thou hast taken to come so farre to this place Verie glad was the Giant 〈◊〉 séeing Primaleon readie to enter the Barriers with him Into which the Emperor commaunded the Duke of Pera the Earle of Redon to conduct him and to assure him from all men except from his enemie in the meane time there remayned not almost any person within the Cittie which came not thither to beholde this Battaile euery man deuoutly praying him in whose handes are all victories to shew fauour to their Prince for whome they should bée in great dispaire were it not for the confidence they haue that hee will neuer forsake him in this necessitie as in him who neuer abandoneth nor reiecteth those who Arming themselues with true saith doe build their rain part on his refuge The Giant then after hee had laced and buckled the strings of his headpéece tooke a strong launce in his hand and seeing hys enemie come Armed conceaued so great pleasure that flourishing his Launce he thus began This staffe imbrâ—ed to day in the bloud of my aduersarie shall take vengeaunce on that 〈◊〉 who hath with his pearced the bosome of mine auncestors â—old thy tongue for shame great animall quoth Primaleon holde thy tongue and cease to vaunt thy presumptâ—ous 〈◊〉 till thou seest thy selfe banquisher for their is the houre to bragge and not before Then the Iudges séeing these two Combatants in good will euerie one to do his best for him selfe they departed the Barriers and presently the signe of the assault beeing sounded by the Trumpets the Knightes encountred with such furie that they 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 For the height of Lurcon constrayning him to carrie his Launce lower against Primaleon than if he had béene of his â—oulenes so that he could attaint him but on the â—ippe where peareing his Armour he scracht his skâ—â—e a little But the Constantino Politane who came full vpon him with a right carriere with his Launce 〈◊〉 him cleane through the cuirace into the 〈◊〉 so they dasht their shâ—elds and rusht their bodies together in such sorte that they both smoked at it In this â—â—counter the Giants Horse had such a shouldering that hee could goe afterwardes but vpon thrée legges by meaneâ— whereof feeling the heauie burden which hee had vppon his backe he kept such a capering rearing and flinging that hee laid his loutish Master vppon the bare ground who in falling did so entangle one of his feete in his stirroppe that his horse tâ—aâ—ld him a long time from place to place Which Primaleon seeing ranne vppon him with his naked sword in his hand and before he could get up againe he gaue him so sound a blow vppon his legge that he cut the bone almost quite a two whereat he cast out so horrible a noyse that hee â—erristed all the assistants but not him who he 〈◊〉 him with the Cemitorie which the Knight of the Closed-Ile had sent him which hee so be laboured then with all his might vppon hys Helmet that cutting a two the stringes that hee shewed quicklie his bare head Whereuppon Lurcon entred into so intollerable a phrenzie that béeing vnable to defende himselfe from the fell blowes of his aduersarie hee purposed to gripe him by the bodye thinking to dispatch him that waye But for all that Primaleon kept himselfe at the point of hys sworde and with a backe stroke vppon the Mazzard felde him as dead as a Dogge to the ground saying It is now that thou mayest exeâ—te thy Trophies to Pallaâ— and Mars for the victories they haue sent thee and not before thou haste Combatted as not long since thou didst vaunte to doe It were verie difficult to recount the ioy and gladnesse that euerie one conceauâ—d seeing the happie successe of this spectacle The which to the ende to make it publikely knowne abroade the Iudges and Martials of the fielde perceauing the Giant to haue breathed his last did accompany Primaleon with victorious acclamations vnto the pallace where they presented him to the Emperor who receaued him with great ioy Then came forth the Empresse and her Daughters to entertaine him as if he had béene newly arriued from some forâ—en Countrie praysing and blessing God for so signall a 〈…〉 torie the which beganne to bring some comforte and reioycing to the Court which was before all in 〈◊〉 verie sad and mournefull for the death of King Florendos his Quéene Griana Father and Mother to the Emperour Afterwards there arriued manie Knights to Combat Primaleon vppon the same quarrell but it cost them all deare as béeing those who defended a wrong quarrell the Prince behauing himselfe euerie day more valiantly than other wherof the Greekes reputed themselues most happie men to haue after the Emperour so sage valiant a Prince for their Seigneur wherefore from diuers Countries were presented him manie good offers to marrie a wife the which he would accept of in no wise for the little desire hee had to marrie so young But let vs discourse a little of the great perrils and traualles that another Knight made him endure who came to Constantinople to defie him vppon the same pretended treason of the Polonians death as you shall in the next Chapter heare more at large CHAP. XVIII Howe Prince Edward the eldest Sonne to the King of England was inamoured of faire 〈◊〉 seeing her picture against a wall and hovve hee was afterward conducted by a strange aduenture into a Monasterie of Nunnes and what befell him there in the meane time he was within the Nunnerie KIng Fredericke of England brother to Agriâ—la Empresse of Almaine had by his wife manie Male Children the eldest whereof called Prince Edward was no lesse accomplished excellent in the exercise of Armes than verie well 〈◊〉 in most ciuill and good manners and in all other laudable vertuous and honest thinges So that hauing receaued the order of Knighthood he held daylse Ioustinges Tournyes to exercise and make himselfe skilfull in militarie profession And for asmuch as hee delighted also in hunting one of the brauest Knights called Robert sent him a faire dog which he recouered of a woman who was a great Magâ—rian as you shall vnderstand hereafter This Knight Robert being in the prime of his youth had a great desire to see the aduentures of the world by meanes whereof embarking himselfe among other Marchants who went to trafficke and to fall Armes in Turkie beeing tossed by tempest and foule weather on Sea come to an anker in the Iland of Malfada where they were all enchaunted except him onely who pleased much the Ladie of the Ile Whereuppon â—â— fortuned that hee liued there in verie great pleasure about the space of two yeares at the ende where of calling to minde vppon a time his owne countrie he fetcht a great â—igh from his breast so that this Fayrie who neuer was far from him desired to know the cause of that sigh vnto whome hee reuealed the whole matter In good faith faire sir
