I have no power over this Knight to pray him or command him considering the State we are in wherefore I am of opinion that you your self speak to him and know what he thinks of it It shall not stick there said the Damsel Then turning her Face towards him in the white Arms she said to him Knight the Old Man who found you in the Forrest after you had deliver'd King Magadan desires you for a reason to fight no more against him to whom I have addrest my self but to remember the Discourse you had with him when you said that Vertue was never lost in what place soever it were exercis'd Damsel answer'd he I am so much bound to the old man that I will believe his Counsel and would gladly be in place where I may do him Service as I desire Now he had taken notice of the Honour she did the black Knight which made him conjecture that he was some King or other great Personage wherefore he said to him My Lord pardon me I beseech you if in my Behaviour and Words I have not been so courteous to you as I ought and do me the Favour to tell me who you are that I may hereafter better know by name him in whom there is so much Goodness and Prowess Knight answer'd he your so glorious Discretion makes me entirely lose the ill will I have hitherto born you and summons me to leave you the Place since our dispute can take no other course Yet I will first satisfy your Request and tell you who I am on condition that afterwards neither you nor any other shall hinder my Departure Of that you may be sure said the white Knight and I promise you it upon my Honour Understand then said he that you may now see Esplandian Emperor of Constantinople who came hither hoping alone to recover what your self have gain'd from me and mine but finding what is in you and knowing the Strength of the Place I make no farther acccount of getting any thing what Power soever I can bring O Iupiter cry'd out the Knight of the Burning Sword is it possible that the Prince whose Renown is the greatest and most glorious of any in the whole world has done me this Honour On my faith I may at present well stile my self the happiest man on earth having had the Means to prove my self against the best Knight living Ah! Ah! most Excellent Emperor You are such that the Praises which are given you are far short of what is due to your Merits And would to our Gods the Law you hold were conformable to their Honour that you might in time see with what affection I would do you Service instead of the Displeasure you have receiv'd thro' my ignorance for which I entreat you and this Damsel to excuse me Now he believ'd her to be still behind him but she was already departed which he perceiv'd as he thought to give her thanks wherefore with much discontent he chang'd his discourse and askt what way she had taken My Lord said one from within She is gone forth and we saw her descend strait to the Sea Ah! said the Knight she does me wrong Now he thought to know of her where he might find the good old Alquif by whom he hop'd to come to the Knowledge of his Parents And for this cause leaving the Emperor he went hastily out of the Castle running after her and the farther he went the more he said within himself By my Head I have no wound that shall hinder me from following you and if once I catch you you shall tell me where your Father is But notwithstanding his Diligence Fortune guided him far another way as you shall hereafter be inform'd CHAP. XIII How the twenty Turks which Yneril had brought from Natolia for the Relief of the Defended Mountain set themselves to kill the Emperor Esplandian and of that which hapned FRandalo who was come down out of the Galleries to listen to the Damsels discourse having heard from the Emperor Esplandians own mouth that it was he who had fought with the Knight of the Burning Sword presently kneel'd down to kiss his Hands the King of Jerusalem also making him a very great Reverence The Emperor receiv'd them very kindly and embracing the King said to him In good faith Brother your Liberty is I believe more happy than you expected being deliver'd and freed out of Prison by the best Knight I ever saw in my life Ah Sir said Frandalo your Presence gives me an incomparable Joy and a Regret even to Death My good Friend said the Emperor you have always be esteem'd so discreet that you need not any Comfort but what you can give your self But they had not long continu'd this Discourse when the twenty Turks lately arriv'd for Defence of the Place calling out to Arms ran upon the Emperor who more astonisht than before and that not without cause said to the King of Jerusalem whom he suspected to be the Head of this Treason How Brother Dare you indeed do an Act so injurious to your Honour and the Right of Chivalry On my faith you not only wrong your own Person but all others who bear the Title of Gentlemen for you cannot be ignorant that I entred into this place with Security from him who had power to give me it The King of Jerusalem very sorry for this assault took suddenly his Sword in hand and severely menac'd these Rascals who to shew how little they would do for him began in such manner to let fly their Arrows that they seem'd like Hail pouring down from Heaven This so chaf'd the Emperor that without any farther delay he cover'd himself with his Shield and with Sword in hand entred pell mell amongst them striking so on the right and left that he gave the first he met with such a blow that he never spake after and following the rest brought three of them with their Noses to the ground Nevertheless this could not have preserv'd him without Frandalo who weak and feeble as he was got hold of a Battle ax and follow'd by two of his Squires so well seconded the Emperor that whether the others would or no they were forc'd to give back to their great shame and loss And as we often see a campany of Pies persue an Hawk that taking his flight from off his Masters hand pearches upon some Tree at his departure from which being provok'd by their beating and pecking at him he not only seizes upon one two or three of them but furiously scatters the Remainder in the like manner these Rascals having done their endeavour against the Emperor betook themselves to flight some falling dead and others putting all their hopes in the entrance of a stair case whether they retir'd for their Defence But this weak Resistance lasted scarce a moment the Emperor and Frandalo following them so close that there did not one of them escape The King of Jerusalem was then in very great
