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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
your assistance was never wanting to them and that without your ayd they could not so easily have endured those labours they have passed thorow Wherefore I will endevour to recompence you for it imparting to you certayne secrets that as yet are not come to your knowledge and that I know you will not a little esteeme But because your preservation is no lesse deare to me then their quiet I doe desire you all to goe with me to a Palace that I have whither wee will carry with us your Bookes and such instruments as are fit for those of our profession to the end that my sabour being added to your learning wee may the more easily finde out what shall most conduce to our designe I cannot doubt but you may have some cause to feare the undertaking of this voyage in the company of a man whom you never heard spoken of and that you may finde reason to decline it in the incommodity of your age but the good service I have done to Christendome which hath not undergone so great a losse as you beleeve and that also I intend to you in your owne particular may oblige you not to suspect any malice in me I love vertue too well to be a traytor and your lives are with mee no lesse considerable then mine owne Resolve with your selves then my deare friends and make no difficulty in following my advice Time will make you know mee better and experience assure you of my zeale to that which concernes the affaire I have in hand How pleasing is rest after labour and how sweet is assurance after feare These good folkes who expected nothing lesse then so gentle a language and that made no great account of their lives judging by Alcanders courage that he had no bad disposition gave him as many thanks as the favour he did in visiting them seemed great It is most true sayd Alquif that we would never have thought any other could have outgone us in the knowledge of the secrets of Magicke But your comming hither hath freed us of that error for this our Island being indivisible to all the world and so easily discovered by you our selves also in a maner bereft of our judgement in beholding you we cannot doubt but your knowledge is farre beyond ours Wherefore without any maner of distrust of you wee doe withall acknowledgement accept the honour of your company and the offer that you make of acquainting us with such secrets as have beene hitherto concealed from us And to testifie unto you that I speake ingenuously and freely I protest henceforth to depend wholly upon you so that if wee doe heereafter undertake any thing it shall not bee but by your advice and if our weake indevours may be of use to the greatnesse of your intentions we will joine them to yours without expecting of any part in the glory of your actions but that which shall redound from having been your servants Let us goe then when you please wee will carry with us what shall bee requisite and if you thinke good leave nothing behinde us in this Island No no answered Alcander that shall not need The best of your bookes will be sufficient Vrganda then having made up a bundle of them they all went into the Chariot of the Griffons that is to say Alquif Vrganda Zirza Zirenna Alquifa and the yong Cassandra who afterwards by the ayde of Alcander became so perfect in that art as she much excelled her parents The beasts having their load began to cut the ayre with an incredible swiftnesse and in a little time arrived at the Castle of Treasure which appeared to these Magicians so magnificent that they had never seene building equal to it As soone as they were come thither Alcander not to lose time desired them to put off their clothes and made them goe into those pretious baths which hee had formerly prepared to restore the Princes of Greece to the most flourishing estate of their age where after hee had kept them eyght dayes the wrinkles which covered their faces were cleane defaced their limbes enfeebled by a troublesome old age became firme their backes bending under the weight of yeeres were straightned their hayre whited with time changed colour in briefe they found themselves wholly altered from what they were in the unknowne Island Behold sayd then this great Prince of Philosophers the first favour I will doe to you that to me seemes of no meane importance But because wee are not assembled heere onely for our selves let us take a little paynes and see how wee may hinder the mischiefe which is yet to fall upon the house of Greece by the losse of some certayne yong Princes who are one day to be the strongest pillars of Christendome I propound this unto you though I thinke it unprofitable for the ordinances of heaven are inevitable howbeit our labour shall not bee without fruit and though wee cannot keepe them from imprisonment yet shall wee doe somewhat to helpe and preserve them among their enemies This sayd they began to make their conjurations apart which were not altogether unusefull as you shall know by the sequel of this Discourse That done Alcander thought good to returne his friends to their Island not discovering to them the enchantment of the Princes of Greece And having desired them to watch as till then they had done for the benefit of Christendome hee went away carrying Cassandra along with him to shew her all the secrets of Magicke and to render her perfect in that Art CHAP. IV. The Adventures of the Greeke Princes returning into their Empires FLorisel of Niquea approoving of the wise Alcanders advice did wholly desist from the purpose he had of ravaging the estate of the Pagans thereby to render his revenge the more memorable and resolved by break of day to depart for Greece ordering Alastraxerea to goe unto Trebisond Don Rogell into Persia Spheramond into the Empire of Parthia Lucendus into France Dorigell into the Fortunate Islands the King Gadart into the Island Megera Anaxander Florador Melindo Olidor Ginoldan Amanio d'Astre for their kingdomes and the rest whither fortune called them But fearing lest some new warre might breake foorth after his departure he left the moiety of his troopes with those whose Provinces were surrounded with the Pagans estates that they might not be surprised with any new garboyle and also might preserve the Countreys they had gotten Matters being thus disposed they attended the next rising Sunne which presented to them no lesse wonder then the day before had done for that vast and stately edifice wherein all those Kings Princes and Emperours were enclosed appeared no more nor was there any thing seene in the place thereof but onely the playne ground as it was before the battell This second losse had afflicted them for they receyved no meane consolation in seeing their parents interred with so much glory but straightway considered that this was some new device of that Magician
not without some trouble bear the little delay which she was forced to endure before she could be set aboord the ship into the which she was with her company no sooner entred but the Giants reassumed their former shapes which did so amaze them that with grief to find themselves so wofully abused they fell down more then half dead upon the deck Argenea seeing that which she so much desired in her power immediatly covered the ship with a cloud took her way back again with the same speed she had made thither and landed at the same port from whence she had weighed ancor not above five daies before But her house being ten leagues from thence she presently caused a Chariot to appear drawn by six horses of a monstrous greatnesse and having found by her last incantations she was threatned with a terrible mischief she willed her Giants to passe on and to bestow the Ladies in safe custody whilest she went to consult with a great Magician with whom she had formerly been very conversant to the end that by the help of his skill she might divert the storm which was ready to fall upon her yet all her devices were to no purpose for Alcander to whose knowledge all other mortall mens gave place having foreseen the mischievous intentions of this Hagg had first turned the Chariot somwhat out of the right way to make it come within the view of Spheramond to whom also he gave the same day those excellent arms by means wherof he escaped death which was otherwise inevitable being to fight with three or fowr of the most able Giants in the world all at one instant assembled all those Princes who had been separated from the Army into that one place being assured that Spheramond would at length be unable to resist so many Knights as were to combat him together These then were the Princesses which he saw passe by when overtaken with the night he was sleeping under the trees and the very same that were brought to the Castle of the twelve Towrs by the Giants when as those Princes sallied foorth to second the fair Savage who having met the Chariot followed the Giants to fight with them being mooved with pity at the lamentations of those Ladies But it is time to return to our former Discourse of Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan finding these Princesses under a tree who trembled with fear alighted from their horses and putting off their helmets that the Ladies might by seeing who they were be the better assured they kneeled down to kisse their hands but they were so amazed with the encounter of them as they were not able to speak a word which Parmenian observing to restore them to themselves he said I cannot but much wonder excellent Ladies to meet you in these uninhabited parts and so far remooved from your own Countries But you will be no lesse amazed when I tell you that the Emperour Spheramond is at the Castle which you see yonder accompanied with certain Princes of Greece who are merrier then the losse they have endured might seem to permit not knowing as yet of your being in these quarters Do not then I beseech you afflict your selves any further those that brought you hither are dead nor shall you find in that house any but such as were born to do you service At these words the Princesses recovered a little courage yet fearing such another treacherous trick as had been plaid them before they made but little shew of resenting that news and rested as it were in an extasie when Ladazan who marvailed at that coldnesse of theirs thus pursued his discourse Why how now Ladies are not these newes pleasing unto you and will you not return with us to glad the Emperour Verily this cariage of yours doth amaze me nor can I imagine from whence it should proceed since all feare of danger is past Let us go I beseech you without any more delay Well let us go said the Empresse Richarda who was somwhat the heartier of the three since you will have it so at the worst we can be but once more abused with that they advanced toward the Castle before the gate whereof stood Spheramond with Dorigell and the rest He at the first sight knowing them was strangely amazed at so unexpected an encounter O God! said he can I imagin or believe that my fair mistrisse is heer or can any man perswade me that I am not in a dream Tell me Madam am I in the Parthian Empire or is it possible that I should meet you in these desert plains which are not neer it by three hundred leagues Certainly I am so confounded and besides my self as I dare not embrace you fearing that you are heer through some enchantment I should have replied she my dear heart a great deal more cause to be astonished beholding you heer seeing it is not above six daies since you were with me in Parthia but you did so suddenly change your aspect that the pleasure of your sight was instantly followed with an infinit grief for not finding you any more like unto your self yet I do not now wonder any longer at it for by the way I learned that a Sorceres our enemy had plotted this treason against us anâ— that she had framed that enchantment for to surprise us She threatned me with death and to destroy with me the fruit that you left with me at your departure But since I see you heer with me I do no more fear her charms and care as little for her menaces speaking thus she gave him a million of kisses and did so hang upon his lips as he could hardly have leisure to answer the Infanta Rosaliana who came to entertain him and enquired for some news of her Husband I would said he gladly satisfie you if I knew how to do it with assurance but not being able to say any thing certainly I beseech you seek not to be informed but with as little curiosity as your love will permit In the mean time comfort your self in his absence and beleeve that heaven will not be so much an enemy to your quiet as not to render him unto you ere it be long with more content then ever you had These words were extreamly sensible unto her for she imagined that he was dead among so many other Princes and did therefore bewail him in her mind but unwilling to disturb her sisters contentment or make it appear that she distrusted the words of Spheramond she restrained her tears to return the salutes which she received from Silvan Dorigell and Amanio d' Astre who presented their service unto her having before tendred the same respect to the Empresse Richarda Some time then being spent amidst these complements the Empresse would needs visit the fair Savagesse who was in her bed with three wounds being much troubled that she could meet with no body that could dresse them But as they were consulting about finding out some Chyrurgion they
all his contentment together with the life of his Mistris threw so violent a thrust at him that was opposed to Grandimore as he ran him quite through the body and laid him dead upon the ground From him then turning presently to the third which was hand to hand with the strange Knight he let flie at him so furious a blow as he clove his cask and head down to the teeth Then looking upon the Count of Clina who was not able to rise he leapt from his horse went and disarmed his head and putting the point of his sword to his throat wretch as thou art said he confesse thy villany if thou wilt hope for any favour For Gods sake good Knight answered he be not so cruell as to take away my life Content your self with my being thus wofully dismembred I will freely discover the truth of this affair so you will but cause the Iudge to come down to me Heerwith the Duke of Rozolia descending from his scaffold the Count declared that the excellent beauty of the Queen having powerfully mastered his reason he had sought for relief at her hands but his suit being rejected by her with indignation he was so sensible of that disgrace as he had plotted this treason in revenge of his despised affection That he had never seen the actions of the Knight Ardant without respect nor the cariage of the Queen without modesty and that he most humbly besought the King to pardon this his offence for his repentance sake Let the Gods said Dardanor when they reported this confession to him never be favourable to me if once more I give ear to a man so wicked he shall suffer the punishment that he had ordained for my Wife to the end that traitors may by his example learn to be wise Having then caused him to be thrown into the fire he turned to receive the Queen unto whom he shewed all the kindnes that might be desiring her utterly to forget the curelty he had exercised towards her Afterwards addressing himself to the three Knights I confesse said he that I am engaged to you as much as I could have been for the reservation of mine own life But Gentlemen since you already have done so much for me please you oblige me further by letting me know who you are If my innocence were not apparant answered he in the azure arms and withall unbuckling his helmet I should not thus present my self before you Sir to entreat you to restore me the honour of your favour but the Count of Clina's confession giving me that boldnesse I come to continue my services if they may be acceptable unto you I am Sir the Knight Ardant who is not a little grieved that he hath been at any time the subject of your displeasure This great Knight is Grandimore whom the last day I purchased my friend in my way to Celibana This other is a stranger whom good fortune hath brought hither and whose name as yet I know not Pardon me then Sir if you please and make it appear that the malice of my enemies hath not been of power to take away your favour from me Nor shall it by the faith of a Prince said the King embracing him again and I am more troubled for having so lightly given credit to this calâ—â—â—y then for any thing that ever I did in all my life you are most truly welcome and so are these Cavaliers whom one day I will recompence for their pâ—iâ—s but since it is a time of rejoicing let us talk no more of our passed misfortunes See where my Wife comes to entertain you you shall from her receive the acknowledgement that is due to your valour Wherupon he withdrew leaving the three Knights with the Queen who made infinitly much of them wondring at the beauty of the strange Knight that was so like to Fulgoran as there was no great difference between them Some time being sweetly spent in these complements the Knights were conducted to their Chambers there to be unarmed to the extream vexation of these Lovers who for fear of reviving the suspition that had touched upon them passed this interview slightly over holding no other discourse together but with their eyes and thoughts As soon as they were retired to their Lodgings the Physitians and Chyrurgians by order from the King came to visit their wounds But the strange Knight and Fulgoran had not that need of their aid which the Giant Grandimore had whom they found hurt in fowr places whereat the Knight Ardant was much grieved in regard he loved him dearly for his virtue how beit his displeasure consisted not only in that but rather for that he was barred from his Mistris who suffered no lesse then he and that durst not look familiarly on him for fear of falling again into the danger which so lately she had escaped Living then in this vexing restraint all maner of delights were unpleasing to them and perhaps this sadnes of theirs might have turned to their ruine if the Gods who take care of all things had not given them a remedy thereunto as I will presently shew you CHAP. XIII A Damsell comes to the Court of Dardanor for to obtain a gift of the Queen by whose means she carries away the Knight Ardant and the stranger Their ensuing adventures THE Court of Romeria being full of extraordinary joy for the declaration of the Queens innocency a Damsel of an indifferent beauty entred one way into the great Hall of the Palace and falling on her knees before the Queen she thus said unto her Madam if the misfortunes which oppresse me were of force enough to make me stoop to weak and base expressions of my sorrow I would powr a river of tears at your feet to make you pity my mishaps and stir up a desire in you to succour me by the multiplicity of my complaints But knowing that Art is needles to the ingaging of a generous mind I only come humbly beseeching you to grant me one boon wherby I hope to get out of those my sighs wherinto the treason of certain wicked persons have plunged me The gentle maner of your request said the Queen doth not permit me to refuse you Say then sweet heart what is it that you desire of me for I am most ready to grant it I did not expect an answer lesse noble from your Majesty replied the Damsell therfore will presently begin the acknowledgements that I ow for this favor with a protestation of continuing them all my life That which I desire at your gracious hands is that you will command these two Knights pointing to Fulgoran and the stranger to follow me for the freeing of my Father whom the most distoiall man in the world holds prisoner with an intent to deprive him of the Dutchy of Matran which after his death is to discend upon me It may be you will think me uncivill for craving a thing of you that depends on the will of
the two Knights were and assailing the two Giants they laid upon them so lustily as they quickly made them dispair of the victory The combat was very hot between these fowr but no whit lesse dangerous on the other side for the two Knights desirous to make use of time charged their enemies with so much fury as they cut them all in pieces except one that was very richly armed who unwilling to die with the rest though he had behaved himself very bravely before intreated for life and liberty You shall have it said one of them provided you let us know both who you are and why you caused us to be thus assaulted It is said he the least that I can do since I am in your power but I could wish that these fowr Knights who are fighting together might be seperated for the death of the two Giants would be very grievous to me with that he stept forward to put himself between them when as he saw them tumble into the sea with two fearfull blows which at one instant they had received See said he with tears in his eies that which I feared more then the losse of minâ— own life but the matter being now past remedy I must have patience remembring the estate wherin I am I will give you an account of what you require of me I am a kinsman to the mighty King of Canabea the Christian Princes capitall enemy and am now come from treating with the great Cariff of Affrica and the King of Coriza to whom I was emploied for to invite them to a war against the Princes of Greece the cause wherof is rather for religion then conquest and my voiage was successefull enough had I not lighted upon you for having obtained all that I desired namely fifty thousand men to fall upon the Empire of Trebisond besides an hundred and thirty thousand more which are already levied in the Kingdomes of Canabea Romeria and Calican I returned extreamly well satisfied in the company of those two Giants which the King of Coriza had given me by whose aid I did not doubt but to see the Crown of Trebisond placed on my masters head the rather for that I knew the principall defenders of that Empire are dead so as the Christians have been constrained to commit the government therof to an Amazonian woman and that those which survive will not willingly quit their own provinces for fear of being invaded by other Pagan Kings Behold what you can expect from me in discharge of my promise it remaineth now that you make yours good and restore me to my former liberty as you have preserved my life The Princes of Greece answered one of the first Knights aretrue of their words and stand in no doubt of their enemies Experience should have made them wiser and so many battels as they have lost should me thinks be able to break that obstinate desire they have to die in this quarrell but since they will not guide themselves by reason they shall not be more gently entertained then they have been heertofore They have reason to say that the bravest Knights in the world are dead but there yet remain enough to trample on the heads of all such as shall dare to provoke them And to testifie unto you that we do not much regard their menaces we will give you leave to proceed on your voiage and you may tell your kinsman that for a beginning of the war you have met with Greek Princes as full of curtesie as courage This said he commanded to weigh anchor and letting them go he turned to the two Knights with no little admiration to see them so yong and so excellent Esquilan having observed them very attentively desired them not to be displeased if his curiosity caried him to demand of them who they were to the end they might the better know to what persons they were engaged for so many caresses and praises wherwith they had rewarded the poor service they had done them We are said one of them too much obliged to you to refuse to let you understand who we are I am Dorigel King of the fortunat Islands and this other is the valiant Amanio d'Astre at these words they redoubled their embraces and continuing their discourse they resolved to take several waies Dorigel commanded to steer for the fortunat Island for to raise some forces in aid of the Greek Princes Russian and the Polack reentred their Bark in pursuit of their fortune and the gentle Amanio took his way towards the Parthian Empire from which he was not then far distant to advertise Spheramond of the Pagans design as he did within a few daies after these news having diverted that great Emperour from his ordinary passions made him give order for the raising of men for dispatching away speedily of certain Gentlemen unto Greece and Trebisond lest they should be surprised by the enemy and sâ—ewing an exceeding affection to the welfare of Christendome he hastned his levies and in person set forward with ten thousand horse and twenty thousand foot On the other side Florisel and Rogel were no lesse carefull and beyond them all Alastraxarea for seeing their estates exhausted by so many former wars they were much grieved to behold their people thus continually subject to alarums but not able to force the destinies they suddenly gave order for their affairs Don Rogel dislodging with thirty thousand men at arms and Don Florisel with fifteen thousand horse and twenty thousand foot In the mean time the ship wherin Russian was having ran two daies without meeting any adventure arrived at the foot of a little mountain which seemed to the Knights so pleasant that they presently landed much admiring to see their horses upon the shore in the same equipage that they had left them in but ceasing their wonder by the remembrance of what they had seen the old man and the damsell do not long before they presently mounted upon them and taking a beaten way that lead up to the top of the mountain they spent about an howr or more at the end wherof they found a Cave whose mouth was stopt with certain pieces of wood which made them conjecture that there was some secret within it their curiosity then not permitting them to go any further without knowing whether there were any adventure within it worthy their courages they alighted and tying their horses to a Tree they thrust away the bars so as with little difficulty they made that entry free for them but that not being large enough for two to passe in front Russian drew out his sword and intreating Esquilan to stay there till his return he went on a pretty way in that darknes not without some apprehension of falling into some precipice out of which he should never be able to disingage himself but then presently espying a lamp he marched with more assurance by the light therof till he came into a vault of about five and twenty or