whole vnto your beauty prowesse and valour which hath brought me into such a taking that no reason beeing able to preuaile ouer the flaming desire of my heart which you infused into mee when I gaue you mine I am constrayned to abandon mine honour vnto you Wherein I cannot but merualle to finde my selfe so quicklie ouer taken with your loue regarding the small time I feele this burning passion in my breast for to make you knowe the waight you sée presently howe I haue feared nothing which may staine the reputation of a Lady Illustrious and of great renowne The Duchesse perseuering in these her curteous Ceremonies the Damosell beganne to cut her off thus Maddame it is nowe time to bring into some harbour the two Barkes so tossed with the amorous storme and tempest So that to preache is not nowe required in this place rather let the Pilots thereof alone to doe the deuoire of their office By this meanes Tirendos hauing well vnderstoode the watch worde set vp the Mast with one hande and lifted vp the Sayles with the other then laying downe his Armes of steele required in mortall battells hee helped himselfe with those which are more esteemed betweene two Courtaines couching himselfe neere the Duchesse side where tooke some end the anguish of two Louers who remayned in that manner vntill they thought it high time to giue order for the rest of their Nauigation a Chamber was appointed for the Knight in a secret corner There hee soiourned nine or tenne dayes in the greatest pleasure and contentment that as yet hee euer tasted in his life for the Duchesse who loued him as dearelye as her own life was faire and gratious in perfection in such sorte that the departure and discontinuing of this felicitie and pleasure was a most grieuous thing to both these vassals of Loue. For fearing lest at length this secrete misterie would bee discouered the Knight must néedes go out of his swéet and voluntarie Prison albeit the Duchesse did not much feare her old and gray-headed Husband who may bée an example to all other that euery one should séeke his match lest the other inconuenient happen But Tyrendos in taking leaue of his Lady promised vndoubtedly to sée her againe which comforted her a little and afterward in going out of the Garden hee was met by Dirdan who louing the Ladie as you haue before vnderstood could by no meanes rest or sléepe but walking all night long about her lodging to bee within sent of his Paramour in meane while to allay as he thought the restles fit of his burning feuer Hee séeing Tyrendos sally foorth of the Orchard was vexed to the gall as euerie one who hath tasted the bitter fruite of iealousse may presume insomuch that to knowe who hee might be he drew neare raging and grumming betwéene his teeth these wordes Ah a cursed death maist thou die who commest nowe from the place the issue from whence hath wounded peirced my heart in twaine wish that he would haue laide hande on his choller to stay him but Tyrendos who had at the instant set hand to his sworde reached him a blow vpon his coxcombe which cleft him downe to the shoulders continuing his purpose thus Now shal the martyrdome end which hath hetherto tormented thée for her whose shoo-sole thou wast vnworthie to kisse Then making hast to the place where Velican attended him hee mounted strait and without any other company but this Knight who would neuer leaue him went directlye to Constantinople where they arriued in good time for the Turney On the morrow morning was Dirdan found dead hard at the Garden dore whereat was great murmuring the people saying hee was slaine for loue of the Duchesse which brought her into some suspition of her honour As soone as shee knewe thereof shee quicklie déemed who was the author of this Homicide Tyrendos her louer whom she neuer saw afterward albeit all the rest of her life he was the chiefest Darling of her destres The Duke who was old and loued his Ladie aboue measure neuer enquired farther of Dirdans death nor cared hee much what the worlde might thinke But misdéemed the Duchesse had caused him to bee dispacht to banish him for euer her presence for which déede hee estéemed her the more and had better opinion of her than before and so we will let them liue the one ioyfull of this perswation and the other passing sorrie to depart from her swéet louer whome wee shall finde hereafter in Constantinople at the Tourney to behaue himselfe better in other Combats CHAP. XI How the King Florendos arriuing with his Queene Griana his wife in Constantinople were most honourably receaued by the Emperour Palmerin their Sonne who met them with a great traine a dayes iourney from the Cittie And howe Primaleon Abenuncq and Arnasin receaued the order of Knighthood THe King Florendos and his Quéene Griana being departed from Macedon in the companie of the principall Barcons of their Kingdome tooke by their way all the pastimes they could deuise But beeing entred within the bounds of the Empire they were ioyfullie receaued by the Emperours commandement who had giuen order to his Subiects for the same effect as also for that the Queene