astonied him and throwing himself among the Parthians he recovered again what his men by their default had lost whereupon Spharamond carried with a strange rage to see the massacre of his people discharged a bow upon his helmet with such fury as laid him upon his horses crupper so farre besides himself that he had no judgement or memory left him This blow so affrighted the enemy that they had certainly retired to their trenches if the Cariffe of Affrica attended by his Giants had not presently come into their second his presence diminished their fear and terrified the Christians but Florizel and the valiant Amanio d' Astre advancing to their succour so revived their courages that the fight was renewed more sharply then before Whilst thus they disputed the honour of the landing the other were not at quiet for the Kings of Coriza and Calican made the assault to be maintained with so much obstinacie as it seemed they resolved not to live or be victorious the dead which fell in the ditches feared them not and their losse augmenting their courage made them so adventurous as Alastraxerea avowed afterwards that she never had seen a wall better assailed howbeit their labour was in vain and the Christians resistance such as they were constrained to fall off just at the time that their fellows who fought upon the shore retired into their trenches Florizell seeing their retreat and considering that his souldiers were as yet not recovered of their travail by sea would not presse them any further but encamping hard by them commanded necessary instruments to be made caused the hurt men to be looked unto took order for the guard of his camp and desirous to see the Princesse Alastraxerea his sister mounted upon his horse with Spheramond to go to the Citie but but they met her in the mid way accompanied with the new Knights you may well imagine how kindly they entertained one another and withall the content that Spheramond took in seeing these young Princes on whom he had lately conferred the order of Knighthood discharge themselves so bravely for the honour of the Christian name I will not therefore dwell any longer hereupon but following my discourse will tell you what the Pagan Princes resolved to do being grieved with the losse of eighteen thousand men and three Giants which died in this encounter wherein also there fell of the Christians no lesse then eight thousand and five hundred Knights Fulgoran performing the duty of a right commander that will not be frighted for one misfortune seeing the courage of his men grow cold and that the names of the Greek Princes was become redoubted in his Army caused the principall Knights of his troops to be called together and when they were assembled with a confident countenance thus spake unto them As it is no little griefe to me to see your lookes so pale and that so slight a losse should any whit amaze you as yet we have had no cause to complain and so many of our enemies slaughtered before these walls should me thinks oblige us not to fear the encountring of them Have they any advantage of us Do their swords cut better then ours Have they better courages or Arms of better proofe Verily we no way yield to them in reâ—olution of doing bravely their curtelaxes carry no keener edge then our scymeters and the greatnesse of our blowes doe testifie that our armes are as of much weight as theirs you will say that they have never beene assailed wiâ—hout danger and that so many armies as have beene routed in these fields doe witnesse their valor and may justly make us apprehend a like successe of our enterprize It is true that they have ever hitherto shewed themselves invincible and that few kings have affronted them without their owne extreame damage but shall we from thence infallibly conclude that fortune must therfore perpetually favour them nothing lesse she delights in inconstancy and makes her selfe sport in abasing those whom she hath for a time raised to the highest pitch of eminency the glory which they have acquired in the proceeding battailes should make us rather strive with obstinacy for victory over them then daunt our courages for triumphing over them that stoope under the weight of so many law â—ells shall render our names so glorious in the world that all the sorraine nations will shrinke when they but heaâ—e us named Throw off therefore I pray you this fear which I see in your faces re-kindle that generous fire which made you slight your ease to bring your selves into businesse of honour and giving the enemy no leisure to strengthen himself by the comming in of any fresh supplies go pull him out of his trenches and make it appear to them that you were never afraid to meet them in the plain field For my own part I am of opinion to present them battell with our whole army and by a triall of all the forces on both sides see what we may hope for from our enterprise This answered the Cariffe of Affrica this brave Prince is the best advice that now can be given for a long siege or a tedious war cannot be but very dangerous and if we spend our time in beating of walls in stead of turning our swords upon our enemies we shall never avoid the misfortune of those which have come hither with the same designe that brought us hither who left all their honour behinde them in our enemies hands the Princes of Greece are full of courage and will never shun the fight since the Emperours of Partâ—ia and Greece are arrived to their succour but if we be good men we cannot fail of the honour of the day The number of our souldiers doth far exceed theirs our hearts are good we have Giants and Knights to be redoubted Why then should we not be conquerours Either the victory Excellent Prince must be ours or we must all die in seeking to atchieve it As for me I prize my life at lesse then nought in this occasion and do beleeve that all these Lords heeâ— assembled will be as resolute as my self you may therefore when you please send to offer them battell with this assurance that we will dispute the honour of it with a great deal of courage This opinion being approved by them all they dispatched presently a Herauld to Don Florizell of Niquea who received him very courteously and a little after returned him with assurance of a generall battell the fourth day following for the preparations whereof a truce was in the mean time concluded on either side CHAP. XX. The joy of the Greek Princes for the arrivall of the Excellent Emperour of Persia and the successe of the battell THe two armies disposing themselves equally for victory prepared all things necessary for the fight the Pagans with a certain assurance of triumphing through the multitude of their men and the Christians of defeating their enemies more by the assistance of heaven then by the
and sixteen thousand foot having first drawn out sixteen thousand of the foot for the guard of the town he divided into five battalions each of them containing thirty thousand horse and twenty thousand foot of which he committed the first to the Emperour Spheramond accompanied with the two Cenophales the King of Numidia his wife Cassinna Olidor of Siranquea Armond of Bohemia and Florizart of Taprobana Don Lucenduâ— had the second with the brave Alastraxerea Periâ—â— of Turkie Florian and Tristor of Sopradisa Quedragant and Leonidaâ— of Mesopotamia Dorigâ—l had the third with his wife the faire Cilinda Florestan of Sardinia Agrian of Scotland Alteria and Dardaniâ— The fourth was led by the Kings of Hungary and Poland accompanied with their sonnes Melfort and Esquiâ—â—â— Parnenian the Duke of Laiazza and Abies of Ireland The last he reserved for himselfe with the King of Cathay and his wife the Princes of Dardania and Comagena and Frizel of Arcadia Then ordering that Silvan and the fair Savagesse his wife should command ten thousand horse upon the wings to releeve such as they saw overpressed he commanded every man to look well to his horse and arms and to be in a readinesse by the break of the next day In the mean time the Pagans were busied with the same care for knowing of what importance this battell would be they endevoured to fit themselves in every particular for it and to omit nothing through negligence Being then informed of the order that the Christians intended to hold they thought it best to observe the same and not to make any superfluous bodies for they considered that united forces were harder to be broken then when they were dispersed so that finding their Army to be three hundred thousand horse and an hundred and sixtie thousand foot they made five Squadrons of it each consisting of sixty thousand horse and twenty five thousand foot The first led by the great Cariffe of Africa with whom were the Kings of Tingefort of Morque Calisan Nâ—zamoâ— Argosana MerouÌ„e and of the Tragonites as also twelve dreadfull Giants The great King of Mauritania commanded the second and with him the Kings of Zizima Dragon Ceziphala Barnazar Saphotir of the Island of Till Bazana and twelve other Giants no lesse huge and terrible then the former The Tamberlan of Moraria brought on the third with the Kings of Libia Bisaura Argier Numidia Thunes Miraâ—â—â—in and twelve Giants Fulgoran and Prigmaleon led the fourth and fifth with the like number of Giants Kings and Knights The Kings of Budomel and Arcania had the guard of the camp with thirty five thousand foot All things thus setled on either part they expected the day of battell which being come to the generall content of both the Armies the Pagans began to draw into the field not a little wondring to see their enemies there before them who already had had their troops there embattaild with admirable judgement The first that shewed himselfe of the Pagans party was the great Cariffe of Africa who marching gloriously under a number of colours wherein appeared two Lyons slain by one man intimating his valour that had made him twice to triumph over those beasts caused a charge to be sounded as soon as he saw the Emperour Spheramond with a brave Cavallerys set forth against him The incounter of these two leaders was very gallant for the African was brave daring but having the prime Knight of the world in hand was wounded in the shoulder and ready to lose his saddle had he not been sustained by one of his Giants that followed him neverthelesse his wound being such as would not permit him to keep the field he was constrained to retire leaving his men very ill handled at the first shock for the Cenophales the King Melinda Cassiana and Olidor laid five of the Giants dead upon the earth Armond of Bohemia and Florizart having been as fortunate against the Kings of Tincefort and Calisan who were overthrown at the first incounter with a multitude of Pagans beside who were not comparable to the Greekes that had been inured to the war so many years together wherein their enemies had forced them to bear Arms. This fight growing furious on the one part by the terrible blowes of Spheramond and the Princes that accompanied him and on the other by those of the Giants their adversaries there was nothing to be seen but karkasses strewed on the ground and the cries of dying men filled the aire with groans lamentations Wheresoever the Princes went death attended on their swords and on the other side the Giants made such a massacre that it was hard to passe over the heaps of slâ—in men But the numbers of the enemie giving way to the valour of our Princes they were already wavering and ready to turn their backes had not Prigmaleon caused the second battalion to advance commanded by the great King of Mauritania to encounter whom the excellent Prince of France drew forward his and with that greatnesse of courage wherewith his younger years was endued at the very first course he ran his lance clean thorow his enemies body depriving this second Squadron both of an head and hope yet being maintained by so many Kings and Giants the battell began to be very bloudy the valiant Alastraxerea Ginoldan Perion Florian Tristor and Quedragant laid about them so terribly that for all their multitude of Kings and the bravery of their Giants of whom five were at this second charge killed in the place the Pagans were about to retire with shame had not the Tamberlan of Moraria presently set forth with incredible fury To oppose whom Dorigel of the fortunate Island came on with a confident hope of victory since his friends had begun so luckily for this King resolving not to degenerate from the valour of the excellent emperour of Persia his brother performed such wonders as he was much redoubted by his enemies who notwithstanding their losse so disputed the victory as no man knew to which side it would incline when as the brave King of Lidia followed by his wife the faire Savagesse and his six thousand horse gave in upon them with such violence as having disordered this third Squadron with an unspeakeable slaughter both that and the two former had all passed by the edge of the sword if the invincible King of Canabea had not come into play with so much valour and acting such marvellous deeds as notwithstanding all the resistance the King of Hungary and Poland could make who advanced at the very same time he maintained the battell in an equall balance his presence cleared the ranks and the souldiers shunned his sword as they would have done a thunderbolt from heaven close by him marched Florimond Grandimore and the brave unknown Knight making such a havock as was most lamentable to behold Then were above twenty thousand Knights seen lie dead on the ground and such was the confusion in every part as it cannot be exprest The
reasons he rendred her fearlesse and her hope greater The time which he could stay with her being sweetly past away he retired to his chamber and slept two howrs at the end whereof the Sun growing somewhat high he arose armed himself with his rich armour wherein he seemed a Mars and going to take horse he was told that the forces of the Iland of Silvana amounting to six thousand choyce Knights were arrived New occasions said he then speaking to the Captains that followed him must have new resolutions this supply comes very opportunely and not to let them cool put them presently in battell aray with four thousand of ours the rest shall serve to guard the walls with the inhabitants but be sure to commence no fight till the combat between Fangomadan and me be ended my companion will take care to dispose of you as you should be Herewith the Knight of the Lions being particularly advertised of his designe gave his Lance that he carried in honour to his Squire and letting him go instantly ordained that which was to be done and put ten thousand men in order after he had given notice thereof to Merodiana who being richly attired was already on the walls for to encourage her lover and be judge of his valour I am resolved said she when she was acquainted with the busines in all things to follow the counsell of the valiant Knight of the Palms therefore let his command be executed The Knight of the Lions seeing his men disposed and being very well satisfied with this answer went out to behold the combat of his companion who finding the Giant in the Lists met him so roughly with his Lance that he made him â—lie to the ground himself remaining somewhat astonished with the encounter The Giant seeing himself overthrown contrary to his expectation rose sooner then could be imagined of so huge a masse of flesh and drawing out a great and weighty courtelax struck such furious blows at his enemy that the least of them had been able to have cut him asunder if he had received it but having avoided them with an admirable dexteritie he charged him so bravely both with point and edge that he amazed both the Armies The Giant stormed exceedingly for that he could not fasten one stroke on his adversary and casting a thick smoke out of the visor of his helmet he hindred himself from seeing where to place his blows whereas Alcidamant that fought with judgement spent not a minute unprofitably The first fury of these warriours having endured above two howrs the place was covered with the Giants Arms which went to pieces whensoever the rich sword of his enemy fell upon them the bloud trickled down from three or four parts of his body and that which carried his choller to the highest degree of rage was that his adversaries armour appeared entire Merodiana beheld this combat with strange motions if the Giants courtelax were aloft she feared the violence of it and she rejoyced when she saw it light without effect she considered the valour of her Knight admired his agility in saving himself from his enemies sword wondred at the force of the blows which he gave and above all took extream pleasure in the grace of his fight Am I not very happy said she to her self to enjoy a Knight the bravest of all that live and is it not exceeding glory for me to triumph over him under whom the strongest Giants of the earth are constrained to bow Yes without doubt and I doe not repent the giving of him that which he hath nobly gotten would to God Fangomadan were dispatched out of the way that my content might be perfect I would then embrace this gallant warriour and in despight of detraction declare before all that I love him infinitely Entertaining her selfe with these thoughts she fixed her eyes upon him and perceiving the Giant to be more unweldy and her lover far abler as she conceived then at the beginning of the combat she was transported with excesse of joy This while Alcidamant pursued his advantage charged his enemy more furiously then before and observing that Merodiana beheld him accused himself for being so long defeating a man in the presence of her whose favours had made him most happy Vext then then to see the victory so long disputed he took his sword in both his hands and letting it fall terribly on his enemies shield he so astonished him that he made him reel three or four steps backward whereupon taking his advantage he redoubled such a dangerous blow on his head that he cleft it in twain to the unspeakable contentment of Merodiana and her subjects who seeing the good Knight of the Lions in the head of their troops set forth in good array and following the Conquerour of the Giant who made them way with his sword they fell so furiously upon the enemies amazed with the death of their master that they slew above two thousand at the fiâ—st bout the rest betook themselves instantly to flight where the slaughter was so great that of seventeen thousand there escaped not fully two hundred who got to the Armie of Fangomadans cousin relating unto him the absolute defeature of the other forces with the death of the King which put him into such a rage that drawing all the garrisons out of the strong places which he held into one body of an Army he resolved to affront the Conquerours and in their overthrow revenge the losse of his companions Advancing then whilst the two strangers refreshed themselves with the Armie which commended them to the skies and especially him of the Palms whom they would fain have adored if he would have permitted it he presented himself three dayes after before Alfarta where the fight commencing by light skirmishes grew so hot upon the arrivall of the two invincible warriours who were accompanied with eight hundred horse that they came to a generall battell in the which the army of these new enemies greater by the half then the former were all cut in pieces by the exceeding valour of Alcidamant and his companion who thundring wheresoever they went assured their souldiers made them fight without feare and so terrified their adversaries that they were dead before the swords of these lightnings of warre fell upon them The enemies being in this manner utterly defeated the whole Island reverted to the obedience of the fairest Merodiana who daily found out new entertainments for her lover and having no other care but to please him held her selfe the happiest Princesse of the world CHAP. XLI The Infanta Silvana falls in love with Alcidamant goes from her Iland to Merodiana for to see him and having found him a hunting she enjoyes him by a notable trick THE people breathing now in peace after so many troubles the Companies were discharged and especially those of the Iland of Silvana who giving account to their Mistris of the successe of the war so published the praises of the Knight of
the Pagans did not so much as make shew of stirring In the mean while the Sultan of Brutacan having received no order to make his retreat was perswaded to follow his good fortune and entring the breach which he had made to put himself into the middest of the Town but finding a greater resistance from the Princes and Souldiers within then they had from the wals there began a most fierce and bloody combat The Gyants advanced bravely making way with their swords and their Souldiers taking courage from their example followed as resolutely making a vast and terrible slaughter whereof Brandimandâ— being advertised and finding her selfe prettily recovered she thought it a dishonour to dye in her bed wherefore she took six thousand men reserved for an extremity and meeting with Cilinder and Alteria who had retyred for a while to refresh themselves they fell on with such a fury upon the Soldans troops that at the very first encounter above four thousand of their Enemies and fourteen Gyants were cut in pecces which so incensed the horrible Cressamagrant that advancing his dreadfull Faulchion he let it fall with such a violence on Frizel of Arcadia that it cleft him down to the shoulders and layd him dead at Prigmaleous feet who in a great rage requited the Pagan with such another as cutting his leg from his body he fell to the ground with a noyse like thunder These dreadfull stroaks giving equall courage to both parties the fight waxed more furious than at any time before and if the enemies could at once have made use of all their forces without doubt they had carried the Town but the breath being but equall the Christians though but few in number were able to withstand those that would enter so that they held them play untill night which drawing on to the great griefe of Astrurion it made him bestow his blows with the more violence amongst the which one lighted so boisteroufly upon gentle Abies of Ireland that it cleft him almost to the girdle whereat Fulgoraâ— was so enraged that taking his sword in both his hands he discharged such a blow upon the head of the great Soldan as turned him over and over and doubtlesse hee had quite made an end of him had not fourteen Gyants that were retyring carried him off The Citie being thus delivered from so tedious and cruell an assault they employed a multitude of Labouters to repaire the breaches and caused the bodies of Frizel of Arcadia and Abies of Treland to be carried to the Palace the loss of whom had been much more grievous uno them but that they were comforted with the assurance of this new succour which they understood proceeded from the Emperour Florisel of Niquea that was accompanied with many other Christian Princes their friends whom they went to visit in their trenches before they could so much as lay aside their Armes where many kind salutations passing between them they related the danger the Town had been in all that day the losse of Frixel Florizartus Abies and Leonidas and the whole story of all that had hapned since they departed from Constantinople and so for that present they departed with a resolution to take a full revenge of their enemies CHAP. LXI The furious Battell between the Pagan and Christian Princes the conclusion thereof with the number of the dead THE rage of the Pagan Princes who had lost in this assault threescore and seven thousand men three and fifty Gyants with Fiortan Brontaiar Argantor and Lizartus all worthy Knights not suffering them to take any rest Falanzar gave order for the interring their dead and assembled his Captaines together to whom he spake in this manner Mighty Princes I see no reason why wee should be discouraged though fortune hath not favoured our designes we have lost Souldiers Gyants and many persons of quality rather by the difficulty of scaling the wals than by the valour of our enemies but now we have a faire occasion to revenge our selves and to repay with interest the displeasure they have done us wee may now give them a day for all and this Grecian Army newly arrived will rather further than any way hinder our designes let us offer them battell they are hardy enough to entertain it and we powerful enough to obtaine the victory the advantage is ours on every side wee have a multitude of brave Knights the meanest whereof will make the strongest of our enemies sweat for it our Souldiers are more in number and no whit inferiour in courage they shall be assisted by a multitude of valiant Knights who are able to astonish even the whole world so that we shall undoubtedly revenge our former losses It is true that for the present the one halfe of our bravest Knights are confined to their beds by reason of their wounds I hold it therefore convenient to give them some respite for their recovery In the mean time let us enquire whether this may agree with the consent of our friends and allies Great Monarch replyed Marmaran Sophy of Bultara the proposition you make is so good that there need no reasons be urged for the authorising your opinion and I dare assure you that it agrees with the desire of the whole Army let us then if you please send to our enemies and demand a truce for eight dayes that in the mean time time we may put every thing in good order and to give the King of Grifala and the rest of our friends leisure to recover their strength that they may be the better able to doe you service Hereupon Polidarchus King of Amazia was intreated to take the charge of delivering this message to the Christian Princes which being willingly undertaken by him he went presently to Don Florisel of Niquea presented him with a bloudy Gauntlet and demanded seven dayes of Truce he appointed the eighth for the set battell We know not how to deny our Enemies answered Florisel when they invite us to fight I accept of the battell on the same day that you demand it and desiring to be more courteous then you have been violent comming hither to seek the ruine of our Empires without any provocation at all on our part are content to ratifie the Truce for the terme required by you Pilidarchus being thus returned back every man prepared for the battell they used all the skill that could be for the recovering of those that were wounded and the Captaines diligently employed themselves in advancing the courage of the Souldiers for on the victorie of this furious day the ruine or glory of all Christendome or Paganisme depended Seven dayes then being insensibly past away Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian and their Companions having quit their beds met with the rest of the Christian Princes to consult of their affaires where they all agreâ—ing to submit themselves to the prudence and direction of Florisel of Niquea he ordered it all in this manner The number of the whole Forces consisting of three hundred thousand
