Christian Princes which were dead as you have heard in the first Chapter and carryed away those in whom he found any hope of life to that wonderfull Castle appointing them the third division of lodgings the names of whom were The great King Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece enchanted as you have heard Don Silves de la Selva Agesilan Amadis d' Astre Astropolo Fortiman Anaxartes Penthesilea Argantes Florartan Lucentio Falanges d' Astre Arlantes his sonne Arlanges of Spayne Lucidamor of Boetia Floreni Emperour of Rome Filisel of Montespin Zayr Flores of Greece second sonne to Esplandian Filon King of Sibila Artaur his Brother King of Mount Libanus and Lindamart of Rhodes But because there may arise a doubt in this Discourse for that all these which I now have named were inclosed in the Monument that appeared in the field of the battell after the darkenesse was past the Reader may remember if he please that these of whom I now speake were in a posture there diâ—â—ering from theirs who were fully and really dead and that the wise man did so order it to comfort those great Knights after so heavy a losse These Princes then being enchanted with Don Belianis and the Knight of the Sunne though they knew it not Alcander who would not doe a curtesie to halfes first healed them of their wounds And then desiring they should not be lesse happy then the rest presented them a little while after with some of the Princesses they loved whom he had brought from Constantinople to the extreame discontent of those that remayned behinde There was the Queene Oriana the Empresse Niquea delivered not long before of a sonne whose birth was celebrated by an infinity of fires appearing in the ayre and whom at his Baptisme shee named Amadis of Trebisond Diana Axiana the Princesse Oriana wife of Anaxartes Cleosila Sestiliana Radiana Oristila Anaxarea Theodorina Belisaura Claire estoille Sclarimena and Timbria Having then prepared soveraigne baths for them made with a million of rare simples gathered at such time as they were in most vertue he bathed them eight dayes together at the end whereof King Amadis and his wife seemed to bee but forty yeeres old and every man as fresh and lovely as they were at that age the Emperour Amadis of Greece and the Princesse Niquea but thirty five Don Silves Agesilan and the rest not above thirty This done he carried them all into a fayre chamber and thus spake unto them Mighty Princes you perceive by the helpe that you have already received at my hands the desire I have to doe you service I will not therefore excuse my selfe unto you for holding you restrayned in this maner since I have no other end for it but the augmentation of your glory All things must have their course and the malignant influences of the starres must have time to passe over The day will come when you will see your off-spring with more contentment then ever expect it with so much the more patience In the meane time I will go from hence to take care for the affayres of those which concerne you neerely Saying thus hee went out of the doore which shut of it selfe with a strange violence leaving those Princes and Princesses so inchanted as they did not remember any thing without that place whatsoever CHAP. III. Most of the Prinâ—â—â— of Greece die Alcander goes to visit the wise Alquif and Urganda THE newes of the death of so many Kings Princes and Emperours and the carrying away of the Queene Oriana with the rest which were enchanted in the Castle of Treasure was the cause of so much griefe to those Ladyes that remayned at Constantinople expecting what would be the issue of that warre as not able to withstand the violence thereof they yeelded to the necessity of death leaving Christendome a world of sorrow for so great a losse The Empresse Leonine was the first that payd that tribute of nature but followed so close by the yong Princesse of Sardamyra the wife of Sistra that the funerals of the one served also for the other After them died almost at the same time the Empresse Arbra Briolania the Queene of France wife to Lucidor the Queene of Traramate and Mesopotamia Melicia wife to Bruneo of the good Sea Lardenia Laciana Gricelarie Olinde the Queenes of Corinth Saba Bohemia the wife of Guillan the pensive the Queenes of the Garamantes of Pentapoly Galacia and Ireland the wives of Girafer of Vaillades of Don Frisus of Lusitania the Queene of Dacia the Empresse Brisenne Darayde Queene of Cores the wife of Stilpon and the Queene of Rhodes who were all interred in the Emperours great Chapell with so many complaynts and teares that nothing was heard in any part of the City but cries and lamentatioâ—s Now whilest the ceremonies of so many obsequies were performing Alcander who had no care more pressing then the preservation of those Princes went in his Chariot of the Griffons to the unknowne Island whâ—re the wise Alquif was with Vrganda Zirzea and Zirenna but not desiring to present himselfe unto them without some demonstration of his skill he in a moment raysed such horrible flashes of lightning in the aire so great an earthquake as those reverend old folkes seeing so furious a tempest beyond the order of nature beleeved that those thunders were presages of their deaths So that disposing themselves to seeke the mercy of heaven which never refuseth grace to us when with humility we seeke it they fell upon the earth and lifting up their eyes they met with a new terrour when as they espied the fearefull Chariot in which Alcander appeared seated with such a majesty that if they had not beene instructed by the light of fayth that one only God was to be acknowledged they had adored him never so much as dreaming that it was done by art Magicke or that this incounter could proceed from the skill of any mortall man For beleeving that none in the world was more expert in that art then they they could never imagine that any man could finde them out in their Island unlesse they pleased to permit it Alcander reading their amazement in their lookes and motions would not keepe them any longer in payne Most venerable persons sayd he be not dismayd to see me heere at this present and in this maner That almighty God who hath endued you with the knowledge of things above nature for the good of his people hath imparted to mee the same favours which he hath bestowed upon you and made me no lesse zealous of his glory and service I am not come hither now to trouble you as you imagine but indeed to conferre with you about certayne things which shall be necessary for the welfare of the Princes of Greece whose vertue hath begotten such an affection in me towards them as I will not entertayne a thought but for the augmentation of their glory I know that you have alwayes infinitely loved them that
Media against Barcandor Fulgoran against the gentle Knight Armorand Don Silves against the generous Alceus the Knight of the Sun against Bucarguant Belianis against Brizardan and all the rest sought so well that four hours were spent before it could be discerned to whom the victory would incline but Rozalmond and Alcidamant seeing it was time to display the uttermost of their forces by some remarkeable blows discharged with such force the one upon Bucarguant who had left the Knight of the Sun almost senslesse and the other on Barcandor his brother as they cleft them down both to the teeth and continuing in this rage Alcidamant cut the Soldan of Circassiaes head in peeces and Rozalmond the King of Gedrosiaes The death of these four mighty Pagans being accompanied with the slaughter of sixteen Gyants and of Alâ—rban Danizel Argilles and Rodismond the number of the Infidels began to diminish which perceived by Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan Fierasâ—on Marisgolfe the grand Salvage Antomedon Typheus Marmaran and the proud Knight Arastron they discharged such horrible blows upon their enemies that having hurt them all very dangerously they fell in with such fury amongst the Christians as the valiant Anaxartes was cut in peeces by Bravâ—rant Argantes Emperour of Germany by Gorgophon Lindâ—â—â—â—t King of Rhodes by Roussardan Olidor of Siramque by Fieraston Anazander King of Dardania by Marisgolfe Floridan his brother by the grand Salvage the remayning Câ—nophale by Antomedon Liscâ—â—d King of Siconia by Typhâ—â—s Grandimer by Marmoran and the gentle Dorigel Lord of the fortunate Hands by Arastron wherewith the Princes of Greece were so displeased as Rozalmond Alcidamant Amadiâ— of Trebisond Claâ—â—sel Grian Grioâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 â—erâ—ides Claridâ—an and Belâ—â—â—â— having incountred them vowed never to leave them till they had revenged their deaths whereupon the combat renewed with more cruelty than before wherein Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his sonne Cassiaâ—â—s and the Duke of Laâ—azo were likewise slain But Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece Florisel of Niquea the knight of the Sun Rosicler Poliphebo Don Eleno of Dacia and Lucibel of France joyning together began to run over the field with such rage that having layd nine Gyants dead at their feet namely Radamant the cruell the strong Pandaro Razartes Coriander Artiliâ—n Gedereon King of Arginaria Rindar Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats and Meliander the rest were cut in pieces together with Artogant who dyed by the hand of the Knight of the Sun so that of the hundred Pagan Knights there remained no more but the mighty Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan the grand Salvage Furiander Typhaeus Antomedon Fierastron Marisgolf Marmaran Arastron Brizardan Policastaleon Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with whom Don Rogel had fought all day without any advantage the generous Alcaeus and the gentle knight Armorand who by no means induring any speech of rendring themselves combatted like desperate men but having continued fighting almost two houres after the rest they were fain at length to fall at the feet of their enemies more voyd of bloud than of courage The Victory being thus gloriously obtained the Judges went and parted the ten Amazons sent them out of the field with equall honour and causing those sixteen famous Pagan knights to be conveyed into the Citie that their wounds might with the more care be looked unto the Christian Princes were marching out of the Lists in triumph with the Emperour of Martaria who greatly rejoyced at their good fortune when as they perceived the Enemies troops ranged in battell array under the conduct of the great King of Maâ—ritania Zazifalt and Monomatapan to make towards them for to refcue the Pagan knights out of their hands whereat being marvellously incensed they put themselves in the head of their Squadrons and fell in upon them with such fury as the Pagans wanting valiant and skilfull Leaders began within lesse than an houre to betake themselves to flight wherupon our Souldiours were so encouraged that imitating their renowned Commanders they made such a terrible maâ—saere as the ground for foure leagues about was covered all over with dead bodyes and that which rendred the defeat yet greater and more horrible was the Sea which hemmed them in almost on every side so that since the Creation of the world so great a slaughter was never seen for of foure hundred and three score and sixteen thousand men the remainder of so prodigious an Army scarce fifteen hundred escaped and that by the benefit of the night The Christian Princes seeing themselves absolutely victorious returned into the Citie where they found that they had lost of personages of marke Luâ—â—ndâ—â— Anaxâ—â—tes Argantes Emperour of Germanie Melindus King of Cloton the Cenophâ—â—es Floâ—ariaâ— of Thrace Luceneio Lâ—cidâ—mor Florâ—nio Emperour of Rome Filizel of Montespin Don Flores of Greece Zair Filin Artaurus 〈◊〉 of Rhodes Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his son Dorigel of the fortunate Ilands Golâ—â—â— his Wife young Leodâ—â—â—â— the valiant Trâ—ilâ—â— Grandâ—â—â—â— the Duke of 〈◊〉 Floridan of So pradiza Perion of Turkie Florestan of Sardinia Cassianus Anaxander King of Dardania Floradin Gelodan Prince of Moldavia Alettha Oriander King of Sardamira Oroncius Alvida the Queen Castora the King of Catay Rozaphar Parmenian of Cyprus Garmantes Don Smaldo and Tymbres of Egypt wherof some were slain in the Combat the rest in the battell much were they grieved for their deaths and with many tears did they lament them but they were comforted for that they dyed in the bed of honour and that also the principalls had been preserved from the fury of so bloudy a day for which having rendred humble thankes unto heaven they gave order for the curing of the wounded and solemnizing the Funerals of the deceased with all kind of pomp and magnificence CHAP. LIII The Pagan Knights are delivered Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond and Rozalmond are crowned Emperours of Tramazond Martaria and Gardacia The separation of all these Princes THE Pagan Knights being mad with rage for the slaughter of so many Kings and valiant Gyants that had kept all the world in awe but much more for that they were vanquished by their enemies would not suffer the Chirurgians to dresse their wounds desiring rather that a speedy death might free them from the miserie of a long expected captivitie which being declared unto the King of great Brittain he went the next day to visit them and knowing that whatsoever he should doe would be authorized by the Christian Princes having found them all in a room together he said unto them Knights I imagine that if fortune had favoured your designes and that we had been in your power as now you are in ours you would have taken pleasure to have made us suffer unworthy things for the satisfaction of your revenge but we will let you see that the Princes of Greece are gentlier disposed that they love not slaughter nor bloud neither doe at any time shed it but when as they are obliged therunto either for the maintenance of the order of Knighthood
gladly would I be so far obliged to your favour as to be pleased with my alliance which will not be of mean importance to you For the consideration of my self and my brothers will make you to be so redoubted that all your neighbours will tremble at the very rumour of your arms and from my self you shall still receive so many and so agreeable services that you shall never have cause to repent of affording me that honour This discourse did extreamly perplex Dardanor for the bad conditions of this Giant made us so to loath him as we resolved to run any hazard rather then yield my sister unto him whom by no means she could affect howbeit not to make him utterly despair he answered him that being a King who desired to do nothing but that which was good and just he could not absolutely determine of a matter of such consequence without the consent of my sister and his people and that therfore he would first propound the busines to the Counsell of his Estates and that in the mean time it would be fit for him to go and communicate the matter with his brothers to the end he might not render them his enemies by neglecting their authority Bracandor being heerby perswaded that all went according to his desire was easily carried to take his leave of us nothing dreaming of the Kings secret intentions who not to lose time did presently after his departure send foorth commissions for the raising of soldiers fortified his ports and frontier Towns and with all diligence prepared himself for a war Our Amoroso being heerof advertised was extreamly amazed and instantly perceived to what end the King had perswaded him to remove which did so inrage him that he vowed to die or be revenged of us all But seeing the carefull order that Dardanor had taken thorowout his Kingdome and that it would be impossible for him to bring his designs to passe he made as if he had quite forgotten Alixea so as he suffered six months to passe without declaring himself any way sensible of my husbands proceeding with him who in the mean while not thinking any more of him determined about twelve daies since to go a progresse to all the good Towns in his â—â—ngdome and taking his journey with the Princesse my sister and my self under the guard of two hundred Knights he visited some places of most importance and finding upon his way a very plâ—asing forrest he resolved to spend some daies in hunting in it This while Bracandor was not sleeping for being advertised by some which he intertained in our Court of all these passages as you know that palaces are never unfurnished of such traitors he came thither accompanied with his brothers where finding us attended only by thirty Knights of our guard they put us into this Chariot and after they had massacred our people hurrying us away they threatned us with no lesse then ravishment and death Some of our servants that had escaped from the fury of their swords having given notice of our misfortune to the King he presently drew together as many of his Knights as possibly he might and following us with all diligence he overtook us to his certain ruine without the happy assistance which you Sir so luckily brought him See heer my Lord the true narration of our disaster which I conclude with a protestation that I shall never be sparing of any thing in my power whatsoever your service shall command in since you have hazarded your life so nobly for my preservation While Clairangia was thus discoursing to him Fulgoran who never had beheld such beauty before observed her with a strange and unusuall motion and in his heart said thus to himself Good gods how blessed a man is Dardanor to be possest of a creature so full of perfections and how much to my prejudice am I to fear the incountring and seeing of her at this time I cannot chuse but love her though she be dedicated to the contentment of another and spite of my teeth I must yeeld to the impulsions of that proud deity which triumphs over all men Mighty Love do not I beseech thee refuse me thy aid and since it is thy pleasure to be acknowledged by me grant that the heart of this Lady may prove as pliant as the glances of her eies are pleasing I will then with a liberall hand present sacrifice to thy altars and proclaim to all the world that thou art of more power then all the gods that we adore On the other side Clairangia finding him wonderfully agreeable to her did insensibly passe from a due acknowledgement of his assistance to an heigth of liking him being unable with all her modesty to keep her self from dearly loving him and wishing that she might in that manes possesse him as she might one day receive the contentments which Love doth give us in the fruition of our desires Neverthelesse not being willing to leave a bad impression in him of her weaknesse she concealed her mind and kept him well enough from discerning her affection Thus shortning the length of the way with the sweet entertainment of their thoughts they arrived at a village where the King had a mind to rest and cause his wounds to be carefully looked unto But having intelligence that some kinsmen of the Giants had a design to surprize him in that place and so to be revenged on him he presently dislodged being much troubled that he had no more of his people about him to assist him if the enemy should charge him but he was quickly freed of that care by the comming in of the Knights that he had left in the forrest who incountred him on the way an howr after much rejoicing to find him alive whom they had given for dead as soon as they heard he was gone to set upon the Giants When he saw them he commanded his tent to be pitched that he might repose himself being then out of all fear of danger since he had in his company the burning Knight to whom he did all the honour that possibly he could devise The night past sweetly away with every one but these two hearts so lately wounded for fixing their imaginations she upon the consideration of what she ought to her honour he upon the fear of not being intertained with favour and the danger that his enterprise might draw upon him they were both of them kept waking till day amidst the perplexity of a world of thoughts but if they were tormented that night the next was so them much more full of torture For their conversing familiarly together all that day having added no little fuell to their fire made them feel their desires much more violent and so rendred their pains more insupportable Shamefastnesse sealed up the lips of Clairangia and a due respect brideled Fulgoran but remembring that lovers are commonly fortunate when they are adventrous he desired to trie whether boldnesse would acquire him that which his faintnesse