Griana his Mother was their naturall and Soueraigne Princesse All this Troupe beeing arriued within a dayes iourney of Constantinople hee came to méete them accompanied with the greatest part of the Nobles of his Court with all the honour and most kinde entertainment as a Sonne so well brought vp as hee might shew towards his Father and Mother who hauing first grâ—eted him receaued and chearished Primaleon and Palmendos his Children who did vnto them all the reuerence possible to be thought of The like curtosie vsed Arnedos towardes them whome they reputed as their Sonne and in like manner all the rest both Kings and Princes who accompanied the Emperour So that these interchaungeable gréetings and welcomes were so long a dooing that they could not reach Constantinople but tooke vp their rest for that night in a most pleasant place foure miles distant from the Cittie where the Quéene could not fill her eies with beholding her sonne To bée breefe on the morrow they entred the Cittie with the greatest ioy that was euer heard of the Empresse Quéene Arismene the thrée Infantes and manie Ladies of high renowne who kept them companie béeing at the first Gate of the Pallace to receaue them more Honourablie who entertayning first the King and the Quéene after them came the thrée Infants to kisse their hands and then all the other Princes one after another These welcomming Ceremonies of the Ladies accomplished all this Royall companie mounted into the principall Hall of the Serraglia where the Emperour sate downe next to the King his Father and the Empresse bringing her thrée Daughters with her next the Quéene who could not faciate her selfe furuaying with an vnspeaâ—eable ioye so Heroicall and Illustrious a â—rue In so much that in
who vnderstood her well speaking for her set one knée on the grounde and made this answere Madame in very déede I beléeue your Lyon neuer sawe this Damsell before because shee commeth but nowe from a 〈◊〉 Lande farre distant from these Countries but hée presageth the great desire which the Knight who sent her vnto you hath to doo you seruice and also can iudge of the high choyce of this Princesse beeing Daughter to the Soldan of Persia for so much as the Lyons by nature as being Kings among the foure footed Beasts doo recognize and knowe perfectly the illustrious and royall bloud So hee procéeded to declare the Embassage which Prince Edward gaue him incharge to deliuer by worde of mouth beside the letter which he had already giuen into her hand praysing him in valour and curtesie aboue all the Knights to whom the fower Elements had euer lent any influence of harmonicall constitution And told her moreouer how he caused him self to be called the Knight of the Dogge by reason of a very great and fayre Dogge that he carried along with him which was of so good knowledge that hee ayded and succoured him greatly in his necessities Squire my friend replyed the Princesse Gridonia I make no doubt but that the Knight of the Dogge is both magnanimious and of great Prowesse séeing that without knowing me hee hath had this remembrance of me wherein I pray the Lord God to giue me the fauour that according to his merite I may returne him his due guerdon and rewards and giue him so much power and strength as by his happy victory he may chace from my hart the languishing and bitter sorrow which hath ceazed it a long time And for a testimony of the loue and duety I too owe him reciprocally I take and accept this Infant his present in the place and steede of a sister and a good friend and so will I loue and honour her as if wee were both issued out of one wombe For this acceptation and curtesie did Diazan thanke her most humbly in kissing her hand then did hee interprete to the Infant what she said whereat Zerphira bowing her selfe very low did giue her also thankes for her part and then did Gridonia take her by the hand to make her sit downe by her praying her to be of good cheare and to deuise what pastime shee pleased all which Diazan expounded vnto her as well as he could Then shee who perceiued so much honour was done vnto her in eating and drinking alwaies with Gridonia which made her greatly comfort her selfe and droue away all yrkesomnes of the place but not that she could in any wise altogether forget her aduerse and sinister fortune Neuerthelesse she neuer shewed any euident token thereof but very wisely dissembled it whereat Gridonia maruelled not a little but much more at her great riches and iewels which shée carryed about with her Diazan after hee had rewarded the Merchants of Arriace with some present sent them away home to their houses because hee meant to abide there to serue the Infant Zerphira whom he aduertized by the way to take héede least shée shuld speake any thing in fauour of the Emperour of Constantinople to Gridonia nor to shew by any token or signe that she loued him or any of his stocke or kindred Which shee who was both sage and well aduised tooke for so good a forewarning that shee was neuer heard in her presence to speake any thing by affection of this family CHAP. XXII How the Knight of the Dog presented himselfe with the Lady of Arriace before King Frisol who at his entreaties let the widdow alone with her Cittie and how afterward he got the best in a Tourney which was held in his Court and what fell out by occasion thereof DIazan being departed with the infant Zerphira Prince Edward the Lady of Arriace accompanied with twentie knights whom they tooke for their safe conduct tooke their iourney towards King Frisols Court so that arriuing there the third day afterward about euening praier the Knight being in his complete armour except his head-péece and gantlets onely led the Lady by the hand euen vp to the chamber of presence for in this place did the King recreate himselfe with his children and with many other Lords who were come the ther of purpose to see and welcome Belcar not long time before arriued from Durace and