Cosen altered from the Law of Mahomet, wherefore he intreated him according to his promise, that he would giue him the Princesse Marencida to wife, with leaue to returne againe to Tharsus: which mo­tion highly pleased Palmendos, knowing that (by these meanes) the Queene his Mother should heare certaine ty­dinges of him.

Marencida on the other side was in no lesse paine than O­zalio, and albeit the Princesse Philocrista euermore comforted her, with such honorable meanes as became her calling: yet could she not fasten vpon any thought of pleasure, but conti­nuing daylie solitarie, like solitude it selfe, would not come forth of her Chamber, but there all the day streamed foorth fountaines of teares, complayning (without ceasing) of her aduersitie. Of one thing she might iustly make vaunt, that her eyes were become sources, dishlling foorth water more cleare than Christall: and if she tooke any finall pleasure or re­creation, [Page 23] it was only with Ozalio, who euerie hower fay­led not to visite her.

At length Palmendos went one day to conferre with her, concerning the former determination, of ioyning her in matri­age with Ozalio: but so soone as he entred the Chamber, shee began to renewher wonted griefes and passions, saying. A­las Sir Knight, wherfore come yée to renue my sorrowe, so extreame and insupportable, as death it selfe is readie to seaze on me in this place? I intreat yée, séeing the destinies haue fa­tallie appointed me to this endlesse torment, that yée woulde not vrge it the more by the meanes of your presence.

Madame, answered Palmendos, if heretofore I haue pro­cured yee any iniurie or griefe of minde, I hope at this in­stant to make a final end thereof, by the meanes of an inesti­mable gift which I meane to bestow vpon yée, giuing yée the Knight to your husband, who estéemes and loues yée aboue al thinges in the world. Nor could the King Ocurites compare with him for valour and vertue, the heauens bearing witnes of his prowesse and dexteritie in Armes, as I know no Gen­tleman of the Turkish Nation, séeing him once manage déedes of Chiualrie, that dare méete him in Tourney or field­battaile, without repenting it dearely afterward, Neyther could King Ocurites equall him in riches and possession [...] en­uoying the kingdome of Tharsus which hereafter shall be his, a state more wealthie than the Prouince of Culaquin. For this cause (Madame) appease the violence of your passions, & consider, that your comming into this Countrie will bring ye great honour and felicitie, if yee please to accept as your law­full husband the Prince Ozalio my Cosen, whose affectionate dilligence yée behold in your seruice. But should yée be so vn­mercifull as to refuse him, yée may easly hill both life & soule together, a matter too irregular and differing from Ladies re­putation, in that by nature they are rather benigne & pittiful, than bloodie and cruell, though (verie often) ouer firme in per­uerse obstinacie.

Lord Palmendos, quoth Marencida, how is it possible to [Page 24] condiscend vnto the matter you propound mee, but by forces well may you guesse (by the small delight I take in béeing in this Countrie) I will neuer doe this with my good will: as­ [...]t Sergnent Ozalio seemeth vnto me such a one, as I could not better bestow my loue vpon any, who meriteth more sa­uour at my hand, than he doth: but alas my fortune hath re­duced me into so pittifull tearmes, that I cannot accommo­date my selfe to any thing which delighteth my spirits. Not­withstanding, if so it bee, that against the good will of your handmaide and captiue, you haue determined to effect this businesse, I pray you before I espouse the Prince Ozalio your Ecse [...] that I may see the king Ocurites my [...]st husband, to the end, I may aduertise him of my disaster: [...] of that which I am now forced to doe, being not able by my reasons any way to resist.

Thereunto do I accord most willingly, answered Palmen­dos, and addressing his speech to Philocrista, thus hee procée­ded. Madame I humble beseech you after dinner, to take her with you into the Emperours great chamber, to gratifie her in that which she hath presently requested.

So sell it out, after the Infant had constraynedly made her to [...] on her richest habillunenis, in which it was a godlye sight to behold her, for she was both faire, and of the best grace. Being come into the presence, where the Emperor was con­ferring with the king of Theslalie, & with manie other Prin­ces and great Saigneurs, Palmendos commanded by and by to send for the king of Culaquin, who seene after was brought thither, looking so leane chaunged, and meager of counte­nance, that Marencida did not know him: and had not Pal­mendos shewed him to her, she could not will haue guest it to be he. Then she rising vp from a chaire where shee sate, went to embrace him, the teares standing in her eyes: when she cried out. Alas! king Ocurites, which of the Planneds haue wee prouoked, that doth submit vs both to this sinister fortune and inexplicable mischaunce, euen by the meanes of one onely knight? the same who vanquished and tooke you [Page 25] prisoner in the Leuant-seats, hath brought me away by force out of my Countrey, from my Father and friendes into this place, where not contented to held me as his slaue; but will moreouer (in my despite, giue me to another husband. And that which I haue receiued of him as great sauour, is this, that he hath onely permitted me to let you vnderstand hereof, to the end I hauing once tolde you, you may not blame mee hereafter, knowing not for my part howe to remedie it other­wise.

Ah, I wish the fatal Goddesses, would quickly shread a two the thrid of my life, before I consent by my will to any such oc­casion. Ah! If it might so will befall me, I should repute my selfe happie, as receiuing the onely contentment which I de­sire, is to saue mee from contaminating the excéeding loue I bare you: But infortunate and miserable woman that I am, séeing death sheweth himselfe herein inexorable, I must spend in extreame sorrow the rest of my dayes. Alas, poore King Ocurites who was wont to be so much esteemed off a­mong the Princes and Kings of Turkye, whose prowesse and haughtie courage did farre surpasse all the brauest and hardiest Knights of Asia; where are now become thy riches and great estates? who hath dimmed the so signall and samous renowne of thy Heroicall gestes, captiuing both thée and thy loyall spouse? How did fortune vngently abandon thée in this man­ner? O it was ambition and desire of winning he nor, which hath put this slauish chaine about thy necke, placing thée a­mong Gallie-slaues, where it shalbe vest for thee to die imme­diatly, séeing the Emperour is our mortall and capitall ene­mie? O diuine prouidenes, how hast thou permittet fortune to rebell thus, and to execute against vs so enorme and woful a mischiefe's Assuredly I can well vaunt that the celestiall bo­dies haue more fauored vs, than thou hast béene friendlie and gentle towards vs.

She vttered manie other lamentable discourses, still dete­sting her accursed life. When the King Ocurites, who had gi­uen attentiue eare to her (knowing that she was Marencida) [Page 26] felt him selfe so confounded, and out of his wits; that he could not pronounce aboue fiue or sixe such like wordes: Alas Ma­homet! did it not suffise thée to haue so austerely afflicted me, but thou must reduce into so pittifull and base extreamity the soule which did not merrite the least of all these sorrowes, which doth so much the more agrauate my torment? Ah, the most outraged King that euer was borne of his mother, sée al­loweth downe patiently the potion mixtured with bitternes, which thou haste prepared for him.

Speaking these wordes, hee fell his height to the ground, and Marencida fell downe heard by him, where they vsed such strange gestures, that some supposed they were stricken with the falling sicknes, insomuch, that they m [...]ed all the standers by to compassion: and the Emperour for his parte would willingly haue deliuered them, had hee not perceaued Palmendos could not honestly frustrate Ozalio, of the pro­mise which he had made him. By meanes whereof, not to a­bide beholding them any longer in this pitteous Tragedie, he commaunded incontinent to recarry Ocurites to his lo [...]ging, & Marencida backe into her chamber: where she would wil­lingly haue done that for him (to saue him from death) which Alceste whilom Quéene of Thessalie, would only haue enter­prised for Admetus her husband, after she vnderstood by the O­racle, that any one of his friends, who would die in his stead, might saue his life, which else in no wife might bee preser­ued.

So great was she heartes griefe Ocurites felt, during his traunce; that refusing to eat or drinke a long time afterwards, he weakned so much his members, and spent his naturall vi­gour so farre, that his soule was constrained to take leaue of his body: which was interred afterward (by commaunde­ment of the Emperour) in a rich tombe; whereof Marencida neuer knew any thing: for they sought meanes express [...]y to conceale from her this mischaunce, fearing lest she should goe after, to héepe him companie in the other world, as might bee misdoubted by the coniectures gathered of the anguish she in­dured, [Page 27] séeing him in so miserable estate, when shee sounded in his presence, as you haue read before. And for that Ozalio did solicite at the length her departure with all dilligence, Pal­mendos caused two shippes to be made readie with all things necessary, graunting him fréely his departure (albeit there was much griefe on both sides, for that from their infancie they had béene both brought vp together) they gaue each o­ther their last adieu, not without bedewing their faces with store of teares, their mindes beeing touched inwardly with the strict and more than fraternall amitie betwéene them: so that euerie one maruelled, why he would not for this only re­spect renounce Paganisme, as Palmendos had done: which hee would surely haue done, if the loue of Marencida had not so preuailed with him.

The Emperour gaue them many sumptuous presentes, to carrie from him to the Queene of Tharsus, which beeing be­stowed in fit place on ship boorde, hee commaunded to hoyse sailes, and so incontinent launched into the maine sea, which was so calme and still, that within fewe dayes hee fell within the coast of Tharsus. So soone as he was ariued in the haue it, all the Cinso began to make bone fires, and many other to­kens of ioy, thinking to recouer their true & liege Soueraigne Palmendos: But soone after chaunged their reioycing into sadnes; when they knew certainly Palmendos was so farre from that plate, where they thought him to be present, all the people doing nothing els but cur [...]e and ban the old Beldame, who [...] the loste of so made and gentle a Prince. At this time [...]ay she Quéene very grieuously sicke in her bed, for the absents of her sonne Palmendos, so that seeing Ozalio [...] for into the chamber, her heart felt present he such an [...] anguish, that she had neyther sinew, veine, artir, nor mi [...]scle, which was not depriued of their vsuall functions. So that without hearing the Ambassage, which the Emperor [...] to Ozalio to oster hir with his presents, she died more [...] euer [...]erre through [...]

[Page 28] This honourable Lady hauing thus accomplished the last law of nature, and yeelded before God her mortall homage: Ozalio gaue the principals of the Kingdome to vnderstand of the ordenance of Palmendos his Cosen: wherby vpon calling them together soone after the decease of the Quéene, hée shew­ed them fast scaled, and so subscribed as they ought to bee: by which meanes they all knowing him to bee a most sage and valerous Prince, accepted him gladly for their King.

Thus hauing peaceably inuested himselfe in the kingdome, he married forthwith in great triumph and magnificence, his deare Marencida, who seeing the loue her husband bare her, to increase more and more euery day, conuerted her mourning and sorrow into thankfull gladnes: so that within few daies she quite forgate all thinges past, louing afterward so perfect­ly the good King Ozalio her second husband, that shee had by him many goodlie children, many whereof proued very braue and hardie Knights.

Thus feasting them whom he tooke from Constantinople, for to accompanie him homeward, at length he returned them backe againe with such newes and rich giftes, which the king Ozalio sent to his Cosen Palmendos, as hee (in memoris hereof) continued the same euery yeare following in like manner, for tribute and homage of the high estate, which he confessed onely to hold of him.

No sooner were the Knightes arriued in the Emperours Court, but Palmendos was aduertized of the death of the Quéene his mother: whereupon he grew into great mellan­cholle, and made woefull lamentation, seeming to him that his absence was the principall cause of her death: but he loued Franchelinaso ardently, that hee could not well busie his spi­rites in any other thing, than in those which he knew might cause her delight and pleasure: wherefore in time hee forgot the sorrow which these heauie newes caused, especially féeling himselfe so comforted by his loue, whom wee will now leaue to take the gratious pastimes, wherwith those that are [...] affianced and wont to sollace one another, attending the [Page 29] wished day of their Nuptials; And now returne wee vnto Rifarano, whome we shall finde yet in the house of the Coun­tesse, of Island.

CHAP. IIII.

RIfarano, who Combated Dioll the Earle of Is­land [...] brother, if you remember, remayned some­time with the Countesse his widdowe, as well to heale his woundes throughly (especially that in the scull of his head, which hee was faine to cauterise, and haue throughly se [...]ched) as also for the plea­sure and graunt of amourous fauours, which he receiued day­lie of her: by meanes where of he could not leaue her, till hée was aduertised how the Emperour Palmerin would holds o­pen Court in Constantinople, and of the great Triumphes, which were here in preparation, to solemni [...]s the alliance & Nuptials of the infant Philocrissa with Arnodes Sonne is the King of Fraunce, & likewise of the Princesse Franchelina with Palmendos. But not to loose so good occasion, to pre­sent himselfe in so honorable a companie, which hee hoped would there m [...]ete at this solemne feast: hee demaunded li­cence of the Countesse to goe see the Prince Palmendos, at whose handes he had heretofore receaued so much fauour, that vs though that held his life but of him and the immortall God who might end it when [...] best pleased him: Whereunto very loath and vnwilling she accorded doubting lest, bee should not returne againe to her so soone as he had promised, and that in there hee would for [...]Word hir; For when a thing is farre out of [...]ight, it is the sooner out of remembrance.

[Page 30] And she good Ladie, the digger she self her selfe with [...], so much more did her sorrow redouble: therefore with a verie seeble voice, which did sufficiently demonstrate the trouble of her minde, she praide him of all loues hee would sometimes remember her, whome his departure lest in a weartsome di­stresse. Against the which I cannot long time holde out, quoth she, but death will preuent me, vnles you purpose spée­dylie to make your returne: and thereby shall I know if you desire to prolong my life or no, which I put altogether into your handes.

Madame, aunswered Rifarano, too insupportable a paine would it be to me; if I should frustrate you of my speedy re­turne, for in steede of one onlie torment (which per aduenture I should suffer more easely, making mine absence but of small continuance) too intollerable a [...]art sorrowe might suffocate my soule, hearing say you should conceiue some misconceit a­gainst mee: so that I pray you beleeue, no obiect whatsoeuer which may present it selfe before mine eyes, shall euer be said or seene; that therefore I will deface your Image so I fuely fi­gured within my soule: which sufficeth (many minde,) to take away the scruple you may alleadge, that I [...] you willingly: For I assure my selfe you doo not [...] know­ing well the testimony of my loyaltie, and perpetual [...] towards your excellence, shall alwaies put you out of [...] feare.

The Prince hauing vndoubtedly assured the Countesse, to return as spéedily no he could possibly, she was a little [...] thereby: and giuing him for a present a most [...] coate of Armes of greene colour, praide him to weare it for her sake: Likewise to take one of her Squires with him, to the end she might at all occurrences vnderstand [...] him, for she misdoubted much, he would not [...] as she would haue him, as hereafter you sshall heare: so that many times she was purposed to take away her owne life, as did sorrowful Phillis; seeing there arme expired that Demo­phon should espouse her.

[Page 31] Rifarano beeing departed from the Countesse, he rode thrée dayes without finding any aduenture, and on the fourth pas­sing verie early néere vnto a Castell, bee saw before the Gate the Lord thereof dead vpon his bed, couered and cloathed with many clothes of stike: at whose beds head sate a yong Dam­sell making most strange and pittifull lamenting, that the ve­rie panting breath of her sighes did well shew, in what man­ner her hart did beat within her breast. All about her were many Damsels and others, whose countenances and piteous cries which they powred forth into the ayre, did plainely be­wray the great griefe they had to sée this dead corpes, the which they made as though they would carrie to buriall, whē Rifarano approached, to know what mooued them to lament so much, promising them for recompence to work his reuenge according to his power, if in case there were anie néede to doe it.

Then the Damsell (thanking him much for his so grati­ous and courteous offer,) began in this manner to be speake him. Faire knight, although my misfortunes be so extreame, that I cannot well imagine whether I liue or no, yet the as­surance which I conceiue, that you haue taken some pittie of my mishap, will giue me argument to deliuer you the whole discourse: albeit it would bee better peraduenture I shoulde conceale it, to the end I may no further stirre vp the sorrow & heauines seated in my soule.

Know then my Lord, that this my dead husbād going yester­day abroad on hunting, [...]t by the way a Knight, whome for his curtesse sake, hée brought home to lodge here all night, & (for his better entertainment) commaunded me to doo him all she seruice I might deuise, in that he séemed to him to bee dis­cended of some great house: albeit hee knew him not before, for he would neuer tell his name nor whence hee was. I ha­uing therein fréely accepted the commaundement of my Hus­band, did him all the honour I could druise; so that we supped together in great ioy and content: but afterward, I perceiued be neuer remoued his eyes from off me, which made my hart as cold as ice, when I saw no bodie about vs, for all our ser­uantes [Page 32] were gone to Supper, so soone as they had done fer­uing vs.

Then the Traitor began to giue some enterprise to the dis­lanie which he deuised forthwith, saying he was going to the Court of the Emperour of Constantinople, to present himselfe at the magnificent Tourney which was prepared for the Nuptials of his Daughter: This was the cause that my husband (for he loued greatly the exercise of Armes) rose sodain­ly from the table to commaund his Squiers to haue all his e­quipage in a readinesse to depart the morrow morning with him: by this occasion the disloyall man shiding the tune and place bite for his purpose, vsed vnto mee these speeches: True­ly saire Lady, paragon of the most perfect Damsels, I thinke it had beene far better for mee, neuer to haue entred into your house, than to remaine long time in the paine which I féele: for your excellent beautie hath so rauished my hart, that if the balme wherein consisteth the onely cure of this wound be not quickly applied there unto, I must néedes dse, through the vi­olent and too excessiue heate which hath set it on fire. Further did he prosecute his sugared and deceaning language, when I who could not endure to hearken to it, was very wrath with hun, saying: It seemeth faire sir, you are a Knight little curte­ous, and wanting good manners, seeing you will vse such an act against him, who hath done you so much honour.

Madame quoth hee againe, thinke not I am come to dis­please you, nor to procure you any damage, but to sauegaide my selfe from the variable and periltous accidents, into which the burkenes of the night doth expose sometime these who are wandring out of their waies, so that I pray you not to blame me nor reprehend me therin of indiscretion, but rather accuse your own Graces, which haue prouoked, nay [...] me to vse these tearmes vnto you: no reason béeing able to sway ouer the impatient desire which tormenth me: when he had thus said, he put forth his arme to embrace me: whom I resisted withall my might, and being inflamed with an in­supportable choller, I rose vp from the table, crying [...] [Page 33] In an ill houre camst thou hether yesterday, fellon, to com­mit so great a contempt in these Countries: I spake theē words so loud, that my poore and infortunate husband hearde mee easely, who perceiuing the treason of this treacherous wretch: as an in raged person, ran furiously to his Armes, menacing him, that he would make him dearely buy his vil­lanie: not withstanding the wicked villaine, who had then his weapon at his side, hearing him make these threates, set hand quickly to it to stand vpon his guard, and before my hus­band could assaile him: hee thrust his sworde vppe to the hills with such a violence, that it ranne cleane through his bodie. Which these sorrowfull eyes of mine beholding, I began to cry out like a woman deprined of her wits, and as ill sucke hapned, there was not found one in all the Castell, who had power or courage to take Armes, to reuenge me of this Bar­barian, for that the two bretheren of my disceased husband, (who are indeed both so hardle Knights, that he had not dared to haue perpetrated this homicide in their presence) take a­way the day before, al the men of desence with them into the Countrie. By meanes whereof this fellon and cruell mur­therer, had time ynough to arme him selfe, and to make away from the Castell, where (after the massaker) he [...] not a­boue a quarter of an houre: in which short spare I could not aduertise my neighbours, the place where I dwell beeing far in the fields, and remote from all other habitations.

Now you haue heard who by word [...]ir Knight, the veri­tie of my disgrate, séing it hath pleased you to vnderstand it: wherein, beside she disaster of my husband, (which cannot now be remedied.) I account my selfe much dissauored of the heauens and fortune, hauing no meane so finde out one, who will for mee enterprise vengeance against Authour of thy finall [...].

[...], Rifarano, I [...] there is not that [...], who will not affirme him to be a [...], and you shall [...] Knights, who [...] him vpon this quarrell, of whome I offer my selfe [...] In my learne what ways [Page 34] he hath taken, and the coate of Armes which hee heareth, is the end I may haue some knowledge of him the better: in the meane time, pray vnto God that I may méete with him, if you desire to he reuenged: for to that effect doe I purpose to bend all my forces, or else they shall sayle mee at my grea­test néede.

Faire Knight, a thousand thankes I yéeld you, aunswered the Damsell for your curtesie and good will, the which certes I knew to be no lesse when first you began to speake, which puts me in some good hope, that I shall bee reuenged by your hand: and through this meane shall you binde me to so great obligation towards you, that bardly shall I euer bee able to cancell it, if of your grace you may not accept for satisfaction thereof, the desire that I haue to employ my selfe for you in at honest requestes wherein it shall please you to commaunde mee.

This Knight hauing learned the way and the markes, whereby he might discrie him who had slaine his hoste, hee tooke leaue of the Damsell all so bee blubbered with wéeping, that whosoeuer had séene her, would haue iudged two chan­nels to haue béene made artificiall vpon her chéekes, through the aboundance of teares falling incessantly from her two eies: Hée rode all that day without méeting him; but nowes he heard at the entring into a forrest, that hee went that ways not farre before him: where béeing ouertaken by night, hee purposed to repase himselfe till day. But he could not sléepe a wink, because he fell into a déepe thought, how he might de­part after the Courney, to take his vayage into Almaine towards the Emperour Trineus his Father: herewith was his spirite so disquieted, that he was forced two houres before day to remount on horsebacke: And galloyping as lest as hee could, hee was gone before the sunne rising [...] leagues, which they counted from the forrest to a little village, where lay that night the Knight whome hee sought, enquiring after him of those whome he met, he was a ware of him where hee was mounting by the side of a hillocks, not farre from the [Page 35] place whence be was not a quarter of an houre before dislodg­ed, and went an easie pace: Rifarano well a paid hereof, spur­red his horse to euertake him, which hee did before hee was gotten to the foote on the other side of the hill. As soone then as the murtherer entred the plaine, and began to set spurres to his horse to goe a little faster, Rifarano called alond vnto him descending into the bottome: Hola Sir Knight tarrie: I shall kéepe you from vauting to haue slaine trayterously a gentle­man, who receaued you with all humanitie into his Castell, and that you did a little to rashly rauish your selfe with the loue of his wife.

When the Knight affailed heard his menacing, he present­ly turned bridle, and vayling his launce, staide for him coura­gieuslie, without stirring a foote: for séeing him in company of one onely Aquire, he was nothing amazed but answerd him verie stoutlie: Knight you are come to reuenge the death of him, who will make you loose your life: I thinke therefore it were better for you (if you desire euer to see her againe for whome you resolue to combat mee) to withdrawe your selfe from so great an enterprise, leauing to counterset the butterfly, who after she hath found the light, can neuer goe from it, till in the end she haue set her selfe on fler.

We shall quickly sée, replied then Rifarano, howr God can chastice the ouer wéening and Arrogancie of Traitors, such as you are, who for the lust of their sensuall appetites, cor­rupt the inuie late laws of hospitalitie: speaking these words, they encountered with such a power, and breaking both their Launces one vppon another, as Rifarano was a little woun­ded with that of his aduersarie, whome hee sent in so bad case to the ground, that he could hardly rise againe. Neuerthe­lesse being magnanimious, and could manage Armes well, he quickly put hand to his sword, and thrusting his arme into his shield as soone as he could, he gaue so pesant a blow vppon Ri­faranos horse head, that he made him fall downe dead betwéen his legs; from whome he leapt off nimbly, saying all in rage and choller: Nowe I sée well your occupation is to betraye [Page 36] folke, séeing you haue so discoueteous [...] [...]laint my horse, for which I hope to makke you [...] dearely before you pass [...].

With those wordes began Rifarano to strike home, and to how him in such strange manner: that (being néere valiante and stronger made for Armes than his enemie,) within a small space he laid him on the ground at his féete, where séeing him lie a long in a traunce, hee ran vpon him to giue him the mortall guerdon of his demerits: which hee had done, if the Knight (who felt himselfe in extreame perill of his life) had not cryed out, saying: Alas! My Cosen Rifarano, where art thou now, that thou canst not succor me in this necessity wher­in I see myselfe? Certaine I assure my selfe, full sorrie wilt thou be, when thou shalt beare tydings of my death. It was Lecefin his companion, who for the cure of his wounds, which hee receiued in fighting with Arnedes Prince of Fraunce when he slew the Hermite who would haue parted them (as you haue read before,) retired himselfe into a Nunnerie: Where by meanes of a Religious sister, who did verie well vnderstand the methode of Chirurgerse, he was carefully loo­ked vnto till his perfect recouerie. Notwithstanding, during his cure, the Abbesse who was Daughter of a great Paren­tage, faire, young, and comely, knowing that hee did not boudge from the Emperours Court, cam often times to visite him; insomuch, that this continuall visitation ingendred some sparkes of amorous passion: the which by little & little kind­led in them both in such sort, that it could not bee long dissemb­led; but Lecefin was constrained (by the way which séemed most commodious vnto him) to discouer vnto his Lady the seruitude into which her loue had reduced him, praying her to haue regard to the infirmitie which he felt in hart, farre more corroswe than that of his outward griefes.

By meanes whereof the young Nunne, who felt her selfe scorched with the like flame, and who in this matter did not desire to be a long time praide, to yéeld the keyes of the Forts which was assailed, resolued one day with Lecefin to meete together to parley thereof secretly, out of the presence of wit­nesses [Page 37] vnrequested to stand by when such a fortresse is to bee scaled.

Ʋppon which platfourme, at the first encounter were de­liuered some rudest occadoes on the assaylours side, whilst the defendant rewarded valiantly with her buckler of proofe: And afterward so often renewed this Alarum, which was expedi­ent to vse against a fortresse, that could not well be wonne at the first proster (because of the small breach that one only blow of Cannon can make:) that the Abbesse would willingly haue left her breuiarie behinde, thus to haue managed still the Ia­uelin, and at all times to finde herselfe in such Shirmishes: Whereby it fell out that Lecefin (after his recouerie) remai­ned in garrison within the Abbie, vntill hee was so wearie with beeing euery day on horse backe, with his Launce in rest (which for the same purpose he was faine to haue very strong, well pointed, better stéeled, and tempered) as hee departed to put himselfe in quest of Rifarano, of whose absence hee was assured, and of the very day that he departed from the Court of the Emperour Palmerin. He resolued to take the way for Almaine as soone as he should finde him: for he meant to re­turne no more to Constantinople, because of the touch he had serued Arnedes, which he knew well to bee made, knowne o­uer all Greece: but trauersing many clymates without any newes of him whome he sought, he purposed to go vnknowne to the Nuptials of Philocrista, hoping to méete him there, or els in no other region of Europe.

So trauelling that way, hee met (as you haue read) with the Knight whom he slew in his house: wherein no marueile though he rashly discouered his vnchaste and lasciuious affecte to his wife, for hee was neuer better conditioned: nor was there found in him courtesie, loyaltie, or any other vertue, by the which a man of good behauiour may be estéemed: nor did he euer change this his lewd nature and detestable manner of liuing, till he was enamoured verie strangely on out of the Emperour Trineus Daughters, for to please whom he began afterward to vse a little more honest ciuilitie.

CHAP. V.

TO returne to our matter, when Rifarano heard the lamentable wordes of Ledefin, he maruel­led as though hee had entred into some news world, and knowing not what to thinke, de­maunded him forth with his name: but Lede­sin hurt with the fall, and sore astonied with the feare her had to end his life, could not answere him one word. By meanes whereof he went presently to disarine his head, and assoone as he had perceiued him, he felt within himselfe such a sorrowfull passion, that hee fell downe in a traunce hard by him: which his Squire seeing ran to him to vnlace his helmet, for to giue him aire that he might come to himselfe againe. Sodainely hee cald his spéech to him againe, beginning so pittifull a com­plaint, that by the strange exclamations which hee continued, Ledefin at last opened his eyes, and beholding hard by him Rifarano his faithfull friend, whome hee had called to his suc­cour: we neede not aske what astonishment hee was in, when he said to him thus.

Deare friend, if now I die presently, my soule shall goe in great toy to repose in heauenly blisse: seeing I sée you before it depart from my body, which feeleth it selfe verie sore wron­ged, by the waight and force of your hand. If so it be (quoth Rifarano) that you die by this encounter, well may I assure you that all the dayes of my life, no man shall euer sée me mer­rie: and demaunding whether hee felt himselfe so ill, that hee could not goe thence to seeke some cure, he answered him, hee [Page 39] should peraduenture endure to sit a little on horse backe, albeté he had broght him but into a very bad taking. Then Rifarano this Squire disarmed him, and wrapping vp his wounds as well as they could, they conducted him vnto the next Cittle from thence, where they committed him into a Chirurgians hands, who assured them of speedie recouerie.

Whereof Rifarano was full glad, but more it chased him, when each one recounting their fortunes past to one another, vnderstood the outrage offered by Ledefin to the Prince Ar­nedes. He reprehended and rebuked him greatly therefore, saying, these were not parts be séeming knights extracted of so high Parentage: and that hee reputed it a great indiscretion in him; a Moore, to loue Philocrista beeing a Christian, and of a Law contrarie to his.

Moreouer he blamed much his great impudencie towards the Gentlewoman, whose husband bee slew: requesting him in the end verie amiably, he would vse no more those trickes of youth, too farre distant from the vertuous honesty of an il­lustrious and generous heart.

Ledefin ashamed to heare him preaching thus on his im­perfections: promised to leaue all lawdnes, and to follow such good counsell as it should please him to giue him: And as they had determined of their voyage, they concluded to send Rifa­ranos Squire to Constantinople, to the Knights who came with them from Persia, to aduertise them, that they shoulde haue the Maister of their ship in a readines, to depart without making spéech thereof to any man liuing. So the Squire was presently sent away for this purpose, whose arriualt caused great gladnes in the Persians, hauing not a good while before heard any newes of their Maisters. Afterward when Le­defin felt himselfe strong inough to endure trauaile with his Armes, and Rifarano had refreshed himselfe well, they came both to Constantinople, where they found no small number of knights, arriued there before, to shewe themselues in the Tourney: at the which they would not be present, fearing it would be some disturbance to their Nauigation, but embar­qued [Page 40] themselues on the morrow before day, which displeased Rifarano verie much, for that hee could not take his leaue of the Emperour, nor of Palmendos, whom he destred to sée a­boue all other.

Wherefore calling to him the Squire of the Countesse who followed him, hee commaunded him before his depar­ture from thence, he should present himselfe before the Empe­rour, and to tell him that Rifarano recommended himselfe most humbly to the good grace of his Maiestie: beseeching him of excuse if he could not come him selfe to doe the message: for that by reason of some businesse which was of great impor­tance he was coniured to depart in all haste, to the end to ar­riue with more sp [...]d in Germanie, and that he would ere long returne to make amends by his humble seruice, for the Ho­nour which he had receaued in his Court: Then giuing him manie rich presents as well for himselfe as his Mistris, com­maunded him assoone as hee had discharged his dutie towardes the Emperour, he should returne to hir strait, to pray her learn him shee should not thinke amisse of him, if during his aboue with her, he neuer told her the name of his house and linage: For which he would come to make amends, hauing remay­ned some few daies in Almaine, whether he was going with Ledefin to sée the Emperour Trineus his Father: and that in the meane time she should make account of him, as of the most affectionate seruant shee might finde in the vniuersall world.

After these spéeches the Pilot began to cut with his ship the spacious pliane of salt waters, leauing vppon the shore the Squire verie pensiue and sorrowfull to abandon thus his Ma­ster: but after he had called his courage to him, he went to do his embassage to Palmendos and the Emperour, who was wil sorrie for his secret departure, because he would soone haue sent Rifarano home to his Father wish more honour.

The Countesse of Islande vnderstanding by her Squier that her Paramour was an Infidell, and had n [...]eadie taken his way towards Germanie, shee had almost [...] for sorrow: [Page 41] So that tooing afterwardes some [...]llere pennance for her of­fence, after the end of nine Moneths, shee brought into this world a goodlie Sonne, who inherited the [...]ar [...]dome of Is­land after the discease of his mother: and following military Discipline did atchieue [...] many strange thinges in Fraunce, whether he went to sée his Father who was Duke of Burgundie, as you shall vnderstand by the discourse of our Historie.

With this Childe the Countesse tooke so great comfort that by little and little she forgot the loue of Rifarano, whom' wee will nowe come to finde making saile in the Adr [...]aticke Sea, where he had so happie Nauigation, that within fewe daies hee came vppon the coast of Germanie: and casting his ankers in a Porte foure dayes iourney distant [...]om the Em­perour Trineus Court, they went thither in compleate armes, except the head.

In breefe béeing arriued at the Pallace, Rifarano sell on his knées before his Father, demaunding his hande to kisse it. The good Prince Trineus who vnderstoode long time before, by letters from the Emperour of Greece of his Sonnes arri­uall in Constantinople, (which hee then presentlie impar­ted to the Empresse his wife, who greatly desired to knowe what they were,) séeing these two strange Knightes, mistru­sted lest the one should be him: whereof serued for a good testimonie the gladnesse which hee shewed in his heart when he saide: Sir Knight to giue you my hand, I may not wil­lingly consent, before I knowe who you are.

My Lorde replyed hee againe, in places where I am knowne they call mee Rifarano, and this my companic [...] [...]e­chefin, Sonne to the Solton of Persia, and to [...] most affectionate friends.

O then you are thrice welcome quoth the Emperour into the place, where your arriuall ouercommeth mee with glad­nes: So said he embracing them, hauing for very [...]ole so r [...]re the teares in his eyes, that he could hardly abstaine, but some one did fall to the ground, when he began thus.

[Page 42] Ah! my sonne, happie may I thinke the perill and danger I past to be get you, séeing that I see you no [...] proued such fruite of my labour, that all my life I shall for my part, praise God for so great a grace: but how could you stay so long away, before you would come to see me, considering your va­lour and Chiualrie did much increase my desire thereunto [...] Alas, It was the heauen which beeing en [...]ous and iealous of my blisse, could not permit me to enioy your presence.

Hauing done this speech, hee welcomed verie courteouslye Lechesin, & in the meane time they had this honest and gra­tious communication, came in many Nobles who vnderstood newes of Rifarano, to entertaine him the most Honourabl [...] they could: So that the Emperour who knew verie well the Empresse would be most glad of this occurrence, taking the two Knights, the one in the right hand, and the other in the left, went to finde her in her Chamber saying.

Madame these Princes the one who is of the Soldan of Persiaes sonnes, and the other ouer whom you haue absolute power to commaund, come to do you their humble reuerence, and to offer you their seruice in any thing whatsoeuer where­in it shall please you to employ them.

Then the Empresse rising from her [...] to embrace them both with great loue, especially Rifarano to whome she saide: My sonne I haue now good occasion to reioyce mee of your presence, and to cherrish you as mine owne Childe, see­ing you resemble him so naturally, who following his desta­nte, gaue you your essence among men, whome I loue aboue mine owne person, with zeale so entire and perfect, that it ex­tendeth and redoundeth far ouer yours.

Madame quoth Rifarano, nature hath so fullie accompli­shed you with all vertues, that there can procéed from you no­thing but a sincere good will, for which I thanke you most humblie in mine owne behalfe, albeit it much surpasseth my little merite: which shall cause me to put this kindnes into the number of manie others which you haue so well heaped on mee, that all my life I shall finde my selfe much bounde [...] [Page 43] vnto you.

Then bee kist her hand with the honour and reuerence which appertaineth to so high a Ladie, and next did embrace Vernan her eldest sonne, a Prince surely carefullie instituted in good manners and vertuous education: which well hee could shew by the gentle entertainment he made him in reco­gnisance of this new fraternitie, albeit he were verie young of yeares. Hee held the second place of thrée male Children, and of two female which they had at one birth: whereof the first liued not long: & because this was not in age marriage­able, the alliance of the houses of Almaine with that of Con­stantinople could not be redoubled giuing him to Philocrista, whome the Prince of Fraunce had neuer other wise espoused; their eldest Daughter of the age of fourtéene (called Bellerisa) was verie fa [...]re, yet not so faire as the younger. But the Emperour caused the two Knights to bee disarmed, and by & by to invest two magnificent robes which he gaue them with manie other riche presentes, and likewise to all the Persian Knights who came with them, determining as well for their arriuall and the mariage of his néece Philocrista, as alse for the recognisance of the néere affinitie of Palmendos to make a sumptuous feast, and to hold the eight dayes following o­pen Court: During the which Bellerisa shewed her selfe so quaint and curious to entertaine with gratious discourse her brother Rifarano, that thence forth Lechefin [...]ering himselfe with her loue, as long as he liued could neuer quite [...]rtinguish this fire out of his heart, wherein serued him for a bai [...]e the fauour which she shewed him to gratifie her brother, deuising manie tunes together which gaue some refreshing to his bur­ning seuer.

After a few daies come and gone, the Emperour gaue Ri­farano to vnderstand she great pleasure that he tooke of him ar­riuall: Notwithstanding it would be far greater, when [...] should perceiue in him some destre to receaue the bolid order of Christianitie: so that quoth hee, if I doe not sée you verie quicklie to condiscend vnto the beliefe of our faith, I shall [Page 44] thinke you make account to returne into Porsia, which would plunge me in a gulfe of griefes, and insupportable sor­rowes.

God forbid aunswered Rifarano, that I should euer cause you to take any displeasure at mee: I had rather teare my selfe in a thousand peeces, than not to accomplish that which it pleased you to propound mee: with this aunswere was the Emperour well apaid, such at to make it to some effect, hee went with him on the morrowe to the Fount of Baptis­me, where by the hande of a discreete Bishoppe hee re­ceaued the first Christian Ʋiction, where at Lechefin tooke such a griefe, that all that day and the next he could not shew a merrie countenance.

Which Bellerisa marking, who honoured and gouerned him continually, praied him not to take any displeasure at the act of Rifarano his companion: for that when he had not spéedilie resolued to doe it, his estéeme had not beene so great, especiallie of the Emperour, who thought himselfe [...] be­holden to him, in that he had fulfilled his minde therein. And séeing you loue him quoth shee, with so cordiall affection as you saye, I meruaile much w [...]y you doe not the same, béeing that you know the superioritie of our God doth much abase yours: whome if you will renounce, you néede not doubt but riches, estates, and whatsoeuer you shall demaunde of my Lorde and Father, shall want you no more here, than in your owne Kingdome.

If you faire Madame, replyed he then, will promise need one fauour, onely for the loue of you will I bee Baptized in­continent, for the deuotion which giueth me that which I de­maunde you, constrayneth mee to hate alcedie the Pagan Secte.

Surely Seigneur Lechefin, quoth she againe, I should re­pute myselfe during and after my life vnfortunate, and vn­worthie to come into any good companie, if to bee a meane of so great good, I should refuse any thing which were in my power: assuring me that you will not request me of any [Page 45] thing which may offende the Honour of the one, nor of the o­ther of vs two, the which being saued, I will doe my best to satisfie your desire, as much as in me lieth.

Nowe may I call my selfe thrice, and foure times hap­pie, quoth Lechefin, séeing I see so precious a good so freelie offe­red mee, whereof I lost all hope that it would neuer he by me acquired, which I will not demaunde of you Madame, vntill that you shall see me accomplish my promise, which by this oc­casion hath willingly made me accept of your commande­ment: whereunto to giue some beginning, bee saide vnto the Emperour, that séeing his Sonne had left the Mahometicall law, hee would doe no lesse than hee had done: because their more than Fraternall amitie might not suffer a diuersitie of saith betwéene them.