Horse and two hundred thousand Foot without counting those which Prigmaleon had in the Town for the manning of the Wals he divided into four troups each containing seventie thousand Horse and forty thousand Foot the first was commanded by Prigmaleon Fulgâ—an Russian the Cenophales Esquilan Brandimanda and all the young Princes that had been their assistants in the former Combats The second was commanded by Spheramond Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor his Wife Cassiana Amanio of Arestrea the Duke of Laiaze the King of Cataya his Wife Crothea Galard King of the barren Iland with Rozafar and the King of Lacaonia The third was commanded by Don Rogel Lucendus Dâ—rigel Silvan the fair Salvage his Wife the valiant Silverin of the Desart Gadart King of Hungaria Filiard King of Polonia Oriander King of Sardamira his Queen Oronsa Parmenian of Cyprus and Garmantes The fourth by Don Florisel of Niquea with Anaxander King of Dardania Floridan King of Comogena his brother Troilus the renowned Knight of Savoy and twelve young Princes upon whom he had that day conferd the order of Knight-hood with all the magnificent Ceremonies the Camp could afford Every thing being thus ordered every man retyred to visit his Horse and Arms with a command to be in readinesse at break of the day In the mean while the Pagans slept not for knowing of what importance the issue of this battell would be they armed themselves with a resolution to redeem their honour though they paid their bloud for it being advertised of the course the Christians had taken in ranging of their Troups they held it best to observe the same order and not to think of reserving any part perswading themselves that it would be more difficult to rout their troups being united than separated and so they divided their whole Forces consisting of eight hundred thousand into foure Bands The first wherof was commanded by Roussardan the furious King of Grifalara a man of a Gyant-like nature with grifly haire a face covered with black patches an ugly flat nose and ill-fashioned legs but withall so valiant that next to Gorgophon and Bravorant King of Morimont there lived not a braver Pagan upon the whole earth his Associats were Moranteon Souldan of Circassia the grand Salvage Furiander his son Artegant Souldan of Francapia the proud Arastron Gederion King of Arginaria Furcamond King of Martan Aliodorus Torismond Arciles and Teliander all brave Knights with threescore Giants The second by the valiant Marmoran Sophy of Bultara Bravorant Gorgophon Marisgolfus Salander King of Balsandria Polidarchus King of Amazia Giracond King of Toriana Don Margenio Rindar Brandimart threescore Gyants and Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats who would no more make use of his Elephants because in the preceding assault they had occasioned so great a disorder The third by stout Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with the haughty Antomedon Caliph of Francapa Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia Marcelian Emperour of Media Rodomart King of Fortan Asmorian King of the upper Indies Bemond King of Java minor divers other Knights of qualitie and threescore Gyants The fourth was reserved for Falanzar great Emperour and Caliph of Siconia with the King of Russia Anaxamena the valirnt Amazon his Wife Palamedes King of Cassandria Fierastron the redoubted Gyant of Balivan Polecastaleon King of Zeilan Brufaldor King of Gedrozia the dreadfull Tipheus Barcandor Bucargant and threescore Gyants In the mean time Mambrinian King of Fornascia with the Kings of Zamber of Saphotir of Siziphalt and fourscore thousand men guarded the Camp All things being thus resolved upon on both parties the day of Battell was expected which being come to the great content of both the Armies to whom all delay was insupportable the Pagans began to draw their men out of their Trenches much astonished to see themselves prevented of their Enemies who already had possessed themselves of the field and there stood in battell array The first that appeared on the Pagans side was the furious King of Grifalara who marching in a glorious and most magnificent manner under a multitude of Standards whereon were represented two Lyons chained together onely by the force of one hand caused the charge to be sounded At the same instant Prigmaleon who thought no Oration could so animate his Souldiers to behave themselves bravely as to give a sudden testimonie of an undaunted courage gave the Signall to his troups immediatly to joyn most violent was the encounter of these two brave Warriours who saluted each other so boistrously that their Launces bounded into the ayre in a thousand slivers Fulgoran and the Grand Salvage fell to the ground the one hurt on the left arm the other on the brest Russian of Media and the proud Knight Arastron broke their Launces very furiously upon each other and yet past on unmoved like two rocks in the middest of the Sea The two Cenophales and Grandimor running against Furiander Artegant Soldan of Francapia and Moranteon Soldan of Circassia received such an astonishment from each others incounter that all six remained for a long time sensslesse Gedereon King of Arginarea was overthrown by Esquilan Brandimanda passed her Launce thorow the body of a Gyant three other Pagan Knights fell down dead at the feet of Perion Cilindâ—r and the unknown Knight and so many Cavaliers fell to the ground on both sides that the field was full of horses that ran up and down masterlesse Launces were broken in pieces sword blades flew into the ayre and the Battell waxed so hot that the dust was all tempered with bloud Roussardan the Grand Salvage and the proud knight Araston cut down all they met withall making head and arms fly about which bred such fear in the Enemies as they were no lesse terrible to them than thunderbolts On the other side Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian Brandimanda Esquilan and the two Cenophales who disdaining to employ their Swords upon common persons charged the vastest Gyants with so great a furie that in an instant three and twenty of them lay breathlesse on the earth when as Arastron Roussardan and the Grand Salvage marching in the Front like so many torrents sweeping all before them let fly with such a violence upon Quadragant Agrion of Scotland and Dardanio that they cleft them all three down to the teeth and seeing that Prigmaleon Russian and Fulgoran having dispatched the mighty Brucalan with Arbadan and Pandarus his Brothers by the force of three terrible stroaks which sent them dead to the ground had made way into their Troups massacring all without mercy that gave them any opposition in great rage they clapped spurs to their horses and making towards these three Knights they discharged three such dangerous blows upon them that had not their Arms been of the best in the world they had without doubt added them to the number of the dead neverthelesse these rough salutations that humbled their chins to their saddle bowes did nothing els but incite them to a sudden requitall which they returned so bravely as there was
to be idle took their leaves of the new mâ—â—ried couple and not having forgotten their way to the Bark they put to sea again committing the care of their voyage to those sages that had been their conductors thither CHAP. XIX The arrivall of the Pagan Princes in the Empire of Trebisond the fight between the Greek Princes and them at their landing the assault given to the town and the resolution that the Pagans took THE Queen Alastraxerea being advertised as I have related that Fulgoran armed the Pagans against the Empire of Trebisond did all that a warlike and discreet Lady could do to crosse the designes of the enemy the ports were fortified the townes furnished with munition and souldiers and the fields covered with a number of gallant Knights On the other part Fulgoran was not idle for upon the return of Gonzaldin whom Russian and Esquilan had defeated when they succoured Dorigell and the gentle Amanio d' Astre he drew together the forces of Canabea to the number of thirty thousand men and those which King Dardanor had sent him being about fourty thousand more together with the troops of the Prince of Calican of thirty thousand with these forces consisting of threescore thousand horse fourty thousand foot and two and twenty furious Giants who alone thought themselves able to coâ—quer the whole world he embarked himself to go meet with those of the great Cariffe of Africa and the King of Coriza amounting to foursoore thousand horse and thirty five thousand foot in whose company they sailed together with so fair a winde for three weeks space as they began to make the land of Trebisond The valiant Alastraâ—erea who looked daily for them and therefore held in readinesse some forty thousand horse besides sufficient garrisons for the townes being by frigates of advice informed of the approach of this mighty Fleet presented her selfe with her forces at the Port. And determining bravely to dispute with the enemy his first footing upon her territories attended while the winde should bring them to shore The skirmish then began to grow hot on both sides the Christians encouraged by the presence of that valorous Princesse who like a flash of lightning made her way through as many enemies as she encountred bestirred themselves very bravely and standing very firm upon the shore would have made a strange butchery of their adversaries if Fulgoran accompanied with Florimond Bruzanges and the fair Arifleura had not leaâ—'d to land in spight of all resistance and the King Dardanor the Cariffe of Africa with twelve Giants done the like in another place these Knights clearing the place with incredible fury in a short time made room for more then twenty thousand men to land who seconding the Giants that ruined all before them they made the Christians give ground when as five Knights armed in white presenting themselves with their lances in their rests gave in upon the enemy with such courage as they raised the spirits of those who before trembled with fear these five joyning with Alastraxerea who seemed a Fury to the Pagans maintained the fight a long time howbeit the greatest part of the Army being landed Alastraxerea thought good to make her retreat but still fighting wherein she was weâ—l seconded by the arrivall of two Knights in gray armour who at the same instant flying in among the enemies presently laid two horrible Giants dead upon the earth and rendred themselves so redoubted to the other Knights as they durst not come near them this retreat so full both of courage and discretion bred admiration in their enemies which extolling the valour of the Christians mourned for their own losse being but too great for a first encounter for in the sea and on the shore fell about thelve thousand men and four Giants besides the Kings of Coriza and Romeria dangerously wounded whereas the Christians got off with the losse of two thousand men The army thus landed the Citie was presently invected the Pagans fortifying their camp with more judgement then ever any of their forces had done before upon any Christian land and as one side made their preparations for an assault the other disposed themselves to make a gallant defence Alastraxerea finding her selfe assisted by the five Knights who were Perion of Turkie Florizart of Taprobana Quedragant Florertan and Dardaniâ— as also by these two thunderbolts of warre in the gray armour which were quickly known to be Russian of Media and the brave Esquilâ—n of Polonia thought herself much more assured then before and therefore was lesse afraid to skirmish with the enemy so as no day passed without the death of some and for the most part of the Pagans who more guided by rage then judgement did hazard all to get nothing which so vexed Fâ—lgâ—â—â— seeing his people diminish as much as the honour of the Christians augmented he resolved to lose all or win all and therefore he disposed his forces for an assault commanding them either to die or vanquish to which end having caused a great number of ladders to be prepared he went himselfe the formost to the fight being followed by his Giants by Florimond Bruzanges Dardanor the great Cariffe and the Kings of Coriza and Calican when as advertisement was given him that a great fleet of Christians was under saile entering the harbour These newes made him pause a while for Captains cannot without blame despise any intelligence brought them but being no lesse wise then couragious he commanded the Kings of Coriza and Calican to take six of the Giants and an hundred thousand men to attacque the town whilst with the rest of the armie in good order falling out of his trenches he marched to the shore where Florizel accompanied with the incomparable Emperour of the Parthians whom he had a little before met at sea was landing with fourscore thousand men This brave Prince seeing such a multitude of enemies instantly drew his forces into Battaglia and not intending to give his opposites leave to discover that the half of his people were not yet disembarked he advanced together with Spheramond and the gallant Amanio d' Astre encountring Fulgoran so furiously that their horses not able to bear the shock fell backe three or four paces to come on again afterward with the greater violence Spheramond running against one of the Giants passed his lance clean through his body Amanio d' Astre having made Florimond of Canabea to lose his stirop on the other side the Cariffe of Africa Bruzanges and the Giants finding none but ordinary Knights in their way made so great a slaughter of them that without the assistance of Spheramond who came in to their aid with ten thousand men the Christians had suffered much but his arrivall stayed the fury of the Pagans in such sort as they began to give him ground which Fulgoran perceiving who then was combatting Florizel with so much valour as he was amazed at it he delivered such a dangerous blow upon his helmet as
the favour of their Archers threw out bridges and ladders to get to the strand But the Christian Princes and those brave Knights received them upon their lances made them tumble into the sea as fast as they left their ships and not fearing their Archers who but very seldome pierced their Arms put themselves into the water the better to make use of the swords The fight then begun to be very cruell for the Giants and the Kings in a rage to see the water died red with the bloud of their men leaped all at once on land in spight of all their enemies resistance and with them above fourty or fifty thousand men Then was the encounter very bloudy for as many Pagans as the swords of our Christian Princes did light upon found their graves in the sands and the catholiques had not a much better bargain under the scymiters of the Giants whereof two were at this first meeting slain and with them the Kings of Zambar Carthageâ—â— and Nabagazâ— Prigâ—â—leon and Fulgorâ—â— who desired to signalize their valour at their enemies cost cut in pieces all that they met with and followed by a multitude of people which were gotten to land they had fallen upon Alastraxerea's Squadron if Spheramond had not arrested the fury of Prigâ—â—leon and Silvan that of the King of Canabea These four Knights being thus incountred began a most furious combat during the which Alastraxerea the fair Savagesse Florian Dorigel Quedragant Altaria and Dardanio were on the one side gotten together to take the Giants in hand while their Knights made a strange massacre of the Pagans and on the other side Florizel Lucendus Esquilan Florestan Florizart Leonidas Melfort Sclarimond and some oâ— the most remarkable in the Army rendred themselves dreadfull even to those proud Knights who thought that all the men in the world assembled together were not able to resist their forces so that nothing was seen but dead bodies and horses on the ground The fight having thus continued above two hours with horrible slaughter Florisel perceiving a battallion of three or fourscore thousand horse which had landed below the place where they fought ready to charge him caused presently a retreat to be sounded being unwilling to engage himselfe amongst such a multitude of enemies And falling into the rear of his Army with all those brave Knights he bare off the fury of the Giants and the Kings who not enduring the losse they had suffered charged themselves like desperate men but seeing twenty thousand foot advance which Don Siâ—aldâ— and Garmant had drawn out to favour the retreat of the Christian Princes they made a stand and rallying themselves together went in good order to plant their Army before the towne Florizel having put the greatest part of his men into the fortifications which he had caused to be made and the rest into the town desired to know what this battell had cost him and by the report of the Captains he found that seven thousand Christianâ— were dead on the place but he was advertised by the spies which he had in the â—nemies camp that the Pagans had lost two and twenty thousand men fifteen Giants and thirteen Kings at which they were so enraged that if it had not been so neer night they would not have tarried till the next day for giving the assault to the town yet necessity enforcing it they were glad to set a good face on the matter for fear of disanimating their Souldiers promising themselves to do wonders upon the first occasion since their Army was now out of feate of the sea and that they might fight at large upon firme ground But they were beguiled in their hopes for the Greeke Princes who well knew how to follow their fortune and to vanquish as well by industry as courage gave them a new occasion of despight as I will presently deliver CHAP. XXXI The wonderfull deeds of Armes that were done both in a sally and in the assault given to Constantinople with the great losse that the Pagans suffered by an Army newly arrived in favour of the Christians THis mighty Fleet of enemies having landed as hath been told you passed the night without any rest being imployed in setting up of tents and making retrenchments for their security so that about the break of day the fortifications being finished the Souldiers tired with the sea as well as with their precedent labour and besides pressed with an extream desire of sleep laid themselves downe to take a little rest but they were quickly rowsed for the Princes of Greece being infatigable and ever casting for the victory and how to weaken their enemies having withdrawn to the town for to cheer up those timerous Princesses after they had supped went to counsell where the couragious Florisel remonstrating in few words what benefit would result from a surprisall of drowsie enemies determined to get to horse before Sun rising and meaning to play his game with as much losse and hazard of the enemy as he could he gave order that Spheramond should â—ally forth at the east port with ten thousand choyce horse the two Cenophales the brave Esquilan of Poland Perion of Turkie Florian and Tristor of Sopradisa that the Prince Lucendus with the like number should fall out of the south port followed by Silvan the fair Savagesse Quedragant Florestan Agrian Alteria and Dardaniâ— and that at the same time he would be in the fild with twelve thousand horse in the head of which should be the valiant Dorigel Florizart Frizel Abies Melfort Armond and Leonidas appointing the Queen Alastraxerea to be ready with two thousand horse to favour his retreat as also Parmenian of Cyprus with the like number to support Spheramond and Ladazan of Numidia to do as much for the Prince of France if the enemies approched to the walls Things being in this sort disposed and direction given to such as were to be of the party every one withdrew till the houre appointed when as they sallied out with a designe to make a strange havock among the Pagans The first that began to stirre was the invincible Emperour of the Parthians who findâ—ng the enemy sleeping and almost disarmed did such execution on them as the fild was all strewed over with dead bodies Prigmaleon Fulgoran who were asleep in their arms but a great way asunder hearing this fearfull alarm presently took each of them ten thousand horse which they held ready about them for all occasions and joyning together went to oppose the violence of these indomptable Greekes who bare all down before them when as a fresh noyse on the south side made them make a stand as uncertain which way to bend themselves but being met just at that instant Prigmaleon with fifteen Giants and twelve Kings who had put themselves into his troop whilst the others took care of drawing the rest of the forces to Arms turned to that side where Spheramond acted wonders desiring Fulgoran to encounter the enemy which
valiant Esquilan of Poland did miracles and not parting from his father who gave strange proof of his courage ran to oppose the Giants that ruined all before them but the valour of the Prince of Canabea and of the Giants that accompanied him held the battell longer in suspence then could have been hoped for from the weaknesse of the former troops howbeit in the end he was constrained to give way to force by the comming in of Silvan who that cay rendered good proof of a wonderous vertue and carrying ruine along with him whithersoever he went he made the victory incline to the Christians when as the mighty Emperour of Aethiopia entered the field and like a torrent rushing on our troops quickly changed the face of all things but he was soon incountered by Florisel of Niquea with his last battalia These two Princes as valiant as possibly might be encountering in the midst of their course bare one another to the earth but fearing to be troden under the horses feet they instantly got up again the fall of these two great captains having drawn all the bravest Knights of their squadrons to that place there began a most dangerous fight for the Kings of Cathay Dardania and Comâ—gena laboured all they could to remount Florisel but they were so pressed by the Giants and the Pagan Kings who were very excellent warriors that their valour little availed them For having thrown themselves into the midst of so many enemies they were unhorsed as well as Florisel and constrained to defend themselves on foot with him a long time howbeit tired at length with the killing of men round about them whose bodies served them for a rampire they expected nothing but a glorious death to crown their future renown when as the valiant Silvan conducted by the Queen Orothea who could not get her souldiers that stood in fear of the Giants to follow her came in with such fury to see Florisel in that danger as at the first blow he laid a Giants head at his feet redoubling another terrible one on Prigmaleons helmet he made him see the stars at midday Perion Orothea and the fair Savagesse acting things no lesse wonderfull this squadron was presently seen in disorder and the Princes remounted upon good horses revenging the trouble they had been put to with their enemies lives Whilst the victory hung in this incertainty the Emperour Spheramond Lucendus Dorigell Ginoldan Amanio d'Astre and the brave Alastraxerea made such a slaughter having killed the greatest part of the Giants that infallibly the Christians had gotten the day if advertisement had not been brought to both the Armies that the sea was covered with ships and the shore with men who embattelling themselves declared that they ment to have a share in the businesse This news caused either side to give over and draw to their colours the Pagans retired to their trenches and the Christian Princes toward the town just at that time when as they saw these troops composed of about sixty thousand horse move to charge them in the flank whereby it appeared that their comming was against the Christians to the great rejocing of the enemy whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleâ—n advanced towards them and understanding that it was the Emperour of Melly accompanied with fifteen Kings they gave him the kindest welcome in the world offered him the absolute command of all their forces and related unto him the successe of the late battell which had been very bloudy for the number of the slain being taken it was found that they had lost an hundred and forty thousand horse thirty seven thousand foot seven and twenty Giants and fourteen Kings The Christians having got off for seventy two thousand horse and two and twenty thousand of their infantery CHAP. XXXIII During a truce agreed upon between the two Armies the Emperour of Melly sends to demand a combat of five to five which is accepted and the issue of it THE grief of our Christian Princes was no lesse for paying so dear for the victory then it was for the arrivall of such a multitude of new enemies But having placed all their hope on God who never leaves the afflicted in their miseries so as their patience reâ—dered them worthy of his aid they busied themselves more with refreshing their surviving souldiers then in mourning for those which were dead for doubting a second assault from these troops that yet had not fought they sought to encourage their men by the care they took of their health and by that means prevent the inconveniences which might arise by their negligence On the other side the Pagans were not very well pleased for knowing full well that the end of the battell would have been unfortunate unto them in regard of the losse they had made notwithstanding the great advantage which they had in the beginning they gnawed their fingers for very spight and if their wounds had not kept them in their beds they would questionlesse either have renewed the assault or presented a new battell the next morning But being able to do no more then they could they resolved to expect time and in the mean space give their hurt men leisure to be cured for which purpose sending to the Christian Princes they obtained a truce for fifteen dayes But the Emperour of Melly as able and valiant as any of the Pagans and that could not endure to continue idle so long desired Fulgoran and Prigmaleon whom the Army acknowledged for their Generall that they would permit him during the truce to fight a particular combat of five on his fide against as many of the Greek Princes of whom there ran such a glorious fame Your determinations depend only upon your selves answered Prigmaleon and therefore you may mighty Prince dispose of this affair as you shall think good Fulgoran and my self would willingly have waited upon you in it if our wounds would have suffered us howbeit if you please to tarry but eight dayes we will double the number and adde some conditions to our combat which may be for the benefit of either Army There were no reason replied he that a Generall should tie himself to the passions of a private man you shall have time enough for that and this first combat will be no impediment to a second wherefore since you do not disapprove of it I will go and waken the Princes our enemies a little whereupon calling for paper he wrote this cartell to them and sent it the same day The Emperour of Melly to the Princes of Greece The honour of the world and the glory of our Altars obliging me from losing of time makes me desire to see you in the field with the ordinary arms of a Cavalier but without comprising any thing in thiâ— combat which concerns your differences with the mighty Princes of Aethiopia and Canabea I will be tomorrow under your walls accompanied with four Gentlemen so as you will meet me there with the like number and with the
to me how my arms should never recover this burning hue that first it had till my kindred were known I did my duty to the Emperour Don Râ—gel my Lord with whom it was that I had fought and besought him that he would not refuse me the name of Father protesting that I would indeavour to render my self worthy of that grace To what end should I particularize all that then passed amongst us The Prince of Aethiopia and my self were received with so much kindnesse as that I in regard of the obligation of bloud and nature wherein I am tied to them and he for the â—â—â—ity which he means to contract with them are come out of Constantinople with a purpose to beseech you as humbly we do that for our sakes you will raise the siege as you came hither at our intreaties in recompense whereof time I hope will furnish us with occasions to serve you and one day return you the favour which now you shall do us This said Prigmaleon and he stood up expecting when one would speak for the rest But perceiving them to be all silent they modestly retired and with them Bruzâ—nges Florimond Grandimore and the unknown Knight beleeving that their presence hindered them from taking some resolution in an affair of that consequence They being come then out of the room the other Princes were a great while in dispute some advised that every man should repair to his home remonstrating that to persist any longer in that siege would be their manifest ruine since they had lost those two Princes who joyning their forces with the Christians they could hope for nothing but a totall destruction of their Army Howbeit this opinion nothing approved of the rest perswaded the prosecution of their enterprise affirming that now to give over after so much labour and charge would prove the greatest basenesse that might be yet considering the importance of those two Armies which might much offend them in case they should turn to the enemy they resolved to cut them in pieces the next night and afterwards to do as occasion should invite them This concluded upon all those Kings rose from Counsell and one of them went to Prigmaleon Fulgoran to tell them that the votes being equall they had put off the resolution to the day following You mâ—y do therein as you think good said they But if you would well consider the event of things and the means you have to oblige us by it you would be carried more readily â—o it then you are whereupon going away with Florimond and the unknown Knight who would needs accompany them to them to the City they took leave of Bruzanges and Grandimore and returned to the Greek Princes who made it appear that they cared not much whether the enemy continued stil before their wals or was on the sea returning homeward since they had drawn from them the best part of their strength Renewing then their feasting and sports they passed away the day with all delight till toward evening when as word was brought that there was a Knight at the gate who desired to speak with Prigmaleon Let him come in said Florisel it may be he comes to be merry with us as being weary of lying so long in his tent and seeing nothing but arms Vpon this command the Knight was brought into the room where kissing a paper which he had in his hand he presented it to Prigmaleon from the King of Zizinia who having opened and read it said to him Knight your master tells me that the businesse being of importance he hath committed it onely to your fidelity let us know then I pray you what the matter is More I assure you answered he then you imagine and by the care my Master takes of you you may perceive how much he loves you He was this day present at the Counsell wherein it was concluded to cut your troops and those of Canabea in pieces but he not intending to be a traitour to you nor able to endure such wickednesse hath advertised you of their designe to the end that with the assistance of your new friends you may turn that hurt upon them which they intend to you He will favour your enterprise nor shall his men draw a sword against you and when the alarm is given he will draw to the sea side and embark his souldiers It rests now that you make good use of the advertisement that he givees you and carry the matter with such discretion as it may not be known that your enemies counsell is revealed by his means Assure him said Prigmaleon much amazed at the soul design of those Pagan Kings that I will die rather then prejudice him for the favour he doth me he doth indeed oblige me as you see but I will never be ingratefull and hope one day to require him in the mean time I will prevent this mischief if I can and beleeve it the traitours shall have no great cause to brag of their villany Having then acquainted the Greek Princes with the businesse he sent the unknown Knight to his quarter to give private directions to his Commanders and intelligence of the enemies designe Florimond having received the like Commission for the Canabeans with order to put on white shirts upon their arms that they might know their own men in the dark This Knight being returned to the Pagans Camp Don Florisel of Niquea desiring to let Prigmaleon know how much he esteemed his friendship seeing the night reasonable dark put thirty thousand horse out of the North-gate and divided them into two squadrons in one of which he commanded himself with Prigmaleon the two Cenaphales Lucendus Filadard Esquilan Gadard Dorigel Melfort Abies Armond Leonidas Florizart Dardanio The other he left to the leading of Don Rogel Spheramond Melinda Olidor Ginoldan Amanio Silvan Anaxander Floradin Perion Florian Tristor Quedragant Agrian and Florestan having all of them white linnen upon their arms now with his squadron he advanced towards Prigmaleons quarter and Rogel with the other toward Fulgorans But thinking it fit to stay till the fight began they made a stand about a mile off tarrying for nothing but the noise to make them give in upon them On the other side the Pagan Kings did not slumber for having made two battalia's of their men each of them of seventy two thousand horse and fourteen thousand foot they fell to march very quietly and thinking to finde the Aethiopians and Canabeans sleeping in their beds they charged furiously upon them but they were better entertained then they expected for the unknown Knight and Grandimore on the one party and Brazanges with his son Florimond Arfleura and Larâ—ella on the other who had kept their men in arms and in good order to fight gave them so rude a welcome that they presently knew that they were out of their reckoning The battell then growing sharp and the noise every moment increasing the Princes of Greece flew in among the enemies