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
seemed furies in summe nothing appeared but bloud and slaughter The King of Calican meeting with Alastraxerea and Fulgoran with Florizell began a furious combat but it lasted not long for they were divided by a troop of Pagans which invironing this valiant Prince and his sister reduced them into very great danger of their lives had not Spheramond and the gallant Amanio d'Astre come in just at the time when as their horses were killed under them these two Princes knowing Florizell and his sister slew in suddenly amidst their enemies and so wonderfully behaved themselves as they gave their friends leave to breathe a while howbeit their succour had little prevailed against so great a multitude amongst the which were three Giants if the brave Russian of Media together with the five white Knights had not put himself in the head of fifty Knights wherewith he charged the enemy so furiously that after they had slain above two hundred of them even before Fulgorans face they re-mounted Florizell and the valorous Alastraxerea who renewing the fight with more rage then before seemed not be wearied at all with their former toil Whilst matters past thus in this part Don Rogell with Esquilan Florerian Dardanio Quedragant and Florizart arrested the fury of the Cariffes Giants and Florimond whereby their people were so heartened as they were no whit dismayed with the sight of so many corpes as lay dead before them The slaughter having continued all the day with the Combattants incredible pain the night came on which parted them without knowing unto whom fortune was most favourable the Pagans retired to their Camp and the Christians to their tents not a little glad to see the principall Knights preserved from the fury of this best debated battell that ever was fought The number of the dead being calculated on both sides it was found that the Pagans had lost ninety two thousand men with seven Giants and the Princes Bruzanges Florimond and the Cariffe sore wounded the Christians for their part having fifty seven thousand men slain Florizell and Alastraxerea both hurt the one in the shoulder the other in the arm The retreat thus made the Christian Princes after they had caressed the new Knights which were Florian and Tristor of Sobradiza Agrian of Scotland Fulurtin and Melfort met in counsell about their affairs where every one agreeing to Don Rogells advice who perswaded the renewing of the fight by break of day to let the enemy see that neither losse nor labour could affright them word was brought that an Ambassadour was come from the Knight Ardant Let him said Don Rogell come in his presence will not scare us The Ambassadour then being admitted spake to them all in this manner Princes of Greece the King of Canabea beleeving that you have need of rest as well as himself and that you will be as willing to do all fair offices to those which have lost their lives on your side as well as he would be to such as died on his he hath sent me hither to require a trâ—ce for eight dayes to the end every man may bestow 〈…〉 upon his friends that time expired he will let you understand the designe he hath resolved on for to give an end to this war Don Rogell that was chiâ—â—e in the counsell by reason of the absence of Florizel of Niquea his father who was retired into the citie by reason of his hurt would have had the advice of the other Princes upon this demand but they all protesting to be wholly gâ—ided by him he thus answered the Embassadour We had resolved before your comming to have seen to morrow morning what the issue of our warre would have been and to that end had commanded our men to be ready by break of day but now we will let your master know that the Princes of Greece will never be wanting in courtesie no more then in courage The truce then which in his name you require we are content to grant you and will be glad to understand what his designe is that we may contribute thereunto all that is necessarie on our part This answer being returned to Fulgoran very much contented his army and the Christians retired into their tents to refresh themselves at leasure CHAP. XXI Vpon the point of a combat between Fulgoran the Cariffe Florimond and the unknown Knight with Spheramond Amanio d'Astre Russian and Esquilan two Damsels interrupting them carried them away THe field being cleared of the dead bodies Fulgoran who had no greater desire then to be victor in that war incessantly studied how to bring that to passe one while he was inclined to put his army once more to the hazzard of a battle but straight remembring the horrible slaughter which had been made of his men he had compassion of so many innocent people and desired to triumph with lesse effusion of bloud but not knowing which way to iattain thereunto he passed the most part of his time in these meditations without drawing any resolution out of an infinity of thoughts At the last returning one day from the forrest where he often used to walk with a determination to raise his siege and afterwards to dispute by a combat of two to two not the Empire which now he durst not hope for but the glory of the victory he heard the voyce of one that complained wherewith his heart being moved to pitty he suddenly turned his horse that way and approaching to certain trees which Nature had set very close together he saw thorow the branches a Knight laid upon the grasse armed at all peeces except his handâ— and head his eyes were full of tears his face pale yet did not that hinder him from appearing very handsome The sadnesse of this object not leaving him without resenting the griefe which he saw him endure moved him to alight for to present his best assistance unto him when as he saw him rise from the ground and take a Lute that hung upon the boughes of one of the trees whereunto he sung a very mournfull ditty which being ended he returned his Lute to the former place and throwing himselfe upon the grasse he said Is it possible to finde a more unhappy man then my selfe in the world and who can say that I am not the worst required of any that ever sighed for love Hope mitigates the torments of lovers and if they suffer it is with a certain opinion that time will change their misfortune and that patience will render the end of their desires happy but alas my misery is not of that quality I languish without possibility of hope and the death of Arthemisa deprives me of all the blisse that man can expect I love her as much in the grave as when she lived and foolishly imagining that she will one day revive to set me at rest I cannot resolve to entertain any affection for another Mistresse Good Gods is not my destiny very deplorable herein Have I not cause to complain
gantlets without so much as once moved in their saddles Russian that ran against the great Cariffe of Africa made him lose his stirrups and had pierced him thorow and thorow had not his staffe broke upon his shield Amanio d' Astre and the unknown Knight were both overthrown to the ground and the brave Esquilan having incountered Florimond on the helmet made him see the stars in plain day and so to stagger that he was ready to kisse the earth but his enemies blow being not effectlesse he lost one stirrup which yet he so speedily recovered as fewtook notice of it This course being performed with some advantage to the Grecian Princes the Pâ—gans were not well pleased and would willingly have proceeded to a further triall by the sword but perceiving these two women advance unto whom they were ingaged by their word they followed them though extreamly grieved for having been thus diverted from their enterprise Neverthelesse desâ—â—ing not to appear discontented they comforted themselves with the hope that time would furnish them with occasions to satisfie their wills Assoon as they were gone a league these Damsels staid at the meeting of two wayes and one of them turning to Fulgoran said unto him Excellent Prince you and I with the unknown Knight must follow this addresse whilst my companion leads the other Knights this way to a place where their presence will be very necessary I have told you answered Fulgoran that I will never decline your Mistresses commands let us then proceed in the way since you will have it so and let these Lords take the other herewith imbracing with some shew of sorrow they parted and followed their guides She that conducted Fulgoran observing by his countenance that he was melancholy said unto him Sir be not troubled for that my Mistris hath not suffered you to fight with the Princes of Greece it was not done without good consideration the day would have been fatall and your enterprise could not have been ended without great mischief when you shall know your self you will think that she hath done nothing without reason and you will thank her for the care she hath alwayes had of your content she loves you though as yet you cannot say wherefore but you shall understand it from her the first day that you shall see her which shall be the happiest and the most dangerous of your whole life and behold new testimonies of her affection Thereat Fulgoran who lent an attentive ear to her discourse lift up his eies and saw two Dwarfs the one upon the fairest courser in the world the other much lesse and more deformed with a great pack on his back This said she taking the horse by the bridle and presenting it unto him is that which now she gives you she will not change your arms because they are excellent but knowing that you desire others for that you would not be known she hath committed a secret unto me to quench these burning colours whereupon pouring a violl of water upon them she rendered them quite black but so polished as one might see himself in them This now continued she doth represent the grief you are in for that you do not know who you are and remember I tell you that these arms shall not lose this colour till you be known at which time they shall re-assume their ardent flames to make you burn with a new fire and be assured that this change will not let you doubt of your dissent when you shall call to minde these my words Now this is all that you may learn from me at this present As for you brave Knight speaking to the unknown you may beleeve that she loves you also and for some instance thereof she hath commanded me to present you with these arms which are in this pack that are far fitter for the adventures you are to undergo then those you have on you you shall do well to accept of them from her accordingly and to be confident that they will be very usefull to you you may not leave this way because it is not without a mysterie that you are brought into it and doing that which belongs to the duty of good Knights yield more to the glory of your name then to your passions Saying so she vanished away together with the Dwarfs leaving the horse under Fulgoran and the arms upon the back of the unknown Knight CHAP. XXII Fulgoran and the unknown Knight arriving at the Castle of Argenea sister to the King of the frâ—zen Islands force her guards destroy her inchantments and free many good Knights there imprisoned FVlgoran no lesse astonished with the alteration of his Arms then contented to see himself master of so brave an horse looked a pretty while upon the unknown Knight without a word speaking as if he would have demanded of him what he thought of the affaire but knowing full well the great power of the Damsell whom he had seen in the palace of the rock which was no other then Vrganda the unknown he ceased from further marvell for to think of her words that lately left him I am perswaded said he to himselfe that I am the son of some Christian Prince and I have reason to think so for this Lady that favours my enterprises would not now twice have diverted me from fighting with those famous Knights of Greece if I might have done it without offence Moreover if I call to minde the speech of that old man whom I met withall the same day I received the order of Knighthood and at my coming to the Crown of Canabea I cannot doubt of it for the most part of my Barons do affirm that the Queen Florella my mother contracted a marriage in private with the brother of the greatest Prince of Christendome and for that onely consideration did they put the Scepter into my hands as being the lawfull heire of the countries under her obedience If it be so I ought to serve them and not seek to ruine them by my Arms. But what do I say Serve them that were to be base and insensible of indignities They have beguiled the simplicity of an amorous woman and made her ardours serve to end her life wherefore me thinks it were more reasonable for me to lose my selfe with her then leave this crime unpunished Howbeit there is no remedy for that which is past and my revenge would but increase my griefe and shame things therefore must be left as they are and I must labour to finde out the truth of the matter rather then run indiscreetly into actions of perpetuall repentance Having been long entertained with these thoughts he came to himself and cheering the unknown Knight who was no lesse transported with his imaginations they continued on their way till night which they passed in a sound sleep under the trees after they had fed on such cates as their Squires had provided Rising the next morning with the Sun they got to horse and travelled so
will not suffer you to slip any occasion that may adde to your glory but such affairs as are both of importance and pressing must precede them that may be deferred without danger having thus spoken he vanished out of his sight leaving the Knight more quieted in his minde then before and not a little wondering at the vast knowledge of those to whose skill it seemed his fortune was inseparably attracted Laying himself down then upon his bed he quickly fell asleep but he did not continue so long for his Squire waking them all shewed them afar off a great number of ships in battell array ready to attacque another fleet which in the like order appeared against them Their vessell sailing that way as they desired they saw these vessels meet together and begin a furious Sea-fight in which at the first they medled not being as yet uncertain in favour of whether side they were to employ their arms But discerning white crosses in the flags of those on the right hand they resolved to be for the other side and accordingly had their swords in their hands to give a charge when as they saw a man in the midst of the waves who laying hold of their ship besought them to take him up and not to suffer him to perish in that pitifull element The Squires having drawn him aboord Fulgoran that guessed him to be a Pagan came to him and asked him whom he served He answered that he was a subject to Dardanor King of Romeria who having raised a mighty army and shipped it in the fleet which they saw to invade the kingdom of Canabea in revenge of the affront done him by the King thereof through his too much famâ—liarity with the Queen his wife contrary to the respects of the friendshâ—p between them had met with this fleet of Christians bound for Trebisond and being a mortall enemy to that profession hath charged them in hope to defeat them As I live said Fulgoran your master is a villain and though by my religion I an obliged to the ruine of the Christians yet for this once will I be their servaâ—t Get you then into the fiâ—st of your ships that you come to for I will not out of my bate to your master make you lose your life after I have saved it and tell Dardanor that heer is the King of Canabea who will not put him to the trouble of going so far since he hath so conveniently met with forces heer so turning to Prigmalion he thus spake unto him Deare friend I am extreamly grieved that I must employ my sword for the enemies of our Gods but the wrong which this Prince hath done his wife which is she that is here aboord us and that which he intended to me raising this mighty Army to ruine my countrey do not permit me to incounter him without revenge for we to make use of the times and occasions that Fortune presents us wâ—th If you will assist me I shall take it for a singular favour if not at least wise affoord it to the afflâ—ction of a Lady unjustly banished her countrey which as a Soveraigne she possessed and as a malefactor basely entreated by a jealous and cruell husband How fir said Prigmaleon do you think that I will leave you in the fight and turn my Arms against a side for which you shall declare your selfe Be assured never for I do not consider with whom but why I fight Dardanor is your enemy therefore I cannot love him he hath raised these forces against you we must endevour to defeat them and as you said mâ—ke use of time and occasion Let us then follow our fortune which offers it self so fairly unto us And since the Christians have diverted the storme which was intended should fall upon you let us if we can procure them the victory and overthrow the malitious designe of this ingratefull and barbarous Prince With these words they passed into the middest of the two armies and seeing the fight hottest between two great ships which were grapled together the one bearing the Aâ—mes of Romeria in their tops and the other wâ—itâ— Crosses with Eagles they boorded the Pagans ship all three together leaving their Squires in guard of their baâ—k and of Clâ—â—rangia who seemed more dead then alive and began to make such a slaughter as the deck was covered with bloud and dead karkasses The Christians making use of the advantage which the Knights gave them followed them close and entring with them among their enemies continued the butchery with so much fury that the sea round about them was died all red with blood Fulgoran knowing Dardanor by his rich Armor in despight of all that were about him could do got up to him and letting flye a mighty blow at his head he cut it in two pieces laying him stark dead on the hatches That done he entred another ship of the enemies which made a strong resistance and beginning a like destruction as in the former he overthrew so many dead into the sea as the water was fuâ—l of them This execution having continued above five hours and the death of the King of Romeria being known they presently tacked about and the Captains desiring to save that which remained after so furious a charge retired to the next pâ—rt whence they came the same morning Fulgoran being no lesse discreet then brave and able taking a sudden resolution upon this retreat of the enemy turned himselfe about and addressing himselfe to the Generall of the Christians whose valour during the fight he had admired said unto him Excellent Prince I know not whether you will think me bold to crave any thing of you not having obliged you by precedent services to grant it and being besides a worshipper of other Gods then yours but vertue is to be exercised every where and the duty which we ow to our religion doth noâ— prohibite us to be courteous and to help one another when occasion is offered my enemies are defeated as well as yours for you must know that this Fleet was intended against my countrey in revenge of a wrong that King Dardanor said he had received at my hands howbeit that the victory which you have gloriously gotten may be well managed and that I may also make my benefit of it for the reliefe of a distressed Queen unto whom as a Knight of worth you also are bound not to refuse your assistance be pleased to put your army again into battle array and present it rather to fear then wholly to destroy them In the mean time I will go and visit them with their Queen whom Fortune not long since put into my hands to the end I may if possibly I can restore her to the Crown of Romeria wherof she was deprived by the jealous humour of her husband and bring her subjects to receive her commands with as much obedience as heretofore Brave warriour answered he I so approve of your compassion of an ill intreated Princesses
