CHAP. I.

IN the days, when England was more immediately renowned, for the famous and valiant Atchievements of other Knightsland Warlike, Champions, whose greht Actions and Heroick Enter­prises were loudly trumped by Faine, in each part of the World. There dwelt at the antient and celebrated Town of Southampton, a Knight called Sir Guy, who in his Travels and search of Adven­tures through the Countries of Flanders, France, Almain, Cicile, De [...]m [...]rk, Gascom, Hungary, Culabria, Burgundy, Poland, Nor­mandy, Maine, Turkey, Eastland, Norway, Picardy, Scotland, Lumbardy, &c. signalized his Valour in the Courrs of divers great Princes at Tilt, Tournament, and many mortal Combats, ever striving to right the injured, and such as suffered wrong [...] their too powerful oppressors, and having spent his younger days in the exercise of Arms abroad, every where gaining a high esteem, at length Age rendring him unfit for great exploits, he resolved to give up the remainder of his lift to a more setled state in his own Country, and thereupon returning loaden with Lawrels won with infinite hazzard and danger, as also with the Presents and Favour of Emperors, Kings and Princes: he at length setled in the Town of Southamp­ton, the place of his birth, but long he had not [...]est [...]d there in all so­litary conrentment, and adicted himself to works of Piery and Charity, before King Edgar having been sufficiently informed of [Page 6] his high deserts, made him Earl of that place, and calling him to Court, appointed him his Steward, or rather Vice-Roy, in which place he so well discharged his trust, in doing Iustice to every man, countenancing virtue and suppressing vice, that he gained an univer­sal commendation: and being now where he had dayly the sight of a great many beautiful Ladies he bethought himself of Marriage, that so he might leave behind him an Heir to possess his great Wealth and Virtues; and casting his Eyes upon the Daughter of the King of Scotland, who was then in the English Court, he so prevailed with the King of Scots, by the means of King Edgar his Master, that he soon had her to Wife; though this Marriage, by reason she had secretly placed her affections before, on the Emperor of Edmain's Brother, prove altogether unhappy to the Earl, as in the sequel will appear.

The Marriage Rites being performed with great splendor, and graced with the presence of the two Kings, and the Nobles of both Kingdoms: In process of time the Lady brought him forth a Son, whom they agreed to be called Bevis, afterward known, or common­ly called by the name of Bevis of Southampton, whose Knighly Adven­tures and noble Actions are the subject of this pleasant and renowned History. However the Lady still keeping up her affections for her former Lover, whose name was Sir Murdure, by reason he was sprightly, young and active, and Sir Guy her Husband on the con­trary, being much in years, and not so apt as she required to satis­fie her youthful desires, adicting himself rather to his Devotion, and to obtain a pardon for Sins by a thorough Repentance; which made her begin to conclude her self unhappy in this Marriage, and wished she had been given to him she more dearly affected, suffering her dis­content dayly to increase, till at length growing from a dislike to a hatred of her Lord: She resolved to be rid of him, and thereupon sent a trusty Messenger to the Emperors Court, to acquaint Sir Murdure of her great Love to him, and the dislike she had of her Husband, assuring him, that he ever had her heart and entire affection, though forced by the commands of a Father, she had given her hand to another, which made her life uneasie, and that now there remained no way to render it comfortable, but by removing the man, who hindred the mingling of their mutual Passions and Af­fections, and that to compleat both their happynessess, he would un­dertake to kill him, she would so contrive it as to give him the op­portunity, [Page 7] by perswading him with a slender Train to hunt the Boa [...] in the great Forrest then adjoyning to the Town of Southampton, and there with a strong well arm'd Guard might effect it at leasure.

At the wicked proposal of the Lady, Sir Murdure stood for a while mute and much amazed, but at last, the great Love he had ever born to so beautiful a Woman, as was the Countess, and not knowing any other means to enjoy her, whom he now understood was as wil­ling to yield, as he to intreat, consented to obey her pleasure, telling the Messenger, that on the first day of May he would arrive in England with a Company of well arm'd men, sufficient to bring a­bout what she desired, and that done, lay himself at her feet, and re­ing him with a gallant Steed, he dismissed him.

The Lady having heard the answer of the Knight, was much pleased thereat, and then upon feigning her self ill at ease, she sent a Servant to her Husband, to advertise him of it, who immediately came to her, and with much love and tenderness enquired into the [Page 8] cause of her grief, who with a sigh replyed, that she was ignorant of it, unless it proceeded from a longing mind she had for to taste the flesh of a Wild-Boar, and when he demanded where one might be found, and it should at any rate be taken, she said she had been in­f [...]med, that a Boar had a long time haunted the neighbouring For­rest, but taking her Lord about the Neck, she with a dissembling k [...] entreated him not to hazard himself against so dangerous a Crea­ture for her occasion, and rather than it should be, to suffer any in­convenience; however as she wished, he would not decline it, but cal­ling for his Horse, his Launce and Sword, with only two of his Servants, he betook himself to the Forrest in search of the Wild-Boar, but there he had not long been, but Sir Murdure, who had placed himself in ambush, burst out upon him, and reviling him by the name perfidious Traitor, for bereaving him of his Mistriss, whom he had a long time loved, and for whom he had suffered so much, he told him though he now enjoyed her, it should not be long for that both he and his Son should dy.

The Earl thus surprized, called to his Servants to advertize them of the Treachery, saying, at the same time, he would however in his own right, defend himself to the utmost, when having his Launce in his Rest, he run against Sir Murdure, and hitting him full, bore hi [...] to the ground, and thereupon drew his Sword, and being about to strike off his Head, he cryed out to his Fellows for rescue who came so furiously upon the Earl, that he was forced to desist, and defend himself, when having slain divers of them, they being twenty in number, and wanting his Armour, through the many wounds he had received, he was at last obleiged to forsake his Horse, who was likewise sorely wounded, and about to fall under him, yet he fought couragiously, but his Servants being slain, and he inclosed on every side, fainting through loss of blood, he said to Sir Murdure, for the honour of Knighthood and true Chivalry at this time spare my life, having me unarmed, at so great a disadvantage, and I promise, old as I am to arm my self, and meet you and your Train, and if you kill me then, I shall freely pardon you my death; but they would in no wise hearken to him, for whilst he was about to proceed, in requiring his life to be spared, Sir Murdure with his Spear run him through the body, and those that accompanied him gave him so many wounds that he dyed on the place; after which the unworthy Knight cut off his Head, and sent it by one of his Servants, as a Present to the Lady, [Page 9] assuring her he would be with her that night: whereat she appeared much overjoyed, and received it with great satisfaction; promising to be at his Devotion: And accordingly he soon after Wedded the Lady, it being be­fore given out that her Husband the Earl was Murthered by a Band of Robbers.

CHAP. II.

BEvis hearing of his Fathers Death, greatly lamented it; and being of some years of understanding, soon perceived by his Mothers car­riage, and whisperings amongst the Servants, as also Sir Murdure's high [Page 10] Entertainment, that she had not the least hand in the contriving it, and thereupon took the freedom to tell her his thoughts, in such bitter Language as incensed her grievously to chastize him; but finding him obstinate and fearing one day he would not only discover but revenge his Fathers Death, she resolved to make him away, and thereupon consulted with one Sir Sabre, over whom she had a great power and influence, to destroy him; who accordingly promised it, without any intention to perform it. Wherefore, that he might keep notwithstanding in her good opinion, he took him home to his House, pretending it required great Privacy; and there he informed the Youth of the danger he was in, and how that he had it in charge to kill him, but on the contrary was resolved to conceal him, till such time he was able to bear Arms for the recovery of his Fathers Estate: adding, That he, for the Friendship he bore Sir Guy, would then assist him with a power sufficient to effect it, and whilst he had an op­portunity, to convey him to his other Vncle, who was an Earl in Wales, he should keep his Sheep upon the neighbouring Downs. At this Bevis wept for anger, to be so used by his cruel Mother whilst his Fathers Murtherer revelled in his Palace, yet concealed it as well as he could, in hopes, one day to be revenged, condescending to have his rich Cloaths changed for those of a Shepherd, all tattered and ragged; and in that disguise drove forth Sir Sabre's Sheep each morning, warily guarding them upon the flowry Plains, and chearing himself with his Pipe of Reeds, wearing a Shepherds Scrip, and carrying in his hand a Crook, and at Even he brought them home again, contenting himself with course Fare and a homely Lodging; till coming to the Age of sixteen years he exercised the first proof of his valour upon a fierce and cruel Wolf, late­ly come into those parts, that destroyed not only many Sheep and tender Lambs but killed some of the Shepherds that sought to defend them, and put others to the slight; and thinking to do the like to Bevis, who was com­ing to the Field, met him open-mouth'd, but Bevis with the end of his Crook struck him so full on the head as he came at him, that he fell to the Ground; when closing with him, he with much ease strangled him with main force, which made the Neighbouring Shepherds exceedingly rejoyce, and much praise the courage and resolution of Bevis, who by this Act had delivered them from fear and danger. And soon after he began to show his strength, insomuch that none were able to contend with him, ei­ther at Wrestling, Running, Throwing the Bar, or at hard Blows, so that his Renown began by degrees to spread abroad, and many both lo­ved and feared him.

Bevis not well pleased in his mind to follow this imploy, whilst those that were unworthy of it, possessed his Fathers Estate, although he, as much as in him lay, strugled to conceal his Quality: yet had he ma­ny Conflicts with himself, and thus expostulated: Shall I, said he, who am the Son of an Earl, born to large Fòrtunes, thus suffer hun­ger and cold, go in tattered Garments and lye hard and uneasie, the Ground being for the most part my Bed, and the Sky my Canopy, it must not be; but rather will Bevis suffer any danger, and boldly contemn the malice and Fury of his Enemies. And whilst he was in these meditations, he heard from the Town of Southampton the sound of Trumpets, Hoitboys and Fluits, which made him address himself to a Traveller coming from thence, to know the meaning of it, and from him understood that Sir Murdure held a great Feast, freely for all Persons that would participate of his Dainties in honour of his Mar­riage-day, which he had done every year on that occasion. This made

Bevis being now so near the Town, resolved to be a Spectator of the Revels that were kept in his Fathers Palace, which, in the Disguise [Page 12] he was in, he thought he might do without discovery, and by that means learn something that might turn to his advantage. So leaving his Sheep at a venture, he hasted thither; but being about to enter, and the Porters seeing him in so tattered and ragged a Garment, they churlishly thrust him back, telling him, if he expected any of their Masters Bounty he must stay in the Lodge, or at the Door, for such a beggarly Fellow as he must not expect to sort himself with such noble Guess as were in the Palace: at which being angry, Bevis replyed, that he must and would en­ter and sit at the Table with the Master of the Palace himself, and to that purpose he was come. But they still thrusting him back and giving bad language, from words they fell to blows, when Bevis thor [...]ghly enraged fell'd one of them with his Fist, and layed the other with a st [...]ak of his Truncheon dead at his Feet, and so passed into the Hall, where he found the Guess seated in a splendid manner, the Tables loaded with varieties of divers kinds, and Wine flowing in abundance; when Bevis finding an empty place sate down, which Sir Murdure, who sate with his Countess at the upper end of the Table, noting, and angry that such a Guess had been admitted, began to chase at his Porters, at the same time rising from his Place, and charging him under the penalty of severe punishments to depart: but Bevis told him he expected a bet­ter welcome, especially in a place he had been so intimate in; and that though he were in a poor Garment he knew not but that he was more noble descended than himself, and that in proof thereof, if he found himself ag­grieved, and if he might have Arms provided him he would enter the Com­bate against himself, or any Knight of the Company. This so incensed Sir Murdure, that disdaining to reply, he drew his Sword to have taken his Head for offering, as he deemed it, such an affront to himself and his noble Guess: at which Bevis leaping from his place, with his Trun­cheon warded the Blow; nor then did he fail to hit Sir Murdure with such force, as brought him to the ground, and was about with a second stroak to finish his days, when the Countess and other Ladies cryed out to the Knights to run in and prevented it, and Bevis finding him­self amidst so many drawn Swords, thought it time to retire, which accordingly he did, securing or making good his Retreat with Sir Mur­dure's Sword, which he had wrested from him, wounding divers that had been too forward in pressing on, crying in vain to the Porters to shut the Gates and keep him in, that they might be revenged of the Affront.

Bevis thinking himself partly revenged of his Father-in-law, went secretly to Sir Sabre and told him all that had passed, who was much [Page 13] displeased thereat, saying, That it would soon be known who he was, and the [...] himself must consequently suffer for concealing him, Howe­ver he caused him to be hid in the Wood for some time, till he thought the se [...]ch might be over. Nor did his conjectures much fail him, for the Countess, after recovering from the Sound she fell into, upon sup­posing her Husband slain, declared, that she verily Believed it was [...]er Son Bevis, as well by his voice as a mark in his Face, that had tooke in disguise to disturb her Peace, vowing the destruction of Sir Sabre at he had not made him away: And thereupon, in a great rage, she went attended with a Guard to his House, and finding him there, charged him as false and faithless to his promise, threatning him with Tortur [...]s and Death, for abusing her Trust: but he on the contrary, all edges [...]e had been obedient to her Commands, producing the Cloaths he had p [...] ­posely dipped in the Blood of a Swine: however, so confident she was of the contrary, viz. That he was not made away, that having rated and reviled him as long as she pleased, without hearkning to any of his excuses, charged two Knights to carry him to a Castle adjoyning to the Forrest, and there Imprison him till hers and he [...] Lords Pleasure were father known.

Bevis hearing of the misfortune of his Vncle, resolved at the hazard of his life to set him at liberty: and with this resolution, getting a Palmer's Gown, and arming himself under it with a trusty Sword, he went and knocked at the Gate, in which disguise he had entrance, without being suspected, and by main force having subdued the Keepers or Warders, he with an Iron Bar he found there, burst in sunder the Doors for more speed, and finding Sir Sabre there in Chains, he set him forthwith at Liberty, and binding the Keepers in the same Chains left the Castle; yet knowing they would be narrowly sought after, Be­vis agreed to leave the Land in search of Adventures, and Sir Sabre giving out that it was not Bevis, but an unknown Knight in disguise, who had done the Mischief, and wrought his deliverance; Bevis being to his knowledge certainly dead, his Possessions that had been taken from him were again restored, and he received into fovour.

CHAP. III.