desired dispatched presently a servant of his to Bracandors kinsemen advertising them of the conditions of the combat and what day they were to be in the City for the finishing of their enterprise being so confident of the victory as he made no doubt of being revenged to the full since Fulgoran appeared not to take upon him the defence of his own honour and his Ladies who amidst the grief to see herself in captivity had no other recourse but to her tears howbeit judging it fit to give them over for to think of some means for her delivery she dispatched away Silesia with a command to seek the Knight Ardant where ever he were and to acquaint him with the resolution that was taken concerning this combat but all her labour was in vain for having emploied two daies in that search without any news of him she was ready to make her self away determining rather to die so then to return to her mistris with so little satisfaction Great Gods said she lifting up her hands can you suffer so beautifull a Queen to be lost for want of succour and what may be heerafter expected from any man when the Knight Ardant not only fails of his promise but is also wanting both to the life of his Lady and his own honour Is this the recompense of all her love and how can he excuse so great a basenes If he have not feared the hazard of his life for the relief of privat persons why doth he now refuse to employ his valour for a matter that so neerly concerns him Truly I know not what to say and am extreamly amazed to see him thus abandon us without any sense of that affection which lately was so violent in him But alas it may be he is not still in this country and so is ignorant of the resolution is taken concerning this affair wherfore I may blame him wrongfully and yet not so but I have just cause for the fear of all the tortures in the world should not have made him quit this kingdome before he knew whether his presence heer were necessary or no. He is guilty and my complaint of him not unjust but what shall I say to this afflicted Princesse Shall I carry her the certain news of her ruine by the default of her Knight Or shall I perswade her to save her life by yeelding to the desires of this Traitor that accuseth her Neither of them for so should I be either guilty of her crimes or of her punishment and be the destruction both of her honour and her life die I must then for without her I desire no happinesse in this world and declare by a generous resolution that I loved her more in my death then whilest I lived Die then Silesia and let the sacrifice of thy bloud appease the Gods and make them look upon thy mistris with an eie of pity With that she took a little knife that hung at her girdle with a purpose to sheath it in her bosome when as on the sudden she espied hard by her a maid that thus spake unto her Damsell do not persist in this furious design which you are about to execute upon your self The Gods would rather be highly displeased with the effusion of your bloud then any way reconciled to your desires by such a heady violence They are to be humbly intreated and not provoked by our desperation Leave then this course which would be to no purpose and ere long you shall meet with a Knight that will be of much use to you in your businesse He is full of curtesie and will not refuse to be a second therein touching the rest never trouble your self for the first being found a third will appear in so due time as these tears will be converted into joy This said she so suddenly left her as Silesia had not leisure to reply being very much grieved that she understood not the meaning of her speech neverthelesse taking a little better heart upon her promise she forgot the nymphs advice but went into the thickest of the wood where she had not gone far before she found a yong Knight sleeping under the shadow of certain trees He was so lovely and seemed so handsome asleep as she could not chuse but behold him with passion Oh heavens said she to her self how liberall hath nature shewed her self to this Knight if he be as brave and valiant as the nymph would make me believe I do not think that any one in the world can match him except it be Fulgoran who is nothing behind him in those perfections which I observe in him and me thinks he looks very like him or if there be any difference it is that our Knight is somewhat fairer and hath a more majesticall aspect Shall I wake him to judge a little better of his excellencies in observing the gracefulnesse of hâ—s motion that were somewhat uncivill But alas I am as it were bound to do so for besides my desire the businesse about which I am sent doth presse me unto it and doth not permit me to trifle out the time in this maner I must then interrupt him to procure mine own quiet but it must be done in such sort as I may not be taxed of incivility Wherupon retiring a little aside she began to lament so lowd that the sleeping Knight awaked and not well come to himself laced on his helmet took his sword in his hand and drew directly to the place whither the voice called him She that saw him coming in that fashion presently arose and throwing herself at his feet embraced his knees without any other speaking then by sighs which made the Knight take her up by the arm and say unto her Gentlewoman be pleased to rise and tell me if you have any occasion to use me that I may dispose my self to do you service For having taken arms for no other end I shall hold it a glory to be emploied in drawing you out of that affliction wherin you seem to be at this present Noble Knight replied she the Gods reward you for this so generous an offer I am indeed afflicted and perhaps you shall never meet with an occasion more worthy of your arms and valour then this to which you have presented your self I belong to the beautuous Queen of Romeria one of the compleatest Ladies on the earth who for slighting the affection of the most treacherous man that lives is falsly accused to have forfeited her honour and the King himself more heady then discreet hath adjudged her to the fire if some Knight do not undertake her defence See heer the first and principall cause of my grief and the next is for that I cannot find a Knight whom I have sought these two daies for I am assured that he would not fail us at our need and that with your assistance our enemies would come much short of their reckoning But if we do not meet with him we shall not find any in the
will not suffer you to slip any occasion that may adde to your glory but such affairs as are both of importance and pressing must precede them that may be deferred without danger having thus spoken he vanished out of his sight leaving the Knight more quieted in his minde then before and not a little wondering at the vast knowledge of those to whose skill it seemed his fortune was inseparably attracted Laying himself down then upon his bed he quickly fell asleep but he did not continue so long for his Squire waking them all shewed them afar off a great number of ships in battell array ready to attacque another fleet which in the like order appeared against them Their vessell sailing that way as they desired they saw these vessels meet together and begin a furious Sea-fight in which at the first they medled not being as yet uncertain in favour of whether side they were to employ their arms But discerning white crosses in the flags of those on the right hand they resolved to be for the other side and accordingly had their swords in their hands to give a charge when as they saw a man in the midst of the waves who laying hold of their ship besought them to take him up and not to suffer him to perish in that pitifull element The Squires having drawn him aboord Fulgoran that guessed him to be a Pagan came to him and asked him whom he served He answered that he was a subject to Dardanor King of Romeria who having raised a mighty army and shipped it in the fleet which they saw to invade the kingdom of Canabea in revenge of the affront done him by the King thereof through his too much famâ—liarity with the Queen his wife contrary to the respects of the friendshâ—p between them had met with this fleet of Christians bound for Trebisond and being a mortall enemy to that profession hath charged them in hope to defeat them As I live said Fulgoran your master is a villain and though by my religion I an obliged to the ruine of the Christians yet for this once will I be their servaâ—t Get you then into the fiâ—st of your ships that you come to for I will not out of my bate to your master make you lose your life after I have saved it and tell Dardanor that heer is the King of Canabea who will not put him to the trouble of going so far since he hath so conveniently met with forces heer so turning to Prigmalion he thus spake unto him Deare friend I am extreamly grieved that I must employ my sword for the enemies of our Gods but the wrong which this Prince hath done his wife which is she that is here aboord us and that which he intended to me raising this mighty Army to ruine my countrey do not permit me to incounter him without revenge for we to make use of the times and occasions that Fortune presents us wâ—th If you will assist me I shall take it for a singular favour if not at least wise affoord it to the afflâ—ction of a Lady unjustly banished her countrey which as a Soveraigne she possessed and as a malefactor basely entreated by a jealous and cruell husband How fir said Prigmaleon do you think that I will leave you in the fight and turn my Arms against a side for which you shall declare your selfe Be assured never for I do not consider with whom but why I fight Dardanor is your enemy therefore I cannot love him he hath raised these forces against you we must endevour to defeat them and as you said mâ—ke use of time and occasion Let us then follow our fortune which offers it self so fairly unto us And since the Christians have diverted the storme which was intended should fall upon you let us if we can procure them the victory and overthrow the malitious designe of this ingratefull and barbarous Prince With these words they passed into the middest of the two armies and seeing the fight hottest between two great ships which were grapled together the one bearing the Aâ—mes of Romeria in their tops and the other wâ—itâ— Crosses with Eagles they boorded the Pagans ship all three together leaving their Squires in guard of their baâ—k and of Clâ—â—rangia who seemed more dead then alive and began to make such a slaughter as the deck was covered with bloud and dead karkasses The Christians making use of the advantage which the Knights gave them followed them close and entring with them among their enemies continued the butchery with so much fury that the sea round about them was died all red with blood Fulgoran knowing Dardanor by his rich Armor in despight of all that were about him could do got up to him and letting flye a mighty blow at his head he cut it in two pieces laying him stark dead on the hatches That done he entred another ship of the enemies which made a strong resistance and beginning a like destruction as in the former he overthrew so many dead into the sea as the water was fuâ—l of them This execution having continued above five hours and the death of the King of Romeria being known they presently tacked about and the Captains desiring to save that which remained after so furious a charge retired to the next pâ—rt whence they came the same morning Fulgoran being no lesse discreet then brave and able taking a sudden resolution upon this retreat of the enemy turned himselfe about and addressing himselfe to the Generall of the Christians whose valour during the fight he had admired said unto him Excellent Prince I know not whether you will think me bold to crave any thing of you not having obliged you by precedent services to grant it and being besides a worshipper of other Gods then yours but vertue is to be exercised every where and the duty which we ow to our religion doth noâ— prohibite us to be courteous and to help one another when occasion is offered my enemies are defeated as well as yours for you must know that this Fleet was intended against my countrey in revenge of a wrong that King Dardanor said he had received at my hands howbeit that the victory which you have gloriously gotten may be well managed and that I may also make my benefit of it for the reliefe of a distressed Queen unto whom as a Knight of worth you also are bound not to refuse your assistance be pleased to put your army again into battle array and present it rather to fear then wholly to destroy them In the mean time I will go and visit them with their Queen whom Fortune not long since put into my hands to the end I may if possibly I can restore her to the Crown of Romeria wherof she was deprived by the jealous humour of her husband and bring her subjects to receive her commands with as much obedience as heretofore Brave warriour answered he I so approve of your compassion of an ill intreated Princesses
call me ingratefull The service that I will do you with my arms shall make amends for this default in the mean time if you have a minde to tarry heere I will remove further that I may not trouble your repose Thus it is said shee in choler that poore spirits use to excuse themselves Sleep since you care more for a nap then you do for my life The Gods who are alwaies just will one time or other revenge your despising of me and make you thorowly feel the pain that I suffer by your ingratitude Saying so she withdrew under another tree with extream discontent leaving Prigmaleon in no lesse disquiet of mind for remembring his Polixena from whom he durst not assure himselfe a better entertainment then now he had given that amorous damsell he never could shut his eies and in that trouble he continued till the sun being risen made him get to horse where entring into a forrest that befell him which shall be deliverd to you in the next Chapter CHAP. XLI Prigmaleon meets with Melina she gives him an account of Griolanis his fortunes with the issue of the combat between him and the Knight of the Savage PRigmaleon travelling in the forrest under the shadow of the trees entertained himselfe with his ordinary fancies and thought of nothing lesse then the damsell which still followed him though it were with much discontent and ashamed for having been so refused when as on the sudden he heard the voice of a person who seemed to be much afflicted Those laments comming to his ear put him out of his musing and made him presently goe to a bush from whence the noise did come where at the foot of it he saw a Lady that holding a ponyard in her hand spake these words Melina it is time for thee to die since thy Knight is lost for thy dayes would be but anguish and every thought of him an insupportable torture when thou shalt remember that thou wert the cause of his death by putting him upon a busines which could no way conduce to thy content It had beene much better done to have kept him still in thy house amidst a thousand pleasures then to carry him abroad to the hazard of his life But since this mischief is not to be remedied thy desire to accompany him must be without fear neither must thou shrinke from death to follow him Lifting up then her hands she was ready to strike the dagger into her bosome if Prigmaleon who perceived her intent and therefore was lighted from his horse had not suddenly laid hold of her and remonstrated that despair was a greater offence then that for which she so much sorrowed Stay Madam said he stay your hand I beseech you and do not in this sort run headlong to perdition The shortest follies are the best and when you have well considered that the shedding of your bloud will not restore him to life whose death you lament you will without doubt preserve it and beleeve that it were better to appease his ghost with some other kind of duty then to incense the Gods with a new murther Alas answered she looking upon him if you knew the occasion I have to desire to die you would not now divert me from this designe I do not doubt said he but the cause of your grief is very important but yet I say that it ought not to transport you from your reason and if you could give your self some relaxation in imparting it to me you should doe much for my satisfaction and perhaps not a little for the ease of your mind I am content to do it answered she letting the poniard go but it shall be upon condition that you shall leave me at liberty to do what I please if you find the occasions that I have to be just Prigmaleon having promised her not to crosse her will provided hee might do it with reason she sat down upon the grasse and thus began her discourse Walking one evening in a wood neere the house in which I am ordinarily resident I met a Knight who being strayed out of his way did so curteously entreat me to grant him lodging for that night as beside the law of charity which doth bind us not to refuse our helpe to those that doe need it I felt my self also forced by the fair language and by the grace that he used in his request to give him my hand and to lead him to my house assuring him that there he should receive the best entertainmenâ—â—hat I could possibly give him As soon as we were come there and that by the light of the torches I had seen his face I found him so lovely and all hâ—â— actions so pleased me that not to dissemble I could not keep my self from falling in love with him I then made him to be served at the Table and sometimes serving him my self with the strength of my affection I so obliged him to my curtesie that assuredly hee did beare mee some good will which infinitely rejoiced me but fearing to lose him as soon as I had gotten him my contentment was thereby much weakened To remedy that doubt I resolved to arrest him with my caresses I mean to give my selfe wholly to him without any reservation at all Taking him then by the hand after he had supped I went and fate down with him upon the beds feet besought him to tell me his name his quality and passing from those ordinary tearms to those of love I made an ostentation not of my bounty for of that his eyes could be judge but of my birth and quality eminent enough for the ambition of any Knight that were not a Prince the conveniencies that I was Mistrisse of my estate my humour not unpleasing and briefly all that came in my head and which I beleeved might serve to make him to affect me but fearing all these charmes would not be able to stay him I entreated him to grant me one favour which I intended to desire of him The entertainment said he which I have heer received from you doth not permit me to be ingratefull in refusing you Madam you shall have of me all that you please to command As for the first point of your desire I will tell you freely that I am called Griolanis born in Macedon of parents unto whom fortune truly hath done wrong in not conferring scepters on them for a recompence of their vertue I travell thorow the world to purchase glory and raise my ambition beyond the limits of my birth and should reckon my self most happy if I might deserve the greatnesse of your fortune in possessing of you but not thinking it fit to aim so high before my valour hath made me worthy of so great a favour I will put off the further treating thereof till some other time and in the mean while beseech you to let me freely know what you desire of me To have you maintain a justs in favour of me answered I exceedingly
in your person Mighty Love divert both the one and the other of these accidents and suffer not humanity to be of more power then thy selfe These complaints infinitely displeased me and I would fain have retired if my new passion would have permitted me but being no longer Mistris of my will I came inconsiderately to mine owne ruine neverthelesse knowing that modesty is a powerfull charm to win mens affections I would not seem impudent but withdrew my self under some trees fast by and began to sing hoping that he would repair to the voice as he did for not giving me so much leasure as to sing out fowr verses he arose and creeping from oak to oak he came very neer unto me I marked him well but making as though I did not I continued my song at the end whereof he shewed himself and saluting me with an excellent grace demanded of me whether I would accept of his company Another would have been affraid at the sudden approach of a man unknown but not desiring to make use of any such cunning I answered him with a smile which might very well have testified my thoghts that it were simplicity to refuse a Knight of so fair a presence as his To what end should I relate the discourse we had then and how I applied all my allurements and charms for to render our disease common Without doubt it would but adde unto my misery wherefore I will only let you know that taking occasion to discover unto him what I thought of certain sighs he had fetched I told him that his good parts had possest me with a great desire to love him and that I intreated him to consider what good he had gotten without any labour at all My speech ending with a mighty blush he looked upon me and answering me with a sigh Alas Madam said he unto me what a world of cause have I now to complain of my ill fortune which having ingaged my affection in another place will not suffer me to receive the favours you would confer upon me These eies wherein you yet see tears do witnes but too well that my heart is not at quiet and that a woman possesseth it be pleased then not to accuse me if I doe not dispose of it according to your desire seeing I have not the power so to do but if in any other thing you can think me fit for your service Madam command I will recompence the honour of your love with my bloud and will gladly die to assure you that I am much obliged by your favour Imagine I pray you whether I took any pleasure in this answer whereby the death of all my hopes was concluded No questionles for I was almost ready to swound with grief at it but my anger preserved my judgement for to complain of him and I began to tearm him cruell when I saw a woman appear who knowing him alighted at that very instant and presenting him a letter said that Clitia so was my rivall called remembred her service unto him At these words I perceived him grow pale and his legs became so feeble that he had fallen down had not that woman upheld him I was almost as sensible of his indisposition as himself but desiring to make use of the opportunity it gave me I took the letter out of his hand and knew by the contents thereof that Clitia being ready to be delivered of a child derived from their stollen pleasures desired him to return in all haste both for to legitimate the birth of it as also by that way to deserve the favour which her mother had alwaies denied them protesting in case he were disloiall not to survive her delivery but to poison her self I was violently in love with him I must confesse but when I considered the reason that he had to affect this woman who upon his faith had made no difficulty to give him that which ought of all things to be most dear unto us I set by mine own interest and shewing more pity then love I counselled him to depart instantly away since it so much concerned his Mistris life and honor This is to love nobly said he being come to himself again but Madam my misfortune will not suffer me to expedite my journey my horse being slain in a combat which I had yesterday just without this wood That shall not hinder you replied I for I that would give you my self cannot refuse you an horse Then bringing him to my stable I bestowed one of the best Coursers of the Kingdome on him and so letting him go I returned to my chamber for to complain of my destiny that had made me to love a man who had not the power to recompence my affection and for to seek out reasons to divert me from these fancies in the continuance whereof I saw my assured ruine but to speak truth I could not resolve so much as to say that I would never love him proceeding then in my former passion I presently dispatched away a Squire and charged him expresly to enquire what became of Alcidas so is that worthy Knight named which he performed with so much care that about six daies after he reported unto me the death of Clitia who had poisoned her self thinking that the retardment of her lover was a sign of his disloialty and further which much perplexed me he delivered that the mother of this Lady had caused Alcidas to be apprehended as he was shedding an ocean of tears on his Mistrisses tombe and imprisoning him had condemned him shamefully to lose his head if within three moneths he did not finde a Knight that would combat Farnabazan a terrible and mighty Giant who came not long since to inhabit upon this womans lands no man knowing wherefore If the death of Clitia was pleasing to me because it opened a door to my hopes you may as well beleeve that the captivity of Alcidas afflicted me howbeit loving him too much onely to bestow tears on him I put my self to sea two daies after with a purpose to go unto Constantinople to demand the assistance of some one of those brave Princes which seek the like occasions of glory but I am sufficiently satisfied for all my travell having incountred you in the strangest manner that ever was and applauding my good fortune I will hope that ere long you will restore me to the supremest degree of my felicity seeing justice accompanies your arms Madam assure your self answered Clarisel that I will gladly fight for his preservation and your contentment but if you would oblige me make truce with your complaints and restrain these tears a little that so our voiage may seem the lesse tedious It is fit said she that having found a remedy for my grief I should shew a merrier countenance I will no longer complain then but apply my self to make the time if I can more pleasing unto you Whilest they discoursed in this manner Rozalmond and the Knight of the Desert being