misery that in stead of denying you I will my selfe accompany you into the countrey that if her subjects will bee rebellious we may with force reduce them to their duties and leaving my course for Trebisond where I beleeve I might be very necessary in regard of the multitude of enemies which iâ— may be do now ravage that countrey I shall think it a glory to oblige you to that end without sticking at the consideration of our different religions As for the victory which you ascribe to me I will not receive the honour of it since you and your friends have the best part therein for this army being levied against you I will beleeve that I have only been an assistance to you without whom I could never have vanquâ—shed it Let us then advance when you please onely do me the favour I pray you to tell me your nâ—mes I am said Fulgoran so much obliged to you as I cannot conceal my self from you I am the King of Canabea who not three months since held your Empire of â—rebisâ—â—d in fear But the losse of a very great number of brave men of both sides in the battle and skirmish between us making me desirous to decide our difference by a combat of four with so many of the Greek Princes I sent presently to the Citie where my offer was accepted My men then being all embarked except those that were of the party we were in the field and within the lists when expecting nothing but sounding of the trumpers we saw two damsels enter who obtained a Boon both of us our adversaries carried us presently away not permitting us any other triall then that of the lance wherin the honour was equall and now sailing in this sea guided by Fortune and the waves we discovered you this morning and were ready to side with your enemies your white crosses for bidding us to assist you against those of our religion but understanding Dardanors designe I followed your colours and have left him in that case as he shall never attempt again upon the estates of his neighbours For these two Knights said he pointing unto Prigmalion and to the unknown Knight I cannot dispense with the oath which they have taken not to reveale themselves be pleased then to excuse me though I tell you no more and that the favour you do me may be compleat refuse not the samething you required of me I mean the knowing of you Nor will I answered he for your freenesse with me doth oblige me to more then that I am Dorigel King of the fortunate Island and this Amazon which you see with her helmet on is my wife and called Cilinda we came out of our countrey to carry aid to the Princes of Greece our kinsmen neverthelesse since the siege as you say is raised we will proceed no further in our intended voyage but changing our designe will employ this Army for the re-establishment of the Queen of Romeria Commanding then his Fleet to go on toward the evening the Army drew into order within a bow shot of them giving Fulgoran time for the effecting of his designe whereupon he departed in the same Bark that brought him thither onely with his two friends and the faire Queen of Romeria in his company And holding up a gantlet in signe of parly he went aboord the Admirall where all the principall commanders were assembled and adressing himselfe in particular to some that he knew holding Clairangia by the hand he so well remonstrated their duty unto them that they all submitted to her as their Soveraigne Princesse protesting they were never so much discontented with any thing as her absence Fulgoran infinitely pleased to see a new oath of allegeance unto her and the affection that her subjects did beare her besought her to give him leave to returne to the Christian Army that hee might give Dorigel thanks for his assistance which she could not well refuse him yet granted it upon his promise of returning the next morning to conduct her into Romeria with a troop there to possesse him of the crown thereof together with her selfe But Fortune suffered him not to dispose of himselfe for as he was with Prigmalion and the unknown Knight aboord his Bark she put to sea in sight of both the Armies with such celerity as immediatly they had lost sight of her Fulgoran was vexed at this sudden parting for his amorous passions left him not in quiet and gladly would he have returned to bâ—the himselfe in those delights which he had before with so much pleasure tasted But calling to minde that all things were disposed of by the ordinances of heaven he grew more patient seeming lesse troubled then he was by the secret conversation of the two Knights that accompanied him On the other side the Queen was more grieved with separation for feare that she should not see him again of a long time she was ready to despaire but desiring to have the cause of hâ—r grief concealed lest otherwise she might be condemned for it she carried her selfe so discreetly that it was beleeved she was not troubled with his absence but onely in regard it much disordered her affairs Dorigel seeing this his departure and well knowing there was in that Bark no sailer lesse wondered at it then others for that he conceived as the truth was all this was done by the care which some Magician had of him Being therefore advertised by a light Frigot which he had sent to the enemy that Clairangia's affairs were setled and she in security he returned his Army into the fortunate Island under the command of his wife Cilinda and shipping himselfe with onely one Squire sailed towards Constantinople whither he understood all the Greek Princes were gone CHAP. XXIV Fulgorans and Prigmalions adventure in the fearfull Isle FVlgoraâ— being carried away by the winde so much against his will continually bestowed his thoughts in considering how lovers are alwayes crost in their affections from whence drowing an infallible conclusion of the uncertainty of things discreetly resolved never more to hold himselfe assured of any and to receive the disgraces and favours of the world with an equall minde Having entertained himselfe the restof the day with these cogitations night drew on which gave him occasion to lay himselfe down upon his bed where the labour he had endured being more powerfull then his fancies he fell into a long and sound sleep No man can doubt but that our imaginations do work strongly upon our senses and that whilst our bodies are at rest our souls do fix on the objects wherunto waking we were most intentive This Knight being fallen asleep in discoâ—tent for the absence of his mistrisse dreamed about break of day that he found her sleeping on the fairest flowers that ever he had seen that when he drew towards her to enjoy the same privacies with her he had used to do a Giant of a most horrid and hideous aspect caught her up
any Knight to passe without trying this adventure Now you know the losse that I have endured and the onely cause of my tears in regard whereof I demand some Knight who by punishing this offence may make me as joyfull as now you see me afflicted Your desire said Spheramond appears to me so just as I will gladly do you service in it if you will but give me time to take my arms Certainly it seems my Lord said Russian then that you intend to have all the glory of the world to your self alone Have you not honour enough already Or will a petty adventure adde any wâ—it to the praises that are now given you Not at all your name doth sufficiently fliâ— abroad iâ— every mans mouth noâ— is there any need that you should labour to purchase more fame Leave I beseech you the care of this affair to me and permit me to seek occasions to imitate your vertue You shall do as you will said Spheramond nor will I ever oppose so brave an ambition Go then when you please but remember to return I pray you and not suffering your self to be carried away with any new fansie think that ere long we shall have occasion to imploy you Be assured said Russian extreamly glad with the leave he had gotten I will not but upon necessity go far and that our enemies shall see me the first in the field with that doing reverence to all those Princes he leaped on horsback and left them all much grieved at his departure For remembring a number of surprises wherewith they had been otherwhiles caught themselves they with reason feared he might be carried somewhither where the danger might be greater then to incounter one Knight alone Neverthelesse retaining the same greatnesse of courage which they ever carried in all their actions they made no shew of any sadnesse but committing the care of his good fortune to heaven they setled themselves to behold the justs where Tristor shewed so much valour as he was commended of all men In the mean time Russian meditating more of his new passion which he felt for the fair Agriclea then of the affair wherein he waâ— imployed â—ravelled with some discontent to the Damsell who not approving that silence of his as if it had testified a kinde of faintnesse in him she thâ—â— said I will not condemn your humour before I know you better but I would gladly understand the occasion of your sadnesse to the end I might serve you with as much freenesse as you have shewed courage iâ— undertaking the revenge of my wrong You must impute it to time answered he which doth not give us leave to be alwayes of one temper and not to any ill disposition of nature It is a fault I confesse for you have enough to divert a troubled mind but I shall desire you not to be offended with it since I fail not out of malice and that I am ready to make aamends for my errour It was not to constrain your actions that I set this discourse on foot replied he but knowing that the withdrawing one from melancholy thoughts doth many times oblige a man I took the boldnesse to call you that you might do better to be merry then thus to lose your selfe in such cogitations Riding on then in this sort they past away the day with many pleasing discourses and the night in a sound sleep though they had no other covering then the trees But the Sun having waked them they pursued their former way and travelled till noon when as they came to the tree where the Damsell hoped to finde her gallant and to make him give an account of the Armes that he had taken from her howbeit she was extreamly amazed when she saw neither the sword nor the helmet hanging on the boughes I am most certain said she looking Russian in the face that my griefe as great as it was did not take my understanding from me and that this tree is the witnesse of the wrong which the robber did me of whom I now complain as well as of the oathes which he swore to tarry eight dayes for me here No I am not mistaken for see where the grasse is pressed down with the weight of his body This is the bough whereon that pretious sword hung and these the same stones upon which he sate down to try if the helmet would fit his head yet I wonder he should be gone considering how he boasted of his valour neverthâ—lesse to speak truth I have no great reason to think it strange for could I hope that a thiefe would stand upon respect of honor and that he would prize his faith above his profit people of that metall use to promise any thing and perpetually fail he is gotten away to hide his booty and keeping out of my sight beleeves that he shall never be forced to restore it again But I am resolved either to lose my selfe or to be revenged wherefore if you please let us go on and seke him so long till we heare some newes of him I am ready said Russian to do as you shall command me since your enemy is not heer let us go and learn what is become of him Being about then to depart they spied a Dwarse so little that the grasse whereon he lay covered half of his body It may be said the Damsell laughing that we may have some notice here of what we seek let us enquire sir of this little ugly fellow what is become of the Knight As I live said the Dwarf rising up in haste I would not so much as open my mouth to give you the satisfactâ—on you desire did not the worth of this Knight perswade me to it as much as your injuries disswade me from it wherupon turning to Russian Knight said he will you command me any service I desire answered Russian that you would be pleased to tell us where we are and if you have seen any Knight under this tree You are said the Dwars in the Kingdome of Macedon this Oke is called the tree of adventure because that ordinarily here falls out one novelty or other and the Knight after whom you enquire is this morning gone away at the request of a damsell who hath carried him to the guard of the castle of Love from hence I am said Russian satisfied in few words but my friend you may adde one greater obligation yet to that wherein I stand already indebted unto you by giving me information of the Castle you speake of I would replied he if it were in my power to satisfie you but truly sir my curiosity did never stretch so far onely my opinion is that it is called the Castle of Love because there is to be seen in an inchanted room there that proud Deity which triumphs over the hearts of lovers seated upon a throne of Marble at the end whereof are two Arches whereinto no living man could ever yet enter Now if you be not contented herewith and
that you aske me why the entring into that house is forbidden I will tell you that as far as I could gather by the Damsels discourse which carried the Knight away that it is to hinder a great happinesse to Christendome predestined to it by the ruine of this inchantment which is shortly to come to an end I could not said Russian be more clearly informed in what I desired to know so that I will trouble you no further Saying so he passed on with his guide determining to go into the Castle and see the end of that adventure CHAP. XXV Don Rogell by a strange meanes is brought to the Castle of Love and having with Russian of Media given an end to the inchantment they both remained inchanted under the arches of the 〈◊〉 of lovers DVring the time that Russian was going to the Castle of Love Don Râ—gel weary of the City had a minde to refresh his spirits on hunting commanding therefore the dogges to be brought to the wood and with some gentlemen getting to horse he entred into a Coppice where within a while he saw a Stâ—gge come out one of the greatest that ever he had seen Passion that often hurries us after what we desire made him so run his horse after the Deer as presently he had lost his company and thought they followed him hard yet none of them knew what was become of him for being better mounted then they he quickly got a great deal of ground of them and stopt not but upon occasion of a new incounter as full of danger as of wonder he saw comming out of the wood fix Savages which carried a great pack upon their shoulders and two terrible Giants that conducted them with so horrid an aspect that the onely view of them might have affrighted any heart lesse couragious then that of this valiant Prince But being incapable of feare he observed them a good while and at last was advancing with an extream desire to know what was in that pack had he not withall remembred that he was without Arms that therefore reason did forbid him the committing so rash a part and that 〈◊〉 an indiscreet act would bring him much more blame then commendation Returning then into the wood without any further thought of hunting but onely with a purpose to finde out his people among whom was 〈◊〉 Sqâ—â—re who alwayes carried a compleat armour for him he made many returns in it with infinite discontent that he was not then in case to fight for fearing he should not meet with this adventure again he thought himselfe unfortunate and carried with an unusuall rage he determined to turn head and try his fortune onely with his sword whereas casting his eye about â—n every side to see which way he were best to take for his pâ—rsuit of the Savages he spled a green cuirasle at the foot of the tree with an helmet and shield of the same colour That fortune no lesse expected then wished for changing his displeasure into joy made him instantly alight and taking up the cuirasle with the rest of the Arms that belonged to it he armd himselfe from head to foot Hereupon being more contented then he had been of a long time he speedily remounted his horse and never thinking of the discontent his friends would be in for his departure he travelled so long that night came upon him neeâ— to the cabbine of a young Shepheard who received him with much courtesie giving him such entertainment as his narrow fortunes were able to affoord The desire he had to reap the fruit of his labour not permitting him to sleep soundly he gat up by break of day and proceeded in his former way till thâ—t about two hours after noon he saw a proud Castle before the which two Knights were in fight with very much courage The neerer he drew to them the crueller their combat appeared to be for the terrible blows they gave one another shewed an extream force and made him think that the death of them both would perhaps be the end of their combat Being delighted with this furious fight he staid a while to observe the violence and adresse wherewith these Knights struck and avoided the blows of one another But hearing a noyse on the left hand he turned suddenly about seeing the Savages and the Giants whom he soâ—ght for ready to enter into the Castle by another gate far greater then that before which this combat was begun he spurred away so hard that he got into the gate just as the last Giant entred who giving him no leasure to informe himselfe of this adventure charged him very furiously with a beliefe that he should dispatch him at the first blow But this Prince that knew the way to vanquish lifting up his shield over his head bâ—re off the violence of his sword that descended without harming him and at the same instant made so strange a thrust at him that hee gave his enemy a deep wound in his side The other Giant turning about at the noyse of this fight and seeing his brothers bloud ran immediatly at Don Rogel who nothing amazed to have two such adversaries upon him with a quick change of his ground avoided a blow which he let flye at his head and made another thrust at him hoping to have as good fortune with it as he had at the first but it was without effect for that meeting with his shield entred but a little way Whilst this combat grew hot by reason of the Giants rage and the government of the Prince who fought with more judgement then force that of the two Knights having enduâ—ed above three hours continued still with all fury that may be imagined between two valiant men who would rather have been in their graves then misse the glory of being conquerours Their blows fell alike heavie and dangerous the sight of their bloud enflamed their choâ—ler and the resistance which they found from one another rendred them so obstinate as they would not speake of breathing though they were both in case to desire it But me thinks it is time to tell who these two excellent Princes were that the reader may no longer be held in suspence Russian of Media was one and the other was Mandajar the proud Pagan that took the sword and helmet from the Damâ—ell and afterward was carried to guard the castle of love as you have heard in the precedent chapter Passing therefore from this to the prosecution of my discourse you must know that these Knights â—attering one another continued their combat above an hour longer At the end wherof Mandajar feeling his enemies sword too often in his flesh and hoping for no safety but in dâ—sparation tooke his sword in both his hands and let drive with such fury at the Prince of Media his shield as he forced him to set one knee to the ground with an opinion that he would never rise again But he had little time to rejoyce for his sword brake
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
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
considered it neerer But seeing them go towards the City they forbare and would not follow them Some of the Greek Princes being without the walls to clear the ditches and gave order for the repairing of the breaches which the enemy had made presently conceived that it was some brave adventure and therefore commanded the gates to be opened which done the Lions entered and passing the streets with marvellous speed they came into the court of the Palace where they stood still The noise that the people made having caused the Princes and the most part of those great Laies to look out of the windows they saw the Damsell of whom we spake before descend from her seat and go straight to Florisel unto whom with such reverence as belonged to his greatnesse she said Excellent Prince may it please you not to be offended at my repair hither without your leave for being conducted by the power of certain Magicians I can neither dispose of my desires nor of the course these Lions take onely they have set me heer to tell such as will attempt this adventure wherein the labour lies that they must undergo to gain both the satisfaction which they desire and the reward proposed to them that shall have the fortune to end it You shall finde heer strange secrets the chiefest whereof shall not be revealed till the fairest light in the world comes to discover the excellencie of the treasure which is hidden in this Coffer The second is in this inchanted Fountain wherein is represented unto you not onely your thoughts but also those of the Lady whom you best Love The honour is to vanquish these two Knights whom you see under the arches and the reward of the Conquerours that sword and the inchanted helmet which you see there above the Fountain remaining free to all men that have a minde to see it It rests now brave Prince that you let me know whether it be your pleasure to give way to the triâ—ll of it for if you shall not like so to do I shall presently return to my seat and be gone whereas otherwise we cannot stir from hence so long as there is any Knight worthy to draw his sword against mine I would to God answered Florisel that the end of this adventure depended onely on my word for then sweet heart I would soon ease you of the pains you take in travelling over so many strange Countreys and would give this company the content of never doubting hereafter of their actions by the view of this admirable Fountain but since so great a happinesse cannot be attained without danger I am willing my Knights shall hazzard their lives for the glory of this adventure neither will I my self be exempted if some of these young Princes have not the fortune to conclude it Herewith every one got him to his arms whilst Florisel and those who were by age conjoyned to more reservednesse bestowed themselves in viewing this little edifice neerer at hand The impatience of these young Lords being alike they returned almost at one time but Florisel foreseeing the confusion which might arise out of their generous emulation ordered that Triston and Florian should be the first in the triall they then advanced and having touched the two Knights who sat as if they had been sleeping under the arches gave them leisure to rise and come out which they presently did in so brave a manner as made all the Greek Princes wonder at them who observing in how gracefull a fashion they began their fight commended them for the ablest Knights that ever they had seen The two brothers performed their parts very gallantly and nothing amazed at the valour of their adversaries continued their combat with an extream desire of victory but having to do with so strong a party they were both at one instant overthrown to the ground quite deprived of sense so as they were fain to be carried away to their chambers Their misfortune not affrighting such as were to succeed them Florizart Dardanio stept forward and began a brave fight giving those which were able to judge occasion to render them in the number of good Knights but having maintained it almost an hour they were overthrown as the two brothers had been And after them Armond and Frizel of Arcadia Abies and Leonidâ—â— Florestan and Quedragant Agrian and Melfort to the great discontent of the King of Hungary his father who desiring to revenge his disgrace advanced with Perion of Turkie and charged the two Knights so stoutly that their combat lasted above an hour yet in the end they were laid along with extream grieâ— of minde for that they had by their own defeat augmented the glory of the inchanted Knights Filadard of Poland who with his son Esquilan was in readinesse took the next turn and began as brave a fight as might be seen their blows were more weighty then those of the Knights that were vanquished before and if their adversaries shewed an admirable dexterity they appeared no lesse able and active laying on so lustily both with edge and point and maintaining the combat in such a fashion as the spectatours were all of opinion they would have a share in the triumph but two hours being thus spent the inchanted Knights were seen to redouble their blows with such violence as within a while the Polonians were sent to the earth as well as the rest to the great wonder of Florisel who held Esquilan for one of the best Knights in the world and because night was hard at hand he put off all further triall till the next morning Now whilst things thus past in the City Prigmaleon and Fulgoran were mightily troubled for having heard talk of this adventure he exceedingly desired to have the honour of it beleeving it was due to them if valour might have any share in it But how to carry the businesse they knew not for on the one side they were unwilling to go into the City lest thereby they should put themselves into their enemies hands and contrarily they were in doubt never to meet with the like opportunity again It is said Fulgoran to himself a sure means for me to learn how I am descended nor need I doubt of seeing in that water what I wish to know since it presents both the face and the thoughts of the woman one is to have and to feare that I should be known of the Princes of Greece I have little reason for they are so generous that if fortune should denie me the victory they would never retaine me a prisoner since I was not made so fairely I must then passe by all these poore considerations and at any rate see what the fates promise me I will change my arms and horse and pretending that I come from farre require the gates may be opened for me onely for so long time as I may make triall of the valour of these inchanted Knights Meeting then with Prigmaleon who was labouring of the same disease
