with him into England where he founde the Countrey very much desolated with warres to his no little greefe but leaue we them and returne to Palmeâ—in CHAP. XLII Of the great courtesie the King of Fraunce vsed to Trineus and Palmerin and of their returne into Allemaigne SO dilligently were Palmerins woundes attended which he had receiued by the hand of Frysol as not long after hee recouered his health whereof the King and Prince Lewes were highly glad and much more Trineus to whoÌ„e the King desired to giue his Daughter Lucemania in marriage which to compasse hée intended a sumptuous banquet whereto hee woulde inuite these twaine yet first he would acquaint the Quéene therewith and therefore began the matter with her thus I see Madame that our Daughter Lucemania is of yéeres sufficient for a Husband and because I euermore desired her highest preferment and that I would knâ—w if the Prince Trineus to whom I could wish she were espoused were anie thing in loue that waie affected for hardlie in my iudgment shall we finde a greater Lord béeing heyre to the famous Emperour of Allemaigne for this intent I say will I ordaine a banquet whereto hee and noble Palmerin shall bee inuited and our Daughter to beare them company in yâ— best sorte you can deuise The Quéene who more desired this marriage then the King her Husbande aunswered You doubt not my Lord that I request her chéefest aduantage wherefore let it be as you haue determined and shee shall be present as you haue appointed This matter thus procéeding two daies after were Trineus and Palmerin called to this banquet and to honour them the more the King caused his Sonne Lewes with a braue companie of Knightes and Gentlemen to conduct them into the Pallace where they were royallie receiued by the King and Quéene and so led vppe into the Chamber appointed for their banquet After they had washed the King caused Trineus to sitte by him and Palmerin against him aboue whom sat faire Lucemania his Daughter béeing placed iust opposite to yâ— Prince Trineus the Quéene to furnish the Table satte downe by the King And albeit nature had bestâ—wed on yâ— Princesse most exquisite beautie yet her sumptuous accoustrâ—ments made her appeare most amiable but all coulde not mooue the hart of Trineus to forget her to whose shrine hee was dedicated The banquet ended and yâ— Tables withdrawne Trineus daunced with the fayre yong Princesse courting her with manie honest decent spéeches which made Lucemania suppose he loued her but the Prince noted it well enough albeit his affections were bound to English Agriola In this time the other Ladies were conferring of Palmerins knightlie valour when the Countie of Armignac his Sonne intreating the Duke of Orleaunce Daughter to daunce was thus staied by her spéeches to yâ— other Ladies You sée faire Ladies quoth shee that Palmerin hath misprized our beauties to reuenge our iniurie let vs all fall vppon him and shut him in some place where hee may neuer come foorth for if he escape vs the Allemaigne Ladies shall beare the honor from the French which will bee to vs perpetuall discredite These wordes she spake with such a pleasant countenaunce as mooued all the other Ladies to smile whereupon the Duchesse of Burgundie answered In sooth it is necessarie we should doo so and let vs not suffer him to gette out of our handes so easilie as he did from the Knights that came to the Combat All the companie lyked this motion well but the King said Ladies I will not consent that Palmerin shall haue anie wronge because I haue taken him into my guarde And who shall make recompence quoth another Ladie for the wrong hee hath doone vs You ought to suffer for satis-faction saide yâ— King and bee glad that you had the meane to sée the best Knight in the world for mine owne part I promise you I rest so contented Palmerin hearing the King so commende him bashfullie thus aunswered Alas my Lorde there is no such matter in me as pleaseth your Maiesty to report but what my abilitie is it remaines to doo you seruice accounting my selfe more then happy by comming to your Courte to haue knowledge of a Prince so noble and vertuous and no man liuing next my Lord the Emperour that maie commauÌ„de me more then your highnes Among other speeches yâ— King broke the matter of his Daughters marriage to Palmerin desiring him to labour in the cause to Trineus which hee promised but al in vain for after they had taken their leaue to returne towards Allemaigne though Palmerin was earnest in the matter in respecte of the beautie and nobilitie of the Princesse as for the support he might haue by matching with the Daughter of Fraunce yet Trineus thus answered I thanke you my Lord for the good you wish mee as also the honour the King affoordes mee but another beyond her whose renowne hath conquered me is Lady and Mistresse of my affections And because you are hee frâ—m whom I will not hide my most secrete thoughts know that it is Agriola Daughter to the King of England to whom though my Father be an enemie yet by your aide mine owne good endeuours I doo not doubt to compasse my loue You knowe my Lord quoth Palmerin that I wish as wel to you as mine owne hart and when occasion serues tryall shall make manifest And séeing you haue fixed your loue on faire Agriola of England imparting likewise the same so confidently to me I am perswaded you coulde neuer make a better choise therefore let nothing chaunge your opinion Thus rode they on with manie sundrie spéeches not a little gladde they were returning to the Emperour but Palmerin much more then was Trineus for the desire hee had to sée his Ladie Polinarda wherefore with the consent of the Prince he sent a Squire before to aduertise the Emperour of their comming before whom he had no sooner doone reuerence but he was presentlie knowne and demaunded in what estate his Son Trineus and Palmerin were where he had left them what accideÌ„ts had happened in Fraunce Then the Squire rehearsed the Combats and victories of his Maister against the Princes of Fraunce and the Dukes of Gaule Sauoye with their royall entertainment by the King and his Sonne howe manie portraits of Ladies Palmerin had conquered with the whole discourse of euerie action Whereof the Emperour the Empresse and all the Lords Ladies were maruailous glad yet was not theyr ioy comparable to the Princesse Polinardas hearing the Squire reueale the honourable déedes of her loue so that her conceit might be discerned by her couÌ„tenance needes she must thus demaunde of the Squire I praie thée tell me my Fréende howe fares my Lord and Brother with his noble companion Sir Palmerin The Squire wel abuised because he knewe the loue betwéene her and his Maister sette his knee to the grounde againe with this aunswere I left the Prince your Brother accompanied with
of Norvvay his Nephewe CHAP. XLV Howe the Armie of the emperour of Allemaigne arriued in England vnder the conducte of the Countie Tolano and howe they were discomfited REhearsed it hath béene alreadie how the Emperor of Allemaigne promised yâ— Messenger of Norwaye to sende his Maister the ayde of tenne thousand men at Armes of whome the Countie Tolano was made General and they arriued in England without any resistance The Countie vnderstanding by his auaunt coureâ—s the order of the Enemies Armie and where the King of Norway was encamped raunged his men in good order and marched toward their Forte which the King had made in the Duchie of Gaulâ— and which he had destroyed during the time the Duke was in Fraunce hauing there fortifyed the strongest Cittie and the Hauen that stood best for their commoditie Crenus at his returne with Frisol as you haue hearde vnderstanding the spoile of his Countrie assembled his people togeather and with the ayde of the King of England came within a dayes iourney of his enemies The Countie Tolano hearing thereof appointed his men in seuerall companies and the next daie gaue such sharpe skirmishes to yâ— Gaulles as they were coÌ„strained to kéepe within their defences Héereuppon the Duke determined to bid them battaile and to helpe him in his attempt hee caused an ambush of a thousand light Horsemen to place theÌ„selues in a Forrest néere adioyning of which companie Frisol was the leader and to prouoke the Norwayes to the field he sent out certaine men at Armes well prouided who scouted héere and there to the ende the Allemaignes who had béene so hote the daie before should be compassed with the secrete ambush which fel out according to Crenus his expectation For so soone