himselfe and his traine hée thus imparted at large his minde Madame to the ende you should not bee ignorant of the chiefest cause of my comming into this Country knowe yée that I being prouoked with an incredible desire to doo you seruice am departed the Kingdome of Bohemia the proper place of my natiuity where the King my father happily swayeth the Scepter at this present day and this vpon confidence that you shall know the sincere affection which I haue to obey you in all things you will not refuse to accept me fréely for your sonne in Law And albeit that I doo not repute my selfe at this present very rich in earthly riches hauing as yet my father liuing yet may I well vaunt to bee in bart and good will to serue and defende you from your enemies a man more forward than any other Prince of Europe For this occasion I pray you graunt mee in marriage your Daughter Gridonia whome I shall bée able to vpholde in her honours better than any other Knight that at this day liueth Faire Knight replyed then the Duchesse to giue you my Daughter to wife could I well be content if by any meanes it might bée knowing very well the illustrious bloude from whence you descende Notwithstanding shée hath sworne neuer to marry with any but with him who for the Iewels of her marriage shall first present her with the head of Primaleon of Greece sonne to the Constantino Politane Emperour This is no small demaund quoth the Knight againe albeit when I shoulde haue some iust and reasonable occasion I would embolden my selfe so farre as to dare to goe to deâ—â—â— him at his owne home to effect the same I will tell you occasion good ynough said the Lady then you shoulde knowe that in a Tourney which he caused to be published at the Nuptials of his sister Philocrista hee gaue safe conduct to all commers when for all that he slew felloniously as if it had béene in a mortall Combate fought at all destance Perrequin of Duas sonne to the King of Polland my Brother who entred the Lists onely to the ende to assay himselfe against him So that by good reason you may vppon this death accuse him of fellony and disloyalty Madame answered hée that is not sufficient to vrge this euill act vpon him because the Knight who entereth into a Tourney is as the man that playeth at Dice who before hée sit himselfe downe to play must make account that hée may sometimes loose and sometimes winne Euen so the true Knight should appeare within the Lists in hazard to leaue his life there behinde him as soone as to bring it away with him againe Notwithstanding séeing that I haue no better occasion I will combat him alleadging that hée slew him in anger and mallice which prouoked him thereunto Whereuppon I doo assure thy selfe that hee trusting in Prowesse and reputation will answere me arrogantly and prouoke mee with some iniurious wordes which will giue mee more apparent reason to combat him And to the ende that you shoulde knowe I speake nothing with my mouth which my heart forethinketh not I promise to depart incontinently hence and to take my voyage to Constantinople where if I dye in the battell it shall be for me a perpetuall honour and praise to dye for so perfect a Lady as Gridonia is and if I chaunce to vanquish mine enemy I shal purchase the most exquisite and rare treasure that Nature might present me on this earth True it is Madame that I would greatly desire that it would please you of curtesie to let me sée the Princesse your Daughter before my departure for that hauing once imprinted her liuely beauty within my hart shée shall double augment my force and courage That will I not refuse you said the Duchesse but I accorde it vnto you with all my hart yet not without aduertising you before hand that you shal put your selfe in great perrill of your life by reason of a Lyon which gardeth her continuallie the which wareth fierce and cruell so soone as hee perâ—â—aneth anie Knights come neare my Daughter For all that will not I let to go see answered then Valido hoping I shall well enough defend my selfe if the beast come to assaile me Hauing then taken this resolution the Duchesse sent with him one of the Gentlemen of her house with expresse commandement not to suffer any other to enter within the Castell but this Knight onely where when hee came afterwards and that Gridonia knew that it was the King of Bohemiaes Sonne who would go to combat Primaleon for her Loue she commaunded to bring him vp into her chamber Which the Prince vnderstanding hee tooke brauely his buckler in one hand his naked sword in the other then entred â—â— without any feare like a hartie and valiant Champion But the Lyon séeing him approch in this equipage beganâ—◠〈◊〉 and narre lifting vp his head furiously out of the Damosels lappe where he was wont for the most part to repose it Neuerthelesse she held him backe by great force by a lease made of gold-twist which held by a rich coller buckled to his necke for that Gridonia was not strong inough to stay him Valido came full vppon him with his brandished sword to strike hym but she cried vnto him that he should not doe it except he wold die and that he should depart onely out of the Chamber and they would finde meanes to speake together The Bohemian did doe so much willinglie and much â— doo had the Insant to kéepe her Lyon foom running after him yet by stroaking and making much of him shée shut him â—â— within a great Chamber wherein séeing himselfe thus imprisoned he began to roare in so strange manner that hee made all those who heard him fore afraid Whereat Gridonia was so vered that going out of her Chamber to speake with the Knight shée spake but thus much Fayre Knight my mishap and disaster will not permit mee at this present to haue any long talke with you therefore I beséech the Almightie so to strengthen your Arme against Primaleon that you may make him pay dearely for his treason wherein I remayning satisfied shall repute my selfe a most Fortunate woman to bee reuenged by meanes of the best knight who euer put foote in stirrop So much astonished and ranished with her great beautie was Valido that hardly could be answere one only word neuer fearing to be accounted lumpish and of small discretion he hazarâ—â—d to breake silence in this manner Madame sore shuld the heauens punish mee and Fortune should shew hir selfe too too mutinous against mee if séeing so rare and perfect a Paragon as is your personage I should not employ my body and soule to their vtter mostâ— to reuenge you of the wrongs which are offered you for that hee should be very blinde and deuoide of naturall reason who hauing once séene your selfe if he shuld not iudge you vnworthie of aduersitie and for
my husband could assaile him hee thrust his sworde vppe to the hills with such a violence that it ranne cleane through his bodie Which these sorrowfull eyes of mine beholding I began to cry out like a woman deprined of her wits and as ill sucke hapned there was not found one in all the Castell who had power or courage to take Armes to reuenge me of this Barbarian for that the two bretheren of my disceased husband who are indeed both so hardle Knights that he had not dared to haue perpetrated this homicide in their presence take away the day before al the men of desence with them into the Countrie By meanes whereof this fellon and cruell murtherer had time ynough to arme him selfe and to make away from the Castell where after the massaker he 〈◊〉 not aboue a quarter of an houre in which short spare I could not aduertise my neighbours the place where I dwell beeing far in the fields and remote from all other habitations Now you haue heard who by word â—ir Knight the veritie of my disgrate séing it hath pleased you to vnderstand it wherein beside she disaster of my husband which cannot now be remedied I account my selfe much dissauored of the heauens and fortune hauing no meane so finde out one who will for mee enterprise vengeance against Authour of thy finall 〈…〉 〈…〉 Rifarano I 〈…〉 there is not that 〈◊〉 who will not affirme him to be a 〈…〉 and you shall 〈…〉 Knights who 〈…〉 him vpon this quarrell of whome I offer my selfe 〈…〉 In my learne what ways he hath taken and the coate of Armes which hee heareth is the end I may haue some knowledge of him the better in the meane time pray vnto God that I may méete with him if you desire to he reuenged for to that effect doe I purpose to bend all my forces or else they shall sayle mee at my greatest néede Faire Knight a thousand thankes I yéeld you aunswered the Damsell for your curtesie and good will the which certes I knew to be no lesse when first you began to speake which puts me in some good hope that I shall bee reuenged by your hand and through this meane shall you binde me to so great obligation towards you that bardly shall I euer bee able to cancell it if of your grace you may not accept for satisfaction thereof the desire that I haue to employ my selfe for you in at honest requestes wherein it shall please you to commaunde mee This Knight hauing learned the way and the markes whereby he might discrie him who had slaine his hoste hee tooke leaue of the Damsell all so bee blubbered with wéeping that whosoeuer had séene her would haue iudged two channels to haue béene made artificiall vpon her chéekes through the aboundance of teares falling incessantly from her two eies Hée rode all that day without méeting him but nowes he heard at the entring into a forrest that hee went that ways not farre before him where béeing ouertaken by night hee purposed to repase himselfe till day But he could not sléepe a wink because he fell into a déepe thought how he might depart after the Courney to take his vayage into Almaine towards the Emperour Trineus his Father herewith was his spirite so disquieted that he was forced two houres before day to remount on horsebacke And galloyping as lest as hee could hee was gone before the sunne rising 〈◊〉 leagues which they counted from the forrest to a little village where lay that night the Knight whome hee sought enquiring after him of those whome he met he was a ware of him where hee was mounting by the side of a hillocks not farre from the place whence be was not a quarter of an houre before dislodged and went an easie pace Rifarano well a paid hereof spurred his horse to euertake him which hee did before hee was gotten to the foote on the other side of the hill As soone then as the murtherer entred the plaine and began to set spurres to his horse to goe a little faster Rifarano called alond vnto him descending into the bottome Hola Sir Knight tarrie I shall kéepe you from vauting to haue slaine trayterously a gentleman who receaued you with all humanitie into his Castell and that you did a little to rashly rauish your selfe with the loue of his wife When the Knight affailed heard his menacing he presently turned bridle and vayling his launce staide for him couragieuslie without stirring a foote for séeing him in company of one onely Aquire he was nothing amazed but answerd him verie stoutlie Knight you are come to reuenge the death of him who will make you loose your life I thinke therefore it were better for you if you desire euer to see her againe for whome you resolue to combat mee to withdrawe your selfe from so great an enterprise leauing to counterset the butterfly who after she hath found the light can neuer goe from it till in the end she haue set her selfe on fler We shall quickly sée replied then Rifarano howr God can chastice the ouer wéening and Arrogancie of Traitors such as you are who for the lust of their sensuall appetites corrupt the inuie late laws of hospitalitie speaking these words they encountered with such a power and breaking both their Launces one vppon another as Rifarano was a little wounded with that of his aduersarie whome hee sent in so bad case to the ground that he could hardly rise againe Neuerthelesse being magnanimious and could manage Armes well he quickly put hand to his sword and thrusting his arme into his shield as soone as he could he gaue so pesant a blow vppon Rifaranos horse head that he made him fall downe dead betwéen his legs from whome he leapt off nimbly saying all in rage and choller Nowe I sée well your occupation is to betraye folke séeing you haue so discoueteousâ—â—laint my horse for which I hope to makke you 〈◊〉 dearely before you passâ— With those wordes began Rifarano to strike home and to how him in such strange manner that being néere valiante and stronger made for Armes than his enemie within a small space he laid him on the ground at his féete where séeing him lie a long in a traunce hee ran vpon him to giue him the mortall guerdon of his demerits which hee had done if the Knight who felt himselfe in extreame perill of his life had not cryed out saying Alas My Cosen Rifarano where art thou now that thou canst not succor me in this necessity wherin I see myselfe Certaine I assure my selfe full sorrie wilt thou be when thou shalt beare tydings of my death It was Lecefin his companion who for the cure of his wounds which hee receiued in fighting with Arnedes Prince of Fraunce when he slew the Hermite who would haue parted them as you haue read before retired himselfe into a Nunnerie Where by meanes of a Religious sister who did verie well vnderstand the methode of Chirurgerse he was