he discovered his intention freely to him and so well they agreed together that an howre before day they went out of their trenches not acquainting any man with their purpose Fulgoran in his blacke which he had not put on since the warre began and Prigmaleon in azure armes Then taking a way some three leagues about they came to the North gate where all the Christian forces were intrenched and sent to let the Greeke Princes know that two stranger Knights having heard talke of the fountaine of Lovers did entreat they might bee permitted to trie their fortune Their desire said Florizel seems so just that I cannot refuse them were I sure they were our enemies Let them enter then when they please The Pagan Princes having received this answer went on to the Palace Court where seeing two Knights ready to begin the triall they staid to behold the issue of it and tying their horses to the railes they made themselves ready to second those Knights that were going to fight if they sped not well And turning toward the fountain they perceived the two inchanted Knights arm from underneath the arches who began one of the most furious combats that ever had been seen for they charged one another with such violence as all the assistants were amazed at it and extreamly wondered to see with what activity all four of them avoided their adversaries blows the longer they sought the lustier and more able they seemed to be and all the Grecian Princes said they had never seen a braver combat having then continued in that sort above two hours and a half the two assailants resolving either to conquer or die took their swords in both their hands but their enemies no lesse enraged at the refistance they found in them and transported with the same fury delivered two such terrible blows on their heads as they laid them on the pavement to the extream grief of all the spectatours that thought they were dead especially the Kings of Lidia and the Fortunate Island who when their heads were disarmed saw that they were their dear wives the fair Savagesse and the King of Nyegerâ— his valiant sister who desiring to be concealed had taken unknown â—rms hoping to carry the honour of the businesse yet was their sorrow somewhat mitigated when they perceived them to breathe and by and by heard them say that they ailed nothing but onely that their heads were somewhat dizzâ—e howbeit not satisfied therewith they presently went to arm themselves resolving to be revenged for their wives or serve likewise for a triumph to the inchanted Knights but Fulgoran and Prigmaleon being in a readinesse as I told you straightway advanced and saved them that labour as you shall see in the next Chapter CHAP. XXXV The end of the adventure and Fulgoran known THE griefe which was conceived for the misfortune of these two warlike Queenes being as soone past as their harme the Kings and those beauteous Princesses returned to the windowes being informed that the strange Knights advanced against whom they presently saw the enchanted Knights come foorth in the same gallant maner as before and begin one of the terriblest combats that ever the world had beheld being maintained with so much courage and judgement as Florizel who had never seene a braver fight went downe into the Court that hee might better observe all that past Their blows were delivered with a wonderfull force and joining grace and skill to their strength they â—ad the eyes of all the beholders fastned unto them Prigmaleon and Fulgoran who saw themselves before the Princes of Greece so glorious for an infinity of brave deeds which they had performed forgot nothing of what they were able to doe but they were opposed by such mighty enemies as they durst not so much as hope which so set them on fire that in stead of growing weary their swords fell still with more violence then at the first The inchanted Knights behaved themselves so bravely and delivered their blowes with such fury that every one expected no other end of that fight but by the death of them all Fowr howrs being spent in this sort without any shew made by these Knights of taking any breath the place was strewed with their armes the bloud ran down their sides millions of sparkles flew about their eares and their swords descended alwayes with such violence as their lives seemd to depend on every stroake Entreating one another thus sometimes in hope of victory and then againe in fear of death or infamy two howrs more being past away and yet no advantage to be discerned between them which putting them into an excesse of impatience and rage they all fowr quitted their swords and closing with one another they began a very dangerous wrastling but skill no more availing then force by a common generall consent they let go their hold and renewed their combat wherein they bestowed yet two howres more which rendred Fulgoran so mad that desiring rather to die then not to vanquish he clasped his sword fast in his hand and laid it with such rage on his enemies helmet as having made it to flie from his head the blade brake in seven or eight peeces The enchanted Knight being thus discovered and withall known to be the excellent Emperour of Persia Don Rogel was so exceedingly vexed to see himselfe made so to stagger two or three steps back by the violence of that blow that he discharged on his adversary with such fury as he forced him to set one foot to the ground and going to redouble upon him Fulgoran suddenly getting up nimbly avoided that mortall stroke and finding himselfe disfurnisht of a sword he instantly laid hold on that which hung upon the Arch and drew it out with ease at the same time as Don Rogel finding his head also disarmed and his enemy provided of new Armes tooke the helmet which was fastened to the other Arch and quickly covered his head with it Thereupon both of them going to renew their combat a mighty clap of thunder was presently heard wherewith all the four Knights fell to the ground and were straight way covered with a thicke mâ—st Out of which a little after came a reverend old man with a beard reaching downe to his girdle marching between two women with such a majesty as amazed all the standers by Florisel who observed him and knew the two women to be Vrganda the unknowne and the faire Cassandra her daughter arose from his chaire seeing they drew toward him and opened his Armes to embrace them but the old man bending himselfe to the ground said Most excellent Prince you should have some reason to shew that you are pleased with my comming if you knew how far my desire extends to do you service but not having hitherto given you much notice of it I will acknowledge the favours you now do me do proceed meerly from your courtesie not having any way deserved them And if I present my selfe before you
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
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
with such fury as above ten thousand Pagans lost their lives at that first encounter for thinking of nothing lesse then this surprise they were extreamly amazed to see their enemy on every side them Florisel Prigmaleon Rogel Spheramond Fulgoran the Cenophales Russian Lucendus and the rest of these invincible Princes like lightning shattered as many souldiers as they lighted upon and grew so terrible that within an howr the Pagans betook them to flight where the slaughter grew so great all being in disorder that a little after Sun-rising the fields of Greece were strewed with the bodies of an hundered and eight thousand men fallen under the edge of the sword the rest having luckily recovered their ships to receive and shelter them from that tempest The Christian Princes then retiring to the town with much joy for so happy a victory which had not cost them above fifteen thousand men return to the City with great triumph CHAP. XXXVII The Baptisme of Prigmaleon and Fulgoran together with the inchanting of the most part of the Princes and Ladies of Greece THE Court being full of rejoycing and our Princes seeking daily new diversions to passe away the time all their forces were dismist the Citizens of Constantinople took the liberty to go into the Countrey to repair the ruines which the enemy had made in their lands about the City and the Peasaâ—â—s seeing no more souldiers a forraging carried their cattell as they were wont into the fields to feed Thus all things being at quiet and peace Fulgoran who was desirous that the content of his being known should not be imperfect resolved to be washed in that Fountain of salvation by water whereof man was regenerated into grace and no longer to think of his idols who till then had mis-led him but to begin to adore one true and Almighty God which determination of his infinitely pleased Don Rogel and generally all the rest of the Princes who desiring to celebrate that Sacrament with all kinde of magnificence gave order accordingly for the Ceremonies thereof And now every thing being in a readinesse the streets and windows full of people and the Patriarch of Constantinople attending their comming in the Church Prigmaleon intreated the Princes of Greece to give him a little audience and thus spake on to them Excellent Princes I do not think you will imagine that any weaknesse or fear doth carry me to that I am about to do seeing I am heer intreated amongst you with so much kindnesse and honour whereas I might in reason have expected a resenting of the wrongs that you have received from me but that you will rather say it proceeds from the providence of that God whom you adore who desiring my salvation hath made me with patience to hearken unto the reasons which you used to my compâ—nion for to draw him out of the errour wherein he hath lived so long I have profited by them as he hath done and am determined to receive the same character which you intend to conferre on him this morning And as we have been fellowes together in many dangers so will we be also in this action wherein the grace of heaven is to be communicated unto us This is said Florisel embracing him this is brave Prince indeed so great a grace that you may draw more glory from this holy motion then fromall the brave exploits that your courage hath hitherto performed God which hath raised you above such multitudes of people and endowed you with all the rare perfections that are able to render a man of your quality worthy of all commendations hath not left you in your blindnesse but determining to make use of your service for the glory of his religion the ruine whereof you have heretofore sought hath knit this bond of friendship between you and my soone that you might share with him in the happinesse which by his being known for what he is was to befall him wherewith we are infinitely contented And as we had determined freely to employ our selves for your service meerly out of the consideration of your vertue and greatnesse we will now do it the more willingly for that you shall become our brother in bâ—ptisme whereunto let us go then presently and be pleased that I may conduct you to the Church as your God-father and that the beautifull Empresse of the Persians may be my partner I will not spend time answered he in protractations of doing you service because I will not delay so good a worke But I beleeve sir that Fulgoran and I shall not be the sole parties in it Bruzanges Arfleâ—ra Florimond Larmella Grandimore and the unknown Kâ—ight wil also partake of it All the better said Florisel God shall have so much the more glory howsoever let us proceed to this holy action with that they went toward the Church Prigmaleon between Florisel and the Empresse of Persia Fulgoran between the Prince of France and the faire Queen Sidonia Bruzanges led by Rogel and the beauteous Queen of France Arfleura by Spheramond and the faire Savagesse the unknown Knight by Silvan and the fair Cilinda Grandimore by Dorigel and the Empresse of the Parthians and Larmella by Filadard and the beauteous Polixena who went with some content to see Prigmaleon figh for her For being exceeding lovely valiant and a very mightie Prince she could not despise his affection in her heart counted it a glory to her beauty to be honored with so great a triumph The ceremonics ended all the Princes returned to the Palace where they were magnificently feasted And intending to deferre the exercise of Armes till some other day they were speaking of going to dance when as Alcander rising up with Vrganda and addressiâ—g himselfe to Florisel thus spake It is true great Prince that I let you see the desire I have to do somewhat for your good and that you should know how the studies both of my self and these Ladies pointing to Vrganda and young Cassandra have not been fruitlesse wherefore follow us and if you love your lives give us leave to dispose of you as we thinke fit I have resolved answered he with a cheerfull countenance never to swerve from your directions being most assured by the many testimonies you have given us of your love that you desire our happinesse you may command then when you please and I will be in a readinesse as soon as you have spoken Stay then here said Alcander till I have given order for every thing then taking Sidâ—nia by the hand he placed her by her husband made Don Rogel and the Empresse of the Persians follow them after them Lâ—cendâ—â— and the faire Infanta Fortnna Spheramond and the Princesse Richarda his wife Alastraxarea and Rozâ—lianâ— the two Cenophales Gadard and Filadard and putting himselfe with Vrganda in the head of them all he marched to the fountain of lovers made all those Princesses go with Vrganda under one of the Arches whilst himselfe with the Princes were under
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
Princes who as yet were not knighted desiring to demonstrate that they were no lesse joyfull then the rest presented themselves upon their knees together all armed in white armour before Florisel of Niquea and by Persides whom they had made their spokesman thus delivered their request Excellent Prince it is time that we should appeare in the world as you have done and by a triall in sport give an essay of our Armes and testifie how much we rejoyce to see you in that estate you are in Be pleased to make us Knights we are in case to receive that sacred Order and determined to fight so well that you shall not grieve to acknowledge we are descended of your race My good children said Florisel who was highly pleased to see them in that sort this generous disposition doth so content us as notwithstanding your youth I will not delay the giving you satisfaction Sweare then all of you with one accord that you will not at any time faile to succour the weake such as are oppressed but principally women When they had all promised rather to dye then be wanting to the duty of a good Knight he gave them his benediction knighted them and left it to their choyce to receive the sword from the hand of any of the Princesses they best liked That done he turned himselfe afresh to make much of his friends who seemed to be transported beyond all joy These new Knights rising from their knees with incredible satisfaction for that they had met with so little difficulty in their designe went to take a slight repast with the Emperours and having fitted themselves with all that was necessary entred the list where Prigmaleon being chosen for the Captain of two hundred Greek Knights in the head of whom were Russian Fulgoran Esquilan Florizart Abies Frizel Leonidas Armond and Melfort and Persides with the like number of French and Persians assisted by his brother Floridan Rozanel d'Astre Lucibel Sestilian Perion Florian Tristor Quedragant Dardanio and the gentle Florestan of Sardinia Vpon the third sound of the trumpet they began the bravest course in the world Persides Floridan Rozanel and the young Prince of France brake very gallantly upon the Emperour of Aethiopia Fulgoran Russian of Media the stout Polonian And passing forwards without once bending in the faddle for all the encounter of four such famous warriours they bravely set hand to their swords wherewith they began to cleare the rankes in such sort as already men fore-judged that with time they would prove equall with the prime Knights of the world Every blow that they gave laid a man upon the ground and nothing could have stood before them if the same foure with whom they ran their courses had not opposed themselves and arrested their fury The brave bastard of Media having Persides in hand charged him with very much force and grace but his enemy behaved himselfe so well as he was esteemed no lesse valiant then himselfe Prigmaleon being opposed to Rozanel confessed that he had never seen a man more active or more able And the valiant Princes of Canabea Poland had enough to do to ward the blows which Lucibel and Floridan laid incessantly upon them The honour of the victory being generally disputed by these young Lords everyone was highly delighted with their behaviour and more then all the rest the Princes of Greece who observing them with wonder and infinitely admiring such ability in tender yeers did heartily wish that the honour of the tourney might be theirs which undoubtedly had befallen them notwithstanding all that Melfort and the rest could do who by little and little yeelded to the blows of Sestilian which that day gave great proof of an admirable valour when as they saw two Knights enter the field in watchet arms so gentile and so gallantly seated in their saddles that all men had a good opinion of them their gracefull carriage drawing the most part of the assistants to observe them it was quickly known by a Savage appearing in a shield of one of them that they were the famous Grian and the fair Knight of whom such miracles had been reported These two warriors seeing that every body observed them with expectation of what they would do couched their lances and taking part with the weaker side at the first course laid Perion of Turky and Florestan in the dust and drawing forth their swords in a moment overthrew Florian Tristâ—r and Dardanio which so incouraged the side that saw themselves so well assisted as they had made their enemies to give ground if Persides and Rozanel enraged at it had not astonished Russian and Prigmaleon with each of them a blow these two young warriors seeing the disorder which these new commers caused in their troops charged them with strange fury but the two invincible Knights received them so bravely as every one began to behold them with admiration Persides who remembered the glory that his father had gained in the hardest enterprises charged him with such mighty blows as a man of lesse abilities could never have sustained them But Grian whom he had to deal with that was not to be moved with a little held him so short as he made him despair of the victory On the other side Rozanel and Griolanis entreated one another with a like fury their swords were perpetually in motion their shields fell in pieces and a thousand flames flew continually about their heads If fear of being overcome rendered the Greek Princes strong and hardy the desire which the others had of acquiring glory in the presence of the most gallant warriors of the world did so enflame their courages as their blows seemed lightening which falls from heaven upon the highest towâ—â— At length the combat having lasted above an howr Grian madded that he met with so strong resistance delivered so weighty a blow upon Don Persides his helmet that he made his head touch the crupper of his horse then flying into the midst of the troops he met with the valiant Esquilan upon whose shield he discharged so â—uriously as he laid him in the dust and not satisfied therewith he ran in among the rest intending to have used them in the like sort but that he met with Griolanis who having overthrown his adversary deprived Florizart and Leoâ—idâ—â— of sense went out of the field with him upon hearing of the trumpet which sounded a reâ—reat Spurring then together out of the lists they took the way to the forrest leaving a wonderfull admiration in the Greek Princes of their valour and mighty displeasure in the minde of those young Princes who had been so roughly handled by them Four of which that is to say Lucibel Persides Prigmaleon and Russian presently followed them with a resolution to die or revenge the disgrace they had received The end of the first Part. THE LOVE AND ARMES OF THE GREEKE PRINCES OR THE ROMANT OF ROMANTS Written in French by Monsieur Verdere And Translated for the Right
