rode presently back to the Castle and finding the aged Knight in his chamber thus began Alas my Lord in an unhappy hour did you entertain the Knight that lodged here last night who as it séems came onely to kill your sons So delivered he the whole discourse of the fight which provoked the sad father to shed forth abundance of tears yet did he especially condemn his sons whose pride and arrogancy had thus caused their own death His servants understanding the cause of his laments went presently to the place where the brethren were discomfited and there they found two of them deprived of life the third likewise in very great danger unlesse spéedy provision were made to prevent it So causing him to be laid in a Litter and the other two on a Knightly Bâ—er they thus brought them to their fathers Castle where their Lady mother met them with wonderfull effuse of tears and lamentations as one would have judged her altogether void of sence and discretion then any way pertaker of humane wit or reason Like sorrow was made by one of her daughters who loved her brethren very dearly and after she had somewhat pacified her self she made a solemn vow to her mother never to take rest in her mind and thoughts untill she were throughly revenged on the murtherer Wherefore when her two dead brethren were buried she departed against her fathers will accompanied onely with two Squires to séek Belcar intending to be revenged on him by one means or other CHAP. II. How Belcar came unknown into Macedon where he bare away the prize of the Tourny which King Florendos had appointed to honour the marriage of the Princess Denisa and how he discovered himself to Alderina daughter to the Duke of Pontus and Durace BElcar riding in great haste toward Carderia finding the heat of the day very troublesome he alighted at a fair Fountain to refresh himself a while where long he had not stayed but in a path leading directly to the same place he beheld a company of Knights and Ladies coming attended on with a very sufficient train It was the Duke of Pontus and Durace who rode to Macedon to the marriage which the king Florendos had made betwéen his daughter Denisa and the King of Thrace Nephew to the wife of Caniano This Duke had his espoused Lady Laurana with him as also one of his fair daughters named Alderina who rode formost in the troop beguiling the time in talk with her Ladies yet intending to stay till the heat was past and in the mean while to solace her self at the Fountain There she arrived before Belcar had put on his Helmet so that she beholding his amiable countenance his rich armour and yet having no company but one Squire as a Lady wise and wall governed she saluted him very graciously whereat Belcar was somewhat amazed doubting she knew of whence and what he was But soon did he alter that opinion and rather thinking this kindnesse to proceed of debonair curtesie imagined her of high calling for which cause he made her humble reverence and séeing how many followed his Lady among whom he might peradventure be known he called for his horse minding to ride a contrary way Alderina hereat somewhat moved because she desired to know of whence he was thus spake Sir Knight abide here hardly at your ease and for our comming do not forsake a place so sweet and delectable you see the heat of the day is such as scantly will permit you to travell If you go to adventure your fortune in the Tourney at Macedon you may ride with the Duke my Father who will be very glad of your company and much more my self because my good hap was first to find you here Belcar humbly thanking her for this courtesie made an excuse that he could not go to Macedon because he had urgent affairs elsewhere and whither he must travell with all speed wherefore taking his leave again of her he rode which way liked him best onely to escape unknown of this company And meeting a Squire that came after the train with the carriage he demanded if he knew the Lord that rode by so wel accompanied to whom the squire answered that it was the Duke of Pontus who rode to Macedon to the feast of the King Florendos for the marriage of his daughter Denise and that the Duke had his fair daughter Alderina with him to see the Iousts and Turnament which was now prepared So soone as Belcar heard these words he presently conjectured that the Lady which came first to the Fountain was the Dukes daughter of whom report had made great commendation Hereupon he determined to go see this assembly in the most secret manner as he could devise for he had time enough to accomplish his voyage So forsook he the way to the Isle of Carderia framing his journy toward Macedon and comming near the City he overtook two Knights that rode to the Triumph they having reciprocally saluted each other the two Knights demanded of Belcar if he came to Ioust I come to see quoth he what men at Arms will enter the field at this time of brave exercise Then let us ride together if you please said they for we left our countries for the self same cause Thus rode they on friendly together and arriving at Macedon they found the field all covered with Tents which belonged to the noble personages that were come to the feast For this cause the two Knights gave in charge to their Squires to provide their Pavillion which was purposely brought with them intreating Belcar likewise to kéep them company whereto because he would not enter the City he gladly consented thinking he should hardly find a more convenient lodging On the morrow there arrived the Duke of Pontus before whom rode the King Florendos as one willing to welcome his new kindred but Alderina shewed such Majesty in countenance as every eye wondred at her rare perfections notwithstanding she was somewhat sad and pensive the cause procéeding from her desire to know the Knight she saw at the fountain whom yet she could not by any means forget When Belcar beheld her arm in arm with the King of Thrace and in what costly garments she was attired he imagined her more fair then when he saw her at the fountain so that he resolutely intended if he could not finish the adventure of Francelina to give himself to travell and to enterprise such attempts as might be thought worthy the love of this Lady All this while the Quéen Griana wife to the King Florendos very honourably entertained the Dutchess Laurana and the young princesse Denisa accompanying Alderina would not forsake her till the marriage night On the morrow following the King the Queen and the new married couple came into the field to behold the Tourney where they were no sooner mounted on the scaffolds which were sumptuously adorned as beseemed so great personages but both on the one side
them great store of riches by their youngest son who had not yet received his order of Knighthood This young Prince was named Abenunco a gentle youth and very well given who earnestly intreated his mother to obtain so much of the Soldan his father that after his sisters marriage he might stay a while at Constantinople which sute at her request the Soldan granted and therefore sent him by sea well accompanied with Knights Abenunco sailing along the coast of Thrace met with Ocurites King of Culaquin who was son in law to the great Turk and reputed the hardiest Knight among al the Turkish Nobility his Majesty having given his daughter in marriage to this Barbarian she being one of the most accomplished Ladies in all Heathenesse Ocurites knowing the inveterate malice betwéen the Emperour and his father in law the more to please him provided himself of good strength by sea and daily came upon the coasts of Greece sending vauntcurriers with strong Brigandines before him to discover what Christians stirred abroad and sundry times took many of them captives as now he intended to do by the Soldans son When Ocurites by the streamers and banderolls heard of the Babylonian Prince and knew withall that his father was a chief friend to the Emperour in great fury with his ships he set upon him Abenunco with his Knights defended themselves so well as they could During this conflict Palmendos approached very near them and of a Galley filled with Christian slaves he demanded the cause of this fierce incounter Sir answered one of the slaves he to whom this great train of shipping appertaineth is Ocurites King of Culaquin and son to the great Turk that with divers of his league and faction daily coasts on Greece to endamage the Emperour Palmerin enemy to his Father and those he hath now met withall belong to the Soldan of Babylon they sailing as we understand toward Constantinople When the Prince heard what the Christian had said he bravely incouraged his cousin Ozalio in assisting the well-willers to the noble Emperour so coming to the Kings ship he thus spake Nor shalt thou Ocurites offend so good a Prince as is the Emperour of Constantinople herewith he began to lay about him valiantly and Ozalio not one inch behind him made the enemy well understand his invincible courage Palmendos knowing the King by his rich Armour gave him such a puissant stroke with the hills of his Sword on the Helmet as made him stagger and at length fall down when offering to rise again Palmendos caught him so strongly by the helmet as he puld it violently from off his head keeping him still under his sword in such subjection as at length he was carried prisoner into the Princes Cabin and there committed him to the charge of four trusty Knights In mean while Ozalio fought with the Kings brother who understanding that Ocurites was taken prisoner did what he could to recover him again but Ozalio stept between him and his purpose still labouring him with so many hardy strokes as at length he smote his head from his shoulders The rest beholding their King taken and his brother slain beside the great massacre made among them that they were not able to withstand their fortune a number fell headlong into the sea rather then they would die under the enemies sword Palmendos seeing no further resistance but that the Turks were utterly discomfited he caused such prisoners as were taken to be made sure the ships likewise to be seized on as his own then coming to Ozalio whose forwardness he commended he willed him to see all things disposed as beseemed such a victory afterward he imbraced the Soldans son and divers courteous ceremonies passing between them the one for his happy deliverance the other reported what he had done was for the Emperours sake at length Palmendos used these speeches My Lord willingly would I bear you company to Constantinople but that a voyage of great importance doth urgently call me to another place yet seeing you are delivered from the Tyrant Ocurites and all your Knights in sufficient safety let me obtain this favour at your hands to take the King with you to Constantinople and all the Christian prisoners delivered from captivity Them shall you present on my behalf to the Emperour Palmerin requesting that this ancient Christian enemy may be safely