reason for his valour good gouernment for that was it which most aduanced him aboue all others All this was nothing neither the assurance which shée saw of her paine to cause Felina to giue ouer her determination but rather increase it attempting one of the boldest most presumptuous enterprises of the world from whence could ensue no other thing but that which followed for vnable to endure to sée her self so little respected she adueÌ„tured to say vnto the prince Daristeo that the princesse would expect him that night in the garden to confer with him of matter of importaÌ„ce There could nothing happeÌ„ more pleasing to the infortunate prince then such a message for as it was a thing vnlooked for now holding him selfe assured thereof he held himself the most happy maÌ„ in the world he held the day for as loÌ„g as a mans life he thought the night fled froÌ„ him euery minute he held for a yere such was his desire to meet the lady princesse The subtil Felina séeing her plot to take effect took a sute of Celibellas which did best set out her beauty clad her self therwith as yâ— heauens would not frustrate what she had exployted so could not the gallant sée whether it were the Princesse or shée But hee comming into the garden lesse armed theÌ„ was néedfull went to the window so passionate that he knew her not The cruell damsell couÌ„terfeyted her speach and sayd I haue hitherto Oh prince of Podolia dissembled how much I haue loued you for some respects which haue forced me thereto but seeing your great deserts I could not forbeare holding it vniust but to impart my faith vnto you and to say that you are more beloued then all the men in the world As he should haue made an answere in an alley among â—ose trées priuily armed came Rosaner for as hee was wise so would hee not come into so suspicious a place carelesly and in danger of his person he had beforetime there spokeÌ„ with the Princesse and séeing a Knight there and that shée stood talking with him well may a man iudge what he felt who held him selfe beloued and with so great affection hee was come somewhat néere when the vnlucky Daristeo said My deare Lady I could neuer imagine that the loue which I haue euer borne you could haue bene so highly rewarded neither can it yet sinke into my head that I could euer deserue so great a good as thus to sée you to bestow such and so particular fauours which wholy is to be attributed to your generositie more then to my loue or desert although the I might hope much for I beléeue that no man euer loued with greater affection then I. The cause hereof is the little confideÌ„ce which I repose in my owne deserts and worthinesse to attayne to so great a good as to bee beloued by your beauty neyther can I leaue to coÌ„sider the high estate you hold without vnderstanding who he was or imagining any thing of his brother for now Fortune would néeds shewe her mutability against these two Louers with the greatest suddennesse of the world the beloued Rosaner ranne vpon his deare brother not knowing who hee was Neuer Eagle turned with greater liuelynesse then did Daristeo against his brother and as they were very valiant so began there betwéene them a most cruell battaile but the elder had the worser not through want of force but of armes fortune Although the other had receiued some hurts yet they were but small The furious louer would néeds close with Daristeo but therein he sought his owne death for the desperate yong man being deadly woundeâ— before hee gaue vp the ghost reuenged himselfe by bereauing life from his mâ—â—t deare brother Rosaner for stumbling forwardes by reason of his wounds he thrust out his sword arme and by chance hit him right in the face The elder brother had not yet so much lost his memorie but that he followed the blow vntil the point of the sword pierced through his brothers braines These faithfull louers came to fall iust together losing with one onely blow their liues ielousies and loue and the greatest good of the world which was the fayre Lady The vnhappy Felina stood beholding this battaile vntill that she sawe them fall then sorrowing their death with her outcryes shée disqueted all the Palace and falling downe in the euill which shee had done without dissembling it neither had she strength to auoid the punishment she her selfe being her owne executioner for euen in the same attyre as shee stood she cast her selfe headlong out at the window falling vpon her head betwéene theâ— and in their death kept them company The greatest part of the people in the Palace ran into the garden and the king with the furious Furâ—ander who when he saw the cruell happe of his two brothers was likely to haue lost his wits which was the cause of altering his condition imagining with himselfe that they were dead through Celibellas occasion Some others did suspect it to sée the brotherly death betweene two louers It caused extréeme sorrow in all the court for the king shewed himselfe very sorrowfull as was reason to sée so pitifull a chance What the Princesse did in her chaÌ„ber I would rather that some other body would report it then I which saw it A thousand times would she haue ended with one death yâ— many deaths which she should endure through â—he absence of her Rosaner which shée beganne presently to shew for the company of her damsels was displeasing vnto her wherein she was woont chiefly to delight the fight of knights and gallants was loathsome and their discourses yrksome so as her whole delight was to be solitarie receiuing some pleasure in me discoursing of the cruelty which fortune had shewed her There was nothing but did put her in minde of her knight and to remember him it was death to her and hauing no more comfort but what shee reaped from her teares which were so many which shee shed for that lamentable mischance that it bereaued her of a great part of her beauty All the Court was in an vproare the king in making search for the murderers could take no rest so as in the citie there was nothing but suspition and mourning The most valiant Furiander disturbed all forgetting what he had promised when he took the order of knighthood that hee should neuer take part against any Lady for as ech of his brothers had discouered vnto him part of his loue and séeing how much they were tormented and how carelesse she was thereof which was not for want of affection but rather of discretion he fully perswaded himselfe that to be rid of their importunities she had procured their deaths he conceiued it with such apprehension that nothing could disswade him neither to see the sorrowfull signes which the princesse gaue for the death of the two brothers for this furious yong man had determined what he would do
you shal heare in the next Chapter CHAP. III. Of that which hapned to the Prince of Tinacria with a Knight much affected to Celibella and how he ended the battell for her IT should bee past midnight most Noble Lord when a Knight with his lamentations did awakeÌ„ the valiant Poliphebus who a little from him had laid him down to sléep The sonne of the cruel Garriofilea saâ—e vpon the gréene grasse and being frée from loue he harkned and gessing which way the complaint came fully armed not knowing what might follow for he would not goe vnprouided he saw by the Moone light which shined very cléere at the foote of a great Oake a great Knight stretched all along vpon the ground richly armed in blew armour wrought all ouer with many knots of gold bee séemed to the Tinacrian to be some Knight of good account In his shield which he had fastened to his necke was painted loue with a merry countenance and fortune in the skirt with the most piercing aspect that euer was séene with these letters vnderwritten Fortune being so contrary With angrie valour taking part Though constant loue be on my side Yet nothing can assure my heart The Knight séemed to be in a trance séeing he moued not as indéed he was for the griefe to lose the faire Celibella had put him out of his wits But when he came againe to himselfe with a sigh being out of breath he began to say O Fortune with how many trials doest thou shew thy mutabilitie tyring my heart with so many troubles If I did imagine blind Goddesse that I had euer béene rebellious against thée that I had not respected thée that I had not put my trust in thée that I had doubted of thy power and of what thou art I should haue taken this rigorous touch for a reward for my patience But séeing that without any occasion thou wilt shew thy selfe my greatest enemy I hauing giuen thée no iust cause thereof I cannot forbeare to complaine and onely of thy mutabilitie séeing that with what or for what thou hast brought me to the point that nothing but death onely can yéeld mee ease O â—â—wardly heart séeing that for being so thou suffrest her to die which might giue thée life in distresse succour thée Pardon mee worthy Princesse for now I sée the iniurie which with my cowardise I haue done thée in not daring to oppose my life in thy behalfe and séeing that so many wayes I sée it lost and that now fayling with thée the remainder wil be worse then death it selfe the Gods defend that I sée thy vniust death but rather that I with iustice bereaue my soule thereof for in so long staying I wrong the loue I beare thée and herewith in a diuellish furie hee snatcht vp his sword and lifting vp his bresâ—plate hee would haue thrust it into his owne bodie saying Herewith soueraigne Ladie I make amende for not vndertaking the battell although that I had seene my death before mine eyes by how much more then beeing for thée it might haue béene accounted life The Tinacrian tooke hold of him and before that hee could effect his diuellish intent he seized vpon his sword which he pluckt out of his hands saying Oh desperate Knight and with committing so vilde an act wilt thou soader vp that which thou hast done against the Ladie whom thâ—usâ— much louest The Moore came to himselfe who was Prince of Prussia a countrey very néere adioyning to that of the most faire Celibella and beholding that Knight so tall and so wel armed being perswaded that he saw his remedy he said vnto him Do me not Sir Knight so great displeasure but suffer me to satisfie with my life that which I haue committed against the most faire Lady that the world containeth séeing that vndertaking the battell for her although with the losse of my life I might haue done her particular seruice but being against so furious a knight with very cowardise I lost that which I might haue gotteÌ„ although I had remained without life and séeing that now to hold it it will be to my further hurt giue me leaue to procéede according to my determination if you will not that I make a larger payment for the error which I haue committed which was the greatest that euâ—r Knight committed against her whom he so loued Leaue off your so much sorrow said the warlike Tinacrian for men are not bound to vndertake matters aboue their force for in such case you of your part are excused That cannot bee said the Pagan who owing his life and would not venture it for her in any daunger how doubtfull so euer the successe thereof were cannot be excused therefore you cannot denie me the wrong that I haue done my Ladie Notwithstanding all this I will not yéeld that any such crueltie bee committed in my presence neither is it weldone but ill you see the end of this aduenture to torment your selfe in such sort as may put you in such despaire as this which dooth so much disgrace the valour which appeareth in your person And because I came from farre about this businesse and to fight for this Ladie I pray you be satisfied and hold me companie to the Citie where I will trie my lot with Furiander Who can presume Sir Knight said the Moore to come into that Citie where hee hath committed so great a fault such as the like hath not beene séene I haue not the power neither can any thing make me thereto able It hath not beene so great said the Tinacrian but it may be amended if fortune fauour vs. The Prince told him so many things that in the end hee offred to hold him companie to the end that he might see the forces wherewith hee should fight for Celibella By this time it was day and so they tooke their horses and with the damsell and the Tinacrian his squire they tooke the way towards the Citie and by the way hee knew that this Knight was the Lord and King of Prussia where he fel in loue with the Princesse Celibella although he neuer knew the necessitie wherein shee was vntill hee came with his armes onely disguised to the Court to see her which for her beautie was extolled through his whole Dominion and comming thither he vnderstood of Furiander his challenge But the fame of his valour was such that hee durst not vndertake the battell for the Princesse notwithstanding that hee loued her much more then his owne soule and falling into consideration of what hee had done going forth of the Citie he meant to haue slayne himselfe The Tinacrian recomforted him the best that hee could and he did not a little preuaile being the most fearefull yong man in the world They ariued when the King was newly risen from the table and had that day inuited the famous Furiander purposing with some good reasons to haue disswaded him from that attempt being very sorrowfull for that he perseuered
would draw his comfort for the lesse of the two princes brothers from the death of a lady whom to be hold I know not who but would haue veÌ„tured his life for her It hapned most valiant prince that one day the king being despised for that he could not be certified concerning the death of these princes as he had newly dined the fierce Furâ—ander armed at al pieces in blacke of bright and shining stéele armour without any deuice sauing onely in the midst of his shielde hee bare reuenge most liuely painted Being thus furnished his comming into the Hall made al those which beheld him change countenances who with the fiercenesse wherewith nature had endowed him making a little reuerence and a litle lifting vp his visor said with a hoarse voyce for yet I haue not forgotten what feare I was in to heare him Mightie king of Samogacia not withstanding that I am of opinion that my comming in this maner will not a little offend you the great griefe which I endure to sée the most dearely beloued princes of the world slaine in the palace doth enforce me a thing euen the heauens should lament for so vniust a death that gods doe know how much it grieueth me to come in this maner considering howe much my deare brothers were boundeÌ„ vnto thée but the feare that I am in to returne again to Pâ—dolia to the king my father who sent me to séeke theÌ„ hath forced me séeing that nothing can be done against that which the heauens haue decréed and to the end that the common people shall not say that they dyed and that no man would reuenge their death and séeing the many certaine signes which in their life and since I haue perceiued I say that I will maintaine against any one two thrée or foure knights together with my horse and armes that they were slaine by order from your daughter the princesse Celibella which from this day to the end of 4. moneths I will maintaine because the princesse shall vnderstand that I desire not to preuaile by reason of the shortnes of the time but that she may haue time to send whither for whom she wil to defend her honour so as shee may not be accounted murtheresse of princes The diuilish knight held his peace and there was no man so valiant that durst so much as moue The king stood some what in a doubt pondering on the waight of the case and at length resolued and I beléeue hee was forced â—eeing how much Furiander was feared to admit the challenge and so he caused the princesse to be called which God knowes was sorowfull ynough for their deaths shée imagined straight what the matter was and so halfe amazed foorth she came The king propounded vnto her the Pagans occasion she could not answere for I thinke no body could vntill the qualme was past which had almost bereaued her of her life and then she answered with so great stomake as made mee wonder it was the equitie of the cause and the great wrong that was done her did thus animate her thereto saying that it was a lye that she would take such order as should be requisite to recouer the honor whereof she was thus robbed with so great trechery she being innocent of the death of those Princes but séeing the one failed she was to séeke who might giue account of her honour Her father the king commanded her presently to be committed to prison because he would shew himself a Iuâ—â—icer notwithstanding it was against his owne daughter whom he so dearely loued and of whose life depeÌ„ded his own for it was yâ— kings law held inuiolably although very rigorous that whatsoeuer person were accused of an offence coÌ„mitted within the palace that doeth not either of himself or some knight for him answere the challenge within the time lymitted in the challenge shall be condemned to be burnt the most cruell thing that euer was heard Then came your fame valorous prince flying through Samogacia with the highest pitch that euer knight enioyed The poore distressed Lady was of opinion as in deed it is true that she could not repaire with more reason and assurance vnto any then to you and so shee sent mee to seeke you I came from the citie with that care which a matier of such importance as this is doeth require and vnderstanding of the great feasts which were in Grecia I was of opinion to finde you there among your brothers for by the way I vnderstood that you are sonne to the great Emperour Trebatius with whose fame the whole world is replenished seing it was my hap to méet you in so good coÌ„pany I am the gladdest womaÌ„ in the world assuring my self that bringing you I bring life to the princesse although that we haue bin hindred in our sayling with tempests yet the wind being fauourable wee shall I doubt not come in time to Samogatia for there yet remaine twentie daies before the challenge bée expired and this is Sir Knight the cause that hath mooued me to take the paines to seeke you and I beléeue it shal not bee in vaine for seeing the wrong that is done to the Princes you will not suffer it to proceede for the fame of your valour importeth no lesse but that you imploy it in fauour of those which are distressed as is this Ladie The lady hauing ended her story with some teares which fell from her eyes remembring how much it would grieue the Princesse seeing her long stay that valorous Tinacria was verie pittifull especially in the behalfe of women holding it for no honour which was gotten against them and so he answered I would that the heauens had giuen me farre greater force faire damsell to the end that your businesse might be the better assured although hauing so much equitie on her behalfe I hope that it shall suffice to yéeld that contentment as such an excellent Ladie as shée is doth deserue against any that without reason shall procure her griefe and I refuse not the houre to méete that Knight of so little discretion Great comfort did those couragious spéeches yéeld to the Damsell which the Prince vsed the weather was fauourable vnto them for foure daies before the time was expired they landed néere the Citie of Adibia for so is it called with great pleasure to them both to sée themselues so neere shée to her soueraigne Ladie bringing so good a returne and he which much desired to shew all his valour in defence of the Princesse and but that it was onely his it had neuer béene accomplished with that good hap for the Pagan was one of the most strong men in the world One day and a halfe did they spend in comming to the Citie which was full of strangers although neuer a one so valorous as to answere the challenge notwithstanding that Furiander came daily to the lists They passed the night in a groue of poplar trées where what happened vnto them
to acknowledge him for their Prince and soueraigne Lord for the king had so heauily taken the death of his two sonnes that the sorrow thereof bereaued him of his life and he left no heire but this mightie Furiander Al the principal of the Realme were of opinion to giue the crowne vnto him and to accept him for their king seing his valour deserued no lesse but was much more worthy The valorous Pagan did not a little sorrow the death of his father and the sonne of the most cruell Garofilea kept him company mourning with him for the one and reioyâ—ing with him for the other A newe life and a long answered the Pagan I would the heauens would grant me noble man at Armes to the ende to acknowledge howe great a good it is to bee your friend but such as it shall please the gods to bestow vpon me assure your selfe it shall be to doe you seruice as he who is no lesse endebted vnto you then for his life and honour It yéeldeth me not that ioy and solace said the Tinacrian Soueragine prince to sée how gentle fortune hath shewed her selfe vnto me to gette such a friend as I hope in the gods you will bée as to sée with what affection and in how good earnest you haue estéemed my offer so as if I shall be able to equall my déedes with my desire none shall shew himselfe a more faithfull friend then I. By this time the king with the whole court was descended to receiue and entertaine the Tinacrian who had already determined in himselfe to entreat the king to receiue Furiander for his sonne In approching with his Armes displayed he came to the faire yong man saying Althoughâ—â—t were for nothing else most valiant knight but to say that in my armes I imbrace the flowre of cheualry I hold the troubles well imployed whereunto this Prince hath brought vs. The faire Poliphebus wel discharged the part of the Moore saying It was a worthy matter mighty king to to considered in how manifest a daÌ„ger your daughter was but herein appeareth the noblenesse of your generous brest that you not onely pardon what is done with the passion to sée such princes to fayle but you are now to receiue him for a friend séeing his valour deserueth that all the princes of the world should hold him for such greater errours then these which may be pardoned so venturous a knight vndertaking the same By this time was come the Kings daughter so fayre that I know not any man of reasonable vnderstanding but would haue giuen rather then to haue lost the sight of her two thousand soules if he had them She drew néere giuing the prince great thanks for that which hée had done for her saying I was well assured valorous knight of the Bough that committing my affayres into your victorious hands it should haue such issue as is this While as the fayre Tinacrian made answere vnto Celibella loue began to sturre in the brest of the Pagan who regarded the beautie wherewith the Infanta was adorned whom in his conceit he had much offended but loue playing his part had obtained his pardon for sometimes she cast her eye aside to behold the wounds which this new-come prince had receiued and indéed the Pagan did not so much feele it as the Lady did for it did ease his paine to behold her beautie But to her who had already yéelded her selfe tributarie to loue euery drop of his blood was worse then a cruell death so farre doeth his power extend who is called the blind god of loue Within the Palace were these Princes cured of their wounds and fifteene dayes the Tinacrian there remayned in which time he behaued himselfe so well that hee obtained of the king all that he desired setting before his eyes the valour of Furiander and the state which hee held loue had so well disposed of the fayre princesse that it was no hard matter to winne her The valorous Furiander knew not how to value this good for all the Court feasted him holding it well content to receiue such a knight for prince and Lord thereof Much did the princesse desire that the Tinacrian should haue remained a longer time but being vnable to end other matters he tooke his leaue of the Lady and committed himselfe to the déepe sea with Ruuâ—o his squire alone The fift day of his nauigation with a prosperous wind he ariued in the kingdome of Hilepsia where hapned vnto him that which in the next Chapter shall be declared CHAP. IIII. How the Prince of Tinacria neere the Fountaine of three spoutes met with the braue Eufronisa and of the battaile which hee fought with two Giants which would haue robbed him SO much did absence most noble prince afflict the fayre Eufronila for the loue of Rosabel that shee tooke no pleasure but in comming to the fountaine where shée first saw him It fared with her as with one which hath lost a precious iewel who not finding it a thousand times returneth with great care to the place where he thinketh he lost it EueÌ„ so did this fayre princesse beeing not so much afflicted for the losse of the sonnes as for the absence of the Father In company of her discreet gentlewoman she passed a heauy solitarie life although it were som case vnto her to think that her father had promised to carry her with him into Grecia for there came certaine messengers to him from the Souldan of Niquea to entreat his â—auour which hee throughly purposed to grant as he which was very mightie and of great power And imagining with her selfe that there she should see her 〈…〉 made her to prolong some what the rest of her dayes it was a world to sée and to heare what she did and said beholding her selfe in the cléere fountaine Loue is not such most noble prince as that hee who is possessed ther with can haue any regard of reason neither is reason of force to detaine him who is enamored from going to any place whither his cruell destinyes shall lead him In the Schole of my mishappes I learned to discourse of the successe of Loue and how it dealeth with those which are subiect thereto this enamored princesse yéeldeth vs sufficient experience thereof whom loue so many wayes after she was subiect thereto tired with a thousand desastres and being set in the place where she first became enamored she made a thousand complaints of loue Oh fierce and cruell resolution said the fayre Lady and the pleasing content wherein I liueâ— before I saw that venturous prince the robber of my libertie I know not of whoÌ„ to complaine me not of loue for it shewed it selfe fauourable in my behalfe I complaine me of his crueltie séeing that he séeing the sincere faith wherewith I loued him neuer vouchsafed to giue me one sparkle of hope but reioyced to sée me for him in so sweet annoy Oh my sonnes if the heauens grant you life and by them