Pagans much more vexed at the hardinesse of these incomparable Warriors which were able to represse their fury then at the losse of three and thirty thousand men slaughtered in their Camp were at the supremest degree of rage but desiring some way of revenge they assembled in Falanzars tent who demanding their advise upon the consequence of another Battail with a proposition to send for Artogant and his Army but Bravorant King of Morimont the most redoubted Pagan of the earth rising up with Gorgophon that bit his fingers for spight to have met with enemies able to resist him he said unto him with a carriage that testified his rage Great Monarch when I consider that our troops are lesse by halfe than they were at our arrivall here I cannot choose but marvell either at our misfortune or at our enemies well managing of their wars their cunning is more than their courage their men are better than ours and it is too evident that numbers have stood us in little stead in our enterprises wherefore I hold it not fit nor will I counsell you to hazard the honour of Paganisme and the greatnesse of our hopes any more on the weaknesse of the armes of such a multitude of souldiers as we have which ordinarily faile us in our occasions and are the means to make their Captains lose the glory which otherwise they might obtain knew they but how to obey and fight You have here two hundred Knights as valiant as any the earth doth bear the meanest of which would make the most valorous of our enemies to faint embrace this as the best course propound a combat of an hundred to an hundred and in that manner decide our differences The Grecians are rash enough to undertake it trusting in the force of thirty or forty amongst them whom they not a little valew but I am confident that you will this way obtaine the victory whereof we are else like to fayl if by past successe we may probably conjecture of that which is to come Your advice is such and so good answered Falanzar that I resolve to follow it if the rest of these Princes here are of our opinion Mighty Emperour said Gorgophon then proceed on boldly for I will undertake that not one of this assembly but is desirous to spare the blood of so many men as infallibly would be spilt if we should be so wilful as to meet the enemy once more in open field wherefore cause a challenge to be drawn as soon as you please and let the conditions of the combat be that you shall be Lord of this Empire if the victory be ours or that we will dislodge with all our troops and leave it still in their possession if fortune shall favour them This said all the Princes rising up as it were to authorise Gorgophons speech Falanzar sent this which followeth to be presented to the Grecian Princes by Gedereon King of Arginaria The great Emperour and Caliph of Siconiaes challenge to the Princes of Greece THE pitty which we have of our people and the horrour of so many dead bodies that we have seen lying in these fields inducing us to prefer their welfare before our own fafety doth oblige us to conserve it with the hazard of our lives In which regard we have sent to present you with a combat of an hundred Knights against alike number of ours so to determine all our differences with the victory of the one or the other party consult with your courages and forces and let us know whether the world doth commend you with reason The King of Arginaria our Embassadour having absolute power from us to dispose of the conditions of this fight you may take his ingagement for all our combattants and send us a like assurance of your parts The excellent King of great Britain unto whom all the rest of the Princes referred themselves having read this challenge turned him to Gedereon and said King of Arginaria you may behold the answer that is to be returned you in the countenances of these Warriors which are here assembled there is no need of further advising with them about it they testifie sufficiently that their desire and yours is one and the same wherefore not to hold you longer in suspence we say that we are contented with the number you have chosen and with the conditions you propound for the possession of this Empire though you have no right at all unto it but if our ill fortune takes it from us we have three or four others to recompence our Son Prigmaleon withall whereupon the Emperour of Aethiopia having protested to performe whatsoever Amadis had agreed unto the Secretary was called to write this The King of great Brittaines answer to Falanzar Emperour and Caliph of Siconia WEE are no lesse tender of our people than you and your resentment that way seems so just unto us that never sticking at the right you have to claim the Crown of the Empire wee are very well contented to set it upon the end of a Launce before the Judges of the Combat which you demand and wherunto We agree to be performed betwixt our two Camps five dayes hence with the same assurance as you have given us And because the election of the Arms is in Us We choose those which are usuall with Knights Errant and in the mean time Wee will make a truce for foure dayes The King of Arginaria returning with this answer all the Pagans were marvellously astonished at the name of Amadis of Gaule whom they thought had been dead long before and understanding that he was the chief of them that had made way thorow their Camp with so great a slaughter they beleeved that so many Princes were resussitated to torment them eternally neverthelesse their own pride perswading them that the earth could not contain men that could resist them Falanzar caused a List to be drawn up of those that were to Combat and never going about to give them reasons for to render them the more courageous he sent them away to their Tents there to take order that their Horses and Armes might be well fitted for this furious fight Let us give them time to make their preparations and recount the brave actions performed by the Martarians You may remember that the Emperour of Martaria being made a Christian departed from Corolandaya with Persides of Greece Floridan of Persia Lucibel of France his Sons-in-law and gentle Sestilian of Spain servant to the fairest Agiliana Princesse of Arbales to carry succours to the Princes of Greece This great Monarch desiring to manifest his zeale to the glory of the new God which he adored and the esteem that he made of the Princes of Constantinoples allyance being fortunately arrived in his own Empire made forth Commissions caused an hundred thousand Horse and threescore thousand Foot to be levyed bestowed most part of the Infantrie in five or six Frontier Towns and levying twenty thousand Horse and thirtie thousand Foot under
the conduct of the King of Arbales his Cousin to withstand all attempts of his neighbours if they should chance to stir in his absence he resolved in person to conduct an Army of fourscore thousand Horse into Aethiopia Having then accodingly imbarqued them with his Sons-in-law and himself he was carryed with so prosperous a gale that having run along by the coasts of Guinea Cephala and Calicut in seven and thirty dayes he arrived within three leagues of Zeiden where informing himself of the state of the War he understood that Artogant the Soldan of Francapa being separated from the body of the Army held Goraxa very straightly besieged with great likelihood of carrying it in regard it could not be succoured without much prejudice to the Christian forces whereupon putting his men in battell array he marched toward Goraxa with a resolution to charge the enemies and accordingly finding them prepared to receive him for that Artogant had been advertised of their discent he caused Lucibel and Sestilian to advance with thirtie thousand Horse who incountring six Gyants in the head of forty thousand men they charged their Launces so luckily as two of the Gyants were run thorow and thorow The incounter of these first troops was very furious and so many Knights were overthrown that within lesse than halfe an hour the ground was all covered with them Lucibel and Sestilian having broken their staves in the bodies of the two Gyants began to disorder the Pagans and overturning all that came in their way they filled every part with such fear as the souldiers flying from the tempests of their swords declined them more than they would have done the pestilence On the other side the four Gyants enraged at the death of their companions made so great a slaughter as was most lamentable to behold In this sort the fight became most cruell and bloody and every minute so many men fell that in the field was nothing but heaps of dead bodyes Two hours being spent in the heat of this first conflict and the victorie as it were hanging in equall ballance there arrived six Warriours from Zeidens side who understanding by an hurt souldier of all that had past they fell in amongst the Pagan troups and began to make such a massacre of them as they were no lesse dreaded than all the Army besides they cut off arms and heads cleft men down to the waste divided Knights in two and the fury wherwithall they fought was so great that they alone seemed able to destroy all the Pagan host The Gyants perceiving this disorder went and ran all foure together with such confidence against those six incomparable Warriours as if they would easily have layd them in the dust but they were so rudely incountred that two of them had their arms swords and all sent to the ground and the other two were cleft down to the teeth Then it was that the Pagans beholding so sudden a defeat of those foure Colosses in whom they had placed all their hope betook them to flight ready to be cut all in peeces had not the Soldan of Francapa come in to their succour with ten Gyants and threescore thousand Horse The arrivall of these new forces having restored their courages they turned head against the Christians and began to lay about them with incredible valour but the Emperour of Martaria approching with Persides and Floridan the fight began to be so hot and violent that the face of the whole field was covered over with slaughtered carkasses and the ayr sounded nothing but cryes and lamentations of dying men The Gyants did wonders they cut and hewed down all before them and keeping themselves still close together they made such a miserable havock whersoever they went as it was a spectacle of incredible horrour The Martarian Emperour desiring to shew that he was a Christian ran without fear into danger being guarded by the thundring swords of Persides Floridan Lucibel and Sestilian who alwayes accompanied him and the slaughter was so great wheresoever they past that the Gyants being unable to arrest their â—â—ying people advanted to incounter them and charged them with such fury as Sestilian and the Emperour were overthrown under the horses feet where doubtlesse they had been stifled had not Persides Lucibel and Floridan kept off the enemy till such time as their followers had taken them up and carried them out of the presse This while the three Princes were in much danger amidst so many Gyants and being oppressed on so many sides they had little hope of escaping with life when as those six Champions that came from Zeiden incountring upon that place fell in with the Gyants and discharged their swords all at one instant with such a tempest that six of them sunk down dead at the feet of the three besieged Princes who knowing those six incomparable Warriours to be Rozalmond Alcidamant and their companions were so far incouraged that clasping their swords fast in their hands they delivered three such horrible blows as three of those Colosses fell downdead on their fellows The Pagans neverthelesse being nothing dismayed stood very stoutly it after the example of the Soldan of Francapa who that day rendred marvellous proof of his force and courage in so much that the Pagan Army being resolutely bent to fight it out were within three hours cut al in peeces six thousand only excepted which with Artogant saved themselves in a wood leaving the Christian Princes with the losse of thirty thousand men whereof they were not much sensible the rather for that the Emperour and Sestilian were well recovered of their hurts Having continued then some time to bury their dead during the which Rozalmond and his friends had recounted the deliverance of Amadis of Gaule and of so many inchanted Princes with all that had past in that adventure The Emperour raysed his Camp and marched on towards Saba being somewhat perplexed with thinking how he should get to the Citie by reason of the enemies lying round about it but having learned of certain Courriers who had been sent to seek Alcidamant and his fellows for to be of the number of the Combattants that there was a truce between the Pagans and them he quietly advanced without any impeachment to the gates of the Citie where all those great Princes did the Emperour of Martaria so much honour and so caressed those excellent Knights that came along with him as cannot well be expressed in words wherefore I will passe it over and relate the combat betwixt the Christian Princes and the Pagan Kings for the determination of their wars CHAP. LII The dreadfull combat of an hundred Christians against so many Pagan Princes the end thereof with the bloody slaughter of all the enemies troops HAd not the hope of an horrible revenge in some sort mittigated the displeasure which the pagans conceived upon the advertisement of the defeat of Artogants Army by the Martarian forces they would have been even mad with rage
that ere long he would have returned again but the traitor never thinking more of his promises but with sorrow for that he had made them and despising my caresses because he had too easily injoied them not only refused to write to me but having done a world of indignity to a Gentleman whom I sent to presse his return and to advertise me of his health he signified to me by word of mouth that the beauty of my Country much more then that of my person did make him desire to revisit it but that it should be with a powerfull army to annex it to those estates that fortune had conferred upon him and as for me that I should do better to place my self amongst those that attend the sacrifices of the Gods then to think of living any more to the world Imagine I pray you what an astonishment I was in when the Gentleman delivered this unto me Verily I had much ado to beleeve him for remembring the loving speeches that he had so often entertained me with and the innumerable oaths that he had sworn to me I could not be perswaded that his affection was entinguished and that he could be so fearles of the justice of heaven but alas I found to my grief that the good opinion which I had of him did abuse me for adding effects to his words not long after he invaded my Country with two and twenty thousand men seazed upon all the places that depended upon my command except the Castle of Heautefleur wherinto a Cousin of mine hath put himself with three thousand foot resolving to die or to keep it for me but fearing to fall into the hands of this wicked wretch who threatned to abandon me to the lust of his souldiers I rather chose to make my retreat to this place then to serve once again for the subject of his scorn You are now brave Knight fully informed of my infortunat estate which can have no end but with the losse of my life In extream dangers Madam said Russian we must put on strange resolutions your miseries I confesse are great yet do I not hold them past remedy for you will be at quiet when this vile man shall be no longer living and that may be within a few daies the Heavens are just and alwaies armed for the defence of oppressed innocence to whom I render humble thanks for bringing us hither to assist you in so just a quarrell for the maintenance wherof this Knight and my self will either die or reinvest you in your former greatnes Is your Castle far from hence But one daies journey replied she Be then assured said he that your enemies shall shortly see us in the mean time keep you close heer that we may know where to give you an account of our proceedings when time shall serve with that they tooke their leaves of her and getting to horse made such speed as they were at the Camp by break of day and just as the enemies were raising of their ladders to assault the place that occasion seeming to favour their approach to the walls without suspicion they followed Ormand and seeing those of the Castle make a sally at the very same instant even as they desired they presently turned head and began the skirmish so lustily as the souldiers on both sides were amazed at it Russian advisedly judging that the quiet of the Countrey depended upon the life or death of Ormand perceiving him advance with certain troops he discharged so dangerous a blow upon his helmet that he overthrew him to the ground amongst the feet of a thousand horses but not willing to let him die in that maner he caused him presently to be taken up and commanding two Knights to carry him to the Castle they pursued their good fortune with such fury as the enemies being in disorder for want of their Generall betook them to their heels leaving above three thousand dead upon the place Those of the Castle being by the direction of these two Knights retired there were bonefires made for joy of so remarkable a victory but especially for the taking of Ormand prisoner who seeing himself in the hands of a people that had no cause to love him could not well brok his misfortune and did extreamly fear the displeasure of the fair Isolinda for he could not beleeve that after so much scorn as he had put upon her it was possible for her to continue her affection still to him nevertheles resolving patiently to endure the worst of fate he expected what his enemies would determine of him In the mean space the two Knights not willing to lose time made all the garrison to arm leaving the inhabitants to favour their retreat if they were pursued and determined to waken their enemies by the break of day but assured by their spies that they were dis-lodged in the night Russian departed onely with three Knights not acquainting any body with his designe but his companion whom he desired to remain there by his presence to restrain the fury of the people who out of the remembrance of the mischiefes he had caused them to suffer were otherwise like enough to do some violence to their prisoner and returning the same way he came the night before he arrived at the caves mouth where the fair Isolinda hearing the noyse of the horses had hidden her self with an extream apprehension of falling into the hands of her enemies and entring into the vault he found her all trembling so that to assure her he said thus Madam this is no time for you to be afflicted Fortune hath changed her countenance and you now hold Ormand in a stronger prison then that of your eyes at least he shall not so easily get out of it whereupon rendring her account of all that had past he so amazed her with the strangenesse of this change as she could hardly have beleeved it had not her Knights whom she well knew with new protestations given her assurance of the truth thereof Revived with these newes she returned a thousand thanks to Russian and getting on horseback she went presently away with him to Hauteâ—â—eâ—r where with unspeakable joy she was received by her subjects who besought her to deliver Ormand into their hands that they might punish him as he deserved but thereunto the two Knights opposed themselves remonstrating the mischiefes which might result out of such an execution she that could not for all that had passed totally extinguish her love to him yeelded to their advice with so much felicity as the two Knights resolved to endeavour the reuniting of their affections and indeed wrought so effectually as Ormand having solemnly protested to love her ever and without dissimulation she was pleased to pardon him and he to take her to wife which was presently done with the generall applause of her people who proclaimed the valour of our Knights to be worthy of Altars An assured peace thâ—â— being setled Russian and his companion that loved not
desire to speak unto her and as I was opening my lips so to do after she had a little viewed me she prevented me thus If you be Sir as courteous as handsome you will not refuse me a Boon I desire of you Men use not replied I to send away those of your merit with discontent you may therefore freely command of me what you please and be assured not to be denied You shall then follow me presently said she to Nicopolis the capitall citie of this kingdome and there put your selfe into the hand of Arthemisa with protestation to defend her against the King of Nicomena a dreadfull Giant and ugly as may be exprest who now holds her besieged in that place because she will not give him the title of her husband She is a Princesse so faire and withall so nobly enclined to acknowledge any service done unto her as you will never repent any assistance you may give her To what end should I spin out my discourse any further she did so highly extoll the beauties and perfections of this Princesse as I loved her before I saw her so that I rode away most desirously to Nicopolis whereinto I entred with much facility by the cunning and direction of this wench I had a little affection to her before as I told you but as soone as I saw so many charms in the eyes of Arthemisa I reserved no more power over my selfe but well contented to present her with my liberty never to redemand it again The King of Morcassia her father was much afflicted to see the enemy so neer his walls yet did he a little cheer up himselfe when he saw in a skirmish that fell out two dayes after my arrivall that my blows were weightier then those of all his Knights and that the King of Nicomena's people did no lesse redoubt the incountring with me then his did that of the Giant whereupon he made extreamly much of me all things were directed by my advice but that which gave me most satisfaction was that I saw Arthemisa did love me and was delighted to see me sigh at her feet Leaving them with this tranquillity of minde I accounted my selfe the most fortunate Knight of the earth especially when as a little after I was the cause of all their happinesse by the death of Balistan so was their capitall enemy called whom I slew in single combat routing afterward his whole army with a horrible slaughter This victory gained me the hearts of the Morcassians and absolutely possessed me of the good graces of Arthemisa who to tell you in few words being no lesse in love with me then I was with her yeelded up herselfe wholly unto me and so made me taste the sweetnesse which is found in the caresses of an amorous woman Two months past amidst this felicity at the end whereof she counsellâ—d me to demand her of her father to the end our secret privacies might not at length be the cause of our ruine The assurance that I had of the Kings favour made me approve of her opinion so that I went presently to him and putting him in minde of the service I had done him I besought him to reward me for them by the possession of Arthemisa Your vertue answered he doth oblige me to give you all contentment but first for the satisfaction both of my self and my subjects I desire to know who you are This request replied I seemes so reasonable that I cannot refuse it without wrong to my self My father is called â—nomander Prince O ye Gods said he stepping back two or three paces say no more that name is no stranger to mine eares O heavens have you suffered me to be obliged for my life to the son of the greatest enemy I have Get you gone continued he unto me get you gone Knight and that instantly for Arthemisa shall never be your wife And were not the memory of your services a bar to my displeasure I would make you feel what is due to the hate of your father Think now I beseech you how I was vexed at the hearing of these words so contrary to my hope In truth I was ready to die but my rage kept me alive to make him this reply Ingratefull King thou hast forgot that without my assistance thou hadst now been a slave and not knowing what curtesie means thou refusest me that which I have justly purchased but thou shalt one day see what thy heady fury will avail thee and that it had been more expedient for thee to have past by the enmity which thou carriest to my father and a thousand times repent the little esteem thou makest of me for be assured I know the way to abase what I have so generously exalted Thou threatenest me here in thine own Palace but beware of comming neer me for I carry the same sword that spilt the bloud of thine enemies and think not my courage any whit abated by two moneths rest Saying thus I past into my chamber armed my self and mounting on horsback I retired into a forrest which was not far from thence with a designe to return the same night for to know of Arthemisa how I should bear my self in this affair But alas I found her not alive for having been acquainted with the quarrell between her father and me she fell upon the floor with so violent a grief as she was therewith suffocated before she could be succoured From hence proceeds the excessive sorrow that I have now these three moneths endured and from this so untimely death of hers are those hourly complaints derived which you have heard and which I would have continued to the end of my dayes had not your perswasions diverted me from them This discourse ending with many sighes Fulgoran began afresh to comfort him remonstrating unto him that a noble courage ought equally to receive the assaults and caresses of fortune and thus discoursing they arrived at the Army which the unknown Knight liked very well of when he knew the occasion wherefore it was there Not long after Fulgoran perceiving the terme of the truce ready to expire called the chiefest of his Commanders into his tent and with a Majestick countenance thus spake unto them Excellent Princes did not the bloud of the innocent rather move us to pity then carry us to cruelty I should advise you once again to hazard that remainder of our men which the fury of our enemies hath left us and seek in their destruction the honour of an happy victory but unable to see them suffer so for the satisfying of our pleasure I am of opinion that it is best our quarrell be determined by a company of selected persons and that we should secure our people with the venture of our lives I am the authour of this proposition and therefore it is reason that I also should be the first in the danger Our adversaries are valiant it is true and all the world ascribes to them the glory of knowing