kept untill I come to see his Majesty which shall be with all the expedition I can Worthy Sir answered Abenunco it grieves me that your journy lies not presently to Constantinople because I should think my self happy in having your company being the man to whom I am continually bound for my life and liberty and hereof I am assured that over and above your gracious welcome you shall win the honour of the famous triumph ordained by the Emperour at the marriage of my sister with the Prince of Hungaria And heartily sorry I am answered Palmendos that I cannot be present in so worthy an assembly whereof at this time you may well excuse me not doubting but I shall come with some sufficient amends for my stay These spéeches he uttered his thoughts being far otherwise for so soon as he heard of the Iousts at Constantinople he determined to go thither secretly without making himself known to any but as a strange Knight to adventure his fortune among other wherefore he departed from Abenunco who offered him many rich presents for his great kindnesse yet would not he accept of any Abenunco returned him many thanks chiefly for his promise that he would in short time visite the Emperour in person so after many courteous spéeches and sundry familiar farewels Palmendos commanded his Pilot to lanch into the high Seas for that he intended another kind of course CHAP. XII How Abenunco arrived at Constantinople whose coming greatly rejoiced the Emperour but much more his Sister Esquivela And how Lynedes Lord of the Isle of Lique and the County of Pelada his cousin came to Just against the Knights of the Court attending the Tourney for the marriage of Ditreus GReatly did Abenunco commend his fortune in finding so good succour at a time of such necessity and all the Knights in his company held opinion that Palmendos was the onely flower of Chivalry but above all other the Christian slaves accounting their deliverance for a miracle imagined the author thereof was some great friend to the Emperour In this joy they sailed till they came to Constantinople where his Majesty being advertised that the Soldans son was arrived commanded Primaleon Ditreus and many of his best Barons to go and conduct him to the Court. In the mean while Abenunco cloathing himself most sumptuously caused the King Ocurites and the Christian prisoners to be carried on shore that he might not fail in the charge given him by Palmendos So the Babylonian Prince riding to the Court with all the prisoners going orderly before him he gave charge to one of his chiefest
Ozalio to kéep sure the gate that none might issue forth or more rescue come in remembring his swéet Lady Francelina determined to die or deliver her father from imprisonment Now makes he proof of his sword charmed by the Fairies which as he lifted about head caused every one that came against them sléepily to stagger and when they offered to strike with their weapons they fel down as though they had béen in a sound sléep being all in that case deprived of their lives both the Capâ—ain the Guard and the rest that could be found except the Turk who guided them by sea and the Page that came with these news to Iffida saying Alas Madam we are all betrayed by the false Knights that entred the Castle with us right worthy am I of a thousand deaths in that your father and all the guard have lost their lives by my means When Iffida and her mother heard these uncouth news they came down as women distrâ—cted of their wits and séeing this lamentable massacre she fell down on her fathers dead body uttering these words Ah my good Lord and father pardon me that was the cause of this thy death and séeing innocently I have béen so circumvented by a false Traâ— my life shall presently follow thee at the heels to accomplish thy obsequies with more solemn pomp and ceremonies Herewith she offered to run her head against a marble pillar but Palmendos came and stayed her when she being greatly offended thereat raging against him thus spake Thou cruel false and disloyal Knight seeing thou hast slain my Father and his chiefest friends why dost thou not also send me to bear them company Tell me thou bloudy Barbarian what did move thee to repay my faithfull love with such extream rigour How durst thou deceive me so treacherously considering what favour I shewed thee on so small acquaintance with guilefull and dissembling speeches thou secretly saidest thou wast a King but if thou be one it is of Robbers and Thieves and art come hither to steal the great Emperours treasure Miserable and unhappy that I was in giving credit to such false perswasions the end whereof sorteth to such monstrous effect 〈◊〉 such as heretofore have known me imagined me wise and discréetly inclined henceforth they may well tearm me a disloyal daughter being the onely cause of my fathers death But though unwittingly I have béen deceived yet will I complain on Fortunes instability that by the report of I know not what frivolous and vain ostentation should so easily change my heart But what wil the mighty Emperour of Turky say when he shall understand the truth of this slaughter wrought onely for the stealing hence of his treasure Foolish and miserable girl that I am why did not I remember the sundry injuries his Majesties brother sustained by the Emperor Palmerin of Constantinople when he travelled the world as a Knight errant had I but remembred those stratagems they would have forewarned me from affecting this stranger yet if the fatal decree made me so soon subject to him why could he not favour me with my fathers life Palmendos little regarding her injurious speecâ—â—â— desired her to be better pacified promised if she wouâ— be part with him to set the Crown of Tharsus upon her head which he would give to his Cousin Ozalio and joyn her in marriage with him if she pleased Moreover he assured her that he would not take any thing out of the Castle but the King of Thessaly whose deliverance could not be compassed by any intreaty and therefore he ransommed him with the lives of so many O Mahomet cried Iffida at these words why sufferest thou Christians to make such incursions on thy people and Countreys Why didst thou create and appoint women so near to men seeing that for them they pass through innumerable torments The brother to our great Emperour the Turk was cruelly murthered by the means of a woman and now by me is his Captain my father brought to the like end his prisoner likewise the King of Thessaly thereby delivered How can I but loath and despise my life being hemmed in on every side with such monstrous affliction Needless is it now to remember mortal incumbrances or to think â—n the wars which Hesione and Helena caused between the Greeks and Troyans Lavinia between Aeneas and Turnus or Deâ—anira between Hercules and Achelous and afterward among the Centaurs For the Wars which will spring by these new occasions ere long time be spent I fear will be so horrible and infamous that they will deface the memory of them done so long ago Afterward the mother and her daughter ran furiâ—usly on Palmendos labouring to do him what injury they could but he unwilling to hurt them suffered their violence til Ozalioes Squire seeing their impatience and fearing with their knives they would in the end murther him took up one of the Guards hatchets and therewith deprived the mother of her life Iffida extreamly raging at this grievous spectacle rent her hair from her head and with her nails most cruelly martyred her fair face then being suddenly surprized with a raging apoplexie she presently died without using any more speeches The Page grieving to behold this wofull accident determined not to live any longer after her But first upon the wall he wrote certain dolorous verses which afterward were converted to a funeral ditty in this manner DEad is the bud of Beauties chief delight The fairest flower on whom the Sun did shine The choice belov'd of many a famous Knight The pride of Honour precious and divine The lovely Maid of whom the Nymphs did sing That Nature never fram'd so rare a thing Had Paris seen this wondrous piece of Art Proud Venus had not carried Beauties prize Pallas and Iuno would have stood apart To see their gifts one Virgin royalize In every point surpassing curious Had Fate and Fortune been as gracious Ungentle star that domineer'd the day When first my Lady Mistress breath'd this air What angry object stood then in the way To cross the course that was begun so fair You lowring heavens why did ye oppress The Saint whom you so many ways did bless But wretch why stand'st thou charging these with guilt And art thy self the Authour of this ill Thou hapless Boy thy Ladies bloud hast spilt Thy Master and his servants thou didst kill When first thou travell'dst for this trothless man Even in that hour these miseries began But Soveraign Love immortal and divine Whose gracious name did shadow this abuse Canst thou permit before thy holy eyn This hainous deed exempt from all excuse O mighty Love what will thy Subjects say If foul offence go unreveng'd away Stand I expostulating this or that When on my back the weighty burthen lies Wast no more time with vain and idlechat But for this fault be thou a sacrifice Fair Iffida thy Page doth follow thee The onely engine of this Tragedy These verses fixed upon the wall by