offended those yonder Ladies in denying what they required that they will lend mee none and yet I knowe no reason for it seeing that heretofore I haue bene so subiect to their obedience All the Ladies which before he had seene had seated themselues all aboue in the Galleryes to see the battell Yet the Tinacrian was of opinion that what was past would giue no occasion that in such a case they should refuse to fauour him and so he beganne with a very great good grace to put off his Armour remayning all in blew so gallant a personage as there was none like him In that maner he went towards the Ladyes and making vnto them a verie comely reuerence hee sayd vnto them I remember Soueraigne Ladies the small reason I haue considering what is past to come to intreat you but in that that I did not performe your commaund it is to be attributed to the naturall feare wherein I was not conceyuing that your presence was sufficient to accomplish with honour any action whatsoeuer though neuer so daungerous yet notwithstanding being challenged to the battell by this gentle Knight with mantles and I hauing none and to be giuen by Ladies reposing my case in your generositie and not in my want of courtesie which I acknowledge I beseech you that it may come from some hand which may giue me the palme of this and all other warres which I shall vndertake to doe you seruice I know not Knight with what countenance you can come to request any thing at Ladies hands whom you haue so much offended and in a matter which so much concerned you answered she which first had spoken vnto him particularly there is nothing wherein Gallants attaine vnto greater honour then by obeying Ladies So as that now if wee should at your bare request giue you our mantle it would seeme that wee did it of great necessitie Therein consisteth your noblesse most excellent Ladies answered the fearefull young man and I will assure you to returne it againe to you whole and sound although it cost mee my life which I will esteeme nothing so deare nor no aduenture so hard that I will not vndertake and there is no greater generositie then to pardon an enemie principally acknowledging his error and that he hath deserued punishment As they stood denying this Mantle there came into that same roome a most faire Ladie O loue how great is thy power for shee was not fully come and had set her selfe at the side of the Gallerie when to her was subiected the most frée young man who hauing forgotten what he requested and himselfe also for he stood gazing fixing his eyes so vpon her that hee was besides himselfe and knew not where hee was And in exchange for beholding her he gaue her the keyes of his heart and was yet sorrowful holding it yet too little in exchange onely to behold her Shée came all clad in cloth of Gold with sundrie colours with her haires curled after her Countrie fashion with a Dutch robe of the colour of the rest of her apparell the young man neuer saw any thing so well worth the séeing in his life All the rest of the Dames séeing him in this maner with a fained laughter asked of him How now Sir Knight what haue you felt that you haue so soone forgotten not onely the Mantle which you desired but euen your selfe also If it bee a wound of loue it is ill falling in loue in this place for here is nothing to bee hoped for but cruell death In her crueltie answered the now firme louer consisteth all my life séeing I haue séene the most swéete death that can be imagined he spake it with such passion that I know not who would not but haue yéelded considering his goodly personage The faire Ladie was no lesse busied in her imagination perswading her selfe that there was not so comely a Knight in the world giuing loue so frée passage into her brest which lasted till her death being no way able to leaue to loue In her did loue shew an example of power and valour and being vnable to doe any otherwise hauing vnderstoode the request of this young man and what the Ladies denied she said Because gentle Knight you shal not think that in this Castle is included all the crueltie of the world I will giue you this Mantle wherewith you may end the battell but vpon condition that you shall not depart from hence before you shall first haue come to aske pardon of the Ladies whom you haue so offended That should bee a great want of discretion Soueraigne Ladie for a man to fall into the reckoning what it is to offend you séeing how much it concerneth mee not to depart hence without it it shall not need to aduertise mee that therein I should purchase your disfauour Why then valorous Knight quoth shée there resteth nothing but to giue you the Mantle and therewith to wish you the victorie as one which deserueth the same In vttering these wordes with such a grace as would haue made loue himselfe in loue shée tooke off her rich robe cast it downe to the Tinacrian who being much enamoured with his necke in her yoake winding it about his arme he turned toward the knight who at his approach said vnto him You haue Sir Knight made so long stay that but for that that I did so much desire the battell I would haue returned to my lodging without giuing you any place to go any further forwards In that I haue made no longer tariance I doe maruaile said the valorous Gréeke for I know not how I could possibly depart from my life leauing it in the hands of those faire Ladies Is it possible said he of the Castle that comming in frée you are become alreadie so subiect Therein appeareth the force of loue answered the gentle Tinacrian for he giueth and bereaueth of libertie at his pleasure In this maner said he of the Castle you are desirous to giue end to this battel It rather grieueth me much answered the valiant youth that we stay so long I expect no longer the contrarie neither did the Tinacrian giue him aunswere but rather the one making to the other a due reuerence with angrie paces they came to ioyne O Thalia that a man might put this battell into thy hands to the end that thou mightest giue it that Soueraigne grace which it deserueth for with my dull wit and want of fauours it is not much though I erre therein All the faire Ladies beheld the warriours The Tinacrian did purpose rather to suffer himselfe to be hurt then that the Mantle should bee toucht it did encourage him and that verie much that his Ladie had giuen it him hee entred with his right foote bearing the point of his sword firme forward He of the Castle was nimble and so with his left arme he baâ—e by his thrust giuing him another verie strong one it did not a little auaile the young man
bridle they went downe the hill In comming into the plaine the right way towards the Hauen Poliphebus began after this maner I doe Soueraigne Princesse vnderstand of the great warres wherein my father now is and of the many enemies which beseege his Citie I neuer yet durst to make my selfe knowne vnto him without doing something whereby I might boldly vaunt my selfe to bee the sonne of the mightie Trebatius and for this purpose I take occasioÌ„ to goe in your company and hauing the equitie of your beautie on my side betwéene the two Campes I purpose to maintayne the same not against the Greeke Dames for the loue of my sisters and the rest of my kindred which liue enamoured which seeing my challenge of force must come to contradict it Fame hath reported that in the Moores Campe there are Ladies which for beautie are the Phenixes of their Countries and if I prosper well in this attempt I may make my selfe knowne for the sonne of the great Trebatius I would not valorous Prince sayd the Ladie the through my occasion you should lose that which your vertue doeth assure of for there want not Ladies whose brauery and beauty is to be preferred farre before mine I am not able to goe into Greece answered the gallant Louer without making it appeare what power your vertue hath within my brest So then answered the Ladie there is nothing to bee sayd against your resolution With swéete conuersation they came to the sea side where they past all that night with such contentment of either partie as can not bee expressed The next day at what time as the faire Phebus began to beautifie the earth with his presence the two beloued Louers embarked themselues in the ship which Poliphebus brought The Masters and Mariners entertaining them with great ioy and wondring at the beauty of the gallant Luzâ—la hoyseâ— their sailes directing their course towards Grecia sayling with so great pleasure content that they wished it had bene Vlisses voyage After supper lying vpon the hatches of the ship casting their eyes to behold the vast seas and the forme of the skies this Gallant sayd vnto the Ladie If it may be told without griefe vnto you I would gladly know the cause of your enchauntmeÌ„t Some it will be to me warlike Prince in renning the remembrance of what I there endured but to giue you satisfaction whatsoeuer you shall commaund shall be put in execution Then know valorous Knight that my father had an Aunt the wisest woman in all Egypt where it is an ordinarie matter to be giuen to the arte Magick My father comming to receyue the Crowne as Emperour of Egypt was defirous to learne that science and so brought that his Aunt to the Court of whom he learned the greatest part of all her cunning He married and the destinies would that there should be borne so infortunate a Damsell as am I to haue so many desastres Comming to the age that I now am of without any pardon as a father to his owne daughter he came to be so farre in loue with me that hee tooke no pleasure of the world seeing I would not yeeld to his desire I imagining that I should wrong my selfe to yéeld in such a case to my father This my iust disobedience made such an impression in his heart that from thenceforth his hatred was farre greater towards me then euer his loue had bene It did nothing grieue me to endure the troubles which he put me to for denying him a thing so vniust Wrath and blind affection so much preuayled ouer him that being in my garden little thinking of his paine although it did somewhat grieue me to see what hee endured considering that he was my father I saw him comming in a walke among Canes with a more vnstaied pace then his grauitie required In seeing him I arose with a fayned smile weÌ„t to méet him But he which came drowned in a deuillish determinatioÌ„ without regard of any thing more theÌ„ his passioÌ„ led him vnto with a strange furie tooke mee by the arme saying My Luzela if it may giue you no occasion to ease my paine in that I am thy father and to sée what I indure with the griefe and torment which thy beauty hath brought me vnto yet let the death which thou séest before thine eies moue thee to doe it And therewith he drew out his dagger which he set at my brest You may imagine gentle Knight what my soule felt betweene these two extremes and each of them so great In the end I chose rather to die then so to defile my body and answered him My Lord and dearely beloued Father the heauens beare record with me that if the losse of my life might doe you pleasure I would preseÌ„tly giue it and should take pleasure to lose it and therein should offend no body but rather ennoble the obedience which I owe you but to be obedient in this a thing so much against reason I am of opinion that therein I should doe iniurie both to you and my selfe Hee suffred mee not to proceede forwards for with a strange fury hee sheathed his cruell dagger in the tender brest of his louing daughter Few blowes suffised to stretch mee all along My father had not the power repenting himselfe of that he had done to take out his dagger I thinke the heauens would not that he should kill me to the end that I in him should sée sudden change O cruell destinies began he to say lifting his voyce to heauen in how many sorts haue you shewne your selues coniured against me O infortunate Emperour Alpatraphio to how small purpose serued the science wherewith I was indued O blind and vaine affection séeing that from thence is growne to sée before mine eyes a fact so inhumane O heauens if you heare me be attentiue that séeing that you are witnesses of my great crueltie so shall you likewise be of the reuenge which I will take of my rebellious heart He was a thousand times about to pluck out the dagger which hee had stuck in my brest I thinke hee let it alone because hee would not sée my bloud and I saw it was euen sâ—â— for comming vnto me he vttered these speaches Ah my Luzela sometimes beloued not as a daughter which is that which now 〈…〉 me if there from the heauens where without change treading them with 〈◊〉 immortall féete thou doest â—â—aunce to 〈◊〉 the alteration 〈…〉 I haue no eyes to â—caue pardon but thou wanting life which to me 〈◊〉 I giue mine it is not to bee sought for vpon earth seeing I haue sent it to the heauens neither will I enioy any because it will bee loathsome seeing I cannot forget to haue bene thy murtherer I doe proâ—ise thee my beloued daughter to accompanie thee in thy death seâ—ing I loued 〈◊〉 so dearely in thy life If for â—â—ented his soule to sée how still I lay imagining that I was dead and in pâ—lling out his
dagger hee had â—â—ne a greater harme which he had done had not his old Aunâ— Cleonta preuented it the which in her kind being angry vsing her accustomed inchaunâ—ments put him farre from mee Shée came to mee and pluckt out the dagger and putting certaine herbes into the wound cured me of the hurt and said vnto me Notwithstanding that the resisting of your fathers passion be very worthy of commendation yet in that that thou wast not sory for his payne as was reason being his daughter it is iust that thou make satisfaction therefore in straight and close inchauntment where thou shalt remaine vntill that the braue Lion shall enter into my strong Castle breaking by force of Armes the strength thereof and ouercomming the gards which I shall there set and then thou shalt begin to feele some comfort although thy father haue none for it is requisite that he pay more for the iniurie which he hath committed not onely against thy renowne but against his owne honour But the â—â—siliske shall be giuen him when he shall least think thereof She sayd no more vnto me but at that very instant me thought I began to want my wits and without knowing what I did I went to that lodging from whence you set me free where I did nothing else but be waile the absence of my father holding him for dead She would neuer tell me any thing of him although that sometimes she came to visit me giuing me hope hereof and she told it me so playne that I now perceyue how much is therein contaynes and I am giuen to vnderstand that the time shall come that I againe shall sée my father Yea it will come answered the gallant Louer for the heauens giue not one contentment without another In this and other pleasing things they past the greatest part of the night wherewith the young man began to ware somewhat bold it was not wholly to offend her but to shew with the mouth what the heart felt He was of opinion that this Ladie was sent to him from the heauens wherefore with the greater ioy they past the rest of the time It suffiseth that to take their rest they went to their Cabin with a determination on eyther side that nothing should hinder their loue Before that Aurora had done the Sunnes Ambassage to the world shewing his câ—mming the master aduertised the Prince that in the top he had descried somewhat neere another Galley Hee leapt out of his bed not willing to shew any carelesnesse for the defence of his Ladie With the masters helpe he put on his rich Armour and being at all peeces armed he went to put the Princesse of Egypt and his soule also out of feare and with reuerence being wholly ouercome with loue he told her that there was an enemies Galley discouered willing her that shee should not therefore bee afeard for the sight of her good grace did assure all With greater valour valorous Prince sayd the Ladie I would very gladly accompany you for the succour which hereof can come vnto you except the good will is so little that it will rather be a hinderance Ill should I gallant Ladie quoth the Tinacrian goe to fight if not going wholly yours and in fighting it shall bee onelie for you By this time the two Gallies were come neere together wherin in seeing the Princes Gally was heard a great cry bidding them amaine if not they should all dye The young man did it but to another intent for hee commaunded that all those which could beare Armes should take them and should stand at the ships side As the Marriners with all diligence had ended the casting of grapples aboord the other to the ende that shee should not fall off and that they might with their swords fight aboord it was no euill counsell for it gaue them the victorie vpon a sudden there came some twelue Knights which bade them to yeeld The valiant young Prince stayed vntill that they had fastened the Galley and getting a club in his hand hee set himselfe vpon the poope where hee gaue so good account of himselfe that two of them lost their liues with one blow which he gaue amongst them They were many and for feare of their Commaunders they set vpon the Prince but it was to come with their liues and there to meete their death for hee neuer stricke blowe which killed not a Knight and sometimes two of them together payd for their folly before that they could returne he had made an end of them By that time there came forth three most fierce Giants out of a withdrawing place in the ship where the Tinacrian heard cryings as of forced Ladies Those thrée most cruell Pagans were much amazed to sée how soone that Knight had made an ende of all their Knights All of them forgetting the order of Knighthood drawing out their monstrous faulchions came to the shippes side and one of them assuring himselfe of his agilitie setting his one foote vpon his shippe side leapt into the Tinacrians Galley and had done it if the young mans cruell club had not by the way taken him a blow on the pate and bereauing him of his life in the ayre throw him in back againe into the ship dead at his friends feet which were in a cold sweat He which lost least occasion was the Tinacrian for with a light leap he set himselfe against the Giants Whether that she which loued him better then herselfe tooke pleasure therein there is no doubt thinking that no man could be loued with more reason then the Tinacrian seeing his great valour conioyned with so much beautie as hath bene aforesayd He was one of the most gallant personages in the world so as many times he would not put off his Helmet especially among Ladies to whom he was as a Cockatrice Uery ioyfull she set her to behold what he did in the Galley He somewhat reposing himselfe with a troubled voyce sayd How now you traytours and so easily did you thinke to beare away the prize First you shall leaue your liues in pawne for your foolish presumption The valiant Louer stayd for no answere but whorling his club about his head he smote one of them vpon the shield which hee brake in péeces and there withall his arme which it hung vpon He escaped not without his paiment for in the warres for loue neuer giueth the palme without it for they both smote him vpon the inchaunted Helmet and made him set his knees to the ground they there strake the Prince and his Ladie in the shield which her soule hath that faithfully loueth this they which know what it is to loue call the heart hee saw that these fierce Giants againe smote downe right at him Hee on one side crossed the blow with his club and the other he shunned by skipping to one side The club was no defence against the force of the blow which brake it in the middest It was good fortune that the Tinacrian
