CHAP. I.

IN the Bleſſed time of Memory, when King Athelſtone wore the Imperial Diadem, and Reigned Regent of our Engliſh Nation, Sir Guy Warwicks mirror, and the Worlds Wonder was the chief Heroe, and Knight of Chivalry in that Golden Age, whoſe Proweſs and bold deportments, with his noble Valor, became ſo Peerleſs and excellent, ſurpaſſing all his Predeceſſors; that Fames loud Trumpet Sounded Warwicks praiſe throughout the World, by which Iews, Turks & Infidels, trembled at the name of Guy.

But as Mars the God of Battle, was inſpired with the amorous Beauty of Venus, ſo our Sir Guy, by no Man conquered, was conquered by Love▪ for Phelice the fair, (ſo was ſhe called by the Commonalt • ) becauſe of her exquiſite beauty and feature, whoſe ••• tue ineſtimoble, with ſuch ſweet modeſt behavior, ſo abundantly overflowing in her Breaſt, that her Graces and her Effigies, made a perfect ſympathy: This bright Heavenly Star, ſhining with ſuch luſtre, that Guys poor heart was raviſht with her countenance, from whence proceeded etherial darts of amity, directed by Cupids over-reaching power, that our admired champion (Sir Guy) proſtrated to the Earth, in adoration of his heavenly Phelice, and his earthly Goddeſs, whoſe beauty was ſo rare and excellent, that Hellen the pride of Greece, might ſeem a Black-a-more to our peerleſs Phelice, being the Faireſt Creature under the Sun. This heavenly object to Guys ſight which ſhon with ſuch glory and ſplendor from the fair face of Phelice, cauſed numerous of Contemplations in his Love-ſick mind, which are but meer fancies ſpringing from affection, leading the overtaking lover into crooked mayzes, into labyrinths and Seas of troubles: therefore Sir Guy reſolves to make tryal of his Love deſires, not to ſtand doting on a Womans face of Beauty, but to purſue the onſet according to Cupids invitation, by which the Game may be won.

CAAP. II.

THus reſolved in his mind he makes his journey towards Warwick-Caſtle, where Phelice dwelt (being daughter & heir to the Lord Rohand Earl of Warwick) being entred the Caſtle, Guy much deſired to ſee the jewel of his heart: the Earl (Phelices Father) hearing of Guys coming, entertains him with great joy and triumph; After ſome certain time of repoſe, the E. deſired Guys good company to recreate themſelves in hunting; but Sir Guy feeling the pangs of love beating upon his Shipwrackt mind, feeling ſuch deep impreſſions made in his heart, by the inchanting looks of phelice. Guy feigned himſelf ſick of a contagious diſeaſe, as an anſwer to excuſe what had been requeſted. Earl Rohand troubled for his friend Guy, ſent his own Doctor to aſſuage him of his malady, for the recovery of his well beloved friend; after ſome ſerious diſpute, the Doctor told Sir Guy, that his Body was very dangerous and hard to cure, and without letting Blood there was no Remedy: Dr. (ſaid Guy) I know my body is diſtempered, but you want skill to cure the inward Inflamation of my Heart, Galens Herbal cannot quote the Flower which I lack for my Remedy, but I my ſelf know how my ſickneſs is, both the cauſe, and the effect, and therefore Doctor for your love I am oblieged.

The Doctor departed, and left Sir Guy in his Love-ſick paſſion, ſighing to ſenceleſs Trees, and chattering Birds, yeilding no comfort to appeaſe his Love Afflictions, but choice of Cogitations ſpringing in his breaſt like an over-flowing fountain, but ſtill his drift was, how and which way to obtain the Flower Preſervative of his Love-diſeaſe; at laſt through times procurement, he caſt his gentle Eyes upon that Heavenly Face of phelice, walking in a choice Garden Crown'd with Golden Roſes, and Odoriferious Flowers, her ſelf being Queen of this pleaſant Paradiſe.

Guy reſolves to attempt his deſign, and therefore intreats ſweet Cupid to aſſiſt him; Teach me (quoth Guy) to Woe, to court and kiſs, to dally with loves delight, frame my action, my Speech, my geſture, that I may be to phelice, as phelice is to me.

CHAP. III.