BEvis having taken the Sea in a small Bark, a great Tempest hap­pened, almost as soon as it was put from Land, and continued with such Fury, that all rule was lost, and the Ship riding furiously before the Wind, beaten with Rain, Thunder, Lightning and the Waves of the Sea, neither Sun, Moon, nor Stars appearing for many days, they were at last driven into a strong Haven in the Mediterranean Sea, possessed by the Sarazens, where the Vessel being broken on the Rocks, [Page 15] Bevis with some few got on shoar, but there, contrary to the Rules of Hospitality, they were encountered and taken Prisoners by a great pow­er of the Infidels, who sold them to the Merchants, bound for the Coast of Egypt, who presented Bevis, as a very comely Personage, to the King of Armony, who then had to his Daughter a Princess exceeding fair and beautifull, adorned with all the rare perfections that make Women­kind tempting and desirable, on whom Bevis fixing his Eyes, began to think he had never seen any so charming, her Eyes seemed like two Stars, her Forehead like polished Alablaster, her Cheeks out-did the Roses, and her Lips and Teeth might compare with Rubies and Pearls, all her other parts being proportionably beautifull; but above all she was possessed with a virtuous mind and courteous behaviour.

Bevis being now in the Court of Armony, the King had great delight to see a Youth so comely, well set and strong proportioned in his Limbs, every part of him expressing a more than manly form, and promising ex­traordinary strength; wherefore giving him words of comfort, he began to question him about his Birth and Parentage, who freely told him that he was Son to Guy Earl of Southampton, and that his Father being treacherously slain by the consent of his Mother, who likewise sought his Life, he had betaken himself to travel, and being unfortunately ta­ken Prisoner, he had been sold to those Merchants who had presented him to his Highness. Vpon this the King embraced him, and told him he was now more dear to him, as being the Son of Sir Guy, whose Fame had sounded loud in those parts, and his many noble Actions made his name immortal; however, grieving that the World had lost so brave a Man by Treatchery, that could not have been overcome by fair force, constituted Bevis his great Chamberlain, committing to his care and charge Vestures of Gold, Silver and Pearls, Diamonds and other precious stones and great riches in abundance, being wonderfully pleased, as often as his great Affairs would give him leisure, to hold dis­course with him of many things, for Bevis was no ways ignorant of any Learning. And so it happened, that he had not long been in this place with a promise of being made General of the King's Army, when occa­sion should require, and to that purpose received the Order of Knighthood.

But fair Josian, the King's Daughter, fixed her Eyes upon him, and from liking changed to Love, insomuch that at length she passionately doated on him; nor did she refrain to let her Father know it, who pro­mised not to restrain her in her Inclination, but rather further it, in consideration Bevis would renounce his Religion and become a Proselyte [Page 16] to Mahomet, and undertook on a day to discourse him on this occasion. For taking him by the hand and leading him into a pleasant Garden, un­der the shade of Orange Trees, he made him sit down by him, there being none but these two, all others being strictly forbidden entrance, he thus began.

Bevis, said he, What if the most beautifull Lady of my Kingdom courted, honoured and adored by Kings and Potentates, should not­withstanding neglect their Favours, and cast her Love upon one of a much lower degree, ought he not to condescend to any thing that shall be desired for such a Wife, and perhaps in a short time a Kingdom into the Bargain? To this Bevis, when he had paused and blushed a while, making an humble obeisance, replyed, That certainly that Man was most happy of all others, and ought to esteem his Life and For­tunes to mean a return for such a gracious condescention. Ay, but continued the King, suppose that the case require him to abjure his Re­ligion, and that your self was the Man on whom this great Fortune would bestow her self, and could do it upon no other Terms, would you receive her upon this condition? Now whilst the King was im­patiently expecting his Answer, Bevis fell upon his knees, and with hands and eyes up-lifted to Heaven, implor'd God to strengthen his Faith, and protect him from falling into so great a Wickedness: Then rising and bowing low to the King he said, Most gracious Lord, if I must answer in this point, I could for the Lady you mention, who, if I may presume to guess at your meaning, is no less than the fair Prin­cess, willingly Sacrifice all the Service of my Life, wade through Seas of Blood and Danger, nor think any thing sufficient to merit so much condescending Goodness, no not my Life; but for the Christian Reli­gion, that dearer part of Life, on which depends my eternal happi­ness, to renounce that, and deny the Lord that bought me: pardon Mighty Sir, if in this I must refuse any complyance, no, not for ten Thousand Worlds, nor all the Beauties of them.

The King hearing Bevis thus unalterably fixed, and firm to the Faith he professed, waved to press it further, and fell into other discourse, and in the end, his great Affairs requiring him in the Palace, he departed. Nor was it long after, that Bevis shewed by proof how far he durst haz­ard himself in the vindication of the Religion he professed; for being a­broad on a Christmas-day, well mounted and armed, he met sixty Sarazens who as Enemies to our Saviour, began to joke upon Bevis in relation to the day, who returning them smart answers, which they took for a re­viling [Page 17] their Prophet Mahomet, they began to urge him more: to which he replyed, if he was but so well armed as Sir Guy his Father had sometimes been in that Countrey, they should soon perceive their vile Mahomet should not be able to deliver them from his just anger. At that, said one to the other, Do you hear how this Christian Hound reviles our Prophet, and boasts against us, wherefore let us no lon­ger delay to chastize him with death. Vpon this, they all prepared to assault him, who with his Fist beating one of them (with his Neck broke) to the ground, wrested from him his Sword, and so layed about him that heads and arms strewed all the place, and in a short time he drove those that survived before him to a River, wherein they desperately threw themselves, for fear of the Sword, and all but two perished, who hasted to the Court with the dismal News, desiring he might be put to death for cursing, as they suggested, their Prophet, the Law of the Land making it Death, &c.

The King though he loved Bevis, yet inraged that the valour of his Kingdom was so much eclipsed by a Stranger, consented, notwithstand­ing that according to the Law of the Country, he should suffer Death: of which fair Josian having notice, hastily entered her Father's Chamber and throwing her self at his Feet, with Tears besought him not rashly to put his severe Commands in execution, but rather allow so much respite as the Parties might appear Face to Face, and then if it appear­ed Bevis was guilty of what had been witnessed against him, he might more justly suffer him to receive his Doom. These words of the beaute­ous Princess so far prevail'd that the King consented, and thereupon she dispatched two Messengers to order Bevis to come and confer with her a­bout his safety, who accordingly found him on his Couch, for he had su­stained in the Battle above twenty Wounds, and was faint through loss of Blood, yet seeing them approach, and supposing they were the two Sarazens that had escaped his Fury, and came now privately to as­sassinate him, in revenge of the death of their Fellows, he lookt so stern­ly on them, and began withall to gather his Sword that they retired from him, and durst onely deliver their Message at a distance: but he not crediting it, but rather supposing it a trick to decoy him into some ambush they had layed for his Life, as not knowing what the King had determined, he refused to go, threatning them with Death if they did not instantly depart: who carrying this Message, or rather refusal to the Princess, and she knowing it was no time to dally when the Life of a Man whom she loved above all Mankind was in the Ballance, laying [Page 18] aside all scruples and niceties, she went attended with two Knights to his Chamber, where Bevis perceiving so bright a Creature, who had long since conquered his affections, rose and threw himself at her Feet, expressing himself altogether unworthy of so great a favour, and expressed a thousand thanks, with all imaginable respect, but she not suffering him long to kneel, clasped her snowy Arms about him, and rai­sed him gently from the ground, and as she raised him stole a gentle kiss, at which Bevis in a manner ravished with joy, began to demand the cause of her coming, who thereupon told him what had been witnessed against him, and in what danger he was, and how she had interceeded on his behalf, and obtained so much favour of the King, as to hear him in Person as to the matter whereof he stood accused, giving him Instructions how he should behave himself, and promising to deal further with the King on his behalf, she left the Knights to dress his Wounds and departed.

CHAP. IV.

BEvis by this visit of the fair Princess, having in a manner new Life put into him, his Wounds were soon cured, and his kind Advocate in the mean while had so taken off the edge of the Kings Anger, that when the matter was rightly understood, he was not only cleared but his Accusers doomed, at their choice, either to sight him, or to suffer Banish­ment; who having too lately experienced his more than humane force, gladly chose the [...]atter. And now Bevis not only frequently enjoyed the presence of the fair Princess, but gained great Reputation in the Court, being either loved or feared of all: And whilst he was thus happy, News came by many of the Villagers who had sled from their Habitations, That a monstrous Boar was lately come into the Neighbouring Plains and had killed divers Shepherds and Travellers, so that the Forrest was rendered impassible; and many assembling to destroy him, when they be­held [Page 19] his fiery Eyes, his huge Tus [...]s and his horrid Bristles that stood up like a grove of Spears, they [...]d from him, yet some of them were taken and carshed to pieces, so that the entrance of the Den where he usually aboad, was strewed with the bones of the slain.

Bevis waiting upon the Princess, at the arrival of this News, greatly rejoyced, as now finding an opportunity to signalize his valour for her sake; and therefore without delay besought her that he might enterprize the killing of this Monster; and although she used many Arguments, to disswade him from so great a danger, he nevertheless thirsting after Glory, so importuned her that she consented he should try his fortune for ridding the Country of so great a mischief.

Bevis having obtained leave, being well Mounted & Armed, rode secret­ly to the Forrest, whilst the Princess sent after him her best Wishes, and having roused the Monster, he came at him with open Mouth, his Bristles standing up an end, and with a horrible grunting or roaring set upon Bevis, who run against him with his Launce, but that shive­red in pieces, and obliged him to draw his Sword, so that laying upon [Page 20] the Monsters Head, and nimbly avoiding the Fury of his Tusks, a dread­full contention ensued, for so hard was the Skin of the Beast that he appeared, in a manner incapable of receiving any wound; insomuch that he began to be weary with striking, and a little retired; which the Boar perceiving, came at him more furious, and with his Tusk gave him a deep Wound in the Thigh; but as he attempted to redouble it, Bevis thrust with great force, his Sword under his neather Iaw, where, the Skin being somewhat foft, it enter'd, and he following hard upon it, so far it went that it pierced the Boars heart, who thereupon fell down with a horrible groan, which made the Forrest tremble, and breathed his last.

The Boar thus dead, Bevis sundred his Head from his Body, and bearing it upon his broken Launce, returned in Triumph with the spoil: but by the way being met by fifteen Forresters, and they envying him the Glory of so great an Atchievement, resolved amongst themselves to kill him, and take the head from him, that they might have the praise and reward as being taken for those that slew the Boar; and so before he was well aware, they set upon him, incompassing him on every side; when about to draw his Sword, he found he had left it with the Body of the Boar, which made him throw down the Head, and with the Trun­cheon of his Spear, beat two of them that attack'd him to the ground, sorely bruised and wounded, and so laid about him, that in spire of the resistance they made, he killed nine of them in a shore space; and those that remained, perceiving his matchless Prowess, and the mighty force of his Stroaks, supposing him not to be of mortal Race, retired from him, and at length secured their Retreat, amongst the Trees and Thick­ets, and by that means saved their Lives, so that Bevis had now lea­sure to take up the Boars head, and depart to the fair Princess, at whose feet he layed it; but she, that he might gain the better esteem with her Father, desired him to carry it to the King, which he accordingly did, and was very kindly received, his Fame for this deed spreading far and wide, the Country People calling him their Deliverer; which did not a little please Josian: so that, holding a private Conference with him, they passed their mutual Vows, never to Marry, by consent, unless they Married each other.

To cross these happy Lovers, Fortune, that seldome long plays true, so ordered it that Bradamound King of Damascus having heard the Fame of Josian's Beauty, and earnestly desiring to have her to Wife, sent boldly to demand her, of her Father King Ermine, swearing by his [Page 21] Gods if she were not sent, according to his desire, he would come with an Army and take her by force, and not only so, but destroy his Country with Fire and Sword: at which insulting Message, King Ermine, being a little alarmed, and much inraged, assembled his Nobles in Council, to consult what ought to be done on this occasion, and at the instance of Josian, who protested against Bradamound; it was agreed that the defi­ance should be returned, and Bevis, who gladly accepted it, made Gene­ral of King Ermine's Forces; and for his great Credit amongst the Souldiers, Dubbed him a Knight, from which time we must call him Sir Bevis; so that Forces being every where raised, an Army of 20000 Men were mustered, and fair Josian, the better to furnish out her Knight, brought him a famous Steed called Arundel, almost as re­nowned as Bucephalus, and having caused him compleatly to be armed, she girded on a Sword called Morglay, the force of whose well temper­ed edge no Armour could resist; and so clasping him in those Walls of Steel, gave him a gentle Kiss: at which he, smiling, said, Dear Ma­dam, this Favour has made your Knight half a Conquerer before he enters on the War, and be assured no force can overcome the Man that undertakes your Quarrel. And now Sir Bevis being armed and mounted, caused the Trumpets to be sounded and the Banners to be displayed, marshalling his Men in such orders as was admirable in so young a General, who had not been greatly acquainted with the Trains of War; so that now nothing but a Foe being wanting, the Army marched to meet the proud King Bradamound, before he entered the Country to spoil or waste it; and accordingly Sir Bevis soon found him en­camped upon a large Plain, but the Pagan King being double the num­ber, set little by it; yet after both Armies had for a while faced each o­ther, and bid defiance, a fearfull Combate ensued, so that the Showers of Arrows in a manner darkened the Sky, and what together with the clashing of Swords, the Shouts of the Victors, the cryes of the Van­quished, the neighing of Horses, and the noise of warlike Instruments, it seemed as if the dissolution of all things was at hand, insomuch that the wild Beasts in the forrests and mountains stood amazed and trembled, as wondring what so great a clamour and confusion should mean: and because the Saraz [...]ns much sto [...]ked about the Standart of their King to defend it, it being born by one Radison a Giant-like man, Bevis, the sooner to discourage them, furiously with his Sword, broke into that quarter, and making his way over heaps of the Slain, dispersing his Foes on e'ry side with a terrible destruction, he charged upon him with his [Page 22] Spear, which violently entering, his Shield pierced his Armour and run quite through his Body, so that he fell dead to the ground, and with a horrible g [...]oan, breathed out his last: And so proceeding to charge the rest, he s on put them to the rout, and brought away the Standard, which so discouraged the Infidels, that they fell into confusion, and fled into all Parts; when Bradamound, in a rage, supposing to restore the Battel, ranged through his disordered People, and came where Sir Be­vis was cutting down whole Ranks, instantly reviling him by the name of Christian Slave, and urging him to the Combate with many loud re­proaches; upon which a dreadfull Fight happened, the one sighting through true courage, and the other through rage and dispair; but at length Sir Bevis, with a redoubled blow, cutting through Bradamound's Helmet, which thereupon falling off, and he likewise to the Ground, cryed out for mercy, offering Cities, Towns and Castles for the Ran­som of his Life, at which Sir Bevis smiling said, is this the courage you shew for fair Josian, to fetch whom, you have taken all these Pains, and caused so much bloodshed, however, though you deserve to dye for your bold presumption, yet since I find you thus humble, make a solemn pro­testation that you will, whenever it shall be required, make a tributary Vas­salage and do Homage to King Ermine, holding your Kingdom at his Pleasure, and I will not only save your Life, which is now in my Power, but set you free from the Swords of the inraged Souldiers, who thirst after your Blood.