I imagine my self fortunate having such a precious gage from a Knight so perfect nor shall she be worse intreated then mine own self Marencida hearing these gracious spéeches and what courtesie Palmendos used to the Princesse perceived that she was the Emperours daughter wherefore she gave her many thanks shewing better countenance then before she did to any which Philocrista took very kindly and mounting up the steps with her into the Hall she came to Francelina with these words This Lady Madam doth now supply your place séeing Lord Palmendos is returned for now your company with me must discontinue because reason and your fatal love doth so command me notwithstanding I hope our amity shall continue Fair Princesse answered Francelina we are both so far yours and so good part have you in my Lord as you shall find your self no lesse contented then abashed when you know all therefore fear not that I will forget your friendly familiarity rather will I continue your loving sister as our further assurance of our mutuall agreement Sundry other spéeches passed betwéen the two young Ladies in mean while Marencida looking about her and remembring the great pomp state and riches of her father she made but slender account of the Emperours Court which was not at this time so well stored with Knights as it was wont to be whereupon she giving a great sigh thus uttered her mind You know Emperour of Constantinople that the sumptuous royalty of my fathers Court doth exceed the greatest Princes in the whole world as also how many mighty Lords serve him with homage and fealty because heretofore you have seen the same where if you were so adventurous and hardy as to kill without fear of them as the whole world knoweth the mighty Emperor mine Vncle think I pray you what miserable case the Lady is in so trayterously brought from her own Country and now delivered captive into your custody wherein me thinks in respect of the renown spread abroad of you you should take example by my adversity and rather grieve then glory therein as I sée you do considering that inconstant Fortune is still variable and doth not always allow men felicity This I speak not whereby to gain the more favour or honour in your Court because death would be much more welcome to me then to live in the vexation of mind I do wherefore I intreat you again if intreaty may beseem an adversary hereafter to conserve your reputation in such sort as I may receive no impeach to mine honor and you shall comfort me better therein then all the commendation of your fame can do To these words she added many â—ufull complaints as the Emperor being therewith moved to compassion replied in this manner I understand Madam full well what you have said and know beside that the feminine choler which governeth your spirit maketh you use such kind of language as is clean exempt from all the rules of womanly modesty nor am I now to learn that the strength of earthly Kings and Potentates is less then nothing when God is bent repugnant against them whereby we are all to resolve that we can do no good act without his assistance According to his direction came I unto your Vncles Court before whom I protest and crave no mercy in the day of vengeance if I slew him or ever thought to do it being too far carried away from minding any such intent by the honor I had before received at his Highness hands Yet was I privie to his forcible detaining of the Lady and laboured to restore her to her Lord and husband she being daughter to the renowned King of England and wife to the now famous Emperor Trincus of Almain herein me thinks I committed no offence he kéeping her most unjustly profaning thereby the sacred Laws of royal equity And because the wise have evermore patiently endured their fortune being either good or bad I verily perswade my self Madam that you will forbear to complain and lament in this unséemly manner knowing your self to be conquered by the most courteous and debonair Knight that this day liveth in Europe even he that in Hellespont overcame the King Ocurites your husband These news so grieved Marencida to the heart when she heard the Emperor say that the King her husband and she her self were both taken captive by one Knight as frantick-like she could have eaten her flesh with anger but the young Princess Philocrista conducting her to her chamber appeased her fury with divers friendly spéeches and courteous behaviour But let us now return again to the Prince Palmendos who in this time unarmed himself that the Emperor might at more pleasure behold him CHAP. XXXI What courteous conference Palmendos had with the Emperour the Empress and Primaleon And how being afterwards baptized he was affianced to his Lady AFter that Palmendos had put off his Armour he threw a rich Turkish robe about him embroidered all over with Oriental Pearls which he brought from Tharsus with him according to the modern custome used among the most magnificent Kings of Asia intending to wear it when he should come into the Emperours presence Being returned into the great Hal and each one covetous to understand his Original Primaleon took him by the hand and sate down when the Emperour began in this manner My noble friend Palmendos longer must you not conceal your self your renown being so lavishly bruited through all Countreys tell me then I pray you of what parents you are issued as also what you think else convenient to acquaint us withal Gracious Lord answered Palmendos with you whom I so reverence by honour I may not dissemble in any point for that I were unworthy your presence if I should deal double with so great a state Know then mighty Emperor that I am son to the Quéen of Tharsus the affectionate servant and vowed friend to your Majesty forsaking my Country by a strange occasion so soon as I understood where my father remained which long before was concealed from me The cause of my comming into your Highness Court was the fame and praises I heard of Francelina to whose service the fatal destinies enjoyned me at my very essence in that I never affected any other Lady yet reputing my self unworthy of her grace and favour or to be seen in this honourable Court. To this he added the discouse of the old woman that appeared unto him in the Pallace at Tharsus and how she blamed him for his idle and slothfull life yet hiding how she assured him to be his son because further opinion should pass till that were discovered But quoth he as hitherto I have lived according to the Law of Mahomet so now would I willingly receive Christian Baptism which I faithfully promised for my good success when heaven made me able to deliver this worthy Princess When the Emperour heard these things he presently judged Palmendos to be his son by the sudden and summary supputation
two of them and put the third in great danger of his life And in this just cause I pursue the villain in hope to meet with some worthy man who detesting such notorious and horrible ingratitude will in taking compassion on my grief revenge this injury So well could the traytresse colour her speeches and set so fair a glosse on her cautelous presopopey as she imprinted in the heart of Cardino a dutiful regard to revenge such wrong wherefore he thus answered Damosel if it be so as you say the Knight cannot excuse himself but that he is both a Traytor and a Fellon nor will the God of Heaven suffer him to escape unpunished in this world The Damosel with terrible oaths protested what she had said desiring him to give her aid if no other occasions might hinder her suit Right gladly quoth Cardino will I perform my duty herein for that I am a professed enemy to such offenders and shall cause him to pay dearly for his treachery So rode he with the Damosel after Belcar but all that day they could not overtake him On the morrow they got sight of him on the edge of a Mountain whereat the Damosel not a little contented desired Cardino now to rouze his forces against the Tyrant that had so dishonoured her Cardino promising to accomplish her desire gave the spurs to his horse and gallopped after Belcar and in a great Bravado thus cried to him Stay Traytor unworthy the name of a Knight and receive thy guerdon at my hand for slaughtering him that entertained thee with all humanity Belcar hearing himself thus injured was immediately provoked into choler and turning towards him that touched him with disloyalty he thus sternly answered But little to thy profit will it be to pursue me with such false and lying accusations So clasping his helmet he ran furiously against Cardino who met him with no lesse courage and vivacity and breaking his lance bravely somewhat scarred the skin of his enemy but Belcar welcommed him with so sound a salutation as he fell down with the saddle betwéen his legs so sore astonied with his fall as he was not able to stir hand nor foot which Belcar perceiving rode on and there left him The Damosel séeing Cardino in such wofull plight alighted from her palfray and with the help of his Squire binding up his wounds determined to bring him to some place for help using the greatest shews of lamentation that could be Ah heaven quoth she why give ye strength to wicked men against the good and vertuous suffer not this disloyal villain to do any further danger but rather give some miserable end to his unworthy life By this time the Squire had mounted Cardino on his horse and so they returned the same way they came happening to the place where Belcar had broken his fast the morning before There they understood by their Host that he was gone to prove the adventure of Francelina whither the Damosel would gladly have followed him yet was she loth to leave Cardino in such danger and therefore abode there with him three days using all the means she could to heal him because that for her sake he was so wounded where we will leave them and return to the onely thread of our History So long rode Belcar that he arrived within half a days journey of the Castle where Francelina was This Fortresse appertained to a Lady that was a Widdow who had two fair daughters and a son already knighted of no lesse valour in feats of Arms then learned and well seen in divers other Disciplines In this place was he marvellous well entertained the Lady of the Castle being a woman of great honour and her daughters of very Courtly and civil behaviour After supper Belcar entred into conference with them and among many other things enquired the cause that moved so many Knights to attempt the adventure of that Isle when the Ladies son who was named Lypes answered him in this sort Beleeve me sir I have ever accounted the man but badly counselled that takes such pains to travel hither seeing it is so long time since any Knight arrived here who returned not without dishonour because the action and exploit of this enchantment so wonderfully compacted by the three Faries is of such efficacy as it behoves him that shall finish the same to be of most rare and exquisite perfection But tell me then quoth Belcar the state of this adventure and wherein consisteth the greatest peril thereof for as yet have I not met with any one that could tell me the truth to satisfie my long and earnest desire Better then any other answered Lypes can I discourse the same unto you because I have often accompanied Knights travelling thither as you now do and seen many Combat with him that defends the entrance on the bridge albeit to their great disadvantage Know then gentle sir that the Isle of Carderia stretcheth in diameter very far beeing on the one side enclosed with the sea and on the other are most wholesome Bathes and rivers which hinder the salt waters from comming near the Castle At the foot whereof is builded a marvellous artificial bridge heretofore accessable for all Knights errant but since the time that Francelina was enclosed within the great Dungeon there might not enter any stranger those of the Isle onely come and go but others not Vpon this bridge are erected thrée Turrets one of them being in the middest and the other two at either end In the first is a Knight surpassing the common stature and proportion of men so fierce hardy and couragiously as since the time of this enchantment he hath not béen dealt withal by any one that could in ought disable his prowesse onely the Lord of the Isle of Lique excepted son to him whom the Emperour Palmerin vanuished when in the Tourney he conquered the Sagittary He being named Lynedes was so resolute and magnanimous as he fought against the Knight of the bridge from morning till night and though the Combat was fierce and cruel yet could no want of courage be discerned in him which fell not out so with the guardant of the bridge because the losse of his bloud so weakened him as his heart began utterly to dismay But an ill favoured Dwarf who never stirs from the Beacon of the first Turret to discover such Knights as come along the field by winding an enchanted Horn that hung about his neck therewith so revived the Knights strength again as if he had but even then entred the combat In this sort the fight continued till Sun setting when Lynedes perceiving his enemy to wax féeble again and that the Dwarf as yet blew not his Horn brought the Knight of the bridge into such extremity that he fell upon his hands to the ground Then running swiftly over the bridge he came to the Turret in the middest thereof the gates whereof being open before clapt together at his arrival with such