VVIth ſpeed Guy walks to the Garden, being entertained by a Damoſel that waited on fair phelice, repoſing of her ſelf in a green Arbor of pleaſure, whom Guy ſalutes with bended knee, amazed with her love inchanting Eye, where Cupid appeared in every Corner, as Comets do in their etherial ſtation, ſaying, All hail fair phelice, thou mirror of Nature, fair flower of Beauty, and jewel of vertue, 'tis love, fair phelice, which was my conductor, and bound me in the burning Italian fire, where reſting in torments, hoping in deſpair, I wait the hour of bliſs or minute of miſery, celeſtial Creature made of beauties mold, whom honors & Royal dignities do attend as Stars do wait upon their Queen; be pleaſed to grant and grace my ſuit as Hero did to Leander, ſo ſhall I think my ſelf happy in thy Cordial love, otherwiſe fatal: compleated by the decree of deſtiny.

I know ſweet Lady that great Princes ſeek to win thy love, whoſe exquiſite perfection of Modeſt Nature might ſeem to Grace the Mightieſt Monarch of the World, yet may they all come ſhort of poor Guys real affection in whom is Love Pictured with naked truth and honeſty: diſdain me not for being a Stewards Son one of thy Fathers Servants, for love may abound in me to fair Phelice, nay more then any mortal in the world beſides.

Phelice interrupted him, and ſaid to Guy, Ceaſe gentle youth, and leave off this paſſionate affection, let not doting love ſeduce to ſuch fits of idleneſs, you are but young, and alſo meanly born, and therefore you may not love and like where you pleaſe.

Love is an idle toy, and feeds your brain with fancies, leading aſtray every young giddy-headed Lover, and as a Frenzy operateth monthly in the brain, and diſturbs the wits with dumpiſh cogitations, I would not for a world my Father ſhould know this paſſion, and how thou ſpendeſt thy time in concealed imaginations, thou art unfit for my degree, for Honours wait not upon thee, and the Princely Eagle never catcheth Flies.

CHAP. IV.

GUy thus diſcomfited with the harſh words of Phelice, cutting more ſharp than two-edged ſwords, lives like one Diſtracted, and in his melancholly mind, tore his golden Hair from his Head, wringing his hands moſt ſadly, overwhelmed with torments, ſtill continues this love-ſick Man, reſolved to travel throughout the World to find out the love of Phelice, or death to end his miſery.

Long may Dame Nature frown, whoſe direful looks makes ſo many ſhipwrackt hearts in the ſea of Sorrow, but when her courſe is run, ſhe wheels about to a poſture of amity, and ſends a ſmile to cure their hearts that were wounded with her frowns; by which means Cupid (being the God of Love) and vice-Regent to his Mothers Court, iſſues forth his ſpecial Warrants, ſigned with a golden Dart; and whoſoever denies to appear according to the time prohibited, muſt endure the juſt cenſure of their will and mercy, Cupid knowing his Authority, finding in the Records Phelice obſtinacy, ſtraightway ſollicites her to his Mothers Court; and becauſe ſhe ſhould not think that he came only in an idle Dream, ſent a powerful golden Dart, for a real teſtimony, preſenting her a worthy Knight of Chivalry, ſaying, fair Phelice love him, nay, thou muſt love him, for thou canſt not withſtand my Power: this valiant Knight, with his bold atchievements, ſhall become ſo famous in the World, that his Renowned actions ſhall be crowned to everlaſting Poſterity.

When fair Phelice found her ſelf wounded with the golden Dart of Love, ſhe crys, O Pitty me, ſweet gentle Cupid, ſollicite for me to thy mother, & I will offer my life as a ſacrifice to her Alter: O pitty her that has been too too pittileſs, & grace me with the favourable Bow; the Queen of Love from henceforth I'le adore, reſigning all my Titles, honours, and Royal Dignities, which are unfit for me, let her be Graced with them, whilſt I remain a Servant to her Love, Will and pleaſure.

Guy little dreaming of this ſudden thaw, and wanting the balm of love to apply to his wounded ſores, reſolves to make a Second Encounter in Loves enterprize, expecting nothing but death and deſtiny; ſo coming again to fair Phelice, gives fire with this charge, ſaying; Fair Lady, I have been arraigned long ago, and now am I come to receive my juſt ſentance from the Theatre of love; 'tis life or death fair Phelice as I look for, let me not lye languiſhing in deſpair; give judgement, fair Phelice, give Iudgement, that I may know my doom; a Word from thy ſacred Lip can cure my bleeding heart, a frown can doom me to the pit of miſery, how happy are they (ſweet Phelice) that live in loves amity, but Three-fold miſery attends that Lover that lives in hate by his Miſtris.

