twentie places and thinking it no wisdome to goe through such a place disarmed turned backe and buckled about him one of those dead knights atmor and so proceeding forwards till he came to an other staire and asâ—â—nding it he sawe on the toppe there of an vgly and infernall Monster which made against him and with such force came vppon him that he tumbled downe those steppes he had gone vppe with so great a fal that in all that day he had not felt such paine resting so feeble that he scarce had strength to stand vp But burning in the flames of ire for that which befell him mounted vp againe with more aduised resolution least the like might happen to him againe And being at the starre head he saw the fearefull monster accompanied with a horrible dragon which would also haue throwen him downe but he leaning his backe against the wall set the pummell of his sword to his breast and with the point towards the Dragon expected his incounter which was so mightie that his owne force gaue him his death for running vpon the sharpe sword it piersed all his body side through side But the fierce encounters he receiued of both those beasts so bereft him of strength and sences that hee was faine to sit downe vppon the stayres Where returning vnto his remembrance found himselfe in fayre large greene yarde in midst whereof was erected a gallant Piller like that he saw at the Caues mouth whereon there was written these words in Caldean letters The inscription of the second Piller What haughtie Knight soeuer whose high valor hath hither brought by the supreme courage of his hear â—let him enter by that dore where he shall finde the end of his demand if he exceâ—â— in strength he mightie Emperor Bâ—aÌ„dâ—zer whose pulslant forces neuer any in ancient ages equalled Don Bellianis that longed with desire to terminate with a happie end that aduenture went to the portall that the letters shewed him CHAP. XLI The cruel battel fough the ween Don Bellianis the Emperor Brandezar with whose death the aduenture was ended THrough the which he was scant entred but he heard the pittâ—fulest laâ—â—ents that euer he heard proceeding from a a Knight that suffered some greate torments and harkening from whence the voyce might come he past forwards entring into a chambâ—r where he sawe a Knight aâ—med in a fierie armour that seemed to burne him Round about him were many snakes and adders with many other venemous wormes that now and then bit all his body euer and these holding him fast there came two mightie Bassâ—liskes which woulde cast vpon him all the poyion and blood in their body Yet sawe not Don Bellianis who with fieric buttons seared his flesh which penetrated the verie boane the intollerable paine whereof made him breath foorth those lamentabic cryes and then begyn to complaine in this manner Oh vnhappie Brandezar the most vnfortunatest that euer breathed on the orbed earth May it bée that the lâ—uish giuer of vnconstant hapinesse the blinde Guydresse of the round reuoluing whéeled chunce for thy greater vnhappinesse and perpetuitie of languishing paines and plaguing gréefe should subiugate vnder thy commaunde the vaste Empiers of Babylon Persia and â—rebisond knitting thy ioyntes with mightier forces then any in the vniuersall world to giue thée new so high a fall ouerwhelming thee in this present euerlasting miserie and put thee in such continuall tormenis by the handes of thy greatest enemie and that death hath not the power to vanquish thee Oh is it pessible that hee that for a God was on earth adored should now tollerate such hellish painâ—â— Oh 〈…〉 uell death why commest thou not to craue possession of thy â—ue tribute Oh life why docst thou haunt mee beeing haunted with such contrarious starres of maligning and vnhappie â—â—rtune And with these and other wordes renewing his olde laments so molified the Princes tender heart that he fell in a déepe consideration of the mutâ—biletiâ—s of Fortune with â—ememberance of the high Maiestie of that Emperour beeing the puissantest both in possessione of Kingdon s and countries as of propper strength that in his age liued none to equa 〈…〉 whose life and Chiualries hee had read beeing a child But recording that was he whem he must conquer stopped forward whereat the two Bassiliskes that lay by Brandezar leapt about him and so faste held him that he could not sturre the like did all the other scrpents which so cruelly bitte him that they 〈…〉 e his boanes shrinke within his armour Don Bel 〈…〉 began to strike on all sides but it was in vaine for all his strokes wounded but the aire which he perceiuing procured with meere strength to passe away Here was his labour doubled to no great purpose yet with often falling and rysing hée so toyled that at length he arriued to the Chayre where the Emperour sat which somewhat eased him for all those cruell beastes left him But Brandezar that by him saw that knight thinking it was his mortall foâ— the king Nycaon he tooke hun so brauclie betwixt his armes that he easilie drew him to him Don Bellianis letting fall his Fawchon got also holde on the Emperour though he more willingly would haue with â—râ—wne from him because of the extreame heate that proceeded from his armour and so continuâ—d in their wrastling till they ouerthâ—â—we the Emperours Chayre and so parting from one an other Brandezar drewe foorth his sooord and the Prâ—â—ce tooke his fawchon and began so dangerous a fight s the like in no age was seene in short time so mangling their shields that they had no vse of them aboundantly shedding their blood Don Bellianis at this time was in extreame perill for that the Emperours strength was incomparable and himselfe fore wounden which he perceiuing awaited a blowe of the Emperour which threwe the remnant of his shielde to the ground and wounded him on the arme but he gaue him so terrible a blowe on the legge that Brandezar could no longer stand thereon But loosing none of his courage defended himselfe vppon his knees that made Don Bellianis discharge his blow s so faste that at length thinking to end the contention with one stroake on his head the Emperour warded it with his sword and so brauelie thrust at him that had it taken him full he might haue called it the laste that should haue ended his life yet the furâ—cus sword ran through his right side renting the flesh with the greatest wound he had receiued all that day Don Bellianis foming through the mouth for anger of the terrible wound strooke at the Emperour with both hands that he cut his thigh in sunder where at he fell downe where within a whyle he dyed With whose death there began so hortible a noyse in all the Castle with so monstrous an earthquake that Don Bellianis fell in a traunce who recouering his sences felt himselfe well and lustie without any wound seeing neither signe nor memorie of
somewhat long or they set foorth And in their way we leaue them till we haue shewen what in the meane season befell the Emperour and the Princes CHAP. VII The ende of the fight betweene the Emperour and Princes against Don Gallaneo and his men AS soone as the Emperour had dispatched the Messenger to Constantinople he determined to ayde the Knights that maintained a terrible battell with the Giants and their troupes beeing most cruellie wounded by reson of the remorcelesie forces of those pitilesse flends the Prince Don Bellaneo séeing his Knightes were deceyued with great outcries vncouering his face called to them who when they heard his voice saw his face straight knew him greatly amazed at such a chaunce and leauing their fight against the Princes ranne to imbrace him not knowing the cause why that Knight should be then armed with his arrnour And though the Emperour sée him go towardes them yet could he not stay him And Don Gallaneo séeing that oportunitie which Fortune offered him and not minding to spende his time in spéeches with his men sayde Nowe is it requisite oh Knights that you reuenge mee on him that weareth my armour For knowe if you take him or slay him our enterprice therewith is ended for he is the Emperour of Constantinople whom we came from far Countries to seeke béeing hée that hath slaine my Knights and tooke mee prisoner vsing me as you haue séene The Knights that aymed at no other marke togither in a troupe set vpon the Emperour and Don Brianell of Macedon that was with him But when Don Bellianis and Arfileo heald that he was the Emperour his Father greatly grieued for what with him befell them and with eager furie they set vpon those traiterous Knights But those damned Giants that came before the rest opposed themselues against them striking strong and mightie blowes And one of them raysing aloft a huge iron mace betwéene his handes strooke the Emperour therewith that if hee had not warded it on his shéelde it had shiuered his head in péeces yet it rested not there but descenced on his horses necke felling him deade to the ground with his matster on his backe The Emperour for all this strooke him on both his armes that he threwe them to the earth with the mace betwéene them Nowe heere was the Emperour in great daunger of his life For when his horse fell he tooke one of his legges vnder him and don Gallaneo that had alreadie put on one of the dead Knightes armour comming thither at that time with two other Giants all the thrée alighted from theyr Horses intending there to strike off his head The Prince don Bellianis that sawe his father in that extremitie dismounting in all haste went to succour him but ere hee came don Gallaneo as hee whome his death woulde highlie aduauntage wounded him on the head and the two Giants with their Maces raised aloft with mightie strength woulde discharge them on his heade so that he for that time not able to drawe him from vnder his horse with one blow ouerthâ—â—we don Gallaneo cutting asunder his shéeld and helme and gréeuously wounded him on the head And being about to auoyde those Giants blowes could by no meanes shunne them but both discharging their hellish furie on his heade made him bowe to the earth and so staggard him that hee coulde scarce stande And though the spacious worlde contained not his like for admirable strength yet with séeing his Father in that case and himselfe so handled by such infernall Monsters glorying in nothing but in bloudie crueltie abhorring all good and decent order of equall Martiall discipline so doubled his vndaunted courage in himselfe stroke at one of the Giants heades who thinking to defende it by crossing his Mace ouer his Helme had it cutte cleane in two hard by the handle and the furious Sword lighted on the horse gyrts that lay on the Emperour that cutting them of on both sides hee gaue his Father libertie to drawe his legge away pushing the Horse from him quickelie arose yet verie wearie And seeing howe Don Bellianis with one side howe hee reached one of the deformed Giants with great strength vpon his shigh he felled him to the ground and howe with an other hee maintained a hote fight And hee also sawe that Don Brianell and Arsileo with eight Knights that came out of the Castell to succour them were in a fierce battell with the other Giant and Knights And that Arfileo beeing busied with the Giant the other Knightes béeing in number greatlie inferiour to their enemies were by them put to the woorse wherefore the Emperour went to ayde them but ere he arriued the Giant and Arsileo hauing closed dismounted each other that the Giant leauing his feete in the stirrop Arfileo spurred his Horse backewarde making him runne away and dragge his master after him who within a while breathed his last And so he turned with the Emperour couragiously to helpe their companions and arriued when their aduersaries were little able to make them longer resistaunce specially because don Bellianis had slaine the other Giant At which instant arriuing where he was scarce tenne of them remained with life which to saue themselues fledde into the wooddes Whereupon they alighted not minding to pursue them to binde their woundes But scant had the Emperour time to render due thankes for their great helpe much admiring theyr exceeding valour when the rest of don Gallineos Knightes issued from the thickest of the Groue who being aduertised of the successe of their enterprise and not of their losse came in great haste to participate of the glorie they should obtaine by the Emperours death Before them came those sterne and vgly Giants with their lannces seeming huge pine trees with such tempeâ—â—ous furie that they had not leysure to bind their déepe wounds Great was the sorrow the Emperour hereby sustained séeing the stay of the King of Hungarie But as neither hee nor the other Knights could by death-seeming terror be daunted with a couragious heart thus he saide Now is the time braue knights that you must shew y e magnanimitie of your inuincible minds since in your first aduenture fortune hath so directed you that the glorie of the forepassed worthies by the victorie of this one battell shall be ertinguished though herein we yéeld the tribute of our liues to al-conquering death which being naturall to all men should least be feared But in the omnipotent powers of him that this circled vniuerse did frame do I trust he will not permit the valour of such Knights in such short time to perish but so stregthen them that the perpetuall fame of their royall acts may remaine eternized to all succeeding ages Little néede we to be incouraged to suffer the fearefull strooke of death replied Arfileo for where the person of so victorious an emperor is indangered ours can be but the least of all most little losses I thought no lesse answered the Emperour but
don Bellianis so sawe him hee suddainely alighted from his horse so did many of don Gallaneos Knights to helpe theyr maister Then arriued the Duke Alfiron with foure thousand knights and sette so furiously vppon them that maugre their force hee made them retyre back In which time Don Bellianis wounded him againe wherewith the sword fell out of his hand And the duke séeing him on foot that to be the time for his reuenge ranne against his horse and ouerturned him flatte on the ground trampled twise or thrise on him with his horses féete making him breath his last Which the Souldane séeing cryed out commanding him he shuld not hurt him but the Duke made as though he heard him not Whereupon the Souldane séeing the little account was made of him like to burst with extreame gréefe descended still more and more renewing his laments for Don Gallaneos death crying kill kill the traytors that so villainously in my presence murthered my sonne All the people at the Souldanes commaund set on the Duke and don Belliani whence the Jouâ—â—s beganne for tryumphe and pleasure were turned to death and distruction that the fieldes flowed with bloud The kings of Armenia and Persia that sawe the battell so hot and cruell went to the Souldane and said to him Suffer not dread Souereign all this company to perish séeing you know the Duke hath as much power to defend as you to offend him Therefore commaund the fight to cease for if the Duke be guiltie of Don Gallaneos death you may by lawe conuict him The Souldane knowing it to be so and that before the Duke dyed by that meanes none would remaine with life tooke this counsaile and commaunding the battell there to end said thus to the Duke Get you out of my Persepolis Duke vnlesse you will heere dye vnhearde and vnexcused The Prince Don Bellianis beeing with him bad him obey the Souldanes commaunde assuring himselfe their purpose could not but haue a good end The Duke taking his counsaile very ioyfully commaunded the retrayt to be sounded whereat the knights as well of the one as of the other partie left their fight returning euery one to their Captaine attending his commaund Who were here able to expresse what great gladnesse the Princesse Persiana conceiued with Don Gallaneos death which least it might be discerned called out vpon all the knights of her garâ— to imprison and bring before her y e Duke and the Knight that committed that trecherie The guarde replyed they might not because the Souldane was there who returned extreame sorrowfull and so furious with rage that very fire séemed to sparkle from his eyes that all which behold were astonied at his sterne lookes And although the Kings of Tessiffanty intreated him to returne to his pallace yet hee could like no counsaile saue what sauoured of reuenge But turning to the dead bodye sawe his Daughter bewayle his vntimely death and knowing she alwaies refused willingly to marry him and now seeing her gréeuous laments for his decease suspected it was done by her appointment and not regarding his Fathers loue but gouerned with rage tooke her from the ground and said It bootes thée not nowe Princesse to dissemble for I am sure don Gallaneo was slaine with your consent and since you would not obeye mee when I would I will now punish you as you deserue Whereuppon hee commaunded her to bee shut vppe in a Tower and surelye guarded not hearing her speak And going thence commaunded all the people of the Cittie to arme them intending to imprison the Duke in his house imagining don Gallaneos death had bin with his consent greatly gréeued because hee coulde not knowe that Knight that so indaungered him in the battell not thinking on don Bellianis hauing left him sore wouuded CHAP. XVIII What happened to don Bellianis without Persepolis How he deliuered two damsels from certain knights wheÌ„ce they were and how he slew the dragon of the Riphean wood THe Duke séeing his purpose thitherto sort as he wished with don Gallaneos death resolued altogither to follow the counsaile of the knight of the golden image Wherupon he returned to his pallace and the night hauing darkened the world don Bellianis left him in the plaine fielde faining to goe out of the Citie though all the knights there indured to stay him desiring to know him ere he went But getting from them all escaped out of the Citie the better in that obscuritie to returne vnknowne to his lodging and he had not gone far but his wounds began extreamely to gréeue him insomuch he could not stay himselfe on horsebacke for with their new bléeding they opened making him séeme a fountain with so many springs seeing himself so ill he thought he shuld not be able to return to Persepolis vnlesse his wouÌ„ds were bound vp And so alighting from his horse hee sawe two damsels come towards him ryding in such haste as he thought they did rather fly then on their palfrayes swiftly runne Don Bellianis putting himselfe afore them said What is the cause fayre Ladies that maketh you ryde so fast Oh for Gods sake staye vs not but if you will saue your life followe vs and by the waye wee will declare the whole circumstance vnto you Heere will it be better said he and among these trées you may hide your selues So they taking his counsaile followed his aduice beginning to discouer their adueÌ„ture loe they perceiued through those trees a terrible Dragon so fearfull in sight that it struck amazement in the beholders and although the night were very dark yet such light issued froÌ„ him through the great abundance of fire procéeding from his iawes that it seemed hâ—ls mouth opened to swallow them at that instant The Ladies being ouercome with feare betooke theÌ„selues about the knight of the golden Image hauing lost the power of their pretended flight But he séeing it was no time to be idle rose froÌ„ the grouÌ„d with his sword in hand and made against that hellish monster at that time wishing rather to haue his armor giueÌ„ him by Bellona buckled about his body theÌ„ be inuested Emperor of a larger Empyre then his fathers At this instant the dragoÌ„ with an infernal fury flying against him ouerthrâ—w him with his brest returning to catch him with his taleÌ„ts to pluck him in péeces He whoÌ„ feare neuer could blind lept aside but with great difficulty for being ouerreached the cruel beast w t one of his pawes drew him to him pearst both armor and flesh euen to y e bones with his deadly claws but the knight forsaking his sword stabd his dagger 4. or 5. times into his heart vnder his wings The fearful beast through extremitie of pain left him stretching himselfe labouring in the pangs of death He was of such a wonderful greatnes that he was aboue 25. foot loÌ„g in bignes biger then a great bull whose like was neuer séene by any After the knight
trunchion The knight did so which was so imbrued in his blood wherwith it stuck so fast in his flesh that the drawing thereof so extreamly increased his pain that after he was not able to stand but was caried in two knights arms into the hal wher they fouÌ„d y e duke with many other Lords also accompanied with the princes don Brianell and Arfileo who though they were greatly wounded were determined presently to ride in demaund of the knight of the golden Image if they heard not of him But séeing him come into the hall in that maner waxed pale thinking him wounded to death and ran to him And the princesse Aurora that first spied him was first that approached who with teares in great aboundance trickling downe her iuory-rosed chéekes to see him in such danger without impeach of any and respect of none fell on her knees before him kissing his hands both with ioy and gréefe insomuch that in her good will towardes him it may be beléeued she passed his coosen Arfileo The prince don Bellianis raising hir from the ground and most kindly imbrasing hir said Use not so much vndeserued courtesie most soueraigne ladie to so meane a knight of such small fame as my selfe whose litle seruices will neuer merit any of these fauors except in couÌ„ting mee as one of your meanest seruitors Then were these gréetings interrupted by Don Brianell and the rest that receiued him with no lesse courtesies imbracings theÌ„ if he were their generall coÌ„mander especially the duke who néeds would welcome him on his knées though he knewe not his high discent saue that he acknowledged he had by his means repossest his whole estate life and with infinit gladnes he thus began I greatly wonder most renowmed knight of the golden image how you were able to be at the tourney after I here sawe the great prowesse by you done To whom he replied I haue most excellent Duke done no act worthie your memorie So wil said he none of Don Galfeos Knights affirme For at our returne we found aboue two hundred of them with their masters slain And we intreat you to dilate vnto vs the cause of their coÌ„ming to our Pallace and what after happened to you since your departure hauing staid so long returning thus cruelly wounded Then thus replied hee they purposed treacherously â—o murther me though by the helpe of the immortall Gods their intent was frustrated The rest I am not able to discourse for my wounds will not permit mee but of these Ladies shall you knowe the euent of all things whese good intertainment I request euen as to my Lady and Mistresse the Princesse héere present Whereuppon Don Bellianis was carryed to his lodging and layde in his bed where by the Damzells hee was againe dressed who greatly wondred at his many and dangerous woundes and hauing done they left him alone quietlye to take his rest for his extreame paine chiefly of the wound of his thigh made him rore like a bul bayted with many dogs The Ladies beeing come foorth were most curteously entertained of the Lordes greatly admyring the haughty deedes they heard of that valorous knight Straight were the tables couered good order béeing giuen for the Pallaces safety and they all sat downe to supper where the Damzells discoursed the acts of the knight of the goulden image in their presence done saying Scarce dare wee report his admirable Cheualries least our wordes bee not credited yet haue wee beene eye witnesses of his deedes Then were they intreated by the knights to vnfold them saying that if they had séene what him before happened they would little estéeme those they seared to rehearse There can none bee comparable to t hâ—se 〈…〉 Damzels and therefore will wée satisfie you so recounted all that him befell after they met with him with words of high renowne to the enternising of his glorie Whosoeuer shal heare sayde the Duke the admyring wonders of this knight may hardly beleeue them And sure I am no knight will euer performe what hee hath done in so short time and so reiterating al his exploytes as heereafore are sâ—t downe Oh what Pesterity will beleeue in future ages these no lesse great then admirable prowesses of this not onely victorious but happy and neuer sufficient praised knight These and such like matters did these Princes â—â—â—aâ—e of at table concerning Don Belliani Thâ— Princesse had by 〈…〉 knowne the Damzels and they hâ—r yet eyther thought the contrary by their silence But the 〈…〉 imagining the cause was that they were so forewarned by don Bellianis said she would withdrawe herselfe to rest and take those Damzells with her and was conducted to their chamber The knights after her departure setled themselues to the ordering of all their necessaries touching their manaced perill for they had intelligeuce how the Sophy hauing vnderstood of don Galfeos death at his departing from the turney by some of the scaped knights yet not informed of the trueth but that going to the Dukes Pallace to accompany him to the turney hee was there flaiâ—e Whereupon willed al in the Citty should arme themselues But the Duke and his faction little feared him hauing within the said Cittie aboue fifteene thousand knights his friendes all in armes in readynes well appointed at commaund The Princesse beeing in her chamber made fast the doore before whom the damzels humbled themselues crauing to kisse her handes But the not suffering it imbraced theÌ„ with great ioy to whom they thus spake What hath become of your royall person Oh most excellent Madame whose losse wee could not but imagine hauing béene so toste and subiect to misfortunes and calamities Wee cannot great Princesse declare the sufficiencie of our ioy conceiued with your presence And no lesse will the Princesse Florisbella receiue who onely for this cause sent vs to our Aunt the sage Bellona Wherefore wee beseech you tell vs who these knights bee whose personages compositions and excellent conditions deserue admiration especiallye him that brought vs to the inioying of your company I replyed she knowe no other but that I met them in a most strange place and I thanke the immortall Gods vnconstrained they condiscended to the promise of their aydes already my fathers most vnfortunate death hath partly beene reuenged for this knight hath slaine Don Gallaneo And thus continued their chat without sleeping till the better twoo partes of the night were paste CHAP. XIX What the Sophy did after the battell and how the greene armour of Don Bellianis was brought him to the citty THere is no tongue able to expresse the greate gréefe that the Sophy did conceiue by Don Gallaneo and his Cosins death whome he dearely loued and séeing that the Duke kept within his Pallace hée sent earlye the next morning aboue a thousand knightes to seeke him in the greene armour for hee determined by all meanes to knowe who hee was hauing vnderstood hee was not gone home with the Duke The knightes