In brief he came on land and no one with him but his cousin Ozalio who would not at any time forsake his company Baledon pranceth up to the plain before his Castle commanding his attendants on pain of their lives not any way to trouble or molest his enemy Now are the champions covered with their swords and shields and with such fury do the weapons clash upon the Armour as though Vulcan and his Cyclops were at work with their hammers You must think that the Giant being a man of monstrous stature dealing with a young Prince but a gristle in a manner in comparison of him did often bring his life to very perilous exigents Notwithstanding so did the Heavens favour Palmendos and despise the manifold tyrannies of the Giant as after a long cruel and bloudy fight Baledon had received so many wounds as he was constrained to fall at the Princes mercy for which Palmendos humbly thanking heaven boldly set his foot upon the Giant saying Confesse thy self Baledon vanquished by me and let me enjoy the prisoners which thou unjustly detainest in thy Castle for the remainder of thy life hangeth on the point of my sword When the Giant beheld his great pomp so overthrown and he had no mean now left wherewith to defend himself he breathed forth these sorrowfull spéeches Ah angry Gods how strange and divers are your judgements in suffering both me and my son to be foyled by one Knight Now sée I well that mine infinite and wicked offences committed against men without desert hath thrown this wreakfull sentence on me Then calling his servants he comanded them to conduct the Prince into the Castle and deliver all his prisoners to him with any thing else he should command them So went the Prince with his cousin Ozalio and two of the Giants servants to the Castle the rest remained to bring their Masters dead body and when they were entred into the base Court they met the Giantesse heavily lamenting and cursing the Knight who was cause thereof But Palmendos made no account of her words commanding all the prisoners to be presently brought before him which indéed were very many both Knights Merchants and other travelling strangers who had long time béen kept there in captivity and now séeing they were so generally called they verily thought to die or endure some cruel torment but finding the contrary I leave their joy to the Readers judgement Then Palmendos called for the Knights Armour that each one knowing his own Armour might be armed therewith For this their happy deliverance they all fel down at the Princes féet desiring God to reward his honourable pains But among the prisoners there were two young knights of comely stature being both Moors who had not long time béen held in that servitude and witnessing by their countenances that they were descēded of royal parentage The one of them was Rifarano son to Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda the Soldans sister as you may read in the History of Palmerin d' Oliva the other was named Lecefin son to the Soldan of Persia being the youngest of thrée which he had by the Princess Zephira These two young Lords were nourished together by the Soldan because he beheld the towardly inclination of Rifarano whom he ever imagined would prove a worthy Knight and because he was son to his sister and the Emperour Trineus his great friend he loved him as Lecefin his own child Rifarano comming to the age of ten or twelve years waxed very forward in all commendable exercises and one day reasoning with his mother desired her to tell him the cause why she went so continually clad in mourning the truth whereof she discoursed to him and how his father was the Emperour Trineus of Almaign When Rifarano understood that he was son to one of the chiefest Princes in Christendome he made greater account of himself then he did before and disposed himself to matters of higher quality so that being of years to receive his Knighthood he requested the Soldan to honour him therewith which he with right good will performed causing Iousts and Tournaments to solemnize that time withall wherein Rifarano still bare away the prize Following arms and chivalry he stil continued and with good success won such fame through all Persia as the Soldan thought to join him in marriage with the King Maulerino's eldest daughter But he would never hearken to such matters for that he had secretly vowed to sée the Emperour his father whereto his Mother whose days long sicknesse had now shortned evermore provoked him that Trineus beholding the fruit of her love might think the better of his acquaintance with her After the obsequies and royall funeral as well beséemed a Princesse of so great regard and Rifarano loth to stay his mother being dead he desired the Soldan that he might travell to Constantinople to sée the Court of the Emperour Palmerin and thence he would go to his Father in Almaign Albeit very unwilling yet the Soldan condiscended whereat the young Prince Lecefin who loved Rifarano as himself began to conceive great sorrow wherefore he intreated his father that he might travell with him in company perswading him that it would be a cause of his cousins more spéedy return The Soldan liked hereof very well and although he was yet very young he gave him his Knighthood and so with divers presents from his father and Zephira as also Letters to both the Emperours accompanied with thirty hardy Knights they took shipping and by means of an excéeding rough tempest on the Sea they were driven perforce into this Isle of Delphos where being hemmed in with the Chain and flattered by the Gyant to come on shore without suspecting any treason they went to his Castle and finding outward friendly entertainment they were fetched forth of their beds and thrust into prison and twenty of the Knights that came with them cruelly murthered the rest were brought into the Dungeon to their Masters and afterward the Giant took the spoil of the ship at his pleasure But to come to our purpose Rifarano and Lecefin séeing themselves delivered from this dolorous life much worse then that of the slaves of the Gallies they spake to Palmendos in this manner Tell us in courtesie good Knight by what means you have obtained our liberty for we marvel we sée not the Giant who brought us hither by villany and treason Gentlemen quoth the Prince I am a Knight born far hence and being by the angry seas cast upon this Island I determined to come on shore where being no way able to escape the death present before mine eyes I was constrained to Combate with the Giant you talk of who to allure me the sooner to the battell promised me security from any save himself But heaven giving me strength to erect a mortal Trophie of his slaughtered body hath thereby given you all fréedome again Might we not said Rifarano know your name to whom we are so
Idol of the Crown Scepter and Book But as he would have lifted the Image forth of the chair he found it so heavy as he was not able to stir it wherewith he being offended said And I shall do thée more honour then thou hast yet received of me so lifting up his Mace he made it fall in pieces to the ground From out the body of the Image flew a very strange bird all black giving such fearfull shrikes and cries as the Prince was thereat amazed and following her out of the Temple he beheld a great many more such like birds with her they flying altogether with that noise the same way where Ozalio and his Knights attended whereat they likewise marvailing were certified by the men of the Island that this prodigie signified Palmendos entrance into the Temple for they had heard before by sundry learned Nigromancers that these were certain infernal spirits which should be chased forth of the Countrey when the adventure of the Temple was finished Rifarano Ozalio and all the Knights glad of this news went where they beheld the monstrous wild Bore and thence to the Temple where Ozalio first found the Prince opening a great chest which contained the Priests principal treasure consisting of such rare and inestimable Iewels as it was thought the like was never séen before Palmendos beholding his friend Ozalio ran and embraced him marvellous kindly the like did he to Rifarano Lecefin and the rest all of them extolling the happy star that guided the Prince and he acquainted them with all things since his departure from them saving his conference with the Damosel because none of them should suspect his love Then intreated he Guillador to send for some skilful man who might undertake to devise and build the Monastery in short time the greater part of the Clergy was sent for and among them to a virtuous man of special knowledge he gave the charge and superintendance of the work as also bountiful store of Gold and Silver which was taken out of the Priests wealthy Chest All things he committed to the trust of Guillador that the Temple Monastery and ways thereto should be done in decent order but he whose heart was onely dedicated to the Ladies beauty which appeared unto him under form of a bodily illusion took small delight in any thing else but in her gracious and divine remembrance Now did he hasten the day of his departure desiring Rifarano and Lecefin to make spéed to the Emperour and present the Gyantesse her Daughter and the other prisoners to him as also all the Treasure was found in the Temple from a strange Gentleman religiously vowed to his service who in respect of great affairs that called him elsewhere could not come to kisse his Majesties hand which he will no with all spéed possible Rifarano and Lecefin were loth to leave Palmendos but séeing it must néeds be so they soon after conveyed the Gyantesse and her Daughter on shipboard they making great mone to be carried from the Island In the same Ship was the Crown Scepter Image Basons and all the other Treasure carried and in another ship the prisoners found in the Castle on the promontory with all things else expedient for the voyage then Rifarano and Lecefin taking their leave of Palmendos and Ozalio went on board where the Gyantesse and the treasure was commanding their anchors to be weighed their sails hoised the wind then serving fit and