SO it befell upon a time after the Death of King Mort, who was wounded in battaile by his Ene­mies, that he died; when all his good Knights and Barons, passing stout men of bodies were gedred togyder in their their Castle, to make a Coun­saile-general and a great Justs, after they were come thider, [Page 38] and lodged as them seemed best, there came a Damesel which was sent on a message from the great Lady of the Isle of Witch; and when she came before them, she let her mantel fall that was very richly fur­nished, and then was she girded with a noble Swerd, whereof the Knights had great marvail, and said, Damesel, for what cause are you girded with this Swerd? it beseemeth you not. This Swerd, said the Damesel, that I am girded withall, doth me great sorrow and encum­brance: for I may not be deli­vered of this Swerd, but by a good Knight, and he must be a passing brave man of his [Page 39] hands, and of his deeds, and without villany and treachery: For I have been with King Pal­liobarb, 'cause it was told me that there were passing good Knights with him, but none of them can speed. Then they all pulled at it eagerly, but the Swerd would not out. Sirs, said the Damesel, ye need not pull half so hard, for he that shall pull it out, shall do it with little might, and he must be a clean Knight, of gentle stream both of fader and mothers side.

Now it hapned so at that time, that there was a poor Knight, which had been priso­ner with King Mort half a [Page 40] year, for sleying of a Knight that was his Cousin; this Knight was named Corniger, ('cause his Crest was a pair of Horns) and by the good means of the Barons he was delivered out of Prison after the Kings Death; for he was a passing good Knight. So he went pri­vily to the Castle, and saw this adventure, whereof his heart rose, and would assail it as o­ther Knights did; but for be­cause he was poorly arrayed, they put him not far in price. Netheless he called the Damesel, and said, I pray you of Cour­tesie to suffer me as well to assay as these Lords; though I be poor clothed, in my heart me [Page 41] seemeth I am fully assured to speed right well. The Damesel beheld the Knight, but for be­cause of his poor array she thought he should be of no wor­ship without villany or treach­ery. Ah fair Damesel, said Sir Corniger, worthiness and good deeds are not all onely in ray­ment, but manhood, and wor­ship, and hardiness is not in cloathing. In sooth, said the Damesel, you say true, therefore you shall assay to do what you will; then he took the Swerd by the Girdle and Scabberd, and drew it out easily▪ and when he looked upon the Swerd, it pleased him moche. Then the Barons had great mervail that [Page 42] Sir Corniger had done the ad­venture. Truly, said the Dame­sel, this is a passing good Knight, and the best man that ever I found, and most of worship without treachery and villany; and many mervails shall he a­chieve. Wherefore all the Knights and Barons cry'd all at once, We will have Sir Corniger unto our King: for we all see that it is Goodness will that he should be our King, and who so holdeth against it, we will [...]lee him. And thereupon they kneeled down all at once both rich and poor, and cry'd Prince Corniger mercy, because he had been imprisoned; and Prince Corniger forgave it them: And [Page 43] so anon there was Coronation made, and there was he sworn to the Lords and Commons for to be a true King, to stand with true Justice from henceforth all the days of his life. So he became their King, and let cry a great Feast.

But many Complaints were made unto Prince Corniger of great wrongs that were done by their Enemies, sithen the Death of King Mort, of many Londs that were bereaved of their Lords, Knights, Ladies, and Gentlemen; wherefore the King came out of his Towre to the Ambassadours, and there went with him Sir Cruel, Sir Rasour, and Sir Kilman; these [Page 44] were the men of most worship that were with him. And whan they met togider, there was but little meekness; for there was stout and hard words on both sides, but always Prince Corniger answered them, He would make them blow if he lived: wherefore they depart­ed with wrath; and Prince Corniger bid them keep them well, and they bid Prince Cor­niger keep him well. So the Prince returned to his Castle, and armed him and all his Knights; in the mean while there were three hundred good men of the best that went strait to Prince Corniger, and that comforted him greatly. And [Page 45] Sir Cruel, Sir Rasour, and Sir Kilman slew on the right hand and on the left, and did mer­vailous deeds of Arms, that the King had great joy of their deeds and hardiness, But the Enemies came on afresh behind them, and perplexed Prince Cornigers Knights; wherefore Prince Corniger drew his Swerd which was so bright in his Ene­mies eyes, that it gave light like thirty Torches, and therewith he put them back, and slew moch people.

So in little space the Enemy fled, and Prince Corniger re­turned to his Castle; where he found a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen, whereof he [Page 46] had great joy, and victuals they wanted none.

Next day Prince Corniger with his good and trusty Knights set upon his Enemies so fiercely, that they overthrew their Pavilions on their heads, but by manly Prowess of Arms they were forced to take a fair field; and when it grew to­wards day, Sir Fierce smote down Horse and Man, and Sir Rasour cut an infinite company of heads off, and Sir Kilman slew many a valiant Knight, so the meddle waxed passing great and hard on both parties. But when Sir Fierce saw Sir Cruel on foot, he ran like a Lyon upon Sir Meddlemuch his [Page 47] Enemy, and smote him through the left side, that horse and man fell down to the ground: Then he took the horse by the Rayns, and led him to Sir Cru­el, and said, Have thou this Horse, mine old Friend, for grete need hast thou of an Horse. Gramercy, said Sir Cruel, and lightly mounted. So then he saw Prince Corniger do mervailously, that all men had wonder thereof; for he smote King Boldenough on the Helm, that a quarter of the Helm and half the Shield fell down, and so the Swerd carved down unto the Horse neck; and so both Horse and Man fell to the ground. But there came four­teen [Page 48] Knights upon him▪ and then he smote one of them on the Helm, and it went down to the Teeth; and he rode to an­other, and smote him that his Arm flew into the Field; then he went to the third, and smote him on the Shoulder, that both Shoulder and Arm flew into the Field; and he smote ano­ther Knight on the Neck, that Head and Helm went to the earth: So Sir Cruel, Sir Fierce, and Sir Rasour, and Sir Kilman by Prince Cornigers example, smote off Heads, Legs, and Arms wonderfully. So the Battle was passing hardy, that many Knights shook and trem­bled for eagerness.

