iudged him to be the Prince Florian of the Forrest It was not long before foure knights from the Prince Albayzar presented themselues in the field very brauely Armed whome the strange knight vnhorsed one after another presently whereat Albayzar was much offended so that hee desired the knight to rest himselfe a while to which wordes the knight thus answered You see Sir I haue two Launces yet left and I am very willing to bestow the breaking of them therefore send the Giant that standeth next you and he and I will trie our fortunes together Alas Sir answered Albayzar you are too forward in wishing Fortune to turne her face from you therfore I pray thee Framustant quoth the Giant that thou wilt graunt the knight his honest request The Giant was so glad to doe any thing that might content Albayzar as he armed himselfe immediately and giuing his horse the spurres against the knight they met together so forcibly as the knight was constrained to catch hold about the necke of his horse being sorie to receiue such a foyle in the presence of so many good knights Wherefore to reuenge himselfe on his enemie he tooke the second Launce wherwith he encountred the Giant so worthily as himselfe was almost cast out of his saddle but such was his fortune against the Giant as the point of his Launce entred the Beuere of his Helmet whereby he cast him on the croup â—r of his horse and the Giant thinking to recouer himselfe pulde the bridle of his horse so strongly to him as the horse fell downe kackward vpon him which fall â—id so astonish him as he was carried out of the field depriued of his senses This mishap disliked the Prince Albayzar to whom the straunge knight came with these spéeches If thou thinke it good Syr Albayzar I will now depart into the Citie for that the Ladie desireth me so to do it draweth towards Night and the entertainement you will allowe me heere I iudge shall be very slender I see well then aunswered Albayzar that it is not your will to vse me in any thing neuerthelesse for the prâ—wesse I haue seene in you I am content to accompanie the Lady to the Gate of the Citie not doubting of my assurance beeing lycenced by the King Recâ—nde and these other Princes King Edward and his friends tooke in â—ood part the words of Albayzar and when he had brought them to the gates of the City he tooke his leaue of the king Recinde and all the rest desiring the strange knight to tell him who he was You demaund the thing answered this knight which I force not greatly to make knowne vnto you wherefore you shall vnderstand that I am the knight of the Sauage man your principal enemie and this Lady is the Queen of Thrace my Wife then he tooke off his Helmet saying he was glad to meete him in the place where he would haue occasion to deale further with him At thâ—se wordes Albayzar was so offended as he would not speake to any all that night King Edward and his friendes rode into the Citty ioyfully certifying the Emperour of the arriuall of Florian. The Queene of Thracâ— was very graciously entertayned by the Empresse and the other Ladyes who maruailed much at her strange apparrell wâ—ich was the workmanship of the Queene Milia wherof the 〈◊〉 to make a present tâ— one of the daughters of the king Armato her brother as I haue already declared to you The Emperour was so glad at the arriuall of his Nephew as hee would hardly suffer him out of his presence hee kissed the hande of the Empresse his grandmother and of the Quéene Flerida his Mother and after hee had saluted all his friends hee was conducted to his chamber to haue his wounds visited which he receiued in the Ioust against the Prince Albayzars Knights CHAP. LIX ¶ Here shall be declared after what manner the Prince Florian of the Forrest arriued at Constantinople and of manie things that happened after his comming SO soone as the Prince Florian had recouered his Quéene and Wife by ayde and assistance of the Sage Aliart he followed Aduentures a certaine time because she should perceiue his valiant and Noble disposition but when he vnderstood the hard case wherinto his déere Friendes at Constantinople were brought he changed his former determination and caused his Quéene to decke her selfe in the Turkish Attyre and tooke his way to the place where his troubled Friends remained And because he could not enter the Cittie but he must first passe the Campe of his Enemyes he disguised himselfe very strangely couering his Shielde with the Sauadge deuise and carryed the Shielde whereof I haue spoken alreadie which he found in one of the chambers of the Castle where the Quéene Leonarda was Enchaunted In this manner hee presented himselfe before Albayzars Tents where he sped in Iousting as you haue hearde before and after he had rested himselfe two dayes he desired the Emperour to giue his Enemyes Battell because he thought euery day a yeare till he might encounter with the Prince Albayzar but his Maiesty deferred the matter so long as he could because he would be assured of the good disposition of all his Armie The Turkes tooke it very strangely that they had trauelled so farre to lay siege to the principall Citie in all the Empire and yet to 〈◊〉 so long before they ioyned in Battell but Albayzar knew very wel the aduantage that they of the City might get of them in that they were compassed wiâ—hin such strong Walles of defence besides that Cittie was plentifully stored with good and hardie Knightes who would murther many of his ere they would yéeld themselues Therefore he changed his mind from giuing the assault and made hauocke and spoyle of them about the Citie thereby to prouoke the Emperour to seeke reuenge but in the meane while they continued their spoyling the Soldane of Persia sent a Messenger to the Emperour who beeing brought into his Maiesties presence setting his knée to the ground he began in this manner Most puissant Emperour the Soldane of Persia my Soueraigne Lord with the licence of the Prince Albayzar his captaine and the consent of the whole Turkish Armie saith that he is greatly offended at that which hath happened in the seuerall Iousts against his Nephew Florian with whom he would once more gladly hazard himselfe on condition that you willl suffer twelue Knights of your Court to come into the Fielde to morrowe morning to Ioust and Combate against twelue Turkes of which companie my Lord will be the captaine And thus much we will graunt that the Combat shall be fought before the Empresse Chamber windowe to the ende that these Princesses and Ladies may see the valour and prowesse which shall be shewen on both sides and they will agree to giue ouer and ende the Combate when these Ladyes shall thinke good so to command them Moreouer he humbly desired the Empresse that it may stand with her
Christians with incredible prowesse and such resistaunce he made with his fresh company as the Battaile endured a long time very blody and cruell so that a man could not iudge which side had the most aduantage But then came a newe assault vpon the Christians by a great number of Turkes on the left wing among whome were sixe monstrous and terrible Giants which Assault was so hote for the time as the Christians were enforced to retyre The Giant Almaroll who had all this while kept companie with the King Recinde his Lorde séeing the Christians withdrawe themselues addressed himselfe to one of the Giants called Dramorant and with a mighty Mace that hee had gotten in the Battell hee kept him such rough playe as he could not passe on forwards as he willinglie would haue done And the King Recinde séeing another Giant named Trafamor coÌ„ming to strike at Almaroll behinde his backe stepped before him to hinder his determination but hée being Aged and feeble and not able to resist the mercilesse stroaks of this bloody-minded Giant Trafamor was so pittifully wounded as he fell downe at the Giants féete who tooke his sword and thrust it to the heart of the King Recinde Which when the Prince Palmerin perceyued hée was very ry sorrie and comming in a rage to the Giant Trafamor neuer left him vntill such time as hee had layde him downe dead on the ground but he was so sore but himselfe as he was glad to get foorth of the Battell and by the commandement of the Prince Primaleon â—hee was carryed into the Cittie where they made great doubt of his life by reason he had lost such aboundance of his Blood Almaroll and Dramorant were sundred whervpon the death of Recinde K of Spayne was blazed through the Army which was such heauy newes to Arnedes