Noble Parents Which may be true for Cothanes often times told me that he found me vpon the top of a Mountaine lying in swadling cloathes and not farre from the body of a Woman torne and dismembred by Wild Beasts and many Iewels about me One of which I haue ever since worne about my Necke When Constantia saw it she knew the fame embracing him in her armes and kissing him whilest he with humble behaviour did him reverence I should be over tedious to recite their joyes and how much Delatus and Alsala made of them who would not so leaue them but promised to Travell with them into Assyria where they were assured to méete Persicles but in such sort that none might know them for that yet Constantia feared her Fathers displeasure They stayed there but that Night and earely the next Morning betooke themselues to travell Notwithstanding this joy the Knight of the Oracle left some sparkes of discontent which troubled all his Sences and turned his quiet into disquiet which was with remembrance of Philotheta whose mishap pincht him to the very heart Who likewise was not frée from the like disquiet fearing never to sée him againe little thinking his Name had béene changed and as little thinking it was he that ended the Enchantment not onely troubled with this Dispaire but also vexed with Ilaes dealing who hauing brought her to Amphiador fled and was never séene of them againe Amphiador being alone with Philotheta thought it not good for him to discover himselfe least he thereby should hazard his life but disguising himselfe and Philotheta he left Arabia and travailed into Persia thinking to liue there vntill his death vndescryed And finding out an Habitation fit for that purpose he told Philotheta what he intended perswading her to abide with him This troubled her very heart fearing some greater mischiefe would follow Which like wise according to her misdoubt fell out For now that he saw no meanes to recover his Dignity nor attaine other Felicity then to liue in obscurity his mind being like wise much addicted to Licencious desire began to dote on Philothetaes beauty which burst out into a flame and he revealed the same iâ—â—his sort Philotheta said he if you knew what I would say or if you could conceiue my meaning without words I would refraine to speake but since there is no hope for me to liue without I attaine that I desire I will vtter to you the depth of my good Will and the thing that I desire so much you should know which is that I loue you this I hope cannot be grievous vnto you Neither will you I trust deny to loue me considering how tenderly I haue alwayes regarded you Should I not said she Loue you I were to be accounted very ingratefull and vnworthy to haue found you so kind which bindeth me to yéeld you thankes Then said he Let me enjoy that Loue for your Beauty hath pierced my heart and nothing but the swéete thereof can ease my torment Here wée may liue together voyd of disquiet enjoying each others Loue with content which excéedeth the pleasure that more dignified Honour yéeldeth Philotheta at the first knew his meaning replying with mildnesse but her heart so much disdained to yéeld to that he desired that she could not containe her selfe but gaue him this answer Amphiador Doest thou thinke thy wickednesse can overmaster my Vertue Or doest thou thinke I can like to heare thy odious Spéech that bewrayeth the inward rancour of thy heart or hast thou beheld such loosenesse in me that should animate thée to this dishonourable attempt or canst thou but conceiue an opinion that I will yéeld to thy wicked lust which is the fruit of thy ill devising Heart No know that I so much abhorre thée that I shall account the worse of my selfe to haue knowne thée and curse my cruell destinies that haue made me to sée thée and rather will end my life most desperately then suffer my Sences to conceiue one good thought of thée Then leaue off where thou hast begun for thou shalt rather sée me massacre my selfe then yéeld to the least part of thy desire CHAP. XXX How Amphiador Philotheta and Praxentia met How the two Ladies preventing Amphiadors lust and departed towards Assyria AMphiador walking alone in a solitary place heard the wofull Lamentation of a distressed Lady who vttered these words What misery am I brought into mine owne doting folly vpon that vnknowne Knight which neither regardeth me nor I shall never sée him againe Fond woman that I am thus to abandon my Fathers Court to liue in obscurtty where I was renowned for vertue For who heard the name of Praxentia that did not adore the fame And who was more reverenced then my selfe that now haue brought my Honour into disgrace and for the loue of a stranger haue refused the loue of so mighty a Prince as Palian O Persicles thée may I curse for by thy meanes is he thus absent and thou hast lost him or left him where he will never returne Amphiador wondred much to heare her name Persicles Palian and Praxentia which severall names he knew marvelling who that should be but séeing her silent he drew neare to her saying Lady hearing your Laments I could not choose but pitty you which maketh me thus bold to approach into our company proffering my assistance to aid you in what I can My friend said Praxentia against my will you are priuy to my estate which if you doe pitty then also succour me for I am brought low by too much griefe and weake for want of sustenance Lady quoth he my Habitation is not farre hence whether I will bring you where you shall not want any thing you will desire Being come thither they found Philotheta drowned in teares the cause whereof he well knew but Praxentia wondred at it containing another inward Sorrow to sée so swéet a creature in such sadnesse Philotheta likewise marvailed what she was hoping by her comfort to receiue some comfort which might hinder his practice He on the other side went forth againe to meditate leaving them together meaning nothing lesse then to pitty either of them but devising meanes to attaine both their loues which he was fully resolved to enjoy though the déed were never so wicked and the meanes never so hainous Praxentia having well refresht her selfe with such good food as she had received demanded Philothetaes cause of sorrow Aye me said she none so miserable as I this Tyrant that brought you hither is my Father in law whose mind is so wicked that he attempteth to winne me to his lust which addeth much sorrow to my heart as I am weary of my life my name is Philotheta Daughter to the Duke of Ila whom all men had thought to haue béene since dead but he being informed of the contrary by the Enchantresse fled bringing me hither by force where he intendeth to kéepe me as his Bond-slaue but the Heavens I hope will