obeying his commaund came to the place where the vgly monstrous beast laye slaine the sight wherof so feared their horses that not able to staye them in dispight of their ryders they ranne away with them The like timorousnes surprysed the knights beholding the monstroussie of the dragon that they durst not approach to discerne what he was yet seeing hee sturred not one of them taking Hart agrace esteeming himselfe lesse fearefull then the rest alighted on foote and trembling went where the dead beast lay and séeing him not mooue with the huge quantity of blood wherein he wallowed called his companions bidding them not feare for it was not aliue who well viewing it were greatly astonished to sée so deformed a thing and searching where hee had beene strucken they sawe his woundes aboue the legges and winges whereby they iudged the knight that had slaine him could not but bee sorely hurt by beeing so nigh that y e wounds shewed they had beene beene made with a dagger And one following the signes of the bloode found the Damzels mantells that they had left with the knights armour which presently they knewe and assured themselues hee slâ—we that most vgly beast in respect whereof they nothing esteemed what hee had performed to their costes in the turney with the sight of y â— prodigious and infernall monster slaine by his handes And so they tooke great compassion on him for the much blood hee there had shed so finding no signe nor tracing of his to finde him and seeing him armourlesse resolued to returne vnto the Sophy and tell him what they had seene presenting him the knights armour and the damzells mantells Wherewith going out of the wood lighted on the two knightes slaine and turning them ouer much mused at the horrible blowe which the one had whose like they neuer had séene before and going away they met with foure knights that knowing the Damzells mantells said Wee beseech you gentle knights tell vs where wee may finde the Ladies owners of those mantells Wee know not sayde they but why doe you demaunde it To know what became of a knight that accompanieth them Why seeke yee him demaunded they for wee also would imploy the vtmost of our power to finde and carrye him to our Lord the Soldane Then know said the foure that the Gyant Fillistone wel knowne of you commaunded vs to finde him to giue him his due chastisement Though truely yester night hee performed such an attempt that wee beleeue there breatheth not in the vniuerie any able to doe the like for three knights of our company going to seeke those damzells which from vs fledde and about to take them against his wil wounded these two as you see leauing the other on the earth little better thâ—m dead And since wee vnderstood they be all within the Citty Then go along with vs for if they be there they cannot be hid And besides these things hee hath done others of greater admiration So in such talke they continued their way to the Citty till they arryued at the Souldanes Pallace who seing the Knights armour thought they also brought him which greatly gladded him descending halfe way to meete them demaunded for the knight to whom they answered We bring him not right mighty Soueraigne but come to tell you the greatest wonder y e euer you heard of for hee alone hath put to death the mighty Dragon of the Ryphean woodes your whole kingedomes destruction Oh mightye Ioue saide the Soldane who may beleeue but with great difficulty such a thing except his eyes should see it Surely dread Lord it is so replyed they and wee iudge by the great aboundance of of blood in that place shed that he cannot but be almost deade Moreouer hee hath done another acte of no lesse wonder for coming vnarmed with our two Damzells hee combated with three knights and vanquisht them cleauing one downe right in the middle and it is also said that hee came vnto the cittie The Soldane stood musing with himselfe whither the knight of the golden Image might bee he disguisedly entring the tourney for the Dukes sake Yet thought hee this vnlikely knowing hee remained sore wounded at the combate had with the knights of the vnhappy bridge But still perswaded himselfe it should be hee imagining no knight in all the citie so hardy as for to attempt the like And seeing the Knight could not be found he commanded all the people of the cittie to armes and came to his Pallace for he determined to assault the Duke who fearing the same had all his men in readines Great was the hurlyburly through the cittie among the popularity inquiring one of another what they should doe foreséeing some cruell battell to be impendent ouer their heades CHAP. XX. How the kings of Armenia and Tessifanty conferred with the Sophe of the order taken betweene them about the Duke and how he presented himselfe before the Sophy THe doubtful state of these tumultious cares on eyther side hanging on y e vncertaine arbitrating sentence of fortune the rumour of the comunalty of the Citty seemed no lesse then if the vtter ruine therof were euidently knowne Wherby the Sold an supposing many inclyning to the dukes faâ—tion proclaymed by sound of trumpet that none shuld aide nor fauor him on paine of death and take him for a taitor for he onely purposed to do according to law and iustice if hee were found guiltie The beauteous Princesse Persiana well heard of these procéedings whose woes for them penetrated her tender heart though it was thought she sore lamented because her father had imprisoned her But shee sending for the Kinges of Arminea and Tessifantie they presently went to her who being alone admitted them to her presence whom she with manie teares intreated to become mediators betwixt the Soldan and the duke that they would not consent to the terminating of those affaires to be by the euent of warre seeing in the ende she only should be the only looser her honor being tossed too and fro on such vndesent trials They with great willingnes promised to do the vttermost of their possibilitie and séeing the matter suffered no delay and that they like wise ventured some part of their owne in that they were the dukes neare allies did then take leaue of the princesse and departed towards the Soldan whom they found with all his men readie to march So approching to him he greatly reioyced with their presence thereby thinking they wold ioine with him supposing at first they were gone to the duke Whereupon he courteously made out to méet them who their customed honor performed humbled themselues to kisse his hands but he would not by any means consent thereto whereat they thus began Alas dread Lord what pretends these your troupes whose sudden armes cannot but threaten death vtter desolatioÌ„ to this citie but most of al what meanes your selfe to be in person in so daÌ„gerous an enterprise hauing so many hardy knights
as if he had bene one of the Centinels and thus he went till he came vnto a great pauilion which he thought to be the Generals of those troopes and looking into it he sawe many knights talking with another that lay in his bed whom he iudged according to his manner and conditions to be the Sophy and hard by him he spied armed without his helme the Prince of Persia that had bene cured after by the same meanes that he was their conference was that it would be good to giue another assault vnto the Citie for if it were but only to affright them within it would not be amisse And the Emperour being busily harkoning to this there came vnto him a knight that was Collonell of y e Court of guard and saide What doo you here you are not in your quarters I was walking about said the Emperour and here I staied to looke vpon this Tent. And therfore shall you goe to prison replied the other seeing you haue no more care The Emperour said let vs go whither you will Here vpon the Collonell turned to foure knightes and charged them to conuay that knight to his Tent. Which they going to doo the Emperor sorely wounded ouerthrew them one after an other to the ground with his lance and about to do the like by the Colonel he thrust himself among the Tents calling out for help But the Emperour that hereat became furious reached his launce at the Souldan that laie a bed with such force raising himself on his stirrops which if it had gone straight he had no more néede to make warre yet it missed him so little that the Launce past betwixt his arme and left side and ranne through all the bedding nayling it aboue a handfull in the grounde Which the Knights séeing that were talking with him gathered about him thinking he had bene slaine and some went out to sée what he was that had bene so hardie to do such a déed among whom was the Prince Perianeo But the Emperour thinking it no wisedome to oppose himselfe against so many closely thrust among those knights that were come thither and so past till he came to the farther side of the Campe at such time that the Sunne beganne to appeare and fearing some might méete and know him and so frustrate his intent he rushed with great violence vppon the guard on that side and maugre their force he passed through the middest of them leauing aboue twentie pitteously wounded on the earth And at length arriued in his owne Camp where being straight knowne was with great gladnesse receiued and so entered the Cittie where the Duke and all the rest ioyfully welcommed him and being demaunded for the valiant Knight of the golden Image he replied he departed from him at the Valley of the thrée Fountaines and woulde quickly returne So leauing them he went to rest himselfe for he greatly néeded it The Prince Perianeo being come foorth of the Tent thinking his father had bene slaine inquiring for him that had done it came to the place where the Emperour had made that slaughter there he founde some dead some gréeuously wounded and some in such case as they could hardly liue long and demannding who had so handled them they replied they knewe not saue that a diuellish Knight clad in Armour bearing certaine Crownes vpon his shield had done those wonders and in despight of vs all hath entred the Citie of Bollera By this the Prince knewe the Knight that woulde haue slaine his Father was hée with whome hée did Combatte though he much doubled it because his deare frined the wise Fristone had tolde him he would set him in place where hee should leaue both honour and life yet discontented and amazed he returned to the Tent where he found the Souldan vp whereat he greatly reioyced and with no little gladnesse demanded how he felt himselfe and whether the launce had done him any harme None replied the Souldan but what I conceiued with feare of death and I assuredly thinke that was the knight of the golden Image for none else could haue the heart to do it So great is the bountie of this knight replied y e prince that none might do it but he In these words you shall sée it answered the Souldane for he that doth not sée his déedes will hardly beléeue them my self hauing séene him performe so hautie acts of Chiualry which else none should haue perswaded me that any humane creature could atchiue them for he being wounded slue the horrible Dragon of the Ryphean desart and the King of Cyprus assuring you that when he entered with him in the listes the blood issued twixt the ioynts of his Armour from his olde woundes He also discouered the aduenture of the Dispaire in Loue with many other things which of him you haue heard I long to try replied the Prince how farre his valour dooth extend For I know not whether it be a Knight that did disturbe me from ending a certaine Combat and if it be he I doo protest to procure all meanes til I méete with him It is no wisedome said the Souldan to hazard your person â—â— so certaine daunger séeing with our souldiers you haue here we shall easily be reuenged on them all I will neuer leaue such a battell answered the Prince for if he be such a knight as he that hurld his Lance at you he ought with reason to be estéemed Do you know him said the Souldan Yes replied the Prince for yesterday I did Combat with him in the valley of the thrée Fountains But how did you with him said y e soldan My friend the Sage Fristone did part vs answered Perianeo In such talke continued they till the ensuing morrow aduertizing a whole Camp to be in readines against y e next assalt The duke Alfiron and the Kings séeing the knight of the golden Image came not they altogither very sorrowfully intreated the Emperor to vndertake the generall charge ouer them all which he did though vnwillingly And hauing heard his enemies intent taking with him the prince Arfileo Sabian of Trebento he mustred all his men diuiding them into 5. squadrons The first he committed to the leading of the Phenician prince with him his valiant cosen Florispiano with 20. thousand well appointed knights The second he committed to the duke Alfiron with al his men which were as many The third led the kings of Armenia Tessifantie The fourth conducted Sabian of Trebento And the fift gouerned a brother of the Dukes called Sallatell of the valley And for himselfe he wold haue none The Prince Perianeo diuided his troopes in sire battalions and euery one of 50. thousand knights and gaue order that other fiftie thousand with all the footemen should assault the Citie which were aboue fortie thousand with so manie millitarie engines that they made sure account to lay it leuell with the ground with vtter desolation of all the knights at their first incounter CHAP.
many of his agaynst the like number of the fierce king Tramolcanos which on either part this day was begunne verie bloodie but in the meane time entring there in two of the kings cousens haue made such a massacre of the Counties knights that none dare confront them and my selfe being wounded as you sée am thus going to be cured in a Castell not far from hence and so past away What were we best to do sir Palineo demaunded don Brianell That we go to the iousts answered he and there we shall sée what we haue to do And thus resolued arriued at the Tilt-yard where but 500. of the counties knights were left and they so wounded that they could no longer withstand their aduersaries by reason of the cruell strokes of the kings causes Which don Brianell perceiuing and his valiant heart abhorring to be idle saide to Palineo Let vs succour those almost vanquished Be it so replied he Whereupon â—â—wching their Launces entred the listes and at the first encounters ouerthrow two of the Giants knights and don Brianell before his Launce broke vnhorsed more then sixe Palineo with a loude voyce cried out thus Courage courage knights of Antioch and shew the valour of your mindes least now you bee reputed vanquished which neuer hitherto hath happened Who â—â—boldned with this speech seeing the haughtie deedes of don Brianell couragiously renued the bloodie skirmish The two Giants séeing that noueltie in the Cities knights and how the Prince don Brianell like a bloodie Dragon persecuted their men did both togither assaile him to giue him his death But he that in greater perils had beene in awaited them couragiously well couered with his sheeld and they arriuing both at one time with their slycing semilers discharged two mightie blowes vpon him But don Bryanell spurred his horse â—orward within them that the blowes lighted not full on him notwithstanding his sheelde was cleft cleane in two and he wounded one with a mightie thrust that the sword appeared at his backe 〈…〉 g dead on the ground And seeing an other furious blowe from the other gyant descend vppon his head and being destitute of a shéeld câ—â—st the sâ—â—itor with his sword which beeing of a better temper then the Gyants it cut it in two and straight thereupon strooke the Giant on his arme which from his shoulder fel to the earth Who seeing himselfe maimed of his lims turned his horse and roaring fled away Who were able to expresse the greefe and rage of Tramolcano to sée one Cousin slaine and the other wounded to death Thereupon calling out to his mâ—n to take that Knight that had committed so great treason whereat many incompassed Don Brianell wherfore Palineo went to help him amazed at his haughty déedes The count Garianos men brauly defended him yet had hee remained prisoner for the diuellish Tramolcano descended with all his men had not Palineo that foresawe the daunger pluckt him by the arme and said to him Follow me sir knight if you wil saue your life for it will be reputed no lesse valour to saue it thus then sâ—aying to kill all this company Don Bryanell allowing his counsaile rained his horse backwards went away in despight of all that looked after him So soone as the king was come downe froÌ„ his window the tourney was parted and he commanded of those and other knights aboue 4000. to follow the murtherers as hee called them of his Cousins and dead or aliue they should bring theÌ„ to him and he taking with him the dead bodies of his slaine Cousins returned to his pallace to arme himselfe minding in person to follow the search all which was but in vaine for Palineo knowing all those wayes nookes and lanes that was thereabout issued out of the Cittie in sight of all the knights spurring without â—â—â—gring till they came into a litle Groaue turning on the right hand entred into a garden vnséene of any and passed to the farther side thereof vnto a house where shepheards in stormy weather withdrew themselues and there staying don Brianell said séeing they were not séene of anie Let vs light here if you please that our horses may rest and from hence may we well sée if any followes vs. Wherevpon looking from the high Mountaine and espying none dismounted from their horses and put them in a stable that there was giuing them hay and prouender they there found And with great ioy of their good successe discoursed of their late aduenture greatly pleased with the death of these two giants whoÌ„ Palineo sayd did great outrages in that land I hope said don Brianell we shall easily enter the castell Hardly shall we do it replied Palineo yet we will trie it séeing we are come to that effect In the meane time were it good we had somewhat to supper That were not amisse replied don Brianell if our prouision were better Let me alone for that said Palineo so soone as it is night for I also greatly desire to sée what is done in the Pallace the better to order our affayres And thereupon expected the approach of the couerer of nightly actions CHAP. XLVII What don Brianell and Palineo did going out of the Cittie of Antioch how they entred the Mine and of their fight withthe Castell about the libertie of Damartyno THe darke night béeing come so obscure as they wished Palineo vnarmed himselfe and leauing don Brianell behinde put on a cloake he found in the house which the day before a shepheard had there left and muffling his face went to the Citie where taken for a shepheard he passed vnknowne till he came to the Kings Pallace where he found many armed knights that returned from the search among whom was the King himselfe mad with anger that hée could not heare of the two knights that slue his Cousens Among this troupe had Palineo occasion to go in and so went vnto the Mynes mouth whose doore was shut and seeling whether it might bée opened hée found the Locke verie weake for the doore vsed onelie to bée shutte because that secret might not bée discouered And so returned to the Citie and brought some victualles for himselfe and his companion wherewith béeing almost tenne a clocke he came to Don Bryanell where with a good stomacke they supt hauing eaten nothing since their comming from Miriana and hauing done Palineo said Let vs be gone for if longer wée staye the King and the Countie may haue supt and so wée bee locke out of the Pallace But what shall we do with our horses said Don Bryanell for I would not willinglie loose mine because this Cittie containes none so good If replyed Palineo wée dye in this enterprize wée shall not néede our Horses but if wée scape liberating according to our desire our friend Damartyno the matter will be lesse in loosing them Don Bryanell replying neuer a word armed himselfe and carrying his Helme in his hand put on the shepheards cloake which Palineo had before woorne who said vnto