Gentle Guy, ſaid Phelice, Love is not at my diſpoſing, you know my Fathers name is great in the Nation, and I dare not match without his conſent.

For that, ſweet Lady, I make no doubt, but quickly to obtain both his love and liking, if martial deeds may win his love and favour, i'le venture through the World with a noble reſolution; let me have thy love firſt fair phelice, and there is no fear of thy Fathers wrath to prevent us, it is an old ſaying, get the good will of the Daughter, and her Parents love will ſoon be attained after.

Sir Guy, quoth phelice make thy bold atchievements, and noble actions ſhine abroad as the glorious Sun, that all oppoſers may tremble at thy high applauded name, and thy ſuit ſhall not be denyed.

Fair phelice (ſaid Guy) I ask no more, never did the Hound mind more his game, than I do my enterprize, phelice, farewel, take this joyal Kiſs as a ſignet from my heart.

CHAP. V.

THus noble Guy being at laſt enlarged from the thraldome of loves cruelty, now arms himſelf like a Knight of Chivalry, and prepares for to croſs the ſurging Ocean, which hapning according to his expectation, he did ſoon arrive in the Realm of France, where he heard of mighty matters to be performed in Normandy, which Warlike Muſick did raviſh his greedy ear, for the Emperors Daughter of Almain was made a Prize for him that won her in the field, fair Blanch, (for ſo the Emperors Daughter was called) was ſpred throughout all Chriſtendom, upon which report the Worthies of the World came thither for to try their Fortune, the Golden Trumpets Sounded with great joys and Triumphs, and the ſtately pampered Steeds proudly ſtampt upon the ground, and each one there thought himſelf a Coeſar that could abide no equal, Kings and Princes being there to behold who ſhou … 〈◊〉 the Conquerour, every one thinking that fair Blanch ſhould be his own. After deſperate charging with Horſe and Man, much blood was ſhed, and Princes no more valued then vulgar Peaſants, but our noble Guy appearing in his Warlike poſture, laid about him like a Devil upon the Princes, there lay one headleſs, there another without a Leg or an Arm, there lay a Horſe ſprawling in his blood, Guy ſtill like Hercules charged deſperately, and killed a German Prince and his Horſe under him; Duke Otten vowing revenge upon our Engliſh Champion, gave Guy a freſh aſſault, but his courage was ſoon cooled; then Duke Rayner would ingage with our famous Knight, but as little ſucceſsful as the reſt, ſo that no man would encounter Guy any more, by which valor he won the Lady in the field as a prize, being the approved Conqueror.

The mighty Emperor being ſpectator of his noble deſign, and ſeeing our Engliſh Kt. ſo Valiant, ſent a Meſſenger for him: Guy coming into the Emperors preſence, giveth to his Majeſty reverend obeyſance, and the Emperor as a token of his real affection, gave him his hand to kiſs, and withal reſigned his Daughter, the Falcon and the Hound, as the maſter-prize of his conqueſt; Guy humbly thankt his Maieſty for his gracious favour, but for Phelice ſake, left fair Blanch to her fathers tuition, and departed from that graceful Court onely with the other pledges.

CHAP. VI.

NOw Guy begins to meditate upon his long abſence from his Fair Phelice, doubting of her proſperity, or that ſhe might too much forget him becauſe the Proverb ſays, Out of ſight, out of mind, therefore Guy upon this conſideration prepared for England, and at laſt arrived at the long wiſhed for Haven of Love, and with this kind of ſalutation, greets his beloved Miſtris: Fair foe, ſaid Guy, I now am come to challenge the Legacies of Love according to your laſt promiſe, which was upon making my name famous by Martial deeds, I ſhould be the Maſter of my Beloved Miſtris: behold fair Phelice part of my prize which I won in open field before Kings and Princes, and ſince this conqueſt, I cannot find any man but Cowards in the World.

Quoth Phelice, Worthy Knight, I have heard of thy winning the Lady Blanch from Royal Dukes and Princes, and I am much rejoyced to think my Guy ſhould be ſo Victorious: But truly Guy thou muſt ſeek out for more Adventures.