Gyant kéeping him within sight so long as he could which at last he lost Séeing himselfe so disappointed and vnhorst he began to study what to doe at last being past hope of either finding them or recovering his horse by reason of the darknes of the night he went wandring vp and downe to séeke a place of rest and by chance lighted on a Wood into which he entred but fearing to rest lest some wild Beast might devoure him he wandred on with purpose to passe through the same where suddenly he heard the sound of a big voice which made him stand still and listen with soft steps drawing thitherwards he perceived it was the Gyants that curst and hand him for crossing their Iourney What shall we do quoth one of them shall we stay here or no Wée shall wander I know not whether a plague vpon that white Divell that haunted vs. I am sure he is no man for we are men and one man should be as good in fight as another but you two like Cowardly slaues haue suffered such a wretch to haue advantage against you Hold thy prating quoth the other thou couldest haue done no more then wée thou néedest not vexe me I am vext enough with the losse of mine Arme. Let vs rest here vntill it be day and then we will away for hée hath worke enough to find his Horse Philotheta was so affrighted with feare that she lay like one in a dead traunce to whom one of them said Swéet Philotheta bée not discomforted nor offended with mée I haue loved thée long and long expected this happy houre to enjoy thée be content to Lodge on the cold Earth one night for my sake that haue lost many a nights sléepe for thine neither shalt thou lye on the Earth for my body shall be thy bed whilest mine armes imbrace thée Then did he take her in his Armes bestowing many a loathsome slavering kisse vpon her but she for feare durst not cry being almost dead with griefe Montelyon stood and heard all their vnreverent vsage wishing it were day that he might revenge their disloyalty They had not laine long but first the one and then the other fell fast asléepe which Montelyon easily perceived by their routing thinking it no discredit to slaughter such miscreants that delighted in no Knightly action but in wrong and oppression there withdrawing vnto them Philotheta espyed him and at the first sight by reason of his white armour knew him desirous she was to speak to him but feare to awake her Kéeper withheld her and yet she knew the care of her affright detained him from revenge At the last so boldly as she durst she lifted vp her hand beckning Montelyon to her and pointing to the Gyant Montelyon vnderstanding her meaning thrust his Sword into him that had her foulded in his Armes who striving with the pang gaue her liberty to leape from him roaring forth such a groane as all the Woâ—d rung therewith and his fellow halfe amazed started vp ready to run away but Montelyons Sword overtaking his hindermost legge at one blow cut in sunder the sinewes and he fell downe holding vp his hands for mercy Montelyon with the next blow pierced his braines and so he dyed a most miserable death The other had received no deadly wound for the point of his Sword lighting vpon one of his ribbes was stayed from ending his life who whilest Montelyon was slaughtering the other he had recovered his staffe bending a full blow at Montelion who by good Fortune and Philothetaes strike turned about and espying the same comming broke halfe the force and running in withall ran his sword quite through his Adverâ—aries body and with the bruise he had received fell downe himselfe in a traunce Philotheta thought he had béene dead running to him with great striving with her tender hands to vnbuckle his Beaver and vnlace his Helmit to giue him breath which though long yet at last she attained but in vaine for he lay as a man quite bereft of Life her Lamentations were such as would haue turned revenge to remorse and those sencelesse trées into teares yea the Birds hearing her moan left off their pleasant notes to listen to her coÌ„plaints the very Earth séemed to wéepe to receiue her moystned teares and all the empty Ayre resounded as repleat with her waylings Aye me vnfortunate Creature quoth she to be the cause of so worthy a Knights death How shall my vnhappy life make recompence for his losse It had béene better these Savage and inhumane monsters had devoured me then this Knight should haue lost his life in my rescue better it had béene that I had dyed in my Cradle then to liue to sée this dismall day though he be a stranger to me and I haue had no tryall in his vertues yet his actions shew the honour of his mind his valour his noble education and his courtesie his woâ—thy birth I know by his Armour he is not of Arabia his honourable mind not hope of requitall procuring him to venture his life in my rescue which he hath too vntimely both hazarded and lost which no doubt will be as great a losse to his Country and Friends as ever any endured Were he once revived I would not care what became of my selfe nor néeded I not to care for his vertuous Valour would shrowd me from injuries and be as safe a harbour as security can affoord Her Lamentations could not so end but she lengthened them sometimes with wéeping sometimes with lamenting and then againe ready to drown her sorrowfull heart in salt teares Aye me said she what shall now become of me How shall I escape further misery Here I am left alone ready to be devoured of wild beasts yet what néed I feare any mischiefe when so great misery is befalne me as greater cannot be Her laments conducted the steps of an aged Hermit that dwelt in those Woods vnto the place where she lay wéeping over Montelyon She suddainly espying him being halfe affrighted said If thou be a man pitty me and helpe me to reviue this Knight If thou béest a Ghost thinke not to affright me for I am already full of feare and if thou béest neither then tell me what thou art Damzell said he feare not for I am a living Creature as thou art I pitty thy distresse and well doe my best to helpe you With that he knéeled downe by Montelyon rubbing his chéekes and laying his hand vpon his brest felt some signe of life in him and séeking for an hearbe which presently he found he bruised the same letting the juyce fall into his Nostrels with the vertue whereof his vitall sences returned to their former operations and his eyes received their sight With that raising himselfe vp vpon his arme hée said I perceiue I haue troubled you and as it were halfe ashamed of himselfe he desired her not to be disquieted with his misfortune Philothetaes heart rejoyced to sée him revived now he