If the gladnesse of the Emperour were great for the conuersion of Rifarano, it was doubled so much more, hearing Lechefin vse this faire language: so that remit­ting his pompe but till the morrowe morning onelie, he was receiued into the Catalogue of Christians by the same Bishop, and in the same Fount that Rifarano was, hauing for his Godmother the Empresse, and the Empe­rour for his Godfather, who when the Ceremonie was finishet, bespake him in this manner.

You haue nowe my Godsonne, done the acte of a ver­tuous and worthie Knight, forsaking the erronious and detestable Doctrine which you held, to embrace our ho­lie and Catholike religion.

By meanes whereof I will howe and account you here­after for mine own proper Sonne, giuing you such Estates in my Countrie whereby you may most Hono­rablie liue by, and maintaine your selfe after your own content.

Lechefin thanked him most humblie, and prayed him not to repute him lesse affectioned to his seruice, than the most loyall and faithfull kinsman or allis whome hee had to his race▪ Whereof the Emperour thanked him, who for [Page 46] this regard ordainted to continue a feaste throughout all his Court, & the Empresse gaue the name Trioll vnto Rifarano for the loue of his Father, because shee would not haue him called any more by that name which hee brought out of Bar­barie. But Lechesin tooke no great care to chaunge his, ha­uing in hand matters which did much more moue his spirite, to the which he would assay to giue some tranquillitie: so that finding Bellerisa one boure of the day fit for his purpose, hee vsed this gratious speech to her.

Madame it seemeth to me I haue obayed your commande­ment, which I reuerence and will reuerence all my life as an oracle, and God graunt you may by this meanes knows the extreame deuotion I haue to your seruice; This is the matter, I would humblie beséeth you to call to minde the pro­mise you made me presentlie thereupon, hauing some pittie of an insupportable torment that my afflicted hart hath felt e­uer since the first time I saw you. You know the offer that the Emperour your father hath made me of his Grace: as touching which I hope not to demaund of him anything els but you in mariage: and if so great happines befall me, that I be not there in frustrate, I shall reckon my selfe the moste fortunate Knight who euer matched vnder the celestiall Ma­chine.

Alas quoth the Damsell, how could you weaue so subtilly the snare where in I nowe sée my selfe entrapped? In good saith I neuer thought making you promise, that your carriage sended to this end: Neuertheles, seeing you accorded [...] so is easily no meane matter, which maketh me surely much boun­den to you, for my part I will acquite my promise, so that wée doe not transgresse the limittes and bounds of honour, which I must hold as deare as my life. And to the end to shew by a good beginning that I am not ingratefull for your so gro [...] fauour, I accept you for my Knight, with assurance to own you hence forth no lesse amitie than to Trioll my Brothers Wherein if my Lorde and father commaund mee any thing farther, I shall consent with a verie good will, to returne you [Page 47] the guerdon, which so good will as yours doth merite: wee may well imagine what was the case & content of Lechefin, knowing there was giuen (and that by his verie Lady) some refrigeration to the burning of his flame: which beganne to liue and kindle so liuelie afterward in Bellarisaes hart, that it was within a while no losse vehemente than that of her lo­uer: Who by this meane became more hardie and couragi­ous than euer hee was before: committing afterwarde nothing which might staine his honour, but in Ioustes Tour­neyes which were held in those quarters, he carried away stil the greatest part of the honour, as the best Champion ne [...]te after Trioll, who farre surmounted all those of that Countrie: Therefore both the one and the other were greatly esteemed by the Emperour and the Potentates of Almaine: where wee will leaue them a while, to passe their time according to the renowne and commendation which they shall win, to recount the Cournies and great magnificentes made in the meane time in Constantinople in attending the Courney, held at the Nuptials of Palmendos and Franchelina.

CHAP. VI.

YOU haue vnderstoode heretofore howe the Em­perour Palmerin, sent to inuite meane great Princes and Signeurs of Greece, to be at the Nuptials of his Daughter Philocristat wher­in the Posts and Messengers did so well their [...]ingenes, it as in short time after, there arriued the [...] [Page 48] part of the Barrens stem all Countries vnder his obedience, in the best equi [...]age they could.

Amongst the Princes of [...]arque, there arriued first, the King of Sparta and the Queens Arismene his wife, Aunt to the Emperour, who brought thither with them one onely Daughter which they had, beeing not twelue yeares of age, but verie beautifull, and of the best grace, called Amandria: Before whom the Emperour came forth to welcome and en­tertaine them, commanding his Fourriers a Har [...]ingers to marke out for them all the body of the great Serraglia née [...]rst his quarter: But the Emperour had Philocrista and two o­ther yong daughters, whereof the eldest who was called Fle­rida betweene thirteene and fourteene yeares of age (certes as fayre as the day) resembled very much the Empresse hir mo­ther. Shee after the marriage of Plulocrista, was put in her place, being giuen vnto her many Damsels and the same E­state that her sister had, so that shee kept the Empresse alwaies company as did her sister Philocrista before. To be briefe, as for the graces and perfections wher with nature di [...]med wor­thy her gentle and diuine spirit, she was the pearle of honour, the Idea of beauty, and the matchles Paragon of all good grace: seeing that euen from her infancie shée was reputed in sagesse, vi [...]acity and quicknes of spirit, a new or second Pallas: being a Princesse fayrer demeanured and well aduised, shée acquainted her selfe, and grew into such league of amity and lo [...]ing kindnes with her Cosen Amandria, that they did ne­uer part company.

At the arriuall of the King of Sparta, thether, the Empe­rour his Nephewe conceiued a maruellous ioy: The which was redonbled when hee vnderstoode that the King his father c [...]me accompanied with Belcar and Recindes the future King of Cast [...]le: whereof Prince Arnedes was not glad a little: nor the Spanish gentleman who did attende for him in that Court, and the Infant Melissa was most ioyfull of all, for th [...] hope shee h [...]d to see him q [...]cly her husband.

From diuers other strange Regions and Countries, came [Page 49] euerie day Knights to the Court, where they were all cur­teously reccaued by Primaleon: Especiallie a great Eroupe of Thessalian Barrons, who came thither to kisse their Kings hand: and also to sée Palmendos whome they blessed, and by their praiers lodged him aboue the heauens: lawding God who gaue thē such a Prince for Seigneur: whom for his part hee cherished and honoured in the best manner, which contented them most of all. Moreouer thither came the good Knight Frisoll King of Hungarie, whether could not his Quéene accompanie him because shee was verie sicks: And the Emperour stayd but for King Florendos his Father, be­fore he would begin [...]e feast and solemnitie of the Nuptials, when the French Embassadors who were there (séeing so manie Princes and braue Knights gathered together) prick­ed forward through desire of glorie, determined to enterprise some Martiall excercise to passe away idlenes. The formost of whome was the Earle Peter, a verie braue and hardie Knight, who loued (as his own soule,) Isortine the Duke of Sauoyes Daughter: the same man whome the Emperour Palmerin vanquished in Gaule, who afterward espoused Lu­cimine, Daughter to the King of Fraunce: by whom he had thrée male Children verie braue knights, and that only daugh­ter faire in perfction, whome hee caused to bee brought vp in the Court of his Father in law.

The Earle desired extreamely to haue her in marriage, and for that purpose did he marueilous deeds of Armes as her Knight: for the great loue that hee bare her redoubled his for­ces, and encreased his courage in such sort, that hee was estee­med one of the best Champions of the Kingdome; which was cause the King of Fraunce those him for second Ambassadour in this treatie of mariage betwéene Arnedes and Philocrista. Upon a day whilst the Emperour was conferring with the King of Sparta, this French Earle came to beséech him in presence of the assistance, to giue him lea [...]c to make a close [...]ilt yeard in the great place of the Pallace, where (if it plea­sed him also) he had enterprised to abide eight dayes together [Page 50] from Sunne to Sunne, maintaining Ioust and Combate against all commers, who shoulde come to shew their valours in protection of their Ladies: For that hee desired to main­taine her who possessed his heart to be one more Accomplished in vertues and graces correspondent to her extreame beauty, than any other loued or serued of any Knight, except Philo­crista and Franchel [...]e, the two glorious Startes of their age.

This did hee establish for a Lawe of the Combate, that all knights vanquished by him, should leaue theyr coats of Armes behinde them hanged vpon a piller, which he caused to be ere­cted at the ende of the Lists, hoping to carry them with him a­way into Fraunce, if so it fortuned that hee staid out his eight dayes iourney without giuing ouer his enterprise: Contra­riwise he would leaue his to his vanquisher, who could holde out the rest of the prestred time vnder the honour and defence of the Lady whom he serued.

The Emperour who heard the County talke thus brau [...] ­ly, was in so profound a thought: calling to minde the happy tune that he purchased so much renown in trauersing the [...]el­tique & Belgicke Gaule, that he shewed outwardly some ap­parent token of gladnes: and seeming to be in the Countesse thoughts, and to feele the same pleasure which he receiued, re­membring the perfections of his Lady, answered him merri­ly in this sort.

My Lorde, I foresèe well the paine and trauell which will lie vppon your necke in this charge, and howe much courage she giueth you whom you loue so perfectly, that in her fauour you enterprise so Knightly an exployt: Whereuppon I assure my selfe that beside the praise which shall remaine vn­to you, shee shall estéeme you much more, considering the great hazard into which you expose your owne person: But that I may condiscend vnto your request (albeit I should bee very sorry, if I shoulde accorde you any thing which might turne you to any hurt) I grant you fréely to execute your enterprise therein, and in all other honest and loudable [...] [Page 51] of Chiualry.

Gratious Lord replied the Countie, as long as my soule shall dwell in his passible bodie, I will alwaies endeuour in all places to manifest the praise of her merite, according to the small puissance that it hath pleased God to giue me, whollie vowed, yea fatally destinated to her seruice: & when my for­ces shall not answere my hart, which in this respect is mex­pugnable: I shal augment onely but the number of these, who cannot bring their driftes about, thanking you in all most humble affection, of the fauour which you shewed me, in gi­uing me such licence in your house.

After these speeches and manie other which they had toge­ther, the Countie retired himselfe into his lodging: whereas soone as he was come, he commaunded that on the morrowe they should plant in the place before the Pallace an inclosure which should haue in Diameter and circomference of the Center vnto the ends foure and twentie sethome in latitude, and eight and thirtie in longitude: which was done with high railes in so sufficient proportion, that sixe Knights might easily fight together afront, besides hee would haue a doore made hard by, where he gaue order to set vp a Tent, a Bedde, a Kitchin with Offices, & al which was necessarie for so sump­tuous a recreation. The next day at Sunne rising be armed himselfe at all points, and mounting vpon a double Courser, hee came to appeare within the listes, where were manie Knights disarmed to kéepe him companie, whome he vsed ve­rie magnificently in the feast. The first man who came with­in the listes was the Duke of Drante, vassall to the King of Thessalie, young in age, but lustie and verie skilfull in mana­ging Armes, who loued with a singular affection a da [...]nsel his subiect, faire and marueilous gracious, who finding the doore of the Tilt shutte, thrust it open with the great end of his Launce to enter in: therefore soone mounted the Earle on horsebacke, and taking his sworde in his hand demaun­ded the Duke whether hee would Iouste or Combat wi [...] him.

[Page 52] I will haue but the Iouste quoth the Duke, for that I thinke quicklie to make you confesse her whome I loue, to ex­cell in beautie and good grace, the Ladie for whome you enter­prise an exploit, which seemeth to passe your cunning.

It were a thing almost miraculous, replied the Earle, if with so great reason as I haue to make good mine enterprise, I should be vanquished by the first assailant. Saying so they went to campe themselues at the two ends of this place, then comming violently to encounter, they shiuered both their Launces, and dashing one another with their shields they pas­sed brauely the rest of the carriere: whereof the Earle was verie sorrie when he cried to his aduersarie: Knight take yet one staffe more; for the encounter of this first Iouste hauing béene so fauourable vnto you, I will see how you will behaue your selfe in the second: Then shall bee séene manifestlye the iust occasion I haue to Iouste, answered the Duke, taking another Launce, with the which comming couragiouslye to charge him, he mist his blow in striking, which the Countie did not: but running aright carriere, sent him ouer his horse croupper with a tumbling cast downe to the ground: Saying with a ioyfull courage; An other time venter not with me in the listes, if you haue no better reason to combat.

To that the Duke answered him nothing; for hee founde himselfe ashamed to haue voyded the A [...]son before Francheli­ne his soueraigne Ladie, and many other Lords and Knights, who beheld them through the Pallace windowes. But ri­sing vp, he put off gently his Coate of Armes, and afterward beeing remounted he departed out of the Tilt-yeard, to goe whether it pleased God to conduct him: whereof Palmendos had so great remorse, because of the vassalage which hee owed vnto the Father of his affianced Ladie, that with some appa­rance of reason, hee would haue entred the listes himselfe to haue reuenged him.

Afterwards there appeared nine or ten Knightes, from whome the Countie still carried away the honour and han­bergions: So that about Sunne setting, when hee retired for [Page 53] that day, he felt himselfe verie wearie and ouerpressed with the burthen that he was faine to sustain: notwithstanding the i [...]i [...] which rauished his spirites more and more, made him forget the dolour and wearines of his members. Thether came Arnedes with all the French Knightes, to feast him and to kéepe him companie the greatest part of the night: where to stay our selues no longer, the Earle continued sir whole daies before he was vanquished of anie, doing marueils of Armes, as well at the Iouste, as at the Combat at the sword, & ma­king great cheare and banquetes to those who visited him: whereof the Emperour meruailed much, no lesse of his pro­wesse and valour, than of his magnificence and sumptuositie, which hee continued vntil the seauenth day following, when there came thither two Knightes, one whereof tooke awaie within few houres from the Earle, all the honour hee had wonne in the former dayes, as you shall presently heare.

CHAP. VII.

WEE declared a while since how Belcar, Recin­des and Tyrendos departed vnknowne from Macedon to go to Constantinople, and riding great iournies passed by the Duchy of Bort, whereof was Lord an aged and grayheaded fa­ther, who in his youthfull yeares loued rest and his delights, better than the Courtlie life, or any millitarie exercise.

He had two faire Daughters, and one Sonne estéemed a verie valiant Knight, who against his Fathers will was gone to Constantinople: and at his second mariage, did this oldman take to wife a verie yong Ladie excéeding his daugh­ters [Page 54] in beautie, whereof a rich & gentle Knight called Dirdan was much enamoured, before and after the Duke had taken hir to wife. By meanes wherof knowing there was no better nor more expedient remedie to see her and speake often with her, he contracted great amitie with the Duke her husband, giuing him to vnderstand he wold be verie glad to espouse his youngest daughter comming once to age, it hee might please to bestow her on him in mariage.

The Duke who smelt his subtilty a little, would haue willingly debarred him from his house, had it not bin for the scandall which he feared: and on the other side the Duchesse (who being put to choice would not refuse the yong and vigo­rous Champion to take an old and decrepit man to her Hus­band) seeing him so passionate as he was, albeit she being mar­ried before, could no lesse gratefie him, but must by iust and reasonable guerdon, loue him againe with the like; which ne­uerthelesse shee dissembled, bidding him manie times not to torment him selfe for her, and not to feede his vaine hope, which in the ende would deceaue him, for it would not haue so good successe as he expected.

Notwithstanding shee could neuer disswade him from his purpose, but resting to the auncient Prouerbe which saith thus. (All paine deserueth recompence,) resolued him self that if not verie quickly, yet at the lenght hee might gather some fruite of his sweet Ladie, which did not frustrate him by some coniecture which he had seene after: for that hee hearing hee say shee would goe willingly to see the Triumphs which were to be held at the mariage of Philocrista at Constantinople, he purposed to shew her some pastime, to the ende to dissware her from that affection: and to this end complotted with a Bro­ther and cosen Germaine of his, to gard a passage in the wide field before the Citty where the Duke was resident alwaies.

This Dirdan then hauing vpon this occasion obtayned ly­cence of him, who at the instant prayers of his wife & daugh­ters, sometime did walke into the plaine, began to defend thy passage: wherein he gat honor be seeming a good knight, [...] [Page 55] himselfe before her who augmented the forces of his body by the one halfe: whose iudgement in his fauour, hee estéemed more than that of all the rest of the spectators; who held all no other than a good opinion of his deedes, so that he loued him more than before.

But Belcar and his companions passing by the Cittie of this Duke, knowing nothing of the Iouste, Tyrendos who rode before the other somewhat pensiue, looked not abent till he saw a Squier verie nere him, who beganne to charge him that he should not passe anie further. Wherefore quoth Ty­rendos?

For that replyed hee, if you goe on still forward, you must Iouste against a knight, who will easilie lay you along from your Horse, so that by this meane you shall be forced to leaue him behinde, because here is established such a law; and when peraduenture you should dismount him, yet must you encounter two other hardie Knightes, therefore you thrust your selfe into great danger.

For all this quoth Tyrendos, I will not ride a steppe out of my way: and dashing on he saw the Tents of the Knight, & also of the Duke, who was in them with his wife and his daughters, to see the Iouste that day.

Dirdan who saw him come a farre off, stood still minding to giue him the shock and the branado, and when hee percea­ued him to be [...]ere he called vnto him. Ho Knight, seeing you will passe [...], you must Iouste with me: for vppon such paste keepe I this strait.

Seigneur defendant answered Tyrendos, nothing but the desire I had to breake a launce with you, caused mee to passe this way. Assoone as he had said, they came so violently to en­counter, that Dirdan breaking his staff in a thousand shi [...]ers, and giuing the Assailant a little wound, to the ground fell hee strait, where by the grieuous and lourish fall hee had, hee sound himselfe frushed with his Harnesse: By reason whereof Tyrendos taking his horse by the Bridle, saide ve­rie lawde.

[Page 56] This horse appertaineth to me by reason of his encounter, those who were present much marueiled, principally the bro­ther of Dirdan, who chasing monstrously saide as hee was mounting his horse: Knight thinke not to haue done, for you must I cust with me, who will make you pay dearely for the misad [...]enture of my brother.

Well may you replied Tyrendos séeke the same, if if please the diuine bountie but to sauour mee. As he had done this spéech hee gaue into Belcars hand the horse of the vanquished Knight, who arriued thether during their altercation', mar­uellous apaide seeing his companion be haue him selfe liken valiant and hardie Knight.

Then running one at another with a right carriere, Tiren­dos sent his Assailant top [...]turlie with a vengeaunce ouer his horse taile, whose staffe by mishap ranne into his horse head: whereby he presently died betwéene his legges, which con­strayned ryrendos to leape strait out of the saddle, to mount vp with a trice vppon him which Belcar held by the [...], which the brother of the two vanquished Knights [...]ing, [...]an furiously vpon him to charge him in a great rage, saying they would die in the place, or bee reuenged of them [...]or th [...] mis­fortune: but it was not long before hee went to kéepe them companie vpon the gréene grasse, which was died red with their owne blood in manie places: This made the Duchesse then call to minde the Metamorphests of Hyacinth [...]s, & Re­cindes and Belcar to receaue great ioy in their spirits.

Tyrendos then sent by a Page the two Horses of the vanquished, to the Duke, who was marueilous glad of the Ma­nour that Dirdan lost in the Ionste: and the Knight who had vanquisht him séeming to him no lesse co [...]tentis and [...] than valerous and magnaniunous, hee ro [...]e out of his Chairs to entertaine him and his companions, [...] them to re­fresh themselues in his house. By [...] wherof when the Duke, Duchesse and all the rest were mounted on Horse­backe, they rode straite to the Castell, where the Duke [...] [...]maunded that the Knights were quickly disarmed, and [...] [Page 57] that they should with all spéede dresse Tyrendos wounde, to whome euerie one did great honour: for albeit they knewe his companiens to be verie vertuous, beautifull, and better proportioned of their persons, yet for some respect, they did e­steeme and presume more of Tyrendos.

Then supper time approching, the Duke commanded they should couer in a pleasant and delicious garden which ioyned hard to the Castell, where they were verie honourably serued with diuers dishes, of most exquisite and rare viandes: and after the repast was taken, the Duchesse with her daughters came in singing and playing vpon [...]arps, U [...]ols and Lutes, with so excellent a grace, that to beare the swéet harmonie which resounded as well from their corall mouthes, as their cunning touchings with their white and delicate hands, play­ing vpon those lericall instruments, the Assistances thought them selues in the Elis [...]an fieldes amonge the nine Muses, Apollo and all the rest of the muste all consort.

The Knights surely tooke great recreation and pleasure, sur­passing almost the capacitie of their spirites, in the which if the handes and mouth of the Duchesse were occupied to make such melodie, their eyes did no lesse omit their office to beholde Tyrendos, and by that they had well beheld and admired him, at that instant was there a sodaine change made within her hart of the loue which she bare to Dirdan, with that which Cupido presented her vnexpected on the behalfe of Tyren­dos.

And as she well sawe how shee perseuered a great while in this contemptation, (the excellence and singularity of her graces pleasing him verie much on the other side) was as prompt an she to giue essence to this bargaine of chaunge.

During the accomplishment wherof, the Duke reasoning of many things with Belcar, demaunding him in the end who Tyrendos was, perce [...]uing nothing the prime wound hee had [...] made in [...]he heart of his wife. Wee are quoth hee Knights of the King of Macedons Court who go to the [...] which is [...] Constantinople.

[Page 58] I beléeue replied the Duke, in all the assembly which shall bee seene, there will bee found fewe men at Armes who can come neere this, for as much as I can presage, by the proofe I haue seene him make to day. You say true quoth Belcar, and yet you would say more if you knewe who he is. The Du­chesse who making no semblance, heard all these discourses passe, imagined presently Tyrendos must bee some Knight of great and illustrious blood, therefore shee made greater ac­count of him than before, béeing thrice happie to haue chaun­ged Dirda [...] for him, whome shee loued alreadie so ardently that before they parted company, shee whispered vnto him ve­rie softly these wordes, so that no body heard her: Faire Knight you must repaire the sorrow and griefe you haue pro­cured vain vanquishing these Knights of our countrie, whom we must estéeme of. God forbid replyed Tyrendos, I should be borne into this worlde, to worke you faire Lady the least sparke of displeasure and miscontentment that any humane spirite may lightly receaue: Neuerthelesse if the Plannets haue so much dissa [...]red me, that I haue giuen you any cause to be sad, I beséech you Madame, to appoint me any pennance as you shall know may suffice to blot out this offence. which against m [...] will and before I was aware I haue committed thereby: then saide the Duchesse, I verilye beléeue you will not faile to accomplish that which your hart commaundets you to speake, the generousnes whereof I know alreadie: & I pardon as willingly this ouersight, as I hope you will ac­complish hereafter the liberall offer you make me, to [...] it according to my discretion. I thanke you most humblie quoth he then, to graunt me so quickly pardon in so great [...] misdéede as to prouoke the choller of Ladies, which shall [...] me to say euer hereafter, to haue found in you curtesie and [...] ­manitie, surmounting the forces of my tongue: In recom­pence whereof assure your selfe Madame, in all occasions pre­sented to me for your seruice, I wil imploy my selfe with [...] sinceritie of denotion, as I desire to be made known vnto [...] when it shall please you to giue me full fruition of that [...], [Page 59] which I shall repute second to no other, in retayning mee for your Knight: so much I neuer offered yet to any Lady liuing, for that I acknowledge my selfe farre vnworthie to serue any Ladie.

If so it he replied the Duchesse, I may well glorie to haue made this day so precious and inestimable a purchase, gay­ning him for my Knight, who is a verie pe [...]rle and represen­tation of Mars: wherein I finde my selfe so much beholding vnto you, that I see my selfe out of all hope to be euer able to cancell towards you the Obligation of my spirite: if of your fauour and grace it do not please you to accept in part of pay­ment and satisfaction thereof, the extreame desire which I haue to shewe you in effect, I loue you euen as the same soule which giueth mee comfort and good hope that you shall reape condigne recompence for the paines you offer to endure for my sake.

These last wordes she spake so softly that none but he could heare them, and so faire and softly prosecuting their matter, Tirendos told her that his heart would be verie well content, if any accident did fall out to constraine him to make some a­bode to doe her humble seruice there.

That would bee answered his louer, the most agréeable thing which I could desire: so that I beséech you depart not hence yet these two dayes, during which time peradventure some opportunity may serue to bring about this businesse.

Tirendos promised hee would (when the Duke praied them altogether, because hee was come in talke to the same points with the others) they wold not depart on the morrow: wherun­to they consented, to the great contentment of the Duchesse, who shewed by all signes shee could deuise, to make knowne the extreame loue she bare Tyrendos.

And as she [...]nsred her selfe the day following, to druist some inuention to prolong the soiourning of her louer, behold there entred into the Pallace a woman clothed in blacke, who demanded of the Duke if the Knight vanquister of Dirdan and his companions were in his house; who bé [...]ng shewe [...] [Page 60] vnto him, she fell prostrate at his féete, praying and coniuring him by the thing which he loued best in this world, that hee would graunt her one boone.

The knight hauing accorded this womans request, she be­gan againe after humble thankes to say in this manner.

Faire Knight you haue now promised to goe into a place with mee, where I hope by meanes of your valour and pro­wesse (whose fame yesternight came vnto my eares) to finde mee remedie for a wronge, which the worst of all Knightes caused me wickedly these last dayes to endure. Tyrendos pro­mised her againe to employ himselfe for her, so that she should remaine content: and seeing he must yet haue another Com­bat in that quarter, he liked verie well his occurrence, which was a meane for him to stay longer nere his deare Mistresse, who thereupon was almost rauished for ioy: but if they two were well pleased, Belcar and Recindes, who would not so­iourne there anie longer, (to the end they might come before the King Florendos to Constantinople,) were as much displeased when they vnderstood of the iniured Gentle woman, that Tyrendos must néedes abide about ten or twelue daies in that place. Wherefore hee prayed them to be going alwaies before, saying that be must néeds stay there to exploit some act which might make more famous the reputation of his per­son: Assuring them hee would not be long after them, & that the great desire which hee had to be at the Triumph woulde kéepe him from so [...]ourning long in any other place. His com­panions séeing they could not get him along, thāked the Duke & the Duchesse for the good vsage & honorable entertainment they had made them, & leauing Tyrendos in Bort, (being a lit­tle displeased to seperate their Trinity) they tooke their iournie strait to Constantinople: whereby the Duke was marucylous glad of this Knights abode with him, misdoubting no­thing that be would lie in ambush for his wises honor: who hoping to take some pastime in the amorous chace with her new Parramour, made a great deale the better cheare to the Gentlewoman, who was cause to retayne him with her [...] [Page 61] where wee will leaue them to the liking of their loues, to recount what befortuned Belcar and Recindes after they had parted company.

CHAP. VIII.

BElcar and Recindes perceiuing the will of Ti­rendes their companion, prayed God to preserue him from all sinister accident, then bidding him adien, they fell into their way againe: where­in riding many dayes iourneys, they arriued at the last in Constantinople on a Sunday morning, the sea­nenth day of the Ioust that County Peter enterprised (as you may call to minde) whereof they heard some newes by the way as they came. By meanes wherof they determined before they would make themselues knowne, to prooue them­selues against him as Knights errant: Belcar praid his com­panion to let him haue the first course, which hee willingly graunted, albeit hee coulde haue desired to win the honour or shame first himselfe.

Entring then into the Citty, they made directly to the Tilt-yeard, where they found the gate fast, by reason the County dined then in the company of many Knights with great ioy and sollace, as they were accustomed within his Pauilion: So that being saint to stay the fit houre, they lea­ued vpon their Launces, vntill they sawe the Emperour take his place on the left hande, to whome the King of Hungarie who fate at his side begins to say: My Lord, behold those two [...]nights who will I [...], how braue they gouerne themselues [...] horse-backe.

[Page 62] Truly brother you say well (quoth hee) I beliue it will doo a man good to see them at the shecke. When Belcar per­ceiued the Emperour whom he had not séene long time before, force and courage increased so in his heart, that hee purposed to shew this day some pleasure in his house, where because his was nourished and brought vp in it from his infancy, he knew not King Frisol his father who was with him in company, beeing brought from Hungarie thither in his swadling clouts.

But the Earle séeing the Seigniory & Noblesse in the gal­leries, caused forth with his Helmet to be brought, and by and by all his strings, leathers and buckles, to be laced and tyed: Then mounting he commaunded the Trumpets and [...] to sound, and to open the Gate of his repairs: Where­into Belcar being first entred, the Earle asked him, whether he would Ieust or fight, I will quoth the Assailant, doo all that I shall know to be necessary, but let vs first Ieust to sée what will follow.

Hauing thus saluted each other, they encounter with [...] a fury that Belcar lost his [...], and the Earle (breaking in, dashing together the pe [...]rall and the girths of his horse) went mangre his nose to luste his greater and mother, but [...] soone got vp againe, being greatly ashamed and vexed, to lo [...] an instant the honour he had conqurred in sixe dayes.

Sir Knight then quoth Belcar, I haue w [...]rme your Coats of Armes, if I be not giuen to misunderstand in declaring [...] the Lawe of your enterprise: According to which you must depart this field, which I purpose to garde and defend in my turne as you haue done before me; if seene body [...] not by force of Armes. My Habilliament shall I [...] giue you answered the County) without departing the Tilt, [...] be not by Martiall exployte performed by you or some other, which shall force me to doo it. You will séene your [...], replied Belcar; neuerthelesse, seeing you will [...] hathly, and con me thanke for she curtesie [...] which I shew you.

[Page 63] Then set the Earle foote to stirrup againe, and in the meane time the Emperour being greatly astonished at the magnani­mity of this Knight, said to the King of Hungarie, he well knew who he was; the two Champions beganne with their swords a terrible and furious skirmish, hewing out another in so bruske and strange manner, that it terrified the b [...] ol­ders to be are them onely: For the County through rage and despite which surmounted his reason, laid on without feare, & most desperately.

But his aduersary, who was a little more nimble, and could mannage a little better than hée, did tiggle his ribbes with such sound flashes which eastly tamed him at length; so that being weary to make him languish so much, hee [...] in the ende a fell stroake vppon his Murrion, which l [...]ude him in a stonny vpon the bare ground; saying: Now Knight must you condiscende by force, to that whereunto you woulde not accord by your good with: a thing surely proc [...]ding from your rash presumption, which make you thinke the honour of Chi­ualry dwelt onely among Frenchmen.

At this spectacle and words [...] the Prince Arnodes, and had it not beene through the [...]disposition of his person, and that Philocrista would neuer haue permitted it, hee had endossed his Armes to [...] the County and his Nation of this reproach.

In the same paine and choller were all the rest of the French Nobility who séeing they coulde none other re­medye, listed by Earle Peter from his fall, and bare him into his lodging to cause the Surgeons to [...]ke vnto him, and search his wounds.

Belcar who thought in the [...] time what he ha [...] [...] doo, tooke the coats of Armes, and giuing it to one of his Pages, commaunded him to be are it from him and one of his compa­nions to Melissa the King of Hungaries Daughter: whom they [...] all commers, it shee would vouchsafe them so [...], to let them Combat vnder her [...].

[Page 64] And gaue charge more-ouer to the young-man, to tell the Emperour and those who were about his Maiestie, that whosoeuer would Tourney against him, should alwaies finde him ready within the Listes: Where if per aduenture hee were vanquished by any of the Assailants, the field should remaine tol [...]s companion, who should second him therein, which they did desire to did in attending the opening of the generall Tri­umph.

The Page vnderstanding throughly his Masters will, went strait to the Pallace, where knéeling before the Empresse, h [...]e besought her to showe him which of her Ladies was Melissa, King Frisols Daughter: wherein beeing by her gratiously certef [...]ed, the youth rose vp, and with a most lowly reuerence began to say in this manner.

Madame Melissa, the Knight who vanquished Earle C [...] kisseth the hand of your Excellencie, and sendeth you by [...] this his spoile, the which hee knoweth beséeming your wor­thines, whom he loueth more than any Lady of this company: And although he neuer saw you, hee assureth himselfe neuer­thelesse, shee for whose loue the French Lord fought, is not so perfect in beauty, but she yéeldeth and giueth the first place in­to you. Aduertising you more-ouer, that he and his compa­nion remaine from this present houre, your most [...] and obedient Knights, as hoping (if it please you to doo them so much honour, that they may accomplish the Lawe of the Ioust of County Peter vnder your name) to employ them­selues so in this place, that the renowne of your beauty shall flie throughout all climates of the Leuant.

Hee that had there séene the comely beauty of Melissa, should not haue sailed to haue ludged of the tamour a [...] her two Alabaster cheekes, couered with a transparent and [...] Lawne, for the shame that seazed her, hearing him spea [...] [...] in her fauour: Nor could she answere a worde to the young­man, shee founde her selfe so confounded; when the King her father (who was there with the Emperour) [...] this Embassage in good part, said vnto her; Daughter I will [Page 65] not beléeue but the Seigneur who sendeth you such a present knoweth you; and though it were for no other respect, at least you ought to receiue it, and to honour him who sendeth it you for loue of his generous minde.

I know not my Lorde (quoth Melissa then) who may bee the Knight, whose curtesie seemeth not to approch his force; taking this hardlesse to giue a present to a Damsell whom he knoweth not: which notwithstynding, for that it is your pleasure I will accept of it.

You shall aduertize your Master (quoth shee to the Page) he greatly mistaketh to presume so much of my beauty, as to continue the Ioust of the Earle for mee, who haue deserued no such honour at his hand: Neuerthelesse, I thanke him for his good will, in [...]ccompence whereof, if I can doo any thing for him, you shall assure him from mee, I will employ my selfe with as good will, as I pray God to preserue him and his companion also from all incumbrances which may impeach his valiant enterprise; for the small occasion they haue to charge so heauy a burthen for so little beauty as mine, makes me feare they wil be vanquisht, if their prowesse and dexterity doo not supply this default.

Then the young youth making a low obeysance to thanke her for this curteous answere, tooke his leaue gratiously of her: And turning to Duke [...]ustace who was neer es [...] [...]e­ [...]ought him to tell the Emperour and his company, that who so euer had any desire to ioust against this Knight-vanquisher, and his companion, should appeare vpon the Battiers, where hee should finde them alwaies ready; which hee did without delay: The Emperour misdoubting one of these Knights to be Belcar, told if incontinent to King F [...]isol, who assured him the contrary; for that he supposed hee had hardly lest the com­pany of Florendos.

Now did Belcar all that day nothing but breake stanes, for there was no French Knight but came to doo his best a­gainst him, hoping euery one to reuenge the County Peter: but the like chaunce befell them, as did to him before, for this [Page 66] Desendant was rough, and a very good horseman, which was his inheritance he helde from King Frisol his father, who was esteemed one of the best men at Armes of his time. That same day Belcar dismounted beside the Frenchmen about twenty Knights the most redoubted of the Court: whereat the Emperour wondered much, so that he sent Primaleon to them to know who they were; who gladly did this Embassage with Palmendos; entreating them to repose that night in the Emperours Court, who gaue them such charge, for the great desire he had to know them.

Gentlemen answered Belcar, desire his Maiesty to pardon vs this once, for that wee cannot leaue this place without in­curring some blame, beeing departed from our houses, with full detemination to make our selues knowne to none.

This is a point of small curtesie (quoth the Constantino Politan) to refuse the honest offer which the Emperour ma­keth you, with so simple excuse as you finde now.

And who are you faire Syr, quoth Belcar, (faining not to know him) who tearme vs discurteous:

I am Primaleon (replied hée) Sonne to the Emperour, who sendeth to intreate you by mée to doo him this honour.

I haue done then (presecuted the Desendant) because I knowe you haue not as yet receiued the order of Chiualry: Assuring you, that for your praiers, nor for the entreaties of the Emperour, shall you preuaile further with me than as I told you before.

I will not importune you any further (sayth the young Prince) then being somewhat offended, and when hee had so said, he returned into the Pallace with Palmendos, who was so wrath with this thwart answere, that hee purposed on the next morrow to Arme himselfe, to the ende to chasti [...]e his ar­rogance.

When the Emperour vnderstood they had disdained to graunt his request, hée did but laugh at it, saying; they must he let alone in their obstinacie, to sée what might bee the [...], Neuerthelesse, Palmendos would be reuenged, and without [Page 67] saying ought to any body, went secretly to endosse the Coat of Armes, in which he vanquished the Tourney, which we haue described before, and came withall with a great Eaunce in his hand within the Barriers.

So soone as Recindes spide his Armour hee knewe it, and who carried it on his back; which he let his companion know, requesting him not to Ioust against him for the Emperours sake: Whereunto Belcar answered, bee coulde willingly for­beare; notwithstanding he o [...]ht not to refuse so good occasi­on to proone his valour against so [...] a Knight; for if he dis­mount me at the Ioust, quoth hee, I shall not thinke it any shame or dishonour for mee, seeing hee is the Achilles of our age, with whose valerous exployts all the Orient reseundeth. When hee had done his speech, hee did his best endeuour to make him feele his forces, and running one against the other very roughly, such was their encounter, that Belcar had taken measure of the earth, had he not taken hold of his horse-maine. And Palmendos liked not very wel the knocke which he gaue him, but it was néedefull for them to breath a little. Then charging a fresh with new Launces (for that the first flewe in pieces to their Gauntlets) they met together with so sodaine a sury, that they made the ground tremble vnder them, where Belcar sound himselfe much bruised, what with the blow and the fall in his Armour. Then Palmendos who lost onely his stirrups, glad of this reuenge, demaunded his Hanburgeon, aduising him if he would not fight at the sharpe, to depart the field. Other battell quoth Belcar, séeke not I against thee, for small hope haue I to gaine more honour by the sword, than I haue already at the Ioust: and for that also I estéeme and loue then too well, to make further tryall against thée; knowing right well by this encounter, I should haue but ill spéede if I procéeded further. Palmendos hearing him say so, mittiga­ted a good part of his indignation, and taking his Coate of Armes, went directly to the Pallace, where the Emperour & the King of Thessalie, very glad of this act, receiued him with great pleasure, the Emperour saying thus to him.

[Page 68] Sonne the Knight did wisely not to accept the Combat of the sharpe against you, otherwise he might haue sped ill, consi­dering his successe at the Ioust: Now God grant (I wish it with my hart) that all your future enterprises may sort to so good & honorable ende, as the passed haue receiued a most for­tunate and fauourable issue.

Palmendos kissing his hands, thanked him humbly for this good wish, then sent hee Belcars Gabardine to his faire Fran­cheline, who was not a little glad thereof: Therefore shée would needes come to disarme him with her owne handes, ca­sting about him a faire and rich mantle surd with white sa­bles, for feare he should take cold.

CHAP. IX.

BElcar seeing Palmendos depart the Listes, rose vp very angry for his fall, to retire himselfe to the Earles Pauilion where Recindes was: who galled to the heart for his companions mis­fortune, purposing to reuenge him if any man appeared within the Barriers: So that beeing mounted his f [...]uced liuely vp and downe, when the Marquesse of Penerad, (esteemed a good Knight, as descenting of the race of the Em­perours of Constantinople) came into the field.

Hee beeing aduertised, that the two Knights who kept the Ioust ofter Earle Peter had sent his Coat to Melissa, whom hee desired extreamely to haue in marriage, beganne to beare them a mortall and secrete grudge; and purposing to chastize them for their ouer bolde rashnes, came richly armed into the fielde, where without any word speaking, prouoked with raging anger, vailing his Launce, dasht his horse sodainely.