I will speake it that my selfe imitating your valour might incourage my decaying courage by your discréete replie by which since I perceiue you rested vndaunted and animated against insuing daungers it behooued vs least we be suddainely assaulted and ouerthrowne with their horses which greatly might hazard vs that wee take before vs yon knight that lyeth vppon the grounde meaning Don Galaneo that verie sorely wounded lay without his helme for these that towards vs come bee his men and fearing to hurt him wil not molest vs with their horses This will be very good sayde Don Bellianis as also that one of these Knights spéedily conduct these Ladies into the castle for I do more regard their safetie then I estéeme my owne life So effecting all things they on foote expected the comming of the Giants and Knights which were aboue 500. in number who approaching were greatly amazed to sée that slaughter of knights and Giants which if their knights that fled had not told them of they would not haue beléeued it Hereupon two of the formost Giants with a cosin of Don Gallaneo called Don Galfeo the vnknown thinking to ouerrun them with their horses perceiued they defended themselues with don Gallanco wherfore they commanded all their knights to alight on foote which they would by no means do because they saw comming from the citie a great troupe of knights which so soone arriued as had they alighted with little trouble they had al bin slain yet notwithstanding some ten of them dismounted together making account to end y e fight with the emperors death while the rest went against the knights y t from the citie marched for being in a strange land they reputed euerie one their enemie But the King of Hungary that was he which came with y e knights in such extreame foreséeing the danger like to insue coÌ„manded his men to whéele about to the further side compassing so much field that with safetie they might arriue where the Emperour and the other Knights were combatting fearing that if they should encounter with theyr enemies the Emperour might in the meane time bee slaine and theyr haste and ayde come in vaine the Knights béeing all chosen and valiaunt such as continually guarded the Emperours person and sufficient euerie one to be a coÌ„mander of many took their compasse in such maner that without turning their backs or on their aduersaries breaking their lances fel on the sudden where the emperor and Princes were whoÌ„ they found fighting like angered lions for that Don Bryanell was pitiously wounded by two giants and by them beaten to the ground so that the Emperor Don Belianis to defend him bestirred themselues so brauely against them estéeming them but as two common knights On the other side the Prince Arfileo kneeled with his knée on the ground for one of the Giants had thrust him quite through the thigh But when the King of Hungarie arriued with his men hee alighted with some twentie knights leauing the rest in fight with their aduersaries whereof some béeing rounde begirt with Grecians the others sette themselues against don Bellianis séeing hée was the sole causer of their vtter ruine and notwithstanding his mighty blowes two of those Giants closed with him but hee not dismaide therewith layde hand on his dagger which at his backe continually hee wore and stabbed it in the Gyants backe that held him betwixt his armes which done with mighty strength it ran through his body to the hilts Which was not so speedily performed but the other wounded him gréeuouslie that his armour being in thrée places rent and his flesh in many brused and cutte and séeing himselfe in such notorious perill tooke the heauy boystrous Giant in his armes with his puissant forces hoysted him aloft and with a mightie fall tumbled him to the earth where presently he chopt off his head which done turning to the emperor he saw him close with another Giant and fearing some sinister hap might befall him through the much bloud issuing from his wounds whereat the Prince greatlic wondered how he could stand on foote strooke the Gyant such a blow on the legge that hée sundered it quite from the body All which notwithstanding seeing the number of the knights still increase vpon them and that the trampling of the horses might greatly indanger them doubting that the emperor because he had lost much bloud would not be able to mount a horsback tooke him in his armes set him on the giants horse he last sâ—ue The like did hee to the Prince Arfileo that through the wounde on his thigh could not doâ— it himselfe and greatly esteeming Don Bryanell for that hee hadde seene him that day doo and because hee came in his Fathers companye hee tooke him from the ground and commanded a knight to conuay him to the Castle there to applie him such remedies as that hee might recouer his lost senses And nowe at the last when hee would get a horse for himselfe could not so easily compasse it for all the rest of the knights hadde turned themselues with a hellish furie vpon him where he was like to be slaine outright for Don Galfeo hauing vanquished the Emperours men sette on him wounding him with cruell and remorselesse blowes But finding himselfe incompassed with death began to strike on euery side that vnhappie was hee on whom any lighted for so fearefull and deadly they were that with sixe blowes he strooke down thrée knights and two Giants seeing Don Galfeo was hee that most molested him strooke at his leg with such strength that had the sword fallen with the edge downeright it had cutte it cleane off yet it rased away all his armour there and séeing him within his reach plucked his shéelde out of his hande and with it beate him to the grounde from himselfe and so none daring molest him without setting foote on stirrop hee mounted on Don Galfeos horse At this time hither came the Emperour that séeing him so nimbly mounted beeing so sorely wounded was so amazed that he hardly beleeued what his eyes behelde and that which he most admired was to sée him so fierce and couragious in this first aduenture that euer happened him And emulating his valiant deedes hée followed him as if he were his teacher and hee his pupill to whom Don Beliani being nigh him sayde Me thinks Syr knight our men begin to loose the field so think I answered the Emperour and calling Arfileo ioyned all three together with the King of Hungarie that was in the vauntguard animating his fainting knights that with fresh courage so gallantly returned to the fight as if at that present they began giuing and receiuing most terrible blowes of those helburned Giants But Don Belianis seeing the wonders the Emperour his Father had performed imagining his owne actes none in compatison of his with such vehement rigour hee assaulted his foes that his men regained their lost aduantage About this time Don Galfeo
arose from his traunce and séeing his knights retyred backe and that the most parte of the Giants were slaine and that great troupes of armed knights not farre from whence they were fighting came with spéedie haste towards them which he iudged to bee aboue two thousand and séeing his intent coulde not for that time take effect turned to Don Gallaneo that daye by him and taking one of those horses that loose came about called one of his Knights commaunding him to set the Prince his Coozin before him very secretly vnknowne to the Emperour and the rest he put himselfe through the groue and learning of a man whom he met the next way to the sea coaste went thither where finding his ships and fearing he might be pursued stripped himselfe and Don Galleneo commanding the marriners to hoyse the sayles and put vnto the Sea which they straight did laying his Coozin on a bed in his Cabbin and applyed him many remedies to recouer his sences that the better they might dresse his woundes where we leaue them returning to declare the ende and successe of the battell CHAP. VIII How the battell beeing ended Don Bellianis with his companye departed not discouering whome they were And what happened to him and his Coozin with the Ladies in the daungerous groue THe battell resting in the manner as is before recyted very cruell and bloodye on all parts the like whereof to that day was neuer séene of so fewe Knights the one side resolued to effect theyr enterprise which by the victorie of that battell they hoped would be by the Emperours death drewe strength whence none was iudging better in that fight to dye well reuenging their owne deathes then to abide the mercye of the Emperour of whom they none expected On the other side the Emperours knights being of such valour as is expressed and guided by such Captaines fought so couragiously with their aduersaries that forring them to retire most of them left their liues in the field About this time appeared along the way from the Cittie so manie squadrons of Knights that they couered all those fieldes kéeping no order in their march gallopping so fast that quickely they arriued where that vnequall battell was fighting who being by the Pagans séene straight put themselues to flight thinking to saue themselues in the Thickets of those wooddes But the Emperours Knights then arriuing so brauely assaulted them that hauing no time to execute their purpose they were all put to the Sworde none suruiuing to beare newes home of their ouerthrowe The Emperours and Princes remained so wounded that although the ioy of their great victorie eased the paine of their woundes yet thought they coulde not scape with life for the quantitie of bloud issued from them was so great that their Horses were altogither besmeared therewith But the Emperour séeing howe much bound hee was to those Knightes with great gladnesse ranne to embrace Don Bellianis whom he so much prized for his hautie chiualrie that he iudged all others in comparison of his but a dreame The Prince Don Bellianis did the like and going to dismounte on foote to shewe his humble dutie the Emperour woulde not permit it but holding him in his armes said If most excellent Knight you regarde what you haue done for mee and from what great daunger you and your Companions haue this day redéemed me more reason were it I should kisse your hande in signe of acknowledging the great benefite by your magnanimitie that I haue receyued which no lesse then with my life I shoulde remunerate in satisfaction whereof I pray the Almightie Lord that hath deliuered vs from so great daunger and perill to guerdon you for it for if I should inuest your Lord of all my Emperic you could not rest satisfied for the least part of your deserued merits this day obtained Wherefore hencefoorth I will holde this Monarchie not as absoiute commaunder thereof but as giuen me by your hands and as your deputie to kéep it acknowledging my lawfull homage for the same at al times when you shall commaund The Prince Arfileo comming thither at that instant not letting don Bellianis aunswere the Emperour least thereby he might be knowne beeing loath to discouer themselues by reason of theyr promise made to the Damzels thus replied What to day this Knight hath in your seruice done most mightie Emperour deserueth no recompence nor yet wordes of ceremonious thankes for more then this euerie one knowing the royaltie of your person is bound vnto and nowe we resting more then satisfied with the good will wherewith you séeme to accept this our small seruice and hauing no more néede of vs at this present wée instantly beséech you to graunt vs leaue that sending for our Damzels wée may hence depart for our abiding here may be verie daungerous vnto vs. In verie déede victorious Knight I tell you replied the Emperour there is now a greater battell represented me then the last For I cannot beléeue in Knightes so magnimious in heroycall déeds there should be such discourtesie as to depart leauing on me the burthen of ingratitude in making me suffer you to go so grieuously wounded when you deserts merit no satisfaction and that which most tormenteth me is you should desire to depart not reuealing vnto me your names that at least I might know to whom my thankes are due And you most excellent knight turning to don Bellianis do I intreat to do it which if you also denie mee I here protest to sollew you about the worlde till I learne it and ioyning if to the enterprise I haue vndertaken in demaund of my senne don Bellianis and of his Coosin Arfileo I will not returne to Constantinople till I also know this I now request of you Don Bellianis fearing to be knowne altered his spéech and answered I cannot but confesse the high discourtesie that we commit most glorious Emperour in disobeying the supreme command of so great a Monarch whose immortal fame deserueth the whole earths and chieflly our obedience But men being subiect voluntarily to promise and tyed by necessitie to obseruance forceth vs by disobeying you to obserue our forepassed worde to one of the Ladies that bee within the Castle which was not to discouer our selues to any vntill we were out of your Empire least thereby we shoulde bee deteyned And as for the demaund you vndertake of the Princes your sonne and Coozin you may account it ended for they be liuing and not long agoe were before this Castle whome I and this my companion haue séene togither and this we assure you to be true because we know them very wel and also they told vs how being on hunting they were by a certain aduenture parted from you and your traine in the daungerous groue which is far from hence Wherfore in lieu of this promise and newes we intreat you any longer not to staye vs nor further to enquire of our affaires nor names séeing it lyeth not in our powers to
declare The Emperour being about to reply the king of Hungary came to them that returned from pursuing his enemies to whom the Emperorsaid it behoueth you king of Hungary to constraine these knights to abide with vs for I cannot intreat it They will not doo so I am sure answered the king especially at your request I say I cannot obtaine it said the Emperour yet haue they tolde mee newes of my sonne and yours and that it is not long since they departed away from them and for all this will they not tell me theyr names They are altogither so vnwoorthy to be knowne sayd Arfileo that it is vnnecessarie to require them But if it may please your Maiestie we would gladly knowe the cause wherefore these Knights would haue slaine you though in the beginning me thought they ment it by vs. The Emperour thereupon told them the whole occasion as is alreadie mentioned at which instant the Princesse Aurora comming thither with her Ladyes and hearing the Emperor name Don Galaneo said to Don Belianis The greatest part of our enterprise Sir knight were finished if that traitor were taken Whereupon they commaunded him to be sought for about all the field but could not finde him yet in the search they met the man that directed Don Galfeo to the sea coast of whome by the signes and tokens of their armor they learned that they had fled from the battell whereof the Emperour was excéedingly sorie to whom Don Belianis thus spake Afflict not your selfe dread Lord about him for it is the enterprise I vndergo by this Ladies commaund and if I liue I protest and promise you that the first time he falles into my hands though he be before the Soldane his Lorde to giue him his death I would not haue you take such paines sayde the Emperor but ouerpassing that lette mee againe intreate you to stay the curing of your woundes in this Castle Wée may héere abidr no longer replyed Don Belianis and so taking their leaues the Prince sending for his shéeld which was brought him in two peeces they straight departed so sorely wounded as may be imagined for he that had least of them both hadde aboue twentie verie dangerous wounds chéefely that which Arfileo had on his thigh and the thrust that Don Belianis had which séemed to penetrate his entrals In this maner going on their way the space of three miles ascended a high mountaine to find some place to dresse their woundes and hauing cut and gathered a great number of branches and boughes the damsels made some arbours for the knights hauing left behind the two olde men with many others for seeing them fall from their horses supposed them slaine in the fight and with their gownes towels and scarfes couered them and after they had vnarmed them with such things as they had dressed theyr woundes which were so déepe and dangerous that they greatly lamented certainely thinking they could not scape death And leauing them alone to repose their wearied bodies fold it their Lady who bitterlie wept for their peril as if she had séene them dead so much shee credited her Damsels words knowing their skill in that misterie to be singular But being thus in their laments they sawe a chariot comming through the ayre which séemed to be made of white transparant Christall of the mount it was drawne with six mightie vgly Griffons that put the Princesse and her Ladies in great feare which chariot alighted in the place where the knights lay From it descended two very little dwarffes that were going to the Prince Don Bellianis with a chéerefull voice said We are messengers sēt from the wise Bellona who for the great loue she beareth you and the Prince your Coozin knowing in what daunger your liues be in and how nigh death approacheth to craue his tributary dutie by reason of your great wounds for although these Ladies be very skilfull in this art yet you cannot without great daunger be cured vnlesse that it bee by her also because the Emperours men are séeking for you and will not be long ere they come hither she hath sent you this carre in which she requires you that without longer delay both you with the Princesse and her ladies mount spéedily thereon for that the Emperour hath straight neede of the selfesame remedie and in dalliance he may incurre much perill of his life Whereuppon they séeing that more then the present danger could not happen vnto them that agréede thereto and taking the Princesse her Ladies they all mounted on the charyot though the Ladies with some fear did it But ere we more speak of them we must remember what befell the Emperour after she battell was ended CHAP. IX What the Emperour did after the Princes departure and how he knew who they were SOone after the Emperor saw the aduenture ended to his high honor he rēred inmortall thanks to the almightie for his deliuerie and with the newes he had of his déere son ◠Coozin nothing regarded his woundes Whereupon the king of Hungaria said haue a care dread Souereigne to cure your wounds if you will inioy the victory you haue atchieued for it wil be no small thing to escape with life being so piteously wounded My ioy is so great aunswered the Emperor that were it not moderated with séeing these Knights go with such daungerous woundes in my defence and deliuerie from this daies perill that onely were a sufficient remedie to heale me without further cure But beléeue me if as I hope I doo escape this daunger recouering my almost lost life I will not desist till by some meanes I know who and whence they be that so well reuenged me and commaunding all the wounded to be conuaide to the Cittie he returned to the Castle leauing the king of Hungaria to make prouision of all necessaries and himselfe was laid in his bed where his woundes being dressed his surgions thought impossible he should without great hazard of his life escape them Whereat the people sorely gréeued cheefely séeing that a while after he was dressed through the intollerable paine of the woūd on his head he spake many things without reason as a man distract of sence and halfe lunatick which was iudged as tokens of his death so that none dared to cary any such tidings to Cōstantinople But thus fearing his vntimely end there came a damsel to the king of Hungary that hauing caused the woūded knights to be conducted to be cured rested greatly discontent for the Emperors daunger and with a merrie semblance said to him Doo not gréeue most noble King for the howre is not come that so royall and most glorious a Prince should thus suddenly leaue the world therfore lead me straight vnto his presence and you shall see wonders by me wrought The amazed King replying neuer a worde tooke her by the hand and brought her to the Castell and set her in the Chamber where the Emperour lay in the state afore recited
more like a dead then a liuing creature The Damzell in the entring drew forth of a little boxe certaine Oyntments that she brought with her wherewith she Emperour lying in a traunce receyued his vitall senses and with a faint voyce said Ho mightie sauiour of the worlde I do beséech thée if so it may please thy high omnipotencie not to take this transitorie life from mee before I haue séene my deare deare sonne that in the end of my pilgrimage I may with comfort die You shall not yet die said the Damzell therefore strengthen your selfe for you must ere you die suffer manie perils ordained by the diuine power of the highest Lord. And if your heart will serue to drinke this potion I bring you shall presently bee restored â—o your former health and feare not to drinke it for I come from those knights that ayded you So drawing forth a litle Glasse wherin was a certaine composition so odoriferous that the Emperour and all that were present were greatly comforted with the smell the Emperour taking it in his hand fearelesse drunke it off And at that instant hee felt himselfe so well as hee had neuer béene wounded or ill at all And rising to thanke her shee went the way she came and commaunded the King of Hungarie to kill her who astonished at the Emperours suddaine recouerie knewe not whether he slept or waked but following her shée stayed him and sayde Tire not your selfe renowmed King of Hungarie in séeking me for all the worlde is not sufficient to finde me But know thou the Emperour was ayded by the néerest kinsman he and you haue wherewith shée flang away so swiftly that she séemed to outstrip the winde and suddenlie vanished out of sight And here the Historie declareth this was the sage Bellona who greatly tendering the loue of Don Bellianis did for his sake so cure the Emperour for otherwise his death had bin sorer then his life The king of Hungary amazed with these thingeâ— as also knowing in what danger the Emperour had beene in to see him now come foorth of his chamber demanded him what was become of the Lady To whom he told all that had passed what she said I caÌ„not thinke theÌ„ replyed the Emperour whome those so vailant Knights may bee hauing my selfe knighted them Trust me not answered the king if they were not cur loste Sonnes for wee haue no nigher kinsmen and your knighting them assureth it to bee true as also the newes themselues told you Who can beleeue said the Emperour that if they were them they would so departe from me wherefore I will haue all these men seperate themselues to seeke them about the forrest for being wounded they cannot be farre gone and somewhere they may be alighted to binde their woundes So commaunding all the Knights to doe it they went to visit the Prince don Brianell hauing heard hee was in no lesse danger then the Emperour and going into his chamber they neither found him nor any signe of him but vpon his Beds head they found a letter written in Gréeke to this effect This is meant by the Prophecie in the 2. booke 7. Chap. In the time to come that the braue Lyon of the house of Grecia shall bee put in greater danger by the vnknowne Lyon defendor of his royall blood shall also by the Orientall haâ—â—s through the meanes of their vniust Prince be put in greater perill then the last whereof by him hee was deliuered wherein all the power of my knowledge shall bee tryed the most parte of them beeing absent And thou great Emperour that this readest desiste from the demand of thy sonne and Knights and by no meanes put thy selfe in their quest for thy Emperie will greatly need thee though not so soone This I write thee that thou mayst knowe the fame of thy glorious deedes will bee extinguished by the light of the new knight to thy greater eternitie Therefore doe no otherwise then this my letter requireth thee for I wish all thine affaires may succeede according to thy owne desires which goodwill the present remedie thou didst receiue by my damzell well doth approoue The Emperour hauing read the letter rested greatly confused therewith and turning to the King said What thinke you we may doe concerning this letters commande I thinke answered the king since you know the writers wisedeme zeale towardes you you ought to erecnte the same Let vs awaight the returae of our knights replyed the Emperour and then wee will departe for I greatly desire to haue the Empresse knowe these newes and looking out of a window of the Castle they saw comming from the Cittie great multitudes of knights secming aboue 30000. What shall wee doe said the Emperour if wee should haue a greater conflict then that which is pasâ— I thinke those bee your ensignes replyed the knight and looking more earnestly to theÌ„ percciued plainclye they were the same For when it was bruted about the Cittie not knowing the number of the assaileants that had beset the Emperour all the knights there with Eittizens Souldiours and their Leaders armed themselues and came to rescue their Emperour With them came the olde Prince of Macedon then arriued in the Cittie and also the Empresse Clarinda that would by no meanes staye though by the way she vnderstood the whole successe of the fight but would goe to visit the Emperour who then descended to receiue them to whom the Leaders and the rest humbled themselues with vnspeakeable ioy to see him safe And when he knew the Empresse was there without further stay went to her where she was to recounte their glad gréetings What hath become of you my most deare Lord said the Empresse for I perceiue you haue not beene at no great passetime so many sluggarde knights lying in field for all I see your person woundlesse and tel me where is the Prince Don Bryanell Things haue befallen me answered he that requireth long time to dylate Therefore alight and weele enter the Castle where I will tell you all So while they were at supper the Knights Jousted and tilted about the field one with another for ioy of the Emperours safetie and the tables being taken vp after some discourses the Empresse vnderstanding their successe with the Damsels and how they thought that those knights were Don Bellianis and Arsileo she scarce could containe her selfe with ioy though somewhat moderated it with feare of their great and daungerous wounds Day it not by some meanes be known said she if they were them We know no more replyed the king of HuÌ„gary then what is said But the Emperor remembring the two olde knights that with them came and seeing at their departure they went not with them said to the King sawe you not when you remained to see the wounded cured amoÌ„g them two olde knights They be in this other lodging said the king and because they were so greeuously wounded I durst not send them to Constantinople Let vs