as the Allemaignes saw the Englishmen so scattered they dislodged themselues and followed them with the whole Armie of the King of Norway because they were perswaded yâ— they tooke themselus to flight but yâ— Gaulles not dismayed with their comming béeing but foure thousande Horse and tenne thousand footemen came valiantlie against the Allemaigne Ensignes and then began a verie fierce encounter but the Englishmen wise pollitique fearing mis-fortune came on with their reregard towards the Forrest where the ambush lay when the King of Norway ignoraunt of their intent suddainlie made after them with the greatest part of his power but they had a worsse welcome then they expected for yâ— Englishmen aduertised what they should doo gathered vppon the Forrest side charging their enemies with such a sharpe assault as in lesse spacâ— then an howre two thousand of them were slaine Frysol perceiuing the time was come to show himselfe calling his squadron togeather cryed Upon theÌ„ valiantly my fréends the spoyle is ours So entred they pel mel amâ—ng yâ— Allemaignes making such slaughter of theÌ„ as was wâ—nderful to behold for albeit they thought not of this deceit they were so ouerwearied with dalliance as when they cam to the exploit they could doo nothing but were slaine downe right such valour shewed Frysol his fresh supplie forcing them to flight and they following them béeing glad to take the Cittie of Tomar which was stronglie fortefied Which wheÌ„ the King of Norway perceiued he staied not long after theÌ„ because he sawe it was not best for him and therefore fled after them for companie at the hard héeles and got the Cittie in good time els had they all perrished Thus remained Crenus Maister of the fielde and following his successe the next daie begiâ—t the Cittie of Tomar with siedge swearing neuer to depart thence till hee sawe the Cittizens eyther through the Eates or the walles Yet had this courage of his béene soone cooled if Frysol like a good Captaine had not cherished vp his men when Crenus at one saillie of the enemie lost two thousand men and therefore saide Why howe nowe my louing Fréendes and companions wil you flye or faint at the hower of good fortune desire you not to purchase the vertue so highlie estéemed know you not that you deale with people halfe conquered and altogeather dyscouraged courage then my Brethren courage and let vs not exchange our reputation with their feare and faynting you giue mee double strength good Fréendes if but wyth good countenaunce you will make them know what cowardlie crauens they are Follow me braâ—e Englishmen and this very daie will we giue them punishment as their treason and rebellion hath well deserued These words renewed eache ones courage meruailously so that the Duke with a fresh supply beganne againe thus to annimate them You knowe my good Fréends that although we are but a handful in respect of them what successe we haue alreadie had in our encounters so that with greater ease may wee nowe conquere weakening them so mightily as wee haue doone let vs not dismay then but witnes that the worst manne amongst vs is more valiant and hardie in Armes then the greatest Lord that is in their companie eache man therefore cherrish his hope and bearde our enemies to the very téeth The daie following the enemie came foorth at a posterne Gate and held the Dukes power very good playe and the Norwayes very well appoynted with Bowes and arrowes gauled the Horsse so cruelly as they were glad to take their Campe wherupon the Countie Tolano in hope of the daie followed vpon them with his Allemaigne courtlaces which Frysol perceiuing mette him in the face with his English squadron and giuing the spurres to his Horse ran with his Launce quite thorow his bodie whereat the Allemaignes much amazed when they saw their Generall fall dead from his Horse determined valiantly to reuenge his death but Frysol and his men dealt with them so round lie as the stoutest was glad and faine to make them waie Yet had they hemde in Frysol with such a troupe as if the Duke had not spéedilie come with reskewe they had taken him and then began the sharpest bickering for the Duke of Gaule and Frysol with their men so bestirred them as the Allemaignes cleane discouraged beganne to disorder themselues and with the Norwayes fled to the Cittie so fast as they coulde where Frysol his men had entered but that the King of Norway not daring to come into the fielde was there with men sufficient to resist his entrie Thus remained the victory to the Duke of Gaule by the braue pollicies of Frysol and his men he béeing generally commended of the Armie and thus retired the Allemaignes Norvvayes to their shame and dishonor After the retrait sounded by the King of Norway hee sent to the Duke to demaunde truce for foure and twentie howres that they might burye the dead among whom was the Countie Tolano which beeing graunted him he caused the Counties bodie to bee embalmed who by the counsell of his Lorde and Captaines was sent home into his Country The King and his company secretlie in the night embarqued themselues to ioyne with the King of Scots who expected his
Lord matched not with you the greatest Princesse in Europe would not triumph in his loue Yes certainly Madam when you may at leysure sit downe recount your 〈◊〉 which you sustained by flatterers parâ—sites Think what will be the danger after our departure the Emperour his father not minding to pocâ—â—t the losse of his late armie will send such a puissaunt strength into England as the King your father nor 〈◊〉 duke your husband that must be wil scant excuse yâ— who le ruine of this country The mean to preuent this mishap and assure your continual tranquilitie is in entertaining the counsell I haue giuen you where otherwise your selfe conceit makes way to manifold misfortunes dangers Thus concluding his spéeches in great heauines he turned from her wherat the Princesse inwardly gréeued for the Ring which he had giuen her was of such vertue that after she had put it on her finger shee was wonderfully affected toward Trineus as she could not thinke on any other wherfore in this sudden change and trembling with the doubtful conceit of her owne spirit she called Palmerin to her thus answering Alas my Lord and only comfort in these heauy passions what feare hath these hard and rigorous spéeches brought me into It is very true that folowing the counsell of yong Ladies like my selfe I haue béene perswaded to cast off the Princes loue accounting him but a simple knight errant but now being assured of his nobility loialty and great gentlenesse that he would not request as I hope any thing contrary to vertue and honor I beléeue what you haue said submit my selfe to your discretion as willing to obey any thing you shall commaund me Yet this I must request that aboue all things mine honour may be defended for rather would I suffer mine own losse for euer then this famous realme or my father should be any way endangered Beléeue me Lady quoth Palmerin if thus you continue you may wel venture to gain this generall benefit for henceforth there will none be so hardy as to molest your father with warre hauing matched his daughter with the great Emperours sonne of Allemagne To confirme this promise you shall giue me this swéete hand which I kisse as the hand of the soueraigne Lady Empresse of high Allemaigne that you will not shrinke hereafter froÌ„ this honorable determination but for your owne regard you must conceale this contract from your most trustie friends and dispose in such sort of your selfe for I hope to compasse the meane and opportunitie that you shal leaue England and go to the noble regions of your worthy Lorde and husband What I haue promised sayd Agriola I will performe and with what spéede you shall thinke conuenient albeit I repose such trust in you that hauing béene so fortunate hitherto in your interprises you wil be carefull in accomplishing these daungerous intentions Thus before they departed the mariage of Trineus and Agriola was concluded and because they would not as then bee suspected they stept into the daunce next the yong prince shewing very amiable pleasant gestures which Trineus in his often turning diligeÌ„tly noted imagining that Palmerin had not so long conferred with his Lady but some assured resolutioÌ„ was determined yet he dissembled his inward ioies so cunningly as he could Ech eie was fixed on these two braue knights the Ladies and Gentlewomen perswading themselues that they neuer beheld more noble