King of France his Couzin and singular good Friend as making no account of his life hee threw himself amongst his enemies where séeking to reuenge the death of the King of Spayne hee lost his owne life and by him was slaine Onistalde Sonne to the king Recinde who followed Arnedes to reuenge his Fathers death King Edward and the other Princes were so offended when they sawe theyr déerest Friendes thus cast to the ground as they ranne amongst the thickest of their Enemyes and layd on loade like desperate men the Knight of the Sauadge-man likewise on whose shield no manner of Deuise could be discerned it was so hackt and broken in pieces came vnto the Giant Dramorant and handled him in such Knightly order as he made him tumble downe dead before him Belcar and the King Polendos entring on the king of Aetoliaes Troupe were in the ende enforced to paye the sharpe tribute which Death demaundeth of Nature by dutie this vnfortunate successe caused no little heauines among the Christians but in especilly to the Prince Berolde of Spayne who vnderstanding that the King Recinde his Father and Onistalde his Brother were slaine by the enimies he rushed in fiercely vppon them determining eyther to reuenge theyr losse or leaue his life among them for company And the Prince Floraman of Sardignia followed close after him butchering the Turkes on euery side whereby hee manifested to the Prince Berolde the entyre good will and affection he bare him but the valiaunt Florendos did most of all iniury the Enemie this day for the Knightly stroakes that were to bee séene on his Shield deliuered a true testimony of the great dangers he had escaped all which he made of no account such was his earnest desire to reuenge the death of his déere Friends So that this Battell may be reputed for the moste cruell and perillous that euer was séene in that so many grieuous and tragicall Spectacles were to be séene that dismall Day with the losse of a number of famous Princes and most renowmed Knightes for there you might haue séene Don Rosuell and Bellizart to breake hardily through the preasse of theyr Enemyes without eyther feare or regarde of theyr owne liues to looke for theyr noble Father the Prince Belcar and Francian on the other side came to searche for his Father the King Polendos which the Enemies perceyuing and knowing them to be néere allyed to the Emperor followed fiercely after them to sée who could first murther them The Prince Berolde was no sooner come to the place where his Father lay slayne but hee sawe how the Giant Almaroll had lost his Helmet and his face so pittifully besmiered with his blood as it was a great griefe to all that behelde him for hee had in that place laid seuen hardy Knights slaine at his foot and determined not to forsake the dead body of the Prince before he had lost his owne life likewise in that place The enemies resisted the Prince Berolde so strongly as had it not béene for the succour of the Emperor Vernar Primaleon Florendos and Blandidon he had béene sent to kéepe his father company and Primaleon laboured very earnestly to get the Giant Almaroll foorth of the battaile because he was destritute of a Helmet his Armour broken very much and his body wounded in many places but such was the loue and fidelitie he bare to his Prince as it was impossible for Primaleon to cause him withdraw himselfe Vpon this reskew of the Princes to Berolde the enemies came running amaine to this place where they were with the Soldane of Persia conducting them who hearing how Almaroll continued manfully killing all that came before him galloped thorow the rancke till he came at Almaroll but who so had seene the gallant behauiour of Primaleon and Florendos his Sonne in defending Almaroll from the enemies fury would haue imagined the very type of Knightly valour to consist in these two famous champions who were not a little grieued to sée Almaroll so willing to séeke his owne death and could not bee perswaded from that minde by any of his friends The Giant Gramato who came in company with the Soldane of Persia aduanced himselfe to deale with Almaroll but the hardy Florendos stepped before him and had slaine him outright if Almaroll had not caught him about the body but he being so grieuously wounded as no succour whatsoeuer would saue his life fell down dead before the Giant Gramato whom Berolde afterward charged so roughly as Gramato ended his life to accompany the Giant Almaroll Now began the courage of the Christians to encrease worthily in that they were stronger in that place then the Turkes for the Soldane of Persia was conueyed foorth of the Battaile by reason of a wound that he had receiued in his throate by the push of a Sword so that the Soldane Bellagris found good opportunitie to carry the bodies of the King Recinde and Onistalde his sonne forth of the field the Prince Berolde helping to conduct the bodies because himselfe had lost so much blood as he could scantly hold out any longer Primaleon hauing a regard to the troupes of men dispersed
Cittie and that they prepared themselues to take landing and the Emperour caused himselfe to be carryed vp into a high Tower of his Pallace because hée would sée how Fortune disposed of his happinesse King Edward was no sooner arriued where the Enemie was but he placed his Armie on the Sea-shoare to hinder the Enemie from comming on Land but therein he was deceyued for the multitude of the Galleys and Ships were such as it was impossible for him to doe as he would Albayzar who was accompanied with the most renowmed knights of his Armie and two the most ougly and fearefull Giants that euer were seene made offer to take Landing first of all but they of the Emperors Court stepped before them and entertayned them in such sorte as diuers both of Turkes and Christians were very dangerously wounded Albayzar was so offended because he could not haue libertie to get foorth of his Galley as hee commaunded the Gyants to step into the Water to whose commaundement they preâ—ently obeyed and with theyr Maâ—es of Iron they began so to breake thorowe the preâ—sse and they which before hindred Albayzar from comming on shoare began to giue place as it were for his landing Which when Dramusiande perceiued hee stept into the water vp to the nauill and couering himselfe with his shield hee encountered the Giant that aduanced himselfe foremost and king Edward leaped into the Sea to hinder the other Giant from dealing with Dramusiande but while these foure were thus encountring together the other knights of the Emperours Court seeing their Captaine on foote began to follow after so that Albayzar was constrained to come neere the Giants because they thought he would want his ayde Palmerin of England being busie on the other side seeing the Horses round about the field without their masters doubted least some misfortune had fallen to his friends whereupon he gaue his horse the spurs and galloped to the place where he saw the greatest bickering and séeing King Edward his father standing in the sea dealing with such an ougly and monsterous Giant he presently came to him and stepping before him entred into these speeches I desire you my gracious Lord and father to giue ouer this enemy and giue succour to your friend Dramusiande for if any misfortune should happen to you your losse would be gréeued through all Christendome King Edward esteeming light the words of his Sonne would not leaue the Giant so greatly hee desired to remaine victor but the necessity wherein hee perceiued diuers of his friends caused him to step backe and giue place to the Noble Palmerin of England Albayzar behaued himself in such braue manner as diuers were glad to shunne his presence which when Florendos beheld hee aduanced himselfe to him and such knightly prowesse was shewen on eyther side as between them began a cruell and dangerous combate Dramusiande preuailed so well against his enemy the Giant as hee tumbled downe dead before him but himselfe was sore wounded as King Edward commaunded him to be carried into the Citie And Palmerin of England slew the other Giant likewise which his father left him fighting withall but himselfe was so dealt withall as in fiue dayes after he could weare no Armour Albayzar no sooner perceiuing the Giants slaine but he presently retired into his galley and so did diuers of the Turkes beside but when Edward saw the Turkes betake themselues to their Galleys againe hee mounted on horsebacke giuing a signe to his company to withdraw themselues desiring