fowr fingers deep overthrowing him to the ground with a noise like to the ruines of a mighty building which amazed all the assistants who shouting for joy testified their unspeakable content to behold this insolent man overthrown These acclamations augmented Don Clarisels courage and the Giants shame who blaspheming against heaven rose up to receive his enemy that scorning advantage was alighted and making towards him with his sword in his hand Farnabazan confidently perswading himself to repair the default of his lance with the first stroke he should strike thought to discharge his great fauchion on Clarisels head and cleave it in two but the Prince wisely letting it slip by declined this storme and taking hold of the occasion gave him a great wound on the left arm which dying the ground with his bloud so incensed the Giant that he advanced his sword again with more fury then before and followed Clarisel so close that he could not eschew the blow which was so violent that it made him recoil two or three steps back and shewed him a thousand stars more then there are in the element Those which beheld him stagger in this maner were extreamly grieved being verily perswaded that a second stroke would make an end of him but they rejoiced when they saw him recollect himself and charge his enemy so furiously that his helmet being cut in many places the bloud ran down upon his eies and blinded him in such sort as he struck his blows in vain which Don Clarisel perceiving who would not give him leisure to recover pressed him so far that in lesse then an howr he drew out all the rest of the bloud of his body and overthrew him stark dead in the place to the infinite contentment of the people and principally of Orizenna and Alcidas who seeing himself free from his chains and without fear of any further suffering he approached unto Don Clarisel and thanked him for his assistance with all the humility he could possibly expresse But Clarisel knowing Orizenna's mind said unto him The glory of your deliverance is to be ascribed to God who never forsakes the innocent in their distresse howbeit next to him you are indebted to the care of this Lady which hath travelled above five hundred leagues to find out some Knight that might combat Farnabazan and deliver you wherefore you shall do wisely to shew your self gratefull for so much favour Alcidas then turning about to Orizenna and having well observed her remembred that it was she whom he had incountered in the wood and which surmounting her own desires had nobly assisted him with an horse that he might not be wanting in his engagement unto Clitia wherewithall considering the new and powerfull obligation wherein he was bound to her affection he resolved to let her see how sensible he was of a benefit Madam said he unto her my happinesse would be compleat if you will be pleased now to passe by the little satisfaction I gave you when you honoured me so much as to say that you loved me then I was a captive now I â—m free and can repair that fault if you be as well inclined to me as you were for me thinks it is more then reason I should be liberall unto you of that which you have gotten with so much pains command then what you please and drawing me out of the abisme of wretchednesse wherein I was plunged raise me to the supremest degree of felicity that love can give us If I had more regarded your vertue then mine own passion answered Orizenna without doubt my spight had been added to the malice of your enemies and I had not laboured so much to finde you an assured succour but not able to blame your fidelity I desired you should know that I was not offended with your refusall since you had not the power to give your self twice As for your resentment of the good offices I have done you I approve of it and shall be very well satisfied to see you sigh for me with the same sincerity as you have heretofore done for Clitia but now is no time to speak of this matter let us go to my house and seek to restore you a little after the enduring of so much incommoditie as imprisonment brings along with it and then we will consider of the rest This amorous discourse being very pleasing to Clarisel whose valour Alcidas commended to the skies they all left the town and for that Orizenna's house was but four leagues from thence they got thither by that time it was night which was no sooner past but Alcidas who could not endure the violence of his new desires fell upon the point of his marriage with Orizenna which was celebrated the third day after with a world of magnificence and brave entertainment howbeit that which most contented Clarisel was to behold six strong lusty shepherds enter into the hall whereof one advancing before the rest desired he might be admitted to maintain at wrestling that Miralinda was the fairest maid in the world I know very well replied Alcidas that this Shepherdesse is incomparably fair but my friend you are too weak to undergo such a businesse neverthelesse I will not hinder you from shewing your strength heer and to witnesse that I am pleased with your designe I promise a scarf to the victor At those words of Shepherdesse and Miralinda Clarisel who was then in talk with Orizenna changed colour three or four times which very much troubled her at first and going to prevent what she feared Clarisel that suspected her meaning took her by the hand and leading her to a window said thus Madam I make no question but you have discerned some alteration in me and that the goodnesse of your disposition hath made you partaker of my suffering but the way to relieve me is other then you imagine and if I fail now of your assistance there is no hope of remedy for me but in death I assure my self you marvell at this language and that you will demand an explication of it from me but if you had not known what it is to love you may think I would never acquaint you with my thoughts for fear you should laugh at me In a word I am in love and the perfections of this Shepherdesse for whose sake these men dispose themselves to wrastle have ever since I saw her picture which was about some three weeks ago given me so much passion that it is impossible for me to hear her spoken of but that I am troubled because I cannot come to the sight of her it may be you will condemn this affection of mine and say with the most part of persons that I am but poorly spirited not to consider her birth and my condition howbeit I will reply that it is the fault of fortune which doth not impart her favours as she ought and that finding in her all that may be desired in the rarest Princesse of the earth she is alike
incensed the Knight of the Roses that taking his sword in both his hands he discharged it with such fury on the Knight of the Savages his head that he overturned him on the crupper of his horse so far from himself as it was a quarter of an hour before he could recover his senses from thence putting himself in the front of the Greeks he overthrew all that he met withall in such sort that with the aid of the valiant Knights of â—â—e Serpents the strangers began to recoil and then did every one expect to 〈◊〉 them chased out of the field when as the incomparable Knight 〈…〉 Palms set spurs to his horse and came against Esquilan of Poland 〈…〉 he cast out of his saddle do what he could to keep in it The Princ◠〈◊〉 Greece who were much distasted to behold him stand still whilst the 〈◊〉 were in action were exceeding glad to see him enter into the combat and of his valour by the first incounter having so easily overthrown a Knight whom they lightly esteemed they all bent their eyes upon him and perceived how having drawn forth his sword he seemed a thunderbolt that drives all into ruine This glorious warrior conceiving that the honour of the turnament consisted not in the multitude of men but in the courage of the Chieftains made head against the Knights of the Serpents whose valour he had admired and knowing that great trees are not overturned with a little wind or with one silly blow of an aâ— he displayed the force of his arm and gave one of them such a violent blow that he laid him in the dust senslâ—sse and instantly with the like fury redoubling another he overthrew the second on the cruppet of his horse casting bloud out of his eyes and ears Hereupon the strangerâ— re-assumed new courage and laboured to imitate so valiant a leader who in the mean time pursuing his victory made such open way wheresoever he went that the Princes of Greece were constrained to acknowledge they had never beheld the like The Knight of the Roses who was then in fight with Brandimanda that had set upon him for to revenge her lover perceiving the disorder whereinto this Knight had brought his troops became wonderfully enâ—aged and gnashing his teeth for anger to see himself now in dispute for the honour of the turnament which all mens opinion had given him before he left Brandimanda astonied with a blow and calling for a strong lance to be brought him he cryed to the Knight of the Palms to defend himself whereat â—urning him about he sheathed up his sword and withall took the staffe which his Squire carried after him infinitely contented to hear himself called upon by a man whom he held to be one of the bravest and valiantest Knights of the earth and whose gallant demeanour had filled him with wonder settling himself then sure in his saddle and desiring to display all the valour and addresse that he had he set spâ—rs to his horse perceiving his enemy comming on and met him in the midst of the course with such marvellous fury that their lances shivering into a thousand pieces their horses recoiled three or four paces back unable to support so terrible a shock the Knights remaining firm in their saddles without any shew of amazement upon so violent a carriere O me said Florisel then what an incounter was this If two towers had met with such force together we should have seen theâ—â—oâ—h ruined and yet these Champions appear no more moved then if they had carried glasses in their hands It is marvellous indeed said Spheramond but let us see unto which of them Fortune will give the honour of the combat for they are going to it with their swords Whereupon these valorous Knights began to charge one another not as in a turnament but as two whose hatred would be the death of each other The Knight of the Roses considering that he fought before his friends who had alwayes shewed themselves insensible did wonders imployed his sword with fury and used all the sleights that are practised in combats but his adversary was so cunning that if he reached him one blow he was sure to receive another as dangerous and weighty â—â—â—â—antly if the one shewed himself ready and nimble the other expressed 〈…〉 esse agility their blows were dreadfull they joyned anger to force â—â—d time so kindled their courage that in stead of being weary their swords were seen to descend with more violence then at the beginning of the fight that every minute began more terrible to the great astonishment of the two troops which had withdrawn themselves apart the better to judge of this combat The valiant Prince of Greece who had never seen a fight maintained with like fury held thâ—se two warriors for the most redoubted that either their times or antiquity had produced Fowr hours being spent without any shew of desiring to rest themselves the ground was strewed with their armour the bloud flowed from divers parts of their bodies millions of sparkles flew about their ears and as every one conceived their forces to be alike nothing could be expected from their rage but dangerous and mortall blows The Knight of the Roses mad to finde such resistance in one man set both his hands to his sword and stretching himself forth upon his stirrups discharged it so manly on his shield that he divided it in two the point thereof falling with such fury on his casque that he was constrained to strike his head against the crupper of his horse so far from himself that the most part of the assistants beleeved he was dead neverthelesse he was seen quickly to re-settle himself up and clasping his sword fast in his haÌ„nd he gave his enemy such a terrible blow that it struck the Princes of Greece into admiration making the Knight to bow with his head to the pommell of the saddle so astonied that the bloud gushed out of his mouth and eyes every one thought him to be neer dead By my life said Spheramond this is one of the dreadfullest blows that ever I saw given and if the Knight of the Roses receives many such without all doubt he is not far from his end I do not know said Rogel what wil become of this combat I see no cause the one hath to brag more then the other for if the Knight of the Palms shews strength he of the Roses manifests but little weaknesse As he thus spake Rozalmond traÌ„sported with rage to see himself in the state he was in flew at his enemy wherupon they charged one another more furiously then before insomuch that six hours was past they never spake of resting themselves the more they fought the more courage and force they shewed Neverthelesse seeing the night approach they redoubled their blows and little regarding the trumpets that sounded a retreat they continued labouring to kill one another Don Rogel perceiving them to be so wilfully bent descended with
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 Emperour or his Daughter who with good reason prefer that which you have now performed far before yesterdaies offence but the Gyants death having rendred their kindred your enemies all the Princes favour cannot protect you from being treacherouslie murthered wherfore be carefull if you mean to abide here to keep your self unknown Saying thus and and reaching him his hand he helped him up with such case that he remained very much amazed to find so much strength in so little a bodie Being able then to walke a little they descended down the mountain on that side that looked to the Sea and entred both into a Grott where Amadis was instantly unarmed that done he layd him down upon a bed which seemed to have been set there expressely for him and discovered his wounds to this little man who having bathed them with a very odoriferous liquour and afterwards laid certain plaisters to them he covered him and willed him to sleep In the mean time the Emperours Chyrurgions were much troubled for being come where the Monster lay and missing the knight that had been so recommended to their care they were exceedingly afflicted but especially the poor Shepherd who bitterly weeping cried out Alas this is the place where I left him the grasse is yet wet with his bloud and it is not long since he could be taken away surely some god came hither and hath carried him to heaven Ah noble knight why was not I here that I might have participated a little of thy glory or if some worse chance hath befaln thee that I might then have run thy fortune Hereupon the Emperor arriving and understanding how the knight could not be found he was exceedingly discontented but Palmirenna much more for the matchlesse valour of this stranger whereof she had been an eye-witnesse and the extream perill wherun to he had exposed himself in the combat with the monster for her sake had so taken her as she was marvellous sensible of his losse howbeit her Father commanded his knights to disperse themselves in the search of him she comforted her self in hope to heare of him ere it were long and so went to observe the Beast which seemed still so dreadfull as it made all the assistants to tremble O ye gods sayd the Emperour much astonished at the sight of so horrible a figure what a courage had he need of that durst encounter so deformed a creature when as being dead it terrifies all that behold it Ah incomparable knight then the which a more valiant never breathed upon the earth thou art afraid to present thy selfe before me in regard of one poor offence but be assured no man shall ever be more welcome to me then thy self Go then and seek him out and place the skin of the Beast stuft with straw on the highest Tower of Cardana valiant persons cannot be too much honoured Saying so he returned into Palmirenna's Coach where all the way to the Citie he entertained her with the praises of this knight which he thought could never be sufficient for so transcendent a merrit CHAP. IIII. Floridan of Persiabeing delivered out of Captivitie by the victorie of Amadis becomes enamoured of Amplamira The invention that Amadis useth to see Palmirenna CArdana having just occasion to resent the death of this Monster which in short time would have rendred it desolate was replenished in a moment with a world of bonfires and nothing was heard but shouts of joy confusedly mingled with the musick of a million of instruments in such sort that the Emperour arriving therupon was conducted to his Palace with more magnificence then if he had triumphed over the greatest Monarch of the earth This Prince beholding his people amidst their content chaunting his greatnesse and the praises of our Warriour remembred the Gentleman that accompanied him in the slaughter of his servants and being magnanimous commanded him to his Presence wherupon being presently brought before him in irons he said â—nto him It were unreasonable that in the eâ—nesse of a publike joy derivâ—â— from the valour of your Companion you alone should have cause to complain of fortune wherefore passing by the displeasure I received from you yesterday It is our pleasure that you be freed from these chaiâ—s and that you have the same power here of your actions as you had before your arrivall in these parts provided that you let me know who the Knight is and that you likewise conceale not your own condition Mighty Prince answered hee the generosity of Kings appears alwaies in their Clâ—mencie and as the cruelty of Tyrants tenders them subject to a thousand kind of mischiefes so doth mercy assure good Princes even in the middest of greatest dangers being a Prisoner I expected as much reliefe from your pitty as from mine own innocencie for I knew that reason would at length have drawn you to consider that I was forced to fight and that a man cannot commit a fault in preserving his life with the losse of theirs that sought to deprive him of it howbeit I acknowledge my self infinitly obliged to your Majestie for making me without languishing any longer in misery of a slave your most humble and faithfull servant in which regard your Highnes shall alwayes and absolutely dispose of the life you have now given me And if I do not satisfie your Majesties desire by telling you the name of this Knight to whose valour you say that you are ingaged in such powerfull obligations bee assured Sir that it is because I do not know it not having had the honour of his acquaintance but since yesterday that hee drew me out of the middest of the waves where by the casting away of the bark which carried me I was like to have perished for my own particular you behold Sir a poor Gentleman of Persia commonly called the Knight of the Flowers who having nothing at this present but the honour of the favour which you are pleased to promise him will labour to deserve it by the greatnesse of his service This good will of yours said the Emperour doth content mee and beleeve that you shall have no cause given you to depart from hence commanding him then to be accommodated with all that he should need hee appointed him a Chamber that opened into the Gardens and so fell to talk of the discretion sweet carriage and handsomenesse he had observed in him which seemed so extraordinary unto his Courtiers that they were wonderfully taken with his rare perfections Hee retired then free from those chains which might have fettered his hands but not from those love had prepared to bring his heart into subjection for the excellent beauty of Amplamira second daughter to the Emperour having bin still present before his eyes all the while that hee was in the Hall had made so deep an impression in his soul that hee had wholly surrendred it into her power But it is time to leave him to the comfort of his deliverance and to the pleasing
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
that he made him set both his knees to the Deck where he stayed not long for rising ful of rage he began to charge Rozanel in such sort that he was somewhat amazed arit nevertheless seeing himself before his Mistress whose safetie was in question he became so furious and so well employed his force that with three blows he first sent one of his arms into the Sea and then layd his head at his feet to the unspeakable contentment of the fayrest Angelea who comming to caress him asked him whether he were not hurt Madam said he kissing her hand I feele no wound but that which I have in my heart I am very glad of it answered she for as for that I wil ere it be long give it such a remedy as you shall have no cause to complain This short amorus passage rejoycing Rozanel not a little he would have returned to the other Ships but a violent wind suddenly arising carryed him away doe what the Marriners could to his infinite grief for leaving his friend so in the Gyants ship who unable to support his Adversaries strokes fell at length under the tempest of one of them which divided his head in twain wherwithall Florisbel had been exceedingly satisfied but for his separation from his friend nevertheless holding it vain to afflict himself for that could not be helped he turned him to the Knight to applaud him for a victory so gloriously obtained but the stranger beholding him without his Helmet went to him with open arms and embracing him said My noble friend how happy am I in this incounter and indeed from whom could I hope for succour but from you make me partaker I beseech you of your Adventures and tell me by what means you came so oportunly to deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies Verely said Florisbel who then knew him to be Sestilian the Prince of Spain I am no less amazed at my meeting with you then you are at my arrival here I complained of fortunes cruelty for the loss of Rozanels company whom the winds have carryed away but now she hath fully made me amends with your presence come let us goe in and visit your wounds we wil talk at leisure afterwards of our fortune wherupon entring into a Cabbin Sestilian got him to bed where the Gentlewoman of whom we spake before being very skilful in Chyrurgerie dressed his wounds promising to render him well in fifteen dayes at the most to which end she advised him to betake him to his rest but hee would by no means hear speak of sleeping till Florisbell had related the inchantment of Angelea the manner how he himself was put into the Rock and their deliverance effected by the valiant Knight of the Palmes and the Princess of Tramazond which very much satisfied this young Prince who for his part likewise discovered unto him all that had befaln him since his departure from Constantinople Entertaining themselves in this sort they passed away certain dayes with great content during which time Rozanel and his Angelea sayled with a prosperous wind and at the end of two and twentie dayes arrived at a Port of great Brittain to the incredible joy of his beautifull Mistress who being set on shore and meeting with an ancient Knight she desired him to informe her how the world went at Court Madam answered he all things goe well there and since the decease of our great King we have not seen such magnificences as are now preparing at Windsor for the Celebration of the Nuptials of Tristor the young Prince of Sobradiza who within this four dayes is to be married to the fair Amazon Alteria the Queen of California's Daughter there will be gallant Jousts the Tournament will be no less delightfull the rather in regard of the arrivall of divers young Princes which have met here by chance and whom Garmant the Vice-roy of this Countrey labours to honour asmuch as he may this Madam is all the news I can deliver It is more then I expected answered she having given him many thanks and so going to Rozanel she acquainted him therwith and to testifie the truth of her affection she counselled him to post away to Windsor that they might be there before her Brothers Mariage and take one and the same day to render their desires contented getting instantly to horse then they used such diligence that the next morning they arryved at the Court where Garmant Don Sinaldâ— Tristor Alteria and all the Lords which were then present received them with asmuch honour as if they had been the Soveraigns of this flourishing Kingdome Sometime being spent in complements in the recital of the inchantments of Angelea and of that which past about her deliverance Rozanel that dyed with the impatience of his sufferings in few words discovered unto Tristor the love he bore his Sister and desiring him to consider by himself how dear time was to Lovers he besought him that the same day which hee had designed for his might make up their happiness wherunto Tristor gave so good an eare that he went presently and imparted it to Garmant This affaire then being easily resolved upon they were led all four the next morning to Church so richly attyred that their beautie struck every one with wonder especially that of Angelea on whom the eies of all the world were fastned The Ceremonies being finished and dinner done all the Knights of the Court went and armed themselves for to Joust with Quedragant Agrian King of Scotland and the gentle Abies of Ireland who meeting together in great Brittain desired to come unknown to the Court for to honour the Mariage of their friends Let us pass by this Solemnitie till we have seen Clarisel of Guindaya and his fair Shepheardess CHAP. XVI Clarisel of Guindaya and his fair Shepheardess having given an end to the adventure of the Torments of Cardoran and Lindorenna depart from Bellombre at their request CLarisel and his fair Shepheardess living with incredible satisfaction and having nothing els to complain of but the aversness of Fortune in advancing their delights continually gave one another new assurances of their loves and so passing away their time happily they met ordinarily at the Rivers side whose waters served them for a glass when their fair eyes did them not that office sometimes under the Sallows that bordered the Meadows and often retyring into the Wood to sigh out their passions they engraved upon the barks of the Trees so many enterlaced characters as they gave every one occasion to wonder at such marks of so sweet and unparalelled an affection the same whereof running all over France drew so many Ladys and Knights to Bellombre that every house there was full of strangers which were strucken with no lesse marvell then coment at the incomparable perfections of these two persons These Lovers then having one day driven their stocks into the great and long walks that separated the Wood of firre trees Clarisel sighing at