vnto them the whole discourse of their History after that they had all supped most daintely The morrow morning Prince Edward rose at the point of day-breake and departed alone with the Damosell leauing the two brethren among the Nunnes in the Conuent where the Abbesse made them good cheare for his sake and kept very carefully the sword which he gaue her whereuppon it fortuned afterward that he being King he augmented much the reuenues of this Nunnerie remembring the promise which hee had made to the Abbesse and to all the religious Nunnes her sisters CHAP. XX. How Prince Edward was brought by the Damosell into the house of the Duke of Borsa where her sister thought to enchaunt him to make him marry a Niece of hers beeing Daughter to the Duke who was inamoured of him onely by the great fame which was bruted of his valour and what ensued there upon THis Damsell who guided the English Prince wayted in the house of the Duke of Borsa Nephewe to her for whom her father enchaunted the two brethren within the Sepulcher the which was afterward married with the Earle of Brabant vnto whom he had promised her as ye haue read before But this Duke had onely one sonne and one Daughter which was his eldest excelling farre in beauty all others of that country for which cause hir father loued her a great deals the dearer so that more carefully to haue her nuctured in all feminine ciuility hee caused her to bee brought vp in the house of a sister of his being a widdow a most prudent Lady beeing well aduized and verye well seene in the Arte of Magicke and secret Philosophie a Profession very peculiar to the most part of their familie This Dukes Daughter called Rene hearing the famous report of the generous valour of Prince Coward so publikely talked of in the mouth of all men tell so farre in loue with him without euer séeing him that she became wonderfull pensiue and melancholly and by reason of the continuall teares and complaints which without ceasing shée powred out to the winde when she could secretly retire her selfe into her Chamber apart to ease the passion of her minde a little shee so defaced her beauty in fewe dayes that the Duke her father was aware thereof Whereupon seeing her sometimes to fetch déepe sighes déerely requested his sister for he loued his Daughter entirely to sound by some subtle meanes from whence this her melancholly sadnes might proceede Whereunto the good Lady made reply how she had not as yet perceiued any such matter notwithstanding shée woulde worke so wisely that shée woulde learne the truth And from thence going strait to her Néeces Chamber shée found her continuing her daily complaints So that sitting downe by her she began to pray and to coniure her that shee would no longer conceale from her the cause of her griefe then the young Damsell with a bashfull and blushing countenance answered to her with these words Madame I knowe not what to answere you in this case but that I am the most wicked and most disastred Damosell that was euer borne vnder the celestiall Spheares séeing that I haue imprinted in my heart a thing which redoundeth more to my totall ruine than to the least lote of any contentment whose â—sâ—ue shall be my spéedy death which shall bring an ende to my detestable and too too languishing life Then shée proceeded to tell how she loued with a most vehement and excessiue flame Prince Edward of England who would be the onely cause that shee shoulde speedily sée her selfe dissolued to dust and ashes forasmuch it séemed altogether impossible euer to haue any fruition of her desire because the Prince and she were not of equall estates The Aunt who sawe her in such a pittifull taking would not prolong her furthee torment but presently began thus vnto her Deere Neere I pray you gouern your selfe with some constancie of minde in this passion and in the meane time blotte out of your minde this impossibilitie which you alledge for the principal point of your anguish for I promise you so to imploye my Art that the Knight who will loue ere long more than anie liuing creature shall arriue in this place to espouse you So great and vnspeakable was the ioy of Rene that taking her Aunt about the necke shee embraced and kissed her manie times saying O my swéete Aunt if you procure me now this blisse and felicitie inferiour to none in this world you may well vaunt and say you haue deliuered a sorrowfull and desolate Niece of yours out of the most inâ—â—icate Laborinth which euer was deuised in this earth yea if it were that which Dedalus inuented so artificially in Crete to include the infatiable Minâ—taure My louing Niece take you no care replied the Lady but haue a little patience that all things may be done in these due time With that shee departed from the Chamber to conferre this busines with the Duke her brother with out whose priuy consent she would in no wise begin to set this worke abroach and discoursing to him at large the whole matter told him what hope shee had to carrie this businesse to circumspectly that ere long Prince Edward shuld wed his danghter so that after their conclusion she went to turne ouer hir bookes of Negromancie where she found that the Knight was sure in loue already of Gridonia Notwithstanding hoping to crosse and reuoke his affection by her Magicke shée dispatcht away immediatly the Damosell of whome you haue vnderstood before to bring him vnto Borsa True it is shée commanded her not to leade him vnto the aduenture of the Cloyster but thether she conducted him her selfe because of a sister of hers who was a Nunne in that place from whence departing together as ye haue read before in the former Chapter in two dayes he arriued at the Citty of Borsa But before the Knight did enter into the Citty the Damosell prayed him to stay for her a while in a Hermitage neere the Suburbes till shée returned from dooing a message to her Mistrisse who was very willing so to doo And abiding with the Hermit shée went to the Infant Rene who right glad of his â—â—rsual trickt vp her selfe most richly to entertaine her Louer sending backe with spéede the messenger to conduct him secretely into her Chamber Shée being quickly arriued at the Hermitage sayth thus to the Knight Syr you must leaue your horse here and come on foote with mée who will bring you into a place whether you shall finde your selfe a glad man to bée arriued I pray God quoth the Prince then that I be not deceiued nor circumâ—uented by you in any thing Alas That God whom you haue innocated forbid that I should euer seeke to entrap my Liege and soueraigne in any Ambush I pray you onely come with mee assuredly and without any feare of ill encounter vpon condition if it shuld fall out otherwise by my meane I will bee reputed the most
mine to they ye vntill death I yeeld ye a thousand thankes quoth the damsell albeit for my lyfe I should not dare to vse anie commaunde towards you seeing it is I whome it neer â—y commeth to do yee the bast seruice I can Notwithstanding seâ—â—ing aside the circumstances for this present it shall please you to vnderstande how we three haue whilest ye three 〈…〉 resolued and made absolute determination 〈◊〉 that which wee are come to do in this place according to the 〈…〉 which Osmaguin lest vs at his â—â—th And â—â— haue thought iâ— best that Bellager should go attired like a 〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉 so â—â— the knight named to vnderstand of him how 〈…〉 behaue our selues to procéede in this busines This aduise was 〈◊〉 best of all by prince Edward therefore Bellager entering into a 〈◊〉 apparelled like a ciuill marchant wiâ—e a Spanâ— went into the towne as farre as Maruins house vnto which euery one he met directed him easily As soone as he was gâ—â—ieu vnto his house after salutations he gaue him to vnderstand how he wold deliuer a secrate message vnto him which no man 〈…〉 but himselfe So with drawing themselues 〈…〉 Bellager râ—â— alâ—â— vnto him who he was 〈…〉 appointment of his brother they came thâ—ther accompanion with a valyant christian knight to recouer theyr estate When Maruin vnderstood the matter sâ—â—ing Bellager so goodly and villane a Gentleman he was maruellous glad and listing vp both his handes to beauens for ioy thus bespâ—ke 〈◊〉 be the 〈…〉 tie God who is mindfull of ye in the end my 〈…〉 soueraigne Lordes heâ— yes most heartily 〈…〉 with that house as those who shall want nothing which I may â—â— for ye to reestablish ye in your owne estate as shine as the euening shall come see that you your sister and all thâ— other who accompanie them come secretly into this place where I wil keep you vntill I impart your arriuall vnto many others who haue lyke desire as I haue to doo you good to the end we may aduise together how to bring this our enterprise best about Bellager hauing receiued this aduertisement went directly towards the companie who attended his comming with great deuotion so that as soone as the houre of the night was come which Maruin and he had agreed vpon they all went ashoarâ— in a place where they found one of his sonnes who waited there for them of purpose to guide them the waie and presently the barke wherein they came vanished out of sight and was neuer seene afterwardes They being all safe ariued at the house and lodged in the most commodious part thereof where none of the seruants did frequent when Maruin sawe his fittest time heâ— went to visite the children of his true liege and soueraigne vnto whom hee wept for ioy in welcomming them thether Then hauing giuen such curteous entertainment to prince Edward as beséemed a man of his calling he vsed such care and diligence in all thinges to doo him good y t within a short space be cured him of all his wounds But let vs suffer them to rest here a little while Maruin worke his comploâ—s with other his conductors to make an end of the first booke of Primaleon whose generous and heroicall â—â—ates of armes are continued in a second parts no lesse profitable than pleasant and full of all sweete recreation to delight the readers with infinitie of amore and martiall discourses the like neuer read of in anie historie before FINIS
triumph day which was appointed for the Nuptialles of his Sister And for the more magnificent gracing thereof the Emperour grently desired to see the king his Father and the Queene his Mother there present which made him send a pest in this behalfe to request them The like did hee to the king of Sparta and Arismena his Aunt whome hee had not seene since their espousalls hee sent for King Frisoll also with the residue of his chiefest friendes that they would honour him with their presence at his Daughters wedding because soone after she was to depart for Fraunce The Horseman which the Emperour sent for Macedon found king Florendos in exceeding pleasure in that hee had married Belcar with Alderina Daughter to the Duke of Pontus and as yet the feast endured where Recinde was enforced to abide at the earnest intreatie of Belcar who promised afterward to accompanie him to Constantinople So that when the Poste arriued there they were prouiding to set forward on the way Now were the king and Quéene not a little ioyfull when they vnderstood that Palmendos was their Nephew Philocrista should marrie with so great a Prince as was the son to the king of Fraunce Hereupon they concluded not to frustrate the Emperours desire which hee had to see them at this solemnitie Then the messenger recounted to them how Arnedes had remayned vnknowen in the Court without any intent to make him selfe knowen untill the Ambassadours of Fraunce arriued there With whome quoth hee there came a knight of Spaine that enquired after Recinde Son to the Castile king because his eldest brother being deceassed the Subiectes of the Realme desire him for their king Recinde hearing these newes beeing vnable longer to endure deliuered forth meruaylous sorrowe for the death of his Brother saying that hee more desired his life than all the Kingdomes in the world Sundrie other mournefull spéeches hee procéeded in when the king and Balcar wundring that two such knights had so long concealed themselues reioysed not a little thinking themselues happie that they had done such honors to Recinde with whome they vsed many reasons and sweet perswasions to comfort and put him from his sorrowfull dumpes The messenger being likewise glad because hee had found the end of the Spanish Knights perigrination thus spake My Lord Recinde cease these teares which serue to no purpose for recouering the thing that is out of all hope of men but rather to hinder the Castillians who desire shortly to see yee as their Lorde and King Soueraigne For which me thinkes ye haue greater occasion to thanke God than thus to torment your selfe against all reason considering that the Scepter of Castile is one of the most rich and honourable in all Europe And if yee meane shortly to see the Prince Arnedes in Constantinople who is not a little pensiue for your cause of heauines yee will procure great ioy both in him and the whole Court of the Emperour because each one doth wish your presence there especially vpon so good occasion as is now offered When Recinde heard the Gentleman vse such spéeches he began to remember himselfe that nowe hee was to deliuer some Heroicall spectacle for better attayning his Lady Melicia whome by the sad and certaine newes of his Brothers death he thought the sooner to recouer as his owne Wherefore he determined to make one in this Tourney and as hee resolued on this honourable purpose many secret discourses combatted with his spirite which he generally imparting to Belcar receiued this answere from him My Lord and Brother although I durst not enterprise to goe so soone to Constantinople yet would I gladly beare you companie as well to grateste yée herein as any thing els I am able to deuise because you are the man to whom I would haue my nearest thoughtes knowen throughout my whole life with this assurance beside that yée shall not find any man lesse sparing of him selfe in such matters as may be déemed agreable to yée Seigneur Belcar answered Recinde I may well say that if Fortune heretofore hath slenderly fauored mee entertayning me often with verie rigorous tearmes yet might it bée interpreted but as a presage of vnspeakeable content in future prosperitie for the ioy I take in being of so good account with you surmounteth all the mishaps that haue befallen mee So knitting vp these courteous entercourses they purposed to take order for their voyage each one according to his owne best contriuing desiring the King not to make ouer much haste because they minded to trauaile together For Belcar