[Page 49] Then Prince Corniger seeing the Battle wou'd not be ended by no manner, he faced like a Wood Lyon, and stirred his Horse here and there, on the right hand and on the left, that he stinted not till he had slain twenty Knights; so there was a terrible meddle of breaking Spears and smiting of Swerds, with sleying of men and horses, and the enemies were at a loss; for there was newly arrived Sir Bloudy as a fierce Tyger, that his strokes redounded again from the Wood and the Water; so that the Enemies were forced to hurtle togyder for great drede, and a grete multitude fled, but his blow fell upon Sir [Page 50] Coward, and carved a cantel of his Shield; and the Swerd slid down by the Hawberk behind his back, and cut in twain the Trapper of Steel, and the Horse also in two pieces. So he became so bloudy, that no man might know him; for all was Bloud and Brains about him.

Then returned Prince Corni­ger with his Knights to his Ca­stle, where all his Barons at­tended on him, and there came a fair Damesel also which was an Earls Daughter, and she came thyder to do homage as other Lords did after the great Battaile; and Prince Corniger set his Love gretely upon her, [Page 51] so she did upon him; and the King had a do with her, and that night dremed a mervail­ous Dreme whereof he was right sore adradde: for him thought that there was coming in his Lond many Gryssons and Serpents, and him thought he they slew moch of his people; and then him thought he fought with them, and that they did him passing great demage, and wounded him full sore. So the King awoke, and was passing heavy and right pensife of his Dreme; and then to put away all thoughts of Battail, next morning he made him ready with his Knights to ride on Hunting; and assoon as he [Page 52] came in the Forrest, he saw a grete Hart before him; this Hart will I chace, said he; and so he spurred his Horse, and rode along after, and so by fine force oft he was like to have smitten the Hart; whereas his Horse fell down dead, and he sat him down by a Fountain, and there he fell into grete thoughts: And as he sat there alone, him thought he heard a noise of Hounds to the number of thirty Couple, and with that he saw coming towards him the strangest Beast that ever he saw or heard tell of; for the Beast went to the Fountain and drank, and the noise was in the Beasts Belly like unto the [Page 53] Questing of thirty Couple of Hounds; but all the while the beast drank, there was no noise in the beasts belly; and there­with the beast departed with a great noise, whereof Prince Corniger had gread mervail.

Then the King arose and went forwards a good pace to seek for his Knights, and so as he went he came to a rich Pa­vilion; then was he ware where a Knight sat all armed in his Chair. Sir Knight, said the King, for what cause abidest thou here, that no Knight may ride this way, said he, before he Just with me? I'le make thee leave that Custom, said the King. This Custom, reply'd [Page 54] the Knight, have I used, and will use, maugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with my Custom, let him amend it that vvill. I vvill amend it, said the King, and I vvill defend it, said the Knight. So anon he lent the King a Horse, and dres­sed his Shield, and took a Spear, and they met so hard either in others Shield, that they all to shevered their Spears; but the Knight hit him so hard in the middle of the Shield, that Horse and Man fell to the ground. Then Prince Corniger vvas vvroth, and dressed his Shield tovvards him vvith his Svvord dravvn: When the Knight savv that, he alighted, [Page 55] for him thought it was no wor­ship to have a Knight at such advantage, he to be on Horse­back, and that other on foot; and so alight and drest him to Prince Corniger; and there be­gan a strong Battaile with many grete strokes: and so they hew­ed with their Swerds, that the Cantels flew in the fields, and much bloud they bled both. So at the last they smote togyder, that both their Swerds met e­ven togyder; but the Swerd of the Knight smote the Kings Swerd in two pieces. Where­fore he was full sorry, and leapt upon the Knight, and took him by the middle, and threvv him dovvn, and raced his Helm. Whan the Knight saw [Page 56] that, he was adradde; for he was a passing big man of might, and anon he brought Prince Corniger under him, and raced off his Helm, and would have smitten off his head.

Therewithall came the Lady of the Isle of Witch,(for she was an Enchantress) and said, Knight hold thy hand; for and thou [...]lee that Knight, thou puttest this Realm in the great­est damage that ever Realm was in, for this Knight is a man of more vvorship then thou vvot­est of. Why, vvho is he said the Knight; It is Prince Corni­ger, said she. Then vvould he have slain him for drede of his vvrath, and heved up his Svverd; [Page 57] and therevvith the Lady cast an Enchantment on the Knight, that he fell to the earth in a grete sleep. Then the Lady took up the King; and as they rode togyder upon the Knights Horse, Alas, said Prince Corni­ger, hast thou slain this good Knight by thy crafts? there li­ved not so vvorshipful a Knight as he vvas. I had lever the stint of my Land a year that he vvere on live: Care ye not, said she, for he is vvholler then ye; for he is but on sleep, and vvill avvake vvithin these three hours.