burn them in the same Fire Nevertheless seeing that this cruel sentance had been already many dayes delay'd and that the other was no longer in his Countrey he resolv'd to put it in Execution against the Queen But she offered to prove her innocence by a Knight who should fight Maudan For so was her Accuser nam'd To which the King would in no wise have given Ear had not we who are his Uncles and many other princes of his Blood mov'd with Compassion perswaded him to grant it Which being come to Maudans knowledge he came with a great Bravado to remonstrate that he would not only defend his Assertion but would bring a Coufin of his that should maintain it to the Death and that they two together would enter the Field against two others such as the Queen could find And having so said he threw down his pledge but tho' the Queen has many great kindred yet none advanc'd to take it up not for any doubt of her Innocence but for the great Prowess that is said to be in the two Assailants Then was Prince Fulurtin so sorry that he took up the pledge and Offered himself alone to fight in person for the Justification of his Mother Which they refus'd saying that they would never put hand to Sword against the only Son of their Soveraign Lord. Thus was the good Lady distitute in a manner of all Remedy imploring with join'd hands the Kings Mercy with six months time to seek some stranger that would defend her since there was not any one in Saba and Morana that offer'd himself And tho' Magadan at first seem'd deaf yet importurn'd by us two he in fine granted her Request on condition we should accompany her whither she would have us and at six months end on pain of Death bring her back again Which we solemnly sware to do Then we caus'd this Ship to be equipp'd and from the Nile entred into this Sea where we have been already above these twelve weeks enquiring with great Diligence for the Knight of the burning Sword in whom lies all the Queens hopes Because he alone knows better how this Affair goes than all other men besides And this good Lady well knowing his great Courage makes no doubt but assoon as he shall have News of it he will leave all things to defend this Quarrel Now have you at length understood the Occasion of our Voyage therefore we affectionately desire you if you know any Remedy to teach it us Otherwise if the gods provide not for it this good Lady is in very great danger both of her Honor and Life During the Discourse the Queen so wept and lamented that the hardest Heart in the world would have been touch'd with Compassion and it fell into King Amadis 's Mind that she was really innocent Which made him suddenly think that he had a very good occasion to requite the Knight of the burning Sword for the Assistance he had receiv'd of him in the great Siclades and for this cause he said to the old Man If the Queen will swear to me on her soul that she is falsly accus'd by Maudan I will go with you and fight him For perhaps you will not in ten years find him whom you seek and in the mean time her Affairs would go very ill Ah! ah Sir Knight answer'd the Queen I swear to you by the high Name of Iupiter that we never so much as thought of the Disloyalty with which we are charg'd Madam said Amadis I believe your Word have therefore good hopes in GOD For he is just and will do you Justice if you are just Then were the two old Knights very joyful for having thus shortned their Iourney and so fitly found a Knight that would fight Maudan and maintain the Queens Right who very affectionatly thanking him as did also her two Vncles besought him to come into their Ship I will do it answer'd he on the Protestation you all three make me that the Accusers Quarrel is false 't is also very requisit that you have more hopes in your good Right than in my strength Otherwise thinking to preserve you Madam said he to the Queen I should ruin you and my self also Alas Sir Knight said she I beseech you to believe that knowing the good Will you have to defend me if my Cause were in the least dubious I would not hazard your life for the Preservation of mine own which is already so troublesome to me that I esteem it less than nothing And in this belief answer'd Amadis I will take the Charge of it And desire you not to wonder at what I have remonstrated to you seeing every Knight who enters into the Field of Battle greatly fails if he goes not with assurance that the Right is on his side That I swear to you again said the Queen 'T is sufficient answer'd Amadis let us go when you please Then he went into the Ship and discharging his Bark chang'd his Name causing himself to be call'd the Vermilion Knight because his Arms were all red being those which Alquif sent him when he embarkt after his Disenchantment to go to the Siege of Constantinople Thus those of Saba return'd back discoursing together of the most agreeable Matters they could till they entred into the Mouth of the Nile along which they sail'd and went ashore at Terrodin where the Queen said to Amadis Good Vermilion Knight we are now in the Country where I hope in our gods in you and in the good Right I have that you will make the wicked who accuse me acknowledge their Treason For 't is not above a dayes Journey from hence to Saba where we shall find the Court. So much the better Madam answer'd he Now the Citizens were incontinently advertiz'd of their Princess Return and the Aid she brought with her Wherefore they went to receive her and do her Honor For she was greatly lov'd of them all for her Vertues And for this Cause they presented her Horses and what was necessary for her going to the King Before whom assoon as they were come into Saba his two old Vncles presented Buruca and the strange Knight Magadan the Lords of his Court wondring at the Queens so sudden Return and yet more at him who would fight the two Knights that accus'd her began to cast their Eyes on Maudan to see what Countenance he kept when Buruca brake forth into this following Discourse to the King Sir to shew you that the Traytor whom I see here present has unjustly falsly and disloyally accus'd me of Adultery I present you this Knight who if iâ— pleases our gods will so perform his Duâ—y that my innocency shall be verify'd and the wicked Accuser punisht according to his Desert Madam answer'd the King if your Knight does so much for you you will be exceedingly oblig'd to him Let him come forward then and declare with his own Mouth what he has undertaken King Magadan said Amadis then because I have
the Emperor has written you word after the Damsel Alquifa and we never knew what became of him He will be found again some other time said the King and went immediately to visit the Knight of the Kay into whose Tent he had scarce set foot when there entred a Damsel Sister to Farineus of Carsantum who having left her Brother in the Chirurgeons hands came to give the King notice she had met the Knight of the Burning Sword for she knew by Report that he had conquer'd the Defended Mountain And for this cause as soon as she saw Amadis she fell down on her knees and said to him Sir the Knight who as they say fought Frandalo and his People is to my certain knowledge in this Country Is he so said the King and have you seen him Yes Sir answer'd the Damsel Then she related to the King how she met him in the Forrest as she was carrying her Brother And for the greater certainty said she he had yet his Shield with the Burning sword and was accompany'd by another in the richest Armor I ever saw in my Life Never trust me answer'd the King if it were not he that thus severely treated our Knight having chang'd his Arms the better to conceal himself But had I known him I would have given him the Honour and good Entertainment he merits Yet he spake against his own Conscience for he would have undoubtedly put him to death not being able to forget the Childs Threatning which I just now mentioned for which cause he would have sent after him had he not remembred the Request the Damsel made him to return to his Ship Now there were many good Knights who knowing that the Knight of the Burning Sword was thus escap'd without being any farther try d in Great Britain were very much displeas'd for they would willingly have