King Bradamound being of a proud Temper, paused a while at these Conditions, imposed upon him by the Conqueror, but finding he must consent or loose his Life, w [...]th much regret he chose the former, and ac­cordingly Proclamation was made, to spare the Lives of the flying Ene­my, of whom already about 20000 were slain, insomuch that the Plains blushed, and became slippery with Blood: and now the Battel being intirely won, Sir Bevis giving the spoil to his Souldiers, return­ed to King Ermine, to give him an account of his success, who great­ly rejoyced thereat: but the Princess had a greater share of the Ioy, to find her self not only freed from the man she hated, but in great likely­hood to be Wedded to him she most passionately loved; for now the King was so highly pleased with Sir Bevis's brave and generous Conduct, that he recommended his Daughter to his private Entertainment and Reception, so that with his consent he had have to visit the beautifull Lady in her Chamber; who when they were together by themselves, ear­nestly beholding him, said, with a sigh, and then a rosie Blush over­spread [Page 23] her Virgin Face: How long will it be, Sir Knight, before you will fully understand how much I love you, and how passionately? pardon my free expression, I desire to be your Wife: to which Bevis, over-ravished with Ioy, yet dissembling, as well as he could, the excess of his Passion, replyed, Most lovely Maid, it cannot sink into my Thoughts, that she whom Kings have courted, and truly deserves the greatest Potentate on Earth, will condescend to wed a Stranger, who though perhaps nobly born, yet is destitute at present of those mighty Fortunes, that your merit justly requires and abundantly deserves: Thrones and Scepters I have none, nor can I incircle your head with a sparkling Diadem, of which you may otherwise furnish your self.

Sir Bevis expressing himself as aforesaid, and being misconstrued by the fair Josian, she said he slighted and contemned her proffered Love, and therefore sought those excuses, grew angry or appeared seemingly so, upbraiding him with too much neglect and coldness of affection, pressing her resentments so home, that she urg [...]d he could not, as he said, he no­bly descended and prove so cruel to one that dearly loved him, and so far proceeded on that Subject, that Sir Bevis sensibly sin [...]ing his honour touch'd, went discontented from her Chamber; nor did she at that time further endeavour to slay him: However, soon after having notice that his discontent had creat [...]d an Indisposition both of body and mind, she she sent to comfort him, and in the end payed him a Visit, again unfold­ing to him the secrets of her Heart; and there it was concluded between them, that the Princess becoming a Chri [...]ian, he should marry her: but knowing her Father would not suffer her to do it u [...]on that condition, it was further agreed, that with all her Iewels and Treasure th [...]y should secretly depart for England: but this Conf [...]r [...]nce and [...]greement, being overheard by two of King Bradamound's Knights, taken to the late Battle, they secretly advised King Ermine of it, and he thereupon consulted them what was to be done to prevent a business t [...]t [...]o h [...]y displeased him, for he would not by any means hear that his Dau [...]r should renounce the Religion of her Country, though otherways [...]ll [...]ng enough she should be married to this renowned Stranger; so that [...]a [...] he should carry away the Lady by stealth, it was resolved he should be [...] ­cured till matters could be better understood: but how with honour [...] do it, the King was at a loss, till in the end, these two evil Counsellors put it into his mind to send him with a Letter to King Bradamound [...]ho therein should be required to make him his Prisoner. This bei [...]g thought best to take the imputation of dishonour from King Ermi [Page 24] Sir Bevis was sent for, and this Message imposed upon him, under pre­tence that none was so worthy as himself to receive the Homage of a King he had brought into subjection: and then a Letter being provided for the purpose, sealed with King Ermine's Signet, contrary to the knowledge of fair Josian, he undertook, upon the h [...] of his Knight­hood to perform the message, adding that peradventure King Bradamound being now in his Strength, might refuse what he in time of danger had promised, but if he might have his Horse and Armour with him, he would force him, if so he refused, to tender his Homage, but being dis­swaded there-from by the King, as not convenient on this occasion, he took his leave and departed towards Damascus.

CHAP. V.

SIR Bevis being on his way, mounted, for speed, on a Horse of lit­tle strength, and a Sword of small force by his side, as he was ri­ding by a Forrest he espyed one in a Palmer's Waed at his repast, who seeing him coming, rose to meet him, and invited him to partake of his slender fare, which Sir Bevis not refusing, alighted and fell too; when the Palmer began to ask him divers Questions, and amongst the rest, in what Countries he had travelled, and being informed, he further de­manded, if he had never in his Travels met with one Bevis an English-man born a [...] Southampton; at which Sir Bevis being a little surprized, as wondring who it should be that enquired after him in so strange a Land, demanded why he enquired after him, and who he was: where­upon Sir Terrey, for so was this seeming Palmer named, told him that he being Son to Sir Sabre, and his Father being in great danger to loo [...]e his Life, by the Tretchery of Sir Murdure of Almain, unless within a time limited he could find a Champion to answer him on his be­half in the Field, for that he had contrived the sending away of Bevis [Page 25] Son to the Earl of Southampton, who was committed to him to be slain, he had sent him in search of Bevis, to come and be his Champion, whom he knew, by this time, to be of strength sufficient to undertake the Combate, and had charged him, on the honour of his Knighthood, not to return till he had found him, or so far had knowledge where he was that he might send to acquaint him with it: To this Sir Bevis replyed, That he knew the Man, and had contracted intimate acquaintance with him, but at present being bound on a Message to Damascus, he could no further accommodate him with his presence; however, upon his return, he would so far oblige him in the matter, that Bevis should come to England, and undertake the Combate. Then Sir Terry desired to know in what City or Town he aboad, that he might goe to him, and de­liver what he had in charge: But Sir Bevis telling him he had passed

his word, not to discover him to any person without his own consent, he could not oblige him in his request; however he might return and not doubt but he would follow him, for the certainty of which, himself, as he was true a Christian, would become bound and obliged; and so having [Page 26] lovingly embraced each other, they parted, and took their several ways, Bevis for Damascus, and Sir Terry for England. Sir Bevis being come with­in sight of the City, was wonderfully taken with the pleasantness of it, as being adorned with Castles, Towers and stately Palaces, shining with Gold and precious Stones; and at the Gate was placed an Ea­gle of Gold wondrous large, whose Eyes were two great Carbuncles, which in the night gave a large light to Strangers passing thitherward; so that boldly entring, he made towards the Pallace of the King to deli­ver his Letter, not dreaming it contained matter against his Life: but by the way passing through their heathenish Temple, he espied a great number of People preparing to do a Sacrifice to their Idols with Songs and much false Devotion, whereat inflamed with a Christian zeal, he thrust in amongst the Superstitious rout, and tearing down the Idols, brake them in pieces and trampled them under his feet; which so offend­ed the Pagans that they resolved to put him to Death, with the most ex­quisite Torments; when gathering thick about him, some of them lay­ed hold of him, but were soon obliged to let go, for perceiving himself in danger, he drew his Sword and dispersed them on every side, scattering the Pavement with their heads and mangled Limbs, insomuch that the Multitude continually encreasing, the Vproar waxed exceeding great, and many that fled from his revengefull Sword, hasted to Alarum the Court, telling the King, that if he did not succour the Citizens with his Guards, there was a Man, or the Devil in the shape of one, who would put them all to the Sword; further adding, he had already de­stroyed their Gods, in whose power and protection they trusted, and was coming towards the Pallace, killing and beating down all that stood in his way, or opposed him.

At this news, the King caused all his Men to Arm, and as he was issuing over the Bridge, Sir Bevis was come to the foot of it, and per­ceiving it was the King, made signs that he had a Message to him, greeting him from King Ermine, who at the first sight of him started back, as well knowing who it was; but being invironed with armed Men, and perceiving that Sir Bevis had sheathed his Sword, he sternly demanded his business, who, not forgetting his Distance, bending his knee to the Ground, delivered the Letter, the Contents of which were these.

This pleased Bradmound, and made him change his Countenance into terrour, as knowing Sir Bevis was now abandoned by King Er­mine, and put into his power to revenge the mischief he had done him, and began immediately to consult what Death or Torture he should be put to, some gave Counsel to Burn him to Ashes, others to Flee him alive, others again to draw him through the City, and hang him upon Tenters; but at last they concluded to cast him into a deep filthy Dun­geon, where two fierce Dragons were kept: and now Sir Bevis plainly perceiving that there was mischief plotted against him, said, Sir as I am a Knight, let me dye the Death of a Souldier, in the Field; the which if you grant me a Horse and Armour, to dye valiantly fighting, it will more redound to your Glory, and the courage of the Knights that shall have the honour to slay me. But the King without any reply, not thinking it fit to trust so dreadfull a Man with Arms, who already unarmed, in a manner as he was, had made his City tremble, com­manded him to be seized; whereat Sir Bevis grasping a Sword, for he had broke his own in the former Combate, stood upon his defence; and although they drew up the Bridge, and hemmed him in on every side, he killed fifty Knights before he could be taken: but then, weary with con­tinual fighting, and his Sword breaking at the same time, he yielded to fatal necessity; and no sooner had the Infidels got him in their power, but they bound him in strong Chains, and carried him to the Dungeon, where by Cords they let him down a wonderfull depth: but long he had [Page 28] not been there e'er the Dragons perceiving him, came out of the corners where they had made their Dens, with terrible Crys and Howlings, frighting even those that heard them from above, whereat Sir Bevis finding himself in a great strait, and ready to be devoured by those Mon­sters, redoubling his force, he burst his Chains in sunder, and found as Fortune would have it, in the place where he lay, an old rusty Sword, with which, after a cruel fight, in which he received many Wounds from their Teeth and Claws, he killed the Dragons, and freed himself from the present danger, but suddenly fell into worse; for having nothing wherewith to subsist, unless the flesh of the Monsters he had slain, which were rank Poyson, he must inevitably perish for hunger; yet Death was not so terrible to him, as the thoughts he should disappoint Sir Sabre, and put his Mistriss in great sorrow, who yet knew no­thing of his Vndertaking, and therefore might conclude he had forsaken her and proved false to his Vows. But whilst he was in this perplexi­ty, his Keepers perceiving from above that he had destroyed the Dragons, advertized the King thereof, who, that he might prolong his Misery, in that noisom place, and make him, as it were, dye a living Death, com­manded that every day he should have a Bowl of Bran and Water let down by Rope, with which, and the flesh of Rats and Mice, which he caught in the Dungeon, he subsisted for the space of seven years.

CHAP. VI.

SIR Bevis being thus dead, in the conceit of the World, and the Princess Josian ignorant of what had befallen him, was given by her Father to understand that he had left the Court privately, and was gene for England, where he had married a Princess of great Renown, to whom he was formerly betrothed, and there lived upon his Possessions, [Page 29] with an intention never to return; assuring her, that a Merchant had lately brought him this News; upon the recital whereof, the Royal Virgin wept abundantly, accusing him of Ingratitude and Inconstan­cy, reviling the whole Sex for his sake, and vowing to live a Virgin, un­less Sir Bevis returned, and she found what had been related of him false: however, her Father pressing her in this pensive and melancholly mood to comply with King Bradmound's request, and become his Queen; and finding her altogether averse to him, he pitched upon ano­ther, recommending him to her choice, viz. Jour King of Mambrat, a powerfull and wealthy Prince in those parts, and by threats and com­mands, obliged her to joyn her hands with his, though not her Heart; for although many Emperors, Kings and Potentates were at the Wed­ding, which was celebrated with exceeding Ioy and Pomp, she alone was found Sorrowfull, often retiring and weeping bitterly for the ab­sence of Sir Bevis, by which she injured her fair Eyes, and much im­paired her Beauty; and her Bedding, which is held the custome of those Countries, being deferred for a month, she, in that time, procured of the wise Magicians of Aegypt, then at her Father's Court, such Spells and Inchantments, that being worn, they, by secret power and ope­ration, took away all desire in the King her Husband to bereave her of her Virginity; as shall be further mentioned hereafter.

Bevis's Horse, Sword and Armour being in the possession of King Ermine, he bestowed them upon his new Son-in-law, but Arundel, up­on the first mounting of King Jour, perceiving it was not his true Master, taking a Career over Hedges, Ditches and Places of the like danger, threw him with such force, that the fall, by the mighty bruise, much indammaged his Life; which so vexed the King, that he caused him to be sent to his Castle and kept in Chains till he was starved to Death; but fair Josian, for the sake of his Master, daily fed him with her own hands, unknown to the King; and now began to mistrust, that there was some Treachery in the Case, forasmuch as she could not ima­gine Sir Bevis would leave a Sword, Armour and Horse, he so intirely delighted in, when he might with the same case, as himself departed, have taken them with him: in which doubt we leave her a while, and return to Sir Bevis.

Sir Bevis still languishing in the noisome Dungeon, every day conti­nued fervent Prayers to God, for the forgiveness of his Sins, and his deliverance from that dismal Place wherein he was; when for the most part his Keepers, who were Pagans, derided him with many [Page 30] blasphemies, telling him it was in vain to expect deliverance, for none were able to deliver him out of their hands, and there he might assure himself he should remain till he dyed. When so one day it happened that Sir Bevis, to prevent the execrations of these Wretches against the Saviour of the World, resolved in silence to breath out his Heart-breathing sorrow, so that they, hearing no noise, concluded him dead, and thereupon one of them descended to see whether it was so or not, that they might take his Body thence, and drag it through the City, in derisi­on of his Christian Profession, and so cast it in a Ditch, or on a Dung­hill without the Walls, as is usual with them in that case; but he no sooner came down by a Rope, e'er Sir Bevis seized on him, and clapping his strong hands about his Neck, made him past crying out: at what

time the other Keeper calling to know whether Sir Bevis was dead or not, he himself answered in a feigned voice, assuring him he was dead, desiring him withall, to come down, and assist him in helping up the Bo­dy; the other Keeper believing this to be true, immediately descended, but had scarcely reach'd the Ground when Sir Bevis with one blow of his [Page 31] Fist broke his Neck in sunder; whereupon falling on his Knees, and giving thanks that he had thus avenged himself upon these Blasphemers and thereby wrought his own Liberty, he ascended by the Rope they had let down, and found it to be about the time of midnight, yet were there lights in the Stables, where the Grooms were dressing their Horses; and now resolving to mount and arm himself, he broke open the Door upon them, and with a Bar, to prevent their Out-crys, layed them in an everlasting sound: when taking one of the best Horses, with a Sword, Spear and compleat Armour, he mounted, and coming to the Gate where the Porter waited, told him, that Sir Bevis was escaped, and the Court was in pursuit of him, wherefore he must immediately open the Gate, which he, being ignorant of what had passed in the Dungeon and Stable, did with little difficulty, and let the Champion pass; but soon the Alarm was taken, and News brought to King Bradmound,

that Sir Bevis had escaped, and killed his Keepers and the Grooms, whereat much enraged, he caused him to be pursued in all hast, when Sir Gran­dures [Page 32] a bold Knight, much relying upon his strength, mounted upon Trunchsice, a swift horse, and over-running all the rest, overtook him a con­siderable distance from the City, and defyed him to the Combate, with many reproaches to which Sir Bevis replyed, That if he overcame him, Famine more befriended him than valour, yet both putting their Spears in their Rests, they ran furiously against each other, so that Sir Gran­dures was tumbled to the Ground, yet rising and drawing his Sword he came at Sir Bevis who did the like, and after some blows were given and received, a full stroak, with redoubled force, falling upon his Helm clove it, with his Head, in sunder; whereupon Sir Bevis leaving him dead upon the ground, mounted Trunchsice, and passed on: but being weak through hunger, and perceiving a great Troop in pursuit of him, even at his Heels, dispairing to overcome so great a number, he took with his Horse, an Arm of the Sea, and swam to the further shoar, and by that means escaped, none daring to venture after him.