personages deseruing like estimation for their special chiualrie as also for their bountie and Courtly â—iuilitie Thus passed the feast in all kinde of pleasures and these two Knights withdrawing themselues into their chamber Palmerin discoursed to Trineus his talk with Agriola and how he had with such cunning pursued the matter that in the end be obtained what he demaunded reporting the gentle conclusion hee made with the Princesse These ioyfull newes droâ—e the prince into such a quandarie as he could not expresse his secret content wherefore Palmerin awaking him out of his musing said As I am true knight I neuer thought yâ— a man of your estate could be of so slender courage What countenance woulde you vse in a matter of sorrow when such dainty tidings make you so effeminate Be of good chéere man Agriola is your owne and none but Trineus must bee her Lorde and husband I must confesse my lord said Trineus that my behauior but little beséemes my calling but yâ— cause therof is that I know no desert in my selfe yâ— may be estéemed worthy yâ— least fauor of my Lady Beside these newes brought me such special contentmeÌ„t as I am no longer mine own but in her onely I liue and shée holdes the ballanâ—â— of my daunger or felicity in that I was borne to be her â—eruant But now I desire you my Lord séeing the occasion offereth itself we hinder it not by any negligence for if now we loose the fauour of the time we neuer I feare shal recouer the like therefore let vs so soone as we can proâ—â—dâ— al things ready for our departâ—â—e Refer that to me quoth Palmerin be you as ready as I shall make prouision The next day he went to the maister of a ship to knowe when time would serue for their secret departure who answered him that the time was then very conuenient the winde seruing prosperously and the Sea calme and nauigable and he would furnish him with all necessaries for his passage Quoth Palmerin sée that your men and all things be in readines yâ— we may launch away vpon halfe an houres warning So departed the maister about his busines and Palmerin to the prince Trineus whom he informed with these glad tydings now nothing remaining but to know the princesse pleasure â—he being 〈◊〉 wiâ—e as ready to depart as yâ— most forward But quoth Palmerin how shall we safely get you foorth of the Court I will sayd the Princesse this night feigne my selfe sicke and for my greater quiet cause my Ladyes to absent my Chamber and so secretly will I escape disgâ—â—sâ—d to the 〈◊〉 gate of the Pallace which is not far from my todging wherto I may passe vnséene of any and from thence go with you saâ—â—ly to the Hauen This practise was faithfully concluded betwéene them and Agriola withdrewe her selfe closely to her chamber where at night she began her câ—uÌ„terfeit sicknesse commanding her Ladyâ—â— to 〈◊〉 hâ—r alone because â—he 〈…〉 Her Ladyes little thinking of 〈…〉 went to their owne lodgings very peâ—siue and sorowful which Agriola perceiuing couered her self with her night mantle and came to the place where the Knights staid her comming Palmerin taking hir vnder his arme conuaied hir in that maner to the princes chaÌ„ber where they altogither laid downe the order for their embarking Trineus extolling his happy fortune séeing his Lady so ready to accomplish his desire They arming themselues and taking with them the princesse costly iewels wherof she had plentifully stored her self they came to the hauen where they fouÌ„d
shee sawe before her eyes woulde often times haue cast her selfe into the raging waters At length the tempest ouer-passed they discryed an Island wheretâ— with the helpe of theyr Oares they coasted shrouding them selues vnder the sides of an highe mountainâ— and although the place séemed casuall yet there they determened to caâ—tâ— Anker vntill the Seas were more calme and quiet Bâ—ing thus vnder the lée and defended from the winde with the hâ—ge Râ—cke Palmerin came vp on the haâ—ches to sée what iudgement he could make of the Island aâ—d so delectable thâ— country seemed vnto him as he was desirous to go on shore taking his Faulcon on his fist that was giuen him in England so with no other defence but his Sworde he went to viewe the soyle not suffering any body to beare him coÌ„pany Trineus and Agriola perswaded him to the contrary but all would not serue for the scituation of the Countrey pleased him so well as he walked on in great contentation not minding to returne againe to the ship till toward the euening Chap. LXV How Trineus Agriola Ptolome and all their Mariners were taken by the Turkes after that Palmerin was gone to viewe the Island THe Historie reporteth that while Palmerin was thus absent there arriued foure or fiue Turkish Gallies who likewise glad to shun the tempesteous weather cast Anker néere to Trineus ship and séeing no bodye on the decke of this strange vessel because fearing no harm they were all at rest they enuironed it about and hauing boorded it the Captaine of the Turks called to them saying What are yée asléepe within that ye let vs boord ye without any resistance by the reuerence of our gods we shal awake yée but litle to your ease So came the Souldiours on boorde after theyr Captaine who put the Pilote the Maister and many of the Marriners to the Sword sparing none but such as they pleased to ransome Then searching the Cabins they â—ound Trineus Agriola and Ptolome whom they tooke prisoners by reason they were vnarmed as also somewhat sicklye after theyr roughe passage This rouing Captaine or Pyrate named Olimael noting the singuler beautie of Agriola commaunded her to be â—arryed on boord his Galley When the Princesse sawe her selfe so hardly handeled and that her Lorde was prisoner with these villainous Moores so that perforce they must abandon one another she brake foorth into pitifull acclamations and looking on her husband thus spake Ah my Lord how hard straunge is this fortune haue we escaped a tempest so daungerous now to fall into this mercilesse extremitie Oh that you and Sir Ptolome had béene Armed that these Moores might haue bought our liues with the sword but despightfull chaunce hath 〈◊〉 thwarted vs as no meanâ— is left to preuent our perill Ah Palmerin how gréenous iâ—â—hine absence and how displeasaunt will our mishap bee to thée how much would thy valour now auaile vs being vtterly destitute of any succour or refuge I knowe our mishap will so offend â—hée as I feare thou wilt vse some outragâ— on thy selfe With these words shée fell downâ— among them in a dead traunce the sight whereof so enraged Trineus and Ptolome as snatching weapons out of the Moores handes they layde about them so lustily that in short time they had â—laine halfe a score of them But vnable were they to conâ—â—nd against so many wherefore being taken againe they were bounde so cruelly with cordes and chaines as renâ—e their tender and delicate flesh in many places and being so conueyed into an other Galley theyr Squires likewise prisoners with them the Moores tooke what they pleased out of the Shippe and when they had done set it on fire Then presently they weyed Anchor and launching away made haste least any reskewe should followe them so that quickly they losse the sight of the Islande and Olimael comming to sée Agriola assaied by many meanes to asswage her heauinesse embracing her in his armes and promising her great â—icheâ— if shée would be paciâ—â—ed But 〈◊〉 his spéeches were in vaine for shée séeing the Moore imbrace her with angry 〈…〉 like a Lyon enraged caught him by the haire and the throat saying Thou villaine Dogge thinkest thou I take any delight in thy company How darest thoâ— traitourlye théeâ—e lay hande on mee And so roughly did shâ— struggle with Olimael as if his men had not assisted him shée had strangled him notwithstanding hée tooke all patiently perswading himselfe that by gentle speeches smooth â—latterings and large promises hée should in time win her to his pleasure So came he forth of the cabin with his throat and face brauely painted with Agriolaes nayles washing away the bloud which made comely circles about his phisnoâ—ie then called he the Captaines and chiefe of his companie willing them to share the bootie among them and hée would haue nothing but the Princesse for his parte for he was so inueigled with the beautie of his prisoner as he had no delight but onely in beholding her In this manner then he bestowed his prisonners Trineus he gaue to one of his 〈◊〉 and Ptolome to a Knight that seruâ—d the Soldâ—â—â— of 〈…〉 hee gaue among