there was besides the Quéene his Mother accompanied with Esquiuela Alderine the wiues of Dâ—treus and Belcar his two Sonnes with many other Ladies deuising and sporting themselues together euery one according to their pleasure The King séeing the Lady come in knew presently she was Lady of Arriace and beholding the physiognomie and honest countenance of the Knight iudged with himselfe he descended from some high and great linnage when the Lady prostrating her selfe at his féete thus began to frame her complaint Sir it hath pleased you to cause notice to be giuen me to appeare before your royall Maiestie to the end that vnder the coulour of fortification and assurance of your kingdome you may dispossesse me of my towne of Arriace because it is situate vpon the frontiere confining vpon the Moores your enemies from whom yée suppose putting therein sure guarde and good garrison to shut vp all passage that way to cut off the hostile inuasion which they might other wise make into your Maiesties dominions wherein I maruell much that you addresse your selfe to me being but a poore widow rather than to any other of your vassalls to vse such rigour extremitie towards them considering if you alledge that my sonne is too yong to kéepe quarter and to hold so dangerous a passage I will answer you this reason séemeth not sufficient to execute iniustice towards him but rather ought you as his King soueraigue Lord to take him into your protection and safegarde Nor can you finde iustly any fault that my citty is not well guarded and fortefited séeing I ordinarily kéepe in pay a great number of Knights and Souldiers who do not neglect their duty and diligence aswell in placing Sentinels and Scouts both by day and night within and without my walles as likewise in maintaining all other things which are requisite for a frontire towne besides euery one may presume that in loosing of it I should most of all be endammaged as being depriued of the principall cittie of my domaine which I will not exchange for any other which you shall offer me in recompence to haue it This is the matter I am come to let you vnderstand hoping to finde some pitty and compassion in a Prince so full of clemencie as you are otherwise I would neuer haue presumed to haue béen so bolde to appeare before your presence assuring my selfe if you cause the charters of your Royaltie to be exactlie looked ouer you shall finde it appertaineth not to you by any vassellage but hath alwaies beene the chiefe citie belonging
brauâ—ly was in so profound a thought calling to minde the happy tune that he purchased so much renown in trauersing the â—eltique Belgicke Gaule that he shewed outwardly some apparent token of gladnes and seeming to be in the Countesse thoughts and to feele the same pleasure which he receiued remembring the perfections of his Lady answered him merrily in this sort My Lorde I foresèe well the paine and trauell which will lie vppon your necke in this charge and howe much courage she giueth you whom you loue so perfectly that in her fauour you enterprise so Knightly an exployt Whereuppon I assure my selfe that beside the praise which shall remaine vnto you shee shall estéeme you much more considering the great hazard into which you expose your owne person But that I may condiscend vnto your request albeit I should bee very sorry if I shoulde accorde you any thing which might turne you to any hurt I grant you fréely to execute your enterprise therein and in all other honest and loudable 〈…〉 of Chiualry Gratious Lord replied the Countie as long as my soule shall dwell in his passible bodie I will alwaies endeuour in all places to manifest the praise of her merite according to the small puissance that it hath pleased God to giue me whollie vowed yea fatally destinated to her seruice when my forces shall not answere my hart which in this respect is mexpugnable I shal augment onely but the number of these who cannot bring their driftes about thanking you in all most humble affection of the fauour which you shewed me in giuing me such licence in your house After these speeches and manie other which they had together the Countie retired himselfe into his lodging whereas soone as he was come he commaunded that on the morrowe they should plant in the place before the Pallace an inclosure which should haue in Diameter and circomference of the Center vnto the ends foure and twentie sethome in latitude and eight and thirtie in longitude which was done with high railes in so sufficient proportion that sixe Knights might easily fight together afront besides hee would haue a doore made hard by where he gaue order to set vp a Tent a Bedde a Kitchin with Offices al which was necessarie for so sumptuous a recreation The next day at Sunne rising be armed himselfe at all points and mounting vpon a double Courser hee came to appeare within the listes where were manie Knights disarmed to kéepe him companie whome he vsed verie magnificently in the feast The first man who came within the listes was the Duke of Drante vassall to the King of Thessalie young in age but lustie and verie skilfull in managing Armes who loued with a singular affection a daâ—nsel his subiect faire and marueilous gracious who finding the doore of the Tilt shutte thrust it open with the great end of his Launce to enter in therefore soone mounted the Earle on horsebacke and taking his sworde in his hand demaunded the Duke whether hee would Iouste or Combat wiâ—â— him I will haue but the Iouste quoth the Duke for that I thinke quicklie to make you confesse her whome I loue to excell in beautie and good grace the Ladie for whome you enterprise an exploit which seemeth to passe your cunning It were a thing almost miraculous replied the Earle if with so great reason as I haue to make good mine enterprise I should be vanquished by the first assailant Saying so they went to campe themselues at the two ends of this place then comming violently to