[Page 69] Which Recindes perceauing, set spurs quickly to his like­wise, so furious was their encounter, that the Marques went arse ouer head, ouer his horse head to kisse the ground, taking such a grieuous thulch, that he remayned in the place, wag­ging neyther hand nor foot: whereupō one of his cosens pro­per and valiant of his person, a heauie man at this accident (in the meane while they carried the Marques into his Chamber) ranne speedile to Arme himselfe, thinking to reuenge his mis­hap: Bimer was the Marques Cosen called, who beganne to Ioust in such a heat, that he mist his blow against Recindes, who contrariwise hi [...] him so full pat, that he sent him castly to take the Marques place: but he rose vp againe lightly, saying to the Defendant, hee should not thinke to haue yet done with him, seeing he would know how he could handle his sharpe.

At these words the Spanish Prince alighted, and putting his shield on his Arme with a couragious stomack, they began a fierce combat, which for all that was quickly finished. For Recindes beeing a better warrier, and more spruce than his aduersarie, made him recoyle to the place where he was van­quished: then pulling off his Gabberdine, left him wounded in many places of his bodie among his people, who carried him thence into his Cosens lodging.

That done, he gaue that and the Marques coate to Belcars Page, to beare them to Melissa, beséeching her to accept them, as comming from one her most affectionate seruitour, that she might finde vnder the two Tropicks of heauen.

She who was with Philocrista in her Chamber, when the Page came to doo the message, answered thus: I know not what these Knights meane to send mee such presents without knowing me: yet faine would I learne their names, & what mooueth them to doe it: Madame (quoth the youth, they are such, that when you shall knowe them, you shall thinke some great good Fortune will befall you, in béeing able to doe them some honour for your part in recompence of the extreame de­sire that I can assure you they haue to serue you in the things wherein you take some pleasure: For all that they shal haue [Page 70] none other thankes of mee replied the Princesse till I knowe more, well will I take that which they send me, where with I finde my selfe greatly content: albeit farre more should my spirits be satisfied, as you may tell them, if I might perceaue openly their drift. Few dayes shall passe Madame, quoth the youngman, before you sée the true end of all: so that I be­séech you doe not vexe your selfe, but attend the fitte honour which shall be bréefely as I hope.

Finishing his spéech, he tooke honestlie his conge of the La­dies, whome he left verie pensiue, and curious to knowe who these valiant and curteous Knights might bee. In the meane time Recindes who held on his Chiualries, Iousted against ten or twelue Assailants: all whome hee laid brauely along, winning by this meane their Coats, which hee caused to bee hanged on high vpon the Piller, where Countie Peter hoped to erect his Trophie: After this he tooke his sollace and recre­ation, before any one presented himselfe within the Lists, eue­rie one fearing to aduenture against him, whose prowesse and derteritie was so great: Whereupon Arnedes who felt him­selfe better at ease than he was wont, hearing the Emperour say the Defendant might well remaine with the honour of the Ioust, seeing that no man entred the field any more, answered him.

I doe not thinke my Lord, they cease c [...]mming for feare of him, for the number of braue & hardie Knightes of this Court is not so little that he can long time hold out against them, and as he had said, hee went presently to fit himselfe with Armes, putting on a Murrion well tempered with steele: then came he into the place mounted on a mightie Courser, who did no­thing but neigh and some at the mouth.

When Recindes saw him enter the Barriers, hée discoue­red him soone by his deuise, and as he thought howe to auoide Iousting with him, hee was forced to set spurres to his horse, because he saw his Cosen Arnedes do the like: neuerthelesse approaching within the reach of their Launces, he hau [...]ed his and would not couch it against him.

[Page 71] By this meane Arnedes easily broke his staffe, albeit hee could not wagge the Champion an inche out of the Saddle, so that in manner abashed to sée him doe so, turning bitte hee incontinent charged vpon him thus: Sir Knight let vs haue another bout yet, and vse no more this curtesie towards him, who will con you no thanke for your fauour: So taketh hee another staff and fetching his carriere to run the second time, Recindes did as he had done before: Arnedes by that meanes or els by choller, missing his attainte, in a greate rage threwe his Launce to the ground, and setting couragiously hand to his sworde, saide to the Knight: As God mee helpe nowe will I knowe for what reason you would not Iouste against mee, as well as against the rest.

That shall you neuer vnderstand by my meanes quoth the Spaniard: hereof can I well aduertise you, that happen to mee what may, I will not couch my Launce against you.

You will tell mee then a reason quoth Arnedes, or you shall presently die of my hand. Such inhumanitie shall I ne­uer sée in you, replyed Recindes, albeit I had no will to de­send my selfe.

By the liuing God said Arnedes hastily, you wil constraine me to bée discourteous indéede, and therefore at your owne perill be it.

I can no longer forbeare quoth the Emperour then (who heard this controuersie) but I must néedes knowe who are these two Knightes nowe in fielde: for me thinkes I see none other than the true representation of Belcar and Recin­des.

When he had thus saide, he descended with manie Nobles after him, and finding the two Combattants yet in dispute, the one séeking to knowe why his aduersarie woulde not en­counter him, the other excusing himselfe that hee might not tell the cause, willed Arnedes to goe aside: And taking Recindes Horse by the Bridle, hee prayed him of all loue that hee woulde satisfie the great desire hee had to knowe him.

[Page 72] My Lord quoth he, I cannot doe it without ins [...]ging my faith, therefore I pray you vrge mee not to be per [...]urde. Assure you, replyed the Emperour, you shall neuer sée me depart from hence before I knowe and looke you in the face: so that by excuses you may not preuaile.

Therefore I pray you put off your helmet, and thinke in so doing you shall not breake your faith and promise. For Gods s [...]ke, replied Recindes, do not offer to force me in your coun­tries. This force will I offer you, answered the Emperour, for that in my mind, it stayneth neither your honor nor mine. The Knight in a perplerity not knowing what to say further, seeing it was a matter of constraint, held his peace and not a word. Then Belcar who had verse well heard all the whole circumstance (seeing hee coulde no longer conceale himselfe, threwe incontinent his helmet to the ground and went to fall on his knees before the Emperour, in kissing whose handes her saide.

My Lord pardon vs if it please you; if wee haue not béene so prompt to obey you as your greatnes requires, for wee de­termined at our departure out of Macedon, to come vn­knowne into this place, to exployte before your eyes some honourable attempt, wherein you might take some delight & pleasure: Notwithstanding seeing wee are frustrate of one intention, hauing perfourmed nothing worthie to giue you contentment, it is the verie reason, why wee dissembled our selues vnto your Maiestie: of whom both the one and the o­ther of vs two reputeth himselfe a most happie man, to haue receaued so great honour.

Ah my deare friends quoth the Emperour then, you be ex­ceeding welcome into my Court, wherein I may well assure my selfe cannot be founde two Knighte, in whom can be found so much an [...]rosity as in you onely: but tell mee I pray you whether the King my most honourable Father, will come speedily vnto this Cittie.

My Lord answered Belcar, I am sure it wil not be a wéeke before he arriue here. For he was readie to depart, when I [Page 73] entreated him to let vs goe before, to bring you newes there­of. The Emperour maruellous ioy full of this aunswere, turning himselfe with a laughing countenance towardes the King of Hungarie, saying to him: Brother receaue to you Belcar your Sonne, whose vertues and good manners make him so amiable, that euery braue man of good iudgment, wold be to him in steede of a Father in this behalfe.

As the Dominators of Greece spake these words, Belcar falling vppon his knees kissed honourably his Father King Frisols hand, who embraced him with great loue, the trick­ling teares standing in his eyes, and at length the French Prince seeing his Cosen Recindes in face, ranne vnto him with open Armes to giue him the accollad [...]e, and could not almost speake for extreame gladnes, which seazed his heart in recognising him.

Which the Spaniard perceauing, alighted quickly from his Horse to embrace him, and after they had shewed manie familiar & louing cherrishings one to another, he went to doe his dutie to the Emperour, who receaued him most ioyfullie, as did likewise all the [...]eigneurs and Barrons of the Court: whereof the greatest part esteemed themselues verie happie if they might come next to offer them the gentle welcome: and if all the beholders were very glad of this sodaine and inex­pected ioy (whereof euerie one had a good share) that of Pine­des was so abundant, that it could not be expressed: hauing seene him perfourme the valiant and famous acts, which you haue to fore vnderstood.

Then tooke the Emperour Recindes by the hande, and the King of Hungarie his Sonne Belcar, whome they lead straite to the Pallace, where beeing disarmed, they went ho­nourably to kisse the Empresse hand, who entertayned them with most kinde spéeches.

During which, Melissa who heard them (by the only in­stinct of the vnspeakeable ioy which she felt in minde, reuested in the superficies of her face, such a naturall beautie, that it was an admirable thing to behold.

[Page 74] Full well did the two knights marke it when they came to doe reuerence to Philocrista, Francheline, and to her who represented the third Goddesse. So that thinking her selfe thrice happie, to haue bin knowne worthie the presents of two worthy and excellent Princes, embraced many times her bro­ther Belcar amiably: Neuerthelesse with more than a singu­ler affection, and without any meane, (as it falleth out manie times to those who are striken with the same Dart that shee was) shee entertained Recindes her loyall and perfect louer. And beleeued firmely, by that which her Brother sent her, when the youngman brought her the first coate of Armes, that shee knewe indéede the whole discourse of their secretes: wherein she found great consolation, shewing oftentimes to her louer by many signes, gratious aspects, and other du [...] Embassages of loue, what was her intention, which Recin­des did the like for his part toward her.

In this meane time Belcar was busie in beholding the ex­treame beautie of Franch [...]line, whereof he was greatly asto­nished not without thinking Palmendos a most happie man, to haue won so much honour in winning her for his wife, And albeit hee was well contented with Alderine the onely Lady of his heart, yet hee could haue wished to haue had this for his Mistresse, which passion could not be so well dissemble, but in embracing Palmendos hee must néedes tell him in smi­ling manner: Truely Sir it was for my great good, I was not present at the bridge of Carderie when you arriued there, for obtayning nowe so caste victorie of me, what would you haue done when your heart was so much pricked forwarde to purchase so rich a treasure as Francheline is? No marueile then if you haue shewed that prowesse vpon me which euerie man hath manifestly knowen in you, seeing before your eyes, a beautie sufficient to make able the most coward and faint harted knight that is, to performe any strange aduenture, were it neuer so hard and difficult.

My deare Cosen replied Palmendos, (béeing very glad to heare him selfe giuen this honest conunendation by so good a [Page 75] Knight as Belcar,) you are as much bounden as my self to the Princesse Francheline, for séeing the desire to conquethes, cau­sed you in the garde of the bridge to win the honro which shal for euer immortalize your fame: Where I was verie happy not to meete with you, auoyding great danger thereby of loo­sing my life, which God hath preserued me hither to.

Further would they haue prosecuted these gratious spée­ches when Arnedes who approached with his Cosen, saide: Seigneurs leaue off these matters now, séeing that all men sée the valour and dexteritie of you both, wherewith you Bro­ther Palmendos do make many sicke through your beauie and puissant strokes: whereof I shall all my life beare good wit­nes, by that which hapned to me once, which I account no dis­honour, séeing it hath pleased God to accomplish you in all Martiall perfection.

At these lawdable reproches blushed Palmendos a little, when be answered them both in this manner: My Lords let vs not talke of things that are past among vs, when we knew not one another, albeit therby is clearely séene with what va­lour & Chinalry you were both endued & enriched: so deuising together of manie aduentures, they returned to the Empe­rour, who made them kinde entertainment, & like wise King Frisoll, béeing not able to sat [...]ate himselfe with the [...]ight of his Sonne: So that the feast was much encreased by their arri­uall in this Court; where we will leaue them, attending the comming of the King and Quéene of Macedon (whome the Emperour vnderstood would bee there within foure dayes) to recount you what Tyrendos did in the Duke of Borts house.

CHAP. X.

THe Knight Tyrendos desiring with an incredi­ble affection to doe some pleasurable setuice so the Dutchesse of Bort, made tariance with all his heart in her Castel, hoping to bring quick­ly some end to his amorous passions: During which he declared once more to her, how since his first arriual in the plame, he was so e [...]flamed with hir loue that he preten­ded neuer to forsake her, whereof shee was a meruailons glad woman, a much more when hee manifested vnto her his race.

By meanes wherof making more account of him than shée did before, they determined together to giue some solace to their desires, after he had accomplished the promise which hée made to the Dame [...]ll clothed in blacke, so that to dispatche quickly he departed thence a ioyful man on the next morning, not without the great intreatie of the Duke to repasse by his house if his way didlye any thing that way.

In the mean [...] time the Dutchesse gaue one or two presents to the Dame [...]ll, and discouering vnto her the loue which shée bare Tirendos, desired he [...] to be carefull of his health: and that she would requite it, which the good Lady promised her frank­ly: so that taking her leaue of her and her husband, shee went her way with the Knight, who demaunding her afterwarde, wherin she had need of his aide, she answered him thus.

Know faire Knight that two of my Sons being this other day at the mariage of a sister of a naughty Knight called Ale­gon, they got there so great honor in a fortresse that the Brid­groome & many others defended against al others, that the wife of Alegon (some little kin vnto them) did cherish them the more [Page 77] for that, especially the elder, who was a spruce youth & well ex­perienced in feats of war: For this occasion her tr [...]yterous husband conceiued in his minde a deadly grudge against him, which encreasing more and more, at one time among all o­ther, when he espted him deuising with his wife, he fell into a furious choller, that without any word speaking, he came vp­pon him with his naked sword and slew him easily: My poore sonne beeing disarmed and taken at vnawares: And after­wards running vppon my other sonne with his Catchpoules, put him incontuient into prison for feare lest he should reuenge the death of his brother; saying further, he would put him to some cruell death within the prison. But I sorrowfull and heauy Widdowe, voyde of kinred and friends, who may for medem [...]d Iustice for this iniury done; hearing the same of your Prowesse, built some hope to be reuenged by your mean, b [...]ing as assured as I am to dye, my sonnes were innocent, and intured without any reason; and therefore would I most humbly pray you faire Syr, according to the promise you made me, to goe bid him de [...]ance in his Castell, telling him if he re­fuse the Combat you wil accuse him of treason before the Em­perour. If such be (quoth Tyrendos) the disaster and misaduen­ture of your children, as you tell me; the homseide it selfe cri­eth vengeance against the trayterous and fellon murtherer, who hath perpet [...]ated it; which I hope by Gods aide to make him confesse, promising you to employ my best [...]orces there [...], with such a courage, that I will either dye or els you shall [...]e­maine satisfied.

The Damsell gaue him great thanks for his good will [...]nd taking two Squiers for guide and company [...], they arriued the third day after about sixe a clocke b [...]fore th [...] Castell of Alegon: Where Tirendos [...]d the Porter [...] his Master, there was come thither a Knight from the Empe­rour Palme [...]u [...] Court, who would speake with him.

Whereof the [...]eigneur beeing aduertized, stey [...] to a win­dow ouer the Ca [...] gate, demaunding what was his e [...]a [...], I would willingly desire you (answered Tirendos) to [...]urcease [Page 78] the inhumanity which you vse toward a poore widdow, resto­ring her youngest sonne to her, whom you detaine in prison vniustly: and if you will so doe, I promise to obtaine you pardon for the death of her eldest, whome you slewe against all right and reason, otherwise I denounce you the Com­bat, saying that you haue wronged your honour.

Truely I had not thought replyed Alegon that at the per­swasion of a woman who complaineth without anie cause, a Knight had beene so credulous, whom I may suspect of cowar­dize: assuring you that I haue done, but what I ought in reason to doe towards her Children, who sought to dishonour mee: so that I thinke you will gaine more to be gone againe vnto the Emperours Court, where you shall finde opportuni­tie at this present to shew your prowesse, and to braue your bellie full, rather than to enterprise here any thing, which might peraduenture cost you deare.

With that hee got him from the window ouer his portall, when Tyrendos in a marueilous rage, began to speake many haynous villanies to him, reproching his cowardlinesse, and assuring him (if he would not Combat against him) to accuse him of fellonie before the Emperour soueraigne Seigneur.

Which beeing well wayed by Alegon, was somewhat a­fraide, & perswading himselfe it were better to ende that quar­rell there than before the Emperour, resolued to sally out to Combat him: which hee did after hee had well harnessed him­selfe with Armes and a good Courser, telling his enemie hee made little esteeme of his braues, were hee the most redoub­ted Knight of the Emperour Palme [...]ius Court. Uppon this contention they comming to encounter with a maruey­lous furie, Alegon mist his blowe, but Tyrendos pearcing his shield and his [...]uy race, thrust the pointe of his Launce so far into his breast, that he ouerturned him shrewdly woun­ded to the ground, whence the wretch could not so soone rise vp againe, but Tyrendos (who leapt nimbly from his Horse) was at his backe to cut a two quickly the laces of his helmet [...] then setting the point of his sword at his throat, saide: Thou [Page 79] art dead Alegon, if thou causest not presently come hether the Knight with his Armes and Horse, which thou holdest wrongfully in prison: Gentle Knight cried the vanquished, for Gods sake saue my life and I will obey you willingly in what soeuer your pleasure is. Then he commaunded his people to fetch the prisoner quickly with all his millitarie equipage, so that the Gayler hauing set him at libertie, it was not longe before he appeared in the place; whereof Tyrendos was glad without measure, when he asked him whether hee were him, for whome he had Combated: I am the man quoth he, who will serue you as long as my soule shall dwell within my bo­dy, which you haue so well reléeued now: And as hee had said, Tyrendos put vp his sword into his sheath, then moun­ting all three to horse, he said to Velican (so was the rescued Knight named) these wordes.

Let vs nowe Brother depart this place, where I beléeue this false and cruell Tyrant will not commit hereafter, so ma­ny mischéefes as he hath done heretofore, which was most true: for his seruants hauing brought him home to his cham­ber, and disarmed to visite him, they founde his wound so great and dangerous, that he liued but thrée daies afterward, and in the meane time Tyrendos, Velican, and his Mother, arriued in her Castell, which was a delight full and pleasant house, within terme mile of the Cittie where the Duchesse of Bort dwelled.

But this Damsell shewed such kinde of cherrishing to her Sonne, that it were impossible to write them, thanking many times the Knight who had rescued him: who hauing his spirites occupied in nothing but vppon the Duchesse, tooke this Damsell a parte to discouer likewise to her his passion, praying her to goe make his excuse to the Duke, if hee could not returne onto his house as hee promised him at his departure: for that vppon some sodaine newes which were brought him, he was faine to make in all haste a voiage to Constantinople.

[Page 80] Moreeuer prayed her to talke secretely with his wife, to know her intention concerning the conserence betwéene them in taking their plot touching the future accident of this occur­rence, and that in any wise hee would [...]ay for her answere in that place where he would sollace himselfe vntill shée should doo him that fauour.

The Damosell assured him to employ her selfe in this so dangerous a message, albeit she were certaine to loose her life, finding her selfe too much bounden and behelding to him, to re­fuse any thing which he would command or desire: by means whereof, taking her sonne with her, they went strait to the Dukes house, who entertained them very amiably, enquiring himselfe what was become of the Knight and of the issue of his promise: The which Velican told him from print to point: and after that which Tirendos would haue saide from him, whereat the good Seigneur was not a little displeased; for hee woulde willingly haue séene him yet once more in his Castle, as being the man whom hee estéemed more than any other Knight of the Countries adioyning to his Duchy.

But the Lady and her sonne aduertising him, that they re­solued from thenceforth to liue vnder the protection of his ser­uice, for the little assurance they had else-where, because of A­legons kindred, whom they feared as death.

The Duke for fully welcommed the Knight Velican, and the Duchesse entertained his mother for one of her Ladies of honour: and had a singular pleasure in hearing her recount how Tirendos her loyall Louer vanquished so easily Alegon the murtherer.

When the Damsell afterward spied a sit time for their purpose, she imparted to her the principall point of her secrete Embassage: Whereuppon the Duchesse (who loued him as her owne soule) beganne to make this sodain [...] aun­swere: Alas deare sister, the great valc [...]r and prowesse of Tirendos maketh me commit this errour, against the Duke my husband; for since I first s [...]we him, my heart felt it selfe wounded and inflamed with his loue, that it is impossible for [Page 81] me to endure any longer in this ardent flame, which bath al­most dried me vp, and no good humor in me.

Madame quoth the Damosell, it was well foreséene of you to fire your amorous fancie vpon so braue a Knight, of whom I can well assure you, for the small time I haue frequented him, in a better place could you not haue bestowed it: and furelie the Seigneur Tyrendos meriteth such reciprocation, were it but for the extreame desire he hath to make you know how his deuotion towards you, surpasseth that of the most affectionate seruitor of Cupid. So cunningly knewe the Damosell to vse her eloquence, with the good will that the Duchesse bore the Knight: that falling from one matter to another, they concluded so soone as it was [...], Velican should goe secretly to fetch and conduct him to the dore of a Garden which ioyned fast vpon the Dutchesss lodging, by which way hee might easily enter into her Chamber, and re­maine there hidden as long as they thought good: For that the Duchesse had two or thrée fatre Cabinets, into which ne­uer any entred but herselfe: in one wherof she made account to kéepe Tyrendos as long as [...]he could.

This determination quickly sorted to effect, for Tyrendos pricked forward with such desire as euery one may [...] an houre before day to the Garden doore, where attended for him the Damosell, who conueyed him afterward into the chamber of the Duchesse, whom hee kist many times swéetly as soone as he was arriued saying: Now can I say I haue attayned the height of the blis, which loue prepareth for his fauourites, and I cannot imagine Madame, how I may euer recompence the curtesie and fauour you shew me, in receauing me for your seruant: If it be not to offer you the sincere and incorruptible: affection that I haue to continue your perpetu­all [...]laue.

Ten thousand thankes for your good will, answered the Duchesse: neuerthelesse if you sée now a poore and simple louer forget so much her chastitie, as to de [...]le her mariage bed, I be­séech you not to a [...]gne the fault vnto me vnfortunate and de­solute [Page 82] woman, but referre the whole vnto your beauty, pro­wesse and valour, which hath brought me into such a taking, that no reason beeing able to preuaile ouer the flaming desire of my heart, which you infused into mee when I gaue you mine, I am constrayned to abandon mine honour vnto you. Wherein I cannot but merualle to finde my selfe so quicklie ouer taken with your loue, (regarding the small time I feele this burning passion in my breast,) for to make you knowe the waight, you sée presently howe I haue feared nothing which may staine the reputation of a Lady Illustrious and of great renowne.

The Duchesse perseuering in these her curteous Cere­monies, the Damosell beganne to cut her off thus: Mad­dame, it is nowe time to bring into some harbour the two Barkes so tossed with the amorous storme and tempest: So that to preache is not nowe required in this place, rather let the Pilots thereof alone to doe the deuoire of their office.

By this meanes Tirendos hauing well vnderstoode the watch worde, set vp the Mast with one hande, and lifted vp the Sayles with the other, then laying downe his Armes of steele required in mortall battells, hee helped himselfe with those which are more esteemed betweene two Courtaines, couching himselfe neere the Duchesse side: where tooke some end the anguish of two Louers, who remayned in that man­ner, vntill they thought it high time to giue order for the rest of their Nauigation, a Chamber was appointed for the Knight in a secret corner.

There hee soiourned nine or tenne dayes in the greatest pleasure and contentment, that as yet hee euer tasted in his life, for the Duchesse who loued him as dearelye as her own life, was faire and gratious in perfection: in such sorte that the departure and discontinuing of this felicitie, and pleasure, was a most grieuous thing to both these vas­sals of Loue.

For fearing lest at length this secrete misterie would bee [Page 83] discouered, the Knight must néedes go out of his swéet and vo­luntarie Prison: albeit the Duchesse did not much feare her old and gray-headed Husband: who may bée an example to all other, (that euery one should séeke his match) lest the other inconuenient happen.

But Tyrendos in taking leaue of his Lady, promised vn­doubtedly to sée her againe, which comforted her a little: and afterward in going out of the Garden, hee was met by Dir­dan, who louing the Ladie as you haue before vnderstood, could by no meanes rest or sléepe, but walking all night long about her lodging to bee within sent of his Paramour, in meane while to allay (as he thought) the restles fit of his bur­ning feuer.

Hee séeing Tyrendos sally foorth of the Orchard, was vex­ed to the gall, as euerie one who hath tasted the bitter fruite of iealousse may presume: insomuch that to knowe who hee might be, he drew neare, raging, and grumming betwéene his teeth these wordes: Ah, a cursed death maist thou die who commest nowe from the place, the issue from whence hath wounded & peirced my heart in twaine: wish that he would haue laide hande on his choller to stay him: but Tyrendos who had at the instant set hand to his sworde reached him a blow vpon his coxcombe, which cleft him downe to the shoul­ders, continuing his purpose thus: Now shal the martyrdome end, which hath hetherto tormented thée for her, whose shoo­sole thou wast vnworthie to kisse.

Then making hast to the place where Velican attended him, hee mounted strait, and without any other company but this Knight, who would neuer leaue him, went directlye to Constantinople, where they arriued in good time for the Tur­ney.

On the morrow morning was Dirdan found dead hard at the Garden dore, whereat was great murmuring, the peo­ple saying hee was slaine for loue of the Duchesse, which brought her into some suspition of her honour.

As soone as shee knewe thereof shee quicklie déemed who [Page 84] was the author of this Homicide, Tyrendos her louer, whom she neuer saw afterward, albeit all the rest of her life, he, was the chiefest Darling of her destres.

The Duke who was old and loued his Ladie aboue mea­sure, neuer enquired farther of Dirdans death: nor cared hee much what the worlde might thinke: But misdéemed the Duchesse had caused him to bee dispacht to banish him for euer her presence, for which déede hee estéemed her the more, and had better opinion of her than before; and so we will let them liue, the one ioyfull of this perswation, and the other passing sorrie to depart from her swéet louer, whome wee shall finde hereafter in Constantinople at the Tourney to behaue him­selfe better in other Combats.

CHAP. XI.

THe King Florendos and his Quéene Griana be­ing departed from Macedon, in the companie of the principall Barcons of their Kingdome, tooke by their way all the pastimes they could deuise: But beeing entred within the bounds of the Empire, they were ioyfullie receaued by the Empe­rours commandement. who had giuen order to his Subiects for the same effect: as also for that the Queene Griana his Mother was their naturall and Soueraigne Princesse.

All this Troupe beeing arriued within a dayes iourney of Constantinople, hee came to méete them, accompanied with the greatest part of the Nobles of his Court, with all the ho­nour, and most kinde entertainment, as a Sonne so well [Page 85] brought vp as hee, might shew towards his Father and Mo­ther: who hauing first gr [...]eted him, receaued and chearished Primaleon and Palmendos his Children, who did vnto them all the reuerence possible to be thought of: The like curtosie vsed Arnedos towardes them (whome they reputed as their Sonne,) and in like manner all the rest, both Kings and Prin­ces who accompanied the Emperour: So that these inter­chaungeable gréetings and welcomes were so long a dooing, that they could not reach Constantinople: but tooke vp their rest for that night, in a most pleasant place foure miles dis­tant from the Cittie, where the Quéene could not fill her eies with beholding her sonne.

To bée breefe on the morrow they entred the Cittie with the greatest ioy, that was euer heard of, the Empresse, Quéene Arismene, the thrée Infantes, and manie Ladies of high re­nowne, who kept them companie béeing at the first Gate of the Pallace to receaue them more Honourablie: who en­tertayning first the King and the Quéene, after them came the thrée Infants to kisse their hands, and then all the other Princes one after another.

These welcomming Ceremonies of the Ladies accompli­shed, all this Royall companie mounted into the principall Hall of the Serraglia, where the Emperour sate downe next to the King his Father, and the Empresse (bringing her thrée Daughters with her) next the Quéene, who could not faci­ate her selfe furuaying with an vnspea [...]eable ioye, so Hero­icall and Illustrious a [...]rue: In so much that in this pro­founde contemplation, shee could not countermaunde her spirite, but her eyes must shedde same teares for gladnesse, when she thus brake foorth.

Lord God, now let mee leaue this mortall world when it shall please thee, seeing thou dooest mee this Grace to re­present before mine eyes, the thinges which I so extreamely destred to sée.

Scant had she finished these few words but the enchaunted bird, who was within the auncient chamber of the Emperor, [Page 86] sent forth two most lamentable scréeches, and had not at their comming shewed any signe of gladsomnes, as shée was al­waies accustomed to doo at the arriuall of the Emperours fa­uourites. So that the Emperour (who was very sorrowful for this presage) gaue great héede vnto it, with many other Seigneurs who knew the nature of this animall, beléeuing verily by her hoarss chattering, some siniser accident was presaged: But he dissembled it as well as he might, without shewing any outward appearance, but said incontinent to the Queene.

Madame, I beseech you most humbly, let vs not talke in this happy time of recreation, of any thing which may driue vs into melancholly, seeing you being yet farre from death, shall see your selfe long time serued and reuerenced of all these who are assistant before you; and therefore doo not dismay your selfe by any thing which may bring you into a vaine and fantasticall opinion.

My sonne replied the Quéene then; Death hath this by nature, that there is none liuing in this world, who can stew himselfe so strong against it, that he may anoyde it; our pre­destmation being such, we cannot prolong or abridge it one little minute; whereby ensueth, that for any thing I haue now saide, I can neither retarde it, nor hasten it any thing the sooner.

When shee had spoken these words with a very good grace, shee embraced the Infant Flerida, who seemed vnto her the [...]aprest and gratious creature shee had euer seene in her life be­fore, and kissing her sweete cheekes many times shee saide.

Fayre Daughter, I pray God, he suffer you to liue so long as your beauty and sweetnes of feature deserueth; wherein I thinke well, neither maide nor wise can bee founde, to come once neere your Paragon: Most true was that which the Queene spake; for whosoeuer behelde this young Princesse, iudged her to be a Venus in beauty, and a Pallas in prudency: But this day they past in great ioy and sollace throughout all the Court, and in the euening, Primaleon besought the Em­perour [Page 87] againe, that hee woulde the next day following, giue him the order of Knighthood, and the same hee entreated him also to doo for Abenu [...]cq and Arnasin Duke Tolomus sonne which be accorded vnto very willingly.

Therefore on the morrowe euery one doathing himselfe pompeously in rich and sumptuous Habits, except Primaleon and his [...]ead companions, who watched all that night their Armes within the Chappell, whether the Emperour com­ming with his father and the other Kings and Princes there was asolemne Masse begun.

You must vnderstand since the first time that Abenuncq saw Amand in the King of Spartaes daughter, hee was so attainted with her loue, that no other thought than of her dwelt within his breast: So that in meane time while the Masse was saying hee resolued to become a Christian, to shew more euidently vnto his Lady and Mistresse, the extreame desire which set him on, and especially to enter the Tourney as her onely Knight, wherein hee hoped to adde vnto his praise, that which he could make good there.

The Masse beeing ended, hee humbly besought the Empe­rour, hée might be partaker of the holy Sacrament of Bap­tisme, before he came to the order of Knighthood: For know­ing how much the Law of Christ was more sublimate and in blessednes excéeding that of the Mores, hee would no longer liue in Paganisme.

Which the Emperour and all the Assistants hearing, were passing glad of his renouncing of Infidelity: So that vnco­uering his head, the Patriarck of Constantinople did baptize him presently, che [...]sing for his Godfather the King Florendos, who commended him greatly for so vertuous an act.

For testemony whereof, he promised strait to make him so great and puissant a Prince, that hee should haue cause to put in obliuion the estate and riches of his father. Whereof the new Christian returning him humble thankes, the Greekish Mona [...]ke turned himself towards Primaleon, saying; Sen, request of my most honourable father, it would please him to [Page 88] arme you Knight with his hand, for if. I haue purchased some little honour in this world, I can assure you all procéeded from him, who inucsted mee first with this honourable degrée of Knighthood; which I hope will be augmented more in your person, if it please him to enrich you therewith. Then you shall giue it vnto the young Arnasin, and I vnto Abenuncq your companion.

Primaleon hauing heard what the Emperour his Father said, went full ioyfull to knéele before the King his Grandfa­ther, beséeching him he would put on his spurre and girde vn­to him his sworde of Armes: whereof hee excused himselfe, saying it were better to bee done by his Sunnes hand: But the Emperour himselfe and all the other Princes, who were there prayed him so instantly, that in the end he was constrai­ned to condiscend thereunto: and giuing him as well his fa­therly blessing as the militarie acolado [...], hee soone made him Knight: the Emperour armed Abenuncq Knight, and after­wards Primaleon himselfe dubbed Arnasin of the same order. The ceremonies were done with so great pompe, that it was noone before they departed out of the Chappell: so that the dinner staying for them (after that the Yeomen of the Pan­try had recouered the Tables rounde) the Squiers of the kit­chin were not long before they serued in their first seruice: So comming from Church they went strait to dinner, where the Emperour sate downe with his father, the other Kings and great Lordes beeing serued most honourably, and as such a magnificent Feast [...]e séemed so Royall a companie of Prin­ces.

After the tables were taken vp, the Quéene Griana and the Empresse whose prouision was no lesse; came to them with all the rest of Ladies so richly attired, that the onely a­spect of them put some gladnes into the Knights heartes who beheld them; and amongst the rest filled some of their breasts with such amorous and pricking desires, which tooke so déepe roote therein, that they could neuer afterwards hee [...].

[Page 89] Then beganne the dauncing and other reuelling, in midst whereof thy enter laced interchaunge able talke of many mat­ters: Belcar tooke in the meane time Recindes by she hand, whome hee brought to sit downe hard by Melissa with this language: Deare Sister I must estéeme great and maruel­lous the felicity which God hath within this little while sent you, to make you Ladie and Mistresse, of one of the most va­liant Knights, who liueth vnder the zodiacke, besides he is in all other thinges, a Prince so accomplished that there are few at this day founde to be his like in valour and worldlie riches. He of whome I speake is the Prince Recindes, whom yee see no lesse affectioned towards you with an intire loue, than de­sirous to shew you the experience: by meane whereof I pray you of all fauour betwéene you and me, you will reciprocally loue him, for that he deserueth it, & his vertues of themselues should inuite you thereunto; and I promise you to employ my selfe so well for you both, that with in few dayes your heartes shall finde some case and content.

The Damosell who was sage and as curteous as might he, hasht a little at her Brothers spéeches, and made him this answere: You say true Brother; that the Seigneue Recin­des, is vertuous, valiant and a rich Prince, & I should [...] my selfe to want manners and grace, not to obay you in that which it pleaseth you to commaund mee, séeing betwéene you two so perfect amitie is confirmed: so that you and hee may he assured all my life I shall reuerence him in such sorte, that you shall know with what sincerity shee speaketh, who will remayne perpetually seruant to you both.

Now may I quoth Recindes, repute my selfe truely hap­pie about all these, who thinke to ha [...] attayned [...] of their felicitie, seeing you so prompt Madame, [...] which it pleaseth my Lord your Brother to preserue in my [...], and if I reioyce in any good which God giueth me, it is onlie but for the hope I haue to make you the Ladie and Mistresse of me and of the kingdomes of Spaine.

The Emperour who was a [...] and we [...] [Page 90] Prince, casting his eye round about (especially suruaying the qualitie of those, who were in any conference with the young Princesse) that it would be a verie sorteable match betweene Recindes and Melissa: in so much that in time hee purposed to put it in effect. Likewise he spied Abenuncq sitting nere Amandria Daughter to the King of Sparta his Ʋnkle: whom hee permitted also to giue vnto him in mariage: to the ende to recompence him there with, because hee had forsaken his Mahometicall law: and whilst the Emperour had this in his minde Abenuncq boorded her thus.

Onely Mistresse of my seruitude, you might sée this mor­ning the victorie which loue hath gotten ouer me, making me renounce mine owne proper religion, to take a new which is strange vnto me: During which Combat, the poore slaue of Cupid so fortefied himselfe with your liuely and rare beauty, which hee shooting off at his eyes, hath so imprinted it with­in his soule, that no other thing were it neuer so highly estée­med can take that place from it.

Neuerthelesse, if to make sufficient proofe of his Magna­nimitie, finding this precious treasure néere him, it would please you to let him enter into the Cour [...]ey as your Knight, (which is the most Soueraignety of his desiers) you may well assure your selfe, you neuer sawe so much hardinesse in a young and new made Knight as in him.

If for the loue of mee, quoth Amandria then you haue re­nounced the Pagan lawe, I am greatly bounden to blesse God, and to thanke you for the good will you beare me, albe­it I merite not the least parcell of any such honour, in recom­pence whereof I might he iudged ingratefull and too discurte­ous, if I should refuse the honest request it pleased you to make mee, béeing but newely Knighted and issued out of so Royall a house as you doe: Wherefore I am content, and thinke my selfe happie, that in my name you will enter the [...]istes, wherein I hope you shall winne such Honour among the rest, seeing you had so good knowledge and deuors [...] of yourselfe to come to our faith.

[Page 91] Madame replyed he, you onely haue béene the occasion, in that to insinuate my selfe into your fauour, I get the know­ledge of the Soueraigne God.

For that regarde shall I loue you the more quoth shee smi­ling, and will estéeme you euer more than any Knight, which may offer himselfe to mine eyes: in signe whereof there is a ring which shall serue you for a fauour in the [...]ourney.

This ring replyed hée, which nowe I haue by your gift, shall giue me so much force and courage, that when I should haue a thousand liues, I would employ them all one after an­other, séeling it fast vppon my little finger: so that hauing it in my possession, I shall prize it farre more than the fatall ring of Gyges.

This was the parlie these two newe louers had together that day: which made Abenuncq in so great ioy (hauing vn­derstood thereby his Ladies will) as hee past away merrily that night with the other Knights.

CHAP. XII.

ON the morrowe which was the day when the Nuptials of Arnedes with Philocrista, and of Palmendos with Francheline should be solem­nized, come euerie one foorth richly arrayed to accompanie them to the Church of Saint Marie the round: but before they came thither they staire an houre by the way, so full were the streetes and windowes stuffed with Knights who came thither to the [...]ourney.

[Page 92] At the last they came thither, and presently was there be­gun a high and solemne Masse by a Bishop, who giuing his benediction to the new Epouses, finished incontinent the Ce­remonie which the Greekes had accustomed to vse in their Nuptials: then returning to the Pallace in the same order they came, it was past twelue before they came backe thither: by meanes wherof these new married Princes sitting down [...] to cable with the King their Ʋnkle, the Emperour their Fa­ther and the other Kings and Princes, and great Seigneurs, beganne presently a Consort of Musitions to sound on al kind of Instruments.

In briefe they so feasted all that day that it were impossible to recount it: afterward bed time beeing come, the Queene of Thessalie and many other Ladies of Honour brought Philo­crista to her Chamber, where they laid her in a rich and state­lie Bed: whose Curtaines and Canope were cloth of gold, wrought with little figures of Birds, spred cleane ouer a Co­uerture of fine crimson Ʋeluet, diapred euery where with great orientall Pearles. The couch (beset round with Ima­gerie of P [...]rle, in forme of Pomgranets holding two great & braue Medailles of massiue gold) had the soure principall pil­lers of the Mother of Emraude wrought infashion of bathes, vnderpropped by foure Dragons of gréene marble planted vppon the bases of Ca [...]cidonie, and foote stalles of Ia [...]per: and vpon the top of the pillers, stood foure S [...]hinges of [...]ne [...]ga­te, comming so [...]ere the naturall creatures, that you [...]ould haue said there had bin nothing in thē wanting but the spéech.