should be so fortunate as to passe in despite of her guards should see her before they had submitted unto one commandement of three the choice whereof she left unto them assuring her selfe that the least of the three was impossible for any man whatsoever to perform or that they had overcome an hundred armed men which should be alwaies ready waiting at the gates of the town where she pleased to make her residence Since that time many have presented themselves at the port some of purpose others driven in by fowl weather but being vanquished by the guards they retired with disgrace only this miserable man whom you have slain the Prince of Argilles named Silvion subdued the thirty Knights and entred into the Island where the Queen causing three most difficile things to be propounded unto him namely either to give her the scepter of Greece by the death of all the Princes which possesse it or present her with the goodliest Knight the most exquisit beauty of the earth or conduct her portrait through all the Provinces of the Orient in the maner that you have seen maintain in all the Courts of Kings that she was the fairest Lady in the World and at the end of six yeers return unconquered which done she promised he should see her and that with her self she would give him the Crown of Corolandaya This infortunate Prince finding an extream favor in this last commandement most willingly undertook that charge albeit that the term of six yeers was grievous unto him and therefore desired that she would be pleased to appoint some one to accompany him who might be judge of his actions and give her account therof which she granted sending me along with him and expresly commanding me to write all the names of such as should be vanquished upon this quarrell and present her with a list of all the Princesses for whose service they undertook the combat the which accordingly I have performed having already the names of threescore and twelve daughters to Sovereign Potentates and of two hundred Knights bravely fought withall and overcome but the end of my commission arriving by the death of this Knight I am constrained instantly to return and carry back this Litter to Corolandaya whither you shall accompany me if you please suffering no man to see the portrait of my Lady wherunto you are obliged by the boon you have promised me Gentlewoman said Griolanis there needed no promise to make me undertake this voyage with you for I feel my self already so much the servant of this Princesse that if it like you I will eyther continue the enterprizâ— of this Knight I have slain or otherwise fulfill your pleasure protesting according to your desire that no man shall have the content to behold so delicate a face without he buy it at the same rate it cost me The damsell then commanding a little dwarf to drive on the horses put her self behind the Litter with the Knight who having doft his helmet for to refresh himselâ— made this Gentlewoman so amazed that she could not contain from crying out O Gods what an incounter is this I beheld even now in the combat of this Knight all the valor that may be wished for in a man now I see all the charms and all the graces that can be desired in the sweetest face of the World Ah Sir if the Prince of Argilles had beheld you without an helmet and that he could have prevailed more by his praiers then he hath done by his sword doubtlesse he had shewed my Mistris that which she most desires placing you by her he had assembled the goodliest Knight and the beautifullest Lady in the earth but it much rejoices me that she shall not be deprived of this contentment seeing I am conducting you unto her Griolanis laughing at this speech began to entertain her with other discourse and so sweetly passing away the time they arrived at the Sea side where they imbarqued themselves sailing towards the Island of Corolandaya whither we will leave them going for to overtake Grian the Savage CHAP. X. The Adventures which happened to Grian the Savage after he was separated from Griolanis the Loves of Arliana and Zelandion and the beginning of his own with the fair Brandimanda Queen of the Amazâ—ns THE Knight of the Savage being separated from Griolanis as you saw in the precedent Chapter travelled all the day not meeting with any adventure and perceiving himself when it began to wax dark at the foot of a rock upon the which he discerned a little house he took a path that he thought would lead him to it and went about so long till he came to the door of it where at the first knock two yong Hermites appeared who having received him very curteously brought him to a chamber and helped him to unarm himself whilst his Squire set up his horses in a little hovell there by Grian finding more meat then he could hope for that barren place fell to with a good stomack howbeit he was not so attentive to his pallat but that he observed how the actions speech and countenance of these Religious persons did not shew to be of men able to endure the austerity of a solitary life having then a very great desire to know what he was ignorant of he said unto them Excuse me I pray you if I suspect that you are not such as you seem to be your voices and youth perswade me that you are some women abused and reduced by despair to so desert a place let me obtain of you not to conceal any thing from me declare your misfortunes and I vow by the Order of Knighthood which I have received to assist you in all that shall be necessary to your content Your judgement doth not deceive you answered one of them with her eies full of tears we are the unhappiest creatures in the world she by pertaking my miserie and I by giving too light beleefe unto the words of a man the most disloiall that ever breathed he is called Zelandion Count of Maâ—tage and I am named Arliana no lesse rich and as well derived as he but it may be not so fair as was requisite to settle his fickle humour it was my ill fortune to see him at a turnament made in honour of the nuptialls of a kinswoman of mine where most unluckily he chose me out from all the rest to combat under my favour I accepted him for my Knight beleeving that his merits and civility commanded me to do him that grace and then I began to love him so extreamly that from thence doth the occasion of all my complaints proceed He was adjudged the best man at arms and I the fairâ—st woman of the assembly which was the reason that we willingly grew acquainted together finding a certain kinde of I know not what sweetnesse in our conversation which reciprocally informing our knowledge with the perfections of the minde as the eie had done by those of
again with the more grace Clarisel that beheld her through the trees was ravished in the contemplation of such wonderfull beauty but apprehending a greater content in her conversation he went towards her leaving Alcidas behind The noise which he made treading upon some leaves drew Miralinda suddenly to divide her hair that so she might with the lesse impediment look about her she was somewhat amazed seeing a Knight so goodly and of so gallant a grace to appear but accompanying her actions with an extraordinary discretion she presently rose up and making him a low reverence demanded what chance had conducted him to that place My passion brought me hither answered he for to tell you fair shepherdesse that you are not to marvell hearing me truly to sigh for you though our conditions seem to be so different Love doth greater miracles and the wonders which I see in your eies shall alwaies excuse me before the severest Iudge that can be Look said she no whit abashed how a silly shepherdesse may be jeered no doubt Sir I have cause to complain of fortune for giving me no better a being but withall I must praise her for sending me into the world with so much judgement as to know how to put the difference that is requisit between your greatnes and my poverty which forbids me to be perswaded that ever I can merit the honour you would do me I am without name without parents and have nothing els to relie upon this day in the world then the only goodnes of an old shepherdesse who doth bring me up upon condition that I shall feed her flocks in regard whereof I will never beleeve that you love me but to undo me which I will avoid if I can and will wisely conserve that which can make me live happily in my unhappines Now if you fondly suppose with them who think that promotion may one day perswade me to accept of the advantages they propound unto me without doubt you will be deceived and lose your labour for at length you shall know that the desire of greatnes shall never prevail with me If you take feigning for truth answered Clarisel without doubt you will intreat me as you have done all those which have hitherto presented themselves before you but if you please to make use of your reason you will discern the difference that is to be made between my affection and their passions I love you without desiring any thing of you but what honour will permit you to confer on me and that which I most wish for at this present is that you will suffer me to live by you with the liberty to keep a flock in another habit then this I have on and that you will not refuse to see both in my respect and in my actions the integrity of this love Provided answered she that your quality be not known heer which at last might make me unhappy and that you will live modestly according to your promise I will never oppose your desire for I will give my self the glory of your captivity and beleeve that your intentions are as sincere as I am innocent Beauteous shepherdesse answered Clarisel kissing her hand whether she would or no I receive this grace from you with more satisfaction then if you had made me Monarch of the whole earth You command discretion in my actions you will have my affection to be unfeigned and my vows inviolable such is my desire to and I wish that thunderbolts from heaven may strike me if ever you see me sigh otherwise then you would have me and from henceforward I will approve of your anger and my banishment if I give you any occasion to abridge these favours which I hold so dear Well said Miralinda our accord is half made but can you counterfet the shepherd well The best in the world answered he and if I had the habit now I verily think you would take me for one at leastwise I should accommodate my self far better to the cariage of a swain then one of your Lovers doth who came this way a little before you and mightily complained of your rigour It is the son of Count Moligny named Cesander answered she who questionles wishes me well but his humor is intolerable he is jealous when he beholds me cast an eie upon any shepherd he importunes me continually and is alwaies chanting unto me the greatnes of his race as if I were obliged to love him for that only consideration rather then for the merit of his person and renders himself so odious in his waies that I cannot endure to look upon him which is the reason I flie him as I would do a wolf But let us leave off this discourse I pray you and tell me how you lighted on this place The destinies conducted me hither said he and from their providence is this good fortune of mine derived Then making a brief relation of his adventures of his condition of the beginning of his love and of the violent passions he had undergone since that time he much amazed her put her almost out of hope of ever enjoying him but setting up her rest upon a contrary opinion she sweetly replied thus Verily I am of the same faith with you that there is a kind of fare in our affections for if you were stricken in love by my picture I was no lesse wounded therewith by yours which I saw not many daies past in this very place it being shewed to me by a damsell who told me that within a while I should no longer be mine own wherefore I do not marvell now that I have not been more difficult to receive you seeing the heavens governed my thoughts and disposed of my will I acquaint you with this secret not to give you more boldnes lesse respect but to let you know that we are not to falsifie the effect of so many promises if we will live contented since it is the only mean to assure you those felicities which you hope for in me and to render me the satisfaction that I expect from your thraldome Fear not fairest shepherdesse answered he wonderfully contented with these assurances fear not that I will ever passe the bounds of your commandements I feel such infinite joy in being yours that I am resolved to die a thousand deaths before I will give you the least occasion to complain of me and to testifie how far I am from abusing your favour I will depart if you please with promise to be heer again in two daies for to continue my services unto you Go my shepherd said she for so will I call you heerafter and let Love whom we begin to adore favour our designs Heerewith Clarisel kissing her hand again went to find out Alcidas who seeing him return with so merry a countenance asked him if he should be happy Yes said he if heaven do not oppose mine enterprise Miralinda wishes me well and trusting in my promises makes me hope for that
and the grasse all died with his bloud which made me admire the valour of this Knight who fought with an admirable grace and seemed to recover new forces with time nothing moved with the fury of his enemy who despairing of safety took his huge curtelâ—x in both his hands and let it descend with such violence upon the Knights shield that he made him recoil two or three steps back upon which advantage he approched to the damsell whom this brave warriors Squire had untied and who was then recounting unto me how she fell into that misfortune and at one stroke divided her head and body in two peeces the like he had done to me for to that end he had advanced his curtelax had I not by switching my Nag avoided the blow which light upon the buttocks of my horse who presently fell down dead Imagine I pray you what extremity I was in seeing my self on the ground truly I thought I should die no other death but the Knight of the Palms arriving therupon delivered me instantly from that fear for having taken his sword in both his hands he discharged it so furiously upon the Giants shoulder that he cleft him to the very wast This victory giving me no lesse content then it did him glory we rode on I being mounted on the damsels horse because mine was slain howbeit this valiant Knight having understood from me what I told you but now returned presently to the place of the combat caused that French damsell to be interred and committing the Giants head unto me desired me in recompence of the service he had done me by freeing me from the captivity of Ariston to come and present this head unto you and assure you that you shall never mâ—et with a Knight that is more at your commandment then himself I am discharged of my promise and now Sir there rests nothing but to know of you whether I may be able to serve you according to your greatnesse and the respect which I bear to that good Knight to whom I am tied in such powerfull obligations Your pains much oblige me answered Lucendus and no lesse am I indebted to the affection of that worthy Knight who hath delivered me from the danger of such an eaemy wherefore I wish he were heer that I might know him and render him that honour which is due to his vertue in the mean time if you see him let him know that whensoever I shall have the happinesse to encounter with him it shall well appear that I am sensible of curtesies And for your own particular think whether I am able to do any thing for you be confident that you shall not be denied What I most desire said the Damsell is the honour of your favour with the assurance whereof I humbly kisse your hands Saying so she made a low obeisance to all the Princes there present and departed leaving the Emperour with an extream desire to see this valiant Knight of the Palms and to know whether the effect did answer so many praises which this Damsell gave him CHAP. XXIV The marvellous acts done by the Knight of the Palms at his entrance into the Castle of Serpents from whence he delivers four young Princes of Greece with the excellent Amadis of Prebisond son to Amadis of Greece and Niquea inchanted in the monstrous Island ever since he was four months old WHilst Cilena was travelling on in her journey Alcidamanâ— having lost his way in a forrest rode extreamly discontented for that he had not followed the Damsell inchantresse but thinking that she knew well enough how to finde him out upon any occasion it did somewhat mitigate his displeasure Having then passed thorow the Empire of Greece he incountred upon a day with two Squires who with their tears giving testimony of much sorrow made him to draw neer unto them for to comfort them Questionlesse said he unto them you are not afflicted thus without some just cause but when you shall consider that your weeping is to no purpose you will then be appeased for to think on the remedies which shall be necessary for your misfortune Noble Sir said one of them you may judge our tears to be immoderate But alas We shall never be able to shed so many as may serve worthily to bewail both our own losse and that which the whole world hath received by being this day dâ—prived of four Knights which undoubtedly might boast themselves to be of the best on the face of the earth How came they by their ends said Alcidamant By the greatest treason that can be imagined answered the Squire and no man breathing could possibly avoid such a like mischance unlesse he had warning of it They went out all four out of Constantinople some three dayes since with a purpose to seek such adventures as may give reputation unto men and had the same day a dangerous combat with four other excellent Knights the honour whereof was so generously disputed that the night surprizing them they retired with equall advantage into a wood resolving to finish their battell the next morning assoon as they could see but having strange visions they arose all at one instant and taking their horses they followed the first way that they met withall which led them at length to a house about six miles hence where as they were going in at the intreaty of a wicked damsell who pretended to do them honour and service they fell into certain fosses from whence they cannot hope to be redeemed but by death Truly said Alcidamant though I hold the mishap of these Knights to be so great as to oblige you to bewail them yet you must labour their deliverance and not stand vainly complaining in this manner Go back I pray you and guide me for I will either die or succour them Now God vouchsafe to prosper so great a designe answered they falling on their knees before him and reward the good you intend to these Knights Come Sir we will most willingly conduct you but beware of those false bridges which overturn assoon as one sets a foot upon them lest you be overtaken as our Masters were I le take as good heed as I can said Alcidamant but in the mean time let us make haste lest the night prevent us in our enterprise Whereupon setting spurs to their horses they rode so fast that in an hour they discovered the Castle whereinto as the Knight was about to enter he heard one call to him looking therefore all about to see who it might be he perceived in the way that he came the damsell inchantresse who had brought him out of France whereof he was exceeding glad and turning about to meet her he said In good faith sweet heart your absence hath much troubled me but now I am well satisfied in this your return It is in good time for you said she for you are undertaking a most dangerous adventure which you cannot easily accomplish without my help shun the