favourable and so are they sailing toward Constantinople As yet above Palmendos in the Isle of Delphos to sée what Guilladors workmen would compasse in so great a work as he had given them charge of CHAP. X. How Rifarano and Lecefin with all their train arrived in Constantinople where they were honourably received by the Emperour and them of the Court greatly marvelling at the news he heard of Palmendos and what afterward followed AT what time Rifarano and Lecefin should arrive at Constantinople there were assembled many great Lords and Barons in honour of a solemn feast which the Emperour made for the marriage of the Hungarian Prince Ditreus son to King Frysol and twin brother to Belcar Ditreus so soon as he was armed Knight went to the Emperours Court where he was worthily welcommed and albeit he was his Majesties Nephew yet he loved him with a particular affection his courteous and civill manners joined with his forwardnesse in arms gave hope that he would prove a valiant Knight hereafter He had not béen long in the Emperours Court and throughly acquainted with every one but he grew enamoured with the beauty of Esquivela daughter to the Soldan of Babylon and Alchidiana so that being one day in the Chamber of his cousin Philocrista eldest daughter to the Emperour devising with her and her sister Melicia he got such apt time and occasion as he made his intent known to Esquivela she modestly answering that if he faithfully meant to make her his wife she would settle her choice upon him onely Ditreus who was thereon resolved desired the Emperour and Empresse to grant that marriage they being willing to gratifie their Nephew as also to prefer the young Princesse with the consent of King Frysol affianced them together and Ditreus fearing the marriage would be deferred too long solicited the Emperour in such sort as he sent with all spéed to make the same known to the Soldan In mean while his Majesty summoned the chiefest Lords of the Empire to prepare a Triumph in honour of this feast for the accomplishment whereof nothing wanted save onely the Embassadours return that went to the Soldan But now are Rifarano and Lecefin entred the Haven of Constantinople intending to land before the Emperour should know any thing of them because they came not in such equipage as happily he would expect Being then all Armed except with their Helmets they rode through the City but with two Squires onely that brought their Lances and Helmets they being wonderfully noted of every one and reputed for some strange Lords of great birth and in this sort they came to the Pallace where very boldly they would have entred but the guard stayed them to understand the cause of their comming We are quoth they two Knights of Countries far hence distant and hither we come to sée and serve the Emperour Palmerin You must then leave these offensive Arms answered the Guard if you mean to go where his Highnesse is or else declare your proper names to us that we may go sée if it be his pleasure you shall come in this sort before him Our Arms we will not leave said Rifarano because it ill beséems an honest Knight so to do but you may go certifie his Majesty that here is Lecefin son to the Soldan of Persia and the Princesse Zephira in whose company is Rifarano Son to the Emperour Trineus of Almaign who humbly desire to kisse his Highnesse hand His Majesty had no sooner notice of their names but in excéeding contentation
a weighty enterprize it must néeds follow that he is peerlesse in Chivalry and if it be his fortune to sée our Court I shall requite him with all the honour I can but tell me is he a Moor or a Christian A Moor born as I think answered Rifarano notwithstanding he well understandeth this language and such is his brave constitution of body as I think a more gallant Gentleman was never séen But may it please your Majesty to send for the wife of Baledon and her daughter as also the rich present abiding in your port The Emperor requiting them with many thanks sent for the prisoners be brought on land commanding the two Princes to be unarmed and sent them two costly Turkish Robes which his son Primaleon and Ditreus saw effectually executed with all things else necessay for men of such calling In mean while he sent for the Empresse and his daughters to behold the rare and precious treasure sent by Palmendos When the Empresse and her daughters were come into the Hall they entertained the strange Knights excéeding courteously but Lecefin regarding the beauty of Philocrista grew into such conceit of her singular feature as she stood in his thoughts beyond all compare She with her sisters Flerida Bazilia and Melicia for so were the Emperors daughters named gave them a maidens welcome to the Court such as beséemed them towards Knight errant as also because they were Princes of so honourable birth After that the Giantesse her daughter and the rest of the prisoners through a mighty throng of people were brought to the Pallace one of the Knights in behalf of all the rest knéeling before the Emperour thus spake Mighty and invincible Monarch the hardy Champion and â—lower of Knights named Palmendos who delivered us from cruel Baledon in the Isle of Delphos hath sent us with this inestimable treasure unto your Majesty as to the onely Lord and Prince of the world of whom he carrieth most humble and religious opinion that you should take compassion on our miseries and grant us accesse to our own houses Good friends said the Emperour your honest report of this Knight to whom I am so much beholding doth make me more earnestly long to sée him in our Court whither you all for his sake are so heartily welcome as ye shall well perceive the same before ye depart afterward in Gods name go when you please And these were not words alone but deeds did confirm the same the Emperour rewarding each one of them with such liberal gifts as they esteemed his largesse and munificence equal with that of Xerxes Julius Caesar or Alexander the great Afterward he sent for the Giantesse and her daughter and to them offered very honourable kindnesse but their hearts were so swollen and confounded with grief as they would make no answer at all whereupon he appointed them a convenient place in the City with provision of all things for their necessary uses but the Giantesse falling into an extream lunacy died soon after thereof yet her daughter became a Christian and lived long time in the Emperors favour Now are all the sumptuous utensils brought before his Majesty the Idols Chair his Crown the Scepter Book and the rest which being well and advisedly regarded were judged the like never to be seen before whereupon his Majesty took the Book labouring with all his strength and cunning to open the same and after delivered it to his Barons to try what they could do but all their labour being lost he said I think this Book can be opened by none other then him onely that conquered it let it therefore be carefully kept till his comming Now call I to mind the Damosels words that departed so suddenly without answer and verely I am perswaded this Knight is the man she spake of who hath sent us this treasure from the Isle of Delphos With these speeches of the Emperour divers of his Knights grew somewhat offended to hear such commendations passe on him who was unknown wherefore they intended if ever he came thither to make such proof of his valour and prowesse as the Emperour should perceive he spake but by affection Not long after his Majesty sent one of his chief Knights to Delphos and with him such a train as beseemed the expedition there to see all things ordered to his highnesse use and to prevent insurrections if any were like to grow giving the Knight charge if he found Palmendos there to request him with all speed to visite the Emperour But the Knight came short of his intent for he had set sail towards Constantinople according as you shall hear hereafter Notwithstanding the Knight was very graciously welcomed thither and the possession of the whole Island surrendred to him which in the end was transferred to one of Palmendos sons being a pleasant fair and opulent Countrey navigable for all passengers whatsoever CHAP. XI How Palmendos sailing in the Aegean sea recovered the Soldan of Babilons Son from Ocurites King of Culaquin who rode along that Coast of Greece And how after he had overcome his strength he took him prisoner and sent him to the Emperour Palmerin with divers Christians which he delivered from his Captivity RIfarano and Lecefin being no sooner set from Delphos but Palmendos followed the speedy building of the Monastery causing religious observations to be used in the Temple for the people of the Island were good Christians although the Giant Baledon was a Pagan The Monastery being stored with fair Virgins he would have them called the Sisters of Francelina and many Ladies of great birth resorted thither to live religiously in service of the worlds Creator Palmendos much delighted to behold the Christians Religion meaning when time and place served to be further instructed therein Having ordered every thing to his own contentment and placed Guillador in Iustice till the Emperour sent some other he with Ozalio took shipping sailing six days with prosperous winds towards Constantinople yet first he determined to land in Thrace because he would hear some news of the Emperours Court and of Francelina if possible he could Riding thus with the favour of Aeolus and Neptune he came within sight of the two destroied towns Sestos and Abidos when one of the Pilots certified him that he saw divers ships and Foists eagerly fighting together which made Palmendos to come up on the deck to sée if he could discern what they were Hearing the great tumult and cry made in the vessels especially in two that séemed better provided for war then the other he was desirous to go more near them wherefore he commanded the master so to do that they might help them which too much were oppressed Now to acquaint you with the cause hereof it is so that when the Soldan of Babylon and Alchidiana understood the marriage intended by the Emperour betwéen their daughter and Ditreus Prince of Hungaria they were very joyfull of so great alliance and therefore would send