vnawares to them overpast and the necessity of the time enforced his departure so that taking his leaue of her with many ceremonious farewels he apparelled himselfe and left her to meditate on that which had past betwixt them CHAP. XXI How Montelyon discovered Palians deceit and how hee was in some sort revenged Hasting Persicles to depart in search of Constantia IT fortuned that Montelyon that Morning was earely vp and more earely then any vsed possessed with a troubled head and a Loue-sicke heart and walking vp and downe the Gardens at last in a heavie dumpe be sate downe in an Arbour right over against Praxentiaes Lodging even at such time as Palian departed who séeing one in secret come from thence he privily followed him till Palian came to his Lodging Montelyon then began verily to thinke that it was some Messenger eyther sent from her to Palian 〈◊〉 returned with answer of some Message hée had delivered or that it might be Palian himselfe whom he resembled in proportion though not in habit The day now waring aged he found out Persicles with whom he kept company all the day thinking indéed it was Palian himselfe that he had séene for that he kept his Chamber most part of the day when it grew fowards night he againe disguised himselfe and gyrding his Sword to his side he entred the Garden and as he walked by the doore with purpose to take vp his standing in the Arbour Lanula was come downe by that way to bring a Fryer in which should secretly knit vp the marriage according to the agréement betwixt her and Praxentia and espying one goe by shée thinking it had béene he that appointed to come called saying who is there Montelyon He hearing that said it is I You come too soone quoth she the Fryer that should marry you to Praxentia is not yet come whom I am now going to séeke Montelyon was halfe amazed but thinking to find out the truth said What shall I then doe Returne to your Chamber quoth she and changâ— your Apparell for if you come in this she will be offended for she is very fearefull and many troubled thoughts haue possest her head this day she did fall out with me wonderfully for bringing you in the last night when she was in bed and when she had me draw the Curtaines and be gone I thought you would haue pleased her ere yée parted but in faith tell me was she not kind Had you not that you would haue Montelyon blusht to heare her immodest questions making no answere soothing her vntill her flattering tongue had bewrayed all the mischiefe herselfe was guilty of Well quoth she stay hereby till I am returned and then you shall goe in with me for I dare not let you in before Montelyon wondring at this â—ccident by the circumstance of that he had heard assuring himselfe that some man in his name had attained Praxentiaes loue which fretted his heart with such vexation that he was ready to runne mad with griefe but calling himselfe to better remembrance he said you may saue that labour I haue dealt with a faithfull friend to that effect who promised to méete me here within this houre therefore returne to Praxentia my selfe will stay his comming Lanula thought nothing but went in telling Praxentia why she returned so soone Montelyon covering his Face as privily as he could from being discryed walking vp and downe by the doore and within short space espyed Palyon comming asking who was there Are you Montelyon I am he answered Palian I am the Fryer quoth he that am appointed to marry you to Praxentia with that Palyon embraced him desiring him to make no question but with all spéed to dispatch the thing he had vndertaken I will doe it quoth he out of hand being both together come to the Doore and by Lanula brought vp into the Chamber Praxentia embraced Palyon saying Welcome my deare Knight Montelyon this joyfull houre shall make vs both happy which I haue with great desire wished for I cannot quoth he yéeld you more then hearty thankeâ— vowing by Heaven and earth never to deale disloyally with you in thought word nor déed therefore according to your pleasure let it be done Montelyon so well as he could counterfeited the Fryer desiring to haue a light My friend quoth Palyan it may discover vs. Shall I then quoth he marry I know not whom Lanula said never feare to be discovered for on my life there is none suspecteth it with that she lighted a candle setting it a farre off on the Table With that he said to Praxentia this is not Montelyon but some villaine that hath betrayed you and discovering his face both knew him Praxentiaes heart with suddaine griefe feare and amazâ—ment was ready to burst he with a pale and dismayed countenance stood as one transformed and Lanula with feare and aboundance of teares stood wringing her hands Praxentia could not speake a word with griefe to be so deceived by him she most hated and he with very shame stood as one sencelesse whilest Montelyon said What disloyall and dishonourable dealing is this in a Prince whose mind should harbour nothing but vertue can dissimulation take such déepe roote in a royall brest then well may base-borne Peasants be excused for barbarous and faithlesse dealing vnworthy to bâ—e so worthy of that name Was there none to exercise your detested practise vpon but the daughter of a royall King and in the name of a strange Knight that by his déeds séeketh honour what impiety can bée compared to this or who can hope for vertue in that breast that harboureth such deceit Indéed such an Acte desireth obscurity therefore you did well to deny vs light for were it day the Sunne would blush or withdraw her bright splendor amongst the mystie Cloudes to behold it Well may he liue but for ever will hée be hated that séeketh to fulfill his content by such dishonoured impiety Base fellow quoth Palyon presumest thou vpon my lenity to abuse mée I count it not dishonour to winne the loue of so beautifull a Lady by any hazard yet it grieveth mée that I was compelled to name my selfe after him that I account my inâ—erioâ—r I quoth Praxentia you are inferiour in birth but not in vertue By Heaven quoth Montelyon thou hast so much dishonoured this Lady and injured him that thou art not worthy to liue and were it not for offending her sacred eyes with slaughter she should behold thy Massacre With that he drew his Sword Nay good friend quoth she stay thy hand indéed it will offend me Therefore let him goe and liue to his dishonour and my shame for I will not be guilty of his death And I beséech thée as thou favourest vertue not to disclose this to any least hearing it spoken by others it procure my death as for him I thinke shame of himselfe will with-hold him from blazing his owne and my reproach for Lenula she hath done me wrong against her