when as a damsell presented her self accompanied with one of the greatest and most formidable Giants of the world who making his way as he came said with an horrible voice Let no man think to part from hence with the glory of Conquerour unles he will confesse this Lady to be fairer then his mistris for otherwise I le put you all to the sword Proud Knight answered Rozalmond on whom all mens eies were fixed dost thou think to perform what thou so vainly boastest to do There is not the meanest Knight heer but can take thy head from thy shoulders whereas thou presumest to defeat them all as if they were a company of fearfull women thou deceivest thy self insolent creature and to testifie that we make no rekoning of thee take the field and let us see thy valour otherwise then in bravadoes O ye Gods said then the Giant do you permit one only Knight to be so daring as to outrage me with injuries I vow I wil be revenged on you and all the assistance you can give him shall not keep him from being cut in a thousand pieces Saying so he turned about to take the field leaving all the assistants more amazed at Rozalmonds confidence then to behold so dreadfull a monster His Course was very dangerous for the girths not being strong enough to endure so rude an encounter Rozalmond saw himself upon the ground with his saddle betwixt his legs but the Giant found himself laid in the dust with a deep wound in his side which possessing him with more anger then fear made him rise much enraged and charged the Knight so terribly that every minute his death was expected nevertheles when they beheld how he displaid his force and that he drew bloud of his enemy they were of another opinion His blows were delivered with such infinite fury that the place was strewed with pieces of the Giants armour and the fire flying out of his helmet and cuirace made men judge that the Knight would carry away the victory At length three quarters of an howr being spent Rozalmond vext at such resistance raised himself in his stirrups and advancing his sword he let it fall with such strength that he cleft him to the very teeth sending him stark dead to the earth with no lesse noise then if it had been a Towr overthrown by Lightning Wherupon the people with a world of acclamations extolled him to the heavens conducted him to the Palace with as much magnificence as if one of their Gods had been descended unto them and leaving him at the feet of their King who received him with unspeakable content they went to make bonefires for joy of the death of this Giant the scourge of the Realm and the terror of the neighbouring Provinces CHAP. XXXIV The Queen of Florertan offers her selfe to Rozalmond the answer which he makes ALl things were disposed to pleasure the King of Florertan to the acknowledgement of the obligations wherin he stood ingaged to the valour of Rozalmond and the Queen to the affection wherunto she was constrained by the rare perfection which she found in him nothing was spoken of but of the beauty vertue goodly personage and gallant grace of this brave stranger who was beheld with wonder and astonishment Whilest the most amorous were entertaining their mistrisses those that were free from that passion thought fit to desire the Knight of the Roses that he would not enter into the turnament which was to begin the next morning addressing themselves then unto him one in the behalf of the rest said Noble Sir you have this day given such powerfull proof of your valour that your name shall ever live in the memory of men especially of those of this Kingdome where Altars are justly to be reared unto you so that having no need to signalize your self any further for to make you more renowned amongst us we humbly beseech you that you will not arm your self for to combat in the turnament for we yeeld you the glory of it before hand well knowing that we are not able to acquire any honor but in imitating of you By the faith of a Prince said the King laying his hand on Rozalmonds shoulder they have reason to make this request unto you and if you will oblige me you shall to morrow be judge of the blows Sir answered Rozalmond I did not run but by your commandment neither will I combat since it is your pleasure I shall not Heerupon all the Knights dividing themselves made an equall party of an hundred against an hundred and so going to order their affairs they left Rozalmond with the King who finding himself somewhat indisposed bad the Knight good night and got him to bed where he entertained the Queen with extolling the excellencies of this stranger This Princesse hearing him so highly commended received the character which Love had imprinted in her heart and unable to resist her desires she said Why should not I affect a man whom even men themselves seem passionately to love and who would condemn me if my thoughts should chance to be known My weaknes would easily find excuses in the merits of this Knight he shall understand then that I love him and seeking mine own satisfaction amidst the content which he is to attend from my caresses I will recompence the travell he hath undergone for me entring into the justs as my Knight and to give a beginning to this design I will oblige him by a present that shall be far greater and rarer then I would have bestowed on any other which had remained victorious This resolution seeming to quiet her thoughts she slept till morning when she caused a crown of lawrell to be made wreathed about with a chain of pearl of very great price the end whereof was closed up with a diamond of inestimable valew and giving it to a damsell whom she had chosen for the secretary of her desires to the end she should present it from her to the Knight she commanded her carefully to observe with what countenance he received it This wench too well instructed with her Ladies wil went and found out the Knight before he was fully ready and making a very low obeisance unto him she said Brave Warrior my Mistris meeting with no recompence worthy of your invincible courage hath commanded me to present you this lawrell with a certain assurance of more if you be willing to deserve it This present proceeding from the hand of so fair a Queen answered he much exceeds my expectation but I will strive to render her greater services that she may not repent her of her liberality please you then to return her my humble thanks and to tell her that I will most charily keep this lawrell for her sake and that she shall never be willing to imploy me but that she shall find me very readily disposed to obey her commandments The damsell returning with this so favourable an answer gave the Queen unspeakable content who
reasons he rendred her fearlesse and her hope greater The time which he could stay with her being sweetly past away he retired to his chamber and slept two howrs at the end whereof the Sun growing somewhat high he arose armed himself with his rich armour wherein he seemed a Mars and going to take horse he was told that the forces of the Iland of Silvana amounting to six thousand choyce Knights were arrived New occasions said he then speaking to the Captains that followed him must have new resolutions this supply comes very opportunely and not to let them cool put them presently in battell aray with four thousand of ours the rest shall serve to guard the walls with the inhabitants but be sure to commence no fight till the combat between Fangomadan and me be ended my companion will take care to dispose of you as you should be Herewith the Knight of the Lions being particularly advertised of his designe gave his Lance that he carried in honour to his Squire and letting him go instantly ordained that which was to be done and put ten thousand men in order after he had given notice thereof to Merodiana who being richly attired was already on the walls for to encourage her lover and be judge of his valour I am resolved said she when she was acquainted with the busines in all things to follow the counsell of the valiant Knight of the Palms therefore let his command be executed The Knight of the Lions seeing his men disposed and being very well satisfied with this answer went out to behold the combat of his companion who finding the Giant in the Lists met him so roughly with his Lance that he made him â—lie to the ground himself remaining somewhat astonished with the encounter The Giant seeing himself overthrown contrary to his expectation rose sooner then could be imagined of so huge a masse of flesh and drawing out a great and weighty courtelax struck such furious blows at his enemy that the least of them had been able to have cut him asunder if he had received it but having avoided them with an admirable dexteritie he charged him so bravely both with point and edge that he amazed both the Armies The Giant stormed exceedingly for that he could not fasten one stroke on his adversary and casting a thick smoke out of the visor of his helmet he hindred himself from seeing where to place his blows whereas Alcidamant that fought with judgement spent not a minute unprofitably The first fury of these warriours having endured above two howrs the place was covered with the Giants Arms which went to pieces whensoever the rich sword of his enemy fell upon them the bloud trickled down from three or four parts of his body and that which carried his choller to the highest degree of rage was that his adversaries armour appeared entire Merodiana beheld this combat with strange motions if the Giants courtelax were aloft she feared the violence of it and she rejoyced when she saw it light without effect she considered the valour of her Knight admired his agility in saving himself from his enemies sword wondred at the force of the blows which he gave and above all took extream pleasure in the grace of his fight Am I not very happy said she to her self to enjoy a Knight the bravest of all that live and is it not exceeding glory for me to triumph over him under whom the strongest Giants of the earth are constrained to bow Yes without doubt and I doe not repent the giving of him that which he hath nobly gotten would to God Fangomadan were dispatched out of the way that my content might be perfect I would then embrace this gallant warriour and in despight of detraction declare before all that I love him infinitely Entertaining her selfe with these thoughts she fixed her eyes upon him and perceiving the Giant to be more unweldy and her lover far abler as she conceived then at the beginning of the combat she was transported with excesse of joy This while Alcidamant pursued his advantage charged his enemy more furiously then before and observing that Merodiana beheld him accused himself for being so long defeating a man in the presence of her whose favours had made him most happy Vext then then to see the victory so long disputed he took his sword in both his hands and letting it fall terribly on his enemies shield he so astonished him that he made him reel three or four steps backward whereupon taking his advantage he redoubled such a dangerous blow on his head that he cleft it in twain to the unspeakable contentment of Merodiana and her subjects who seeing the good Knight of the Lions in the head of their troops set forth in good array and following the Conquerour of the Giant who made them way with his sword they fell so furiously upon the enemies amazed with the death of their master that they slew above two thousand at the fiâ—st bout the rest betook themselves instantly to flight where the slaughter was so great that of seventeen thousand there escaped not fully two hundred who got to the Armie of Fangomadans cousin relating unto him the absolute defeature of the other forces with the death of the King which put him into such a rage that drawing all the garrisons out of the strong places which he held into one body of an Army he resolved to affront the Conquerours and in their overthrow revenge the losse of his companions Advancing then whilst the two strangers refreshed themselves with the Armie which commended them to the skies and especially him of the Palms whom they would fain have adored if he would have permitted it he presented himself three dayes after before Alfarta where the fight commencing by light skirmishes grew so hot upon the arrivall of the two invincible warriours who were accompanied with eight hundred horse that they came to a generall battell in the which the army of these new enemies greater by the half then the former were all cut in pieces by the exceeding valour of Alcidamant and his companion who thundring wheresoever they went assured their souldiers made them fight without feare and so terrified their adversaries that they were dead before the swords of these lightnings of warre fell upon them The enemies being in this manner utterly defeated the whole Island reverted to the obedience of the fairest Merodiana who daily found out new entertainments for her lover and having no other care but to please him held her selfe the happiest Princesse of the world CHAP. XLI The Infanta Silvana falls in love with Alcidamant goes from her Iland to Merodiana for to see him and having found him a hunting she enjoyes him by a notable trick THE people breathing now in peace after so many troubles the Companies were discharged and especially those of the Iland of Silvana who giving account to their Mistris of the successe of the war so published the praises of the Knight of
the strongest that ever he mâ—â— withall next to the incomparable Knight of the Roses whom he tearmed the Phoenix of warriors Howbeit rage and jealousie together made him take up the third lance wherewithall he resolved to vanquish or to die when as he perceived three furious Giants to appear whereof one espying the Palms on his shield cryed out Mighty Gods how much am I bound to thank you for putting the murderer of Fangomadan into my hands that I may inâ—â—ict some horrible vengeance upon him Herewith Alcidamant perceiving him to make towards him turned his horse about and setting spurs hard to him ran his Lance so just against this new commers visor that he past it quite thorow his head sending him stark dead to the earth to the infinite discontent of the other two who charging him both at one instant with two heavie and terrible blows made him bend with his shoulders even to the saddle bow but raising himself quickly up again he drew out his rich sword and laying at him that first presented himself he cut his Shield in two and gave him a great gash in the arm whence the bloud trickled down apace upon his armour therewith presently striking at the others head he had cleft him to the brain if his sword had not turned in his hand neverthelesse the blow was such as it astonished him and forced the bloud out of his ears and eyes In the mean time the Knight of the Phoenix who was advancing to succour him if need were observed him with wonder he was amazed at his confidence in the middest of such danger marvelled at the dreadfulnesse of his blows but especially admired his dexteâ—ity in striking and avoyding the swords of his enemies upon whom his never fell in vain the ground was strewed with peeces of their armour the bloud issued out of five or six places of their bodies and they found themselves so weary and weak that their strokes fell not with such fury as at the beginning of the combat which the Knight of the Palms perceiving he discharged so terribly on the helmet of him that prest him most as he clove him to the teeth and carried with the same rage he advanced his sword immediatly to strike the other who in extream fear would fain have avoyded the blow but being to slow he received it with so great violence that it divided his body in two pieces one moity remaining in the saddle and the other tumbling to the ground with such amazement to the Knight of the Phoenix who beheld it that he was lost in the admiration of these horrible blows Alcidamant seeing himself delivered from his enemies put up his sword gave thanks to God for his victory and approaching to the Knight against whom he was running when as the Giants assaulted him he said Now it is time for us to decide our difference I said the other who wondred at the greatnesse of his courage if you were in better case but the pains you have taken in this combat will not permit you to begin another at this instant take time to breath and refresh your self to morrow we will try for the mastery to obtain it now would be no glory to me In the mean while passe the bridge if you mean to get a lodging to night What said Alcidamant shall I leave a rivall behinde me and is it thus that you defend the beauty of your Mistresse Now as I live you shall not escape me so I esteem of mine better then to testifie so little love unto her your excuses shall not serve your turn you must either confesse my Mistresse to be fairer then yours or if the beauty we adore be the same you shall swear to pretend no interest unto her else resolve your selfe to fight for I have courage enough to vanquâ—sh you upon this quarrell Do not too hot said the Knight of the Phoenix I have sworn not to combâ—t with you to day neither upoÌ„ this nor any other occasion you would have me speak for the advantage of your Mistresse I am contented for I hold her to be fairer yet then you do and love her much more then you think for but to tye me by your menaces not to love her nor to pretend unto any part in her favour I cannot do it breathing but by her and for her content wherefore I may not promise you an impossibility Nor may I said Alcidamant in choller suffer you to part from hence but upon these conditions and let me be forsaken at my need if I leave you till such time as either you or I be in case not to hurt one another any further How said the Knight of the Phoenix will you force me to fight against my will I that I will said Alcidamant or you shall confesse before this Damsell which hath the honour to belong unto her whom I serve that you utterly renounce all pretence unto her Are you so hardy said the Knight of the Phoenix that you dare threaten me and think to vanquish me in the ease you are in I know well enough said Alcidamant that you are strong and valiant the triall which I have made of you makes me not doubt but I had rather die a thousand deaths then offend my Lady in any maner whatsoever It seems you love her much said the Knight seeing death is of lesse consideration with you then the losse of her favour I more then you imagine said Alcidamant but to what end is all this discourse Knight you must satisfie me otherwise then with words there is day enough yet to break a Lance and two have two or three bouts with our Swords come let us dispatch and be not too backward where it concerns you so much this delay does not testifie the passion which you say you are in for her Well said the Knight of the Phoenix who took great pleasure in Alcidamants choller I am ready to give you contentment but it shall not be before you have told me whether you know your Lady or what her name is I am not so happy answered he for I never saw her but in picture Well I will do you a good office then said the Knight in letting you know her indeed Whereupon doffing her helmet she discovered an Angelicall face which our Frenchman beholding observed it to be the very same that Love had engraven in his heart O God! said he presently alighting and falling on his knees before her Madam how have I erred in imploying my Arms against you to whose service alone they are dedicated ascribe this fault to my ignorance which may justly excuse me and receiving my vowes be pleased I beseech you that as your Knight I may give an end to all the adventures of the world under the favour of your name Valiant warriour said she being alighted to raise him up my greatnesse which is more then humane would not permit me to abase my self so much as to salute you did not your
and the sight of you which should asswage my martyrdome encreases it for apprehending the felicity which I am to expect from your more secret caresses I cannot bear the retardment of them but with incredible torment I am too forward I am too forward I confesse and this complaint of mine which seems unreasonable since you have alwayes assured me that you live for me only may justly offend you But alas that which I feel will not permit me to be longer contained so that I am forced to discover it for to finde some remedy and that wholly depends on you which I beseech you to grant me if you have resolved to render me one day happy and without making me longer to languish advance my felicity with your delitious fruition Sir answered she I did not think our familiarity would have carried you to such insolencie or that my affability would have made you forget the respect which you ought to have Have you well considered that you desire and upon what conditions doe you demand it Alas said he with a trembling which thorowly testified his love and that gave marvellous satisfaction to Trasiclea who therein observed that which she desired in this feare Madam do you set down the lawes your selfe I will never oppose them I opened my heart to you to make you sensible of my suffering not to provoke you to displeasure be not offended then I beseech you with this liberty I have taken or if it be distastfull to you command me to suffer and be silent and you shall never hear me open my lips hereafter but with that very respect which may be used to a Deitie I do not require said she in a gentler accent that you should live after with me for my affection will not endure such ceremonies but you shall oblige me for hoping for any thing more from me then what honour will permit me to grant you for our conditions being so different that they may well draw my father to be otherwise disposed then I am if he were aware of our determinations it is very necessary in my opinion to wait the time when as your services and my perswasions may induce him to receive you as his son in law rather then ruine them by precipitation I do beleeve that this expectation is grievous to you and that it leaves you not without much desire for I judge of your suffring by mine own but say my Knight will it not be worthy of your pain and will not your pleasure taste the sweeter for your enduring Yes verily it will be dearer to you having gotten it with difficulty then if you injoyed it otherwise Complain no longer therefore I pray you but live with more content and give me occasion to love you everlastingly Madam said he it is no little grief to me that you should finde any offence in my complaints but since they displease you be assured they shall never importune you more I will suffer with silence and if the violence of my passion shall inforce any sighes from me I will so carry my self that none but these trees shall be witnesses of them In the mean time be graciously pleased to sweeten the bitternesse of my displeasure with some more particular favours and incouraging me to attend the happinesse which you make me to hope for permit me to come and visit you in your chamber when all the world is at rest that so I may have the content to see you without fear I will advice with time upon that said she for it is a businesse that requires good deliberation but not to be so ingratefull as to give you nothing receive this kisse the first that ever man received from my divinity forbidding me the imparting of so great a favour receive I say this kisse for an infallible assurance of my promise Whereupon laying her mouth to his lips she ravished him with the incredible delight of so amorous a touch In this manner did these lovers spend the time and lived with such a tranquillity of minde that never did two finde lesse distast in the birth of their affections If they saw one another it was with new assurances of their love if therein they were hindered by any occasion that defect was supplied with letters Arnides and Cesarina were alwayes walking with new commissions briefly their discourse and conversation was a very Paradise This contentment being without crosses Alcidamant without jealousie because the pride this Princesse had esloigned all such as desired to present her with their service she without suspition not being able to imagine that ever he will be in any passion for another their life was rather divine then humane and all things disposed themselves by little and little to render them happy when as fortune that takes pleasure in her inconstancie would needs let them see that the content of men depends upon her will and that their designes do never arrive at a good port without her assistance Two storms arose at once whereof one was like to have overthrown the greatnesse of that Empire by reducing the Emperour and his daughter to the extremity of the losse of their lives and the other to have utterly ruined these lovers hopes for ever injoying one another The first happened by the treachery of Drumelia Aunt unto Brandamar King of Dramir slain as you have heard upon the quarrell of his Mistris beauty and the second through the indiscretion of Cistenia whom Merodiana had left in the Island of Silvana with a letter directed to the Knight of the Palms as I shall deliver by and by having spoken of that which did precede this misfortune CHAP. XLVIII Drumelia Aunt to the King of Dramir would have betrayed the Emperour of Tramazond Trasiclea is led away by cunning the Emperour is assaulted by three Giants falls down hurt Alcidamant succours him with increaible valour slaies the three Giants arrives in the wood just as Trasiclea was ready to be ravished delivers her by the death of his enemies and returns to the Citie DRumelia Aunt unto Brandamar unable with patience to endure the death of this King whom she held as dear as her own life had recourse unto magicall books wherein she was wonderfully expert and knowing that the Emperour of Tramazond upon whom she desired to extend her rage was too mighty for her to be revenged of by arms she proceeded therein with cunning wherefore desiring nothing so much as his death and the destruction of Trasiclea she resolved to govern her enterprise with such judgement that both their ends should arrive at one instant so that taking five dreadfull Giants neer kinsmen to Brandamar she caused her self and them to be carried by night in a cloud to the forrest of Tarsipolis where making certain circles amongst the trees she rendered her conjurations so powerfull that the great and formidable Giants seemed little deformed Dwarfs seeing them in the estate which she desired for to cover her malice she put her self in
