Chap. I. How the Lady Bellisant, sister to King Pepin, was solemnly married to the Emperour of Greece, and how they departed towards Constantinople.

THere Lived a worthy and re­nowned King in the famous Kingdom of France, called King Pepin, who had one on­ly sister, whose name was fair Bellisant; this beautiful Lady was no less vertuous than comely, nor [Page]no less [...] then prudent, than both. She [...] [...]ly beloved of all sorts of people: the [...] loved her for her Clemency, the Gentry loved her for her fidelity, the Com­mons loved her for her sweet behaviour, and the poor loved her for her Charity.

The same of this gallant Lady resounded not only through the Principal Povinces of France, but through all the whole world; from one end to the other; so that to this La­dy came many a Princely Potentate, hoping to gain her good will in Marriage. Amongst the rest of her noble and renowned Suppli­ants, came the high and mighty Emperour of Greece, who after many daies spent in the Court of France, atchieved the beauteous La­dies love; and with the consent of her Bro­ther and all the Nobility, he took her to wife; where a long and spacious time was spent in feasting and merriment, to solem­nize the Royal and Nuptial bonds of Ma­trimony, which were made between the Em­perour and fair Bellisant, Sister to the King of France.

But now behold what came to pass on the sudden: There came a Post sent from Con­stantinople, to certifie the Emperour, that there was like to be [...] great insurrection and [Page]combustion in many of his Provinces, ex­cept his Highness would be pleased to make a speedy return to his own Country, thereby to pacifie the outrages of the people, and re­new a settled peace.

The Emperour and his friends having ta­ken the matter into their consideration, how that Divisions might be a means to raise mute­nies, and mutenies to raise seditions, and sedi­tions to raise civil wars, and that civil wars might bring ruine and destruction, both on himself and all his adherents for ever: There­fore he rather chusing to forsake his pleasures in France, than to endanger the ruine of his own Kingdom, took leave of his Brother the King of France, and the rest of the Princes and Nobles of his Court; he prepared him­self with his fair Bride, for their journey un­to their Court at Constántinople.

Their departure caused great heaviness at the Court, insomuch that there was never more sorrowful hearts, grieved minds, and weeping eyes than at that time, for the de­parture of that modest and well governed Lady, who with her Lord in short space ar­rived at their desired Haven.

Chap. II. Of the treachery Practised by the Arch-Priest of Constantinople, against the fair Empress Bellisant.

NO sooner was the Emperour, and his fair Empress arrived at the Port of Constantinople, but they were entertained with as much joy and Solemnity, as if the Gods themselves had descended from Olym­phus, to give welcome for those long lookt for Guests: and for a congratulation they pre­pared all manner of dainty fare, all manner of rare Musick, and all sorts of rich Orna­ments fit for their wearing.

Many Kings, Princes, Lords, and La­dies came from other Countries, and pre­sented many Rich and costly Gifts to the royal and beautiful Empress, the Lady Bel­lisant; and happy were they that could have so much Favour, as to kiss her Princely hand.

But as Morpheus and Venus distracteth and troubleth Love-sick persons, whether they sleep or wake, so doth Fortune and en­vy act their parts of cruelty and tyranny [Page]amongst the chief Monarchs and Princes, as may appear by those Golden Pair of Turtles, the Emperour and his loving Mate. In that Court of great Magnificence there lived a supposed Religious man, whose title was Arch-Priest, or Arch-Bishop: but he proved himself to be an Arch-Traitor, as you shall presently hear.

This Arch-Priest was a great Favourite to the Emperour, and so well thought of in the Emperours Court among the Nobility, that whatsoever he said was a Law: For if there was any one had any business with the Emperour, they could not get admittance without the Arch-Priests consent: Which the Empress Bellisant perceiving, thinking him to be a just and upright man, afforded him the like respect as others did, and often­times in secret would reveal her mind unto him.

Upon a time it came to pass, they being all alone together, he being filled with lust and carnal desire, burst forth in these words unto her.

Most beauteous, fair and comely Lady, I your humble and devoted Servant, with all the respects belonging to such a noble perso­nage as you are, desire the grant of one boon [Page]unto, which if you perform, I am a liv­ing man, if you deny, you are a dead wo­man.

The Lady hearing him say so, answered him in this manner;

Sir, I am as yet but a stranger in this Empire, but yet will I afford you any thing that is mine to give, so far forth as reason doth require, and that my Princely Husband gives way to.

Then Madam, quoth he, this it is, I de­sire your love, insomuch that I may embrace the sweet and pleasant enjoyments of your love, and to do with you according to my will.

When the Lady heard him talk; and find­ing him to be lustful minded, she spake unto him in this manner.

O thou dissembling hypocrite, thou false and faithless tyrant, thou blood sucking traytor, thou perjured villain, how canst thou for shame ask such a question of me? Didst thou not once swear to be true to thy Lord and Master, and wilt thou now go about to ravish his espoused Wife? Depart from me, and for the fault thou wouldest have committed ask God forgiveness, and keep thine own counsel, and I will no fur­ther [Page]speak of it. When the wicked wretch had received his denial, he presently depart­ed the Room, vowing to be avenged of the Lady: and so having laid a platform of mis­chief in readiness to work his design, went to the Emperour, and spake unto him in this sort.