The like did the Empresse to Francheline with manie o­ther Ladies in her Chamber, and in a Bed of no lesser [...] & ar [...]fice thā that of Philoorista, as comm [...]ng both out of the mans shop, and from one & the same worke-master that made them.

Afterward did the Emperour and all the other Kings, con­duct the Bridegroomes each of them into his Ladies chamber, where leauing thē alone remained not long, but there [...]ayned a new Metamorphesis to Philoctista & Francheline, for that of [Page 93] vertuous maidens they were within a small time translated into most faire and gratious wiues: Whereof [...] gaue a good testimony to them that beheld it then, [...] liuely [...]r [...]llion blush, which after the sodaine mutation remained a good while vpon their cheekes: During which cha [...]ge of name and not of person, came fower young men from forth their Ch [...]mber doores bringing a Nuptial Ditty which the Knight of the Ile-Close had composed, and sent into the Court at the same time, with the two Beds where in the new married Princes lay.

I doubt not but some of you perfect Louers, reading this passage, will wish with some priuate affection to sée your selues neere your Paramours in like ioyes as were the foure loyall Louers; and it were but for the delight which your spi­rites might take, in remembring these things so rare and pre­tio [...]s.

So then the Seigntur of the Ile-Close louing the Empe­rour wi [...]h [...]uch entire amity as he did, would néeds by skill o [...] his Art make the [...]east of his sonne and Daughter more excel­ling and magnificent, when he sent him the two beddes and a Cons [...]rt of eight voyces: who séeing the vower fit for their purpose began to sing an Epithalme thus:

[Page 95] This Confort of Musitions so harmoniously deseanted vp­on this Nuptiall dittie, that many yong Damosels, who ran vnto them like Bées to the hearbe Thy me, would needs haue a Coppie thereof: as well because it was partly composed in their fauour, as also because the Musicke therof séemed almost diuine, filling the eares of all the hearers with a maruellous content.

Of this great curtesse of the Knight of the Ile-Close was the Emperour passing glad; & for that kindnes and manie o­ther, hee loued him all the dayes of his life: in somuch that be redoubled the feast vpon this occasion, and would not on the morrow permit the Tourney to be opened, nor vntill the third day after: after which we will beginne to reocunt the glorious exployts, the meruaylous and triumphant Ioustes of our valiant and hardis Primaleon.

To come then to the beginning of his Martiall Chiualries, bee commanded his Fathers Ingenour to choose out in the plaine field, a plot wherein hee should set by a Tilt-yeard in­vironed with high barres and railes, in Longitude and Lati­tude aunswering iust his Diameter, and in forme Ouall, so that at the least fine hundred Knightes might Combat a­front.

The first day hee purposed to appeare therein himselfe, as the Emperour did when discouering himselfe to his Father, hee was elected to the Empire of Greece: to wit, that with­in the close fielde should not enter more than foure hundred Knightes of choyce, halfe on the one side and halfe on the other, putting the Imperialles with the strangers altoge­ther pell-mell. Whers Abenunq, Arnasin, Peynedin and manie other valiant Knightes were on the one partie, and on the other side Belcar, Recindes, with many other gallant Champions of the Kingdome of Fraunce, Sparta, & Thessalie.

The Emperour and the other Kinges hauing dined, they went with the new Bridegromes vppon the Seaffolds which were set vp for them in the plame: And in like maner the Em­presse & the Quéene with their two yong Brides vpon theirs, [Page 96] where euery one placed himselfe as well as he could at their best case, behold Primaleon entreth at one of the gates of the Theater accompained with all those of his part, and Belcar and Recindes at the other; for there were two doores made, and at euery one whereof was a Piller of stone, very rich and sumptuous; vpon the toppe of the one stoode the shape of Mars holding in his hand a Globe crowned with an imperiall Diad [...]n [...]; vpon the other that of Venus, hauing her diuine Duiu [...] burning on the one side, and her sonne Cupid on the other, who leaned on her say.

So did Primaleon giue order they shoulde bee made, to the end they might as well perceaue the [...]ngen [...]ousnes of his spi­rit, as his corporall dexterity [...]: Thither woulde her not beare his shield of the Roche-sendue; but his sword he had girded to his thigh, because it was superlatine in bountie. Nowe after that the one and the other side had made a turne about the field, the Clarions, Drums, and F [...]les began to sound the Assault: And then might you see this Caualery hurry one a­gainst another with such sury that it was wounders to beholde and heare the encounter of both sides clashing together▪ Pri­maleon before he broke his first Eaunce, dismounted more than halfe a dozen Knights, beeing all shrewdly wounded, or els in danger of death: Then drawing his sword, hee began to strike so thicke, that euery one gaue him place, auoyding his presence as if it had beene Medusa the terrible Gorgon. By meanes whereof, the Emperour who coulde discerne the good and perfect Knights from the other, better than any of the slan­ders by, seeing him so hardy and so spruce, iudged he would one day prooue a very good and an accomplished Knight; whereof he greatly thanked and prayed God to preserue and keepe him from mischaunce.

Abenuncq shel [...] he were a little younger than hee, neuer­thelesse made his Prowesse there very well knowne, and that he was the sonne [...]f the good Knight Olorick Soldan of Ba­ [...]lo [...] and of Ar [...]d [...]na: Of like valour and hard [...]esse shew­ed himselfe Aruasin the third newe created Knight: But [Page 97] Primaleon who besturd him more than any of the rest, (lay­ing on sore blowes and so thick, that it seemed thunder passed the place where hée went) behaued himself so, that albeit Bel­car and Recindes did merualles of their persones, hee droue for all that by force of armes his aduersartes out of the place of combat, for that one beeing first gotten foorth, all the rest followed him as fast as they could at one an others héeles: in­somuch that Belcar, Recindes and some othere of their perta­kers, who held out stoutly against him: could not at the length endure the stresse of their aduersaries because they would not fight at all extremities against Primaleon; in the end they were so constrayned to retyre them selues, and auoyde the Barriers.

The Tourney then beeing vanquished by Primaleon, hée was receiued by all the Barons of Greece with an incredible ioy, saying with a common voyce, he should be one day more valiant than the Emperour his father, who then returned into the Cittie more ioyfull than he euer was before: and giuing the honour of the Tourney to Abenuncq, hee said that hee well shewed himselfe to descend of so rare and accomplished Knight, as was the Soldan his Father.

But the King Florendos many times embracing Primale­on with the teares standing in his eyes, praide the Almightie God that hee would to so faire a beginning, giue also a better end: Wherefore the young Prince kissed him, b [...]ie his hand, thanking him for so fauourable a wish.

Afterwards the other Knights being ariued at the Pallace, the Emperour honoured greatly Recindes and Belcar, say­ing they of purpose suffered themselues to be vanquished, for that they had no lust to fight against the principall of their ad­uersaries: which he spoke to no other end but to comfort them onelie in the discouragement they tooke at this misaduenture: knowing neuerthelesse that none in the Troupe could equall themselues in hardlesse and dexteritie to Primaleon his Son. And for that none of the Principall died not, nor was not hurt in this first tourney, the feast was redoubled which they held [Page 98] afterwards the space of fifteene daies together with open field for all commers: wherein some dayes entred more than ten thousand Knights exployting strange and admirable deedes of Armes. In the which Primaleon beeing euery day pre­sent, carried away from all other the Honour and prize, as at the first: for albeit Palmendo, and Arnedes the new Bride­groomes entred twice into Battaile with him, and did actes that euery one was astonished at, they were forced for all that to leaue him the vpper hand.

Notwithstanding let vs speake of a Knight who was slaine during the Triumph, whereupon it fell out that many defied him afterwards accusing him or Treason, for that hee had assured al Knights who would come vnto his Tonruyes, of safe conduct and returne throughout all the Countries of the Empire.

CHAP. XIII.

NArdides Duke of Ormeda, beeing vanqui­shed and done to death by the Emperour Pal­merin, which Duke of a [...]roth came to Con­stantinople to reuenge the two Cosens of Ta­risius his Bretheren, whome the Emperour himselfe and King Frisoll slew with their owne handes, as writeth the Author of his Historie; his people returned with these sorrowful tydings to his Mother and the yong Duchesse his wife, who made such lamentable complaints and mone for him, that it was a pittifull thing to behold the issue of so miserable a Tragedie. And to the ende to make more me­morable her mourning and funerall ceremonies, she comman­ded to erecte a faire and rich tombe within the Chappell of hir [Page 99] Pallace, vppon the which for her last expiation (after many other Honourable Pempes required in such a case) she shedde euer it an infinitie of teares (as if the bodie so much deplored had béene therein buried.) But what? Surelie he was not there, and I beleeue that if shee might haue recouered it, shee would neuer haue enclosed it vnder that lamine, but rather haue done as Arthemisia Quéene of Caria, who after the death of Mausolus her husband (for the more Honourable in­terring of him) caused to be builded a magnificent and sump­iuous monument, which was afterward called one of the sea­uen wonders of the world: and neuerthelesse seeing that edi­fice finished (which shee called Mausolus, after her dead hus­bands name,) she then iudged it vnworthie to receaue the so pretious and rare treasure of her amitie: Therefore she cau­sed to burne the bodie to cinders, & the said cinders afterwarde to be aromatized, distilled, and resolued into water, that shee might be her selfe his Sepulcher: supping vp that distillation as the most exquisite potion which she could finde, for alwaies afterward to conserue in her the integritie of her loue toward him.

Now this yong Duchesse being euery day after her mour­ning readie to be brought a Bed, the anguishes and throngs which happen to women in that case, came vpon her at the report of this newes, so that shee was speedily deliuered of a verie faire and beautifull Daughter: vnto whome for that shee was borne in a sorrowfull time, and in that Countrie they call to lament, or to crie, Gridar, was her name giuen Gridonia.

The old Duchesse (who had no other heire but this one lie Niece) caused her to bee carefullie brought vp: and with so great dilligence that shee grew to the sight of the eye, so faire and perfect in all features and lineatures of her visage, that her mother seeing her such a quaint péece, sware shee woulde neuer marrie her, but to him who should reuenge the death of Nardides her defund husband. And vpon this condition did shee then presently set downe the marriage of Grido­nia, [Page 100] who comming to the age of fiftéene yeares was required and demaunded of many Princes in marriage. Neuerthe­lesse when they heard the law and vengearnce which was to ensue, none would be so hardie as to accept the match.

So radiant and admirable was her beautie, that through all the Countries and Marches rounde about the Duchie of O [...]medes they could talke of nothing els: By meanes wher­of Perrequin of Duas. Sonne to the King of Polland, who was Brother to the Mother of the same Gridonia, hearing a report of so erquisite beautie, had great desire to see her: In­somuch that hee be sought the King his Father to giue him leaue to goe visite the Duchesse his Aunt, whereunto he easi­ly accorded.

Hee then commaunding to rigge and equippe a good ship with all that might be necessarie for such a voyage, soone af­ter tooke the route of Ormedes: where being with a fauou­rable winde and faire weather arriued; the Duchesse re­ioycing much at his comming, entertayned him verie amia­blie, which G [...]donia also knew full well howe to doe. She was so curteous and gratious, that Perrequin séeing her so beautifull, comelie and well nurtured, found himselfe in a moment surprized and enamored, swearing for a small re­solution to marrie neuer any other Wife but her: which caused him to breake thus with his Aunt.

Howe hee comming into her Countries to sée and serue her in that wherein shee should please any waie to employe him, hee felt at the first encounter his heart so priuely raui­shed by Gridonia her Daughter, whome if hee were refu­sed to haue her to his Wife, hee did thinke hee could not liue long afterwardes, and concluding his preamble, be­saught her most humbly shee woulde condiscend to make her Queene of Polonia, and that he would procure a dispensation from the Pope. Ah, deare Nephew quoth the Duchesse then, of this alliance should I be more glad than you, if shee and I might in any wise consent thereunto: But hauing sworne long since, neuer to giue her in marriage but to him, who [Page 101] should reuenge the death of her defemet father, I may not ex­pose you to so great hazard of your life, the Emperour Pal­merin being so mighty and puissant a Prince, that I am halfe in dispaire, you will neuer be able to compasse our request.

I will not therefore let, replied Perrequin, to employ my best forces, to the end to practise so iust and reasonable a ven­geance: For as well I clearely sée, I am but a dead man if I enioy not my Cosen briefely to wife. If God woulde so much fauour you then (quoth the Duchesse) that you might bring your purpose to passe, assure your selfe not onely to haue in recompence Gridonia mine onely Daughter to your wife, but my selfe also for your humble and perpetuall seruant, with the whole estates and riches that God hath giuen vnto vs both: wherein I shall esteeme my selfe the most happiest of all step-dames, winning such a sonne in law, as I could not choose a better if I should seeke one throughout all the inhabi­tants from the one to the other Pole: So that I beseech the Almighty that he will so direct your actions, that the end may be as prosperous and happy, as I poore and desolate widdowe doo wish it. The Knight thanked her curteously for this good affection; and if hee were very glad on the one side, hee found himselfe farre more pensiue, counting with himselfe what was to be done, to conduct so tigglesome an enterprise to an issue: The which being vnderstood by Gridonia, she reioy­ced as the Louer who could haue béene willing to haue comit­ted the condition of this vengeance, to the end to hasten sooner the consummation of her marriage; neuerthelesse, she would not gainesay or striue against that which her Mother and Grandmother had resolued therein.

As Perrequin was in profounde consideration howe to lay this Ambush, beeing able to deuise no meane, which might seeme easie enough to effect it with sanegarde of his soule and body, hee had newes by certaine Merchants who came from Constantinople, of the [...]ouste which Primaleon had published throughout the Empire: whereupon he conceaued exceeding gladnes, hoping to goe thither quicklie, and vnder pretence of [Page 102] Iousting in that for full spectacle to kill Primaleon by trea­cherie.

So declaring to the Duchesse and Gridonia amply his desire (after he vnderstoode they shoulde bee very well satisfied with Primaleons death, as being the thing which wold much trouble and disturbe the Emperours Court) purposed to de­part spéedily accompanied with fifteene Knights of choice, whom he gaue to vnderstand all the points of his conspirarie: But when he came to take his leaue of the Duchesse and her Daughter, they could not preuaile so much ouer the weake and feminine nature, but must plainely shew by apparent tokens the sorrow and discontent which this departure did cause their spirits, especially Gridonia, who for all the demonstration of her anguish, prayde the Soueraigne aboue to safegard & pre­serue him from mortall danger, for that the Emperour and his people were in all their affaires most fortunate. Perre­quin comforted her as well as he could, and séeing the teares distilling from her faire eyes, déemed himselfe beloued of her vnfaignedly; which encreased so much the more his force and courage; then embarking himselfe, and setting sayle, hée came ere long after to surge in the Roade of Constantinople, where hee commaunded to strike sayle to goe a shore, and Campe himselfe in the Playne as did the other Knights.

It was now the sixt day of Primaleons Iousts, when the Polonian vnderstoode by all men that he did maruelous Actes of Chiualry, behauing himselfe like a Hector in middest of the field: which was a cooling to him, fearing least he should not at his ease haue his will of him. Yet hee encouraged him­selfe, and prayed his fifteene confederates to bende their eyes and heart only vpon Primaleon, caring not a rush for the rest, and that hee would doo the like to set him quickly packing out of this world: in such sort that this night he would not go to the Pallace for feare lest the inchaunted Byrde should reueale by some token the plot of his treason; the nature of that creature being well knowne thorough out all the Countries and Frontiers of the Empire.

[Page 103] On the morrow arming himselfe with a rich and prowde Harnesse, hee entred with fiftéene Knights within the field, beeing shewed vnto Primaleon by the deuise of his Armes; whom hee knewe otherwise before hee had béene long within the Barriers by his great Prowesse: For so soone as the Cla­rions and Trumpets had founded the Alarme hee began to doo strange and maruelous déeds of Armes.

Which the two Knights of Perrequin séeing, they crept néere him before hee was aware, and had hee not had his [...]uy race of proofe well tempered with the finest stéele, they had wounded him sore.

Neuerthelesse, hee who felt himselfe thus outraged, as a Lion assailed with two bloud-hounds, turned towards them full of furious choller, and reaching either of them a downe­right knocke vpon the Helmet sent them soone to the ground.

Then began Primaleon so fell a fight, skirmishing on the right hand and on the left, that Perrequin could no longer suf­fer this braue, but taking a Launce without euer speaking worde, ran with all his force at his backe behinde, so that hee made him loose his stirrops, and piercing his Armour, scrateht his flesh a little.

You néede not demaund whether Primaleon found himself more ashamed of this encounter, than sorry not to know who might be the Knight who set vpon him in this cowardly sort: So that turning bridle he after him brauely beaking him lust [...] ­ly. In the meane while Perrequin stood not still but did the like to him, as he who desired nothing els but to make him quickly loose his life. Recindes who perceaued this sharpe and cruell battell, stepping betweene them parted them for that time; and on the morrow also when they renued the like: Whereat Perrequin grew wrath, that he might not haue his will, albeit he feared much the sturdy and beauy blowes of his aduersary. Then began Primaleon to take it in dudgeon finding him al­waies before him offering such fashion of Combat, feeling ra­ther a mortal & bloudy fight, than an excercise of ioy & pastime; wherefore he swore to be reuenged of him, if hée encountred [Page 104] him any more in the Tourney: which fell out euen so; for that vpon the morrow séeing him with his Launce in his rest to come amaine vpon him, snatcht another out of his Squiers hands quickly, saying alowd in great indignation: Discurte­ous Knight, I know not who you are, who filled with such a fury and mallice against mée, will not suffer me to be one mi­nute of an houre at quiet. Neuerthelesse I will see now whe­ther I can vncase this fellowe, who thinkes to dispatch him, who neuer (as farre as bee knoweth) offended him in his life.

Finishing these spéeches, he went to charge him with his sword, which he thrust so right into the middest of his breast, that it ranne more than a foote and a halfe crosse thorough his shoulders, and at that instant sent him as dead as a Dogge to the ground, prosecuting his talke thus.

Now shall thou leaue mee manger thy mallice, who hast dogde mee so these thrée dayes, that I could neuer kéepe thée from behind or before mee: Then in great hardiesse hurring into the thickest of the presse, hée charged them so couragiously of all sides, that ere long hée forced all his aduersaries to turne their backs.

To make a short abridgement, hée got alwaies the honour of the victory, as long as the Tourney lasted: Whereof the Emperour and all the Nobles of Greece were passing ioy­full of his generosity, valour and Chiualry. But let vs nowe before wée conclude this first part of our History, sée what good lucke befell the Spanish Prince, who hath lately left the Iousts to Court his fayre Lady Melissa.

CHAP. XIIII.

WHo might euer be able to recount the great mag­nificence and meruallous thinges which were done during the feast of Philocrista and Fran­cheline? Surely the sumptuositie thereof see­med so pompous, and the feates of Armes so admirable, that to describe them well, they surpasse the clo­quent tongues of Demosthenes or Cicero: For there was present so great a number of braue and valiant Knights, that you would haue iudged the whole assemblie, to haue béene the choyce and flower of all the men at Armes in the whole world.

But aboue all Recindes made his valour well knowne there, for the earnest desire which prouoked him to do his best endeuour in some thing which might the more recommend him to his deare and best beloued Melissa: Therfore the Em­perour, who estéemed him highly, told the King of Hungarie, that he should get a good Sonne in law, if hée purposed to giue him his Daughter in marriage. King Frisoll answered, hee would be very willing of this alliance, and causing his Son Belcar, Recindes great friend to be sent for: demeunded him his aduise, and what coniecture hee had concerning his will in this matter: Whereunto making answere, that it was the most affectionate point of the Castilians honour: beganne thus to set this busines abroach.

Lord Recindes, your valour and chiualrie sheweth it selfe so Heroicall among this Illustrious Troupe, that I loue you [Page 106] as much as my Sonne Primaleon: so that to accquite my selfe in part of satisfaction of the good turnes I ow you, ha­uing done mee this great Honour, to come and visite mee in my house, I am content to giue you for wife Melissa my néece, Daughter to so Honourable a King, as is my Brother of Hungarie: As for the perfections of the Infante, séeing you know and sée them euery day your selfe, I will not labour to dilate further vppon her praise, séeming to mee that the ami­tle betwéene you and my Sonne Belcar should bee farre more inseperable when the accomplishment of this alliance shoulde be consummate.

The Knight most attentiuely giuing eare to the Empe­rours talke, bowed himselfe with a lowly reuerence to [...] his hande, and likewise King Frisols, accepting him for his fa­ther, and reputing himselfe for the happiest Spanish Knight that euer set saile toward the Fennes of Meotis, for that he a­lone had compassed such a marriage: the which was solemni­zed the morrow after with so much pompe and a newe supply of Tourneying & Tilting, that Primaleon had leysure inough to shew his singuler prowesse & valour: nor hapned there any thing during all these Triumphes which disquieted the Em­perour in minde but the death of Perrequin, knowing that he was not the least of his faction, for otherwise he would not haue cared so much for it.

When all the feasts were finished, the Emperour gaue many presents to many Knights, sending them home most ioyfull men into their owne houses and countries. And in the meane while he shewed good cheare & countenance, Arnedes solicited by his Ambassadors, demaunded leaue to returne into Fraunce with his wife Philocrista, and so likewise did Recin­des with his.

The Greekish Daminator denied them not their sutes, but bestowed great riches vppon his Daughter, to the end she should goe most honourablie into Fraunce, and in like manner to Melissa his néece. Then he commaunded to rigge out a fleete of ships well equipped with al things necessary for [Page 107] such a voyage. The King Florendos gaue moreèuer manie rich and pretious Iewels to his néeces: the King of Hunga­rie not forgetting to doe the like to his Daughter, with whom hee sent a certaine number of his Knightes to accompany and sauegard her home. And if the Empresse became verie sad at the departure of her two Daughters, no lesse was the griefe of the two Princesse: But for that they went away gallantly married to their content, they easily forget all sorrowes past. Euerie one then taking their leaues, they be tooke themselues to the salt water, and so well were they fauoured by Zoylus & Neptune, that with a prosperous gale and a calme Sea, they soone arriued in the Coasts of Prouence: where Recindes bid­ding adew his cosens Arnedes & Philocrista, followed the ro [...]t of his voyage with Melissa. And commaunding to single to­wards the strait of Gibraltar (which lieth betwéene the two mountaines Calpe and Abylas, at this day called the pillers of Herculos, because the one of them in Spaine and the other in Barbarie, were long since by him seperated, to nauigate from the Ocean Sea into the Mediterranian) came to land in the cittie of Siuill, where he was most Honourably receaued: From thence hee tooke his iourney towardes his Cittie Tole­do, where the King his Fathersoiourned, who was passing glad of his arriuall: most of all when hée heard the reputati­on hee had gotten in feates of Armes: In somuch that going from his Pallace to entertaine them louingly could not for­beare weeping, seeing him in so good disposition; and Melissa his Wife so sage, be autifull and vertuous: So at the first, Fatherly embraced them both, and after that hée had welcom­med them with a thousand welcomes, hee ledde them both into his lodgings, purposing quicklie to solenmize the mar­riage in his Court: Which he did, and after warces li [...]eral­ly bestowed many presentes vpon the Greekes and Hungari­ans, which came to accompany Melissa, who returned all ve­rie well pleased from him towards King Frisoll their Soue­raigne. But the Princesse Philocrista was receaued with no lesse sumptuosl [...]y by the King of France and all other [Page 108] Dukes, Marquesses, Carles and Barrons, of that King­dome, where they helde manye Ioustes and Tournyes for her newe and ioyfull entrance: wherein purchased great ho­nour Arnasin Duke Tolomus Sonne; and Peynedin, hee who reseued so brauelye the French Prince, when Leche [...] slewe the Hermite in combatting him, as you may yet ve­rie well remember: Yet did hee nothing in comparison of Tyrendos, who would néedes go along with this new mar­ried couple to conducte them into Gaule: For that falling there in loue with a verie faire and beautifull Princesse neere Cosen to Prince Aruedes, and shee likewise beeing ina [...] ­red of him, did meruallous thinges in Annes to get her further fauour: In somuch that the King, and the Prince his Sonne, perceauing their Loues, married them together soone after: and gaue them so great Treasure for a dowrie, that the feaste beeing ended, they returned all to Constanti­nople, feeling the liberalitie and bountie of the King of Fraunce.

But to returne to the order of our Historie, the Emperour remayned almost alone by reason of the departure of the new married Princes, and of somany other Knights which did ac­company them: Likewise the King of Thessalie tooke his leaue of him, to the end to goe visite a little his Kingdome, where Palmendos and Francheline were most Honourably recea­ued with great signes of ioy and gladnesse. And the King liued three yeares there onelie after his returne: After whose death immediatelie was the Knight Palmendos Crowned: who by meanes of his valour and prowesse [...] great­ly the consines and demaynes of his Kingdome: waging con­tinuall war against the Turkes, hauing conquest in manye battails, skirmishes and assaults of Citties.

Like hostilitie receaued that nation by Belcar, who inconti­nent after the Tourney and all their Feastes were finished in Constantinople, departed thence to returne to D [...]ua­ce: where as soone as hee had solemnely celebrated his Nuptiais, hée set forth on foote a numerous and bloud [Page 109] Host to goe against these Infidels, and to reuenge himselfe for faire Laurena.

In like maner euery one of the other great Princes which came to Constantinople tooke their way homeward towards their Countries: Especially King Frisol and the King of Sparta; and very willingly would the King Florendos haue returned into Macedon, had it not béene for the Emperour who be sought him humbly, to tarry a little longer with him: Neuerthelesse, many dayes were not come and gone, before the good old Prince found himselfe cast downe with a grieuous sickenes, wherewith by reason hee was already drooping and decrepit he died within one month afterward. The Quéene Griana saing him abandoned by the Phisitions, and out of all hope euer to recouer againe, fell also sicke with the sorrow and griefe shée tooke for him: And a maruelous thing it was, that these two both rendring their tribute vnto nature, left on one day this mortall and transitory life.

The Emperour and the Empresse conceiued such inwarde griefe and anguish at this occurrence, that thorough the con­tinuall teares wherewith they bewayled them, or through the abundance of melancholicke humours which stufft their braines, they made account to goe kéepe them company in the other world: Yet for all that, afterward recomforting them­selues as well as they might, they caused them to be both bu­ried in a rich and most stately Tombe, with great funerall Pompe and Ceremonies. And if this Court had a long time before continued in sollace and gladnes, yet was it nowe as farre in mourning and griefe, after this death, without a­ny token of ioy or myrth at all. So that Primaleon all this time of tribulation and heauy chears, gaue himselfe to no­thing but hunting & hauking, retayning many braue Knights with him who alwaies kept him company which way soeuer he went.

CHAP. XV.

PErrequin being slaine, the greatest parte of the Knightes who behelde him in this lamentable taking, being alwaies at his side, alighted strait complaining greatly for his so great disaster: but knowing his life irreuocable, blamed him without any dread, who had seperated it from his body, the which they tooke vp and conuayed out of the field. And after long lamentation and shedding of many teares ouer it, they did most honourably bury it in an Abbey that stoode in the su­burbes of the Citty.

Soone after without any long so [...]ourning there, they em­barqued themselues againe, and set sayle to the first Port of Ormeda, not daring to returne into Polland; so that the Du­chesse and her Daughter had the first newes of this mish [...]p: At the comming whereof, it were impossible to recount the sorrow and wayling that they made; but especially Gridonia who loued Perrequin with a most perfect lone: Bymeanes whereof shée vowed and sware an oath in presence of many, neuer to accept of any other man for her husband, but him onely who shoulde giue her for an earnest of her marriage Primaleons heade: And if shée and her mother made great mourning for the death of Perrequin their kinsman; it was nothing in respect of that of the King his father, and of all the [Page 111] Kingdome of Polland, hauing knowledge of this mischance.

It fortuned that many Princes afterward sending to the Duchesse to demaund Gridonia in marriage, when they vn­derstoode the conditions, they doubted greatly whether they might euer be able to accomplish it or no: Albeit some surcea­sed not for all that to prosecute their demaunde; menacing the Mother, that if she would not giue them her Daughter with a good will, they would ere long take her away by force: And the principall who vsed these threatninges was the Prince of Clarence, a most prowd and arrogant knight. Insomuch that the good Lady fearing left for this effect he wold come to make warre vpon her, sent both her Daughter and the old Duchesse her Mother vnto one of her Castels called the Roc-fendu which the great Grandfather of Gridonia had caused to bee builded informe of a Fortresse for this occasion.

This auntient Duke had an elder sister, who [...]ell in loue with a yong man sonne to the Steward of his house, a youth very beautifull and wise, and so excessiue was the passion of her loue, that shée was constrained to discouer vnto him the affection of her heart. The young gentleman who shew­ed not himselfe slow to chace in this a mourous Parke, vanqui­shed with the beauty and prouocation of his Lady, loued her so extreamely, that to come to the paint, shee fell her belly to swell by his déede; wherein shee vsed such cunning to couer the matter (after the example of the poore deceiued Nymph Calisto, for feare she had of the Goddesse Diana) that when her prefixed time was expired, shee was deliuered of a most faire daughter, none liuing beeing priuy thereof, except one wayting Gentlewomen, to whom shee did impart the secret, by whom this Princesse sent away this Babe to the young Gentleman who was father thereof, who receiuing it as soone as it was brought, strait waies went with it vp to the top of a litle mountaine not far from the Citty of Ormeda, whereful sore against his will he was constrasited to committe it to the hands of Fortune, to anoyd the scandall and dishonour which might haue come thereby.

[Page 2012] And to the ende this little Baby should not be found out of any person, hee laide it downe a good way within a thicket of bushes and brambles, néere vnto a cleare fountaine, whose water distilled from a high Rocke which ouershadow­ed it: But the true directour of all things would not permitte this innocent and immaculate creature dying without Bap­tisme should beare the sinnes of her Parents, but ordained for it a sweete meane of comfort as presently you shall heare.

At the toppe of the hill there dwelt an old Hermit leading a holy life in a little Cell which hee had built as well as hee might best for his purpose betwéene two open Rockes, sepera­ted onely by one Cleft thorough the which day might easily be séene to appeare on both sides, wherein it séemed nature had done her endeuour to cleaue them expressely with her owne hand.

This holy man descending from his Cell (as his custome was) to drawe water at the Fountaine, heard the crying and mone of one whom hee knewe full well not to bee horne long time before, and appreching the place where shée was laide, mooued with pitty, tooke her in his Armes, to carry her with him into his Hermitage, praying God of his goodnes to pre­serue it from death: Afterward baptizing it, and giuing it to name Poncia, hee nourished it with the milke of a Hind [...] which came euery day into his Caue, hauing by good fortune not long before that time fawned néere the place.

So the good olde father brought her vp carefully, and shée growing dayly more and more became verie beautifull and gratious in the appearance of her person: In such manner that the venerable Hermite instructed her verie well, teach­ing her about all thinges how shee should serue and Honour God. And she might be abought thirteene or fourteene yeares of age, when the blessed olde man departing this mortall life passed into life euerlasting, and left behinde him this comfort­lesse [...]i [...]ng Hermitesse in the austere desert: Neuerthelesse [...] is vnfortunate little soule béeing sage and well brought vp, [...]mmended her selfe deuoutly vnto God, that it would please [Page 113] him to take her into his protection, which did not faile her of his pittifull [...] and succour, neuer refused to any which craue it at his handes: for that the Duke her vnkle delighting much in hunting, vppon a day made a méeting at the roote of this mountaine: where it fortuned by chaunce that all the hunters dispearsing themselues in the woode to discouer some game, a fawne by the opening of some dogges béeing put vp, made way before the Duke (who at that time was accompa­nied but with one onely Squire) after which he gallopped his horse, thinking to giue her a turne by the swiftnes of his horse gallop. Notwithstanding the feartfull fawne séeing it selfe pursued so nere, neuer stayed till it was at the Fountaine, where the Hermite was wont to fetch water: and there brea­thing a little, whipt presently into the hole wherein Poncia was: for it was one of the Fawnes of the Hinde which had suckled her: and for somuch as it knew her well, and suffered her to handle i [...] gently, it did quickly also leape into her lappe with his two foreféet.

The Duke who pursued it to the verie month of the caue, allght [...] [...] from his Horse, and entred the caue with his na­ked sword in hand [...], wherewith Poncia was sore afrast [...] and dismayed at so strange a sight: because that since shee had any knowledge or remembrance, shée as yet had neuer séene anie other person in this world but the good Hermite now dead, ha­uing neuer in her life gone further abroad, than to the Foun­taine which was at the Forrest side. If the mayden were a­bashed, the Duke was no lesse in a great maruelle, when put­ting vp his sword into his scabberd hee thus bespake her.

For thy loue my Darling will I spare to kill this Hart which I haue taken so great paine to chace hither: But tell me of curtesie, who brought you hither into this deser [...]? but for that she made him no answere, he approching somewhat néere, and taking her by her Lillie white handes, he held and handled them gentlie, knowing well by their fashion, that the Ʋ [...]rgin was came of some high and Noble blood: By meanes whereof fluding her a little strange by reason of the feare [Page 114] which might haue seased her hart, he beganne to shew her all turtelies hee could best deuise: so that after a little the young Hermitesse emboldened hir selfe to aunswere him in this sort.

Faire Lord I cannot tell what hath mooued you to come in to this place to affright, and to put almost out of her witte & poore creature dedicated to the seruice of God: seeing that you séeme to me a man of a farre diuerse and strange manner than was my Father who lieth a sléeps behinde this Alter, & is she only person of this world, that I euer sawe in my life vntill this present houre.

I cannot tell who engendred thée quoth the Duke, well I can assure thée that thy beautie hath so rauished my heart, that I account it a most happie hower wherein I haue pursued thy little Fawne hither: and knowe that I am Lorde of all this Countrie, who destre to doe thée some great good: if thou canst resolue to credit me in the thinge which I shall tell this: séeing it hath pleased God replied Poncia to guide me into this Her­mitage, I beséech you permit not that any wrong bee [...]ered to mine honour: Feare not daughter said the Duke, but you shall be greatly loued and tendred of me.

The God of heauen graunt if quoth the yong Nunne, that it may be according to the decrée of his diuine pleasure: The grace this Mayden had in her honest tattle, pearced so deepe in to the heart of the Duke, that what by promise, by flattery, or otherwise, before an houre was past hee appeased the firste of his passion, making her of a mayden dedicated to Pallas, a wise ready to offer the Seston or Girdle to Venus, to present him her seruice, whereof he was the gladdest man that might bee: Neuerthelesse well bethinking with himselfe after­wards what was best for him to do, (for that he was alreadie married) purposed to build in the same place a stronge and in­vi [...]sible Castell, there to kéepe her within it, with all the plea­sure and contentment that her heart might desire: For this cause hee sent word by his Squier to she Hunters, who ch [...] ­ced in the wood, that they should euery man [...] [Page 115] Cittie: And hauing shewed to him the Hermits Daugh­ter, and afterwardes making him vnderstand his determi­nation: commaunded him to cause his Architect to come thither with a number of Artificers to builde a Fortresse in that same place: Whereunto hys Squire gaue present or­der, and returned with many rich robes for the young Dam­sell into the Cell: wherein none euer entred but himselfe alone, all the rest remayning vnder Tentes which hee had pitched before that same place. From which the Duke would neuer depart, vntill hee saw the Castell finished, which hee had caused to bee builded vppon that clo [...] Rock, where­of it bore the name continuallie afterwardes, [...]nd was one of the strongest and fayrest in all that Countrie, for the Sea in­vironed it on the one side, and on the other side was a most steepe and in accessible Rocke, except onelie on that side where the fountaine was.

Therein did the Duke enclose his Loue Poncia, the which when her time was come, shee brought him foorth a ve­rie faire and goodlie Sonne, who was afterwardes Grandfa­ther of Nardides, Father of Gridonia & of the [...] Knightes whome the Emperour and King Frisoll shewe in a Combat which they had together: But these Loue trickes could not so well bee concealed, but the Duchesse had intelligence ther­of: who séeing herselfe so much contemned by her Husbande, [...] for griefe and rage: Whereuppon it fell out that for the intire loue which the Duke hare to the Childe which hee had by Poucia, hee espoused her afterward in second Marri­age, liuing together in great pleasure and ioy, vntill the ve­rie end of his dayes when hee knowe that shee was his owne Néece.

Now in this Castell retired Gridonia with the olde Du­chesse, for feare shee had of the Prince of Clorence, and arri­ning at the Fountaine (for that it was both [...]pleasant and a delightfull place) she would haue [...]a [...]ne gone [...] to [...]to re­fresh her selfe: But she was not so soone set downe vppon the br [...]nke of it, but the remembrance of hir dead [...] Per [...]quin [Page 116] comming in her thoughts, renewed in her a pittifull and la­mentable be wailing of his death, for that fortune fauoured so much the Emperour Palmenn, who slew first the Duke Nar­dides her Father, and Primaleon afterwards this her Cosen, with whome shee hoped to passe ioyfully the rest of her life: Meane while she made these strange complaints, which might prouoke almost the vnreasonable and insensible creatures to compassion, behold there rusheth out of the wood a huge and furious Lyonrozing so terrible, that all the company of gen­tle women beeing wonderfull scarred, euery one got away as well as they could: leauing with her only the good old Duchesse who was not able to runne away as the others did. Wee néed not in the question how great might be the feare of a sim­ple and timerous Damosell, as of Gridonia, who supposed vndoubtedly that to be the last houre of her life. Yet percea­uing this Lyon to come right vppon her, shee soone perceaued the contearie: for that hee began to fawne vpon her with his pawes, and to play with his taste, as though hee had béene fa­miliarly brought vp with her all his life. In such sort that h [...]e put his head into her lappe, and beginning gently to licke her handes, made her as much amazed, as if shee had séene before her eyes some new and strange wonder: Wherefore by lit­tle and little assuring her selfe of the tamenesse of this brute beast, shee stroked her hand vppon his head, flattering him in most gentle and gratious manner: wherein the Lyon séemed to haue so great pleasure, that Gridonia and her [...] ther putting away all feare, called to them againe their com­pany, which was dispersed in the Forrest. And if some of them came backe greatly ashamed [...]o haue thus abandoned [...]he two Ladies in their greatest necessitie, yet she was more ioy­full to sée this beast so louing and [...], meruayling much that a Lyon by nature cruell and humane, should be made so [...] and gentle before Ladies: to whom nor to any of their Dam [...] ­sels and waiting gentle women hee neuer shewed him selfe [...]u­rious nor angry: but vnto all Knights who did approche the Intent, and vnto others whome [...] knew not, he did [...] [Page 117] some displeasure, either hee scratcht them with his pawes, or [...] them outright. Glad then without all comparison was Gridonia of this good fortune, and lead this Lion with her into her Castell where hee woulde neuer forsake the sight of her: In such sort that shée still [...]ed him with her owne hande, and from thence forward hee was a sure Gardean of her per­son, being very t [...]me, quiet and familiar with all the seruants of her house, euen as it had béene some little Dogge, which séemed a most rare and strange case to all those in the Coun­tries round about which had knowledge thereof.

CHAP. XVI.