was revived not so well knowing what to say as we did when he was in his Trance but her vertue and his desert constraining her she could doe no lesse then vtter these spéeches Sir Knight your courtesie so farre beyond my desert hindeth me to yéeld you thankes and thankes is an vnsufficient requitall for your paines although I know you not nor never saw you vntill this day yet our valour and courtesie in delivering me from Captivity hath bound me to become gratefull and deserveth more recompence then I am able to yéeld Lady said Montelyon the Heavens haue assisted you not my Valour which I haue attempted without expectation of Recompence If you thinke well of my paines it is all the reward I craue The old Hermit perceived some strange accident had brought them thither desired them for that Montelyon was sore bruised and she much affrighted and disquieted to accept of his Cell to rest them in vntill they could take better order for their safety Montelyon thanked him saying he was pleased so it liked the Lady With that they began to goe but Montelyon by reason of his sore bruise with much adoe could stand The Hermit taking him by the arme supported him whilest he with griefe that his misfortunes had brought him to such a low estate said It ill beséemeth Youth to be supported by Age but no man can prevent Destiny Philotheta offered to lend him her arme but he desired her not to trouble her selfe Sir said the Hermit refuse not her courtesie for in time of néed it is not good to be curious With that she lent him her arme but he tooke her hand and that he thought too much boldnesse as the other trouble striving against the weaknes he had received by his bruise to go vpright she like wise wondred that Nature had wrought such a familiar regard in her towards him she knew not often accusing herselfe of Lightnesse and blushing when he grasped her tender hand that with feâ—re and Fancies striving moystned his Palme thinking with her selfe How is my estate altered that to day was frée from care and so suddainly brought to Bondage and from Bondage to this disquiet and all in a moment I am now like one that is content with misery and yet discontented with that Content I could wish my selfe from hence and yet were I gone I should wish my selfe even here againe because I desire this Knights Welfare and yet me thinkes I should not be too Familiar and yet I know he hath deserved much more courtesie then I can proffer My mind is affected with a regard of his welfare and yet am perswaded I should not doe so and if I should not doe it he might accuse me of discourtesie and if I be too kind he may déeme me too affable I would fainâ— know my disquiet and yet me thinkes I am not disquieted féeling my mind troubled and know not why desiring to shake it off but not knowing how it is regard of him not of my selfe that troubleth me and yet I neither know how to thinke well of him without my owne disquiet nor how to be quiet without him many such like cogitations possest her fancy that and other things for her part shortning the way to the Cell where they arrived The Hermit giving Montelyon a Potion of certaine commixed Drugges which comforted him greatly and Philotheta a Cup of Gréekish-Wine which revived and quickned her affrighted heart There was no light in the Roome therefore as yet neither of them had séene each other Montelyon wish't the day would appeare that he might behold her Beauty and shée that she might behold whether his person were agréeable to his prowesse and the Hermit desiring to sée what guesse he had entertained Séeing them both silent the one abstained for Griefe the other for Modesty After he had seated them on soft Rushes and Flagges he said As it séemeth to me you are either of you Strangers to each other which maketh me desirous to know what accident hath befallen you Father replyed Montelyon indéed we are so for as yet I never behâ—ld this Ladies countenance yet I know her name is Philotheta Daughter to the Duke of Ila Which knowledge I got by this meanes As then I and another Knight were travelling in search of a Lady that hath long time béen missing we chanced to espy two Damzels clad in white passing by vs with great spéed with whom I entred communication and they told me that this Lady Philotheta was taken away from them by thrée Gyants I returned to my Friend with this newes and both of vs posted after them vntill at a Crosse-way we parted thinking if they went either way we should overtake them but it was my good fortune to light on them and by their deaths to frée this Lady thinking my labour well bestowed to redéeme her from their treachery Philotheta refrained her spéech onely thanking him fearing lest he should séeme more courteous then modesty would permit or more coy then vertue required Sir said the Hermit I know those Gyants and the manner of their life to be most inhumane and wicked whose Habitation is not farre off in the Desart of Arabia by whose Death this Countrey is fréed from much outrage which they haue and would daily haue committed Sir quoth Montelyon I pray what Countrey is this It is said he Arabia Doth not Helyon said he raigne as King Sir quoth he he did raigne as King but whether he be now living or no it is doubtfull for some suppose he is dead others say he is Enchanted in a Tower he built himselfe scituate not farre hence from which he cannot be released vntill the Enchantment be ended which many Knights of strange Countryes haue adventured but none could finish the cause of building thereof as yet no man can tell Philotheta having before heard thereof weary with that dayes travell whilest they were in communication fell asléepe which Montelyon perceiving remitted their communication till the Morning being vnwilling to awake her with their noyse The first that awaked was the Hermit that went out to gather certaine hearbes leaving them both sléeping who both at once awaked at the first blushing at each others sight hée wondring at her excéeding beauty and she at his exquisite person he comparing the Damzels report to her beauty and her other gifts thereto which he supposed beyond conceit And she comparing his valor with his youth and his courtesie with both thought her eye never beheld her equall standing as it were both Enchanted with the other neither being able long to withhold their eyes from each others sight both noting each others behaviour till Montelyon arose and she did the like hée first breaking silence vttering these spéeches Faire Lady now that the Sun hath vanished the misty Cloudes of night you néed not feare any mishap for your enemies being dead I think there is none living of so inhumane a disposition that would disquiet you For my selfe my