O my Noble Lord and Master I that have been all times well known to your self your true and faithful servant, and beloved of all men for my loyalty to your Highness, I am now with grief of heart enforced to reveal a secret unto you, which is of great concern­ment: and this it is,

The Lady Bellisant your wife, which you thought to be so vertuous, chast, and honest, is known and found to be otherwise; For why, she hath conspired your Death, acted Treason against your person, and the Child which is now in her Womb is of another mans begetting: and therefore Noble Sir, I think there is no better course to be taken, than to send her away to France, from whence she came, and that suddenly and privily, that the world may not take notice of what is done.

When the Emperour had heard this strange Relation from the false dissembling [Page]Arch-traitor, his wrath was so much infla­med, that he had neither the Patience nor power to forbear, but presently ran into the Room where his harmless Lady was sitting all alone in her solitary dumps: So taking his advantage, ran streightwaies unto her, and taking hold of her hair, pulled her to the ground, beat her on the face with his Fists, and stampt upon her with his feet, insomuch that the blood issued out from her Nose and mouth so violently, that the like was hardly ever seen.

But at last, when he had tired himself with abusing this Lady, he stood panting for breath, thinking to have gone to her again.

Mean while she was recovered upon her knees; and as she was kneeling, she spake to him saying,

O my dear Lord, what is the reason that without cause you deal thus cruelly with me? I desire you, my good Lord, to spare me my life; if not for my own sake, yet let it be done for the Infants sake which is yet unborn.

Well quoth the Emperour, I will spare thee thy Life, but this shall be thy doom, that thou shalt for ever be banished from my pre­sence, [Page]and be sent to thy brother in France; with a writing upon thy brest, for all that look on thee to read, how that for thy disloy­alty to thy Husband, for thy Treacherous plots devised, and for the acting the part of a Strumpet, thou art banished the Royal Court of Constantinople; and therefore pre­pare thy self to night to be gone to morrow, for here is no longer time for you to abide.

Chap. III. How the Empress Bellisant, being banished by the Emperour, travelled into France, and the strange births of Valentine and Orson.

NOW when morning was come, the di­stressed Lady Bellisant was set on horse­back, according to the Emperours command, having no other company to go along with her, but one man which was her servant, and came out of France with her. Now mark what happened to them in their journey: for the Proverb saith that one Swallow doth not make a Summer, neither doth one misery go by it self.

As they were passing through a huge and spacious Forrest, the Lady found her self grievously distressed: and being great with Child, alighted from her horse, and sent her servant to seek some woman to help her in her extremity, she sitting the whilest under the boughs of a tree. The Gentleman with diligence made all the haste he could possibly do, but before he returned back again the Lady was delivered of two Sons, of which an ugly she-Bear coming along, [Page]caught one of them up, and ran away with [...]im, carrying him to her D [...]n, to be a prey [...]or her young ones. The Lady pursued the bear to recover her son, but in vain, she be­ [...]ng also so weak, that she could not return [...]o the place where she had left her other Son. [...]n the mean time, the King having that day been on hunting, chanc'd to find him, taking him up and putting him to nurse, calling his name Valentine; Of whom you shall hear more hereafter, in the subsequent discourse of his History.

The Bear (as by providence it came to pass) never devoured the child that she car­ [...]ied to her Den, nor had her whelps any power at all to do it any harm, so that as the Bears young ones did suck her, she gave suck [...]o the child also, till such time that he became [...]ble to shift for himself. And when he came [...]o be of the age of a man, he had humane sence [...]ike a man, but had not the speech nor use of [...]ny language at all, and was all overgrown with hair like unto a Bear, because he had [...]uckt of the Bears milk, he was also as wild [...]s any savage beast that was in the Forrest, [...]nd did so many strange exploits, destroying of men and women, that none durst come near the place where he was.

The other brother was brought up in the Court of France, by the means of King Pe­pin, which was his own Uncle, although un­known to them both; and they called his name Valentine, and the wilde mans name they called Orson.

Chap. IV. How Valentine conquered Orson, and brought him to the Royal Court of his Ʋncle King Pepin.

THis Valentine was of such a Noble and heroick courage, and gallant behaviour, that he was known to be the chiefest and ablest man at Arms that was in all the noted Court of France, and would encounter any man that came to oppose him.

This Valentine hearing the strange reports of Orson, how he overcame and conquer­ed all that ever came near him, resolved on a time to try his valour, courage and magna­nimity, and venture his life with the wild man Orson, not thinking he had been his brother.