FAire Gridonia then being within her Castell of the Clouen-Rocke, the Duchesse her Mother who remained at Ormeda, for the gouerne­ment and administration of Iustice in her Countries, had euery day messengers sent from diuers Princes which did demaund her in marriage; as well for her superexcellent beauty and good grace, as for that they hoped she should one day inherite the Kingdome of Polo­nia, because of her mother the Kings sister, who neuer had any Children but Perrequin whome Primaleon [...]lewe in his Tourney: yet when they vnderstoode with what condition they should marry this Princesse, euery one did furcease to make any more earnest sute, fearing the perrill of death which might en [...]e.

But the King of Bohemia, the same who tooke Diartes and Cardonia, whome the Emperour deliuered afterwardes (as you may haue read in his Historie) had two male children, the [Page 118] youngest whereof named Valido, who was a valiant and hardy Knight, bearing the renown spread abroad of the great beauty of Gridonia departed his fathers kingdome, accom­panied with many braue Knights to take his voiage towards Ormeda: Where being arriued, hee was honourably recei­ued by the Duchesse, vnto whom after hee had a little refresh­ed himselfe and his traine, hée thus imparted at large his minde.

Madame, to the ende you should not bee ignorant of the chiefest cause of my comming into this Country, knowe yée that I being prouoked with an incredible desire to doo you ser­uice, am departed the Kingdome of Bohemia (the proper place of my natiuity) where the King my father happily swayeth the Scepter at this present day: and this vpon confi­dence, that you shall know the sincere affection which I haue to obey you in all things, you will not refuse to accept me frée­ly for your sonne in Law. And albeit, that I doo not repute my selfe at this present very rich in earthly riches, hauing as yet my father liuing, yet may I well vaunt to bee in bart and good will to serue and defende you from your enemies, a man more forward than any other Prince of Europe: For this occasion I pray you graunt mee in marriage your Daughter Gridonia, whome I shall bée able to vpholde in her honours better than any other Knight that at this day liueth.

Faire Knight replyed then the Duchesse, to giue you my Daughter to wife could I well be content, if by any meanes it might bée, knowing very well the illustrious bloude from whence you descende: Notwithstanding shée hath sworne neuer to marry with any but with him, who for the Iewels of her marriage, shall first present her with the head of Pri­maleon of Greece, sonne to the Constantino Politane Em­perour.

This is no small demaund quoth the Knight againe, albeit when I shoulde haue some iust and reasonable occasion, I would embolden my selfe so farre, as to dare to goe to de [...] him at his owne home to effect the same. I will tell you [Page 119] occasion good ynough, said the Lady then; you shoulde knowe that in a Tourney which he caused to be published at the Nup­tials of his sister Philocrista, hee gaue safe conduct to all com­mers, when for all that he slew felloniously (as if it had béene in a mortall Combate fought at all destance) Perrequin of Duas, sonne to the King of Polland my Brother, who en­tred the Lists onely to the ende to assay himselfe against him: So that by good reason you may vppon this death accuse him of fellony and disloyalty.

Madame answered hée, that is not sufficient to vrge this euill act vpon him, because the Knight who entereth into a Tourney is as the man that playeth at Dice, who before hée sit himselfe downe to play, must make account that hée may sometimes loose and sometimes winne: Euen so the true Knight should appeare within the Lists in hazard to leaue his life there behinde him, as soone as to bring it away with him againe.

Notwithstanding, séeing that I haue no better occasion, I will combat him, alleadging that hée slew him in anger and mallice which prouoked him thereunto: Whereuppon I doo assure thy selfe that hee trusting in Prowesse and reputation, will answere me arrogantly, and prouoke mee with some in­iurious wordes which will giue mee more apparent reason to combat him.

And to the ende that you shoulde knowe I speake nothing with my mouth which my heart forethinketh not; I promise to depart incontinently hence, and to take my voyage to Con­stantinople, where if I dye in the battell, it shall be for me a perpetuall honour and praise, to dye for so perfect a Lady as Gridonia is; and if I chaunce to vanquish mine enemy I shal purchase the most exquisite and rare treasure that Nature might present me on this earth. True it is Madame, that I would greatly desire that it would please you of curtesie to let me sée the Princesse your Daughter before my departure, for that hauing once imprinted her liuely beauty within my hart, shée shall double augment my force and courage.

[Page 120] That will I not refuse you said the Duchesse, but I accorde it vnto you with all my hart, yet not without aduertising you before hand, that you shal put your selfe in great perrill of your life, by reason of a Lyon which gardeth her continuallie: the which wareth fierce and cruell so soone as hee per [...]aneth anie Knights come neare my Daughter.

For all that will not I let to go see answered then Valido, hoping I shall well enough defend my selfe if the beast come to assaile me. Hauing then taken this resolution, the Du­chesse sent with him, one of the Gentlemen of her house, with expresse commandement not to suffer any other to enter with­in the Castell but this Knight onely: where when hee came afterwards, and that Gridonia knew that it was the King of Bohemiaes Sonne, who would go to combat Primaleon for her Loue, she commaunded to bring him vp into her chamber. Which the Prince vnderstanding, hee tooke brauely his buck­ler in one hand, & his naked sword in the other, then entred [...] without any feare like a hartie and valiant Champion: But the Lyon séeing him approch in this equipage, began [...] [...] and narre, lifting vp his head furiously out of the Damosels lappe, where he was wont for the most part to repose it. Ne­uerthelesse she held him backe by great force, by a lease made of gold-twist which held by a rich coller buckled to his necke: & for that Gridonia was not strong inough to stay him, Valido came full vppon him with his brandished sword to strike hym, but she cried vnto him that he should not doe it except he wold die: and that he should depart onely out of the Chamber, and they would finde meanes to speake together.

The Bohemian did doe so much willinglie, and much [...] doo had the Insant to kéepe her Lyon foom running after him: yet by stroaking and making much of him, shée shut him [...] within a great Chamber, wherein séeing himselfe thus impri­soned, he began to roare in so strange manner, that hee made all those who heard him fore afraid: Whereat Gridonia was so vered, that going out of her Chamber to speake with the Knight, shée spake but thus much.

[Page 121] Fayre Knight my mishap and disaster will not permit mee at this present to haue any long talke with you: therefore I beséech the Almightie so to strengthen your Arme against Pri­maleon, that you may make him pay dearely for his treason: wherein I remayning satisfied, shall repute my selfe a most Fortunate woman to bee reuenged by meanes of the best knight, who euer put foote in stirrop.

So much astonished and ranished with her great beautie was Valido, that hardly could be answere one only word: ne­uer fearing to be accounted lumpish and of small discretion, he hazar [...]d to breake silence in this manner: Madame sore shuld the heauens punish mee, and Fortune should shew hir selfe too too mutinous against mee, if séeing so rare and perfect a Para­gon as is your personage, I should not employ my body and soule to their vtter most [...], to reuenge you of the wrongs which are offered you: for that hee should be very blinde and deuoide of naturall reason, who hauing once séene your selfe, if he shuld not iudge you vnworthie of aduersitie, and for somuch as you cannot stay heere any while, taking my leaue of you, I will now presently depart, [...]oying neuer to rest quietly in my bed vntill I haue brought this myne enterprise to a good passe.

God be your guide and conduct replied Gridonia, and so well direct your actions, that you may obtaine a triumphant victorie ouer your enemie: to the ende hee may haue no more occasion to redouble the anguish wich he hath so liuely imprin­ted in my soule. And vpon this point giuing him the last adieu, shee retired straite to her Lyon whome shee could not abide to heare him make such terrible roaring: which séemed to euery one to signifie some great [...]. Likewise Valido retur­ned to the Duchesse very pensiue and doubtfull to obtaine for his wife so beautifull a Damosell: in somuch that licencing al the Knights who accompained him vnto this place to depart, he tooke along with him but two onely; the one béeing sonne to the Earle Marco (the same whom the Emperour Palme­rin slew, because he accused Diartes and Cardonia of treason) to reuenge himselfe of the Emperour pricked forward Valido [Page 122] very much to pursue his pointe, & the other who was Diartes Sonne, would willingly haue hindred him: for that it an­gred him to the verie death, that in his company should be any ambush plotted against the Emperour: in such sorte that the Prince of Bohemia went accompanied with two persons con­trarying one another in desire, wherof he knew nothing.

Afterwardes imbarking himselfe hee had so prosperous & gale, that within few dayes hee came to surge within the ha­uen of Constantinople, where hee disembarked, being west appointed with his two Knights both disarmed: and beeing arriued before the Pallace, hee sent the Emperour worde hee was a Knight who required safe conduct into his Court, be­cause he came thither to defie his Sonne vpon a treason which he had committed: who beeing aduertized thereof, meruay­led greatly that any man would be so hardie to come to accuse him of that whereof he neuer thought, much lesse euer put in effect: especially beeing an act of a Traytour, which was the vice he euer had in greatest detestation.

But the Emperour as he was sage and well aduised, ima­gined incontinent that it proceeded but of the death of Perre­quin, for the which he was so sorrowfull a man; by meanes whereof he thus schooled Primaleon.

My Sonne, let vs consider the different whereuppon this Knight purposeth to accuse you, wherein for ought he can say vnto you, answere him not arrogantly, nor with the least iniurious word: For so much there is nothing more in bes [...]e­ming Princes and Knights descended of noble houses, than to vse discurteous and vile spéeches. Hearken what hee shall say vnto you, and answere him honestly, alleadging what you shall best thinke méete for the iustifying of your innocen­cye: For oftentimes the proude language giueth occasion of incouragement to the aduersarie; & in battaile the best Cham­pions are knowne to be vanquishers in déedes, and not con­tenders in wordes.

Therein my Lord and Father answered Primaleon, and in whatsoeuer as it shall please you to commaund me will I ne­uer [Page 123] whilst I liue disobay your will. At this instant Valido entring the great Chamber, bowed not himselfe towards she Emperour, so much felt her him selfe troubled and perplexed with this Battaile: but looking rounde about him a prettye while (after hee had a little cooled his choller) hee drewe néere vnto the throut where the Emperour sate, making vnto him this speech.

All ouer the globe of the earth, is your generous conrage Noble Emperour of Constantinople, well knowne & made famous, since the time when as a wandring Knight you pas­sed like a pilgrime ouer the greatist part thereof, seeking ne [...]s of your Father, whome anyed you know not: And since you haue beene placed in this honour and highnes of estate, no man can say you haue done the least iniust set to great, small, or meane: which thing I foreseeing on mine owne behalfe, I haue [...] as to come [...] to domain [...]d a Combat, hoping for good or badde which may befall mee, I shall haue no wrong offered mee herein.

So [...] I say, for that I come to complaine of Primale­on your Sonne, touching the death of Perrequin of Duas whome hee new in Tourney, wherein hee would néeded be & present to honour the more [...] feast of [...] Children: trust­ing hee will not [...]enie but that vpon the assurance which her gaue to euerie one, hee hath massacred him verie treche­rouslie: And you Primaleon [...]f you heare this, I knowe not what excuse you may alleadge against mee, who doth a­uouch it to your sate that it was done in Treason against him.

Primaleon who gaue attentiue cure to these iniurious spéeches, rose vppe with manye other Knights and Bar­rons aunswering him thus: Good Syr, it [...] you are verie ill aduised to come to seeke his riuenge, who follow­ing this fatall and vnluckie destriue, [...]ded hys [...]yes in a Tourney: wherein I doe not dertie but that I flewe him with my Sword vppon the like assuraunce no you doe name at thi [...] presence, because of [...] disloyality: [Page 124] For during the space of thrée monthes together, I could neuer get me ridde of him, but still I found him before mee or behind me at my backe, with full intention to haue [...]aine mee by his owne handes: But God the onely searcher of hearts, who knew well his disloyall malice, fauoured mee so much that I preuented him before the execution of his trecher [...] des­sein, giuing him that measure which hee would hau [...] offered vnto me. Notwithstanding if you haue so hot a desire to com­bat mee vppon this point as you make semblant, behold I am readie to enter the Listes when it shall please you, to the end I may by my best endeuour shewe to all the worlde that the quarrell is false, and wrongfullie vndertake [...] on your be­halfe.

This contenteth me wonderfull well replyed Valido to sée you not to refuse the combat, which shall bee a sufficient wit­nes before all, that the truth is such as your conscien [...]e [...] well tell.

Then Primaleon fell on his knées before the Emperour, demaunding leaue of him to enter the Combat for this effect: and afterwardes in token that he accepted the Combat, he [...] presented him a gloue which hee tooke at his handes very sor [...] against his will, béeing ignorant which of the two had the better right on his side: for if hee had perceaued the least smoke of the peruers [...] and malicious intent of Perrequin, hee would neuer haue mistrusted that his Sonne shoulde bee [...]an­quished. Which the Bohemian Prince seeing (to shewe hee was verie gl [...]d of this acceptation) did reach vnto him one of the lappe [...] of his Harnesse, which the Emperour tooke also: Deputing presently the Dukes P [...]holomey and [...]ustace for Iudges and Marshals of the field: to the end they should with all equity maintayne the right of bold the Combatants.

These Dukes who stirred not from the Emperours Court; to obey their Masters commandement, con [...]ucted Valido in­continently within the Barriers where they en [...]ampe [...] themselues on [...]oe one side, meane while Primaleon Armed himselfe: who for that hee was of a middle stature, but [Page 125] otherwise very well proportioned in hi [...] members, did man­nage himselfe with a woonderfull dexteritye both on foot [...] and on horse back; and soone had his Armourers sitted him carefully in all peeces, so that he came lightly to present him­selfe before his father, who spake vnto him in this manner: My sonne, I pray God aboue to preserue you from death in this conflict, and to manifest thereby, that you are not [...]lpa­ble of this mischiefe which they lay to your charge.

Sir (quoth he) I can well assure you, that what I did, was done but with great reason, knowing before that h [...] sought nothing more than to haue [...] for this cause I hope, bée who knoweth that I procéeded not with any [...]litions in­tent wil exempt me from death, if he [...]e that my life [...]e as yet necessary.

Hauing ended these spéeches, hee kissed his handes, which embraced him quickly, then mounting on horse backe, he tooke his way towardes the Barriers, accompanied with many o­ther Seigneurs an foot [...]: And in the meane while Valido who felt his heart boyle in a vehement heate to finish victori­ously this enterprise, calling to [...] the beauty of Gridonia, said; that a finall time shoulde his enemy stande before him: Who after place was made by the M [...]r [...], within the run­ning place came with a fury. his Launce couched in rest vpon the Bohemian, who vasting his Launce in like manner, brake it to the handle without euer mouing the Constantino Poli­ [...]ane out of his saddle: where also this Assailant lost his stir­r [...]ps at the attaint of his, and was also a little hu [...]t in the right side. Neuerthelesse, beeing an [...] and a skkill all Knight in Armes, hee seated himselfe quickly againe in his saddle, and began fiercely to say vppon Primaleon, with his sword, but he who exceeded him farre in Prowesse and dexte­rity, b [...]eing ashamed hee had not at the first encounter made him kisse the ground, beganne to hewe him with such fell and heauy blowes, that with [...]. a while euery one perceiued who beare beare away the victory. And he himselfe knowing that his enemy (who lost his bloud by great drops) waxed fée­ble [Page 126] in sight of euery one, deliuered him such a mighty backe stroake vpon his Morton, that he clo [...]e a two both his heade and heade peece downe to his shoulders, in such manner that presently falling vnder his horse feete; Primaleon spake these words alowd: see what you are come so farre to seeke: then making cleane his sworde, hee put it vp into his [...], and the Iudges put him forth of the L [...]sts with greatioy.

Of this victory was the Emperour and all the other Lords of the Court maruelous ioyfull, séeing so [...]dently the verity of this false accusation: By meanes whereof, causing Primaleon to bee disarmed, and afterwardes dressed of some wounds which he had receiued of his aduersary, communded the vanquished Knight to bee fetcht out of the Barriers, and to be honourably enterred.

But the two Gentlemen who came in his company, made a maruelous lamentation for his death especially the sonne of the Earle Marcus, who in bewailing him vtter [...] stronge things; so that by this meanes the Emperour knowing who Valido was, sent for the Knights saying thus; A merualle very much howe the King of Bohemia, whom I holde for my friend, hath permitted that his [...] should [...] my Com [...] to d [...] here an exploy [...]e, whose sorrowfull [...] greatly grieued me, which if I had fore seene it, and [...] him as now I doo, to be the accuser of my sonne, I should by no meanes haue graunted him this combat, as you may well assure him from me.

Syr (answered then the sonne of Diartes) willingly will I obay your commandement, euen as I desir [...] also to [...] you my best seruice; wherein when you shall know my [...], you will not say that I came hither of mine owne accorde with Valido, but full sore against my will, and as not know­ing to the King my Master my thing of his [...] case.

When the Emperour vnderstoode that this Knight was Diartes sonne, hee made him many kinde offers, tha [...]king him for the good will he bare him.

[Page 127] And then the sonne of the [...]arle Marcus ( [...] with extreame [...] to the gall): could not forbo [...]ye to speake thus much.

Emperour of Greece, [...] hath bée [...] to you: [...] ­uourable, since you [...] which I cannot beare [...] to sée my selfe reuenged for his death.

Hee had no sooner spoken the [...]t words, but for his best ad­uantage he quickly [...] of the Pallace, because that many setting [...] him by the [...]ares, [...]ad not the [...] them not to stirre after him, but to let him goe whether hee thought good; which was strait to the [...] with his communion: where embarking in Validoes shippe they reformed into Bohemia, to tell the King the sorrowfull newes of his son [...]e: Where­vppon hee conceiued great [...] her for the principall occasion of this his death, for the which mischance shée was no lesse sorrowfull than he could be for his life.

CHAP. XVII.

IN Romanie was there long since a Giant na­med Lurcon, whome the Emperour [...] slowe to deliuer the Damosell [...], as you may sometime haue read in the beginning of this History. This Lurcon being estee­med a very braue Knight, was not mishapen [...] so inhumane [Page 128] and sauage as the other Giants, but a man very actiue [...] amongst his friendes: and euen when the Nurse carried him in her Armes who had giuen him sucke euer since his fathers death: after the which, hee recouered by force of Armes the Castels which they kept from him in his minorly [...]y, and vowed neuer to marry before he had reuenged so great wrong offered him: So he began to make so cruell warre vp­pon Crispin the hus bande of Esmerinda, that hee kept him at home within doores from walking to far abroade in the fields: and now her entred into the eighth yeare of his Knighthoode, when Pertequin died séeking to accomplish, his promise to Gridonia.

Of whom on a day hauing vnderstoode the discourse, ima­gined presently with himselfe, none could [...] Primaleon a­bout better than hee, nor sooner enioy the Lady, so that reioy­sing greatly in himselfe vpon this conclusion, hee cared not at all to goe to sée the Duchesse nor her Daughter, hopingth haue her to wise by force or frée will.

Whereupon hee embarked himselfe in a Frigot, rigged with all necessaries to voyage into Constantinople; where being arriued in safety, hee sent away a Squier to the Empe­rour to demaund a safe conduct for him to come into his Court to combat with Primaleon; which if he should refuse him, hée would make his vaunts abroad, howe hee durst not graunt it for feare he had of him.

When the Emperour heard the Gentleman talke in this manner, he began to be very angry, iudging presently that he came to continue the accusation which Valido began; there­fore he answered him thus.

Tell your Master againe from me, that when I shall grant him the assurance which he demaundeth at my handes, it shall hee but to chastlye him for his prowde and arrogant spéeches, which are more vsed in Giants mouthes, than in any other persons; being often cause they worke their owne ruine, and confusion therein.

Then spake diuers Barrons who were there present, Sir, [Page 129] vnder reuerence of your Maiesty, [...] vnto vs that this [...] by no meanes to bee [...], say so [...] in that of the Bohemian Prince all the words [...] manifestly the truth of the matter from the false and [...] which he presented [...] of Perriquin: So that you shoulde rather [...] of Lurcon, than to accord him any [...] appearance of truth.

In the meane [...] whilst this was bruied through the Court, Primaleon returned from [...], who woondre [...] greatly to heare such a marmuring stirre: whereof when he heard the occasion hee waxed a little angrie, as euery one might [...] by these wordes which [...] to his Fa­ther.

I woonder [...] that you [...] who hath [...], you wil cleane [...] opinion of your Knights, who séeme to haue feare of a beast beeing an enemie to God: wherein I beseech you of your especiall sauour, that you will suffer rather your Sonne to dye, than she least act of cowardize should bee re­proched and [...] vnto [...]: Giue [...] permission to haue Combat with mee, and to all those hereafter who shall came to [...] mee vppon [...] will [...] as him who neuer thought to him offended [...] will.

The Emperour [...] and that [...].

[...]. [Page 128] [...] [Page 129] [...] [Page 130] [...] [Page 131] [...]

[Page 130] Which when the Giant vnderstande, because it was alrea­die late, would in no wise that Euening goe a short, but bee­ing made priuse of all that which hapned in the Pallace vpon this sodaine, did but laugh and make a scotte thereat: saying that if Primalcon did shew himselfe hardie and of great cou­rage, if would stand him in good stéede on the more [...] before the conflict was ended; so that to prouoke him the more, and to the end he should not saile to enter the field with him, hee sent his Squier backe incontinent with a letter of destance which be wrote with great expedition to this effect.

So soone as this Destance was quickly read ouer by Pri­maleon, hee returned to the Squire who brought the [...], whome verie [...]ough [...] and in great choller hee a [...]nswered, that if it had not beene so late, hee woulde verie willing hir haue Combatted his Master that [...]ight without any longer attendaunce: Wherevppon the Emperour his Father gaue him aduise by [...] reasons, that though are not to bee done vppon a hotte spurre: [...] should bee the best way to see a little what the Giant woulde say further.

But the Empresse and her Daughters beeing troubled without measure by the remembrance thereof, could not all that night once close their eyes to take a little [...]: And [...] lesse was the inconuenient of the [...] which did importunately [...] and trouble the Emperours spirke, quite contrarie to Primaleons, who for all that did not forbeare his slépe neuer a whitte the more, but tooke his rest well enough as her that before [...] Annin [...] himselfe verie strongly [...] the [...] morning, beeing as merrie and [...], not if he [...] should haue gone but to [...] for she [...] of soone amiable Ladie.

[Page 132] But the Giant assoone as the day appeared went a sho [...]re, and mounting vpon a strong and mightie [...] armes at a [...] po [...]tes except his head, tooke his way with his people toward the Cittie: where by reason of the brute of the arriuall of this [...] which was alreadye spreade abroade euerie where; bothe little and great came about him to [...] him, so that [...] ­ing maruelously [...] of the sight of his person, they prayde vnto God that he wold succour & giue their Prince victorie a­gainst him: the same did in like maner the knights of the court: who were in great doubt of Primaleons life, séeing before them so deformed and huge an aduersarie: neuerthelesse the Emperour who was accustomed to talke with such Colo [...]es and skarbabes beeing but lumpes of flesh without any [...] of spirite or bodie; made light account of him: and woulde willinglie haue accepted she Combat [...]nsesse to haue [...]ased his Sonne Primaleon [...]: But as he discoursed thus with himselfe, behol [...] Lu [...]con [...] before him who beginneth with this abrup [...]e spéech to him a [...]owde.

Emperour of Constantinople, I rather with thy ruine than that of any other man who liueth vnder the celestiall Globe, for that thou slewest [...]oth my Father and Brother, two the verie flowers of Chiualrie: whereby I haue euer since se [...] an [...] anguish in my heart, because I coulde neuer finde any meane to be reuenged of so cruel an homiride. Notwithstanding séeing God hath now opened [...] the waie I hope soone to [...] with me vpon [...] and a [...]reason, which I stand vppon to make him [...] before he escape my handi [...] [...] Knight quoth Primaleon I am resolued to fight [...] the [...] which thou [...] to reuenge his death, without giuing thée any reason how or wherefore I [...]lew him [...] séeing I haue giuen to him account sufficient alreadie; who [...]ot willing [...] content himselfe therwith, I haue made him buy the refusall deare, as I hope to pay shée for the paine which thou hast ta­ken to come so farre to this place.

[Page 133] Ʋerie glad was the Giant [...], séeing Primaleon rea­die to enter the Barriers with him, Into which the Emperor commaunded the Duke of Pera & the Earle of Redon to con­duct him, and to assure him from all men except from his ene­mie: in the meane time there remayned not almost any per­son within the Cittie which came not thither to beholde this Battaile: euery man deuoutly praying him in whose handes are all victories, to shew fauour to their Prince, for whome they should bée in great dispaire, were it not for the confidence they haue, that hee will neuer forsake him in this necessitie: as in him who neuer abandoneth nor reiecteth those who Ar­ming themselues with true saith, doe build their rain part on his refuge.

The Giant then after hee had laced and buckled the strings of his headpéece, tooke a strong launce in his hand, and seeing hys enemie come Armed, conceaued so great pleasure, that flourishing his Launce he thus began: This staffe imbr [...]ed to day in the bloud of my aduersarie, shall take vengeaunce on that [...] who hath with his, pearced the bosome of mine auncestors.

[...]old thy tongue, for shame great animall, quoth Primale­on, holde thy tongue, and cease to vaunt thy presumpt [...]ous [...], till thou seest thy selfe banquisher, for their is the houre to bragge and not before: Then the Iudges séeing these two Combatants in good will euerie one to do his best for him selfe, they departed the Barriers, and presently the signe of the assault beeing sounded by the Trumpets, the Knightes en­countred with such furie, that they [...] their [...]: For the height of Lurcon constrayning him to carrie his Launce lower against Primaleon, than if he had béene of his [...]oulenes, so that he could attaint him but on the [...]ippe, where peareing his Armour he scracht his sk [...]e a little: But the Constan­tino Politane, who came full vpon him with a right carriere with his Launce [...] him cleane through the cuirace into the [...]: so they dasht their sh [...]elds and rusht their bodies to­gether in such sorte that they both smoked at it: In this [...] ­counter [Page 134] the Giants Horse had such a shouldering, that hee could goe afterwardes but vpon thrée legges: by meane [...] whereof feeling the heauie burden which hee had vppon his backe, he kept such a capering, rearing and flinging, that hee laid his loutish Master vppon the bare ground: who in fal­ling did so entangle one of his feete in his stirroppe, that his horse t [...]a [...]ld him a long time from place to place: Which Pri­maleon seeing ranne vppon him with his naked sword in his hand, and before he could get up againe, he gaue him so sound a blow vppon his legge, that he cut the bone almost quite a two: whereat he cast out so horrible a noyse, that hee [...]errist­ed all the assistants, but not him who he [...] him with the Cemitorie which the Knight of the Closed-Ile had sent him, which hee so be laboured then with all his might vppon hys Helmet, that cutting a two the stringes that hee shewed quicklie his bare head: Whereuppon Lurcon entred into so intollerable a phrenzie, that béeing vnable to defende him­selfe from the fell blowes of his aduersarie, hee purposed to gripe him by the bodye, thinking to dispatch him that waye: But for all that Primaleon kept himselfe at the point of hys sworde, and with a backe stroke vppon the Mazzard, felde him as dead as a Dogge to the ground saying: It is now that thou mayest exe [...]te thy Trophies to Palla [...] and Mars for the victories they haue sent thee, and not before thou haste Combatted, as not long since thou didst vaunte to doe.

It were verie difficult to recount the ioy and gladnesse that euerie one conceau [...]d, seeing the happie successe of this spec­tacle: The which to the ende to make it publikely knowne abroade, the Iudges and Martials of the fielde perceauing the Giant to haue breathed his last, did accompany Primale­on with victorious acclamations vnto the pallace, where they presented him to the Emperor, who receaued him with great ioy.

Then came forth the Empresse and her Daughters to en­tertaine him as if he had béene newly arriued from some for­ [...]en Countrie, praysing and blessing God for so signall a [...] [Page 135] torie; the which beganne to bring some comforte and reioy­cing to the Court, which was before all in [...], verie sad and mournefull for the death of King Florendos & his Quéene Griana Father and Mother to the Emperour.

Afterwards there arriued manie Knights to Combat Pri­maleon vppon the same quarrell, but it cost them all deare, as béeing those who defended a wrong quarrell, the Prince be­hauing himselfe euerie day more valiantly than other: wher­of the Greekes reputed themselues most happie men, to haue after the Emperour so sage & valiant a Prince for their Seig­neur: wherefore from diuers Countries were presented him manie good offers to marrie a wife, the which he would accept of in no wise, for the little desire hee had to marrie so young: But let vs discourse a little of the great perrils and traualles that another Knight made him endure, who came to Con­stantinople to defie him vppon the same pretended treason of the Polonians death, as you shall in the next Chapter heare more at large.

CHAP. XVIII.

KIng Fredericke of England brother to Agri [...]la Empresse of Almaine, had by his wife ma­nie Male Children, the eldest whereof called Prince Edward, was no lesse accomplished & excellent in the exercise of Armes, than verie well [...] in most ciuill and good manners, and in all [Page 136] other laudable vertuous and honest thinges: So that hauing receaued the order of Knighthood, he held daylse Ioustinges & Tournyes, to exercise and make himselfe skilfull in militarie profession: And for asmuch as hee delighted also in hunting, one of the brauest Knights called Robert, sent him a faire dog which he recouered of a woman who was a great Mag [...]rian, as you shall vnderstand hereafter.

This Knight Robert being in the prime of his youth had a great desire to see the aduentures of the world, by meanes whereof embarking himselfe among other Marchants, who went to trafficke and to fall Armes in Turkie beeing tossed by tempest and foule weather on Sea, come to an anker in the Iland of Malfada, where they were all enchaunted except him onely, who pleased much the Ladie of the Ile. Whereup­pon [...] fortuned that hee liued there in verie great pleasure, a­bout the space of two yeares; at the ende where of calling to minde vppon a time his owne countrie, he fetcht a great [...]igh from his breast, so that this Fayrie who neuer was far from him, desired to know the cause of that sigh, vnto whome hee reuealed the whole matter.

In good faith faire sir quoth Malfada then, séeing you finde it not best to dwell any longer with me, I am of aduise that you depart assoone as it shall please you, to the end to take your [...]ourney where you may find better entertainment than here: And for that I haue loued you extreamely, I will present [...]ou a shippe verie well rigged, with all that is néedfull for your commodious nauigation vnto your own Countrie.

Ten thousand thankes I giue you Madame, replyed Ro­bert, for the good will you beare me: and albeit I do not me­r [...]ie the least part of this fauour, yet will I not cease to re­mayne your perpetuall bounden, and a great deale the more, if you refuse not to giue mee this Dog which I woulde cra [...] at your handes.

Surely I should bee verse ingrately and little curteous quoth the Fayrie, if I should denie you so small a thing, albe­it that heretofore this beast hath beene a Giant, Lorde of the [Page 137] Ile of Escania: who that I may in thrée words count you his History, desiring at eighteene yeares of age (when he recea­ued his Knighthood) to doo some seates of Armes in the world, embarqued him selfe néere his owne house for the same pur­pose: And such was his fortune, that a great storme which rose vpon the Sea, cast him a shore in this Iland, where pre­sently hee found himselfe inchaunted vnder the forme of this Beast that you sée, which I giue you also fréely, as a thing wherewith you may helpe your selfe at you néede and shall be peraduenture sometime occasion for you to call to minde the remembrance of mée, which I recommende vnto you as much as you haue knowne the singular and perfect loue I too heare you.

After many accustomed embracinges Robert tooke his leaue of Malfada thanking her againe for his Dogge, to whom, (for that the Giant of whom hee had once the forme, was called Maiortes, and for that he was also the greatest of all that Iland) he gaue the same name of Maiortes, and after­wardes setting sayle towardes England passed by hard passa­ges, where his Dogge stood him in good stoode.

But in the meane season whilest Prince Edward was so highly estéemed in his fathers Kingdome, the Knight Robert fell sicke, who knowing the ende of his dayes were at hand, purposed to make him inheritour of his Dogge, as the person of all the English Nation whom he knewe worthy of such a present; and sent the Dogge to him by a Squier of his, be­seeching him to take him alwaies with him in company, and that he would not neglect him, in that hee shoulde make great account of him one day when he knew his quallities better.

The young Prince was woonderfull glad of this Dogge, when making as much of him as might be, hée shewed him selfe so louing and gentle as if hee had brought him vp from a little whelpe: therefore he sent in recompence of this Dogge great riches to the Knight Robert, who in the meane season passed out of this world into the other.

Euer the Prince would haue Maiortes at his side, whome [Page 138] he loued as a humane creature: But facre more he estéemed him, knowing the wondrous thinges hee did in hunting, to which sport he lead him forth almost euery day.

During which idle and pleasant life, it befortuned him vp­pon a day, to see a thing which caused him afterward to haue i [...]umerable trauels: For that the Knight his Father deligh­ting much to build as well Castels as other pleasant and de­lightfull houses, for aboue all his most sumptuous buildings, hee caused to be builded with all magnificency one sumptuous Pallace, whither he was woont to goe to take his disport with the Quéene his wife.

It fortuned that amongst many maister workemen who did worke in this new building, there was a Painter of Or­meda, who by chaunce was present at the Fountaine, when Gridonia was met there by the Lyon; who to the ende hée might at his ease fully behold the fauour of the Princesse, hée followed her into the Castell with others that were there; for those of that profession are very desirous to sée the Idea of so perfect beauty with whose lineament and perfect feature, they may helpe themselues in their portraitures.

And for that hee founde not any store of worke to employ himselfe in the City of Ormeda, he resolued to goe séeke in o­ther Countries; So that being arriued in England, after hée had gotten acquaintance to bee knowne, hee tooke charge to paint this goodly Pallace, which the King caused to bee built néere his chiefe Citty.

Wherein among many excellent things which hee inuen­ted there by his Art and skill, hauing as yet fresh in his memo­ry the beanties of Gridonia, hée pourirayed her so naturall, that shée séemed a liuing creature, séeming euer to them which behelde her, that shée woulde open her mouth to speake vnto them; and there hee set her in a place as it were in a prison, sei [...]ate vpon a Rocke, and a Lyon couched vppon the sky it of her Coate, holding his heade betwéene this Ladies handes, who did gently stroake his heade and all the rest of hys body.

[Page 139] Prince Edward who went much abroade to hunt [...] of­tentimes so make his m [...]ing in this place, where beholding vpon a time the worke of this Painter, sawe there amongst other thinges Gridonia paynted as you haue heard: And woondring in himselfe at so admirable beauty (especially to sée a Lyckrepayre so peaceably néere a woman) coulde not cheese but [...]all for the Paynter vnto him saying; I pray thée inter­prete vnto me a little the meaning of this picture, and how a Lyon may be made so tame, that one may sée him couched so still [...] a Damosell; for that it so m [...]th to me to be a thing fit rather for little Dogges, than for such sauage animals, which are cruell and ind [...]mptable by nature.

You say very true, quoth the Paynter, but knowe yée my Lorde, that in the world are many strange thinges a among the which, I sweare vnto you by him that giueth vs life, to haue séene with mine owne proper eyes, the true Modell of this my poore among liuing creatures.

Thou he began to make discourse vnto him of the Estates and perfections of this Princesse: Whereat the Knight re­mayned much amazed and troubled u [...]minde, but answered him thus.

It is a very rare example that a beast without reason, (as this especially) hath so much foresight, as to knowe the valour and bounty of a Lady so well accomplished, and that shée pre­sumeth in her selfe to recouer the heade of Primaleon for the earnest of her marriage.

The Painter affirmed to him againe, it was as true, as hée had in euery word recounted to him.

Whereupon Prince Edward began to beholde a little bet­ter than he did before his busines; and because he reputed him one of the best Artists that as yet hee had euer seene to handle Pensill, hee researched with such dilligence, and remarked so exactly many times the lineature and grace of Gridonia [...]s countenance disputing in himselfe whether shée might bee so faire a creature as he saw her painted & coloured in that place) that from thenceforth he fell into a more vehement alteration: [Page 140] For that the little [...] who lay in ambush for him, during this his contemplation, shot off out of his Qu [...]uer so sharpe and piercing an Arrowe against him, that wounding him to the heart, this wounde caused him so strange a Passion, that for to finde remedy for it hee purposed to seeke all meanes which might take away his paine, and to eschewe no trauell whatsoeuer, in gaing to that place where he thought he might recouer her.

The Prince then considering, that to purchase this Lady he must needes combat with Primaleon, thought he should com­mit too sowle an ouersight, seeing the amity so long continued betweene their Fathers: Neuerthelesse for all that hee thought with himselfe he should not surcease, Palmerin ha­uing heretofore taken away by force from his Grandfathers house the Princesse Agriola his Aunt; and that vnder the pretext of reuenging that iniury (after the example of the taire Troian, who insteede of Hesione his Aunt, stole away the wife of King Meuelaus in Greece) hee had good occasion to goe to combat the Constantino Politane.

Uppon this conflict of opinions which came to trouble his minde, hee cast himselfe vppon a bed, where sighing without ceasing he thus complained to himselfe.

Alasse Gridonia, how much had it beene better for the ease of mine afflicted heart neuer to haue heard thee named, nor seene the Pourtrait of thy face before my eyes? whose sight hath into small time penetrated so deepe into my breast, and weakened my members in such sort, that they cannot well preuaile to perfourme the onely of their office? Where­in if by the onely obiect of thy [...] I feele to exceeding tor­ment; what will it then doo, when I shall indéede see the na­turall and liuely composition of such a pierelesse Paragon of Nature? Ah! it is expedient for all that, that I put my selfe in search to finde thee out, to the ende that in seeing thee in deed, I may giue some refrigeration to this my burning and newe flame: For if the sauage and inhumane creatures forgetting their fiercenes, yeelde themselues so meeke and gentle in thy [Page 141] presence, what shall hee doe who hath some knowledge of hu­mane reason? Certes albeit I were sure to end my life, yet must I employ for thy sake my person with all the goods and estates that God hath giuen [...]nes, seeing thou art so worthie a creature: which I thinke the heauen hath reuealed vnto mee as it were by a fatall oracle, to the end that thou shouldest bée mine, and I shine perpetually. To atchieue vnto which point, I promise thee to refuse no aduenture nor perillons attempt which may present it selfe to make mee refuse it: Conside­ring that by how much more Knights are issued of noble blood and illusterous linage, by somuch more it behooueth them to enterprsse more generous and heroicall actes. And to this may inuite thee the example of Arnedes Prince of Fraunce, who for the loue of Philocrista Daughter to the Emperour of Constantinople, departed from his Fathers Kingdome. and in like manner Recindes Prince of Spaine for Melissa the King of Hungaries Daughter: I then beeing of no lesse house than the one or the other of these two Princes my neighbours, it behooueth mee to followe their steppes in the like enterprise.

So long time was the spirite of this yong Knight so occu­pied in making such like discourses, that beeing not able to forbeare, hee lost not onelie all appetite to eate, and desire to sleepe, but also therewithall all pleasure of hunting, wher­in hee had so much delighted before: In such sorte that hauing none occasion neyther to heare no) to see any recreati­on, hee shunned the companie of those whome hee knewe desierous to bee neare him to make him merrie and plea­sant.

One onely content hee enioyed during these his anguishes, which was to finde himselfe before the Image of Gridonia, whose infinite beautie so rauished the vigilance of his eyes, that it did constraine his tongue to reason with it, euen as if he had beene hard by her proper person: beeing otherwise neuer satisfied to deuise with the painter of the graces of this Prin­cesse.