thâ— common 〈◊〉 But when the Prince sawe hée must néedes leaue his Ladye and each man would carye his prysoner whether him pleased his gréefe for his wife and sorrowe for his friendes I leaue to your iudgement as not â—able to â—ée expressed Yet some hope of comfort hée reposed in Palmerin thaâ—by his meanes 〈◊〉 escaped theyr hands he should get againe Agriola else was there no waye lefte to helpe him Ptolome who déerely loued the Prince before they parted thus began Why how now my Lorde where is your woonted prudence and disâ—â—etion Where is that constant magâ—â—nimitie which in so many fortunes héeretofore you vsed what is it lost or haue you forget it What meane ye will ye be subiect to passions as a weake effeminate person You that are sprung from the most auncient noble and generous race of Christendome esteemed for a most couragâ—ous and vertuous Knight will you â—ée driuen into these sad and desolate â—pinions What then would a Turke Moore or barbarous Myrâ—â—don doo in like afflictions when he yâ— hath assurance of his God and knows that all persecutions fortunes and mishaps are prooues of his fidelitie and the meanes to attaine eternal quiet shewes thâ—se vndutifull behauiors as though he had lost all meanes of hope and comforte If the body be afflicted let the spirite be animated and armed with patience against all infirmities of the flesh Leaue these soft countenances for Women and if you will not perswade your selfe that these troubles happen for the encreasing of our ioye it maye bée the meanâ— that God will forsake vs. Then neyther feare or dispayrâ— I praye you for he that suffered vs to fall into these Moores handes both can and will deliuer vs againe As for your Lady Agriola doubt not of her vnconquerable loyalty for shée hath in
Christians so weake as the day was like to prooue dangerous and dismall For the Prince Gamezio was estéemed one of the best Knights through all Asia and that daie hee behaued himselfe so roughlie amongst the Christians as sooth to say they were enforced to retire towardes the Cittie Which when the Emperour behelde who remained with no great strength to defend the Cittie he was not a little gréeued to sée his men turne their backs on their enemies and disperse themselues in such fearefull and dysmaying sorte But Florendos and the Prince Caniano vsed such meanes as they got them soone in aray againe and returned on the enemie with a fresh and hardie charge Tarisius shewed himselfe verie valiaunt aduenturous stryuing by all the meanes he could to equall the Prince Florendos who that daie gaue testimonie of most rare exploits so these thrée noble Gentlemen past from rancke to ranck sending all to the earth that durst withstande them Gamezio séeing his menne so bloodilie slaughtered on euerie side méeting with Tarisius woulde take reuenge on him deliueâ—ring him such a cruell stroke on the heade with his sword as downe he fell to the grounde so astonished as his enemie might euen then haue slaine him and so hee had doone but for the Prince Florendos who séeing the Moore auauncing himselfe on his Styrrops to reach a full stroke at Tarisius on the ground lifted him quite out of his saddle with his Launce and bare him so rudelie therewith to the earth as breaking his necke with the fal he gaue vppe the ghost When the Moores behelde Gamezâ—o their General slaine and the Christians make such 〈…〉 harts fayling them to make further resist 〈…〉 towards their Ships when had not the 〈…〉 them not one had escaped death or taken 〈◊〉 notwithstanding the greatest part were put to the sworde diuers making hast to get awaie by boates were drowned in the Sea and manie of account brought backe prisoners thus with victorie returned the Emperours power to the Cittie So manie of the Moores as escaped to theyr shyps béeing not a little glad they were so farre from their enemies sette sayle and returned towardes the Soldane to whom they declared the summe of theyr mis-fortune as also the death of his Sonne Gamezio which â—idinges made him well nye mad with rage and anger But béeing old and crazed with sicknesse he could not goe in person to reuenge his death which made him vowe and sweare that so soone as his other Sonne came to yéeres to beare Armes he wold sende him with such a puissant strength as easilie he should destroy the Emperour his Countrie in the meane time he sent the raunsome to redéeme them that were taken prisoners where we will leaue the Soldane and returne to Caniano and the other Princes who béeing nowe come againe to the Cittie the Emperour hauing hearde the worthie seruice Florendos had doone that same day and how he had receiued some fewe daungerous woundes in the battaile sent for him in all haste that might bee to his Pallace because his owne Chirurgions and Phisitions shoulde haue care of him So was Florendos brought very honourablie to the Pallace and conducted to a Chamber beséeming hys estate where the Empresse and Griana came presentlie to visite him to whom the Prince Caniano recounted howe Tarisius had béene slaine by Gamezio but that Florendos stepped betwéene his death and him but quoth hee the Moore excused Tarisius for in my presence he gaue his laste farewell to this world so that nowe we may saie the victorie is ours albeit before it hunge in hard suspence While Caniano continued these and such like spéeches Griana cast manie a swéete looke on the Prince Florendos and hee aunswered his obiect with the selfe same messengers of hys hart thus contented they their seuerall passions with such modest and vertuous regarde as none present could suspect their secrete meaning The Empresse and her Daughter courteouslie taking their leaue Florendos and his Chirurgions we leaue a while togeather they to apply medicines to his woundes and he the remembraunce of his Mistresse to his hart On the morrowe the Emperour with his nobilitie rode foorth of the Cittie to sée the slaughtered bodies among whom they founde Gamezio who was easily known by the richnes of his Armour which Caniano caused to bée taken from the deade bodie and brought to Florendos as the deserte of his trauaile when the Emperour himselfe the more to honour him made present thereof to Florendos at his returne with these spéeches My noble Cozin by your valour and Knightlie prowesse haue I had the vpper hand of nune enemies may I but liue to requite thy good desarts I shall account my selfe happie and fortunate notwithstanding account of me as thy Kinsman and continual fréende and bee there ought in my power shall like thée to demaunde on the faith of a King I vowe to giue it thee Florendos most humblie thanked the Emperor as well for the great honour he did him as also for his large bountifull promise wheron he builded so assuredlie as he almost accounted faire Griana for his owne who with the Empresse her Mother came dailie to visite him by which meanes theyr mutuall loue encreased more and more and Florendos recouered his health in the shorter time when he solicited the Emperour with this sute following CHAP. IIII Howe Florendos intreated the Emperour to giue him in mariage his Daughter Griana and what answere the Emperour made him AFter yâ— Florendos was throughlie healed of the woundes which hee had receiued in fight against the Moores finding the Emperour one daie at leysure alone in his Chamber hee began to salute him as after followeth My dread and soueraigne Lorde so princely and gracious haue your fauours béene towards me since first I entred your royall Courte as the King my Father and I shall neuer aunswere such excéeding courtesie And to the ende this kindnes may rather increase then any waie diminish I beséeche your highnesse not to denie me one request which among the infinite number of your princelie graces towardes me I shall account it to excéede all other In bréefe it is the Princesse Griana your Daughter whose loue and honourable fame made me forsake the Realme of Macedon onelie to desire her in marriage if either anie desert in me or your owne princelie good conceite might repute me woorthie so high a fauour And for I woulde not your highnes should anie waie misconceiue of mee as that the motion proceedeth from a youthfull vnâ—aduised heade or that I haue enterprised it without the good liking of the King my Father I humblie desire your Maiestie to reste satis-fied bothe in these and all other opinions in that my Fathers consent brought mee with no little spéede hether and the hope of yours during my aboade héere hath taughte me to place my loue with discretion and continue it wyth honourable vnspotted loyaltie With this