went in the Uaunt-gard aboue thrée thousand Giants so high that they séemed to be so many Pine trées the valorous Astorildo led the arrere Gard desirous to méete with his Cousin of Dacia with whome hee was much offended because that hee had perswaded his sister Rosamundi to renounce the worshipping of their false gods Thither came the mightie Emperour of the Romanes accompanied with the best men in the armie by his side came the Prince of Almaine with the strong Brundusio which could neuer be perswaded of the fiercenesse of the Greekes there came for his Gard all the flower of Giant-land which were aboue two thousand The braue Califa led his people so gréedily desiring to fight that euen with passion not foreséeing the euent hee commaunded his Standerd to march forwards and so extending themselues in length in good order they should present themselues before the Gréekes for this should put the victorie in their hands The mightie Gréeke came not so ill prouided but that hee brought all the Thebane horsemen by his side commaunding the Duke to bring foorth all the Carts Wagons set with hookes of Iron the Elephants and if occasion were offred to present a field battell for hee with his sonne would take the gréene way Then came the mightie Captaine Generall with the best companie that was in all the whole world for hee had twentie foure Giants the most valiant that were in all the Armie which only had the charge of his person for so had the Quéene Oriselua commanded feareful for her déere sonne therewith went the flower of Cheualrie Claridiano Claramante and the faire Archisilora there was also the valorous Zoilo with the men of Tiglia who went a great pace to recouer a hils side which was of great importance for the battell Good were these preparations but fortune being against them they serued to small purpose for the enemie led her by the fore-locke for the couragious Bembo which led the vauntgard seeing the Armes of Trapisonda which were fiue Eaglets in a field of siluer said to the Gallants which were with him Sée yonder is the Emperour Alphebus of whom fame hath made so great report heere is the place where you are to shew your valour The mightie Gréeke came mounted vpon Cornerino his good horse with his strong and rich Armour which hee had wonne for in this battell hee meant to shew himselfe a Gallant With him hee brought three companions which did assure any hard aduenture which were the valiant Dacian the fayre Rosamundi with his Empresse Claridiana of whome the sonnes of the great Tituan tooke charge which were eight Giants and they the most famous in all the armie The braue Lord of Achaia went a little apart from his people in signe that first they desired so many against so many to breake their launces to shew the valour of their persons They went forth foure and hee made the fifth which were Brauorante and Brufaldoro with the fayre Floralisa and her brother Don Celindo Face to face stood they against the Flower of Christendome for the great Emperour which had a great desire to proue himselfe against Bembo addressed himselfe against him and against the Scithian the valorous Don Heleno against Brufaldoro Rosamundi Floralisa and Claridiana charged together and against her beloued brother the prince of the Persians the valorous Bransiniano Bembo his encounter was somewhat lowe for feare of missing as hee desired it was not such as hee had giuen But he that receyued it his force not auailing him lost both his stirrops The like happened to the valiant Brauorant◠with the warlike Don Heleno who turning his Tirian returned against a contrarie partie and Alphebus did the like There was neuer séene a more cruell particular battell in a field nor better fought for as for foure of them they could each of them apart doe as much in the warres as the angry god Mars himselfe The three past their carriere amazing all the armie Brufaldoro is more valiant but the Ladies Armes supply her defect and more too for returning vpon him she gaue him a knock the best that euer was stricken in the warres for by chaunce her sword lighted betweene his shield and his brest she strake it from his arme and loosened a great part of his vaunt-brace shee came vpon him with a thrust and well shee felt that it fet the bloud Neuer was Lion so furious as was this Mauritanian against this Ladie and although her Helme were most strong yet it was not sufficient to keepe her from falling sencelesse vpon her saddle pummell casting bloud out at her mouth All the rest of the Combats were reasonably deuided but they were presently parted for the furious Dacian with the noyse of so huge a blow by chaunce looked backwards and séeing his Rosamundi to whom the Pagan was about to giue another blow with two leapes off his Tirian hee was with him and tooke him somewhat at vnwares What shall I say of his blowes they made him lay his head on the saddle pummell Then he ranne against him with his horse brest which made him stagger and likely horse and man to fall to the ground By this time was Rosamundi come againe to her selfe and was glad to sée her Dacian so neere her The Combate could not continue by reason that the two Armies ioyned with so great a noyse that it seemed that the last day was come Who is able to describe the sundry kindes of death the mightie blowes and the gallant attempts giuen and taken of either party that day Some vnable to kéepe themselues vpright tumbled to the ground and before they could rise againe death met with them others which kept their saddles much better with seeking meanes to hold them lost their liues and were glad that they were dead before they fell to ground others were thrust thorow from side to side and were nothing sorry for their wounds but because they had no time to bee reuenged others were so impatient that being close by their enemies they had not so much trust in their swords as in their fists and with them mayntained the warres vntill that death cut off all hope to sée the triumph for the warre There were aboue twentie thousand dismounted and the greatest part of them lost their liues At the first charge where Bembo went and his fierce companions Gualtenor durst not tell what they did but comparing them he sayth That a Riuer breaking his bounds and ouerflowing a corne field doth not so beare downe the corne as they did tread men vnder their feet The Christians were so desirous of reuenge that they would not suffer any place to bee voyd for although they sawe that they met with their death yet there was no bodie seene to refuse it still being in hand with the gallant Pagans whose swords and Armours were died in Gréeke bloud No lesse harme did the valorous Alphebus with his mightie company for he did so oppresse
Souldan came mightie Giants Against this squadron the braue Emperour Trebatius addressed himselfe compassed about with the best men of all his armie they two met but the Greekes force was such that excepting his sonnes it was matchlesse hee ouerbare both man and horse to the ground Many alighted after him some to defend him others to kill him or take him prisoner Twelue Giants which were of his gard alighted from their Elephants to rescue him which did much hurt With all this as in a chase there alighted the noble Emperour and Rosacler with the Princes of Fraunce and Zoilo the braue Tartarian with Brandafidel and Bramidoro and the gentle Tifereo There was renued one of the most perrilous fights that had bene seene of all that day for the Emperour making no reckoning of the Giants rushed in amongst them and at his entrie with a stabbe hee thrust their Captaine quite thorow the body from side to side who for his heyght was like to a well growne Pine trée The fierce Giant fell not seeking before bee dyed to be reuenged for hee swinged his heauie club about his head and therewith gaue the Emperour Trebatius such a blow athwart his shield as made him goe staggering to one side readie to fall and hee had falne the blow was so terrible had not his valorous Nephew Clarindo bene by him who held him vp with his hand The yong maÌ„ made no stay there for séeing what had happened to his grandfather casting his shield at his backe he made at the Giant Others were come to the aide so as he was well reuenged for Bramidoro with his heauie club the Prince with his sword smote him both at once one of them made his eies leap out of his scull and the other with his sword cleft his head Rosacler turned to another which had smitten his Uncle whom he made to lose his féeling This day did the young man winne his credit and eternall praise for with a mighty blowe he cut him almost in two péeces Much did the father reioyce to sée the force of his sonne who mayntained a cruell fight against another Giant This was no time to straine courtesie for Brandafidel came who with his hideous club knockt him on the pate his Helmet could not protect him for he stretcht him all along at the Princes feete The Gréekes and Macedonians seeing their Emperor tooke herein so good order that they wanne part of the Giants campe There remained two to beare newes of the Greekes valour and had there not come so much people that the trampling of their horses was daungerous they had without doubt taken the Souldan but they mounted him againe vpon a swift courser whereon he rode encouraging his people The Califa of Siconâ—a kept him better company then he thought for who seeing so much people there gathered together brought â—wenty thousand men to the rescue At their first comming they did some harme because they were flesh men but it lasted but a while for the Greekes which by this time were already fleshed made a cruell slaughter of them supplying that heere which was lost in the rest of the battels for the Fenician Prince Don Argante although vnknowne came afresh with all the Medians and for that cause where he entred he made a deadly but cherie This was no day for the Greekes for euen the Sunne was against them for falling downe in the West he bereaued them of their sight so as the enemies might easilie charge and retire at libertie The Prince of Britany could not sally on that side where he was but that he chaunced to see the furious young man with the stars who desirous to end the war with him seeing that his people had the better in the fight he weÌ„t along the side of a hill which he could not do but BeÌ„bo would sée it who with the other 2. famous Knights went to séeke him leauing the charge of his gouernement with the warlike Celindo who séeing himselfe in such authoritie began also to encourage his people and with as good order as Bembo himselfe could haue done What happened to those which so went out of the Campe is fit to bee told in another Chapter CHAP. XIX How the Prince Poliphebus of Tinacria came to the Campe and what hee did for the libertie of the Flemmish knight with the comming of the Princes of Silepsia Leobulo and Claribel and what with them happened to the Princes of Grecia VAlorous dames if to bee engulfed in the actions of bloudy Mars bee an occasion to leaue to treate of louing matters at the least I cannot leaue to acknowledge the much which your Soueraigne worthinesse deserueth I speake it for that hauing one day detained mine eyes from beholding this intricate historie kéeping continually my Chamber I chaunced to looke forth and saw my death and life both together Death because that there is no remedie for the euill which I then receiued Life also which is to sée my selfe wholy wel employed without enuie of a more happie louer although he liue daintily for although they loue me not neither doth my state deserue it yet for mee to loue it is a swéete life that I conceyue therein Being confident in my new wound although it bee in my old soule I presume to begin to make relation of the most famous warre that euer was séene of so many against so many for Rosabel had scarcely parted from among his friends and enemies when descending downe the side of a hil which led towards the Strand he saw come that way a 〈◊〉 to his seeming of a goodly proportion in companie of foure Ladies This was the valiant Poliphebus who hauing landed and hearing the noyse of the battel in great haste drue néere vnto it but durst not disclose his meaning because he would not grieue the Ladies The two nimphes of the Castle vnderstanding the matter one of them said vnto him O you mâ—y well valorous Prince without caring for vs goe to succour your Father for it is not a little needfull for if it were not so neere night the whole house of Grecia would be neere ouerthrowne considering the aboundance of enemies that are against it for know that this Ladies Aunt who is held for the wisest woman in al the vniuersal world for shée was taught out of Medeas bookes and in the same signe commaunded vs that in this battel and the challenge which you are to make we should haue especial care of your person for considering with what Knight you are to fight you would lightly bee brought into danger if shée vse no meâ—ne to the contrarie but shee being of your side you may boldly and merrily attempt any enterprise bee it neuer so doubtfull and shall preuaile The Prince was verie glad of the newes which the Nimphes had told him so willing him to goe before for they would come to behold he imbraced them tooke his leaue of the Ladies not without griefe for the one he
and Rosabel the Prince of the great Britanie agreeing thereto as suretie that thou shalt bee worthie the fauour which thou requirest hauing in him reposed our hope of the victorie wee giue thee leaue to the end that in the field thou shew the degrees of thy faith whither thy loue hath aduanced thee subduing by them thy presuming to a matter so difficill We would that in thy warres companie might bee admitted which we would hold thee for vpon thy sureties speeches wee would aduenture any hazard The gods haue thee in their keeping Great was the contentment which the Princes receiued with the gentle answere of the Gréeke Ladies giuing his nephew many thankes for that which hee had done for him he presently dispatched another message to the Moores Campe bearing a Cartel with his challenge All the Princes and Ladies were in the Emperour of the Romanes his pauilion The damsel went in and doing her dutie séeing so many of whome shée was to aske leaue shée asked it in general saying The high gods soueraigne Princes haue you in his kéeping I am sent hither by the knight with the Eagle to deliuer a message which I wil deliuer in few words The president which was the King of Armenia bade her to deliuer what shée had to say Quoth the damsell My Lord the knight with the Eagle considering the Truce granted to the end that idlenesse mortifie not the desire of Armes hath thought good to entertaine this time and to shew you that he desireth to serue all and to maintaine in the middest of the field the beautie of two Ladies which he hath brought in his companie at all hazards from to morrow forwards and commanded me to giue this letter to him who holdeth himselfe most enamoured The great and famous Captaine Bembo rose vp who in Loue causes desired euer to bee the first and as such shewing some discontentment he gaue the letter to the frée Thorisiano to read which he did thus Poliphebus his Letter to the Ladies of the Moores THe Knight of the Eagle to the death seruant to Cupid to the Princesses and Ladies which are in the famous Bembo his Campe greeting Because gallant Ladies you may see the effects of Loue in him which hath subiected his life seeing it employed in so sweete a seate assured that no man hath seene the like quiet as I haue done And relying on the beautie of the Ladies in whose companie I come more then in the valour of my person I doe challenge any one that shall come from your partie that she which is mistresse of my soule is fairer more discreet then al the Ladies in your Campe. It is a great boldnesse but I am to bee excused hauing iustice on my side wherewith and with my weapons and horse from to morrow forwards I will defend my demaund swearing the battell against all the enamoured gallants of your Campe at outraunce The gods keepe you There was not one whome Cupids aye me had touched but shewed himselfe more fierce then the Basiliske in the Libian sands séeing the proud challenge of this knight the night séemed to them long yeeres many that the next day they might make him know in how great an error hee came They allowed the challenge the Ladyes remaining highly displeased which they could not forbeare to shew in their bitter answere which they sent to the Knight by the Dāsel who laughing at the smal account which they made of the Prince of Tinacria gaue this answere The fayre Luzela took it with great contentment saying This which belongeth to your soueraigne beautie gallant Rosoluia I purpose to reade to sée how the Moore Ladyes receiued your brothers challenge For as those Princes are famous it should be expedient to send a fauourable aunswere This belongeth to you faire Princesse answered Rosoluia séeing that grounding himselfe vpon your good grace and discretion he hath aduentured to do this Wel let it be how it will but I beléeue wee shall sée him in danger Your fauour valorous Luzela shall draw me out of a greater said the beloued Tinacrian If that may serue the turne answered the Lady there shall be no want thereof and therewith she read the letter An answere to Poliphebus FOr not to returne without answere seeing the much wherunto thou knight with the Eagle hast opposed thy selfe thy pride did not deserue to enioy such a fauour as is this But because thou shalt know with whom thou shalt encounter in battaile hauing displeased vs we from henceforth nominate for our part our Captain generall which is the mightie Bembo King of Achaia and as for the rest he will make thee know in how great errours thou comest The Gods keepe thee and open thine eyes that thou maist see thy fault With great pleasure the Princes made end of reading this letter séeing how angrie these Ladyes were attending the morrow in the which what succeeded is fit to be told in another Chapter CHAP. XXIII How Poliphebus beganne to maintaine his challenge and of the perilous battaile which followed HOld valorous Ladyes for now it is requisite that you condole my paine to the end that I may depaint what happened after this defiance for the golden Apollo had not throughly shewen his glittering beames when in the middle betweene the two campes appeared one of the most sumptuous tents of the world for it was little lesse then the Greeke Palace it was all of coloured cloth of gold with greene knots and many siluer Eagles embrodered vpon it a man could desire no more It was work enough for either armie to behold the fayre tent imagining as it was truth that humane hands had wrought but little vpon it All the Ladyes of the campe would sée the battell vpon assurance of the truce So came they in a Chariot triumphant drawen by 20. Unicornes as white as the driuen snow couered all ouer with rich cloth of siluer The Ladies came as it behooued for their valour and beautie for there was no lesse to be seene then in the Citie from whence they might sée the Greeke Ladies and Princesses begin to come which as they were many so of force they must haue two famous Chariots there was neuer seene a fayrer shew There were made by the Emperours commaund certaine most sumptuous roomes for the Ladyes couered al ouer with most rich Canopies where the Ladyes went vp inuiting with their standing so those of the Campe. Some did it to sée about them those which they most loued which were Rosilia Arbolinda and the fayre Eufronis◠estéeming their courtesie as was reason they remaining in their Chariots Presently at one side of the campe entred sixteene Knights either of which would haue waged battaile against Mars That day did Bembo lay aside his sad deuice which hee euer vsed to beare For Lupertius had sent him most rich greene armour all wrought ouer with Sunnes there was no goodlier sight in all the field except the challenge In his shield
stirrop they turned their horses comming to strike both together with such force as beat their heads into their bosoms they strake againe and againe and comming to the fourth blow not able to endure the force of their strong armes they laid their heads on the Saddle pummels It was good for the Tinacrian that hee came so well armed for although that hee did not cut his armour yet he made his flesh black and blew The contrarie happened to the Pagan for in two or thrée places the bloud began to come forth Garrofileaes sonne was not better chafed of all that day for séeing how the Moore had vsed him hee flung his shield at his backe he was neuer wont to doe so but when as in this maner he was in choler and tooke his sword in both his hands I beléeue that he of Gibia was afrayd and had reason for comming to strike him he put many in feare to sée him brandish his sword The Pagan could not auoyd the blow for Rubican was so swift that before hee could be in a readines the young warriour was with him and cleft his shield from side to side and the blow lighted vpon his Helme with such force that it strake away the one halfe with a péece of his head and made him ready to fall He knew not whether it were day or night he gaue him a second and hit him vpon one shoulder it carryed away the poldron and vauntbrace all the camp thought that hee had done the like by his arme and the Moore to saue himselfe from falling tooke hold of his horses necke yet he recouered himselfe and more fierce then a Lion he threw his broken shield to the ground and taking his sword in both hands hee set vpon the Prince who lifting vp his sword and shield receyued the blowe vpon both and as the edge of his was so excellent it cut the Moores in two péeces making him to lose the greatest part of the force of the blowe This notwithstanding hee strake him with the rest vpon the Helme and Shield hurling him downe vpon the saddle pummell hee saw the starres in his Helmet and much bloud gushed out at his eares and nostrils The Pagan flung at him the rest of his sword with such force as if it had béene shot out of a Culuerine and as hee raised himselfe it smote him on the middest of the brestplate such a blow as smote the best part of the wind out of his bodie And as he saw him thus troubled valuing himselfe equall to him in strength hee closed with him and had hee beene any other then the Tinacrian hee had pulled him from his horse but it seemed to him that he met with a rocke Trebatius sonne recouered his breath and setting vpon the Moore as he was stronger then he he pluckt him from his Saddle but could not hold him for waight for hee was a bigge man and so hee was constrained to leape with him to the ground where before he could recouer him self with his dagger he had almost let out his soule for he wounded him deadly and so left him being somewhat wearie although beholding his Ladie so faire and so pleasant and all the rest of the Gréeke Ladies which ioyfully beheld him to sée his rare valour with a skip he recouered his saddle their beauties reuiuing his wearied spirits The most strong Astorildo scarcely suffred him to take his launce when he came armed in skie coloured armour with Death in his shield painted so at life that the workmanship was pleasing although the worke were not so This frée Batchelour loued Eufronisa so much that although that hee playnely saw shee loued him not yet hee neuer left to loue her vntill afterwards as shal be declared Round about Death were written these words Her name doth not put me in feare For shee 's with me at bed and boord As my mishap doth beare record The Lady knew well how dearely this Prince did loue her but there is no greater griefe to one beloued then not to be able to helpe nor fayne any fauour Hee came with a good grace into the field assuring his businesse better then any before him They parted swifter then the wind and met in the middest of the cariers With too gréedie coâ—eting the Tinacrian mist his blowe which went to his soule and the more for meeting the Calidonyan he made him vilely to bend in his â—addle There was neuer Hircanian Tigre that turned so for séeing his Launce whole he hurleâ— it as though it had bene shot out of a Cannon the one halfe entred into the ground the rest beating the vnséene ayre The stranger returned with greater courage theÌ„ a Lion glad of his good encounter and would haue giuen the first blew bearing his Shield more forward then was reason but it happened accordingly for the Tinacrian was more nimble then hee who crossing his Sword bore by the blow and passing by with his Rubican gaue him a knock athwart the Helmet on the right side and made him to hold his necke at one side Hee returned at one side with a thrust which put him from his Saddle and had he knowne so much he had ouerthrowne him Rosamundies brother recouered being ashamed to see himselfe in such a case and being in breath hee entred not knowing his enemies strength and before that they had taken good hold of their swords he suddenly smote him vpon the rich Helme It seemed according to the sparkles which flew out of it that he had smitten vpon a fine flint stone and the yong man shewed some forgetfulnes in his saddle making the Moore more carefull to come with another hee gaue it him vpon one side of the Shield and beat it to his Beauer with such force that it made him hold his head backwards Now was choler mouÌ„ted to the highest degrée and in such sort that it were méere madnes to fight with him for taking his sword in both his hands he would haue beaten Diamonds to péeces there was no defence in the shield nor in the Armour although enchaunted nor in most pure stéele for the one his arme breaketh and the other the ancient temper of the sword cutteth that except Rosamundies and Rosabels there was not such another in the world it smote away a corner of his shield and the sword lighted on the shoulder it tormented him so much that hee could not beare the wayght of the shield and so hee let it fall giuing the yong man opportunitie to come vpon him with a thrust and had he borne his arme a little more euen he had thrust him thorow from side to side and therewith made him to féele it in his flesh All the Campe was in a tumâ—lt to see the yong mans vnmeasurable blowes euerie where there was no speech but of his rare valour I feare me said the Emperour Trebatius to him of Tribisonda that the Princes of the Campe will encurre some danger with this furious