him with in the secrete of her heart but for feare to displease her father durst say nothing yet thought she by the riches of his armour it should bee hée stood and viewed him very attentiuely and séeing how the enraged knights with puisant force incountred each other in such sort that their Launces brake in a thousand shâ—uers and méeting with their horses shieldes and helmes both fell to the ground but if Don Brianells horse had beene so good as his aduersaries hee had passed without a fall which hée had seant done wheÌ„ the men of the Castle closed to vnarme him But the Prince Arfileo desirous to auoyde it with great choller entred the bridge so did another of the aduerse parte with such swiftnes as doth an arrow shotte from a bowe flye through the Ayre or a thunderbolt breaking from some swelling cloude with such mightynes incountred on the bridge that the knight of the Castle was ouerthrowne with a peece of y e launce sticking in his body If it procéedes as it begins said the Duke wée shall fréely passe So shall it bée answered don Bellianis for with your auspicious fauour they may bee brought to our wished ende The Sophy was astonished to sée the strong incounters of the knights and speaking to Don Gallaneo said I neuer thought there could bée better knights then those of the bridge but now I sée what aduantage these haue ouer them Wonder not thereat said don Gallaneo for in the battell wée had with the Emperour there was in his ayde one nouell knight whom hée there knighted that performed such haughtie deedes in armes that neither Hector nor Achilles euer did the like For beleeue me hée no more estéemed to bée assaulted by foure or by two Gyants then with one knight and with his owne handes in the battell hée slewe aboue 12. Gyants and 50 knights of mine But as for the Emperour I haue told you what happened mée with him in the Castle he béeing vnarmed so that you neede not wonder what these doe though any of them doe end this aduenture which I cannot beleeue and if they doe I will acknowledge it the greatest acte that euer I heard of by reason their swordfighting will bée so vnequall Which hauing said the eldest the greatest of the brethren came against Arfileo intending to reuenge his Brothers death whose incounters were so furious that their launces were made in little peeces and in such sorte met with their bodyes that the knight of the Castle was ouerthrowne with a great wound on his side And Arfilleos horse with the strong stroke recoyled backe thrée or four paces that at laste vnable to stay him with admirable lightnesse hée leapt from his backe beeing a little wounded on the breast The seruants of the castle went to him to doe as they would haue don with don Bryanell but the first that arryued for his boldnes lost his head For Arfileo thinking hee should not bee iudged ouerthrowne layd hand on his sword to defend himselfe wherewith hee would haue made them knowe his valour extended farther then thitherto hee had showen But the two brothers that Don Bryanell had vnhorsed arryued with their drawne swords the like did the Gyants And on the otherside Don Bellianis and the Duke did so that in short time among them all there began a terryble and fearefull battell For all the Dukes knights would passe ouer the Bridge But the Sophy the Princesse Persiana and Don Gallaneo went and parted them and demaunded the cause why they were so mingled togither did not proceede with their combate as they had begun which eyther they should doe or let them passe Wee are content to doe eyther said Don Bellianis but this knight fell not seeing by anothers strength hee left not the saddle and therefore ought not to loose his horse vntill the ioustes bee ended He may no more mount said they Who shall iudge it demaunded Don Bellianis Wee neede no iudge said they for it is our custome but if any must be let it bee the Souldan our Lord heere present Be it so said the Duke Then said the Sophy I awarde that since the knight was not by another vnhorsed hee loose not his horse nor armour but that hee bee vanquished séeing hee forsooke his horse so that hee may ioust no more Great profite doe they get by this sentence sayd a proude knight that on the Souldan attended and was a neere Alley to the Gyants that defended the Bridge It is well indged said Don Bellianis and beleeue me had not the Souldan done it no lesse wrong receiued wee then they But what art thou that shouldst not a little count thy selfe beeing more prouder then vallyant to speake against the Souldan thy Lords iudgement The knight inraged with desire to reuenge those words answered Let vs set aside the Souldans iudgement as a matter impertinent to vs But if thou wilt vppon whither of the knightes be ouercome accept this my gage I giue it thee I accept it aunswered don Bellianis on condition wee may not passe the bridge vnlesse by force wee doe it You deferre it too long said the knight and our fight will be voide if you meane to winne the bridge by strength for these knights earnestly desire your armour beeing so rich But I giue thee leaue to helpe them aunswered don Bellianis whereby thou shalt see howe little I account what thou so much esteemest All the beholders admired him to see with what courage hee spake but chiefly the Princesse Persiana that going to the Duke Alfiron whom shee did not know beeing among the knights and not knowing what end that enterprize would haue did not discouer himselfe and said I pray thee good knight tell mee who bee these knightes for I greatly desire to knowe it The Duke softly that none might heare answered No maruell most beautious Princesse and Lady of my heart you at this time knowe me not hauing imployed my seruice in your behalfe to so little regarde But if deare Lady you had determined I should by your crueltie dye why did you not commaund mee to bee my owne executioner and not permit my eyes to see the sight of my liuing death The Princesse by his speech straight knewe him whereuppon for very greefe her eyes flowed with pearled teares but dissembling least it should bee discerned replyed The Gods knowe great Duke my gréefe for this marryage my Father intendes is no lesse than yours and therefore must wee perforce haue patience The Duke would haue answered her but that he perceiued don Bellianis had ended the accepting of the battell against the proude knight that they of the bridge had graunted them the combate therin condicionally that if don Bellianis were ouercome his horse and armour should be theirs who greatly gréeued for their brothers death and more that they could not bée reuenged on him that had slaine him CHAP. XII What happened Don Bellianis in the battell with the Knights
of the Bridge DON Bellianis inflamed with anger against the Knight withdrewe himselfe to whom the Princesse Aurora thus saide As much as other knights doe shunne the most dangerous fightes euen so much more doe you séeke them I can doe no lesse replyed hée At this time arriued the Duke hauing left the Princesse and said to him It were good you encorage your selfe sir knight for you haue a very mighty aduersarie All his strength will scant suffice him said the Princesse Aurora though hée be neuer so valiant Which worde the Duke did so little set by as the first séeing the Knights so well confirmed them by their haughty ex ployts Don Bellianis with the enraged choller hée had conceiued opposed himselfe against the knight that also came towardes him who very stronglyâ— in the middle of his shield made his incounter yet not hurting him at all brake his launce not mouing him in his saddle for the inpenetrable vertue of the shield retorted backe the furious Yron Don Bellianis with the great desire he had to hit him mist his encounter so that their horses passed on their course with admirable furie The great ire the Prince hereat conceiued by missing his incounter is not described for want of skill but verie furiously turned vpon the Knight that did the like and iudging it cowardize hauing mist his encounter and lost his launce to draw his sworde against so vile and insolent a man went towards him receiuing a most heauie blowe vppon his helmet and with incredible swiftnesse running at him snatcht him twixt his strong armes and as he were a litle child pluckt him from his saddle and impatiently gouerned by his present fury stept to the bridge side and ouer it tumbled him downe into the riuer where through the waight of his armour he was straight ouerwhelmed leauing the beholders so amazed at the déed that the Soldan cried out Oh immortall Gods what mightie strength is this in one knight It is wonderfull great said Don Gallaneo that was something moued séeing him and more circumspectly looking on him thought that was the deuise of the nouell knight at Constantinople yet he doubted it being so farre distant thence imagining he would come thither by reason of the difference of religion Yet séeing those Ladies there did greatly suspect it And againe turning his eyes towards him he saw one of the knights of the Bridge pricked forwards against him Don Bellianis that also went to méete him without launce although the Duke called to him to take his said I haue no néed thereof hauing imployed mine owne so ill but méeting the knight in the middle of the bridge was forced to lose his stirrop by the incounter and méeting with horses shéelds and bodies the kinght fell downe brused with his head all battered Don Bellianis horse with the sheck rested immouable till with his spurres he made him like a whirlewind flie euen to the place where the Soldan and his companie were that firmly had their gazing eies fixed on him The Sophie séeing one of the Giants comming against him sayd Take a launce sir knight for you will greatly néede it in this ioust preparing for you It is my Countries custome most excellent Lord that the Knight which in iousting before a King or Emperour looseth his incounter through the little valour of his woorth may not vntill he haue ended the battel take another which makes me now against my necessitie ryde without it and so prauncing and with great courage managing his Horse he spurd against the Gyant who not minding to leaue his Launce though he sawe the Prince without any prickt against him but he drawing his sword before they met cut it in two and stepping aside with his Horse let him passe in such an amazement that missing whereon to hitte and staie himselfe ranne headlong forwards and at last Horse and all tumbled downe the Gyant resting sore battered with the terrible fall and the Prince séeing it set himselfe in his place expecting the rest of his aduersaries against whom came the knight that first iousted with Don Brianel and staying for him at the instant he would encounter him with his Launce leapt aside with his Horse making him loose his stroake and with great furie turning vpon him snacht his launce out of his hands and therewith with one blowe feld him to the earth and returning to his place brandished it with great ioy The lookers on had almost perswaded themselues to dreame with the sight of such admirable exployts The Duke was so rauished with gladnesse that he knew not what to say to whom the Princesse Aurora spake What thinke you Sir of the knight in the Tawnye armour What may I thinke or say said he but y t in no time nor age of men were neuer like herroike actions performed if he can so well vse his sword as he can his launce mounted on his courser I doubt not but without impediment wee shal passe y e bridge Straight shal you be assured thereof said she And so brake of their talke for don Bel. with the speare he had takeÌ„ froÌ„ the knight opposed himselfe against y â— mighty gyant that blaspheming old Mahomet came against him with such fiercenesse that soming like a Boare and guided with a hellish rage most thicke smoke issued from the Uysor of his helme and in the middle of the spacious Bridge incountred that the gyant brake his launce on don Bellianis shield which slyding on it made him a great wound whence issued much blood The Prince strucke in such manner that piercing his shielde and armour mightily wounded him on the breast and both méeting with their horses the Gyant measured his length on the earth and the Prince horse set both knees on the ground wherewith hee rested so amazed that hee had not y e remembrance to spurre him Whereat the Prince Arsileo that sawe him in such a traunce thinking him wounded to the death would haue helped him if the Duke had not bid him stand still to see what the knights would doe who greatly abasht at their vnhappie successe did together go all against him but before they arryued the Prince had recouered himselfe and very cholericke through that accident straight dismounted imbracing his shield drewe his sword with such furye and little feare as if hee had to doe but with one knight The knight is not in his wites said the Sophy to leaue his horse in such a time hauing to doe with so hardye knights who in compassing him did bestowe such mighty blowes as might dissolue the limping Gods blacke steeled forge The Gyants beeing somewhat slow in arryuing by reason of their boysterousnesse hoysâ—ed vp their slyeing battell axes thinking to end the battell with their first blowes but the discrete Prince knowing how gréeuous those strokes were to suffer stept aside that both alighted in vaine and hee reached one of them such a blowe on the legge that hee cut it quite
know it we shall easily knowe it by force of armes but seeing he hath promised me a boon this shall be it sayde hee turning to don Bellianis that you all take off your helmes and that we may knowe your names Don Belliani stood somewhat pensiue not knowing what to answere yet thinking that the longer he kept silence they wold the more suspect he at last thus replyed Truly excellent Lord you haue demanded me a thing that by my wil I neuer would discouer but séeing I can do no lesse there is no reason I shuld deny it therfore wil declare it with license of this my coÌ„panie We wil allow whatsoeuer you shal do sayd they The princesse Aurora was at this time in great feare least they shuld be knowne thinking y t don Gallaneo had séen them in the castle when don Brianell was caried thither but they deceiued themselues for he had not séen theÌ„ but armed when he was there taken Don Bellianis replying the Soldane said You shall know my good Lorde I am called the knight of the golden Image because I beare it on my sheeld and I assure you at this present I haue no other name neither may I haue it till I be commanded the contrarie This my companion poynting to don Brianell is nominated the venturous knight and this other is the Prince Arfileo if euer you heard him named before Prince and sole heire of the kingdom of Rasia This Ladie whome wee accompanie is the King of Carcasias Daughter with whome through a certaine aduenture we were al going to the king her fathers Court. This is almost noble Lord what in this case I can declare protesting by the fayth of a Knight I may not more discouer for I my selfe doo not knowe it You haue doone with me replyed the Soldane although I desired larger information and séeing there remaines no more to doo I pray you vnlace your hâ—lmes that my desire may further bee satisfied Arfileo and Don Bryanell straight way obeyed being verie glad to heare how well don Bellianis had answered which done they all highly commended theÌ„ for their braue disposition The Princesse Aurora till that time being sorowfull not knowing what replie don Bellianis would make with great ioy stepped vnto him vnlaced his helme whose fayre complection with the gallant constitution of his well knit members and strength of body was highly admired hauing his haire like thréed of massie gold disheueled hanging on his shoulders The sight of this his rare fauor with his haughtie exployts in armes made them amazedly think him the ofspring of the mighty god of war iudging it impossible that any mortall creature should possesse two such extreams wherin he surpassed al within y e compasse of the earth He was of stature higher theÌ„ any knight in that time his hands long and finowy betokening his excessiue strength his shoulders big and large whose breadth might mainely beare the puissant burthen of olde Atlas forces His face whiter then the purest Alabaster commixt with the Roseate colour of a naturall red Therein was placed his eagle-penetrating instruments of sight as bright as the resplendant rayes of the meridiall sunne and to conclude there was none afflicted with blacke heart oppressing melancholie but in examining his perfections would on a sodaine banish that enemie to quiet pleasure He had moreouer a certaine maner of milde grauitie that with it he drew vnto him the loue of the admirers for it being with anger moued there could be no countenance more sterne then his yet he so refrained himself by forcing it from him that straight he would expell it He was a great maintainer and louer of iustice that if any did committe a fault or erred he himselfe would sée him punished None in his time could equall him in forces His spéech was rare but wise and neuer spake but premeditated vpon occasion When y e Soldane sawe such accomplished perfections compleate vallor in one knight hee again imbraced him conceiuing so great pleasure y t had not the marriage of his daughter bin so forward he would willingly without further knowledge what he was giuen hir him for his wife at last he brake their sileÌ„ce with these words Most glorious knight I impute it no fault in you in being so vnwilling to discouer vnto vs your rare parts which only to y e high immortall gods as things altogither proper and appertaining to theÌ„selues doo belong to whom I render recountlesse thanks that in my time they haue vouchsafed to send so great a wonder among vs in this our age At the time that Don Bellianis wold haue kissed his hands which he not consented arriued the Princesse Persiana with Don Gallaneo leading with them the Princesse Aurora Whereupon the Souldane and the Knight mounted on theyr horses and the Ladies on theyr Palfrayes and don Bellianis hauing his woundes first dressed by the Damsels who also did the like to the knights of the bridge they tooke their way towards Persepolis The Dukes traine was excéeding merrie to haue in their company so famous knights for those tryumphes don Bryanell that was called the aduenturous Knight stepped to the beautious Persiana and as one that in courtly courtesie and pleasant discourses was inferiour to none said vnto her Séeing faire Princesse my name is not opposite against any fauour I may receiue I beséech you make me thereby assured firme against all changes of al reuoluing chance in signe whereof grace me by your graunt with the leading of your palfray by the raynes whereby I may with the fruition of your diuine companie inioy all that I may desire which is to rest sole yours for euer since yonder knight meaning don Gallaneo hath taken on him my office with the Princesse my Lady This he said because don Gallaneo did lead the Princesse Auroraes palfraye which though she suffered was to dissemble that she knew him not rather desiring his death then at his hands any such fauour The like wish wished the Duke Alfyron The Princesse Persiana no lesse gallant in talke then rarenesse of beautie replyed I would not sir Knight that about your seruice the Princesse your Lady and I should â—arre but séeing she doth accept a stranger for her seruitor she shall receiue the guerdon of her change and therewith she gaue him the raines which he gladly tooke to whome the Princesse Aurora saide I know not sir aduenturous knight wherein I haue so much discontented you that you should so soone drowne mee in obliuion but if it were in commaunding you to prooue the aduenture of the bridge henceforth will I be more considerate and so you shall be lesse greeued yet notwithstanding all thinges haue so well befallen you that you haue no cause of gréeuance True said he if the Prince Arfileo had not got more by that proofe then I. What haue I obtained more demanded Arfileo The commaundement of my Lady the Princesse saide he besides the horse you haue vnder
tackt with silke and golden twist and drawne foorth in Roses In the middle of euerie one was set an orient Pearle of great bignesse that it made the gowne of such excessiue valour that euery one estéemed it worth no lesse then the whole Citie of Persepolis her Amber haire like the thréeds of finest golde was in tresses in a net of the same stuffe knit togither whereon was placed a Coronet set wâ—th great and faire Saphires in the middest whereof stoode a stone grauen with the Image of the God of Loue with his bowe and arrowes whose sparkling brightnesse would haue darkened the light of a great Torch The Duke Alfiron when he saw her in this maner remained altogither without féeling which Arfileo that was nigh him séeing sayd vnto him verie softlie Looke to your selfe most noble Duke least you discouer what hitherto hath béene vnknowne Whereat the Duke recouered himselfe greatly abashed at the accident but euery one was so occupied in eying the Princesse that they little regarded anie other Whereupon the Prince Arfileo and Don Brianell tooke her by the handes and ledde her to the Pallace stayres where they all mounted on such horses and palfrayes as appertained to their high state in which equipage they went to their chiefe Temple where by the high Priest they were marryed according to the Pagan rytes which done they returned to dinner dyning togither drowned in all earthly ioyes wanting nothing that anie mortall heart could by wishing comprehend though at the banquet the thoughts of manie were diuerse For the Duke Alfiron thought howe hee might take the Princesse from Don Gallaneo and inioy her after the taking Don Brianell and Arfileo how they might spoile him of his life and he of theirs with the Knights of the golden Image but the Princesse Persiana had all her imagination busied more on the promise of the Knight of the golden Image then on the diuersitie of dishes before her And dinner being ended al the knights went to arme them to be ready at the appointed houre with their captaine in fielde The Jousts were ordained to be made with out the Cittie in a spacious large field for that purpose appointed Don Bellianis though sore wounded rose and armed him in gréene armor interlaced with manie strokes of gold which the Duke had giuen him who commanded all the knights to march away leauing him alone that he might more secretly go himselfe The Duke went accoÌ„panied with Arfileo don Brianell ordering his men as one little estéeming his enemies hauing so great defence in those two valiant warriours his hope in the knight of the goldeÌ„ Image With him ioyned the kings of Armenia and Thessifanty hauing on their side aboue 25. thousand chosen knights which in comparison of the courtiers were but a haÌ„dful for Don Gallaneo trebled that number who by this appeared on the other side with al his troups wel ordered with gallant demonstration Then on an imperiall theater mounted the Soldane the two princesses Persiana and Aurora that till that time had not gone abroad who so soone as they were all setled the Soldane coÌ„manded the signal to be giuen by the trumpets wherat Don Brianell that had the leading of the first squadron set forwards with it against a valiant knight a kinsman of don Gallaneos whom he vnhorst with foure more before hee brake his launce The squadrons breaking through each other made such tumult with incounter of speares swords diuers other weapons that the beholders thought al the strength of y e world had bin there met who so closed togither that hauing no roome to handy blowes wold by wrastling ouerthrow each other that horsmen tumbled to the ground and he that once fell did more striue to get out of the prease then to returne to the fight But Don Bryanell séeing his enemies to double his men in number thrust himselfe within the most furie of the battell where hard by the Soldanes theater méeting with a knight of stature like a giant called Fydasto the cruell raised both their swords and together at one time discharged on each other such blowes that Fydasto was ouerthrowne and wounded on the head and don Bryanell bowed to the pummel of his saddle with greate courage staying himself This was one of the knights that don Gallaneo had charged to kill don Bryanell and Arfileo who séeing himself downe with a diuelish rage rose with a hoarse voyce cried Downe with the knight that against the order and law of tourney beareth an edged sword whereof he had no cause to complaine for hee and the other two knights that had the like charge did weare the like Straight was the venturous knight incompassed with aboue 1000. Knights that leauing their tilt onely procured his death But he so demeaned himself among them that in a trise he beate to the ground aboue twentie sore wounded and yet his men could not come to help him by reason of the multitude that had inclosed him Then Arfileo séeing this most valiantly prickt foorth with his troupe and don Gallaneo that nought imagined but their deaths brandeshing his trunchion made against him with all his battell that don Bryanell might not bee succoured the like did the Duke Alfyron with the remnant of his men and in the midst of the field they met with such force that most of them wished themselues farre thence at that time The Duke the two knights straight entered among their aduersaries performing it verie brauely But Arfileo that had no other intent then to helpe don Bryanell passed through the thickest of the squadron that none durst withstand him and entred within their ring where they slew their horses procuring the like by them But they beganne to make such destruction of them that they had laid at their féete aboue a humdred knights some slaine outright and some gréeuously wounded and al that beheld the fight thought it ill done that so many knights should onely set vpon two insomuch that the Soldane was about to descend and part them Where we leaue them for we must a while discourse what befell Don Bellianis in his lodging CHAP. XVII What happened Don Bellianis in the Dukes Pallace with Galfeo the vnknowne and his Knights his death with the end of the Tourney AS soone as Don Gallaneo was departed to the Tourney his cosin Galfeo the vnknowne took the fiftie knights weÌ„t to the Duks lodging hauing vnderstood by his spies how he was thence going and that the knight of the golden Image remained there alone where being arriued hée commaunded his men to follow him vp but then Don Bellianis hauing put on the Dukes armour was readie to go to the tilt thinking it time to be gone But hearing a noyse at the gate looked out at a window falling vppon the stayres and séeing so many knights there was amazed and with a loude voyce saide what séeke you here knights at such time when all are gone to