encounter they shiuered both their Launces and dashing one another with their shields they passed brauely the rest of the carriere whereof the Earle was verie sorrie when he cried to his aduersarie Knight take yet one staffe more for the encounter of this first Iouste hauing béene so fauourable vnto you I will see how you will behaue your selfe in the second Then shall bee séene manifestlye the iust occasion I haue to Iouste answered the Duke taking another Launce with the which comming couragiouslye to charge him he mist his blow in striking which the Countie did not but running aright carriere sent him ouer his horse croupper with a tumbling cast downe to the ground Saying with a ioyfull courage An other time venter not with me in the listes if you haue no better reason to combat To that the Duke answered him nothing for hee founde himselfe ashamed to haue voyded the Aâ—son before Francheline his soueraigne Ladie and many other Lords and Knights who beheld them through the Pallace windowes But rising vp he put off gently his Coate of Armes and afterward beeing remounted he departed out of the Tilt-yeard to goe whether it pleased God to conduct him whereof Palmendos had so great remorse because of the vassalage which hee owed vnto the Father of his affianced Ladie that with some apparance of reason hee would haue entred the listes himselfe to haue reuenged him Afterwards there appeared nine or ten Knightes from whome the Countie still carried away the honour and hanbergions So that about Sunne setting when hee retired for that day he felt himselfe verie wearie and ouerpressed with the burthen that he was faine to sustain notwithstanding the iâ—iâ— which rauished his spirites more and more made him forget the dolour and wearines of his members Thether came Arnedes with all the French Knightes to feast him and to kéepe him companie the greatest part of the night where to stay our selues no longer the Earle continued sir whole daies before he was vanquished of anie doing marueils of Armes as well at the Iouste as at the Combat at the sword making great cheare and banquetes to those who visited him whereof the Emperour meruailed much no lesse of his prowesse and valour than of his magnificence and sumptuositie which hee continued vntil the seauenth day following when there came thither two Knightes one whereof tooke awaie within few houres from the Earle all the honour hee had wonne in the former dayes as you shall presently heare CHAP. VII How Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos being departed from Constantinople passed by the Duchy of Bort where Tyrendos vanquished at the Iousts the Knight who kept a passage out of the Cittie for the loue of the Duchesse and what fell out afterward vpon this occasion WEE declared a while since how Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos departed vnknowne from Macedon to go to Constantinople and riding great iournies passed by the Duchy of Bort whereof was Lord an aged and grayheaded father who in his youthfull yeares loued rest and his delights better than the Courtlie life or any millitarie exercise He had two faire Daughters and one Sonne estéemed a verie valiant Knight who against his Fathers will was gone to Constantinople and at his second mariage did this oldman take to wife a verie yong Ladie excéeding his daughters in beautie whereof a rich gentle Knight called Dirdan was much enamoured before and after the Duke
displeased to seperate their Trinity they tooke their iournie strait to Constantinople whereby the Duke was marucylous glad of this Knights abode with him misdoubting nothing that be would lie in ambush for his wises honor who hoping to take some pastime in the amorous chace with her new Parramour made a great deale the better cheare to the Gentlewoman who was cause to retayne him with her â— where wee will leaue them to the liking of their loues to recount what befortuned Belcar and Recindes after they had parted company CHAP. VIII How Belcar and Recindes being arriued in Constantinople vnknowne of any vanquished the County Peter and continued the lawe of his Ioust dooing maruels of Armes and how the Emperour sent Palmendos and Primaleon to know who they were BElcar and Recindes perceiuing the will of Tirendes their companion prayed God to preserue him from all sinister accident then bidding him adien they fell into their way againe wherein riding many dayes iourneys they arriued at the last in Constantinople on a Sunday morning the seanenth day of the Ioust that County Peter enterprised as you may call to minde whereof they heard some newes by the way as they came By meanes wherof they determined before they would make themselues knowne to prooue themselues against him as Knights errant Belcar praid his companion to let him haue the first course which hee willingly graunted albeit hee coulde haue desired to win the honour or shame first himselfe Entring then into the Citty they made directly to the Tilt-yeard where they found the gate fast by reason the County dined then in the company of many Knights with great ioy and sollace as they were accustomed within his Pauilion So that being saint to stay the fit houre they leaued vpon their Launces vntill they sawe the Emperour take his place on the left hande to whome the King of Hungarie who fate at his side begins to say My Lord behold those two â—nights who will I 〈◊〉 how braue they gouerne themselues â—â— horse-backe Truly brother you say well quoth hee I beliue it will doo a man good to see them at the shecke When Belcar perceiued the Emperour whom he had not séene long time before force and courage increased so in his heart that hee purposed to shew this day some pleasure in his house where because his was nourished and brought vp in it from his infancy he knew not King Frisol his father who was with him in company beeing brought from Hungarie thither in his swadling clouts But the Earle séeing the Seigniory Noblesse in