angry yong mâ—n it serued to small purpose to haue a Shield for beating it to his head hee made it so thunder about his eares that hee went crosse-legged readie to fall He hâ—lpe him forwards with a mightie thrust with such force that if the Louer had not wound about letting it passe it had killed him and for all this hee made him set both his hands to the ground but he arose again with more discretion then the Tinacrian imagined who staied seeking oportunitie to strike him without daÌ„ger The Assyrian preuented him setting one knée to the ground letting the thrust passe ouer his head and therewithall thrusting out his arme he smote him on the left legge The Greeke bescarde thought that he had surely lost it the blow was so terrible and drawing it after him he became as fierce as a hungry Lyon and with both hands smote the Assyrian such a blow vpon the Shield that it cut away a péece thereof wounding him somewhat in the shoulder and therewith closed with him fearing because it was almost night that hee should not ouercome him by day light which would haue much gréeued him They came to catch that catch may where was a terrible struggling but as the Tinacrian led Fortune by the fore-locke hee made him hold companie with the rest yet he went out of the field with double honour so much extolling the Tinacrian that his fame passed the cloudes Into the place came one of the most choyse knights in all the fields he was armed in blew set with hearts of gold so well and so artificially that it was very pleasing to behold In the middest of the Shield which was of the same colour that his armour was he bore Fortune depainted as if she with her hand raysed him from the earth although with small contentment with this writing My hand will serue thee to no end Or other helpe that I can lend If thy Lady and loue be not thy friend There was no man in that place but tooke pleasure in that small shew which fortunes Knight had shewed for so they all called him who comming to the Tinacrians Tent and knowing his beloued Rosaluira there is no griefe comparable to that which hee felt when hee saw that it was for her that this Knight fought these combats and that shee tooke pleasure therein The disease of iealousie touched him and seeing that no man came into the Listes spurring his horse he entred all men wondring at his good countenance Poliphebus made more accompt of him then of any of the rest past being much delighted in beholding his good constitution perswading himselfe that he should accordingly be verie strong With a slow pace bearing his launce vpon his arme the mightie Tinacrian went towards him and putting vp his Beauer séeing that hee was not of the Moores Campe he said Ualorous Knight in my Cartel I challenge onely those which are in the Campe defending the beautie of the Moore Ladies against her which commaundeth my soule and so séeing that you are none of them I cannot enter into the combat with you This made him more hautie to heare the mild reasons of the Tinacrian gessing that in déede it was for feare and so he answered him For many causes I may haue the combat against you for I assure you that in the Campe is that whereto I owe most dutifull loue and the like in your Citie so as I may well fight with you I doe beleeue it aunswered the Tinacrian But yet except you maintaine the beautie of the Moore Ladies I am not to fight with you these fifteene dayes and then there wil want no occasion for you and me to méete It may not bee endured that I should goe forth of these Lists without making you know the errour which you vphold and although that I may not shew you my Ladie which is here present and that you are not worthie to maintaine such a challenge for her I doe challenge you to fight presently The yong man was so much displeased herewith that hee was about to turne his horse and had done it but for displeasing those of the Campe who attended to fight and said vnto him I neuer thought that by vsing you courteously I should haue giuen you occasion to shew such pride but because I will not deferre the reuenge let vs goe to the Iudges and they shal say whether that I may enter into this single combat with you or not hauing onely challenged the Princes of the Campe. All the Iudges which were foure Kings said that hee could begin no battel without leaue from the ladies Stay presumptuous Knight said fortunes Knight for I will goe to demaund it for your death doth as much import me as my owne life He went to the proud Chariot where the Ladies were where doing a slight reuerence hee said Soueraigne Princesses seeing the great valiancie of the knights which were appointed to be of your partie and for that you haue reposed this matter in their hands I haue not presumed to intrude to bee of so valorous a number but by another way I hope to let you know how much in the world there is due vnto you and thereupon I haue deâ—ied the Knight with the Eagle vpon this that hee is not worthie to maintaine such a challenge but hee may not fight with mee hereupon without your leaue although that I haue not deserued it yet relying on that desire which I haue to doe you seruice I beséech you to giue me leaue séeing there yet remaineth time enough for these Princes to answere the challenge The most strong Bembo drue néere to heare the Knights Ambassage to whome when the Empresse of the Romanes saw him shée said This Knights request séeing it concerneth you is to be answered according to your liking whereupon all these Ladies and my selfe will stand The pride wherewith he answered the courteous Tinacrian had almost angred him thinking that hee would giue accompt of himselfe he said There is no more to bee said but that I may goe with your good leaue for I shal stand in néed thereof The Pagan humbled himselfe vnto the Ladies although not to Bembo whereat he was not a little offended And returning to the Gréeke he said with a loud voice that all those which were in the place might heare it Goe to you cowardly Knight the Ladies desire to sée how dearely your presumption will cost you At the least if pride may beare it answered the Tinacrian there was neuer seene anie more valiant then you Let the battell begin presently wherein I will shew you better hands then you doe mee a tongue The Iudges stayed them saying that after Sunne set a particular combat was not to bee allowed and therefore they were to stay vntill the morrow Let it bee as it shall please you answered Fortunes Knight for I neuer was in any Countrie in my life where combats were admitted with so many conditions He went from the Lists
had bene cruelly wounded for in parting from him and at the arriuall of troupes of either side shee was constreyned to put vp her Beuer to take breath Don Heleno came to her intreating her to goe forth of the battell Doe not desire it my beloued Heleno answered the Matrone for what pleasure can she which loueth you haue in rest without your presence and to bee perswaded to this were a notabid iniurie for yet my mind doth serue me to conquere another Don Heleno and therewith she pulled downe her Beuer and calling for a Launce to them which had the charge to giue theÌ„ shee turned to her husband saying Now see what it is to haue you by my side It seemeth that fortune had brought into her presence the King of the profound Iland in proportion like to a strong Pine trée hee had a crowne vpon his head and aboue a thousand Giants in his company The Dame meant to charge him passing through those Giants and sure there was neuer any better encounter giuen with a Launce for hitting him in the middle of the shield she sowed it fast to his brest striking a fadome of the launce thorow the other side Her Knights did much reioyce thereat holding themselues for happie to serue such a Ladie He which most reioyced was the Dacian and to be equal with her with a new Launce aboue hand hee bereaued a Giant of his life whereat the Ladie was very glad Now was he with the starres parted from the Spanyards both the one and the other entring among the thickest of their enemies the which I meane the Pagans with their great number with their ensignes displayd draue vp the hill all the Greeke Cauallery to that part where the braue Trebatius was who séeing the ill successe of the battell with new griefe recommended it to God It seemed that his force was two fold increased for lifting vp his voice saying Goe to my sonnes this is the most fortunate day for those which shall die séeing we shall doe it in defence of our couÌ„trey and if death must come let vs sell them our liues as deare as we can O who had séene Poliphebus his eies full of water with his fathers speaches for all the armie séemed little vnto him he gaue not one blow but that therewith he threw downe a Knight He saw the gentle Epirabio who to him seemed to be a man of account although he had before ouercome him and made to him and giuing him a fierce blow laying hands vpon him hee pluckt him from his horse and for all that his gard could doe hee tooke him giuing good direction for the carrying of him to the Citie There came into that quarter 2. famous warriours doing many faire exploits vpoÌ„ the Gréeks which were the Princes of Niquea and of Calidonia The Tinacrian rushed in betwéene them giuing them so much to doe that he made them both past remembrance He closed with Astorildo trusting to his Rubican he ouerbare him to the grâ—uÌ„d with his horse brest he would haue kild him for he meant to leap vpon him if the signe agréed vpon with Astorildo had not letted him to the end that they should repaire to the campe who winded his horne so lowd that it resounded making both armies afraid sauing those two the Uncle and Nephew Poliphebus and Rosabel who séeing that their people had somewhat the better asking their fathers blessing departed when the Generall sounded In their passage they ouerthrew the flowre of the Moores for the furious Rubican meeteth with no body but he treadeth them vnder his féete The valiaÌ„t Nephew Rosabel vpoÌ„ his courser doth no lesse for with his horses brest with the strength of his arme he leaueth no man aliue They were beheld by all the campe knowne to some who although they followed the chase it was to their owne hurt for these 2. went resolued to passe any aduenture were it neuer so difficill Rosabel saw certaine Gréeke Knights at whose féete were 2. Knights at the point either to die or bee taken prisoners for there followed theÌ„ the 2. Spanish brothers and the Princes of Bohemia and Hungarie each of which had 24. Knights in his gard whose betters were not in the army Lirianaes louer knew them both which were no lesse then his Ladies father her brother His bloud fréezed in his body to see theÌ„ for he presently imagined how sory Liriana would be for any hurt that might happen vnto them The Uncle Nephew furiously entred and the troupe knowing theÌ„ gaue place thinking that they had come to the same purpose that they were The yong man being somewhat doubtfull of his father in law leapt into the middest of the prease and in â—oing thitherwards the Soulâ—an thinking that he would â—trike him as he was a man of high courage he gaue him a strong blow Trebatius his nephew skipt aside letting the blow passe then closing with him hee tooke him in his armes saying Soft Soueraigne Souldan I know no cause why you should so shew your selfe towards your daughter me and therefore you shall see how much you are in the wrong séeing I could in despite of all mine enemies kill you or take you prisoner but I will not but performe the dutie of a sonne so will doe euer and so giuing a leape with him hee set him vpon a mighty horse of one of the Gréeks And to do his kinsmaÌ„ a pleasure Poliphebus had done the like by Lindoriano and so without speaking one word more or attending any answere they kept on their way for vpon a little hill they saw the Generall The father son were so amazed with the geÌ„tle acts of the Gréeke both which they knew the one by his deuice of the Eagle the other by his voice that they knew not what to say Who can froÌ„ heÌ„ceforth my beloued son beare armes quoth the Souldan against those which haue giuen vs our liues liberties I haue heretofore told your Maiesty quoth the sonne that the gods doe take especiall care for the Gréeke Empire séeing we are now in the field we may not returne againe without some honorable agréement otherwise we shall remaine with perpetuall infamie They had no loÌ„ger time to discourse for certaine Gréeks coÌ„ming thither forced theÌ„ to withdraw them to their squadron A new band of courtesie if the passion had not blinded them altogether Great cryings were heard that way which the 2. warriors went which was that the King of Giant land with aboue 200. Giants had taken their passage where it is incredible what they did for giuing head to the best horses in the world with their shields at their backes and their swords in both handes they did wonders they were euen together for they were equall in valour doing things although lawful yet pittyfull for rushing in betwéene those Giants they smote theÌ„ downe as if they had bin ordinary horsemen but they were so many
culuerine striking the one halfe thereof into the hard ground leauing the rest shaking in the fresh winde which did so much amaze all those that were present as the ouercomming of the prince of Campania with a soft pace hée came to the Knight There was no body there but did note the honour which the Gréeke did vnto him he was very neere vnto the prince wheÌ„ he put his hand vnto his sword more to defend himself theÌ„ to offend the other as he made it to be plainely séene for the Prince of Lucania assailing him with his whole force smote him so great a blow vpon the top of the helmet that it made him beÌ„d downe his head so low as his brest he came againe with another which the Gréeke tooke so ill that had not Florisiano bene present he had forgotteÌ„ his generous determination With all this not with the valour that he could but to put him froÌ„ him he smote him euery where where he could This is gallant noble Ladyes no ill will said the sayre Troyla that my Knight hath shewed to his enemy seeing how carelesly he procéedeth in a matter that so much coÌ„cerneth him but I beléeue that the iustice of his cause detaineth him which he seeth in the behalfe of his aduersary They could not answere her for the great noise which was in the place which was for that that the Greeke imagining that the time was now expired had closed with the prince clasping his body within his brawny armes he did not plucke him so soone froÌ„ his horse as he would for that that the valiancy of the louer séeing what he had lost did animaie him so as he did somewhat detaine him but it was but for a small time for with a strong pluck he dismounted him desiring him that he would not be ouercome but that he might hold him for his friend I desire no more answered the prince then mine eyes haue séene that by so many wayes you haue won the palme of the battaile but séeing the heauens wil haue it so all is yours so wil I be as long as I liue Many thanks did the Gréeke giue him for his offer so he mounted on horsebacke the valour of the knight of Crueltie being admired There was none in that place notwithstaÌ„ding that it was against their prince but did extell with high praises the knight in the yellow The coÌ„ming of the most valiant Asternio stayed their procéedings whom shew more mightie theÌ„ Mars himself came mouÌ„ted vpoÌ„ a most â—urious flea-bitteÌ„ coloured horse al his furnitures being of rich greene cloth of gold soweÌ„ ouer with hearts which made a very faire shew for the defence of his horse vnder this furniture there was excellent fine mayle in his crest hee waâ—e a most faire plume all spangled with gold his armor was of the colour of his furniture sauing that in the midst of his shield in a field azure he bare a Lady so fayre and well made as it gaue delight to al the beholders before her was a Knight knéeling shewing her a burning heart enflamed with a strange fire in the border this Mot. Well may this Sacrifice Giue hope assurance Of great confidence Much did the fayre Laydes extoll the deuice of this gallant louer But to the fayre Polinarda who remembred her Florisiano all this was a death for shée had yéelded her self to loue who loueth faithfully is not forgetull but absence rather reuiueth the memorie of those which loue perfectly preseruing the touch of their faith The gentle disposition of this Moore did well please the Greeke but séeing that without his death hee could not accomplish his promise made to the prince of Apulia without further pausing on the matter he turned about and went to the place where the lances were where with his owne hands he made choise of one of the greatest and most stiffe and tough among them I am of opinion sayd the fayre Troila séeing what hee did that the affection is not alike which my Knight shewed to the prince of Lucania to that which hee beareth to him which is now before him The occasion should not be smal sayd the fayre Solersia who in her soule was grieued that Asternio should by so many meanes procure Polinarda to be his wife Let vs see quoth shée what will become of this enmitie I am perswaded this battaile will bee worth the seeing Now were these 2. famous warrious confronting the one the other when the Gréeke with a soft pace came towards him saying You already know Sir Knight the conditions of my demaund which are that you tel me your name and the name of the Lady whom you serue for to be assured that her beautie doth excell hers which is Lady of my life without any battayle I will yéeld the prize I would not that wee should haue made so long delay sayd the furious yong man to make so long a discourse for I am perswaded to resolue you sooner with the battaile then to shew you in fight the Lady whom I serue Yet vnderstand that I am called Asternio prince of Calabria and the Lady whom the heauens haue ordeined for my Soueraigne is the kings daughter of this land To haue a good foundation said the valorous Gréeke for you to haue presumed to lift your affection to so high degrée it were without question no great matter to giue you the palme of this battaile and so I will haue it not in regard of the beauty which the heauens haue adorned the Lady withall but to let you know how presumptuous you haue beene to make shew to loue her These discourteous spéeches said the warlike Moore deserue the fury of the braue Asternio being as red in the face as a burning coale without regard of what to a knight did appertaine séeing him so neere vnto him stung with that which he had sayd with more force then discretion hee hurled his well pointed lance onely the excellence of Claridiano his shield saued his life for beeing vnable to pierce it the lance flew backe againe whole but not in such sort but that it was likely to haue made the Gréeke to haue lost his Saddle for it made him strike his head vpon his horse buttocks which stood him in no lesse stead then the earth did Anteus for redoubling his courage hee setled himselfe with such wrath that nothing could be more cruell there was neuer séene so angry countenance in any Knights it made aboue foure of the most valiant to lose all the colour in their faces to sée their furious encounters a good palme he raised himselfe vpon his stirrops whorling his lance about his head with greater agilitie then Mars himselfe hée hurled it at the Pagan who was about to draw his sword The thunder maketh not so great noyse in renting the clouds as the Gréeke made hitting in the middest of the Pagans shield It preuailed not that it had more folds of well tempered stéele in
Claramante drew néere and séeing the Gréek Dames hee suddenly put off his caske and discouered his faire face saying I know not how I could haue come without great errour valorous Dames but to sée the work of your hands vpon these Gyants but séeing this battell is fought in the behalfe of the gallants I in their name doe come to giue thanks and yéeld acknowledgement for the much which they owe for such a matter as this which admitteth no other requitall but what procéedeth from your valour We would not Sir Prince said Archisilora who loued him extremely for hauing so long accompanied her louer that you should discharge your selfe of the debt wherein these Ladies haue set you That should be too much want of acknowledgement quoth he Who would not be thankefull and to liue onely thereof for what greater good can come to the Gallants of Gréece then to acknowledge what they owe to such Soueraigne Princesses In this maner wee may then in safetie returne with the spoiles gotten on the Romane Knights who reposing such confidence in their pride little regarded our valour and as I thinke as little our beautie The furious Bembo could forbeare no longer but like a Uiper although with mild spéeches aduanced himselfe forwards before these Dames should returne into Gréece saying Wee would not Knight of the Lyons that you should haue come so assured and with such confidence in your owne valour that before whom you haue so much displeased as this Knight and me you should be disarmed and were it not that the order of Knighthood doth detaine vs we would with small cost take reuenge of our wrongs The confidence Sir Knight is not so much of my selfe answered the Gréeke as of these valorous Dames who with their presence are able to encourage and giue new valour to the arrantest coward that liueth and moreouer behauing your selues as to Knights appertaineth you should first tell me the cause of your displeasure because I doe not remember that I haue offended any man That is the condition of those which doe wrongs for they write it in the sands but those that receiue them imprint them in their hearts quoth the bold Bembo Well let it not grieue you quoth Claramante for there is time and now the best that can be wished hauing such witnesses for your satisfaction which as you say you prosecute with such vehemencie Why then quoth the Pagan there is nothing that giueth vs any cause why wee should deferre the battell any longer so as there may rest time for our companions In stead of this Knight quoth the proud Claridiano séeing with what pride they had defied his Uncle hee may fight with me for my death will bee no lesse lamented then his and it will ill befit vs to stand by dallying and sée our friends maintaine fight with manifest perill Let it be as you wil said the furious Pagan Brauorante furning about his swift running horse the like did all the thrée and that so suddenly that notwithstanding that the Ladies would haue hindred it séeing the matter so farre past they durst not for offending the Gréeke assuring themselues of his valour and that hee would end that fight with victorie And Archisilora rather to kéepe them company said turning towards Coriandro I am of opinion that you are desirous to haue occasion to helpe your friends and because you shall not say when you come to Rome that you could not come to all kinde of battels wee giue you leaue thereto and to that ende returne you your shield againe The Pagan was so proud that without giuing thanks for what was offred hee said Why then by and by you shall sée how â—oundly the Iusts shal be reuenged The two Gyants made no longer delay but drawing out their huge Cemitars they made towards the Ladies which had already put on their Helmets they left although against their will the gentle Sarmacia for Iudge and so with their swords in their hands their shields on their armes they attended their comming Face to face stood the foure most famous in armes in the whole world whose rigorous contention I will not describe in this Chapter for it deserueth a new CHAP. XI Of the cruell and bloodie battell fought by the foure Knights IF the Heauens should giue mee so long a life as to bring to light all the bookes of this long Historie there would valorous Dames be the like occasion as this to craue your assistance without the which I shall but stumble at a matter worthy to be written by no lesse personage then Mantuan or that Orpheus should sing it to particularize the mightie blowes which were giuen with the discreet and aduised retreats and cunning assaultes Heere might the god Mars haue learned to fight for leauing his fifth Throne accompanied with those which whiloâ— did most flourish and were most famous in armes hee descended to behold the battell worthie to be recorded Venus beautified her selfe accompanying Mars to behold the Ladies which made her seeme to be vgly and Mars enuious for hurling ouer the field with a most fearefull noise came these pillars of valour and fortitude vntill the caâ—riere being ended they encountred in the middest of the field neither of them mist in the encounter for they would not haue done it for their liues But they mette Claramante and the fearefull Achaian with such a noyse as if two shippes had encountred so as the splinters of their launces flew quite out of sight there was no mouing out of their saddles for they were fast lâ—â—kt into them they returned with their drawne swords where at Bembo was well pleased for hee stood in some feare of the battel-axe which he left when he saw him therewith and as he was most exercised in armes so hee gaue the first blow which he reacht him vpon the toppe of the crest but the good temper kept it from breaking but not him from féeling the blow so as it made him to bow downe his head to the Saddle pummel it was not possible it should doe lesse he seconded it with another of no lesse force so that the skies containe not so many stars as he saw within his rich Helmet This serued but to vrge him to take reuenge for setling himselfe in his Saddle considering what had passed as fierce as a Basiliske hee charged Bembo who warded it with his shield whereon hee receiued so great a blow which was such that it beat it to his Helmet and made him almost sencelesse hee holpe him with a thrust in the brest which set him on the arson of his Saddle and reaching at him with another nothing doubting to ouerthrow him but his sword winding in his hand so as he smote him on one side of the Helmet which holpe to bring the Pagan againe to his remembrance There was neuer Lion which so fiercely assailed a heard as this young man did his aduersarie they were close together and at one time they smote