Sir Bevis having thus escaped his Foes, began now to faint, through hunger; and thereupon espying a Castle before him, and a beautifull La­dy, leaning over the Wall, he made up to it, and acquainted her with his necessities, intreating her to supply him, with such Provision as she had, telling her he was a Christian Knight, who was upon the search of Adventures, and that if it say in his Power, he would require her kind­ness, but she hearing he was a Christian, commanded him immediately to be gone, saying, That her Husband was a bloody Pagan Giant, and that if he knew he was there, he would suddenly come out and de­stroy him, as he bone many; but this nothing daunted Sir Bevis, who rep [...]yed he had rather dye in Battle than through hunger, and therefore he was resolved to Dine there that day: scarce had he ended these words but out came the Gyant, and stairing on him with a grim vissage, said, What art thou Fellow? and where camest thou by that Horse, which if I mistake not, is my Brother Grandure's, whom thou hast stole? bu however, I shall chastize thee for thus sawcily approaching my Castle: and thereupon, e'er Sir Bevis could well reply, and give him an account, how he had gotten the Horse, he came at him with a h [...]g [...] and weighty Battle Ax, but missing him, he struck his Horse with such force that he f [...]lled him to the Ground; but Sir Bevis leaping nimb­ly off, cha [...]g [...]d with such Fury, that he made the Giant give Ground; what [...]iring at a distance took his Bow that h [...]ng at the Wall, and shot at him with a forked Arrow, which entered his shoulder and greatly pain­ed him, yet thereat being more inraged, he followed him up so close, [Page 33] that with a forcible blow, between the Giants neck and shoulders, where his Helmet was open, he struck off his head, and his body thereupon falling to the ground made it tremble; at this the Lady screeched out, and would have fled to the Woods; but Sir Bevis promising to do her no harm, she was at last contented to stay, and set before him such provi­sion as the Castle afforded; and then setting free such Prisoners as he fo [...]nd there, he departed to take a view of the Holy Land, where at Jerusalem, he was kindly received by the Patriarch, and there he made a vow for the sake of fair Josian, never to marry any but a spotless Vir­gin; and now considering it was too late for him to go for England, to be Sir Sabres Champion: and of which enterprise he had been defeated by the treachery of King Ermine, he resolved to go disguised into Arme­nia, to know the cause why the King, who had so much deserved of him, had so perfidiously dealt with him? but the rather to know what was be­come of the sair Princess? the disappointing of whom more sensibly grieved him, than all his other sufferings: and whilst he was musing on this matter, a Knight overtook him, who had been of his former ac­quaintance, and related to him all that had passed on these occasions, further informing him, that Queen Josian though she was married a­gainst her will, still kept him in remembrance, giving alms for his sake to a great number of Palmers, and enquiring of every one what was become of him. This did not a little revive the spirits of Sir Bevis, and put him upon a more earnest enquiry, especially where he might have a sight of his fair Mistris, and being informed she kept her Court in the Castle of Mambrat, he hasted thither.

Being arrived in the City and hearing the Queen gave alms to Pal­mers, he put himself in such a weed, and leaving his horse and armour in his Inn, hasted to the Castle gate, and there amongst the rest passed for a Palmer; but long he had not staid there, before the Queen came with her Alms, the King and his Train being then gone a hunting, and when she had distributed her bounty, and gently enquired of every one, whether they had lately seen or heard of Sir Bevis of Southampton, but not meeting with any such news as she wished, she retired to her Closset, and in this manner bemoaned her self: Alas said she, for the good Knight Sir Bevis ▪ he is gone and I shall never see him more; how could so brave a Knight be so much cruel, and unkind to a Virgin, that so highly esteemed and adore him; sure the best of men could never be guilty of the worst of crimes; it must surely then, be that some who envied our peace and happyness has conspired by treason to separate [Page 34] us, though it cannot be in their power to extinguish my love towards him; for a Queen as I am, I would willingly be disrobed of my Royalty, to wander with that gallant Youth through Desarts or Wil­dernesses, and think nothing too much to endure or suffer for his sake, whom I so dearly love; But O hard fortune, I shall never see him more! This said, she burst forth into a flood of tears; which Sir Bevis who had all this while hearkned under the window noting, could not but let fall some tears to bear hers company, and finding an opportunity to speak to Boniface her Page, he desired him to acquaint the Queen, that he had a secret to impart to her, that highly concern'd her welfare; which being accordingly done, she ordered he should at­tend her coming down, in the retiring room, expecting from this Palmer, as most people usually do what they earnestly wish, some news of Sir Bevis.

Long it was not before she came thither, when Sir Bevis after reve­rence in a profound manner done, said, fair Queen, I hard you enquire this day for Bevis of Southampton, but not being wi [...]ling to speak the knowledge I have of that Knight in publick, I have presumed upon this private audience. And does he live, said the fair Queen, being al­most extacied at the mention of his name: He does, replyed Sir Bevis, and for your sake, has undergone a thousand miseries, in a seven years imprisonment in a dungeon, and run many other hazards, though now all to no purpose, seeing you have for ever taken your self from him, by being given into the arms of another; And by whose contrivance, said the Queen, could he fall into such danger as you say? By the treachery of your Father, replyed Sir Bevis, who betrayed him to the power of King Bradmound, his mortal enemy. Is it possible, said the Queen, then all is true, that my fears sug­gests, and I am wretched; with that she fell into a sound, but Sir Bevis taking her in his arms in the best wise comforted her, who there­upon reviving, and knowing his voice, said, Ah and is it my Love, my life, my dear Bevis, and does he live! and here she had fainted again with too much excess of Ioy, had he not held her up, so that coming to her self, and having recounted to each other all that had happened, to cross their Loves: it was agreed between them, upon her declaring her self to be a pure Virgin, that the King being absent, he should take her thence to any land, where ever he pleased, and thereupon or­dered at his request, her Page to fetch his Horse Arundel (who hear­ing his Masters voice had broke his chains) his Sword Morglay, and [Page 35] his Armour he left in the City, and to prepare her Equipage instant­ly; which being all in a readiness they mounted, and mounting the Page, who would accompany his Queen, upon the Horse Sir Bevis left in the Inn, they with much joy and secrecy departed the City; but far had not they gone, but they perceived the Country in pursuit of them, upon notice the Queen was missing; whereupon Sir Bevis would have turned back, to have fought the pursuers, whilst the Queen and her Page, might have opportunity to escape; but she being as careful of his safety, as her own, would not consent; but rather those to make what speed they could out of the Territories of the King; and so succesful they were, that by passing through Forrests and By-ways, they lost the pursuers; but now night coming on, and the Queen being weary, and no house near, they were obliged to take up their lodging in a Rockey cave: But whilst Sir Bevis was gone in search of such provision as that wild place afforded, a Lyon and a Lyoness entred, it being it seems the place of their repose, to defend them against whom, Boniface the Queens Page drew his sword, and maintained a stout Combat, in hope Sir Bevis might in the mean time come to his rescue; but he not doing it, and the other proving too weak, was immediately devoured; but the Queen protected by her Royalty, as the Daughter of a King, and her unspotted Virginity remained safe; but no sooner Sir Bevis approached the Cave, but she cryed out to him to sly and save his life, giving him to understand the danger, and what else had happened, but his dauntless courage could not be afraid, for resolutely entring, as suspecting his fair Mistress in more danger than she was, he came upon them with such fury, that after a long Combat, not without receiving several gripes and wounds, he laid them dead at her feet; and by this he was further confirmed, that she had preserved her Virginity, notwithstanding she had been seaven years a Bride, and thereupon enquired with intermixtures of many tender kisses, by what means she had done it, who accordingly told him how it happened: and so having refreshed themselves with some Venison he had brought, which they roasted in the Cave, the fair Queen, such is the power of love condescending to took it. The next morning, when the Sun-beams began to dart from the East, they mounted and kept on their way; but as if fortune conspired to cross them, they at the turning of a Forrest, met a huge and mon­strous Giant, whom King Jour had sent out to travel all night in search of them, who being satisfied he was right, by the discription [Page 36] given, stradled cross the way like a Collossus, and with a mighty club in his hand forbad their passage further, saying he was not a little glad he had found them, that he might carry them bound on his back to Mambrat, there to be punished by King Jour as they deserved. But

Sir Bevis nothing afraid of his stern vissage, that might reasonaby have affrighted any man, told him his business lay another way, and that if he did not instantly remove, he would cut his passage through him with his sword, at which the Giant in disdain set up a roar, that all the Forrest trembled, and came at Sir Bevis, who the better to avoid the force of the club, quitted his Horse, and nimbly traversing his ground, gave him many wounds, to revenge which, whilst he over­reached himself, thinking with a full blow to dash Sir Bevis in peices, he stumbled and fell, nor could he by reason of his unweildiness, re­cover till Sir Bevis was upon him, and being about to take off his head, he cryed out for quarter, promising all his life after to be his Ser­vant, which at the intreaty of Queen Josian was granted, and Asca­part, [Page 37] for so was the Giants name, sworen to be true to the Conque­ror, and thereupon they went to the next Port, where lay a ship rea­dy to sail, but refusing to take them in, Ascapart, having obtained leave of Sir Bevis, seized upon the Vessel, and held it with a strong hand, in spite of sails, wind and oares, till by force he entred and drove the Sailors out of it, then taking Sir Bevis and the Queen in one arm, and his Horse in another, he carried them on board, his strength being almost incredible, for as the story has it, he was thirty foot in height and twelve in circumferance, so that mannaging by his sole strength the sails and tackle he transported them to Colen, where Queen Josian was baptized by the Bishop, and received into the Chri­stian Communion, but Ascapart stradling quite over the Fount, and the peoples heads, that were near it, would not consent to it; but crying out, Ah Churl, wilt thou drench me, I am too big to be drenched by thee, and so departed.

CHAP. VII.

SIR Bevis being come to Colen, and the fame of his valiant deeds and glorious atchievements, having reached that place before, he was highly welcomed, and the people were overjoyed, for now they hoped by his prowess, to be delivered from the plague of their Country, which had destroyed so many of them, and layd many places wast, viz. a dreadful Dragon, who kept a Cave not far from the City, and that night had poisoned a Knight, whom many of the Inhabitants held invincible, and not to be conquered by mortal might; however at the cryes and intreaties of the Inhabitants, contrary to the knowledge of the Queen, who would not have suffered him to have undertaken so dangerous an enterprise, Sir Bevis and Ascapart went early in the morning to seek the Monster, and scarcely had they approached his [Page 38] Cave, when putting out his head he gave such an horrible yell, that Ascapart veryly supposing it to be the Devil, would advance no fur­ther, whereat Sir Bevis began to smile, saying, I thought you had not feared a whole Army, and are afraid of a Monster? come take courage and you shall only be a looker on, whilst I finish the work; and by this time the hideous Monster being gotten out of his Cave, greedy of prey came at Sir Bevis, lifting up his crest and casting fire and poyson out of his mouth, his eyes burning like two Beacons, horribly hissing with a triple sting, and a tail of infinite length, against whom the Knight ran forcibly with his spear, but his seales being harder than Brass, it burst in pieces and shivered in the Air; where­upon he drew his trusty Sword, and laid at him furiously, but could by no means wound him, when the Dragon with his tail giving him a stroak, beat him from his Horse, and very much bruised him, ha­ving likewise with his tallants rent his Armour; but Sir Bevis no­thing dounted, avoiding as nimbly as he might, the stroak and striking as he saw occasion; but in the end the Dragon casting poy­son on him, and infecting the Air with his venemous breath, caused him a little to faint, and retireing towards a Well, he perceived the Monster to make a stop some paces from it, and not to advance fur­ther, which gave him a breathing time; so that plainly perceiving, there was extraordinary virtue in the well, by reason of a Saint-like Virgins washing in it, that kept off his infectious enemy, he proceeded to drink some of the water, which he had no sooner done, but he found his vigour renewed, and his strength as at first, so that as often as he found himself annoyed with the poyson, he retired thi­ther as to a sanctuary, and being refreshed went again to the Combat; so that the Dragon being much bruised, and perceiving he could not overcome the Knight, began to take wing, where espying a bare place, not covered with scales or defence, Sir Bevis resolutly stept in and sheathed his sword in his side, following the thrust so forcible that it peirced his heart, when with a horrible roar, as if a whole army of men had groaned out their last, he fell dead at his feet; of which victory Sir Bevis being exceeding glad, raised the scales of his neck, and cutting off his head, bore it into the City as in triumph, being met without the wall by old and young, with songs and musick, stiling him their Deliverer, causing Bells to ring, and Bonfires to be made, and as a perpetual memory of this Victory, placed the Head upon the highest Tower in the City. Sir Bevis growing more [Page 39] and more in esteem with the Citizens of Colen, and knowing that the Bishop of that City was his Fathers Brother, he resolved to soli­cite him for Aid against Sir Murdure who kept his heritage, of the Earldom of Southampton from him, and taking his opportunity, when they were private together, he said, Sir, you know my Fa­ther, your Brother was unjustly slain by the connivance of my Mo­ther, and now the murtherer detains my Heritage; wherefore give Counsel, whether I shall atempt by force of Arms the regaining of it or desist, and by your wisdom am I content be ruled, although I know Sir Sabre my other Vncle is already contending for it. 'Tis true replyed the Bishop, and every year on a certain day they wage a mor­tal Battle, wherein one or other of their party is slain: wherefore it is my opinion, that you ought to contend for it your self, as being the true Heir to the Earl your Father, and to further you in this matter, I promise to aid you with an hundred men at my own charge.