Guy ſomething diſcomfited at this anſwer, wiſhes himſelf amongſt the midſt of battles, taking his leave of Fair phelice, Clad himſelf afreſh in Bellona's arms, and aſpiring now to the heighth of Reputation, Travelled toward Sedgwin Duke of Lovane, againſt whom the Emperor of Almain lay in ſiege, but as Guy was going his pretended journey, Duke Ottea (whom Guy had diſgraced in Battle) hired ſixteen Traytors to ſlay him, Guy being ſet upon by theſe Rebels, drew his Sword and fought in blood up to the Ears, until at laſt he had ſlain all theſe Traytors according to their deſerts, leaving them to the Fowls of the Air to feed upon. This ſtorm being thus happily over, Guy comes happily to the Duke of Lovane cloſe beleagur'd round about with the Almains power, and little reſiſtance did the Duke make againſt the Emperor. Guy cauſed the Lovanians to iſſue forth upon the cowardly Almains, and made ſuch a bloody ſlaughter amongſt them, that they were much diſheartned, but the Emperour gathered new Forces, and beſieged it again, thinking to ſtarve them out with hunger, but Guy ſtanding on the Walls threw them victuals in abundance, that the Emperor might ſee that they had ſtore of proviſion, & when Guy perceived their bodies better fed than taught, ſallyed out upon the Almains Guards, cutting off Horſe and Man, that above thirty thouſand were ſlain of the Almains in theſe 2 Battles, the Fields overflown with crimſon blood, but Guy got more Fame and Praiſe in making a Perfect League and Peace with the Emperor and the Duke, than he did in his former Conqueſt, whoſe noble Head deſerved to be crowned with Trophies to everlaſting Memory.

A perfect Peace being concluded between theſe two mighty Princes, noble Guy took a Thouſand Chriſtians, to fight with Turks, Iews, or Infidels, and coming into the midſt of Battels, where theſe Heathens were Fighting, Guy with his Chriſtian Souldiers made a mighty ſlaughter of theſe Infidels, inſomuch that they Wondered at his great ſucceſs and victory, at which Coldran, a mighty Pagan, challenged Guy at a ſingle combat, ſo to cutting they went, and our noble Guy brought him to the ground, then Morgadour, a Gyant, went to revenge his Brothers wrong, but Guy conquer'd him and all the Pagan Champions which made them leave the fields, and went for ſecurity into the Town, where the Governour a blood-thirſty Villain proudly came to Guys Tent, and Demanded a Duel, ſaying, That he had promiſed his head to a Lady; but when they ruſht together deſperately, Guy being too couragious for his Valor, Eskeldart fled away to ſave his own head upon his ſhoulders, Guy meaning to crown his conqueſt with more Grace, Challenged the mighty Souldan, the Pagans chief General, & as the reſt were ſlain by his conquering hand, ſo the mighty Souldan was brought to the Ground, and perceiving his life a departing, in diſdain of Chriſtianity he ſlung whole handfuls of blood at Guy, thus were the Pagans conquered by our Engliſh Champion.

CHAP. VII.

AFter this tedious fight, on his travel he came to a ſilver Spring, which Water was more ſweet then wine to his appetite, repoſing his wearied limbs for a while: at laſt he heard a moſt hideous noiſe, as if the Devil had been a Progreſs, being guided by his liſtning ear, he eſpyed a Lyon & a Dragon a fighting, biting & taring one another with their maſſy nails, that blood iſſued forth like an overflowing Fountain, but the Lyon began to faint, which Guy perceiving, he encountered the Dragon with ſuch noble magnitude, making this ugly Cerberus to yell & rore like the fiends of hell, at laſt down came the Dragon; thus Guy adding more glory to his former victories, went away as conqueror; the Lyon for the love of Guy run by his horſe like a Spaniel, till lack of food made him retire to his wonted aboad.

So Guy now travelling to the Duke of Lovane, met by the way Earl Terry, ſet upon by ſixteen Traytors in a wood, who had taken away his Lady; Guy demands of the Earl, which way the villains were gone, at laſt Guy overtook them, and fell upon theſe bloody Traytors, and kill'd eight of them preſently; the Lady ſeeing ſo much Blood ſhed, deſired Guy to ſpare their lives that were left, and according to her requeſt he did, reſtoring the Lady to her own Lord and Husband.