how to fight well howbeit we have heer so many brave spirits that we need not fear to meet them with equall number for otherwise the good conduct of their armies will make them alwayes triumphant let us then arm three or four of us against so many of the Greek Princes and let not the rest that are excluded from the fight be troubled for it shall be no lesse glory to be placed in the government of an Army then to dispute the honour of acombat I desire to be the first the unknown Knight shall second me the other two may be elected If my advice be good you may follow it if not counsell me I will most willingly break off my designe to let you see that my resolutions depend upon yours Valiant Prince then answered Dardanor who spake for them all It was onely our respect of you that put our swords into our hands and without regard of your passion or to say better of your zeal since the glory of our Altars is in question we would never have entered into any dispute with the Grecian Princes we will therefore obey your pleasure as we have hitherto your commandements upon all occasions presented Dispose of the persons and the number they which do not accompany you in this action shall have their share in whatsoever shall befall you and all of us together shall suffer with you in your victory This is said Fulgoran no lesse then I expected from your wisdom my Cousin Florimond and the great Cariffe of Africa shall make up the number of four the King of Calican shall be our Iudge and you mine Unkle said he to Bruzanges of Canabea shall with the Kings of Coriza and Romeria see our forces imbarked and with them attend us at the at the neerest Countrey of the Pagans in case that fortune shall be favourable unto us This resolution being taken each one departed untill the next day that Fulgoran arose to write these lines unto the Princes of Greece The King of Canabea's Challenge to the Princes of Greece WE ought to have a care of our people and to prefer their quiet before our own preservation I am grieved for the death of so many brave Knights that lie now in these fields wherefore I will not hazzard the rest of my souldiers that are left me in a second battell but being loath to retire with so little satisfaction of the pains I have taken to come and see you I desire that the honour of this enterprise may depend on the combat of four of us against a like number of yours Consult with your courages and belie not the opinion which the world hath of your valour This bearer hath power to signe for me whatsoever you shall require touching the conditions of this fight whereof you may dispose and for your assurance relie on my faith Verily said Don Rogel it is not without much reason that this Prince is esteemed to be valiant and more advised then his age doth feem to permit for I cannot remember that ever I saw a defiance more courteous then this he hath sent us We accept of it and are very well contented with the number he propounds Whereupon calling for ink and paper with Florizells consent he returned him this answer The Greek Princes Answer to the King of Canabea VVE finde your reasons so just as we cannot refuse that you desire without wrong to our honours you shall therefore have the combat on the third day after this with the same assurances you give us for the conditions we leave them to your arbitrement and desiring to imitate your curtesie we remit the election of the arms and field to you for the securitie whereof we do as you ingage our faiths The Ambassadour being returned herewith Fulgoran drew his army into battalia and causing it to march to the sea side where it was presently imbarked onely the four Knights that were to fight remaining in the port with the King of Calican for Iudge on their part and the Queen Alastraxerea for the Christians which were Spheramond Emperour of the Parthians Amaniâ— d' Astre Russian of Media and the brave Esquilan of Poland The Grecian Princes seeing the enemies Armie under sail and understanding that the principall Knights amongst them were those that staid behinde sent to invite them to lodge in the City till the day appointed for the Combat but they refused the offer with thanks and chose rather to rest in Fulgorans tent which was left for them The third day being come with the incredible content of the Combatants they presented themselves in the field armed at all parts and expected nothing but the sound of the trumpet to charge their lances when as they saw two Damsels enter who instantly addressing themselves to the Princes of Greece demanded a boon of them We are too courteous answered Spheramond to refuse you any thing therefore acquaint us with your desire and we will most willingly grant it We are then well satisfied on your part answered one of them we must now try whither we shall obtain as much of your enemies so turning them about they went to Fulgoran and said unto him My Lord we come to crave a boon of you in the behalf of the Damsell that entertained you in the Castle of the Rock when you sought to escape the Count of Clina's surprisall As I live said he you shall not be denied for I am too sensible of the favours which I received from her at that time speak onely and let me â—now what I may do for her service That which I desire replyed she is that you will follow me presently together with these three Knights that accompany you to the end you may give her what then you promised her Gentlewoman answered he somewhat perplexed I acknowledge that I am mightily ingaged to her but I am tied by my word to those Knights that are there and the estate wherein you see us will not suffer us to stir from hence before we know unto whom the Gods will grant the victory No no replied she straight they are as much obliged to me by promise as you are and will not make any difficulty to defer the combat to another time No indeed said Spheramond who was come to them since we are ingaged thereunto by our oath howbeit you shall do us a singular favour iâ— you will at the least permit us to break these staves in our hands together and strike three blows with the swords To use your swords answered she is a thing I will never give way to but that I may in some sort content you I will not be against one career upon condition that the weaker shall not be offended with their misfortune nor hinder my businesse The Knights remaining agreed thereupon returned to their places and from thence suddenly dislodged with such fury as the earth trembled under them The incounter of Spheramond and Fulgoran was equall their lances being broken to the very
troubled with our enemies coming so as we take care to hasten our levies in due time as for our selves I am not of opinion that we should stir from hence since the Governours of our Provinces and our subjects will not be wanting in point of obedience to all our commands So that the thing which doth most presse us for the present is that to dispatch away speedily some Gentlemen to the Lievtenants of those countreys which are subject unto us commanding them to raise as many men as they may without disfurnishing the places of importance of their necessary garrisons This advice being approved of as the best they might think of every one withdrew to expedite the businesse and accordingly the same day the Emperour Don Rogell sent into Persia Spheramond to the Empire of the Parthians Dorigell to the fortune Island Lucendus into France and Alestraxerea into Treâ—isond Florisel also gave out Commissions for the Empire of Greece dispatched Posts to Rome to great Britain to Guindaya to the Kings of Dardania Comagenia India Samothracia Cathaya Poland Hungary Moldavia and Scotland and giving order for the fortifying of the Ports and frontire towns he rested in expectation of what the heavens would determine in an affair of such great consequence Whilst they were thus imployed in Greece Fulgoran and Prigmaleon were not idle for having parted with a resolution not to enter any combat except extream necessity inforced them to it they arrived almost at one instant the one in the Empire of Aethiopia and the other in the Kingdom of Canabea where the first things they did was to send to all their neighbour Kings to intreat that they would together with them imbrace the revenge of those outrages which from time to time all Paganisme had received from the Emperours of Greece Their request was without any difficulty granted for a multitude of Kings and Princes that had not been parties in the former leagues determined to joyn with them utterly to exterminate the Christian name for ever The first that at the motion of Fulgoran arrived in Canabea were the great King of Mauritania with two thousand horse and three Giants the King of Canaria with the like number of horses and Giants those of Mâ—larra and Tremiscen with twelve thousand foot and five Giants those of Zaphir Zambar and Carthagena with fifteen thousand horse and seven Giants those of Mâ—loc â—ramaza Panonia Aganazes and Budomell with thirty thousand Archers the Tamberlen of Moraria the Kings of Libia Arcania Barbary Anguly Argier Numidia and Carthage with fourâ—core thousand horse and thirty Giants those of Bisancia Marocco Thunes Thenery and and Miramolin with fifty thousand foot and the Kings of Tâ—ll and Bazana with fifteen thousand horse and thirteen Giants So that the Generall muster of these troops being taken with those which Fulgoran had raisâ—d in his own Kingdom consisting of ten thousand horse and eighteen thousand foot amounted to one hundred and forty thousand horse and an hundred and ten thousand foot threescore Giants and thirty Kings who alone would with confidence have undertaken the conquest of the whole world with the moity of these troops which being embarked with a favourable wind stood for Natolia as it was before agreed with Prigmalâ—on who in the mean time took no lesse care for having called his friends togâ—ther he put to sea with the Kings of Guine Morlavia Bâ—nazar Saphotir Merove Cyrcia the Soldan of Cayre the Princes of Colidonia Tergadan and Ardania with an hundred and thirty thousand horse forty thousand foot and seven and thirty Giants whom we will leave to the conduct of Neptune that they may have time to arrive and return to the Greek Court which in the mean space had made their preparations for the war and as yet had onely a body of fifty thousand horse Florisel having disposed his infâ—ntery in the good towns as that which was fitter to defend a rampire then to fight in field Whilst all was thus inclining to war the Christian Princes sought all kindes of diversions for the caâ—es of those faiâ— Queens who seemed to have lost the better part of their lustre with the fear of insuing dangers Iusts and Tourneys were not wanting wherein those young Knights to their infinite commendations appeared as it were in emulation of one another In brief the Court was full of pastimes and it seemed that the news which was brought them of the incredible multitude of enemies that were comming to them served but to animate them the more One day when as all the world was intentive on the Iusts that Tristor of Sopradisa maintained in honour of Alteria of whom he was passiâ—natâ—ly inamoured there came in a Damsell her hair scattered about her shoulders her eyes full of tears and with so sad a countenance as she movâ—d as much pity as desire to know from what mishâ—p her sighes and lamentations proceeded As soon as she drew neer these Princes she wiped her eyes and stood a good while viewing them without speakâ—ng a word But Spheramond imagining that her grief made â—er so silent Gentlewoman said he the estâ—te in which we see you makes us beleeve that you are opprest with some affliction and that you desire relief Speak and make use of us for there is no man-heer but will gladly contribute to your redresse That onely hope said she made me come hither for knowing that you never refused your assistance to those that intreated you for it I am come to crave revenge of a wrong that hath been done me in this countrâ—y I travelled by the command of a Lady whose principall care doth aim at the preservation of a vertuous man and in a scarff carried a sword the fairest that may be found and at my saddle bowe an helmet so rich that it is not to be valued hoping erelong to have met with them for whom these presents were designed But passing thorow a forrest some two dayes journey from hence I lighted on a great Knight who neither respecting my weaknesse nor the little profit that he could reap of his injurious dealing for I had told him that neither the sword nor helmet could serve for any but onely those two for whom they were made seased upon them and told me with a harsh voyce that the Destinies had forged these arms for him since they were appointed for two of the bravest Knights in the world How beir I besought him to render them back to me bidding him try and he should see that they would be of no use to him but he râ—dely replied that if this adventure were not ordained for him the valour of who so ever it were could not repair his default and that therefore I should assure my self they should never go out of his hands but upon a strict account so withdrawing to a tree that stands by the high wayes side on whose branches he hung the helmet and the sword he vowed to tarry there eight whole dayes and not suffer
in three peeces and Russian getting up in an extraordinary rage made him beleeve that his death was no further from him then till he received the next blow so that valuing his life more then his honour he shamefully turned his back and not daring to stand the fury of our Christian he ran away through the Court of the Castle at the very same time when as Don Rogel gave one of the Giants his deaths wound and got him into the inchanted Hall as into a place of refuge or sanctuary Russian following him and finding one of the Giants in his way gave him so terrible a blow upon his head that he clave him to the very teeth and suddenly withall entred the Hall where Mandajar was who seeing himself followed so close went up the stairs which led to the throne of love and taking that copper Idoll in his hand he was going to throw it at Russian but was prevented by his sword which divided his body in two The Knight was no sooner fallen with the image in his hand but a terrible clap of thunder was heard which was followed with so thick a smoke as nothing could be discovered a good while after howbeit an hour being past in that darknesse and the day recovering its former brightnesse the place of the throne was seen to be strangely changed for in stead thereof was a fine covered Fountain of the same Marble which the two Arches underneath it were framed which contained a most clear and transparant water whereinto Russian looking beheld the fair Neece of the Emperour of Guardacia just as he saw her at Constantinople at such time as he delivered her from the inchantment in which she was held for Fulgosoâ—â— cause This object ravisht him and that beauty so pleasing to his soule transporting him from the thought of all other contentments he was about to discover his love unto her as if she had indeed been present when aâ— the noyse that a man in Armes comming towards him made awaked him out of this pleasing dream and possessed him with despight and ragâ— to be so interrupted Rash and presumptuâ—â—â— said he looking up and not knowing that it was the Emperour his father why come you to trouble my delight and to divert me from the greatest pleasure that a 〈◊〉 may meet with in his life As I live I will chastice you for this insolence and you shall pay me interest for the content you have deprived me off Don Rogel who knew him by his Arms could not forbear laughing and answered You have no reason to threaten me for you shall never finde a Knight more ready to do you pleasure then my selfe These are excuses said Russian which wil hardly serve your turn and to think of satisfying me with words is to deceive your self you must therefore provide for your defence Nay said Don Rogel I had rather yeeld you the victory presently for there is no reason I should take away that life which I have given you or that you should bereave me of mine from whom you hold yours Your words replied Russian do amaze me for either you are the Emperour Don Rogel and my Lord or I understand you not It is true said Don Rogel lifting up his Bever that I am your father brought hither by the strangest accident in the world and infinitely pleased with the honour which you have gained by the ruine of these inchantments But pray tell me what delight was that from which I hindred you Your eyes my Lord said Russian after he had modestly excused himselfe upon his ignorance will better inform you then my words If you please to look into this fountain which was set heer in the time of the mist perhaps you will have cause to say with me that it is one of the rarest wonders that may be seen Don Rogel then more curious then before went presently up the steps and looking into the water he beheld the fair Emperesse of Persia his wife who with a sad countenance declared that his absence was not little grievous to her that loved him so truly Fair-Mistris said he then it is not without extream sorrow that I am thus esloigned from you But alas I am compelled to it by the necessity of occasions that will not suffer me to enjoy the happinesse of your presence as your felicity seems to depend on mine Comfort your self I beseech you for a time the common Father of all things will render us that contentment and our delights will be the more pleasing after the displeasure of so long an absence with that looking down he espied the sword and helmet whereof we have heertofore spoken hanging over the two marble arches he had a desire to prove if those arms were reserved for his glory but perceiving a Damsell comming in with two Lions in a lease he went speedily down to entertain her and to go the neerest way passed under one of the arches where he presently lost the remembrance of all things remaining inchanted without any will to go out but for to combat those which should touch him with their swords Râ—ssian who thought that some new matter of wonder had made him stay there straightway entered under the other as desiring to participate of his fathers good fortune but he was also enchanted in the same sort and finding a chair there he sat him down withouâ— any thought of his Agriclea As soon as these two Princes were thus arrested the Damsell fâ—stening two iron chains unto two buckles that appeared at the ends of that frame and struck the Lions with a rod she had in her hand which done the fountain seated upon four iron wheels began to move with the drawing of the Lions who were no sooner out of the Castle but the whole building sunk into the earth the Damsell being left in a corniche of the frame with the rains in her hand and the coffer which the savages had brought in between the two arches but so close shut that no body could possibly come to see what was within it CHAP. XXIX That which befell Esquilan of Poland and Perion of Turkie going in quest of Den Rogel THE Gentlemen that accompanied Don Rogel on hunting having made a thousand turns in the wood without hearing any news of him determined to return to the City beleeving that they should finde him there but when they came thither and found him not they advertised Don Florisel of his losse who was very much grieved thereat and would certainly have gone himself the same day to seek him had he not counted it an unpardonable fault to have left his Empire and his people to the mercy of their enemies whose comming he every howr expected having had intelligence that they were at sea and might with a fair wind be quickly there Determining therefore not to stir he called Esquilan and Perion to him commanded them to get to horse and to seek Don Rogel four dayes with a charge that if in that time
woods where people live without ambition This designe contenting me best I took a good summe of money and with a wench in my company who was content to run my fortune I came and bought a cottage in this Hamlet taking care for nothing but to feed my sheep and by that imployment divert my self from more troublesome thoughts Living thus quietly and pleased with mine own profession I was at good ease till within these fowr dayes that Cloria having given Filismond some occasion of distate he came to crosse my content with his continuali importunities thinking that I will change my minde and consent as easily to his return as I did to his departure But he is deceived the resenting of my wrong will not let me endure his sight and his levity forbids me ever to accept of him again You now know Gentlemen the cause of his complaint and my displeasure which I think to be just and that also you will not condemn when you remember that nature and reason both forbid us ever to impose any trust in those which have once betrayed us I excuse not my fault answered Filismond when he saw that she had done speaking and will with you avow that I do not deserve the grace that I crave But Orisâ—ea I must say that it is yet due to my repentance that so you may avoid the name of being cruell and for that consideration I will never cease following you and perpetually powring out my teares before you in hope that they may one day mollifie your heart And if I cannot obtain that blisse I will gladly end my dayes in the acknowledgement of my errour and in my desire to do you service Time said Oristea may do that miracle but now because it is the hour of rest you shall retire your selfe with these Knights who if you please may lodge in your cottage With that making a courtsie to the Princes that were exceedingly delighted with her discourse she left them to go with Filismond who carried them home where they lay that night and the next morning very early getting to horse proceeded on their voyage which they finished without any news of Don Rogel to the exceeding griefe of Florisel for that it hapned in a time wherein Greece had such need of his presence CHAP. XXIX The Pagans arrivall at Constantinople with a cruell fight upon their landing THE return of these Princes having brought a generall discontent to the whole Court and in particular to Don Florisel who judged the Empire of Greece to be in bad case not being supported with those invincible courages which had rendered it every where redoubtable but having fortitude enough to endure the woâ—st of fortune he well resolved not to murmure against God and to receive his chastisements as an assured signe of his favour which was very mâ—ch confirmed by the arrivall of the forces of great Britain and Rome The last commanded by Sclarimond sonne to Florenio and the other by Garmâ—nt Ladazan of Numidia Don Sinaldâ— and Gâ—ciladâ—r This succour of twenty five thousand horse and ten thousand foot did somewhat encourage those which were before in feare of the multitude of the enemies and much cheered the Greek Princes But their contentment was compleat when the next day word was brought them that the two Empresses of Perfia and of the Parthians were in the Port with thirty thousand horse and Fifteen thousand foot Vpon this advertisement Florisel Spheramond and all the young Princes quickly madethem ready and presently went down to the shore where no sort of kindest entertainment or embraces were pretermitted Spheramond seemed as if he had been fastened to the lips of his beautifull wife But when he saw Râ—zalâ—â—â—â— of Greece his sonne who with Rozanel d' Astre presented themselves to do their duty to him he ran to embrace them with a world of joy to behold them so lovely and well made Florisel on the other side no lesse kindly entertained the Empresse Persea wondring at the goodly disposition of Persides and Floridan her sonnes whom she had brought with her But when he saw that she looked round about as if she demanded why her husband was not in the company he told her that he was a few dayes since gone abroad into the countrey with purpose not to make any long stay In the mean time Don Lucendus entertained the fair Infanta Rozaliana briefly there was nothing but complements and still were some armes stretched out to reiterate their embraces Those caresses being over Spheramond led the Empresse Persea Florisel and Silvan the fair Ricâ—arda and Lucendus and Dorigel the Infanta Rozaliana the young Knights tooke the charge of their women and Rozalmond with the three young Princes his companions putting themselves in the head of the troop marched with an admirable grace and were the first that came into the Palace where the caresses were by those Queenes renewed with so many expressions of love that not to be tedious I will passe them over in silence In the mean time Florizel to whose care all the affairs were left made these aids be landed which he joyned to those of great Britain and Rome And having given order for the making of strange trenches to lodge them in he returned to the Citie to continue the pleasures which the comming of so brave a company had begun But that lasted not long for the next morning they saw the sea covered with ships and the Princes were forced to arme and suddenly to marshall their Souldiers upon the shore to impeach the landing of the Pagans The Emperour Spheramond put himselfe first of all in the head of five and twenty thousand horse accompanied with the valiant Dorigel the Duke of Laiazza Quedragant of Sansueque and the brave Florestan of Sardinia The brave Alastraxerea had the second place assisted by Silvan the faire Savagesse his wise Florian with his brother Tristor and Dardanio King of Rhodes The third Squadron consisting onely of twenty thousand horse was led by Lucendus Prince of France accompanied by the gallant Esquilan of Poland Perion of Turkie Florizart of Taproban Agrian Abies of Ireland and Frizel of Arcadia And the last troop of the same number by the valorous Florizel of Niquea who was followed by the two Cenophales Armond of Bohemia Alteria Malford Leonidaâ— and Ladazan of Numidia The Infantery which were onely five and twenty thousand men remained in guard of the towne and camp under the charge of Garmant Sinaldo and Gucilador The shore thus covered with these Troops in good order it was presently discovered by the Pagans who came on with swelling sails whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleon who were joyned five dayes before gave order to their Fleet to make ready for fight Arriving then with incredible fury in an instant was heard a confusion of voyces mingled with a dreadfull noyse of trumpers and drums and the aire was presently darkned with millions of arrows The Pagans proud of their multitude and thrusting on with courage under
gave in upon the south quarter matching then with incredible fury they began a most cruell bickering for the Greekes imitating their Princes who never let their swords fall without the death of some one followed their businesse so close that the Pagans wanting courage to defend themselves were already wavering and ready to quit their ground had not 20000 horse come in presently to their second But that also served them to little purpose for Florisel of Niquea being at that instant likewise fallen upon their quarters caused such a confusion as no 〈◊〉 knew which way to turn himselfe howbeit Fulgoran no way losing his judgement left the great King of Mauritania in his stead to make head to the brave Prince of France who still got ground upon his enemies and taking with him two dreadfull Giants with fifteen thousand horse went to charge the Squadron which Florisel led had not that great Captain more carefull of the preservation of his men then of satisfying his own passion wisely retreated after he had bothed the earth with the bloud of his enemies The gallant Pagan vexed to death with the sight of such a massacre among his men could not bridle his rage but without observing how the Christians retired in a safe orderly manner gave in upon them with the Giants hoping to break them and to enter the town pell â—ell with them But Alastraxerea with her two thousand horse comming in at the same time charged him in flank whilst Florisel making his men turn head stood his shocke with unspeakable valour and not onely rendred his designe effectlesse but also forced him to quit the place with extream losse In the mean time Spheramond was but in an ill taking for intending to retire to save his men from the terrible blows of Prigâ—â—leâ—â— and his Giants who found nothing able to resist them was by the obstinate eagernesse of the enemy so engaged that some misfortune had befallen him if the valiant Parmenian of Cyprus and Don Sinaldo advancing with strange fury had not valiantly freed him out of their hands Lucendus also having bravely delivered himselfe from an incredible multitude that most violently charged him the Citie ports were shut to the great contentment of the Princesses who seeing all the principal knights safely come off received them so lovingly that the sweetnesse of their entertainment made all their labor seem almost nothing The losse which the Christians had made somwhat troubled them when as they considered that one Knight was of greater importance to them then three to the enemy but having learned that seventeen thousand Pagans three Kings and twelve Giants remained slain in the field and that they wanted of their men but three thousand and seven hundred they comforted themselves hoping that God would not forsake them since the question was as much for his glory as for the preservation of their estates On the other side the Pagans were mad with spight to see the aâ—dacity of the enemy and their own losse but yet having too much courage to be daunted therewith they made shew of lesse griefe then inwardly they felt But not intending to sit down without revenge they assembled that day in counsell and there resolved either to carry the town or dye at the assault whereupon secretly commanding all the Captains to be ready by breake of day that so they might by a camâ—ssado pay the Christians in their owne com they withdrew till two hours after midnight when as they rose according to the order given armd their Souldiers with the least noyse that might be and divided their forces in this manner Prigmaleon Fulgoran and the great Kings of Mauritania made three battalions each of an hundred thousand Souldiers twenty Giants and fourteen Kings to assail the town in three severall parts and gave the Tamberlan of Moraria in charge to keep them of the Fort imployed with thirty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse thereby to impeach them from assisting those that were to defend the walls Now they perswaded themselves that they should finde the Greeks asleep but Florisel being advertised of their designe by the spiâ—s which he had in their camp placed Alaslraxerea at the Conduct-gate with twenty thousand men and part of the young Knights charging them not to shew themselves till the ladders were set up and laden with enemies Spheramond at the Dragon-gate with the like number and the same direction and Lucendus at the East-port in the like sort provided so commanding Silvan to take four thousand horse for to round the tower he went out of the City with Dorigel Parmenian of Cyprus Ladazan of Numidia and the brave Esquilon of Poland and finding twenty thousand horse and twelve thousand foot in his fortifications he presently put them in arms to make use of them as time and occasion should require The Pagans drawing toward the Town and hearing no noise in it thought the Christians had been sleeping so that in a moment their ladders were reared whereupon the Giants first mounted to encourage the souldiers to follow them But straightway they saw the enemy shew himself and with a tempest of stones boiling oyl sulphur and pitch overthrew those which thought to lay hold of the parapet so that the ditch began to be filled with dead men then it was that the assault grew to be furious and cruell for the Giants enraged to see their fellows repulsed and slain not caring for their lives pressed forward and divers times to the sword with the Christian Princes who under favour of the wall discharged most horrible and mortall blows especialy Spheramond that never lighted on a Giant without depriving him of life Neverthelesse lacking room to lay about him according to his minde he took a new resolution and leaving the charge of his quarter to Don Sinaldo as also Lucendus that of his to Garmant they both sallied forth with six thousand horse apiece and gave upon the enemy with such fury that finding them in disorder the field was infinitely covered with dead carcasses Then was the valiant Prince of France seen breaking into that mighty battalion of the enemies and charging them with such courage as made his friends admire and his enemies fear him On the other side the invincible Emperour of the Parthians seemed a thunderbolt of war one while sending arms and heads to the ground another while dividing a Giants body in two pieces In brief nothing was to be seen round about them but dead bodies nor any thing to be heard but a confusion of voices and the cryes of such as lay dying under the horses feet The valourous Aethiopian and the mighty King of Canabea whom these two little squadrons attacqued followed by the Kings and Giants that accompanied them did wonders piercing into the Christians squadrons with a great and terrible slaughter and were very glad to see them abroad in hope to beat them in and enter the Town with them But Florisel that considered the consequence of this