Recinde and Tirendos required to go thither before meaning to perfourme some matter at honour and worthie commendation in the sight of the Emperour who had neuer seene anye deedes of Belcar and Tirendos whereto King Florendos agréed verie willingly who notwithstanding hee was aboue thréescore yéeres old yet was hee neuerthelesse of strong nature able to endure the paine of trauaile Nowe when hee had appointed euerie thing in equipage with a goodly companie he set on towarde Constantinople whither the Duke of Pontus could not come so soone as hee for certaine businesse of importaunce that had befallen him to the great griefe of the Princesse Alderina that shee should so long be absent from her deare spouse Belcar So leaue we them voyaging as time fauoured to speake of such things as happened in the Emperours Court in meane while CHAP. III. How Ozalio intreated Palmendos to accomplish the promise he made him and he vnwilling to deny him any thing gaue him Marencida to wise as also the Kingdome of Tharsus And howe they both embarqued themselues with a gallant companie of Knights to goe thither And what hapned the Queene Mother to Palmendos at their arriuall WHile the Horsemen and messengers were thus busied about their charge the Emperour commaunded preparation for the great triumph feasting his Sonne Palmendos and the French Lords entertayning them with all pastimes his hart could deuise so that the whole Court exercised themselues in nothing els than in such things as might yéeld greatest pleasure to this honorable assemblie Among them all that were thus contented Ozalio had little minde of pleasaunce séeing his Cosen altered from the Law of Mahomet wherefore he intreated him according to his promise that he would giue him the Princesse Marencida to wife with leaue to returne againe to Tharsus which motion highly pleased Palmendos knowing that by these meanes the Queene his Mother should heare certaine tydinges of him Marencida on the other side was in no lesse paine than Ozalio and albeit the Princesse Philocrista euermore comforted her with such honorable meanes as became her calling yet could she not fasten vpon any thought of pleasure but continuing daylie solitarie like solitude it selfe would not come forth of her Chamber but there all the day streamed foorth fountaines of teares complayning without ceasing of her aduersitie Of one thing she might iustly make vaunt that her eyes were
become sources dishlling foorth water more cleare than Christall and if she tooke any finall pleasure or recreation it was only with Ozalio who euerie hower fayled not to visite her At length Palmendos went one day to conferre with her concerning the former determination of ioyning her in matriage with Ozalio but so soone as he entred the Chamber shee began to renewher wonted griefes and passions saying Alas Sir Knight wherfore come yée to renue my sorrowe so extreame and insupportable as death it selfe is readie to seaze on me in this place I intreat yée séeing the destinies haue fatallie appointed me to this endlesse torment that yée woulde not vrge it the more by the meanes of your presence Madame answered Palmendos if heretofore I haue procured yee any iniurie or griefe of minde I hope at this instant to make a final end thereof by the meanes of an inestimable gift which I meane to bestow vpon yée giuing yée the Knight to your husband who estéemes and loues yée aboue al thinges in the world Nor could the King Ocurites compare with him for valour and vertue the heauens bearing witnes of his prowesse and dexteritie in Armes as I know no Gentleman of the Turkish Nation séeing him once manage déedes of Chiualrie that dare méete him in Tourney or field-battaile without repenting it dearely afterward Neyther could King Ocurites equall him in riches and possessionâ— enuoying the kingdome of Tharsus which hereafter shall be his a state more wealthie than the Prouince of Culaquin For this cause Madame appease the violence of your passions consider that your comming into this Countrie will bring ye great honour and felicitie if yee please to accept as your lawfull husband the Prince Ozalio my Cosen whose affectionate dilligence yée behold in your seruice But should yée be so vnmercifull as to refuse him yée may easly hill both life soule together a matter too irregular and differing from Ladies reputation in that by nature they are rather benigne pittiful than bloodie and cruell though verie often ouer firme in peruerse obstinacie Lord Palmendos quoth Marencida how is it possible to condiscend vnto the matter you propound mee but by forces well may you guesse by the small delight I take in béeing in this Countrie I will neuer doe this with my good will asâ—â—â—t Sergnent Ozalio seemeth vnto me such a one as I could not better bestow my loue vpon any who meriteth more sauour at my hand than he doth but alas my fortune hath reduced me into so pittifull tearmes that I cannot accommodate my selfe to any thing which delighteth my spirits Notwithstanding if so it bee that against the good will of your handmaide and captiue you haue determined to effect this businesse I pray you before I espouse the Prince Ozalio your Ecseâ— that I may see the king Ocurites my â—â—st husband to the end I may aduertise him of my disaster 〈◊〉 of that which I am now forced to doe being not able by my reasons any way to resist Thereunto do I accord most willingly answered Palmendos and addressing his speech to Philocrista thus hee procéeded Madame I humble beseech you after dinner to take her with you into the Emperours great chamber to gratifie her in that which she hath presently requested So sell it out after the Infant had constraynedly made her to 〈◊〉 on her richest habillunenis in which it was a godlye sight to behold her for she was both faire and of the best grace Being come into the presence where the Emperor was conferring with the king of Theslalie with manie other Princes and great Saigneurs Palmendos commanded by and by to send for the king of Culaquin who seene after was brought thither looking so leane chaunged and meager of countenance that Marencida did not know him and had not Palmendos shewed him to her she could not will haue guest it to be he Then she rising vp from a chaire where shee sate went to embrace him the teares standing in her eyes when she cried out Alas king Ocurites which of the Planneds haue wee prouoked that doth submit vs both to this sinister fortune and inexplicable mischaunce euen by the meanes of one onely knight the same who vanquished and tooke you prisoner in the Leuant-seats hath brought me away by force out of my Countrey from my Father and friendes into this place where not contented to held me as his slaue but will moreouer in my despite giue me to another husband And that which I haue receiued of him as great sauour is this that he hath onely permitted me to let you vnderstand hereof to the end I hauing once tolde you you may not blame mee hereafter knowing not for my part howe to remedie it otherwise Ah I wish the fatal Goddesses would quickly shread a two the thrid of my life before I consent by my will to any such occasion Ah! If it might so will befall me I should repute my selfe happie as receiuing the onely contentment which I desire is to saue mee from contaminating the excéeding loue I bare you But infortunate and miserable woman that I am séeing death sheweth himselfe herein inexorable I must spend in extreame sorrow the rest of my dayes Alas poore King Ocurites who was wont to be so much esteemed off among the Princes and Kings of Turkye whose prowesse and haughtie courage did farre surpasse all the brauest and hardiest Knights of Asia where are now become thy riches and great estates who hath dimmed the so signall and samous renowne of thy Heroicall gestes captiuing both thée and thy loyall spouse How did fortune vngently abandon thée in this manner O it was ambition and desire of winning he nor which hath put this slauish chaine about thy necke placing thée among Gallie-slaues where it shalbe vest for thee to die immediatly séeing the Emperour is our mortall and capitall enemie O diuine prouidenes how hast thou permittet fortune to rebell thus and to execute against vs so enorme and woful a mischiefe's Assuredly I can well vaunt that the celestiall bodies haue more fauored vs than thou hast béene friendlie and gentle towards vs. She vttered manie other lamentable discourses still detesting her accursed life When the King Ocurites who had giuen attentiue eare to her knowing that she was Marencida felt him selfe so confounded and out of his wits that he could not pronounce aboue fiue or sixe such like wordes Alas Mahomet did it not suffise thée to haue so austerely afflicted me but thou must reduce into so pittifull and base extreamity the soule which did not merrite the least of all these sorrowes which doth so much the more agrauate my torment Ah the most outraged King that euer was borne of his mother sée alloweth downe patiently the potion mixtured with bitternes which thou haste prepared for him Speaking these wordes hee fell his height to the ground and Marencida fell downe heard by him where they vsed such strange gestures that
this profounde contemplation shee could not countermaunde her spirite but her eyes must shedde same teares for gladnesse when she thus brake foorth Lord God now let mee leaue this mortall world when it shall please thee seeing thou dooest mee this Grace to represent before mine eyes the thinges which I so extreamely destred to sée Scant had she finished these few words but the enchaunted bird who was within the auncient chamber of the Emperor sent forth two most lamentable scréeches and had not at their comming shewed any signe of gladsomnes as shée was alwaies accustomed to doo at the arriuall of the Emperours fauourites So that the Emperour who was very sorrowful for this presage gaue great héede vnto it with many other Seigneurs who knew the nature of this animall beléeuing verily by her hoarss chattering some siniser accident was presaged But he dissembled it as well as he might without shewing any outward appearance but said incontinent to the Queene Madame I beseech you most humbly let vs not talke in this happy time of recreation of any thing which may driue vs into melancholly seeing you being yet farre from death shall see your selfe long time serued and reuerenced of all these who are assistant before you and therefore doo not dismay your selfe by any thing which may bring you into a vaine and fantasticall opinion My sonne replied the Quéene then Death hath this by nature that there is none liuing in this world who can stew himselfe so strong against it that he may anoyde it our predestmation being such we cannot prolong or abridge it one little minute whereby ensueth that for any thing I haue now saide I can neither retarde it nor hasten it any thing the sooner When shee had spoken these words with a very good grace shee embraced the Infant Flerida who seemed vnto her the â—aprest and gratious creature shee had euer seene in her life before and kissing her sweete cheekes many times shee saide Fayre Daughter I pray God he suffer you to liue so long as your beauty and sweetnes of feature deserueth wherein I thinke well neither maide nor wise can bee founde to come once neere your Paragon Most true was that which the Queene spake for whosoeuer behelde this young Princesse iudged her to be a Venus in beauty and a Pallas in prudency But this day they past in great ioy and sollace throughout all the Court and in the euening Primaleon besought the Emperour againe that hee woulde the next day following giue him the order of Knighthood and the same hee entreated him also to doo for Abenuâ—â—cq and Arnasin Duke Tolomus sonne which be accorded vnto very willingly Therefore on the morrowe euery one doathing himselfe pompeously in rich and sumptuous Habits except Primaleon and his â—ead companions who watched all that night their Armes within the Chappell whether the Emperour comming with his father and the other Kings and Princes there was asolemne Masse begun You must vnderstand since the first time that Abenuncq saw Amand in the King of Spartaes daughter hee was so attainted with her loue that no other thought than of her dwelt within his breast So that in meane time while the Masse was saying hee resolued to become a Christian to shew more euidently vnto his Lady and Mistresse the extreame desire which set him on and especially to enter the Tourney as her onely Knight wherein hee hoped to adde vnto his praise that which he could make good there The Masse beeing ended hee humbly besought the Emperour hée might be partaker of the holy Sacrament of Baptisme before he came to the order of Knighthood For knowing how much the Law of Christ was more sublimate and in blessednes excéeding that of the Mores hee would no longer liue in Paganisme Which the Emperour and all the Assistants hearing were passing glad of his renouncing of Infidelity So that vncouering his head the Patriarck of Constantinople did baptize him presently cheâ—sing for his Godfather the King Florendos who commended him greatly for so vertuous an act For testemony whereof he promised strait to make him so great and puissant a Prince that hee should haue cause to put in obliuion the estate and riches of his father Whereof the new Christian returning him humble thankes the Greekish Monaâ—ke turned himself towards Primaleon saying Sen request of my most honourable father it would please him to arme you Knight with his hand for if I haue purchased some little honour in this world I can assure you all procéeded from him who inucsted mee first with this honourable degrée of Knighthood which I hope will be augmented more in your person if it please him to enrich you therewith Then you shall giue it vnto the young Arnasin and I vnto Abenuncq your companion Primaleon hauing heard what the Emperour his Father said went full