oration The Oration IT hath pleased him valorous Princes and excellent Knights which hath formed the mould of the whole world this day to put the Greeke valour in these spacious fields to the end that the world may know the force of your armes In praise whereof I would spend some speaches but that the necessitie of the time doth force mee to be briefe Onely this I would call to memorie The royall blood from whence we are descended and that we haue a cause in hand which may be for our aduantage The lot is already cast and the destinies haue permitted it that at ease wee may see our selues not compassed with enemies for that your noble hearts could not endure But at the point to let vs vnderstand that wee defend our Countrie with the edge of our swords I speake to my Knights for to returne to our Countrie it is impossible except we ouercome or lose our liues And so seeing the Greekes themselues haue chosen and called vs to their aide consider that it is honour to die to aduance theirs our enemies exceed vs in number and we excell them in valour and courage equitie is on our side and we shall haue as firme ground to fight vpon as they There resteth nothing but to fight with discretion for that and readinesse to be commaunded maketh the most doubtfull enterprises easie neuer any nation made but one Generall vnder whose commaund an Armie be it neuer so great is to be gouerned attributing to him the glory of the conquest or the dishonour of being ouercome This I haue said in regard of mine honour and of the Office which you haue bestowed vpon mee for fighting in order and vpon firme land and the enemies in the water if they should get any thing vpon vs we should lose the hope of any good successe as for me it shall be glorie to liue or die in your seruice and there is no more to bee said but to march forwards whither victorie shall call vs. THe valorous young Gallant pulled downe his Beuer leauing them all much affected vnto him for the discrete Oration which hee had made vnto thē being al wel pleased to haue such a Captaine and so they drew néere to the shore spreading themselues at large ouer all those fields where it was a world to see the wauing of their ensignes the soundings of Drummes and Trumpets the neighing of horses the deuices of the Commanders which to describe requireth an eloquenter tongue and riper wit then mine All the Ladies were put into Venus Castell which stood towards the Sea from whence some with sighes beheld their Louers praying to God to saue their liues they which could doe it did publikely giue them skarfes and fauours the better to encourage them to aduenture their liues for them Already was the mightie Astrusio on the Shores side who leaping into a Friggot went to the Emperour reciting to him all that passed and how neere they were to the enemies Fléet Wherefore if your Maiestie please commaund what people you like of to enter into this Ship Royall with you for your Gard for wee are in readinesse for the most memorable battell that hath béene fought vpon the Sea where if fortune be our friend they shall dearely buy their comming although I assure you that Xerxes Fleete was but small in comparison to that which now commeth But I haue so great confidence in the valour of your souldiers and in mine owne desire to fight with them that I doubt not but that we shall ende it with honour Do valorous Captaine in all as to you shall seeme good answered the noble Emperour for neither now nor at any other time none shall resist your order Presently he embarked with the company aforesaid all the Princes which remained repaired to their Gallies where it was a thing worth the séeing to behold so many Gallies together so many standardes so many flagges streamers and penons such thundring of Ordinance the brightnesse of the armours did so glister that it beat backe Apolloes glistering beames the valiant Warriours made so faire a shew on the toppes of the poopes as gaue good hope of victorie and so being put in forme of a Crescent or halfe Moone they beganne to make towards the enemies Fleete the which they discouered in order veering in the wide Sea holding their direct course towards Constantinople with resolution although there were among them many opinions to winne the mayne Port with pure force of armes The desire which the Ladies had to be on land did moue them thereto and so the two Nauies came to encounter where they discharged sundry Cannon shotte in token that they should charge The mightie Astrusio had in the vauward of his Fléet fiftie great Brigandines which had no other commission but on the one and other side to discharge great Cannon shot which put the valorous Captaine in good hope The valorous Thebane with an hundred Gallies gaue many sudden assaults and was euer in readinesse to giue aid where néed was the battell being ioyned the Sea waxed calme Oh who had euer séene so vnhappy a day when almost all was betwéene the water and the flaming fire the noyse of the shotte bereaued many of their hearing with such furie that all the world séemed to shake for the smoke the fire the noise of prows and broken mastes the callings cryings and sundrie noises made a confusion Priamus his Citie did not make so great a fire neither were there so many braue swords drawne neyther with such spéed and noise as these two Nauies made the one shewing to the other the valour of their souldiers A thousand masts were broken in pieces their high carued workes swamme vpon the water it séemed that the water the fire and the winde had concluded a peace whose effect was so fearefull that the sea was on fire as if heauen and earth would come together the sundry deaths which were giuen that day my slender wit is not able to expresse neither would the great confusion which was therein giue place to a man although he had Argus eyes to see the particular encoūters for after the furie of the Ordinance was past they came so néere as to strike with their swords they were so néere on boord where with much shedding of blood and many deadly wounds were made many braue assaults In this most cruell battell death which daunteth the stoutest was not of power to discourage them or put them in feare for no man refused any labour or perill although he saw the Cānon bent against his brest they entred by the began to burne in a light flame Death was not there feared but yet séeing before their eyes so manifest danger they began to fly from her and to abandon the ship The great Astrutio his people followed so hard in chace who were most expert at sea that some of those Princes were almost in danger But there is no danger where Commaunders are diligent onely the
the greatest pleasure that euer fortune did him and set her in her Saddle saying I would not valorous Quéene that your worthie acts should bring you into such danger To ioy in yours warlike Knight it shall bee but well done to séeke it séeing that therewith is purchased the sight of the valour of your arme There was no time to vse many speeches for they were in haste for séeing the enemies on foote no man remained on horsebacke The Greeke with a light leape recouered his horse leauing them all amazed at his doings it was his good hap to be on horsebacke for there came the flowre of Giant-land with great Pine trées in their hands these the Greeke desired to meete and but for leauing his Ladie he had gone to seeke them their huge bodies were clad with planckes of Stéele to meete them went out two with the Princes Brandafidel aduaunced him and gaue a faire blow for hitting one of those fierce Giants on the toppe of his Murrion hee put him out of his remembrance throwing him to ground with a greater noyse then if a great horse had falne his death was not noted for there came so many that there was no place voide although they fell more and more With all this they felt the braue Greeke keepe a stirre and working wonders among them that which Bramidoro did was no lesse worth the sight who had alreadie slaine foure the great troupes of men which came to rescue one another parted the battel but not the companie of the foure which first began Claramante hauing vpon a suddaine slaine a King of the Giants raising himselfe on his Stirraps saw much people towards Grecia in a whirling he repaired thither conducting the thrée Princes with him one wondring at anothers doing They made great haste for it was néedfull and the matter was that the young man whome wee will call the Knight of the Starres vntill the fourth part of this Historie where hee shall lose his name and become a louer it was hee which in the Forrestes as is alreadie said put the Princes in such danger who was come in fauour of the Pagans as hee had promised to Bembo whome hee went to seeke Before that euer he brake his Launce he had throwen many of the most famous to the ground for to the Princes of Fraunce nothing did their valour auaile them for he ouerthrow them Liriamandro Brandisel and Bariandel with the braue Troiane kept them companie it was his fortune with his sword in his hand to meete with that Knight to whome by nature he was bounden which was Zoilo the Tartarian They both strake together but the match was vnequall for such as the young man are few in the world hee had put him in danger of death or of being ouercome if the warlike Lisait had not come to his aide with his beloued sonne and the Prince of Persia Bransiniano the which with their power hauing left the stand where Sacridoro was séeing all in safetie came afresh to the battel and they came in good time for the Tartarian The yong man more faire then Absolon doubled nothing but casting his shield at his shoulders as he neuer mist blow he put them all out of breath without losing any ioat who being neere the Prince of Hungarie with a side blow he cast him to the ground sore wounded after him hee set the Prince of Bohemia on all foure Then came the Spanish Prince who within a little held them companie for hee set him sencelesse vpon his Saddles pummell hee had a hundred swords about his cares and those the most famous but his lot was to make shew of himselfe to bee the Phenix of the world To his rescue came the foure Pillars of their Camp Bembo Brufaldoro Brauorante and the terrible Brundusio with whose aide he made more head against the Greeks On the other side came the braue Emperor of Trapisonda all couered with bloud with Rosacler his sonne they held their swords to behold the young gallant God blesse vs quoth Alphebus what valor is in this knight he would not assaile him he so much affected him but be held Rosabel who like a Lion leapt into the middest of the throng All those which were of his side knowing him gaue him good way and the enemies for feare left the field frée for the foure famous warriours Claramante and his companie had taken them to taske and so hauing fit oportunitie they put their determination in execution I would I were not so much affected to the young Knight with the starres whose fame reached vnto them because I would describe this battell without passion worthie to bee related by Virgill or Mantuan For these two rare persons in valour comming to ioyne it is not possible to expresse what blowes they gaue onely Gualtenor saith that they bowed downe their heads to their Saddles pummels casting aboundance of bloud out at the visors of their Helmets none of those which beheld the battell durst to giue them any aide for it was néedlesse for they presently came againe to themselues and each of them knowing the valour of his enemie they began to vse dexteritie The bold Breton was most accustomed to armes and therefore was more nimble in giuing the on-set but the late lost blow of the yong man supplied that defect for as fierce as a Serpent he sought to attaine to the victorie He came flying in with two blowes vpon the highest of his shield the young man with the Starres was not one who would lose occasion and insuch a case as that and so beating by a thrust hee smote him on the rich Helmet it much auailed him that it had béene Hectors otherwise hee had cleft him to the necke it sounded like a Bell he made the firie sparkles flie and him beléeue that the skies were therein when they are most starrie for hee did so astonish him that for a good space hee lost his remembrance it was a spurre to put life in him for the young man to come with another as strong as the first it cut off his plumes and as Lupertius saith the Cannon also wherein they were but let it bee as it will the Gréeke neuer saw himselfe in the like danger as then in his life but being chaffed therewith and that his Father did behold him he set vpon his enemie In all these battels there was neuer giuen a better blow for against Hectors sword no force nor magicall temper can resist Smiting him vpon the top of the shield hee claue it in two péeces and passing through to his shoulders it carried with it his Poloron leauing him shrewdly wounded hee ranne at him with a thrust which cast him backe vpon his Saddle and if he could haue fastned another vpon him without doubt he had ouerthrowne him There is no Uiper could bee compared to that warlike young man for seeing himselfe handled in that maner hee flung his shield to ground and with his sword in both
his hands hee let flie a blow at Rosabel which lighted on his shield it pierced it not but draue it to his Helmet with such rigor as made him sencelesse ioyning with him hee cast his armes about his necke and within a little pluckt him out of his Saddle but recouering his sences setling his feete in his Stirrups wheeling most strongly about they fell both to the ground where betaking themselues to their weapons it was a world to sée their agilitie the proud onsets and couragious retreates Strong was he with the Starres but he had before him one which was borne with a brest-plate Some aduantage there was to bee séene in him but it was so little as could scarcely bee perceiued The night drue on for the Sun hastning his course hid his beames because he would not sée so cruell a battell Wherefore those warriours were constrained to repaire to their horses desirous to méete where they might haue time and place to end the battell which at that instant was so vehement as was wonderfull but the Moores had the worst because they had no succours this was the sorrowfullest day for them that they had during the warres For of one hundred and fiftie thousand men which entred into the Willow valley there neuer returned the third part with the losse of thrée Kings which died among the first The Gréekes did not wholly without losse enioy this victorie although it were the greatest that euer they had in all the warres for it grieued them to sée the Moores encamped within sight of the Citie in a most conuenient place the past all the night well content on both sides the one for hauing shewne that by land they were those which with their persons defended their Empire hauing shewne vnto the Moores with the price of many of their liues the valour of their persons The others notwithstanding that they had lost many people yet were verie glad that they were entrenched in so good a seate The warlike Bembo seeing the valour of the yong Knight with the Starres extremely loued him hee was no lesse accompted of by the Gréeke Princes esteeming him more then all the rest of the Campe. But the commendations which were giueÌ„ of the knight of the Ladies were such and so many that I am not able to recite them there is no reason but to beléeue them the first that beganne to publish his famous acts was the faire Archisilora Among the Pagans likewise his arme was much extolled the which in fortifying their Campe and burying their three Kings spent eight daies in the which there wanted no sightly skirmishes nor dangerous encounters wherein sometimes they were losers and sometimes were victorious a common matter to haue such aduentures in the warâ—es and while as they prepare themselues I cannot forbeare to goe thither where I left Poliphebus for it is expedient that in such a matter as this so famous a Prince bee not forgotten to whome and that with great reason is attributed the cause of the victorie of the Grecians and of atchiuing of their enterprises which otherwise were dangerous CHAP. XVI How the Prince Poliphebus of Tinacria entred the Castle of the golden Bough where hee deliuered the most faire Luzela daughter to the Emperour of Egypt from enchantment I Am so afraid faire dames to be lothsome to your delight with such warres as are past and are expected that I am enforced to entermixe some matters of loue with those of furious Mars because that if the one bee tedious the other may yéeld delight and so I will shake off the feare wherein I was in this behalfe for not to proceede with that sweete and pleasant stile as I would it is enough to be loathed without liuing in feare also you shall take my desire and not the fruite of my short witte in good part for thereof and of your daintinesse I am assured seeming to me to bee of gold the libertie of the Tinacrian Ageno and to haue it I acknowledge that it is a death to me and life to be estranged Hee enioyed little by being at libertie for that angrie passage being ended wherein we left him hee went directly to those Portes whose faire rich lustre made him to wonder comming to the Portes which seemed to bee of no worse then gold The sight of the faire Pictures and Paintings therein engrauen yeelded delight to the beholders hee came to the Pillar which stoode before the gate and without feare winding the rich horne for he much desired to know what was within hee had scarcely winded it when with a greater noyse then if the whole architecture of the house had fallen to the ground they opened The couragious young man put hand to his rich sword and imbracing his strong shield and séeing that no bodie came foorth hee went directly to the gates through them hee passed when suddainely hee was held backe for on either side stoode two deformed Giants hauing their huge waightie Clubs lifted vp The young man was aduenturous thinking with himselfe that what he had done was cowardice if he should now retire and so hee went forwards There was not a liuelier Knight in all the land and this aduaunced his valour for on foote few could match him Hee entred with his shield before him making a faire shew and with a leape he cast himselfe in but not without receiuing such a knocke as made him set his knées to the ground it was then no time to bee idle for at an instant the most strong Giants were with him who attended their comming with determination with discretion to maintaine the battell As hee was skilfull in fencing so he tooke his ground in the pauement which was vnder the Port vpon the which were the two rich Pinacles the Giants were in hand with him by fits it was not ill for him to goe flourishing and to charge when he saw time but if he were light and quicke they were Pards yet notwithstanding his nimblenesse did auaile him for they both together being about to strike him with a skip couering himselfe well with his shield hee put himselfe iust betwéene them making them to lose their blowes but he not his for with a blow backwards in entring hee smote him which was on his right hand iust aboue the knee there was no defence against his arme for his sword entred into the bone The Giant féeling himselfe sore burt would haue closed with him but his thigh failing him he fell vpon his face to the ground he did not let slippe the occasion which fortune gaue him for before that the other Giant could assaile him with a great blow he tooke him on the top of his huge Helmet it was thrée inches thicke but yet hee pierced him to the skull The Tinacrian was so gréedy of ending the battel that it was like to haue cost him deare for hee gaue oportunitie to the Giant to strike him those blowes were not such as that a man should stand toward
to sée that his Ladie beheld him for otherwise without faile he of the Castle had hurt him and yet he passed his sword vnder his right arme without comming to the flesh entring his clothes he let passe that blow winding to one side with such quicknes as was strange He cast another at his shoulder this gaue him the victory for through his elbow hee thrust the third part of his sword hee drew it out dropping bloud and not content therewith hee â—mote him athwart the thigh it was somewhat a doubtfull blow for had it not béene so he had certainely hought him he wouÌ„ded him notwithstaÌ„ding although but litle There was neuer Uiper that so returned against her enemie as did he of the Castle although somewhat out of breath which was the daungerous wound being wholly desperate couered with his Mantle he entred and with a strong thrust hee stabd the great Tinacrian in the arme it made him to grone to féele himself so sore hurt At the instant the bloud sprang out vpoÌ„ his Ladies Mantle I know not who most felt it for she soâ—ing him hurt waxed as red as a Rose He not for that hee was hurt had also a good colour but for pure anger as he well made it appeare for giuing a fierce leape he ioyned with his aduersarie who warded it with his Mantle â—ut that was but a poore defence for he cut all the pleites therof and part of his arme hee saw him somewhat out of order and lost not the benefit of the occasion for he closed with him thinking to haue ouerborne him but he gat but little by his comming for finding himselfe preuented by his aduersarie who with his dagger in his hand if hee had béene a little more come to himselfe without doubt he had kild him for comming to handie gripes he gaue him therewith a mightie stab it was below his hip wherein he left the dagger sâ—icking The valorous Tinacrian tooke this wound verie in patientlie and put his hand to his dagger to haue ended the warre Hee of the Castle set hand to the scabberd being afraid of death but he could not be master thereof But going strugling euen to the gate where the Ladies were hee had the better in the wrestling by reason of his hurt in the thigh But comming where hee might behold his Ladie his colour changing and all his body trembling hee set vpon his aduersarie whome being almost out of breath he forced to fall on his knées vpon the floore and with his dagger in his hand hee meant to haue stabd him into the forehead had done it had he not heard the Ladies which séeing it cryed out holding him fast The young man lifted vp his head to see who it was that called They said vnto him Sir Knight in requitall of the displeasure which you haue done vs wee entreate you to leaue that Knight with his life séeing how little it importeth you to be an Homicide whereas you may otherwise haue the victorie It is a thing which I should bee sorie for answered the valiant youth I would valorous Ladies that of your part I might be commaunded and as not a thing that I desire and if it bee your pleasure I giue ouer the battell on condition that he suffer mee to giue an end to this aduenture and so he parted from him thinking to haue fought no more for his déede deserued no lesse but the Knight forgetting his kindnesse with an encreased stomacke farre more then at the beginning assailed the young man saying Doe not thinke sonne of Garrofilea that thy comming into this Castle shal so litle cost thée The Prince was ashamed to sée himselfe so mocked Hee turned to sée the Ladies which holding his death for certaine séeing him so ill hurt and his enemie so sound and wel had left the standing The like did his faire Ladie hauing made streames of teares for the great sorrow which shée felt to see the Gallant whome shée so dearely loued to bee so sore wounded much more did the young man grieue at that then to sée himselfe so wounded But comming againe to himselfe as furious as an Aspicque hee charged vpon his enemie although drawing one leg somewhat after him There is no crueltie comparable to this for death is not feared so as reuenge may be had He crossed his sword somewhat low making shew to bee ouercome His most strong aduersarie thought to make benefit thereof but it hapned cleane contrarie he put by the blow but with a full blow he smote him ouer the legge and almost cutting it off hee made him to stumble with the paine of his hurt and hee reached him yet another sound one before hee could stay Hee smote him also on the shoulders where was his first hurt but therewith the Tinacrian ended the battell for with the fourth hee felled him dead to the ground He scarcely touched the ground when he vanished out of sight all the Court was filled with a thicke darke 〈◊〉 nothing was heard but the lamentations of distressed Ladies That being past the Tinacrian felt himselfe whole and sound of al his wounds and blowes receiued and againe armed with his rich armour which was that which made him most to wonder hee saw nothing in the Court but the Siluer trée He drew néere vnto it wondring at the beautie and the rich enamelling of the body of the trée He read an Epitaph differing froÌ„ that which the faire Quéene of Lira met withall when shée entred into this Castle as was declared in the second part of this Historie written with Gréeke letters in bloud the Louer read them which said thus When the bastard Lion shall come into this habitation and with winning it shall lose his libertie breaking off the Golden bough he shall make frée from perpetuall enchantment that personage which tooke him leauing another frée entrie for the fierce Basiliske who shall set at libertie the father of this Damsell and many other Knights which here shall bee enchanted with the flowre of beautie leauing this Palace this old and fresh repose shall be giuen them in Olympus where they shall remaine many yeeres The young man made no longer stay but comming to the Golden bough taking good footing in the ground hee set to his valiant hands he bowed the bough so much that hee made it like a bow hee heard great exclamations which came forth of the body of the trée saying O cruell Knight the case which tormenteth me I feele in the middest of my soule leaue me it sufficeth for my afflicted heart that thou take compassion thereof in knowing that I am that infortunate Alpatraphio Lord of all Egypt and to my great hurt a great wizard and this not sufficeth for I was the murtherer of my owne daughter in whome rested my life These words nor the pitifull complaints of the Emperour mooued him not so as to make him giue ouer her determination but rather with greater force then before