Now as Guy, Terry, and Oſille went about the woods, they heard a moſt terrible noiſe which much affrighted theſe friends and lovers: at laſt they met a friend, who told Lord Terry, That Duke Otten had ſtraightly • egi • t his Father about the Caſtle, and threatned to pull down the Tower about his ears, no ſooner noble Guy hearing Duke Ottens Name (that grand Traytor) but he and the Lord poſted thither, and freed the Caſtle immediately, and Guy in open field ſlew Duke Otten hand to hand, but his dying words of repentance moved Guys heart to remorſe & pitty. But as Guy returned through a Deſart, he met a hugious Boar that had ſlain many Chriſtians, Guy manfully drew out his ſword, & the brutiſh Boar gaped with his dreadful tuſks intending to devour our Noble Champion, but Guy quickly cooled his courage, and killed the mightieſt Boar as ever Mortal beheld.

CHAP. VIII.

NOw noble Guy is bound for England, and ariving in his native Country, news came to K. Athelſtone of Guy's arrival, being in the Famous City of York, where after due reverence to his Majeſty, the K. told Guy of a Mighty Dragon that had Deſtroyed both Men, Women, & children, annoying grievouſly the Countrey of Northumberland, and many worthy Knights had engaged their lives to ſlay this Deadly Monſter, but all were killed, and none could kill him. Guy deſired to have a Guide, ſo coming to the Dragons Cave, out ſtarts this hideous Monſter whoſe eyes did Burn like flaming fire, and Guy charged the Dragon moſt deſperately, but the hideous Monſter bit his Lance in two like a reed, with that Guy drew his Sword, and cut gaſhes in the Dragons ſide, that filthy blood iſſued out from his venemous carkaſs, wounding every part about him, that down came Cerberus to the ground, noble Guy cut off the Monſters head, & gave it to the King as a preſent, whoſe direful countenance being dead, would affright the living, and for Guys praiſe and memory King Athelſtone cauſed the picture of the Dragon (being 30 foot in length) to be wrought in cloath of Arras, and hung up in Warwick Caſtle, for an everlaſting Monument.

After all theſe bold atchievements performed by noble Guy, phelice hearing of Guys Fame, and how he killed that ugly Dragon, came and met him at Lincoln, where after ſome pretty conceited Salutations, imbraceing each other in love purity, & balmed kiſſes: The happy day of Marriage was appointed betwixt noble Guy and fair phelice, King Athelſtone and his Queen were invited to this Royal Nuptial, with all the Princes, Nobles, and Barons of the Land, which Marriage was Celebrated with much Ioy and Triumph.

No ſooner was this Royal Nuptial compleated, but Earl Rohand, phelices Father, dies, and leaveth to his Son Guy all his Earldome and Lordſhips, and the King to grace Sir Guy for all his Worthy actions, Created him Earl of Warwick, in Rank and Quality of all the Nobles of the Land.

CHAP. IX.

IN the height of Guys glory, being thus exalted to all his Fathers dignities, Conſcience biddeth him to relent for all his former ſins, & his youthful time ſpent in the behalf of a Woman: Therefore Guy reſolved to be converted into another poſture, and like a Pilgrim intends to travel to the Holy Land; phelice perceiving the ſudden alteration, inquires of her Lord what was the cauſe of this ſad paſſion: Ah phelice, ſaid he, I have ſpent much time in honouring thee, and to win thy Favour, but never ſpared one minute for my Souls health in honouring the Lord; phelice (though much grieved) underſtanding his Determination, ſtrove not to oppoſe his will, but with exchanging their Rings and melting kiſſes; Guy departs like a ſtranger from his own habitation, taking neither money nor ſcrip with him, but cold herbs & roots, ſuch as the Wild Fields afforded was his chiefeſt dyet, vowing ne'r to fight more but in a juſt cauſe.

Guys intended Iourney was to go to Jeruſalem, but travelling many tedious miles, he met with an aged man oppreſt with ſorrows, for a maſterleſs Gyant had taken 15 of his Sons from him, and kept them in a ſtrong captivity, Guy (like a Pilgrim being at that preſent) demanded in love of the old man the cauſe of his grief, which Guy underſtanding, borrowed the old Mans Sword and went to the Caſtle Gate where the Gyant dwelt, who coming to the door, asked Guy what was his buſineſs to come thither, or how durſt you, (quoth Amarant) (for ſo was the Gyant called,) knock ſo boldly at my Gates? for this I vow by all my Gods to ſplit thy brains aſunder.