ioyfull to knéele before the King his Grandfather beséeching him he would put on his spurre and girde vnto him his sworde of Armes whereof hee excused himselfe saying it were better to bee done by his Sunnes hand But the Emperour himselfe and all the other Princes who were there prayed him so instantly that in the end he was constrained to condiscend thereunto and giuing him as well his fatherly blessing as the militarie acoladoâ— hee soone made him Knight the Emperour armed Abenuncq Knight and afterwards Primaleon himselfe dubbed Arnasin of the same order The ceremonies were done with so great pompe that it was noone before they departed out of the Chappell so that the dinner staying for them after that the Yeomen of the Pantry had recouered the Tables rounde the Squiers of the kitchin were not long before they serued in their first seruice So comming from Church they went strait to dinner where the Emperour sate downe with his father the other Kings and great Lordes beeing serued most honourably and as such a magnificent Feast â—e séemed so Royall a companie of Princes After the tables were taken vp the Quéene Griana and the Empresse whose prouision was no lesse came to them with all the rest of Ladies so richly attired that the onely aspect of them put some gladnes into the Knights heartes who beheld them and amongst the rest filled some of their breasts with such amorous and pricking desires which tooke so déepe roote therein that they could neuer afterwards hee 〈…〉 Then beganne the dauncing and other reuelling in midst whereof thy enter laced interchaunge able talke of many matters Belcar tooke in the meane time Recindes by she hand whome hee brought to sit downe hard by Melissa with this language Deare Sister I must estéeme great and maruellous the felicity which God hath within this little while sent you to make you Ladie and Mistresse of one of the most valiant Knights who liueth vnder the zodiacke besides he is in all other thinges a Prince so accomplished that there are few at this day founde to be his like in valour and worldlie riches He of whome I speake
from one the same worke-master that made them Afterward did the Emperour and all the other Kings conduct the Bridegroomes each of them into his Ladies chamber where leauing theÌ„ alone remained not long but there â—ayned a new Metamorphesis to Philoctista Francheline for that of vertuous maidens they were within a small time translated into most faire and gratious wiues Whereof 〈◊〉 gaue a good testimony to them that beheld it then â— liuely â—â—râ—â—llion blush which after the sodaine mutation remained a good while vpon their cheekes During which chaâ—â—ge of name and not of person came fower young men from forth their Châ—mber doores bringing a Nuptial Ditty which the Knight of the Ile-Close had composed and sent into the Court at the same time with the two Beds where in the new married Princes lay I doubt not but some of you perfect Louers reading this passage will wish with some priuate affection to sée your selues neere your Paramours in like ioyes as were the foure loyall Louers and it were but for the delight which your spirites might take in remembring these things so rare and pretioâ—s So then the Seigntur of the Ile-Close louing the Emperour wiâ—h â—uch entire amity as he did would néeds by skill oâ— his Art make the â—east of his sonne and Daughter more excelling and magnificent when he sent him the two beddes and a Consâ—rt of eight voyces who séeing the vower fit for their purpose began to sing an Epithalme thus GOD Hymeneus chiefe of Nuptiall Rites Yee Bacchus Cupid Ceres Hymens powers Be present here hale hence with all your mights All moâ—â—ning sorrowe Bring vs happie howers And Flora Summers Queene for our delights Bestrew this Royall Court with choyce of flowers Your fauours shew to foure Knights Combatant Who try their Valours in the closed field But if the Victor doo his foe supplant Or if the vanqâ—iâ—â—t bee constraind to yeeld Vppon the Conquerours head a Garland plant And him that's foild from further perrill sheeld Be yee conductors of these valiant Knights That euerie one may win his Mistresse fauour Entring the Listes in Armes redoubted Wights To shew their prowesse worthied to haue her At the next Iousting Tornements and fights Proclaimed by the Greekish Emperour Permit no worthy fauorite to dye Who is a Iouster in this Courtly crue Let none beholde that fatall tragedie Lest all the Court doe his misfortune rue For death alwayes dooth part good companie All myrth is dasht when sadnes doth ensue In meane time let no dutie be surceaste By help of gentle Cupid God of Loue To marry many a Nimphe this solemne feast Who in this Court doe shine as Starres aboue With haughtie Knights who thinke their fortune blest For their sweet sakes aduentures strange to proue The Emperours Royall seruitour am I In humble dutie readie to fulfill What it shall please his Sacred Maiestie I may not disobay his Royall will From the Close-â—le I sent this melodie To honour him set by mine Art and skill This Confort of Musitions so harmoniously deseanted vpon this Nuptiall dittie that many yong Damosels who ran vnto them like Bées to the hearbe Thy me would needs haue a Coppie thereof as well because it was partly composed in their fauour as also because the Musicke therof séemed almost diuine filling the eares of all the hearers with a maruellous content Of this great curtesse of the Knight of the Ile-Close was the Emperour passing glad for that kindnes and manie other hee loued him all the dayes of his life in somuch that be redoubled the feast vpon this occasion and would not on the morrow permit the Tourney to be opened nor vntill the third day after after which we will beginne to reocunt the glorious exployts the meruaylous and triumphant Ioustes of our valiant and hardis Primaleon To come then to the beginning of his Martiall Chiualries bee commanded his Fathers Ingenour to choose out in the plaine field a plot wherein hee should set by a Tilt-yeard invironed with high barres and railes in Longitude and Latitude aunswering iust his Diameter and in forme Ouall so that at the least fine hundred Knightes might Combat afront The first day hee purposed to appeare therein himselfe as the Emperour did when discouering himselfe to his Father hee was elected to the Empire of Greece to wit that within the close fielde should not enter more than foure hundred Knightes of choyce halfe on the one side and halfe on the other putting the Imperialles with the strangers altogether pell-mell Whers Abenunq Arnasin Peynedin and manie other valiant Knightes were on the one partie and on the other side Belcar Recindes with many other gallant Champions of the Kingdome of Fraunce Sparta Thessalie The Emperour and the other Kinges hauing dined they went with the new Bridegromes vppon the Seaffolds which were set vp for them in the plame And in like maner the Empresse the Quéene with their two yong Brides vpon theirs where euery one placed himselfe as well as he could at their best case behold Primaleon entreth at one of the gates of the Theater accompained with all those of his part and Belcar and Recindes at the other for there were two doores made and at euery one whereof was a Piller of stone very rich and sumptuous vpon the toppe of the one stoode the shape of Mars holding in his hand a Globe crowned with an imperiall Diadâ—â—nâ— vpon the other that of Venus hauing her diuine Duiuâ—â— burning on the one side and her sonne Cupid on the other who leaned on her say So did Primaleon giue order they shoulde bee made to the end they might as well perceaue the â—ngenâ—ousnes of his spirit as his corporall dexterityâ— Thither woulde her not beare his shield of the Roche-sendue but his sword he had girded to his thigh because it was superlatine in bountie Nowe after that the one and the other side had made a turne about the field the Clarions Drums and Fâ—les began to sound the Assault And then might you see this Caualery hurry one against another with such sury that it was wounders to beholde and heare the encounter of both sides clashing together Primaleon before he broke his first Eaunce dismounted more than halfe a dozen Knights beeing all shrewdly wounded or els in danger of death Then drawing his sword hee began to strike so thicke that euery one gaue him place auoyding his presence as if it had beene Medusa the terrible Gorgon By meanes whereof the Emperour who coulde discerne the good and perfect Knights from the other better than any of the slanders by seeing him so hardy and so spruce iudged he would one day prooue a very good and an accomplished Knight whereof he greatly thanked and prayed God to preserue and keepe him from mischaunce Abenuncq shelâ— he were a little younger than hee neuerthelesse made his Prowesse there very well knowne and that he was the sonne â—f the good Knight Olorick Soldan of Baâ—â—loâ—
and of Arâ—â—dâ—â—na Of like valour and hardâ—esse shewed himselfe Aruasin the third newe created Knight But Primaleon who besturd him more than any of the rest laying on sore blowes and so thick that it seemed thunder passed the place where hée went behaued himself so that albeit Belcar and Recindes did merualles of their persones hee droue for all that by force of armes his aduersartes out of the place of combat for that one beeing first gotten foorth all the rest followed him as fast as they could at one an others héeles insomuch that Belcar Recindes and some othere of their pertakers who held out stoutly against him could not at the length endure the stresse of their aduersaries because they would not fight at all extremities against Primaleon in the end they were so constrayned to retyre them selues and auoyde the Barriers The Tourney then beeing vanquished by Primaleon hée was receiued by all the Barons of Greece with an incredible ioy saying with a common voyce he should be one day more valiant than the Emperour his father who then returned into the Cittie more ioyfull than he euer was before and giuing the honour of the Tourney to Abenuncq hee said that hee well shewed himselfe to descend of so rare and accomplished Knight as was the Soldan his Father But the King Florendos many times embracing Primaleon with the teares standing in his eyes praide the Almightie God that hee would to so faire a beginning giue also a better end Wherefore the young Prince kissed him bâ—ie his hand thanking him for so fauourable a wish Afterwards the other Knights being ariued at the Pallace the Emperour honoured greatly Recindes and Belcar saying they of purpose suffered themselues to be vanquished for that they had no lust to fight against the principall of their aduersaries which he spoke to no other end but to comfort them onelie in the discouragement they tooke at this misaduenture knowing neuerthelesse that none in the Troupe could equall themselues in hardlesse and dexteritie to Primaleon his Son And for that none of the Principall died not nor was not hurt in this first tourney the feast was redoubled which they held afterwards the space of fifteene daies together with open field for all commers wherein some dayes entred more than ten thousand Knights exployting strange and admirable deedes of Armes In the which Primaleon beeing euery day present carried away from all other the Honour and prize as at the first for albeit Palmendo and Arnedes the new Bridegroomes entred twice into Battaile with him and did actes that euery one was astonished at they were forced for all that to leaue him the vpper hand Notwithstanding let vs speake of a Knight who was slaine during the Triumph whereupon it fell out that many defied him afterwards accusing him or Treason for that hee had assured al Knights who would come vnto his Tonruyes of safe conduct and returne throughout all the Countries of the Empire CHAP. XIII How Perrequin of Duas the King of Pollands Son comming to the Tourney at Constantinople to kill Primaleon and to reuenge Gridonia the Duchesse of Ormedaes Daughter was slaine himselfe by the hands of Primaleon NArdides Duke of Ormeda beeing vanquished and done to death by the Emperour Palmerin which Duke of a â—roth came to Constantinople to reuenge the two Cosens of Tarisius his Bretheren whome the Emperour himselfe and King Frisoll slew with their owne handes as writeth the Author of his Historie his people returned with these sorrowful tydings to his Mother and the yong Duchesse his wife who made such lamentable complaints and mone for him that it was a pittifull thing to behold the issue of so miserable a Tragedie And to the ende to make more memorable her mourning and funerall ceremonies she commanded to erecte a faire and rich tombe within the Chappell of hir Pallace vppon the which for her last expiation after many other Honourable Pempes required in such a case she shedde euer it an infinitie of teares as if the bodie so much deplored had béene therein buried But what Surelie he was not there and I beleeue that if shee might haue recouered it shee would neuer haue enclosed it vnder that lamine but rather haue done as Arthemisia Quéene of Caria who after the death of Mausolus her husband for the more Honourable interring of him caused to be builded a magnificent and sumpiuous monument which was afterward called one of the seauen wonders of the world and neuerthelesse seeing that edifice finished which shee called Mausolus after her dead husbands name she then iudged it vnworthie to receaue the so pretious and rare treasure of her amitie Therefore she caused to burne the bodie to cinders the said cinders afterwarde to be aromatized distilled and resolued into water that shee might be her selfe his Sepulcher supping vp that distillation as the most exquisite potion which she could finde for alwaies afterward to conserue in her the integritie of her loue toward him Now this yong Duchesse being euery day after her mourning readie to be brought a Bed the anguishes and throngs which happen to women in that case came vpon her at the report of this newes so that shee was speedily deliuered of a verie faire and beautifull Daughter vnto whome for that shee was borne in a sorrowfull time and in that Countrie they call to lament or to crie Gridar was her name giuen Gridonia The old Duchesse who had no other heire but this one lie Niece caused her to bee carefullie brought vp and with so great dilligence that shee grew to the sight of the eye so faire and perfect in all features and lineatures of her visage that her mother seeing her such a quaint péece sware shee woulde neuer marrie her but to him who should reuenge the death of Nardides her defund husband And vpon this condition did shee then presently set downe the marriage of Gridonia who comming to the age of fiftéene yeares was required and demaunded of many Princes in marriage Neuerthelesse when they heard the law and vengearnce which was to ensue none would be so hardie as to accept the match So radiant and admirable was her beautie that through all the Countries and Marches rounde about the Duchie of Oâ—medes they could talke of nothing els By meanes wherof Perrequin of Duas Sonne to the King of Polland who was Brother to the Mother of the same Gridonia hearing a report of so erquisite beautie had great desire to see her Insomuch that hee be sought the King his Father to giue him leaue to goe visite the Duchesse his Aunt whereunto he easily accorded Hee then commaunding to rigge and equippe a good ship with all that might be necessarie for such a voyage soone after tooke the route of Ormedes where being with a fauourable winde and faire weather arriued the Duchesse reioycing much at his comming entertayned him verie amiablie which Gâ—â—donia also knew full well howe to doe She was so curteous and gratious