the midst of them advertised them particularly of all that they had to do and taking the way of the City she came thither just as the Emperour was returning out of the Temple from sacrificing to his Gods Howbeit not thinking it fit to present her self unto him any where but in the Palace because she would not play one match without the other she followed fair and softly after him giving the people occasion to laugh for to see her walk between five such ill-favoured creatures and comming to the hall even as Trasiclea entered she presently advanced towards her and kneeling down with tears and sighs she thus began Excellent Princesse I am reduced to that passe as it is not possible for a wretched woman to be more miserable in so much that if I do not finde some assistance of your pity you shall see me cut off the poor remainder of my life heer in your presence and this poniard in my hand shall second the cruelty of my fortune which hath lately deprived me of a son whom I may richly boast to be one of the best Knights of the earth rendering him a prisoner in the hands of a mercilesse Giant that loving the same Mistris which he served to free himself of a rivall purposeth to take away his life if he be not speedily succoured Now the fame which runs of your valour hath induced me to make this addresse unto your greatnesse with an opinion that I shall not be refused No verily said Trasiclea that you shall not for I will serve you most willingly in this extremity Madam said Alcidamant extreamly discontented to see her so resolved I beseech you to pardon me if I say that you promise too lightly I am fitter for travell then you and your divine person is not to be exposed unto hazzard without more occasion Leave the care of this to me and give your subjects the satisfaction of your presence whilst I go and dispatch the affair Why my Knight said she smiling are you not contented with so much glory as you have acquired in the world already but that you would bereave me of this too Let me intreat you to stay heer for to serve the Emperour my father in my stead and because it will not be long ere I return you shall seek to entertain him in the mean time Now by my Crown said the Emperour I am also of his minde daughter and do not hold it fit that you should undertake this enterprise wherein it may be there is more danger then you think for Sir said Drumelia who was very much afraid that her designes should be very much discovered you need not doubt her esloignment her valour exempts you from that and to let you see that I do not venture her person lightly as you imagine I le stay heer my self with you and she shall be conducted by two of these Dwarfs so that in case she return not safely by to morrow with all the contentment you can desire inflict the cruellest punishment you can upon me Trasiclea said unto her father My Lord there are so few occasions of glory presented in these quarters that I cannot without much wrong to mine honour refuse this same therefore permit me I beseech you to depart with your good favour and comfort your self the mean while in the company of this noble Knight of the Palms Well since you will have it so said the Emperour I le no longer oppose your desire but I am in some mistrust I know not wherefore and cannot be perswaded that this voiage will be prosperous Trasiclea having thus obtained leave presently armed herself little regarding the suspition her father had of the enterprise which she imputed rather to the imbecility of his age then to any assured judgement and therefore having cast a thousand looks on her Knight for to bid him tacitely adieu she departed with Cesarina and two of those Dwarfs somewhat troubled for that she had not the company of Alcidamant The displeasure whereof so took up her thoughts that never minding her enterprise she rode on till she came to the wood whereinto the Giants were no sooner entred but they re-assumed their former shape laid two blows with their heavy maces on the head and shoulders of this Princesse who thus surprised fell and kist the ground with little or no memory at all The Giants seeing her in this posture instantly alighted bound her with cords and laying hold on Cesarina that seemed more dead then alive they tied her to the foot of a tree Whilst this Tragedy was framing in the wood a more bloudy one was acted in the City Drumelia thinking Trasiclea sure enough in the hands of these Giants desiring to play her part touched the three Dwarfs with a wand she had in her hand and making them appear with their naturall greatnesse much amazed the assistants especially the Emperour who going to save himself received a blow with a scymiter on his arm which laid him on the ground liker to die then to live Whereupon a great rumour arose in the hall the Courtiers betook them to their swords by Alcidamants example who with his cloak wound about his left arm gave one of the Giants so furious a blow on the shoulder that he opened him to the very girdle and instantly ran one of the other two quite thorow the body the third who made a horrible massacre of the unarmed Knights seeing the fall of his companions in a mighty rage flew at Alcidamant hoping to cut him in pieces but the advised Knight whose judgement was not overcome with fury slipt aside from the blow and losing no time gave him a deep and dangerous wound in the thigh The Giant boyling with choller was not then much sensible of it but a little after advancing his heavy scymiter to discharge it on the Knight and stretching himself upon his feet to render his stroke the stronger he fell all along and carried with him more then half of our Frenchmans cloak who receiving a light hurt on the arm did for all that forbear the taking of his enemies head from his shoulders and suddenly running to the door made stay of Drumelia who beholding the miserable end of her kinsmen would have saved her self By my life said he you old witch you shall not escape me so your head shall answer for Trasiclea's life Say wicked creature Whither hast thou caused her to be conducted What wilt thou not speak No I will be torn in pieces said she before I will discover it her death shall yet make some satisfaction for the King of Dramirs and the inhumane butchery of these his kinsmen What a horrible treason is this said Alcidamant But the horriblenesse of thy punishment shall be answerable to it Whereupon dragging her into the hall he committed her to the custody of certain Knights whom he commanded to look well unto her as they would answer it with the perill of their heads and perceiving the Emperour
few words and by telling me who you are and what occasion brought you hither you may oblige me as much as you thinke you are ingaged to me Could I serve you said hee by declaring whom I am without doubt I should soone obey your command but Sir my name being of so small consideration in the world it wil import you little to know and me much to conceale it in which regard I shall humbly desire you to dispence with me therein and to be pleased if I onely say that I am commonly called the Knight of the Flowers Touching my arrivall in this place my destiny had unluckily brought mee hither had I not met with you for having imbarqued my selfe in a Port of Greece with a resolution to travell the world in the quest of glory I sayled very prosperously for three weekes together during which time I never combatted but once and that was with a Gyant for the rescue of a Gentle-woman whom hee had forcibly carried away presently whereupon the sea began so to rage that all the skill and courage the Marriners had were faine to give way to the violence of this tempest which continued very neer three moneths and by reason we went still afore the wind I cannot be perswaded but that we are now on those unknown lands whereof they of Asia and Europe speak only by conjecture These Knights having spent a good part of the day in this and the like discourse at length were so called upon by their stomacks that arising from the grasse where they lay the Knight of the Flowers with his clothes on thoroughly dryed and Amadis in his armour they walked almost two hours without meeting any one that could direct them the way to the next Village in such sort that growing somewhat weary they layd them down under the shadow of certain trees wher not long after they fell asleepe but they continued not so long for they were awaked with the sound of some Trumpets which marched in the head of threescore hors that were followed a good way off by four Coaches invironed with three dreadfull Gyants and a number of men unarmed on hors-back O me said Amadis rising up somewhat amazed what adventure is this No very good one for you said one of that troop who upon discovery of them came galloping before his fellowes for landing here without the license of our Prince you are to expect nothing but Irons for such your temerity By my best hopes said Amadis I will not be fettered so easily as you thinke for and if I must die I le sell my life as deare as I can Saying so hee drew his sword and therewith struck his enemy so furiously that he laid him starke dead on the ground The blow being given in the sight of all his companions they presently compassed him about for to take him but very active as hee was hee lightly lept into the saddle of his horse whom hee had slain and setting spurs to him charged them home whilest the Knight of the Flowers seazed on the dead mans shield and sword wherwithall he overthrew three or foure of them at his feet ere they could draw one drop of blood from them In the meane time Amadis laid about him broke their ranks cut off armes and legs made heads fly to the earth divided men and horses in twain and rendred himselfe so dreadfull that the most of them having past by the edge of his sword the remainder turned their backs for to have betaken them to flight had they not been retained by the arrivall of the three Gyants These Colosses marvelling to see so great a slaughter made by two men whereof 〈◊〉 one was unarmed drew out their heavie Simitars and began to chaâ—ge them with so much fury that at the very first bout the Knight of the Flowers was dangerously hurt on the shoulder his shield not having been able to resist the violence of so terrible a blow which somewhat amazed him but waxing more couragious at the sight of his blood he let drive in such manner at the Gyant that had wounded him as hee cut off his left arm sheer from his body and purposing to second his good beginning he gave him a very dangerous thrust in the belly thinking to run him up to the â—ilts but his sword proving too weak to pierce his armour it brake in five or six peeces to the great astonishment of the Knight who now having nothing wherwithall to offend his enemies instantly received half a dozen strokes which overthrew him to the ground with little or no appearance of life This while Amadis bestirred himself with an admirable grace for beholding himself invironed with two Gyants and three and twenty Knights that were still remaining of the first troop he avoided most part of their blowes and let his own fall with such force that in lesse then an houre the two Giants saw their arms all dyed with their own blood and themselvs unable to hinder the death of twelve of those that accompanied them which put them into such a rage that their motions seemed to bee very thunder Wherefore being ashamed that in the presence of a number of Ladies which were in the Coaches one man alone should withstand them they discharged two such mighty blows at an instant the one on the Helmet the other on the Shield of Amadis that hee vvas constrained to knock his chin against the pommel of his saddle casting great abundance of blood out of his mouth and ears but presently resetling himself and more furious then ever he was in his life he advanced his rich sword and letting it descend on the head of him he first incountred he cleft him down to the very wast This dreadfull blow having terrified all the assistants vvho beheld him with wonder did but more incense the remaining Giant for in the highest excesse of his rage he took his great Curtelas in both his hands and thinking to determine this combat with one only blow he discharged it so strongly on his enemies Shield that he devided it in two and gave him a greatgash on the arm wherat Amadis was somoved as casting the remains of his Shield over his shoulder he made such a lucky thrust with all his force at his belly that he ran him quite thorow and thorow sending him stark dead to the ground wherwithall not contented he was turning him about to the rest of the Knights when as he perceived them to gallop away and seek their safety in their flight which caused him persently to sheath up his sword and approach unto the Coaches where he beheld a many of Ladies in very great fear for to comfort and assure them against any doubt they might be in of him howbe it he had no more time then to see them for before he could speak to them their Coachmen drove away withall possible speed towards the Citie which he discovered a little on the left hand and so left him with
companion was about to embrace and caress them had not the Prince of Persia stayed him with a wink of his eye which made him instantly conceive that he was to forbear advancing then in a majesticall manner he set one knee to the ground before the Princesses and addressing his speech to Palmirenna who went formost he said unto her Madam if strangers may speak without offence take it not ill if being unknown to all here I dare ask of you to what Enterprise you conduct these two Knights with such a train of Women We are going to expose them to very great hazard answered Palmirenna and to confrom them with three most redoubted Knights to the end they may revenge us of some insolence they have offered unto us I will accompany them then if you please said the Knight that so the party being equall their danger may be the lesse but I would be glad it might be by the commandement of one of you Apply your self then to me said Archesidella for these two being my Sisters Knights it is reason that now you should be mine seeing I have no lesse interest then they in the quarrell Madam answered he ravished with her beauty which from henceforth enthralled his liberty I expected not so great an honour but you rendring me worthy of it I will endeavour to deserve it as long as I live wherupon he took her hand and kissed it in token of his servitude and placing himself by her he followed the rest to the field wher all the world was in an uproar for the death of the gentle Knight Lorgades who desiring to try his fortune again in other arms then those he wore the day before was slain by the King of Alfanar but the tumult ceased by their arrivall and the griefe which the Emperour conceived for the losse of so valianta Gentleman was somewhat appeased by the sight of his Corazinda who having very much caressed Lucibel of France being that Knight which so lately arrived and unto whom she had also in few words discovered the whole secret of this Affair mounted upon a strong and mighty Courser she went unto the Prince of Cabilla unto whom she said Don Rifantes behold I am come hither to make good the menaces which I made unto thee yesterday wherfore bethinke thee of thy evil life past and call upon thy gods Saying so she turned about to her companions who had planted themselvs just opposite to the Gyants and rendring all the world amazed at her gallant demeanour she stood stil untill such time as the Trumpets made them dislodge all six with such fury that the earth seemed to tremble under their horses feet These Knights being of the best on the earth their incounter was marvellous Rifantes made two or three turns with his horse in the dust the Gyants were carried to the ground wounded both in their bodies the Princes of France and Persia being unable to support the violence of so terrible a shock fell a little after with extreem discontent to be unhorsed before their Mistresses Corazinda alone remained in her saddle to the incredible satisfaction of Palmirenna and the Emperour who being no lesse joyfull then astonished did infinitly commend the valour of this Amazon In the mean time our Warriors equally transported with rage rose up and drawing out their swords began one of the most outragious combats that ever had been seen in this Empire the Gyants whose motions were exceeding dreadfull gave most horrible blows and such as promised nothing lesse then death but our Princes were so active and dextrous as they avoyded the most part of them and warded the rest with such force that they left no hope of prevailing to their enemies who feeling themselvs hurt every minute made such a terrible noise as put al the Assistants in a mighty fright On the other side Rifantes and Corazinda who scorning advantage had quitted her Horse entreated one another far worse jealousie animated their stroaks and as often as their swords were aloft they fell with unexpressable fury the place was strewed with their armour fire flew continually about their heads they set their knees and hands to the ground and the rage wherewithall they assayled each other was so great that the most confident Warriors of the assembly were some what touched with fear Two hours being spent in this sort the violence of Brundamors and Rozaganss blows began to relent contrary to our Knights whose strength increasing with their travell rendred their swords more dreadfull which so madded the Gyants that Rozagant taking his Curtelas in both his hands discharged it with such force on Floridan that having divided his Shield in two and given him a great gash in the arm which sustained it he made him set his knees to the ground where questionlesse his life had been in no little danger had hee permitted the Gyant to redouble upon him but getting up instantly much ashamed that this accident was befallen him before Amplamira he struck the Gyant with such unaccustomed fury on the shoulder that he cleft him to the very girdle sending him stark dead to the earth to the great astonishment of Brundamor who having wounded Lucibel in the thigh and head couragiously disputed the honour of the combat when as this Prince extreamly vexed to see his arms dyed with his blood lent him so terrible a blow on the arm that he made it together with his Sword fly to the ground and instantly redoubling a furious thrust he ran him quite thorow and thorow so making him to breath out his last These Gyants being dispatched thus to the incredible content of the two Infantaes who rejoyced to see their Lovers victorious with life aud honour every one cast their eyes upon the furious combat between Corazinda and Rifantes which was most fearfull for Rifantes mad at the slaughter of his two Cosins laid about him so desperately that a Warrior less strong and couragious then our Amadis had fallen under his fury but he no less enraged to find so much resistance in one man in a quarrel where Palmirenna's happiness and his own were in question returned him such an exchange that his body was wounded in nine or ten places howbeit choosing to dye a thousand times rather then make the least shew of discouragement he maintained his party with marvellous valour and at length being in the supremest degree of rage he resolved to set up his rest upon one only blow wherefore taking his sword in both his hands he struck Amadis so dangerously on his Shield that having parted it in twain the point thereof light upon his shoulder and hurt it making him withall to stagger in such manner that he was fain to set one knee to the ground to save himself from falling but suddenly arising with unspeakable fury and gnashing his teeth for anger he advanced his rich sword and let it descend with such violence on Rifantes Helmet that if it had not turned in his