Right so the King departed, and vvent unto an Hermitage, vvhereas vvas a good man, and [Page 58] a great Leche. So the Her­mite searched all his wounds, and gave him good Salves; and the King was there three days, and then were his wounds well amended, that he might ride and go; and so he departed with the Lady. And as they rode, Prince Corniger said, I have no Swerd, nor wot I where to gain one so good as that I lost. Here by is a Swerd, said she, that shall be yours, and I may.

So they rode till they came to a Lake, which was a fair Water, and a broad; and in the midst of the Lake Prince Cor­niger was ware of an Arm clo­thed in white Sattin, that held [Page 59] a fair Swerd in the hand. Lo' said the Lady to the King, yon­der is the Swerd in that Arm which I spake of. With that he saw the Damsel that brought him the other Swerd, going up­on the Lake. What Damsel is that, said the King? It is my servant, said the Lady, and she will come to you anon, and then speak fair to her, that she will give you that Swerd: Therewith came the Damesel to the King, and saluted him, and he her again. Damesel, said the King, what Swerd is that which the Arm holdeth yonder above water? I would it were mine, for I have no Swerd.

[Page 60] Sir, said the Damesel of the Lake, if you will ven­ture for it, you may have it; but be advised, that many Knights have perished in the attempt That shall not make me adradde, said the King; for I wot he is not worthy of a Swerd that deserveth it not. Than, said she, you may go to yonder Barge, and rowe your self to the Swerd; and if no tempest arise, it is yours, and take it, and the Scabberd with it▪ So than anon he came to the Swerd, and took it up by the handle, and brought it with him; and the Arm and Hand went under the water, and so he came to land: But the Lady [Page 61] and her Maid were gone he wist not whither, which made him passing heavy.

So he rode forth, and came to his Castle, whereof his Knights were passing glad; and when they heard of his Adven­tures, they marvailed that he would jeopard his person alone. But all men of Worship said it was fine to be under such a Chieftain, that would put his person in adventure, as other poor Knights did.

The mean while came a mes­senger hastly from King Palli­obarb, and he was King of many Isles; and this was his message, greeting well Prince Corniger in this manner wise, saying, [Page 62] that King Palliobarb had dis­comfited and overcome eleven Kings, and each of them did him homage, and that was, they gave him their Beards clean flain off as much as there was: Wherefore the messenger came for Cornigers Beard; for King Palliobarb had pu [...]feled a Man­tel with Kings Beards, and there lacked for one place of the Mantel, wherefore he sent for his Beard; or else he would enter into his Lands, and burn and slee, and never leave till he have thy Head and thy Beard. Well, said the King, thou hast said thy message, which is the most villanous and lewdest message that ever man [Page 63] heard sent to a King. Also thou may'st see my Beard is full young yet for to make a pur­fel of. But tell thou the King this, I owe him no homage, ne none of mine Elders; but e're it be long he shall do me ho­mage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his Head by the faith of my body; for this is the most shameful message that ever I heard speak of. I see well King Palliobarb never met with worshipful man; but tell him I vvill have his Head vvithout he do homage unto me: Then the Messenger de­parted.

And forth vvithall there came a poor man into the [Page 64] Court, and brought vvith him a fair young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean Mare, for he had nevvly sprain­ed his Leg; and the poor man asked all men that he met, Where shall I find the King? Yonder he is, said the Knights, vvilt thou any thing vvith him? Yea, said the poor man, there­fore I came hither. Anon as he came before the King, he saluted him, and said, O Prince Corniger, the Flovver of all Knights and Kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it vvas told me, that at this time novv you are made King, that vvithin the first year and a day you vvould grant any man the gift [Page 65] that he vvould ask, except it vvere unreasonable. That is trouth, said the King, such cryes I let make, and those vvill I hold, so they appair not my Realm nor mine estate. Ye say vvell and graciously, quoth the poor man; Sir, I ask nothing elles, but that ye vvill make my Son a Knight. It is a grete thing thou ask est of me, said the King, vvhat is thy name? My name is Bubulcus the Covvherd, said the poor man. Whither cometh this de­sire of thee or of thy Son, said the King. Nay Sir, said Bubul­cus, this desire cometh of my Son, and not of me; for I shall tell you, I have seven Sons, [Page 66] and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will be right glad to do labour; but this Child will do no labour for me for any thing that my Wife or I may do, but always he will be shooting or casting Darts, and glad to see Battails, and to behold Knights; and alwayes both day and night he desireth of me to be made a Knight. What is thy name amongst thy Companions, said the King to the young man? They call me, said he, Crucifrage ever since I ran so fast to take a Lamb from a Wolf, that I broke my Leg. Than the King beheld him fast, and saw he was passingly well visaged, and passingly well made [Page 67] of his years; and he said to Bu­bulcus the Cowherd, Where is the Swerd that he shall be made Knight withall? It is here, said the youth; then take it out of the sheath, said the King, and require me to make thee a Knight: Then he pulled out his Swerd, and required the King he would make him a Knight. I will make you, said the King, and therewith smote him in the neck with the Swerd, saying, Be ye a good Knight, and so I pray to God ye may be of Prowess and Worthiness▪ Now, said he to one of his Knights named Sir Astrolog, that had Skill in Physiognomy, say whether Sir Crucifrag shall be a [Page 68] good Knight or no? Yea Sir, said Sir Astrolog, he ought to be a good Knight, for he is come of as good a man as any is o'n live, and of Kings bloud. How so, said the King? I shall tell you, said Sir Astrolog, this poor man the Cowherd is not his fa­der. But I suppose nay, said the Cowherd. Well fetch thy Wife, said Sir Astrolog, afore me, and she shall say nay. A­none the Wife was sent for, which was a fair Housewife; and there she answered Sir Astro­log full womanly. And there she told the King, that when she was a Maid, and went to milk Kine, there met her a stearn Knight, and half by force he [Page 69] got her Maidenhead, and at that time he begat this Youth; and he took away from me my Greyhound that I had at that time with me, and said that he would keep it for my Love. Ah, said the Cowherd, I wend not this, but I may believe it well, for he had never no like­ness of me. Sir Astrolog, said Sir Crucifrag, dishonour not my Mother. Sir, said Sir Astrolog, it is more for your worship then hurt; for your Fader is a good Knight and a King, and you were begotten before your Mo­der was married. That is trouth, said the Wife. It is the less grief to me, said the Cowherd.