combated him to know by experience whether what Fame reported of him were true And he of the Kay promis d himself that after he had recover'd his Health and acquitted himself of his Oath to the Dutchess he would not stay in any place till he had found him and fought him again Nor was it long ere he was strong enough to bear Arms which being come to the knowledge of King Amadis he told Orizenes and Bâ—avartus that he would on the mâ—rrow give them the Order for which cause they kept the watch and in the morning were made Knights the Queen her self girding on their Swords And to the end she and the other Ladies might thenceforth better and with more ease see the Iusts and Combats which should be perform'd at the Kay the King commanded a Seaffold to be erected on which they continu'd not long idle before they perceiv'd six Knights come out of the Forrest marching leisucely towards them The Dutchess seeing this sent her Messenger to acquaint them with the usual Covenants whom they answer'd that they would for this reason pass the Kay Then they made themselves ready to fight as did also the Dutchesses Knight who so furiously encountred the first that he threw him to the ground But he soon got up again and putting his hand to his Sword had the Knight of the Kay alight or he would kill his horse for he would essay whether Fortune would not be more favourable to him on Foot than on Horse-back This the Dutchesses Friend would noâ— contest with him but leapt down on the ground and there began between them a Combat fierce enough at first but with this end that the Stranger was forc'd to leave his Name and Shield accoâ—ding to the Agreement And to the end I may not hold you any longer in suspence who it was he was call'd Atalio Son to Oliâ—as and the others that accompany'd him were Garimont Son to the King of North-Wales Brucellis Son of Brandoivas Ysany Yrguian Son of Count Gandalin and Brianses his Brother all which were in such manner receiv'd by the Knight of the Kay that they had no cause to brag of their Entertainment Nevertheless making the best of their Iâ—â—-Fortune theâ— came and paid their Reverence to tâ—e King and the Ladies converting their Disgrace into pleasant and delightful Discourses which lasted not only that day but even to the third day following when eight other Knight thinking to revenge this injury fell into the like Mishap for they left there their Names Reputations and Shields At which King Amadis amaz'd and in a mâ—nner jealous deliberated from that time to know by Name the Dutchesses Knight very much importuning her to tell him it but she refus'd it with so good a Grace that he was contented to expect still that he might see whether his Fortune would continue as it was begun CHAP. XVIII How the Knight of the Kay vanquisht Orizenes and Bravartus who came to assault him in disguise and of that which hapned THe Overthrow of the six foregoing Knights gave such an Example to light Vndertakers that for four days after not one presented himself to hazard his Reputation against him whom they nam'd The Wont to overcome Nevertheless before the Week was out as King Amadis newly risen from Table was walking along a Gallery he descry'd far enough off two Knights advantageously arm'd and mounted To whom the Dutchess according to the Custom sent her Damsel Messenger to acquaint them with the Place by which they were to pass and the Conditions to which they were oblig'd She who was no Apprentice in such Ambassades did what she was commanded but the Knights answer'd her that they came for no other purpose wherefore she return'd Soon after the Dutchesses Knight took one of the biggest Lances he could find and setting Spurs to his Horse ran so vigorously against him who presented himself that their Shields were pierc't and their Staves broken to the very Gantlet disjointing their Armors even to the Flesh without receiving any other hurt as they well gave to understand for at the end of their Career they turn'd about and putting their hands to their Swords began to treat one another not as in a Tourney for Pleasure but as if they had fought for some Quarrel which they were obliged to maintain with their Lives Nor was it a little Honour that the Knight of the Forrest gain'd there for during the Space of a long hour and above he behav'd himself so valiantly that the Dutchesses Knight knew not where he was Wherefore irritated with extream Choler he lift up his Sword and thinking to beat down the other rusht upon him with all his force but he wâ—th his Shield warded off the blow which was so violent that making way through all oâ—position it fell upon the Horses head who immediately dropt down dead carrying his Master along with him and so disadvantageously that he was not able to get up again the Beast lay so heavy on his Right Leg. And as the Knight of the Kay was alighting to make him swear the Performance of the usual Covenants the other cry'd
call'd Ciclops His Son who was much less in Stature than himself was Arm'd with a strong Haubergeon having a great Semiter at his Girdle and bearing a stiff Lance on his Thigh Now when they were come within a Career of the King the Giant cry'd out to him as loud as he could Surrender to me my Countrey if thou art wise and enter willingly into my Prisons or thou shalt dye piteously by my hands and the Villian also that accompanies thee Ho great Loggerhead answer'd the King dost think we have traverst so many Seas to be in such manner caress'd by thee No no I am come from Sicily with a good intent to break thy head as that of the vilest Traitor and wickedst Wretch that was ever born of woman Sir said the Knight of the Burning Sword I beseech you to let me dispute this Quarrel with him whilst you take the other to task I will do what you please answer'd the King At this word the Knight pull'd down his Visor and ran with such str ngth against Frandalon that he nail'd his Shield and Thigh together Nevertheless the Giant thought as he pass'd to be even with him and separate him in two but as he lifted up his Arm the Knight of the Burning Sword avoided the Blow and the Ax fell in vain their Bodies meeting with such force that Frandalon wounded and weakned in his Leg could not keep his Saddle no more than could the Knight who with this great Sheck and by the strength of his Lance the Girths and Bows of his Saddle breaking was carry'd over his Horses Crupper tho' without receiving any farther hurt Yet was he not at all contented with his Fortune but getting up in a rage set his hand to his Sword to strike Frandalon who being thus wounded as you have heard could not stand on his Feet but was fain to sit on the ground keeping nevertheless an assured look and giving the Knight at his approach so great a Blow that had he not supported himself by clapping down his right hand he had faln flat on the ground But before the Giant could recover his Ax the Knight of the Burning Sword taking him unprovided cleft his Head asunder he having neither Headpiece nor Cap to save it His Son who had not stir'd till then nor yet the King the better to behold the Combat of the two others seeing this was so surpriz'd and inflam'd with Choler that he ran with full speed against Alpatracy to whom he gave so great a blow with his Lance that wounding him severely in the Breast he threw him to the Ground At which the Knight of the