for your sake I may kéepe it while I liue Marcella woulde not denie his request but put it about his necke herselfe From which time forwarde Palmerin shewed himselfe of more cheereful disposition deuising how he might compasse the meane to goe seeke his fortune wherto his sundry apparitions had so often incited him And as none can shunne what is ordeined him by diuine prouidence not manye daies after as he was walking alone vppon the Mountain he heard a voice cry verie pittifullie for helpe and succour whereuppon Palmerin ranne that waie which hee hearde the voice where hee behelde a Lyon gréedilie deuouring a Horse and Palmerin hauing no weapon to defend himselfe withall but a staffe verie hardilie sette vpon the beast gyuing him such a stroake betwéene the eyes as he fell down dead to the grounde then comming to him hee hearde complaine saide I haue my Freende in some parte reuenged thy wrong Alas Sir ê™ he had you not béene my life had perished for as I trauailed on my iourney this Lion furiouslie sette vpon me to deuoure mee which the rest of my companie perceiuing tooke theÌ„selues to flight leauing mée as you founde mee The best is said Palmerin that you haue escaped with life and if you please to goe with mee not far hence where I haue béene nourished you shall haue the best entertainment that I can make you My Freende quoth the Straunger you haue alreadie doone so much for me as if you will goe with me into the Countrey where I dwell I haue wherewithall to reward your trauaile richlie Is it farre hence Sir said Palmerin In the Cittie of Hermida ê™ he in the Realme of Macedon I dwel from whence I parted a moneth since with my merchandise which I haue left at Constantinople froÌ„ whence returning homeward this vnlooked for mis-fortune befeil mee which had made an ende of me without your assistance As they were thus conferring togeather one of the Strangers seruaunts came to looke him and finding him so happilie escaped was not a little ioyfull reporting that he had left his companioÌ„s not farre off Returne then said his Maister and wil them come to me to the next Uillage where I meane to haue my wounds dressed which the seruaunt performed immediatlie and all this while stoode Palmerin in debating with himselfe if he should thus leaue his Father Gerrard or not at length after manie opinions fearing if hee returned home againe not to finde the like opportunitie concluded to depart with the Stranger So was hee sette on a verie good Palfray setting forwards to Macedon yâ— night they were entertained in a verie good lodging where the stranger caused his woundes to be searched reporting to eueriâ— one howe by the ayde of Palmerin his life was preserued for which cause he accounted of him as of his owne Sonne All this while Gerrard and his Wife little thought of this mishappe but expected Palmerins returne till darke night and séeing he came not as he was wont both he his wife the next daie searched the Mountaines but they could not finde him which made Gerrard to question in himself what euil he had offered him that should make him thus depart Nowe durst not his Wife Marcella tell him the talke betwéene her and Palmerin but accompanied her Husband in sorrow for their losse especially Dyofena and her Brother Colmelio were most sory Dyofena for losse as she thought of her Husband and Colmelio for the companie of his supposed Brother whose absence went so neere his hart as he intended neuer to giue ouer searche till he hadde founde him CHAP. XIII How Palmerin went with this Merchant named Estebon to the Cittie of Hermida who afterwarde gaue him Horse and Armour to be made Knight EStebon the Merchant thus conducting Palmerin on his way at length arriued at the Cittie of Hermida where he was louingly welcomed home by his Wife both yong and beautifull as anye in that Countrey to whom he reported his daungerous assault by the Lyon and without Palmerins help he had béene deuoured but quoth hee good fortune sent him at the verie instant that slewe him for which I shal be beholding to him while I haue a day to liue therefore good Wife entertaine him in the best sort you can deuise for he hath well deserued it This spéeche had the Merchant with his fayre Wife who embracing Palmerin said That nature had omitted nothing in her workmanship making him so amiable and ful of hardines Palmerin séeing himselfe so fauoured of so beautifull a woman hauing before spent his time among Shéep heards Swineheards and loutish Swaines of yâ— Country with modestie began to blushe and was so well stored with ciuilitie to make her this answere I desire Mistresse that 〈◊〉 behauiour may bee such as may continue my Maisters good liking and yours towards me So from that time hee followed Merchandise and profited so well in the course of traffique as Estebon committed all his affaires to Palmerins trust who rather gaue his mind to martiall exercises and followed Knightlie dispositions so much as verie nature declared the noblenes of his minde for he delighted to mannage great Horses to fight at al maner of weapons to sée daungerous Combats to frequent the assemblye of Knights to talke of Armes and honourable exployts and in bréefe to exercise all the braueries of a noble Courtier Whereat Estebon meruailed so much as faling in talke with him he said Me thinkes it is strange Palmerin that thou béeing the Sonne of a drudge and nourished on the Mountaine of Oliues as thy selfe hath often tolde me disdaynest the life of a Merchant frequenting the company of hardie Knights as though thou shouldest take Launce and shéelde to enter the Combat Sir said Palmerin I know not if my Father be such as I haue told you but I wot wel my heart so serues me as I can thinke of nothing but actions of honour and knighthoode The Merchant was contented to heare Palmerin in these terarmes because he perceiued that his Wife fauoured him greatlie wherat he became a little iealous and gladly would remooue the occasion wherfore he said Séeing it is so Palmerin that thou hast no mind to follow my affaires I am well contented yâ— shalt exercise chiualrie béeing the thing thou naturallie affectest and whereby thou mayst attaine to credite account For mine owne part because I will not hinder so good forwardnesse thou shalt haue of me money Horse and Armour that thou mayst goe to Macedon to the King where if thou request it of the Prince Florendos his Sonne he will not refuse to giue thée thy order Palmerin returned him verie hartie thanks and hauing prouided al things expedient for his iourney tooke his leaue of the Marchant Estebon and his wyfe hoping to speede well in his aduenturous enterprise CHAP. XIIII How Palmerin arriued at the Court of Macedon hoping to receiue the order of knighthood at the hande of the Prince Florendos Sonne
yâ— olde Knight thanked him and as they went he discoursed to him howe these 〈◊〉 assâ—â—led him because he had enforced them to surrender certaine heritages which vniustly they detained froÌ„ poore Orphanes and for that cause set spyes to watch him that they might set vppon him and kill him which surelie they had doone quoth he without your succour In the continuaunce of these spéeches they arriued at his Castell where many of his Squires meruailed to sée him so sore wounded but especially his Lady and his two Sonnes to whome hee rehearsed the summe of his aduenture and the great fauour and helpe he founde by Frysol for which cause they entertained him with excéeding honour And so long aboade Frysol there with the Knight till béeing desirous to receiue the order of knighthoode hee came to the Knight in this manner May it please you Sir to bestow on me Horse and Armour I wyll goe to the Emperors Court of Allemaigne he beeing the most renowned Prince in the world The good Knight seeing him so forward to chiualry gaue him Horse Armour and money for his iourney whervpon he sette forwarde and the third daie after hee arriued at the Emperors Court from whence a little before Trineus and Palmerin were departed towards Fraunce which newes made Frisol earnestly desire his knighthood because he intended with all speede to trauaile thither likewise in respect of the honour was there to be wunne Frysol vnderstanding the Emperour was in the Chappell hearing diuine seruice went thither where beholding the Princesse Polinarda he reputed her the onely fayre Lady of yâ— world thinking hee could neuer glut his eyes with regarding her whereupon seruice beeing