[Page 70] Right so the Cowherd de­parted, and Sir Crucifrag rode forth to seek Adventures; when as he was aware of a Knight on the other side the Lond all armed save the Head; and on the other side the Lond came a Dwarf on Horseback also all armed, but the Head with a grete Mouth and a short Nose: And the Dwarf when he came nigh the Knight, said, Where is the Lady that should meet us here? And therewithall she came forth out of the Wood, and they began to strive for the Lady; for the Knight said that he would have her, and the Dwarf said that he would have her. Well, ye do well, said [Page 71] the Dwarf, yonder is a Knight at the Cross, let us put it to his judgment; and as he deemeth, even so be it. I will: Well, said the Knight. And then they went all three unto Sir Crucifrag, and told him where­fore they two strove. Well Sir, said he, will ye put the matter into my hands? Yea Sir, said they both. Now Damesel, said Sir Crucifrag, ye shall stand between them both, and whe­ther ye list better to go to, he shall have you. And so when the Damesel was set between them two, she left the Knight, and went to the Dwarf: and the Dwarf took her, and went his way singing, and the [Page 72] Knight went his way mourn­ing.

Then came Sir Crucifrag to an Husbandman of the Coun­trey who told him how there was in that place a great Giant, who had slain, murdered, and devoured much people of the Countrey, and had been sus­tained seven years with the Children of the Commons of that Land, and now of late he had taken a Dutchess, the fair­est Woman in the world, and killed her Husband, and had led her to his Lodging which was in a Mountain, for to ra­vish her, and lie by her to her lives end; and many people fol­lowed her more then five hun­dred; [Page 73] but all they might not rescue her, but they left her shryking and crying most la­mentably; wherefore I suppose he hath slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of Lechery. Alas, said Sir Crucifrag, this is a grete mischief, I had lever then the best Realm, that I had been a furlong way before him, to have rescued her. Now fellow, said Sir Crucifrag, canst thou bring me there where as this Giant haunteth? Yea Sir, said the poor man, lo yonder whereas you see two great fires, there shall ye not fail to find him, and more Treasure as I suppose then is in a great Realm. When Sir Crucifrag had well under­stood [Page 74] this piteous case, he made ready his Horse and Harness, and after Evensong he rode forth as fast as he might, till he came to the Mountain; and so he ascended up the Mount till he came to a great fire, and there found he a careful Wi­dow wringing her hands, and making great sorrow, sitting by a Grave new made: And then Sir Crucifrag saluted her, and demanded her whereof she made so great lamentation: Unto whom she answered, Sir Knight, speak soft, for yonder is a Monster; if he hear thee speak he will come and destroy thee: I hold thee unhappy for coming here in this Mountain, for if ye [Page 75] were such fifty as ye be, ye were not able to make resist­ance against this Devil. See where lieth a VVoman dead, which was the Sister to a No­ble mans VVife, that he hath murthered in forceing her. Dame, said Sir Crucifrag, I come from the great Prince Corniger to treat with this Ty­rant, for his Leige People. Fie upon such Treaties, said the VVidow, he setteth nought by Prince Corniger, ne by no man else. Beware, approach him not nigh, sor he hath over come and vanquished fifteen Kings, and four hundred Knights, and hath made a Coat embroidered vvith their Beards, vvhich they [Page 76] sent him to have his love for sparing of their people; but on if thou wilt speak with him, at yonder fire he is at supper. Well, said Sir Crucifrag, I will accomplish my message for all your fearful words, and he went forth by the crest of that Hill, and saw where he sate at souper knawing on the limb of a man, beking his broad limbs by the fire, and breechless, and three Damesels turning three bro­ches, whereon were broched twelve young Children late born like young birds. When Sir Crucifrag beheld this piteous sight, he had great compassion on them, so that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed him, say­ing [Page 77] in this wise, He that all the world weldeth give thee short life, and a shameful death, and the Devil have thy soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent Children, and this Woman? Therefore arise and dress thee thou Clutton, for this day shalt thou die of my hands. Then anon the Giant started up, and took a great club in his hand, and smote at Sir Crucifrag, that his Club fell far into the earth, and Sir Cru­cifrag, hit him again, that he carved his belly (for he was breechless for haste) that his Guts and Entrails fell down to the ground; then the three Damesels kneeled down, and [Page 78] called to our Lord Jesu Christ for help and comfort of the noble Knight Sir Crucifrag. So Sir Crucifrag smote off the Gi­ants Head, and the Damesels came and thanked him, and brought him to the fair Dutch­ess, and many prisoners. These he released, and bid them di­vide the Goods amongst them; onely he took the Giants head and Club, and the fair Dutchess to himself, and with her he made good cheer, and either drank to other freely of the Giants good wine; and they thought never drink that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that their drink was in their [Page 79] bodies, they loved each other so well, that Sir Crucifrag and the Dutchess Love was not to be parted for wele nor for woe.