enterprise caused eight thousand horse to slip along by the Town without being perceived by the Tamberlan of Moraria put Esquilan in the head of the one moity and sending him to second Spheramond himself with the rest charged the enemy and assisted the Prince of France who then was fighting with Fulgoran with as much courage as force and dexterity these troops having renewed the fight with much cruelty and so continued it a pretty while were about to make their retreat upon advertisement that a great piece of the wall was fallen down and that there was great danger in it by reason of the enemies obstinate pressing on there when as on the sudden a terrible noise and tumult was heard at the sea side which put a fear into both sides the Christians doubting that it was some new succour against them and the Pagans mistrusted as much but it was soon known what it was for presently the Pagans army was seen to be in disorder and a little while after a Knight came up to the trenches that certified Florisel of the arrivall of the brave Amanio d' Astre of Ginoldan the Kings of Dardania and Comagena the Kings Melinda and Olidor his brother with sixty thousand horse and forty thousand foot who knowing in what estate the fight stood had landed with a determination to charge the enemy back As I live said Florisel this is good news Come let us close up our enemies and keep them from putting themselves in array Saying so he advanced with forty thousand horse drawn out of the Towns and treaches and put himself into the field with a resolution to fight but Prigmaleon and Fulgoran as discreet as valiant perceiving the disorder their people were in by reason of this new-come army which made an incredible flaughter amongst them kept their souldiers within their trenches under the command of the King of Thenes and of the Island of Till and running where the Christian Princes were arrived arrested their fury drawing the rest of their men within their works Florisel commending the discretion of Princes so young went to receive his kinsmen with a world of contentment and causing a quarter to be set out under the walls for their forces carried the Kings to the City with him where the entertainments were renewed at their meeting with those beautifull Princesses That done they fell to burying the dead which on the Christian part was found to be nine thousand three hundred Knights and seven hundred foot and on the enemies twenty seven thousand souldiers fourteen Giants and five Kings which so much the more vexed the Pagans as our Princes had cause to rejoice Neverthelesse concealing their thoughts they shewed but little ressentment of it divulging that they were glad of the comming of these troops for that thereby the Greâ—k Princes would be drawn to a set battell whereunto before they had no reason to hearken CHAP. XXXII The Pagans send to present the Christians with battell which is accepted and the successe of it THE discontent of the Pagans not suffering them to be at quiet the Princes assembled together after they had given order for the buriall of their dead and trusting as much in the greatnesse of their spirits as in the multitude of their people sent an Herauld with a bloudy gantlet to require assignation of a day for a generall battell which these invincible Princes of Greece would not refuse them because they would not leave any bad impression of their courages Florisel of Niquea then having accepted it and appointed next morning for the same a truce in the mean time being agreed on all men were commanded to prepare themselves for the fight and the Ladies bestowed themselves in prayers unto God for his mercy and blessing to be powred down upon his people And now all men making ready when as on the second day they descried a Fleet at sea sailing in good order no man knowing in whose favour they were come both the armies expecting them equally affected with hope and fear these forces landed and marching in good order sent to the Pagan Princes to let them understand that they were come to serve them against the common enemy of their Gods under the command of the great Cariffe of Africa the Kings of Tincifroc and Marocco and the Princes of Gamall and Aridamia as also their dear friends the Giant Grandimore and the unknown Knight were with them whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleon with great joy went presently to give them thanks for their assistance If this supply consisting of forty thousand horse and thirty thousand foot pleased the enemy you may well beleeve it gave no content to our Princes neverthelesse being uncapable of fear they resolved to submit themselves under the hand of God and not to murmure at his providence Commanding then publike prayers to be made and going to sit in Councell about the approaching battell word was brought them that a mighty Fleet was descried at sea comming thither with full sails Their desire to know who they might be breaking off their former designe they presently repaired to the walls where they had not long been before they discerned a world of colours and flags with white and red crosses which made them quickly come down to go to the Port but in the way thither they met a Gentleman who informed them that in the first ships were the young Prince of France Florisbel of the Star second son to Prince Lucendus and the Infanta Fortuna and Lucibel of France son to Fortanian and the beautious Chireestoille with five and twenty thousand choice Knights That the second squadron came from Trebisond with twâ—lve thousand foot The third from Hungary and Poland with ten thousand horse under the conduct of Gadard and Filadart The fourth from the fortunate Iland with six thousand foot commanded by the brave Cilinda who brought with her her little son Cilindor The fifth from Cathay with eight thousand horse led by Orâ—thea and her husband The sixt from Almayne with six thousand horse under the charge of Alozian eldest sonne of Don Argantes and the fair Scharimenâ— The seventh of twelve thousand Spanish horse whose Generall was Sestilian sonne to Don Arlanges of Spain And the last from Guindaya with seven thousand foot commanded by the Duke of Affarte these newes having given them far more content then the arrivall of the enemies succour had brought them sadnesse the Princes went to the Port where these young Cavaliers and the Kings were entertained with a million of welcomes and from thence conveyed to the Citie to the infinite joy of the Ladies who received them with a world of caresses The welcomes once at an end all these Christian Kings and Knights assembled together to consult of these affairs because the day of battell drew neer but they all referring themselves to the prudence of Don Florizel he ordered things in this manner Their whole forces consisting of an hundred and threescore thousand horse and an hundred
assurances usuall in such cases This Ticket being delivered to Don Florisel that kept his bed of two hurts he received the young Knights which desired nothing more then to win honour and glory pressed forward to be of the number of the combatants perswading themselves that Florisel would not refuse this offer but he that by the relation of his spies was assured how the Emperour had the estimation of a very valiant Prince and that his seconds were of the most redoubted Giants in the world made some difficulty at first of accepting it for he thought that this combat would be of great importance to the Pagans if they went away with the honour of it howbeit withall considering that to put it off with an excuse would blemish the reputation which in so many occasions he had purchased he promised the messenger that he would give his Master all possible satisfaction and that he would command the field to be chained in and that for assurance he could give him no greater assurance then his faith and the continuâ—tion of the truce The messenger being thus dispatched and highly pleased with this answer and the brave gallant demeanour of the Princes which he exceedingly commended to the Emperour as most worthy of the fame that ran of them Florisel desiring his friends not to be displeased if they were not comprised in the number named for the first of the combatants Silvan with Amanio d' â—stre Esquilan Ginoldan Perion These five Princes more pleased with this election then the possession of a Kingdom went presently to view their arms and preparing themselves like good Christians they attended the next day with much impatience which no sooner appeared to the infinite contentment of both parties but the Emperour of Melly came into the field in the midst of four dreadfull Giants matching in so grave and majesticall a fashion as his carriage did well denote his greatnesse and on the otherside the Christian Princes so gallantly presented themselves that every one took pleasure in beholding them The Iudges who were the valiant Alastraxerea and the beautious Arâ—â—eura Aunt to Fâ—lgoâ—an having divided the Sun between them Silvan charged his lance against the Emperour and the rest in like sort doing the same at the third sound of the trumpets they suriously set spurs to their horses meeting in the midst of their course so bravely that they were all overthrown to the earth without any other hurt then onely the astonishment of their falls but they lay not long there for getting up with exâ—ream rage to be so disgraced â—â— the of presence such great Princes they began to charge one another with such mighty blows that all the shore resounded with the terrible nâ—ise thereof The Princesses of Greece who stood upon the walls to encourage the Christians seeing the fury of the lances past were not a little glad for that the enemy had nothing to boast of in that encounter and began to observe with what dexterity those brave Knigâ—t avoided the horrible blows of the Giants who suffering themselves to be transported with choler which moved but heavily by that time the combat had lasted an hour when our Knights seemed to have drawn fresh forces out of their labour Silvan calling to minde that he was before the flower of all the Knights in the world laid such furious blows on the great Emperour of Melly and he again charged him with so much force and valour as all men were amazed at the cruelty of their fight On the other side the vaâ—iant Amanio d' Astre Ginoldan and their fellows acted wonders against their adversaries and now was their armour on both sides died red with their own bloud when as the Gianâ— Fulmander with whom Perion fought delivered so terrible a blow on his enemies shield that being unable to resist the violence thereof it was divided into two pieces and the point of the sword falling on his helmet laid him quite astonished in the dust Silvan beholding that terrible blow discharged so sound a one on the Empâ—rour of Melly that with a great wound in the head he deprived him of sense and suddenly running tâ— Fulmander who was driving at Ginoldan behinde he struck him so couragiously on the arm that both it and his sword flew together to the ground In the mean time Perion having leisure to rise approached to his enemy who was taking his scymiter in his left hand and smote him with such violence as he laid his head at his feet This combat thus ended he set himself to observe Ginoldan Amanio d' Astre and Esquilan who fought wiâ—h admirable dexterity and every minute drawing from the Giants bloud and enfâ—ebling them as he concluded their victory to be infallible but he was wonderfully amazed at the fury of Silvan and the Emperour of Melly who not regarding their wounds continued battering one another with unspeakable cruelty The fight having lasted two howrs and more in this outragious manner Silvan that could not endure to have the victory disputed with him so long took his sword in both his hands and discharged it with such fury on his enemies helmet as he laid him on the earth where when he had him he presently put the point of his sword to his throat making him confesse that he was overcome And just at the same time Amanio Ginoldan and Esquilan had their enemies heads in their hands whereupon the Christian Conquerers were conducted to the town with a world of triumph and the Emperour of Melly with the bodies of the four Giants carried to his tent to the extream discontent of the Pagans who then vowed either to die or totally to ruine the Princes of Greece Neverthelesse within a little while a strange mutation of things happened as I will presently tell you CHAP. XXXIV The Fountain of Lovers comes to Constantinople and what Knights began the triall of it BOth the Armies taking breath under the favour of the truce and every one keeping within their trenches that they might not give any cause of jealousie to their enemies one morning two Lions were seen to passe thorow the Pagans Army which drew a little edifice of marble from the top whereof there fell a pure and cleare water into a Fountain cut into five angles two arches were at the ends of it upon one of the which there hung a most excellent fair sword and on the other one of the richest helmets that ever was seen under them two Knights appeared of a warlike aspect and in the midst was a corniche of indifferent greatnesse where sat a Damsell that in her left hand held the rains with which she governed the beasts and in her right a little golden wand wherewith sometimes she touched them to make them go This object arrested the eyes of those forrain Kings with wonder to behold so rare a thing and gladly they would have seen the Lions take their way into their teeth that they might have had the content to have
desires then not permitting him to think of his return he expected the issue of the businesse when as Fulgoran who amidst his excesse of joy could not forget him turning most kindly to him thus spake My worthy Lord and Companion I am extreamly afraid that the knowledge of my parents obliging me to be baptised wil make me lose the honour of your love and cause you to hate me as much as ever you affected me That is a thing answered Prigmaleon which you are not to doubt for your vertue onely having given birth to our friendship I cannot beleeve it can be so easily broken by any difference of religion on the contrary I think it good reason that you imitate your parents and that it is just in you to testifie the content you take in knowing them for these being the prime Princes in the world no man can descend from them without glory we have troubled them very much and our arms have caused great disorder in their States but we may amend that fault you shall serve them out of duty as I will out of affection for from henceforth I vow to hold a firm peace with them if they be pleased with it and am very willing to be their friend provided they judge me worthy of that favour Now on my soul said Fulgoran embracing him again this is that which most I could wish for in the world and your freenesse so obligeth me that not to be ingratefull I most heartily offer you all that lies in my power but come and let us go to these my Lords who for that they know you not have not rendered you that which your birth and valour deserve Repairing to Don Florisel he briefly acquainted him with the quality of Prigmaleon whereupon Florisel excusing himself on his ignorance caressed him in such manner as he held himself much indebted to his câ—â—tesie These ceremonies having lasted a good while the Princes would needs look into the inchanted Fountain and wondered at the secrets which it revealed to them but he that seemed to receive most satisfaction from it was Prigmaleon for seeing in it the fair Polixena with a smiling and cheerfulnesse countenance he conceived that his affection would not be paid with ingratitude and that this fair one had already harboured a good opinion of him which so delighted him that going with Florisel who would needs give him the upper hand to the palace where he was magnificently entertained he continued in all the contentment that might be desired till it was bed time when as he was by the greatest part of the young Knights conducted to a chamber that was prepared for him CHAP. XXXVI The Pagan Kings understanding that Prigmaleon and Fulgoran were become friends to the Greek Princes conspire to massacre their troops they are prevented and their Army defeated FVlgoran and Prigmaleon not suffering themselves to be so transported with pleasure the one by seeing his kinred of a quality so eminent and the other with those delights which his new fancies begat in him as not to think of that so much concerned them they arose early in the morning and with the approbation of the Greek Princes returned to their quarter where when they had called together all the principall Commanders of the Army Fulgoran began this discourse to them There is not My Lords any one heer so little experienced in affairs as by the revolution of things in the world hath not learned that often times our wills and our desires do not depend upon our selves and that the heavens and fortune have reserved a power to dispose of them either for our good or for a chastisement of our offences It is not long since that intending to arm for the glory of our Altars and to gain my self a reputation in the world I laboured to procure your assistance with a purpose that you should share with me in the honour as well as in the labour of my enterprise but now you see me heer with other inclinations my speech no longer demands bloud and revenge nor my heart wishes for the ruine of this Empire and lesse for the destruction of the Princes of Greece this makes you wonder and by your faces I see that you would willingly know from whence this change doth proceed My Lords it is most reasonable that I reveal it to you and that I now deliver you the cause of my amity as well as heertofore I did that of my hate Yesterday the Prince of Aethiopia and my self carried with a strong desire to see the rarities of a Fountain which the day before passed thorow our Army required that we might be admitted to the triall thereof which our enemies who are full of curtefie and truly generous freely granted not desiring to know us or otherwise to be informed of our condition so that we entered into Constantinople where in few words to come to the point we began a very dangerous combat with the Knight of the Fountain which having lasted eight howrs was ended by the greatest wonder in the world My sword flying in pieces by the violence of a blow which I gave my adversary on the helmet which also therewith fel from his head leaving him discovered I presently laid hold on a sword that hung upon the Arch and my enemy seeing himself without a head-peece took one that was fastened to the other Arch so being furnished with new arms we were about to renew our fight with more fury then before when as a clap of thunder laid us both on the ground deprived of all sense and with us the other two that then were still â—ighting together whereof one was the valiant Prince of Aethiopia heer present a thick mist so covering us for a while as none that were present could discern us but ere long we were seen all four without our helmets and these arms which I now have on me did in an instant re-assume their former colour whereat I confesse I was exceedingly amazed for not knowing how our combat ended I beleeved I was a prisoner but beholding certain Magicians whom I have long time known come toward me I was somewhat better assured and saluting them intreated them to tell me at what rate I should be quit for the folly I had committed in so rashly abandoning our trenches Oh how happy a fault said an old Wise-man to me is this you have done for you shall presently see the benefit that will arise to you out of it Requiring me then to deliver him this sword that you see heer laying his hand upon the hilt he shewed me these words which you also if you please may read upon the blade Fulgoran son of Regel of Greece and of Florella Queen of Canabea Seeing such good evidence of my extraction which may also be confirmed by the Prince Bruzinges heer my uncle and having consulted with the water of the Fountain that fains not remembring withall the words that a great Magician and my friend had spoken
Dwarf made to shew his agility Prigmaleon returned to his thoughts where we will leave him to follow the course of our History CHAP. XXXIX A Damsell arrives at Constantinople with the head of the great Marandâ—r slain by the Knight of the Savage EVery one seeking diversions from their cares the Court seemed not to ressent the absence of the Princes that were inchanted because they hoped to see them delivered ere it were long When as there came into the Hall a Damsell reasonably handsome carrying in her hand the head of a Giant who beholding the company a good while with wonder to see Knights of so brave a presence and Ladies of such beauty enquired very modestly which was the Emperour of the Parthians Gentlewoman answered Russian to whom she then spake he hath been absent from hence some few dayes but if your affairs cannot permit you to attend his return and that you stand in need of his aid I will willingly supply his place and with a free heart do you service I am said she much bound to your curtesie but God be thanked I have heer in my hand an occasion of rejoycing rather then of complaining nor am I come hither to crave the help of any whatsoever but to present to that Excellent Emperour the head of the greatest enemy he had brought to this passe by the incomparable valour of a Knight that bears a wilde man in his shield whom I may justly vaunt to be one of the valiantest men upon the earth and the Phoenix of those that this day bear arms This Knight meeting with me in the confines of Macedon could not passe by me without enquiring after the cause of some tears which he saw me shed I freely told him that the villany of a Giant who had ravished me did wring them from me and that I was going to Constantinople to crave reparation of that wrong knowing well that the Princes of Greece did never refuse their assistance to Ladies in distresse and that particularly I intended to addresse my self to the Emperor Spheramond both for that he holds the reputation of surpassing all Knights of this age and that the Giant had told me how all the villanies which he then committed were done by him in some sort to revenge the death of another Giant whom the Emperour had slain when as a Knight errant he followed adventures abroad in the world Without doubt then answered this courtâ—ous Knight you could not make your revenge more certain then by referring it to the hands of that brave Prince who hath with all reason acquired those praises which the woâ—ld doth give him But if you be pleased to make use of me I shall most willingly imploy my self in your service It is a long journey from hence to Constantinople your enemy may finde occasion to get him further off you will take a great deal of pains in vain and not be satisfied in your desire On the other side I do passionately long to demonstrate unto that valorous Prince how I do love his vertue as much as other men do honour his birth and that I will labour so long as I live to ruine his enemies To what end should I trouble you with our discourse This gentlenesse of his so wrought upon me that after I had thorowly considered him and judged him fit for any great attempt I carriâ—d him straight to the Giants Castle where to be short he did wonders For not satisfied with laying that foul masse of flesh on the earth in a very dangerous combat he defeated thirty or forty Knights who were seldome out of that Robbers company it was to me an unspeakable delight to see some arms flie to the ground some men cut asunder in the midst others cloven to the girdle the boldest of them stoutly scattered and the gallantry of this Knight did so please me that if I had not acquainted him with the misfortune that by the Giant had befallen me I had endeavoured to make him love me but feating to be slighted I passed from love to the resentment of his good will vowing to serve him upon all occasions and to that end intreated him to lay some command upon me I would not have you said he give me so many thanks for a thing whereunto I was bound by the laws of Chivalrie but since you will needs oblige me take the head of your enemy and for a further satisfaction of your minde carry it to Constantinople present it to that warlike Prince and render your grief the lesse by publishing the revenge you have had for it I shall with a good will replied I undertake that journey but then Sir will you be pleased to tell me who you are to the end I may know to whom I am so infinitely indebted See heer my name in my shield said he shewing a Savage pourtrayed thereupon for a more perfect knowledge of me at this present I may not give Follow on your way whilst I go some other where to seek occasion of imploying my arms with that not thinking it convenient to be troublesome I took the head of Marandor for so was the Giant named and began my journey to this place where I am arrived with grief for that I finde not the Emperour of the Parthians to give him an account of this brave Knight but if you please I will leave it in your charge to do it upon condition that I shall at any time be ready to deserve it of you in all possibly I may Whereupon she laid the head of Marandor on the floor and making a very humble reverence immediatly departed leaving all the Princes extreamly desirous to know this so valiant and brave new Knight Whilst they were all commending the valour of the Knight of the Savage Russian who still had Agriclea in his memory could not be at rest and would certainly have been gone had it not been for the desire he had to see his father and his kinsfolks at liberty but that respect prevailing with him he passed the most part of his dayes unquietly enough contrarily Prigmaleon who interpreting Polixena's answer to his advantage felt so many delights amidst his pain that he blessed love every minute being pleased with the change of his condition as the cause of all his felicity If he walked in the woods or gardens it was not with any purpose to complaine but to entertain himselfe with the contemplation of his good forâ—une and to grave the names of Polixena and himselfe on the barkes of trees his actions were altogether amorous And if he suffered any thing at all her sole impatience was the cause thereof howbeit hoping that time would bring him remedy he gently supported the violence of his desires Pleasing himself then in this fashion with the entertainmen of his owne thoughts and sometimes in the remembrance of his Lady the time slipt so sweetly away that they were insensibly come to the Eve of these Princes enfranchisement whereof I will relate