which he had entred ascended a high Mountaine whose lofty top discovered to his sight the faire Turrets of the Enchanted Tower which glistered as if they had béene framed of Massie Gold which draue him into an admiration but viewing well the Scituation thereof he discerned the Valleyes round about overspred with Tents as if the same had béene encompassed with a Host of Enemies Thither hée intended to travell forsaking the gallant prospect to be acquainted with the cause of that Assembly making the more hast for that it grew towards night but ere he could attaine thither it grew to hée darke therefore for that Night he tooke vp his Lodging vnder the covert of a tuske of trées pleasantly seated in the middest of a gréene Meddow CHAP. XXVI Of the Conference betweene Constantia and Philotheta in Penthrasus Castle THe History hath long discontinued to speak of the Lady Constantia that remained Enchanted and of Helyon that like wise lay their inthralled in great misery rightly rewarded for his treacherous dealing Her eyes shedding continuall teares for the absence of Persicles on whom she continually meditated resolving that nothing but death should abolish his remembrance that had not Ila comforted her with promises of her release the extremity of her Sorrow had soone ended her life withall thinking that Persicles and her young Sonne might both bée in safety and yet she by no meanes could heare thereof which also added some comfort to her heauy heart Oftentimes she would intreat her to behold the valiant adventures of Noble Knights that hazarded their owne Persons in the adventure for to attaine her Loue and in private tryallâ— amongst themselues with whom they were déepely in loue onely with the sight of her Picture but she still refused it accounting it no pleasure to her to sée their misfortune that spent their labour in vain for in the continuance of so many yeares as she had béene there inclosed the fame of her beauty was spred into most parts of those Countries and many thousand Knights had béene their to try their Fortunes but all failed the recitall whereof would be ever tedious but many of them lay their imprisoned by the Enchantresse who now being in despaire of her owne safety sought to bring all to miserie as well as her selfe At such time as Philotheta was carried from Montelyon in the Hermits Cell Constantia remained in such extremity of sorrow that had not Ila wrought that device to bring Philotheta thither to accompany her it had béene impossible her Sences could haue overgrowne the extremity of the passion tormented her but sitting alone in a darke corner best fitting her sad disposition she vttered such lamentations as would haue turned the flintiest heart of a most cruell Tyrant to remorse but suddainly espying Ila entred and with her so beautifull a Damzell with chéekes bedewed with Christall teares that in aboundunce trickled downe her face with that object she left her owne laments to pitty hers and séeing them draw nigh to her she arose after a sad fort saluting their sad aproach Ila without speaking a word left them together Though they were both women yet both admiring each others beauty either thinking the other to exâ—ell all and yet had they beheld their owne perfections they might inwardly haue conceived as well of themselues as they did of the outward obiect Constantia being more familiar with sorrow then Philotheta was first brake silence saying Lady I perceiue your teares that constraint not your consent hath brought you to this place beautifull to the eye but fill'd with discontents which long experience hath taught me therefore if you want a companion in care accept of my company but if you séeke for comfort abandon me for my chiefest solace is sorrow and my very thoughts and meditations of nothing but discontent I haue not said Philotheta béene long subject to this misfortune but being now plunged therein I know not how to release my selfe or how to shun the same neither knowing who is the cause thereof where I am or when I shall be released that my Sorrowes are such as may well entertaine a sorrowfull companion accepting your proffered kindnesse with hearty thankes Lady said Constantia as you vouchsafe me your company so let me know what misfortune hath brought you hither which will shorten some of the tedious time that we are like to overpasse in this place Which done you shall know to whom you haue imparted your mind the recitall whereof will be tedious Philotheta sitting downe by her vttered these spéeches My name is Philotheta Daughter in law to Amphiador Vpon a day as I was walking in my Fathers Garden vpon what pretence I know not thrée Gyants surprised me and by force carried me thence none to my knowledge séeing their cruelty when they had travailed with me vntill it waxed late a Knight armed all in white gallantly mounted came to my rescue and entred Combate with the Gyants his valiant heart not refusing to copâ— with all thrée of them But one of them thinking himselfe too strong for him stayed to combate with him the other two with hast carrying me away but in short space one of them ranne back to rescue his fellow whom the Knight had slaine himselfe likewise returning with losse of one of his armes haling me forwards with violent force vntill they came into the midst of a Wood where they meant to stay that night This Knight directed by good fortune alighted on the place where they lay and by his Valour and pollicie slue them both yet so sore hurt himselfe that he lay breathlesse vpon the earth which afflicted my heart with Sorrow fearing his death that I could not comfort him in ought by my teares and laments accounting it more misfortune for mée to be the cause of so worthy a Knights Death then I my selfe had béene still Prisoner to those Monsters the Heavens favouring my sorrowes and his mishaps directed an old Hermit to the place who with the juyce of certaine hearbs recovered him and with my weake assistance brought him to his Cell within short space curing him In which time I noted every part of his perfections and found them such as I want skill to decipher comparing thereto his behaviour which bred a perswasion in me that as he was valiant so he was vertuous and as he excelled all that ever I beheld in person so he did in courtesie Much conference past betwixt vs which I omit The Subject whereof was Loue which he averred to be as constant in him though new begun as it was in any by long continuance Amongst the rest of his spéeches he told me that he knew not his Parents his name was Montelyon the cause of his travell was in search of a Lady named Constantia betrothed Wife to Persicles King of Assyria who parted from him that day he rescued me in Arabia Constantia hearing of such good newes of the safety of Persicles could not withhold her selfe from bewraying what