Knights that he should present them to his Majesty and being come into the Emperours presence the Knight delivered these speeches High and mighty Monarch of the world behold here the King of Culaquin son to the great Turk who keeping the seas with a great power to endamage your Empire our Master the Prince Abenunco and we fell into his danger from which a worthy Knight named Palmendos by deeds of rare and haughty Chivalry delivered us in a time most needfull and therefore hath sent both us and him to your excellency desiring that Ocurites should be safely kept till he come himself These sundry good turns received from a Knight unknown drove the Emperour into a wonderfull admiration and because he could not imagine whence they should proceed therefore he was the more desirous to behold the Knight whereupon he committed the King to a strong Tower commanding he should have all things necessary for his health and a Page to attend on him lest he should offend himself But now is Abenunco by Primaleon and the other Princes brought to the Emperor who embracing him very honourably in his arms gave him such entertainment as beseemed his estate and because he was not yet knighted he willed that he should be bedfellow to his son Primaleon which united a faithfull League of Amity between them hoping one day to travel as companions in Arms together Abenunco having likewise told the Emperour of his good successe and wonderfull deliverance by the means of Palmendos gave no little contentment to Rifarano and Lecefin who imagined themselves as much beholding to the Prince as any Afterward he was conducted to the Empresse chamber where she and her Ladies graciously welcomed him but especially the Princesse Esquivela his sister because he came to confirm what she most desired My Lord and brother quoth she nothing could happen to my greater contentment then to have your presence in the honour prepared for me whereto séeing our gracious parents could not come they have for my sake sent you in their place and doubt not but your entertainment shall be such as shall agrée with their expectation and your own worthinesse Fair sister answered Abenunco the Soldan our father hearing of the honour the Emperour intended by giving you in marriage to the Prince Ditreus his Nephew hath sent me to thank the Emperour on his behalf offering for this contract to articulate with his Majesty in all such things as with honour he shall demand As for our gracious mother Alchidiana she hath sent you by me jewels and treasure beséeming your degrée that on your marriage day you may witness the royal race from whence you are descended not doubting but before you depart this court to make the magnificence of the Babylonian Prince so famous as the most opulent Lord of Asia shall not compare therewith Divers other spéeches passed betwéen the brother and the sister till the coffers of treasure were brought and delivered to the Princesse which when Ditreus behold he judged them to excéed the limits of all frugality might full well beséem the greatest state in Christendome Now did the Emperor cause the Tourney to be openly proclaimed and the fifth day following the marriage was solemnized great store of worthy Knights resorting day by day to the Court that all the field appointed for Triumphs was covered over with Tents Among other came thither Lynedes the Lord of Lique he that hazarded himself so far in the adventure of Francelina being in sooth reputed one of the most valiant men at Arms in all Greece and the renown of this marriage drew him from his Castle accompanied onely with the County of Pelada his cousin who albeit he was younger then Lynedes yet was he thought little inferiour to him in Chivalry This County had espoused a Lady of great parentage and loved her with such singular affection as he brought her in company to sée the Iusts at Constantinople Being there arrived they would not enter the City but set up their Tent far distant from all the rest and afterward sent a Squire to the Court to publish that whosoever would hazard himself in the Tourney should find two Knights there ready in the field that would Iust with any one that durst enter the Lists such therefore as were minded to make proof of their valour might be entertained for thrée or four courses These spéeches being heard by the Duke of Pera he stept to the Squire and thus answered You may my friend return to your Masters and say that such as are minded to Iust will not stay long before they enter the field Then turning to the Knights of the Court he procéeded in this manner Doubtlesse these Knights are valiant and hardy that are loth to shew themselves slothfull in any vertuous exercise With this answer the Squire returned back to the Tent and the two Cousins being satisfied therewith prepared strong Lances at the entrance of their Pavilion for all such as should come to Iust against them But the County intreated Lynedes to suffer him to make the first tryal of his fortune which he did in regard of his love to his Lady who had caused the Tent to be so commodiously placed as she might at pleasure behold al the pastimes docking herself in most gorgeous attyre and bravely attended on by her waiting woman to out countenance such as came against her Lord and husband The Emperor understanding what message the Squire had brought imagined that these two Knights were Palmendos and his Cousin Ozalio for when one thing continually beateth on a mans conceit he imagineth every thing conformable to the same Wherefore he told his opinion to the Prince Rifarano who could not think them to be the Lords of Tharsus yet to satisfie the Emperours mind he mounted on horseback and being accompanied with other Knights of the Court rode to the Tent where the two Cousins remained Saluting the Squires he entred finding Lynedes unarmed but his Cousin was provided at all points except his helmet whereupon he demanded if they were the Knights that sent the challenge to the Court To whom the Lord of Lique answered that they were Then Rifarano procéeded thus Gentlemen ye have attempted a thing in my opinion but little for your ease but I think you did it to this end that you might méet with some one to abate your pride and presumption When that commeth to passe answered Lynedes we shall but accompany many others who unable to effect their haughty enterprizes have remained frustrate in their designs in vain therefore shall you take any further care for our affairs but if you will go arm your self return and prove what this Knight can do who is more desirous to sight with his sword then with his tongue otherwise you offer injury to the order which every noble mind preferreth as his proper life Rifarano somewhat moved with these words took his leave and returned to the Emperor assuring him that these Knights
forward in order to the Temple the Empresse with Philocrista and her other daughters accompanied the Bride with all the Ladies of bloud royal in the Court so that if one should sit down to decipher their sumptuous attire or else in speeches to commend their beauty it would over-travell the eloquence of Demosthenes or Cicero But Philocrista was the fairest star amongst them all which drew the Prince Arnedes mind into such admiration as had not his eys been witnesses of the same hardly could report have induced him to believe it For even as the Sun the most excellent of all the Planets shewing it self in the Horizon doth confound the brightnesse of all the stars together and dazels their eys which long gaze thereon even so resembled the princess Philocrista whose celestial portraiture disgraced all the other Ladies and altred the judgment of Arnedes in such sort as he reputed her far beyond the Goddesse that appeared to the shepheard Paris on the mountain of Ida when of him she was judged to be fairest of the three The Empresse and her Ladies all mounted on their palfrays with such pomp and state as was never seen the like Primaleon on a lusty courser of Barbary with rich caparisons after the Turkish manner conducted the Bride and Abenunco her brother rode with the Princesse Philocrista Lecefin who loved her more advisedly rode on her other side for companies sake but Arnedes whom love impatiently overmastred used such means by managing his horse as he got the Prince of Babylon out of his place moved thereto by earnest desire that he might contemplate her beauty more easily whereat Lecefin was marvellously offended conceiving a mortal hatred against him perceiving he had a rival in his love Recinde accompanied the Princesse Melicia who in his eye seemed both fair and modest Rifarano telling her by the way that this Knight came with him that conquered the County and for his laudable vertues deserved estimation whereupon she began to confer with Recinde which she could do with singular regard in respect of the rare gifts bestowed on her by nature In brief this royal train is come to the Tâ—mple and there is the marriage solemnly effected returning to the Pallace with the self-same majesty they went thither What should we wast time in speaking of the feast when there is none so simple but considereth that the feasts of Emperours exceed common repetition then may we repute this solemnity answerable to that of the Gods made at the nuptials of Peleus with the Goddesse Thetis After dinner the Lords and Ladies fell to dancing a fit occasion for Lovers to commune with their Ladies yet dissembled with such cunning modesty as the eye and action were chief messengers of the heart each Lady holding such opinion of her beloved as their several hopes was for the honour of the Tourney The time being so passed over as the new married couple must to the place of amorous contentation the Empresse with her daughters brought Esquivela into the bride chamber leaving her in bed attending for the comming of the bridegroom who was soon after honourably conducted thither by the Emperour and so committed to enjoy her whom he had so long desired Now are the Knights close in their chambers when Aâ—nedes thus communed with Recinde What think you cousin of the beauty of Madam Philocrista did you ever sée a more rare and perfect creature right soon must I give ease to these urgent affairs and ease the burthen of mine over-charged spirit therefore will I presently dispatch a Courrier to the King my father that he may with spéed send honourable Embassadours to the Emperor whereby this desired marriage may be concluded Mean while I will found the bottome of this amorous flood and try if the judgement of fair Philocrista be answerable to her excelling beauty and if the inward vertue agrée with the outward singular perfections I may repute my self the happiest Knight in the world in compassing the love of so inestimable a jewel In sooth my Lord answered Recinde great cause have you to commend the Lady and I desire that the like fortunate success may befall me as I doubt not but will spéedily happen to you for on mine own behalf the grace and courtesie of Melicia hath given me a favourable entrance which if it procéed not to my hearts desire much better had it béen that I never had séen her With these words Arnedes embraced his cousin saying How swéetly do these spéeches sound in mine ears séeing thereby thou art my trusty companion in all things let this hope perswade thée that he on whom all actions do depend will by his divine bounty so direct our course as we shall enjoy a successfull end If I speed according to my hearts intent in thy cause will I endeavour my self to the uttermost therefore let us continue our resolute courage and make the Grecians understand that France yeelds as good Knights as any Countrey else And thus concluding then