And thus being couragiously mounted on horseback, (rich and gallantly clad in Armour bright, with a most excellent sword by his side) he rode to the spacious Forest, to find out the wild man, which he quickly did; and upon his near and sudden approach, he found him prepared for the Combate, and rea­dy to encounter him; for indeed Orson ne­ver [Page]went unprovided of his great Weapon, which was a mighty Club, made of an Oa­ken tree: with which at the first salute he gave Valentines Horse such a bang on the Nose; that he beat out his brains; and then was Valentine bound to fight for his life, for to fly it was in vain.

Thus was the Combate with great courage renewed, and Valentine with his sword and Orson with his Club fought along time, and drew much blood of one another: But at the last Valentine through skill and policy van­quished Orson, who was far more stronger than himself: and having obtained an abso­lute conquest, immediately after brought him bound to the King of France, where many strange and wonderful atchivements were performed by those two Noble brothers.

Chap. V. How Valentine and Orson went to assist the the Duke of Aquitain: where Orson conquered the Green Knight.

VAlentine and Orson remaining in the Court, there arrived a messenger from the Duke of Aquitain; who bring admitted into the Kings presence, said as followeth: Most Mighty King, my Master the Duke of Aquitain, intreateth your Majesty to commi­serate the sad condition of him and his coun­try, being invaded by a Pagan, called the Green Knight, upon no other cause but to take away his only daughter, the fair La­dy Fezon, which he hath sworn to effect, un­less by some worthy Christian Knight he be vanquished within forty daies: many have already adventured against him, all which he hath overcome, and hanged upon Trees. My master therefore humbly craves your Ma­jesties assistance in this extremity. The King hearing this, promised him aid, and the mes­senger departed.

The next day the King, with many hardy Knights amongst whom was Valentine, who [Page]also caused Orson to go with him, being na­ked, except an iron Jacket, which Valentine had caused to be made for him, set forward towards Aquitain, where the Duke enter­tained them as befitted such Royal persona­ges, declaring all the deeds which the Green Knight had done, and the conquests he had made.

Valentine hearing this, determined to try the might of this Champion: So arming himself, he rode to his Tent. The Green Knight seeing him, presently mounted his steed, and between them began a most cruel Combate, both giving and receiving many wounds; at length the Green Knight said, Knight, thy valour causeth me to pity thee, therefore I advise thee to give over: For none can overcome me but the son of a King who never suckt the breast of a Woman, now if thou art such a one thou maist over­come me, if not, thy fighting is vain. Not­withstanding Valentine continued the fight till night parted them, and both betook them­selves to rest.

Valentine considering the Green Knights words, and that himself had suckt the breasts of a woman, determined to send Orson to try his fortune with the Green Knight: So the [Page]next day Valentine put his armour upon Orson, who being mounted, rod to the Green Knight, between whom began a most fierce combate, Orson giving him many wounds, which he immediately healed with Balsome that he had about him for that purpose.

Orson seeing this, thought it in vain to use his sword any longer, sith he could heal him­self so quickly; and casting it away, he betook himself to his Nails, where with he so rent his armour, and wounded his flesh, that he was constrained to fall, and submit himself to the mercy of the conquerour. The King, Valentine, and the Duke being joyful of this victory, went to the Green Knight, who im­mediately relinquished all his former pre­tensions, consenting to become a Christian, and be baptized. So after some few daies spent in mirth and triumph, the King, Va­lentine and all the Noble Peers of France, so­lemnly took their leaves of the Duke, and his fair Daughter the Lady Fezon, and re­turned again to the Court.

Chap. VI. How the Treason of the Arch-Priest was dis­covered, and how the Emperour re-called the Lady Bellisant from banishment.

HAving thus presented you with the dis­loyal proceedings of the Arch-traytor, I shall now return to speak of what became of him, who so perfidiously sowed the seed of sedition between the Emperour and the Lady Bellisant.

The Arch-Priest persisting still in this wicked quality, alwaies acting and plotting Treason against one or other, he thought at last to have been made Emperour himself: But it came to pass, that by a miraculous means his treachery was found out, and he arraigned for treason, who having the sentence of Death pronounced against him, confessed. That he had been a most horrible forsworn and perjured Villain, and that he had been a means to divide the Emperour from his gra­cious and faithful Lady, and how that all the things that were laid to her charge were false.

This and many other of his faults he [Page]openly confessed before the Emperour and the rest of his Noble Lords: but as the Old Pro­verb saith, For his open Confession he had open Punishment: being adjudged for to ride upon a bare ridg'd Horse, with his face towards the Horse tail, then to be set three daies with his Ears fast nailed to the Pillory and then his body to be taken and thrown into a Cauldron of boyling Lead, which was a just reward for a forsworn Traytor. And afterwards the Em­perour sent for his Queen and settled her in her Royal Throne of dignity again, where they lived many happy years in joy and tran­quility. And as for their two valiant Sons, Valentine and Orson, they became the bravest men at Arms that ever Christendom afforded: They conquered Gyants, subdued Sarazens, overcame Cities, destroyed Castles, and fought many famous and renowned battels against the Enemies of Christendom, insomuch that the whole world admired at their couragious enterprises and fortunate success.