gaue back with his body letting goe his club which was the cause that he escaped the blow which if he had not done he had falne on his face the handle onely remained with the valiant louer which he would imploy in his Ladies seruice which he saw did behold him it did the more encourage him to doe it for that that by reason of the noyse there came cut of a Cabbin in the Galley a most braue dame clad all in blew cut vpon rich cloth of Gold with her haire made vp more bright then the Sunne beames vpon her head a net-worke of Siluer the swéete prison of loue which to him had béene life if they would haue letten him alone although somewhat painefull in that place It was long since that the Prince had séene that Ladie but he presently knew that shée was his beloued sister the gallant Rosaluira a cold sweate to sée her in that place ran ouer all his bodie he would defer no longer time but threw the péece of the Club which hee had in his hands at one of the Giants if it had béene shot out of a Culuerin it could not haue fline with greater force he smote him right on the Helmet him who had alreadie lost his arme the gallant neuer in his life gaue blâ—w more worth the séeing for lighting on the end it sheathed it selfe in his head he therewith stept backe and drew out his rich sword and with a skip was with the Giant who was yet troubled with the last blow and with all the strength that he was able hee gaue him a thrust in the middest of the brest His strong douâ—le brest plate auailed him not but that his sword entred euen vnto his shoulders and in drawing out his sword cut came the Giants soule He which remained aliue was much vexed therewith and séeking reuenge with his sword in both his hands he made towards the youth he could not auoide the blow and to haue receiued it was like to haue béene the Princes last for striking him on the top of the Crest hee made aboundance of bloud gush out at the visor of his Helmet he was readie to fall The Moore came vpon him with another which made him fall vpon his hands and knées vpon the ground hee would haue troden him vnder his feete but the warlike Prince had not yet lost his good resolution séeing him come running slipt to one side letting him passe with greater force then a thunder-bolt The young louer followed him and as hee turned about with his sword in both hands hee smote him athwart the Helmet and strake away all that side and left him shrewdly hurt hee prouided for him another because hee should â—â—aie and with a backeward blow hee left him astonied for to smite him on the side of the head euerie blow was death to him hee closed with him séeing the aduantage which then he should haue The Giant with the pangs of death griped him with such force that his armour entred into his flesh But the fierce youth with his dagger ended the warres and throwing them all into the Sea hee went straight to his sister putting off his Helmet and said I know not Madam and my beloued sister how I shall estéeme this good hap which the Gods this day haue powred vpon mee séeing they haue brought me where I might doe you seruice for I beleeue you were forced to come hither with such euil companie By this the Ladie knew him and imbracing him with a thousand teares like Pearles for ioy shée said Who that hath gained valorous brother hath béene my selfe séeing that in giuing me libertie you haue giuen me means to reioyce at your Cheualrie They againe imbraced for there were no brothers that more déerely loued then these two he acquainted her with his aduenture and the course which he held The Ladie beyond all measure reioyced to sée the prince Poliphebus so well employed shée would then goe to speake to the Princesse of Egypt taking much pleasure to knowe her for her Ladie and sister The Prince carried her in his armes aboord entertaining her with such courtesie as was expedient and knowing her to bee his sister whome shee so deerely loued shee shewed her great affection which lasted so long as they liued The Princesse was verie sorie to thinke how much her mother grieued for her absence wherefore they tooke order that two of their people should goe in the Giants Galley directly for Tinacria where they should bee well paid for their labour which they did carrying certaine letters from the Prince to his mother They tooke their course for Grecia where in few dayes they arriued and those with the letters at Tinacria where they were well entertained knowing for whome they came The Quéene read the letters reioycing to know what was become of her beloued sonne the contents whereof were these Poliphebus his letter to Garrofilea his mother MY businesse hath beene such so much Soueraigne Queene and deare mother that they haue not giuen me leasure to bee my owne messenger notwithstanding that I much desired the same occasion was now offered me when verie merily I tooke my way towards the Greeke Empire in companie and as husband of the Princesse of Egypt and the high heauens willing to fauour me ordained that in the middest of the Sea I met with my Sister whom three cruel Giants carried prisoner The gods were so fauourable that I gaue her libertie and with her am going to doe my dutie to our father who is vexed with most cruell warres and if mine and my sisters intreatie may ought preuaile with you we beseech you that forgetting what is past you will not onely pardon but also assist him with men from your kingdome which wil be much esteemed through the world and to vs it shall be much honour to be the children of such a mother We hope that your wisdome wil consider that this is verie requisite and much importeth The gods preserue your royall person and graunt vs life to returne againe to doe our dutie vnto you Poliphebus of Tinacria and Rosaluira of Grecia your louing children The sonnes reasons did so much mollifie the hard hart of the cruell mother that shée presently altered her mind In the end as shée was a woman yet therefore shâ—e lost no part of her authoritie but presently commaunded Proclamation to bee made through all Tinacria that they all should within few dayes with the greatest force that they should bee able to leuiâ— make their repaire to her Citie Her subiects obeyed for shée was well beloued of all and when they knew what voyage they should make they leuied thirtie thousand men all verie well armed shée issued of her treasure what was néedful for although that the warres would be long yet there should bee nothing wanting shée was a thousand times in the mind to haue gone for Grecia but she found so many inconueniences that shée was enforced to stay Shée sent for
for I come now out of the battell to sée what people this is which here commeth I haue béene somewhat more neere vnto them answered the Tinacrian and me thinketh that they beare the armes of Gréece But I would not that wee should stay a ioat longer and so presently they tooke the direct way towards the place where they saw these troupes which were those which came from Tinacria vnder the coÌ„mand of the great Earle of Modica In drawing somewhat neere the young man knew his owne armes which were on the one of the Gréeke armes hee bare in blew the seuen Starres in Gold he was glad in his soule that his mother had partly forgotten the displeasure which shée conceiued against his father Rosabel to bee briefe séeing the alarum giuen towards S. Michaels Castle gaue them to vnderstand thereof the Tinacrians were excéeding glad for the méeting their prince of whome they had heard what a man hee was and of his great valour the Prince would not discouer himselfe to them vntill that hee had performed his challenge Rosabel presently drew them into the forme of an Hearse and with the swiftest pace that they were able they tooke their way towards the Campe they came euen when the Sunne had ended his iournie giuing a beginning to a new Some of the Gréeke Battallions were in a confusion readie to flie they lookt where was most néed which was where the Croacians fought although that in the beginning they had done great hurt But the greatest part of the Sophi his people with their Prince Thorisiano charged into that quarter making them notwithstanding that they fought like Lions to retyre froÌ„ the field But the Tinacrians which were verie earnest did so reinforce them that had it not bin so néere night they had pacified the fight But it was fauourable vnto them although that it lasted not aboue an houre for therein did the Tinacrians make knowne what a Captaine he was which led them for hee his sonne Fartemio did beare themselues â—o couragiously that they wan therewith Poliphebus good will That which they did stood them in no small stead for it aduanced their house euen to the clouds to be the most principall in all that kingdome All was nothing in comparison to that which the young man did for séeing his fathers partie to goe to wracke there was neuer Mower that with his Sithe did cut downe Corne so fast in harnest as he with his sword in both his haÌ„ds did fel down those infidels which were not accustomed to ouercome At his first comming hée encountred with the gentle Thorisiano who seeing the slaughter that that knight made of his people called for a Launce and went towards him The yong maÌ„ suspected him not he was so busie and his aduersarie was not a man that would greatly straine courtesie for if his armour had not béen good he had riuen him thorow from side to side he cast him so far backe vpon his Saddle that hee knockt his head vpon his horse buttockes There was neuer any Uiper troden vpon that was so angrie as Luzelaes louer for comming to himselfe setling himselfe in his Saddle with his verie lookes he made aboue foure of the most proudest afraid for being fixt in his Saddle his féete in the stirrops spurring his Rubican with a leape he was with him with both his hands he smote him on the shield had not such hands tempered it he had cleft it for hee beat it close to his Helmet with such force that hauing wholy lost his sences he cast out the bloud out at his mouth and set him on the arson of the Saddle he had seconded it with another that had béene his death for the sonne of Garrofilea was now impatient and being so none of his brethren excelled him being angrie he was cruell which was soone past which did much aduance his fame Thorisiano had many Giants for his gard which although that his father knew him not yet he loued him déerly commanding theÌ„ to haue regard of his person so one of theÌ„ being little lesse then a great Béech trée mounted vpon a furious horse such a one as was fit to carrie such a personage met with the Tinacrians horse who if he had not beene giuen him by the wise woman they had both faln to the ground for he had not his equal With a faire shock they staid his presumption cost him his life for in field battels courtesies are not obserued for Rosabel being néere his Unkle with Hectors sword ended that warre for hitting him vpoÌ„ the shoulder hee cleft his armour and bodie to the hollow of his heart His companion would reuenge his death charged amoÌ„gst them as amongst ordinary Knights But sée hither came the famous Earle of Modica and his sonne who leauing the Gard of the Standard came hither to their aide as though they had knowne of the méeting if Gualtenor may be beléeued hee was one that afterwards was verie famous in Grecia who comming with great power equall to his discretion hee rushed into the middest of those Barbarians The good Knight Flamineo held them good companie Being couetous of fame these thrée entred as though they had gone a hunting by their blowes they purchased fame for the Tinacrians now Sycilians at the first charge ouerthrew two of those Giants The FrenchmaÌ„ was so châ—lericke who séeking reuenge was so slow that hee was like to haue béene lost for a Giant being néere him cast his armes about his necke with such force that within a little he pluckt him out of his Saddle The FrenchmaÌ„ was nimble and so drawing out his dagger he suffered the Giant to beare him who féeling his weaknesse drew him from the Saddle but hee put in practise what he had determined for hee suddainely had two or thrée times stabd his dagger vnder his taces into his belly fetching his soule out at the wound They fell both to the ground where Flamineo obtaining the victorie began to defend himselfe but it had béene to small purpose had not the Tinacrian béene there who turning about his furious horse made way to enter where the Frenchman was hee tooke him by the arms and as if hee had béene a child he set him vpon the Giants horse all men wondring at the valiancie of that Knight which sufficed to giue meanes to Florisiano and Poliphebus to recouer what they had lost They aduertised Don Celindo of what passed who with the Assirian his sister made thitherwards Here was the greatest presse of people that was in any place of all that day for both squadrons comming to méet vpon a little playne and seeing the great hurly burly there were few of any account which came not thither The first that came thither was the valorous Don Celindo with his company hee encountred Rosabel and made a good encounter although he lost both his stirrops Rosabels courser was so well trayned that at two
the Captaine turned he smote him athwart the shield hee smote it from his arme and descending to his Helmet hee brought him to deathes doore for hee laide him sencelesse vpon his horses necke hee meant to haue assured the victorie and to haue béene reuenged by the death of such a Knight The most mightie Dacian hindred him of his purpose who as he had the best horse in the world with a leape hee was with him when his sword was aloft hee had no more time but to giue him a cruell blow athwart the armes and followed his blow so well that hee gaue life to Aristoldo of whome the Gréekes stood in great néed and made him with the force of his to let fall the sword out of his hand Rosamundi came in so good time that they had ouerthrown him for they made the Moore to féele two thrusts one after another in his flesh To his aide came hee with the Starres wondring at the valour of those Knights It had béene no great matter had not the two youthes come who holding their valour which fought for little in regard of theirs all hauing taken horse they repaired thither where they heard the great noyse The faire Claribel met with Aristoldo although that in former time they had béen the greatest friends in the world but he shewed it not now for hee smote him vpon the rich Helme making the bloud spring out at his nose mouth and laid him on his horses necke hee ranne vpon him with his horses brest and had not the Captaine had a good one he had cast them both to ground all this was nothing for now were come to the battell those which were borne for the warres which were Claridiano Claramante and the faire Archisilora who had mist the way because that they knew not the Countrie whose famous arriuall doth well deserue a new Chapter CHAP. XXI How the Princes of Grecia Claridiano and Claramante with the Queene of Lira came to the battell and what end it had with that which after followed I Know not Soueraigne Ladie and mistris of my soule being compassed with such warres whither I shall repaire for refuge to ease mee of the paine which I endure but to your beautie to the end that by augmenting it it may be my death for with accepting of my faith and seruice you may ease the torment which mine eyes haue brought mee vnto through their presumption referring all the griefe to the heart for hauing séene you they remaining with the glorie to haue séen your beautie then which nature could frame nothing more excellent to the end that the world should hold you for the alone and as the Fenix thereof Being somwhat lightned with speaking somewhat of that beautie I wil tel you what an entrie the gallant Archisilora made who at her first comming met with the gentle Leobello and setled well in her Stirrops shée hurled her mightie Launce at him The young Mars receiued it but made an ill bargaine for this Quéenes arme was one of the most famous It passed cleare through his shield lighted on his brest bearing the youth so backewardes that hee was almost ouerthrowne Shée past forwards like an Eagle to whose encounter came the valiant Mauritanian not knowing her for shée ware a blew Scarfe ouer her armour The Moore meant with aâ—â—ow to haue made an end of the warres but it happened to him cleane contrarie for the disguised young man who tooke more care for that Ladie then for himselfe preuented the Pagans blow passing betwéene them with his horse hee could doe no otherwise but by holding vp his shield to crosse the blow but that was to small purpose for he beat it to his head and him out of his sences Then came the matrone and to requite the Knight with the Ladies casting her shield at her backe with both hands setled vpon her stirrops shée gaue a mightie blow it was one of the best that was giuen the day for as at ease she smote him vpon the highest of the head shée smote away a little Target which hee ware behind his Helmet carrying there with part of his gorget of Maile Shée returned with a thrust which pierced his flesh But at vnawares the furious Leobello smote her vpon her precious Helmet hee smote her downe vpon her Saddle bow Her louer turned his head about and séeing his Ladie in such a plight his furie cannot be described for making no accompt of the Mauritanian he made to the yong man The sonne of Eufronisa bare no such armes as were conuenient to receiue the blowes of this Gréeke for hitting him a full blow on the brest hee gaue him a maruellous wound although without danger hee gaue him another which within little threw him to the ground Brauorante did much affect this young man séeing with what courage hee fought and would haue come iust to his aide but hee found in his way the piller of Grecia Claramante so néere him that hee could doe no good with his Axe at large and therefore drawing backe his arme he gaue him a thrust in the middest of his shield and although it had béene of Diamond he had cleft it for his force was rare and the weapon the best in the world hee made both him and his horse to make a stand All men wondred at the blow it set him so besides himselfe that hee had time to retire from him and fetching his Axe about his head he reached him a knocke on the side of the Helme and if hee had giuen him a third I know not how it had gone with the Pagan Then came the gentle Claribel as fierce as a Furie with a double blow The Gréeke thought much of it and knew not well where might bee contained so knightly valour After him came Bembo for hauing heard the blowes he well knew what it meant as it was true to his friends cost hee gat little by his comming for Claramante being come to him selfe and missing the young man hee fastned the blow vpon the Achâ—ian it was terrible for as hee had neuer a shield hee tooke it on the middest of his brest This was that which the Sarafin more feared then all those which hee had receiued in his life for the Axe entred his brest wounding him mortally he made no boast thereof for he with the Starres and Claribel smote him both together the one vpon the shoulder the other vpon the top of the Helmet they laid him on the Saddle pummell To the noyse came the famous Floralisa with Camillaes sword shée came iust as Claramante raised and setled himselfe and with a course shée smote him vpon the Helmet it sounded like a bell and left him halfe astonied shée would haue sent him another but that shée found hard by her the famous Rosamundi with Semiramis her diuelish sword against whose edge neither freele nor enchantment had any force Shée gaue her a backe blow vpon one side of the shield and