somuch as you cannot stay heere any while taking my leaue of you I will now presently depart â—oying neuer to rest quietly in my bed vntill I haue brought this myne enterprise to a good passe God be your guide and conduct replied Gridonia and so well direct your actions that you may obtaine a triumphant victorie ouer your enemie to the ende hee may haue no more occasion to redouble the anguish wich he hath so liuely imprinted in my soule And vpon this point giuing him the last adieu shee retired straite to her Lyon whome shee could not abide to heare him make such terrible roaring which séemed to euery one to signifie some great 〈◊〉 Likewise Valido returned to the Duchesse very pensiue and doubtfull to obtaine for his wife so beautifull a Damosell in somuch that licencing al the Knights who accompained him vnto this place to depart he tooke along with him but two onely the one béeing sonne to the Earle Marco the same whom the Emperour Palmerin slew because he accused Diartes and Cardonia of treason to reuenge himselfe of the Emperour pricked forward Valido very much to pursue his pointe the other who was Diartes Sonne would willingly haue hindred him for that it angred him to the verie death that in his company should be any ambush plotted against the Emperour in such sorte that the Prince of Bohemia went accompanied with two persons contrarying one another in desire wherof he knew nothing Afterwardes imbarking himselfe hee had so prosperous gale that within few dayes hee came to surge within the hauen of Constantinople where hee disembarked being west appointed with his two Knights both disarmed and beeing arriued before the Pallace hee sent the Emperour worde hee was a Knight who required safe conduct into his Court because he came thither to defie his Sonne vpon a treason which he had committed who beeing aduertized thereof meruayled greatly that any man would be so hardie to come to accuse him of that whereof he neuer thought much lesse euer put in effect especially beeing an act of a Traytour which was the vice he euer had in greatest detestation But the Emperour as he was sage and well aduised imagined incontinent that it proceeded but of the death of Perrequin for the which he was so sorrowfull a man by meanes whereof he thus schooled Primaleon My Sonne let vs consider the different whereuppon this Knight purposeth to accuse you wherein for ought he can say vnto you answere him not arrogantly nor with the least iniurious word For so much there is nothing more in besâ—eming Princes and Knights descended of noble houses than to vse discurteous and vile spéeches Hearken what hee shall say vnto you and answere him honestly alleadging what you shall best thinke méete for the iustifying of your innocencye For oftentimes the proude language giueth occasion of incouragement to the aduersarie in battaile the best Champions are knowne to be vanquishers in déedes and not contenders in wordes Therein my Lord and Father answered Primaleon and in whatsoeuer as it shall please you to commaund me will I neuer whilst I liue disobay your will At this instant Valido entring the great Chamber bowed not himselfe towards she Emperour so much felt her him selfe troubled and perplexed with this Battaile but looking rounde about him a prettye while after hee had a little cooled his choller hee drewe néere vnto the throut where the Emperour sate making vnto him this speech All ouer the globe of the earth is your generous conrage Noble Emperour of Constantinople well knowne made famous since the time when as a wandring Knight you passed like a pilgrime ouer the greatist part thereof seeking neâ—s of your Father whome anyed you know not And since you haue beene placed in this honour and highnes of estate no man can say you haue done the least iniust set to great small or meane which thing I foreseeing on mine owne behalfe I haue 〈…〉 as to come 〈…〉 to domainâ—d a Combat hoping for good or badde which may befall mee I shall haue no wrong offered mee herein So 〈◊〉 I say for that I come to complaine of Primaleon your Sonne touching the death of Perrequin of Duas whome hee new in Tourney wherein hee would néeded be present to honour the more 〈◊〉 feast of 〈◊〉 Children trusting hee will not â—enie but that vpon the assurance which her gaue to euerie one hee hath massacred him verie trecherouslie And you Primaleon â—f you heare this I knowe not what excuse you may alleadge against mee who doth auouch it to your sate that it was done in Treason against him Primaleon who gaue attentiue cure to these iniurious spéeches rose vppe with manye other Knights and Barrons aunswering him thus Good Syr it 〈◊〉 you are verie ill aduised to come to seeke his riuenge who following this fatall and vnluckie destriue â—â—ded hys â—â—yes in a Tourney wherein I doe not dertie but that I flewe him with my Sword vppon the like assuraunce no you doe name at thiâ— presence because of â—â— disloyality For during the space of thrée monthes together I could neuer get me ridde of him but still I found him before mee or behind me at my backe with full intention to haue â—â—aine mee by his owne handes But God the onely searcher of hearts who knew well his disloyall malice fauoured mee so much that I preuented him before the execution of his trecherâ—â—â— dessein giuing him that measure which hee would hauâ— offered vnto me Notwithstanding if you haue so hot a desire to combat mee vppon this point as you make semblant behold I am readie to enter the Listes when it shall please you to the end I may by my best endeuour shewe to all the worlde that the quarrell is false and wrongfullie vndertakeâ— on your behalfe This contenteth me wonderfull well replyed Valido to sée you not to refuse the combat which shall bee a sufficient witnes before all that the truth is such as your conscienâ—e 〈◊〉 well tell Then Primaleon fell on his knées before the Emperour demaunding leaue of him to enter the Combat for this effect and afterwardes in token that he accepted the Combat heâ— presented him a gloue which hee tooke at his handes very sorâ— against his will béeing ignorant which of the two had the better right on his side for if hee had perceaued the least smoke of the peruersâ— and malicious intent of Perrequin hee would neuer haue mistrusted that his Sonne shoulde bee â—anquished Which the Bohemian Prince seeing to shewe hee was verie glâ—d of this acceptation did reach vnto him one of the lappeâ— of his Harnesse which the Emperour tooke also Deputing presently the Dukes Pâ—holomey and â—ustace for Iudges and Marshals of the field to the end they should with all equity maintayne the right of bold the Combatants These Dukes who stirred not from the Emperours Court to obey their Masters commandement conâ—ucted Valido incontinently within the Barriers where they
enâ—ampeâ— themselues on â—oe one side meane while Primaleon Armed himselfe who for that hee was of a middle stature but otherwise very well proportioned in hiâ— members did mannage himselfe with a woonderfull dexteritye both on footâ— and on horse back and soone had his Armourers sitted him carefully in all peeces so that he came lightly to present himselfe before his father who spake vnto him in this manner My sonne I pray God aboue to preserue you from death in this conflict and to manifest thereby that you are not â—â—lpable of this mischiefe which they lay to your charge Sir quoth he I can well assure you that what I did was done but with great reason knowing before that hâ—â— sought nothing more than to haue 〈…〉 for this cause I hope bée who knoweth that I procéeded not with any â—â—â—litions intent wil exempt me from death if he â—â—e that my life â—e as yet necessary Hauing ended these spéeches hee kissed his handes which embraced him quickly then mounting on horse backe he tooke his way towardes the Barriers accompanied with many other Seigneurs an footâ— And in the meane while Valido who felt his heart boyle in a vehement heate to finish victoriously this enterprise calling to 〈◊〉 the beauty of Gridonia said that a finall time shoulde his enemy stande before him Who after place was made by the Mâ—râ—â—â— within the running place came with a fury his Launce couched in rest vpon the Bohemian who vasting his Launce in like manner brake it to the handle without euer mouing the Constantino Poliâ—ane out of his saddle where also this Assailant lost his stirrâ—ps at the attaint of his and was also a little huâ—t in the right side Neuerthelesse beeing an 〈◊〉 and a skkill all Knight in Armes hee seated himselfe quickly againe in his saddle and began fiercely to say vppon Primaleon with his sword but he who exceeded him farre in Prowesse and dexterity bâ—eing ashamed hee had not at the first encounter made him kisse the ground beganne to hewe him with such fell and heauy blowes that withâ— a while euery one perceiued who beare beare away the victory And he himselfe knowing that his enemy who lost his bloud by great drops waxed féeble in sight of euery one deliuered him such a mighty backe stroake vpon his Morton that he cloâ—â—â—e a two both his heade and heade peece downe to his shoulders in such manner that presently falling vnder his horse feete Primaleon spake these words alowd see what you are come so farre to seeke then making cleane his sworde hee put it vp into his 〈◊〉 and the Iudges put him forth of the Lâ—sts with greatioy Of this victory was the Emperour and all the other Lords of the Court maruelous ioyfull séeing so â—â—â—dently the verity of this false accusation By meanes whereof causing Primaleon to bee disarmed and afterwardes dressed of some wounds which he had receiued of his aduersary communded the vanquished Knight to bee fetcht out of the Barriers and to be honourably enterred But the two Gentlemen who came in his company made a maruelous lamentation for his death especially the sonne of the Earle Marcus who in bewailing him vtterâ—â—â— stronge things so that by this meanes the Emperour knowing who Valido was sent for the Knights saying thus A merualle very much howe the King of Bohemia whom I holde for my friend hath permitted that his 〈◊〉 should 〈…〉 my Comâ— to dâ—â— here an exployâ—e whose sorrowfull 〈…〉 greatly grieued me which if I had fore seene it and 〈…〉 him as now I doo to be the accuser of my sonne I should by no meanes haue graunted him this combat as you may well assure him from me Syr answered then the sonne of Diartes willingly will I obay your commandement euen as I desirâ— also to 〈…〉 you my best seruice wherein when you shall know my 〈◊〉 you will not say that I came hither of mine owne accorde with Valido but full sore against my will and as not knowing to the King my Master my thing of his 〈…〉 case When the Emperour vnderstoode that this Knight was Diartes sonne hee made him many kinde offers thaâ—king him for the good will he bare him And then the sonne of the â—arle Marcus 〈…〉 with extreame 〈◊〉 to the gall could not forboâ—ye to speake thus much Emperour of Greece 〈◊〉 hath béeâ—â— to you 〈◊〉 uourable since you 〈…〉 which I cannot beare 〈…〉 to sée my selfe reuenged for his death Hee had no sooner spoken theâ—t words but for his best aduantage he quickly 〈…〉 of the Pallace because that many setting 〈…〉 him by the â—ares â—ad not the 〈…〉 them not to stirre after him but to let him goe whether hee thought good which was strait to the 〈◊〉 with his communion where embarking in Validoes shippe they reformed into Bohemia to tell the King the sorrowfull newes of his sonâ—e Wherevppon hee conceiued great 〈…〉 her for the principall occasion of this his death for the which mischance shée was no lesse sorrowfull than he could be for his life CHAP. XVII Howe Lurcon a Giant sonne to 〈◊〉 whome the Emperour steâ—e in 〈◊〉 the Damosell Esmâ—rinda came to defie Primaleon vppon the same quarrell as Valido had done before and what successe befell vnto him after his defiance IN Romanie was there long since a Giant named Lurcon whome the Emperour 〈◊〉 slowe to deliuer the Damosell 〈◊〉 as you may sometime haue read in the beginning of this History This Lurcon being esteemed a very braue Knight was not mishapen 〈…〉 so inhumane and sauage as the other Giants but a man very actiue 〈◊〉 amongst his friendes and euen when the Nurse carried him in her Armes who had giuen him sucke euer since his fathers death after the which hee recouered by force of Armes the Castels which they kept from him in his minorly â—y and vowed neuer to marry before he had reuenged so great wrong offered him So he began to make so cruell warre vppon Crispin the hus bande of Esmerinda that hee kept him at home within doores from walking to far abroade in the fields and now her entred into the eighth yeare of his Knighthoode when Pertequin died séeking to accomplish his promise to Gridonia Of whom on a day hauing vnderstoode the discourse imagined presently with himselfe none could 〈◊〉 Primaleon about better than hee nor sooner enioy the Lady so that reioysing greatly in himselfe vpon this conclusion hee cared not at all to goe to sée the Duchesse nor her Daughter hopingth haue her to wise by force or frée will Whereupon hee embarked himselfe in a Frigot rigged with all necessaries to voyage into Constantinople where being arriued in safety hee sent away a Squier to the Emperour to demaund a safe conduct for him to come into his Court to combat with Primaleon which if he should refuse him hée would make his vaunts abroad howe hee durst not graunt it for feare he had of him When the Emperour heard the Gentleman talke in