he divided it in two sending his arme withall to the ground and redoubling on the secoed who with reason feared the tempest of that Sword hit him so rudely on the helmet that he made him reele three or foure paces back whereupon perceiving the Knights had run his Horse into the belly with an Halbard he quit his saddle instantly and flying in amongst them covered the ground with three or foure of them before the Gyants were come to themselves again both of them returning then with incredible furie they began to charge him with such terrible blows as he was many times constrained to bow with his knees nevertheless he fought so couragiously and so often drew bloud from them that they had little cause to brag of any advantage but being resolved either to vanquish or dye one of them took his Scimitar in both hands and displaying all his force strook so mainly at his head that if he had not wisely avoyded the blow it had questionless been his death howbeit leaping very lightly aside he let it fall upon the ground whereinto it entred up to the hilts and taking hold of opportunitie whilst the Gyant was drawing it out again he discharged his Sword so dangerously on his Casque that he cleft him to the brains overthrowing him with a noyse like to that of a Tower whose foundation sayâ—es the other which had but one arme and very little bloud left thinking that his companion had been strucken with lightning would fain have saved himself by flight but he was so weak that at the very first step he fel down breathing out his last Our Warriour seeing himself freed from these Colosses which had exceedingly troubled him was going to set upon the rest when as he perceived a Lady comming in marvellous beautifull and followed by two and twentie Knights richly armed with a Gyant far greater than the former who addressing her speech unto him said Knight persist no further in this Combat but put yourself into my hands if you love your life I know very well that your valour makes you confident for the slaughter I behold here may perswade you that you can couragiously passe through any danger whatsoever but I am able to oppresse you so with multitudes that you must needs fall at last besides the Guards of this place were not established here for you but to surprize a Knight who though he be not so tall yet is no way inferiour to you in valour and strength sheath up you Sword then and follow me with this assurance that you shall receive no displeasure here Madam answered he much amazed to behold so rare a beautie I wil gladly submit my self to your power for so sweet a captivitie can not be but most pleasing to me and would I had spent more bloud then this which is in my Armour that I had met you at the gate of your house neither should I then have been in the state I am in nor you have had cause to complain for the loss of your people for yeelding all obedience to the merit of fair Ladyes and principally of those of your qualitie I should freely have granted whatsoever you had demanded but their insolence having constrained me to draw my Sword I secured my self by their deaths wherwithall I am now infinitely displeased because it may be an offence unto you which I shall labour to repayr by all the best services my uttermost abilitie may be able to do you I perceive said she laughing that I shall have as much adoe to overcome you with courtesie as my Knights have had with their Armes wherfore I will debate no longer with you but let us walke to a Chamber that your wounds may be visited I think they are so slight Madam answered he that they need no great looking to howsoever your commandement shall wholly dispose of me Wherupon causing his Squire to unarme him he discovered a small hurt on his shoulder and another somewhat greater but one more dangerous in his thigh which the Chirurgions having drest he got him to bed where he continued till the next morning when as he arose feeling little or no pain for to present his service to the fair Princess who being wonderfully wel satisfied with his goodly personage and behaviour entertained him awhile with ordinarie discourse and finding him no lesse witty then he had shewed himself before valiant she led him into the Garden where she freely discovered to him the secretest of her thoughts telling him that she was Queen of the Island of Silvana and that the Guards of this place were set to apprehend a Knight that carryed three Palmes in his shield Truly Madam said Rozalmond then I do not marvell now at your assembling of so many Knights and strong Gyants since it was to arrest a man whose like is hardly to be met withall in the world why replyed the beautifull Silvana Do you know the Knight of whom I speak Madam answered Rozalmond I neither know his name nor original but all the earth is acquainted with his valour and would to God he were here now that we might finish a Combat which hath twice already reduced us to the extreamest peril of our lives without discerning to whom the honour of it was justly due wherupon relating all that had past at Constantinople and afterwards upon the confines of Florertan he gave her marvellous contentment to hear the prayses of this Knight so published by his greatest enemy Verely answered she you have a great deal of reason to speak wel of this Knight who hath done miracles in this Kingdome Combatting and killing a Monster the hugest and most formidable that ever nature produced but far more in my sister Merodiana's state where the most redoubted Gyants of the world have past under the edge of his Sword in the head of a mightie Army which the same day was cut in pieces by the sole vertue of this Knight and not by the multitude or force of our souldiers the Enemie being at the least three for one But Madam said Rozalmond who was somewhat vexed to hear so much glory given to his Adversarie if this Knight hath done so much for you why wil you expose his life to the hazard of the furie and multitude of your men which sure were but an ill acknowledgement of his services O that is a secret said she which may not be imparted I wil have have him if I can not to put him to death for I would sooner consent to mine own ruine but to oblige him to keep his faith Your eyes Madam said Rozalmond who then ghest at her disease wil more prevail with him then your Armes and he wil sooner be constrained by your beautie then by your Gyants in which regard you are to procure rather by gentleness then force That course have I held already said Silvaâ—a but alas to no purpose another hath captiv'd his heart so that I am out of hope unless some disdain from his
Gentlewoman desired she might be brought before the Prince of Sobradiza I am he said Tristor will you have any thing with me Gentle Prince answered she here is one of your greatest enemies in case to conspire no more against your person as he had done with a brother of his far greater and more formidable then he who purposeth to be present at this assembly to revenge upon you the death of Albadan whom your Grandfather King Galaâ—â— defeated in the quarrell that Gandalac had with him concerning the Rock of Galtares the handsome Shepherd one of the best Knights of the world sends him to you with this advise that you take heed you be not surprised by that dangerous enemy the surviving brother Gentlewoman said Tristor I am infinitly indebted to the good will and valour of this Knight as also very much to you for the pains you have taken in comming hither which I will labour to acknowledge before you depart from hence touching the advise you have brought me it shall not be neglected and if the Gyant come I doubt not but he shal find some here couragious and strong enough to arrest the fury of his arms Whereupon retiring with an exceeding desire to know so brave a Warrior he caused the Waggon with the body to be fet in a corner of the Lists and placing himself in the window he perceived eighteen Knights come marching in three troops the formost whereof was conducted by Aristander Duke of South-Wales who was passionatly in love with Floriâ—â—a the daughter of Garamant Duke of North-Wales and desired to shew his valour for the maintenance of her beauty the second by Oradâ—rt Earle of Glocester who was no lesse affected to Theiphila the daughter of Don Sinaldo and the third by Orian Duke of Norfolk who had no other Mistris but glory These three Champions being each of them accompanied with five of the best Knights of great Britain ranked themselves according to their arrivall in the place and just opposite to Quedragant Abies and Agrian stood Aristander and two of his troop who at the sound of the Trumpets dislodged very bravely and broke his staffe upon his adversaries Shield without so much as moving Quedragant that incountred him so strongly as he made him lose his stirrops whilst his two Companions were unhorsed by Abies and Agrian Aristander extreamly vext for that he had done so little with his first staffe took another that was bigger and stronger â—â—â—ing to recover his honour at the second course neverthelesse he and his Horse were both overthrown to the ground These three being dispatched in this sort the rest presently advanced and ran very gallantly but fortune was no more favourable to thâ—â—â— then to their Companions for they were all layd on the grasse and constrained to give place to Gradart who at the third course against Agrian helped to fill up the number of the vanquished and so did Oriaâ— and those of his train a little after in so much that these eighteen of the best Knights of great Brittain being defeated they were conferring the prize on the Challengers when as a Gyant presented himself so huge and of so terrible an aspect as frighted all the assistants those warlike Princes excepted who choosing out good Launces prepared themselves to receive him and to maintain the honour which they had acquired howbeit they never used them for the great Gyant having discovered the body that lay in the Wagon cryed out with a horrible voyce Immortall gods who could deale thus with my brother since all the Knights in the world assembled together were not able to withstand him Ah dogs you have surprised him treacherously but you shall all dye in satisfaction of so foul a cryme Saying so he charged his Launce against Quedragant and passing it through his Shield and Arm flung him half a dozen paces over his Horses crupper then suddenly returning discharged two such terrible blows on Agrian and Abies that having wounded the one dangerously in the thigh and the other on the head he layed them both in the dust from whence flying in amongst the rest he cleft Gradart down to the wast and never rever regarding upon whom his Sword lighted he began to make so great a Massacre of Men Women and Knights that he had overthrown thirty at his feet before Rozanel and Tristor who had speedily armed themselves could come forth The Ladies shriked at the windows the people fled away the slaughter continued and the place was almost empty when as a Knight of a very goodly presence arrived accompanied with two Gentlemen unarmed a Shepherdesse whose face was covered with a vayl and certain Damosels richly clad who beholding the havock that the Gyant made drew forth his Sword and discharged it with such violence on him that he was forced to knock his chin against the pummell of his saddle which so rowsed the fury of this Monster as raysing himself up full of rage he thought to have divided his enemy with an horrible blow that he intended at him but the Knight who wâ—â— no lesse advised then valiant avoyded it by slipping aâ—â—de nevertheless it being no longer in the Gyants command it fel up on his own Horses head wherwith he fell down dead leaving his Master on foot which Claâ—isel perceiving presently quitted his saddle because he would not take any advantage and approaching his enemy showrâ—d so many blows on him that the blood began to dye his arms in five or six places Rozanel and Tristâ—â— comming in therupon were marvellously astonished at so cruell a conflict and knowing by his company that this was the handsome Shepherd which had sent them the first Gyant they fell to observe the manner of his fight the force of his blows seemed extream to them they admired his dexterity in shunning his enemies stroaks and thought it no lesse strange to see with what assurance he supported them whersoever they lighted upon him In the mean time the combat continued very terrible the ground was stâ—ewed with peices of their armour the grass was stayned with their blood the place was all fire with sparkles that flew from their Helmets and without taking any breath they charged one another so cruelly that ever and anon they had much adoe to keep themselves from falling Zorobâ—lâ—n more ontragious then can be imagined combatted with greater passion then judgement and cursing the gods for producing a man able to withstand him he roared out in that dreadfull manner as made the very house to shake At length transported with fury to see three houres spent fiftâ—e the beginning of the combat without any advantage over his adversary he took his Courtelas in both his hands and advancing it let it defeend with such force on Clarisels Shield that dividing it in twain it not only gave him a deep wound in the arm but made him set his knees to the ground wherwith being wonderfully incensed he suddenly got up and struck the Gyant with such
the fair Slave was so inraged who perceived the utter undoing of her self and her cousins involved in the Treatie that rising up with sparckling eyes she could not forbear saying to him Sir I wonderat you that in the middest of all your Subjects you are afraid what will the world say when they shal hear that after such insufferable outrages you could so soon and easily be perswaded to forget them Do you fear that your Daughters being so accomplished and beautifull shall never meet with Princes so great and valourous as these which now present them selves Sir I know some that yeeld not to them either for merit or birth and from whom you may have more assistance and content then you hope for from these They threaten you with a continuance of the War are not your Walls all entire and doe not they know to their cost that it had been determined otherwise had not Fortune shewed her self what she is she hath done her worst and therfore is not to be further feared nor shall this arm wherin hitherto you have found safetie ever be wanting to your succour provided your resolution be more generous at leastwise understand from your Daughters whether they like of these matches and doe not more then the gods which leave us a power over our own wills Sweet-heart answered the Emperour I verely beleeve that the love you beaâ— me maâ—â—s you speak with â—uch passion 〈◊〉 that it touches my particular when I talk of an accord with these Princes but you doe notknow how the affaires of a King are otherwise treated of then those of a private man the good of my State hath counselled 〈◊〉 to that which I say my Daughters must conforme themselves to my pleasure and therefore I command them to prepare themselves for these Nuptials wherby those mischiefs may be declined which otherwayes would arise should I wilfully persâ—stin this War These words â—o resolutely delivered having drawn all the rest to his opinion except the beautifull Princesses which spake not but with their tears the Ambassaâ—â—ours were called in and so satisfied with the promise which the Emperour made them in the presence of all his Barons as they would have faln on their knees before these Infantaâ—s but they not able to endure the fight of them presently departed and â—â—utting themselves up in their Chambers resolved to dye a thousand deaths rather then violate the faith which they had plighted to their beloved Lords who in the mean time were not a little disquieted making a milion of furious desigâ—es upon the lives of those insoleâ—t Princes that laboured to usurptheir right The Ambassadours being returned then with all the content they could desire a thousand and a thousand Bonâ—ires were instantly made in the King of Cabilla's Camp the gates of Cardana were set open all passed losses were forgotten most of the Troups were discharged six thousand Horse onely were reserved to honour these Princes Brizaâ—daâ— gâ—t out of his bed Rifantes and Meridâ—â—â— King of Filzandria trickt up themselves and deâ—iring to enjoy the happiness of beholding their Mistresses they went all three unto the Emperour who received them with open arms and insensible of all that was past conducted them himself into 〈◊〉 's Chamber where all his Daughters were assembled who notwithstanding their Fathers presence could not choose but shew their discontent speaking very coldly unto them Howbeir these Princes willing to â—latter themselves and hoping that time or necessitie would beget affection in them they departed a little after so prest with the desire of tasting the felicities which the fruition of theirincomparable beauties did promise as they humbly besought the Emperour that their happiness might not be deferred but for a day or two at the most which having been promised them the Emperour returned to his Daughters who thinking to move him to pitty fell on their knees before him and with tears intreated him not to render them miserable for all their lives by giving them Husbands most incapable of love and under whose pâ—wer they could expect nothing but constraints but all could not move him for resolved to see the consummation of these Mariages he commanded them anew to prepare themselves therunto within two dayes which commandement was so harsh unto them as they would quickly have made an end of themselves had they not the hope they had to find out some means by the counsell of their Lovers to avoid this mischief perswaded them to prolong their lives a while Having sent for them then assoon as it was night they shut themselves up with them into a Chamber where lovingly joyning their lips unto theirs the tears trickled downe their fair cheeks whereby Amadis too well knowing their grief said unto them Ladyes complaints are vain nor will weeping doe any good you love us the favours we continâ—ally receive from you assure us of it but yet you are to give â—â— further proofe therof vex not your selves at the crueltie of a barbarous Fathâ—r who without the regard of your content will subject you to men you cannot love France Persia and Greece are Countreys goodly enough to invite you without sorrow to abandon the ingracefull Land thither let us goe my excellent Mistris and make no difficultie to follow us I have a way to carry you hence in despight of all that would oppose my my enterprize so as you have sufficient courage and love to undertake it with us Alas my dearest Lord answered Palmirenna this is all that wee can wish for in the world declare unto us the secret of so difficult an affaire you shall find us most resolute and if there were occasion to take away the lives of these deteshed Lovers be assured that I would be the first to let out the heart-bloud of Rifantes Amplamira and Archesidella testifying no less courage and affection for the contentment of their Lords Amadiâ— continued his discourse in this sort Afflict your selves no longer then I beseech you but when the time comes dress you in the bravest manner you can for to be led to Church in which instant of time Floridan and I will come into the Hall in unknown Armes whilst Lucibel shall attend us at the gate adjoyning to the Haven and under colour of obliging you by some promise to descend into the Court yard for the deliverance of two inchanted Lovers whom I will feigne to be inclosed there in a Coach you three shall goe into it that done six Horses shall gallop away with you to the Sea side where we shall find the Prince of Frances Barque which to morrow we will cause to be made ready for that effect This enterprize seemes wonderfull difficult said Palmirenna for you will be in danger of exposing your selves against the power of all these Kings and the Emperour together howsoever wee will cast away all considerations for if you dye in the execution therof we will not survive you a minute wherfore be well prepared and we will follow