These ceremonies are to no purpose said the damsell that conducted Alcidamant you must defer them till another time and rejoice now at a secret you are ignorant of Do you know that gentleman pointing to him that Alcidamant had found lying on the tomb no surely answered Persides I doubt not of it said the damsell for he knows not himself nor hath not known hitherto that he is son to the puissant Amadis of Greece and the beautifull Empresse Niquea but it is time to acquaint him with it that the glory of his predecessors may render him desirous to be such as they have been and greater too if it may be He was taken away as you have heard when he was in his cradle and the intent of his ravisher who is this Giant heer named Dorion was to prevent the destruction of the altars of his Gods which must be overthrown by the valour of this gentleman how beit they that have taken upon them the protection of the house of Greece have not only preserved him in the midst of his enemies but have changed their minds and have purposely brought hither this famous Knight casting her â—iâ— on Alcidamant for whom this adventure was reserved and have given me in charge to declare unto him that his name is Amadis of Trebisond that he must now acknowledge one only God denying them whom his foster father hath made him to worship untill now and be presently made Knight to give a happy beginning to the wonders which shall be performed by him Heerwith those fowr Knights went and saluted Amadis who exceedingly well satisfied with the knowledge of his estate very kindly returned their complements with the like Whereupon Amadis who would lose no time leaving all the rest of the company went and kneeled before Alcidamant and desired him to remember the boon which he had promised him Ask said Alcidamant and you shall not be denied Make me then instantly Knight said Amadis and give me leave to depart to morrow for to begin to imitate you Most willingly said Alcidamant and beleeve it I may boast then that I have made one of the best Knights in the world But how will you do for arms We shall find some in the tomb said the Giant which are worthy of so generous a Knight and though I give them somewhat unwillingly at this present yet I am perswaded that one day they will much avail me howbeit Sir we shal have need of your assistance for to get them out Whereupon Alcidamant breaking the christall of the tomb with the pomell of his rich sword Amadis drew forth of it certain blew arms covered all over with ciphers of gold in the midst wherof appeared a P. where withall he presently armed himself and kneeling down at the feet of Alcidamant who gave him his oath and afterwards blessed and imbraced him he then received the sword from Persides his Unkle the helmet from Lucibel of France and the rest of his arms from Prigmaleon and Russian which being done they saw a charior descend from the clouds drawn by fowr furious Griffons whereinto the damsell Inchantresse having taken leave of Alcidâ—mant and the Princes of Greece caused Amadis to enter with her and immediatly they were carled out of sight to the great amazement of those Knights who forth with separated themselves Alcidamant went his way attended only by Arnides Persides and Lucibel tooke a clean contrary way Prigmaleon and Russian another and all the strange Knights directed their courle towards Coâ—stâ—nâ—inople with the skins of the Serpents which they had caused to be stuffed with straw to acquit themselves of the promise wherein they were ingaged to Alcidamant whom heer we will leave for to speak again of the Knight of the Roses CHAP. XXV Rozalmond following after the fantesms of Alcander arrives at an Hermitage understands the loves of Argenia with Meliander and Clidor and departs for to combat Orfuron THE Knight of the Roses having all night followed the fantosms which represented Armazia unto him in the arms of a horrible and cruell Giant as you have formerly read found himself at break of day upon a wild vast plain where being much troubled for that he had no hope in so desert a place to meet with any body that might tell him any news of that he sought for he was much amazed perceiving his horse upon a sodain to make a stand when looking all about he espâ—ed a dwarf holding him by the bridle and saying thus Knight coorse not up and down in this maner for thou art in an error to think that Armazia is in the power of an enemy that which thou hast seen is but an illusion and they which have practised it upon thee did it but to prevent a mischief which would have given thee cause to repent all tâ—e daies of thy life Keep the way thou art in since fortune hath presented it unto thee and heerafter be better armed against the crosses of the world Heerwith the dwarf vanished leaving the Knight more contented then amazed who giving his horse a little breath rode on fair and softly till about two of the clock in the afternoon he discovered an Hermitage towards the which he directed his course with a purpose to refresh himself there if he found any body in it Alighting then and knocking at the door it was opened unto him by one in a gray gown who seemed by his countenance and speâ—ch to be a man that had not been long exercised in praier and austerity Father said the Knight pardon me I pray you if constrained by necessity I do thus interrupt your devotions it is now full two daies since I have eaten wherefore let me intreat you to supplie me with a bit of something God doth not give us that which we have only for our selves answered the Hermit but to impart it to such as want in regard whereof you may be assured to command whatsoever this desert place doth furnish me withall which it is liâ—ely that at this time you will find more favoury then the delicate meats you are every day cloied withall Saying so he laid a clean napkin by a fountains side and setting him bread and apples upon it he went and tied his steed unto a bush Rozalmond observing somthing in this man more then ordinary in Hermits could not forbear saying unto him Father I must beseech you not to be offended with the desire I have to know somewhat of you your youth and fair demeanor will not suffer me to beleeve that devotion hath brought you into this desert now if it be otherwise do me the favour to discover the cause which hath made you to change your life and what have been your fortunes whilest you were in the world Your judgement is not amisse answered the Hermit for indeed I never was inclined to this solitude and he that would have told me two or three months since that I should have lived as now I do and clad with this
Lucendus and Spheramond desiring them to part and become friends for his sake but their rage being uncapable of reason they made as though they did not hear him intreating one another more cruelly then before howbeit considering that at length they should be obliged to yeeld unto him they stood up in their stirrups and taking their swords in both their hands they discharged them both at one time with such wonderfull fury that they overthrew one another to the ground at the same instant giving great appearance of death in their fall This accident infinitely displeased the Princes of Greece who held the losse of those Knights to be irrepairable and therefore went in all haste to succour them Spheramond to the Knight of the Roses unto whom he bore a particular inclination not knowing wherefore Lucendus to him of the Palms unto whom he thought he was obliged when as a damsell appeared amongst them that addressing her self unto Spheramond said thus unto him Excellent Prince you do well to seek the safety of this Knight for â—â—deed he is your son cause him presently to be caried in and use all meaâ—â— necessary to bring him to himself again I le take care for the other and wilâ— render him ere it be long in as good case to fight as ever he was Gentlewoman said Spheramond much amazed to hear that he held his son Rozalmond in his arms give us I beseech you the same remedy which you have promised to that Knight His vertue deserves it said she and therefore I may not deny you anoint his face and wounds with that which you shall find heer said she giving him a little glasse viall and then let time work Saying thus she caused Alcidamant to be laid upon a blanket which two Dwarfs carried between them who retiring out of the prease went with him towards the wood and entred into a shepherds cottage where she looked so carefully to him that within two howrs he came to himself again but so infinitely grieved in that he had not vanquished his enemy for he did not know that he was in as bad a state as himself that it is likely he would have advanced his own death had not the damsell assured him of the truth Suffering himself then to be drest he sâ—ept till the next day when he found himself perfectly healed and as able to ride as ever he was which so amazed him that if he had not certainly remembred his former actions he might well have been perswaded that all had been but a dream This while some of the Princes of Greece were imploied in caressing the brave Knights of the Serpents which were Persides Lucibel and Russian and the rest laboured to bring Rozalmond to himself again who within two howrs being some what recovered and finding himself between a pair of sheets and not knowing how he came there he began to detest his wicked fortune that had not permitted him to triumph over his enemy Shall I live said he with the shame of one vanquished and that which is more shall I dare to appear before Princes which never learnt so base a lesson No I will never survive the losse of mine honour and the glory of the combat which mine adversary hath carried from me Adiâ—u my fairest Armazia thou hast as just cause to abhor such a recreant as he hath reason never to present himself more before thee Whereupon throwing off the cloths he leapt furiously out of bed took his sword which he found lying upon the table and having drawn it forth continued on his speech in this manner It is fit that this blade should deprive me of life which could not take it away from a better Knight then my self howsoever my friends shall know that I did not want courage There with he was running himself upon it when as he perceived his Father comming in unto whom his Squire had discovered this fury His presence staid him and falling on his knees he said Ah Sir Come you to see a wretch that doth not merit the honour to be called your son you have alwaies triumphed over all the enemies that euer have presented themselves before you whereas I could not vanquish one single Knight in the presence of so many Princes that command the Empire of Arms. Oh! what a hell and vexation is this to me and that I might be permitted to revenge upon my self the wrong I do you Son said Spheramond I know not what cause you have to complain but you have this day got more honour by combatting the Knight of the Palms then ever I did by all my past adventures you have not prevailed over your adversary I confâ—sse but he hath no advantage of you and the estate into which you have put him is no lesse pitifull then that wherein you are you were overthrown both at one instant and the Iudges have pronounced your honour to be equall as your forces are alike comfort your self then and without passion which much abates of your judgement consider that the destinies have not promised to let all things succeed according to our desire Rozalmond weighing his fathers reasons understanding that he was not overcome as he imagined was somewhat pacified and returning to his bed promised to afflict himself no further but calling to mind that this Knight had deprived him of the honour of the turnament he conceived such hatred against him that it was a long time before it could be rooted out of his mind so that laying himself to rest with a resolution to be revenged on him and rather to travell over all the World then not to meet with him once again he fell into so sound a sleep that he waked not till eight of the clock the next morning at which time he arose without any pains at all of his wounds that were so well healed as the scars of them were hardly to be discerned whereat all the company exceedingly rejoiced and were resolved to renew their sports in testimony of the content they received at the return of this Prince so valorous in arms if his departure had not prevented them as shall be related by and by CHAP. XXXI Rozalmond departs secretly out of Constantinople to pursue and onâ—e more to combat the Knight of the Palms and the strange adventure that he incountred ROzalmonds displeasure continuing still amidst the caresses which he received all that day from an infinity of Lords and Ladies he withdrew himself somewhat betimes to his chamber where he called to him a yong gentleman the son of the Duke of Arbamont whose carriage and disposition he liked well and said unto him Artander so was he named hast thou any mind to my service Yes more answered the yong gentleman then to any others in the world wherefore my Lord you may absolutely command of me Be secret then said Rozalmond and be sure that I will largely recompence thy services the night favours the resolution I have taken to be gone from hence
the leasure to put themselves in array The first that he encountred being dispatched all the Camp was in an uprore every place rang with crying Arm arm Heer ran the souldiers to their Colours there the Knights call'd out for their horses briefly all was in confusion In the mean time Alcidamant gained ground killed massacred cut off legs and arms and making large way to his Knights overthrew tents and pavilions putting the whole Camp in such fear that it was thought all had been lost Time necessitie having quickly ranged the enemy into order the most part of the armie conducted by Fangomadan went to fall upon Alcidamant when a new uprore began on the north side the troops felt themselves charged in flank and the slaughter grew so great that the formost squadrons betook them to flight Fangomadan amazed with this surprisall know not which way to turn himself finding the danger to be no lesse on the one side then on the other But being a man of courage and experience he presently drew out eight thousand men and sending them away under the leading of some of his most expert Commanders against the last commers he marched with the rest to arrest the fury of our Knight when as he being every way as wise as valiant caused the retreat to be sounded thinking it not fit to attend the shock of this Squadron and retired into the town maugre all that Fangomadan could do who cursing Heaven and Nature carried himselfe so furiously that not one of his favourits durst come neer him He would have turned head for to be revenged of the others whom he saw yet in the field but word being brought him that they also were retired he entred into his tent with a protestation to overthrow all his Gods and never to suffer his enemies to be at rest causing all things to be prepared then that seemed necessary for an assault he called his Captains before him and commanded them to die or take the Town vowing with strange menaces to cut them in pieces which should recoile but a step back and to give extraordinary recompences to such as should be valiant and couragious whereupon every man put himself in readinesse to fight But the Gyant thinking it fit to surprise his adversaries as he had been surprized by them forbore all preparations till night to the end the enemies should not be advertised of his designe who in the mean time little regarding his rage made Bonfires for joy of so glorious a victory which having cost them but threescore and five Knights had laid two thousand and six hundred of the contrary part dead in the place with infinite contentment to the beautifull Merodiana who received these gallants with so much kindnesse that they were almost ashamed of it CHAP. XXXIX Alcidamant amidst Merodiana's embraces is drawn away by Fangomadan who assaulted the Citie He sallies forth and with Troilus his assistance puts all the enemies Camp into disorder THE day being spent in feasting and bonfires to the generall satisfaction of all but Alcidamant who thought every minute to be a tedious year Merodiana retired herself and remembring the promise she had made her lover dismissed all her Ladies save onely Cistenia on whose fidelitie she altogether relied and seeing herself alone said unto her Cistenia being confident of thy faith I will discover a secret unto thee which very much concerns me The Knight of the Palms importuned me yesterday with such a grace that he made me promise to receive him this night into my chamber that so he might have the liberty to deliver his passions more freely wherefore I would have thee go and see whether every body be at rest that thou maist fetch him hither It were fit then said Cistenia that you went to bed That were a seemly thing indeed replied Merodiana for me to entertain his discourse in bed I le but give him the hearing for an howr or two at the most for a man may say enough in that time neither shalt thou stir out of the chamber the while O Madam said Cistenia how you deceive your self to think that a lover will be satisfied with words and let slip a favourable opportunity you must make your account otherwise and resolve upon some freeâ— course I think him to be vertuous but would I might not live if he should be such a dastard as to proceed no further then you speak of I would never look upon him with a good eye again Let me not be tâ—usted for any thing I shall say answered Merodiana if my promise be not limited with the condition that he shall not attempt any thing upon me without leave I veâ—â—ly think so said Cistenia neverthelesse I will not beleeve that â—ver he wil observe that respect unto you which if he should you would not be very well pleased with it Never blush for the matter I pray you nor â—issemble to no purpose place and occasion will be favourable to you make use of them as love shall advise you and think that once lost they are not so easily recovered again as also that neglect makes mâ—n oftentimes repent Go go said Merodiana laughing I shall find him so modest that it will never come to that passe By my faith answered Cistenia â—â— would be then to your grief howsoever let us leave off this discouâ—se and get you to bed that I may go about my businesse I think said Merodiana it will be best for me to do so for being at case I shall not be so troubleâ— with a pain that I feel in my head already Heer is the beginning of my prophâ—siâ— â—â—â—d Cistenia let me not live if the rest do not follow Whereupon uâ—dressing her Mistresse she put her hand upon her breâ—sts and in a waggâ—sh manner said O fortunate Knight of the Palms how should I envie thy happinesse were I a man What a content to feele these two delitious worlds What blisse to kisse so delicate a mouth And what infinite felicity to be united to this body the abstract of all the beauties of the earth The delights Madam which are prepared for him are preferrable to Empires and were it in my power to change sex I would never do it but onely to enjoy for one day such incomparable pleasures Merodiana not being able to forbeare laughing many times held her hand before 〈…〉 as if she were ashamed to hear her talk so but Cistenia knowing her mind well enough left her in her bed and went to Alcidamant who eâ—bracing her promised never to be ingratefull for so many services Their chambers not being far asunder he was instantly in that of Merodiana who seeing him come with such a grace was so moved that one might easily perceive by her face what her heart desired Mine honour said she unto him forbad me to see you at this time of night thus alone but your vertue hath prevailed with me wherefore sit down in this chair and then we will talk with
a flame which your fair eyes have kindled his little merit and your greatnesse make incessant was upon him hee hath no relief but in his sighes in the which too hee finds a great deale of misery Leave him not Madam in the midst of so many Enemies that oppresse him hee will not live but for you prolong his dayes for your service and because all his felicity depends thereupon permit in the mean time that hee may be named Your KNIGHT Is it possible said 〈◊〉 that there should be so much temerity in a man an ordinary Knight addresse himselfe to me motion love to me and be a Suitor to me for some favour This is an unpardonable insolence hee must bee relieved Almerina but in an other manner then hee hopes for return preseâ—â—ly to him and tell him that I am acquainted with his intent and that it lies in me to have him most rigorously punished for it howbeit being more mercifull then hee deserves I will let him live upon condition that hee speedily void the Countrey and never present himself again before me Madam answered Almerina pardon me I beseech you if J doe nor approve of this your displeasure and justly you cannot lay so grievous a command upon me hee is one of the greatest Princes now living upon the earth and to intreat him so unworthily is against all reason How doe you know said Amplamira that hee is such as you deliver him I learned it by his discourse answered 〈◊〉 but without that the brave carriage of himself his fair parts and the confidence out of which hee hath dared to addresse himself unto you and most assured demonstrations of an extraordinary and high 〈…〉 Permit him Madam to love you for I doe not thinke thâ—â— iâ— whâ—â—â— world you can meet with one that is so handsome and so 〈◊〉 of you That hee is valiant you cannot doubt the death of the Aâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 whom he slew in your presence being armed but with a single sword make it good what can you wish for more in a man verely one of his merit is not easily sound and if you let this occasion slip you will be the first that will repent it Thou pleadest so well for him said Amplanira who hegan to feele the first assaults of love that I am resolved to over come my self for to affect him but at any hand I will not have him know so much Pish said Almerina what good can this affection doe him if he must be ignorant of it would his sorrows be asswaged would hee have lesse cause to complain and afflict himself No Madam hee must bee made acquainted with his good fortune or else you must not love him Why said Amplamira wouldest thou have mee contrary to all order bee a Suitor and demand that of him which hee ought not to obtain of mee without a world of service and suffering I doe not mean so neither said Almerina I only say that hee is to be received favourably when hee shall presenâ— himself before you and that you do not refuse him the favour â—e desires which is to employ his Armes as your Knight This cannot bet conveniently done said Amplamira for to speak openly with him would not become me since he is not known what he is for him to come heâ—her is far more unfit for so I might not only give my women occasion to talk but peradventure all the Court what course shall we hold then that it may be affected A little thing troubles you said Almerina well take you no care I le bring it to a good issue so as you will leave it to me and follow my counsell only be mindfull to know of him who hee is when you see him that you doe not ingage your self inconsiderately nor repent the losse of your liberty This discourse ended by the arrivall of Palmirenna and her fair slave who could not endure to be asunder Almerina get her presently forth and found out Floridan to whom having delivered in few words that hee was to hope well and that hee should not fail to be the next day at the same place and time where she had met with him in the Garden shee returned leaving him more contented then ever hee was in all his life CHAP. VII Amadis unable to endure the violence of his desires discovers himselfe to Palmirenna her answer Floridan is presented to Amplamira by Almerina THe day beginning to break Floridan to whom minutes had been unsupportable hours got him out of bed and having apparelled himself in the bravest fashion hee could devise to appear the more pleasing in the eyes of Amplamira went down into the Garden where hee walked up and down earnestly beseeching in his heart that proud divinitie which triumphâ—d over his desires that hee would direct his tongue at his incounter with his Lady and render her sensible of his pain but imagining that she could not come so soon he laid him down under certain trees and fel into so deep a muse of his expected happinesse that three hours past insensibly away at the end whereof his passion making him beleeve that the leaves driven by a sweet and gentle breath of wind proceeded from Amplamira's steps he suddenly rose and looked a thousand times about him howbeit seeing no body appear hee got into an arbour covered with Iasemine where the fear of meeting with new difficulties in his enterprise assailing him he said In vain I attend a felicity that I have never deserved Amplamira will not come and the sweetnesse of those hopes which had already placed me in the supremest degree of glory will I doubt be changed into bitternesse the houre prescribed me is past Almerina appears not what shal I think then of so grievous a retardment but that which hath always accompanied the evill fortune of my actions I see there is no way for me but to resolve for death which yet would bee better then a life so full of crosses at least wise Amplamira being the cause of it I shall indure it without grief Herewith going out of the Arbour as if hee would have sought for the end of his days hee perceived that Sun to appear whose approach he had attended with so much impatience which so transported him with the excesse of a sudden joy as notable to sustain himselfe hee fell on his knees but so oportunely that Amplamira arriving thereupon by the cunning of Almerina who had gotten her down into the Garden under colour of conferring privately with her about the last nights Affair shee beleeved that it was purposely done to obtain that of her which hee had sued for by his Letter Their amazement being great they beheld one another a good while without speaking a word Floridan trembled Amplamira found her selfe surprised by so unexpected an incounter and knew not how to speak to this Lover doubting to shew her selfe either too free or too reserved howbeit receiving incredible content to see him at her feet in such