extraordinary violence that he verely beleeved the ruins of some building overthrown by lightning had fallen upon him and had therwith been layd along had he not supported himself upon one of his 〈◊〉 and hands howbeit rising presently again and resolving to dye or vanquish he advanced his Courtelas and displaying all his strength he discharged it so dreadfull on Clarisels Helmet that he sent him tumbling down three or four paces off and casting a great deal of blood out of his mouth which so frighted Miralinda that she swounded in Florimonds arms Rozanel being exceedingly grieved then at so heavie an accident drew forth his Sword and was going to oppose the Gyant when as he perceived Clarisel to rise instantly to part with such horrible and unexpressable fury that even 〈◊〉 himself who could not be perswaded that all the Thâ—â—der bolâ—s of Heaven could ever have made him fear began to â—â—emble at the apprehension of the threatning Tempest of his enemies advanced Sword which cutting off his arm that for want of a Shield he had listed up in defâ—nes of his head he separated his body in two pieces to the wonder and 〈◊〉 of all the people and especially of Tristor and â—â—zanel who straight way comming in to him gave him amillion of thanks and 〈◊〉 him to the very skies but Clarisel seeing what case 〈◊〉 was in deâ—iâ—ed 〈…〉 to think him incivill if he did not 〈…〉 that respect was due to their â—uality for to go and succour his Shepherdesse to whose safety his life was insâ—â—â—rably tyed Whâ—â—â— upon running to Miralinda he used such present remediâ—s as she came to her self again filling all the assistants with no â—â—sse marvell at the excellencie of her beauty then they were at his force and valour All things thus well resetled Rozanel and Tristâ—r prevailed so farre with Clarisel and his company that they were contented to take their lodging in the Court where Miralinda Clarislea and Lindorenna were infiniâ—ly caressed by the fairest Angelea and Alteriâ— who were sotaken with the incomparable beauty of our Shepherdess as they could never satisfie themselves enough in beholding and admiring her Not long after when as Clarisel Quâ—dragant Abiâ—s and the rest were cured of their wounds the Triumphs and Iousts were renewed where Clarisel performed such wonders as he acquired the reputation of one of the prime Knights of the earth and possessed all those Lords with such a desire to know him better that one day Rozanel intreated him before them all so far to oblige them as to let them understand his name his countrey and parentage If it were to doe you any service brave Prince answered he be confident I would make no difficulty to obey you but knowing that it will little avayl you and that it much imports me to conceal it I shall humbly beseech you to excuse me only be assured that the greatest glory I desire to have in the world is to be a Shepherd for the love of this Shepherdess Iudging by this speech that he would not discover himself they importuned him no farther and laboured to give him the best entertainment they possibly could devise for to stay him amongst them but loath to lose time he took his leave a little after of all these Princes and Ladies as also of Florimond and Clarislea who likewise returned into France and imbarking himself in a Ship that Garament had provided for him he sayled towards the Ilands of Corolandaya CHAP. XIX The arrivall of the King of Cabilla in the Empire of Mâ—rtaria and the furious battell that was fought on the Sea-shore in disputing the descent of his fâ—rces THE bad estate wherin Rifantes returned into Cabilla having mightily incensed the King his Father he presently dispatched away Commissioners for the levying of Souldiers thoughout all the parts of his Dominions and resolving to make use of his friends he wrote unto the Kings of Astramer of Zambian of Corniban of Ircassia of Langican of Pâ—ripatan of 〈◊〉 of Fortan of Alarmia of Cassilana and particularly to the redoubted Brizardan Soldan of Atalasiâ— and to the powerfull King of Filzandria Meriâ—â—ran to â—ntreat them to embrâ—ce with him the 〈…〉 soâ— by tâ—â— Emperour of Martâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 of the Kingâ— of Allanarâ— and 〈…〉 also to 〈◊〉 Arâ—â—â— in such sort that about two 〈…〉 there arrived in his Kingdome thirty thousand Horse in the head whereof marched Brizardâ—â— with three Gyants anâ— two and tweâ—tie thousand Foot condâ—câ—â—â— by the Kings of Astramer aâ—d 〈◊〉 thirty and five thousand men under the command of the Kingâ— of Corâ—ibâ—n and 〈◊〉 fourscore thousand Horse raysed in the Kingdoms of â—â—â—ipâ—tan and Lapgiâ—â—â— with three Gyants eight and twenty thousand Foot with the Kings of Urbana Alarâ—ia and Cassilan twelve thousand horse of the territoâ—iâ—â— of Foâ—tan thirty thousand foot out of the Kingdoms of Alfanara Corcutan twenty thousand Horse and six thousand Foot conducted by the braâ—â— King of Filxandria who was accompanied with the prâ—â—◠〈◊〉 oâ—â— of the strongest Knights of all Paganism These 〈…〉 unto two hundred and fourtie thousand men having â—in wâ—â—l entertained and all the great persons extraordinarily caressed the king of Câ—billa being elected General of the whole Army though he had long â—oâ—â—ested â—o have had the command therof layd upon the Soldâ—â— of Aralâ—fiâ— caused all of them to be carefully embarqued with a full inâ—â—â—â— to bee thorowly revenged on the Emperour of Martaria who in the mâ—â—n time remembring 〈…〉 his â—â—â—oces prepared an Army of fourescore thousand Horse â—n hundred and thirty thousand Foot and nine Gyants through the assistance of the Kings of Arbales of Grizolia of Calizant of Miriaâ—â— of Tâ—lin of Bolâ—â—â—â— of Merlian of Carderia and of Balivan who sâ—conded by 〈◊〉 fair Slave and the two strangers that lived with incrâ—dible delight in the sweet and uncontrolled fruition of their dearly-beloved Ladies made no question of good success victory All things thus ordered then they expected their enemies who being discovered one morning gave an alarm unto the Martarians which suddenly ranged themselves into three squadrons the first conducted by the Kings of Arbales Beltona and Grifolia in the head whereof Cirazinda placed her selâ—â— with 〈◊〉 Gyants the second by the Princes of Calizant Merlian and Bâ—livan accompanyed with Floridan and a like number of Gyants the third by the Soveraign of Tolin Miriana and Carderia unto whom Lucibel joyned himself presently covered the Sea shore couragiously attending the arrivall of the enemies Ships which carried by a favourable wind and perceiving these troups stand imbattelled put themselves in order to combat and force them Approaching then with furie they laboured with a world of Boats and Bridges to land but the Imperialists withstood them for the space of two whole hâ—â—res together with such extraordinary valour that the Sea was all bloâ—d and full of dead bodies whereat the Soldan of Aralifia Rifanâ—â—s and the proud Arastrâ—â— were in such rage that leaping all three together
a shore with above fiftie thousand men maugâ—â— the resistance of their eneâ—iâ—â— they fell in amongst them making no less a slaughter then famished Wolveâ— doe amidst a â—â—ock of shâ—ep Howbeit this 〈◊〉 lasted noâ— long for Câ—â—â—ziâ—dâ— accompanyed with two Gyants â—lew upon them and meeting Arastrâ—n first she discharged so mighty a blow upon his Helmet as she made him reele again hurting him dangerously on the head wherwith the Pagan who was one of the proudest men in the world became so furious that advancing his Sword he let it descend with such a tempest on our Warrioâ—â—◠〈◊〉 â—s it cut off a good cantle of it and made a shrewd gash in his â—â—me on the other side the redoubted Soldan of Aralafia and Rifantes fought wiâ—h the Gyants as bravely In the mean season the whole fleet landed and the noyse increased in such sort as all the coast resounded therewith the Gyants cut all in pâ—â—ces Floridan and the Prince of France seemed to be thunder 〈◊〉 the Souldiers animated by their Captaines example some fell in the 〈◊〉 some on the earth briefly all was in confusion and the Sea shore was so covered with dead bodies that those which landed last could hardly pass for them Corazinda having a mightie opposite shewed all her skill but Arastron combatted so well that she had in everything her answer Brizardan and Rifantes were almost mad that they could not succouâ— their men and especially the valiant Souldan not enduring to be arrested so took his sword in both his hands and therwith struck his enemy so terâ—ibly as hee divided his head in twain from thence beholding Arastron to staggeâ— with a dreadfull blow which Corazinda had discharged on his Helmet hee smote her so dangerously on the shield that he made her bend with her knees to the ground where Rifantes having likewise dispatched his Gyant charged her at the very same instant with such violence as she was forced to save her self upon both her hands with very great jeopardie of her life nevertheless rising again with more rage then amazement shee went and gave the Souldan so huge a blow that she sent him to the â—arth with a great wound in the shoulder and so astomished that he quite lost the fight of the Sun and carryed with the same furie she had undoubtedly made an end of Rifantes had not the proud Arastron arrested the force of her blow with his shield which was cut in two peeces But this mighty Pagan much incensed to meet with one able to put his life in hazard so redoubled his strokes that accompanyed with Rifantes and Brizardan who was got up again and in the highest degree of rage Corazinda questionless had been much indangered had not those two brave Champions Floridan and Lucibel glorious by the death of certain Gyants by them defeated arrived in good time for her These two Princes seeing the evill plight Amadis was in being on his knees with three dreadfull blowes received all at once instantly discharged with such furie on Rifantes and Brizardan that they were constrained to turn head and defend themselves much amazed to meet with men contrary to their expectation strong and valiant enough for to arrest the greatness of their armes In this manner began a Combat between fix incomparable warriours which might have lasted long had noâ— our Christian Princes perceiving their troups in disorder by the valour of the Kings of Filzandria and Corniban with three horrible strokes delivered on their Enemies all at an instant so astonished them that they had leisure to remount upon their horses and set themselves again in the head of their squadrons with such a ruine of those they incountred as their people resuming new courage spake of nothing less then a retreat how beit these Princes being as advised as valiant put them presently in good order and retyred with them into their Trenches in despight of so many enemies having with incredible paines sustained the furie of those that pursued them This so prudent and couragious a retreat was much admiâ—ed of the enemie which commending the extream valout of the fair Slave and of the two strangers lamented the loss of fourteen thousand men three Gyants and that of the King of Ircassia who was sâ—ain by the hand of the Prince of France nevertheless understanding that their Adversaries fortune was little better and that they had left nine thousand men two Gyants and the Duke of Plemond on the shore they did not much afflict themselves but went and planted their Camp before Cardana resolving to put all to fire and sword especially Arastron Brizardan and Rifantes who being marvellously incensed would have sent a Challenge notwithstanding the danger of their wounds to the three Knights that to their great grief were mightily incensed by every one but the King of Cabilla relying more on these three Warriours then on the rest of his Army would by no means permit them so as they continued keeping of their Beds ten or eleven dayes together during which time our Champions having no less need of rest both sides prepared all things necessarie for the Assault and defence of the Citie whereat the fair Princesses were much troubled but the presence of their Lovers confirming them they shewed more affection then fear principally Archesidella who being acquainted by Amadis of the qualitie of the Prince of France received him likewise for her Husband At length our Warriours perceiving all the field covered with Souldiours ready for the Assault they went and besought the Emperour that nothing might be ordered but by their counsell and presently thereupon caused threescore thousand foot to enter into the Towne which they divided into foure squadrons commanded by the King of Arbales and Miriana of Calizant and of Carderia and then going with three Gyants into their Trenches they drew out thirtie thousand Horse which they equally divided into three bands and so sallying out in three severall parts they left the Kings of Balivan of Merlian and of Grizolia with fourescore thousand to guard the Campe favour their retreat and succour the Town if need were The Enemie approaching the Walls began a most cruell and furious assault the great Soldan of Aralafia Rifantes and the proud Arastron mounted first followed by fiftie thousand men but they were so valiantly opposed by the foure Gyants by the Kings the gentle Knight Tarsander and the forces that were under their command which remained in the Town as the ditches were full of dead bodyes whereat notwithstanding they were so little abashed that it seemed rather to augment their courages in such sort that their followers carryed by their example behaved themselves so manfully as the Citie was in danger to have been forced had not the Faire Slave appeared in the head of ten thousand Horse who entring furiously amidst the enemies troups ran a Gyant quite thorow and thorow overthrew six Knights before she brake her Launce and thundring amongst the rest with her Sword
feet dangerously wounded in the head and Rifantes with a great gash in his arm â—umbled senselesse out of his saddle close by Brizardan who was in no better case These two horrible blows having wrought the effect which our Champions desired they lept presently into their saddles and beholding themselves invironed with four hundred Knights and the Gyant of the cruell Iland a daring man and endued with extream force unto whom the Prince of France opposed his Launce which he had reserved entire they began to charge them with such fury that in lesse then half an hour they had layd thirty at their feet neverthelesse the rest persisting very wilfully they were so followed and charged on every side as their horses being killed under them they were constrayned to alight and present themselves to their enemies who fell down dead as often as they encountred their blades In the meantime the Prince of France being withdrawn a little aside maintained a dreadfull combat with the King of the cruell Iland whose arms were all imbrewed in blood and questionlesse the death of this Colossus had ensued from the choller of this valiant Prince if a dozen of Knights had not charged him so rudely behind that unable to support the fury of an other blow given him by the Gyant at the same instant on his Helmet he was forced to the ground where he lay not long for considering the danger he was in he arose more inraged then a Bull bayted with a Company of dogs and clasping his sword fast in his hand with four stroaks he â—left four of the most confident of the Troop asunder and flying upon the Gyant he ran him into the thigh making him set both his knees to the ground for to save himself which little avayled him for this Prince calling to mind the priâ—e for which he fought gave him such a blow on his shoulder that he opened him to the very wast This while 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 came again to themselves and observing such a horrible Massacre round about them they arose transported with rage and despight and falling upon our Warriours they charged them so furiously with an hundred and fifty Knights that were still left as they covered their bodies all over with wounds but being resolved to sell their lives dearly they grew so enraged by thinking that their deaths would leave then Ladies in the power of these Barbarians as having given Rifantes and 〈◊〉 two dangerous hurts more they cut forty Knights in peices to the strange 〈◊〉 of the Emperour and the King of Cabilla who then arrived with fifty Knights thinking thâ—â— tâ— be rather furies then mortall men But to what end served the courage of their invincible hearts ofering they were to combat an Hydra and that they always met with 〈◊〉 women in the places of them they slew Truly the wonders they did wâ—â—e to no purpose for being so weary that they were scarce able to lift their arms they expected nothing but a glorious death for to crown all their passed labours when as they perceived a Bark make to the land out of the which two gallant Knights suddenly lept a shore marvellously astonished to behold so many bodies extended on the earth by the valour of three men which still resisted the violence of such a remayning multitude These two Warriours which were Flâ—â—â—sbel of the starre Lucibels uncle and the gentle Sestilian Prince of Spaine whom fortune had very oportunely brought thither admyring the vertue of these excellent Knights and not able to endure the continuance of so unequall a combat quickly unsheathed their swords and advancing on fell in so furiously upon those that held these Princes straightly beseiged as they layd six at their feete with the first six blowes that they gave which so revived our Gretians courages as they seemed to re-assume new forces running all three then into the middest of their enemies they performed such feates of armes as appeared even impossible to the beholders insomuch that threescore Knights more past by the edge of their swords Howbeit Brizardan and Rifantes carryed with unspeakeable greife for the ravishing away of their Ladies and the little satisfaction they could hope for of it having taken some breath made towards them afresh accompanied which Brustafard and fiftie Knights that came newly from the Citie and renewed their assault with such rage that it was a prodigious matter to see five men endure so much who nothing fayling in courage were not withstanding so weary as unably longer to subsist they were resolved to dye a thousand times over rather then shew the least jot of fear or faint heartednes but desiring to doe something now at the last cast Amadis displayed all his force and discharged such a terrible blow on Rifantes head that he clove him downe to the shoulders to the unexpressable greife of the King of Cabilla his father that beheld it Floridan and Lucibel had the same designe upon the Soldan and Brustufard howbeit their arms wanting vigor their blowes wrought not the effect they desired but contrarily finding themselves charged on every side by a multitude of Knights they were compelled to set their knees to the ground where as well as they could they defended themselves a good while as in the like manner did Florisbel and Sestilian that were â—carceable to wagge Amadis alone stood on his feete so transported with fury to behold his kinsmen in that lamentable plight but much more to be the cause of his Mistresse death who stayed but to see him fall for to cast her selfe into the Sea that laying desperately about him hee was even ready to fall into the same ease his companions were in when as two brave war like Knights arrived whereof the one carryed a Salvage pourtrayed on his sheild wherby you may guesse that it was the redoubted Griaâ— the Salvage and the beautifull Bradimande his Lady who had acquired such renowne in the world as their incomparable valor was every where spoken of This mighty and valiant Champion ravished which admiration at the â—ight of foure hundred men and two gyants massacred by the sole valor of five knights beleived that heaven had brought him thither for their assistance so that furiouslie setting spurâ—es to his horse hee addressed himselfe against Brustafard upon whom hee discharged his sword which such violence that hee devided his body in two peices to the great astonishment of our Christian Princes who possest which more courage then strength rose instantly up and as if they had done nothing all that day charged their enemies afresh who terrified which this new succor betooke them all to flight Brizardan onely excepted that careles of his life since hee had lost the hope of enioying Amplamira went and with all his force struck Brandimanda so furiously on the helmet that hee overthrew her from her Horse to the ground shedding great abundance of bloud out of all the passages of her head which put Grian into such a rage as he