feet dangerously wounded in the head and Rifantes with a great gash in his arm â—umbled senselesse out of his saddle close by Brizardan who was in no better case These two horrible blows having wrought the effect which our Champions desired they lept presently into their saddles and beholding themselves invironed with four hundred Knights and the Gyant of the cruell Iland a daring man and endued with extream force unto whom the Prince of France opposed his Launce which he had reserved entire they began to charge them with such fury that in lesse then half an hour they had layd thirty at their feet neverthelesse the rest persisting very wilfully they were so followed and charged on every side as their horses being killed under them they were constrayned to alight and present themselves to their enemies who fell down dead as often as they encountred their blades In the meantime the Prince of France being withdrawn a little aside maintained a dreadfull combat with the King of the cruell Iland whose arms were all imbrewed in blood and questionlesse the death of this Colossus had ensued from the choller of this valiant Prince if a dozen of Knights had not charged him so rudely behind that unable to support the fury of an other blow given him by the Gyant at the same instant on his Helmet he was forced to the ground where he lay not long for considering the danger he was in he arose more inraged then a Bull bayted with a Company of dogs and clasping his sword fast in his hand with four stroaks he â—left four of the most confident of the Troop asunder and flying upon the Gyant he ran him into the thigh making him set both his knees to the ground for to save himself which little avayled him for this Prince calling to mind the priâ—e for which he fought gave him such a blow on his shoulder that he opened him to the very wast This while 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 came again to themselves and observing such a horrible Massacre round about them they arose transported with rage and despight and falling upon our Warriours they charged them so furiously with an hundred and fifty Knights that were still left as they covered their bodies all over with wounds but being resolved to sell their lives dearly they grew so enraged by thinking that their deaths would leave then Ladies in the power of these Barbarians as having given Rifantes and 〈◊〉 two dangerous hurts more they cut forty Knights in peices to the strange 〈◊〉 of the Emperour and the King of Cabilla who then arrived with fifty Knights thinking thâ—â— tâ— be rather furies then mortall men But to what end served the courage of their invincible hearts ofering they were to combat an Hydra and that they always met with 〈◊〉 women in the places of them they slew Truly the wonders they did wâ—â—e to no purpose for being so weary that they were scarce able to lift their arms they expected nothing but a glorious death for to crown all their passed labours when as they perceived a Bark make to the land out of the which two gallant Knights suddenly lept a shore marvellously astonished to behold so many bodies extended on the earth by the valour of three men which still resisted the violence of such a remayning multitude These two Warriours which were Flâ—â—â—sbel of the starre Lucibels uncle and the gentle Sestilian Prince of Spaine whom fortune had very oportunely brought thither admyring the vertue of these excellent Knights and not able to endure the continuance of so unequall a combat quickly unsheathed their swords and advancing on fell in so furiously upon those that held these Princes straightly beseiged as they layd six at their feete with the first six blowes that they gave which so revived our Gretians courages as they seemed to re-assume new forces running all three then into the middest of their enemies they performed such feates of armes as appeared even impossible to the beholders insomuch that threescore Knights more past by the edge of their swords Howbeit Brizardan and Rifantes carryed with unspeakeable greife for the ravishing away of their Ladies and the little satisfaction they could hope for of it having taken some breath made towards them afresh accompanied which Brustafard and fiftie Knights that came newly from the Citie and renewed their assault with such rage that it was a prodigious matter to see five men endure so much who nothing fayling in courage were not withstanding so weary as unably longer to subsist they were resolved to dye a thousand times over rather then shew the least jot of fear or faint heartednes but desiring to doe something now at the last cast Amadis displayed all his force and discharged such a terrible blow on Rifantes head that he clove him downe to the shoulders to the unexpressable greife of the King of Cabilla his father that beheld it Floridan and Lucibel had the same designe upon the Soldan and Brustufard howbeit their arms wanting vigor their blowes wrought not the effect they desired but contrarily finding themselves charged on every side by a multitude of Knights they were compelled to set their knees to the ground where as well as they could they defended themselves a good while as in the like manner did Florisbel and Sestilian that were â—carceable to wagge Amadis alone stood on his feete so transported with fury to behold his kinsmen in that lamentable plight but much more to be the cause of his Mistresse death who stayed but to see him fall for to cast her selfe into the Sea that laying desperately about him hee was even ready to fall into the same ease his companions were in when as two brave war like Knights arrived whereof the one carryed a Salvage pourtrayed on his sheild wherby you may guesse that it was the redoubted Griaâ— the Salvage and the beautifull Bradimande his Lady who had acquired such renowne in the world as their incomparable valor was every where spoken of This mighty and valiant Champion ravished which admiration at the â—ight of foure hundred men and two gyants massacred by the sole valor of five knights beleived that heaven had brought him thither for their assistance so that furiouslie setting spurâ—es to his horse hee addressed himselfe against Brustafard upon whom hee discharged his sword which such violence that hee devided his body in two peices to the great astonishment of our Christian Princes who possest which more courage then strength rose instantly up and as if they had done nothing all that day charged their enemies afresh who terrified which this new succor betooke them all to flight Brizardan onely excepted that careles of his life since hee had lost the hope of enioying Amplamira went and with all his force struck Brandimanda so furiously on the helmet that hee overthrew her from her Horse to the ground shedding great abundance of bloud out of all the passages of her head which put Grian into such a rage as he
incomparable beauty which with fear was fallen down under a bush with her cousin the excellent Agriclea The desire he had to oblige this fair one by some service having made him suddenly to approach he drew out his Cymetar and giving his horse that by no means would come on to his companiâ—â— â—e discharged so mighty a blow on the body of this creature as might wâ—ll have divided an Anvile but the scales wherewithall he was covered being impenetrable he did but â—ow a little with it neverthelesse it forced hiâ— to quit his pray for to make head against the Gyant who â—o wâ—it dismayed gave him another full on the head with such a prodigeoâ—â—fall as made his brains fly out in five or six places sending him dead to the ground This dangerous enemy being in case to hurt no body any more Gorgophon went to Armazia and finding her in aswound he took her up in his arms for to recover her howbeit considering that he should never have a more a favourable opportunity he remounted on his horse after he had set Agriclea behind his companion and making away with incredible speed he got to the port where his ship rode into the which he imbarked himselfe with his rich pray so joyfull for having brought his designs to such an happy issue as he would not for all the Crowns of the world have exchanged the content he was in This while the Emperour and his Knights grown somewhat more confident returned to the succour of Armazia but not finding her and beholding the Serpent slain in that sort they imagined that none but Gorgophon could give that dreadfull blow whereupon they concluded that he was gone towards the Citie with the Princesse and the beauteous Infanta of Clariana so that with this opinion they left the Forrest but not long after they met with two Saylors who acquainted them with all the busines and assured them that the two Gyants were at sea with the Princesses At this news some ran to the ships for to pursue them others fell to crying out and complayning in such manner as nothing was heard but strange lamentations On the other side Armazia and her fair cousin were in as bad a case for comming to their senses and beholding themselves in the power of those hideous Monsters they presently dissolved into tears and took on most grievously being fully resolved to cast themselves into the sea which doubtlesse they had performed if Gorgophon qualifying his proud and barbarous humour had not assured them that they should receive no displeasure Madam said he to his fair Mistris before whom he was on his knees moderate these sighes and tears Gorgophon is not so cruell as you think he is nor will he ever have any thing from you but what what you shall be pleased freely to grant him time shall acquaint you with his merits and the good office he did you snatching you out of the jaws of that Serpent where your death was inevitable shall be followed with so many services that it may be you will judge him worthy of some favour This speech bringing a little comfort to these afflicted Ladies they wisely resolved to make use of the power their beauties had gotten over these Gyants and to entertain them kindly to decline the violence which they exceedingly feared from them in regard whereof the excellent Armazia answered him thus Gyant if you carry a mind noble enough to observe these promises you have made us we may in time dispose our selvs to wish you well but if you offer to force us in any thing be conâ—ident that our deaths shall prevent your cruelty â—nd that we will never want courage to rid our selves out of the world Further if you desire any way to oblige me doe not carry me to Circassia for the Soldâ—n being so deformed as it is reported unto me I shall never indure to come neer him you merit me thinks far more then he wherefore keep this good fortune for yourself and deserve it more by respect then by your services Madam replyed the Gyant transported with extream joy at this answer which Armazia reserving her selfe for Rozalmonds content had made of purpose to hold him in hand hoping by some accident or other to get out of his power Madam be assured that I will dye a thousand deaths rather then doe any thing shall be distastfull to you I will gladly attend all the time you shall please to ordain for my suffering in the mean while we will goe to the redoubted Ilands of which I am Lord where the power of all the Monarchs of the world shall never take you from thence being able enough to conserve my self and defend you But Madam in sign of the grace that you promise me permit me to kisse these more then delicate hands Most willingly said Armazia who desired to acquire an absolute command over his will and I think my cousin will shew no lesse favour to your companion saying so they tendred them their hands which these Gyants kissed with so much ardour and affection as they had much adoe to contain themselves from passing further but that they were restrayned by the hope they had of enjoying all quietly wherefore being marvellously contentented they fell to discourse with these Princesses and in this sort were carried by the wind which rising very high drove them by the will of heaven that would not permit the undoing of these two incomparable beauties not into the redoubted Ilands but into the Kingdome of Corolandaya where the fame of Griolanis and Adelazia's inchantment possessing them with a marvellous desire to see it they landed there and the next day went to Agricant with some hope for those Ladies to meet with some redress of their miseries The fire which shewed very horrible out of the windows and the lamentation of those unfortunate Lovers having moved Armazia to pitty she turned her to Gorgophon and said unto him Sir if your valour can give these poor wretches any relief you shall doe me a most acceptable service to succour them Madam you have said enough answered Gorgophon for if they were in the hands of all the Divels of hell I would goe and fetch them out since you have commanded me unto it wherupon having laced on his Helmet he made bravely to the dore where the four Pagan Knights charged him very rudely all at once but nothing abashed therwith he gave Falemond so dangerous a blow on the head that he extended him on the ground from whence by the force of Inchantment he stirred not til after the combat but presently feeling two mighty stroaks on his Helmet layd on by the gentle Armorand and the strong Grinaldo he turned towards them with such furie that if the charms had not hindered his Curtelass from drawing bloud of them he had cleft Grinaldo to the teeth neverthelesse the blow which he discharged on his shield was so violent as it layd him along by his companion to the
little cause left them of boasting and so there began the most dangerous Combat that ever man beheld between these six Knights On the one side the Gyants made huge massacres Esquilan Brandimanda Grandimore and the Christian Princes bestird themselves lustily on the other and their brave example made the courage of their men supply what they wanted in number so that above threescore thousand Knights being slain both parts the victory remained as yet doubtfull Wherupon the Pagans impatient of delay caused their second Battalion to advance which being led by Marmaran Sophy of Bultara accompanied with those incomparable Warriours Bravorant king of Morimont Marisgolfus and Gorgophon Collonels of the Gyants gave so fierce an assault upon the Christians first Squadron that they had cut them all in pieces if the Emperour Spheramond had not opportunly opposed their furie By this time the ground was all covered with dead men and the confusion so great and crpes so loude that a thousand claps of thunder would not have been heard amongst them Bravorant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus having addressed their Launces against Galard King of the Barren Ilands Alvida his Wife and the Duke of Laiaret they ran them quite thorow the body and so did in like manner to five or six more before they brake but great was the slaughter they made when as they hod drawn out their great and heavy Fauchions for the Lightning falls not with more violence than did their blows which meeting with no resistance sufficient to oppose them they strewed all the ground with dead bodyes Spheramond having encountred Marmoran Sophy of Bultara they both brake their staves upon each other and so pressing in amongst the multitude they slew as many as had the ill hap to come within their reach Alastraxerea made such havock amongst her enemies that every one fled from her as from some deadly contagion Melindus Clidor and Amiano of Astrea did no lesse wonders But the Enemies were so mighty and Bravorant joyning with Gorgophon made so bloudy a massacre that this second Squadron in spight of the best resistance Spheramond Alastraxerea and the Grecian Princes could make had been utterly routed if Florisel wisely fore-seeing that the flight of those forces might cause a generall ruine of the whole Army had not opportunly given order to the young Cavaliers that he had armed the day before to advance who desirous to season their first undertakings by some memorable testimonie of their valour made so fierce a Sally upon the Gyants that with their Launces they overthrew twelve of them to the ground then laying their hands on their swords they began to do such strange things that the Greekes recovering as it were a new courage gave their enemies so furious a charge as they made them begin to startle nay almost to betake themselves to plain flight Neverthelesse being detayned by the only valour of Braverant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus and the brave Sophy of Bultara who resembled so many furies they continued the fight so stoutly that the blood made large Rivers through the midst of the fields the earth was covered with the bodies of those that were already slain and the ayr filled with the groans of those that were then dying Spheramond wheresoever he passed carried death on his sword Bravorant and Gorgophon ran up and down raysing mountaines of dead bodies Marmoran and Marifgolfus appeared like lightning Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor Cassianus met with no resistance unlesse it were from the Gyants who did often times as well as their fellows taste the keenesse of the Christian blades In briefe it was a spectacle full of such horrour as the like hath seldome been beheld by the eye of man and the slaughter so indifferent that it was heard to say to which side the victory did most incline The Pagans who could not endure to be idle whilst their Companions were busie in the pursuit of glory marched up with their third sqadron conducted by the valiant Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan Antomedon the proud Caliph of Francapia Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia and Mercelian Emperour of Media These vast troops led by such proud and mighty Commanders fell on the Christians with such fury as promised no lesse then utter ruin at the very first onset But the Emperour of Persia seconded by Lucendus Dorogel Silvian the faire Salvage the noble Silverin of the Desart Gadard King of Hungaria Filadart of Polonia Oriander and Oroncus charged them so fiercely that made them quickly turn their faces to defend themselves from the cruelty of their weapons This brave Prince encountring Antomedon with his Launce ran him through the shield and arme yet not without great danger to himselfe for from the Gyants Launce he received such an encounter as tumbled him upon the crupper of his horse ready to have fallen to the ground if he had not been upheld by some of his followers Thus the third Squadrons falling to it pell mell there continued a most cruell battell the valiant Dâ—rigil did deeds worthy of himselfe following the brave example of his father who held all the enemies in admiration to see him alone act such wonders the noble Silverin of the Desart stopped the fury of Brizardan and behaved himselfe so bravely against him that by those that saw him he was judged no whit inferiour to the best Warriours of the world Lucendus sent Marcelian Emperour of Media to keep company with the dead Filadart Gadart and the Princes that followed them fought with so much courage and vigour that in a moment they covered the fields with the slaughtered carkasses of their enemies In the meane time Don Rogel and Lucendus seeing the great massacre made by Antomedon the mericilesse Sultan of Brutacan immediately assaulted these two proud pagans who were almost ready to swim in christian blood shed by their own swords upon whom they bestowed a couple of such violent blows as Antomedon was layd flat upon the crupper of his horse the blood gushing out at his mouth and eares and the great Soldan received such a stroak from Lucendus as rendred him in little better case then his fellow These terrible blows which probably should have been the cause of the Christians victory contrariwiâ—e exposed them to extream danger for these two great Warriours recovering themselves again and taking their swords in both hands advanced with so eager a desire of revenge that meeting with Filadart of Polonia and Gadart King of Hungaria they fell upon them with such a tempest as the one was cleft downe to the shoulders the other to the girdle which being soon perceived by Don Rogel he made with his best speed towards Antomedon upon whom he discharged so furiously as he quite dismounted him and put him in great danger of being trampled under the horses feet but being suddenly releeved by his friends he was by them immediately carried to his tent The retreat being known of these two mighty men it gave a fresh supply of courage to the Greeks
Rodomart King of Fortan Armositan King of the upper Indies and Tarsides King of Pergazus perished by the swords of Silvan the fair Salvage his wife and Dorigel and fifteen Giants being instaÌ„tly slain by the other christian princes the pagans began to give ground when in the nick arrived Falanzar with the redoubted King of Balivan the dreadfull Tipheus Bucargant Burcandar King of Russia Palamedes King of Cassandria the excellent Knight Artogant and the incomparable Alceus and on the other party Don Florisel of Niquea with his troops who mingling themselves in a furious fight with those Pagans caused on the sudden such a generall confusion that the earth the ayr and the Heavens seemed to be but one and the same thing for the Leaders some of them were no lesse terrible than so many furies others begat an stonishment in those that had the ill hap to encounter them equall to that of thunder and lightning and the Souldiers animated by the example of their Captaines fought with so much courage and cruelty that nothing was to be seene but blood and slaughter Falanzar charged Florisel with an incredible fiercenesse who was no whit behind hand with him in the requitall Roussardan Gorgophon and Braverant threatned such a ruin where they went that the very glittering of their swords frighted the faint-hearted to death neither were Spheramond Prigmaleon and Fulgoran lesse terrible to their enemies than they the Grand Salvage Furiander his son Marmoran Brufaldor and Policastoleon charged the Christians through and through till they scarce left a ranke unranked Silverin of the Desart Russian Brandimanda the Cenâ—phales and Brandimore did as much to the Pagan troops In briefe these mighty Armies sustained by the valour of the Princes that commanded them had as yet gayned little advantage of one another which raysing Bravorant Gorgophon and the proud Knight Arastron to the utmost extremity of rage they fell all three with such a violence upon Don Rogel Florisel and Spheramond that they beat them all down to the ground where they made no long aboad though they were much astonished but be took themselves to their feet again and on the instant made themselves such elbow room that except these three mighty enemies who pressed upon them with a mad kind of fury none durst come neer them neverthelesse divers others of the Pagan Champions comming also to assaile them the three Princes were in danger to have made a glorious end of their days had not Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian and Silverin seeing them in this necessity come in to their ayd and let fly at these three mighty Pagans with such a force that they had almost lost their saddles and so affording leisure to the Christian Knights to supply themselves with the next fresh horses they met they began to cover the earth anew with dead bodies These fearefull blows adding rather anger than feare to the bold Pagans they rose up more furious than ever they had been before and not finding those that had put them into this disperate plight they fell upon Oriander Atletta his wife and Parmenian of Cyprus dealing such marvellous stroaks that two of them were cut in two peeces and the third cleft downe to the teeth so the battell waxing more bloody on every side every thing appeared so full of horrour that the Sun appeared as it were mourning for the expence of so much noble blood obscuring his face behind a cloud The Pagans sounded a retreat and the Christians rallied their disordered troups to the great grief of Gorgophon Bravorant the Grand Salvage Arastron and Roussardan who seeing their own wounds and dispairing of a present victorie retired to their Tents and the Christians part into the Town and part into their Trenches where being at leisure to number up their losses which amounted unto two hundred and threescore thousand men besides the King of the barren Island and his Wife the Kings of Hungaria of Polonia of Licaonia of Moldavia of Sardimira of Cataya the valiant Lady Arletta Parmenian of Cyprus Râ—zafar Quadragant Agrian of Scotland Dardanio of Rhodes and the gentle Armond of Bohemia they had a just cause of lamentation but seeing that their chief Leaders were preserved and that it was in vain to murmure at the chastisements of a mighty God they comforted themselves and causing their wounds to be searched which they found to be dangerous enough they all betook themselves to their beds except the valiant Esquelan of Polonia that was much afflicted with the death of the King his Father Cilindor and the twelve new Knights whose brave feats of Arms performed that day had acquired them an immortall fame On the other side the Pagan Princes had no lesse cause to mourn and repine at their sad fate having lost an hundred and sixteen Gyants Tâ—rismâ—nd Arcilles Celiander Gloridian Celianis Panizell Armelion three hundred and forty thousand men the Kings of Fortan of Gianazana of Salberna of Pergarus the Emperour of Media Polidarchus king of Amazia Bemond king of the lesser Iava the king of Sisiphalta of Zambar of Cartagena of Maramor of Argocana of Zaphotir and almost all the rest were confined to their beds except Falanzar who had received onely one slight hurt in the arm by the sword of Florisel Palicastaleon Fierastrâ—n and Brufaldâ—r but not withstanding these losses they desiring to appeare invincibles they made no shew of discontent in their countenances lest thereby the courage of the Souldiers might be abated and to give a testimony of the care they took for their dead they sent immediately to demand a truce for twelve days which being granted and agreed on both parties every man sought out his acquaintance to performe unto them the last office of a friend The Christian Princes were solemnly interred and the bodies of the Pagans burned as their custome was which being done Falanzar gave Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats a party of fourscore thousand men with order to surprise Goraxa and Zeiden two of the strongest Cities of Ethiopia supposing that the remainder of his horses which amounted to the number of three hundred and threescore thousand was powerfull enough to give an absolute defeat to their enemies And now let us leave them bewayling their losses and devising new stratagems for the ruâ—ing of the Christians and let our discourse return to those Knights which are departed from Corolandaya to goe to the surprisall of the Castle of Treasure CHAP. XLII Rozalmond Alcidamant and their company arrive at the dangerous Forrests of the great Kingdome of Martan the carrying away of the Princesses and the adventures of Rozalmond inextring of the Castle of Treasure ALcidamant Rozalmond and the other Princes that left the Court of Corolandaya to goe to the Castle of Treasure having been three and twenty days upon their way without any adventure that might yeeld them either trouble or content they entred into the dangerous Forrests of Martan and continuing on their Iourney at length they arrived at a place where