the galleries caused forth with his Helmet to be brought and by and by all his strings leathers and buckles to be laced and tyed Then mounting he commaunded the Trumpets and 〈◊〉 to sound and to open the Gate of his repairs Whereinto Belcar being first entred the Earle asked him whether he would Ieust or fight I will quoth the Assailant doo all that I shall know to be necessary but let vs first Ieust to sée what will follow Hauing thus saluted each other they encounter with 〈◊〉 a fury that Belcar lost his 〈◊〉 and the Earle breaking in dashing together the peâ—â—rall and the girths of his horse went mangre his nose to luste his greater and mother but â—â—â— soone got vp againe being greatly ashamed and vexed to loâ—â— an instant the honour he had conqurred in sixe dayes Sir Knight then quoth Belcar I haue wâ—rme your Coats of Armes if I be not giuen to misunderstand in declaring â—â—â— the Lawe of your enterprise According to which you must depart this field which I purpose to garde and defend in my turne as you haue done before me if seene body 〈…〉 not by force of Armes My Habilliament shall I 〈◊〉 giue you answered the County without departing the Tilt 〈◊〉 be not by Martiall exployte performed by you or some other which shall force me to doo it You will séene your 〈…〉 replied Belcar neuerthelesse seeing you will 〈…〉 hathly and con me thanke for she curtesie 〈…〉 which I shew you Then set the Earle foote to stirrup againe and in the meane time the Emperour being greatly astonished at the magnanimity of this Knight said to the King of Hungarie he well knew who he was the two Champions beganne with their swords a terrible and furious skirmish hewing out another in so bruske and strange manner that it terrified the bâ—â— olders to be are them onely For the County through rage and despite which surmounted his reason laid on without feare most desperately But his aduersary who was a little more nimble and could mannage a little better than hée did tiggle his ribbes with such sound flashes which eastly tamed him at length so that being weary to make him languish so much hee 〈…〉 in the ende a fell stroake vppon his Murrion which lâ—ude him in a stonny vpon the bare ground saying Now Knight must you condiscende by force to that whereunto you woulde not accord by your good with a thing surely procâ—â—ding from your rash presumption which make you thinke the honour of Chiualry dwelt onely among Frenchmen At this spectacle and words 〈…〉 the Prince Arnodes and had it not beene through the â—â—disposition of his person and that Philocrista would neuer haue permitted it hee had endossed his Armes to 〈◊〉 the County and his Nation of this reproach In the same paine and choller were all the rest of the French Nobility who séeing they coulde none other remedye listed by Earle Peter from his fall and bare him into his lodging to cause the Surgeons to â—â—ke vnto him and search his wounds Belcar who thought in the 〈◊〉 time what he haâ—â—â— doo tooke the coats of Armes and giuing it to one of his Pages commaunded him to be are it from him and one of his companions to Melissa the King of Hungaries Daughter whom they 〈…〉 all commers it shee would vouchsafe them so 〈…〉 to let them Combat vnder her 〈…〉 And gaue charge more-ouer to the young-man to tell the Emperour and those who were about his Maiestie that whosoeuer would Tourney against him should alwaies finde him ready within the Listes Where if per aduenture hee were vanquished by any of the Assailants the field should remaine tolâ—s companion who should second him therein which they did desire to did in attending the opening of the generall Triumph The Page vnderstanding throughly his Masters will went strait to the Pallace where knéeling before the Empresse hâ—e besought her to showe him which of her Ladies was Melissa King Frisols Daughter wherein beeing by her gratiously certefâ—ed the youth rose vp and with a most lowly reuerence began to say in this manner Madame Melissa the Knight who vanquished Earle Câ—â—â— kisseth the hand of your Excellencie and sendeth you by 〈◊〉 this his spoile the which hee knoweth beséeming your worthines whom he loueth more than any Lady of this company And although he neuer saw you hee assureth himselfe neuerthelesse
shall you neuer vnderstand by my meanes quoth the Spaniard hereof can I well aduertise you that happen to mee what may I will not couch my Launce against you You will tell mee then a reason quoth Arnedes or you shall presently die of my hand Such inhumanitie shall I neuer sée in you replyed Recindes albeit I had no will to desend my selfe By the liuing God said Arnedes hastily you wil constraine me to bée discourteous indéede and therefore at your owne perill be it I can no longer forbeare quoth the Emperour then who heard this controuersie but I must néedes knowe who are these two Knightes nowe in fielde for me thinkes I see none other than the true representation of Belcar and Recindes When he had thus saide he descended with manie Nobles after him and finding the two Combattants yet in dispute the one séeking to knowe why his aduersarie woulde not encounter him the other excusing himselfe that hee might not tell the cause willed Arnedes to goe aside And taking Recindes Horse by the Bridle hee prayed him of all loue that hee woulde satisfie the great desire hee had to knowe him My Lord quoth he I cannot doe it without insâ—â—â—ging my faith therefore I pray you vrge mee not to be perâ—urde Assure you replyed the Emperour you shall neuer sée me depart from hence before I knowe and looke you in the face so that by excuses you may not preuaile Therefore I pray you put off your helmet and thinke in so doing you shall not breake your faith and promise For Gods sâ—ke replied Recindes do not offer to force me in your countries This force will I offer you answered the Emperour for that in my mind it stayneth neither your honor nor mine The Knight in a perplerity not knowing what to