had lost but his Fortune proved so bad that he lost both his Styrrops and had he not hung on the Saddle Bow hée had laine on the Ground The Day by this time drew to an end which caused them to remit their further tryall till the next Morning Constantia and Philotheta beholding the Valour of this one Knight according to her desire déemed it was Persicles the other Montelyon desiring Ila to send a Messenger to know his Name Who returning told them he was called the Knight of the Oracle Then it is not Persicles said Constantia No nor Montelyon said Philotheta Their Hearts now fainting with care that before were revived with hope The Knight of the Oracle that Night Lodged with a Knight of Persia named Thymus in his Tent who in courteous sort intreated him thereto Earely the next Morning he againe entred the Field ready for him that should next Encounter him who came gallantly mounted having likewise travailed many Miles to try his Fortune in the Adventure but before he came to try himselfe therein he received so great a Discharge by Encountring the Knight of the Oracle that in a desperate moode and ashamed of his Foyle he departed The Knight of the Oracle being endued with an extraordinary Wit as receiving the Essence thereof from two such goodly Princes as he was sprung of began in his thoughts to condemne the fondnesse of those Knights that comming to make tryall of the Adventure spent their time in private Quarrels still omitting that which principally they had sought his Mind being so troubled with the losse of Philotheta and Persicles desired not to linger there but to hasten in their search Therefore parting towards the Knights who were assembled on a heape studying which way to worke his disgrace he said to them Worthy Knights my comming to this place was not to try my Fortune against you but in the Aduenture and your private Enuy hath hitherto hindred mée not regarding into what private Quarrels you enter and causelesly troubling me that haue not offended you Therefore because businesse of more importance then to answer your Spléene vrgeth my departure I wish you not fearing my ability to answer you to remit this private Contention vntill another time and if any of you either enviously condemne me or repine at my good Fortune I will be ready to answer you severall Quarrels in Persia at the time that is appointed for the méeting of the Kings of Assyria and Armenia for the cause of your approach being to release this Ladies imprisonment weaken not your force in private Contention for in the Tryall thereof you shall find occasion enough to exercise your Armes Hearing his words they consented thereunto yet contending who should first try the Adventure In the end they agréed to cast Lots in which the last fell to the Knight of the Oracle every one having a Dayes respite for the finishing thereof Thus did they make tryall of themselues Some with such labour attaining the Bridge but then forced by vertue of the Enchantment to yéeld and so were imprisoned in most Lamentable wise by the Enuy of Ila who desired the Enchantment might never end but that she might liue there for ever Others with feare ran away Many dayes it was before it came to the Knight of the Oracles turne In the end all being either fledor imprisoned he alone was left to try his Fortune neither having Friend to succour him Foe to Enuy him nor any to behold him for the Enchantresse had made such Desolation among the Tents by casting fires amongst them that all the Servants to those Knights fled as amazed reporting from place to place their Masters misery and the cause of their owne terror Notwithstanding nothing could affright or discourage the valiant heart of the Knight of the Oracle but he rested as resolute to goe forwards as if there had beene no danger incident to the attempt Constantia séeing how many Knights were at that instant imprisoned all their Tents destroyed and no man she thought left began to discomfort her selfe vtterly despairing of releasement desiring Ila to let her view the Knights that were Imprisoned fearing that Persicles was amongst them but her requests were in vaine for Ila fretted with extreame feare of the end of her Enchantment in a mad rage flung from them studying which way to lengthen the date thereof which tormented poore Constantiaes heart that had béen so long in misery and terrified kind Philothetaes mind with extreame feare of further calamity Both she and Constantia all that Night bewailing their misery CHAP. XXVIII How the Knight of the Oracle finished the Enchantment And how Ila departed with Philotheta IN the Morning early the Knight of the Oracle survaying the Scituation of the Bridge which way he might either advantage himselfe or disadvantage his Foe winded his Horne wherewith there was such an excéeding Earth-Quake within the Tower that the Foundation thereof shooke as if it would haue overturned her stately Turrets At which first Sound of the Horne one of the Gyants came foorth without speaking striking at him but he defended himselfe a great while on Horsebacke vntill the Gyant pressed so hard vpon him that he was driven to withdraw him to light Which when he had done he againe assayled him giving him many a déepe wound and receiving many a sore bruise that had not his good Armour preserved him it had brought him in great danger but in the end he prevailed so much by the death of the first Gyant that he attained the first and second Fortification of the Bridge And at the third he was so violently set vpon by the other Gyant that he was onely compelled to ward his blowes in the end likewise espying such advantage that he ran his Sword quite through his body By which meanes he entred the first large Court where he beheld the Armours of such Knights as had fayled in their sundry attempts hanging about the Walls hearing their hollow voyces which by imprisonment had endured much affliction Ila now knowing that the date of her glory in that place should end in furious sort came running to the place where Constantia and Philotheta were taking Philotheta with violence from out of the Arbour and by force of her Enchantment compelling her to follow her vntill she came to the Court where the Knight of the Oracle was he suddainly behelding Philotheta at the first sight knew her and séeing them so passe by him towards the Entrance he stept after them to speake to her when presently ther rusht vpon him a number of Armed men that laid vpon him with such swiftnesse that they had no power to stirre from the place where he stood They suddainly vanished and he stood so amazed with the sight and perplexed with such doubt that he could not tell what to doe Sometimes thinking to follow in Philotheta then perswading himselfe it was but an illusion and thinking to cast off that doubt and goe forwards his