And so anon they departed, and rode so long, till by for­tune they came nigh a Castle, and there they arrived for to rest them, wening to have had good harbour. But anon as Sir Crucifrag was within the Castle, they were taken prisoners; for the Custom of that Castle was, that such that brought any Lady, must needs fight with the Lord of the Castle, which was high Sir Bullirock, and he that was weakest should lose his head; and than if his [Page 80] Lady be fowler then the Lords Wife, she must lese her head; and if she be fairer proved, then the Lady of the Castle must loose her head. Now so God help me, said Sir Crucifrag, this is a shameful custom; nethe­less I have one avantage, for I have a Lady, fairer saw I never in all my life days, and I doubt not but she shall save her head. Then he said to the Knight that took them Prisoners, I have great mervail, Sir, what is the cause that your Lord hold­eth us Prisoners; for it was never the custom of any place of worship that ever I came in, that when a Knight and a La­dy asked harbour, and were [Page 81] received, and then after they should be destroyed, it is a foul evil custom by the faith of my body; wherefore tell your Lord, I will be ready as to morrow with my Lady and my self to Battaile, if it be so that I may have my Horse and my Armour. Sir, said the Knight, undertake that your desire shall speed right well, and therewith he departed. And on the morrow betimes that same Knight came unto Sir Crucifrag, and put him and his Lady out of Prison, and brought him Horse and Ar­mour which was his own, and bade him make him ready to the Field: For all the Chief­tains [Page 82] and Commons of that Lordship were there ready to behold the Battaile, and give judgement. Then came Sir Bullirock the Lord of the Ca­stle, holding his Lady by the hand all muffled, and asked Sir Crucifrag where his Lady was, for and thy Lady be fairer then mine, vvith thy Svverd smite off my Ladies head, and if my Lady be fairer then thine, then must I strike off her head; and if my Lady lose her head, yet shall I slee thee, and have thy Lady. Sir Knight, said Sir Crucifrag, this is a foul and an horrible custom, and rather then my Lady should lose her head, yet had I lever lose my [Page 83] head. Nay, said Sir Bullirock, the Ladies shall be first shewed togyder; then I doubt not, said Sir Crucifrag, but my Lady is fairer then thine, and that will I prove and make good with mine own hands; and who­soever he be that will say nay, I will prove it upon his Head: And therewithall Sir Crucifrag shewed his Lady, and turned her thrice about, with his na­ked Swerd drawn in his hand. And when Sir Bullirock saw that, he turned his Lady about in the same wise. But when he beheld Sir Crucifrag's Lady, him thought he never saw a fairer Lady, and then he did drede that his Ladies Head [Page 84] should be smitten off: And all the people that were there pre­sent, gave judgment that Sir Crucifrag's Lady was fairer then the Lady of the Castle, and the better made body. So God me help, said Sir Bullirock, thy Lady is fairer then mine, and that me sore repenteth, and therefore slee my Lady, for I doubt not but thy Lady shall be mine. Thou must win her, said Sir Crucifrag, as dear as ever Knight won Lady; and because of thine own judge­ment, as thou wouldest have done unto my Lady, if she had been fouler then thine; and because of thine evil custom, give me thy Lady, and there­withall [Page 85] he strode unto Sir Bul­lirock, and took his Lady from him, and with an awke stroke he smote off her Head. Now Knight, said Sir Bullirock, now hast thou done me a despite; wherefore take thy Horse, sith I have lost my Lady; for I will win thy Lady, and I may. Then they took their Horses, and came togyder as fast as their Horses might run, and both fell to the ground horse and man. Then Sir Bullirock gave Sir Crucifrag three or four sad blows before he could re­cover, and would have slain him, but Sir Crucifrag was young and nimble, and avoided his Horse, and then they rushed [Page 86] together like two wild Boare full mightily; for this Sir Bulli­rock was a proved Knight, and had been e're then the death of many good Knights, that it was pity that he had so long endu­red; and thus they fought hurt­ling here and there two hours: So Sir Crucifrag was wroth, and took a mighty blow, for he vvas a big and strong Knight, and clove Sir Bullirock from the Crest of his Pate to his Breast; and then all they that belonged to the Castle came and did him homage, praying that he vvould foredo that foul Cu­stom. Sir Crucifrag granted there­to; then he returned to Prince Corniger with his Lady.

[Page 87]But as he Rode, there met him I trow, the Richest Lady and the Fairest of all the World, who saluted him, and he her; then she besought him to be her Love, for she had loved him a­bove all earthly men, and she would make him richer then e­ver was man of his age. When Sir Crucifrag heard her words, he was right evil at ease, for he could not consent before his dear Lady, so wyst he not how to answer. Alas said she I Will you not stay with me one night? Madam said Sir Cruci­frag, there is no Lady in the World whose will I will fulfil as touching this thing, but this. Then she made much sorrow, [Page 88] as if she would have died. Now you have brought me to my end said she, and therewith she de­parted and went up to a high Battlement, and led with her twelve Gentlewomen and when they were above, one of them cry'd, Sir, Gentile Knight, have mercy on us all, and suffer my Lady to have her will, or we must perish with her from this high Tower. Than Sir Crucifrag looked up, and they seemed all Ladies of great E­state and Riches, and well be­seen; then had he great pity of them: but he was counselled within himself, that lever then he forsake his own good Lady, they all died. So they fell [Page 89] down all at once to the earth, and when he saw that sudden chance, he was right sore abash­ed, and had thereof full great mervail; and with that he bles­sed his Body and his Visage, and anon he heard a full grete noise and a great cry, as though all the Fiends in Hell had been about him; and therewith he saw neither Towre nor Ladies, ne Gentlewomen, ne Chappel. Than held he up both his hands to Heaven, and said, Good Father, I am right well esca­ped: And then he took his way strait to Prince Corniger's Castle with his Lady, and found there a passing fair Fel­lowship, and well beseen, [Page 90] whereof each other had great joy. And when he told how he had sped, they had great mervail, that man on earth might speed so soon, and go and come.