say further seeing it was a matter of constraint held his peace and not a word Then Belcar who had verse well heard all the whole circumstance seeing hee coulde no longer conceale himselfe threwe incontinent his helmet to the ground and went to fall on his knees before the Emperour in kissing whose handes her saide My Lord pardon vs if it please you if wee haue not béene so prompt to obey you as your greatnes requires for wee determined at our departure out of Macedon to come vnknowne into this place to exployte before your eyes some honourable attempt wherein you might take some delight pleasure Notwithstanding seeing wee are frustrate of one intention hauing perfourmed nothing worthie to giue you contentment it is the verie reason why wee dissembled our selues vnto your Maiestie of whom both the one and the other of vs two reputeth himselfe a most happie man to haue receaued so great honour Ah my deare friends quoth the Emperour then you be exceeding welcome into my Court wherein I may well assure my selfe cannot be founde two Knighte in whom can be found so much anâ—â—rosity as in you onely but tell mee I pray you whether the King my most honourable Father will come speedily vnto this Cittie My Lord answered Belcar I am sure it wil not be a wéeke before he arriue here For he was readie to depart when I entreated him to let vs goe before to bring you newes thereof The Emperour maruellous ioy full of this aunswere turning himselfe with a laughing countenance towardes the King of Hungarie saying to him Brother receaue to you Belcar your Sonne whose vertues and good manners make him so amiable that euery braue man of good iudgment wold be to him in steede of a Father in this behalfe As the Dominators of Greece spake these words Belcar falling vppon his knees kissed honourably his Father King Frisols hand who embraced him with great loue the trickling teares standing in his eyes and at length the French Prince seeing his Cosen Recindes in face ranne vnto him with open Armes to giue him the accolladâ—e and could not almost speake for extreame gladnes which seazed his heart in recognising him Which the Spaniard perceauing alighted quickly from his Horse to embrace him and after they had shewed manie familiar louing cherrishings one to another he went to doe his dutie to the Emperour who receaued him most ioyfullie as did likewise all the â—eigneurs and Barrons of the Court whereof the greatest part esteemed themselues verie happie if they might come next to offer them the gentle welcome and if all the beholders were very glad of this sodaine and inexpected ioy whereof euerie one had a good share that of Pinedes was so abundant that it could not be expressed hauing seene him perfourme the valiant and famous acts which you haue to fore vnderstood Then tooke the Emperour Recindes by the hande and the King of Hungarie his Sonne Belcar whome they lead straite to the Pallace where beeing disarmed they went honourably to kisse the Empresse hand who entertayned them with most kinde spéeches During which Melissa who heard them by the only instinct of the vnspeakeable ioy which she felt in minde reuested in the superficies of her face such a naturall beautie that it was an admirable thing to behold Full well did the two knights marke it when they came to doe reuerence to Philocrista Francheline and to her who represented the third Goddesse So that thinking her selfe thrice happie to haue bin knowne worthie the presents of two worthy and excellent Princes embraced many times her brother Belcar amiably Neuerthelesse with more than a singuler affection and without any meane as it falleth out manie times to those who are striken with the same Dart that shee was shee entertained Recindes her loyall and perfect louer And beleeued firmely by that which her Brother sent her when the youngman brought her the first coate of Armes that shee knewe indéede the whole discourse of their secretes wherein she found great consolation shewing oftentimes to her louer by many signes gratious aspects and other duâ—â—â— Embassages of loue what was her intention which Recindes did the like for his part toward her In this meane time Belcar was busie in beholding the extreame beautie of Franchâ—line whereof he was greatly astonished not without thinking Palmendos a most happie man to haue won so much honour in winning her for his wife And albeit hee was well contented with Alderine the onely Lady of his heart yet hee could haue wished to haue had this for his Mistresse which passion could not be so well dissemble but in embracing Palmendos hee must néedes tell him in smiling manner Truely Sir it was for my great good I was not present at the bridge of Carderie when you arriued there for obtayning nowe so caste victorie of me what would you haue done when your heart was so much pricked forwarde to purchase so rich a treasure as Francheline is No marueile then if you haue shewed that prowesse vpon me which euerie man hath manifestly knowen in you seeing before your eyes a beautie sufficient to make able the most coward and faint harted knight that