aside he had not avoyded them his fall and the sight of these great Colosses having stirred up his courage he took his good sword in both his hands and with it struck one of the Gyants in such manner that having divided his iron club in two the point therof light so rudely on his shoulder as he was forced to set his knees and hands to the ground and going to second the former blow he was prevented by the other Gyant who gave him so cruell a stroak between the neck and shoulders that it made him 〈◊〉 against the Wall but he quickly recovering himself let drive in such sort at him that wanted a club as he layd him â—lat on the earth which presently opening swallowed him up and straight-way closed again Being thus rid of one he turned him about to the other and thinking to avoyd his thundring club which was descending upon him he was so surprised that he was constrained to slide under the Gyants arm and sâ—iâ—â— on his body then might be seen a most dangerous wrastling the Gyant took him fast by the shoulders and gave him such twitches and terrible heaves that he had many times like to have overthrown him howbeit refuming new courage in hope of acquiring immortall fame by being victrious he put the Gyant so many wayes to it and so often shewed him such tricks as are practised in wrastling as after two houres travell he extended him on the floore which instantly swallowed him up as it had done the other These two dangerous enemies being thus dispatched our Warriouâ— looked about him to see whether there were any more to combat with but perceiving none appeare he went to observe those excellent Pictures where he beheld Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece and other Princes of their blood together with the glorious feats of Armes performed by them in their life time so lively represented that he had been lost in the contemplation of them had he not been directed by the sight of the five Knights entring into the Court together out of five severall doors CHAP. XLIII The marvellous exployts of Alcidamant before his entrance into the Castle of Treasure THE day appearing to Alcidamant upon the top of a Mountain after he had made a thousand and a thousand turnes discovered unto him a Centaur of a prodigious greatnesse that carried away Trasiclea towards the mouth of a cave from whence issued huge flames of fire which making him forget his former pains hee began to run more lustily then hee had done all the night before and travelled so long till he approached the said cave which seemed to be another Mount Aetna where the Centaur making a stand threw Trasiclea into the midst of the flames and advancing his mighty club he let it descend with such a tempest on our Champion that he was fain to set his hands to the ground for to save himselfe but transported with extream fury and desiring to be revenged on the Monster for precipitating his Mistris in that manner he returned him so terrible a blow as he made him stagger five or six paces backward wherwith the Centaur marvellously incensed discharged so terribly on his helmet that he thought the ruins of some Tower had fallen upon him neverthelesse being in the 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 he took his sword in both his hands and therewith striâ—ing at this 〈◊〉 â—â—counâ—â—ed his club first and bâ—at it with such violence against his hâ—â—d that it overturned him into the middest of that dreadfull Furâ—â—ce Then it was when this Warriour seeing himselfe alone without hope of taking a greater revenge for the death of his Lady which he beleeved was reduced to ashes that he began to cry so horribly as made all the vallies about resound therewith his actions were nothing but expressions of madnesse and all his motions so full of rage that the most confident Gyants would have trembled at the sight of him Why stay I any longer said he labouring to pluck off his Helmet that he might tear his haire in peeces wretch that I am why stay I any longer to make an end of my selfe in any sort whatsoever my Mistris is not in the world what should I doe in it then no no I must leave it dye the same death that she hath done and joyn my ashes to hers saying so he â—lung his shield to the ground and casting his eyes by chance towards the grot with such piercing sighes as if his soule would every minute have parted from his body he perceived a little Pillar where beholding a table hanging hee approached unto it for to reade these words Jf thou hast courage enough to passe these 〈◊〉 thou shalt recover the Treasure which thou beleevest is lâ—st O me said he more contented than ever he had been furious am I permitted yet to hope and can the safety of my Mistris consist in my adventures away with all regard and feare of danger and let the world see that my soule doth burne with a far more fierce and glorious fire whereupon taking up his sword and shield he went on and threw himselfe into those horrible flames wherein having continued above a quarter of an houre without feeling any heat at all he found himselfe in a meadow environed with inaccessable Rocks saving one only overture which appeared in the forme of a door whither addressing himselfe he perceived three monstrous fowles come out of it the least whereof was as big as an Oxe which striking at him with a most dreadfull noyse layd him all along on the ground from whence feare and a desire to meet with his Lady having quickly raysed him up again he took his sword and 〈◊〉 when these creatures were returned with their former fury he hit one of them so luckily just on the joynt of the wing that he cut it off which caused that dangerous creature to fall to the ground where becomming more 〈◊〉 by the sight of his blood he râ—â— upon him with a mâ—â—vellous force but the Knight presenting the poynt of his sword stroke him to the heart and so sent him dead to the earth In the mean time the other two beâ—â—ing their mighty wings stooped to him and catching him in their tallonâ— caried him up into â—â—e ayr where by his fall or the fury of these Monâ—â—ers he could have expected nothing but assured death had he not forâ—â—â—â—tely met with the â—elly of one of them where into he past his sword almost to the 〈◊〉 by which means the pâ—ngs of death wherein he was made hiâ— unâ—ooâ—â— his hold and let our Knight fall in such a grievous manâ—â—â— that he verely thought all his boâ—es had beâ—â—e broâ—eâ— within hiâ— neverthelesse â—â—â—ing the other 〈◊〉 towards him he presently got up yet not so soon but that having first caught him by the Helmet he lift him up above two foot from the ground howbeit finding him too heavie for his hold he quit him and forced him to fall again upon his hands where
Court that will undertake the combat for the Queen not for that they do not hold her innocent but because the report is that three horrible Giants will second the traitor who is the cause of all these mischiefs now if your courage be suteable to the beauty which I see in your face you can never have a braver occasion to gain honor in the world nor will you let me return without hope of seeing my mistris soon rid of the trouble Do not believe Gentlewoman said he that the fear of any danger can make me be wanting to the duty of a good Knight we never leave our homes nor put on arms but with a solemn oath not to forsake the innocent in their misery Wherefore I will not only assist you in this where the life and honor of so excellent a Princesse is in question but in whatsoever els you will employ me Let us then when you please make for the town provided that we may reach it in time I shall never complain of my labour I could not replied she wiping her eies expect an answer lesse vertuous from so gallant a Knight Let us go then since you are pleased without any further stay for in truth I fear that we shall not get there but with the latest Away then went they towards the Town entertaining one another with pleasing discourses to make their journey seem the lesse tedious In this mean time Fulgoran was in the Palace of the rock amidst the greatest delights that might be one while being entertained by the damsels who recounted to him the admirable deeds of arms of the Grek Princes to the end he might thereby be drawn to love them another while diverted by the pleasing object of a thousand varieties which he met with in every part Love did not then disquiet him he was free in his thoughts and the remembrance of no one thing whatsoever was of force to bar him from enjoying a most happy content Fourteen daies being spent amidst so much sweetnes that fair Lady which did first welcome him at his arrivall there took him by the hand and said I could passionately wish gentle Prince that the Fates would permit you a perpetuall abode in this house that I might not be deprived of your conversation which is most agreeable to me but you were not brought hither for my satisfaction nor for to passe the rest of your daies in solitarines your valour is necessary in the world and I should be guilty of much mischief if I should retain you heer any longer Wherfore you shall presently depart for the preservation of that which your merit hath gotten you I mean that beautuous Queen who feared not to hazard her life to oblige you She is in an extream danger of death which she cannot avoid but by your assistance Do not fail her then in this necessity lest you incur the name of ingratefull The estate wherin you now are doth trouble you I well perceive for to enter a combat in the case you are now in were not agreeable to your merit But be not dismaid for those which brought you hither from amongst the middest of your enemies have taken a care of your affairs behold heer are arms that were made for you and worthy of your valour with that she opened a little Cabinet and took out of it an azur'd armour covered all over with golden starrs and an helmet of the same so rich and of so excellent a temper as was hard to be matched You must said she continuing her discourse instantly aâ—m your self whilest I give order to make ready a horse for you with that she departed leaving the Knight Ardant as much amazed as contented but remembring that it was no time to loiter since the busines was pressing he put on those arms which he found so light as he could hardly beleeve that they were proof enough against the blow of a sword yet unwilling to shew any mistrust of them which had entertained him with so much curtesie he made an end of arming himself and instantly came down the stairs but when he thought to come into the Court he no longer saw those stately buildings or the rock but a very spacious plain Good God! said he then all astonished where am I now and how in a moment comes so goodly a house to be lost Either I sleep or all that was done heer proceeded from the art of some person that loves me Howsoever I am armed now and therfore fear not the encounter of my enemies then looking round about him he saw on of the bravest horses that ever he had beheld tied at a tree not far off This Lady said he is no liar for the horse is not inferior to the arms with that he drew to him and finding him sadled and brideled got up on him took a lance that was reared against the tree and rode away towards the Town In this mean time the Giant Grandimores wounds were healed and Clairdngia's sorrows increased For having no news either of her Knight or of Silesia she was in utter despair of her life the rather in regard that the next day was the very same which was designed her for the maintenance of her innocency that her enemies were come and that no Knight presented himself to defend her right Poor distressed Queen said she tearing of her hair into what extremity art thou now reduced Thou hast but one gasp of life remaining which also thou must lose ignominiously and that which with reason may most torment thee is that thy misery proceeds from thy sence of anothers pains who now hath no feeling of thine O ingratefull Knight I could never have beleeved that thy love would have been extinguished by my misfortune since that was the only cause of it but thy perfidiousnes doth teach me that nothing is more unsure then the promises of men Thou oughtest to lose a thousand lives for so thou hast often sworn to me and run any danger whatsoever for my service and thy affection ought to be as lasting as thy life yet now thou wantest either love or courage the presence of three men doth affright thee or forgetfull of my caresses thou art now lying at the foot of some other Lady whom thou meanest to bring into the like miserable condition But what do I say Fulgoran Thou art no coward I have seen too great proofs of thy valour for to doubt of it nor can I by any means perswade my self that thou dost not love me still Thou comest not then to relieve me because thou art detained by some unlucky fate and so it is not in thy power I am therefore too blame in accusing thee for I know thou wouldst not shun the encounter of a thousand armed Knights when my preservation were in question No I can accuse none for my ill fortune but my self I will die then in this opinion and will beseech the Gods that they will deliver thee if thou beest in
captivity and alwaies blesse thy enterprises The Princesse being thus resolved for death expected but the next day which came on with much contentment to the Count of Clina who believing that he should not find any opposit caused himself to be armed with rich arms and mounted upon a mighty horse came into the field with such arrogance as there was not one of the assistants that did not curse him in his heart seeing with what boldnes he marched in the midst of his three Giants as soon as he was entred the field the Queen was sent for but she not expecting any help would have gone straight to the place of execution and not to the lists but in that instant the Giant Grandimore presented himself to her armd at all pieces to desire her leave that he might undertake the combat for her Madam said he it is with much grief that I see your fair eies drenched in tears and that the Knights of your Court are so base as not to assist you in this necessity I am the Knight Ardants friend and will with his quarrell which now is in dispute maintain against your enemies that you are innocent of the crime is imputed unto you be pleased then to give me power so to do and distrust not the mercy of the Gods who never leave the afflicted in their miseries These couragious words giving Clairangia some hope she replied in this maner Vertuous Knight this good will of yours to me doth so oblige me as I am most willing to put all my right into your hands you go alone to fight with fowr redoubted enemies nevertheles I hope you will be victorious For they are traitors and the Godâ— will fight on my side giving you as much courage as they have malice But let us know with what conditions this combat is to begin Then calling for the Iudges she sent to the King to beseech him that Grandimore might be permitted to encounter his enemies one by one and not altogether since the lawes of Chivalry did not permit a combat upon advantage wherunto the King answered that the busines was not in his power to dispose of but depended wholly upon the pleasure of his adversaries howbeit he would no way hinder him from being seconded by any Knight that should happen to arrive whilest the combat lasted Since it is in the choice of our enemies said Grandimore incensed with this answer let us Madam go and see if there be more curtesie in them then in the King wherupon entring within the lists he set himself just against the Count of Clina and his Giants one of whom desired the first course remonstrating to his companions that it were a basenes for fowr of them to join in the defeature of one single Knight But the Count of Clina would none of that knowing the abilities of Grandimore and the importance of the victory Those which are wicked said he desiring to cloke his malice with some shew of reason do not deserve to be intreated like persons of honour we therfore may lawfully make use of our fortune that is presented unto us Saying so he furiously elapt spurs to his horse and the others by his example did the like But Grandimore disdaining the Count directed his lance against one of the Giants and that so luckily as he ran him clean thorow laying him upon the ground yet being unable to sit the shock of fowr lances which had at one and the same instant incountred him he was unhorsed spite of his heart and fell with a slight wound in his arm nevertheles being more active then the greatnes of his body did seem to permit he very lightly got up and was remounted on his horse by that time the others had ended their course Having then no feeling of his hurt he couragiously drew out his sword wherwith he gave the Count such a blow as cutting his arm sheer off he sent him without sence to the ground That done he made head to the Giants who battered him more rudely then he desired and began one of the cruellest fights in the world sometimes striking sometimes foining and then again with an admirable dexterity avoiding their blows In brief he so carried himself that it was not perceived to whom the victory did incline when as the first Giant whom he had overthrown then having recovered his spirits came to charge him with strange fury his coming in making him dispair of his life he graspt his sword fast in his hand and determining to sell his skin as dear as he could he let it fall with such rage upon him that first came within his distance as he gave him a dangerous wound in his head And not therwith satisfied he was raising his sword again to dispatch him but at that very instant he received two such blows one on the head and the other on the arm that letting his sword fall he remained in his saddle deprived of all sence his horse carrying him about the field so as the Giants could not come to fasten the least blow upon him Things being at this passe every one accounted the victory sure for the Count of Clina who now began to move when as a damsell was seen to enter the field accompanied with a Knight who understanding the state of the combat and the conditions whereunto it was begun approached to the Giants that pursued Grandimore and charged them in such sort as they were glad to turn head to defend themselves Grandimore coming to himself then at the noise of their blows was as much astonished to see himself brought to that estate as pleased with that assistance wherof meaning to make use he took hold of his sword that hung at his arm and renewed the combat with so much fury as every body wondred at the courage he shewed in this fight which having indured about an howr without advantage was ready to end with the death of Grandimore and his fellow if in the instant there had not appeared in the field a Knight in azur'd armor powdred with little starrs of gold so brave and carrying himself so handsomly in his seat that every body was delighted with the view of him his coming in was pleasing to all the spectators for as soon as he was entred the lists and that falling to work they saw him light upon one of the Giants with a blow that divided his helmet and head in two pieces they all presently assured themselves that the victory would fall on the Queens side who then began to hope well and attentively beholding him she believed that it was her Fulgoran whom she had so long wished for The more she eied him and considered the force of his blows the more she setled her self in that opinion But he that obserued her alteration immediately imagined that she knew him which did so fire his courage as not enduring that two men alone should so long dispute with him the honour of a combat upon the successe wherof depended