of the golden image had finished this hautie déed most vnequall fight he fell on his knées rendring thanks to his heauenly protector that had deliuered him from so great danger though with feare to scape the perill of his mortall wounds wondring how he had blood left in his veines hauing lost such great quantitie therof And going to the damzels that with feare were not able to flie he said Feare now no more faire Ladies for the causer of your timorous traunce shall put you in no further perill They recouering their beâ—â—mmed senses scarce knowing what to say the one lifting vp her voice replied We cannot sir knight expresse the many thanks due by vs for this so great good worke whose greatnes our merits can neuer deserue vnlesse by memorating through the earth your high prowesses that the perpetuall remembrance of this ample act may neuer be drowned in the blacke center of obliuion And séeing as it should séeme you were before wounded we beséech you to withdraw your selfe within this forrest that being vnséen of passengers we may dresse them I will obey any thing you shal commaud said he and so sléeping among those trées they disarmed him and began to search his wounds being very skilful in that misterie and greatly meruailed how it had bin possible he escaped death yet though dispairing of his safetie performed their dutie with all diligence and hauing dressed his woundes they demanded what he determined to doo To whome he answered We will presently to the Citie that I may there haue my wounds cured But how came you hither said they béeing thus wounded whereto he answered Doubting I should be bloodlesse through the great quantitie that thereof I had lost and through faintnesse being able to goe no further heere I stayed to binde them Shall we said they take your Armour with vs to the citie No leaue it here replyed he I little néede it respecting the occasion of my going thyther And so mounting on horsebacke but with much paine and the Damsels on their palfraies he by the way thus spake Tell me I pray you the occasion of your flight when I first met you To whome they answered You shall know Sir Knight we do belong to the most excellent peerelesse and aboue all the most fayre the fayrest Princesse Floresbella that hauing sent vs to a wise woman whose havitacion is farre hence on a most craggy and barren Mountaine and Bellona is her name to knowe the fortunes of a beautious Princesse conducted by her called Aurora of whom since that time â—â— newes hath béene heard through the death of King Pompeiano her father trayterouslye slaine by Don Gallaneo and his Kingdome woonne by a sonne of this Sophye called the knight of the images And we hauing heard that the said Sophy now marryeth his Daughter to the saide don Gallaneo disguisedly we came to sée the said festiuals and coÌ„ming not far hence we were sodainly surprised by a most fearefull gyant accompanied with some twenty knights almost in bignesse like himselfe who hauing taken vs in the knights approach spying a farre of some 20. knights wee crying to them for helpe yeelded to our request But the Gyant and his knights at the first incounters vnhorst aboue the halfe of them And so wee foreséeing the ill successe like to insue betooke our selues to the swift courses of our palfrayes till wee met you And now Sir knight for all wee discourst the successe of our fortunes yet still feare the ouertaking of those vnciuill knights because through our weakenes wee are like to suffer the cruell stroke of none sparing death So approaching neere the cittie they descryed three men clad all in armour who hauing them within viewe knâ—we the Damzells whereat they saide Our trauell is now at an ende for wee haue found what wee sought The Ladies perceiuing them to bee Gyants knights were like to fall from their palfrayes to whome the knight said Yee now shall not scape vs but shall go to our Lord and Maister the Gyant Fillistore that sends for you Don Bellianis became exceeding wrath seeing himselfe both sore wounded and without armour yet he thus saide to them In courtesie braue knights I pray you opoose not your vyolent handes against poore distressed Ladies that with mee are going We thought replyed they you would content your selfe with your owne liberty medling not with theirs but since you wold not know when you were well you shall also goe with vs wherewith they would haue bound him He perceiuing y t his courteous wordes preuailde not stepped to one and snatched his launce out of his hand in dispight of him and his fellowes tumbling him headlong to the ground The others would haue stricken him with their speares but he warily scaped their blowes and fiercely running at one he thrust the launce through his body that lifelesse hée measured his length on the earth The third strake at him so mightily that had hee not lightlye stept aside beeing as hee went vnarmed hee had made his launce appeare at his backe yet neuerthelesse he ranne his speare through his thigh so he féeing himselfe fore wounded drewe his neuer failing sword and gaue him so cruell a blow on his shoulders that hee cut him downe right that his parted bodie fell on each side of his horse Don Bellianis going to dismount to dispatch him that first fell felt his thigh pind to his Saddle with a trunchion of the Speare but séeing the Knight did not sturre left him All this while the Damzell stoode amazed with wonder séeing such destruction in so short time and with extreame ioy they thus sayde Wee can neuer ende sir Knight the celebrating of your most high and more then humane chiualries though thereby we be not credited which for all our selues haue séene them yet their admiration so asconisheth vs. that we scarce dare acknowledge them for true Hee hearing himselfe thus commended replied Ouerpassing these vnworthy prayses let vs faire Ladies enter the citie for my great wouÌ„ds require spéedy remedy and know y t your trauel is now ended for I do belong vnto the Princesse Aurora whoÌ„ when you sée before any dissemble her knowledge for her present occasions so require it They ioyful of such newes answered they would And so kéeping on their pace they came to the Dukes pallace where they found al the knights in armor Don Bellianis discouering himself to a knight intreated to lead him to his lodging if he could vnknowne to the duke til the next morning Who replied he might not for the duke said for him with the rest of the knights not minding to sléepe vntil his coÌ„ming TheÌ„ helpe me off my horse said don Bellianis The knight going to do it spied the spears trunchion which he had not taken away fearing to bléed himself to death And the knight said you are so sore wounded that it were best I cal the duke Unhorse me first said don Bellianis take out this
able to attempt any important action at your cōmand I haue neuer replied the Sophy whose dutious seruice loyaltie to me hath deserued such cōfidence as these affaires require specially since the absence of the prince my son And well may you sée the treason done against mee by the duke for I am sure it was both by his consent ◠my daughters cōmand done am certain that he which all these harmes hath wrought is the knight of the golden image so discoursed what he had vnderstood of the knights and how he was so sore wounded that his life was in suspence and also that he was the same that slue Don Galfeo All which was true for the distressed knight was in such case that all his companions greatly doubted his recouerie for which their sorrow was so great that they wished to disburden themselues therof they might be euen in their enemies chiefest troops For in readinesse willingnesse of mind they wanted nought but the beginning of the conflict The two kings not a litle maruailed at the Soldans discourse Whereupon the King of Armenia tooke occasion to speake as followeth The knight of the golden Image is not in that greatnesse of fault as you iudge him in most mighty Lord for if you would but in the equall ballance of right reason weigh the cause you may plainly sée how greatly Don Gallaneo laboured to kill the aduenterous knight and the Prince Arfileo against all the lawes and rights of Turney nought regarding your awfull clamours to the contrarie but then more procured their deaths whereat no maruell if the Knight of the golden Image and the Duke in thir owne defence did slay him And we know that the knight in the gréene armour was he of the golden Image for we learned it of some of them that fled when don Galfeo died that he which slue him and vanquished them was the same that returned victor of the Turney So that you may well thinke he determined to do by them what they did to him and his Of all which things you should better informe yourselfe before you come to these extreames But if notwithstanding you will perseuer in these rigorous determinations consider the many thousand deaths thereby like to ensue for the Duke will indure no wrong Remember also great Lord the knight of the golden Image is he though the chiefest cause of Don Gallaneos death that fréed you from two great inconueniences one from the aduenture of the vnhappie Bridge the other by the death of the Rypliean dragon and that hereof consisteth your owne honour in your daughters innocencie and that the Duke may plead his cause and we our selues will go with him and procure this matter to be tried by combat or by any other means by you thought fitter which if you grant you shall eternally bind vs to your allegiance If you cause the duke replied the Sophy to come and submit himselfe I promise you there shall be no wrong proffered him nor any thing contrarie to the right of law iustice which I onely do that if any of Don Gallaneos kindred should expect any reuenge at my hands for his death they may know what I haue done herein And hereupon I pawne my kingly faith and royall word vnto you Then said they vppon this order you may dismisse your men vnto their seuerall homes for we will performe what we haue promised Whereupon the Soldane commanded euerie man to retyre to his quarter he himselfe going to his Court to expect the kings returne who straight repayred to the Dukes Pallace where they greatly reioyced to see the good order and care by them kept insomuch that the Soldan was not there able to enter by force of armes though he brought all his forces redoubled They being their demaunded for the Duke and vnderstanding that he was in don Bellianis Chamber thither went to speake with him where they saw how the knight of the golden Image had his wounds by those Dumzels dressed The duke receiued them according to their state would haue led them into another roome but they would not looking on the kings wounds which they iudged the greatest y t euer they had séene wherat they much sorowed supposing he wold not scape them though they were greatly satisfied to sée with what nimblenes those ladies dressed him And hauing don they thus said with such surgeons sir knight you ought to féele halfe the paine inforced by your wounds wherto he answered It is so great lords for though I should féele neuer so much this is double cōfort vnto me for else I should not be made happie with the fruition of your royall presence ioyntly with the dutie you bind me to in vouchsafing the remembrance of so meane a knight being thus pitiously wounded not able to leaue my bed to imploy my self in these troublesom affaires of my lord y e duke Take no care for them Sir knight said the king of Tessifantie for we come to none other effect and hope we shall haue no great deniall about them and though we should find any contradiction yet the duke shal be so fauored as he shal reasonably doubt nothing that may to him happē And they declared y e maner of the appointment made with the Soldane so that the dukes iustice should be euidently séene and be at libertie to answere all obiections or else present his champion to trie it in the battell against whosoeuer should at his hands demaund the death of Don Gallaneo and that in meane space the duke would yéeld himselfe to prison or we for him all which was betwéene him and vs so agréed And know Sir knight it is certainely bruted abroad that he which vanquished the Tourney and was cause of Don Gallaneos death with his cosins Don Galfeo and that slew the Riphian Dragon and the Giants Filistones thrée knights is your self Don Bellianis somwhat altered his countenance hearing this yet séeing the Sophie and others knewe all his doings faintly made this replie First mightie Lordes haue a care in what they demaund of the Duke and after wée shall haue time if I escape these woūds to prouide for al things else And moreouer on my faith the Soldan deales vnaduisedly and vniustly in his demaunds against the Duke and should not make account of two such traitors as Don Gallaneo and Galfeo whom if in case I did stay I did verie well considering with what trecherie the one would haue murthered me in my bed and the other my companions in the Tourney and had I bin in that state at more ease I had better with my déeds shewen what I cannot so well now expresse in words They were all amazed to sée with what passion Don Bellianis pronounced these spéeches and they perceiuing hee had reason would procéed no further in that talke but turning to the duke prayed him to resolue with himselfe to do what they required I will do replied he neither
not enter for the Knight of the golden Image is a sléepe and so sicke that I feare he will hardly escape the danger of these wounds and I come to tell these knights that for a fewe daies they should suffer none to visit him for it woulde be very troublesome to him and now I will go to know what the Duke determineth about his cause The Kings hearing this would goe no further but charging the guarde to let none enter his Chamber returned back leading Don Bellianis with them whom they knewe not through the obscuritie of the night and had it not béene his pensiue sullen melancholie they could not but haue knowne him by the tallnesse of his body although he stooped as much as he could and being all without the pallace the Kings would accompanie him to the Dukes Tower but he thanking them for that courtesie would not suffer them and so parted going alone and being nigh the Dukes Pallace hee espied his companions talking with many knights and because hee would not be knowne he tooke an other by way which led him without the Cittie gate through which hee went till hee came to a fayre groue of trees somewhat out of the high waye where vnder a spreading beech hee lay till the Moone began with her light to shewe her selfe there washe surprised with the remembraunce of the beautie of the most honourable Princesse Florisbella which he so contemplated that hee was caryed away with the déepe imaginations of her diuine persections that hee knewe not whether hee was in Heauen or in earth and drawing foorth the picture that the Damzells hadde giuen him with heart-breaking sighes he vttered these words procéeding from the bottome of his loue sicke soule Oh diuine and most Angelicall beautie of the absolutest Princesse liuing on this mossey orbe vnhappie was the houre wherein I heard thée named and more vnfortunate when my eyes were captiuated in the admyred sight of thy pictured beautie for séeing the sole shaddawe of thy nominated rarenesse hath the power to drowne mee in heauie soule-tormented passions what then will the substance of thy immortall deitie doo when the fruition of that sight shall robbe mee of my ioying sences Then must I onely call and continually crie for death as chéefest anchorage and remedie of my wound and with my life to end these my extreame and intollerable sorrewes But foole that I am where may I obtaine more glorie then to norish such conceits or what happie fortune then possessing this sight burthening torment if I do not altogither dispaire of y ◠curing salue for my mortall wound Oh wise Bellona not without cause didst thou bid me come to the Soldanes Court and remember me I should not there in my greatest affections loose the reignes of my high courage But who is he that is able to do so hauing no strength to counterpoyz◠my greefes nor cure for my oppressed heart being so far remooued from the causer of my torments whose supreme thoughts cannot deigne to bēd their fauors on so mean a knight if they did how shuld I merit deserue them by conioyning both desires in one when the large continents of the spacious world doth not containe two greater enemies then hers and my father or where is there a greater difference of lawes and religion then betwixt them whereby I maye not onely dispayre of remedie but liue perpetually the disgracest Knight that in this age suruiueth Oh Floriana when or wherein did I so much iniurie thee that thou shouldest on mee so cruelly be reuenged and herewith fixing his eees on his imaginary sorrowes and vnable to resist the violence of the suddain pasion fell in a trance Wherin he continued till a knight arriued there which trauailed that way by the light of the then shyning Moone who séeing that Lady lye with the picture in manner rehearsed alighted and tyed his horse to a trée and going to her tooke her in his armes vsing those remedies that he knewe to recouer her if she were not dead which he feared séeing her stur neither hand nor foote Don Bellianis with what was done vnto him returned to himselfe greatly amazed to see that Knight there thinking he had heard his complaint But the Knight rested no lesse astonished to see his excellent beantie that he could not vtter one word yet with a trembling voice caused by the suddaine fyēt of loue that burnt his heart said What great misfortune hath befallen you most fayre Ladye that in this sollitarie place should put you in such extreame And I sweare by the order of knighthood I receiued that with the vttermost of my power euen with my death to procure your present remedie Therefore I beseech you courteous damsel to tell it me for I shall account my selfe more happie to be imployed in your seruice then to bee created Emperour of Constantinople séeing your rare beautie bindes all the world to your seruice no more being therein to desire then to liue and dye at your command The Prince Don Bellianis hearde his spéech to the end and smiled in himselfe to sée the Knights deceit although those words added a greater flame to his burning fier with remembrance of his mistresse And he determined to answere him according to his opinion that his owne purpose might not bee discouered though he should thereby more torment the knight greatly delighting with such discourses hoping himselfe to vse them if at any time he saw the Princesse Florisbella and therfore replyed thus Truly sir knight although my misfortune were not for no other cause then now to ioy your presence I should haue taken it for my greatest consolation And I think my self most happie that the Gods haue permitted me to arriue in this place to inioy the promise which you of your méere bountie and courtesie haue so liberallie made For my chaunce is the strangest that euer you heard and therefore it behooues me that you graunt me a boone nothing disaduantaging your selfe thereby The Knight ioying more thereat then at any thing in all his life answered Command me what you will faire Ladie for you néede not demaund any thing by intreatie Then before wée procéede any thing further said Don Bellianis vnclaspe your helme and after you shall know what I require The knight straight did it and sitting down hauing thitherto stood discoursed togiter of diuerse things chiefly touching amourous matters Don Bellianis was greatly pleased with his talke and the more to ease his owne gréefe It is néedlesse to describe the features of the Knight béeing of a gallant disposition and yong not aboue fiue and twentie yeares of age of whom don Bellianis demaunded his name whereto he said he would do it if she would accept him for hers Don Bellianis said I will if that will please you and so forwarde with your discourse Then my deare Ladie know my name is Don Contumeliano of Phenicia sonne and heyre vnto the King of that countrey and by
vppon the King was vnawars surprysed by his brother that hee ouerthrâ—we who gaue him so cruell a blâ—we on his Hâ—lme that it made him to bowe to the grounde which made the rage to kindle in the Knightes breast that very â—yer sparkled from his eyes and like a hotte chafed Boare or hungrye Lyan bent to his praye wounded the Gyant that had strooke him with so puissant a bâ—â—we on the Hâ—lme that hee cut it in two as if it had beene of paper sorely wounding his head that hee was like to fall yet with the force of the blowe his semitor fell out of his handes resting so astonished that hee knewe not whether he were aliue or dead But the knights sword flewe in two péeces that onely the hiltes remained in his handes to defend himselfe in such extreame danger and of so puisant enemies as those Who at that time had beheld the two Princesse Persiana and Aurora with the good Duke Alfiron and the towreâ— Dâ—mzâ—ls of the beauteous Princesse Floriâ—bellâ— that thence beheld the fight had no néede to seeke else where the proall colour of timerous death For in their fâ—câ—s was it so perfect to be seene that no Painter euer did better drawe it in varity of colours which sight did so terrifie the dolorous Ladies that they desired no longer life then it might bee guarded by the knight of the golden Images safetie But the good Prince of Phaenicia was there like to dye for very sorrow and anguish of minde seeing all that euill had happened through the weaknesse of his defectiue sworde and cursing of himselfe thought his Mistresse would for euer abhorre him for that cause which would bee the losse of the best knight that euer put on armour Yet hitherto Don Bryanell could by no meanes get his foote loose but with the strength that he set drewe his horse vppon all his legge that the very paine thereof had almost killed him onely the Soldan reioyced at this dissastrous accident thinking hereby to effect his desire The Cyprus king was so highly glad that hoysting his axe aloâ—te cryed aloude this blowe shall execute my will The Prince Arfileo that in such state sawe his companions would haue gone to helpe them but his aduersarie perceiuing it let fall his semitor and slung himselfe vppon him whereat vnable to shunne it did the like stryuing with their excessiue strength to ouerthrowe one another Don Bellianis though hée saw himselfe without sworde and not able to helpe him with one arme was not therefore daunted with the fearefull sight of present death that hee before him sawe but séeing the most fierce Gyant come towardes him flung with all his strength the péece of sword remaining in his hande that lighting on his helme the force thereof threwe him backwardes to the grounde and before his brother could remedie it with admirable quicknesse which the present danger did augment he tooke vp the semitor that he let fall as is already said leauing the fight at that stay stâ—pped to Don Brianell and cutting the horse girts set him on his féete The â—ierce â—ing that then came vpon him gaue him a blow on the head which if it had not bin giuen him vnaduisedly it had clouen it in the middle but not staying there it descended on the sheeld cutting it all ouerthwart falling on his thigh parting all the Armour â—â— opened his flesh most â—itâ—ously Don Bellianiâ— féeling his wound strooke the King sideling with the heauie semitor y t if he had not warded y â— blow with his sheeld it had cleane cut of his leg yet it threw the sheeld in two peeces to the ground togither with his hand and being close one to another the King would haue cast his armes vppon him but the Knight leapt aside vnwilling to wrastle whereupon they wounded themselues most greeuously that with their mightiâ— stroakes they sometime bowed their heades to theyr breast sometime they bended theyr knées and sette their haâ—ds to the ground and the King wanting his left arme it made him to rore like a chased Bull that hee scantly felt any of the knights blowes Don Brianell séeing himselfe rid from his horse drew his sworde making against the king but he was stayed by his brâ—ther whâ— met him with a heauie Mace which he had on his saddle pummel vsing it in stead of his loose semitor and so piteously wounded one another that the vnterous knight was fain to helpe himself with his â—imblenesse to auoide the gyants intollerable blowes hauing wounded him in many places The like did â—he Prince Arfileo who hauing let loose his aduersarie layde close to it with their sharpe swordes with such admiration of the beholders as if the vniuersall iudgement consisted in the victorie of that battell and none durst vtter one word but with amazed gaze stared in one anothers faces to to sée those knights escaped that great danger who a little before they accounted dead by the meere courage and valour of the knight of the golden Image might not compare for haughty déeds of honoured Chiualrie and whome they so much estéemed And returning to the gréeued Princesse they knâ—w not what to say through conceiued gladnesse and had much to do to dissemble it in time of sorrow no lesse glad were the Ladies of the Princesse Florisbella who for ioy embraced each other especially Floriana that with teares in her eyes said Oh most vnhappie maiden that I am for I neuer gaue woorse counsaile in all my life to any then I did to this knight if hee héere had dyed But his death should not haue béene without company For in the instant my eyes had seene such a thing I would headlong haue tumbled my selfe from of this Tower that it might be knowne with what sinceritie and faithfulnesse I counpelled him Peace said the other for we shall sée him straight victoriously tryumphe ouer his enemies and therefore lette vs procure all necessaries for to cure his wounds At this time all the knights and Gyants were besmeared in their owne blood that where they sette their féete they left theyr signes printed with the same and so tyred with wearinesse hauing fought almost fiue houres that they couldâ—â—â—arce hold their swordes in their hands The feareful Filâ—ston almost with sweatie furie choaked and tyred withdrâ—we himselfe a part to breathe which gréeued not Don Bellianis who dooing so drew forth the péece of speare from his arme that embrued in his blood it stucke so fast that it put him in extream paine and walking vppe and downe because their woundes should coole they looked on their fellowes and sawe the venterous knight reduoble his strength throgh anger of the pause wherewith he had brought the Gyant with whom he fought hauing a mortall wounde giuen him before by the Solitarie Knight to such passe that hee coulde not long defend himselfe Which when the king of Cyprus did sée he woulde with his Courâ—leaâ—e wound the knight that then he might