the Soldane Beâ—lagris the King Arnedes the King Recinde and the Prince Belcar who were dealing with another Vessell that sought to take landing to follow him but they gaue him to vnderstand how Florendos Platir Blandidon and the Giant Almaroll were carried into the Citie so sore hurt as they were not able to sustaine themselues The King Recinde Palmerin and Belcar were likewise grieuously wounded which made king Edward desire them to goe into the Citie and in the meane while Primaleon entred the field accompanied with seauen hundred knights desiring earnestly that King Edward and his traine would withdraw themselues that they might come with a fresh assault on the enemy But King Edward would not suffer it should be so therefore they altogether went into the Cittie being very much grieued that the principall knights of their Armie so sore wounded CHAP. LVI Of the griefe and sorrowe made in Constantinople for the dangerous estate wherein the Giant Dramussande was brought And how the Turks placed their Campe before Citie of Constantinople WHen the Emperors Captaines were thus come into the citie with their traines they passed the night in vsiting them that were so sore wounded at whose ill lucke Primaleon greatly grieued for he iudged the want of their helpe to be such as he was out of hope to defend the enemy from entring on land the next day And most of all for that Palmerin of England Florendos the King Recinde Belcar Berold Don Rosuel and Bellizart were in such case as they could not endure to beare Armes againe so soone Vpon this he concluded to let the enemies take landing and to suffer them to bâ—ild their Tents and prouide for the field in the meaâ—e while the wounded persons would be in better disposition and the succour they looked for would be likewise arriued wherewith they had good hope to bid the enemy a braue battaile in the meane time they daily gaue Albayzar and his company sundry assaults King Edward going to visite the wounded persons found the Prince Palmerin talking with the faire Polinarda whose company made him forget the griefe of his hurts for in her alone consisted the onely medicine to restore his health in like manner he found Florandos and Miragarda Platir and Sidelia Polendos and Francelian Berolde and Onistalda of Normandie Gracian and Claritia Don Rosuell and Dramatiana Bellizant and Denâ—sa Francian and Bernarda Guerin and Clariana and diuers others of the Knights with them to whom they bare most affection But Dramusiande was not in like case as these fortunate Louers were for his wounds were so yangerous as he could not enioy the swéete company of his best beloued Arlencea towards whom he remained maruellous affectionate so that I assure you the Emperour and all of his Court were so sorie for his misfortune as if the Citie it selfe had béene brought into extreame danger King Edward whose minde was not on such pleasure as he made any account of rest or quietnesse kept his friend Dramusiande company hauing his wife and Quéene Flerida with him onely to comfort the heauie and pensiue estate of Arlencea whose sad case may be easily iudged by young married louers Florendos and Miragarda visited the Giant Almaroll whose danger almost was in the same estate with Dramusiande yet he was able to walke behaue himselfe more pleasant in company then the other whose case was pittied and lamented of all in generall Soone after arriued there the Sage Aliart by
whose presence the former feareful and vncertaine doubts were somewhat calmed in that he certified the Emperour how Florian would not be long absence from thence which newes did much ioy his Maiestie as he caught the Sage Aliart in his armes and embraced him with a gracious countenance Then came the Empresse to entertaine him with the same fauour the like did Bazilia the Empresse of Allemaigne Gridonia Polinarda and the other princesses and Ladies among whom the Quéene Flerida was most glad of his presence as well to perceiue the loue King Edward her husband bare him as also because he had sundry times preserued the liue of his Children by his knowledge The same day came to the Emperours Court the Prince Floraman who trauailed to finde the Prince Florian of the Forrest and being aduertised how the enemies had laid siege at Constantinople he left his Realme of Sardignia giuing charge to the Gouernours he had left there that they should leuey a great Armie with all expedition and send them after him to Constantinople as you may read more at large hereafter The same day likewise there arriued King Estrellant of Hungaria accompanied with two thousand horsemen and tenne thousand footmen being vnder the conduct of the Prince Frisoll his Sonne Albayzar was greatly grieued at the losse of his men wherfore he gaue charge to his Chirurgions in his campe that they should bee carefull and respectiue to them which were wounded and commanded the â—laine to bée buried And when all things were accomplished that he thought expedient he called the principall estates of his armie to councell with whome hee concluded that all persons should be vigilant and carefull of themselues that night because the next morning he should take landing at a certaine watch-word he would giue them The day had no sooner chased away the vncomfortable and obscure night but the Ships Gallies Brigandines Gaâ—â—ots and other prouision for war tooke landing about a league distance froÌ„ Constantinople being not hindred or forbidden by any whereupon they sounded the drums trumpets cornets clarions and other instruments wherewith they made such a triumphant noyse as the people in the Citie were much amazed thereat The Sage Aliart and Floraman desiring to sée the Campe of the enemie requested the Emperour that he would lycence them to goe thither which his Maiestie would not graunt to any yet had hée such assurance in the knowledge of the Sage Aliart as in what place soeuer he was he néeded not to feare him These two knights thus departed the Citie being armed with no other defence but onely their swordes and because the day was faire and cleare they betooke themselues to a little hill where they might at pleasure discerne the enemies Armie Diuers thought it good to scout out and take them because by them they might vnderstand the strength of the Citie but Albayzar would not grant it should be so wherefore he sent an Esquire vnto them who attended on him when he was in the Emperours court to let them vnderstand that if they would come néere and see his Campe he who was then in authoritie to commaund them was such an indifferent friend vnto them as they might come and depart without any danger These two knights gaue such credit to the message Albayzar sent them as they went in the Esquiers company which Albayzar perceiuing he came forth with two Pages in very rich apparrell attending on him to receiue them Afterward hee went with them thorow the Campe because they should sée the mightie strength thereof and he declared to them the names of the Princes in his companay among whome were verie many Giantes as terrible and ouglie as they which were slaine by Dramusiande and Palmerin of England All this while Albayzar had diligent regard to these two Christian Knights to sée if all this sight he had showne them could discourage them with feare or doubt of theyr Wellfare but they contained such a stoute and vndaunted countenaunce as they seemed to disdayne those occasions which Albayzar thought should most dismay them whereat he did not a little maruaile After they had séene the whole Army Albayzar accompanied hem very neere the Citie desiring them to salute the Emperour and Empresse from him then taking his leaue courteously of them he returned â—o his Campe and they walked on very sadly especially the Sage Aliart who hauing foreséene what would happen could not hide the sorrow hee conceiued in his minde Neuerthelesse they behaued themselues pleasantly at their entraunce into the Cittie because they would not discourage the mindes of the people but when they were come to the Pallace into the Emperors presence the Prince Floraman by the commaundement of his Maiestie entred into these speeches My gratious Lord the riches which your enemies hath brought before your Cittie were incredible in rehearsall for if I should take vppon me to make rehearsall thereof I should wast a great deale of time which I may apply to better purpose in certifying your excellencie of your enimies strength wherefore this is to let your Maiestie vnderstand that your