if he should not shew himself zealous to revenge their Lord he received one of them into his house and because Rozalmond was in his Chamber ready to go to bed he thought it the best course his Daughter should go up and under colour of seeing whether he wanted any thing that she should steale away his Sword but she that to dye would not see him harmed being come into his Chamber she told him in few words how much she loved him and the danger he was in Rozalmond exceedingly surprized with her relation answered her briefly thus Sweet heart your love doth infinitely oblige me and it shall assuredly be recompenced as it ought in the mean time wear this for my sake saying so he drew a rich Diamond from off his finger and presented it unto her and forth with arming himself he sent her down furnished with an excuse Alack said she seeming to be vext you will not do what you desire without difficultie the Knight is indeed on his bed but he hath neither quit his Armes nor his Sword which he holds in his hand so that I have lost my labour What shall we do then said the Master of the house to him that accompanied him why burn him in his chamber answered he if we cannot surprize him Will you so said Rosalmond who was stolne down upon them I le take an order with you presently whereupon he lift up his Sword thinking to strike the slave but he that had no mind to indure the blowes fled suddenly out of dores with the good man of the house and gave the alarm unto his companions they running to the cry that he made fell instantly to charging of Rozalmond who put fourteen or fifteen of them to the sword whilst Artander was sadling his Horses upon which in despight of this rabble they mounted very seasonably for at that instant two hundred Knights arrived from the Garrison which with a terrible noyse assailed him furiously on all sides but this Warriour that was alwayes most confident in danger flying in amidst these troops began to make so great a slaughter that all the streets ran with bloud he cut off armes and heads cleftmen down to the girdle and quartered them in such sort as the valiantest of the company wished themselves within their Walls again nevertheless being ashamed that one man alone should disorder them in that fashion they speedily rallyed themselves and layd so many blows on him at once that he had much adoe to sustaine them at length they killed his horse under him but hee was not long on foot for making a rampart of the dead bodyes under the favour whereof he retyred alwayes fighting to his Squire who was got aside from the presse and leaping on his horse he charged his Adversaries afresh with such furie that he laid threescore at his feet some cut off by the middle others cleft down to the teeth and the most of them opened even to the very wast which put the rest in such a fear that they took the benefit of the darkness of the night to escape away Our Warriour then finding no more resistance and seeing Artander well mounted upon one of the slain Knights horses he took the contrary way to that where his enemies were gon and rode till it was day that hee discovered the Sea CHAP. XIII Rozalmond arriving in the Island of Silvana defeats the Guards which the Queen had established to arrest Alcidamant his meeting afterwards with Merodiana and departure from her OUr Knight finding a Ship readie according to his wish embarqued himself therein never regarding for what place she was bound and being wholly taken up with the thought of his dearest Armazia he was carryed along for two dayes together with a prosperous gale but the Sea that seldome continues long in one state began to swell and rage in such sort that the distraction and noyse of the Marriners which laboured in vain made him quickly get up to assist them howbeit the furie of the waves being extream his force that could do much in Combats availed him nought for the Vessell beaten on all sides sometimes carried up as high as the cloudes and by and by thrown down to the Center of the deeps no longer received direction from the guiding hand of the Pilote and having all her sayles and tackle torn expected nothing but some violent gust to sink her utterly Floting three dayes in this desperate manner every one shut his eyes that he might not behold this horrible death when as heaven giving care to the prayers of the Parthian Prince who during all this danger never changed countenance calmed the waves and drove the Ship into a Port of the Island of Silvana where he caused himself to be set ashore giving praise unto God in his heart for his goodness in drawing him out of the danger of so dreadfull a tempest Getting to his Horse then armed at all points he rode into the Countrey which seemed very pleasing and delightfull unto him and travelled till two of the clock in the afternoon when as he met with a house very stately built whereinto entring to refresh himself he perceived the gates to be suddenly shut upon his back and thirtie Knights making head against him whereof one advancing before the rest said unto him Knight we are here to make you to render your Sword or to oblige your selfe willingly to accomplish whatsoever the Queen of Silvana shall command you Good Knights answered Rozalmond wil never be inforced to promise any thing much less be disarmed by their enemies without fighting wherfore I am not resolved to give you any thing that appertaines unto me till you have dearly bought it Wee must have your head then replyed the Knight wherwith drawing out all their swords they fell upon Rozalmond who little moved at it flew in amongst them and with the very first stroak sent him dead to the ground that had menaced him to the exceeding grief of the rest who thinking to defeat him easily pressed him in such sort as he knew not well where to bestow his blowes neverthelesse cutting off now an arme and then an head he had soon layd a dozen of them at his feet and was ready to deal so with the rest when as two dreadfull Gyants appeared in the Court who making a little stand to observe this Warriours confident fight were amazed to behold two men with two stroaks extended on the earth the one cloven down to the girdle and another brayned with the flat of his Sword These horrible blowes making them think that at length their Knights would have the worst they presently set forwards and advancing their heavy Scimitars they discharged them so dangerously on him that they forced him to knock his chin against the pommell of his saddle which so incensed him that raysing himself up in rage he took his Sword in both his hands and therewith struck one of the Gyants with such violence on his shield as
he divided it in two sending his arme withall to the ground and redoubling on the secoed who with reason feared the tempest of that Sword hit him so rudely on the helmet that he made him reele three or foure paces back whereupon perceiving the Knights had run his Horse into the belly with an Halbard he quit his saddle instantly and flying in amongst them covered the ground with three or foure of them before the Gyants were come to themselves again both of them returning then with incredible furie they began to charge him with such terrible blows as he was many times constrained to bow with his knees nevertheless he fought so couragiously and so often drew bloud from them that they had little cause to brag of any advantage but being resolved either to vanquish or dye one of them took his Scimitar in both hands and displaying all his force strook so mainly at his head that if he had not wisely avoyded the blow it had questionless been his death howbeit leaping very lightly aside he let it fall upon the ground whereinto it entred up to the hilts and taking hold of opportunitie whilst the Gyant was drawing it out again he discharged his Sword so dangerously on his Casque that he cleft him to the brains overthrowing him with a noyse like to that of a Tower whose foundation sayâ—es the other which had but one arme and very little bloud left thinking that his companion had been strucken with lightning would fain have saved himself by flight but he was so weak that at the very first step he fel down breathing out his last Our Warriour seeing himself freed from these Colosses which had exceedingly troubled him was going to set upon the rest when as he perceived a Lady comming in marvellous beautifull and followed by two and twentie Knights richly armed with a Gyant far greater than the former who addressing her speech unto him said Knight persist no further in this Combat but put yourself into my hands if you love your life I know very well that your valour makes you confident for the slaughter I behold here may perswade you that you can couragiously passe through any danger whatsoever but I am able to oppresse you so with multitudes that you must needs fall at last besides the Guards of this place were not established here for you but to surprize a Knight who though he be not so tall yet is no way inferiour to you in valour and strength sheath up you Sword then and follow me with this assurance that you shall receive no displeasure here Madam answered he much amazed to behold so rare a beautie I wil gladly submit my self to your power for so sweet a captivitie can not be but most pleasing to me and would I had spent more bloud then this which is in my Armour that I had met you at the gate of your house neither should I then have been in the state I am in nor you have had cause to complain for the loss of your people for yeelding all obedience to the merit of fair Ladyes and principally of those of your qualitie I should freely have granted whatsoever you had demanded but their insolence having constrained me to draw my Sword I secured my self by their deaths wherwithall I am now infinitely displeased because it may be an offence unto you which I shall labour to repayr by all the best services my uttermost abilitie may be able to do you I perceive said she laughing that I shall have as much adoe to overcome you with courtesie as my Knights have had with their Armes wherfore I will debate no longer with you but let us walke to a Chamber that your wounds may be visited I think they are so slight Madam answered he that they need no great looking to howsoever your commandement shall wholly dispose of me Wherupon causing his Squire to unarme him he discovered a small hurt on his shoulder and another somewhat greater but one more dangerous in his thigh which the Chirurgions having drest he got him to bed where he continued till the next morning when as he arose feeling little or no pain for to present his service to the fair Princess who being wonderfully wel satisfied with his goodly personage and behaviour entertained him awhile with ordinarie discourse and finding him no lesse witty then he had shewed himself before valiant she led him into the Garden where she freely discovered to him the secretest of her thoughts telling him that she was Queen of the Island of Silvana and that the Guards of this place were set to apprehend a Knight that carryed three Palmes in his shield Truly Madam said Rozalmond then I do not marvell now at your assembling of so many Knights and strong Gyants since it was to arrest a man whose like is hardly to be met withall in the world why replyed the beautifull Silvana Do you know the Knight of whom I speak Madam answered Rozalmond I neither know his name nor original but all the earth is acquainted with his valour and would to God he were here now that we might finish a Combat which hath twice already reduced us to the extreamest peril of our lives without discerning to whom the honour of it was justly due wherupon relating all that had past at Constantinople and afterwards upon the confines of Florertan he gave her marvellous contentment to hear the prayses of this Knight so published by his greatest enemy Verely answered she you have a great deal of reason to speak wel of this Knight who hath done miracles in this Kingdome Combatting and killing a Monster the hugest and most formidable that ever nature produced but far more in my sister Merodiana's state where the most redoubted Gyants of the world have past under the edge of his Sword in the head of a mightie Army which the same day was cut in pieces by the sole vertue of this Knight and not by the multitude or force of our souldiers the Enemie being at the least three for one But Madam said Rozalmond who was somewhat vexed to hear so much glory given to his Adversarie if this Knight hath done so much for you why wil you expose his life to the hazard of the furie and multitude of your men which sure were but an ill acknowledgement of his services O that is a secret said she which may not be imparted I wil have have him if I can not to put him to death for I would sooner consent to mine own ruine but to oblige him to keep his faith Your eyes Madam said Rozalmond who then ghest at her disease wil more prevail with him then your Armes and he wil sooner be constrained by your beautie then by your Gyants in which regard you are to procure rather by gentleness then force That course have I held already said Silvaâ—a but alas to no purpose another hath captiv'd his heart so that I am out of hope unless some disdain from his
of twenty thousand Horse and five and twenty thousand Foot was given to the Kings of Arbales Arisdan and Carderia together with the Knight of the Flowers and a Gyant the rereward of a like number to the Kings of Grisolia Metlina and Caâ—ilant with the Knight of the Flower de-Luces and the Emperour reserving the main battail for himself wherein were thirty thousand Horse five and thirty thousand Foot the Duke of Bonport three Gyants and the fair Slave left the Marquis de la Rocque and the Count Vadian to guard the Town the King of Mariana in the Camp with fifteen thousand men and to the gentle Knight Tarsander and the young Prince of Balivan he consigned four thousand light Horse to serve for wings unto the Army All things being thus disposed of they marched out of their trenches in good order to incounter their enemies who shewing no lesse zeal to fight then advisednesse in marshalling of their Troops followed Rifantes that led the Vantguard with thirty thousand Horse and fourty thousand Foot this valiant Chieftain conceiving that a good example was the best exhortation could be made to incourage the Souldiers setting sputs to his Horse charged his Launce against the King of Arbales but Floridan seeing him set forth parted at the very same instant and meeting him in the middest of the course broke his staffe very bravely and received this Enemies Incounter without so much as once being moved in his saddle Both Armies herewith animated a most dangerous conflict was seen in an instant the King of Arbales ran the King of Astramer quite through and through and overthrew him dead to the earth The King of Carderia his Companion was by the King of Fortan cast under the Horses feet where at length he was stifled The Martarians considering that the safety of their Prince their lives and their liberties were in question fought desperately The adverse part trusting to their numbers carried themselves couragiously so as all was in confusion nothing was seen nor heard but bodies extended on the ground and the cryes of dying men which filled the ayr with their groans and lamentations Floridan seemed a Thunderbolt death was ever tyed to his sword Rifantes made such havocke that way was given him whersoever he went The blood 〈◊〉 along instreaâ—â— â—nd every thing hâ—ng in suspence when 〈…〉 observing how the safety or destruction of his side depended on the whole valour of Rifantes and the unspeakable force of a Gyant who made a heap of dead bodies round about him he most valiantly approached unto him and discharged so terrible a blow on his arm that he cut iâ—â—â—eer off and following his advantage he redoubled on his Helinet with such fury that he sent him to the ground where he was troden to pieces under the Horses feet from whence â—â—ying amongst the enemies Troops he so terrified them as they began to fly to the infinite discontent or the great Soldan of Aralaâ—â—â— and Arastron who accompanying the King of Cabilla in the main Battail were mad for that they were not as yet ingaged in fight whereupon suddenly advancing with rage they were falling upon the King of Arâ—ales Squadron but perceiving the Emperour of Martaria present himself with the grosse of his Army they were constrained to alter their purpose and make head against him who desiring to shew his courage in despight of age charged his Launce against the King of Cabilla and met him so lustily that he threw him over the crupper of his Horse neverthelesse unable to support his enemies incounter he was also compelled to fall and that in danger to be trampled under the Horses feet had not Palmirenna's fair Slave who had still an eye upon him lept suddenly down and catching him up remounted him in despigâ—â— of all the enemies fury The fall of these Princes having drawn the bravest Commanders of the Army together the sight grew so hot as all the field was dyed with blood 〈◊〉 incountring 〈◊〉 ran him through the body with his Launce and disdayning to draw his Sword against ordinary Knights flew upon Radamant his brother who had newly slain the King of Zamblan and began to charge him with a mâ—â—titude of dreadfull blows but this Gyant grown furious by his brothers death received him in such sort as he gave him a dangerous woâ—â—d in the shoulder howbeit the force of this Knight being more then monstrous he endured not long before him In the mean tiâ—â— our fair Slave overthrew all that came in her way she cut off men by the wast cleft down others to the teeth made so strange an havock that she might well have been compared to torrents whose violence the sturdiest Oaks are not able to withstand On the other side Brizardan falling on our troops with incredible rage rendred himself so terrible that his blows were no lesse feared then death it self every one gave him place and which way so ever he turned there no enemy appeared at length beholding the wonders performed by our fair Slave he approached to her behind and before she was aware gave her so mighty a blow on her Helmet as he made her bow with her head to the Saddle bow where raising her self up again with infinit fury she took her Sword in both her hands and discharged it so dangerously on the Soldans Shield that dividing it she wounded him very desperately from thence spurring on to Arastron who held the Emperour â—â—der his arm ready to carry him away to his Tent she stâ—â—â—k him with such violence on the head as she overturned him on the crupper of his Horse casting out a great deale of blood oâ—â— of his eyes and ears whereby freeing the Emperour she caused him presently to be horsed again Those two horrible blows having amaxed the enemies they 〈…〉 give ground when as the Kings of Filzandria and 〈…〉 â—â—â—manded the rereward entred with strange â—â—in All was then in 〈◊〉 and doubtlesse the Emperour had been in an ill cose i◠〈◊〉 had not oportunely arrived with the Kings of Grizolia Merlina and thousand Gazilant followed by twenty thousand Horse and five and twenty Foot Then it was that the Heaven Earth and Ayr seemed but one and the same thing and so many Knights fell at this Incounter that it was not possible to tread but on dead bodies Arastron and Brizardan being come to themselves again and in the supremest degree of rage put all to the Sword the fair Slave Lâ—â—â—bel and Floridan on the other side made no lesse havock the Gyants and the Kings were so many furies the King of Filzandria fought most desperately Tarsander and the young Prince of Balivan rode breaking the enemies ranks briefly nothing was seen but blood and slaughter and the noyse of Drums and Trumpets was so great as a thousand claps of Thunder could not have been heard Brizardan Arastron and Rifantes did wonders but our Knights so behaved themselves that the King of Cabillaes Troops began to turn their
astonished that he knew not what world he was in and Fulgoran following his example wounded Gorgophon very dangerously in the thigh by which means having very happily the leisure to releeve one of the Cenophales who being unable to withstand an heavy stroak lent him by the Grand Salvage he had fallen at his Horses feet had he not been sustained by him Furiander in the mean time had received a sore hurt on the arm by the other Cenophales These astonishing strokes putting the Pagans into the extremity of rage they addressed themselves again to be revenged threatning no less then death with their tempestuous swords but the Princes who well understood they were accomptable for the people under their charge and that knew the safety of the souldiers consisted in the preservation of their Leaders retyred to their troops leaving the Pagans in dispair of having that revenge upon them they so much hoped for The Christians having thus prudently made their retreat they desired to know the names of the Commanders of the new Army and finding that it was the brave Russian of Media with the beautifull Amazon Brandimanda who departed from Corolandaya by the advice of the wise Vrganda before the others were in the field gave them a million of thanks and especially to Brandimanda whose matchlesse beauty joyned with that invincible prowesse whereof they had so lately experience they could never sufficiently admire then causing the Amazons to be led into a quarter a part and the Souldiers into the trenches they conducted them to the Palace where disarming themselvest they found every one hurt except Russia Brandimanda the valiant Esquilan Cilindor and Leonidas of Mesopotamia who with Alteria was left in the Town if need were to make good the retreat Prigmaleons hurt was on the arm and head Fulgâ—rans on the shoulder the Cenophales in two or three places Grandimore on the left arm by the sword of the proud Gyant Antamedon Perion and the rest in divers parts of the body notwithstanding which they had some cause to rejoyce for the losse the enemy had amounting to the number of threescore and seventeen thousand men three and twenty Gyants and the Kings of Brutaxia and Parmondia as they understood by their Spyes besides those that were hurt in the number wherof were Roussardan Gorgophon the Grand Salvage Furiander Antomedon and the valiant Artogant Soldan of Francapia with a multitude of common Knights But when they bethought themselves of the losse of the gentle Florizartus of Trapobana and of thirty three thousand men that remained dead in the field the greatest part whereof perished rather by the sword of the Gyants than the multitude of the souldiers they could not beleeve that Fortune had much obliged them by the advantage they had gained neverthelesse putting on a brave resolution they comforted themselves with the hope of some other succours and so placing trustie Sentinels in all places requisite they went to refresh themselves with a small repast Afterwards those that had escaped without hurts assembled themselves in Prigmaleon and Fulgorans Chamber who would by no means lye asunder where it was resolved that Russian and Brandimanda with each of them a troope of ten thousand Horse should sally upon the Enemie two houres before day wherupon they went to repose themselves for a while In the mean time Falanzar enraged at the massacre of so many of his men and for the losse of his Kings and Gyants by so small a number environed three parts of the Citie and causing great Trenches to bee cast up and covering the field with his Souldiers for the space of two myles round he promised to himself that he would gain the Walls at the first assault seeing all his Gyants should have now elbow-room to bestir themselves but his opinion deceived him as you shall see in the Chapter following and made him conclude that the end of his enterprize would not prove so feasable as he expected CHAP. XXXIX The brave feats of Arms performed in a Sally by Russian of Media and Brandimanda the furious assault given by the Pagan Princes unto the Town which being reduced to extreamitie is marvellously relieved THis mighty Fleet of the Enemies having gained the Shore the night was almost wholly employed in making of Trenches and setting up Tents and Pavillions so that it being neere that time of the day which chalengeth a kind of securitie over all things the Souldiers annoyed with the Sea wearied with their late travels and importuned by sleep betook themselves all to their rest being confident that the Christians durst not so much as once peep out of their Walls But they like brave spirits who thought there was no glory equall to that which was gotten in the midst of dangers and hating all rest which might be accompanied with disgrace had no other designe than continually to be pulling some feathers out of their enemies Wings whereby they might stop the fury of their flight they rose presently after midnight and arming twenty thousand of their best and lustiest Horses they divided them into two Troups whereof one was commanded by Russian Cilindor and Leonidas the other by Esquilan Brandimanda and the fair Alteria and so sallying out at two severall Ports they advanced softly towards the Pagans till it was break of day which affording them light to discover their Sentinels all asleep they presently cut their throats without any noyse and so falling aboard with the rest who were in no better estate to make resistance they began to commit so great a slaughter that the ground was covered over with dead bodyes before the Alarum was taken in the Camp Russian Cilindor and Leonidas over-runall Souldiers they cut in peeces Knights they cleft down to the shoulders Tents and Pavilions they turned upside down and meeting with little or no opposition they made a strange havock Falanzar Generall of the Pagan army who lodged not far from the place where they first fell on easily hearing the fearfull cryes and groans which came from his men as they were dying rose up immediatly and finding Brufaldar King of Gedrosia Brizardan the redoubted Soldan of Aralafia with Moranteon Soldan of Circassia he gave them thirty thousand men to resist the fury of their enemies whose number he conceived to be fifty thousand at the least and so ran speedily himself thorow all parts of the Camp to put the rest in battell array These three proud Pagans who had not been at the last nights service cheerfully embracing this charge began presently to march forward and being conducted by the noyse which continually encreased they forthwith encountred the Christians and plainly perceiving the smalnesse of their number divided their troups with an intent to environ them and to charge them on every side but those valiant Knights not affording them the leisure to put their Designe in practise broke thorow them with such a tempest that the blood ran along the ground in little rivers which put the incensed
Rodomart King of Fortan Armositan King of the upper Indies and Tarsides King of Pergazus perished by the swords of Silvan the fair Salvage his wife and Dorigel and fifteen Giants being instaÌ„tly slain by the other christian princes the pagans began to give ground when in the nick arrived Falanzar with the redoubted King of Balivan the dreadfull Tipheus Bucargant Burcandar King of Russia Palamedes King of Cassandria the excellent Knight Artogant and the incomparable Alceus and on the other party Don Florisel of Niquea with his troops who mingling themselves in a furious fight with those Pagans caused on the sudden such a generall confusion that the earth the ayr and the Heavens seemed to be but one and the same thing for the Leaders some of them were no lesse terrible than so many furies others begat an stonishment in those that had the ill hap to encounter them equall to that of thunder and lightning and the Souldiers animated by the example of their Captaines fought with so much courage and cruelty that nothing was to be seene but blood and slaughter Falanzar charged Florisel with an incredible fiercenesse who was no whit behind hand with him in the requitall Roussardan Gorgophon and Braverant threatned such a ruin where they went that the very glittering of their swords frighted the faint-hearted to death neither were Spheramond Prigmaleon and Fulgoran lesse terrible to their enemies than they the Grand Salvage Furiander his son Marmoran Brufaldor and Policastoleon charged the Christians through and through till they scarce left a ranke unranked Silverin of the Desart Russian Brandimanda the Cenâ—phales and Brandimore did as much to the Pagan troops In briefe these mighty Armies sustained by the valour of the Princes that commanded them had as yet gayned little advantage of one another which raysing Bravorant Gorgophon and the proud Knight Arastron to the utmost extremity of rage they fell all three with such a violence upon Don Rogel Florisel and Spheramond that they beat them all down to the ground where they made no long aboad though they were much astonished but be took themselves to their feet again and on the instant made themselves such elbow room that except these three mighty enemies who pressed upon them with a mad kind of fury none durst come neer them neverthelesse divers others of the Pagan Champions comming also to assaile them the three Princes were in danger to have made a glorious end of their days had not Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian and Silverin seeing them in this necessity come in to their ayd and let fly at these three mighty Pagans with such a force that they had almost lost their saddles and so affording leisure to the Christian Knights to supply themselves with the next fresh horses they met they began to cover the earth anew with dead bodies These fearefull blows adding rather anger than feare to the bold Pagans they rose up more furious than ever they had been before and not finding those that had put them into this disperate plight they fell upon Oriander Atletta his wife and Parmenian of Cyprus dealing such marvellous stroaks that two of them were cut in two peeces and the third cleft downe to the teeth so the battell waxing more bloody on every side every thing appeared so full of horrour that the Sun appeared as it were mourning for the expence of so much noble blood obscuring his face behind a cloud The Pagans sounded a retreat and the Christians rallied their disordered troups to the great grief of Gorgophon Bravorant the Grand Salvage Arastron and Roussardan who seeing their own wounds and dispairing of a present victorie retired to their Tents and the Christians part into the Town and part into their Trenches where being at leisure to number up their losses which amounted unto two hundred and threescore thousand men besides the King of the barren Island and his Wife the Kings of Hungaria of Polonia of Licaonia of Moldavia of Sardimira of Cataya the valiant Lady Arletta Parmenian of Cyprus Râ—zafar Quadragant Agrian of Scotland Dardanio of Rhodes and the gentle Armond of Bohemia they had a just cause of lamentation but seeing that their chief Leaders were preserved and that it was in vain to murmure at the chastisements of a mighty God they comforted themselves and causing their wounds to be searched which they found to be dangerous enough they all betook themselves to their beds except the valiant Esquelan of Polonia that was much afflicted with the death of the King his Father Cilindor and the twelve new Knights whose brave feats of Arms performed that day had acquired them an immortall fame On the other side the Pagan Princes had no lesse cause to mourn and repine at their sad fate having lost an hundred and sixteen Gyants Tâ—rismâ—nd Arcilles Celiander Gloridian Celianis Panizell Armelion three hundred and forty thousand men the Kings of Fortan of Gianazana of Salberna of Pergarus the Emperour of Media Polidarchus king of Amazia Bemond king of the lesser Iava the king of Sisiphalta of Zambar of Cartagena of Maramor of Argocana of Zaphotir and almost all the rest were confined to their beds except Falanzar who had received onely one slight hurt in the arm by the sword of Florisel Palicastaleon Fierastrâ—n and Brufaldâ—r but not withstanding these losses they desiring to appeare invincibles they made no shew of discontent in their countenances lest thereby the courage of the Souldiers might be abated and to give a testimony of the care they took for their dead they sent immediately to demand a truce for twelve days which being granted and agreed on both parties every man sought out his acquaintance to performe unto them the last office of a friend The Christian Princes were solemnly interred and the bodies of the Pagans burned as their custome was which being done Falanzar gave Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats a party of fourscore thousand men with order to surprise Goraxa and Zeiden two of the strongest Cities of Ethiopia supposing that the remainder of his horses which amounted to the number of three hundred and threescore thousand was powerfull enough to give an absolute defeat to their enemies And now let us leave them bewayling their losses and devising new stratagems for the ruâ—ing of the Christians and let our discourse return to those Knights which are departed from Corolandaya to goe to the surprisall of the Castle of Treasure CHAP. XLII Rozalmond Alcidamant and their company arrive at the dangerous Forrests of the great Kingdome of Martan the carrying away of the Princesses and the adventures of Rozalmond inextring of the Castle of Treasure ALcidamant Rozalmond and the other Princes that left the Court of Corolandaya to goe to the Castle of Treasure having been three and twenty days upon their way without any adventure that might yeeld them either trouble or content they entred into the dangerous Forrests of Martan and continuing on their Iourney at length they arrived at a place where