this manner he began to be very angry iudging presently that he came to continue the accusation which Valido began therefore he answered him thus Tell your Master againe from me that when I shall grant him the assurance which he demaundeth at my handes it shall hee but to chastlye him for his prowde and arrogant spéeches which are more vsed in Giants mouthes than in any other persons being often cause they worke their owne ruine and confusion therein Then spake diuers Barrons who were there present Sir vnder reuerence of your Maiesty 〈…〉 vnto vs that this 〈◊〉 by no meanes to bee 〈…〉 say so 〈◊〉 in that of the Bohemian Prince all the words 〈◊〉 manifestly the truth of the matter from the false and 〈…〉 which he presented 〈…〉 of Perriquin So that you shoulde rather 〈…〉 of Lurcon than to accord him any 〈…〉 appearance of truth In the meane 〈◊〉 whilst this was bruied through the Court Primaleon returned from 〈◊〉 who woondreâ— greatly to heare such a marmuring stirre whereof when he heard the occasion hee waxed a little angrie as euery one might 〈◊〉 by these wordes which 〈…〉 to his Father I woonder 〈…〉 that you 〈…〉 who hath 〈…〉 you wil cleane 〈…〉 opinion of your Knights who séeme to haue feare of a beast beeing an enemie to God wherein I beseech you of your especiall sauour that you will suffer rather your Sonne to dye than she least act of cowardize should bee reproched and 〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉 Giue 〈…〉 permission to haue Combat with mee and to all those hereafter who shall came to 〈◊〉 mee vppon 〈…〉 will 〈…〉 as him who neuer thought to him offended 〈…〉 will The Emperour 〈…〉 and that 〈…〉 Which when the Giant vnderstande because it was alreadie late would in no wise that Euening goe a short but beeing made priuse of all that which hapned in the Pallace vpon this sodaine did but laugh and make a scotte thereat saying that if Primalcon did shew himselfe hardie and of great courage if would stand him in good stéede on the more 〈◊〉 before the conflict was ended so that to prouoke him the more and to the end he should not saile to enter the field with him hee sent his Squier backe incontinent with a letter of destance which be wrote with great expedition to this effect A Letter of Defiance vvritten by the Giant Lurcon to Primalcon of Greece TO thée Primalcon of Grecce the most soolish and cowardly defender of Cournyes the Giant Lurcon Sonne to Dermaquus who will eternize his renowne by thy death sendeth this destance for so much as the 〈◊〉 hauing fauoured thée so much as to make thée he borne of Noble and Royal blood thou hast stayned that famous marks of nature beside all the reputation which thou maiest her â—aster 〈◊〉 in military discipline beginning thy â—â—ertise by a most absurd dishonour able and villanous murder I meane by the death of the gentle Knight Porrequin of Dâ—â—s Son to the 〈…〉 king of Poland whom thou â—â—e west felloniously in the Turney which then heldest at the marriage of thy sister where he would faine be present the more to honour her 〈…〉 myselfe thou shalt not dare to denie to confesse manifestly the â—reason but that thou hast shamefullie and 〈…〉 massacred him vnder the pretence of the assuraunce which thou gauest to all commers Wherein I know not what excuse thou mayest pretend except it be a spâ—die and liberall offer to giue in recompence and satisfaction of his life the dead of him who hath committed so disloyall an ouersight The which I am now come to fetch to offer it vp vnto her who remendeth vengeaunce therefore aduising thee that when with thy good wil thou wouldest not consent to so iust and reasonable a thing I hope to constraine thée by force of Armes if thou hast so much courage as to enter the close field with me there to trie it out by single combat So soone as this Destance was quickly read ouer by Primaleon hee returned to the Squire who brought the 〈◊〉 whome verie â—oughâ—â—â— and in great choller hee aâ—nswered that if it had not beene so late hee woulde verie willing hir haue Combatted his Master that â—ight without any longer attendaunce Wherevppon the Emperour his Father gaue him aduise by 〈…〉 reasons that though are not to bee done vppon a hotte spurre 〈…〉 should bee the best way to see a little what the Giant woulde say further But the Empresse and her Daughters beeing troubled without measure by the remembrance thereof could not all that night once close their eyes to take a little 〈◊〉 And â—â— lesse was the inconuenient of the 〈…〉 which did importunately 〈◊〉 and trouble the Emperours spirke quite contrarie to Primaleons who for all that did not forbeare his slépe neuer a whitte the more but tooke his rest well enough as her that before 〈…〉 Anninâ— himselfe verie strongly 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 morning beeing as merrie and 〈◊〉 not if heâ— should haue gone but to 〈…〉 for she 〈…〉 of soone amiable Ladie But the Giant assoone as the day appeared went a shoâ—re and mounting vpon a strong and mightie 〈◊〉 armes at aâ— poâ—â—tes except his head tooke his way with his people toward the Cittie where by reason of the brute of the arriuall of this 〈…〉 which was alreadye spreade abroade euerie where bothe little and great came about him to â—â— him so that â—â—â—ing maruelously 〈…〉 of the sight of his person they prayde vnto God that he wold succour giue their Prince victorie against him the same did in like maner the knights of the court who were in great doubt of Primaleons life séeing before them so deformed and huge an aduersarie neuerthelesse the Emperour who was accustomed to talke with such Coloâ—â—es and skarbabes beeing but lumpes of flesh without any 〈◊〉 of spirite or bodie made light account of him and woulde willinglie haue accepted she Combat â—â—nsesse to haue â—ased his Sonne Primaleonâ— But as he discoursed thus with himselfe beholâ— Luâ—con 〈◊〉 before him who beginneth with this abrupâ—e spéech to him aâ—owde Emperour of Constantinople I rather with thy ruine than that of any other man who liueth vnder the celestiall Globe for that thou slewest â—oth my Father and Brother two the verie flowers of Chiualrie whereby I haue euer since seâ—â— an 〈◊〉 anguish in my heart because I coulde neuer finde any meane to be reuenged of so cruel an homiride Notwithstanding séeing God hath now opened 〈◊〉 the waie I hope soone to 〈…〉 with me vpon 〈…〉 and a â—reason which I stand vppon to make him 〈…〉 before he escape my handi◠〈…〉 Knight quoth Primaleon I am resolued to fight 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 which thou 〈…〉 to reuenge his death without giuing thée any reason how or wherefore I â—lew him â— séeing I haue giuen to him account sufficient alreadie who â—ot willing â—â— content himselfe therwith I haue made him buy the refusall deare as I hope to pay shée for the paine which
thou hast taken to come so farre to this place Verie glad was the Giant 〈◊〉 séeing Primaleon readie to enter the Barriers with him Into which the Emperor commaunded the Duke of Pera the Earle of Redon to conduct him and to assure him from all men except from his enemie in the meane time there remayned not almost any person within the Cittie which came not thither to beholde this Battaile euery man deuoutly praying him in whose handes are all victories to shew fauour to their Prince for whome they should bée in great dispaire were it not for the confidence they haue that hee will neuer forsake him in this necessitie as in him who neuer abandoneth nor reiecteth those who Arming themselues with true saith doe build their rain part on his refuge The Giant then after hee had laced and buckled the strings of his headpéece tooke a strong launce in his hand and seeing hys enemie come Armed conceaued so great pleasure that flourishing his Launce he thus began This staffe imbrâ—ed to day in the bloud of my aduersarie shall take vengeaunce on that 〈◊〉 who hath with his pearced the bosome of mine auncestors â—old thy tongue for shame great animall quoth Primaleon holde thy tongue and cease to vaunt thy presumptâ—ous 〈◊〉 till thou seest thy selfe banquisher for their is the houre to bragge and not before Then the Iudges séeing these two Combatants in good will euerie one to do his best for him selfe they departed the Barriers and presently the signe of the assault beeing sounded by the Trumpets the Knightes encountred with such furie that they 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 For the height of Lurcon constrayning him to carrie his Launce lower against Primaleon than if he had béene of his â—oulenes so that he could attaint him but on the â—ippe where peareing his Armour he scracht his skâ—â—e a little But the Constantino Politane who came full vpon him with a right carriere with his Launce 〈◊〉 him cleane through the cuirace into the 〈◊〉 so they dasht their shâ—elds and rusht their bodies together in such sorte that they both smoked at it In this â—â—counter the Giants Horse had such a shouldering that hee could goe afterwardes but vpon thrée legges by meaneâ— whereof feeling the heauie burden which hee had vppon his backe he kept such a capering rearing and flinging that hee laid his loutish Master vppon the bare ground who in falling did so entangle one of his feete in his stirroppe that his horse tâ—aâ—ld him a long time from place to place Which Primaleon seeing ranne vppon him with his naked sword in his hand and before he could get up againe he gaue him so sound a blow vppon his legge that he cut the bone almost quite a two whereat he cast out so horrible a noyse that hee â—erristed all the assistants but not him who he 〈◊〉 him with the Cemitorie which the Knight of the Closed-Ile had sent him which hee so be laboured then with all his might vppon hys Helmet that cutting a two the stringes that hee shewed quicklie his bare head Whereuppon Lurcon entred into so intollerable a phrenzie that béeing vnable to defende himselfe from the fell blowes of his aduersarie hee purposed to gripe him by the bodye thinking to dispatch him that waye But for all that Primaleon kept himselfe at the point of hys sworde and with a backe stroke vppon the Mazzard felde him as dead as a Dogge to the ground saying It is now that thou mayest exeâ—te thy Trophies to Pallaâ— and Mars for the victories they haue sent thee and not before thou haste Combatted as not long since thou didst vaunte to doe It were verie difficult to recount the ioy and gladnesse that euerie one conceauâ—d seeing the happie successe of this spectacle The which to the ende to make it publikely knowne abroade the Iudges and Martials of the fielde perceauing the Giant to haue breathed his last did accompany Primaleon with victorious acclamations vnto the pallace where they presented him to the Emperor who receaued him with great ioy Then came forth the Empresse and her Daughters to entertaine him as if he had béene newly arriued from some forâ—en Countrie praysing and blessing God for so signall a 〈…〉 torie the which beganne to bring some comforte and reioycing to the Court which was before all in 〈◊〉 verie sad and mournefull for the death of King Florendos his Quéene Griana Father and Mother to the Emperour Afterwards there arriued manie Knights to Combat Primaleon vppon the same quarrell but it cost them all deare as béeing those who defended a wrong quarrell the Prince behauing himselfe euerie day more valiantly than other wherof the Greekes reputed themselues most happie men to haue after the Emperour so sage valiant a Prince for their Seigneur wherefore from diuers Countries were presented him manie good offers to marrie a wife the which he would accept of in no wise for the little desire hee had to marrie so young But let vs discourse a little of the great perrils and traualles that another Knight made him endure who came to Constantinople to defie him vppon the same pretended treason of the Polonians death as you shall in the next Chapter heare more at large CHAP. XVIII Howe Prince Edward the eldest Sonne to the King of England was inamoured of faire 〈◊〉 seeing her picture against a wall and hovve hee was afterward conducted by a strange aduenture into a Monasterie of Nunnes and what befell him there in the meane time he was within the Nunnerie KIng Fredericke of England brother to Agriâ—la Empresse of Almaine had by his wife manie Male Children the eldest whereof called Prince Edward was no lesse accomplished excellent in the exercise of Armes than verie well 〈◊〉 in most ciuill and good manners and in all other laudable vertuous and honest thinges So that hauing receaued the order of Knighthood he held daylse Ioustinges Tournyes to exercise and make himselfe skilfull in militarie profession And for asmuch as hee delighted also in hunting one of the brauest Knights called Robert sent him a faire dog which he recouered of a woman who was a great Magâ—rian as you shall vnderstand hereafter This Knight Robert being in the prime of his youth had a great desire to see the aduentures of the world by meanes whereof embarking himselfe among other Marchants who went to trafficke and to fall Armes in Turkie beeing tossed by tempest and foule weather on Sea come to an anker in the Iland of Malfada where they were all enchaunted except him onely who pleased much the Ladie of the Ile Whereuppon â—â— fortuned that hee liued there in verie great pleasure about the space of two yeares at the ende where of calling to minde vppon a time his owne countrie he fetcht a great â—igh from his breast so that this Fayrie who neuer was far from him desired to know the cause of that sigh vnto whome hee reuealed the whole matter In good faith faire sir