ended he fell on his knee before the Emperour in this manner Because I knowe inuincible Lorde that you are renowned beyonde all other potentates whatsoeuer and that you make no small accounte of Knights aduenturous I desire that by your hande I may be numbred among them The Emperour seeing him so yong and yet valiantly giuen aunswered I would be lothe my Freende to deny a request so reasonable but I wil first knowe if you be Gentle borne or no. My Lorde quoth he I sweare by the fayth I owe to God and your Maiestie that I am noble borne and of the bloode royall by my Fathers side God forbid then sayd the Emperour but you shoulde be Knight and Fortune sheelde you so well in chiualry as she hath indued you with comely shape and beautie Then was the Spurre put vpon hys right heele and the Emperour bad him ryse a Knight commaunding his Daughter Polmarda to gyrde hys Sworde to him which she did saying Worthily and with happines Sir Knight may you imploy the order you haue receiued Madame quoth Frysol if heereafter any vertue or valoure abyde in me it shal be imployed onely for you hauing thus honoured mee with my Sword wherewith I hope to accomplish such deeds of Armes as shall renowne her name that gaue me my weapon but Polinarda made him no aunswere because Palmerin was the onely Image of her thoughts After Frysol was thus Knighted taking his leaue of the Emperour and his Daughter he departed making no small hast till he arriued at the Ioustes at Parris where he determined for his first deed of chiualry to enter the Combat for the beauty of Polinarda But he could not get thither so soone as hee intended for hee was hindered by the way with an vnexpected aduenture which was in a fayre Forrest where hee behelde foure Knights carry away a Ladie perforce who seeing him cryed Ah good Knight for Gods sake succour â—ee whereuppon Frysol coutching his Launce sent one of the Knights headlong to the grounde and in short time wounded another in such sort as nowe hee had but two left to resist him on whom Frysol made tryall howe well he coulde unploy the gift of Polinarda The Knights seeing the hard fortune of their two other fellowes the one hauing broken 〈◊〉 necke in the fall and the other wounded past hope of recouerie tooke yâ— wisest way for themselues posting thence so fast as they coulde ride but Frysol would not folow least they had some other companie in ambush that might haue intrapped him wherefore he conducted the Ladie to her Mothers Castell where hee remained that night and the next daie set forwarde to Parris where hee arriued at the time he fought with Palmerin according as hath beene before rehearsed After the Knight of the Sunne who hencefoorth shall passe by the name of Frysol had left Palmerin and was departed the fielde the night was so obscure as hee knewe not which waie he rode so that the moysture of the â—uening dewe did great harme to his woundes as if God had not armed him with the better strength he was in daunger not to escape with life The verie same daie was the Duke of Gaule departed from Parris to goe ayde the King of England against yâ— Kings of Scots and Norvvay who was Nephewe to the Emperour of Allemaigne for that they molested him with troublesome warres and the Duke beeing benighted was glad to pitch his Tents in a faire fielde through which it fortuned Frysol to passe complayning of the daunger he felt himselfe in The Duke of Gaule beeing abroade foorth of hys Tent to recreate himselfe hearde this sorrowfull noyse which made him send his men to sée who it was and to bring him with them to the Tent whither when they had brought him the Duke pitting his estate demaunded whence he came and who had wounded him in that sort Then discoursed he the whole matter how hee had fought with the Knight that ouercame the Duke of Sauoye and so long their fight endured that the darke night and the King caused them to be parted neyther of them as yet conquered and because he woulde not returne into the Cittie sought some Uillage where he might conuenientlie lodge The Duke of Gaule hearing the wordes of Frysol estéemed him for a hardy and valiant Knight hauing so long endured against Palmerin vnuanquished wherefoâ—â— he saide Sir Knight you are very welcome to mee all the ayde and succour I can giue you you shall bee sure to finde with hartie good will assuring you that there is no Knight liuing to whom I wysh more euill then him whom you haue this daie fought withall So causing him to bee vnarmed willed him to rest himselfe vpon his owne bedde and made his woundes be dressed abyding there eyght dayes for the health of Frysol In which time the Duke had imparted to him the warres of the King of England which made him make more hast to be gone or els he would haue kept him company longer My Lord quoth Frysol so please you to accept my companie I hope to behaue my selfe so well as you shall not be discontented with me The Duke thanked him and reioyced yâ— by his meanes so good a Knight was preserued and did him all the honour hee could deuise taking him
many haue sent their Ambassadours to him presenting their Daughters and Kingdomes to him the greater part whereof he hath hitherto refused â—xcusing himselfe by his fathers age and his owne youth But as often times it happeneth Fortune enemie to all good endeuours not suffering him to remaine in quiet permitted that the quéene of Tharsus the fayrest of the Orientall paâ—ts a young Widdow and rich as is very well knowne after shee had sent him many presents of incomparable value intreated him to come and sée her shaddowing in this message the great desire shée had to matâ—h with him The Prince being benigne and courteous would not denie her but in short time after iourneyed to her The Quéene entertaining him with great royaltie and séeing in him farre more gracious and beautifull gifts then before she heard reported was so surprised with loue as in stéede of looking to be wooâ—d her selfe was constrained to demaund knowing so wâ—ll to declare her desirous and affectionate passions as the Prince mooued with amorous pittie granted what she requested without any further condition or promise presuming on himselfe in respect of her great and fauorable entertainment that hee would not leaue her for any other But herein was she deceiued for the yong Prince hauing staied with her tâ—nne or twelue dayes desired leaue to departe saying that hée had receiued Letters from his Father which commaunded his spéedy returne home againe promising her if so his father consented to take her in marriage and that with such expeâ—ition as might bée The Queene somewhat contented with this answere thinking hee would performe what hée promised let him depart He being come home into his owne Countrey forgot his loue to his newe Fréend and by his Fathers commaundement marryed with a yong Princesse Daughter to the King Lycomedes The Quéene hearing these newes was almost dead with conceit of gréefe and conceiued such hatred against my Lord Maurice as she determindd to be reuenged on him whatsoeuer came after And the better to compasse her intent shée sent to search out one of her knights a learned Magitian promising him if he would help her to be reuenged on him that so deceiued her shée would make him one of the chéefest in her Realme The Magitian who euermore was desirous to please her promised her to worke such a deuise that Maurice should endure such cruel torments as her selfe should be constrayned to pittie him And to accomplish this practise hée onely desired the King her Fathers Crowne which was one of the richest in the whole world which Crowne he coniured in such sort as the diuell himself could not imagine the like and comming therwith to the Quéen said Madame you must sende this Crowne to the Prince of Pasmeria desiring him for your sake hée will weare it on his head in the chéefest affayres of his estate which hée immediatly will accomplish but this I dare assure you that hereby hée shall suffer so many vexations as hee would endure a thousand deaths if hee could possible to be deliuered from this torment which he neuer shall be till the most loyall louer in the world take it from his head The Quéene so ioyfull hereof as could be sent the Crowne to the prince who receiued it thankfully and beholding it sumptuous sodainely put it on his head but presently flew out of his head such a flame of fire as it had béene the blaze that commeth from a discharged Cannon Then called hee for ayde and succour making the greatest lamentations that euer were