enimies can be no lesse in number then two hundred thousand the very simplest whereof carryeth such a brauerie of minde as he will abide the Féeld to the latest houre of death The King of Aetolia being thirtie yéeres of age hath the conduct this day of them which are vnder his charge being tenne thousande Horsemen and fortie thousand Footemen so brauely armed as surely I must of necessity commend them But aboue all the rest the pride of the Prince Albayzar doth much amaze me for no small estimation he made of your puissance as himselfe gaue vs the sight of his whole Armye graunting the like assuraunce to any of your Court as hee did to vs if so be they will desire to sée his Garrison a thing which I haue diligently noted and which cannot greatly profite himselfe as for the rest whereof perhappes I may be forgetfull my good Lorde the Sage Aliart can at large discourse vnto your Highnesse You haue behâ—ued your selues so well my Friends sayd the Emperor as it is not possible for any other to bring vs a more certaine assurance in this cause wherefore it is necessarie that we enter into councell how we may auoyd the enterprise of Albâ—yzar and his Souldiours And I am content that he shall likewise sée our Cittie so that charge be giuen to our Captaines to behaue themselues with such circumspection as our Enemies may not get any sudden aduantage against vs. When the Emperour had set downe this for a determination the Princes betooke themselues to their seuerall charges that they might better respect the practiâ—es of the Enimie CHAP. LVII ¶ Of that which Albayzar did after he had well prouided for his Armie and of the succour which came to the Emperour Palmerin ALbayzar prouiding for the strength of his Armye caused such Trenches and Rampiers of Defence and Fortification to bee made round about
Princes out of the cruell Enchanted castle of Eutropa and Dramusiande ARgolant who by the commandement of the king of England was departed on his voyage towards Constantinople to declare vnto the Emperour Palmerin the good successe of his sonne Primaleon and the other Prince indeuoured himselfe so well in his iourney thorow the helpe of good wind and weather that at the last he attained the end of his trauaile And as he rode through the Citïe he espied the Emperour among a great many of Souldiours whose beard was growne so white with anguish of minde and his face so wanne by reason of his continuall mourning that he stood in doubt whether it were the Emperour or no but that he was certified thereof by the people which made their recourse thorow the stréetes Who told him that report was giuen abroade how the Soldans of Babylon and Persia had gathered a mightie Armie intending to besiege their Cittie which made the Emperour in his owne person to goe sée to the fortifying of the walles that his Rampiers of defence might bée readie to resist the enemie Argolant comming before the Emperour who presently knew him alighted and knéeling downe humbly kissed his hand to whom the Emperour thus spake You may sée Argolant in what necessitie the citie of Constantinople is now vnhappily falne which in times past hath vrged me to the opinion that neither warres could surplant it treasons inuade it nor any disloyall accident once vse spight against it But such is the alteration of times and so vncertaine the fauour of Fortune that the famous monuments of most honour and antiquitie are as soone subuerted as the weakest defence so that it remaineth to me to say which once I could iustly say I haue béene happy For such is the danger threatened to our estate and so doubtfull the mischance that may suddainely annoy vs as my Subiects stand euery houre in feare of their liues and my selfe in dispaire of mine own safety Because I want those whose names in the eare of mine enemy hath carried as great estimation of hot resistance as they now being absent doe ouercharge me with a cold comfort But how fareth thy Soueraigne Lord the king of â—ngland to demand for other tidings were as néedelesse as I suppose them helpelesse If it shall like your Highnesse answered Argolant the king my Soueraigne and Lord saluteth your imperiall estate with all happinesse that he can wish or you possibly desire as for my charge if you will vouchsafe the place where the Empresse Gridonia and the other Ladies may be present you shall all be certified I trust to your contentations The Emperour at these wordes rode straite to his Pallace not staying till he came where the Empresse Gridonia and the faire Polinarda were sitting altogether but Argolant missing Bazilia wife to the Prince Vernar began on this wise to intreate the Emperour Let it not be offensiue to your highnesse in that I trifle time so long because I want one here to be partner of my happy tydings which is the faire Bazilia whose heart I am right sure thought the absence of her Lord Vernar too long The Emperour supposing there was some glad tydings toward in that they concerned not one alone but all such as had long time béene oppressed with heauinesse and knowing likewise the Princesse Bazilia would hardly leaue her Chamber tooke the paines to gâ—e for her himselfe when being al set down together Argolant in this manner vttered his Ambassage As it is not vnknowen to you most mightie Emperour as also these gracious Ladies who since that time haue endured no small oppression of heauy conceits that at my last being in this place I brought the vnfortunate report which caused as you know ful well a grieuous mishap ensuing vpon the losse of our no lesse famous then redoubted Prince Don Edward which prouoked your noble sonne Primaleon with a number of valiant Princes and Knights of your court to pursue in his search So now I durst not present my selfe where my former newes caused such griefe without I might bring those tidings as shuld in recompence cause a mutuall and generall gladnesse which loath to conceale from you too long thus it is The knight of Fortune the myrrour of Chiualrie the onely Lampe and Load-stone to draw the aduenterous minde to all valiant attempts as his exploytes in your Court against Floraman who for his fayre Altea made the onely challenge for the supreame title of beautie may not onely remaine a witnes but as a perfect example of all worthinesse to such as shall ensue after him for his memory and their learning This worthy Champion attempted the aduenture of great Brittaine where by the Magique of Eutropa and might of Dramusiande sonne to the Giant Frenaque whom you slew before your departure forth of England our Prince Don Edward your sonne Primaleon with a number of Princes and noble Knights were all this while kept as prisoners onely to reuenge the death of the aforesaid Giant Frenaque Wherein he spedde so happily that notwithstanding the cruell enchantments dispersed ouer the whole forrest and retaining the knights in such a seruitude as they might doe nothing without the consent of this wicked Eutropa he withstood her helliâ—â— charmes the force of her nephew the giant fulfilled that hauty attempt which could be finished by no other And our Prince Don Edward chancing first into this mishap was appointed to endure the first Iust against all that came so that through the helpe of two Giants whom the Knight of Fortune hath valiantly foyled all the wandring Knights were caught captiue in this Castell In fine when this famous Conquerour had found the way to this Fortresse and behaued himselfe against the resistaance with singular magnanimitie hée entred the Combate with Dramusiande where a bloody and doubtfull fight was presently begun The Emperor suddenly staying Argolant at these words in a maze and great feare put forth this demand Good Argolant before you procéed any further resolue me of a doubt wherein the last report of your discourse hath brought me know you where as now the knight of Fortune remaineth and whether he be aliue as yet or no for if he fare otherwise then well my state cannot endure without bearing him company to which Argolant replyed At such time my gratious Lord as I departed from the Realme of England I left him in such good disposition as himselfe could wish or your Maiesty desire when euery one reioyced for the good successe he had against the Gyant Dramusiande But may I quoth the Emperor vpon your faith and knight heed assure my selfe of this report If it may please you my good Lord answered Argolant to giue credite to my Message then beléeue me that the knight of Fortune is in good estate of health and hath done what I haue manifested before this honourable assembly Likewise the Forrest of that disloyall Eutropa is subdued from all her Enchantments so