Sir Bevis glad of the profer made him by the Bishop, went to [Page 40] Josian, and acquainted her with this new undertaking, laying before her the necessity of it, and withal told her he would leave her in that City sufficiently provided for, till the danger was over, and then fetch her in pomp, to possess their rightful heritage, and although she was unwilling to leave his company, and could not part without tears, yet seeing it must be so she consented, and so with a kind kiss for a time they bid a due to each other; for the men being shipped Sir Bevis went aboard, and within a while sailing came to an anchor, in a Port about two miles from Southampton, where Sir Bevis being destitute of Armour to furnish his men, thought of a stratagem to obtain it in this manner: viz. he sent a Knight to the Castle of Sir Murdure to inform him, that understanding there was a great difference between him and another Knight named Sir Sabre, and that a Battle was shortly to be fought between them, an Almain Captain with a Band of resolute Souldiers, was come to offer his service, provided he would furnish his men with Arms and Armour, that they might appear according to their quality, or else being Souldiers of Fortune, they were resolved to make the like offer to his Enemy, by whom they doubted not but to be entertained.

Sir Murdure kindly accepted this profer, upon the condition propo­sed, and intreated them to land, which accordingly they did, and Sir Bevis with his men were highly treated, both by Sir Murdure and the Countess Sir Bevis's Mother, who knew him not, for he had changed his name to that of Sir Gerard, ordering his men to call him by no other; when as Sir Murdure thus began, Noble Stranger, it may be you are ignorant of the cause that occasions this difference between me and Sir Sabre, a hardy Knight whose residence is now in the Isle of Wight, and this it is, so it happened, that Sir Guy being slain by misfortune in a neighbouring Forrest, who was Earl of this Town, I married the Lady his Countess my present Wife, and she having had one Son by the Earl named Bevis, who proving extravagant and expensive when of age I bought his Heritage of him, and he having consumed the mony he received for it, left the Land and has not since been heard of; notwithstanding this Sir Sabre who is his Vncle, being of late grown rich and powerful lays claim to it, and with many inroads and fierce Encounters disturbs and invades my pos­session, and now I have informed you of the justness of my cause, I hope it will exault your Courages to defend my right.

Sir Bevis having heard the foregoing relation and knowing it to [Page 41] be fabulous, had much ado to contain himself, and refrain from killing the murtherer of his Father, and the injurer of his Honour, in his own Castle; but considering it would be more generous, to do it in the field, he check'd at this time his anger, to wait a nobler opportunity, and so dissembling the matter, he renewed his request for Armour, Horses, and Shipping, protesting, if he might have them, to sail im­mediately to the Isle of Wight, and there put an end to the contenti­on, by making Sir Sabre his Prisoner, and bringing him bound to his presence. At this Sir Murdure was well pleased, and ordered all things to be provided according as had been desired, hastening them to the enterprise, who being accordingly furnished with what they desired, set sail and landed in the Island, at what time Sir Sabre being near the Shoar, and perceiving Ships putting men on land, supposed them Enemies, and thereupon sent for his forces to oppose them; but being convinced of the contrary, upon Sir Bevis causing his Fa­thers Banner to be displayed, well known to him, and by that being assured it was his Nephew, he hasted to welcom him, and with much joy lead him to his Castle, and there they made report to each other, of all that had befel them since they parted; and thereupon Sir Bevis calling a Knight to him, and no longer desirous to to dissemble who he was, or refrain laying claim to his Heritage, sent him to Sir Murdure, to let him know how he had been mistaken and imposed up­on, and that he immediately expected a surrender of the Earldom; and would notwithstanding punish him for treacherously killing his Father: when the Messenger came with this message, Sir Murdure was at dinner with divers Friends, making great merriment, as not doubting by the help of his supposed Friends, to be revenged on Sir Sabre his mortal Enemy; but upon the delivery of the message, finding himself deceived in his expectation, he grew exceeding wrath, and drawing his Daggar, being on the other side of the Tabe, he threw it with great force at the Knight, but missing him, it struck into the breast of his own Son, who was then waiting at the borad, whereupon he fell down dead, and the other fled, relating all that he had said and seen, to Sir Bevis, who gave him for this ser­vice forty pounds.

CHAP. VIII.

SIR Bevis, as we said, being in the Isle of Wight, we must there leave him a while, and return to Josian whom we left at Colen, and with her the Giant Ascapart as her Guard, to prevent any danger that might befall her. So it fell out, That Josian had not been long here, after the departure of Sir Bevis, but Sir Miles an Earl of that Country, casting his Eyes upon her admirable Beauty, fell desperately in love with her, and began in a passionate manner, to court her to his pleasure, but she refusing his proffer'd Love with disdain, he resolved if he could not have his Will of her fairly, to have it by force, and in a manner told her his intent, to which she replied, Sir, although Sir Bevis is absent, yet have I here with me Ascapart, that will not see me wronged: and by this means, he ha­ving understood in whom she reposed her confidence, resolved to get him out of the way, whilst he acted his wicked purpose, and so feign­ing a Letter to him, in Sir Bevis's name, how that he must im­mediately come to him, to the Castle in the Sea, standing a league from the Shoar; the unthinking Giant went, when he no sooner entred the Castle, but it was shut upon him, by those that carried him, and the boat, as Sir Miles had agreed with the Boatmen, im­mediately rowed back again; and then he made his fresh attempts up­on fair Josian, telling her what he had done with Ascapart, and now she had nothing to hope in, but must yield to his pleasure or dye; whereupon she secretly sent a trusty Messenger, to certifie Sir Bevis of the dan­ger she was in, which required his speedy aid: and then to delay the false Knight, she told him, if he would marry her, he should have his will of her, but if he otherways attempted it, she would rather dye than suffer it to be done.

Sir Miles, as I said, being passionately in love with the fair Queen, stuck not at any thing she proposed, so that he might enjoy her, and having [Page 43] told her he would asuredly do it, and thereupon obtaining a kiss, the day was appointed, to be the next, and thereupon he prepared all manner of sumptuous Chear and Musick, inviting many Barrons, Knights, and Ladies to his wedding, and so married they were early in the morning, and the day being spent in feasting; when it grew night and Supper ended, fair Josian was led to her Bride-Chamber, and soon after, impatient of delay, came Sir Miles with many atten­dants, but she intreated him for modesties sake to send away his Train, and she would be his Chamberlain; so that at his command all departing, and they left together, she finding now no other way to save her honour, made a slip-knot of her Girdle and casting it over his Neck, strangled him, and afterward hung him upon a beam. And his Barrons and Knights finding him not abroad in the Morn­ing, as he was wont, imputing it to his new Love Incounters with the fair Bride, every one wishing himself in his place; some went to hunting, and others to the Church; but coming home at noon, and yet not finding him out of his Chamber, they had great marvel, insomuch that one of them went to see what was the matter, and open­ing the door, said, Arise Earl Miles, for you have slept a great while, wherefore I cannot but think your head akes, will you please to have a Candle? Nay, replyed Iosian, I will undertake his Head shall ake no more, for I have unknit the wedding, and yonder you may see him hanging, my honour he shall never destroy, though for what I have acted, you may do with me as you please.

The death of Sir Miles once known to his Friends, they made great sorrow for it, and with much anger proceeded to burn the fair Josian at a stake, so that the Fire being set in order, and kindled by the Sea side, Ascapart, who beheld it from the Castle, imagining that Queen Josian his Mistris was in danger burst in sunder the Iron gates, and entring a Fishers boate, just come into the Port, he rowed himself to the place where the Fire was, and found it to be true, as he had dread, for there he beheld the Queen in her shift, ready to be put into the fire, and whilst he was devising how to rescue her, Sir Bevis came riding up, and seeing Ascapart, said, Thief where has thou been? where has thou left Josian my fair Queen, whom I gave thee in charge, that she is thus forced to send for me to de­liver her from danger? whereupon asking his pardon, he told him all that had happened, and shewed him in what danger the Queen stood, who had before their coming been sacraficed in the Flames, had [Page 44] not the Priest been long in shrieving her. This sight so enraged Sir Bevis, that bidding Ascapart follow him, he broke through the throng, and with his Sword cut all in pieces before him, in so much that the people fled amazed, crying on every hand for mercy, whilst Ascapart on the other side, laid them on heaps with his Club, felling and braining whole ranks at a blow, and having made great slaugther and cleared the Coast, Josian being left alone, Sir Bevis caused her to cloath her self, and mount behind him, and together with Ascapart they took shipping, and sailed to the Isle of Wight, where they were lovingly receeived by Sir Sabre, and his Knights. Josian returning great thanks to Heaven for her deliverance, and there related to Sir Bevis all that had befell her, &c.

CHAP. IX.

SIR Bevis and Sir Sabre, resolving to pursue Sir Murdure to death, sent their summons into all parts, to require their Friends to come to their Aid, sending, the better to encourage them, gifts of Gold and Silver very liberally, so that many Earls, Barrons, and Knights came slocking to their Standard, with their Pages, and their Attendants, who according to their Degrees were listed, and entred into the Service; of which Sir Murdure having notice, was exceeding­ly fretted in his mind, and therefore consulted with the Countess his Wife, what was best to be done for their safeties, who advised him to send to his Brother the Emperour, and she would do the like to her Father the King of Scots, to let them know their distress, and re­require their speedy Aid, which she doubted not to obtain, with many more Knights of Renown, in England and Wales, and then like a Tempest falling upon Bevis, Sabre and their Fellows, you may soon [Page 45] put them to the slight, wherefore, said she, in no manner let your Courage fall you.

This Council Sir Murdure immediately put in practice, nor did he fail therein; for a great many came dayly to him, and amongst the rest the King of Scots, with five thousand choice Souldiers; and Sir Morris of Vain, sent by the Almain Emperor, with four thousand men

at Arms, he having three thousand under his Banner before, where­upon, gathering them in one place, he said, Lordlings, you that are come to my Aid, have no doubt heard of the strife between me and Sir Sabre, and now another is entred into the Quarrel, to take part with him, one Sir Bevis by name, threatning to slay me, and to take away my Land, and Possessions, and for that intent, has brought with him a monsterous Giant, whose grim visage may at first per­haps terrifie some, but being well armed, and more in number than they, I doubt not, but we shall so deal with them as to make them re­pent their rash undertaking. This said, he commanded all the Hoast [Page 46] to arm and go aboard the Ships he had prepared, resolving to assail Sir Bevis and Sir Sabre, in the Isle of Wight, hoping, there by his sudden coming, to surprise them at unawares, but scarce were they be­ginning to lan [...], before Sir Sabre from the Castle espyed them, and informed Sir Bevis of their arrival, telling him he had never seen so great a Hoast in those p [...]ts; to which Sir Bevis replyed, that their member mattered not, though they were ten to one, seeing they were in a wrong cause, and therefore resolving to give them battle; he di­vided his Hoast, reducing three thousand under his own Banner and Loading, and three thousand he put under the commmand of Sir Sa­bre, leaving Ascapart with three thousand more to guard the Castle, and succour them if there should be need; saying, that so many fresh men would stand him in great stead, when the battle was at the hight, and so caused a march to be sounded; which Sir Murdure understand­ing, incouraged his Men and set them in order, making of them three Battles; the first he led himself, the second was commanded by the King of Scots, and the third by Sir Morris of Vain, each consisting of ten thousand men, which they had by the way, encreased to the for­mer number; and then both Armies facing a while, and the Generals encouraging their Men, the bloody blast was sounded, whereupon Sir Morris de Vain ran against Sir Sabre with great fury, so that their Lances shivering they drew their Swords, and began a dreaful fight, but after many wounds on either part, Sir Morris was beaten from his Horse as dead, and there had been slain, had not his Men from all parts pressed furiously to rescue him: whilst this was doing Sir Bevis pressed on, killing many on either hand, till he broke through where the King of Scots fought; who seeing him come in that despe­rate manner, prepared to receive him; but after a hot dispute between them, the King was unhorsed, and his Helm burst in sunder, where­upon crying out for succour, his Men from all parts thrust despe­rately, between Sir Bevis and him, and were there a great number of them slain, insomuch that the heaps of dead bodies, stoped the way of the Conqueror.

Soon after the King was beaten down, he retired out of the battle to refresh himself, and having put on fresh Armour, and remounted he came again with great fury to the Fight; so that great slaughter ensued, and Sir Bevis still ranging through the Battle making horrible destruction whereever he came, advanced so far that he broke into the press where Sir Murdure had slain and unhorsed many, saying Trai­tor, [Page 47] Let those alone and turn thee hither, but Sir Murdure seeing it was Sir Bevis, who had vowed his death, he used many endeavours to shun the fight; but Sir Bevis pressing on, and thinking to give him a forcible blow, thereby to dispatch him at once, he by swiftly turning his Horse avoided it, yet the Sword falling on his Horse, clove his crupper in sunder, so that he fell down dead, but Sir Murdure was remounted by his Men, and a while made resistance, but finding him­self to weak for his adversary, he retyred within the ranks of his Men, and left them to the fury of Sir Bevis who mounted on Arundel his Steed, laid about him on every side, with his trusty Sword Morglay, nor did his Horse fail with his heels and teeth to fight couragiously, giving to many their mortal wounds; so that the Plain whereon they fought, blshed with blood, and was covered with dead bodies, so that the num­ber of his Enemies was lessened: and at the signal given Ascapart advanced with his men on foot, for by reason of his monsterous size no Horse could bear him, and with his huge Club overthrew whole Squa­drons, in so much that he drove a thousand men before him, like a flock of Sheep to the Sea-side, who fearing a worser death, leaped into the waves, and were most of them drowned; but a very few getting to the Ships, that lay at Anchor in the Road; and then returning where his Men fought, he broke through the main Battle of Scots, and car­ried all before him, making lanes whereever he came, till he arrived where Sir Bevis was fighting, and had done wonders.

Sir Bevis no sooner beheld Ascapart, but calling him to him, said, Mark well the person that fights on younder Steed, and be sure you let him not escape our hands, for that is Sir Murdure the causer of all this mischief; whereupon Ascapart in all haste made thitherward, and when Sir Murdure would have fled from him, he caught him in his Arms, Horse and Man, and bore him, in spite of the resistance that was made, into the Castle; and now Sir Morris being slain by Sir Sabre, and the King of Scots being no longer able to maintain the Battle, the Souldiers fled on all parts; which the King perceiving and not being able to restraine the Flight fled likewse, and getting into a Ship, prepared for that purpose, he sailed away Westward to a stronge Castle of his in the Sea. And now Sir Murdure being in the Castle, he was condemned to be put into a Cauldron of scalding Pitch and Brimstone, where he miserably perished; and this he had as a punishment for the murther of Sir Guy Father to Sir Bevis and Earl of Southampton; of which the Countess his Wife being in­formed, [Page 48] she leaped in a desperate mood, from the Battlements of her Castle, and broke her Neck.

CHAP. X.