Burning Sword exceedingly discontented as doubting him to be dead resolv'd to revenge him but the young Cyclops little car'd for it thinking soon to bring him to Reason And for this cause couching his Spear he thought at least by running his Horse over him to example him down when the Knight who was nimble and quâ—ck turn'd aside and in his turning gave the others Horse such a Blow that he ham-string'd him by which the young Frandalon was constrain'd to alight and figâ—t on foot But in the mean time the Knight of the Burning Sword seiz'd on the Giants Ax with which he made head against the other who thought with one Blow of his Semiter to hew him down which without doubt he had done had it not so turn'd in his Hand that the very weight of the Blow forc't it from him But the Knight of the Burning sword was more successful striking the Giant so home with his great Ax that cleaving down his right Shoulder he parted his Soul from his Bodâ— Then the Conqueror came to the King whom Frandamella held in her lap in a Swound nevertheless as soon as his Helmet was taken off that he might have Air he began to breath again Now the Queen Miramynia and Lucella had seen him overthrown and doubting him to be worse than he was wept and bewail'd him bitterly and so loud that the King heard them cry and lament Wherefore he took heart and to recomfort them got up feigning that he felt not either Hurt or Pain The same also he affirm'd to the Knight of the Burning Sword who ere he was aware felt the Blow of a Mace given him by the Giantess wife to Frandalon for she knowing the Death of her Husband and Son issu'd forth of the Castle and being full of Rage and Despair came secretly behind the Knight thinking to beat out his Brains and indeed the blow he receiv'd from her was such that it made the very Fire fly out of his Eyes He would not however strike her with his Sword but took a Truncheon of a Lane with which he made her such a Fly-slap that she began to Stagger as if she were giving up the Ghost Then the Knight left her and return'd to the King who embrac'd him saying to him Alas Blessed be the day of your Birth for besides my Life which you have sav'd I recover this day by your means what I most prize of any thing in the World Sir answer'd the Knight give thanks only to your good Right for I have done nothing but what I was oblig'd to by reason But does it not please you that we go to the Queen and my Lady your Daughter whom I see at the Windows of yonder Tower For I believe they expect you with very great devotion Let us go then I beseech you answer'd the King Then they went towards the Castle and when they were come nigh the Qugh call'd out to them that they should take the Keys from the Giantess since they could not otherwise get into the Tower in which she and her Daughter were enclos'd The King therefore sent Frandamella to ferth them and in the mean time they went on into the outer Court whither they were no sooner got but they heard their Damsel crying and calling out for help wherefore hasting towards her they perceiv'd her running with full speed from the Giantess who follow'd her with the Truneheon of the Lance so that the King and the Knight could not forbear laughing to see the Race that was between them Nevertheless fearing lest Frandamella might be out tag'd by the Giantess they stept forward to save her but the Giantess turn'd back cross the Fields carrying along with her the Keys of the Tower and running so fast that they could not overtake hee Moreover the better to secure her self she went so far into the Take which on one side environ'd the place that the Knight of the Burning Sword could not get near her but giving her to all the Devils return'd towards the King who had in the mean time sent Frandamella to the Shore to fetch thence Ten of his Knights who might force the Giantess They understanding in what manner the Fight was ended were fill'd with unexpressible joy They made hast then out of the Ship and went strait to the Castle where before their Arrival the Giantess
so cover'd that there was nothing but her Eyes to be seen she was accompany'd by ten Knights compleatly Arm'd and four very fair Damsels She saluted them courteously and they return'd her salutation asking her whither she was going My Lords answer'd she we are going to see the Wonders done by a Knight who keeps a Kay hard by and whose Renown is such that I am come expresly from my Countrey to see him In truth said the Emperor we will then accompany you thither for some of ours desire to try themselves against him In good time answer'd the Lady I am very glad of it we shall see whether 't is true that is said of him As they were discoursing thus they went out of the Forrest and perceiv'd in the Plain two Rich Tents set up in a Grove of Elms against one of which there were many Lances leaning and under the shade was a Chair of State in which was sitting a very fair Damsel and near her a Knight compleatly Arm'd who seeing this Company approach set her immediately on a stout Nag which two Esquires held by the Reins which done she rid directly to the Emperor and his Company and said to them Sirs the Dutchess of Savoy my Mistress sends you word if you resolve to pass the Kay it must be on the same Conditions that all others do which she declar'd to them Perion who was the first to enter into play took the word before all the rest and answer'd her Damsel we are come on no other occasion and therefore 't is not needful to say any more of it wherefore return to your Mistress and tell her that we will keep the Law which is establish'd So much the better said she and suddenly turning her Horse went back In the mean time the Knight of the Kay knowing that Perion was making himself ready to Iust charg'd a great Lance and covering himself with his Shield march'd slowly to meet him but approaching the Career they ran so stifly one against the other that their Staves flew in shivers themselves meeting with Shields Bodies and Head so that they both came to the Ground and their Horses under them Nevertheless they got up again and putting their hands to their Swords began to Assault each other so outragiously that they well shew'd themselves to be no Prentices in that work For this first Assault continued above two hours without their taking breath or without its being known who had the better or the worse and their Shields were so hack'd and their Armor so endammaged that not being able to resist any longer the edge of their Swords the pure blood was seen to trickle down from their Bodies to the Grass The Dutchess who piteously beheld her Knight chang'd colour every moment because the longer Perion continu'd the more brisk and couragious he appear'd making himself so much dreaded by his Enemy that he thought he never found any Man except the Knight of the burning Sowrd that put him so much to it aâ—d for this cause praying within himself he said O GOD who hast so long kept my Honour abandon me not I beseech thee to this devil who will dishonour me if he can A devil certainly he is though he has the shape of a Man for if he had been other he could not have treated me so rudely wherefore permit me not O Lord in five days which remain to accomplish my Oath in the keeping this Pass to fall into any shame or danger of my body Now Perion thought no less on his side Nevertheless he would