[Page 142] It chances vpon a day, that being wearied with this storme and wauering of minde, he went forth into a wood which ioy­ned hard vppon the ditches of his Pallace (where hee passed the greatest parte of the time of his passion) without taking with him any other weapons but his rapi [...]r by his side: So that walking vp and downe, he sate him downe vnder abroad and thicke beech trée, to discourse as his fancie shewed him of some thinges which might giue him some contentment. And after hee had long time mused with himselfe, bethinking by what meanes hee might best goe see Gridonia, bee fast vp his eyes, which he had before fired on the ground, as it falleth out manie times to a man that is perplexed & irresolute in minde to doe: Wherby he espied neare him a wood man who would binde a burden of wood together in a little string, so that bee­ing vexed with some thing els, and to see him loose his time be said.

So God helpe me villaine, I perceaue it procéedeth of thy great blockishnes or froward nature, that thou dost labour in vaine after this impossibilitie: whereuppon it séemeth to me that thou shouldest leaue the wood behinde, or els if thou wilt carrie it away to haue a longer corde to binde it withall.

The pesant who heard himselfe miscalled, turning him­selfe and looking behinde him answered, Prince Edward thou dost behold verie neare my follie, who canst not take béede of thine owne which toucheth thee a little nearer. I tell thee that euen as thou seest me looke my labour in binding this bur­den of stickes, euen so iust shall it fall out with you in all the trauailes that you shall vndertake for her who reserueth her selfe for a better knight than you.

When the prince heard these spéeches, setting hand to his sword, he can incontinent after this wisard, saying in a great cage: In an euill houre for thy part great clowne ca [...]st thou euer to publish so neare me so soule a lie: For that in the circuite of the rounde world is there no Prince who doth de­serue her better than myselfe, who loue her so perfectly that no liuing creature is able to attaine to the height of my loue.

[Page 143] The woodman who heard him speake in such a rage ranye away as fast as hee could through the woods, and Prince Ed­ward after him with spéede: Notwithstanding hee was not farre gone before an Armed knight came right vppon him being mounted vppon a verie lustie and braue Horse, saying vnto him thus.

Gentleman let the villaine goe, otherwise you are but a dead man. Rather shall thou loose thy life answered the Eng­lish man, than I will not be reuenged of him who hath iniured mee thus villanouslie: Now aduise thy selfe if thou wilt de­fend him. Yes indéede replyed the Knight, and yet I will craue none aduenture at thy handes.

After these words he alighted from his horse and séeing his enemie disarmed, hee would not drawe his sworde but closed with him, which Prince Edward did in like manner, and so they tugd a good while together. In the end fortune woulde so much sauour the Prince, that he laide his enemie a long, & setting his knée vppon his breast, he cut a two the stringes of his Helmet: thinking presently to cut off his head, but as he was about to do it, he pecceaued it was a verie faire woman: so that maruelling much at this mummery he rose vp inconti­nent being in great admiration. Faire Lorde then ganne the Damsell, admire not to sée now a woman in Armes, séeing that there haue bin and as yet are some which are couragious and warlike, and take it not in disdaine that you haue sought against one of them, for Ac [...]illes estéemed that one of his most signall victories which he obtained against Penthasilia the Nunne of Amazonians: and the valiant Mithrid [...]tes King of Pontus, neuer craued better aide than that of Hip­sicratea his wedded wife: the which béeing in mans attire af­ter the Persian manner, did enter into all dangers vnto which her husband did aduenture himselfe, during the war which hee had against Pompeius. So much I say because I sée you make a wonder at this strange noueltie: Neuerthelesse if you will graunt me but one beene, I will conduct you into a place where you shall sée things far more admirable than these.

[Page 144] Uerie willing will I accord thee whatsoeuer it shall please thee to demaund at my hands, answered the Knight vnto hir, for the great desires sake which I haue to follow straunge ad­uentures.

Mount then replied the Damsell vpon my Horse, and come presently away with me. But Prince Edward would first goe fetch his Armes, and make his people priuie to his depar­ture, to the end they should not trouble themselues to seeke af­ter him, then the Ladie told him, that to compasse their at­tempt, it was expedient for them to set forward of their iour­nie forthwith. So then he mounted vppon a Courser, and she vpon a pal [...]r [...]e which attended not farre from thence. Fiue dayes iourney they made, and met nothing which might hin­der them in their way; and vppon a Saterday morning they arriued at a faire Cloyster of women built vpon the top of a high Mountaine in a verie solitarie place. There did the Damsell cause this Knight to alight, whome shee lead after­warde into a faire Chamber, whether the Abbesse and all her Nunnes came to entertaine him, when his guide began to vt­ter these spéeches vnto him.

Faire Knight, knowe that in this Monasterie there is a most strange and maruellous aduenture, which as they saye cannot be ended but by one of the best Knightes of this age: & for that you are reputed one of those whom the celestiall plan­nets haue adorned with so manie excellent graces in prehemi­nence of Chiualrie, we haue hope that you will bring it to a finall end.

Now within the precinct of this Religious house is enclo­sed a verie faire Orchard, planted with diuers sortes of fruit trées, which in their seasons doe bring forth their fruites in a­bundance, and within the whole compasse of our Conuent is there none more delightfull place than that, except on the north side, from whence out of a fearefull caue euerie Sater­day about Euensong there cometh forth a most hideous and ill fauoured old woman, bearing a rich Faulch [...]on in her hande, where with she striketh flatting, when she méeteth by chaunce [Page 145] with any Religious Nunne so furiouslie that shee sendeth her quicklie to the ground: in such sorte that the poore wretch can not rise againe, nor a long time after get out of this traunce, so much doth she féele her selfe astonished with the blowes this [...]lend of hell giueth her: Which done, she returneth with­in her den lamenting in most strange maner: And I tell you faire Knight, that a great number of valiant Knightes haue come hether, thinking to follow her and to see the place of her residence, towards which none can apprethe nearer than ten paces, but he is immediatly repulsed verie rudely: so that we haue no hope euer to see an end of this aduenture, vnlesse you accomplish it now. For this effect haue I brought you he­ther, hearing by report in diuers places that your prowesse & valour doth exceede farre, that of the most hardiest Knights of all the West.

Madame replied Prince Edward then, it falleth out some times, that many Knights which are esteemed hardie and va­liant Champions, shewe in the end the contrarie of this vul­gure opinion: And vppon me first of all may such an exam­ple bee shewed: Notwithstanding séeing I finde my selfe brought vnto this place, I will not let to proue what I can do in the aduenture, whereof I haue heard so great speech: To­wardes the which feeling not my selfe endued with the force & addresse which is expedient for him to haue, who shall finishe it, I should not presume to bee so hardie as to march my selfe: so that béeing not able now to bring it about, I will only leaue as others haue done, the honour thereof to whome God hath reserued it.

CHAP. XIX.

THe houre of Euening praier approching, Prince Edward Armed himselfe carefully with a Har­nesse that some Knight who had béene there to proue himselfe in the aduenture of the Caue, had left behinde him in the Abbye: then beeing brought into the Orchard by the Damosell, and by one of the Nunnes, hee put himselfe néere the mouth of this hole, where hee stayed not long before the old trot came foorth, and quickly popt in againe seeing the English Prince before her eyes: who was not slow to follow her in, when she casting her armes a­bout his necke, by no force or strength soeuer that he could em­ploy, hee could neuer stay her nor once loose her from him: but stil the further he went in, so much more did his labour & paine increase and torment him: for that finding the farther he was in, the way more darke and obscure, it seemed vnto him that some bodie stroke him on euery side, pushing him backewards to make him recoyle: But hee who was magnanimous, en­during this paine, thumping and thrusting, without euer let­ting goe the old trot, came at the last into a great Pallace very sumptuously wrought and set forth. Then the old woman crying for ayde, there came a Knight vppon him verye richlie Armed, bearing a shield vppon his arme, whereon were pain­ted two Damsels, wherof the one which appeared very beau­tifull, held betwéene her handes a hart wounded, which the other that had a vaile vppon her face, made semblant to take away from her by force.

[Page 147] Helpe me then cried the old woman, in presenting him the sworde, against this Knight who will take from mee by force the rarest Iewell in this world, which hee is not worthie so much as to looke vppon. Whereuppon he began to speake vnto the Prince in this manner.

Knight let that good Lady alone to deale with me, who ho­ping to chastice you quickly, for this great presumption by which you haue beene so hardy and bolde as to enter within this place in despite of me. I am verie glad quoth Prince Ed­ward to haue to doe with thée, séeing the small honour a man may purchase to vanquish women beeing but feeble creatures by nature, and of small resistance.

After these speeches they beganne a terrible skirmish, in the which albeit the Prince charged his enemie with many fell: strange knockes, for the ardent zeale hee had to finish this ad­uenture; his aduersarie neuerthelesse hauing in his hande the best sword which was to be founde in the circute of the earth, deliuered fewe blowes but made the maile of his harnesse or shield vpon his arme flie in péeces: By reason whereof Prince Edward seeing his life ineuident perrill (knowing not well what to doe) resolued to put this Battaile in hazard: so that couring himselfe as well as he could with his buckler, he cared not to endure two or thrée blowes of his enemie to come to gripes. Which he did when the Knight which founde him­selfe a little wearie, hauing not strength enough to holdeing with him, was constrained to fall with him to the grounde: where it fell out so well on the English Knightes side that he was vppermost; Notwithstanding béeing out of breath, hee could hardlie winde himselfe from his aduersarie. Who by reason of his lumpish & heauie fall, sounded vnder the Prince, who séeing him in that passion would not wrong him further, than to ceaze vppon his sworde: then looking rounde about him, hee perceaued at that instant how the old woman vani­shed away behinde a little yron doore.

He resolued to follow her, to know what might be the pur­sute of this aduenture, séeing by the cleare brightnesse of a [Page 148] cleare glasse windowe some light within the next Chamber, which did prouoke him the rather: vppon this occasion clas­ping on the vanquished knights Armes to play the surest part, they fitted him so iust as if they had bin forged for his backe: Moreouer he tooke his shield which he beganne to be hold with great admiration and féeling afterward his force and courage to encrease double, entred without feare into the next roome: In the middest whereof he was a ware of a faire Sepulcher of Marble, whose couering was so high and so much separated from the sides, that a man might easily behold all that was within.

In this place hee heard some body make such a [...] noyse, that approching softly néere it to know what strange matter it might bee, he sawe two armed Knights, [...] couched flat vpon their bellies did cruelly wound one [...] with daggers whch each one of them helde betwéene their handes. Whereupon hauing compassion of so much blood inhumainely spilt vnder them, by the wounds which they giue themselues without ceasing, remained a while perplexed what he should best doo in so tragicall a spectacle. In fine, beséech­ing the diuine prouidence to aide him to pacifie them, he push­ed the couering of the Sepulcher off with such a violence, that it remained vncouered: which of a [...]roth had neuer any other Knight béene able to doo but hée or Primaleon who was more valiant than himselfe. The two Knights séeing the heauy Marble throwne downe, which had a long time kept them locked fast in that Sepulcher, rose vpon their féete incontinent, and after they were come foorth, they call themselues downe, at Prince Edwards feete, saying; Praised [...]ee she incompre­hensible goodnes of God who hath endowed you with such prowesse and magnanimity, which deliuereth vs now at the last from this intollerable martyrdome which we both did en­dure; the which we know right well coulde neuer be brought to ende, but by the vertue of the best Knight who was euer borne in the house of England, and the one of them procéeding did.

[Page 149] Know faire Lorde, it is a long time that wee were in this paine, & that we descend of the most Royal bloud of the Eng­lish Nation, as I will recount vnto you, seeing you haue de­liuered vs out of this torment.

At this strange accident the Prince much merualled, espe­cially for that these two personages as soone as they were out of the Sepulcher had receaued the perfect healing of their woundes, and that of so cruell enemies, they were so soone be­come peaceable friends: so that taking them both by the hands, hee made them stande vp saying; my deare brethren, happy may I tearme my selfe at this present, to haue freed you from this mortall passion, offering my selfe beside to pur­sue your entier deliuerance, if peraduenture any further en­cumbrance molest you: Likewise to continue your perpetu­all friend in all places where you shall know my small power may stand you in any stéede, beseeching you to make relation to me of your hard aduenture, the History whereof I would willingly enioy

Then began one of them; we are brethren, and sonnes to the Duke of North-wales, and to the sister of the King Prince Coward; in the house of whom (for he loued vs both as his owne children) we were brought vp from our infancie; But afterwards as our euill fortune would, knowing nothing one of anothers loue, wee were both enamoured onely by the same and renowne of the Duke of Borsa [...]s Daughter, estée­med at that time the fayrest and most vertuous Lady of the westerne world. Now in a Tourney being helde at a cer­taine time in preheminence of her at this Dukes principall Pallace, we purposed both to bee present at it in good equ [...]page of furnitures, to the ende the better to enter in grace of this Princesse: So that her father (being a wise and learned Ma­gitian) knowing our néerenes of lignage with the King, en­tertained vs most honourably into his house: And after that we had séene the Damosell in face, the flame which from day to day consinned the force and vigour of our vitall spirites did augment in such strange manner, that had not the hope béene [Page 150] which fed vs with future fruition of case, wee had made both some lamentable and tragicall ende; beeing ignorant one of anothers pursute, and aduising it for the best, neuer to make priuy to one another of our loues. Both of vs perfourmed maruelous seates in this Tourney to incline this Princesse to loue vs the more: wherein I exceeded my brother, because I was his elder by byrth: So that hauing by this meanes more opportunity to speake vnto her, I made her prmy to my desire, whereupon there succeeded such a conclusion betweene vs, that shee assured mee to bee content to accept mee for her husband: Then I aduentured my selfe to speake vnto the Duke her fa­ther, who answered mee, hee had already promised her to the Carle of Brabant: Which answere made me in such a rage, that I had almost run mad for spight.

Neuerthelesse, for the last refuge which I hoped to finde in this my frenzy, I prayd the Damosell to beare mee a word or two insecret: Whereunto she answered me, that I should come the very same euening into her Chamber by a little dore which was seldome times opened, where shee woulde bee to beare what I would say vnto her.

The appointed houre being come, I would in no wise per­mit so good opportunity to slip my hands, without reaping that sweete frute which might restore the heart, to the which all o­ther liquor seemed gall and bitternesse: But soone clasping on mine Armes, I went strait to the doore with my priuy watch­word, in the most secret wise which might be possible. Yet I could not carry my selfe thither so well, but my brother who began to mistrust my draft (as it falleth out sundry times, sea­lousie causeth to comecture thinges which haue small appea­rance of truth) so that hee arming himselfe in like manner, [...] slily to the very place where I staide for the opening of the doore; and without making himselfe knowne vnto me, began to let driue at me, saying he would take order I shoulde neuer attaine that where unto I did aspire.

Then seeing to defend my selfe whether I would or not, I must néedes in that extremity put my selfe in deuoyre as well [Page 151] as I could; and in the meane time the Duke who heard our cople, ran vnto vs with many of his seruants, erclaiming in a great rage: How now disloyall knights, goe yee about to dishonour mee with so great an infamie. By the liuing God I shall make you dearely buy this so great presumption. Hee presently working by his Art of Negromancie, made vs both remaine as deade at the very instant: and beeing in this traunce sodainely transported into this place, hee enclosed vs fast within the Sepulcher, with this instance of wordes; yee combat to dishonour mee and my Daughter, well continue hardly your battell, till a Knight of your race may by his ge­nerous courage come to part you.

When he had thus said, he vanished from our presence, and we remained there in a wonderfull rage, striking one at an o­ther, as you haue seene euen vnto this present, so that wee know not how long this deadly quarrel and mallice betweene vs hath lasted: and the extreamest point of the disaster vnto which this sorcetie did binde vs was in that wee could not dye by any of those stabbes and woundes which wee receaued one of another.

Maruelous thinges are those which you tell mée quoth tho Prince, and know that it is nowe a long time since the Duke inchaunted you heere, because Prince I dward of whome yée speake, was my great Grandfather: Neuerthelesse, let vs depart out of this place to goe a while some whether else to refresh vs all three together: And as he set his soote vpon the threshold of the doore of this Chamber, he spied an old woman which thus be spake him.

Faire knight, long time before you were borne, did the Duke of Bo [...]sa knowe by meane of his knowledge your va­lour and magnanimity, and how you should finish this aduen­ture: therefore left you the sword which you haue gotten, and keepe it well as being of that vertue as I assure you hath few fellowes at this day, especially for as much as if you shall held it in your right hand, no enchauntment shall euer bee able to hurt you.

[Page 152] In like manner is the shield which you haue there wonne most woonderfull and most rare, for that you shall sée the dis­courses of all your life pourtrayed out most liuely therein: the which not withstanding you shall neuer knew but by lapse of time, following the desteny, whereunto God submitted you euen from your birth day: so that hauing now accomplished that which was by great learning foreséene & directed in this aduenture you may goe hence, when it shall séme good vnto you: And for that the two Knights who goe with you, can­not long time remayne in this world: counsaile and admonish them to remember the mercie of God, who by his diuine grace hath giuen you power to deliuer them from the misery and ca­lamity wherein they haue remayned this hundred yeares last past.

The old woman hauing spoken thus much vanished away, whereat the Prince was amazeo, when making far greater account of the sworde and shield than he did before, hee depar­ted out at the doore with his companions: And séeing no more the Pallace wherein hee had sought with the Knight of the Caue, nor the Armes which were giuen him at the Monaste­rie, his admiration was much more redoubled: Yet as hee came backe hee founde the way to be verie darke and obscure, which as hee came was as cleare & light some, as at the mouth of the hole; where being arriued they got out easily without a­ny disturbance, and from thence forth was it for euer shut vp, the Pallace resolued into smooke, and all the enchauntments thereof vndone and brought to finall end.

Afterwards walking together towardes the Gardengate, there met them the Abbesse and her Nunnes, who entertay­ned the Prince with ioy and the greatest gratulation that might bee, maruelling much at the two companions whome hee brought with him: which caused the Abbesse to demande who they were, and who had giuen him the [...]ch Armes shee saw him being on his backe out of the Caue.

Madame quoth hee, these two Gentlemen say they are two Brethren and Knights descended of noble race, who by the [Page 153] great skill of the Duke of Borsa, were enclosed fast in the place from whence I haue nowe deliuered them out of a tor­ment farre worse than the cruellest torture which they might endure. The Armes which you sée, I haue conquered from a Knight, who woulde haue kept from mee the entrance of a Pallace, where combating with him vpon that refusall, I changed mine Armes, being bewed and péece meale broken for these which you sée; but in stéede thereof will I leaue you my sword, for a testemony of the affection I haue to giue you far greater thinges when the time shall come: for that sworde which I haue gotten of the old woman will I carry with mée vnto the Kings Court, whether I hope by the helpe of God spéedily to conduct these Knights.

That may you not well doo quoth the Damosell who gar­ded him into this place, before you accomplish first that which you haue already promised me: Well may these two Knights in the meane time in this place attende your returne, which will be in very short space as I hope.

Prince Edward answered he would goe with her willing­ly, into what place soeuer it shoulde please her to bring him: Neuerthelesse, being already late in the euening, they depar­ted not that night out of the Monastery: Where the Lady Abbesse and her sisters could not satisfie themselues to feast the Prince and the two Knights, the which at their instant pray­er, made once more vnto them the whole discourse of their Hi­story, after that they had all supped most daintely.

The morrow morning Prince Edward rose at the point of day-breake and departed alone with the Damosell, lea­uing the two brethren among the Nunnes in the Conuent, where the Abbesse made them good cheare for his sake, and kept very carefully the sword which he gaue her, whereuppon it fortuned afterward that he being King, he augmented much the reuenues of this Nunnerie, remembring the promise which hee had made to the Abbesse, and to all the religious Nunnes her sisters.

CHAP. XX.

THis Damsell who guided the English Prince, wayted in the house of the Duke of Borsa, Ne­phewe to her for whom her father enchaunted the two brethren within the Sepulcher: the which was afterward married with the Earle of Brabant, vnto whom he had promised her, as ye haue read before.

But this Duke had onely one sonne and one Daughter which was his eldest, excelling farre in beauty all others of that country, for which cause, hir father loued her a great deals the dearer: so that more carefully to haue her nuctured in all feminine ciuility, hee caused her to bee brought vp in the house of a sister of his being a widdow, a most prudent Lady, bee­ing well aduized and verye well seene in the Arte of Magicke and secret Philosophie, a Profession very peculiar to the most part of their familie.

This Dukes Daughter called Rene, hearing the famous report of the generous valour of Prince Coward, so publike­ly talked of in the mouth of all men, tell so farre in loue with him without euer séeing him, that she became wonderfull pen­siue and melancholly: and by reason of the continuall teares and complaints which without ceasing shée powred out to the winde, when she could secretly retire her selfe into her Cham­ber apart, to ease the passion of her minde a little, shee so defa­ced her beauty in fewe dayes, that the Duke her father was aware thereof.

[Page 155] Whereupon seeing her sometimes to fetch déepe sighes, déerely requested his sister (for he loued his Daughter entire­ly) to sound by some subtle meanes from whence this her me­lancholly sadnes might proceede.

Whereunto the good Lady made reply, how she had not as yet perceiued any such matter, notwithstanding shée woulde worke so wisely, that shée woulde learne the truth. And from thence going strait to her Néeces Chamber, shée found her continuing her daily complaints: So that sitting downe by her, she began to pray and to coniure her, that shee would no longer conceale from her the cause of her griefe: then the young Damsell with a bashfull and blushing countenance answered to her with these words.

Madame, I knowe not what to answere you in this case, but that I am the most wicked and most disastred Damosell that was euer borne vnder the celestiall Spheares; séeing that I haue imprinted in my heart a thing which redoundeth more to my totall ruine, than to the least lote of any contentment, whose [...]s [...]ue shall be my spéedy death which shall bring an ende to my detestable and too too languishing life. Then shée pro­ceeded to tell how she loued with a most vehement and excessiue flame Prince Edward of England, who would be the onely cause that shee shoulde speedily sée her selfe dissolued to dust and ashes; forasmuch it séemed altogether impossible, euer to haue any fruition of her desire, because the Prince and she were not of equall estates. The Aunt who sawe her in such a pitti­full taking, would not prolong her furthee torment, but pre­sently began thus vnto her. Deere Neere, I pray you gouern your selfe with some constancie of minde in this passion, and in the meane time blotte out of your minde this impossibilitie, which you alledge for the principal point of your anguish: for I promise you so to imploye my Art, that the Knight (who will loue ere long, more than anie liuing creature,) shall arriue in this place to espouse you: So great and vnspeakable was the ioy of Rene, that taking her Aunt about the necke, shee embraced and kissed her manie times saying.

[Page 156] O my swéete Aunt, if you procure me now this blisse and felicitie (inferiour to none in this world) you may well vaunt, and say you haue deliuered a sorrowfull and desolate Niece of yours out of the most in [...]icate Laborinth which euer was de­uised in this earth, yea, if it were that which Dedalus inuen­ted so artificially in Crete, to include the infatiable Min [...] ­taure.

My louing Niece, take you no care (replied the Lady) but haue a little patience that all things may be done in these due time. With that shee departed from the Chamber to con­ferre this busines with the Duke her brother, with out whose priuy consent she would in no wise begin to set this worke a­broach: and discoursing to him at large the whole matter, told him what hope shee had to carrie this businesse to circum­spectly, that ere long Prince Edward shuld wed his danghter: so that after their conclusion, she went to turne ouer hir bookes of Negromancie, where she found that the Knight was sure in loue already of Gridonia: Notwithstanding hoping to crosse and reuoke his affection by her Magicke, shée dispatcht away immediatly the Damosell of whome you haue vnder­stood before, to bring him vnto Borsa: True it is, shée com­manded her not to leade him vnto the aduenture of the Cloy­ster, but thether she conducted him her selfe, because of a sister of hers who was a Nunne in that place; from whence depar­ting together as ye haue read before in the former Chapter, in two dayes he arriued at the Citty of Borsa: But before the Knight did enter into the Citty, the Damosell prayed him to stay for her a while in a Hermitage neere the Suburbes, till shée returned from dooing a message to her Mistrisse, who was very willing so to doo: And abiding with the Hermit, shée went to the Infant Rene, who right glad of his [...]rsual, trickt vp her selfe most richly to entertaine her Louer, sending backe with spéede the messenger to conduct him secretely into her Chamber.

Shée being quickly arriued at the Hermitage sayth thus to the Knight; Syr you must leaue your horse here, and come on [Page 157] foote with mée, who will bring you into a place, whether you shall finde your selfe a glad man to bée arriued.

I pray God quoth the Prince then, that I be not deceiued nor circum [...]uented by you in any thing.

Alas! That God whom you haue innocated forbid, that I should euer seeke to entrap my Liege and soueraigne in any Ambush; I pray you onely come with mee assuredly, and without any feare of ill encounter, vpon condition (if it shuld fall out otherwise by my meane) I will bee reputed the most false and disloyallest woman that euer guided Knight into a­ny vnknowne place.

Beeing put in this assurance of sauegard by his guide, hée went on fayre and softly his pace by that false gate (before which the two brethren long since fell together by the eares) euen till hee came within the Chamber of Rene: where as seene as they were entred, quickly was the doore well barred: Whereupon by fortune Prince Edward called to minde that which appeared vnto him in the wood, and moreoner that which the old woman foretold him touching the vertue of his sword.

By meanes whereof, mistrusting some inchauntment, hée spéedily set his hand vpon it; and then marched towardes the Infant, which he saw so beautifull and so Pompously attired, that any Knight would haue taken great pleasure in her sight onelie: And for hee came without his Helmet on his heade, with so magnificent and rich Armour vppon his backe, hée pleased the Damosell so much, that rising vp from her seate shée came to prostrate her selfe at his feete, saying.

Prince Edward, in truth I was out of hope with my selfe, that the heauens would fauour me so much, as to make these mine eles beholde you, which haue shed so many teares to deplore my future calamitie; if it please not you to suc­cour mée: Whereby my hart hath béene by an impatient desire prouoked to rage and exclaime against fortune, which hauing blowne your renowne vnto mine eares, would fru­strate my sight of so rare a creature.

[Page 158] Notwithstanding, nowe my lucke is so prosperous, as to make me the happiest Damsell of all Europe, seeing the paine you take to visit mee, I perceiue well that not without great reason it hath made mee altogether the slaue and captiue of your loue.

The Knight greatly maruasling no lesse at the singuler beauty of this Damsell, than to heare her vse such eloquent and cunning tearmes; tooke her by the hande to lift her from the grounde, and to seate her in her chaire againe, néere vnto which, the Damsell who was the messenger before, hauing already set another, the infant caused the Prince to sit downe hard by her side, reentring the former talke with this in­stance.

Faire Lorde, knowe yee I am Daughter to the Duke of Borsa, one of your most faithfull vassals, who hearing the brute of your generous actions, on euery side published round about vs, began so extreamely to loue you, that I forgot the very zeale which I bare vnto my selfe: Whereof shall bee a good testemony the extreame passions which you shall vnder­stand doo daily debilitate my life that dependeth onely but vp­pon your humanity: the which I hope to sée so pittifull to­wards me, that it shall haue compassion of the grieuous an­guishes, which without intermission doo martyr mee with more painefull torment than that which king Phalaris caused Perillus to endure within the brasen Bull, which he himselfe inuented for the cruell torturing of others: And you may well thinke faire Prince, I could not in any other Knight of base condition haue knowne howe to ground so much hope as I haue nowe in you, and therefore I pray you to haue re­gard to the reason and carriage of all good and sounde iudge­ment.

Madame, replied the Prince, I could not imagine the mean to exempt from you the recognizance wherein I find my selfe bounden to you, considering the good will, which of your grace you beare me without any merit of my part: Neuerthelesse, if death doo not preuent the affection which I haue to shewe [Page 159] you howe it is not to an vngratefull person, or one of small power to whom you addresse your selfe, I will vse such muni­ficence and liberalitie towards you and your father, that you shall haue chiefest cause of any liuing in this kingdome to giue me thankes.

And beléeue mee (swéete Ladie) if I had knowne your will (setting apart all mine owne affaires) I had come vnto you to doo you all the seruice I could possibly haue deuised; yet not with intent to obtaine of you any thing which might staine your honour, or abase that vertue which I sée shining in you, as doth Virgo the maiden signe in the Zodiacke of the hea­uens: Forsomuch as thereunto could he neuer consent who shall thinke himselfe all his life time to be your loyall and obe­dient seruant. Thus much I say, because I may not haue you in marriage to be my wife, my hart béeing vowed in another place.

Albeit, to assure you of my sincere and true deuotion to­wards you, there is nothing so difficult or harde to bee accom­plished, which it shall please you to commaund me, but I will erecute most willingly, in the best sort which I may or shall be able to deuise.

Iudge yée whether the Ladie were perplered and greatly troubled in her minde or no, hearing the resolution of the Knight (whose minde was onely fixed and established on Gri­donia) for so much as her very spéech which shée lost for a while, shewed euidently a most true and perfect token of her sufferance.

Which her Aunt perceiuing, who in the meane time em­ployed her best skill to bring her in grace with the Prince, was sore difended to see her in such a swowne.

Knowing also that she laboured in vaine, by reason of the sword which he got in the Caue, shee came into the Chamber where they were together saying.

Prince Edward, so fauourable are the heauens vnto you, that they will happily conduct you to the ende of all your en­terprises, except of that one which you haue so liuelie now im­printed [Page 160] in your breast. For the Lady which you purpose to serue with infinite paines and trauels, is long since dedicated to a more accomplished Knight than your selfe: So that as I thinke you should doe well to leaue that way which shall bee so hard for you to kéepe, to take this which hath no difficultie nor disturbance in it.

That cannot I do by mine own consent quoth the Prince, hauing alreadie surrendred the conquest of my libertie into a place, whence when I would, I cannot well call it vacke at my pleasure: Wherefore I beséeche you of all fauour make me vnderstand so much as I perceaue you knowe, and withall who shall be that so fortunate Knight who shall go before mee in the fruition of the Princesse Gridonia, Nay seeing you haue no pittie (replyed the Inchauntres) of this faire Lady whome you sée almost breathlesse in your presence, I am not purposed to tell you things wherein you may take delight, but rather not to drownd my selfe in sorrowes séeing you before mine eies, I wil presently depart out of this Chamber: with that shee went her wayes, leauing the poore lauer in a Sea of teares, continuing her exclamations with lamentable [...]ighes, thinking to moue her Narcissus to some compassion: But he who cared little for these santasles, supposing what was saide of Gridonia, was spoken onely to winne him from her loue, he comforted the Damsell as well as be could, telling her bow hee would conferre with her Father, and if hee would conde­scende thereunto, hee woulde come thither ere it were long to marrie her.

In the meane time her Aunt went to speake with the Duke her Brother, with whome (after shée had giuen him to vnderstand that [...]ot knowledge was not to [...] to work Prince Edward to this passe, she aduised him to go accompa­nied with twenty Knights Armed into his Daughters cham­ber: Where sayning himselfe ignoraunt of the matter, and shewing himselfe fore displeased against them hath, hée should [...]eaze vppon his body and put him in prison, and so they might worke their matters as they lifted.

[Page 161] The Duke than putting in pr [...]tize this stratage [...]e, came with twenty men all in Armes who the chamber dore, wher­in he [...] entred all alone, [...] [...]ignes of ad [...] ­cation, began thus to say.

Alas my God what a bay [...] case [...] Isle: Am I awake, or do [...] I meaning beholde this [...]? Ah! I should haue thought to haue had a vertuous [...] and chast [...]den to my Daughter, more [...], than any other in these Northen Regions, and [...] I trustrated of mine o­pinion: for I sée before mine owne eyes she is more vitious and corrupt than euer was [...] as Messalina, Truely I may well vaunt my selfe to make th [...] both dye in prison by the most [...] torment that may bee [...], séeing they haue shamefully dishonoured [...] all my posterity.

Enter then and come in my Knights to [...] hand [...] vppon this murthering Pallia [...]d, to the ende I may know who be is and who hath counselled him to enter to r [...]shly into my house; for all those who are cul [...]able and in any [...] cons [...]crate in this misdéede, I shall make them pay deare [...] for it by a most [...] shamefullend of their [...]. [...] that hee [...]ept out of the Chamber doore to [...]et [...] his [...], who [...] come in, did nothing anim [...] nor terrif [...]e the English Prince. who setting band to his sword and with an inuincible [...] putting his shield on his arme [...] them thus.

Come now hardly who [...] to [...], and I shall shew him, [...] [...] [...] from all [...] this [...] of [...] and [...] gath [...]ring [...] [...] [...] [...] [...]et for all th [...]t [...] and [...] about him so [...], th [...]t he [...] them all, [...] not the [...] after gone [Page 162] to worke with her magicke spels as you shall heare: Shée forsooth darkened all the light of the Chamber, making a sul­phurous and obscure ayre [...] darke than hell itselfe, in stéed therof: then deliuering forth the Knights with the Infant [...] [...] (who would willingly haue bin in his place who was dead) she shut Prince Edward fast within the Chamber vntill the morrow morning when she saw seuen of the Dukes Squiers lying along on the ground one staine outright, and other [...] sore wounded. Now could not the Duke tell what it were best to doo with him; because if he should deliuer him, it séem­ed to him, but to hasten too shamefull a death for himselfe, and if hee should kéepe him any longer in his house, it should but encourage him to forethinke all meanes to put him to more cruell torment; so that he passed the night in this conflict, vn­til the morrow morning when an auntient Knight reprehen­ding him sharpely because he suffered himselfe to be gouerned by women, counselled him to cause Prince Edward to bee se­cretly conuayed out of his house by the same Damosell which giuded him thither.

The Duke who liked well of this aduise, caused the Damo­sell who had béene the messenger to come before him, vnto whom after he had shewed some signes of great heauines, his made this spéech.

It grieueth me much, that my sisters pretence hath not sor­ted to so good effect as she expected, and for so much as you are the cause, hauing conducted the Knight into the aduenture of the Cloyster, where hee hath conquered such a it well which safe-gardeth him from all her enchauntments, néeds must you your selfe get him by subtle meanes from hence, saying you onely haue meanes so saue his life; and for you should thinke your selfe greatly culpable of his death, if it should chaunce to happen, vpon the assurance which you gaue him bringing him into my house, you will willingly set him frée from hence into the fields, if hee will promise you neuer to séeke any reuenge of the Duke, nor of any of his family.

Hereunto willingly condescended the Damosell, when de­parting [Page 163] from the Duke, troubling like an Daken lease, shee came to the Chamber where Prince Edward was, who studi­ed already how he might breake open the doore to sackage them who would come against him: Shée prostrating her selfe be­fore him, with the teares in her eyes, beginneth thus the [...]e­nour of her words.

Fayre Prince, great is the occasion which I haue nowe to complaine of fortune, for I hauing brought y [...]u into this house vnder a protext of the extreame loue which my Mistris bea­reth you, they ha [...]e deuised a spéedy and most shamefull death for vs all thrée: for you especially whome the Duke hath sur­prised with his Daughter, whom albeit he should pardon the vainousnes of the case, which hee supposeth falsely to haue béene a [...]knowing you should [...], will [...] ther owne bosome with some sword, or [...] some nowe kinde of death as did [...]ortia, the Daughter of Cato where shée heard of the death of her husband Brutus. As forme you may well thinke, my Lord the Duke [...] of the sour [...] of this occurrence, as he beginneth already to doo most tract­ly finding out at last my priuy practi [...]es (which I protest be­fore God I neuer went about to carry to any euill end) I shall be most sharpely punished of vs all thrée: Neuertheles, yet i [...] I dye, will I not surcease (as being the person of this Trinity which know I haue best deserued, as wel I know I must die for it) to employ my self in some subtle inuentions to make vs escape this imminent perrill, so that ye will a [...]are mee neuer to séeke any reuenge for the offence which hath béene offered you in this place: Wherefore I beséch you fayre Lord, most humbly to graunt me generall remission, to the ende that de­claring it to the Duke at the article of my death, hee may bée moued to compassion to pardon me also himselfe; and this is the meanes whereby wee may peraduenture saue our liues from the mortall punishment which they prepare for vs euery day. So well knew the Damsell to colour her spéeches, that she wone the mercy of the Prince, who answered her thus.

Fayre maiden for the loue of Rene, who surely meriteth [Page 164] much more at my handes, I haue willingly pardoned this iniurie to the Duke and to all his familie, albeit it is one the most vilest touch and outrage which might bee offered to any Knight: And albeit the death which they determine to make vs die, be horrible and cruell, yet I shoulde take mine in very good part, if I might execute vpon those va [...]less who woulde lay hands on me, such a massacre as they deserue: Neuerthe­lesse séeing the occasion presents it selfe, to auoyd this scandall I am content to followe it, so that no greater dammage may ensue. Ah my Lord replied the Damsell, I giue you leaue to shew your surie on me the very first of all, if euer I bring you into any further perrill, with that shee kist his hande, and let­ting him forth by the same doore hee came in at, shee conducted him to the Hermitage, where taking leaue one of another, the Knight tooke his way toward the Cloister, being most ioyfull of the vertue of his sword which he had purchased there: but very sorrowfull and pensiue for the wordes which the Dukes sister told him, which hee also saw so haue some relation to the Presage of the figures painted vpon his shield.

Afterwardes beeing arriued at the Abbey, after the enter­taimnents and welcommings accustomed, taking the two Knights whom he had deliuered along with him in company, he returned strait vnto the Court of the King his father, who for that hee could heare no newes of him was in great heaui­nes and melancholly, the which at his arriuall was all chan­ged into extreame ioy and gladnes, when embracing him, h [...] thus began to welcome him.

My deare sonne, I cannot sufficiently woonder how ye de­parted without making me any thing at all priuy to your in­tent. My Lord and father (answered the young Prince) I beséech you to pardon me, for so much as I was forced sore a­gainst my will so to doo; and then hee recounted vnto him the brauad [...] of the Damsell in the woode, who carried him after­wards to prooue his valour in the aduenture of the Num [...]ey, where hee deliuered also these two with the whole discourse of their History.

[Page 165] Whereat all those who heard him wondred greatly: and espeacially the King his father, who beeing filled with an vn­speakeable ioy, welcommed them in the best manner vnto his Court, and with kinde spéeches embraced them, whereby they thanking him in most humble manner, bowed themselues ve­rie low to kisse his hand: so that after this Royall entertain­ment they had great honor done them by al those of the Court: who could not be satisfied with beholding them, but did extoll vnto the heauens the inuincible valour of their deliuerer.

The Duke of North-Wales the verse same who was at that time Successor to their Father, came to visite them as his néerest kinsmen, with many other Knights and Lordes of his blood, whereof they were wonderfull ioyfull, especially to see themselues in the place where they were brought vp in theyr tender age, and yet not knowing any one body of all those whome they beheld there.

And after they had made some abode in this Court for the loue of the King and of Prince Edward his Sonne, so soone as he departed they went their waies also to yeeld themselues re­ligious men within the Monastery of the Caue, where they vowed the small residue of their liues vnto the seruice of God, The King and all the great Lordes of his Court, beheld with much admiration the rich sworde, and all the rest of the Prin­ces Armes, estéeming the knowledge of the auncient Duke of Borsa to be most wonderfull, who had [...]ented so cunning matters in his house: where to returne to the Infant Rene, after shee saw her hope desperate, shee besought her Father to make her a Nunne in the Monastery which had béene cause of her disafter, protesting neuer to loue any other Knight but he: Whereunto her Father easily condescended, because this Ah­bie was within the Country vnder his obedience, and long since founded by his auncestors.