by four strange creatures Into one of them hee made all the Princesses to enter with Cassandra who carried them to the I le of Corolandaya and bestowing himselfe in the other with all these Princes and Amazons to made towards Ethiopia where they arrived within three dayes after he perform the wonders which shall be related unto you in the Chapters following CHAP. L. Amadis of Gaule and his companions arrive in Ethiopia their resolution to passe through the Enemies Camp Rozalmond and his friends being separated from them surprise the strong Fort of Zeilan ALcanders Chariot having made way through the clouds for two dayes together the great Fowls that drew it abated their flight and lighted on the ground at the entrance into a Forrest where the reverend old man causing them to descond said unto them Brave Princes you are now arrived in Ethiopia where you are to employ your valour and awaken those forces which have been so long time asleep here you shall meet with the valiant Florisel of Niquea accompanied with all the young Princes of Greece their Allies and three hundred thousand men although he hath in the precedent battails lost two hundred thousand and above but the number of the Pagans is so great that notwithstanding the slaughter of foure hundred thousand men cut in peeces by the Christians they have yet above five hundred thousand remayning besides so many excellent Warriours as your presence is more then necessary at this time to arrest the fury of their Enterprises I refer all to your wisedoms take this way which will leade you directly to the enemies camp and managing your fortune wisely give her occasion to favour you These six Warriours the Authours of your deliverance shall follow you ere it be long but they are first to performe an enterprise of great conse quence to which end they must take this path of the left hand Having spoken this he mounted into his Chariot and was instantly carried out of sight whereupon these Princes dividing themselves to the great griefe of Alcidamant that was faine to part from his Trasiclea they began to march severall wayes Rozalmond and his companions having traversed the Forrest which was not very long met with a Peasant that discovering them would have fled away but Clarisel having staid him asked him why he was afraid Alas answered he I have more cause then would I had for I doubt you are some of our Princes enemies who lye in wait here for some surprise but surely you will loose your labour for your troops have so ravaged all about Zeidan that every body is fled into the woods and mountains here about for fear of falling into your hands I only am the unfortunate man who going to give advice unto our Emperour of taking in of that Town could not decline your encounter Honest friend said Clarisel unto him thou art much mistaken for we are Christians and such as would willingly serve thy Master who is a friend to the Princes of Greece I would advise you then said he to advance no farther forward the fields are all covered over with an hundred thousand men which after the surprise of Zeidan have layd siege to Goraxa one of the strongest Towns of this Empire and all the riches of the world could not ransome you out of their hands should they once lay hold on you which were great pitty for by your countenances you appear more than ordinary men God a mercy friend said Clarisel laughing for thy good opinion of us howsoever we doe purpose not to follow thy counsell so letting him goe they consulted together about the course they should hold and resolved to goe straight into Zeidan faining themselves to be Pagans cut the Garrisons in peeces and so restore that strong Town into Prigmaleons possession Riding on then after an hours travelling they presented themselves before the Gates which were presently opened unto them the Pagans never imagining that six Knights being enemies durst hazard themselves amongst eight thousand men that kept the place Neverthelesse Rozalmond which marched formost seeing himselfe within drew out his sword cleft the first to the teeth and flying among the rest left his companions to follow his example who desiring to shew as much force and courage began to make such a slaughter that threescore lay dead at their feet before the Town took the alarum but the hurt men running up and down with fearfull 〈◊〉 two thousand came suddenly in which falling furiously upon them thought to make an end of them in a trice but these incomparable Warriours that would not have been afraid of all the world together went and met them with such confidence as made the most couragious amongst them to tremble they ran up and down like lightning and keeping close one to another they slew so many that it was a most dreadfull sight to behold all the streets were covered with dead bodies The noyse increased the number of the enemies augmented and from every part came souldiers hurrying in which rendred the confusion more horrible An hour being spent in the fury of the first fight during the which sixteen hundred men had been massacred all the rest began to fly when as six Gyants appeared with three thousand men who seeing so much blood and murther could not beleeve it was done by the hands of six Knights alone howbeit perceiving their people to fall at their feet as often as the swords of these Knights descended they advanced all with such an excesse of rage as the fire flew out of their eyes Our Princes who perceiving rightly that the victory consisted in the death of those six Colossus beholding them arrive with fury incountred them with the like order and desiring to display the uttermost of their force in regard it so concerned them discharged upon their helmets with such a tempest that Rozalmond and Alcidamants opposites were cleft down to the girdle and the rest to the teeth which put such a terrour into their followers as they laboured to save themselves by flight but the Inhabitants of the Town rallying themselves and finding them in disorder charged them so rudely on the other side that their fear increasing they were all cut in peeces foure hundred onely excepted who betaking them to their heeles fled to the grosse of their Army and there so published the wonders which these Knights had done that they beleeved them to be Divels Whilst these six Princes were cryed up to heaven in the Town by the people who promised to maintain themselves for the time to come by the favour of their Walls and Fortifications Amadis of Gaule and his Companions having marched two dayes together and one evening discovered the enemies Camp were marvellously astonished to behold so many Pavillions and Tents that at first they wished for Alcanders Chariot to carrie them into the Citie but being courageous enough to make their passage thither with the sword they resolved to attend the break of day so
Media against Barcandor Fulgoran against the gentle Knight Armorand Don Silves against the generous Alceus the Knight of the Sun against Bucarguant Belianis against Brizardan and all the rest sought so well that four hours were spent before it could be discerned to whom the victory would incline but Rozalmond and Alcidamant seeing it was time to display the uttermost of their forces by some remarkeable blows discharged with such force the one upon Bucarguant who had left the Knight of the Sun almost senslesse and the other on Barcandor his brother as they cleft them down both to the teeth and continuing in this rage Alcidamant cut the Soldan of Circassiaes head in peeces and Rozalmond the King of Gedrosiaes The death of these four mighty Pagans being accompanied with the slaughter of sixteen Gyants and of Alâ—rban Danizel Argilles and Rodismond the number of the Infidels began to diminish which perceived by Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan Fierasâ—on Marisgolfe the grand Salvage Antomedon Typheus Marmaran and the proud Knight Arastron they discharged such horrible blows upon their enemies that having hurt them all very dangerously they fell in with such fury amongst the Christians as the valiant Anaxartes was cut in peeces by Bravâ—rant Argantes Emperour of Germany by Gorgophon Lindâ—â—â—â—t King of Rhodes by Roussardan Olidor of Siramque by Fieraston Anazander King of Dardania by Marisgolfe Floridan his brother by the grand Salvage the remayning Câ—nophale by Antomedon Liscâ—â—d King of Siconia by Typhâ—â—s Grandimer by Marmoran and the gentle Dorigel Lord of the fortunate Hands by Arastron wherewith the Princes of Greece were so displeased as Rozalmond Alcidamant Amadiâ— of Trebisond Claâ—â—sel Grian Grioâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 â—erâ—ides Claridâ—an and Belâ—â—â—â— having incountred them vowed never to leave them till they had revenged their deaths whereupon the combat renewed with more cruelty than before wherein Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his sonne Cassiaâ—â—s and the Duke of Laâ—azo were likewise slain But Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece Florisel of Niquea the knight of the Sun Rosicler Poliphebo Don Eleno of Dacia and Lucibel of France joyning together began to run over the field with such rage that having layd nine Gyants dead at their feet namely Radamant the cruell the strong Pandaro Razartes Coriander Artiliâ—n Gedereon King of Arginaria Rindar Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats and Meliander the rest were cut in pieces together with Artogant who dyed by the hand of the Knight of the Sun so that of the hundred Pagan Knights there remained no more but the mighty Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan the grand Salvage Furiander Typhaeus Antomedon Fierastron Marisgolf Marmaran Arastron Brizardan Policastaleon Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with whom Don Rogel had fought all day without any advantage the generous Alcaeus and the gentle knight Armorand who by no means induring any speech of rendring themselves combatted like desperate men but having continued fighting almost two houres after the rest they were fain at length to fall at the feet of their enemies more voyd of bloud than of courage The Victory being thus gloriously obtained the Judges went and parted the ten Amazons sent them out of the field with equall honour and causing those sixteen famous Pagan knights to be conveyed into the Citie that their wounds might with the more care be looked unto the Christian Princes were marching out of the Lists in triumph with the Emperour of Martaria who greatly rejoyced at their good fortune when as they perceived the Enemies troops ranged in battell array under the conduct of the great King of Maâ—ritania Zazifalt and Monomatapan to make towards them for to refcue the Pagan knights out of their hands whereat being marvellously incensed they put themselves in the head of their Squadrons and fell in upon them with such fury as the Pagans wanting valiant and skilfull Leaders began within lesse than an houre to betake themselves to flight wherupon our Souldiours were so encouraged that imitating their renowned Commanders they made such a terrible maâ—saere as the ground for foure leagues about was covered all over with dead bodyes and that which rendred the defeat yet greater and more horrible was the Sea which hemmed them in almost on every side so that since the Creation of the world so great a slaughter was never seen for of foure hundred and three score and sixteen thousand men the remainder of so prodigious an Army scarce fifteen hundred escaped and that by the benefit of the night The Christian Princes seeing themselves absolutely victorious returned into the Citie where they found that they had lost of personages of marke Luâ—â—ndâ—â— Anaxâ—â—tes Argantes Emperour of Germanie Melindus King of Cloton the Cenophâ—â—es Floâ—ariaâ— of Thrace Luceneio Lâ—cidâ—mor Florâ—nio Emperour of Rome Filizel of Montespin Don Flores of Greece Zair Filin Artaurus 〈◊〉 of Rhodes Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his son Dorigel of the fortunate Ilands Golâ—â—â— his Wife young Leodâ—â—â—â— the valiant Trâ—ilâ—â— Grandâ—â—â—â— the Duke of 〈◊〉 Floridan of So pradiza Perion of Turkie Florestan of Sardinia Cassianus Anaxander King of Dardania Floradin Gelodan Prince of Moldavia Alettha Oriander King of Sardamira Oroncius Alvida the Queen Castora the King of Catay Rozaphar Parmenian of Cyprus Garmantes Don Smaldo and Tymbres of Egypt wherof some were slain in the Combat the rest in the battell much were they grieved for their deaths and with many tears did they lament them but they were comforted for that they dyed in the bed of honour and that also the principalls had been preserved from the fury of so bloudy a day for which having rendred humble thankes unto heaven they gave order for the curing of the wounded and solemnizing the Funerals of the deceased with all kind of pomp and magnificence CHAP. LIII The Pagan Knights are delivered Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond and Rozalmond are crowned Emperours of Tramazond Martaria and Gardacia The separation of all these Princes THE Pagan Knights being mad with rage for the slaughter of so many Kings and valiant Gyants that had kept all the world in awe but much more for that they were vanquished by their enemies would not suffer the Chirurgians to dresse their wounds desiring rather that a speedy death might free them from the miserie of a long expected captivitie which being declared unto the King of great Brittain he went the next day to visit them and knowing that whatsoever he should doe would be authorized by the Christian Princes having found them all in a room together he said unto them Knights I imagine that if fortune had favoured your designes and that we had been in your power as now you are in ours you would have taken pleasure to have made us suffer unworthy things for the satisfaction of your revenge but we will let you see that the Princes of Greece are gentlier disposed that they love not slaughter nor bloud neither doe at any time shed it but when as they are obliged therunto either for the maintenance of the order of Knighthood
force of their arms the day being already passed they saw the seas covered with ships comming in very good order whereupon both sides were in fear alike for neither of them knew to whether part they were in favour inclined but they dwelt not long in that doubt for as soon as the Vantguard approached the Port the red Crosse with the arms of Persia were discerned in their flags whereby it was judged to be the valiant Don Rogel of Greece his arrivall brought no lesse fear to the Pagans then contentment to his friends who being free to go whether they pleased for that the truce was yet on foot went to meet him in the strand with a thousand signes of joy the ceremonies of entertainment being over the Princes not to lose time met presently in councell for to deliberate on the courses which was to be held for the future battell wherein all their opinions in a manner concurring they resolved to make four equall battalia's each of them consisting of five and twenty thousand horse and eight thousand foot the first or which should be commanded by Spheramond accompanied with Amanio d' Astre and Perion of Turkie the second by the valiant Prince of Persia his father with Russian of Media and Dardanio the third by the royall Alastraxerea with Esquilan and Quedragant of Sansuega and the last by the excellent Florizell of Niquea with Florestan and Florizart the command and guard of the town was intrusted to the Count of Argamond with ten thousand foot and the Campe to the Duke of Silesia with the like number of Infanterie On the other side the Pagans were not drowfie but knowing that the losse of that day would be the ending of their honours and lives they incouraged their souldiers one while with promise of rewards another while with hope of glory so as the most cowardly resolved to fight it out bravely both for reputation and spoil their spies having informed them of the order the Greek Princes determined to hold in imbattelling their army they also concluded to frame four battalia's of their forces each of them composed of thirty eight thousand horse and fifteen thousand foot whereof the first was to be led by the Prince Bruzanges Florimond his son the valourous Arifleura and three Giants the second by the great Cariffe of Africa Dardanor King of Romeria and three Giants the third and fourth by the King of Coriza and Fulgoran with a like number of men the King of Calican remaining with twelve thousand foot for the guard of their Camp These things thus decreed every man bestirred himself some making clean their arms some whetting their swords and others looking to their horses In brief none was idle and every one passionately wished for the next day that they might imploy their forces Assoon then as the morning appeared Spheramond who had the foreward covered the field with his horse and not intending to stay untill the trumpets sounded a charge he espied on his right hand five Knights armed all in white present themselves with incredible courage against the enemy to the no little joy of the Christians whereupon perceiving Florimond begin his career he set spurs to his horse and so strongly incountered him in the midst of his race as their lances flew into a thousand shivers Florimond still keeping his seat though he was twice or thrice ready to fall such was not Bruzanges fortune with the valiant Amanio d' Astre for he was laid upon the earth so dangerously hurt that without the succour of his son he had been stifled under the horses feet Perion of Turkie and the white Knight directed their staves against the Giants whereby two of them were wounded but so slightly as they presently laid hands on their scymiters and disdaining to fight with ordinary men they began a furious combat with three of the white Knights whilst Spheramond in the midst of the preasse thundered wheresoever he came neither was Florimond any way behinde him for as often as he advanced his sword the death of some Christians ensued whence it followed that his people in imitation of him laboured exceedingly to make good the place they fought upon but they were so pressâ—d by Spheramond Periâ—â— Amanio d' Astre and the white Knights that they began to give ground with extream discontent to the Giants who could not relive them being too far ingaged in their combat with the new come Knights neverthelesse enraged to see themselves staid in that sort they all at one instant diseharged three such blows on their adversaries heads as they laid them on the ground almost void of sense with that taking the opportunity of the time they went to have made their people turn head which they perhaps had done if they had not been stopt by the brave Emperour of the Parthians Amanio d' Astre and Periâ—â— who not giving them leave to passe any further charged them so stoutly as they were constrained to look to their own defence then it was that Florimond re-incouraging his men overthrew as many Christians as stood in his way but the white Knights being come to themselves again and infinitely inraged that they had been so ill intreated flew into the throng with their two companions and made such a slaughter among them as the enemies were fain to retreat to avoid their fury notwithstanding all that Florimond could do to stay them The great Cariffe of Africa accounted one of the most valourous among the Pagans seeing the first troop in disorder caused those which he led to advance against whom the Excellent Emperour of the Persians opposed himself and with that greatnesse of courage which made him so admired in the world charged his lance against the Cariffe whom he made to lose his stirrups Russian of Media having run one of the Giants quite thorow and thorow upon the encounter of these new troops the earth was quickly covered with arms legs weapons and the field with horses that had lost their masters the air ecchoed with the cries of dying and wounded men the ground shook with the noise of drums and trumpets all was full of horrour and fear and wheresoever Dâ—â— Râ—gel and Russian passed they left behinde them evident marks of their valour the ranks grew thin before the great Cariffe and his Giants in brief all was in confusion and the bloud streamed so over all the field as it filled every one with astonishment the King of Calican and Fulgoran impatient to see others imployed in businesse of glory caused their troops presently to advance the like did Alastraxerea and Don Florizell then it was that the earth and the heavens seemed to be but one thing and so many Knights were overthrown at this encounter as no man could stir a foot without treading on the dead the Knight Ardant carried ruine in his hand Florizell passed along like lightening the Giants cut all in pieces that stood in their way Alastraxerea Esquilan Russian Rogell Spheramond Quedragant and Pâ—rion
but attending the day appoynted for the combat with much impatience they comforted themselves in the confidence they had to put all the Christians to the sword when as they should be disfurnished of their Commanders whereunto they were the more assuredly perswaded by the arrivall of the fairest Azamandra who came unto the Pagans Camp with a very stately equipage First of all there marched in excellent order fifteen thousand Amazons richly armed and mounted on Vnicorns whose furniture was all guilt over a little after but at some distance rode nine other Amazons with golden Crowns on the top of their helmets then followed a tryumphant Chariot carried upon twelve great wheels of Ivorie and drawn by twelve Vnicorns as white as snow which being fastned together with golden chayns were guided by twelve little Dwarfs apparelled in cloth of gold the Chariot was of a marvellous fashion the length of it was fifty foot the bredth fifteen a sumptuous Pavilion enameled with red and greene covered the top of it the two sides were two Arches whose roofs were inriched with a world of precious stones against the back of it was a throne all set with diamonds which sparkled round about in a wonderfull manner Therein sate Azamandra armed all over save her head and hands with such a majesticall beautie as amazed all that beheld her thirty Trumpets invironed this Chariot continually sounding with an admirable consort nine Amazon Queens followed close after and a good way off marched fifteen thousand Amazons in the same order as the first This excellent Princesse was received with all the honour that possibly could be done her especially by Falanzar who being strucken in love at the sight of so rare a creature kissed her hands and said unto her Madam I must beleeve that the gods have inspired you to come hither for to comfort us with your presence after so many losses as we have received Great Prince answered she it very much grieves me that I have been so slack in bringing you this succour which now proves altogether unprofitable in regard of the accord that you have made with your enemies but if there remains a room yet in the number of the hundred which you have chosen for the combat let me intreat you to give it me that I may testifie the desire I have to serve our gods and to make tryal of my self against the Princes of Greece who are every where so cryed up with incredible applause Madam replyed Falanzar it were a grievous sin me-thinks to expose so precious a Jewell as your incomparable self to the hazard of Arms neverthelesse since you desire it we will by no means oppose your pleasure whereon we will all of us absolutely depend You shall tomorrow then have the prime place and so many Princes as you behold here shall but second the greatnesse of your courage Having said so he with the most part of the Pagan Kings conducted her to her quarter and leaving her there to refresh her self and pitch her Tents he assembled all his Commanders to his Pavillion where having briefly remonstrated unto them of what importance the next dayes fight would be he desired them to permit him to dispose of the order that was to be observed in so dangerous an affair wherfore having chosen fiftie of the strongest Gyants that were stil remaining in the Army he nominated fourteen of the best Knights Errant of all Paganisme whose names shall be delivered hereafter thirtie two Kings and foure Amazonian Queens with Azmandra for the Combat On the other side Amadis of Gaule upon whose care the Christians altogether relyed intreated the Emperour of Martaria seeing his age did exempt him from the exercise of Armes that he would be pleased to be Judge of their Combat whereunto he having condiscended he ordained that Gelodan Atletta his Wife Astibel and Timbres of Aegypt Oriander the King of Catay the Queen Castora and Parmenian of Cyprus should be for the guard of the Camp as also to see their men might still be in readiness for all kind of accidents then finding that the rest of the Princes there assembled amounted to the number of an hundred he commanded them to be all prepared against the next morning which at length appearing to the equall contentment of both parts our Christians heard Masse and disposed of themselves as men fitted for another world whilst the Pagans to render their gods favourable offered a thousand sacrifices unto them That done the Emperour of Martaria and the King of Argosan Judge for the Pagans having begirt the Barriers with foure thousand men for the suretie of the field and the Trumpets being placed the Pagan Kings presenting themselves first with incredible confidence The beauteous Empresse of the Amazons marched formost clad in such rich Arms that the Diamonds upon them dazled the eyes of all the spectatours then followed Falanzar Brizardan the Soldan of Aralafia Marmaran Sophy of Bultara Policastaleon King of Zeilan Mambriman King of Fornacia Furiander son to the grand Salvage Asturion the stout Soldan of Brutacan Alceus the generous Artogant Soldan of Francapa Bacarguant the proud Knight Arastron Brufaldor King of Gedrosia Moranteon King of Circassia Bravorant King of Morimont Gorgophon Roussardan the furious King of Grifalara Antomedon Caliph of Francapia Typhaeus the dreadfull the gentle Knight Armorand Fieraston King of Balian Marisgolf the great the horrible Gyant Bramanaldon Pandaro the stout Radamant the inexorable and fiftie Gyants After whom went Gedereon King of Arginaria Gronfalin King of Facea Meliander King of Russia Armorand Palamedes king of Cassandria Asmorian King of the superiour India Salander Giracond Brandimart Raiartes Boraldo the strong Broncaldion king of the Arcofibrats Rindar Artilian Cariandâ—r Argilles â—â—dismond and Alarban These hundred Champions selected out of the best of all Paganisme being placed by the Judges the invincible King of great Brittain arrived with the rest of his fellow Knights in a most brave and gallant manner Trasiclea Claridiana Alastraxerea Hermiliana and Pentasilea entring first into the Lists were by the Emperour of Martaria opposed against Azamandra Tomiris Zenobia Anaxamena and Neophona and Amadis of Gaule set himself against Falanzar Belianis of Greece against Brizardan the Knight of the Sun against the most valiant Bucarguant Amadis of Greece against Fuâ—iander Florisel of Niquea against Mambriman Don Rogel against Asturion the strong Soldan of Brutacan Spheramond against Policasteleon Don Silves against the generous Alceus Claridian against the proud Knight Arastron Poliphebo against Brufaldor Rosicler against Radaemant Claramant against Pandaro the stout Rozalmond against the redoubted Bravorant Alcidamant against the great Gorgophon Amadis of Trebisond against Roussardan the furious Clarisel of Guindaya against the grand Salvage Persides of Greece against the dreadfull Typhaeus Floridan of Persia against Antomedon the proud Caliph of Francapia Amadis d' Astre against Artogant Russian of Media against Barcandor Fulgoran against the gentle Knight Armorand Prigmaleon against Marmaran Sophy of Bultara and the rest