rather have chose never to have been disenchanted than to be so unhappily vanquisht and that in Great Britain the thoughts of which so enrag'd him that he redoubled his blows whereof the Dutchesses Knight made little Account nor could any Advantage be discern'd more on the one side than on the other tho they were hath so dy'd with blood that their Harness before bright was become red which very much displeased Lisvart who thought 't would be impossible Perion should not hâ—ve an ill Issue of it And for this cause he lookt on him with a piteous eye which Perion perceiv'd and thinking that he accus'd him of faint-heartedness suâ—priz'd with shame mix'd with Anger he lift up his Arm and thinking to strike his Enemy with all his force on the head his Sword entred so far into his Adversaries Shield that it cleft it the point only reaching to his Forehead which it wounded in such manner that he stagger'd two or three Paces backward This when the Dutchess saw she chang'd Colour which was perceiv'd by her Knight who desirous to recover his Reputation and rejoyce her who was almost dead at the sight of his misfortune flew at Perion giving him such a blow on the Helmet that if it had not been one of the best in the world his life had been infallibly gone But by misfortune his Sword brake leaving nothing in his hand but the hilt yet through the great fierceness of the blow the Laces of Perions Helmet brake so that his head remain'd disarmed and he was fain to clap one hand on the Ground to keep himself from falling But rising nimbly up he took his Sword in both hands and was ready to give his Enemy the like when the Damsel whom they had met in the way attended by so fair a Company alighted from â—â—r Horse and catching hold of Perion stopt him saying Ah! ah my Loâ—d 't is enough for GOD's sake forbear for he whom you are going to kill is your Son Don Florelus and she that holds you is his Mother Perion much astonisht at her Words suddenly knew her to be the Dutchess of Austria who came to seek him in Trebisond to defend her Land which he re-conquer'd for her as you have been told in the sixth Book of Amadis of Gaul whereat he then receiv'd great Ioy. And nevertheless as if he had been in the Presence of his Lady Gricileria he could not forbear to blush fearing she would be discontented at it But finding Florelus to be so good a Knight that there was not known any Difference between them he perswaded himself she would easily forgive him this Fault Florelus then understanding by his Mothers Discourse that he was Son of Perion was the joyfullest man in the world she had indeed formerly told him of it but he had never seen him and therefore resolv'd as soon as his Enterprise was finisht to go and seek him where-ever he might be Wherefore seeing himself deliver'd from this Travel and the Offence he had committed he threw his Helmet on the Ground and kneeling down to kiss his Hands said to him with Tears in his Eyes Alas My Lord pardon me this Fault for which I am certainly very well chastis'd tho' I esteem my Wounds as nothing and less the Resistance I have made against you For if there is any Goodness in me it proceeds from you who are my Father Perion being unspeakably glad took him up
Certainly said the Queen I did not think he would ever have done me so great a Favour In good faith Madam answered Alquifa he is so vertuous and so good conditioned that nothing but happiness is to be expected from him And will he not come to see us said the Queen No Madam answer'd Alquifa for he was separated from us by a strange Adventure Ah GOD replyed the Queen how am I displeas'd at it For though at first he gave us much trouble yet will I not fail to honour him since he has done what you assure us Madam said Alquifa you will as I think soon have the others here among whom is the King of Sicilys daughter who is the fairest and discreetest Princess you ever saw and by whom these Enchantments were in part brought to an End Madam said King Arban it is then my opinion that I go if you please to them to morrow and intreat them in your Name to come to London for I am sure the King would be much displeased if the Emperor and the King of Sicily should not be received as the greatness of their Quality deserves I beseech you do so answer'd the Queen and take with you such persons from hence as you shall think good Tell them from me that the Kings Absence shall not hinder me from giving them the best Reception I can and recommend me affectionately to their good Graces especially to the Queen of Sicily and the Infanta her Daughter Tell my Children also that they by no means delay to come and see me and bring all the rest with them King Arban then parted the next day and with a good Company of Knights and Esquires went to the Kay where he found the Emperor with the rest hearing Mass to whom he related the Queens Message inviting and requesting them in the best manner he could Certainly said the Emperor we would in no wise fail so good a Princess but I doubt our Sick Men will not be able to remove they are so exceedingly wounded but let us go see them and we shall know their Opinion Then they went into the Pavilion where Perion and Florelus were Perion who presently knew King Arban stretching forth his Arms embrac'd him and ask'd him whether the King and Queen were in good Health My Lord answered he I can give you no account of the King who is absent but the Queen desires you and Lisvart to come and see her as soon as possible you can and to bring with you these Lords and Ladies To day said Perion it cannot be but to morrow it may and in the mean time I will cause a Litter to be made to carry this wounded Knight and me You will therefore return to her with our Excuses and Recommendations to her good Grace Therefore King Arban after he had discours'd some time with him and taking leave of the Emperor return'd back to London where he acquainted the Queen with the Answer of these Lords that they would be with her the next day at Dinner And for this cause she commanded her richest Hangings to be put up and her Palace to be adorn'd in the most Magnificent manner possible CHAP. XLII How the Emperor of Trebisond and his Company came to London to visit Queen Oriana and of the Discourse they had together AFter King Arban had left the Emperor and the rest at the Kay the Dutchess of Savoy knowing that they were all to part for London gave Order for the making a Litter to carry Florelus and Perion So they pass'd the Remainder of that day in all pleasure and the next day every one of them took Horse except the two wounded Men who were carry'd in Mens Arms that they might not be too much shockt by the way And behind them came the Dutchess of Savoy in a great Chariot cover'd with Cloth of Gold At her Neck hung the rich Sword and Shield and round about her were the Shields of the vanquisht Knights and their Names underneath for a Testimony of Florelus's Victory and Triumph which so pleased Perion that he sent her his praying her to put it in the rank with the others or else he should be displeased She who durst not refuse it took it and said to the Esquire that brought it My Friend tell my Lord Perion that I will obey him since 't is his pleasure but I will put it in the place it deserves Then she askt for a Lance to the Head of which she caus'd the Shield to be fastned and raised it up