thou wouldst not request it but to satisfie her of that which peradventure she will not credit by thy report and at thy request I will come to her this evening Till then farewell quoth he Philotheta being parted from him by the way vttered these spéeches O that fortune would favour me so much and blesse me with that felicity to be the party this worthy Knight so constantly loveth By this she was come to the Pavilion where even then there entred foure Knights in black Armour gallantly mounted by their outward habit portended some fatall stratagem which were Palian and the thrée Sons of the King of Macedon who had vowed either secretly or openly to plot the death of Montelyon taking vp their Lodging there to complot their treason The day being past which the Knight of the Oracle overpast in many solitary meditations to the great griefe of Persicles and Constantia who wondred thereat he went to his Chamber apparelling himselfe in the habit of one of the Kings Servants onely gyrding his Sword to his side went vnto the Pavilion concealing himselfe as closely as he could but the Heavens ordaining him to endure some misery and as the eyes of enuy and suspition discovering him to Palian who espyed his comming thither and being entred the Pavilion he was met by Philotheta who with such carefulnesse expected his comming conducting him into the place where Praxentia was which went so sore against her heart to doe that with very griefe she was ready to dye whither treacherous Palians eyes watcht him Praxentia espying him could not abstaine from blushing excéedingly her owne heart accusing her of immodesty to reveale that which we would haue concealed Hée saluted her vttering these words Most noble Princesse to fulfâ—ll your desire and shew my gratitude vnto you for your Friendship bestowed on him that is not worthy thereof I am come to you desiring you not to misconceiue of me nor condemne me of inhumanity that am not mine owne and therefore I cannot giue my selfe vnto you I haue vttered vnto the Palmer that which I will now conceale as loath to offend you yet constrained thereto desiring you to command my life if you please for that shall be at your disposition otherwise I cannot imploy my selfe to your liking I haue long since knowne of your good will to me which Palian by his subtilty increased of whose Loue and procéedings I know so much that I thinke I shall wrong him to fulfill your request my selfe was the man that should haue joyned your hands when he tooke my habit and name vpon him which I presume here to vtter that thereby you may remember my innocencie in that complot and how constantly I haue vowed my selfe to another Praxentia what with anger shame and griefe stood like one mute vexed that he knew of Palians act shame to make loue contrary to the propertie of her kind and grieved to be disappointed all which together not suffering her to speake vntill at last these passions and her burning Loue so overcame her that knéeling downe she said Good Knight blame me not nor doe not condemne me of immodesty but grant pitty to my torment He taking her vp desired her not to knéele to him that was not worthie thereof nor able to deserue it then taking him by the hand she desired him to sit downe by her upon the bed beckning Philotheta to depart the roome To repeat what manner of behaviour Praxentia vsed and the words he spake would haue made any modest eare to blush to heare of but séeing that nothing could prevaile rage and lust so over ruled her that in bitter exclaimes she cryed out Inhumane disloyall and dishonourable Knight doest thou require my Loue with this disdain Or thinkest thou I will liue to beare the blot of thy refusall At the conclusion of which words Thetus entred the roome and with his Sword drawne ran at him who by good Fortune beholding him started aside otherwise he had béene slaine yet he was sore wounded wherewith he drew his sword striking at Thetus and at every blow wounding him Philotheta hearing the noyse came in and séeing the Knight of the Oracle wounded with feare grief and amazement cryed out helpe helpe the Kings Son â—ill be murdered The Eccho oâ— her shrill voice sounded throughout the whole Pavilion and both the Servants and other Knights came running thither but before they came he had gotten Thetus and overthrowne him thrust his Sword into his Bodie By this time Palian and his two Brethren came in who séeing Thetus slaine cryed out Stay the Traytor he hath murthered Thetus Son to the King of Macedonia Praxentia hearing that tore her haire rent her Garments and disfigured her face in such fort as was Lamentable to behold Some began to lay hands on the Knight of the Oracle but his Fathers Servants knowing him stood in his defence Then began there a hote Combat on both parts and many were slaine Praxentia being now discovered was knowne to Palian and her two Brethren to whom she cryed Revenge my shame and my Brothers death on this wicked Knight who séeketh by violence to dishonour me hath slaine my Brother What griefe was this to Philotheta you may judge and how much it vexed him to be thus betrayed cannot be vttered standing in his owne defence against such as would haue apprehended him that knew him not vntill he was grievously wounded and many of them slaine in which time newes thereof was come to the hearing of Persicles the Emperour of Persia and the King of Macedonia who with all hast came thitherwards The Souldiers like wise hearing of the Knight of the Oracles distresse brake the conditions of the concluded Peace and by Multitudes ran forth of the Citie to preserue them Persicles first entred the Tent next him the Kings of Persia and Macedonia giving commandement vpon paine of Death that no man should strike a blow Yet notwithstanding rashnesse and heady force so overcame them that it was long before they were appeased And the Emperour séeing Praxentia there in such sort disfigured demanded if any could tell the cause of that mischiefe First Praxentia spake being most guilty yet first thinking to excuse her selfe Noble Emperour my brother you sée is slaine in rescuing me from that Knights violence The Knight of the Oracle knéeling downe before the Emperour said My noble Grand father I slew him in mine owne defence neither did I know what he waâ— being my selfe trained hither to my death More he would haue said but the Souldiers having entred the Pavilion râ—sted not vntill they had gotten vnto him and he to satisfie them and avoid further mischiefe departed with them to the City Then did the Emperour and Persicles comfort the King of Macedonia but he vexed with his Sonnes death and his Daughters disgrace and vrged by his others Sonnes importunacy said Emperour of Persia I am now much wronged and too much abused by thée and thy Progenie by whose