yeeld did make him violate his royall word a thing so odious in any Prince which made him feare doubt his safetie in his owne kingdome and Pallace and among his subiects and not be able to punish them And also his Daughter that though at that present shee desired not his death yet sought she the ouerthrowe of his content like a mortall and Capitall foe This nowe was the state of the Siconian Souldane and great Emperour of the Persian Monarchy who to compasse and bring to passe the foolish and madde opinion of a vaine intent estéemed not the valour of such great Princes and hardie knights Wherefore if he escaped with his life in recompence of his ingratitudes he may account it no little good But leauing this we will returne to our former purpose as in the Chapter following shal be declared CHAP. VI. The braue and dangerous battell fought in Persepolis betweene the Princes and knights with the Soldans power about the libertie of the Duke Alfiron with the whole successe thereof AS soone as the bright splendor of heauens alâ—persing eye had ended his diarnal course about the compasse of the orbed earth some heart impouerisht Knightes through dismaying feare pale timerous cowardise dispaired as in such cases often hapneth of their sure successe whilest the Princes Don Brianell and Arfileo accompanied with the kings of Armenia and Tessifanty commaunded all their knights to mount on their horses expecting farther order Don Brianell caused Don Bellianis Dwarffes to conuey his Armour where the Princesse Aurora staied And charging all their troupes vpon their assault to cry alloude Phenicia Phenicia they issued forth as closely as they could And for that all the citie was vp in armes that day there was no regard taken of them thinking they went to gard the pallace whither being come and finding the guard aforesaid they began crying Phenicia 〈◊〉 assaâ—lt them with such furie that they vâ—horsed aboue two thousand at the first incounter But they perceiuing the deceâ—â— gathered themselues togither in such sort that the â—ight on both parties waâ—ed most bloodie with the death of an infinit nuÌ„ber of men though through the nights obscurity it could not be discâ—rned yeâ— by these cryes knew they one an other for the Souldanes men had their watchwords among them whereby the battell still continued very fiecce defendiâ—â— so couragiously the entry that for all Don Brianell Arfileo performed woonders yet their men could win no aduantage whereuppon they determined to alight on fâ—â—te to doo it more easily when suddainly there was brought so many lights that one might well know the other The Prince Don Bellianis no sooner heard the outcryes but casting his mantle about his arme drew his sword and descended the stayres but â—re he was at the foote of them the guarde beset him especially the Captaine that would haue giuen him a daungerous blowe on the head to haue clâ—aued it in twaine had not he taken it vpon his sword wherewith he cut his legge in two but â—re hee fell on the ground Don Bellianis defending himselfe of the other knights blowes drew the Captaine to him by the shéelde that he tooke it from him and stepping backe buckled it about his arme and with them he began so braue and so â—ruell a fight as if as great a number were with him but the place being somewhat narrow hee tooke all their blowes vppon his sworde and shéelde his being so deadly that in litle time he hadde throwne downe dead aboue thirtie knights whose huge and monstrous wounds woulde make any afraide to sée them and so opprest the others that their clamour and outâ—ryes séemed to â—uerwhelme the Pallace The Knights being with the feare of death dismaid and not able to abide the fâ—riâ— of the knight of the Golden Image turned their backs and fled Don Bellianis letting them goe armed himselfe with one of the dead knights Armour and not longer staying entred the pallace wherein in the great hall hee espied the Souldane at the light of torches that were there who with a troupe of chosen knights was going to succour the pallace which he heard was assaulted by the Prince of Phenicia for so they thought by their aduersaries clamours Whome séeing he conceiued such rage against him that aloude he said I haue thée now in time false Souldane of Persia violater of thy royall faith and word that thou shalt see how little thou shalt get by my imprisonment for knowe I am the knight of the Golden Image who is able to set downe the extreame feare that surprised the Souldane at those words iudging himselfe at that instant vtterly destroyed The Knights put themselues before the Souldane to defend him which Don Bellianis séeing redoubled his rage and maugre their force set so furiously vpon them that as a wolfe among a troupe of shéepe he beat them downe togither who not able to resist him made him large way to passe by them which he did to reuenge himselfe at full on the Sâ—uldane Who séeing him so determinate come against him retyred to a windowe falling ouer a garden through which for his best sauegarde he cast himselfe downe that according to the fall it was a great woonder he beat not out his braines Yet it brused all his body and disâ—oynted both armes and legges the like befell to aboue thirtie Knights following him flying from the knight as from the touche of a very death-stinging Basiliske The Prince Don Bellianis woulde haue done so such was his hate against the Souldane but determined first to ende the battell thinking afterward to haue some time to execute his will and so turning to the knights sawe them run headlong out of the Pallace and thrusting himselfe in among them founde his companions that hadde forced the Soldans meÌ„ to retyre back to the stayres which they defended like them that expected the fearefull stroake of death so that Don Bellianis assayling them at their backs made such desolation of them that they thought so great a number behinde as before which so bereft them of their sences that how to resolue they knew till the death gining wound piearst their daunted hearts that most of them rested wounded and dead The Dukes souldiers séeing this began to sacke and robbe the pallace the ransaking of whose treasurie was their cheefest hope of gaines Don Bellianis and Arfileo in the meane time rusht into the Princesse Persianaes Chamber who before her seemed very gréeued and being by the Prince séene he aloude saide It behooues thee Priâ—cesse Persiana to goe with mee in recompence of the wroâ—gs and imprisonment your father put mee in against law and iustice and thereupon tooke her betwixt his armes and some oâ—her knights did so by two or three of her ladies whose lamentable shrikes made the Pallace eccho with the noise And so carrying them were met by the aduenturous Knight that was comming for her hauing set at libertie the Duke that came with him who with
souldiers commaunding them to spare none of their liues that had committed such rebellious treason And so passing along he met the Duke Alfiron who discharged vpon one another the fury of their cutting swords that Boraldo receiued a litle wound on the head and the Duke fell in a traunce and had fallen had he not held by his Horses necke Boraldo not staying there passed forwards proud of the blow that he gaue At this time the Soldanes men recouered and began to winne much ground insomuch that Don Bellianis nor the aduenterous Knight being not able with their valour to stay their men they beganne to retire backe which when the Knight of the golden Image sawe like a chased Lyon wanting his praie he thrust himselfe among the thickest of his aduersaries that vnhappie was he whom his blewes reached in such maner beating and ouerthrowing Knights with their Horses that his Armour was all couered and his sword réeked with blood which forced euery one to flie his fury as doth the fearefull Partridge flie from the deadly pursuit of a towring Fawlkon For there was no Knight that he met how valiant soeuer but with one blow he strooke downe from his Horse And passing thus along where Arfileo and Coroliano were fiercely in â—ight tâ—gither both which had such piteous wounds that it moued the Prince to compassion Here then arriued Boraldo and séeing his brother in such case and to haue the worst raised himselfe in his â—â—yrrâ—pes and vnable to be râ—sisted by Don Bellianis that in great hast priâ—ked towards him gaue him so mightie a blowe backwards on the head that cutting his Helme it made a gréeuous wounde and had like to haue fallen hauing altogither lâ—st his sâ—nces Which so inraged the hâ—art of Don Bellianis that very blood séemed to runne downe his eyes to sée him so vsed in his presence And in this fury he strooke at Coroliano that was discharging another blowe on Arfileo which fell with such huge strength that lighting on his shield it diuided it in two and the sâ—â—ord descending on the Horses necke it also cut it off falling on the earth with Coroliano and his Horse But Boraldo at this instant wounded Don Bellianis on the one side that pearâ—ing his Armour it pitteously opened his flesh and so swiftly redoubled another on his Helme that it cut all his buckles leauing his head disarmed Neuer was there any Basiliske more inuironed nor Lyon more eager of his praie then Don Bellianis was now burning in fury of reuenge And turning vppon Boraldo with one blowe tumbled his shielde in two togither with himselfe sore wounded to the ground Coroliano that by this had risen knowing him by his Armour to be the haughtie Knight of the golden Image on whose ouerthrâ—w consisted the good successe of his enterprise thrust his Horse into the belly that he fell dead with his maister on his backe Which Don Bellianis séeing leapt from him with great celeritie which he had scant done but he was asâ—aulted by aboue 2000. Knights that came to aide Coroliano yet this helpe litle helped him for Don Bellianis strooke him out of his sences and looking â—or Arfilio saw him in great danger fighting with Boraldo in whose behalfe many there arriuâ—d but he ioyning with his cousin hauing laced his Helme wounded so furiously on all sides that they had incompassed themselues with carkasses of â—laughtred men Yet for all this they were so opprest with freshe multitudes that by no meanes they could mount on horsâ—ack which Don Bellianis perceiuing doubling his anger laid about him that in despight of them he mounted on a Horse on which he somewhat easier laboured in the fight till Arfilio had done thâ— like where with they brake their passage through the thickest of them who also mounted Boraldo that was sorely wounded and carried Coroliano out of battell which grew more cruell then all the day before Don Bellianis by meere forced valour making his way through the sharpe printed speares and swordes came where the kings of Armenia and Tessifantie were on foote and like to be taken prisoners and had they béen knowne they had there loste their liues who by his arryuall got freshlie mountings and together renewed the fight more fiercer then at first The battell béeing at this stay the 2000. Knights that Coroliano had sent assaulted the corner of the hill where the Princes were But the 500. Knights which were the valiantest of the Dukes whole troupes left not their charge but in their places began so fierce a skirmidge that many fell downe dead on both sides But the Soldans men beeing many more in number brake through them spoyling their order whereat the two Ladies the Princesse Persiana and Aurora seemed more dead then aliue But at this time from the other side of the valley there appeared the number of 4000. Knights well appointed which made towardes that place from whence there was a knight sent to know on whose behalf they came who a farre of discerned him to be the couragious Prince Don Contumeliano of Phenicia whose armor they very well knewe as is said Which greatly gréeued the Soldans men iudging that of necessitie hee would bee against them and on the contrarie the Duke Alfirons troupes were very glad thereof whose approach reuiued the sorrowfull Ladies And the Duke aloude cryed courage courage braue Knights and animate your fainting forces against your feare-frighted aduersaries for the admired honor of time-wondering Chiualrie commeth in your ayde Which hee nothing missaide for in the whole Campe there was none that excelled him except him that in disguised habit had subiugated his heart with great courtesie and bountie which is the true honour of all braue knights Hée now béeing come to the dangerous skirmidge brauelie ouerthrewe a Knight and drawing him aparte informed himselfe by him of all that hee desired to knowe and turning to his followers that were all subicts vnto the Duke Alfiron of whom at Don Contumeliano commaund a great multitude had before gone to Persepolis from Bollera to ayde the Duke if their helpe hée should néed who hauing héere met the 4000. aforesaid vnyted themselues together so brauelie assaulting them that in the corner of the Hill were fighting that not daring longer to stay turned their backes and fled towards their other companie where the furious battell still continued entring by that side where Don Bellianis was killing his horse vnder him he bruzed with the great fall rose vp in extreame danger of his life for meÌ„ began to giue backe which forced him with méere strength and sole labour of his valour to withstand the aduersaries furie laying on all sides to get a horse But his enemies seeing him to be their onely distruction rusht in multitudes vpon him no more fearing his death-giuing-sword then if hée had that day hurt none Whereby though many dyed by him yet was he sorelie wounded both with swords and launces for though they were not great by
reason of his good armour yet through diuers places there issued infinit blood But his aduersaries eager of reuenge procured nought but his death in so much that they would often close their eies and fall vppon him because they would not see his strokes and had not he leapt sometimes héere and sometimes there some one would haue got him faste which if they did hée greatly hazarded his life Yet could hee not so defend himselfe but that at last some 50. of them despising death fel vpon him together laying fast holde on his armes wherin it behooued him to vse his strength onely to get from them kicking and spurning with his féete that in the ende hée fell downe with aboue halfe of them vppon him and seeing himselfe in such daunger hauing there receiued aboue tenne woundes suddenly stept away rysing on his féete on the other side bestowing deablie woundes on all sides that heere arose such greate and mightie clamours and outcries that the rest of the battell was nothing to this fight incouraging one another onely to kill that Knight on whose death depended their victorie In this season arriued here the Prince of Phenicia with his company that came in pursuit of those that fledde and hearing there that great noyse so brauely set vpon them that they vnhorsed aboue 2000. Knights with which fury this Prince prest through them till he came where the Knight of the golden Image was whom he knew though he neuer sawe him by the deuise of his shield and séeing him do such wonders said to himselfe that not without cause he enioyed the name and deserued to be called the sole-worthie of admyred Chiualrie and being about to alight to giue his Horse vnto Don Bellianis the mightie Boraldo came thither to succour his men that here lost their gotten vantage which they did not on the otherside because he valiantly had withstood the force of the Princes Don Brianell and Arfileo And espying that Knight straight know him by his Armour thinking him to be he that had slaine the King of Cyprus and fearing his force durst not like a good Knight confront him face to face supposing that in a battell any thing was tollerable raised himself on his stirropes and with his hand behinde his backe gaue his so huge a blow that it made him bend his head lower then his Horses eares Which Don Bellianis perceiuing hauing knowne y e Prince and thinking he would haue fallen from his Horse ranne to helpe him But the Prince Don Contumelian losing no whit of his high valour at such blowes returned vpon him with his sword hoysted aloft determining at that blow to part his head in two The other with like intent came also vpon him and at one instant discharged their rage on each other that Contumeliano was like to fall But Boraldo lost his sences The Prince seconded another that therewith he tumbled from his Horse and alighting to cut off his head vnlaced his Helme and found it in such case that he iudging him dead let him lye though it had bene better for him there to haue made him sure then for his after harme to giue him his life as this Historie discourseth And going to the Knight of the golden Image with great courtesie thus saide Mount vpon this my Horse most hautie Knight vsurper of anothers heart and follow the victorie ordeined by the Gods to all your happie and glorious acts The Knight of the golden Image replied Leaue not your Horse forme high and renowmed Prince for though I in this battell doe miscarry there is nothing lost in respect of your royall person how much the more that this knights horse whom you haue slaine suffiseth me And so mounting on Beraldos horse the Phenician Prince did the like vpon his owne togither so ouerturned the fury of the fight that through want of an infinit number of the Soldans men his Captains began to yeeld the field Which their aduersaries séeing so hotely renewed their decaying forces that their enemies were constrained to saue their liues by giuing the rained libertie to their horses in which flight being brauely pursued there was an innumerable number slaine that after the fight it was found ethat of the Souldans men were slaine aboue 25. thousand With not aboue two thousand losse on the Dukes behalfe Which good successe being by those Kings and Princes woorthily attained euery one with immortal praises thanked him to whom their deuotion was most being in that whole Campe but onely thrée Christian Knights This done they went to meete the Princesses that were comming to them Betwéene whome their courteous gréetings and kinde salutes were such as if they neuer before had seene one another Euerie one greatly honoured the Princesse Contumeliano some for his aide in that great daunger newly past the others that knew no otherwise not only for the same thanked him but also for the ouerthrow he had giuen the fearefull Feliston King of Cyprus At which time arriued the Duke Alfiron who séeing the Phenician Prince would haue alighted being sorely wounded but he would by no meanes suffer it Giue me your royall white handes most excellent Prince that I may kisse them said the Duke in token that I twise haue receiued my despised life by your meanes Don Contumelian séeing the Dukes error would not longer séeme to robbe the glorie from the Uictor by ioying in anothers honour contenting himselfe with that he had wonne in that battell and the obtaining of such friends replied I will not Magnanimious Duke and you heroike Knights suffer your errour no farther to procéed nor longer vsurpe the honour of so high a victorie from him that vindeth all wandring Knightes in the orbed earth to his furie and seeing there is now no daunger in discouering it knowe great Lords that he which hath wonne the immortall glorie of the victory is your friend and Lord of vs all the neuer inogh praised the Knight of the golden Image to whom by a strange aduenture I lent my Armour wherewith he vndertooke the fight wherein befell all that you sawe and dylated the manner how he found him and in what habit concealing nothing but what hapned after the fight Which heard of the Duke Kings Princes and the Knights there present they highly wondred at his discourse whereto the Duke thus said Now am I not renowmed Prince so much indebted as I thought for hauing giuen all my selfe vnto the Knight of the golden Image he doeth in taking care for my matters busie himselfe in his owne wherby my dutie can be no greater then it was before You haue nothing so much cause saide Don Brianell to thanke him for what he did in that battell hauing therein as great a part as your selfe or else had he not bene there present very ill should we haue defended his honour Wherevppon they newly imbraced Don Bellianis saying he had not done well in not disclosing himselfe to them that they mought with more confidence haue vsed their