slept for that night On the morrow the Emperor the Empresse the Bride and the young Princesses went to the scaffolds richly prepared for the sight of the Tourney where no void place was left but every where filled with Lords Ladies and Gentlewomen Wonderful was the resort of Knights and hardy Champions each one in Armour very costly and curious having their feathers pendants and favours decked with the devises and colours of their Ladies as it was a most beautifulâ— spectacle to behold them yet hereon consists not the substance of our History Now strive Lynedes and the County his cousin like two furious Lions to recover the foyl they sustained by Arnedes who perceiving this was the time to win him honour when the Goddesse of his thoughts sate to behold him welcomed the challengers as he had done before In like sort did Rifarano behave himself for he unhorsed every Knight that ran against him But by this time is Ozalio got in through the throng and he begins to deal with the Courtiers very roughly which made the Lords and Ladies wonder what he was And then Palmendos seeing his friend well wearied comes bravely prancing into the field so disguised that Abenunco and Rifarano could not know him A while he stood regarding the Emperour his father so honourably placed with his noble Lords and Barons on the scaffolds Then viewing the Empresse with her gracious train of Ladies he wondred at such pomp and magnificence thus speaking to himself Soveraign Creator and director of all things how am I bound in duty to thy Majesty having made me the son of such a father as not onely is reputed the best Knight under heaven but is also the mightiest Prince on the face of the earth Seeing then thou hast bestowed on me such grace and favour as that I should issue from such an excellent personage I must endeavour my self to resemble him and by something declare that I am his son for although now I go against the
this manner Ah my noble Lord Arnedes how dear doth her beauty cost thee for whom thou leftest thy Countrey where the onely reputation of thine estate being â—â—tracted from such an high and illustrious linage was sufficient to have obtained her without hazarding thy life in so many perils and dangers Amenada marvelling at these words was immediately wrapped with a curious desire to know which was the Knight he named and therefore she laboured Bruquel with intreaties for her Lady Philocrista knew his Master to be a Knight of France yet none but the Emperor could tell that he was the Kings son All things that I can possible quoth the Dwarf will I do for you this onely excepted which without his command I dare not attempt because my liberty stretcheth not so far yet will I promise you to ask him the question and if he be pleased I will satisfie your desire Melicia who was earnest in affection to know more as concerning her Lover Recinde seeing these Myrmedons thus conferring together and over-hearing some of their speeches after they were departed to their chambers she demanded of Amenada what talk she had with Arnedes Dwarf whereupon she repeated the whole discourse to the no little content of Philocrista because this way she might attain to more knowledge of the French Prince And as she heard her say that he left his Countrey for the love of a Lady she presumed immediately her self to be same for commonly it falls out that Lovers will favour themselves in semblable judgements conjectures wherfore she commanded Amenada to await Bâ—uquel for performance of his promise The dwarf when he saw conuenient time to talk with his Master he gave him to understand what had past between him and Amenada which pleased him so well as nothing could do more commended to him the pursuit of his practice On the morrow the Emperour and Primaleon dined together wherefore Amenada went to find out Bruquell at his lodging and he méeting her by the way first of all told her that he would perform the promise he made the day before but quoth he before I satisfie you herein I must request one thing of you Demand hardly what thou wilt quoth Amenada for thy sute being honest thou canst not be denied You must promise me then said Bruquel that to no living creature except Madam Philocrista you disclose what I shall reveal to you So is it Amenada that for the love of her onely Arnedes my honourable Lord and Master eldest son to the King of France hath forsaken his native Country in that the renown of her excellent beauty spread by fame through all those parts caused him to cut through the dangerous seas to credit with his eys what his ears were cloid withall And having at ful contemplated her swéet face he finds that nature willing industriously to imbellish the chief piece of work hath taken all ability from human report how curious or eloquent soever it be thorowly to accomplish the praise of her merit wherefore he hath sent a Currier to the King his father that his Majesty should send Embassadors hither to confer with the Emperour on a marriage betwéen my Master and your Lady and till they come to dispatch this occasion he will not be known hereof to any one except it be to her gracious self onely Humbly then desire her with some benigne clemency to intreat the heart which her divine figure hath secretly ravished and made her thrall so shall she give cure to his wounds make him the most fortunate Champion that ever entred field for his Lady otherwise he can not long injoy his vital motion and by his death shall occasion divers other beside especially his cousin Recinde son to the King of Castile who loveth him as his proper life and as he bare him company in this voyage so will he take part of the hardest fortune for the love and near alliance that is betwéen them So well could this tall Pigmy use his language to gain successe for his Masters intent as he made no more difference betwéen the two Princes in respect of their loyal unanimity together then was betwéen the two Pythagorick companions Orestes and Pylades or Nisus and Eurialus that would one die for another Greatly did Amenada marvel hearing that a Prince of so high and great birth would adventure thorow such dangerous travells onely for the accomplishment of a marriage and might have gained it with much lesse labour wherefore she thus answered In sooth if I had not promised to acquaint my Lady herewith I durst not for my life discover such weighty matters because I cannot tell her the whole discourse in that her Sister Melicia is never from her and then shall she know as much as my Mistresse That â—urteth not replied Bruquel never conceal it through fear of her presence for she is such a wise and well governed Princesse as she will rather modestly hide it then any way seek to spread it abroad and will beside nothing at all mislike thereof This he spake for that she had her part in the play namely by her love to the Prince Recinde and if perhaps Philocrista should be slow or opinitive in her love Melicia happily would councel her not to refuse so good an offer in brief that they might reciprocally advise one another as sick folks who had surfeited both of one disease and so oftentimes it comes to passe that two thoughts afflicted with one kind of martyrdom receive together more consolation then they could by any other that féel not the like torment Bruquel having done his indeavour for the conciliation of Philocrista with his Master returned immediately to him whom he found attending in silent devotion to understand the issue of this amorous stratagem and after that the dwarf had word by word recounted all his negotiation Arnedes was wrapt in such unspeakable joy as he imagined the hour happy when he met with such an ingenious Truch man Amenada on the other side when she espied time for the purpose interpreted so well and faithfully the intent of the Prince to her mistresse Philocrista as she therewith was carried into a thousand imaginations And albeit the Knight despaired not in his sute but rather imagined so sweet a countenance would be inclined to mercy yet she had so lost her liberty in this cause by seeing her beloved so dangerously wounded as now she feared to send him any severe or rigorous answer wherefore she thus spake to her Dwarf I am offended that thou didst promise Bruquel to acquaint me with this news but seeing what hath happened cannot be prevented thou shalt then go to Arnedes and tell him from me that I marvell he would thrust himself into many perils for which I account my self beholding to him and promise him in requitall of his hard sufferings to accept of him as my loyal husband if my gracious parents will so permit it with this condition that he
a Knight unarmed of huge constitution and evil favoured having a Turkie bow in his hand and a quiver hanging by his side full of arrows of whom they desired to know which way they should get out of the Forrest The discourteous Knight without making any answer let fly an arrow at them wherewith he killed the Prince Recindes horse he being not a little moved at this mishap grew into a great choler against him who made no longer stay but ran from them so fast as he could Recinde and the Merchant still pursued till having lost the sight of him and marvelling where he should be hidden at length they found the mouth of a very dark Cave which they suspected the Knight had taken for refuge whereupon the Prince intreated the Merchant to stay there without because he intended to search the Cave and be revenged on him that had so wronged him Not far had he gone under the earth but he heard a pittifull voice crying for help which caused him to return back again when at the entrance of the Vault he beheld a mighty Lion which came forth with the Knight and ran upon the Prince exceeding furiously but he who could not be frighted with matters of greater moment so valiantly defended himself against the beast as in short time he laid him dead at his foot Now ran the Knight back again into the cave and the Prince after him so fast as he could till at length he came into a goodly Hall which was hanged round about with gorgeous Tapistry and therein might one behold all such as passed by the mouth of the cave as if they had discerned the same in a Glasse While he stood beholding this beautifull prospect he saw the Knight comming towards him armed and drawing his sword thus spake to the Prince Wretched Knight overmuch foolish hardiness hath brought thée to this place for I shall let thee sée the danger incurred by thy presumption More indiscreetly quoth the Prince hast thou behaved thy self in killing my horse without any occasion of offence Herewith they combatted a long while together till the Knight seeing himself unable to resist the Prince would have saved himself in the chamber he came from offering to keep the door against him as his defence but Recinde thrusting after him into the chamber he beheld a great and hideous Dragon lying there the sight whereof somewhat amazed him yet seeing the beast stirred not against