In this place the Damsell liuing at her great case, felt cue­rie day more and more some accesse of the languishing passion which shée indured for her deare and perpetuall friend Prince Edward: who after hee was Crowned King of England, [Page 166] knowing of the austere life she lead after his refusall, came to see her as farre as the Connent was from him, where hee be­stowed great riches on it, for the loue of her and of the Ab­besse, who by meanes of his sword which he left there, remem­bred his promise,

The English Prince then being greatly estéemed of his fa­ther, and of all the Lordes and Barrons of his Realme; hée made small account of that reputation, for that his spirit was rather occupied to séeke out the meanes how hée might secretly depart to goe followe straunge aduentures, by the which hee might finde out her, whom hee loued more entirely than him­selfe.

In the meane time, hee tooke his chiefest delight, to visite many times her image and representation, vnto the which hée discoursed and recounted the extreame affection be bare her, as if he had beene in presence of the liuing creature; and by this meane tooke he some comfort, when vppon a day fortune pre­sented before his eyes a fit opportunity to depart, and to goe into any part of the world, whether so euer he desired, which was in this manner.

When he was walking vpon the bankes of the Thames mere London be spied a vessell laden with merchandize ariue, which a rich Merchant of Hungarie accompanied with di­uers others had laden together to sell and to tra [...]sique; by whom vnderstanding whence the ship was (for he knew long before howe the Duchy of Ormeda bordered vpon the king­dome of Hungarie) aduised himselfe that hee might secretely depart with this ship, when it should bee ready to set sayle to­wards the North.

By this occasion beeing returned into his Chamber (pur­posing to get his equipage in a readines) calleth aside a Page of his who was very faithfull named Clawde, of whom hee demaunded if hee knewe not the Master of the shippe with whom he had spoken: Who made answere he did: then hée tolde him further, howe hee must néedes make a voyage into Hungarie, and to Constantinople, about matters of great [Page 167] importance: And because this shippe sayled directly into those Countries, hée commaunded him to certefie the Pilot how a Knight who desired to passe into Hungarie, would giue him willingly what he would demaund, if hee would spéedily make for those parts.

The Prince made no creature priuy to his departure, for that he meant to carry no more company along with him, but his man Clawde only and Maiortes for to make him pastime by the way.

Claudius hauing thoroughly vnderstood his Masters mind, went incontinent strait to the Hauen, where hee concluded with the Master for the time of their embarkement; and deli­uering him a good summe of money to prouide necessary fur­nitures, returned backe to his Lord and told him all, who was very ioyfull of this opportunity. And as secretly as hee could by night time be caused his Armes to be carried a boorde the shippe, with such sea prouisions as were necessary for this voyage; and after that the Merchant had made good trafficke of all his merchandize, Prince Edward embarked himselfe with his man Clawde, and his Dogge Maiortes onely.

The King and the Quéene missing Prince Edward at his vprising, as he was accustomed to salute them, were in great he a [...]nes for him, and yet supposing he had but absented him­selfe from the Court for a while, they comforted themselues herein, being well assured wheresoeuer he was in the worlde, he would make his valour and prowesse be knowne. Ne­uerthelesse, commaunding to séeke for him thorowout their whole Kingdome, where being not heard off, they supposed he was trauelled into some farre straunge Climate, wherefore they prayed deuoutly vnto the diuine Maiesty, that it woulde preserue him from all misfortune and distresse.

CHAP. XXI.

PRince Edward sailing in the North sea, concea­led himselfe as much as hee possibly might, le [...]t he should bee descried of any: but comming to surge néere the Coast of Hungarin, there rose a contrary winde to the course they held, so that they were constrained to strike all their sailes; and their ves­sell going sower daies at the mercie and furie of the tempest, the first day that the tempest began to cease, and the sea began to be calme, they discouered a farre off floating a Brigandin [...] of Mores, within which was Zerphira Daughter to the Sol­dan of Persia, and to the faire Princesse Zerphira, h [...] whom the Emperour Palmerin loued so tenderly in his yong yo [...]ers.

This Infant beeing sister to Lechesin, for her rare and great beauty was demanded in mariage by the king of India, vnto whom the Soldan sent her with wonderfull and infinite riches, being accompanied with the brother of the said King of India, a most magnanimious and valiant Knight, who c [...]me into Persia to captiuate the articles of this marriage. [...]ée as the storme and tempest had parted all his other vessels, came alone tossed too and fro with the huge waues, when he discried the Hungarians to be Christians: Whereupon commanding his Pilots they should put forth all their cloth to fetch in the i [...] ship, who grappeth with them ere long afterward: For all his Marriners were very expert in sea affaires, and especially in Pira [...]ie, as hauing béene all for the most part chosen out of the cunning off Rouers and Pirats which might be found out.

The Merchants who perceiued by the flags and pondents [Page 169] of their vessell, that they were infidels, beganne to cry out for ayde: whereupon the Prince who heard that noyse, lated his Helmet incontinent, and mounted vpon the batches, where he found many Mores who had already taken his Marriners.

When hee knewe they were Miscreants, (his courage ri­sing at an instant was redoubled in valour) hee began to lay vppon them so couragiously who presented themselues to the battell, that with the first blow he charged with his good sword he sent one into the other world, saying in a great rage; If it please the almighty to haue pitty on vs this day, I hope you shall not make vs so soone prisoners nor slaues as ye wéen a at the least it will cost some of you déere before ye bring out féete into the chaines.

Which the brother of the Indian king perceiuing, for that he entred first the shippe, came vpon him with a great brauery whom the English Prince receiued with some shrewd flashes of his sword: and beginning to he we one another in furious manner, for that Prince Edward was more nimble and bet­ter shilled than the Moore, putting him out of paine to receiue the triumphant crowne of his sea-victory, hee made him spée­dily goe giue account of his Paganisme before the hellish Lu­cifer: For whome the other knights of his sect beeing very heauy and sorrowful, came [...] him in round about to lay vpon him on all sides more easily at their aduantage.

Then the English Prince knowing hee must either bye shamefully, or defende himselfe from these misereants, spared none of his forces; but like vnto a Bull assa [...]led with many Mas [...]es, did so driue them all before him, that not one euer could approach him, but hee made him féele the smart of his sword, remayning dead or wounded, or els forced to lye asto­nied on the ground: which his good Dogge Maiortes percei­uing ranne vpon them to tears them in pieces, or els to make them drownd in the middest of the sea.

The Merchants who thought themselues vtterly vndone, séeing at the first encounter howe valiantly Prince Edward behaued himselfe against his aduersaries, tanne to Armes to [Page 170] succour him; by meanes whereof they shewed such vnlour, that within a small while there remayned not a More within Zerphiraes Barke, who passed not the edge of the sword, and was incontinent thrown headlong into the waues of the sea, which happened to none of the Christians.

Prince Edward and some few of the Merchants were hurt a little, but had no dangerous nor mortall wound.

Afterward, the knight and the Master of the shippe being entred into the Mores Brigandine, they found within a Cab­bin néere vnto the bottome of the vessell the Infant Zerphi­ra, most sumptuously attyred with twenty other Damosels, powring foorth many strange and lamentable complaintes, where aboue the rest one might easily heare the young Prin­cesse, as her amongst them all, whom the disaster of this con­flict touched néerest.

Neuerthelesse Prince Coward had no sooner espied her, but hée iudged the Lady to be issued of great bloud, and to bee Mi­stresse of the rest, as excelling them all in beauty, and among the brauest shewing her selfe the best equipped, therefore hée approched néere to comfort her.

But what? the one vnderstoode not the language of the o­ther: for Zerphira besought him to kill her, as hee had done her people; and the Prince intreated her to let him vnder­stand something touching her affayres: Whereupon a Mar­riner (whose life the knight had saued to vse him for an inter­pretour, because he could speake diuers languages) answered how she was the Soldan of Persiaes Daughter, who sent her as then to the king of India, who had demaunded her in mar­riage.

Of this newes was the Prince very ioyfull, especially hearing him say she descended of so illustrious and noble place, for the hope hee had to sende her for a present to Gridonia; in such sort that causing her to bee put in good comfort by the Marriner his Interpretour, hee commaunded him to abuer­tize her how she was in the power of a knight, who vpon his life would not permit the least dishonour in the worlde to bee [Page 171] done vnto her. And the young Princesse being willing to know whether he were allied to the bloud of the Emperour of Constantinople, because shee would willingly haue made an end of her sorrow and griefe, Prince Edward caused her to be answered incontinent, that he was not: Neuerthelesse shee should not therfore want any thing shee desired, & that he pur­posed to send her into a place where she shoulde finde her selfe in the greatest content her heart might require.

Ah accursed and vnfortunate that I am cryed she then out, I doubted greatly that fortune would not bee so gentle and so fauourable vnto me, as to make me fall into the hands of any Knight who were issued out of that so noble and generous race of Palmerin de Oliua: Notwithstanding séeing without doubt it is an in [...]uitable extremity, I must patiently yéeld my selfe his humble captiue, beséeching God I may finde so much curtesse in him, as once did my mother in the like accident re­ceaue of the so redoubted Prince, Palmerin de Oliua.

Prince Edward afterwardes hauing vnderstoode by the More the interpretation which the Infant had accompanied with so heauy a sigh, he would take the charge of her himselfe, saying to the Master of the shippe, that of all the booty they had taken, he demanded nothing els for his share but this Dam­sell. So Prince Edward lead away into his Chamber, the Princesse Zerphira with fower of her principall Damsels onely, who carryed with them theyr rings and iewels, giuing the rest of the pillage to the Merchant and his companions; then procéeding in theyr voyage, the Knight called to minde how there were diuers Christians within his shippe, who did him seruice with great reuerence: whereupon mistrusting lest they should know him; he tooke aside a little the Master of the Shippe saying thus vnto him; my friend I perceaue you know who I am, whereby men may thinke great simplicity in me to conceale my selfe hereafter: Understand therefore that I departed out of the King my fathers Court, with an vnspeakable desire to come to sée as well the good Knights which are in the Court of King Frisol, as also in that of the [Page 172] Emperour of Constantinople; therefore I must request you not to manifest mee to any one, considering that what I doo now is but for some good respect: And [...]o the ende wee may a­uoyde the inconuenience which might ensue by the enquiry made of mée, you shall doo mee hereafter the least honour you can; reputing me but for a simple and poore wandring Knight whom you shall call the Knight of the Dogge, and say I am of some farre Nation to you vnknowne, who wandring tho­rough the world to séeke strange aduentures, and arriuing at the King of Englands Court, soiourned there a while with Prince Edward his sonne; with whome I was so well ac­quainted, that he would haue kept me there a long time with him; whereby it procéedeth that I can better speake that lan­guage than any other, yea than mine owne naturall tongue: And if yee doo so, and God giue mee grace to liue the age of a man, I will reward you so that you shall thinke it a blessed hower, wherein you first met me.

Syr replyed the Merchant, you haue already done me more grace, than I shall euer bee able hereafter to deserue at your hands; which may well assure you, I shall neuer dare disclose you, seeing the great care and dilligence you your selfe vse, not to bee descried of any whatsoeuer; and whereas there is o­thers beside in this vessell who knowe you as well as I doo, I will make them all come before you to the ende they may pro­mise not to make knowne your name, but when and to whom you shall please.

So it fell out when they arriued afterward with great gladnesse at Arriace, which was the place of the birth and dwelling of the chiefe Merchant who was owner of the ship: Being a Cittie verie strong and of good defence situate in the Kingdome of Hungarie, on the one side confining with the Countries of the Soloan of Nicea. There came they in­to a Hauen, and for the Merchant was rich and had a faire lodging, hee tooke the Knight with him into his house: who would néedes bring along Zerphira with him, leading hir by the arme, where they were Honourably entertained by the [Page 173] Merchants wife, who at their arriuall vnderstood secretly by meanes of her husband the discourse of this Nauigation.

But all those of this ship hauing purchased by the helpe of the Knight of the Dogge great riches from the Instdels, the brute thereof came quickly to the eares of this Ladie: who found her selfe at that instant in a wofull case, because King Frisoll went about by his Soueraign [...]ty to take from her this Cittie to fortesie it, as beeing the next frontier to the Mores Country: And also because her deceased husband had rebelled in his tune against Netrides his Father, when af­ter the conquest of this Kingdome hee sought to inuest him­selfe with the principall Citties, wherein no man gaintsaide him, but he onely who died in this reuolte.

Under this pretexte then sent King Frisoll for this Lady to come vnto him, so dispossesse her of the Cittie, promising ne­uerthelesse to recompence her in good sort: But shee who had but one only Sonne, as yet a tender pupill & vnder age, would not exchange it for any other Cittie of his Kingdome, as well by reason that hers was well seated for all kinde of commodi­ties, as also for that she saw all her subiects and inhabitance growne very rich and wealthy. So that this Lady had no more but eight dayes of tearme remayning when she was to appeare before the King, when also Prince Edward arriued at Arriace, and hauing not as yet found out any that durst ap­peare to answere for her, so that she wared very sad beeing in perplexety: knowing not howe to resolue what was best to be [...] in this cale, when she vnderstoode of the prowesse and magnanimitie of the Knight of the Dogge bruted abroad in her Cittie.

Whereuppon it fortuned that shee sent incontinent for the principall Merchant to come to her Castell, who arriued there soone after with two handmaides of Zerphira, which fell to his share, whereof he made a present vnto her, and declared vnto her as much as yon haue read before: wherewith thee had her minde so troubled, that she lost almost both her sence, and reason, and therefore she prayed him to moue the Knight [Page 174] to haue some compassion of her woefull distresse. Whereup­pon he protesting vnto her of a troth the great curtesie and ge­nerousnes of Prince Edward, shee made no farther enquirie; but beeing accompanied with the Marchant & with some one of her Damsels, she went presently to him, and falling downe prostrate before him thus she began.

Braue Knight, if the affliction of any poore desolate wid­dow hath euer found place of pittie in your noble minde, I be­seech you most humbly you will now vouchsafe to regard mée in the necessitie wherein I am. And after shee had vnfolded the whole matter vnto him, the Prince made her this aun­swere.

Madame I am verie sorie and sore displeased at your sad­nesse and cause of melancholie; on the other side I am verie glad that so good an occasion doth offer it selfe now, to make you knowe the desire I haue had euer since mine Infancie, to helpe and succour to my small power all Ladies, who would employ mee, and especially those who feele themselues oppres­sed, and destitute of aids and counsell. And for this cause will I willingly present my selfe before your King, making him to vnderstand, that corrupting the inuiolable lawes of Iustice, he doth you wrong and great iniustice, to take your Cittie away from you by force and authoritie. And if there be anie Knight in his Court will maintaine the contrarie, I hope by the helpe of God to make him confesse it by force of Armes.

Thus much hee said for that he knew before howe Belcar one of King Frisols Sonnes was lately married with Alde­rine the Duke of Pontus Daughter, and brought away his wife into Hungarie, whereupon that occasion they held great feastes and Tournies: so that growing vppon this quarrell in this contention with him or with the Prince Dutreus, and killing him in single combat he hoped to do acceptable seruice to his Ladie Gridonia, being this house néere allied to that of Constantinople.

The Ladie thanking him for this honest and curteous of­fer, [Page 175] tolde him that if it pleased him to bare her companie, shee feared nothing, and that leauing her Sonne vnder good & sure garde, shee purposed to depart verie soone with some number of Knights for her safer conduct. Whereunto the Knight an­swered that he was readie at any time when so euer she plea­sed. And therefore shee caused good order to bee taken for all thinges which might be needfull in this voyage, desiring be­fore her departure, to get into her possession for the Knightes sake the Damsels of Zerphira, which remayned still in the Marchants hands, paying for euery one of them a reasonable ransome according to their estate.

All that night was Prince Edward very sad, for hee could not resolue with himselfe, whether he should first goe to Gri­donia to present vnto her the Infant Zerphira, or whether he should passe vnto Constantinople, to end the Combat with Primaleon.

In fine after many resolutions he concluded that with him­self, which he put in execution very early on the morrow mor­ning; for hee came to request the Marchant his Hoast that it would please him to commaund a sonne of his called Diazan to goe doo an errand for him as farre as the Clouen-Rocke, wherein he was more willingly obayed, than hee coulde com­maund; then went he strait to the Infants chamber, whome he told that he would send her to an excellent Lady who wold honour her, and vse her with all humanity, and hee besought her to bee willing to goe, hoping to come to visit her there ere long, and to bring her such newes, which should giue her no occasion to repent her going thither.

The yong Princesse albeit this offer went néere her heart, answered him neuerthelesse in this manner: In good faith it is great reason sir, that as your prisoner and captiue I should obay your requestes without any contradiction, especially knowing they deriue from the sincere and honest amity which it pleaseth you to beare me, albeit I am sure I shall neuer be a­ble to merite it on my behalfe; neuerthelesse I beseech you to cause my Damsels to be called hether, vnto whome if it please [Page 176] you I will speake some few words before my departure; most willingly will I cause it to bee done replyed the Knight: So hee caused them to come into her Chamber forthwith, where these young Damsels séeing their Mistres in strange manner to hate her owne life in deploring and bewayling her infor­tunate disaster, they began altogether to make such a strange and pittifull complaint, that the Knight was constrayned to separate them, and soone after to send away Diazan with the Infant Zerphira towards the Castell of the Clouen-Rocke, to present her to the Princesse Gridonia from a Knight vn­knowne, with a letter whose tenour followed in these words.

So then departed Diazan with Zerphira, and all her sew­els, accompanied with many Merchants who conuayed them very willingly; and holding on their iourney, they arriued at the Castle of the Clouen-Rocke, where after they had giuen Gridonia to vnderstand that there was a Damsell which they had brought her in the behalfe of a Knight. Incontinent the Draw-bridges were all let downe, and the great gates set wide open.

Then Diazan tooke the Infant by the hand, to lead her strait into the Chamber of the Princesse, who séeing her so richly at­tyred and so curteous to doo her honour and reuerence, suppo­sed she must néeds be extracted from some high and illustrious Linage: wherefore shee came to welcome and to entertayn [...] her honourably: and perceiuing that the Lyon (which neuer styrd from her, began to fawne vpon her, she said alowd; Si­ster I cannot beléeue, but that this Lyon knoweth you, consi­dering [Page 178] the gentle semblant and ioyfull entertainement bée sheweth you, which as yet I haue neuer séene him doo to any, since he was with me.

Zerphira vnderstood nothing shee spake, but stedfastly be­holding her excellent & perfect beauty, reputing her selfe most happy to become into the power and custody of so gentle and rare a Princesse. Neuerthelesse, Diazan who vnderstood her well, speaking for her, set one knée on the grounde and made this answere.

Madame, in very déede I beléeue your Lyon neuer sawe this Damsell before, because shee commeth but nowe from a [...] Lande, farre distant from these Countries; but hée presageth the great desire which the Knight who sent her vn­to you, hath to doo you seruice; and also can iudge of the high choyce of this Princesse, beeing Daughter to the Soldan of Persia, for so much, as the Lyons by nature (as being Kings among the foure footed Beasts) doo recognize and knowe per­fectly the illustrious and royall bloud.

So hee procéeded to declare the Embassage which Prince Edward gaue him incharge to deliuer by worde of mouth, be­side the letter which he had already giuen into her hand, pray­sing him in valour and curtesie aboue all the Knights to whom the fower Elements had euer lent any influence of harmoni­call constitution: And told her moreouer, how he caused him self to be called the Knight of the Dogge; by reason of a very great and fayre Dogge that he carried along with him, which was of so good knowledge, that hee ayded and succoured him greatly in his necessities.

Squire my friend, replyed the Princesse Gridonia, I make no doubt but that the Knight of the Dogge is both magna­nimious and of great Prowesse, séeing that without knowing me, hee hath had this remembrance of me; wherein I pray the Lord God to giue me the fauour, that according to his me­rite, I may returne him his due guerdon and rewards, and giue him so much power and strength, as by his happy victory he may chace from my hart the languishing and bitter sorrow [Page 179] which hath ceazed it a long time. And for a testimony of the loue and duety I too owe him reciprocally, I take and accept this Infant (his present) in the place and steede of a sister and a good friend; and so will I loue and honour her, as if wee were both issued out of one wombe.

For this acceptation and curtesie did Diazan thanke her most humbly, in kissing her hand; then did hee interprete to the Infant what she said, whereat Zerphira bowing her selfe very low, did giue her also thankes for her part: and then did Gridonia take her by the hand to make her sit downe by her, praying her to be of good cheare, and to deuise what pastime shee pleased; all which Diazan expounded vnto her as well as he could.

Then shee who perceiued so much honour was done vnto her in eating and drinking alwaies with Gridonia, which made her greatly comfort her selfe, and droue away all yrke­somnes of the place, but not that she could in any wise altoge­ther forget her aduerse and sinister fortune: Neuerthelesse, she neuer shewed any euident token thereof, but very wisely dissembled it, whereat Gridonia maruelled not a little, but much more at her great riches and iewels which shée carryed about with her.

Diazan after hee had rewarded the Merchants of Arriace with some present, sent them away home to their houses, be­cause hee meant to abide there to serue the Infant Zerphira, whom he aduertized by the way, to take héede least shée shuld speake any thing in fauour of the Emperour of Constanti­nople to Gridonia, nor to shew by any token or signe that she loued him, or any of his stocke or kindred: Which shee who was both sage and well aduised, tooke for so good a forewar­ning, that shee was neuer heard in her presence to speake any thing by affection of this family.

CHAP. XXII.

DIazan being departed with the infant Zerphira, Prince Edward, & the Lady of Arriace, accom­panied with twentie knights whom they tooke for their safe conduct, tooke their iourney to­wards King Frisols Court, so that arriuing there the third day afterward about euening praier, the Knight being in his complete armour except his head-péece and gant­lets onely, led the Lady by the hand, euen vp to the chamber of presence: for in this place did the King recreate himselfe with his children, and with many other Lords, who were come the ther of purpose to see and welcome Belcar not long time before arriued from Durace: and there was besides the Quéene his Mother, accompanied with Esquiuela & Alderine, the wiues of D [...]treus and Belcar his two Sonnes, with many other La­dies, deuising and sporting themselues together, euery one ac­cording to their pleasure. The King séeing the Lady come in, knew presently she was Lady of Arriace, and beholding the physiognomie and honest countenance of the Knight, iudged with himselfe he descended from some high and great linnage: when the Lady prostrating her selfe at his féete, thus began to frame her complaint.

Sir, it hath pleased you to cause notice to be giuen me to appeare before your royall Maiestie, to the end that vnder the coulour of fortification and assurance of your kingdome, you may dispossesse me of my towne of Arriace, because it is situate vpon the frontiere confining vpon the Moores your enemies, from whom yée suppose putting therein sure guarde and good garrison, to shut vp all passage that way, & to cut off the hostile [Page 181] inuasion, which they might other wise make into your Ma­iesties dominions; wherein I maruell much that you addresse your selfe to me, being but a poore widow, rather than to any other of your vassalls, to vse such rigour & extremitie towards them: considering if you alledge that my sonne is too yong to kéepe quarter, and to hold so dangerous a passage. I will an­swer you, this reason séemeth not sufficient to execute iniustice towards him, but rather ought you as his King & soueraigue Lord, to take him into your protection and safegarde. Nor can you finde iustly any fault, that my citty is not well guarded and fortefited, séeing I ordinarily kéepe in pay a great number of Knights and Souldiers, who do not neglect their duty and diligence, aswell in placing Sentinels and Scouts both by day and night, within and without my walles, as likewise in maintaining all other things which are requisite for a frontire towne: besides euery one may presume, that in loosing of it I should most of all be endammaged, as being depriued of the principall cittie of my domaine, which I will not exchange for any other which you shall offer me in recompence to haue it. This is the matter I am come to let you vnderstand, hoping to finde some pitty and compassion in a Prince so full of cle­mencie as you are, otherwise I would neuer haue presumed to haue béen so bolde to appeare before your presence, assuring my selfe if you cause the charters of your Royaltie to be exact­lie looked ouer, you shall finde it appertaineth not to you by any vassellage, but hath alwaies beene the chiefe citie belong­ing to the whole stocke of mine ancestors.

The king hauing giuen good eare to the spéeche of the Lady, perceiued the Knight whome she brought thether came to de­fend her in a good and iust combate, if she should stand in néede: and forasmuch as he knew the braue and valiant Knights by their countenance, this séemed vnto him a very resolute and sufficient man to maintaine her quarrell, which was not grounded of her part vpon any light occasion: by reason wher­of he some what repented himselfe, in that he had caused her to be summoned vpō that businesse, albeit to sée what the Knight [Page 182] would say, be made her this answer. Lady, it néedeth not too many words to you, determine you to render into my hands speedily your towne, or else I will send to surprize it by force, and will giue you no other recompence, but that peraduenture which your Sonne hath inherited from his father, which is to be a disloyall traitor to his King.

O immortall God, then exclaimed the Lady, what is that which these mine eares haue now heard: Surely sir you may do and say of vs your pleasure, because you are our Prince and liege Soueraigne: but if I were as good a Knight as I am a woman, I would make good against the hardiest Knight of your Court, that my deceased husband neuer committed any treason in his life. Moreouer, if my Sonne be wrongfully de­priued of the citie, which by hereditary succession appertaineth vnto him, we shall haue force, and not iustice offered vnto vs. I will do iustice, and that which I ought to do, replyed he: and I will sée who will contradict me therein. Then Prince Ed­ward who had hetherto remained silent without any worde speaking, aduanced himselfe towards the King, saying: I can­not sufficiently maruell of you, O King of Hungarie, hauing heard heretofore the renown of your valiant and maruellous feates of armes, blowne abroade into the world with perpe­tuall fame and praise, that yée will now vpon so small an oc­casion obscure and dim it.

For vnderstanding well the discourse of this affaire, it sée­meth to me that rather vpon some malice and grudge which you may haue conceiued against this Lady, than otherwise vpon any iust and apparant reason you will put her from her owne good. In so much that I must of fauour intreat you, that you will not suffer your selfe to be caried away with enuy, nor be blinded by couetousnesse, séeing she will sweare vnto you, to be for euer hereafter your loyall vassaile, as heretofore she hath euer béene, and to keepe so strong a guarde within Arriace, that you shall not néede to trouble your selfe, but re­maine content in assurance of all tranquillitie and peace, so that if you refuse this reasonable condition which she offereth [Page 183] you, I shall be constrained to say you do her wrong, with in­tention to make it good by single combate against whomsoeuer would maintaine the contrary. Belcar who was of great cou­rage, standing then vp with many other Lords who were pre­sent, answered him as it were in chollar. Knight, you come very presumptuous and arrogant into this place, not respect­ing in what manner yee speake before a King, whome I sup­pose you gesse hath no children néere him. who dare quallifie your pride: you shall not be denied the combate if you so faine desire it; and the Lady shall sustaine more dammage in this her comming with you in her company (for your sake) than she shall get profit.

I know not who you are (replyed the Prince) who giue so discurteous language vnto Gentlemen being strangers; vn­to whom ye ought to hearken attentiuely in their demaunds. Indéede I heard before I came into this Country, that the King was both valiant and actiue in feats of Armes, whome his sonnes did second and imitate very néere. Nor was I ig­norant he had many other braue Knights in his Court, which notwithstanding could not debarre me from vndertaking wil­lingly the protection and defence of this Lady; so that if yée will vpon her quarrell enter the combat with me, I am ready to goe into the field, vpon condition, if you be by me vanqui­shed, the King shall neuer lay further claime to the Lady, nor to none of hers for the Citty of Arriace.

Belcar accepted with a very good will the battell vppon the same condition, and gaue him to vnderstande who hee was. Whereat the Knight of the Dogge was most glad: For all this, the King would not hazard his sonne to perrill of death, but commaunding him to sit downe againe in his place, tolde them he would in no wise accord vnto this battell; because hee was already resolued to doo that which the Ladyes Knight had entreated him too, remembring himselfe what occurrences he had passed in seeking strange aduentures: So that Belcar hauing seated himselfe againe, in a great chafe, the King tur­ned himselfe towardes Prince Edward with this language. [Page 184] Gentleman, for your sake haue I released the towne of Ar­riace vnto this Lady, conditionally she shall sweare to kéepe it safe with sufficient gartisons of Soldiours able to defend it; that neither shée nor her sonne shall hereafter bee rebels to my Crowne, and that you shall doo one pleasure for mee beside.

Most willing will I employ my selfe in whatsoeuer it shall please you to commaund me (replyed the Prince) so it bee not to reueale my name, otherwise reputing the grace and fauour that you haue shewed to this Lady, as if I had receiued it my selfe. Then directing his spéech to the Lady bee willed her to kisse the Kings hand; the Amstants who saw how secrete hée kept himselfe, not bowing to doo the like, they preshmed hée was some Knight descended of high Parentage. In the meane time, Belcar and the Englishman were in some conten­tion, but the Quéene who tooke pitty of the Lady of Arriaces teares, besought the King not to procure the death of her sonne by this mean; so that for many respects he gaue the Lady her content, who sware solenmely vnto him to obserue all that hée propounded to her faithfully: and to sende him also her sonne vnto his house, to be brought vp to serue his Maiesty. King Frisol requested the Knight to soiourne in his Court vntill the next sunday, to shewe him some Chiualries in a Tourney which should be held there; whereunto he answered he would willingly abide with him, albeit he had great affayres to doo in another place. And hereupon the King commaunding they should goe to disarme him in some good chamber of the Castel, the Knight thanked him greatly for that curtesie, excusing himselfe that he would not leane the Lady of Arriace. Wher­vpon the King commaunded his Harbingers to sée them very well lodged without his Pallace.

Euery body stood gazing vpon Maiortes the Dogge which Clawdius lead in a Lease, maruelling much at his height and goodly proportion, amongst whom wer many which did much desire to haue him; and aboue all, there was the Earle of Oregua, agreat hunter and chacer in Forrests rauished to en­ioy him. Wherefore reputing himselfe a hardy Knight, bée [Page 185] determined to lay an ambush for Prince Edward to take him away by violence as you shall vnderstand. But the Lady be­ing a very ioyfull woman to sée her businesse haue so happy is­sue, would not depart vntil the Tourney were finished; which her Knight also purposed to attend; who in the meane time was fore offended with himself that he combatted not Belcar, because that slaying him in battell, hee thought to doo great pleasure to Gridonia, who hated mortally the partakers and louers of the Emperour of her capitall enemy.

But the King and all the Lords there present, had no other talke but of him; so that Belcar who felt himselfe some what displeased hearing all the praise powred vpon him, saide thus much in all their hearings; The houre approcheth when we shall see what hee can doo: Notwithstanding I maruell much of you my Lorde (looking vppon his father) that you suffer your selfe so soone to be ouercome with wordes. I haue done it sonne (replyed the King) to preuent the perill of your life, hauing no better right on my side, and let mee heare no more, for good Knights ought to be honoured and maintained by Princes.

After this commaundement this pleacame no more in que­stion, but euery one prouided to make himselfe braue against the Tourney, attending with an incredible desire to sir howe the Knight of the Dogge would be haue himselfe. Sunday being once come, the King went accompanied with his Bar­rons, and the Quéene attended by her Ladies to the Scaffold, and presently the place of the Iousts was opened, where wer about two thousand Knights, what on one side and other, and the Duke of Borsa and the Earle of Oregua helde vppon the Courtiers side, being both very valiant Champions. A [...] the first encounter many knights were séene goe to the ground then beginning to strike one vpon another [...]dgeling, [...]ling, and point wise, making such noyse as if a Legion of Smiths had béene beating vpon their Anuiles. But King Frisol look­ed about on euery side, thinking to recognize the English Prince, who hearing say that the Skirmish was already be­gun [Page 186] (supposing some one or other of the Kings Sonnes would be within the lists) he came thether accompanied with the xx. Knights of the Ladies: so that seeing the courtiers at the point of carying away the victory, he purposed to reléeue the féebler side: and dashing Spurres to his Horse, before he brake his Launce, he laide many a Knight along; then setting hand to his sword he did maruelous things: By this means knew him many Courtiers, who came to prooue themselues against him. Amongst others, the Earle of Oregua comming very neere him lent him two sound blowes with his Mace: for which he susteined sodaine reuenge by one blow which Prince Edward crossed him ouer his Helmet, wherwith being sore hurt he fell to the ground. Surely, quoth the King then, who beheld the cō ­flict, I perceiue now that which my heart did presage vnto me, of the prowesse of the Knight of the Dog, to be true: things which euery one may iudge aswel as I, by his honorable seats of armes which do aduance him far aboue all those of the whole troope. And as he vttered these spéeches, behold Belcar and his brother Ditreus who enter the lists vnknowne, and for they said they would not be séene in the Tourney that day, to the end to auoid asmuch as might be, the clamor of the vulgar sorte assoone as the Nobility were placed vpon the Scaffolds, they went secretly to arme thēselues, to thrust in among the crowd, as being no better than simple Knights onely: where being a­riued, Belcar ran his Launce cowched with great fury against the Knight of the Dog; who seeing him come with such a pow­der, attended him couered with his shield: whereupon he recei­ued one liuely attaint, wherewith had it not bin for the band of the Armer or, who fatally tempered it, Prince Edward had bin in danger of his life. Then began they to charge one another with inuincible courage, neuerthelesse their conflict continued not long: because the Englishman who excelled Belcar in chi­ualry, féeling himselfe somwhat mooued, lighted so fell a knock vpon his Helmet, that he cleft it a two, and wounded him déep in his head; so that he was constrained to fall astonied to the ground. When the Prince of Hungarie saw his brother Bel­car [Page 187] lie so piteously vanquished, & the Courtiers ouerthrowne, he ran as a mad man against Prince Edward with so terrible a furie, that his blow glauncing within the plates of his poul­drons vnder his shield, he gaue him a little wound in his arme: but he went not farre from the place to vaunt himselfe therof, for the Knight of the Dog reached him two so sound blowes vpon his left shoulder betwéene his Habergion and his head­péece, that he sent him to kéep his brother company. Afterward with the aid of the most valiantest on his side, he brusht his ad­uersaries in such sort, that he made them all discampe to saue themselues: and seeing himselfe victorious, being very weary and ouer trauelled, he retired himselfe into his lodging, where he was by the Lady and her Knights disarmed, and his wound carefully looked vnto. Meane while the King, who knew no­thing of his sonnes disafter, shewed himselfe to be very ioyfull to see that which he presumed of the Knight of the Dog to be in effect most true: and supposed thereby he had done very well not to graunt his sonne Belcar the combate against him: ne­uertheles being arriued at the Pallace, and finding them both in so ill pickle, he changed his sodaine ioy into sorrow, saying: Alas! I deserue this well, who did my self intreate the knight to attend the Tourney, to procure me this mischiefe: now let him go his wayes on Gods name, and that no man be so har­die as to disturbe and vexe him.

The English Prince, vnderstanding how Ditreus and his brother were wonderfull ill at ease, through the wounds which they receiued of his hand, was the gladdest man in the world, for the respect which you haue heard before: and considering how it was not very good to soiourne any longer in this court, requested the Lady to take her leaue of the King, and that it would please him to pardon him if he abode no longer there: which she did most willingly, not without great enquiry of the King to know who her Knight might be, wherein the good Ladie being not able to satisfie him any otherwise, but that a Merchant of Arriace had taken him into his ship in England as a passenger: He tooke her conge honestly of him to returne [Page 188] home to her own house, whether the knight of the Dog would néeds accompany her a good part onward of her way: whereof the Earle of Oregua being aduertized, who hated him mortal­lie, for that he had béene dismounted by him in the Tourney: desiring also with an extreame affection, to get his faire Dog Maiortes frō him, encouraged a brother of his, who was both a valiant and a hardy champion, to séeke to be reuenged of him, all [...]dging he durst not leaue the Court without incurring great suspition. He framed so cunning a spéech, that he sent his brother after Prince Edward with xx. Knights very well ap­pointed & armed, praying him not to assaile him, vntill he had intelligence by his spies, that he had taken his last leaue of the Lady. And then taking some good opportunitie they might ouertake him to massacre him, getting into their possession as­soone as they could the Dog. They followed him vntill the se­cond dayes iourney, when he tooke his farewell of the Lady with this faire semblant. Madame, will it please you to excuse me, if I beare you company no farther: for hauing matter of importance to be done in an other part, I sée the terme at hand when I must néedes take my iourney the that where my busi­nesse lieth. Moreouer, I hope now you shall doe well enough without my aide, being almost at your home, where yée shall liue héereafter in all peace and at your hearts ease.

The Lady who saw him speake in good sooth, finding herself greatly beholding to him, durst not by any entreaty with­draw him from his voyage: which notwithstanding she would willingly haue done, at the least to haue gotten his company but vnto her Castel, to haue feasted him there, and to haue be­stowed on him some presents beseeming his estate: wherefore taking her leaue with teares in her eyes, she offered him some ritch Iewels, which he would in no wise accept, onely he re­commanded the Merchant vnto her who brought him out of England, vpon whom afterwards for his sake she bestowed many greatfauours: so will we suffer her in great ioy & con­tentment to goe home to her Citty, to tell what befell Prince Edward after he was departed from her company.

CHAP. XXIII.

THe Knight of the Dog bidding the Lady of Ar­riace adieu, tooke his way towards Constanti­nople, when the Earle of Oreguaes brother who followed him by the foot, had aduertisment thereof by one of his spies, that was alwayes at his elbowes: by whose meanes learning perfectly what way he was to holde, rideth a great galloy to ouertake him by a little path, which lead into a wood, hard by which he was to passe: where ambushing his xx. Knights, he went before, to the end that discrying him a farre of, he might méete him full in the téeth, to make him endure the charge of his ambuscado. In bréefe, beholde he commeth his lost and easie pace, as he who had a great iourney to make, when the Earles brother, who marched already against him, measuring by his eye how farre he had to go to the place of the Ambush, eased a little the pace of hi [...] horse, to méete him iust in the same place: where being arriued, he thus began. Knight, is it not you, who now goe from the King of Hungaries Court, with so good peny­worths of the disorders and outrages which yée haue there committed? By God I will saue you a labour from going far this wayes to make your vaunts thereof. O it is I whom it concerneth replied Prince Edward to saue you from this re­proche of treason, which might be laide hereafter in your dish to your shame and dishonour, which I hope to doe at this pre­sent by the aide of him, vnto whom all iniustice is odious and detestable. With that he came and charged his Launce with such a powder against the Earles brother, that piercing him cleane therein the body, he had no néed to call ford Barber or [Page 190] Surgeon to dresse his wounds, which the twenty Knights in­ambushed (who had already compassed him in rounde that he might not flie from them any wayes) perceiuing, ran two or thrée vpon him at once, the one whereof failed his stroake, and winding himselfe aside at the attaint of the other, he hit the third which came carréering after thē with such a sound blow vpon the pate, that he sent him from his saddle betweene his horse héeles, wherein falling downe he burst his neck.