They which that day were challengers were the Princes Arsileo Contumeliano and a Cousen of his thither came a little before a very valiant and couragious knight called Don Florispiano of Suâ—uiâ— whem being greatly loued of the Princes casily obtayned the breaking of the first launces and so ordering himselfe for it hée beganne the ioustes the Duke with the Princes and all his companie béeing mounted on their Theater which he performed so gallantlie that ere hee lost any Stirrope he vnhorsed thirtie Knightes all which according to the order of those iousts hung vppe theyr Shéeldes with theyr names one higher then the other as the Knight of the Golden Image iudged his deserts so that manie onelie to bee counted valiaunter then his followe though they thought they could not vanquish the maintayner presented themselues agaynst him that for haste to bée before one an other they almost tumbled one vpon an other calling him no Knight that did not ioust At this time there came one to the Duke from the Citie gate and sayde to him aloude hewe there were arryued foure Knights that craued licence to enter and trie theyr fortune in the ionsis for hauing heard of those festiuals they came to ioy their triumphs There is no reason we sheuld feare any said Don Belhanis and therefore let them come for were they spies they can do little harme The Knights hauing this leaue entred whese gallant semblance drew vpon themselues all the gazers eyes thrée of them were armed in a rose colour armour garnished with many little Eagles The deuises on their shéelds were all of one fashion the one halfe white with blacke Eagles and the other halfe blacke wish white Eagles The other knight béeing of a bigger constitution was all plated in blacke armour and on his Shéelde was portrayted the wheele of Fortune with a Knight placed on the toppe thereof from whence he séemed headlong to tumble downe dragged by the hand of death with this Motto Well deserueth such a fall Becomming deaths cruell thrall That doth attempt so rashly He séemed to be as braue a knight as â—uer was any seene except him of the golden Image the knight béeing within the Tilt-yarde approched where the Duke Alsiron was and changing his voyce which the present state of those matters brged him to yet that he might be of all heard said Which is the valtantest and chiefest knight in this assemblie whose commaund the rest obeyes And yet by the immortall Gods I thinke euery one might rather iudge each of you fitter to command then to be coÌ„manded of any To which words the mightie king of Armenia replied Why do you require it sir knight whose gallant presence and liberall speech deserueth no lesse part in the domination you speake of then in any thing else And you may declare your mind to any of vs here hauing neither more nor lesse superioritie the one then the other beeing all equall in the bond of true amitie If it be so said the knight I then demaund of you all to assure mee you will let vs returne as we came vnknowne the iousts finished and that you require of vs nothing agaynst our willes The Duke Alfiron thus answered You may ioust when you will sir knight for the assuraunce you demaunde wee graunt it you although you needed not to request it béeing admitted within our Gates It is so replied â—he knight but tell me nâ—w which is here the Duke Alfiron I am he answered the duke but wherefore aske you for him I do inquire for him replied the knight because I thought so braue a knight as hee and this day married would haue maintained the field within the lists agaynst all aduenturers and not sit and beholde the falling of other knights These words some what mooued the duke that he was about sharply to answer him had not the knight of the golden Image staied him who taking the knight by the hand derie courteously said You may sir knight teust when you please for I assure you you shall not want whereon to imploy the valour of your minde else were it a shame that the Duke should enter the listes on such a day hauing so manie good knights at his commaund Then shall we see the bountie of these your knights replied he in the blacke armour wherupon I take my leaue and so went to behold the iousts All the dukes knights made way that the foure strangers might ioust which they seeing one of the knightes of the Eagles put himselfe agaynst Florispiano who resting his Launce gaue one another so fierce incounters that Florispiano lost his stirreps and had fallen but that he helde by his horses necke and his aduersarie measured his length on the ground and straight his shéeld was taken from him and demaunding his name hee replyed hee had no other but the knight of the Eagle Don Bellianis commaunded it to bee set higher then all the rest which so angred the blacke knight that he would by no meanes suffer the other two to ioust but himselfe choaking with rage ranne against Florispiano who with the great encounter tumbled to the ground brauely shiuering their Launces in péeces Whereat the multitude showted out at Florispianoes fall The blacke knight past suriously forwards and recouered one stirrope he had lost and Florispiano was conuaied out of the field and vnarmed to take the ayre for the closenesse of his armor had almost choaked him but quickly recouering himselfe returned to the scaffold very glad as if he that day had don nothing The prince of Phenicia setting himself against the black knight met both in middle of their course with such terrible incounters that the knight of Fortune for so was he called in the blacke armor doubled backwards vpon his horse loosing both his stirrops but Contumeliano had fallen if he had not valiantly staid himselfe by his horse neck which went thrée or foure steps backe insemuch that euery one thought hee would haue fallen but giuing him the spurres made him furiously passe forward Greatly astonished was all the beholders and spe 〈…〉 y the knight of the goldeu Image that demanded of his companie if any of them knew that knight but none could tell what he was The beautious Persiana calling the knight of the golden Image said to him softly that none might heare you shall know sir knight that it is the Prince Berianeo of Persiâ— my brother Is it possible said the knight of the golden Image It is replied she for I well knowe him not onely by his incounters but specially by the spéeches he vsed to vs therefore looke what you haue to do for certainly he came with intent to kill our duke Alfiron He shall not effect his intent so replied the knight of the golden Image for so many of vs are here for nothing And so turning to beheld the ioust commaunded his armour secretly to be brought him But in the meane time Don Contumeliano and the knight of Fortune wounded one
neuer satisfying himself with asking al that had befallen them in that Kingdome The Prince Don Bellianis discoursed vnto him euery thing at large telling him hée greatly wondred that hée had vndertaken so great toyle as to come to seeke them To discharge the debt I was in replyed the Emperour for the succour I receiued at the vnknowne Castle both of you and of your Cosin for our manner as you knowe is to make satisfaction in the same Coyne And yet your dutie was net to go awâ—i not making your selues knowne But letting it passe What was the reason you did so Wée could do no otherwise replyed Arfileo hauing promised so to do They had thus chatted till the next morrowe if the Emperour had not sent them to bedde Which they did lying in that chamber and slept til the Sun had the following morning dryed the could deawe on the moyst earth And rysing out of their beddes made them ready and went altogether into the field where the ioustes were kept whose pryze the good Knight Sabian of Trebento obtained with immortall honor by his braue deedes In this manner rested they a moneth vnmolested of any by reason of the boysterous colde winter which kept the Soldane from incamping his Hoaste In which time the Prince Don Bellianis though hée greatly delighted in the Empereur his Fathers presence whom all the rest called the Knight of the Crownes sustained such gréeuous passions and torments of weart for the absence of his deare Ladie that hée often sounned to the death nothing with him preuailing the consolating wordes of his Damzels nor the Princesse Aurora to whome he made knowen his griefe But euery day grewe worse and worse which the Emperour his Father séeing armed himself vppon a day though hée could hardly doe it béeing not altogether well walked with him out of the Cittie and inquired of him very earnestly the cause of his melancholie gréefes charging him not to conceale if by any meanes The Prince don Bellianis tolde him he knewe not whence procéeded his gréefe but that he felt extreame anguish of minde and coulde not conceiue the cause thereof The Emperour perceiuing some loue passion tormented him hauing many times séene him sighe without cause ouerpaste that talke and saide Tel me where abouts is the valley of the thrée fountaines for I must néedes go thither It is some thrée myles hence said Don Bellianis whither wée may make an easie walke Whereuppon the Emperour tooke his launce from his sonnes Dwarffe and sending him with his owne Page backe to the Cittie they went towards the valley The Prince demaunded of his Father why hée went thither You shall knowe replyed hee I haue ingaged my selfe to the Combatte there with the Persian Prince this day and I am determined to méete him there alone without any company for so wée agreed and therefore here wée must part for wée must not go together Don Bellianis gréeued that the Emperour had vndertaken so dangerous a fight and the more because he might not go to ayde him if any sinister chaunce should befall But seeming to feare nothing said I will obey your commauede deare Lord séeing you will haue it so and will returne vnto the Cittie and excuse you till you come backe And so shewed him the valley and departed something better satisfied to see what little account the Emperour made of the battell yet he resolued to frustrate it as hereafter shall be shewen But here we leaue them till wée haue sette downe the matter contained in the ensuing Chapter which greatly auaileth this Historie CHAP. XXXV Who the sage Fristone was and what hee did that the battell betweene those Princes might not bee effected IN the Kingdome of Persia where then al those knights were dwelt a Wiseman which was hée that writte this great Historie called Fristone whose equall in the Magicke-art the world contained not excelling therein all those of his time for they procured to learne of him This rare Magician was so greate a friend to the Persian Prince Perianco that all his labour and studie was to no â—ther office but for the good successe of his affaires consunting the greatest part of his time to that end For which purpose hée had giuen him a most excellent rich and wel tempered sword that the like was not within y e earthly continent except that of Don Bellianis which before times appertained vnto that valorous Knight Iason the which that excellent Inchauntresse Medea had giuen him when they enioyed their Loues which she forged vnder the constillation and predominance of such Plannets that no iuchauntment might against it preuaill This sword procured the sage Fristone for the vse of the Prince Perianeo but he neuer could obtaine it because Medea by her Prophecies had bequeathd it to the successiue heires of the House of Greece placing it where Don Bellianis woon it by the meanes of the sage Bellona But this wise Fristone béeing in the desart of death where he made his habitation hee there calling to minde his friend the Persian Prince came to know that for all his valour was so excellent and very felve that might equall him in strength he notwithstanding might incurre wonderous danger And casting about with his Arte to know the end of that battell the almightie God would not suffer him to finde out the successe thereof reseruing to his diuine Maiestie the knowledge of the euent of thinges which to none others might bee permitted and the more hee sought to know it the farther he was from it Which thing so confounded him in his imagination that hée could not thinke what it might bée Wherefore he resolued by all meanes to disturbe the fight iudging that afterwards the Persian Prince might better reuenge himselfe vpon the Duke Alfiron for the iniurie he had done his Father and therefore deuised what you shall know in the next Chapter CHAP. XXXVI What Don Bellianis did beeing gone from the Emperour and how hee combatted with the Persian Prince and were parted by the means of the sage Fristone And how the Soldanes Hoste besieged the Cittie of Bollera DOn Bellianis béeing departed from the Emperour his Father so spurred his Horse that quickly he returned to the cittie wherein he entred very quict shewing no manner of alteration but telling euery one that by the way inquired of him for he Knight of theÌ„ Crownes y t he stayed not farre thence for Sabian of Trebento his companion Hée entred the Pallace where méeting with Sabian requested him to lend him his armour to supply his present néede May not I accompanie you said hee No replied Don Bellianis besides I will presently returne Where left you my Lord the Emperour demaunded hee Hard by replyed the Prince staying for me Which said he buckled on Sabians armour which nothing differed from his fathers and mounting a horsebacke he tooke his way to the valley of the thrée fountaines to méete with the Persian Prince and comming to a large plaine â—he spied
do not importune him about it for it cannot be otherwise Hereupon they went where the two Princesses Florisbella Matarosa were chatting with Don Bellianis intreating him to put off his helme Wherupon the Souldan said If you obtain no more then hitherto you haue done of this knight I beléeue he will depart vnknowne He will not so much wrong vs said the Princesse vnlesse he will haue vs make litle account of his ayd we receiued And seeing he faith he will do what this Lady doth commaund him I hope she will not leaue vs so vnsatisfied in recompence of her long absence I do beséech your excellency said Bellona not to vexe your selfe for I assure you if he now discouer himselfe it will cost him no lesse then his life in lieu of the pleasure he should do you therein And let this suffise which according to our power we haue done But yet in respect of this displeasure I doo certifie you that your cousin the Princesse Aurora is wel though sorrowfull wanting your company she we left in Persia with the Ladies you sent to séeke her and thither must we goe shortly This hath greatly comforted me said she yet rest not altogither satisfied wanting the effect of this my desire I cannot expresse the oppression of my gréeued heart most excellent and supreme Lady said Don Bellianis to haue so yoked the libertie of my condition to a stranger power that I cannot now though it were with the certaine daunger of my life satisfie the deare obedience of your high commaund for I haue so tyed my selfe to anothers will that I must not do more then what this Lady here shall appoint me But I do protest and promise you by our high immortall Gods hauing freed my libertie to returne with all spéede to serue you and the Souldan your father whence I will not part but by your commaund in token whereof I do beseech you accept this King which cost me no litle labour with abundant losse of my blood to obtaine it Wherewith you shall be safe and sure of any such accident as this last And taking off his Gaunlets discouered the Alablaster whitenesse of his hands The Princesse heart was somewhat abashed adding more beautie to her beautie by the roseat tincture of a vermillion blush not knowing whether she should take the King which the knight presented her thinking shée should thereby do him a greater fauour then she would Which the Infant Matarosa perceiuing being greatly satisfied with the knights behauiour said vnto her What doth your highnesse doubt why do you not accept the precious gift of this valourous knight wold you sée vs euery day in like daunger which if you desire I assure you we shall not euery day haue so good helpe for though I sustained some perill yet was there none that succoured me Receiue this gift daughter said the Souldane for it is no small thing to kéepe the pledge of so valiant a knight All this while the discréete Princesse holding downe her eyes gazed on don Bellianis hand thinking with her selfe that if his face with the disposition of his bodie did agree with it the whole world could not affoord a gallanter not better knight of whose valour she was sufficient witnesse And séeing her Image on his shield imagined this was the knight whose praises her cousin had so inhoused Whereupon the subtill God of Loue on a suddain tooke his tributary vâ—ties by the possession of her heart and with such a violent stroake penetrated it that hauing no defensiue proofe nor the shielde of reason to withstand it but vnprouided assaulted by his subtiltie yéelded at the first encounter resting so vanquished that she neuer had the power to recouer the former libertie of her heart And the more shée thought on him the more she did insnare her selfe as the disccurse of this present booke mentioneth for no small forments this vnséen sight of don Bellianis Cousin here and with a suddaine ioy conceiued by her thoughts dying her beautie to make it more faire with the colour of an Orient Ruby First thinking that her Fathers commaund and her Cousins perswasions were sufficient armour to shield her from after scandall with lowly courtesie on both parts she tooke the King saying I do receiue Sir Knight this present at your hands lest it be saide I do deny the gratesulnesse I owe for the good turne you did and taking possession of this which is the least you shall remaine bounde to that which is the most I meane your speedie returne to attend the Souldane my dread Soueraigne and because you shall not forget it I will kéepe this as a pledge left me by you as also in remembrance of her that against my will doth lead you away before you haue receiued any signe of guerdon of my father Yet before you goe I pray you let vs know the daungerous deceit we had like to fall in I do most humbly beséech you sole president of diuine excellency said Don Bellianis to let me kisse the wonder of your handes that I may thereby enioy the fruition of so high a fauour as you haue done in the acceptance of the small gift of so meane a Knight as I am in respect of your highnesse Againe promising my returne shall be so shortly as the obedience of your commaund requireth vnlesse my hopes be frustrated by death and turning to Bellona intreated her séeing she knew the beginning and end of that aduenture she wold fully satisfie the Princesse therin Which she did in manner alreadie set downe And hauing done craued leaue to depart And so kissing the Souldans hands and the Empresse Siluiana bad them and the Princesses farewell Don Bellianis did the like with such griefe as any in his case may imagine leauing his heart with the Princesse and for it carrying away hers The Princesse Matarosa pleasantly said thus vnto the Prince I do beleeue sir Knight that the Sage Bellona hath so maistered you that you speake not but when it pleaseth her and if it be so tell it me for I presume to obtaine leaue of her for your tongue to play Don Bellianis that through his great amazement had net seene her but seeing her replied This hath not bene the cause of my silent ouersight courteous and pleasant Lady but the imaginations of the sight there séene which with my suddaine departure hath so increased my admiration and so intrapt me in my owne thoughts that they haue suffered me not to regard the deserued merits of your worthie person robbing the power of my spéech to consound me more in the déep consideration of my harts subiection Then belike the fault is very litle answered she by the spéedie redressing of our daunger wearing so good an armour as that The present blindnesse deare Lady said he is better to preserue my future sight At your returne you shall explaine me this said she for now I do not vnderstand it Whereupon the braue Prince don Bellianis mounted
a horsbacke not setting his foote in the stirrope as was his custome and very gallantly managing him he made him bende his knées vnto the earth and bending downe his owne head in signe of his dutie departed in maner as he came with vnspeakable ioy to haue so happily finished that aduenture before his Lady to his immortall glorie which were it not tempered with griefe of his departure it had bene inough to kill him But here we leaue him till farther accidents shall refresh his remembrance CHAP. XLIIII What the Princesse Florisbella did after the Knight of the golden Image was departed Of her Laments and Conference with the Infant Maturosa her Cousin THe Princesse Florisbella remained so amazed with the suddaine departure of the new Louer that so quickly had made a praie of her tender hart that all her imaginations were on nought but of Don Bellianis and till he went cleane out of the field she accompanied him with her sight so stedfastly fixing her eyes after him that had not her cousin called her away to follow the Souldane and Empresse that were returning to the Court there she had staied forgetfull of her selfe The Infant Matarosa said vnto her by the way What say you faire Cousin to that great knight did you euer sée in all your life a man of more valor And trust me I thinke it be he I told you of a iltle before his comming I greatly desire to see the fairnesse of his complexion whether it accorded with the constitution of his bodie and gallant behauiour I know not what I should say replied the Princesse for he hath not séemed so well in my eyes and though his valour haue freed me from the daunger you sawe great is his presumption notwithstanding to beare my picture with him about the world and his discurtesie is no lesse to depart vnknowne vnto the Souldan my father and nothing respecting our intreaties leauing mee so discontented and I had not taken his ring had not my father coÌ„manded and you perswaded me vnto it You haue no reason to blame him for it said her Cousiin for he could do no otherwise being bound vnto the contrarie by the sage Bellona and I know not what Princesse or greater Lady woulde haue refused so deare a seruice as this knight offered you so liberally which you séemed to accept most vnwillingly Speake not of it answered the princesse for I had like to haue shewed my selfe as vnthankefull in taking it as he discourteous in not doing what I intreated him But if returne hee shall knowe the discontent hee did me Assure you said her pleasant Cousiin if he would be my knight I would not hammer on these doubts If he returnes hée shall be answered the Princesse I will yéelde vnto it saide the Infant if you obtaine it without such cercâ—â—uie as you make It may bée I shall at his returne the Princesse made answere and therefore rest contented I perceiued no such intent in him replied the Infant In such like discourse went they with the Soldane and Empresse till they arryued to the Pallace where the Princesse saying shée felt her selfe distempered left her Cousen and her Ladyes withdrawing alone vnto her Chamber to consider at more leysure of him that had so displeased her And shutting the dooâ—e after her with a pensiue heart vnable to resist her passions shee cast her selfe vppon her bedde and with teares trickling down her Cheekes with sighes that interrupted the cleare passage of the speech shée sayde with a soft voyce Oh vnhappie Princesse Florisbella what vuluckie houre was that wherein thou diddest goe to sée that cursed aduenture that hath béene the cause of these thy torments and anguishe of heart making thée héereafter bondslaue to griefe and in the ende gaine thy fréedome by death Ah deceytfull Ladies fatall was the moment wherein I graunted you the boone you craued to gaine for my good will so manie paynes Oh sage Bellona if from one daunger you haue liberated mée in a greater you haue intrapped mée And I doo beséech the Goddes to terminate these woes with my vntimelie death For what auayles it mée to bée commaundresse ouer so manie Kings Princes Lordes and Signiories if the fatall destinies of my vnhappie chaunce haue tied the libertie of my heart vnto a Knight vnknowne of whom I sawe but armour and his horse neither knowe I what hee is denying to discouer his face Oh immortall Goddes if this you haue ordered in the heauenly Synode of your decrées why did you not also summon mée to appeare before your celestiall Thrones to heare your cruell sentence giuen against mée But what say I disgraced that I am For it may bee that Knight is one of our Goddes For who coulde else haue had the power to do what he did in such a short time And so inthrall the quiet peace of my heart Oh Prince howe haue the Goddes reuenged thée because I neuer regarded thy high merits punishing my contempt by that knight that would not show me his face whom peraduenture you may be he that would not diselose your selfe being displeased by my rather But aye me thou art noâ— he for thy wordes neuer so penetâ—ated my heart nor the sâ—ge Bellona they great enimie by reason her 〈…〉 e Princesse Aurora had not brought thée in her 〈…〉 But aye me distressed soule bee it as it will onlie I 〈…〉 laugâ—â—sh in perpetuall torments and in the ende hope â—o 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 While the Princesse thus complained her Cousen Matarosa that by her 〈◊〉 withdrawing did suspect what it might bee that came through a secret doore where she was and staid to ouer-heare her but could vnderstand nothing what she said and greatly wondring at this noueltie she went away and came to her Chamber doore and knocked which awaked the Princesse out of her lauient who brying her eyes ordering her selfe she best she could opened the doore and let her in But her Cousen seeing her in that case dissembled what she thought and said How now Cousen doth the feare of the last aduenture last so long that iâ— so troubles you Or is it because you did no more good therein thâ—n I Or is it the discontent you conceiued of the discourteous knight If the last tell me it and wee will procure him to redresse the wrong The Princesse couering her face with a blush like the moâ—â—ings Suaâ—e rising in the East aunswered Do not put me in more daunger then there was the last deare Cousen for you make me thinke you knowe that Knight making me imagine that by your meanes I am snared in the deceyte of yonder inchauntment In this manner past these Ladies many dayes discoursing on nothing but the déeds of the knight of the Basâ—lâ—sks for so they called him by reason of the armour heed id weare and the Princesse Florisbella euerie day with longing desire expecting his returne still continued in her vsuall laments wherein her Cousen one day taking her woulde néedes knowe the