him he continued his former quarrel with the Knight bringing him at length into such subjection that with his sword he smote his head from his shoulders The Serpent terrified with extream fear began to shrink back when Recinde lifting up his sword to strike the Serpent spake in this manner Sir Knight for Gods sake pity me and seek not to shed my bloud having no way offended you so shall I be perpetually bound at your commandement for delivering me from this cruel Knight who hath forcibly kept me here the space of six years The Prince hearing these words held down his sword when the Serpent thus proceeded I am no Serpent sir as happily I seem in your eye but a most infortunate and abused damosel having suffered the most miserable life that ever woman endured living against my will in the custody of this traiterous Knight If thou art a humane creature answered Recinde I marvel thou shouldest have the shape of such a deformed beast I know said the damosel what representation I have in your judgement but I dare assure you on my life that I am no Serpent or any thing else but a most distressed woman Which well she might affirm because the Knight nâ—w slain to conceal her the more cunningly made her to resemble so by Art magick as you shall understand the whole at large He loved this Damosel so extreamly she being the daughter of an ancient widdow dwelling not far off as séeing he could not obtain her in marriage by reason of his bad manners and ill favoured body so laboured with a Magician a friend of his to cause her to resemble a Serpent to any but himself Her mother and brethren being ignorant of this treachery séeing such an ugly Serpent among them were so affrighted at this strange metamorphosis that they fled presently out of their Castle The Damosel following to understand the cause of their fear wandred sorrowfully after them thorow the fields where she was surprized by her Lover and brought to the Cave prepared by the Sorcerer appointing she should continue in that appearance untill one of the best Knights in the world should arrive there and valiantly win her out of his custody onely by his death to be delivered and six years she had abode in that place séeming a beautifull woman to her Lover onely and to all others a monstrous Serpent Recinde driven into wonderfull admiration bemoaning her cause thus spake In sooth this is the most strange accident that ever I heard of but seeing your Lover is dead boldly may you depart the chamber and return home to your mother again for in time perhaps this hideous shape will forsake you My Lord quoth she I have many times striven to get forth of this prison but all my labour hath béen in vain for by like sortiledge hath the Knight bound me here as he got me from my mothers Castle So am I perswaded answered the Prince wherefore séeing of your self you cannot depart I will try if my strength wil release you of this servitude Then taking his arming girdle from about him he made it fast about the Serpents middle and forcibly thought to pull her out of the chamber but the strength of the inchantment over-mastering him when he had gotten her to the very door would violently pluck her back again Yet Recinde being all heart and courage gave not over for all these resistances but at length by exceeding labour and travel he got her into the Hall and then she seemed a very beautifull woman who falling down at his feet intreated him not to forsake her till that he had brought her to her mothers Castle So going forth of the Cave she told the Merchant all that had happened which made him answer her in this sort Madam both you and I are highly beholding to this Knight for he hath miraculously called you from a lamentable sufferance and not onely hath he saved my life but helped me to my goods again which were utterly lost wherefore we have good cause to think that he is the onely Paragon of Chivalry So breaking of these speeches they took the Knights horse because he had slain the Princes and mounting the damosel behind him brought her home to her mothers Castle the ancient Lady being not a little joyfull to see her daughter whom she reputed utterly lost likewise her brethren were very glad to see their sister restored home again As for their friendly entertainment you may judge it by the cause which being of nature must néeds surpasse all
the crest rare and precious Calamite that ever was séen the blade of the finest tempered â—eel that could be in any sword in brief the like weapon was hardly to be found through the world By this time Oricano's father was come home who reâ—oycing to behold his son shewed very loving countenance to the Princes for his sake when amongst other talk Palmendos requested to know of the old man whence he came so late whereto the poor man humbly thus answered I come sir from a Town not far hence whither I went in the morning to sell fish because great number of Knights are assembled there against the marriage of the Lords daughter with the son to the Captain of Albayzo Castle and I stayed the longer to sée the Bridegroom and his sister who is reported to be the fairest woman in the world By many great Princes she hath been requested in marriage but she hath refused every one saying she will never â—e married but with him that can win her by martial prowess for which cause many brave and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third day of the feast have appointed a Tourney for her love the resort being so great to sée this Lady as if the great Turk with all his Bassaes and Ianizaries kept Court there Palmendos attentively noting this tale considered with himself that if he could by subtil trains entire this Lady to Love he might easily get into Albayzo Castle where he should the better compass the stratagem to set the King of Thessaly at liberty For this cause he determined to be present at the Tourney and in bed acquainted Ozalio with his whole intent who thought it the onely way to work their enterprize On the morrow Palmendos told the Fisher that he would make one in the Iust so giving him good store of money he prayed him to regard his ship and mariners till he returned and so he set forward with Ozalio and Orycano who served them faithfully during all this business Not far had they rid but they met with a Page that attended on Iffida for so was the beautifull virgin named the Captains daughter and occasion of this triumph Palmendos then asked him if the Tourney held the day following It doth sir answered the Page by general agreement and so please you to be there you shall see many valiant Knights enter the field where I hope the partakers of Ripole for so was the Bridegroom called shall bear away the honour of the day and sundry brave champions will adventure for the love of Iffida my Mistress whereby they may gain the better mean to offer her their service intending therefore to be on her brothers side who is the chief man in this enterprise The Prince calling to mind the perfections of Francelina breathed forth a sigh that came from his very soul and on the other side he was marvellous glad that he had so fortunately met with the Ladies Page and being desirous to gain some acquaintance with her he spake to the youth in this manner Gentleman I think the graces of your Mistress to be so amiable as in one instant they are sufficient to captivate all such as behold her and therefore I can assure you that with the better will and more sincere affection is he provided to her service that never saw her which I speak on mine own behalf who abandoning the place of my original have with insupportable travels crost many Countreys onely to come let her understand my extream devotion to be her perpetual and faithfull servant whereto the renown of her beauty induced me which I think is spread over the face of the whole earth And séeing my hap was so good to méet with you albeit you know me not nor have I yet deserved any thing at your hand yet let me intreat you to do one favour for me the issue whereof beside your atchievement of notable reputation in debonair courtesie which all of your young years ought to have in singular commendation I hope I shall let you sufficiently perceive that you deal not for an ingratefull person nor will ye mislike your travel in the cause What would you have me do answered the Page in respect you séem a man of vertue and quality if it be a thing possible for me and honourable I will with all my heart accomplish it A thousand thanks for your friendliness answered Palmendos and for nothing else is my suit but that you would say to your Lady Mistress how that a strange Gentleman which came into this Countrey onely to sée her graces and vertues most humbly commends himself to her favourable opinion earnestly desiring that she would accept him as her Knight in the Tourny where to morrow he intends to shew himself as one that will over-ballance her most favoured in weight of affection and will be accounted second to none in exploits of Arms having no better mean whereby to acquaint her with the insupportable burthen of his heart and that she may well perceive it I will not be on her brothers side but against them that take his part hoping to send them vanquished out of the field or make them glad to take their héels by the strength and hardiness her divine beauty shall give me so please her to grant me the aforesaid favour and which will cause me to account my self the most happy Knight on whom the planets have breathed their celestial influence The Page séeing Palmendos fair and so richly armed imagined him to be some great personage wherefore be modestly thus replied My Lord this dare I not do for any man living without I knew the party to have some familiarity with my Mistress nevertheless being a matter of so small consequence and that you deserve much more then this on my behalf I shall deliver her this message for your sake who have so importunately requested it Palmendos requited the page with many thanks and to make him the more forward in the matter he took a bracelet of gold from his arm and gave it him So beguiling the time with other spéeches at length they arrived at Prisâ—a for so was the Town called where the triumphs were appointed the field being covered all over with costly pavilions wherefore Palmendos made choise of a convenient place and there commanded his rich Tent to be presently erected Mean while the Page courteously took his leave and entring the town went straight to his Mistress lodging where having first dispatched the answer sent from her sister and séeing her so conveniently apart from her Damosels he rehearsed all that Palmendos had said unto him I wonder quoth she what the Knight should be that durst send me such a presumptuous message séeing he saith he is a stranger and for my love hath forsaken his Countrey Believe me Madam answered the Page nor do I know him but he séemeth to be discended of great parentage and is one of the goodliest personages that ever I