BEing thus rid of of his mortal Enemies, Sir Bevis and his no­bles Companions, took leave of the Isle of Wight, and sailed to Southampton, where finding his Mother dead, by the means aforesaid, he caused her notwithstanding, to be honourably buryed; and so took [Page 49] possession of his Castle, and Heritage, and sending for the Bishop of Colen, and many other noble Personages, he was by the said Bishop, married to his beloved Queen Josian, and never was Queen so wil­ling to be disrobed of her Royalty, nor Knight so pleased with a Queen; and soon after going to London, to do homage to King Ed­gar for his Earldom, and having told him his name, and by what right he claymed that Heritage, the King made him Marshal of En­gland, delivering the staff that his Father Sir Guy had before him: so that returning home he was highly esteemed and honoured by King, Peers and Pesants spending his estate liberally and in giving Alms re­membring from his 7 years imprisonment what it was to suffer hunger.

Yet growing great in Offices and places of honourable trust, he at last stirred up the envy of one Sir Brian of Cornwal against him, as having some of the Offices bestowed upon him by the King; that were formerly his; so that about Whitsontide when sundry Knights were coursing and raceing on their gallant Steeds, forty pounds in gold was proposed for a three mile Course, on the Horse that run best; when Sir Bevis being present and knowing none might compare to Arundel, he undertook in honour of the day to ride with the rest, and although two Knights having unexpectedly the start were got half a mile before, Sir Bevis gave Arundel the reins, who flew forth like the wind, and immediately overtook them, and passing by, was at the Races end before they could imagine he was gotten two miles, which made the Kings Son so much in love with the Horse for his goodness, and for whose sake, as the story says, Sir Bevis built the Castle of Arundel, calling it after his Horses name, that he de­sired at any rate to have him, but Sir Bevis required of him to ask any thing else and he should freely have it, yet as for his Horse no Gold, nor Castles, nor Towns, nor Favour could assure him to part with him, upon which the Prince w [...]tching his opportunity, resolved to take him by force out of the stable, but as he attempted to do it, Arundel knowing it was not his Master, lifted up his Heels, and gave him such a blow on the Head that his brains slew out.

When King Edgard heard his own Son was slain, and the man­ner how, he was exceeding wrath, and assembling his Councel, pro­posed to them, that since Sir Bevis his denying his Horse to his Son, had made him attempt what occasioned his death, it was sit that he should dye for it a cruel death, urging that he might be drawn to pieces with wild Horses; but his Councel declared they could pass [Page 50] no such sentence upon him, seeing he no hand in the death of the Prince. But Sir Brian of Cornwal, resolving to do him a displea­sure, starting up, said, Though they could not indeed meddle with Sir Bevis for this matter, yet the Horse ought to be slain; which was agreed on all hands: whereupon Sir Bevis humbly besought the King, that rather than he should loose his Horse, he would permit him to abjure the Land, which being granted, he surrendred up his Offices and places of Honour, which was that which Sir Brian aimed at, and made over his Lordships and Heritage to his Vncle Sir Sabre; and so with Josian Sir Terre and Ascapart, he took his leave of England, and from this time Ascapart ploted how he might bring it about to seize Josian, and carry her back to King Jour, of which more hereafter.

CHAP. XI.

SIR Bevis and his Company, being now again in a strange Land, and Josian by this time great with Child, as they rid through a Forrest, she fell in travel, so that alighting they cut down boughs with their swords, and made her a Bower for her conveniency, paving it with Rushes and soft Leaves, and offered their assistance to help her in that extreamity, but she through modesty excusing it, desired them to retire, and leave her to the protection of Heaven; so that set­ing Ascapart as a sentinel at a distance, to watch that no rude per­son or wild beast might approach, to annoy or disturb her, Sir Bevis and Sir Terry went to seek for somewhat for her refreshment; du­ring which space Ascapart, when she was delivered of two Sons, took her on his Back in the woful condition she was in, in vain crying for help, her Lord being out of hearing, and hasted through Woods and Forrests over Hills, Rocks and Mountains towards Mambrat, there to deliver her to King Jour her former Husband in hopes of a [Page 51] great reward and honour; so that when Sir Bevis and Sir Terrey returned, they found only the Children in the Bower, and perceiving Ascapart gone, they easily guessed at what had befallen, and made great sorrow for this loss, but finding it no boot to stay there Sir Bevis wrapped up the Children in a rich mantle their Mother had left behind her, and passing on met a man, of whom they inquirid, if he saw not a Giant carrying a Lady that way, who answered he did not; then said Sir Bevis, what is your business? he replied, I am a Forrester, then will you, said he, take home with you this Child, and cause it to be christened by the name Guy, and here is ten marks in hand, and when you have kept it seaven years, inquire for one Be­vis of Southampton, and bring it to him, and you shall have store of Gold for so doing: The man upon these conditions, having gladly re­ceived the Infant, Sir Bevis and Sir Terry passed on, and meeting with a Fisher-man, disposed of the other in the same sort, directing his name to be Miles.

Long these Champions rid together, yet could they get no sight nor tidings of Ascapart, who went through Woods and By-ways to pre­vent discovery, nor rested they till they entred a fair Town, and there betook themselves to an Inn to rest; but long they had not been there, er'e looking out at the Window, they saw a gallant Train of Horse-men, exceedinly well mounted on Horses with rich Trappings, and Heralds on every side displaying their Arms and Banners, which made them enquire of their Host, the occasion of so great a concourse, who told them that on the morrow there would be held a great Iusting in that Town, for a fair Virgin, Daughter to the Duke, who being old and not expecting long to live, for the honour he bears to Arms, has set her the prize, and with her, all his Lands and Possessions after his death, of his valour who can win her, by carrying the day from the rest of the Knights, Earls, Dukes and Barrons.

For this news, the English Champions gave him a Reward, and agreed between themselves, to be ready to enter the List early in the morning; when in the mean time Sir Bevis for the device on his Sheild, prepared a Lyon Rampant in a Field Gules, and Sir Terry a Vnicorn in a Field Argent, that they might the better be known, and noted by the Lady, during the Conevat, whose name was Elinor the Fair. No sooner had the Sun given light to the World, but the Trumpets florished round, and whon the Ladies had taken their [Page 52] places, the Knights came forth to Iust: when the Emperor of Al­mains Son advancing, Sir Bevis met him so forcibly, that he bore both horse and man to the ground; uyon which the Earl of Florence came against him, but Sir Bevis with his spear struck him so hard, in the middle of his shield, that he made him fly from off his horse two yards and upwards; when Duke Anthony resolving to revenge

his cause, advanced with great fury, bidding Sir Bevis turn to him, for he was resolved to revenge the Duke of Florence's disgrace, so together they rod with much fury, but the Duke was soon unhorsed, and laid upon the ground, having his shoulder bone broke with the thrust: Sir Bevis having thus far proceeded, Sir Terry advanced against the King of Hungary's Brother, and bore him from his Horse, and did the like to the Earl Hamant, who came to second him, and so well they dealt, that none was able to stand before them; so that the Iudges of the Field gave Sir Bevis the first plaee, and Sir Ter­rey the second in valour; and being come to Court, the Lady met Sir Bevis, and taking him by the hand, said, I am, Sir Knight, [Page 53] your own, you have fairly won me in the Field, and may wed me when you please; Nay, Madam, said Sir Bevis, I have a Lady already, though at present I have lost her, and am now in search of her, but my noble Friend is destitute of a Wife, and to him I re­commend your choice: To that, said she, I agree if in seaven years time you find your Wife, but if not, that then you will swear to wed me, and so long or till you have found her, I will for your sake con­tinue a Virgin, this being agreed on, they left the Court in search of fair Josian.

Sir Sabre being now at home, in possession of great Fortunes, happened on a night to dream, that Sir Bevis was much distressed, through the means of Ascapart the Giants treachery, and telling his dream to his Wife, she advised him to go in search of his Ne­phew; and thereupon taking twelve Knights with him in Palmers weeds, though under them they were well armed, he crossed the Seas and having passed through many Lands, as he approached Mambra [...], he espyed the Gyant haling fair Josian, who cryed out pitiously to him and his Companions for help, as knowing that if she was de­livered to first her Husband, he would put her to death, and thereupon Sir Sabre and his Knights commanded him to let her go, but he sternly refusing it, they assailed him on all sides; whereupon quitting her bound as she was, and therefore incapable of flying away, he be­took himself to his Club, and laid at the Knights with great fury, but they being nimble, still avoided his blows, and in the end having tired him, Sir Sabre whilst the others maintained the sight, stepped in, and with his sword run him through, so that he fell dead to the ground; where leaving him, he lead Josian to the next Inn, and there with a certain oyntment, discoloured her fair face that she might not be known, but having spent all their mony and provision, they went to require a supply, at a Castle where Sir Bevis and Sir Terrey were lodged, when Sir Terrey coming to the gate knew his Father and lead him in with great joy, nor was Sir Bevis a little glad when he heard Josian was recovered; whereupon Sir Terrey proceeded as it had been agreed, to wed the fair Elinor, which was done with great feasting, pomp, and splendor, and her Father soon after dying, he possessed himself of all the Estate.

CHAP. XII.

KING Jour, having a long time in vain expected his Wife, resolved to greive for her no more, but to be revenged on her Fa­ther, and thereupon made war on his Countries, of which Sir Bevis receiving inteelligence by a Palmer, gathered a great Company, and leaving Sir Terrey with his new Wife, took with him Sir Sabre, and his two Sons Guy and Miles, who were grown by this time to perfection, resolving to assist his Father-in-Law, of whose coming King Ermine was exceeding glad, and humbly beged his pardon, of­fering to make him amends, for the injury he had done him, to be Christened with all his people, whereupon Sir Bevis sent to England for Clergy-men, who instantly came and performed that good Office: Yet King Jour drawing near with twenty thousand Sarazens, destroy­ing the Countrey before him, Sir Bevis being made General of Armony, raised an Army likewise to meet him, and defying each other­in a plain field, a dreadful battle began; whereupon Sir Bevis and his Knights so laid about them, that they overthrew and cut in pieces whole Ranks of men, and grew at length so terrible, that where ever they came, the enemies fled before them, when coming to King Jour he beat him from his Horse, and there had slain him, had not a Troop of fresh men instantly come in to his Rescue, sacrificing their lives to defend him, who no longer trusting to his forces, see­ing the day was lost, betook himself to flight, and was followed by such of his men, who escaped the sword, yet Sir Bevis pursued so hard after him, upon his swift Horse Arundle, that he overtook him, and made him his prisoner, having soon after for his Ransome, twenty tuns of Gold, three hundred Bales of Silk, and as many white Steeds, with three hundred Cups of Gold and Silver, making him at the same time ever quit claim to the fair Josian, and to be in per­petual Amity with King Ermine.

For this and other great services, King Ermine offered to give him his Crown; and the Government of this Kingdom, but he refused it, yet accepted it for Guy his eldest Son, who was solemnly crowned King of Armony, and the old King not long after died; upon which King Jour fretted at his disgrace, resolved again to invade the Countrey, and thereupon thinking Sir Bevis did these wonders, through the strength of his Horse, he resolved to get him by fraud, and sent on Robion a cunning fellow to steal him out of the stable, who charming his keepers, as also the Horse with spells and sleeping drenches brought him away: But scarcely had he reached Mambrat with him, before Sir Sabre espied him, and leaping up behind him, felled him dead with the truncheon of a spear, but er'e he could

get away, the Sarrazens, that had beheld what was done, came running and assailed him on every part, and although he valiantly defended himself- they hardly put him to it, which Josian having perceived from the Turret of a Castle, advertised Sir Bevis, who [Page 56] with other Knights hasted to his aid, and slew the Sarrazens in great number, so that happy was he, that could first recover the City. This made King Jour exceeding wrath, and immediately to send to his Brother Bradwin to come to his succor, who was King of Surry, making at the same time great sacrifices, offers and vows to Maho­met for his success; and thereupon King Jour grown desperate, re­solved to end the strife, by single Combate with Sir Bevis, and ad­vancing for that purpose towards Armony with three thousand men, he desied him, telling him that having slain his Men, bereaved him of his Wife, and done him other mischiefs, he would now try it out with him to wreck his own revenge; and if it so fell out, that he slew him, he would possess himself of the Land of Armony; but if himself was slain, Mambrat should be delivered to Sir Bevis: These Conditions agreed on, and sworn to on either part, they went into a little Island to fight the Combat, and there drawing their Swords, they furiously laid at each other, the one animated by dispair, and the other by true valour; but after many wounds given and received, Sir Bevis with a forcible blow, burst King Jour's Helmet in sunder, cutting through his Shield, [...]as he held it up to defend him­self; so that he brought him to the ground both horse and man: but the King nimbly got up again, and calling upon Mahomet for suc­cor, began the fight anew, at which Sir [...]evis alighted to be upon e­qual terms, and with another stroak felled him again; so that now he had him at his mercey, whose life he notwithstanding spared, yet sent him to a strong Castle, and doomd him a prisoner for his life, when taking his Armour and Ensigns of Royalty, he went with a good Company of Souldiers to Mambrat, where the Citizens sup­posing him to be their King, immediately opened their Gates; so that entring with his men, he soon made himself Master of it, put­ting all that resisted to the sword, and obliged the rest to abjure their Mahumitisme causing himself there to be crowned, by which Queen Josian was twice Queen of Mambrat.

CHAP. XIII.

SIR Sabre being now with Sir Bevis, as they rod forth a hawking on a day, news was brought him, that King Edgar had seized on his Inheritance by the advice of Sir Brian of Cornwal his Steward, and turned out his Wife and Children, of which he had no sooner notice, but he asked Sir Bevis leave to depart for En­gland; but he would not suffer him to go alone, promising to accom­pany him, and his Son, with his Queen and his two Sons, and many courageous Knights, when landing at Southampton, he raised a great power of his Friends, and marched towards London, where the King was; then Sir Bevis leaving his Army at Putney, went with twenty Knights only to waite upon the King, and having ad­mittance to his presence, after Reverence done, desired to know, Why Sir Sabre's Estate had been seised? to whom the King re­plyed, It was done at the instance of Sir Brian his Stward, but however he had since bethought himself, and would soon restore it; but Sir Brian being present, boldly started up and said, it ought not to be done, saying moreover to Sir Bevis, that he wondred how he durst, being a banished man, return, and that for his presumption he ought to be hanged, or put to some other shameful death; to this Sir Bevis replyed neither good nor bad, but making his Reverence to the King, departed. But the revengeful Steward not so satis­fied, knowing where he inn'd with his Knights, caused the City-Gates to be locked, and the Chains to be drawn cross the streets, and raised a Cry at midnight, that every one who could bear Arms, should assault Sir Bevis in his Lodging, to revenge the death of the Kings Son slain by his Horse Arundel, of which treachery Sir Bevis having notier, ordered his Squire to hasten his Sons to his aid with the Army, and thereupon mounting Arundel, he met Sir [Page 58] Brian at the head of the people he had raised; and said to him, come on now, you are an old Knight of War, and so they run upon each other, but Sir Bevis missing with his Spear, Sir Brian run him quite

through the Shield, and clove it in sunder, which so much ang [...]ed him, that drawing his Sword Morglay, he smote him with a down right stroak, and clove his Honnet and head in sunder, and charging upon his men made a great slaughter of them, insomuch that the streets ran with blood, and so passing on to Broad-street, he met di­vers Lumbards, that came to assail him, but soon scattered and di­spersed them, whilst his other Knights were not idle, but made a great slaughter and havock of the Multitude; yet finding themselves hard beser, they made towards Ludgate, to possess themselves of it, but found it shut and gaurded, whereat Sir Bevis commanded them to open it, and let him out, who refusing to do it, a great fight was be­gun anew, and so well Sir Bevis behaved himself that he brought six hundred men to the ground, without receiving a wound himself.