falsehood I sée my Children lye dead before my face How should I then be contented By Heaven I sweare I will revenge this villany King of Macedonia said Persicles I defie thée for accusing me or mine of any dishonour and thou shalt sée and find this Accusation is false why else are thy Sonnes here disguised with my enemy Palian by whose complot this mischiefe was pretended against my Sonne though the punishment lighted vpon themselues CHAP. XXXVI Of the griefe Philotheta endured for this misfortune How she was taken and carried to the Armenian Hoste Of Raleaes misfortune And the Message she delivered to the Knight of the Oracle PHilotheta séeing how vnfortunately all things fell out withdrew her selfe out of sight and in bitter exclaimes lamented her hard fortune but most of all that she was the cause of Montelyons comming thither which had so néere endangered his life Therefore she shrowded her selfe vntill it was night which being come she travelled further into the Country and there by selling a Iewell and good fortune not being discryed she altered her old habit into her right forme staying certaine dayes in a Village some sixe miles distant from the City of Pisos in the house of an ancient Lady named Ralea to whom she related her misfortunes procured by Amphiador concealing her Loue to Montelyon which she durst not commit to her serresie This Ralea being a woman of great wisedome vsed Philotheta wondrous kindly promising in words and her déeds shewing it that if shée would stay with her shée would as dearely tender her as her owne Daughter whom she caused continually to accompany Philotheta She rejoyced at this good Fortune and being alone she vttered these spéeches Praxentia thée onely may I accuse for this misery for whom I vndertooke a taske which my heart even then abhorred and now repent not so much inteâ—nding to procure thée that thou desiredst as to satisfie my owne disquiet Sences by the same means having drawne the most loyall Knight into danger of his life whose blood thou didst séeke to spill else wouldst thou not so dishonourable and fasly haue accused him The consideration of which stratageme drew such a flood of teares from her eyes that she could not stop their passage Which Ralea espying demanded the cause thereof but séeing Philotheta make no reply she said Philotheta I pitty your estate and would gladly know the cause that I might vse my indeavour to comfort you Philotheta trusting to vertue disclosed to her the loue he bare to Montelyon and all that passed betwixt her and Praxentia as is before rehearsed Ralea thereby noting her beauty commended the same promising her that if with patience she would quiet her selfe some few dayes she would vse all meanes possible to comfort her Montelyon having recovered his wounds gathered together a mighty host and brought them vnto the City of Pisos whither were assembled the choice Souldiers Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen of Persia to fight in their Emperours behalfe who entrencht themselues without the City The King of Macedonia and Armenia likewise had gathered togetheâ— so mighty an Army as might haue béene thought able to make a Conquest of the World who pitched their Tents about the City in Armenia where â—he King of Macedonia and Armenia lay Montelyons heart was fixed with desire to driue backe those foes not staying to giue them leaue to make the first challenge but humbling himselfe vpon his knée before the Emperour and his Father vttered these spéeches Most mighty Emperour and my Noble Father I haue already I hope satisfied you of my innocency being trained by some subtilty to my intended death by Praxentia and her brethren but for that mine honour hath béene blemished by that infamous accusation and the common people rest vnsatisfied and my Foes vnrevenged I humbly craue you licence that I may send destance to my false accusers and by challenge acquite my selfe which am constrained thus hastily to desire for that my heart will abide extreame torture vntill it be finished The Emperour rejoycing at his forwardnesse and séeing Persicles willing to haue it so gaue his consent Which done Montelyon left them and arming himselfe in an Armour of white which he had caused to be made of purpose that no man should know him rode into the field betwixt both Campes and by a Herald sent deffence into the Campe of the Armenians King of Armenia theâ—e is a Knight whom you may behold in the field that hath sent dâ—stance to all the Knights in this Army especially to Palian whom he accuseth to bée a most disloyall and dishonourable Knight not worthy to be named a Knight that he most falsly sought to betray Montelyons Life and withall he offereth by combate to proue against all Knights that Montelyon is a Knight both Honourable and vertuous and that Praxentiaes accusation is most false and vntrue This message was no sooner delivered but thousands of Knights made sute to combat him first but Palian to whom it principally belonged to defend his owne honour desired his Fathers consent and obtained it presently Arming himselfe and gallantly mounted rode into the field to him Montelyon desirous of revenge and his heart inwardly tormented with griefe met Palian with a furious encounter he answering him with the like breaking their Lances with great comelinesse then drawing their Swords began the combat which was soone ended for within few blowes Montelyons Sword burst that hee was enforced to close with Palian with such force wrinking his Sword from him and with the puâ—mell thereof striking him so violently on the head that he bruised his head and overthrew him every one thinking he had béene dead Which was no sooner done but Mensus eldest Son to the King of Macedonia being ready armed greeted Montelyon with these words Knight thou hast vndertaken a tedious taske to combate all the Knights in this Campe yet I hope thou shalt never doe that for my selfe will abate thy courage If they were as many more quoth Montelyon I â—eare not all if thou commest to combat me hold thy tongue and be stirre thy hands for I will haue about witâ— thée With that they gaue each other many cruâ—ll blowes and received some wounds till Montelyon againe overe arging his Sword with his vnmeasurable strength brake the same which so vexed him that he rusht vpon Meâ—sus to haue closed but he knowing his intent avoided him and before he could turne about gaue him some bloâ—es which pierced so his Armour and flesh the bloud ranne downe Montelyon hauing the hilt of his broken Sword still in his hand flung the same with such violence that lighting short on Mensus Horse head strookâ— him downe dead his master having much adoe to get from him without harme whilest Mensus was mounting himselfe on a fresh Stéed Montelyons Squire had brought him the Sword that was given him by the Hesperian Nymphes which when he grasped he said Had I armed my selfe with thée my Foes had felt