false and disloyallest woman that euer guided Knight into any vnknowne place Beeing put in this assurance of sauegard by his guide hée went on fayre and softly his pace by that false gate before which the two brethren long since fell together by the eares euen till hee came within the Chamber of Rene where as seene as they were entred quickly was the doore well barred Whereupon by fortune Prince Edward called to minde that which appeared vnto him in the wood and moreoner that which the old woman foretold him touching the vertue of his sword By meanes whereof mistrusting some inchauntment hée spéedily set his hand vpon it and then marched towardes the Infant which he saw so beautifull and so Pompously attired that any Knight would haue taken great pleasure in her sight onelie And for hee came without his Helmet on his heade with so magnificent and rich Armour vppon his backe hée pleased the Damosell so much that rising vp from her seate shée came to prostrate her selfe at his feete saying Prince Edward in truth I was out of hope with my selfe that the heauens would fauour me so much as to make these mine eles beholde you which haue shed so many teares to deplore my future calamitie if it please not you to succour mée Whereby my hart hath béene by an impatient desire prouoked to rage and exclaime against fortune which hauing blowne your renowne vnto mine eares would frustrate my sight of so rare a creature Notwithstanding nowe my lucke is so prosperous as to make me the happiest Damsell of all Europe seeing the paine you take to visit mee I perceiue well that not without great reason it hath made mee altogether the slaue and captiue of your loue The Knight greatly maruasling no lesse at the singuler beauty of this Damsell than to heare her vse such eloquent and cunning tearmes tooke her by the hande to lift her from the grounde and to seate her in her chaire againe néere vnto which the Damsell who was the messenger before hauing already set another the infant caused the Prince to sit downe hard by her side reentring the former talke with this instance Faire Lorde knowe yee I am Daughter to the Duke of Borsa one of your most faithfull vassals who hearing the brute of your generous actions on euery side published round about vs began so extreamely to loue you that I forgot the very zeale which I bare vnto my selfe Whereof shall bee a good testemony the extreame passions which you shall vnderstand doo daily debilitate my life that dependeth onely but vppon your humanity the which I hope to sée so pittifull towards me that it shall haue compassion of the grieuous anguishes which without intermission doo martyr mee with more painefull torment than that which king Phalaris caused Perillus to endure within the brasen Bull which he himselfe inuented for the cruell torturing of others And you may well thinke faire Prince I could not in any other Knight of base condition haue knowne howe to ground so much hope as I haue nowe in you and therefore I pray you to haue regard to the reason and carriage of all good and sounde iudgement Madame replied the Prince I could not imagine the mean to exempt from you the recognizance wherein I find my selfe bounden to you considering the good will which of your grace you beare me without any merit of my part Neuerthelesse if death doo not preuent the affection which I haue to shewe you howe it is not to an vngratefull person or one of small power to whom you addresse your selfe I will vse such munificence and liberalitie towards you and your father that you shall haue chiefest cause of any liuing in this kingdome to giue me thankes And beléeue mee swéete Ladie if I had knowne your will setting apart all mine owne affaires I had come vnto you to doo you all the seruice I could possibly haue deuised yet not with intent to obtaine of you any thing which might staine your honour or abase that vertue which I sée shining in you as doth Virgo the maiden signe in the Zodiacke of the heauens Forsomuch as thereunto could he neuer consent who shall thinke himselfe all his life time to be your loyall and obedient seruant Thus much I say because I may not haue you in marriage to be my wife my hart béeing vowed in another place Albeit to assure you of my sincere and true deuotion towards you there is nothing so difficult or harde to bee accomplished which it shall please you to commaund me but I will erecute most willingly in the best sort which I may or shall be able to deuise Iudge yée whether the Ladie were perplered and greatly troubled in her minde or no hearing the resolution of the Knight whose minde was onely fixed and established on Gridonia for so much as her very spéech which shée lost for a while shewed euidently a most true and perfect token of her sufferance Which her Aunt perceiuing who in the meane time employed her best skill to bring her in grace with the Prince was sore difended to see her in such a swowne Knowing also that she laboured in vaine by reason of the sword which he got in the Caue shee came into the Chamber where they were together saying Prince Edward so fauourable are the heauens vnto you that they will happily conduct you to the ende of all your enterprises except of that one which you haue so liuelie now imprinted in your breast For the Lady which you purpose to serue with infinite paines and trauels is long since dedicated to a more accomplished Knight than your selfe So that as I thinke you should doe well to leaue that way which shall bee so hard for you to kéepe to take this which hath no difficultie nor disturbance in it That cannot I do by mine own consent quoth the Prince hauing alreadie surrendred the conquest of my libertie into a place whence when I would I cannot well call it vacke at my pleasure Wherefore I beséeche you of all fauour make me vnderstand so much as I perceaue you knowe and withall who shall be that so fortunate Knight who shall go before mee in the fruition of the Princesse Gridonia Nay seeing you haue no pittie replyed the Inchauntres of this faire Lady whome you sée almost breathlesse in your presence I am not purposed to tell you things wherein you may take delight but rather not to drownd my selfe in sorrowes séeing you before mine eies I wil presently depart out of this Chamber with that shee went her wayes leauing the poore lauer in a Sea of teares continuing her exclamations with lamentable â—ighes thinking to moue her Narcissus to some compassion But he who cared little for these santasles supposing what was saide of Gridonia was spoken onely to winne him from her loue he comforted the Damsell as well as be could telling her bow hee would conferre with her Father and if hee would condescende thereunto hee
woulde come thither ere it were long to marrie her In the meane time her Aunt went to speake with the Duke her Brother with whome after shée had giuen him to vnderstand that â—ot knowledge was not to 〈◊〉 to work Prince Edward to this passe she aduised him to go accompanied with twenty Knights Armed into his Daughters chamber Where sayning himselfe ignoraunt of the matter and shewing himselfe fore displeased against them hath hée should â—eaze vppon his body and put him in prison and so they might worke their matters as they lifted The Duke than putting in prâ—â—tize this stratageâ—â—e came with twenty men all in Armes who the chamber dore wherin he 〈◊〉 entred all alone 〈…〉 â—ignes of adâ—â—cation began thus to say Alas my God what a bayâ—â—â—â— case â—â— Isle Am I awake or doâ— I meaning beholde this 〈◊〉 Ah! I should haue thought to haue had a vertuous 〈◊〉 and chast â—â—â—den to my Daughter more 〈…〉 than any other in these Northen Regions and 〈…〉 I trustrated of mine opinion for I sée before mine owne eyes she is more vitious and corrupt than euer was 〈◊〉 as Messalina Truely I may well vaunt my selfe to make thâ—â— both dye in prison by the most 〈◊〉 torment that may bee 〈◊〉 séeing they haue shamefully dishonoured 〈…〉 all my posterity Enter then and come in my Knights to â—â— handâ— vppon this murthering Palliaâ—d to the ende I may know who be is and who hath counselled him to enter to râ—shly into my house for all those who are culâ—able and in any 〈◊〉 consâ—crate in this misdéede I shall make them pay deareâ—â—â— for it by a most 〈…〉 shamefullend of their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that hee â—ept out of the Chamber doore to â—et â—â— his 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 come in did nothing animâ—â—â— nor terrifâ—e the English Prince who setting band to his sword and with an inuincible 〈◊〉 putting his shield on his arme 〈◊〉 them thus Come now hardly who 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 and I shall shew him 〈…〉 from all 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 gathâ—ring 〈…〉 〈…〉 â—et for all thâ—t 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 about him so 〈◊〉 thâ—t he 〈…〉 them all 〈◊〉 not the 〈◊〉 after gone to worke with her magicke spels as you shall heare Shée forsooth darkened all the light of the Chamber making a sulphurous and obscure ayre 〈…〉 darke than hell itselfe in stéed therof then deliuering forth the Knights with the Infant◠〈◊〉 who would willingly haue bin in his place who was dead she shut Prince Edward fast within the Chamber vntill the morrow morning when she saw seuen of the Dukes Squiers lying along on the ground one staine outright and other 〈◊〉 sore wounded Now could not the Duke tell what it were best to doo with him because if he should deliuer him it séemed to him but to hasten too shamefull a death for himselfe and if hee should kéepe him any longer in his house it should but encourage him to forethinke all meanes to put him to more cruell torment so that he passed the night in this conflict vntil the morrow morning when an auntient Knight reprehending him sharpely because he suffered himselfe to be gouerned by women counselled him to cause Prince Edward to bee secretly conuayed out of his house by the same Damosell which giuded him thither The Duke who liked well of this aduise caused the Damosell who had béene the messenger to come before him vnto whom after he had shewed some signes of great heauines his made this spéech It grieueth me much that my sisters pretence hath not sorted to so good effect as she expected and for so much as you are the cause hauing conducted the Knight into the aduenture of the Cloyster where hee hath conquered such a it well which safe-gardeth him from all her enchauntments néeds must you your selfe get him by subtle meanes from hence saying you onely haue meanes so saue his life and for you should thinke your selfe greatly culpable of his death if it should chaunce to happen vpon the assurance which you gaue him bringing him into my house you will willingly set him frée from hence into the fields if hee will promise you neuer to séeke any reuenge of the Duke nor of any of his family Hereunto willingly condescended the Damosell when departing from the Duke troubling like an Daken lease shee came to the Chamber where Prince Edward was who studied already how he might breake open the doore to sackage them who would come against him Shée prostrating her selfe before him with the teares in her eyes beginneth thus the â—enour of her words Fayre Prince great is the occasion which I haue nowe to complaine of fortune for I hauing brought yâ—u into this house vnder a protext of the extreame loue which my Mistris beareth you they haâ—e deuised a spéedy and most shamefull death for vs all thrée for you especially whome the Duke hath surprised with his Daughter whom albeit he should pardon the vainousnes of the case which hee supposeth falsely to haue béene aâ—â—â—â—knowing you should 〈…〉 will 〈◊〉 ther owne bosome with some sword or 〈…〉 some nowe kinde of death as did â—ortia the Daughter of Cato where shée heard of the death of her husband Brutus As forme you may well thinke my Lord the Duke 〈◊〉 of the sourâ—â— of this occurrence as he beginneth already to doo most tractly finding out at last my priuy practiâ—es which I protest before God I neuer went about to carry to any euill end I shall be most sharpely punished of vs all thrée Neuertheles yet iâ— I dye will I not surcease as being the person of this Trinity which know I haue best deserued as wel I know I must die for it to employ my self in some subtle inuentions to make vs escape this imminent perrill so that ye will aâ—â—are mee neuer to séeke any reuenge for the offence which hath béene offered you in this place Wherefore I beséch you fayre Lord most humbly to graunt me generall remission to the ende that declaring it to the Duke at the article of my death hee may bée moued to compassion to pardon me also himselfe and this is the meanes whereby wee may peraduenture saue our liues from the mortall punishment which they prepare for vs euery day So well knew the Damsell to colour her spéeches that she wone the mercy of the Prince who answered her thus Fayre maiden for the loue of Rene who surely meriteth much more at my handes I haue willingly pardoned this iniurie to the Duke and to all his familie albeit it is one the most vilest touch and outrage which might bee offered to any Knight And albeit the death which they determine to make vs die be horrible and cruell yet I shoulde take mine in very good part if I might execute vpon those vaâ—less who woulde lay hands on me such a massacre as they deserue Neuerthelesse séeing the occasion presents it selfe to auoyd this scandall I am content to followe it so that no greater dammage may