So it drew fast to Michaelmas, and thyder came many a noble and Peerless Lady and good Knights to see the Wedding between Sir Crucifrag and the Dutchess; and so when this Solemnity was done, there came in fourscore Knights and thirty Ladies, and all these told the King how Sir Crucifrag had delivered them from the dolorous Giaunt, and slew him without pity; and therefore we and our Heirs will do ho­mage [Page 91] unto Sir Crucifrag. So then Prince Corniger made him his Champion that same day; and after that the Earles and Barons, and many stout Knights went unto meat, and well ye may wite that there was all manner of meat plenteously, and all manner of Revels, and Games, and Dauncing; and the Kings chief Musician sang on this wise.

Then after these fine doings, the next day Justed Sir Cruel, and he o'rethrew thirty Knights, and did passing mar­vellous deeds of Arms, that all men had great wonder of his noble deeds. Also the se­cond day Justed Sir Rasour, and he o'rethrew twenty Knights, and did like a mighty Knight. The third day Justed Sir Fierce, and he o'rethrew nine and thir­ty Knights, some Horse and [Page 79] man, and some the man and not the horse, and there was none but he was hit surely so, that he bare none Arms that day. But at the last came a strange Knight, and ran so hard against Sir Fierce, that he bare him dovvn horse and man, that he lay in a Svvound. Novv this stranger, as you shall knovv hereafter, vvas King Palliobarb, vvhich had been esteemed the biggest Knight in the vvorld; for having heard of Sir Cruci­frag, and because Prince Corni­ger had denied to send his Beard, he had great despite, and set out from his Castle vvith tvvo Knights to come and kill Prince Corniger, or Sir Cruci­frag; [Page 96] but in the way he said to his Knights, Now will I tell you my counsel, for ye be the men that I trust most on live; and I will that ye wot my going is to this intent, for to destroy Prince Corniger or Sir Crucifrag, by wiles or by trea­son; and it shall be hard if they escape us. Alas, said one of them, what thing mean you to be set in such a way, ye are shamefully disposed; for Sir Crucifrag and Prince Corniger are Knights of the most wor­ship that we know now living; and therefore I warn you plainly, that I will never con­sent to do him to death; and therefore I will yield my ser­vice [Page 97] and forsake you. Whan King Palliobarb heard him say so, suddenly he drew his Swerd, and said, O false Tray­tour, and smote him on the head, so that the Swerd went to his teeth: Whan the other Knight saw him do that villa­nous deed, and also the Squires, they said all it was foully done and mischievously; wherefore we will appeach thee of Trea­son before Prince Corniger and Sir Crucifrag. Then was the King wonderous wrath, and would have slain him; but he and the two Squires held them togyder, and set nought by his malice; so he departed from them, and they buried the Body.

[Page 98] Thus came King Palliobarb to Prince Corniger's Castle, and smote Sir Fierce, thinking by his mervaillous deeds that he was Sir Crucifrag. Beside, he defied all Prince Corniger's Knights that day, and let cry how he would fight with any of them body for body, but there could be found no Knight amongst them that would fight with him that day. The next day (for he might not fight the three days of his Mar­riage Feast) Sir Crucifrag of­fered himself to fight with that bold Knight. I shall fight with him, said he, or else I will be slain in the plain Field.

[Page 99]So on the morrow they met to do battail as long as Horse may endure; and after that to do battail on Foot to their lives end. So whan appoint­ment was made, they departed each from the other, and they came togyder with all the might that their Horses might run, and either smote other so hard, that both Horse and Knights went unto the earth. Then they both lightly arose, and dressed their Shields on their Shoulders with naked Swerds in their hands, and they dashed togyder like as they had been a flaming fire; thus they traced, and raced, and hewed on Helms, and cut away many [Page 78] pieces and cantels of their Shields, and either wounded other passing sore, so that the hot bloud fell upon the earth; and by that they had foughten togyder the maintenance of an hour, King Palliobarb waxed faint, and gave sore aback, that saw Sir Crucifrag, and fol­lowed fiercely upon him, for he gave him twenty strokes for one, and ever he cry'd, yield thee. So King Palliobarb threw away his Swerd, and pulled off his Helm to breath; but when Prince Corniger and his Barons saw it was King Palliobarb, they were mervailously astonied: But he fell dead to the earth for grief and for his wounds. Then [Page 101] did Prince Corniger make great joy for the Victory, and gave Sir Crucifrag a brave Castel for his reward, for delivering him from his great Enemy King Pal­liobarb, who had been counted the most villanous as well as the stoutest Knight on earthly habitation; and eke also all the Barons and Knights praised the stern might of Sir Crucifrag, so that he was counted the wor­shipfullest Knight of the world: but some were envious. For at the season of the merry moneth of May, when every lusty heart flourisheth; for as the season is lusty to behold, and comfortable; so man and woman rejoyce: for Winter [Page 102] with his rough windes and blastes, causeth a lusty man to coure and sit by the fire. So in this moneth of May it fell out, that there happened a great Love of the Queen to Sir Crucifrag, the which ne­ver stinted till the Flower of Chivaldry of all the world was destroyed and slain; and this befell long of two unhappy Knights, who had ever a pri­vy hate unto Sir Crucifrag's Prowess, and then they said openly, and not in counsaile, that many Knights might hear it, I mervail that we all be not ashamed both to see and know how Sir Crucifrag lieth daily and nightly by the Queen, and [Page 103] all we know it so, and it is shamefully suffered of us all, that we should suffer so noble a King as is Prince Corniger, to be shamed; therefore fall of it what fall may, I will declare it to the King. Ye shall not do so, said the rest; for if there rise any war and wrath be­tween Sir Crucifrag and us, wyte you well, there will be many Kings and Knights that will hold with Sir Crucifrag; also Sir Crucifrag hath done the King great service, and rescued him from his Enemies; and the best of us all had been full cold at the heart root, had not Sir Crucifrag been a better Knight than we. Do you then [Page 104] as you list, said Sir Blaball, (for it was his name) I will hide so no longer.