Guy laughing to ſcorn this maſſy Gyant; ſaid Sirra, it ſeems you are very quarrelſome, come, thou hound Dog; I have a ſword that ſhall maintain my cauſe, which have hewed ſuch Lubbards as thou art often aſunder, and therewithal Guy ſaid about the Gyants ſhoulders with a keen and maſſy blade, that the Gyant bled abundantly, and Amarant heaving up his club in the air thought to have kill'd him quickly, but noble Guy was nimble, cutting on the Gyants pillars, inſomuch that he began to faint, deſiring a little reſpit to quench his vehement thirſt, which our noble Guy granted. So Amarant having ſlack'd his draught, they fell too't pell mell; yet all the Gyants blows fell in vain on the ground, who being much enraged thereat, ſlung his Club at Guy, and beat him down, and ere that he could recover, got up his Club again; at the concluſion Guy kill'd this tripple headed Dog, and releaſt divers Captives that had been in Thraldome many years: Some were even ſtarv'd to death, ſome hung up by the thumbs, ſome were hung about the middle, others were hanging with their heads downward, which ſweet deliverance cauſed much joy and thankfulneſs, but Guy delivered both the Caſtle and the Keys to the Old Man and his fifteen Sons, deſiring that no wrong might be impoſed upon Women.

CHAP. X.

GAining this freedom for the Captives, Guy went on his intended journey, and comming to a Grave, found a dead skull all Worm-eaten, with which Guy converſed, ſpeaking to the ſcalp, and making anſwer for the Head; Perhaps, ſaid Guy, thou wert a Prince or mighty Monarch, a King, Duke, or Lord? But the Beggar and the King muſt all to the Earth, and therefore Man had need to remember his dying hour: Perhaps thou mighteſt be a Queen, Dutcheſs, or Lady, garniſht with beauty, but now thou art but worms meat, lying in the Grave, a Sepulchre for all creatures.

And whilſt Guy was in this repenting ſolitude, phelice like a mourning Widdow, cloathed her ſelf in ſable attire, to expreſs her inward grief and ſorrow, vowing chaſtity in the abſence of her beloved Husband; which pattern of ſobriety may be crowned to everlaſting memory, for her whole delight was in Divine meditations, heavenly conſolations, and praying for the welfare of her Beloved Lord, alſo in conceit ſhe travelled with him, for her heart was fixed moſt abſolutely upon him, ſhedding many bitter tears, fearing that ſome ſavage Monſter had devour'd him, or that Death had ended his Date before his Natural courſe, otherwiſe ſhe thinks that he ſits by a River ſide, and ſwells the water with weeping and hearing in conceit, as an Eccho, his voice, phelice, phelice, 'tis thee I love.

Thus phelice ſpent the remnant of her life in ſorrow for her dear Lord, and to ſhew her humility, ſhe ſold her jewels, and coſtly robes, with which ſhe uſed to grace King Athelſtones Queen, and gave the Money freely to the Poor, and in this vertuous act ſhe did excell all the Ladies of the Land, for none but phelice won the hearts of the people; ſhe relieved the Lame, and the Blind, the Widdow and the Fatherleſs, and all thoſe that came to crave an alms, ſhe gave it to them freely, building a large Hoſpital for aged and ſick people, that they might be comforted in their weak conditions, and according to this rule ſhe laid up her treaſure in Heaven, which will be repaid again with life everlaſting.

CHAP. XI.

WHilſt phelice was ſo excellent in her graces, Guy her beloved Husband Travelled through many Lands and Nations: At laſt in this weary Iourney, Guy met with Earl Terry his ſworn Brother, who had been exiled from his Nation by a Maſterleſs Traytor; Guy bid him not be diſmaid: for, ſaith he, Earl Terry, i'le venture my life for your reſtoration to your former honour and dignities, the Earl thanked Guy very courteouſly, ſo walking together againſt Terrys enemy, Guy challenged him into the field, & couragiouſly ſlew the Traytor hand to hand, and ſet the Earl in all his former places of honour, Earl Terry deſired to know his Champions name, but Guy told him a ſecret now had otherwiſe confin'd him, nor would Guy take any gratuity for his Love.