Miragarda he could not chuse but confesse the aduantage she had aboue his Lady Targiana Neuerthelesse hée would put her will in due execution albeit that night he could not time was so farre spent but in the morning he presented himself before the Castle when Dramusiande aduertised of his arriuall armed himselfe and came foorth on Horseback so after a litle friendly greeting passed betwéen them they couched their Speares and at the third encounter sent one an other to the ground couragiously Then drew they forth their swords deliuering such cruell assaults to one another that Miragarda and her Ladies did highly commend them but yet shée stood in feare lest Albayzar should vanquish Dramusiande Albayzar who all his life time had not felt such hardy blowes thought not his promise so certain as when he departed froÌ„ the Princesse Targiana Dramusiande found his enemy so strong that he could hardly assure himselfe of any victory for so cruelly did they deale with one another and wounded one another in such grieuous maner that one would not haue thought how possible the life could remaine in them whereupon Dramusiande began thus to the faire Miragarda My good Lady doe not now refuse your seruant in so great a néede that he which hath neuer done you seruice shall cause your Dramusiande to lose the recompence which he thinketh by his trauels to haue worthily deserued On the other side Alybazar was in his coÌ„plaints to the Princesse Targiana desirign her but to remember him in fauor and that was sufficient to ouercom his enemy so commending him selfe to his God Mahound he began again afresh with Dramusiande Long they fought yet neither could preuaile for they thought themselues indifferently matched so that the night approaching on made theÌ„ to leaue off their Combat and to finish it on the next day if they could Dramusiand entred his lodging meaning on the morrow to ende their strife one way or other and Albayzar retired being of the same minde but knowing no where to rest him for that night that hee might the better deale with Dramusinde on the morrow he returned to the trée of the Shields where remembring the promise he had made to his Lady euery one being fast asleepe he tooke downe the shield of the Prinesse Miragarda which hée purposed to beare with him into Turkie But first he would passe the Court of the Emperonr Palmerin according as his lady Targiana had commanded him and fearing least he should be pursued he stayed in no place till he was twenty miles from thence bearing the shield couered that no body should know it And there where he lodged he stayed vntill his wounds were healed very sorrowfull because he could not vanquish Dramusiande to bring the perfect prize to his Lady Targiana CHAP. LXXII How after Albayzar departed with the Shield of Miragarda Dramusiande left the Castle of Almarol to followe after him And how Armello brought word to the Prince Florendos of the Shield which made him presently leaue his shepheards kinde of life and with his fellowe shepheard tooke themselues to trauaile NOw Dramusiande hauing dressed his wounds so well as he might in so short a space in the morning returned to the Trée intending to ende the Combate or to leaue his life in the field but when he began to gréete the Picture of Miragarda according as hée was wooâ—â— and found himselfe dispossest thereof hée was taken with such sorrow that he could abide in no place When he had sought all about the Trée and could not finde it he began to suspect that the Knight against whom he maintained the Combat had caried it away with him wherefore as secretly as might be he concluded to persue presently after him not staying till the Princesse Miragarda was certified thereof because hee could not yéelde account of that which shée had so faithfully committed to his kéeping Then was he determined to séeke all the world ouer but he would be reuenged on this discourteous Knight whose treason he rehearsed to the Giant Almarol of whom he tooke his leaue not staying til his wounds were healed nor yet thinking on the danger wherein he tooke himselfe to trauell After that Dramusiande was gone Miragarda vnderstood how her shield was stollen by a Knight after whom Dramusiande had determined to trauaile which made her to take it somwhat heauily thinking though Dramusiande were gone to recouer it againe yet when this mishap should be knowne to the Tristfull Knight he would now take his weapons to followe him that offered her so great discortesie for in him she reposed a better confidence then in Dramusiande Armello seeing the shield was stollen and that Dramusiande was gone in that order had good hope now of his maisters good Fortune which made him trudge in hast fromthe Castell and all the way he went by the Riuer Thesin till at last he found him kéeping Shéepe by a Fountaine where staying himselfe a while he heard the sound of a Flute which often stayed to vtter the complaints of an euercharged minde so that Armello was greatly mooued to heare his lamentations Then came hée a litle neere to behold his face which was so much offended with essuse of teares that Armello could not iusily say whether it was he or 〈◊〉 at his féete fate another Shepheard very simply apparelled and playing many delightfull deuises vpon his Flute so that Armello verily thought that place a wildernesse of woes The sight made him in such case that he knâ—w not how or which way to beginne his tale for well he knew his Lord had minded such a 〈◊〉 life at such 〈◊〉 as he left the Castell of the Giant Almarol yet hardly did he knowe that this was he wherefore encouraging himselfe he approched vnto them with these spéeches I pray you my friend to report to me if you can some tidings of a young knight whom Loue hath caused to vndertake a solitary kinde of life when his estate doeth rather command him to vse knightly Armes Trust me my friend answered the Shepheard I am my selfe so cruelly vrged with the outrages of loue that I can hardly endure to make you any answere for I am he whom Loue hath allowed to all misfortune but neuer to no day houre minute of quietnesse With that the Prince Florendos began in this order Oh sir doe not you séeme to blame Loue so much if you haue sustained any losse impute it to the féeblenesse of Fortune and not to Loue let me alone to complaine of Loue. Armello cast good view vpon him and knew that it was the Lord albeit he was changed out of all remembrance wherefore falling down at his féete he desired him not to execute on himselfe such extreame griefe as he would not fauour himselfe with some pittie which would greatly displease her who had power to command him otherwise Then was Florendos somewhat offended with himselfe if he had done any thing that might displease his best beloued which Armello séeing
the Prince Platir answered the Esquire thus Trust me my friend I cannot thinke it méete to receiue thy Maisters armor which we thanke him for that he would so courteously send vs because I carry this mind with me that it is better for vs to loose our liues without his aid them hauing his armour to fall into his hands vanquished for our armour his not so much spoyled but we may very well endure the triall of this Combate wherefore we will trie our Fortune in this armor we haue considering skill must be vsed as well as defence which if we imploy as we ought there is no doubt but we shall haue the victory I am content to follow the aduise of Platir said Berolde And since you find it so conuenient quoth the Sage Aliart me thinkt it were good the messenger returned backe to his Maister and let him vnderstand that he may come when please him into the field I reioyce greatly saide the Esquire in the counsell of this young knight that you will not take this Armor which my Lord the Giant sendeth you therefore let him that hath the aduantagr boast of his winning in the end Thus the Esquire departed into the Castle of Collambra againe giuing the Giant to vnderstand what the Knights had said whereat he fumed and fretted greaely to sée what disdaine these Christian knights made of him wherevpon he tooke his leaue of his Sister in this maner Madame I pray you abide at this window all the while the Combate endureth for I shall be greatly iniuried if I want your presence So departing he went vnto his Couzins who were all in blacke armor conformable to their griefe