With these words came to them the King. Now stint your noise. said they to Sir Blaball. But I will not, quoth he. Than good speed, said they, for we will not hear your tales, ne ony of your counsel; and therewith they departed, making great doole.

And then Prince Corniger asked Sir Blaball what noise they made. My Liege, said Sir Blaball, I shall tell you what I may hold no longer. Here is I and my Brother Sneeks know all, that Sir Crucifrag holdeth your Queen, and hath done [Page 105] long, and we your good Friends and Servants may not suffer it any longer; and there­fore we will prove that he is a Traytour to your person. If it be so, said the King, wyte you well he is an hardy Knight, and all know he is the man of most might among us; and if he be taken with the deed, he will fight with him that brought up the noise, and I know no Knight is able to match him. But if it be soth that ye say, I would he were taken in the deed. My Lord, said Sir Blaball, to morrow shall ye ride on Hunting, and when it draw­eth toward night, ye may send the Queen word that ye vvill [Page 106] lie out all that night, and so may ye send for your Cooks; and then upon pain of death vve shall bring him dead or a­live. I vvill, vvell, said the King; but bevvare, for ye shall find him mighty vvyghty. So on the morrovv the King rode on Hunting: Then Sir Blaball and Sir Sneeks did themselves in a Chamber in the Castle. So vvhen night came, Sir Crucifrag told his trusty Friend Sir Fierce, he vvould go speak vvith the Queen. Sir, said Sir Fierce, I alvvays dread me moch of Sir Sneeks and his Brother Sir Blab­all, vvho vvait you daily to do you shame, and never gave my heart against any going that [Page 107] ever ye vvent to the Queen so much as novv. Have ye no doubt, said Sir Crucifrag, I shall go and come, and make no tar­rying; and I will not be so moch a Covvard, but that she shall understand I vvill see her good grace. Speed you vvell, said Sir Fierce, and send you safe and sound.

So Sir Crucifrag departed, and took his svverd underneath his arm; and so that noble Knight vvent forth in his Man­tle, and put himself in great jeopardy, and so he passed till he came to the Queen. And than the Queen and Sir Cruci­frag vvere togyder, and vvhi­ther they vvere a bed, or at O­ther [Page 108] manner of sports, me list not thereof to make mention, (for Love at that time vvas not as it is novv adays) but thus as they vvere togyder, there came Sir Blaball vvith Sir Sneeks, and ten more Knights, crying vvith a loud noise, that all the Court might hear it, Traiterous Knight, Sir Cruci­frag, novv art thou taken. A­las, said the Queen, novv are vve mischieved both. Madam, said he, have you any Armour here vvithin your Chamber, that I might cover my body vvithall; and if there be any, I pray you heartily let me have, and I shall soon stint their ma­lice. Truly, said the Queen, I [Page 109] have no Armour, ne Shield, ne Svverd, ne Spear; vvherefore I drede me sore our long Love is come to a mischievous end, and therefore ye are like to be slain, and I shall be brent. Alas, said Sir Crucifrag, in all my life vvas I never thus bestead, that I should be thus shamefully slain for lack of mine Armour; but alvvays Sir Blaball cry'd, Tray­tour, come out of the Queens Chamber. O Jesu, mercy, said Sir Crucifrag, this shameful cry and noise I may not suffer; for better vvere death at once, then thus to endure pain; and therevvithall Sir Crucifrag vvrap­ped his Mantel round about his Arm vvell and surely, and [Page 110] by then they had gotten a grete Form out of the Hall, and therewithall they dashed at the Chamber door. Faire Lords, said Sir Crucifrag, leave your noise and your dashing, and I shall set open the door, and then may ye do with me what it liketh you to do. Then Sir Crucifrag unbarred the Door, and with his left hand he held it open a little, so that but one man might come in at once; and so anon there came striding a good Knight, a big man and a large, and with a Swerd he struck at Sir Crucifrag mighti­ly; but Sir Crucifrag put a­side the stroak, and gave him [Page 111] such a buffet upon the Helm, that he fell down dead, grove­ling within the door: and then Sir Crucifrag with his stern might drew in the dead Knight within the Chamber, and with the help of the Queen and her Ladies was lightly armed in his Armour; and ever stood Sir Blaball crying, Traytour, come out of the Queens Cham­ber, we will have thy Head maugre all thy might, if we please to slay thee; for we will let thee to wyte, that we have the choice of Prince Corniger, to save thee or to slee thee. So then Sir Crucifrag was wroth, and set open the Chamber door, and mightily and Knight­ly [Page 112] he strode amongst them; and anon at the first beset he slew Sir Blaball, and within a little while after five more; for there was none of all them that might stand Sir Crucifrag a buffet. Also he wounded Sir Sneeks, and he fled with all his might, and the rest with him: and then Sir Crucifrag returned again to the Queen, and he kist her, and promised to re­scue her, and either gave other a Ring; and so he went to▪ his Lodging, and told Sir Fierce all that had happened; so they▪ fled to Sir Crucifrag's Castle, and many good Knights cleave to them.