to the top of the Chariot sending her own rich one with the Sword to hang at Perions Litter who would not at first permit it and in such Equipage they entred into the City of London there going forth to meet them King â—rban Angriote d' Estravaux with several Dukes Earls Barens Knights and Esquires Great was the Reception they gave each other and the Honour that was done them at their Entrance into the Town The Emperor led the Queen of Sicily Olorius of Spain the Infanta Lucella and Lisvart Gradafilea with which she was more content than if Great Britain it self had faln to her by Succession Balan entertain'd the Dutchess of Austria but he was so melancholly that he thought on nothing but having his leave to go and fight King Gandalfe and in such order they alighted at the Palace where the King of Sicily took the Dutchess of Savoy under the Arms for the sake of Florelus whom he lov'd and greatly esteem'd from the day they try'd themselves together every one of the others led his as you have been told Then came the Queen Oriana clad in black Cloth for the Absence of King Amadis and at the Entrance of the Hall gave them a very great and sumptuous Reception With her were so many fair Ladies and Damsels and so richly adorn'd that they seemed rather Goddesses descended on the Earth than Mortal Women The Reverences then Welcoms Kisses and Embraces on the one side and the other being thus begun and ended Queen Oriana addressed her self to the Infanta Lucella and said to her Madam as I have been given to understand I have at this day by your Means my two Sons You are more than welcome Madam answer'd she your Majesty is to give thanks only to one who is at this time absent from this Company Seeing the Goodness and high Prowess that is in him was the Cause of their being disenchanted GOD said the Queen grant me the Favor that I may one day see him in the Presence of the King For I am sure he will honor him as he deserves And as for me I shall all my Life be thankful to you both for what you have done During this Discourse Oriana took such Delight in beholding the very great beauty of Lucella that she could not take her Eye from off her when Lisvart came to pay her his Respects presenting to her Gradafilea whom she had formerly seen at Constantinople 'T would be little to the
Beauty which has so far emboldned me as to beseech her that she will permit me to serve her as I will do all my Life I say not but they are much better Knights then I am boâ—h here and else-where but 't is not you seeing Valor and Prowess are not commonly accompany'd with Pride and Arrogance Fair and softly fair and softly said Manasses have a care of injuring me any more otherwise I shall shew you that you are a Fool. Acayus whose Head and Anger had heated was so displeased that he thus answer'd Manasses Sir Knight if the Emperor does not command you to be chastised I will make you repent this word I would have you know that Acayus has an heart good enough and Means sufficient to punish you as you deserve Manasses trusting to a Croud of Kindred he had about him could dissemble no more but suddenly put his hand to his Sword charging the Prince of Thessaly said to him Rascal does it belong to you thus basely to threaten a better than your self Then he gave him such a Blow on the Head as kill'd him so that he fell dead from his Horse to the Ground at which there was a great Commotion For the Princes Attendants seeing such an Outrage ran upon Manasses but he was defended by his so that many on both sides there ended their Dayes And yet worse had it been had not the Emperor taken order who putting himself between the two Parties commanded both on their Lives to retire And seising Manasses caused him to be shut up in a strong Tower swearing he should pay for it In the mean time every one departed to his Lodgings as did also the Infanta Esclariana exceedingly discontented for having been the Occasion as it seemed to her of such a Murther And on the other side the dead Princes People made such great Complaints that the Emperor who was exactly just sent the next day to have him hang'd on the Walls of the Place where he was imprisoned But his Friends being exceedingly discontented took the Body and carryed it into the Countrey of Buillon leaving the Court in sorrow and very much troubled For tho' the Iustice of the Action was approved by all good People yet was it publickly said that the Duke might revenge it because he was a great Loâ—d and ally'd to more great Families than any other of the Empire CHAP. XLIII How the Duke of Buillon knew of his Sons Death And of the great Craft he used to kill the Emperor and his Son Diner pius and seise on the Empire MAnasses being dead as you have heard and his Body carryed by his kindred into his Fathers Dutchy never did man make such Lamentation for the space of fifteen dayes But as all things are forgotten or lessned by Time the old Mans sorrow was a little moderated but not the desire he had of Vengeance For when things were thought to be the most quieted â—e assembled those of his Image and having taken them aside said to them Gentlemen my good Friends and Allies you have seen and understood the Dishonor which the Emperor our Prince has not only done me but you all as well in particular as in general so that having no Regard to us who are so great and powerful as every one knows he has despitefully caused him to be Hang'd who might after me be named the head of your Arms and Duke of Bulloign for which I am so grieved that I dye an hundred times a day And as to you his good Kinsmen I believe for certain that Nature so stimulates you that your heart weeps and this wound will bleed as long as you and yours shall have the Names of Gentlemen Nevertheless if you will follow my advice we will not so long delay the Vengeance of it but I will give you such means to recover your Honour which is so much debased aâ— shall turn to your Glâ—ry and great Profit Then they all cryed out that tâ—ey would sâ—end their Lives and Fortunes in it My Friends said he are you resolved to follow my Counsel Sir anâ—wered the chiefest of them we swear to you on the Faith we ow to GOD that we will in this point obey you The Duke very affectionately thanked them and seeing their Good Will began to â—ay open hâ—s design as you shall understand Gentlemen and Kinsmen said he I am of Opinion that to attain to my purpose one of you shall go to the Emperor and present him with my most humble duty assuring him that the Justice he has Executed on my son is well pleasing to me seeing the Injury he had done his Majesty by killing the Prince of Thessaly so inconsiderately and that in his Majesties presence And that although Paternal Love causes in me some Regret yet when I think on the Equity which as a good Prince and as a just Emperor he has used I find my self so comforted that I not only approve his Justice as being exemplary to all but moreover humbly thank him for having eased me from being severe to my own Flesh Which 't was expedient I should have been desiring to preserve my Integrity and the Honour of my house These my Friends are the Artifices we must make use of to attain to our desires to which he giving Credit will properly resemble the Raven that held the Cheese whom the Fox allured to sing that he might make him let go his Prey For by this means he will have