and sorrow and bearing for their deuices in their shéelds the portraitures of Brocalon and Baleato their Couzins figured in a field of Sable they promising neuer to change their deuises vntill they had reuenged the death of the Giants the sons of Collambra who were déerely beloued of their vnckle the Giant Espouuantable With them he tooke his way to the place appointed for the combate the people reioycing when they saw him comming with his Couzins who were in stature able to deale with sixe such as the thrée knights were which made the Giant to ride very merily perswading himselfe that the knight of the Tiger and his companions should loose their liues in the field that day then comming somwhat néere them he began to vse these words In sooth my friends it were better for you to yéeld your selues then to abide the terrour of my combate Not so sir answered the Knight of the Tiger but albeit thy arcogant pride should séeme to fray vs in these peoples iudgements we are content to abide the vttermost not doubting God aiding vs but to bring downe thy haughty stomacke and these likewise that beare thée company Vpon these words the Giant ran against the knight of the Tiger and his Cozins against the other knights that the trampling of the horses made the earth to groane and they were not so quicke and spéedy in their course but the knight of the Tiger and his companions were as nimble as they méeting so brauely in the middest of the Carrire where the Giant broke his lance on the Prince Palmerins shéeld with so great force as he was constrained to catch hold on the mane of his horse otherwise he had fallen beside him neuerthelesse the Giant was cast out of his Saddle with great violence against the ground whereat he was maruailously offended but the knight of the Tiger reioyced that he had broken his lance so well The other six knights were all likewise dismounted except the Prince Flatir who kept his Saddle still yet was the charge so rough vpon him as he had almost borne his fellowes company but that he recouered himselfe gallantly hauing lost both his stirreps The knight of the Tiger séeing the Giant comming towards him cast himselfe beside his horse quickly because he feared the Giant would haue kiled his horse then being on his féete he spake to the Giant thus Content thy selfe a while thou counterfeit Monster and let thy Cozins procéede in that they haue enterprised for they that deale with him are such as they shall find sufficient to abate their lofty minds and after they haue tried their fortune because we will not hinder them neither do they the like to vs thou and I will quickly decide our controuersie when do not doubt but thou shalt perceiue the little regard I haue of thée and the vttermost thou canst doe I sée well answered the Giant that because thou hadst so good fortune to dismount me it makes thee so bold to speake thus brauely but I receiue greater contentment thē thou canst deuise to see thee here in this place where at mine owne pleasure I shall giue thee punishment and with my sword repay the shame of my fall Then drew he his sword forth of the scabbard saying to the Prince that he had caused that weapon to be made onely to take reuenge therewithall for the death of his Couzins Brocalon and Baleato with these words he ran fiercely on the Knight of the Tiger and gaue him such cruell and forcible stroakes as had he not defended them worthily his life would haue bene in great danger Verie rigorous was the blowes the Giant gaue the prince so that most part of his shield was cut in peeces and he had very little left to award his enemy and a great while it was before he could wound the Giant yet at length he gained such opportunitie as he wounded him grieuously in three or foure places which made the Giant to faint and waxe somewhat wearie both with the great losse of his blood and also with his extreame sweating and chafing to see himselfe so hardly matched by one knight but all his fretting the prince regarded not he followed his intent so worthily and redoubled stroake after stroake so roughly vpon him as the Giant was constrained to retire to take breathing awhile The knight of the Tiger was not sorry therat for that he as gladly desired rest of the giant though not by any such extreame occasion considering also he desired to see how his three friends continued the fight with the giants three Couzins who in sooth were brought to such a narrow point as they had not the power to defend their enemies for they both had and did charge them so worthily as the Prince did much delight himselfe in beholding them they being so couragious nimble and quicke as they were at the beginning of the Combate But the Prince Platir dealt so gallantly with him that was his enemy as he had the general praise and was iudged worthy the honour of that day aboue his other two companions The Giant beholding his Couzins in such danger and himselfe to haue lost the most part of his blood likewise that he had such a strong and puissant enemy his heart began to faint but because he would not haue them
with shadowes least hee should be knowne and his deuise of the Tiger was so defaced as one could not iudge what proportion it should be As he passed along by the Empresse Chamber windowe he chanced to sée his Lady Polinarda whereat he was somewhat abashed but séeing that Arnolfe was so ready to Ioust he let passe all fond conceits and praunced into the Lists to know the state of the enterprise which was presently declared to him by one of the Iudges of the Feeld whereupon the prince aduanced himselfe to the Giant Arnolfe speaking vnto him in this manner Thou shalt vnderstand Arnolfe that thou art now to deale with a kinseman to the knight of the Sauage man wherefore if thou hast any thing to say vnto him reuenge it on me who is one of his linage Arnolfe was so iocound when he heard these words as he presently gaue his horse the spurs against the knight of the Tiger they encountred together with so great force as the Prince forsooke one of his Stirrups but Arnolfe was sent to the earth with his héeles vpward This braue beginning caused the Emperor and Primaleon to reioyce they iudging the strength of Arnolfe vnequall to be compared with the knight of the Tiger who alighting from his horse came and receiued Arnolfe at the point of the sword he being not a little mooued at his sore fall especially hauing receiued such a foyle at his hands who was allied to the knight of the Sauage man The Combate beganne and continued with great fury which moued the Emperour to these wordes I perceiue now that Arnolfe might haue vsed lesse boasting of his prowes because he séemeth far vnable to make resistance against the knight that fighteth with him It is reason good Father aunswered Primaleon that euill persons should be punished that example may remaine to others to beware how they meddle in such vnduttfull attempts Arnolfe and the Knight of the Tiger so hacked one another as their Armour witnessed their cruell rage and furie especially the Gyant whose flesh was so cut and mangled in many places that the blood tricked apace downe his armour the great losse whereof caused him giue ouer to take breath awhile when he desired the knight of the Tiger to tell him his name whereto he returned him this answer I tell thée Alnofe said the Prince I am a very néere kinsman to the knight of the Sauage man hauing no lesse desire to end thy cursed life then I haue to do the like to all such as thou art Arnolfe replyed thus I am in the place where of long I desired to be and I assure thée I receiue no small câ—ntentment in dealing with thée for if I be so happie as to depriue thée of life I shal perswade my self to be reuenged on my greatest enemy But if Fortune giue thée the power to vanquish me I shall be likewise well content because I shall the sooner visite Brauorant and his sonnes to reuenge whose death I will either end thy dayes with my sword or offer vp my spirit here at thy féete The knight of the Tiger perceiuing him so obstinate began to charge him more roughly then as yet he had done following his intent so gallantly as he neuer left him till he tumbled on the ground before him starke dead when taking off his Helmet and séeing he had no life left in him he knéeled downe and thanked God for his victory Then came Primaleon and other Princes who conducted the Knight of the Tiger into the Empresse Chamber where taking off his Helmet he knéeled downe before the Emperour who weeping for ioy to sée him