Then the English Prince, séeing himself in extreame dan­ger of life, made choyce rather to loose it valiantly, than to saue it by cowardly flight, so that in a moment his courage came to him in such sort, that hee made his aduersaries well know, they had sought him out but for their owne mischance: For as a furious Lyon he made such a bloody massacre of them, as the very grasse being gréene before, & now all stayned with their goare bloud did giue sufficient testemony thereof. But whilst he stoode to inclose with a great troupe of them, the rest flew vpon his man Clawdius saying to him; let goe the Dog Rascall, or else thou shalt dye presently without repenting thy sinnes. I will let him slip indéede (quoth the Page) but it shall be small for your aduantage; before he had well spoken these words, [...]etting slip one end of the Lease, bee let Maiortes loose amongst them: the Dog spying his Master in that perrill, ran so furiously to bite the horses that made front against him, pul­ling out with his téeth their buttocks & flanks, that they were forced to alight from their backs: Then began he to play the diuel amongst them, nor was there any plate of their Har­nesse so fast nayled, but he rent it in pieces with his teeth; then fastning in his sharpe iawes in the places which he saw vnar­med, he brought the flesh still away with him, vntill the grea­test part of the twenty Knights were dead or wounded in the place; the rest betooke them to their héeles as fast as they could run, because Maiortes had made such worke of their horses, that they could not stand them in any stéed; such was the rage and fury of this Dog, that whosoeuer had beheld him tearing the flesh of their horses, and pulling their armour in pieces, [Page 191] might easily haue remembred the Seian or Bactrian Dogs, whom they [...]éede with the flesh and bloud of men, to the end to make them more fierce and eager against their enemie.

Prince Edward for his part receiued but two or thrée little wounds, & to recure the same, went into a little Citty not far from thēce into a rich Bourgers house, who feasted him very honourably during the time of his mallady, which lasted but eight dayes, because none of his wounds were daungerous at all; but being healed and closed vp, he purposed to betake him­selfe again to his former iourney with his man Clawdius and Maiortes his good Dog, whom hee loued and made more ac­count of than before. Already was the greatest part of the day ouerspent, before Prince Edward had made an ende of the conflict which ye haue heard recited, whereof the Earle of Oregua being aduertized by one of those who saued himself by vertue of his héeles; hee was ready to dye through rage and despite: and causing the bodies of his Brother and the other slayne Knights to bee enterred, could not tell how to conceale this ignominious ouersight (as in like case the true Iudge of all, doth permit such haynous disloyalties to bee quickly made knowne) but the bruit came to the Kings eare: Who forth­with imprisoned him as a transgressor of his commandement, thereby to manifest vnto the world his own innocency in this treason, considering the coniectures which might be gathered by the hard measure which his two wounded sonnes receiued at the hands of this stranger: Which déede if it caused him to be highly honoured throughout all his kingdome; no lesse did euery one commend the prowesse and valour of the Knight of the Dog, who being recouered of his wounds, as ye haue late­ly read, hath taken his leaue of his Host to prosecute his inten­ted voyage. And trauelling fiue dayes space along the sea Coast, on the s [...]t he entred into a forrest, and found not in all that whole day any Cabbin or Tent wherein to make his re­past, but one onely olde house where some shepheards had set by a lodge couered with thatch; so that he was constrayned to lodge therein all that night with Claudius his Page, who led [Page 192] along with him his great Dog: neuerthelesse before any sléep could close vp his eyes, he saw from a corner wherein he was couched vpon a little straw, comming into that homely Cell, two goodly yong Stags, casting foorth of their eyes an admira­ble glistering, whom assoone as Maiortes espyed, he started vp forthwith, as if he would haue rusht vpon them furiously. But it tell out to the contrary, for they went out againe all thrée one after another, as quietly as if they had béen brought vp in one house together all their life time: so that the Prince no lesse astonished with this new accident: than desirous to sée the end which would follow thereof, went foorth of the Shéepecoate for the same purpose; and beholding the thrée beasts run very louingly and quietly into the wood together, he said. Now so God helpe me, it would greatly vex me if I should lose in this sort the Dog, which I haue héeretofore so well defended: ther­fore Claudius bring me my horse, that I may go after to saue him if I can. He had not scarse spoken the word, but the Page was come with his horse, vpon which mourning he was soone in the same way which he saw they had taken: and albeit he gallopyed amaine, yet could he neuer ouertake them, and ne­uerthelesse he neuer lost them out of his sight. So that follow­ing them all night long, being very glad to sée them trip so lo­uingly together before him, yet was he far more ioyfull when he perceiued them hide themselues within the narrow month of a Caue; where he being arriued, leauing his horse with his Page who followed him, entred in presently after them with his good sworde in his hand. So farwent he within that darke hole vnder ground, that he at the last drew neere to a goodly ritch Pallace, ioyning hard vnto a most pleasant garden plan­ted round with all sorts of fruite trées: betwixt which he saw many channels running with cleare streames, comming all forth of a most sumptuous and magnificent fountaine, whose basen of fine Insper stone, was supported by thrée Harpies of Orientall Christolite. There Prince Edward encouraged him selfe to go on, and as he went a little farther, he found vnder a Pauillion of cloth of Golde, a most beautifull & gratious Lady [Page 193] sitting betwéen the two Stage, and his Dog iust ouer against her: whom the Knight séeing before him, laide his hands vpon the heads of the two Fawnes, of whome immediatly was made a wonderfull Metamorphosts, for they became two yong men very richly attired, vnto whom the Prince drawing néer, being greatly amazed of that sodaine transmutation, they be­gan to shew great reuerence vnto him, and the Lady by and by fell vpon her knées, saying: Faire Knight, by the thing yee loue best in this world, we beséech you pardon vs; if with this trouble and disease of minde we haue caused you to come so farre: for it hath not bin without good occasion, considering the long time we attende you héere with great denotion: and yée may be vndoubtedly assured not to suffer any disease in this place, rather will we serue you héere as him, who ought to re­establish vnto vs, that which God and nature had prepared for vs after the death of our father. Behold héer your Dog whom my Brethren brought into this place, not to the end to steale him from you, but to cause you onely to come into this place. Prince Edward hauing heard this Damsell speake, whom in the meane time he tooke vp from the ground by the hand, ap­peased his choller, and answered her thus.

Madame, of a troth I was in very great care, fearing to loose this Dog, which I loose more than yée may imagine, notwith­standing, séeing I haue recouered him, I pardon you willingly wherein soeuer you say yée haue offended me: and if yée can deuise wherein I may imploy my best indeuours to doe you good in that which they detaine from you wrongfully, I shall as willingly do it, as any Knight whom yée may finde within the circute of the Horkon, or in the whole center of the world. Then the Damsel thanked him most humbly, and taking him by the hand, lead him to sitdowne by her in a Chaire, where the two yongmen disarmed him: then brought they him out victuals to breake his fast, and (after he had well eaten and sa­tisfied his hunger) they prayed him to lay downe his head vp­on a rich pillow, which they laid for him vpon the side of a sent, there to repose himselfe, which he did willingly, being very weary with the trauell which he had endured the night before, [Page 194] wherein he neuer slept winke. The Lady couering his legs with a Scarlet Mantle furd with Wloluerings, he fell a sléepe presently, & in the meane time the two brethren went to fetch Claudius, who stayed with his Horse looking for him as yet at the mouth of the Caue. After that the English Prince had slept a good while, he awaked sodainely out of his sleepe, being fore affrighted with a terrible dreame which he had dreamed: It séemed to him to arriue at Constantinople to defie Primaleon, where entring within the Citty, he met a Lyon, and a fierce Lyonnesse, which as he would set his foote within the Gate, issued foorth and ramped against him, tearing away with her pawes the forepart of his Haubergion, in such sort, that ma­king still a wound bigger and bigger in his brest iust against his heart, it séemed to him that his soule did presently depart out of his body. And as he thought beside that the Lion and he being furiously in fight together, he could in no wise pre­uaile to vanquish, nor in good sort defend himselfe from him, he was so much in nature resembling to the Lyonnesse: which caused him in a great fright to starte out of his sléepe, saying: Lord God helpe me, and permit not I beséech thée, that I re­ceiue any shame or dishonour in the battell which I hope to haue against Primaleon: with that Olymba rose vp (for so was the Lady called sitting at his s [...]oe) saying. Sir, yee awake very sorrowfull, and I know not what may giue you occasion thereof, if it be not some dreame, which yee know better than I, men accompt but false, and abusiue imaginations: for when they should be true, and should presage & foretell to credulous persons some token of future occurrences, yée are not ignorant but that the noble and generous mindes must passe thorowe many strange and hard aduentures. In good faith yée say true Madame, replied the Knight, seeing that to finde you in this place with your Brethren lately transformed, I reputed a thing most strange and maruelous: wherefore I beseech you declare vnto me the whole discourse. Sir, replied Olymba, most willingly will I obey you in this request, since that it pleaseth you to vnderstand our great disaster.

[Page 195] Know yée, that we are all thrée children of the deceased Sol­dan of Nicea, the same who dyed by the most disloyall and ty­cannous mischance that euer was heard of: for this good Prince our Father, being by nature méeke and gentle, loued most dearely a yonger brother that he had, called Gelon, who of a troth neuer shewed him any part of reciprocall loue again, because from day to day he sought out all meanes to kill him, to seaze himselfe wholy with his estate & Seigniories, which fell out after a while as they were both together Hunting abroad. For my Father vpon a time making an assembly néer vnto a thick brake wherein his Hunters had enclosed a great wilde Boare, and spread the [...]oyle about it, to shew him some pastime, the traitour séeing himselfe still néere my father, with thrée or foure of his faction, as he espied him a strait passage, beset & couered euery way round with thick bushes (by which way he doubted the Boare would issue) lanched at him behind his hack a very sharpe Iaueline, which he carried in his hand, with such violence, that it ran him cleane thorow the body, be­ing constrained to fall at that very instant from his Horse backe to the ground, in the selfe same place: so that the Boare comming foaming and grinding his téeth in furious manner, toare and rent in péeces the Carcasse already deade, the fellon murtherer our Ʋnkle, making the world beléeue howe the Boare had slaine him, and would haue done the like to him, had he not shifted himselfe a little aside: so that some Hunters who saw very wel the contrary, durst neuer open their mouth so much they feared lest some mischiefe would be done them if they should make any spéech thereof. This lamentable mur­ther being committed, he went strait to Nicea, where inuest­ing himselfe with the whole Estate in lesse than fiftéene dayes he proclaimed himselfe Soidan without any contradiction, my brethren and I being too little to resist so damnable a creature; and yet for all that the cruell & bloudy minded monster would haue slaine vs then in that our pupillage, had it not béene for the ayde of a Knight called Osmaquin, very well learned in the Art of Magicke and Negromancie, who by the vertue of [Page 196] his secret Philosophy could foretell to our father, that he should take héed of Gelon his yonger brother, vnto whom he gaue no credit, whereby this mischiefe happened vnto him. But the good old man as soone as our father was deceazed, conducted vs thrée into this place, where by meanes of his knowledge hee hath built these goodly magnificences which you sée, and dwelt here about fower yeares, vsing vs as his owne children; but at the end of that terme he fell into a grieuous and contagious mallady, with the which fearing to infect vs (knowing assu­redly he should then dye) would not in any wise we should fre­quent néere him; but vpon a time, féeling himselfe at the very last extremity of his life, caused vs to come before him saying; My children sorrow ye not for my death, séeing that God be­ing pittiful and merciful, will remember you before it belong; for a Christian Knight issued of Royall bloud, reuenging the death of your father, shall restablish you in the goods which are wrongfully detained from you, and you shall know him by a fayre Dog which he hath, being a great deale better than he is supposed to be, in so much, as it is a man and a very valiant Knight. In fine, be commanded vs having once met you, to passe with you vnto Constantinople, where he foretold vs you should receiue a wound in Combat, whereof you might neuer be cured in all your life time, albeit it should be to your honor and immortall renowne: For the better direction of which voyage, and to auoyd all shipwracke in this Nauigation, hée told vs we should finde a Frigot ready rigde with all thinges necessary not far from this place: then giuing vs many other holsome admonitions, for want of his breath which began to sayle him, bee yéelded his soule vnto him who demanded it, in the same place as ye sée, from whence my brethren haue issued forth diuers times to sée if they might finde you: And now I prayse God it is not in vayne, because the Dog which Osma­quin told vs off, maketh me doubtles beléeue, all the rest will prooue as true as this. You recount me great matters (quoth the Knight then) I beséech God with all my heart they may haue a happy ende, that I may reuenge you of so sowle a trea­son. [Page 197] Mine aduise being to goe assoone as may bee towards Constantinople, where the great affection I haue to see the aduenture which is reserued for me, makes me thinke euery houre a yeare. Then the young men bowing themselues very low, & doing their obeysance to the Knight, thus bespake him. Noble Prince, since that by fatall destiny it falleth to your good hap to reléeue vs out of this misery, we hope also our valour will bee something more aduantage to vs, in receiuing the order of Knighthood from your hand, the which I humbly kisse at this present, quoth the Elder called Mosderin, in token of the perpetuall seruice which yée shall alwayes finde at my hands: the like did the yonger named Bellager. Prince Ed­ward embracing them both, was very glad to sée Claudius hir Page there also, to the end he might make more spéede away: so comming forth of the Caue, he mounted the Infant behinde himselfe, and Mosderin vpon Clandius horse, and his Page behinde him (for Bellager would go on foote) they began faire and softly to set forward thorow a Forrest. And because they could not that euening reach the Sea-coast, they rested within a wood in a very thick place all couered and beset with trées full of leaues and gréene boughes, where the Knight could not sleep one winke, so much was his minde troubled with thinking of Maiortes, whom the Damsell had tolde him to be a man, and of the other things which Osmaquin had prophested of him, which did all iumpe right with the imagination of his dreame: wherein his thoughts were still occupyed vntill it was day, when they remounted on horse back, & marching along the sea coast, they came at last vnto a little créeke lying betwéene two Rocks, where they found the Frigot at an Anckor, whereinto they went all aboard to Ship themselues.

In this vessell were two little Chambers either of them garnished with a fine bed, and with whatsoeuer prouision was requisite for such a voyage: therein was also found two rich Armours varnished blacke, with two very fayre swordes for the young Gentlemen which Osmaquin had layd in that place before he dyed, together with all the treasure of the Sol­dan [Page 198] their father, foreknowing well by meanes of his Art, what would ensue after their fathers decease. So soone as the young men syied these Armours, they besought Prince Coward to Arme them Knights before they set sayie, where­unto he most willingly condescended; and causing them to en­dosse the Armours, he buckled on the spurres vnto them both, and gyrded both theyr swords vnto theyr sides, giuing them the gentle accolado with these kinde spéeches; I pray God to make you as good Knights as your aspect and phistognomie doth prognosticate, that the prowesse and valour which shall héereafter apparantly procéede from you, may deface the want of this act not accomplished according to the ceremonies re­quisite in the honour of Chiualrie.

When they had thus receiued the order of Knighthood, they hoysedsailes, and without euer setting eye of any other ship, they rowed so long, that within a while they found them­selues in the maine Sea: where the Infant Olymba was so glad, séeing her two Brethren Knighted, that she could not sa­tisfie her self in her dilligent attendance vpon Prince Edward. So that sayling with a prosperous and a calme sea, they came to surge within the coast of Thrace, whence Prince Edwarde discrying Constantinople a great way off, his heart began to rise, not knowing what fortune would befall him in that Cit­tie.

And for that he would not directly put into an Hauen, they Anckored in a little gulfe about fiue miles off, where neuer any Ships vsed to ride: and yet thether haunted some poore Fishermen, whose dwelling was not farre of.

As they were all gotten a shore: My friends, quoth Prince Edward to the young Gentlemen, I must of necessitie go into Constantinople; where I hope to haue the combate granted me against Primaleon of Greece, sonne to the Emperour Palmerin, for indeed for no other cause am I come into these climates: wherein if God so much sauour me, that I may es­cape with my life, I promise you to be héere againe quickly, to aide you with all my power: and if peraduenture I die, en­ding [Page 199] my life in this Combate, heauen a graunt yée may spee­dily recouer your estate and succession. Therefore mine aduise is; that yée abide héere to accompany the Infant your sister, for I am determined to passe thether alone, as I came when yée first found me out.

When Olymba heard the Prince speake in this manner, she began to fetch a deepe sigh, saying; Ah Noble sir, God for bid your death should be so sodaine, I hope assuredly, you shall returne victorious in this battell; therefore trouble not your selfe with any of these thoughts and cares, but haue your con­fidence in God onely, who shall be your Protectour.

Then Bellager interrupting this her spéeche, requested the Knight he would not for any thing in the world abandon him, whereby he might not sée the ende of this combat; so that hee must néedes goe along, and Mosderin, who would faine haue made the same voyage, was faine to keepe his sister company: where we will leaue them to bring the two Knights vnto the Citty of Constantinople.

CHAP. XXIIII.

PRince Edward and Bellager hauing taken the way of Constantinople, had not trauelled a­boue two miles, but they mette with many Knights who were walking abroade in the fields: For this place being very pleasant and of great recreation, the Emperour woulde néedes showe [Page 200] some pastime of hunting to Torques sonne to Kings Toma [...] of Griesca and of Romata, him whom he had before deliue­red out of the hands and dangerous assaults of the Soldan of I'ersia.

This Torques a most gallant Gentleman and very actius [...]eats of Armes, pricked on with the spurre of vertue to winne bruite and renowne among the best Knightes, hea­ring euery day such high commendation of those in the Em­perours Court surpassing the best accomplished and most va­liantest Knights in all Europe and Asia, he besought the King his Father vppon a time to giue him licence to goe the ther to sée them.

Whereunto he most willingly gaue his consent, and she rather because the good Prince Palmerin was one of the gre­test friends hee had, a thing which might easily bee iudged by the sumptuous and most honourable entertainement which hée made his sonne at his arriuall, vnto whom Primaleon o­pened the secrete gates of his amity, loue, and faythfull friendshippe, in such sort, that they were neuer shut vnto him afterward.

Now by this time Prince Edward béeing come iust to the place where was pitched the Emperours Cent (who was then walking abroade with his Empresse along by a little fresh streame which was very néere vnto that place, Prima­leon and Torques with the Infant Flerida, and diuers other Ladies walking after them) hee was greatly amazed and a­stonished for a time, but at the last he asked of a Squire who it was.

Syr (quoth hée) it is the Emperour of Constantinople, who came hether yesterday to take his disport and pleasure at the Chace: Accompanied with the Prince of Griesca, who arriued but this other day within his Court; And if you be a stranger in this place (as it séemeth vnto mee you are) I will presently showe you the Emperour if you knowe him not, for behold where hée is himselfe in person walking with the Empresse.

[Page 201] Kight ioyfull was the knight of the Dog to beholde the Empe­rour, calling to minde the maruellous deeds which he heard re­ported of him, & approching neerer, be did not alight at all from his horse, to shew that he came not to doo him anie seruice. But a little he bowed himself on his horse mane, saying: Sir, of your fauor I would request you, it may please you to shew me if Pri­maleon your sonne be in this tronye or no, for that before you (e­steemed the most iust and equitable Prince liuing at this daie vnder the firmament) I wil des [...]s him vpon the death of a knight whom he felloniously slew in his tourney. Iesus Christ, (quoth the Emperour, then being some what affended) and when will this demand haue an end? I tell ye knight, that both you and all those who shall come to take this reuenge, seeme vnto me rash­ly aduised, since the truth of the act is so manifest and notorious. But the Prince who saws him speake thus in choller, maruel­led at the manner of his answere, for that he reputed him a lit­tle more modest and discreet than he seemed to be at that time, so that being not able to containe within his heart the burning [...]eale which prouoked him so farre, he was forced to replie vpon his former purpose thus: Sir, I did not thinke to receiue so ri­gorous an answere from so benigue and curteous a prince as ye are, neuertheles to vse no superfluitie of speech, ye shall knowe from me, that if Peregrim of Dugas haue not bin yet auenged, tho small courage and cowardise of those who came hether for that purpose hath bin the cause thereof, as I hop [...]rs long to shew [...] you plainly, if ye will grant me the combat against your see. I wil sée, quoth the Emperor, what you can doo more than others who haue entered the field vpon this quarrell, whom I estéeme of more, or at least of as great valour, and as expert knightes as your selfe. At that word prince Edward thought great scorne, & would talke no longer with him, but being become saturnine, and dreaming built castles in the aire, when Primaleon & Tor­ques, who lead betweene them faire Flerida by the hands, ariued at the place where this protestation was made, and comming in the same maner all three néerer vnto the knight, Primaleon who knew what the matter was before, sainteth him thus My frind I am Primaleon, wold ye anie thing with me [...] Nought but ven­geance, [Page] replyed the Englishman, for the death of Perregrim of Ducas, whom ye slew cowardly, and not as an honourable and loyall knight. It sufficeth (quoth the Constantinopolitan) here­upon ye shall haue the combat with me, which shall not be defer­red anie longer, than till I come from arming my selfe. For God forbid that such staines and reproaches imputed to mine honour, should euer: for me be deferred or remitted vnto farther dispute and longer processe of time to decide them. Oh my God, gan the infant Flerida, what vnreasonable destances are these? I neuer heard of anie demand more impudent and more, incon­sideratly propounded than this, since that so often the truth ther of hath bene tryed, as euerie one can tell, and I cannot imagine what other guerdon those knights pretend to haue, who come to reuenge this death vpon my brother, but onely to and my daies, without anie shew of other honest reason. These spéeches vtte­red she with so great a stomacke, that the verie griefe which her heart apprehended, caused the faire superficies of her angelicall face to shew so perfectly, that there is no man liuing but would haue remayned marueliously a bashed to beheld her so naturall and accomplished beautie. She enoing her exclamation turned towards prince Edward her wit in eyes, [...]dewed with teares; which distilled from her braine, thorough the vehemencie of the anguish which she felt in her brest, séeing her brother whom she loued as her owne soul, so chafed, and so peruerse against her, to performe the battell. The gracious and pittifull regard of these two glistering starres wounded in a moment the heard of the knight in such strange manner, that loosing almost all sense, hee clean forgot Gridonia also, and the passion of this his gr [...]ne and newe wound was so vehement, that hee found no phisition nor surgion who could vnderstand the method of his cure, except the verie same from whome his wound was inflicted. Alasse, what might hee then doo: Surely, willingly would bee haue desisted with his honour from this battell, onely to haue done some ac­ceptable seruice to the Princesse Flerida, whereby to haue gotten some accesse to be neere her. But what? Primaleon his a aduersa­rie departed to goe arme himselfe, and the infant more than his mortall enemie (for without dying all her forces failed her, and [Page 202] her verie fine we [...] dyd shrinke for [...]ard) she retired herselfe in­continent with the Empresse into h [...]r sent: Alasse, the poore de­solate louer remayned as it were rauished and in a trance, thin­king on the dreame he had within the caue of Osmaguin, and on the words which Olymba tolde him: lykewise he called to mind the two figures pictured vpon his shield, and of that which the Duke of Borsaes sister, and the ye sent in the wood had forewar­ned him of. All these thinges comming into his imagination, made him so perplexed and irresolute, as he could not tell what to doo, it séeming vnto him that for some one of these thinges whereof he was so many times sorewarned, began to be true in déede. And on the other side, considering the high valour of Fle­rida, and [...] whence shee descended, hee sawe many reasons which did inuite him to lo [...] her about Gridonia, whom he had not as yet euer séene, nor promised any other thing but onely by his Letter to combat Primaleon, to doe her seruice, so that hee sayde within himselfe: O God of Gods, how great and admi­rable are all thy iudgementes? Who is able to ouerthrowe the things which are by thée established? Surely no liuing crea­ture. Then if I may acchieue the fruition of mine vnhoped for desire, which hath now assayled my soule, I shall haue none oc­sion to complaine of Fortune. Wherein (to make my first a [...] ­saie) eyther I will suffer my selfe to be vanquished in this com­bat, or else I will imploy all the forces which God and nature haue lent me, to ouerthrow Primaleons and it behoueth me to do my best, least I appears to be of small valor in presence of so faire a Ladie, for if it be in my power to kill her brother, and I for her loue saue his life, shall I not therby purchase her grace & amity? Meane while the knight of the Dog had these imaginations it: his head Primaleon, who had taken post to go arme himselfe in Constantinople, returned mounted vpon a puisant courser, whō the Emperour mitigating his sodaine indignation against the knight, began to view him better, and iudging by his very looke some excellent thing in him, cōmended him highly in his opinion & Bellagor likewise who accompanied him thether: then cesting his [...]is toward Claudius and his saire Dog, Maiortes maruelled much more what hee was, so that Primaleon beeing ariued, the [Page] Emperour his father vsed this speech vnto him. Sonne, take ye heed ye behaue your selfe valiantly in this battell, for your ene­mie seemeth to be both magnanimious and generous. My gra­cious Lord & Father, replied Primaleon, it shall stand him then in good stead, seeing he commeth to sustaine a quarrell so vniust & repugnant to all reason. Then the Emperour who saw them both in a readynes to do their deuoires, commanded the Earle of Rhedon Captaine of his Pen [...]oners, that assembling all his A [...]chiers with their halberts, he shoulde make a round in forme of a close field, wherin none should dare to stirre from his place, nor speake anie word: and so was there made a great circle fur­nished with the gardes standing arme in arme one by another, except on the side of the Emperours tent, to the end both he and the Empresse, and their daughter, might easily behold this com­bat. The Dukes Eustace and P [...]holomey were appointed for iudges, who brought them both within the lists, & equally with­out anie fauour distributed to them the Sunne. Then placing themselues at the one side of the circle, and causing the word of the assalt to be giuen by the Herald, the knights, who had great desire to come together, displaced themselues to fetch theyr ca­rier [...] as fast as they could galloppe one against another, with so great a brauerie and furious violence, that the verie earth see­med to sinke vnder them at theyr incounter, which was such, that breking their lances one against the other, they went both roundly ouer theyr horse croupers to the ground, either of them being wounded a little. But the desire to vanquish, & the shame they receiued in being both cast out of their faddles, (Primaleon before Torques and prince Edward in presence of Flerida, whom he imagined had still her eie vpon him) made them make quicks speed to recouer themselues, and imbracing with an inuincible courage their shields, they began a most fierce fight with theyr s [...]ordes being both right exquisite and singular good. Where­with be laboring each other roughly, in a short space they coue­red y^e ground round about them with the peeces of their shilds, & with the broken plates of theyr armor, so that disarming each other at euery blow they stroke, they neuer lighted anie foile or touch, but presently the bloud followed to the ground, the behol­ders [Page 203] affirming they neuer sawe the like cruell combat, whereof they could not discerne as yet who should beare awaie the vic­torie. The two knights then hauing a long time buckled toge­ther in this manner without perceiuing anis vantage one of an other, felt themselues verie féeble by reason of the great heals which they indured vnder their harneys, and also for the smell intermission they tooke to continue this hot and fearefull [...]ight of their first assault. Wherefore they returned from choler to re­pose and breath themselues a while, when the Empresse séeing her sonne in so euill case, cryed out to the Emperor, saying: Alas my Lord, what a disaster & mischiefe is this? Will ye than per­mit that I beholde the mortall issue of so tragick a spectacle? Ah heauens for bid, for if Primaleon die, I shall presently beare him companie. If then either loue of a child or of a wife [...]ay find any place in the heart of a father and a husband, I humbly intreate you haue pittie of vs both, considering the great danger wherin he is now, and the extreme anguish which I féele, which ye may soone remedie, praying them to procéede no farther in this theyr deadly fight. Willingly would I accord, quoth the Emperour, were it not for the shame and dishonor which thereby would fall vpon my head, for the world woulde then sai [...], I had done it ex­presly fearing my sonne should be discomitted in the battell: al­beit I perceiue no signe of aduantage that the one hath ouer the other, assuring you that by the death of two so valiant knights, the worlde shoulde receiue great losse, for the good fruit which might come of their persons. Rather let your daughter Fl [...]rida go to intreate them for her loue they would end, and desist this combat, and doubtlesse I suppose they will sooner sur [...]ase it for her than for anie other, and by this means shall I auo [...] the dan­ger of being [...]a [...]ed therefore by mine enemies and euil willers. Scanthad the Emprour spoken these wordes, but the Empres who seemed greatly to feare the death of Primaleon, for this ef­fect sent the infant her daughter, accompanied with many dam­sels, who comming with all speed vnto the knights who had al­readie renued their assalt more furiously than before, called vn­to them aloud. Stay your hands my Lordes, stay I beseech ye, & heare me a little what I would intreate ye to do for me. Thou [Page] prince Edward seeing her before him who had wounded his hart cleane thorough, could not lift vp his arms to strike a blow, see­ing himselfe vereft againe of all his forces, which caused him to retire backwards a little, when Primaleon cha [...]ing with great indignation against his sister, spake to her verie rigorously. Si­ster Flerida, what meane yee get yet gone from hence presently, and let vs pursue our assault, for I will die in the place, or I wil make him die who hath put me to this plungs. Dearchrother, replyed the infant. I beseech ye aboue all fauours that ye wyll euer do me, desist the desire ye haue to finish this combat, where­in I thinke your enemie so curteous, that he for his part wil be content to agree for my sake. Then turning towardes prince Edward, Faire Knight, quoth she, albeit I finde my selfe of smal trierite in your behalfe, yet must I needs request ye by the saith ye owe to knighthood (which is to haue compassion of all La­dyes) and by the zeale and sincere affection ye beare to her whom ye loue most, to absolue your aduersaris as touching this dif­ferent, which I may no longer indure to beholde so bloudity tri­ed betweene ye, so inuincible seemeth vnto me the high valour and extreame prowesse of yee both. And if for my s [...]l [...]e ye do any thing heerein, I shall haue cause to s [...]ie, I haue found more fa­uour and curtesie in a straunger, than in mine owne naturall brother: which shall not be without honest reward, when it shal please ye to imploie me in anie thing wherein I may manifest my good will to requite this vndeserued curtesie of your hands. The knight seeing with what grace his sweete enemie intreat­ed him, reputed himselfe more than happie by this opportunitie to finde me and to do some thing which might please her, so that bee framed her this answere: Madame, ingratefull and voice of all good iudgement shoulde I bee, if I shoulde refuse so high a Ladie as your selfe the [...]ing yee demand of [...] your sweete saue, who deserue much more at my [...]auden, then may euer come from me, I absolue Primaleon of the controuer­sie for which wee entered the combat, or else yeelding my selfe vnnquished by him, I giue him the honour of the battell: [...] it for your selfe, quoth Primaleon then, for since it is not [...] by right, I will not inrich nor glorifie myselfe therwith. Then [Page 204] shall [...] triuth [...] my pleasure, when I shall [...] ouer ye. Therefore sister Flerida get ye hen [...] speedily, or otherwise yee will make mee shew my selfe discourteous to­wards ye, for I will not haue this knight make his vaunts how hee brought me to this bay. Doo then your pleasure, replyed the [...]ainfall, neuertheles I will neuer consent [...] yee strike one another anie more; because too lamentable [...] end of this battell if ye be let alone. Hay what may, quoth Prima­leon, wee will finish it now, seeing wee haue begun, and wyth that hee approached his enemie, vnto whome he let driue a pu­isant blowe, which hee warded with his shield, for all which he neuer p [...]t [...]and to his sword to strike againe, or to reuenge him­selfe, which the Emperour perceiuing, departed from his pa­uillion in great indignation against his sonne, whome he came to pull by the arme out of the field saying: What indignitie do yee now make your sister indure, refusing her vtterly a thing, which a knight of straunge Countrie (who neuer sawe her be­fore,) hath with all curtesie graunted her? This act by your o­pinion, is it heroicall and [...], or base and ridiculous? So and disarme your selfe quickly, and knowe you haue highly dis­pleased me. And yee knight, withdrawing your selfe on Gods name whether it [...] vnto yee, praise your good for­tune hardly, to haue purchased his daie so great reputation at [...], (as well in [...] all [...]ghtes whome I ouer [...] or frequented, that if it [...]ad pleased God you had neuer come into my court to make demand of this sorrowfull combat.

Wonderfull gladde wereall the assistantes of it is worthie act of the Emperour, & doubtles prince Edward himselfe knew full wall [...] the [...] of his enemie, whom the two Judges were sai [...] with all theyr might to leade out of the fielde in to his tent [...] him. But hee was in such a rage and extreame madnesse with himselfe, that do they what euer they [...]uld, in an hear [...] they were not able to applie ani e plaister vnto his woundes. [...] in the meane [...] the fayre Princesse Flerida withdrew her selfe towardes prince Edward, to the ende to [...] him heartle thankes [...] the great [...] and [Page] fauour he had shewed her, presented him many honest offers, and amongst other tolde him these two or three wordes. Braue knight, I haue found such curtesie in you, that whilest my soule shall make habitation in this possible bodie, who therein greatly confesseth himselfe bounden to ye, I shall remember the greate graces ye haue shewed me this daie, for the condigne thankes due vnto ye therefore, the heauens graunt mee so much grace, that some occasion may present it selfe vnto me, wherein I may haue meane to testifie that in effect, which I cannot in wordes sufficiently protest vnto yee. Longer would she faine haue dis­coursed with prince Edward, (for loue discouered alreadie both to the one and the other I knowe not what fatall liking) if the Empresse had not gone her selfe to see her sonne disarmed, by meanes whereof she giuing him a gracious farewel (such at the least did he interpret it) tooke her conge of her secret louer. Who seeing her depart so of a sodaine from him without anie leasure to answere her, was so perplexed as he knew not wel what to do nor to saie, vntill that his page Claudius and Bellager comming towards him brought his horse, as it were awaked out of a soūd sleepe, he mounted incontinently on horseback, taking backe the same way to the place where he left Olymba and Mesderin, & as he trauelled thether, Bellager, who was no lesse astonished of the bloudie battell which he sawe him sight, than of his great valar and prowesse, as they were on theyr waie bespake him in this manner. Sir knight, of a trouth you haue shewed at the request of the princes a great token of your honest and milne disposition towards Primaleon. Companion (quoth the princes) I know not what I should answere thee, but that he is one of the most valy­ant and skilfull knights whom I euer saw in my life: neuerthe­les much more dyd the delicate hand and the eloquent tongue of the infant his after vrge me, than did his heauie & sound blows, or all the skill of his fight, whereby hee can so aduantagiously helpe himselfe. Bellager hearing the Englishman speake with so great affection, began to smile a little, when hee prosecuted his point, saying: Surely I beleeue the cruell wound which Osma­ginni prophesied you shuld receiue there, is in deed no other thing but the extreame beautie of the princes, which I shoulde neuer [Page 205] haue imagined to haue bin so accomplished had I not [...]ne her before with mine eyes. And prince Edward saying moreouer, that God and nature had made her so [...] a paragon on­ly to plague him prayed him to wrap vp his [...] a l [...]le. (for he loss much bloud and had in dured a crued phlebotomie, which he and Clau [...]us dyd as well as they could, vntill they came to their lodging, where they arriued verie late, for whome Olym­ba and Mesderin were in great paine, knowing not well what was become of them, or what successe they had. When after­wardes they sawe Prince Edward, they entertained him wyth vnspeakable ioy, asking him many times how he dyd: Ah Ma­dame, quoth he, better had it beene for mee neuer to haue stirred from home this daie, for so much as I haue seene a thing which hath cruelly wounded mee, nay rather hath brought me into more than a mortall [...]. Lake no care for that, reply­ed the infant Olymba, because he who hath wounded you, shall himselfe applie the free and soueraigne plaister to your griese. With that she disarmed him with her owne handes, then sprea­ding singular [...] which Osmaguin left her, vppon his wounds, she caused him to sate him downe in the [...] hedd [...] within the F [...]egot, where he slept foundly, not without greate need: and in the meane time Bellager recounted the successe of y^e battell vnto his brethren, commending him highly, who doubt­lesse deserued it. In fine, aduising with themselues what they were [...], according to the ordinance which Osmaguin had left them, they soy [...]ed with so good a gale all that night, that a­bout the point of d [...]i [...] they found themselues in Mora [...]a a citie scituat [...], within the [...] of the [...] of Nicea, where dwelled at the [...] time [...] brother of the sage Osmaguin, a very gallant knight and the principall man in that place, wherof the princesse Oly [...]b a [...]ing [...] as soone as she was vp to visit prince Edward, [...] of him how he dyd. Merg well made me, [...] out ward wounds, but [...] of one which I haue [...] wel remedy sound for that as for the other, replyed the damsell, and I till you that your desires shall haue a most happie end: for to obtaine the which, when time shall serue, I will shew you the waie which [Page] [...] [Page 205] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 206] [...] [Page] &c [...], so that now at this present ye sta [...] in néed of no­thing but of refreshing, and to make you strong, to the [...] may speedily succour vs, for we are alreadie in one of the [...] of the souldan our vnkle, where dwelleth Osmaguin [...] whome we repose great const [...]ence, as in one of the principall seruants of the souldan and of our best friends. Madame, replied the Knight, it shal be yours to command me, and mine to they ye vntill death. I yeeld ye a thousand thankes, quoth the damsell, albeit for my lyfe I should not dare to vse anie commaunde to­wards you, seeing it is I whome it neer [...]y commeth to do yee the bast seruice I can. Notwithstanding, se [...]ing aside the cir­cumstances for this present, it shall please you to vnderstande, how we three haue, whilest ye three [...] resolued and made absolute determination [...] that which wee are come to do in this place, according to the [...] which Osmaguin lest vs at his [...]th. And [...] haue thought i [...] best that Bellager should go attired like a [...] vnto [...] (so [...] the knight named) to vnderstand of him how [...] behaue our selues to procéede in this busines. This aduise was [...] best of all by prince Edward, therefore Bellager entering into a [...], apparelled like a ciuill marchant, wi [...]e a Span [...], went into the towne as farre as Maruins house, vnto which euery one he met directed him easily. As soone as he was g [...]ieu vnto his house, after salutations, he gaue him to vnderstand how he wold deliuer a secrate message vnto him, which no man [...] but himselfe. So with drawing themselues [...], Bellager r [...] al [...] vnto him who he was, [...] ap­pointment of his brother they came th [...]ther, accompanion with a valyant christian knight, to recouer theyr estate. When Mar­uin vnderstood the matter (s [...]ing Bellager so goodly and villane a Gentleman) he was maruellous glad, and listing vp both his handes to beauens for ioy, thus besp [...]ke. [...] be the [...] tie God, who is mindfull of ye in the end, my [...] soueraigne Lordes, he [...] yes most heartily [...] with that house, as those who shall want nothing which I may [...] for ye, to reestablish ye in your owne estate, & as shine as the euening shall come, see that you, your sister, and all th [...] other who accom­panie [Page 206] them, come secretly into this place, where I wil keep you vntill I impart your arriuall vnto many others who haue lyke desire as I haue to doo you good, to the end we may aduise toge­ther how to bring this our enterprise best about. Bellager hauing receiued this aduertisement, went directly towards the compa­nie, who attended his comming with great deuotion, so that as soone as the houre of the night was come which Maruin and he had agreed vpon, they all went ashoar [...] in a place where they found one of his sonnes, who waited there for them of purpose to guide them the waie: and presently the barke wherein they came, vanished out of sight, and was neuer seene afterwardes. They being all safe ariued at the house, and lodged in the most commodious part thereof, where none of the seruants did fre­quent, when Maruin sawe his fittest time he [...] went to visite the children of his true liege and soueraigne, vnto whom hee wept for ioy in welcomming them thether. Then hauing giuen such curteous entertainment to prince Edward as beséemed a man of his calling, he vsed such care and diligence in all thinges to doo him good, y^t within a short space be cured him of all his wounds. But let vs suffer them to rest here a little, while Maruin worke his complo [...]s with other his conductors, to make an end of the first booke of Primaleon, whose generous and heroicall [...]ates of armes are continued in a second parts, no lesse profitable than pleasant, and full of all sweete recreation to delight the rea­ders, with infinitie of amore and martiall dis­courses, the like neuer read of in anie historie before.