[Page 113] Now whan Prince Corniger was advised of what was pas­sed, he commanded his Knights to be ready in their best Array with their brethren, to bring the Queen to the Fire; for she shall soon have her Judgment: And then the Queen was led forth without the Castle, and there she was despoiled to her Smock; and so then her Ghost­ly Father was brought to her to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then was there weeping, and wailing, and wringing of hands of many Lords and Ladies; but there were but few in compa­rison that would bare any Ar­mour for to strengthen the death of the Queen. Then [Page 114] was there one that Sir Crucifrag had sent for to spie what time the Queen should go to her Judgment; and anon when as he saw that the Queen was despoiled to her Smock, and and also that she was shriven, then he gave warning to Sir Crucifrag; then was there hot spurning and plucking up of Horses, and right so they came to the Fire, and who stood a­gainst them were slain, there might none withstand Sir Cru­cifrag and Sir Fierce. So all that bare Arms and withstood them were slain, even many a noble Knight. Then when Sir Crucifrag had done this, and put to flight all that would [Page 115] withstand him, he rode straight to the Queen, and made a Gown to be cast upon her; and then he made her to be set behind him, and pray'd her to be of good cheer: Wyte you well, that the Queen was right glad she was escaped from death; and then she thanked God and Sir Crucifrag, and so he rode away with the Queen, and many cleave to him. Now when this was known openly that Prince Corniger and Sir Crucifrag were at debate, ma­ny Knights were glad of their debate, and many Knights were sorry of their debate.

So then Prince Corniger sent Writes, and let cryes through­out [Page 116] his Realm in length and breadth, for to assemble all his Knights, so that he had a great Host; and when they were as­sembled, the King told them how Sir Crucifrag had bereft him of his Queen: Then all made them ready to lay Siege to Sir Crucifrag, whereas he lay in his Castle. Thereof heard Sir Crucifrag, and purveyed him of many a good Knight, some for his own sake, and some for the Queens. Then Prince Corniger made many Knights to blow upon Sir Cru­cifrag, and all at once they cal­led him, Traiterous and recre­ant Knight. At this Sir Cru­cifrag was wroth, and all his [Page 117] Knights; and on the morrow either party made them ready to do Battaile, and great pur­veyance was made on both sides. Then came forth Sir Hasty on the Kings party, and proffered to Just. So Sir Fierce ran against him, and smote him through the body. Then there began a great stir of breaking Spears, and smiting of Swerds; and ever Prince Corniger was nigh to Sir Crucifrag for to have slain him, and Sir Cruci­frag suffered him, and would not strike again. Wherefore Sir Traiterous encountred with the King unawares, and there with a Spear he smote him down to the ground; and so [Page 118] he alighted and drew his Swerd, and said to Sir Crucifrag, Shall I make an end of this War? and therewith he meant to have slain the King. Not so hardy, said Sir Crucifrag, upon pain of thy Head, if thou touch him any more: for I will see that the most noble King that made me Knight, be neither slain ne ashamed, and therewithall Sir Crucifrag alighted from his Horse, and took up the King, and horsed him again, and said unto him thus, My Liege Lord, for Gods Love stint the strife, for ye may get no worship, and I do my uttermost to forbear you, and ye, ne none of yours forbeareth me: My Liege, re­member [Page 119] what I have done for you, and now am I evil re­warded. So when Prince Cor­niger was again on Horseback, he looked upon Sir Crucifrag, and the tears brast out of his eyes, thinking on the great courtesie that was in Sir Cruci­frag more than in any other man; and therewith the King rode his way, and might no longer behold him, and said to himself, Alas that ever this War began; and then either party withdrew them for to rest, and bury the dead bodies, and to the wounded they laid soft Salves; and thus they en­dured that night till on the morrow; and then they made [Page 120] them ready to Battail. Then came Sir Crucifrag as grim as any Bear, in a black Armour, that he might not be known, with a great Spear in his hand, and he smote on the right hand and on the left, which astonied Prince Corniger and all his Knights; so they resolved to set upon that sturdy Knight, but he ran Sir Killman through the body horse and all, and also with a buffet kill'd Sir Ra­sour; but as he stroke at Sir Ironside, his Swerd brake, and Prince Corniger slew him. Then he drew away the body, to see who that famous and stern Knight might be; and when he savv it was Sir Crucifrag, he [Page 121] ran his own Swerd through his body, and died by him. Thus the dismal War ceased; and when the Queen heard of all the dolorous case, she poyson­ed her self. Then was vveep­ing and vvailing, and great dool, such as vvas never made, for the Flovvers of Chivalry vvere vvithered and dead. O hone, O hone.