that improvident passion which blinds the eyes of all Lovers ruin'd us also even then when we had invented a way how to escape and save our selves for I going this morning to visit him and forgetting to make fast the doors left a passage open through which Gargaracia espied us in the hight of such amorous dalliance as Love useth to suggest unto those whose hearts she hath already united which put her into such a rage that forthwith she advanced towards us intending with her strong boisterous hands to bind us both had she not been prevented by the Knight who with his first blow struck her to the ground with a resolution to strangle her had she not suddenly called for succour I saved my selfe among the Souldiers who being ignorant of what had passed sought not at all to stay me and so crossing these fields used the best diligence I could to fly from thence to the end that I might not again fall into the hands of that pittilesse woman and to see if it might be my good fortune to meet with some charitable Knight that would undertake the rescue of this poor Gentleman who questionlesse by this time is very neer the flames for the cruell Hag supposing fire to be the extremest of punishments hath taken order that he shall be suddenly cast into it Faire Lady said Fulgoran comfort your selfe and be assured of the Knights safety if we can but arrive soon enough to find him living then putting spurs to their horses they presently came before the Gates of the Castle where they saw thirty souldiers comming forth to lead this Knight to the fire whom Fulgoran knowing to be Cilinder the son of Dorigel King of the fortunate Iland of whom there had been no news heard since he received his order of Knighthood at Constantinople he pressed towards him with an incredible violence and cleaving down to the girdle five or six of those that incompassed him put the rest into such a fright that on a sudden they all left him which Fulgoran perceiving lighted from his horse to unloose the cords wherewith he was bound deeming the force of Prigmaleon alone sufficient enough to cut the rest of the rascals into a thousand peeces and indeed this noble Warriour made so great a massacre amongst them that in halfe an houre he layd eighteen dead at his feet which Gargaracia seeing to her great griefe and hoping to fare no better than her Champions cast her selfe immediately into that fire she had prepared for Cilindor who presently knowing Fulgoran and Prigmaleon gave them a thousand thanks for his deliverance Gargaracia being consumed Cilindor delivered and none else appearing to oppose the designs of these Knights they caused the prison doors to be all opened where they found the Gyant 〈◊〉 and the unknown Knight their especiall friends with forty or fifty more of their acquaintance whom after they had saluted they asked by what accident they were fallen into the hands of that cruell woman by the most villanous treachery in the world answered 〈◊〉 for arriving both together here and being courteously received we were led into a Chamber where drinking of wine mingled with Poppy which was presented unto us we fell into so sound a sleep that we were â—asily bound and carried into this Dungeon where we lay above eight houres before we awaked Thanks be to the gods said Prigmaleon who appoynted us to arrive here so opportunely for your deliverance Come let us quit this melancholly place and we will relate unto you at leisure the occasion that brought us from Constantinople then committing the care of the Castle to Milcana Cilinders Mistris who received but little joy with it being ready to take leave of her servant without hope of ever seeing him again they took their way towards thesea which at their return they found calme and promising a quick passage into Ethiopia where they being arrived Prigmaleon assembled his Councell caused Saba to be very well fortified layd strong Garrisons in the most important places and joyning fifty thousand other Horse to those which Florisel sent him who arrived three weeks after he expected without feare or amazement the fury of his enemies CHAP. XXXIX The arrival of the Pagans in the Empire of Ethiopia the cruell fight where with all the Grecian Princes entertained them at their landing THE Christian Princes having no greater object than the honour of God the glory of the world and the preservation of those Empires they possessed prepared themselves immediatly upon the receipt of Don Florisels Letters and levying Forces out of each particular Kingdome they brought to Constantinople the bravest troopes that ever was beheld First came Don Rogel with thirty thousand Horse and twenty thousand Foot the excellent Emperour of the Parthians with twenty thousand Horse and twenty thousand Foot Don Lucendue with thirty thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot Alastraxeret with twenty thosand Horse and ten thousand Foot Derigel of the fortunate Iland and the fair Cilinda his Wife with twelve thousand Horse Melindâ—â— of Clotona and his wife Castiâ—â—a with fifteen thousand horse his Brother Olidâ—r with the Queen of Castora his Wife led fifteen thousand Foot Silran and his Wife eighteen thousand Horse Amenia of Asre fourteen thousand Foot Anaxander King of Dardania twelve thousand Horse and eight thousand Foot Flâ—â—idan his Brother King of Comogena eighteen thousand Foot Gelâ—dan and the valiant Arletta fifteenthousand Horse Oriander King of Sardamira seventeen thousand Foot Galard King of Megera eight thousand Horse and six thousand Foot the King of Catay nine thousand Horse and seven thousand Foot Liscard King of Licaonia twelve thousand Horse Rozafar of Austria eleven thousand Foot Gadard King of Hungarie ten thousand Horse and eight thousand Foot Filadart King of Poland eight thousand horse and ten thousand Foot Ladazan of Nudia and Parmenian of Ciprus five and twenty thousand Foot From Rome there came fifteen thousand Horse From Germanie fifteen thousand from Guindaya eleven thousand and besides all these Don Florisel had raised thirtie thousand Horse in the Empire of Greece These Troups which amounted to the number of three hundred thousand Horse and two hundred thousand Foot being all speedily imbarqued Florisel and the other Princes of Greece took their leaves of the Ladyes who with tears conjured them to have a speciall care in the preservation of themselves amidst so many dangers as they were sure to encounter and so getting aboard they caused the Marriners to hoist the sayles which the wind presently began to fill with a favourable gale In the mean time the Enemies innumerable Army were upon their voyage at Sea sometimes driven forward violently with the threatnings of atempest sometimes again arested with the stilnesse of a calme so that five weeks after they were shipped in the Empire of Siconia they discovered the strong Walls of Saba and appeared in the view of the Christian Princes there who endevouring by the best means they could to
they began to be and caused a multitude of Pioners to sap the wals the Arcofibrats approached with their Elephants and the neerer they advanced the more blood was spilt and the more fell dead to the ground the Elephants being got under the wals they quit their bows and arrows and fell to handy stroaks Their Cymitars lighted with such a weight on our souldiers and the Combat grew so cruell that there was nothing to be heard amongst them but cryes and pittilesse groans which did so encourage the Gyants who met with little or no resistance that three of them adventured to scale the wals in spight of all those that opposed and began to make a terrible massacre amongst the Greeks whose sudden flight giving Russian to understand the extremity of the danger he and Bandimanda ran thither with all speed and encountring these three Colosses the first whereof was Arginassus of the cold Desart he saluted him so rudely on the head with his sword as cleft him down to the shoulders and gave the other such a thrust in the belly as ran him up to the hilts In the mean time Brandimanda animated with the like desire to revenge had made a shift to make a separation between her adversaries head and his body the vast trunks of these three Gyants being taken on the instant and thrown from the wals struck such an amazement into those that followed that their hasty and eager desire of entring the Citie was soon abated In the mean time the Elephants being ranged on the other side and their Castles manned with stout and couragious souldiers there was instantly a bloody encounter but the Christians powring down boyling oyle upon those mighty creatures caused a sudden confusion for as soon as it began to pierce their skins they quitted their stations ranne violently into the body of their troops broke their Battalions and were the cause of the death of above two thousand souldiers Amongst the rest they overthrew Barcandor of the Inhabitable Rock who was in no small danger of being stifled neverthelesse being speedily rescued by his brother he received no other hurt but the astonishment he was in by his fall which rendring him more furious than ever he had bin in his life before hee caused a Ladder to be fetched and being accompanied with the dreadfull Tipheâ—s Bucargant and other Gyants he went to place it with a resolution either to dye or force the wall howbeit perceiving a great peece thereof falling down which buried above foure hundred Knights he quitted his Enterprise and drawing out his great curtelas he and his companions entred the Town together with six thousand Pagans more which began to make so great a slaughter that doubtless all had been lost had not Russian Brandimanda and the brave Polander opportunely come in with ten thousand fresh men who seeing their safety or utter ruin to be then in question At the very first onset they cut off three thousand Knights neverthelesse Tipheus Bucargant Barcandor 〈◊〉 Bultiâ—dâ—r and the other Gyants fought so furiously that they beâ—eâ—t them almost of al hopes of preserving their lives Esquilan being wounded in three or four places Russian in the arme and the thigh and Brandimanda by the force of two cruell stroaks which she received on the head from the hands of Tipheus and Bultendor lying senslesse if not breathlesse on the ground but at the instant Prigmaleon Fulgoran the two Cenophales Grandimore the unknowne Knight Perion Tristor Florian Florestan Abies Quadragant Dardanio Florisel Agrian Armond and Melfort hearing the rumour of it and wel knowing the perill the Town then was in roâ—e presently and with their Armies marched to the place of Combat These seventeen brave Warriours beholding the extremity their friends were in never felt the incommodity of their wounds but set upon the Gyants with such a fury that at the very first encounter they massacred the greatest part of them and now the Christian troops renewing their courage at the presence and valiant example of these renowned Princes made a speedy slaughter of seven or eight thousand men the Gyants themselves being all cut in peeces except Armandor Palamedes Tipheus the two brothers of the Inhabitable Rock and two and twenty others who perswading themselves that they were yet strong enough to take the Town began a fresh charge upon our Christian Princes but their resistance was so brave and couragious as the greatest part of the Pagans ran upon their own deaths Marmaran Sophy of Bultara Tipheus Barcandor and his brother Bucargant being the whole number that remayned alive who considering that policie was no lesse requisite to men of Armes than courage made their retreat with a resolution to bring new forces to the fight and so at length to weary the Christians which presently causing the breach to be repaired and Brandimanda to be carried to the Palace they made haste to the ayd of Cilindor and the faire Alteria that were scarce able to make any longer defence against the violence of Falanzar who yeelding a noble example to the rest of his souldiers with Brufaldor Arastron Alceus and some few others had wel-nigh forced the wals but the comming of these Knights did much abate the fury of the Gyants twelve whereof at their first arrivall fell dead to the earth neverthelesse the wall being very low on that side where Astrurion the mighty Soldan of Brutacan gave the assault they could no longer have made good the Town if on the sudden certain Courriers had not come to advertise Falanzar that above four hundred thousand Christians were newly landed and in array to fal upon their troops Wise men make use of all advice that is given them so Falanzar conceiving that this news did much import the safetie of his Army caused Marmaran presently to retyre from the Walls and joyning his own troups with him they made a body of three hundred thousand men and wheeled about with his forces to the Seaward howbeit not thinking these sufficient he sent unto Marcelian Emperour of Media and to Fierastron to repair thither with two hundred thousand more that had not yet fought and so making in this manner two mighty squadrons they expected to see what resolution their Enemies would take who were commanded by Florisel of Niquea by Rogel Spheramond Alastraxerea and other Christian Princes which were very desirous forth-with to charge the Pagans but Florisel whose valour was well tempered with experience and discretion would by 〈…〉 give way that they should theâ— engage themselves both because the night dâ—â—w on and that they were also wearied with the Sea and especially for that he knew not what condition his friends were in but withall to let them see that what he did was more out of experience then fear he caused his men to advance till they came even under the Walls before which having caused Trenches speedily to be made for the safegard of his souldiers he pitched his Tents and Pavilions during which time
little cause left them of boasting and so there began the most dangerous Combat that ever man beheld between these six Knights On the one side the Gyants made huge massacres Esquilan Brandimanda Grandimore and the Christian Princes bestird themselves lustily on the other and their brave example made the courage of their men supply what they wanted in number so that above threescore thousand Knights being slain both parts the victory remained as yet doubtfull Wherupon the Pagans impatient of delay caused their second Battalion to advance which being led by Marmaran Sophy of Bultara accompanied with those incomparable Warriours Bravorant king of Morimont Marisgolfus and Gorgophon Collonels of the Gyants gave so fierce an assault upon the Christians first Squadron that they had cut them all in pieces if the Emperour Spheramond had not opportunly opposed their furie By this time the ground was all covered with dead men and the confusion so great and crpes so loude that a thousand claps of thunder would not have been heard amongst them Bravorant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus having addressed their Launces against Galard King of the Barren Ilands Alvida his Wife and the Duke of Laiaret they ran them quite thorow the body and so did in like manner to five or six more before they brake but great was the slaughter they made when as they hod drawn out their great and heavy Fauchions for the Lightning falls not with more violence than did their blows which meeting with no resistance sufficient to oppose them they strewed all the ground with dead bodyes Spheramond having encountred Marmoran Sophy of Bultara they both brake their staves upon each other and so pressing in amongst the multitude they slew as many as had the ill hap to come within their reach Alastraxerea made such havock amongst her enemies that every one fled from her as from some deadly contagion Melindus Clidor and Amiano of Astrea did no lesse wonders But the Enemies were so mighty and Bravorant joyning with Gorgophon made so bloudy a massacre that this second Squadron in spight of the best resistance Spheramond Alastraxerea and the Grecian Princes could make had been utterly routed if Florisel wisely fore-seeing that the flight of those forces might cause a generall ruine of the whole Army had not opportunly given order to the young Cavaliers that he had armed the day before to advance who desirous to season their first undertakings by some memorable testimonie of their valour made so fierce a Sally upon the Gyants that with their Launces they overthrew twelve of them to the ground then laying their hands on their swords they began to do such strange things that the Greekes recovering as it were a new courage gave their enemies so furious a charge as they made them begin to startle nay almost to betake themselves to plain flight Neverthelesse being detayned by the only valour of Braverant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus and the brave Sophy of Bultara who resembled so many furies they continued the fight so stoutly that the blood made large Rivers through the midst of the fields the earth was covered with the bodies of those that were already slain and the ayr filled with the groans of those that were then dying Spheramond wheresoever he passed carried death on his sword Bravorant and Gorgophon ran up and down raysing mountaines of dead bodies Marmoran and Marifgolfus appeared like lightning Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor Cassianus met with no resistance unlesse it were from the Gyants who did often times as well as their fellows taste the keenesse of the Christian blades In briefe it was a spectacle full of such horrour as the like hath seldome been beheld by the eye of man and the slaughter so indifferent that it was heard to say to which side the victory did most incline The Pagans who could not endure to be idle whilst their Companions were busie in the pursuit of glory marched up with their third sqadron conducted by the valiant Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan Antomedon the proud Caliph of Francapia Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia and Mercelian Emperour of Media These vast troops led by such proud and mighty Commanders fell on the Christians with such fury as promised no lesse then utter ruin at the very first onset But the Emperour of Persia seconded by Lucendus Dorogel Silvian the faire Salvage the noble Silverin of the Desart Gadard King of Hungaria Filadart of Polonia Oriander and Oroncus charged them so fiercely that made them quickly turn their faces to defend themselves from the cruelty of their weapons This brave Prince encountring Antomedon with his Launce ran him through the shield and arme yet not without great danger to himselfe for from the Gyants Launce he received such an encounter as tumbled him upon the crupper of his horse ready to have fallen to the ground if he had not been upheld by some of his followers Thus the third Squadrons falling to it pell mell there continued a most cruell battell the valiant Dâ—rigil did deeds worthy of himselfe following the brave example of his father who held all the enemies in admiration to see him alone act such wonders the noble Silverin of the Desart stopped the fury of Brizardan and behaved himselfe so bravely against him that by those that saw him he was judged no whit inferiour to the best Warriours of the world Lucendus sent Marcelian Emperour of Media to keep company with the dead Filadart Gadart and the Princes that followed them fought with so much courage and vigour that in a moment they covered the fields with the slaughtered carkasses of their enemies In the meane time Don Rogel and Lucendus seeing the great massacre made by Antomedon the mericilesse Sultan of Brutacan immediately assaulted these two proud pagans who were almost ready to swim in christian blood shed by their own swords upon whom they bestowed a couple of such violent blows as Antomedon was layd flat upon the crupper of his horse the blood gushing out at his mouth and eares and the great Soldan received such a stroak from Lucendus as rendred him in little better case then his fellow These terrible blows which probably should have been the cause of the Christians victory contrariwiâ—e exposed them to extream danger for these two great Warriours recovering themselves again and taking their swords in both hands advanced with so eager a desire of revenge that meeting with Filadart of Polonia and Gadart King of Hungaria they fell upon them with such a tempest as the one was cleft downe to the shoulders the other to the girdle which being soon perceived by Don Rogel he made with his best speed towards Antomedon upon whom he discharged so furiously as he quite dismounted him and put him in great danger of being trampled under the horses feet but being suddenly releeved by his friends he was by them immediately carried to his tent The retreat being known of these two mighty men it gave a fresh supply of courage to the Greeks
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
aside he had not avoyded them his fall and the sight of these great Colosses having stirred up his courage he took his good sword in both his hands and with it struck one of the Gyants in such manner that having divided his iron club in two the point therof light so rudely on his shoulder as he was forced to set his knees and hands to the ground and going to second the former blow he was prevented by the other Gyant who gave him so cruell a stroak between the neck and shoulders that it made him 〈◊〉 against the Wall but he quickly recovering himself let drive in such sort at him that wanted a club as he layd him â—lat on the earth which presently opening swallowed him up and straight-way closed again Being thus rid of one he turned him about to the other and thinking to avoyd his thundring club which was descending upon him he was so surprised that he was constrained to slide under the Gyants arm and sâ—iâ—â— on his body then might be seen a most dangerous wrastling the Gyant took him fast by the shoulders and gave him such twitches and terrible heaves that he had many times like to have overthrown him howbeit refuming new courage in hope of acquiring immortall fame by being victrious he put the Gyant so many wayes to it and so often shewed him such tricks as are practised in wrastling as after two houres travell he extended him on the floore which instantly swallowed him up as it had done the other These two dangerous enemies being thus dispatched our Warriouâ— looked about him to see whether there were any more to combat with but perceiving none appeare he went to observe those excellent Pictures where he beheld Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece and other Princes of their blood together with the glorious feats of Armes performed by them in their life time so lively represented that he had been lost in the contemplation of them had he not been directed by the sight of the five Knights entring into the Court together out of five severall doors CHAP. XLIII The marvellous exployts of Alcidamant before his entrance into the Castle of Treasure THE day appearing to Alcidamant upon the top of a Mountain after he had made a thousand and a thousand turnes discovered unto him a Centaur of a prodigious greatnesse that carried away Trasiclea towards the mouth of a cave from whence issued huge flames of fire which making him forget his former pains hee began to run more lustily then hee had done all the night before and travelled so long till he approached the said cave which seemed to be another Mount Aetna where the Centaur making a stand threw Trasiclea into the midst of the flames and advancing his mighty club he let it descend with such a tempest on our Champion that he was fain to set his hands to the ground for to save himselfe but transported with extream fury and desiring to be revenged on the Monster for precipitating his Mistris in that manner he returned him so terrible a blow as he made him stagger five or six paces backward wherwith the Centaur marvellously incensed discharged so terribly on his helmet that he thought the ruins of some Tower had fallen upon him neverthelesse being in the 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 he took his sword in both his hands and therewith striâ—ing at this 〈◊〉 â—â—counâ—â—ed his club first and bâ—at it with such violence against his hâ—â—d that it overturned him into the middest of that dreadfull Furâ—â—ce Then it was when this Warriour seeing himselfe alone without hope of taking a greater revenge for the death of his Lady which he beleeved was reduced to ashes that he began to cry so horribly as made all the vallies about resound therewith his actions were nothing but expressions of madnesse and all his motions so full of rage that the most confident Gyants would have trembled at the sight of him Why stay I any longer said he labouring to pluck off his Helmet that he might tear his haire in peeces wretch that I am why stay I any longer to make an end of my selfe in any sort whatsoever my Mistris is not in the world what should I doe in it then no no I must leave it dye the same death that she hath done and joyn my ashes to hers saying so he â—lung his shield to the ground and casting his eyes by chance towards the grot with such piercing sighes as if his soule would every minute have parted from his body he perceived a little Pillar where beholding a table hanging hee approached unto it for to reade these words Jf thou hast courage enough to passe these 〈◊〉 thou shalt recover the Treasure which thou beleevest is lâ—st O me said he more contented than ever he had been furious am I permitted yet to hope and can the safety of my Mistris consist in my adventures away with all regard and feare of danger and let the world see that my soule doth burne with a far more fierce and glorious fire whereupon taking up his sword and shield he went on and threw himselfe into those horrible flames wherein having continued above a quarter of an houre without feeling any heat at all he found himselfe in a meadow environed with inaccessable Rocks saving one only overture which appeared in the forme of a door whither addressing himselfe he perceived three monstrous fowles come out of it the least whereof was as big as an Oxe which striking at him with a most dreadfull noyse layd him all along on the ground from whence feare and a desire to meet with his Lady having quickly raysed him up again he took his sword and 〈◊〉 when these creatures were returned with their former fury he hit one of them so luckily just on the joynt of the wing that he cut it off which caused that dangerous creature to fall to the ground where becomming more 〈◊〉 by the sight of his blood he râ—â— upon him with a mâ—â—vellous force but the Knight presenting the poynt of his sword stroke him to the heart and so sent him dead to the earth In the mean time the other two beâ—â—ing their mighty wings stooped to him and catching him in their tallonâ— caried him up into â—â—e ayr where by his fall or the fury of these Monâ—â—ers he could have expected nothing but assured death had he not forâ—â—â—â—tely met with the â—elly of one of them where into he past his sword almost to the 〈◊〉 by which means the pâ—ngs of death wherein he was made hiâ— unâ—ooâ—â— his hold and let our Knight fall in such a grievous manâ—â—â— that he verely thought all his boâ—es had beâ—â—e broâ—eâ— within hiâ— neverthelesse â—â—â—ing the other 〈◊〉 towards him he presently got up yet not so soon but that having first caught him by the Helmet he lift him up above two foot from the ground howbeit finding him too heavie for his hold he quit him and forced him to fall again upon his hands where