heard but all was to no ende for no Knight or Lady there could do him any good and so all the whole day hée remained in this cruell martirdome burning aline yet not perishing resembling the Salamander in the extreame fire When his people saw that they could procure him no ease they sent two of the greatest Lords of the Realme to the Quéene who humbly intreated her to pittie the Prince and to recompence the fault he had committed hée should take her to his Wife and endow her with those honourable possessions belonging to him The Quéene entertained them very nobly and after she had vnderstood their message answered My Lordâ— the marriage betwéene your maister and me is intollerable and no way can hée nowe contract himselfe againe for I remembring his disloyaltie and hée the torments hée suffers by my meanes it were impossible that wée should louingly liue togither therefore in this matter you shall excuse me And let him know that séeing hée was so presumptuous contrarie to his faith and promise to refuse me for his Wife I now so much disdain and contemne him as my heart by no meanes can be induced to loue him And no other remedie is there for his torments but that hée séeke through Asia Europe and Affrica a louer so perfect who by his loyaltie may cease the paines he suffers for trecherie and treason With this short answere depart my Countrey for your Maister is so worthie of fauour as for his sake I hate his people The Ambassadours maruailing at this fatall destenie returned to their Lord to whom they reported the Quéenes answere and what remained to ease his affliction which more and more encreased his gréefe wherfore séeing what he was enioyned to doo the next day hée left the Court entending not to stay a day in any place till he should finde a Knight so vertuous and loyall Thus hath he trauailed Ethiopia India Tartaria the greater part of your realmes but as yet hee hath founde none to remedie his misfortune but if any other disloyall Knight in triall touch the crowne his vexations are far more greater then before For this cause most mighty Lord haâ—ing heard the great fame of valiant knights in your Court especiall of a stranger Knight being dumbe who came hither but of very late time he desires your maiestie his assurance graunted to suffer him trie his fortune heere if in your presence â—e may finde any helpe or else to seeke further in other Princes Courts These are the principall points of my charge may it please your highnesse to consider of mine answere how I shall returne and certifie my Maister that you may like wise sée an aduenture maruailous Chap. VII How the Prince Maurice came to the Court of the Soldâ—ne of Babilon where he was deliuered of his burning Crowne that tormented him by the loyaltie of Palmerin MAulicus wondering at this strange discourse thus answered the Moore You may my friend returne to your maister when you please and say from vs that hee shall be welcome to our court with as safe aâ—â—urance as our own pâ—rson as well for his valour and bountie which I haue heard greatly esteemed as for that wee are desirous to see so strange an aduenture ended in our presence And wee cannot sufficiently maruaile howe he could bee so forgâ—tfull of himselfe that after his faith so broken hee could extinguish her remembraâ—ce that loued him so vnâ—eigneâ—ly but heeâ—ein
thou not consider thy great offence committed against the God of heauen medling with a Woman more brute then brutishnesse it selfe and thy disloyall treason agaynst my selfe Be assured that if thou presently forsake not her companie I will neuer forget thy fault but chastise thée continually as a dissembling reprobate So she departed Palmerin intreating her to pardon this iuiurie which she would not heare but floong away in great anger and he awaking brake foorth into these spéeches Ah vnhappie wretch that I am thus to loose the gracious fauour of my Mistresse These wordes awaked the Prince Olorico who embracing him in his armes demauâ—ed the cause of his sorrow but Palmerin was so surprised wish 〈◊〉 he would make no answere but fell from the Bedde in a swoune Olorico fearing he was dead cried out for helpe whereat the Quéene arose and casting her night Mantle about her came to know the occasion of this clamour and finding Palmerin breathlesse shée called for so many present remedyes as extinguished the passionate fitte Palmerin séeing the Quéene so néere him clothed himselfe immediately and departed the Chamber commaunding all his people to prouide themselues for he would depart thence within an howres space Neither could the earnest intreaties of the Quéene nor courteous perswasions of Alfarano cause him to stay till Dinner time but his carriage béeing sent before and his men attending him hée came to take his leaue of the Quéene who verie sorrowfull for this straunge accident said to him at his departure Noble Palmerin my heart attainted with such extreame gréefe as the sight of you doth somewhat remedie expected further hope of ease by your presence but séeing your departure may not bée withstoode I pray you vouchsafe to weare this King for my sake and kéepe it safely till my messenger bring you another like vnto it Madame quoth Palmerin beeing vnable to remunerate the great honours you haue done me I will not denie you so small a request that I may the better fulfill the bond of allegiaunce wherin I stande bound to you while I liue Go then in the safe protection of the Gods quoth shée for thou hast left me such a recompence as all my life time will be ioyfull to mée Palmerin not vnderstanding â—er darke spéeches departed putting the King on his finger béeing the most rich and curious péece of worke that euer was séene for in it was a goodly great Rubie cutte in faces so liuely as could be deâ—ised which shone so brightly as in the night time it sparckled great light The Quéene like wise 〈◊〉 shée had giuen great riches to the Admirall returned to her Countrey leading thenceforwarde a verie chaste and continent life â—nely for his sake by whom 〈…〉 selfe conceyued with Childe And at the time appointed bâ— nature shee was deliuered of a goodlie Sonne resembling his Father in braue constitution whome the mother caused to bée named Palmendos as well in memorie of his father Palmerin as also of his Graundsire Florendos from them deriuing his name as béeing the onlie flower of Chiualrie And as Palmerin was vertuous so did his Sonne follow him in all bountie prudence magnanimitie loyalty liberalitie courtesse and humanitie in briefe he had all the noble vertues that a Child might receiue from his father as you may at large perceyue in his Historie But because his deeds as yet serue not to our purpose we will leaue him growing vnder his mothers charge and returne to them whom lately we left Chap. XXI Howe Palmerin to colour his intended and desirous voyage into Christendome perswaded the Soldane to sende his Armie to Constantinople and what followed thereon GReatlie desirous was Palmerin to returne towards the Soldane and therefore would not make his way by Pasmeria but iourneyed thitherwarde where the King of Balisarca staied his comming who came to méet him with all the Lordes and Captaines of his Armie Thus hauing brought the Countrey in quiet obeysaunce of the Soldane with theyr prisoners they returned towardes his Maiestie sending worde before of their spéedie comming The Soldane was not a little ioyfull of these tydings as also of the fortunate victorie against his enemies wherefore he left the Cittie of Calpha and determined to méete them at a Castell of pleasure which hee had lately edifyed chéefely because hée would sée the good order of his Armie which was now conducted in better equipage then before was woont to bée séene in Assiria The King of Balisarca caused the captiues to be ledde before who by his commaundement when they came in the Soldanes presence threw their Armour to the ground and thrée times fell on their knées kissing the ground prostrating themselues before him with great reuerence All these ceremonies finished Palmerin the Prince Olorico with the other Gouernours of the Féelde came and kissing his highnesse hande hée intertained them verie graciously and after he had embraced Palmerin he woulde néedes ryde betwéene him and the King of Balisarca In this order rode thy on to the Pallace Gate where his Ladie Lethea and Alchidinia her Daughter trickt vp in vestures of surpassing value attended their comming and after the accustomed reuerences on all sides entered the great