The news of Sir Bevis his danger coming to the ear of his Wife and Sons, the former fell in a sound, but the two later raised and revived her, telling her they would bring him speedy aid, resolving if they found him slain, to destroy and lay wast the City, and so mount­ing, they led their Hoast by great marches, and not only found their Father alive, but manfully defending himself, yet exceeding weary with so great a toil and blood-shed, at what time more Citizens came to the aid of their Fellows under the leading of a stout Lumbard and strong, who charged Sir Bevis with great fury, but sped no better than Sir Brian of Cornwal, for with the first stroak Sir Bevis gave him he severed his head from his shoulders, and now Sir Sabre, Guy and Miles laying furiously about them, the Citizens fled in great disorder, and shut themselves up, as many as could, in their own Houses and in Bulwarks then built to defend the Walls; and some fled to the King, who then kept his Court in the Tower, whereupon Sir Bevis had the intire-possession of the City; yet would he not use any violence to those that resisted him not, nor suffer his Sons, who in the hear of their youthful blood purposed, to seek and fire the City, but immediately causing a Retreat to be sounded, he with­drew his Forces and retired to Southampton, where he took possession of his Estate, sending to the King to excuse what had been done on his part with the manner how it fell out; so that the fault being alto­gether laid upon Sir Brian, who was now dead, the King was no ways offended with Sir Bevis, but confirmed him and Sir Sabre in their Estates, honouring them with many Offices and Dignities, counting especially their Friendship above all others.

CHAP. IVX.

SIR Bevis and his Confederates, being now in peace and tranqui­lity, King Edgar sent for them to his Court, upon a great Feast he made for his Nobles, and entertained them with much splendor, and a Tilt and Tournament for their fvrther Recreation being pre­pared, Guy and Miles Sir Bevis's two Sons maintained it against all strangers or other Knights of the Court, and were so highly suc­cesful, that they unhorses all that came against them: Insomuch that Sir Guy being then in silver Armor, with a fair Lady portrayed on his Shield, the beautiful Lyndamira Daughter to the King, took such norice of his manly form, proportion of Body and rare atchieve­ments beyond, in a manner, the strength of man, that she fell despe­rately in love with him, of which the young Knight being ignorant, and the Princess through excess of Modesty, not willing to discover it to any, she fell sick and in a languishing condition, whereat the King being greatly grieved, sent for his Physicians, from all parts of the Land to cure her Malady, who soon found it proceeded from a cause beyond the power of their Art; and enformed the King, that distemper of the fair Princess, proceeded from love, who tender of this his only Daughter, pressed her in all Fatherly mildness to let him know the object that occasioned it, which at first she began with mo­desty to refuse, or rather excuse. but the King being earnest herein, she amidst sighs, blushes and much confusion, told him it was Sir Guy.

The King knowing the cause of his fair Lindamira's sickness, he made it his business to apply the cure, and thereupon sent for Sir Guy, and in plain terms told him what happiness was designed him, and how much his Daughter suffered for his sake: The young Knight, though inwardly overjoyed at this news, being no less in love than she, strove at first to excuse it, alleadging he was unworthy of so [Page 61] great an honour, yet in the end, submitted to be wholly disposed off at the Kings pleasure, who caused them to be married to their great joy, and mutual satisfaction, the wedding being kept with much pomp

and splendor, and graced with a concourse of the Nobility, where many noble seats of Arms were done, and up sooner was the sports and Magnificences over, but the King to render Sir Guy a sitter match for so beautiful a Princess, made him Earl of Cornwal, and then suffered him to depart with her, to his Kingdom of Armony.

Queen Josian by this time, being desirous to return to Mambrat, as a place more agreeable to her health, acquainted Sir Bevis with her intent, who thereupon resolved to accompany her again, and leave to Sir Miles his younger Son his Inheritance in England, hardly could King Edgar be perswaded to part with them, how­ever finding the Queen ill at ease he at length consented, and dis­missed them with many rich presents, exhorting sundry of the No­bility to accompany them, which they accordingly did; and upon his [Page 62] Fathers departure, gave to Sir Miles all his places, Offices and Titles of Honour, arriving at Mambrat, they found the City strong­ly besieged by Amphi [...]on, a Cousen of the King of Mambrat; but the Citizens had made a stout resistance, and killed abundance of men in divers santes they made, but being now quite wearied out, were at a point to yield; whereupon Sir Bevis sent secretly into the City, to acquaint them with his arrival, which put them into no small joy, and greatly raised and inspired their drooping Courages, nor was it long, before he gathered an Army in the Country, and sent for Souldiers into Armony, whereupon more fully to signalize his Valour to such English Noble-men, as came with him, that they might report what they had seen in their own Country, mounting upon Arundel, and taking his Sword Morglay in his hand, he fell like a tempest upon the Houst of the Infidels, beating down, and cutting in pieces all▪ that he reached or came in his way, and such slaughter he [...]de, that the gro [...]d was covered with blood, and the bodies of the slain, to be [...] whole [...]hey Amph [...]on with the strongest of his men advanced, and cha [...]ed upon Sir Bevis, who though tired with sighting, yet encountre [...] them all, and with a blow laid Amphiron dead at his feet, by cleaving his Helmet and Head in sunder, where­upon his men were so discouraged, that fearfully shrinking together, they at last betook themselves to open flight, leaving their Camp and all its furniture, as a pity to the Conqueror.

The siege removed, the Cittizens opened their Gates, and came out with Instruments of Musick, Songs and great Ioy to welcome Sir Bevis and his Train, who entred the City in Triumph, and re­established himself in the Throne of Mambrat, where giving large Presents to the English Noble-men, he sent them back, so many as would go into England; who came home full of the glorious Actions and Atchievements of Sir Bevis, speading yet wider his fame that had already render him a most redoubted Champion amongst the Infidels: Insomuch that Saracon, the great Soldian of Babylon, hearing of his prowess, and how by new Conquests he dayly inlarged his Domi­nions, began to doubt his Empire, for the indignities of he had put upon Sir Bevis, and therefore consulting his great Councellors it was agreed amongst them, that they should enterprize some extraordinary matter to put a stop to the progress of his Arms.

CHAP. VXV.

SIR Bevis being setled in a Kingdom far from his Native Coun­try, and being well assured his Neighbours bore him no good will, having sworn his Subjects to be true to him and his Succes­sors, he proceeded to make wholesome Laws, the better to assure their fidelity, oblieging them every where to forsake their Idols and false worship, and to become Christians, but scarce had he brought these things to pass, when news was brought him, that great preparations were making to invade his Country, which made him not idle, but taking the advantage of the little respire: [...]ho [...] gathered his Forces and mustered them to the number of twenty thousand men, Horse and Foot, with which he marched to the F [...]on [...]ers, to stand u [...]on his guard: when Amphiron whom the Soldian had made his General, advanced by speedy marches, with an Army of two hundred thousand Turks and Saracens, vowing the bloodiest revenge, that could be ex­pressed or suffered by man upon Sir Bevis, nor only for the disgrace he had [...] upon himself s [...]he [...] he had given his Kins-man, but the disgrace he had put upon him, for indeed though he was a monsterous Giant Sir Bevis had overthrown him in the head of his Troops and gave him in [...]y c [...]el wounds, and had dispatched him, had not his men desperately to save th [...] Lord, thrown them­selves between him and death, whilst he made his escape.

Amphiron by this time doing arrived upon the Confine [...]s of Mam­brat, with his numerous [...]ast, began in a terrible manner to wast all with fire and sword, so that the miserable Inhabitants fled before them in a fearful manner, to stay which inundation of the barbarous Enemy, Sir Bevis advanced with his Troops, and falling with five hundred Horse only upon the sorerunners, consisting of ten thousand men, he made of them such a terrible slaughter, that such as escaped the sword leaped into the River for fear, and there were most of them drowned not above an hundred escaping to test Amphiron the [Page 64] fatal news, who was so enraged, that having charged them with Cowardize, he caused the chief of them, or such as were Officers a­mongst them to be put to death, and so came furiously on, where Sir Bevis had drawn up his whole Army, and now the Armies being in sight of each other, though the Infidels with their numerous Hoast covered the Country Sir Bevis nothing daunted, incouraged his Soul­diers with this short Oration: You see, Fellow Souldier, said he, and what is yet more glorious, Fellow Christians, that this numerous Hoast of Infidels, that defy the blessed name of our Lord, and whose Armies we have so often bafled and defeated, are come up against us to destroy us, and take away the Land we so quietly possess, and which by right of war and heritage is our own; wherefore be va­liant for the truth, and let us this day so well play the men, in shew­ing forth our utmost prowess, that hereafter our names may become so terrible to them, that they may rather implore our Friendship, and become our Tributaries, than dare to arm against us, and as for my part, my fear is so little, that I doubt not, but this day we shall so deal, that few of them shall escape our hands. This speech ended with shouts and acclamations of the Souldiers, he commanded the Trumpets to sound the Charge; and Amphiron having on the other hand encouraged his men, with great boasts and hopes of assured Victory, both Armies joyned with huge shouts and cryes, so that for the horrible clashing of Swords and Armour, the cryes of the dying, and the shouts of the vanquishers, the sound of Trumpets, and the noise of Drums, the Earth trembled, and the wild beast in the For­rests stood astonished, when Amphiron having in his hand a huge Battle-Ax, came on in the front making lanes as he passed, so that that the Christians seeing the destruction he made, fled on that part, of which Sir Bevis had no sooner notice where he fought, and had broken the left Wing of the Pagan Army, having died himself in the blood of a thousand he had slain, but beating down all before him, he made thither, which Amphiron, perceiving by the Banner that was born before him, which was a huge Cross enameld and inlayed with Gold, but choosing a thousand of his best men, he gave them com­mand to inclose Sir Bevis on all parts, and that when they had done it, he himself would either take him prisoner, or kill him on the place: These men speedily drew off, to fulfil the pleasure of their General, who had promised them great Rewards, if they performed it, and threatned them with certain death, if they were found wanting [Page 65] in the fulfilling his commands to the utmost of their power: Vpon this, disperately resolved, whilst Sir Bevis was making a lane before him, and paving his way with the bodies of the Infidels, whilst some presented themselves before him to stop his approach, others fetching a little compass inclosed him, and pressed on very furiously, by this means, they had separated him from the body of his Army, which he however not regarding, though many of his men were slain about him, with his Sword Morglay, made the Arms, Legs and Heads of those that opposed him to fly, so that Amphiron was oblieged to hasten, when, to give him entrance, his men opened to the right and lest, and he having in a great rage reproached Sir Bevis with the taking King Jours Queen and Country from him, as also imprison­ing him, he, before Sir Bevis could well ward the blow, gave him such a stroak with his Battle-Ax, as made him almost tumble from his Horse, but he soon recovering himself, returned it with such fury, that his trusty Sword peirced Amphiron's Armour, and gave him a deep wound in the Shoulder, so that renewing their strength, and either doing his utmost, a mortal battel happened between them, but at length, Sir Bevis his men supposing him to be in greater danger than he was, after an obstenate manner, broke in, but ere they came to him, he had with a full stroak cleft Amphiron's Head and Helmet, so that he fell dead at his Feet; which his men seeing, gave back on all hands, and from a kind of a Retreat, finding themselves slain on every side: and now Sir Miles coming in with five thousand freshmen, which he had raised unknown to his Father, and beating down all before him, they fell into a confused flight, so that being hotly pursued to the Walls of Babylon, they were almost all of them slain, drowned, or taken Prisoners.

CHAP. XVI.

UPon the defeat of this great Army, the City of Babylon was filled with the lamentations and cryes of such as had lost their Friends, and others that feared the City would be sack'd, for now the Christian Army approached, spreading their Banners before the palace, which oblieged the Soldian to consult, what was best to be done for his safety; some advising him to send Ambassadours with Presents, and offers of Peace to the Conqueror, and others to stand it out, [Page 67] seeing he had a well fortified City, and many Friends; but so it happened, that whilst they were thus wavering, that King Jour having, by corrupting his keepers, made his escape, came in dis­guise to Babylon, earnestly soliciting the Soldian to maintain a War to the utmost against his mortal Enemy, whereupon the defence was resolved upon the Soldian committing to this King the Charge and Guard of the City; so that many Assaults were given, and many sore conflicts happened, in the sallying of the Besieged, but the City being strongly walled and fortefied with Towers, inclosed on most parts with the branches of the River Euphrates, it could not be easily approached, which made Sir Bevis conclude how one way or other he might take it by Stratagem, and after many consultations it was resolved, that divers armed men, with Pilgrims gowns over their Armour, the better to prevent suspition, should enter the City, and secure one of the Gates to let in the rest of the Army; but then some difficulty arose, who should enterprise this dangerous under­taking, Sir Bevis though he offered it, not being permitted by his Captains, and great Commanders, to undertake so dangerous an Enterprise, but utterly perswaded from it, forasmuch as upon his safety depended not only the preservation of the Army, but the safe­ty and conservation of the whole Affairs in those parts; and although he vehemently pressed it, and desired nothing more, than to have the honour of so great an undertaking, yet against all he could argue, the intreaties and perswasions of his Friends prevailed; yet not al­together to loose the glory, he so far prevailed, that Sir Miles his Son should attempt it, when not to lose time, all things were pre­pared in a readiness, and they to the number of two hundred, went to the City hy degrees, and in the night time taking their opportu­nity, put the Warders to flight, killing many of them, and posses­sing themselves of the principal Gate, but the Alarm being taken, they every where cryed to Arms, so that before Sir Bevis could well reach it with his Army, Sir Miles and his men, after having maintained a furious and obstenate fight with the whole power of the City, found themselves obliged to retire to one of the Towers, which in the confusion was almost deserted of the Souldiers that be­fore guarded it, putting such as they found there to the Sword, and fortefying themselves therein, during which time the Portcullises be­ing let down, and the Gate again strengthened, though Sir Bevis and his men attempted to force the Gate and Wall, with battering [Page 68] Rams and other Engins, yet by reason of their strength, and the stout defence the besieged made, they could not effect it, which troubled Sir Bevis much, but more the fair Josian, who by this time was come to the Camp, as concluding, that past all peradventure, Sir Miles and his men were either taken Prisoners or slain.