imbraced him in his armes very gratiously Afterward he came and humbled himselfe before the Empresse with kissing her hand doing the like to Gridonia and to the other Ladies but when he came to his â—ady and mistresse such was his speech and behauiour as it caused suspition of their loue to all then present CHAP. XXXIIII Of the talke which the Prince Palmerin had with the Princesse Polinarda his Lady SO greatly busâ—ed was the Prince Palmerin for certaine dayes in visiting his friends as he could not attaine the felicitie his heart desired which tormented him secretly though he bare it foorth with a good countenance for neither could he find the meanes to speake with his Lady nor with Dramuciana her Gentlewoman that he might discouer his griefe to her To the end therfore that he might somewhat remedy his affections he made his case knowne to Siluian who entring the Empresse Chamber desired Dramaciana to speake a word or two with her and so well did Siluian handle the matter that Dramaciana came to speake with the prince Palmerin at her chamber window which was vnderneath her Ladies Chamber and so shadowed by the Arches of stone towards the Garden that one might very hardly perceiue him Palmerin receiued no lesse contentment in speaking with Dramaciana then he would if it had béene to his owne Lady who made her Gentlewoman acquainted with all her secrete passions wherevpon he iudging that the houre of his good fortune could neuer come to passe without the assistance of his Damosell opened his whole minde vnto her whereon when she had sufficiently scanned very modestly she gaue him this answere You may well thinks most famous and renowned Prince that she who is so willing as you perceiue me to doe you seruice would be loth to hide any thing from you which might returne your benefite and this you may perswade your selfe that the dutifull good will I beare you maketh me so hardy at this time not knowing whether I shal be deceiued or if you intend otherwise then I make account of It is not méete my friend Dramaciana answered Palmerin neither doth the time so permit that I should be such a shamelesse person as to render inturie for courtesie neither would I wish you to iudge me such a one wherefore setting all such doubts aside I desire you to certefie me what end as you thinke will my long seruice come vnto for the hope I haue receiued by your meanes hath euermore sustained me vntill this present from the cruell extremities which else had beene sufficient to kill me He that knowes so well said Dramaciana how to declare his griefe shall neuer make me beléeue that he can be depriued of good hape considered also that your noble behauiour cannot be blemished by fogetfulnesse And this you may build vpon that the Princesse Polinarda hath béene as grieuously passioned during the time of your long absence as you haue béene daily tormented with fearefull and displeasant thoughts as you say you haue suffered If these newes answered Palmerin ought to be sufficient to content me that I pray you to wast no more time but acquite your selfe of the promise it hath pleased you oftentimes to make me for it is not conuenient that these words whereby you doe so highly please me should be changed into flattery and deceite which might
his Camp as they were imagined sufficient to withstand and resist any furious Batterie whatsoeuer And for that he would haue some knowledge of the valour of his Enemyes hee appoynted his principall Captain in places of importance for most assurance of his Campe and afterwards by the consent of his Councell he set his Galleys and Shippes on fire reseruing but a certain number of his swiftest Brigandines So that the sight of the Fâ—re made such astonishment in Constantinople as they fully resolued and determined to hazarde theyr liues or to subdue the pompe and glory of their enemies séeing they presumed so much on themselues The Emperour sitting in his Chaire in one of the Turrets of his Pallace perceyued very well that hee should not driue his Enemyes out of his Empyre without the great effusion of Blood and losse of his Friends For the space of seuen dayes they continued burning theyr Shippes leauing themselues destitute of prouision to depart from thence if Fortune should oppose her selfe against them and at the ende of seuen dayes they of Constantinople began to skyrmish The wounded Princes had recouered their former estates except Dramusiande and the Giant Almaroll yet the Chirurgions assured the Emperor how the greatest danger was past and they likely to doo well enough In the meane while as King Edward and Primaleon endeuored themselues to fortifie the Cittie the Gouernours of those Realmes belonging to the Kings present in Constantinople sent such good prouision of strength forces as they could possibly make ready on the sudden but I will rehearse them vnto you who had in this necessitie chiefest succour sent them from theyr Kingdomes and Signories First of all the Emperour Veâ—nar of Allemaigne had sent him two thousand Horsemen and twelue thousand Footmen King Arnedes of Fraunce had the like number Recinde King of Spayne had two thousand light Horsemen and eyght thousand Footemen The Prince Floraman had foure hundred Horsemen and foure thousand Footemen Tarnaes King of Lacedemonia had foure hundred Horsmen and foure thousand Footemen From Thrace to honour their King Florian of the Forrest came foure hundred knightes on Horsebacke and foure thousand Footemen From England came foure hundred knights and tenne thousand Footmen From Nauarre came two hundred light horsemen From Denmarke came two hundred light Horsemen Drapo the Duke of Normandie came thither with two thousand Knights on Horsebacke and foure thousâ—nd braue Footemen To the Prince Belcar came foure hundred Horsemen and one thousand Footemen Roramant King of Bohemia sent foure thousand Footemen Estrellant arriued there accompanyed with eyght thousand and foure hundred gallant Knightes on Horsebacke and tenne thousand hardy fighting men on foote who ioyning with them of the Cittie were in number twenty thousand Horsemen and threescore thousand Footemen The Emperour and his Counsell appointed that they which were thus come to assist him should rest themselues for certain dayes because they had sustained a weary Iourney so that during the time the wounded persons were able to beare Armor with the ayde of these they gaue Battell to their enemies CHAP. LVIII ¶ Of an aduenture which happened by the arriuall of a straunge Knight accompanied with a Ladie in the Prince Albayzars Campe. WHile they that were come to the succour of the Emperour reposed themselues the young Princes and Knights of the Court of Constantinople gaue the Enemie sundry Assaults and skirmishes preuailing alwayes so happily as the aduauntage still came on theyr side During the time they skirmished in this manner the Emperour with the Empresse and her Ladyes being on a high Tower to see these braue Attempts they perceyued to enter the Cittie towardes the Enemyes Campe a Knight that séemed to haue so good opinion of himselfe being mounted on a braue and gallant Courser and himselfe attired in guylte Armour whereon was wrought diuerse Ingenious knottes and Deuises in siluer beside his Armour was bloody in many places which gaue sufficient testimony that the Knight daylie enioyed but little rest and in his Shielde was Loue artificially figured being roughly helde by the hayre of the head by a bloody minded Tyrant This Knight seemed to carry his Launce as it were on the neck of his Horse and hauing on the point thereof a little white Ensigne which hee wore in signe of Peace and quietnesse His Esquire bare another Shielde after him couered ouer with the skinne of a wilde Beast and another Launce in his hand by him rid a Lady on a blacke Palfray shée being attyred after the Turkish manner in a Robe of white Sattine which was cutte and pinked in many places so that the Blacke silkes lying vnder the white gaue a very braue grace vnto her Apparell because the body and sléeues was very thicke beset with Pearles and stones of great estimation This Ladies haire was spread abroad ouer her shoulders and her face was couered because she would not be knowne So soone as the Knight was come néere the Prince Albayzars Tent he stayed for a pretie space whereat the Turks were somewhat abashed because they knewe not on which part this Knight should be in that they iudged him by his Armour to be a Christian and the Apparell of the Ladie being Turkish