buisinesse nor néede more seruice then I can doe being not so déepely wounded that we should require any such helpe You saye well aunswered don Bryanell but vnlesse I be deceiued you are sore wounded and my selfe am in like case and before we loose more blood let vs set Damartyno at libertie Be it so replyed Palineo and so tooke the keyes of the Prison from the Porters side and opened it where they found him ouerladen with boultes and Irons pale megre and weake for want of sustenance tasting no foode sometime in two nor three dayes whom the knights séeing could not stay the teares in their eyes knawing him to be one of the loyalest Knights liuing in those dayes Damarâ—yno séeing those Knightes enter in that manner said What would you with mee Knightes is your Lord now contented to end my life which would bee no little comforte to my many torments Palineo no longer able to conceale himselfe vnlacing his helme with great ioy to sée him aliue said thus You haue no cause to feare vs most loyall Knight being now at length set at libertie by the handes of this valiant Knight to whome you are no lesse bopnd then for your life And by yours said Don Brianel for without you mine had little auailed Wheruppon taking away his irons with great gladnesse he imbraced Palineo saying I did assure my selfe my mesâ— deare fréend you would not faile me in my necessitie for in such times true friends are knowne more then in prosperitie and humbling himselfe to Don Brianell craued to kisse his hands seeing his person that good deede required his dutie Don Brianel shewed him the like courtesie and taking him vp saying Thaâ— for that litle hee had don he deserued no such thanks being bound to more theÌ„ that for him for her sake that sent him Sir knights said Damartyno I haue certaine seruants in prison some where about this Castle for I know they were brought in with me them I pray you let vs frée so they went to séeke them and Damartyno greatly woondred to sée so great slaughter by two Knights And after they had found the seruants Don Brianel and Palineo they were laid in two beds in the Castle and were cured by one of Damartynos seruants that were very skilfull in that science and there they continued certaine daies till they were wel giuing order that if any came from the king they should be admitted to them But Don Bryanell the first day required one of the seruants secretly to fetch their horses where they had left them which so soone as it was darke was done that not a little contented Don Bryanel for he highly prysed his horse being neuer a better in that whole kingdome and through the hurly burly in that Cittie none remembred they within the castle But after they were through well Don Bryanell said to Damartyno and Palineo being altotogither Hitherto sir knight you haue not knowne the occasion of my comming nor knowne what I am hauing neuer séene mee before but to assure you of both read this letter from the honourable Princesse Aurora by which you shall know the beginning and the ende of my trauaile Damartyno taking it opened it and read it to this effect THe disinherited Queene of Antioch Aurora Princesse of Miriana to thee the most loyalest of all creatures her louing Knight Damartyno of the Valley gouernour of our Kingdome by our will though by a strangers hand health I knowe the vnhappie chances ouerthrowes and vnfortunate misaduentures haue not beene vnknowne to thee as the man that hath sustained the like which haue by the prouision of our immortall Gods befallen the King Pompeiano thy Lord and my deare Father as also the feared absence of my person so necessarie to escape the furie of the Prince Perianeo of Persia and Dou Gallaneo of Antioch And now reposing my confidence on the high estate of thy descent in the great loyalty I haue known in thee by the loue my father bare thee whose death partly on some of them is reuenged as this knight will more at large tell thee I hope the like shall also be seene in thy presence through thy meanes and order eyther by my comming in person to these or with an hoast of men sufficient to regaine our rights for which cause I send thee this valourous knight excellent not onely in armes but in al things else required in a noble maÌ„ With him shalt thou determine the best and the speediest meanes for these assaires we mooue but the Gods protect thee and preserue thee in that state of loialtie which thou euer gloriest in So soone as Damartino had read this letter did again imbrace Don Brianell saying I could not haue or desire better newes theÌ„ these sir knight to comfort my afflicted hart ioying to know of the welfare of my soueragne But how shal we do for this tyrant and vsurping king Tramoscano is so mightie and strongly fortified in this land that we may hardly oppose our selues against his forces I am of opinion said Palineo seeing we are to begin so great an enterprise we make it knowne vnto the Duke of Siluania to whom hauing Don Gallanco granted all his liuings the vsurper hath now for some causes disconsented hee I am assured séeing you at libertie will not denie all his aid assisting you to reobtaine that which he hath lost or else loose what he hath new I doo very well like what you haue said replied Damartyno and therefore you and I will to morrow go to him leauing this Knight in the castle to answere any that comes from the Cittie It were better we all goe togither said Palineo and if any come we will leaue order with these seruants what they shall do Be it so said don Brianell and I thinke best we goe ere it be day that we be not séen putting on some of the armor of the giants knights So resolued on this went to rest themselues and about midnight they rose and changed their armonr Damartyno and Palineo taking the best horses in the Castle departed commanding their seruants if any came from the Cittie they should tell them the Gyant had commanded none should enter to speak with him because he was not well And that they should make them answer according to their demand in the Gyants behalfe CHAP XLVIII What befell Don Brianell and his companions with the Knights of the Lions and how knowing one another they all returned to the Castle TWo parts of the night were ouerpast wheÌ„ the dazeling light of pale shyning Dyana would giue place vnto the easterne rising of the mornings sunne whose clear approach excelleth from the heauens the obscure darknesse of the gloomie night when these thrée knights issued forth of the castle vpon mighty câ—ursers with strong and knotty lances in their hands and onely with two pages to carry their shéelds taking the right way to the citie of Siluania where they thought to finde the duke Now
are you that knowes me in a strange land The Knight not replying vnlaced his helme whom straight Don Bryanell did so too demanding for his deare Brother Don Bellianis He is very farre from hence replyed Don Bryanell But what is that valiant knight that comes with you It is my Brother Don Clarineo of Spaine answered he and I doe greatly ioy to haue met with you for else we knâ—we not what to do By this Don Clarineo was thither come and with great loue imbraced him and said To the great wonder of Damartyno and Palineo to sée their good agréement it had almoste coste vs deare to knowe of you against your will what we required and I assure you if you longer conceale your selfe I will no more séeke you Wée are in a strange Land replyed Don Bryanell therefore can I doo no otherwise though more danger it should cost me But what shall we doo for thinking to finde you in necessitie the Emperor and vs shipt our selues with one hundred thousand men which are not farre from hence For knowing you were come to restore the Princesse Aurora to her kingdome we departed to aid you Where left you my Lord the Emperour demaunded Don Bryanell He is not with vs I assure you answere Lucidamore for he and Sauian of Trebento were separated from vs by a certaine aduenture All this talked they that Damartyno and Palineo did not vnderstand though they thought they knew one another Wherefore don Brianell said to the Princes it behooueth you to say that the Souldan of Babilon hath sent this armie to plant the Princesse Aurora in her kingdome that these knights may more willingly further vs for in these affaires they are very forward Is my brother here demanded Don Clarianeo and my Cousin the Prince Arfileo I left them in Persia replied Don Brianell in a bloodie controuersie against the Souldane about the death of Don Galfeo of Antioch Is it possible said Don Clarianeo I assure you you haue greatly gladded me with the death of that traytor but tell me did my brother Don Bellianis kill him He did answered Don Brianell and hereafter I will informe you al the manner how And now aduertise your Pages to say you all now come away from Babylon So they shall sayde Don Claryaneo Whereupon Don Brianell called to him Palineo that was much abashed at his fall and said to him and Damartyno You are sir knights to giue the immortal gods great thanks for directing our affaires better then wee wished for these knights are my néere kinsmen and for whome I would vndertake any danger in the world I speake this Syr Palineo because you should not vex your selfe at your chance nor diminish your good will towards me for what is past And besides all this they are come about the same matter we haue in hand landing a strong army sent to this end froÌ„ the Soldan of Babilon which wil not a litle help vs being here hard by Wherefore consider what best we may doo for in this nor in any thing else none of vs will in no manner contradict your counsaile Whereunto Palineo somewhat comforted made this answere I could not haue receiued greater comfort for my ouerthrowe then this being done by such a knight and your Allye for which cause he onely deserueth to gain the honor of all aduentures in the world therfore do I remain no lesse bound to his seruice though I beleeue he little néedes it then heretofore I was to yours I doo greatly thanke you Sir knight said Don Clarineo thinking my selfe happie to haue met you and do reioyce we came not to handy blowes being sure to haue béene vanquished by you as your courteous words sufficiently do shewe And therefore I do surrender all the honour of the victorie to you as your due and resting yours for euer as my future déedes shall approoue And so imbracing one another expeld all enuious rancor from their valiant hearts This done Damartyno said he thought good they all returned to the Castle whence that morning they were returned where they might conclude what should be performed and that in the meane while one of the Pages should goe and charge the Armie to stay where they had left it till they receiued farther order This counsaile being alowed they sent two of theyr pages with this coÌ„mand and themselues returned to the Castle where hauing rested that day they resolued that the prince Don Lucidamore and Damartyno should that night goe vnto the army and before the morning light they shuld coÌ„duct close to the walles of Antioch which they alreadie knew to be in armes with aboue one hundred thousand fighting men because by their spyes they were aduertised of their power and the vsurping king accounting them to bee enemies determined to méete them in field yet commanding the Cittie gates to be fast shut least vnwares it shuld be surprised leauing within 40. thousand men to defend it And he with the County Gariano prepared to set forth Moreouer it was resolued that don Clarianeo and don Brianel with his fréend Palineo should passe through the myne into the Citie procure to open one of her gates that they might enter to them and by that meanes win it which was so strongly fortified with munition and men that they within feared nothing for the space of two yeares So Damartyno his companion departed to the armie where arriuing hee greatly reioyced to sée the good order thereof Don Lucidamore notwithstanding his pages had deliuered his message did himself gaue coÌ„mandement they should say they were sent by the great Soldan of Babylon CHAP. XLIX The great danger the Princesse don Clarianeo don Brianel sustained in the citie of Antioch how they were succoâ—ed by the knight of the sse Balâ—â—ks The winning of the Cittie and the death of the Tyrant Tramolcano THe appointed houre being come which made euery one think it a year so much they dâ—uÌ„red to be within Antioch hauing séene the signall of the approach of the Emperors arme the valiant knights don Clarianeo don Brianel and the politick Palineo opening the doore of the mine went through it to the Pallace but they were scarce at the pallace side when they heard a great noise and harkening what it might be they vnderstood it was because the army of strangers had so sodainly appeared before the walles whither the king Tramalcano with the couÌ„ty Gariano were going with an infinit companie to sée if they would assault the Cittie before the morne whereto there lacked not two houres All which indéede was so for Don Lucidamore and Damartyno hauing coÌ„manded all their meÌ„ to hang scarses vpon their armor to be known from their enemies did at that time conduct their troupes hard by the gate which should be opened for their entrance Be in quiet said Palineo and lette mee go forth to see what we were 〈◊〉 doo Doo what you will answered Don Brianell for heere weeâ—â— stay for
you And presently opening the doore softly hee went foorth How like you this Knight said Don Bryanell What shoulde I saye of him aunswered Clarianeo but that I neuer sawe a more brâ—uer Knight I meane of more pollicie in all my life before Hereuppon don Bryanel recounted vnto him all that in his companie he had done which greatly contented Don Clarineo at which time he returned saying Sir knight the Gyant is gone with all his companie let vs now followe him doing as the time shall minister occasion They did so thrusting themselues among those that were going to the walles where arriuing they saw the gate faste shutte which they had determined to open and that the Gyant hauing paste a Garison there was going to speake with the County Gariano I beléeue said Palineo wee shall haue more adoo to open the Gate then wée had thought I haue aunswered don Clarineo considered how we may doo it which is that your Cousen meaning don Bryanell shall kéepe the passage from the Mine letting no more passe hither and that you Sir Palineo shall by force take the keyes from the Porter and with them procure to open the gate and I will defend you from these that are alreadie here And this must be with the spéede that the valour of our courageous hearts and their charge we haue enterprised doth binde vs to Whereupon don Brianell setled himselfe in the passage which being narrowe he could scarce defend himselfe Palineo with greate courage by the light of many torches that were kindled stepped to the Porter and with his sword cleaning his head in two at one blowe snatcht the keyes from his side but ere he did it many knightes assaulted him to giue him his death The valiant Prince don Clarineo not forgetting what he had to do stept before to defend him bestowing so mightie and mortall blowes on euery one which approched that they fledde from him as from the presence of death By this time had Palineo through his spéedie diligence opened the gate had not the fearefull Tramoleano hearing that suddaine accident thrre with an infinit number of knights returned with his heauie Mace tamming w t such a furie that if don Clarineo had not stepped behinde the dead horses and knightes that he had slaine he had wondrously scaped his life at that first fury of the horses incounters but dooing as is said he wounded the mightie Gyants horse thrusting his sword quite through his head that the furious beast in such manner raised himselfe that he ouerthrewe his Maister The treachereus Countie Galliano would haue done the like by Palineo but hée stepping aside tumbled him from his horse with one blowe And certainely they could not haue giuen two better blows then these that more might helpe them For when the Gyants knights that were about a hundred sawe their maisters downe alighted also because the narrownesse of the place might not be a cause to hurt them with their horses The fearefull Gyant being very heauie with great gaine raysed himselfe and foming through his mouth blaspheming all his Gods went against Clarineo who being ioyned with Don Brianell were both in a fierce skermidge giuing and receiuing mightie blowes whose eecho rezounded in y e campe without the cittie And the gyant seeing him there resht in to hold him whyle his men did kill him but hauing no aduantage in strength ouer him don Clarineo to scape from his handes brauelie pluckt him to him that both fell downe where hee was pittiously wounded and had not his strong armour defended him he there had left his life And getting from the Gyant he began with them a most cruell fight with such danger as any may imagine Whom Palineo séeing so fore wounded woÌ„dred how he breathed Don Bryanell was in no lesse perill for so many layd on him with haste to passe by that he bléeded as fast as any of them In this daunger were they all thrée looking for nothing but death though the King and Trapter County were wounded no lesse then they For Don Clarineo minding to leaue his life reuenged so laide on them and others that all were imbrues in their owne bloods And whosoeuer then had séene them would haue rather iudged them so many raging Tigers or hungrie Lions then knights hoping of no succor of theÌ„ without for thogh they procured to enter could not approch the gates being defended by y e gyants garison While this thus paste at such time as the giuer of the bright light illuminated the darke night there came downe a valley not farre from the cittie a mightie piller of fire after it followed a knight with two of the vgliest gyants that euer were séene who with such furious spéede as doth a thunderbolt breake through the aire approached to the Wall and sette a Ladder against it The knight that came with them whose armor was all garnished with Basilisks alighted from his horse and without let of any that were below he mounted thereon to the top of the wall where he bestowed such deadly blowes that ere they were aware of him he had tumbled aboue fiftie ouer it dead Don Lucidamore that such haughtie prowesse saw in one Knight leauing his armie to Damartynos charge quickly climed the ladder and scarcely was he on the top when the giants taking it returned the way and in the maner they did come leauing the beholders amazed with wonder The knight of the Basiliske comming instructed in what he should do descended certaine steps of stone that were in the wall beating downe on both sides many knights before him clearing the way for don Lucidamore that followed him making no lesse slaughter then he on that rebellious people At length he arriued at the gate where don Brianell was wearie and tyred who seeing the Knight of the Basiliskes thinking him to be one of his enemies strooke him a mightie blow but he knowing him defended it with his sheeld and rusht in where he was there spied he Clarineo that had before him aboue thirtie Kinges slaine and then with one blowe threwe the Countie Gariano dead to the earth but was in extreame daunger because he looked to the trusty Palineo who through the much blood he had lost was in a trance that he was faine to beare him close to the wall where he kept him before himselfe making stupendious déedes And there arriuing thr knight of the Basilisks in the Gréekish tongue he sayde Courage braue knight for you are alreadie succoured At the ende of which words with one mightie blowe he cut off the Giants leg that he fell downe where he breathed his last and beating away all the knights about him he quickly freed that Gate stepping both vnto the Portall thereof where Lucidamore and don Brianell were And the troopes that were without séeing they could not enter in had ouerthrowne all that side making a great breach in the wall through which ten knights might easily passe togither with such furie pressing in
that they extreamely were oppressad Defend you this entrie said don Clarineo to the knight of the Basiliske while I open yonder gate which he did so brauely that in despight of them that first arriued he first ouerthrew aboue fiue hundred dead and deadly wounded making the rest giue place vnto his puissant strokes Don Clarineo went to Palineo for the Keyes which he by no means would let go cut of his handes and with them opened the gate Which beeing séene of the campe with great clamours approached to enter into the Citie The Knight of the Basiliskes and his companions perceiuing it withdrewe themselues to giue that furie place with whose arriuall the battell in such manner was renued that the place was filled with heaped Mountaines of dead men and this because the King Tramolcanos multitudes were infinite and expert and knowing that if they lost the Citie they should all pay the tribute of their deathes by their enemies swordes fought like mad men But the Princes hauing recouered theyr knights togither with the knight of the Basiliskes and don Clarineo hauing assured the person of Palineo whom he founde with life vniting themselues pressing in the thickest of the battell with such courage as they augmented in themselues with desire to see those affaires terminated with a good ende The curreuts of blood beganne to runne about so fast like Riuers descending from so many mountaine toppes Damartyno considering that the Citie woulde hardly be woonne by that meanes by reason of the manie people within to defend it commaunded all his men to name aloude the Princesse Aurora which they so did saying Antioch Antioch for the Princesse Aurora Which crie and name the people of the Countrey hearing and thinking their Ladie and Princesse was there whom they so grealy desired abandoned the men belonging as well vnto the traytour Countie as the Giant and withdrewe themselues which they had not don in the beginning because they thought them enemies vnto the Citie and land themselues crying within as the others did without trampling vnder their horse hoofes and massacring without pitie those traitors in such sort to reuenge themselues for theoutrages done by them that ere it was woonne they left not one aliue to beare the newes of their desolation hauing slaine that morning aboue fourescore thousand wanting not aboue sixe thousand Christians And this hapned through Damartynos policie which if it had not béene though their aduersaries had also in the end all died by the sword their losses had bin infinit This done don Lucidamore caused to be proclaimed that none vpon paine of death should sturre any thing in the Citie but quietly lodge therein without oppressing or molesting any way the meanest Citizen of the same And hauing taken all the fortresses castels and holds of the Citie to their power calling don Clarineo and don Brianell with him went all togither to the knight of the 〈…〉 s who being mounted would depart But don Clarineo remembring the danger he had freed him front with greet loue imbraced him saying Oh most glorious and renowmed knight the excellentest that euer did draw sword I hope you will not so greatly wrong vs so to depart vnknowne hauing liberated all of vs from so great danger For which not onely our liues but the whole glorie of the lasting victorie of this battell is too little recompence For such ayd thinking our selues sufficieÌ„tly honored by solie knowing what you are This spâ—ke he in the Gréeke language for when he at first did succour him he incouraged him in the same tongue I know not excellent Prince answered the knight of the basiliske how I may cancell the bandes you tie me in by the incomparable merits of your wordes yet notwithstanding vnlose my helme Don Locidamore more amazed then at first to know his brother did presently vnbuckle it whereby the excellencie of his complexion was séene Whom don Clarineo knowing rested so confused with content that the teares ran downe his cheekes and with a high voice said Oh mightie Lord that for vs all did suffer what great wonder do I see hauing before mine eies my deare Lord brother the Prince don Bellianis Wherupon he straight lept from his horse to kisse his hand The like did all the rest Don Bellianis seeing them do so dismounted also from his horse to imbrace all those knights with such content as may be imagined Here wants nothing now said don Lucidamore to end our demaund but the presence of our Lord the Emperor That shall not néed repâ—ted don Bellianis for I haue left him well within the Citie of Bollera and hard by Persepolis whither we must go with all spéede How arriued he there demanded don Charineo hauig lest himselfe farre from thence That I knowe not said don Bellianis but I left him where I tell you and there I beleeue we shal finde himâ— Here were they seperated by the multitude of the knights y t came to doe their duties to don Bellianis not able to expresse their ioye with his sight And he commanded them all to keepe his and all their names secrete for he would haue none of the Cittie knowe what they were Aod hauing done with their gréetings they went to the king Tramolcanos Pallace where they lodged and their men about the Cittie were entertained hauing voyded it of the dead carcases offering no iniurie nor wrong to any Cittizen They also carried the noble Palineo to the Pallace which had recouered his sences whom all those Knightes visited and highlie honoured With whose presence he highly reioyced as also to see those businesse ended Don Clarineo and don Brianell were layd in two rich beddes hard by Palinios where their wounds which were many were dressed by verie skilfull Chirurgions Don Bellianis taking in his companie Damartyno whome hee greatly estéemed for the Princesse Auroraes reporte of him and went about the Cittie and assembling together all the States thereof and chiefest Cittizens of the same Don Bellianis made them a shorte discourse thanking them for their loyaltie they alwayes obserued promising they should all haue their losses requited with full and ample satisfaction and shewed them the letter written to Damartyno They greately consolated by his spéech promised to procure the restitution of the whole Kingdome vpon which conclusion don Bellianis returned to the Pallace leauing Damartyno giuing order to recouer the reste of the Prouince without more spilling of blood To which effect he sent messengers to all Citties and places of importance in the kingdome CHAP. L. Howe the whole kingdome of Antioch being recouered the state of the Countie Gariano was giuen vnto the politike Palineo of the Venture and leauing Damartyno gouernor there all those Princes departed towards Persia SO soone as it was knowne through all the Kingdome of Antioche the totall ruine and vtter destruction of the vsurping King and all his forces they all arose agaynst the Tyrâ—uâ—ts garrisons knowing those Knights came from their lawfull and right Princesse so