During the sorrow the Christian Camp made for this supposed loss and miscariage, the Soldian had strictly caused the Tower to be be­sieged, which King Jour who had the conduct of this affair, pressed on with great vehemency, and was frequently as obstinately repulled, when in the hight of this Action it so happened, that the fair and beautiful Rosalinda Princess of Babylon, and only Daughter to the Soldian, dreamed she saw Sir Miles, or the Imagined Idea of that Heroick young Knight by her bed-side, with whose feacures she was so wonderfully taken, as also with his manly proportion and Mar­tial looks, that she could not forbear to fix her Eyes upon him, and demand what his request or desire was, or what brought him thither, who returned for answer, that her beauty alone had charmed him, and that although at present he was beset with danger, yet no fear pos­sessed him, no not twice the number of his Enemies, but the fear of her frowns alone could shake his soul, upon which seeming to dis­apear with a sigh and much discontent she awaked and was so affected with the Vision, though she found it to be nothing else, that she could not blot it out of her memory, but still fancied the manly shape be­fore her Eyes, and so far it wrought with her passion, and affection, that she became restless; when standing one day to behold the Assault of the Tower, and perceiving a gallant Youth armed at all points with a Cask of Gold adorned with a Plume of crimson Feathers on his Head, she verely conceited him to be the same she had seen in the Vision, and from that time, used her endeavours with her Father to offer honourable conditions to those that were besieged in the Tower, telling him it would be the only means to obliege the Commanders of the Christian Army to raise the Siege, but finding him inflexible, and Love prompting her on, she adventured with two Knights, whom her Bounty had made her Creatures, and two of her Maids of Honour, under the favour of the night, to find admittance into the Tower, so powerful is Love, that it takes the Diadems from Queens, and with some difficulty obtained it; when being brought to Sir Miles, and she perceiving him to be the very same her fancy had represented, she stood in a manner transported, which the courteous Knight per­ceiving, [Page 69] and seeing so excellent a beauty before him, fell at her feet, and with profound reverence kissed her fair hand, who raising him said, Ah my Lord, why do you shew this respect to your Captive, who though a Princess is nevertheless constrained. (O pardon my mo­desty, for this freedome, contrary to the rules of our Ser,) to beg a savour, I hope, is in your power to give, and look not upon it, as the effects of my presumption, but the effects of Love, and it is your Love I ask, and for which I have not only undertaken this difficulty, but put my self into the power of my Fathers Enemy, hazarding what ever the World may construe of my reputation. At this the young Knight stood more and more amazed, telling her that in the condi­tion he was in, he was no ways able to render a returne suitab e to her greatness, much more to her affection, and thus they discoursed, striving to out do each other in Generositie, the Princess offering not only to turn Christian upon this consideration, but to sacrifice her life-to her Fathers Indignation, if no less would satisfie him on his be half, and he protested rather to loose his own life, than suffer her to run the least danger or hazard, when in the mean time King Jour and the Captains under his command, prepared to storm the Bulwarks of the Tower, being impatient to have a Foe both with­in and without at one and the same time, so that having drawn thi­ther a great strength with Engins, Ropes and scaling Ladders with great eryes they gave a furious onset, upon which the fair Rosa­linda in hopes her presence might stay the assayling Souldiers, whilst Sir Miles was setting his men in order, she appeared upon the Walls, and exhorted them to retire, who although they knew her, regarded not her voice at that time, but at the instigation of King Jour, were the rather inraged, who suposed, they had taken the Princess Prisoner, and kept her there, as a miserable Captive; so that break­ing through the out-works, and ascending by degrees, crying out to the Souldiers, that if they intended to have any Quarter, or save their lives, they should instantly deliver up Sir Miles, and the place pouring at the same time showers of Arrows, one of which slightly wounded the fair Rosalinda in the shoulder, so that the bloud trickled down her snowy Breasts, which Sir Miles perceiving, and having caused her to retire out of danger, committing her to the hands of her Maids for cure, in a great fury he threw open the Gates, and with his Sword in his hand cryed to those that pressed on, Behold Miles, behold the man you seek is here, to dare your vengance, and with [Page 70] that, leaping forward with an invincible Courage, in spite of all the resistance they made, he covered the steps of the ascent with the bodies of the slain, and being backed with those few Men he had left, fought with unwearied Vigor and Courage, killing all that stood in his way, when to prevent the slaughter, King Jour approached with dreadful threatnings and imprecations to revenge the affronts the Father had done him, upon the Son between whom began a mortal Battle, which concluded with the death of the King, and that so disheartned the Souldiers, that they gave back, of which the Soldian having notice, and that his beloved Daughter was in the hands of his Enemy, he came thither with all his power, so that the fight grew exceeding hot, which Sir Bevis, who was again advanced to the Walls, perceiving by the crys, though he knew not of certainly that Sir Miles was alive, at a venture resolved to hazard the utmost to enter the City, wherein he was so successful, that passing the River at an unsuspected place, he with his battering Rams beat down a part of the Wall, at which breach he entred and so unexpectedly set upon the Soldian, that he overthrew his people by Squadrens, cutting in pieces all that came in his way, whilst Sir Miles fighting on the other side, drove them upon his Sword, which piteous plight, of his distresed Citizens, the Soldian perceiving, and that all was in a likelyhood to be lost, he with the Troops of his Guards, and the trusty of his Followers, retired to the pallace leaving the rest to shift for them­selves, who were miserably slain and beaten down, till throwing away their Weapons, they fell on their Knees, and beged mercy, whereupon, at the intreaty of the Princess, their lives were spared.

CHAP. XVII.

ALthough Sir Bevis had entred and possessed himself of the City, yet the Pallace being strongly fortified with Ditches, Walls, Ba­stions and Rampiers, and in it above twelve thousand men, there being no way of easy access to it, but by a Bridge, it caused him to girt it strictly with a close Siege, and threw into it, Wildfire, Stones, and Arrows, which greatly indamaged the besieged, how­ever [Page 72] the Soldian, though summoned remained obstinate not being willing to listen to any accord, but caused his men to sally in parties as he saw occasion, in which many of them were cut off.

Whilst these things passed, the ardent Affections increased between Sir Miles and the Princess Rosilinda, he using all manner of dil­ligence and good carriage to her to obliege her, who notwithstanding became sad through the callamity, that threatned her Father and o­ther Relations, as also for the great effusion of bloud that had hap­pened in the City, and especially upon her occasion, and finding no hopes of seeing her Father without a Reconciliation, she studied how she might be instrumental in making a lasting Peace, and yet secure her self in the possession of her Lover, whereupon with only one of her Maids appointed to wait upon her, she retired from the noise and clamour of War, to a private recess, and taking pen, ink and paaper, wrote the following Letter.

This Letter she sent by her Maid, who by a private known way, got into the City; when in the mean while she continued pensive, in expectation of the event, but Sir Miles returning from beating the Soldians men, that had sallied, into the Pallace, dy'd with blood and slaughter, and missing fair Rosalinda, whom he had left in his Tent, he made strict enquiry after her, but none being able to sa­tisfie him herein, between Love and Anger, he stood for a while mute not knowing what to do, or what to determine, one while he supposed this fair Creature came as a Spy to betray him to her Fathers power, during his being inclosed in the Castle, but then con­sidering the hazard and danger she run, upon enterprizing such a bu­siness, such low thoughts were dashed, and he concluded that nothing but an extraordinary passion could obliege her to it, blaming himself for having any such thought of so much innocence and goodness, and thereupon sent through the City in search of her, but the Messengers returning without any news, our young Knight concluded, she had secretly withdrawn her self into the Pallace, and upon second thoughts cast her self at her Fathers feet, to implore his pardon for her Disobe­dience, and so bereft him of all his hopes of happiness, whereupon he began to accuse Fortune, for flattering him with so glorious a prospect of felicity, and then so suddainly to cast a cloud or veil over it, and leave him in darkness and dispair, and so much the distur­bance increased that his mind began to be in disorder.

Thus whilst Sir Miles was grieving for the fair Princess, the Maid returned, having delivered the Letter that was given her in charge, with this answer from the Soldian: That it could never before enter into his thoughts that a Daughter of such tender regard could prove disobedient to her Father, who had so highly cherished her, and prepared a Neighbour King to be her Husband, but since she no more regarded her duty, nor honour than to desert him, and basely cast her self into the Arms of his Enemy unsought, or per­haps altogether unwelcome, he from that time utterly renounced her, nor did he any longer consider her as his Daughter, but rather as one transformed into an unnatural Monster, to conspire to destroy those that gave her life, under a pretence of Love, however her per­swasions to peace wrought so little on him, that he was resolved to continue a War to the last extremity, not doubting but he should have powerful Aids come to his Rescue, not being yet so low sunk by one misfortune, but he had yet remaining many Friends. At this sharp reply, the fair Princess fell in a sound, and when she was by the help of her Maid recovered, she very much bewailed and la­mented her hard fortune, that if she must be obedient, she must for­go her love; and if she retained her love, she must remain diso­bedient: but whilst she was in this agony, and in a manner straitned to know what she should determine, Sir Miles who had searched all places for his fair Princess, hearing some body sigh in that melancholy and lowly cell, where she sat to bewail her difficulty between love and obedience, he entred, where to his great Ioy he found her in that disconsolate condition and tenderly embracing her with a trans­port of Ioy, demanded the cause why she had absented her self to put him into so much fear and perplexity, who thereupon told him whatever had passed, entreating him to use his utmost diligence to make a peace, and perswade his Father to offer honourable terms, which he promised to do, when having kissed her fair hand, he took his leave and hasted to the Army, where he found the Ditches fil­led up with earth and faggots, the scaling ladders and wildfires with all other things prepared for the Assault, and nothing wanting but the signal to be given, whereupon he went to Sir Bevis, and implored him, that for his sake, the pallace might be summoned, and peace offered intreating, that himself might make the proposals, which he doubted not but would be accepted, and prove such as would of Ene­mies make them lasting Friends, which being put into his power to do, [Page 75] he immediatly sent a Trumpet with several Articles, which will be mentioned in the next Chapter, giving the Soldian a days time to con­sider of them.

CHAP. XVIII.

THe Soldian finding the City won, and himself with his Train confined to the Pallace, as many Citizens as could, having escaped the City, he thought it high time to treat for peace, which for some time considering the Indignities that had been put upon Sir Bevis would not be hearkned to, but Sir Miles at the instance of the fair Princess, so prevailed with his Father, that after many messages from one to the other, it was accorded that in the consi­deration the Soldian and his people would become Christians and be baptized, and that he would consent to give his Daughter in Mar­riage to Sir Miles, and they after his decease to enjoy all his Do­minions in the mean while to possess only the Kingdom of Ar­mony, and such Kingdoms as Sir Bevis should leave; the City of Babylon should be resigned to him, and he and his People left quiet: At which he for some time bogled, but upon notice his Daughter had turned Christian, and resolved to marry Sir Miles, with or without his consent, he found himself necessitated to comply, and thereupon all Hostilities being ceased, Proclamation was made for such Citizens as were fled, to return, and an Act of Oblivion passed for what had hap­pened on all parts. Whilst every thing was preparing in the most splendid manner for the Royal Nuptia [...]s, which were performed in that great City with all the magnificence and splendor imaginable many Neighbouring Potentates both Kings and Queens attended [Page 76] with their Royal Trains and Attendance continuing an extraordina­ry feast with melodious Musick and Perfumes that scented the whole City for the space of fourteen days; so that nothing but Ioy and

Peace resounded in the Streets of Babylon. At the end of which Sir Bevis and Queen Josian with their Train, taking leave of the Soldian, retired to their Kingdom of Mambrat, as did Sir Miles and Rosalinda his fair Princess to their Kingdom of Armony, where they flourished many years, and were both loved and feared by all the Neighbouring Princes, much inlarging their Countries; and the Soldian being very aged, dying soon after the Marriage left Babylon and all his other Dominions to his Daughter and Son-in-Law.

During these transactions, the Christians that inhabited the Holy Land were grievously oppressed by the Infidels, who not only loaded them with grievous Taxes, but took their Children from them, and [Page 77] forcibly oblieged them to embrace the Mahomitan Superstition, and frequently punishing such as refused a complyance with exceeding ri­gour, so that many of them died under the torments to which they were put, and by reason of this cruel usage, many of them grow­ing in a manner weary of their lives, they at last, upon notice of Sir Bevis his great prowess and extraordinary success, sent to him Let­ters full of lamentation, advertizing him, how they were made the scorn and Reproach of the Enemies of Christianity humbly imploring him to rescue them out of the hands of their Adversaries, who there­upon calling together his Friends, advised with them what was to be done in so weighty an affair; who after mature diliberation, told him, that since Heaven had so signally prospered his undertakings, he should not neglect so good a work, as to succor and relieve his di­stressed Fellow Christians, whereupon he raised an Army of forty thousand men, and taking leave of his Queen, passed into [...]a­le [...]ine, and there after a bloudy and obstinate fight, overthrew an Army of 200000 Turks and Sarazens, who were gathered to oppose his passage; upon which bloody overthrow, most of the Towns yielded at the first summons, and those that held out were obliged to do it by compulsion; so that making himself intire Master of the Country, he restored those places to the Christians, that had been forcibly taken from them, and acted such prodigious wonders in Va­lour, that his name grew terrible to the Infidels, who sued for Peace, and in order to obtain it, sent their Ambassadors with great Pre­sents, protesting not only to live peaceably with the Christians, but to hold the Country tributary of him, which submission being accepted, he le [...]t strong Garrisons in the most important places, and constitu­ting the Patriarch of Jerusalem to have the supream Command under him, he returned to his Kingdom with great Triumph and Applause.

By this time Sir Bevis grown in years, and having spent much time in War and B oodshed, promoting what in him lay, the Chri­stian Religion and delivering the oppressed Christians from the Turks and Sarazens Tyrany, he betook himself and his Queen to a Re­ligious Life sending for Sir Guy to succeed him in his Dominion, bequeathing all his possessions in England to Sir Terry, Son to Sir Sabre now deceased; when falling sick with his Queen, he cal­led his Sons before him, and having established them in the pos­session of those Kingdoms he had gained, he enjoyned them on his blessing to carry his, and his Queens Body, when they should hap­pen [Page 78] to die, to Southampton, and there inter them in one Tomb, which was accordingly observed, with great Solemnity and Mag­nificence, their Epitaph being this:

And thus, Reader, have I concluded the famous History of Sir Bevis of Southampton, who for his worthy Exploits, and great Actions may be justly ranked with the best Champions of Christendom.