to the whole stocke of mine ancestors The king hauing giuen good eare to the spéeche of the Lady perceiued the Knight whome she brought thether came to defend her in a good and iust combate if she should stand in néede and forasmuch as he knew the braue and valiant Knights by their countenance this séemed vnto him a very resolute and sufficient man to maintaine her quarrell which was not grounded of her part vpon any light occasion by reason wherof he some what repented himselfe in that he had caused her to be summoned vpō that businesse albeit to sée what the Knight would say be made her this answer Lady it néedeth not too many words to you determine you to render into my hands speedily your towne or else I will send to surprize it by force and will giue you no other recompence but that peraduenture which your Sonne hath inherited from his father which is to be a disloyall traitor to his King O immortall God then exclaimed the Lady what is that which these mine eares haue now heard Surely sir you may do and say of vs your pleasure because you are our Prince and liege Soueraigne but if I were as good a Knight as I am a woman I would make good against the hardiest Knight of your Court that my deceased husband neuer committed any treason in his life Moreouer if my Sonne be wrongfully depriued of the citie which by hereditary succession appertaineth vnto him we shall haue force and not iustice offered vnto vs. I will do iustice and that which I ought to do replyed he and I will sée who will contradict me therein Then Prince Edward who had hetherto remained silent without any worde speaking aduanced himselfe towards the King saying I cannot sufficiently maruell of you O King of Hungarie hauing heard heretofore the renown of your valiant and maruellous feates of armes blowne abroade into the world with perpetuall fame and praise that yée will now vpon so small an occasion obscure and dim it For vnderstanding well the discourse of this affaire it séemeth to me that rather vpon some malice and grudge which you may haue conceiued against this Lady than otherwise vpon any iust and apparant reason you will put her from her owne good In so much that I must of fauour intreat you that you will not suffer your selfe to be caried away with enuy nor be blinded by couetousnesse séeing she will sweare vnto you to be for euer hereafter your loyall vassaile as heretofore she hath euer béene and to keepe so strong a guarde within Arriace that you shall not néede to trouble your selfe but remaine content in assurance of all tranquillitie and peace so that if you refuse this reasonable condition which she offereth you I shall be constrained to say you do her wrong with intention to make it good by single combate against whomsoeuer would maintaine the contrary Belcar who was of great courage standing then vp with many other Lords who were present answered him as it were in chollar Knight you come very presumptuous and arrogant into this place not respecting in what manner yee speake before a King whome I suppose you gesse hath no children néere him who dare quallifie your pride you shall not be denied the combate if you so faine desire it and the Lady shall sustaine more dammage in this her comming with you in her company for your sake than she shall get profit I know not who you are replyed the Prince who giue so discurteous language vnto Gentlemen being strangers vnto whom ye ought to hearken attentiuely in their demaunds Indéede I heard before I came into this Country that the King was both valiant and actiue in feats of Armes whome his sonnes did second and imitate very néere Nor was I ignorant he had many other braue Knights in his Court which notwithstanding could not debarre me from vndertaking willingly the protection and defence of this Lady so that if yée will vpon her quarrell enter the combat with me I am ready to goe into the field vpon condition if you be by me vanquished the King shall neuer lay further claime to the Lady nor to none of hers for the Citty of Arriace Belcar accepted with a very good will the battell vppon the same condition and gaue him to vnderstande who hee was Whereat the Knight of the Dogge was most glad For all this the King would not hazard his sonne to perrill of death but commaunding him to sit downe againe in his place tolde them he would in no wise accord vnto this battell because hee was already resolued to doo that which the Ladyes Knight had entreated him too remembring himselfe what occurrences he had passed in seeking strange aduentures So that Belcar hauing seated himselfe againe in a great chafe the King turned himselfe towardes Prince Edward with this language Gentleman for your sake haue I released the towne of Arriace vnto this Lady conditionally she shall sweare to kéepe it safe with sufficient gartisons of Soldiours able to defend it that neither shée nor her sonne shall hereafter bee rebels to my Crowne and that you shall doo one pleasure for mee beside Most willing will I employ my selfe in whatsoeuer it shall please you to commaund me replyed the Prince so it bee not to reueale my name otherwise reputing the grace and fauour that you haue shewed to this Lady as if I had receiued it my selfe Then directing his spéech to the Lady bee willed her to kisse the Kings hand the Amstants who saw how secrete hée kept himselfe not bowing to doo the like they preshmed hée was some Knight descended of high Parentage In the meane time Belcar and the Englishman were in some contention but the Quéene who tooke pitty of the Lady of Arriaces teares besought the King not to procure the death of her sonne by this mean so that for many respects he gaue the Lady her content who sware solenmely vnto him to obserue all that hée propounded to her faithfully and to sende him also her sonne vnto his house to be brought vp to serue his Maiesty King Frisol requested the Knight to soiourne in his Court vntill the next sunday to shewe him some Chiualries in a Tourney which should be held there whereunto he answered he would willingly abide with him albeit he had great affayres to doo in another place And hereupon the King commaunding they should goe to disarme him in some good chamber of the Castel the Knight thanked him greatly for that curtesie excusing himselfe that he would not leane the Lady of Arriace Whervpon the King commaunded his Harbingers to sée them very well lodged without his Pallace Euery body stood gazing vpon Maiortes the Dogge which Clawdius lead in a Lease maruelling much at his height and goodly proportion amongst whom wer many which did much desire to haue him and aboue all there was the Earle of Oregua agreat hunter and chacer in Forrests rauished to enioy him Wherefore reputing himselfe
much in nature resembling to the Lyonnesse which caused him in a great fright to starte out of his sléepe saying Lord God helpe me and permit not I beséech thée that I receiue any shame or dishonour in the battell which I hope to haue against Primaleon with that Olymba rose vp for so was the Lady called sitting at his sâ—oe saying Sir yee awake very sorrowfull and I know not what may giue you occasion thereof if it be not some dreame which yee know better than I men accompt but false and abusiue imaginations for when they should be true and should presage foretell to credulous persons some token of future occurrences yée are not ignorant but that the noble and generous mindes must passe thorowe many strange and hard aduentures In good faith yée say true Madame replied the Knight seeing that to finde you in this place with your Brethren lately transformed I reputed a thing most strange and maruelous wherefore I beseech you declare vnto me the whole discourse Sir replied Olymba most willingly will I obey you in this request since that it pleaseth you to vnderstand our great disaster Know yée that we are all thrée children of the deceased Soldan of Nicea the same who dyed by the most disloyall and tycannous mischance that euer was heard of for this good Prince our Father being by nature méeke and gentle loued most dearely a yonger brother that he had called Gelon who of a troth neuer shewed him any part of reciprocall loue again because from day to day he sought out all meanes to kill him to seaze himselfe wholy with his estate Seigniories which fell out after a while as they were both together Hunting abroad For my Father vpon a time making an assembly néer vnto a thick brake wherein his Hunters had enclosed a great wilde Boare and spread the â—oyle about it to shew him some pastime the traitour séeing himselfe still néere my father with thrée or foure of his faction as he espied him a strait passage beset couered euery way round with thick bushes by which way he doubted the Boare would issue lanched at him behind his hack a very sharpe Iaueline which he carried in his hand with such violence that it ran him cleane thorow the body being constrained to fall at that very instant from his Horse backe to the ground in the selfe same place so that the Boare comming foaming and grinding his téeth in furious manner toare and rent in péeces the Carcasse already deade the fellon murtherer our Vnkle making the world beléeue howe the Boare had slaine him and would haue done the like to him had he not shifted himselfe a little aside so that some Hunters who saw very wel the contrary durst neuer open their mouth so much they feared lest some mischiefe would be done them if they should make any spéech thereof This lamentable murther being committed he went strait to Nicea where inuesting himselfe with the whole Estate in lesse than fiftéene dayes he proclaimed himselfe Soidan without any contradiction my brethren and I being too little to resist so damnable a creature and yet for all that the cruell bloudy minded monster would haue slaine vs then in that our pupillage had it not béene for the ayde of a Knight called Osmaquin very well learned in the Art of Magicke and Negromancie who by the vertue of his secret Philosophy could foretell to our father that he should take héed of Gelon his yonger brother vnto whom he gaue no credit whereby this mischiefe happened vnto him But the good old man as soone as our father was deceazed conducted vs thrée into this place where by meanes of his knowledge hee hath built these goodly magnificences which you sée and dwelt here about fower yeares vsing vs as his owne children but at the end of that terme he fell into a grieuous and contagious mallady with the which fearing to infect vs knowing assuredly he should then dye would not in any wise we should frequent néere him but vpon a time féeling himselfe at the very last extremity of his life caused vs to come before him saying My children sorrow ye not for my death séeing that God being pittiful and merciful will remember you before it belong for a Christian Knight issued of Royall bloud reuenging the death of your father shall restablish you in the goods which are wrongfully detained from you and you shall know him by a fayre Dog which he hath being a great deale better than he is supposed to be in so much as it is a man and a very valiant Knight In fine be commanded vs having once met you to passe with you vnto Constantinople where he foretold vs you should receiue a wound in Combat whereof you might neuer be cured in all your life time albeit it should be to your honor and immortall renowne For the better direction of which voyage and to auoyd all shipwracke in this Nauigation hée told vs we should finde a Frigot ready rigde with all thinges necessary not far from this place then giuing vs many other holsome admonitions for want of his breath which began to sayle him bee yéelded his soule vnto him who demanded it in the same place as ye sée from whence my brethren haue issued forth diuers times to sée if they might finde you And now I prayse God it is not in vayne because the Dog which Osmaquin told vs off maketh me doubtles beléeue all the rest will prooue as true as this You recount me great matters quoth the Knight then I beséech God with all my heart they may haue a happy ende that I may reuenge you of so sowle a treason Mine aduise being to goe assoone as may bee towards Constantinople where the great affection I haue to see the aduenture which is reserued for me makes me thinke euery houre a yeare Then the young men bowing themselues very low doing their obeysance to the Knight thus bespake him Noble Prince since that by fatall destiny it falleth to your good hap to reléeue vs out of this misery we hope also our valour will bee something more aduantage to vs in receiuing the order of Knighthood from your hand the which I humbly kisse at this present quoth the Elder called Mosderin in token of the perpetuall seruice which yée shall alwayes finde at my hands the like did the yonger named Bellager Prince Edward embracing them both was very glad to sée Claudius hir Page there also to the end he might make more spéede away so comming forth of the Caue he mounted the Infant behinde himselfe and Mosderin vpon Clandius horse and his Page behinde him for Bellager would go on foote they began faire and softly to set forward thorow a Forrest And because they could not that euening reach the Sea-coast they rested within a wood in a very thick place all couered and beset with trées full of leaues and gréene boughes where the Knight could not sleep