smote off the one halfe thereof with great part of her Uantbrace to her aide came the wouÌ„ded Don Clarisel desiring to die in the sight of her whom he so dearely loued and like a Uiper drawing force not out of his owne féeling but from his firme faith hee smote the Dame vpon the rich Helme and made her bow downe her head lower then shée would hee gaue place to Floralisa to be reuenged of the Princeâ—se giuing her two thrusts the one after the other There is no particular combat but may bee ended for now of the Moores side came Astorildo and Epirabio with the Calipha of Siconia and the King of Giant-land with foure Giants all Cousins They entred treading the Gréekes vnder féete and were like to doe much harme for Brandusio and the Prince of Almaine had aduanced forwards with those troupes which remained at the entrie into the valley but they found newly come before them the mightie Trasondan Poliphebus and his brother Rosacler with the two couragious Giants Brandafidel and Bramidoro with the gentle Tifereo and the faire Claridiana It was a thing worthie a Romans Theatre to sée the encounters for the Giants matched themselues the one with the other it was like as if two ships had met in the middle of the Sea In this encounter the Gréeke partie had the better for Brandafidel who was one of the most famous in the world laid his aduersarie on the floore Bramidoro did the like they had them in chace and presently many after them for Tifereo had likewise ouerturned Lindauro within a little the warre had againe béene new begun for in a maner the greatest part of the Princes came afoote either partie to aide their people Brandafidel was furious when he fought being angrie they could fasten few blowes vpon him for on foote he was very light and withdrew himselfe to play his part with his club wherewith he did things although lawfull yet verie pitifull for there happened to enter a Giant which came with Brundusio He hit him but two knocks and both on the Helmet there needed no more blowes for he layd him dead at his féete Brundusio would be reuenged but it was to méete with his death for Bramidoro was at hand and in passing by with his bat he made him goe vpon his hands Tifereo holpe him for he stretched him out all along They left their clubs to repaire to him of Gibia seeing that he of Zardus was come to gripes with him They had killed him had not Brauorante ariued whose comming with Aristoldo did not onely rescue him but also renewed the warre so as it then séemed much more cruell then at the beginning The great Alphebus after his old maner singled out Brufaldoro for hee had long desired it ouer since that in the woods of Gréece he would haue robbed his mother The Pagan refused it not but rather at his first smote him on the strong and rich helme and made him auale his head downe to his bosome The Mauritanian would haue seconded it but the famous Emperour which with those blowes was nothing amazed whéeling his horse a little to one side made him to lose his blow and would not let slip occasion but with all his might he reached him a blow vpon the shoulder which smote away all his vaunt-brace it went not alone for hee gaue him another which put him out of his remembrance The Gréeke spent so much time in sâ—riking him that he gaue opportunity to Claribel to come vpon him with a thrust it was one of the most extreme blowes that ouer the Gréeke had receyued His Ladie would reuenge it but she could not find him for he was like an Eagle and had vpon a sudden hardly handled the great Tartarian Zoilo hee made a thrust at the Troiane and had not the Princes of Tharsis and Argentaria bene néere without doubt Hectors heyre had bene in danger The faire Sarmatia was troubled to sée her Troiane in such estate and grinding her téeth she set vpon the youngster she came so néere that she could not strike him the blow did him greater fauour then he deserued for casting her fayre armes ouer his backe shee griped him so hard that shee imprinted his armour in his flesh as she tooke him at vnawares so was it a small matter to vse him so and had hee bene any other shee had pluckt him from his horse In the chase came the great Tinacrian vpon his Rubican he seemed to be no other then a thunder-bolt whistling betweene the clowds he first tooke Don Argante to taske and set him without iudgement vpon the saddle bowe he stretched Lindauro all along vpon the ground and finding Don Celindo néere him with a strong thrust he set him besides his saddle Trebatius his sonne was neuer séene in such a fury his fiercenesse made them all to wonder and had not he with the stars come he alone had ended the battell in that place for before that he came he had ouerthrowne the Prince of Almaine he leapt after him holding it to haue bene honorable to haue taken him prisoner accounting him for one of the most principall by his rich armour in their campe The vnknowne yong man detained him from his purpose smiting him at the entring in the chest of his brest it is a great hap that he had not kild him for his sword pierced his armour euen to the skin and with a little more hee had thrust him in the heart pit Luzelaes louer suffered himself to be hurt with a stab and séeing his bloud spilt vpon anothers weapons there was neuer Tiger so fierce as he for the fleshed Lion is tame in respect of him for bringing his sword about his head with all his might he smote him with the stars athwart the Helmet and made him see them within the same with aboundance of bloud The Gréekes would faine haue ended these battels because they knew that therein consisted the strength of their armie and they being lost the victorie against them was certaine But now there was no remedie for the Emperour of the Romanes was alreadie entred the wood with aboue a hundred thousand men The Gréeks doubtfull of their Princes had shewne no lesse care for the valorous Meridian was come with as many The battels were ready to ioyne but both the one and the other were in feare to bee lost through the discommodity of the place and so they parted either hauing something to talke of 〈◊〉 the valour of those Knights The Greekes extolled the 〈◊〉 Knights with highest praises estéeming theÌ„ 〈◊〉 the flowers of Chiualrie They left no lesse occasion to 〈…〉 particularly Poliphebus who had sheweÌ„ himselfe so valiant that they wondred thereat as prodigious all men intreating him and chiefly his brother to tell who he was but he excusing him selfe the best that he could caused thâ—m the more to mistrust and most when hee tooke his leaue of them telling them that hee was to goe to trye a
of your soule if you please let our battell begin presently if not I will giue place to these Princes which remaine to giue end to theirs The Gréeke did highly estéeme the good spéeches of the young man imagining that they procéeded from a pure noble mind made answere To the end valorous Knight that I might not fight with you I would bee glad that you were excluded out of my Cartell but being of the Pagans Campe my challenge is to be vnderstâ—od to extend as wel to the knights as the Ladies The young man gaue him no other answere then by turning about his horse and putting downe his Beauer and tooke so much ground as might suffice for his carriere The Tinacrian did the like Here oh Nimphes of Pernassus your helpe is wanting and in no occasion O Mrcurie thou canst employ thine better then to explaine with what grace the one parted from the other As for me to intermeddle in the matter I shal but wrong those valorous knights which made the one towards the other and came so soone together as could not be imagined Their strong encounters would haue soone broken the hard rockes but they met with so hard brests that the Launces being shiuered into small splinters flew vp into the ayre as high as the clouds true witnesses of the mightie strength of those two warriours which without any mouing as though they had béene lockt in their Saddles with a singular good grace passed along the one by the other they returned with their swords aloft and terrible were their blowes The sparkles which flew from their shields seemed to set them on fire The Tinacrian lost the reynes of his bridle and thought that the last day had béene come hee heard such thundring about his eares and out at his mouth came aboundance of bloud and hee was a while past remembrance But the young man which had receiued a full blow and from the best arme in the world whose sword hath the best edge fell vpon his Saddle bow bereft of his sences But his horse carried him ten paces off and euerie body looked when he would fall but when he came againe to him selfe there was no Serpent that was troden vpon nor Lyon in a feuer that was so furious The courage wherewith he came made the sparkles of fire to flie out of his eyes The Tinacrian came againe to himselfe wondring at the mightie blow which he had receiued and séeing his Cousin come so furious hee thought it were but folly to stay for that blow and as he was more nimble and was better mounted so he bare to one side making him to lose his blow which came with such force that it made him to fall downe vpon his Saddle pummell so hard that when he would haue setled himselfe againe he was not able and the horse fiâ—ding his head at liberty with two boundings cast him to ground although hee fell vpon his feete The Eagle neuer stooped with greater fury after her pray then the Tinacrian did after the young man which was not yet fiftéene yeeres old he was one of the most light young men of the world and when hee came to perfect age no man excelled him and so with a leap he came to the place where the Gréeke alighted and with a strong thrust hee bare him a great way backwards His strong Armour saued his life for the sword had pierced thorow both his sides had not such cunning handes forged it The Gréeke stood no longer vpon his skill séeing himselfe so battered but layd on such load vpon the new Louer that he put him quite out of breath not without losse of some bloud for against the Gréeke sword there was no enchauÌ„tment that could preuaile Hee gaue him crosse the Helmet a cruell blow hee thought by his staggering that he would haue fallen Neuer was man so furious for noting his enemies strength he began to make benefit of his skill And the Tinacrian meaning to ouerthrowe him with some side-blow let fall his sword and setting forwards his other foot with his shield ouer his head gaue him an vnhappy thrust which the Gréeke thought had put him in danger for glauÌ„cing it chanced to hit in the closing of the armour where it entred into his left arme drawing out bloud in streames not there with content he pitcht his knee to ground smote him athwart the right thigh giuing him another wound although not great hee could not escape but that the Tinacrian would giue him another knocke at his ease ouer the shield smote away a great part thereof the trenchant sword â—ighting vpon the Helmet gaue him so terrible a blow that he set him vpon his hands knées vpoÌ„ the ground he would haue layd him all along striking him vpon the shoulder but the yong man stood firme laid hands on the son of Trebatius who was not retchlesse for that is most dangerous in such cases but suddenly drue out that famous dagger with which so many high enterprises were to be accomplished and gaue him 2. stabs far enough more dangerous theÌ„ the youth did imagine for trusting to his armour which indéed was good he tooke no care to ward them he thought he had bin wounded to the death so in despaire caused through his hurts he set his left hand vpon his dagger hand which he crosâ— with his right with maine force wrested it out of his hand and would haue strickeÌ„ him therewith and without doubt had killed him if he had not takeÌ„ hold of his wrest which he held faster then if it had bin tied with a Cable rope Eufronisaes sonne did not let slip the occasion for seeing the Gréeke busâ—ed and his right arme at libertie he wonderfully gat hold of his legs lifted him from ground who séeking to saue himselfe fel with his head first to ground pulling the youth down after him one sought to get aduantage of another and so tumbling ouer the field til they both were al bloudy but that auailing not as light as two birds they skipt to their weapons The youth was not so much vsed to theÌ„ neither so ready nor strong by reasen of his age as his wel growen kinsman who had the best sword armour in the world There was small aduantage to be gotten in this second battaile for that they were both so well armed but the time came when they were armed alike the youth câ—me to riper age when he made him to sweate drops of bloud recouering then that which now he lost But now it was impossible to match the Tinacrian which in armes was so skilfull But for all this he so plyed him that hee made him to shift from this side to that being galled with his wouÌ„ds much more with the feare to lose the battel but this was the Tinacrians day as he made it well appeare for the young man entred with an excellent ward which gaue great coÌ„tentment to all men saying
they made for where Brandafidel Bramidoro and the gentle Tefereo went there was no defence against their clubs for they trode all vnder foot The greatest part of the Pagans was slain before that their succors came from the campe In the auaunt gard came the flower of Chiualry which were Bembo Brauorante Brufaldoro the young men although yâ— Leobulo by reason of his hurts was not to haue taken armes so soone On the other side came the fiue of the wood desirous to méete with the Gréeks who being more ready séeing theÌ„selues reuenged and so much to their honour sounded a retreat garding their backs with the Citie wals leauing the enemy with lesse then the third part of their people And the greatest euil was that Poliphebus desirous to make shew of himselfe in company with his brother and Nephew wan the Standard of Comagena the King comming to the rescue lost his life honorably because it was by the hands of the Tinacrian This king was cousin and great friend to Bramarante and vncle to the furious Brauorante who when he knew of his death Gualtenor durst not tell how angry he was for before that the Gréeks were wholly withdrawn he slew aboue a hundred of theÌ„ would not returne to the campe without reuenge The diuelish young man went so compassed with his enemies that in despight of them hee went into the citie where I would gladly sée thée O Homer to sing the acts which he there performed he would not refuse to fight with a hundred for hee sought with them all He met with the Princes of Hungarie and Bohemia it was nothing to strike them to the ground considering what he pretended He turned to Thorisiano whoÌ„ he left sencelesse at his horses héeles And the braue Tartarian although he deserued it not hee had neere bereaued of life for casting bloud at his mouth and nostrils he threwe him to ground The strong Florisiano and the Prince of Croacia escaped not scotfrée for he left them astonied A proud attempt sixtéene Princes he threw to the ground in so ill plight that it was doubted of their liues He came to encounter the two famous Giants Bramidoro and Brandafidel to which he had an eie euer since their méeting in the willow valley He entred betwéene them nothing weyghing their terrible clubbes and they which were borne to be feared nothing feared him for whorling about their feareful weapons they both together smote him so strongly that they made him bow both his knées to the ground and had taken him but the terrible young man bestirring himselfe with his broad sword strake Brandafidels club out of his hands and came vpon him with another which set him from him faster then a good pace which gaue him place to rise and ouertake the furious Bramidoro Hee had paid no lesse then his life for the displeasure of this angrie young man for hee made him to fall vpon his hands and would haue closed to make a finall end of him and had done it had not the gentle Tifereo come who with a fierce blow hindred the purpose of the fierce Brauorante But he paid that which he ought to Poliphebus for with a thrust he wounded him verie sore in the middest of his brest and if his sword had entred a little further hee had nayled the one side to the other Brandafidel came to the rescue laying hand to his monstrous crooked Fawchion wherewith he thought to haue defeated the Pagan and smote him athwart the Helme and made him sée a thousand starres therein The Prince of Fraunce Clarindo by chance came at one side of him who was so eager that he could not strike although hee would faine but was likely to haue met with his death for the Pagan séeing him so néere him that hee could not strike him with his sword gaue him so sound a knocke with the Hilts that he â—aid him at his feete Gualtenor saith that had any of the other famous Princes entred with him the Citie had béene in danger to haue béene surprised he roared like a Bull at the stake and was more wight then an Ounce and thinking that hee should better execute his rage on foote he forsooke his horse and so iustled those which came mounted vpon great horses as though hee had béene an Elephant with two blowes hee strake downe the two brothers Spaniards which were held for as valiant as most in the Campe yet there were so many that desired to come to blowes with him that the place was neuer void but rather they met him in the way seeking reuenge All this did but inflame his rage had not the Gréeke Princes béene aduertised thereof who desirous to kill him came in all haste The Dane came first vpon his Tirian very cholericke for that he had ouerthrowne his Captaine which brought his troupes out of Dacia who entred pale with anger and ran vpon him with his horse brest but hee stirred him as much as if he had met with a rocke Then came the braue Claramante who had many times made him to feele what hee could doe with his Halbert who leapt from his horse to whome euerie one gaue place hee stood somewhat aloofe and whorling his weapon about his his head smote him ouer the Helmet and did more then Don Heleno his horse could doe for he made him set his hands to ground he seconded it with another which made him starke mad for making no reckoning of the third although that he saw it comming hee ioyned with him giuing him a suddaine blow with both his hands vpon the Helmet and made him to set both his hands and knées to the ground no man came to his rescue for feare to offend him thinking that he would make an end of the Pagan but hee was become such a Basiliske that if the whole Greeke Armie had beene there hee would not haue refused the battell against them all The louer gaue him a thrust in the brest and had not his armour béene so good hee had nayled him thorow and made him make two steps backwards By this time had all the flowre of the Greekes compassed him about and the Tinacrian had so great a desire to trie himselfe against him that hee leapt from his horse with his Shield vpon his arme desiring his brother to leaue that battell to him wherein he should doe him pleasure All meÌ„ desired to content him for he was beloued of all The Pagan knew him well by his Eagle and knowing that he had slaine his good Unkle hee assailed him bidding them both to prepare themselues which Claramante would not doe by any meanes but left the battell for his brother who as hee came fresh and eager before hee could turne about had giuen him two blowes one after another there was no enchantment against his weapons nor force equall to his for both his knees he made him set to the ground and reached him another no lesse then the former The Pagan
batter it with all the Rams and engines which seemed to bee greater then the Citie of Constantinople was committed to the King of England with part of the Frenchmen a brother of the Duke of Thebes who was no lesse fit for it then his brother for the campe who tooke good order for the gard of the Citie putting all the Ladies into Mars his Castle making thereoâ— faire weather Those which could send fauours to their â—allanis did it with a good will praying to God to giue them victory They expected the comming of Trebatius his power which séemed no lesse then the Moores the Captaine generall committed to the Emperour of Trapisonda Alphebus the leading of one poynt of the horsemen who with his beloued Empresse and the braue Oristides and his wife with the Giants of the Ilands Baleares which were aboue 2000. tooke downe into the valley ouer against the Souldan of Egypt The other point he recommended to the mighty Trebatius whose company was no lesse in shew theÌ„ that which Hector had he went betwéene Poliphebus and Rosacler with his Nephew the valorous Rosabel Bramidoro and Brandafidel with the gentle Tifereo and the sonnes of Tituan tooke charge of his person the Battalions in the middest he deuided as best fitted hee reserued the auaunt gard for himselfe by him went the flower of Chiualry Claridiano and Claramante with all the Spanyards Lirians and Antiochians although that one halfe of the Spanyards with part of the Hungarians and Albanois he had made passe by 2. and 2. 4. and 4. to the number of 60000. towards the campe and that lodging themselues among those crags and bushes they should there make a stand vntill that he should come to giue assault to the campe it was the greatest stratageme that euer Captaine deuised as shall appeare In the rere gard came the braue TorismuÌ„do his son with the Princes of Fraunce Bohemia On the right wing with all those of Dacia went the mightie Heleno with his beloued Rosamundi armed in their rich armour 24. Knights of his chamber had charge of his Ladie The great Tartarian Zoilo the prince Meridian were left with a maine troup for supplies with many spare horses for those which should be lost The Roiall staÌ„dard was borne by the Theban Duke Floristano and Polidolpho with the good king Sacridoro and the valiant Lisart of Argentaria were reserued for that the Captaine had sent them to commaund the Ambuscado committing to their discretion and valour a matter of so great importance Three times in all the Castles of the Citie the alarme was giuen aduice being giuen to the famous Astrutio that then hee should giue the onset vpon his enemies all the troops being ranged in good order and in a readinesse to charge The mightie Aristoldo armed that day in the most rich armour that he had with a faire coloured scarfe which his mother had sent him in the head of the troopes his Beauer being put vp with the but end of his Launce stucke in the ground spake in this maner The Oration THis is the day most excellent Princes wherein the heauens and fortune will that wee shew that valour which it hath giuen vs. In this action it shall be good to die seeing that herein is purchased eternall fame It resteth in our armes to be conquerours fighting with courage and discretion Otherwise in losing our liues wee lose our fame likewise Our enemies are in sight and to those whom it so much behooueth to doe well it shall not neede to vse many words but that euery one consider how much this busines concerneth him and that in ouercomming he shall purchase the fame and credite of valiant As he had sayd these words he cast his Generals Trunchion to the ground and pulling downe his Beuer hee put himselfe among his louing friends expecting when the braue Captaine Bembo should doe the like who before his people with a couragious mind vsed these words Oration I Would mightie Princes and valorous Knights that the gods would beare witnesse and at this instant make manifest with what desire I goe vnto this battell to die for any of you making our enemies know what equitie Armes and hearts we haue It shal be an easie matter to ouercome hauing this aduantage and being three times as many herein is no more to be said but to be readie to be commanded and that euerie one obserue the order wherein hee is set for this maketh men atchiue noble enterprises And seeing that you all may be Captaines to day you ought to bee Souldiers for that and the courage of our hearts will giue vs the victorie for I in the Office wherein I am employed doe meane to die for your seruice Hee likewise threw downe his golden Trunchion and commaunded presently thrée Clarions to bee sounded a certaine token that they should presently giue the charge Hee imbraced the two competitors a custome vsed in his countrie and worthie to bee noted for he say they which haue skill therein which entreth into the battell goeth to contend with death He turned about to sée whether they kept their first order and was verie ioyful to sée such Cauallerie and as they began to ioyne it was worthie of a new booke much more of a new Chapter CHAP. XXIX How the field battell began and of the perilous combats and famous actes which therein succeeded THe time is come worthie Dames warlike Princes if euer there were single combats louers cases in the world herein they shall be séene at life but with your fauour for without it there is no passage to bee giuen to my slow pen to lay colours on such a péece of painting as is this wherein an excellent wit and loftie stile is very requisite A sight worthie to bee séene although it made some afraid but to the rest it yéelded new courage to sée so many faire ensignes flying in the aire so many Cornets wauing so much Armor glittering such neighing of horses striking one at another such thundring of Ordinance so many instruments of warre such crying of Souldiours such encouraging of Captaines fixing their eyes on the palme of the victorie which turned the most cowardly Souldier to a fierce Lion the noyse of the Charriots and the snorting of the Elephants hauing séene this who would not haue thought but that the last day had béene come The infantrie of either side extended it selfe at large whose Pike heads did so shine as they dazelled the Sunne The most Christian Emperour full of water lifted vp his eyes to heauen saying Séeing this is thine O Lord behold thy people Both together in the points met these two angry Captaines charging the first battels that it séemed that the earth was not onely oppressed in it selfe but that the highest heauens were vnhung In the Auaunt-gard of these battels came the flowre of both armies for with the Generall Bembo were ioyned the two competitors which aduanced themselues forwards And