Thus noble Guy was ſucceſsful in all his valiant actions, & finding his head to be crowned with ſilver hairs; after many years travel, Guy is reſolved (if the Heavens had decreed it) to lay his aged bones in his own Native country, for by natures courſe Guy found that his Glaſs had but a little ſand, and therefore returning from the Holy Land, he comes for England, and being arrived on his Native ſhore, he found the nation in great diſtreſs, for the Bloody Danes had invaded the Land, deſtroying the Country, burning Cities, Towns and Villages, killing Men, Women and children in a moſt barbarous and bloody manner, inſomuch that King Athelſtone was forced to flie to the invincible City of Wincheſter for the ſafeguard of his life, which Town was ſtrongly walled round about, and no Cannons were uſed in thoſe Days, but he was the beſt Champion that won his conqueſt by the ſword.

CHAP. XII.

THe Danes having intelligence of King Athelſtones being at Wincheſter, drew all their forces thither, and ſéeing there was no means to win the City, the Bloody Danes ſent in a Summons to K. Athelſtone, deſiring that an Engliſh-man might combate with a Dane, and that ſide to looſe all that had their Champion kill'd.

Vpon this, mighty Colbrond ſingles himſelf from the Danes, and entred into Hide-Mead near Wincheſter, breathing out venemous words, calling the Engliſh cowardly Dogs, & that he would make their Carcaſſes meat for Crows and Ravens: Is now ſaid Colbrond all your Engliſh courage become ſo Timerous that you dare not fight? What mighty boaſting hath there been in forraign nations of theſe Engliſh Cowards, as if they had done deeds of Wonder, who now like Foxes hid their heads, ſaying, It is ſafe ſleeping in a whole skin.

Guy hearing the proud diſdain of Colbrond, could no longer forbear, but preſently goes to K. Athelſtone, & beg'd this Combat upon his knees at the Kings gracious hand, the K. liking well the courage of the Pilgrim, for ſo was Guy Habited (unknown to all the Engliſh Nobility) he bid him go on and proſper, ſo Guy walked forth of the North-gate unto Hide-mead where Colbrond, the Danes mighty Champion was treading every ſtep two yards of ground.

When Colbrond eſpyed Guy in his Palmers Weed, the Gyant diſdained him with much ire & ſcorn, ſaying, Art thou the beſt Champion England can afford, for the honour of their K. Crown and Country: Gyant, quoth Guy, your words are tedious, and it is uncivil for profeſſed Champions to rail, filling the ayr with idle Wind, I have a Sword that ſhall be my Orator, and make deep expreſſions in thy blood, no longer ſtood they to parly, but with great vigor and courage they fought manfully, but Guy cut upon the Lubbards carcaſs that he bled moſt deſperately, Colbrond being moved to chollor, was mighty vehement againſt Guy, and his heart could have eat him up at a mouthful, watching for to break his ſword with his knotted club; but Guy was ſo nimble that in vain Colbrond ſtruck, for every blow lighted upon the ground, Guy ſtill laid about him like a Devil, which gave ſome encouragement to the Engliſh: but Colbrond in his combat began to faint, and bid Guy ſue for mercy at his hands, and ſo leave fighting. No, coward, ſaith Guy, i'le have thy life or elſe Ile looſe my own; for the King hath ventured his crown on my behalf, and therefore know Traytor I am reſolved to fight while breath remaineth in my Body, with that Guy lent him ſuch a mighty ſtroke which made a wide rupture in the Gyants fleſh, that corrupted blood iſſued out, the next blow brought the Gyant to the ground, which the Engliſh ſeeing, they ſhouted with ſuch joy and acclamation, that peals of ecchoes rung in the air. After this conqueſt won by the Engliſh, the Danes all departed to their own countrey.

CHAP. XIII.

King Athelſtone ſent for his Champion to honour him, but Guy refuſed it, ſaying my Liege, I am a mortal man, and therefore ſet the vain World at defiance, but by earneſt requeſt of the King upon promiſe of concealment, Guy told the King his name, which ſo much rejoyced his heart, that he embraced his worthy Champion, but Guy took leave of his Soveraign, and as an unknown ſtranger went into the Fields; and made him a Cave living very penſive and ſolitary: and his dying hour drawing on, Guy ſent a meſſenger with the Ring to phelice, which ſhe ſeeing, came with all ſpeed to her beloved Lord, where with weeping joy they embrac'd each other, Guy departed his life in her tender arms, and was honourably Interred, his Widdow taking grief for the death of her Husband, dyed within fifteen days after him, but K. Athelſtone to grace the everlaſting memory of Guy, cauſed many monuments to be erected in Warwick-Caſtle, that after ages might ſpeak of the noble fame and Honour of GUY Earl of WARWICK.