this manner he began to be very angry iudging presently that he came to continue the accusation which Valido began therefore he answered him thus Tell your Master againe from me that when I shall grant him the assurance which he demaundeth at my handes it shall hee but to chastlye him for his prowde and arrogant spéeches which are more vsed in Giants mouthes than in any other persons being often cause they worke their owne ruine and confusion therein Then spake diuers Barrons who were there present Sir vnder reuerence of your Maiesty 〈…〉 vnto vs that this 〈◊〉 by no meanes to bee 〈…〉 say so 〈◊〉 in that of the Bohemian Prince all the words 〈◊〉 manifestly the truth of the matter from the false and 〈…〉 which he presented 〈…〉 of Perriquin So that you shoulde rather 〈…〉 of Lurcon than to accord him any 〈…〉 appearance of truth In the meane 〈◊〉 whilst this was bruied through the Court Primaleon returned from 〈◊〉 who woondreâ— greatly to heare such a marmuring stirre whereof when he heard the occasion hee waxed a little angrie as euery one might 〈◊〉 by these wordes which 〈…〉 to his Father I woonder 〈…〉 that you 〈…〉 who hath 〈…〉 you wil cleane 〈…〉 opinion of your Knights who séeme to haue feare of a beast beeing an enemie to God wherein I beseech you of your especiall sauour that you will suffer rather your Sonne to dye than she least act of cowardize should bee reproched and 〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉 Giue 〈…〉 permission to haue Combat with mee and to all those hereafter who shall came to 〈◊〉 mee vppon 〈…〉 will 〈…〉 as him who neuer thought to him offended 〈…〉 will The Emperour 〈…〉 and that 〈…〉 Which when the Giant vnderstande because it was alreadie late would in no wise that Euening goe a short but beeing made priuse of all that which hapned in the Pallace vpon this sodaine did but laugh and make a scotte thereat saying that if Primalcon did shew himselfe hardie and of great courage if would stand him in good stéede on the more 〈◊〉 before the conflict was ended so that to prouoke him the more and to the end he should not saile to enter the field with him hee sent his Squier backe incontinent with a letter of destance which be wrote with great expedition to this effect A Letter of Defiance vvritten by the Giant Lurcon to Primalcon of Greece TO thée Primalcon of Grecce the most soolish and cowardly defender of Cournyes the Giant Lurcon Sonne to Dermaquus who will eternize his renowne by thy death sendeth this destance for so much as the 〈◊〉 hauing fauoured thée so much as to make thée he borne of Noble and Royal blood thou hast stayned that famous marks of nature beside all the reputation which thou maiest her â—aster 〈◊〉 in military discipline beginning thy â—â—ertise by a most absurd dishonour able and villanous murder I meane by the death of the gentle Knight Porrequin of Dâ—â—s Son to the 〈…〉 king of Poland whom thou â—â—e west felloniously in the Turney which then heldest at the marriage of thy sister where he would faine be present the more to honour her 〈…〉 myselfe thou shalt not dare to denie to confesse manifestly the â—reason but that thou hast shamefullie and 〈…〉 massacred him vnder the pretence of the assuraunce which thou gauest to all commers Wherein I know not what excuse thou mayest pretend except it be a spâ—die and liberall offer to giue in recompence and satisfaction of his life the dead of him who hath committed so disloyall an ouersight The which I am now come to fetch to offer it vp vnto her who remendeth vengeaunce therefore aduising thee that when with thy good wil thou wouldest not consent to so iust and reasonable a thing I hope to constraine thée by force of Armes if thou hast so much courage as to enter the close field with me there to trie it out by single combat So soone as this Destance was quickly read ouer by Primaleon hee returned to the Squire who brought the 〈◊〉 whome verie â—oughâ—â—â— and in great choller hee aâ—nswered that if it had not beene so late hee woulde verie willing hir haue Combatted his Master that â—ight without any longer attendaunce Wherevppon the Emperour his Father gaue him aduise by 〈…〉 reasons that though are not to bee done vppon a hotte spurre 〈…〉 should bee the best way to see a little what the Giant woulde say further But the Empresse and her Daughters beeing troubled without measure by the remembrance thereof could not all that night once close their eyes to take a little 〈◊〉 And â—â— lesse was the inconuenient of the 〈…〉 which did importunately 〈◊〉 and trouble the Emperours spirke quite contrarie to Primaleons who for all that did not forbeare his slépe neuer a whitte the more but tooke his rest well enough as her that before 〈…〉 Anninâ— himselfe verie strongly 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 morning beeing as merrie and 〈◊〉 not if heâ— should haue gone but to 〈…〉 for she 〈…〉 of soone amiable Ladie But the Giant assoone as the day appeared went a shoâ—re and mounting vpon a strong and mightie 〈◊〉 armes at aâ— poâ—â—tes except his head tooke his way with his people toward the Cittie where by reason of the brute of the arriuall of this 〈…〉 which was alreadye spreade abroade euerie where bothe little and great came about him to â—â— him so that â—â—â—ing maruelously 〈…〉 of the sight of his person they prayde vnto God that he wold succour giue their Prince victorie against him the same did in like maner the knights of the court who were in great doubt of Primaleons life séeing before them so deformed and huge an aduersarie neuerthelesse the Emperour who was accustomed to talke with such Coloâ—â—es and skarbabes beeing but lumpes of flesh without any 〈◊〉 of spirite or bodie made light account of him and woulde willinglie haue accepted she Combat â—â—nsesse to haue â—ased his Sonne Primaleonâ— But as he discoursed thus with himselfe beholâ— Luâ—con 〈◊〉 before him who beginneth with this abrupâ—e spéech to him aâ—owde Emperour of Constantinople I rather with thy ruine than that of any other man who liueth vnder the celestiall Globe for that thou slewest â—oth my Father and Brother two the verie flowers of Chiualrie whereby I haue euer since seâ—â— an 〈◊〉 anguish in my heart because I coulde neuer finde any meane to be reuenged of so cruel an homiride Notwithstanding séeing God hath now opened 〈◊〉 the waie I hope soone to 〈…〉 with me vpon 〈…〉 and a â—reason which I stand vppon to make him 〈…〉 before he escape my handi◠〈…〉 Knight quoth Primaleon I am resolued to fight 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 which thou 〈…〉 to reuenge his death without giuing thée any reason how or wherefore I â—lew him â— séeing I haue giuen to him account sufficient alreadie who â—ot willing â—â— content himselfe therwith I haue made him buy the refusall deare as I hope to pay shée for the paine which