on our side the mightie Generall and Claramante with the vnknowne Gréeke which came to ioyne with greater force then can be imagined Oristoldo lost his stirrops but hauing so good a horse he past furiously along the like did the foure which remained they returned the one against the other with as great courage as possibly could be imagined Bembo desirous to strike Claridiano came so néere that he could not strike him and so came to handie gripes the Greeke knew the Pagans strength and leauing his stirrops he suffered himselfe to be carried away but in plucking him from his Saddle he took so strong hold that he pluckt him out of his before that hee was able to quit his stirrops which if the Gréek had knowen he would haue trailed him from his horse It was a luckie chance for Archisiloraes Louer for as he was stronger then the Moore so he set him vp against his horse and with his dagger was like to haue slain him for he hurt him although not dangerously The yong man was almost lost for the Giants séeing the Pagan in the ground charged with their squadron had troden him vnder foot had he not bin closed with Bembo but this the approach of the battels gaue theÌ„ place to take horse beginning betwéene them anew so furious a battel as if they had bin alone within the Lists It lasted not long for the flouds of frieÌ„de enemies parted them being mixed among the troupes where oh who is able to expresse what blowes were giuen aboue 30000. lost their saddles some presently their liues for they were either troden vnder the horse féete or smoothered with extreme heate who had seene the gallant Claramante with his shield at his backe charge the enemie with his Battel-axe at large to let driue at those Giants which as they were huge so many he neuer mist blow at euery blow felled one to the grouÌ„d stopping the passage against the horsemen his friends held him so good companie that it gaue great pleasure to behold theÌ„ for Claridiano carefull of his Lady suffered her not to strike a blow although she wel made shew of the valor of her persoÌ„ The warlike Lady charged in so far among the Giants that before she was aware hauing hoâ—t her horse they had her afoote her Louer repaired to the noyse séeing the Queene a ground I cannot tel whether a man should relate what the Gréeke did For 4. Giants being alighted to help their Captaine which was at handy gripes with the Lady he laid theÌ„ on the ground at 4. blowes and came where the Giant was armed with plankes of stéele his Helme He let her go séeing the Gréeke coÌ„ming prepared for his defence but it was too late for before he could turne with the furie which did predominate in him hee smote him with both handes vpon the head rasht away a great piece therof of his thick helmet hee seconded another together with Archisilora shee with a thrust pearced him thorow he before hee fel had cleft his head so as the best fairest hands in the world wrought his death Many did enuie the Giant for his death in such maner Oristoldo and Claramante would not bee out of the way when they should assist them The thrée famous Pagans turned backwards hearing the noyse and those which were a foote were like to bee in danger by their comming for in the Generals gard they had done much harme It was strange to sée Bembo with his sword died in bloud The furious Brauorante bare that day a great Mace of stéele being stung with the death of his Uncle hee sufficiently reuenged it for hée gaue many for one at his comming hee met with those of the Generals Chamber and flue thrée of them at two blowes and charging the Giants which had the gard of his person being nothing afraid to sée himselfe alone amongst them he began to stirre in such maner that if Claramante had not come hauing first mounted those two princes hee had made an end of them but knowing him they gaue place whose battell is not to bee forgotten for the one with his Axe and the other with his Mace at euerie blowe made the bloud to gush out at their Uisors It was good hap for a great many and as a man might say ordained by the heauens for at one blow with his terrible Axe hitting close by his hand hee smote in two péeces his Mace of steele and it was maruaile that he had not done the like by his armes O who had then séene the angrie Moore more furious then a Basiliske hee was nothing amazed neither did hee strike sayle to furie but rather drew out a sharpe skeane wherewith hee would haue smitten the Gréeke but it was too late for he had alreadie the edge of his Axe vpon his Helme here he saw that which he neuer thought of his weapons for hitting him athwart the Creast he smote it cleane away a great part of his stéele Cap. Forwards went the louer glad to see the Standard to march forwards getting ground The infidell Bembo perceiued it and with great furie would haue set vpon him which bare it which was the good Duke of Thebes had not his hands béene as good as his iudgement according to the force wherwith he pluckt it he had ne're caried it Brufaldoro followed the chase The old man was in great danger but his 3. soÌ„nes which were the flowre of the Gréeks defended their father as wel as they did the standard Oristoldo and Claridiano wel saw the hurly burly but the Giants did so much trouble them that they could not passe but séeing what was lost in the Standard notwithstanding he had a good gard throwing downe those which stood in his way the furious Claridiano caâ—e and met with Brufaldoro and taking him at vnwares it was a maruell that he had not killed him for in passing by he gaue him a mighty thrust in one of his sides which finding entrance in the iointing came forth againe all died in bloud The yong man passed by so swift that hee could not strike him but others of lesse worth which remained behind paid for displeasing him Bembo would that all the whole army should charge for the being by halfe more then the Gréekes being mixt al together they might the better one helpe another The horne was thrise winded which was a warning to giue the charge The braue Oristoldo well vnderstood it retiring with his company then which a better was not in the world he said vnto them The time is now come valorous Princes wherein your valour wil appeare for Bembo hath giuen signe for the generall charge and because he shall not thinke that we are carelesse it shall be good to get the hand of them which he did for he presently winded his so lowd that all the valleys rang thereof The Ladies in Mars his Castle knew it and the
Gréekes were in such readines that as he left they marched as swift as the fresh wind A sorrowfull day for a great many for there they met with their deaths in a thousand maners The earth shrâ—nk it was so oppressed The Sunne hid his beames because he would not sée so many deaths The noyse wherewith the battel 's ioyned was so terrible that rebounding vp to the skies it made there also a great slaughter for the flying soules wanting ayre to maintayne their flight came dead to ground The 2. Nauies at sea although they had already ioyned heard the noise which was at land In came the mighty Trebatius accoÌ„panied with his sons so furious that he séemed like death it selfe they did so well gard him that he neuer receyued blow The famous Tinacrian was the best armed and mounted of any man in the world and so earnest that sometimes his kinsmen could not follow him notwithstanding that they wrought miracles But the Pagans were so many that although that they where they went had the aduantage yet the Moores had it in the rest of the campe fighting sometimes foure against one and sometimes at more ease On that side where the Souldan of Egypt was there the Gréekes had the better because on that side happened to fight the inuincible Alphebus with the no lesse furious then redoubted Knight Oristides who séemed no other then as Hercules among the Giants in the plaines of Egypt or as Samson among the Philistims Lirgandeo reporteth that before that hee had euer drawne his sword hee had felled ten Giants those with that in his hand he sought and not the weake simple Knights They made a broad stréet for him but Don Celindo taketh him in hand with his sister friends he rushed in among them vpon a sudden seized vpon Thorisiano he made him lose his reynes and almost his saddle and therewith his life had not Don Argante come at one side who with his rich sword when as this braue Emperour would haue seconded his blowe there with haue stinted the strife entred with a strong thrust which he made at him hitting him in the brest shrinking vp his sword arme with the paine and so he could not strike the yong man but turned against the Fenician more fierce then a Leopard smote his plumes from his head had he borne his hand a little lower he had endangered him he returned a thrust at the Assyrian who séeing what the knight did which knew him not for he would neuer enter into any battell but as a priuate soldier had aduauÌ„ced himselfe forwards with a desire to strike him he hit him in the middest of the brest and vnable to pierce it for the goodnesse of the mettall hee pushed him so farre backe that hee tumbled him out of his saddle There was neuer a better blowe giuen in all the battell Claridiana was glad to sée it who had taken Floralisa to taske Their battell was apart for the high heauens in valour although not in beautie had made them equals No man came to their ayd séeing their equalitie in fight But Don Celindo who was of greater force then the Troiane sorry for his friends blowe parted from him and assayled the TrapisondaÌ„ Lord. He was neuer weary with fighting for therewith he was refreshed he let him enter and with all his might stepping aside as he was more nimble valiant seizing vpon him with his armes he pluckt him out of his saddle and but for feare to bee ouerborne by the beasts which the Giants rode on he had kild him hee let him goe spurning him with his feete but he was presently remouÌ„ted The Souldan of Egypt was extreamely sorry to sée that of his side they had the worst of the battell and therefore he fought not but did more in giuing directions for by turnes he brought new succours where they were ready to fly Those in the middest charged with all possible force Rosabel his sonnes and the vnknowne young man with the starres had desceÌ„ded more lower into the valley They séemed like the bright Sun beames amidst the black clowds and amazed all the army to see how they plaid the deuils They resembled Auteus in strength and Cesar in fighting They left not a Knight wounded for they strake them all starke dead The orchard kéepers beat not downe fruite so fast with their long poles as they did the Gréekes with their sharpe swords No man durst abide them and so climing vp a little hils side and séeing that in all the rest of the battell their friends as fast as they could goe did get ground although that they saw them fall by heaps yet they were so many that there was no man mist leauing the staÌ„dard in his hands who well knew how to defend it they came downe the hils side The two brothers wore seuerall coloured Scarfes which their mother had giuen them although not by that name but as their country woman they were séene by both armies Hee which went to méete them was no lesse then the fierce Don Heleno with his beloued Ladie who was knowne to haue the aduantage of all men with those cruell Armes which sometime did belong to Semiramis on his left side went that valiant Spaniard Thorismundo to whose trust might be committed any charge although not this for without doubt Claribel was more valiant who fel to his lot who as this was the first battell that hee had séene so would he therein purchase fame Hee suffered the Spaniard to enter vpon a faire horse of the race of Corduba in whome he did put too much trust to his valor giuing the young man a great blow who was nothing mooued therewith and preparing a second hee entred striking him vpon the rich Helmet which then gaue him his life but for all that it set him vpon his Saddle bow casting bloud out at his Uisor and with another hee would haue ended the warre and had done it had not his sonne come running who séeing his father in such case drawing force out of feare with both his hands tooke reuenge it was enough to make him to lose his â—â—ow for thereby hee recouered his Fathers life who with the helpe of his sonne set vpon the young youth who was glad thereof the better to make them to know the strength of his arme which tired him more then they knew for This was nothing to the battell betwéene Don Heleno and Rosamundi with his brother and the Knight with the starres Shée reposed great trust as there was reason in her rich weapons and for that cause shée ioyned euerie foote with the youth cutting both his armour and his flesh he went more enraged then a chafed Bull to see himselfe so hurt for before that hee could cleare himselfe from this Ladies hands he had receiued foure wounds which were the first that he had receiued in all that battell The Ladie was no lesse tyred and endangered then if she
and Poliphebus and his wife with Lindoriano and his wife Triumphes are a preparing which will bee reported ouer all the world In the meane time vpon agréement the Moores discharged their Nauies remayning for euerie Monarch twelue Galleyes They set at libertie all prisoners and amongst the rest Epirabio whom as hee had deserued they gaue Lisiana which hee so much desired The great Assyrian Don Clarisel by the consent of all the Greeke Princes marryed with Floralisa In this pleasure remained all those Princes and fayre Ladies which of all the world were the flowre when as Selagio framed a newe reuenge for herein is crueltie depaynted in his colours hee obtayned so much by ouerturning Lupertius his bookes that hee came to finde this prophesie Into Mars his Castle no man shal be suffred to enter but him which mounting vpon the hill Olympus shall winne the passage and after that hee is entred shall bereaue Mars of his Armes Hee was verie glad imagining that no man could doe it and hee stealing away the greatest part of the Ladies which were busied with pleasing feastings being so hard to set them at libertie hee should remayne somewhat satisfied In a moment hee put it in execution for taking a Charriot with flaming fire which hee brought into the hall at Constantinople so as no man could stirre with such lightnings and thunder as though heauen and earth should haue come together which being past there were missing the fayrest Ladies of the world which were Policena Helena Aurelia and Rosabela with the faire Artemisa and of the Moores the daughter of the Sophie of the Assyrian of the Fâ—nician Troyla and Bembo his sister although but a girle and the Souldans of Egypt All the Court was in an vprore and there would goe to séeke them particularly Rosabel his sonnes and hee with the starres with the great Tartarian but in the meane time in came Nauato who pacified them saying that then to goe to séeke them was to no purpose for hee found that they should not so soone be set at libertie for there was a prophesie that vntill that the disguised Lion should hold the Ounce in his pawes at the poynt of death who loued him as her selfe hauing wounded her and set her in such maner not springing from thence the furious Basiliske which may breake open that which is lockt it shall be impossible for the world to sée the inclosed Nymphes So as excellent Princes it behoueth you to make merry although there be so many Ladies missing by reason of the peace which hath cost you so much and because I haue much to doe and all for your seruice I can stay no longer neither sée any body vntill all be accomplished and so he presently vanished leaâ—ing both the Gréeks and Moores somewhat satisfied in that they knew that they were in some part whither they might goe to séeke them And so all the gallant youths began to prepare for the feasts vntill that one day all the Ladies passing their time merrily with their Gallants in the middest of the great hall with all those mighty Princes discoursing of pleasant matters the famous Brauorante sâ—ung with his owne honour rose vp and began in this maner CHAP. XXXII How the redoubted Brauorante required the braue Brufaldoro to performe the challenge past and agreed vpon and of the cruell battell which was betweene them with that which followed A Touch in honour most excellent Prince is of such force that there is no pleasure taken in any thing vntill that it bee defaced or the breach repayred wee haue an example heereof in the most mighty Brauorante who being stung with the sight of his fathers Armes in another mans hands it made him starke mad and it was a sufficient paine sith hee felt not how great it would bee to him to see Floralisa married but his wits were so troubled with this griefe that it gaue no place to feele any other which he plainely discouered for nothing regarding what discontentment hee should giue therein in time of so much content he stood vp and said The gods are my witnesse Soueraigne Princes what pleasure I conceiued to see you reconciled for so many yeeres and that after that you haue shewed the heights of your displeasure it endeth in such ioy so fixed that it is needlesse to feare that fortune may alter it In generall wee are all victorious for if the Gréekes may glorie in that name the Pagans may also weare garlands of gréene â—ke but in particular I alone cannot ioy in this name although that for some respects I haue so much deferred that which ought not to be endured for a minute and how can it be that I should liue contented séeing my fathers Armes in the handes of Brufaldoro so much defended by the Gréeks that therein they haue bound mee to doe them seruice so long as I liue and hauing twise giuen ouer the battaile for the loue of my Lady Floralisa and a hundred would but shee deferred it vntill the end of these battailes and seeing that they are so well ended there is no reason why it should be any longer delayed for it is a great stayne to my honour and much for this King to haue challenged mee And heerewith the Barbarian gaue an end to his discourse remayning so furious that all men marueyled at the order which he obserued in his chalenge The braue Brufaldoro stood vp and with that fiercenesse wherewith the heauens had endued him hee sayd I would Brauorante long since haue accomplished thy desire but in time of such ioy as this to trouble them with new warres after so many past it is rather a signe of pride then of any thing else and because thou shalt knowe that if I tooke those Armes I meane to defend them to morrowe I will in the place fasten them to a Launce from whence if thou take them not it will bee for want of that valour whereof thou so much vauntest The Pagan leapt out crying It is to bee delayed no longer for there is time inough betwixt this and night to chastice thée The braue Affrican had set vpon him had not the most mightie Tinacrian stept betweene them at whose request it was deferred till the next day It was a marueylous thing to see for before that Titans Messengers were departed from their logdings the place was all full of people which attended the sight of the horrible battell As they were couragious so were they both desirous and it séemed to bee one of the most sightly battels of the world and with much reason for therein were fewe that could match them All the Gréekes discoursed of the successe thereof but durst leane no more to the one then the other not to disgrace eyther although that in secret some more affected Brauorante for that which they had séene him doe in those warres When Apollo began to shew his golden lockes bathed in the Spanish seas all the Court began to stirre some
in his determination he saw néere at hand the certaine death of his déerely beloued daughter for hee continued so obstinate in his vniust challenge that nothing could withdraw him from his damned resolution The two Princes came in whose presence gaue no small ioy to all that were in the hall principally the Tinacrian for no man had a greater grace in his countenance In ouer-looking the hall with iudiciall eyes the sonne of great Trebatius doing some reuerence said God saue the great King of Samogacia and graunt thée that peace which thy personage deserueth this Knight and I come from farre countries onely to defend the wrong as we haue vnderstood which is done by a certaine Knight vnto thy Daughter and casting lots whether of vs should first enter into battell for her it fell to me which gaue mee no small content to doe thy daughter this seruice and performe that whereto by the law of Knighthood I am bounden and therefore you may commaund her to be called and wee shall sée whether shee will commit the equitie of her cause into my hands The Gods requite thée the band Sir Knight wherein you haue bound me with offring your person to such danger as this present which is one of the greatest that you haue séene which might be ended by some other meanes if this Knight would who is the defendâ—nt to the challenge but séeing it must goe as fortune will appoint there is no more to be done but to come to the battell which the Gods graunt may end according to the equitie of the cause To be of the Princesses part mightie King hath compelled me to come answered the Tinacrian The fierce Pagan being somewhat moued rose vp saying I would not Sir Knight that you should haue so great confidence in the Ladies innocencie but that you should come so well furnished with forces as are needfull for the battel and so you may take this Knight to helpe you for my challenge doth extend to foure It shall not néed said the sonne of Trebacius to haue any more companie theÌ„ the equity of my cause doth giue me for if I be in the right my person will sufâ—ice for a greater matter if in the wrong little will great forces preuaile against iustice and I much desire that such a Knight which is so famous as you are before so many people should not make shew to trust more in the strength of your arme then in the equitie of your cause which most commonly fayling valour is of little effect The furious Pagan beeing there with â—ffended answered saying I thought not Knight that my curtesie had animated thee to be so proud but because thou maist know that I will not passe the time in words being more fit to vse deeds we wil no longer deferre the battell As he had ended his answere came the most faire Celibella all clad in mourning attire which did greatly encrease her beautie The Tinacrian had neuer séene greater beautie for there were few in the world that did excell her Her father told her at her comming how that Knight vndertooke the battell for her The faire Princesse knew him straight by his deuice of a bough which he bare in his shield that hee was the man for whom she had sent She presently gaue him authoritie with greater contentment then can be spokeÌ„ although that when she remeÌ„bred the infortunate Princes her most pleasing thoughts were watred with teares These two valiant Warriours made no delay for the fierce TinacriaÌ„ taking his leaue of the King went into the lists taking with him the Prince of Prussia who stood to looke on On the other side of the lists presently came in the valorous Furiander much people accompanying him although there was no bodie that would he should winne the palme or weare those armes wherein hee had accused the Princesse who was set vpon a scaffold with a sufficient gard where she prayed to her false Gods that her Knight might obtaine the victorie séeing the in so iust a cause he vndertooke the battell Face to face stood these two warriours whose lookes and gestures were such that he which stood farthest off did scarcely account himselfe in safetie at the giuing of the fearefull signe they drew with more swiftnesse then an arrow flieth In the middest of the place was appointed the course of their Carriere making a greater sound in their meeting then if two hils had runne together they bowed not in their â—addles with the force of the lances which brake like Kâ—xes whose splinters flew so high that they were out of sight These two rare men in valour turned their horses with their swords in their hands approching the one iust to the other they gaue so fearefull blowes as would haue beaten a rocke in pieces eche of them could testifie his aduersaries force they redoubled the second with greater courage then dexteritie either of them féeling his owne blood in his mouth they began to make benefite of the nymblenesse wherewith they were endued closing and beating by the blowes in such exquisite maner that Mars himselfe could not haue done the like The valiant Moore spurring his horse thinking by swiftnesse to get aduantage charged carrying his sword firme with the point forwardes The great Tinacrian was well aware thereof there was neuer seene any Eagle more swift then hee in giuing blowes and making his horse to giue a bound hée passed before the Moore and turned him so sodainly that hee wondred at the Sonne of Trebacio they came to ioyne and the Moore would giue the first blow hee did it which was more swift then the wind and strake him vpon the rich Helmet whose finenesse warranted his life for otherwise hee had clouen him to the saddle it sounded like a bell and therein the Tinacrian saw a thousand starres in the skies he fell vpon his horse necke and the Moore doubled his blow but if hee had giuen the third the battell had béen ended for it came with such force that he was quite senselesse he had closed with him if he had not séene that more furious then a Basiliske hee returned with his sword aloft There was no man in that place that yeelded not the victorie for the Pagan the Ladies fainting confirmed the same for losing her Rosiall colour it became like snow séeing the blowes which her Knight had receyued who was nothing discouraged therewith but casting his shielde at his backe grinding his téeth against the other he assayled the Moore giuing him so mightie a blow vpon his helme that he left him al that part vnarmed charging him so vehemently that there mist but little to haue laid him in the dust hee tooke hold of his horse necke The Tinacrian ioyned with him accounting the victorie for his owne and with both his handes gaue him another blow which imprinted his sword in his flesh wounding him in the shoulder as the Moore setled him selfe losing no occasion he gaue him two thrusts one