they could not imagine any certaintie in this case In the meane while the Princes in the Campe were thus regarding and beholding the Knight they perceyued him to sende his Esquyre to the Prince Albayzars Tent hauing his Face couered least hee should be knowne when hee beganne his minde in this manner My Lorde the Knight which you sée presumes so néere your Campe by mee giueth you to vnderstand that hee hath many yeeres serued the Lady in his company yet not able to winne or once enioye her Loue and for that shee could not well dryue him off with any more delayes or excuses shee desired him to bring her vnto this place where he must Enterprise to Ioâ—st against foure Knights on her behalfe And if it so fall out that Fortune fauoureth him with the victorie shee will not faile to requite his labour with her Loue but if the Knightes in your Camp shall refuse to trie their valours against him she hath giuen him leaue to offer the same conditions to the Emperours Knights in Constantinople where if refusall be made likewise the Lady must consent to recompence him as if hee had vanquished where she made the challenge Therefore my Lords you may determine with your selues which of you dare make tryall of the valour of this Knight I would gladly know said the Soldane of Persia who was a gallaunt young Prince and very braue in Armour what recompence the Knight will make him to whom the victory may happen You shall then my Lord answered the Esquyre send him your owne Esquier for I haue reported to you what was giuen me in charge So without any more words hee returned to his Maister accompanyed with an Esquyre from the Soldane of Persia to whome the Knight
but yet they kept their horses valiantly whereupon they drew their swordes and began to charge each other very furiously The Christians behaued themselues so worthily at this first encounter as the King of Aetolia whose traine were twise so many in number as they with the Prince Primaleon was glad to retyre being not able to endure the hardy stroakes of the Princes Palmerin Florian Florendos but they were faine to betake themselues for refuge to the second squadron which was conducted by the King of Caspia who came brauely vpon Primaleon and his company yet not able to enforce theÌ„ to retyre one foote back from them for Palmerin and the other princes maintained the sight so sharply against them as they were once more coÌ„pelled to recoyle backeward Which the Soldane of Persia perceiuing he came to assist them with his company when in sooth he had made a great slaughter of the wearied Christians if it had not béene for the Prince Floraman who séeing the Soldane of Persia come so fast forward with his Squadron he rushed in vpon them with his Band of men and resisted them in very gallant manner Palmerin bare great malice to the Soldane of Persia because he was so amorous of yâ— Princesse Polinarda his wife wherefore he ran fiercely against him and brake his Launce so brauely on him as the Soldane tumbled headlong backward out of his Saddle but the Turkes laboured earnestly to mount the king againe and Primaleon went to ayde the Prince Floraman who was likewise cast beside his horse Thus were they helping one another of them néerest at hand so that they had forgotten Dramusiande and Framustant who hauing forsaken their horses fought so long together in such cruell manner as their bodies were wounded in many places but Dramusiande was like to sustaine the worst in that Framustant was assisted against him by another Knight named Grantor and Dramusiande had beene slaine betwéene them if it had not beene for the Prince Florian his déere friend who came and buckled with Grantor in such sort as he laide him dead at his foote immediatly When the Turkes beheld that Grantor was slaine they enuironed the Prince Florian and Dramusiande so terrible on euerie side as their lines were brought into some daunger but the king Estrellant of Hungaria who had the charge of the third Christian Squaâ—ron entred vpon the Tuâ—â—es and droue them backe perforce till they saw their friendes brought into safetie againe and Framustant was very néere discharged of his life but the Soldane Albayzar seeing his daunger commaunded them altogether to runne on the Christians the like did King Edward to his men because they should helpe their fellowes in their necessitie Florian seeing Albayzar comming with his Launce charged in his rest gaue his horse the spurres to méete him these two worthy knights encountred together so nobly as Albayzar was glad to catch holde about the necke of his horse to shun the fall but the Prince Florians horse was so starke with trauaile as he fell to the ground vnder his Maister who leapt out of the Saddle quickly so that he sustained no harme by the fall Albayzar laboured very earnestly to get Dramusiande and the Prince Florian within the rankes of his men because hee sawe how cruelly they hacked and hewed the Turkes that he thought himselfe happiest who could auoid their presence but yet such a company of men had Albayzar hemd them in withall as the losse of their liues were now determined if the Soldan Bellagris Polinarda had not arriued there with expedition for they walking vp and downe with their Bandes of men to giue aide where they perceiued necessitie required saw the dangerous estates of Dramusiande and Florian and thrusting in vpon the Turkes with great puissance they reskewed Dramusiande and brought him foorth of the Armie to rest himselfe a while and they mounted Florian on horsebacke againe notwithstanding all the practises of the enemy to the contrary but they were glad to conuey Framustant foorth of the Battaile likewise for they sawe him so sore trauailed as he was scant able to stand on his feete After that these two Giants were out of the Field the greatest hurley burly was by the prince Psimaleon because Palmerin of England and the Soldane of Persia they being on foote fought maruellous fiercely togither the like did Polinard with a stout Turke named Ferrebrocque which caused the men on all sides to hasten to this conflict The King of Aetolia accompanied with fiue hundred knights on foote came to reskew the Soldan of Persia but Berolde of Spaine remembring the death of the King Recinde his Father ioyned in fight with the King of Aetolia King Edward came thither with his troupe of men to assist his friends and so did Albayzar on the behalfe of the Soldane of Persia he bringing with him many Knights beside foure stoute and cruel Giants whose presence did much terrifie the Christians so that many of them durst not enter the fight with such Monsters Yet could not all these knights and Giants dismay the noble Palmerin of EnglaÌ„d but he continued in fight so brauely with the Soldane of Persia as he would not leaue him till he saw him slaine at hia foote for whose death tha Turkes lamented very much in that he was the principall captaine vnder the Prince Albayzar who likewise tooke the Soldanes death so heauily as he came with his men vpon the Christians like a mad man The victorie of the Prince Palmerin against the Soldane was but little comfort to him in that he saw the prince Polinard who fought still against Ferrebrocque fall downe dead to the ground Ferrebrocque with diuers other Turkes fall downe slaine on each side of him likewise but the death of Polinard was very gréeuous to his friends and companions in that the Emperor Vernar his brother was kilde in the first battail and the Empresse Bazilia seeing her lord and husband gon reposed al her hope and comfort on the prince Polinard Florendos whose griefe could not be expressed for the death of his friend Polinard because they had bene nourished al their youth together in the Emperors court to reuenge the death of her déere friend and companion he ran fiercely amongst the thickest of his enemies and the first he met withal was the giant Pandolfo who holding a mightie mace in his hand aduanced himselfe to receiue the prince Florendos Then began a fierce and terrible combat betwéene them so that within a whyle the giant Pandolfo railed and exclaimed against his gods horribly finding himselfe not able to resist the force of one knight he being woont to vanquish euery one that entred fight with him but Florendos not regarding his railling words brought him into such féeble estate as at length he fell downe on his knées when Florendos taking off his Helmet strookeâ— of his head from his shoulders Berolde of Spaine lekewise slew the king of Aetolia which when