assurance of us and we may go and take him even in his Nest and at our pleasure seise on him and his letting not any one escape that can contradict my coming to the Empire to which I shall atâ—ain in spite of them you remaining rich with the Spoils of your Enemies and I revenged at the price of their blood Certainly this damnable Counsel and Advice had so much force that none of the Assistants contradicted it but approved it and commended it choosing immediately for the Bearer of that Message Madaran a Cousin of the Dukes and as honest a Man as himself who parted from them and being come to the Emperor knew so fitly to palliate his Message and Treason that the good Prince believed more than he should have done saying before all that the Duke of Buiiion was indeed one of the discreetest Knights in the World and who best deserved the Government of a Monarchy He gave therefore great Presents to the Messenger commanding him to tell his Master that he desired him to come to his Court where he would honour him as he deserved Madaran glad of such Assurance returned to the Duke who expected him with a great part of his Allies that kept themselves in a readiness according to the News they should have of their Messenger who entirely related to them the Emperors discourse And for this cause they removed the Night following going strait towards Mentz And they assembled the most secretly they could above a thousand who lay conceal'd all the day
in a Forrest near the City into which about Evening they entred without being discovered The Empeâ—or who doubted not in the least of any Treason seeing the honest Message the Lord of Buillon had sent him by Madaran was in his Palace discoursing with the Empress and several Knights that accompanyed him when the Duke came in compleatly Armed and with him twenty or thirty more who putting their hands to their Swords ran on those they met At which the Emperor much affrighted endeavoured to get away but Madaran stept before him and striking him on the head said Stay Emperor stay and remember the Injury thou hast done the house of Buillon The blow was Mortal and the good Prince fell dead in the place Which Dinerpius seeing he entred into such Fury that disarmed as he was he flew at the Murtherer Arm'd striking him so firmly that he cleaved him to the very brains Then the bustle grew hot for many Gallant Men who were there present wrapt their Cloaks about their Arms and with their naked Swords a long time resisted the Traytors Now Dinerpius knew that he could not avoid present death wherefore he resolved to sell his Life dear so that he met not any Man but he fell without speaking a word more notwithstanding by misfortune one of the Traytors got behind him and wounded him through the body Ah! said Dinerpius Villain thou hast slain me And turning about separated his shoulder from the rest of his body Then they both sell at the Feet of the Duke who fearing lest Dinerpius should get up again cut off his head Thus the one Assailing and the others defending Brisenna and Esclariana who were in there Chambers heard the noise and sent suddainly a Damsel to know what the matter might be but as soon as she came into the Hall she perceived the Emperor dead and the Empress in a Swound on the body At which being greatly affrighted she returned to the Ladies to whom she said sighing and weeping Alas alas Ladies Would you know the matter The wicked Duke of Buillon has murdered the Emperor and all those that accompanyed him At this cry the Princess Brisenna found no better remedy than to take her Daughter and flying under the Vaults of the Palace came to a Sally-port on the side of the River where they perceived a Fisher-boat into which they entred and setting it a drift the Stream began to carry it down with so much swiftness that they came to the Sea before it was day In the mean time those who lay concealed in the Dukes House and who only waited for the Slaughter ran forth strait into the Market-place killing and wounding all they met There was a pittiful and horrid Spectacle for these wicked Men often spared not the poor Women who with their Hair about their Ears lamented one for her Husband another her Father or her Brother And nevertheless the Fury of the Traytors did not decrease till it was day and the Duke commanded every one should endeavour to find out the Princess Brisenna and her daughter Esclariana for he had the Empress and all her damsels in safe custody Then was search made in every place and nevertheless they could have no News of them At which the Duke being exceedingly vext caused it to be publisht by sound of Trumpet that they should be brought forth on pâ—in of death and that if they should be found after the Proclamation those that should have concealed them should be hanged But 't was in vain the Good Ladies were out of his power and of the Mercy of GOD and the Waves By means whereof the Traytor s ized on the Empire and sent to raise Soldiers on all sides to destroy who evâ—r should contradict him And for this cause there were assembled in a little time above twenty thousand men with whom he did innumerable Evils commanding before he went forth of Mentz that the Emperor and his Son should be Hanged in the same place where Mâ—nasses had been before And there they stayed many days as you shall hear about the end of this Book CHAP. XLIX How the Princess Bâ—iâ—ennâ— and her daughter Esclariana were lost at Sea and taken by Pirates VEry lamentable it is to describe the Fortune of Brisenna and her Daughter who being carried down the Stream of the Water in the little Vessel weeping and lamenting came into the deep Sea just as the dawning of the day began to appear and in less than a moment they were driven in such fort that they lost sight of Land But litâ—le did the two good Ladies care for they more dead than living and without thinking on the new Danger into which they were faln held each other embraced desiring for their better Comfort their approacâ—ing death And thus being driven too and fro as it pleaâ—ed the Wind and the Waves they remained two days and two nights without eating or drinking or any way minding themselves All they were meâ— by a â—hipâ— in which were two Hungarian Pirats who accompanyed by fifteen as honest Persons as themselves and whom they had in their pay Robbed and Pâ—llaged whoever fell into their lands They thâ—n wondring to see in this little Boat thefe two Ladies in so good Equipage and shedding so many tears immâ—diately thought that they should get a good Ransom for them and went therefâ—re to â—eâ—e them before they perceived it but being amazed at Esclarianas great Beauty they were moved to so much Compassion that they courteously saluted tâ—em Now the Princess Brisenna was still so disturbed that she certaâ—nly thought they were some of the Duke of Buillons Men wherefore exasperating her self against them she began to cry out saying Traytors Murderers disloyal to your Natural Lord what will you have with me or this poor Maiden who is Fatherless and depriv'd of all things Make an end Wretches of killing us and let your Rage be glutted with our blood for to live any longer is troublesome to us Then she held her peace and soon after began again her Lamentation more bitterly than before and with so many Complaints that the very Tyrants could not forbear weeping wondring nevertheless what caus'd in her such a Passion Wherefore they graciously answer'd her Lady there is none in this Company that will do you any displeasure nor have we ever as I believe seen you before and yet we should be glad to avenge you on those of whom you complain if we had an Opportunity wherefore tell us if you please who they are and the Occasion of your Discontent At this word Brisenna recoverâ—d a little her Spirits and knowing for certain that she was mistaken having taken them for the Duke's Soldiers earnestly desir'd them to excuse her thanking them heartily for the Offers they made her And think it not strange said she if my Sorrow is extream For I see my self at this day without help without wealth and wholly ruin'd nevertheless I hope that at length the Pleasure we shall receive