Hall where the Princesse taking Palmerin by the hande before her Father and all his Barons thus spake Sir Palmerin so well is your prowesse and haughtie déedes of Armes knowne to euery one as my prayse cannot extoll them to aduauntage notwithstanding I dare say before my Father and all his Lords héere present that hée is so much indebted to you as he can nâ—uer returne sufficient recompence These words vttered with such affection were noted by euery one especially the Prince Olorico when Palmerin made this answere to the Princesse Madame héere may you behold the Prince of Arabia one of the best Knights that euer I knewe and who hath doone more seruice to your Father and you in this warre then any other beside for with his owne hande he slue Gramiell who was chiefe leader of the Phrygian Armie Beside such and so many haue béene his rare exploytes as no one that I knowe may be equalled with him And all this hée admitteh to your fauour wherein hée earnestly desireth to continue so please you to accept him for your Knight deliuering this assurance before hand that héereafter hée will aduenture his life in your cause whersoeuer it shal like you to commaund him For this cause Madame you may not refuse him being the man that among all the Assirians dooth best deserue to be your seruaunt Alchidinia who well vnderstoode to what ende his spéeches tended and the occasion why Palmerin thus spake aduised her selfe well and returned this answere So helpe me our Gods I know well that the Prince Olorico is so puyssant and renowmed as any man of whom I yet heard notwithstanding I hope the Soldane my Father will not be ingratefull in the knowledge thereof and that sufficiently I dare awarrant yée But I desire
Palmerins féete so that hée demaunded of the Princesse if shée brought him from the Isle of Malfada for doubtlesse quoth he I thinke it is some Knight transformed by that cruell woman who héeretofore belike hath knowne me At which words the dog howled excéedingly when Paâ—merin tooke an oath that hée would searche all the worlde ouer to finde some meane to bring him to his former shâ—pe that hée might know from whence this loue procéededed The next day the king Tyreno assaulted the Cittie who was slaine in the battaile by Palmerin so afterward was Maulerino crowned king of Nabor and all the Countrey enioyed their former quiet whereupon the Princesse Zephira gaue Palmerin her dogge who requited her with many gracious thanks because he greatlie suspected that it was his fréend Trineus transformed into that shape but now let vs returne to the soldane of Babilon vnderstanding how his Armie was discomfited at Constantinople Chap. XLVI Howe one of the Nephewes to the King of Balisarca brought newes to the Soldane of his vncles death the foyle of his Armie the losse of Palmerin and Olorico And how the Princesse Alchidiana bought Ptolome whom she greatly honored for Palmerins sake THe King of Balisarca as you haue heard before being slaine his Armie discomfited and al his Galleys burnt before Constantinople one of his Nephewes that kept the straight of yâ— Bosphor with two foysts least any succour should come that way to the Christians by one Galley that escaped hearde all this misfortune wherefore making haste backe againe fearing to be taken at length arriued in the Soldans Kingdome where not staying long hée posted to the Courte and to the Soldane reuealed all that had happened When the Soldane heard how his Armie was thus ouerthrowne Palmerin whom he loued so well and the Prince Olorico lost in the storme on the sea vexed with greefe and rage hee called his Lorde Ambassadour Mauce to to him saying Haste thée good Maucâ—â—to to my Brother the Soldane of Persia and desire him to leuâ—y me a strong Armie against the Moneth of March next ensuing to encounter with the Emperour of Greece promising him the spoyle whatsoeuer it bee reseruing for my selfe nothing but the â—â—me of reuenge Maucetto departed presentlie on his iourney and by the way mette sixe Moores leading two Christians to the Soldans Court to sell which were Ptolome and Colmelio of whome hee demaunded why they were so bounde in chaines My Lord quoth one of the Moores they be Christian slaues who not long since were taken at the Sea by Olimaell Admirall to the great Turke And how came you by them said Maucetto The Admirall quoth the Moore gaue them to one of his Cozins who now is deade and his wife béeing loth to kéepe them anie longer sendes them to the Court to be solde for money Maucetto bought Colmelio of them refusing Ptolome because he was somewhat sâ—cklie and so passed on his Embassade The Moores comming to the Court with poore Ptolome and placing him among other slaues that stoode to bee solde there came a deformed Moore farre worsse mishapen then was Thersites yâ— Greek and he would néedes buy Ptolome of the Merchaunt but Ptolome disdaining to be subiect to so vile a creature gaue him such a stroke on the stomacke with his fiste as made him tumble ouer backward saying Thou monstrous Uillaine let me rather die then come into thy subiection At this instant passed by the Princesse Alchidiana smiling is sée the Moore lie along but when shée behelde the good personage of Ptolome shée remembred her louer Palmerin and was therewith mooued thus to speake Nowe durst thou take such hardinesse vpon thee béeing a bondslaue and a captiue thus to strike a Moore frée of this Countrey Ptolome perceiuing by the Ladies attending on her that shee was the Soldanes Daughter falling on his knée thus aunswered Assuredlie Madame rather desire I death then to liâ—â— at such an ill fauoured villaines controll my selfe beeing a Knight at Armes Are you then a knight said the Princesse I am good Madaine quoth he although my seruitude hath very much altered mée Alchidiana withâ—ut any further questions deliuered the Merchant two hundred Seraphes and by two of her Squires caused him to bee conducted to her Chamber where he was presentlie disroabed of his vnséemelie garments and cloathed in such as well became a knight to weare afterwarde she commaunded her attendants to depart the chamber and comming to Ptolome she thus began Nowe Syr Knight I intreate you by the holy faith you owe to your best beloued that you will truelie tell mee by what misfortune you happened first into thraldome Madame quoth he séeing of your owne grace and bountie you haue deliuered mee from these villaines that made sale of my life I will not fable with you in any one point but tell you a Historie repleat with wonderfull sorrowe Hauing reuealed the manner of his taking and all the mishaps hée endured euer since the teares trickling downe his chéekes he said And yet sweete Ladie all these passed miseries and still abiding your slaue gréeues me not so much as the losse of my déerest Fréende the best knight in the worlde who went to sée his Falcon flie when the Pirates came and vnhappilie tooke vs. Tell me good freende quoth the Princesse what may the knight bee called of whom you make such estimation Quoth Ptolome he nameth himselfe Palmerin d'Oliua O soueraigne Gods said Alchidiana haue you béenâ— companion to the noble Palmerin That haue I in truth Madame quoth he and knowe more of his affayres then anie other man doth Unhappie that I am said the Princesse nowe sée I well that I am deceiued in all my hope Saye good knight naie more I coniure thee by thy faith to the soueraigne Creator of all things to tell mee if he bee of our Lawe and hath béene dumbe of long or no By God Madame answered Ptolome your adiuration is such as rather will I make a sacrifice of my selfe then bee found vntrue to you in any thing Hée is a Christian borne in Greece and neuer had defect in his spéech if discréet consideration of following euents eyther to escape captiuitie or death did not inforce him to feigne such a deceite for hée is most expert among all other in dissembling anye matter may turne him aduauntage Then such hath béene my fortune quoth Alchidiana as his vertue bountie wise foresight vsed for the space of a yéere and more in my Fathers Court made me so religiously vowed to him in loue as neuer intend I to make other choise and I sweare by all our Gods that if I heare not the better tydings of him by thée my spirit will forsake this wretched bodye and except better fortune among the soules in Elisium Ah imperious loue how wonderfull is thy strooke My fréende is contrarie to me in lawe and profession a Knight errant vnknowne absent from mee and loues me not for these occasions were I the