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
or to defend themselves from such as doe assail them your despaire hath made you decline the remedyes which we would have given you for the healing of your wounds you shall goe and seek them where you please to which end we set you freely at liberty wherby also we desire you should know that we never did nor will fear the greatnesse of your armes If you shall be sensible of our courtesies and shall at your return contain your subjects in peace we shall be very glad of it if otherwise it shall not much trouble us Whereupon having formerly commanded a ship to be rigged and victualled he caused them to be carried aboard without attending any answer letting them goe to Gorgophons Island wonderfully amazed to find such courtesie from enemies that had been so exceedingly outraged howbeit all this could not worke upon their hardned hearts for they resolved to be revenged at any rate whatsoever and once more to turn the world upside down This affaire being then expedited Amadis accompanied with seven or eight of the Grecian Princes that kept not their beds went to visit the beautifull Emperesse of the Amazons and did her so much honour as she repented the employing of her Armes against them Soveraigne Prince said she after a most gentle manner I would not beleeve that you and yours were every where invincible nor could think that the applause which the world gave you were justly due to you but having seen incredible effects of your matchlesse valour and found a generosity in you not common to other men I say the world doth you wrong not to erect Altars unto you wherefore I beseech you to passe by that which I have done against you and to honour me so far as to place me in the number of the truest friends you have Great Lady answered that magnanimous King and bowing himselfe for to kisse her hands I doe no longer lament the losse we have sustayned seeing we have gotten so fair a thing as your most excellent selfe your desire doth very much oblige us and the performance of your commandements shall alwayes be our uttermost ambition Hereupon having intreated her to take a lodging with them in the citie she and the Queens her followers were conducted by him and the Princes thither and were brought to Trasicleas Chamber where all the other Princes were assembled by whom being infinitely caressed both sides stood amazed at each others beauties Shortly whereupon it grew to be a very great court for Cassandra arriving from Corolandaya with all those excellent Ladies of whom we have spoken heretofore and all the brave Knights being recovered of their hurts made up such a royall presence that it much astonished this fair Emperesse but when as Rozalmond Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond Clarisel and Griolanis presented themselves for to kisse her hands she was so ravished with the sight of their goodly personages and gallant demeanour as she could not forbeare saying openly that now she had seen all that the world had of most rare a prayse that blushing made these Princes protest they would serve her eternally Whilst all was thus in joy and tryumph and that the Princes were talking of their own departure and dismissing of the Christian forces two ancient Knights entred into the hall in mourning weeds which looking round about at length went and kneeled before Trasiclea who presently knowing them demanded what news they had brought from Tramazond Very bad Madam answered one of them for being to acquaint you with the decease of our Emperour we are assured that naturall affection will make you rather lament his death than rejoyce to see your selfe Mistris of his Scepter which now doth attend you and your faithfull subjects wish for nothing so much as your presence to appease certaine troubles arising from the ambition of the great Lords that strive for the government of the Empire wherefore we most humbly beseech you in tender compassion of your poor people to resolve upon as speedy a departure thither as convenience will permit At this speech Trasiclea dissolved into tears and so bewayled the losse of her Father that it pittyed every one to behold her but after they had for a while given way to her sorrows the Princes endeavored all they might to comfort her especially Alcidamant who desired her to consider that the condition of all men was infallibly to dye so that by degrees having asswaged her griefe the King of great Britain propounded the coronation of her and Alcidamant which two days after was solemnized on a scaffold erected for that purpose where in their richest roabs Alcidamant and she two dayes after presented themselves on their knees before Amadis the Emperour of Martaria Belianis of Greece and the Knight of the Sunne who with many ceremonies set two Imperiall Crowns on their heads and caused them to be placed on two Thrones where all the Princes that were present went and kissed their hands except the Emperour Amadis of Greece Florisel of Niquea Don Rogel and Spheramond which kissed them on the cheek All these solemnities being finished Alcidamant and his Lady descended from their Thrones when as the Emperour of Martaria causing silence to be made spake thus My Lords the age wherein I am more proper for rest than for the cares that wayt upon Kings advises me to lay them all upon the Princes which it hath pleased heaven to bestow on my daughters wherefore said he taking Amadis of Trebisond and Palmirenna by the hands let these be placed in those Thrones as Emperours of Martaria as for Floridan he shall be King of Orgalia and Lucibel of Cleogena two states that hold of my Empire wherupon taking the Crown from off his own head he delivered it unto Amadis of Greece who with Florisel of of Niquea Don Rogel and Spheramond crowned Amadis of Trebisond in the same manner as they had done Alcidamant This done the two new Emperours marching formost with their Ladies were conducted to the Palace with more magnificence than can be well exprest and the feast was far more sumptuous than at any time before during the which all the young Princes waited upon Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond and their wives The rest of that day and eight dayes after were spent amidst incredible contentments at the end wherof every one preparing himself for his departure Florimond of Canabea that at the suit of Rozalmond had been sent Ambassadour to the Emperour of Gardacia by Spheramond for to advertise him of Armazia's deliverance and to desire him that he would be pleased to bestow her in mariage on his Son returned with this report that having been marvellously caressed by that great Emperour he had noly approved of the match but had resigned and sent his Crown to Rozalmond wherupon the former Ceremonies were renewed and that brave Knight was Crowned by the two new Emperours Prigmaleon and the renowned Amadis of Gaule Feastings and tryumphs were likewise revived with as much or more magnificence than before to the unspeakable joy of all these Princes and especially of Fortiman of Greece Belianis grand-child who unable to behold the excellent beautie of Penamonda Rozalmonds Sister without adoring her began to breath forth a thousand amorous passions wherof we will speak more at large in our fourth part These delights continued fifteen dayes together during the which the Christian Army had been dismist and sent away all these Princes separated themselves with many tears Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece Don Silves Clarisel of Guindaya the valiant Esquilan of Poland and the beautifull Empresse of the Amazons who would needs accompany them went with their Wives to Constantinople Florisel of Niquea into Trebisond with Falanges Alastraxerea Agesilan and his fairest Diana Don Rogel with Persides and Fulgoran into Persia Amadis d' Astre to the Empire of the Parthians where the faire Infanta Rosiliana was ready to expire with joy at his arrivall Fortunian into France with Florisel Rozalmond Russian and Silverin of the Desart into Gardacia Amadis of Trebisond Floridan and Lucibel with their Father-in-law into Martaria Alcidamant with Trasiclea Grian and Brandimanda to Tramizond Griolanis and his beautious Adelazia to Corolandaya Prigmaleon remained in Aethiopia untill such time as his Subjects were somewhat better assured The Knight of the Sun and Belianis according to the great Alcanders directions set forth with their kinsmen towards China and the Empire of Mexico And all the other Christian Princes embarquing themselves set saile for their own Countreys where we will leave them to enjoy all the happinesse of peace for to finish this third Volumne in the sequell whereof shall be seen the adventures of Don Belianis and of the Knight of the Sun together with a continuation of the marvellous acts of Alcidamant Rozalmond Clarisel Persides and other young Knights of Greece FINIS
noise at the gate he turned about his head and instantly saw two other monsters like him that he had overthrown come running towards him with their Cymitars in their hands and threatning him with no lesse then the losse of his life This object somewhat troubled him but immediatly resolving himself he sheathed his sword in the body of his first man who was striving to get up and straightway mounting on his horse the better and more easily to defend himself he made towards them but they were by that time so neer unto him as he was constrained rather to think of warding their blows then offending them For the one of them laid upon his shield and the other upon his cask with such violence as but for the goodnesse of his new armes his life had then been at its period neverthelesse he was not much dismaied yet thinking that such violent incounters might at length be attended with death he resolved to fight with judgement and to stand carefull upon his guard making them therefore spend the most part of their blows in vain he took so good choice of his times as he often drew bloud of them not giving a blow which pierced not the flesh and put them in doubt of their lives whereat they were so enraged as in stead of striking on his armes they hewed the stones in pieces and filled the ground about them full of clefts Whilest their fury did thus transport them the Emperor not willing to let slip any occasion that presented it self took his time when as one of them stooped to pull his Courtelasse out of the earth whereinto he had sunk it three foot deep and hit him with a reverse so just upon the neck that he laid his great head at his feet leaving his companion much amazed to see himself alone covered with bloud and wounds and with little or no power to defend himself any longer howbeit he recovered some heart with the sight of three other Giants that came out of the same Castle who having encompast his enemy began to charge him with such fury that not being able to ward so many blows which bruised his bones he thought that he must needs fall under such an oppressing violence but resolving to sell his life at a dear rate he defended himself with such courage and charged them with such force that he grievously wounded two of them when as the third gave him so insupportable a blow on his helmet that he laid him quite void of sense on the crupper of his horse voiding bloud in abundance at his nose and ears The Giant proud of his fortune followed him with his sword advanced for to finish the work when as a great Knight arriving in the instant charged his Lance against him and running it clean through his body tumbled him dead upon the ground Spheramond who while this was a doing had some leisure a little to recover his spirits seeing himself so opportunely seconded clasped his sword fast in his hand and with an infinit rage for having been reduced into that estate he let it descend with such force upon the first Giant that he divided his head in twaine just at such time as he which came to his succour having dispatched the other against whom he was opposed taking a new Lance from his Squire turnd himself gallantly to receive thirty Knights that sallied out of the Castle under the conduct of three dreadfull Giants who made such a noise as the earth seemed to tremble under them The courage of these Knights encreasing with the difficulty of enterprises Spheramond carried with extraordinard fury addressed himself to one of the Giants and discharged a blow upon his arm with such force as he sent it together with his sword to the ground That done falling in amidst those Knights he kild the two first that presented themselves before him On the other side the black Knight so was he called that sided with him made the Giant whom he encountred lose his stirrop and dealt such blows amongst the rest as he laid three of them at his fâ—â—â— but the two remaining Giants held them so short that with the assistance of those rascals which would not suffer them so much as to breath they had been in extream danger of their lives if two Knights had not at one time arrived there by severall wayes who seeing a fight managed with so much unequality presently layd hands on their swords and attaching the Giants that exceedingly molested the Princes charged them with such furious blows that they were fain to turn head for to defend themselves leaving Spheramond and his companion amidst their other Knights of whom they made so great a slaughter that there remained but two of them alive who fearing to lose their lives as their companions had done threw away their weapons and craved mercy You shall said Spheramond have it granted you upon condition that you put us in possession of this Castle You may said they enter it freely and without fear For you shall find no body there to resist you so as Argenea the Mistresse of the place doth not frame some new inchantment to make you purchase it with more danger and pain howbeit I can assure you that she is not now in the Castle she having gone from thence not long since as I conjecture to find some means from hindring it to be taken For her spirits without letting her know the time had advertised her of the misfortune that hath this day befallen us you may therefore boldly enter in and your best course will be first to seaze upon the ports for your more security This counsell seeming good to the Knights the blacke Knight staid at the gate * whilest Spheramond searched all about the house But finding nothing he returned presently to view the combat between the two Knights and the Giants which continued with so much fury that it was not easie to determine what the issue of it was like to be But ere long they perceived the advantage on their side that came last For their enemies had lost so much bloud as they fell both almost at one instant so weak that there was no need of any weapon to make an end of them Spheramond extreamly satisfied with this victory lifted up the visier of his helmet and addressing himself to the Knight that had first succoured him Valiant Sir said he You have so infinitly obliged me as I cannot doubt of your affection to me but to render the pleasure of your assistance and my preservation accomplished tell me who you are that in recompence thereof I may heerafter seek out occasions to be commanded by you Excellent Prince answered the black Knight discovering his face I will never acknowledge that you are any way engaged to my arms in the least obligation For your valour alone was able to defeat your enemies without my aid yet I cannot but give humble thanks unto heaven for bringing me hither so opportunely to testifie
the desire I have to do you service I am your most humble servant Dorigell Prince of the Fortunate Island and more contented for meeting you heer at this time then I could have been for the conquest of any enemies Empire With these words they embraced as if they had not been together in a long time before and were about to draw toward the other two Knights to give them thanks for their succours when as they who knew them came to them with all demonstrations of respect My Lords said they give us leave to kisse your victorious hands as those which will ever depend upon you You see heer Amanio d'Astre and Silvan brought hither by most strange means but exceeding happy in that our arrivall hath not been altogether unusefull to you Then unlacing their helmets they would have humbled themselves to Spheramond but he embraced them with such expressions of love as more could not be The entertainment of these fowr Knights having lasted a while they all entred the Castle and having shut the gates they were conducted by the two Knights whom they had saved to the prisons from whence they enlarged thirty or forty Knights amongst the which were Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan of Numidia who determining to seek adventures abroad had left the Army the evening before their dislodging and as their fortune directed them met neer the Castle of the twelve Towrs where they were surprised by two of the Giants who having astonied them with two blows enclosed them in a Dungeon with an intention ere long to sacrifice them to their Gods in satisfaction of Argeneaes revenge The content of these Princes was not small in having thus delivered two of their friends nor did they take care for any thing more then how to find out some one that could dresse their wounds For Dorigell was hurt in three places Spheramond very much bruised with the blows he had received the goodnesse of his arms having arrested the edge of his enemies swords and Amanio d'Astre had a slash on his shoulder nothing so dangerous as great but instantly they had word brought them that at the gate there was a Dwarf who desired to speak with them Let him in said Spheramond his presence will not affright us only have a care that he be not followed by any other For the two Knights we spared have assured me that three of the guard of this Castle are yet abroad and that it is likely they will return this evening The Sentinell then perceiving no body but the Dwarf opened the gate and from thence he was brought to the Princes where at first addressing himself to Dorigell he said Do you know me Sir Knight Yes truly said Dorigell you gave me yesterday the best horse and the bravest shield in the world for which curtesie you may ask of me what you please and be assured you shall not be refused in any thing that lies in my power I do not come hither answered he to request any reward for my service but to do you some more Go I pray you presently to bed together with these Princes that are hurt and I will dresse you For knowing that your wounds would extreamly incommodate you without looking to I am come to cure you You have already done so much for me said Dorigel that I will not now refuse your assistance neither for my self nor my friends Making then three beds to be set up in one Chamber that the time might seem the lesse tedious unto them they went to bed and were drest by this Dwarf who enjoining them to rest till the morning went out with Silvan that took upon him the charge of the Castle appointing Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan of Numidia to keep the watch with twelve Knights for fear of being surprised But little need there was of that care for the day came on and nothing appeared to disturb them Now were all these Princes risâ—n as whole and sound as if they had not been hurt at all the evening before and much wondring they could not see their Chyrurgian that was not any more to be found when as the Sentinell brought them word that he saw a Chariot come almost to the gate wherein were three Giants and three Ladies who fild the aire with sighs and lamentations but that withall there appeared a brave and able Knight that made no difficulty to set on the Giants for the relief of those afflicted women Thereat the Princes cald for their arms fearing lest that Knight should not be able to withstand the fury of those monsters and therefore made all the haste they possible could The yong Silvan who was first ready knowing the Giants to be on foot went out only with his sword in his hand wherewith he entertained his enemies in so rude a fashion aided by the valiant Emperour of the Parthians that followed him as he made them not only despair of the victory but stand in fear of a neer approaching death The Knight whom before they had circled about seeing himself so well and beyond his hope seconded did so gallantly bestir himself and charged him that opposed him with such fury as the grasse round about him was died with his bloud In like sort Silvan entreated his man and Spheramond gave his enemy not so much leasure as to breath but the honour of this combat was so well disputed with them as they could not vaunt to have lent any thing but upon very good pawns He that fought with the first Knight despaired of his safety and defying heaven for being so ill intreated by one man alone took his curtelax in both his hands and discharged so violent a blow on his adversaries helmet that he laid him in the dust altogether deprived of sense That blow naving given him some hope of victory he was going to disarm him but having in that rage and straining of himself spent all his bloud and strength he reeling tumbled down on the other side with apparant signes of death Spheramond that had observed the misfortune of the Knight whoÌ„ he thoght to be dead was so transported with choler that griping his sword fast in his hand he made it descend with such fury on the cask of his enemy as dividing it together with his head in two pieces he laid him stark dead upon the earth Thence presently flying to the Knight that lay extended by the slain Giant he unlaced his helmet to see if he yet breathed and found it was the beauteous Savage who feeling the freshnes of the air immediatly opened her eies His amazement to see her there was no lesse then his content to find her with some remainder of life but thinking that she stood in more need of succour then of complement he went about to help her up when as remembring the combat she had begun she rose with such force and agility as made them all to wonder that beheld her and laying hold of her sword that was fastned to