second called Birmartes is he of whom we now intend to speak who was so accomplisht both in Beauty of Countenance Pâ—rfection of Members and all other things requisit to render a Man excellent that there could hardly be found any one that exceeded him This Birmartes was Six Years younger than his Brother Olorius when he was Enchanted And afterwards his Age encreasing there encreased in him also the desire to follow Arms. To which he was farther moved by the Report of the great Gâ—fts wherewith Nature had endow'd Lucella Daughter to the King of Sicily with whom he fell in Love through Opinion only without having ever seen her So that he resolved to go to Alpatracys Court and do him so much Service that he should willingly give her to him for Wife And in this Intention finding one day a fit opportunity he humbly besought his Father to give him the Order of Knighthood Which he refused him not but Armed him and the Solemnity of it was very great through all Spain But the same day as they arose from Table he put himself on his knees before the King and with a very Good Grace asked him a Gift Don Brian who loved him as himself was Liberal in promising Sir said he you will permit me then to make a Journey into Sicily to see the Infan a Lucella who is at this day esteemed the most perfectly fair and best behaved Lady in Europe And if it is so I will endeavour so to serve the King her Father that he shall give her to me afterwards for Wife if I ask her or him Don Brian glad to see his Son in this Resolution commended him and was content he should take such Knights of his Court as he would choose with Money and Equipage necessary for so high an Enterprise For which the Young Prince most humbly thanked him And then having caused a great Frigat to be made ready chose to accompany him amongst other Knights the Duke of Biscay's two Sons of which the Eldest was named Esquinel and the other Meander of Spain And these were the two who separated him at the perswasion of Gradamart as he was fighting against the Knight of the burning Sword They then being Embarkt in very good Order Sailed along the Coast of Africk and leaving Sardinia on the right hand Arrived at Messina where they had News of the Rape not long before committed by Frandalon Cyclops and his Son on the Queen of Sicily and Lucella And for this cause Bâ—râ—artes commanded his Marriners to take their Course to Silanchy throughly resolved to Fight them whatever should come of it But his Labour was in vain because he found there no body but the Governour whom Alpatracy had left by whom he was acquainted with what was passed Which wonderfully displeased him and he cursed his Fortune for having deprived him of so fair an Occasion by which he might have gained what he much doubted to lose Then he returned again into his Ship and taking leave of the Governor went back towards Sicily where he thought to find what he lookt for And some days after he met a Giant that was carrying away several Christians Prisoners with whom Birmartes had a fight and finally vanquisht him The Duke of Biscays two Sons defeated also six of his Knights freeing all the Slaves who were then in the Pirates Ship and giving them Liberty to go whither they pleased And thus following their way to take Harbor in Sicily the Sea grew so tempestuous that they were by Fortune even against their wills driven to the Kingdom of Apolonia where they went ashore And to refresh themselves being weary of the Sea they design'd to spend a Month in Visiting the Country And for this cause commanding their Marriners not to depart from the Port all the Knights mounted their Horses taking their Way strait to the great City of Apolonia And as they travell'd they learnt how Branzahar Duke of Clarence guarded in a Tower Onoria Princess of Apolonia who was reputed to be one of the fairâ—st Ladies on the Earth And that you may understand the manner and Reason of this Guarding you will know that this Duke of Clarence was a very powerful Knight but hard favoured deform'd Ill-behav'd and besides descended of a Giantly Lineage Now the great Beauty of Onoria had been so advantageously related to him that his Heart was smitten with the Report And to see her he came to the King her Fathers Court accompany'd by two Giants his Cosins But the Ladies Presence so depriv'd him of his Liberty that he thought he should dye if he had her not for Wife Wherefore with great Earnestness and Importunity he requested her of the King who knowing him to be such an one that is Daughter would never consent to it excus'd himself by pretending that she had no Inclination to marry The Duke much astonisht at this News was ready then to dispair Nevertheless for the last Remedy he said to the King that since Fortune had been so unkind to him in denying him the thing he most lov'd in this world he should never have any Ioy in his Heart yet in recompence of the Pains he had taken to come to his Court he desired him that he would be pleased to grant him a Gift Which the King would not deny him provided his Daughters Honour were not offended by it That certainly Sir said he it shall not be For I would sooner consent to my own Ruin But since she will spend her Life without an Husband and that her Beauty puts those who see her in an unparallel'd Torment 't is reasonable for the avoiding so much Mischief that she be henceforth shut up in a Tower where she shall be seen by none but you the Queen and those that shall be ordained to serve her And I and these two Giants will keep the three first Entrances so that none shall pass them unless it be by force of Arms. And moreover he must for her Service accomplish the Conditions which I shall cause to be written and hung upon certain stones that shall be erected in this Tower by which said he shall be known the greatness of your Daughters Beauty and how much I suffer and will suffer for her sake Then was the King displeased at his having so lightly promised what he could not with his Honour revoke and would gladly have found an Excuse that might have contented the Prince of Clarence but the stone being thrown and out of his hand could not be recalled wherefore he resolved to bow down his Head and permit his Daughter to be shut up as he had been desired And to do this Bâ—anzahar sent for VVork-men from all parts who in a few days built in the Tower a square Chamber to serve as a Prison for the Princess I may call it a Prison because it was Scituated in the midst of a great Hall and inclosed round about with great Bars of Gold through which and no otherways might be