they would permit themselves to be overcome by their enemies Don Bellianis knowing what was necessary to be done by a good General having béen in many other Battels order'd his Army and divided his Squadrons as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXIII How Don Bellianis ordered his Forces and of the cruel bloody Battel between the Emperor of Trebizond and his Army and the Forces under the command of Don Bellianis THe morning being come wherein this great Battel was to be fought Don Bellianis arose early and dividing his Army into thrée Squadrons took forty thousand men under his own Command twenty thousand men he ordered to be commanded by the Knight of Hope and twenty thousand men under the command of the Knight of the Flaming Sword and twenty thousand men more he order'd to be under the command of the Prince of Mesapotamia and not to stir to the Battel until there should be an absolute necessity or that he should be commanded by himself Thus having ordered his Eastalions he commanded the Heads of every Troop to come to the Front of the Army where he encouraged them by this following discourse Gentlemen and fellow Souldiers the cause of this War I shall not néed to inform you of you being already satisfied in that particular the Courages of your Enemies you likewise are acquainted with having by often experience found that never any of your Nation was overcome by them but that you still matched away Conquerors giving Laws to them rather than obeying any of their Commands Their presumption that your King was absent was the chief occasion of this boldness in them or else they would not have béen so hardy as to enter your Land and now being awamed after all this provision to turn back again without aviding the harard of a Battel then with much unwillingness expect you their intentions was to force your Princess command your Estates dispose of your Persons and to make all the Inhabitants of this Kingdom their Vassals hoping to have found you in disorder and without a Head but thanks be to Heaven you have not onely a Head to rule over you in that your gracious Soveraign is restored but also a General who will harard his person to the utmost with you and therefore I question not but you will have hearts to follow my Example and if you sée any thing of courage in me to imitate me therein and follow my Example and assure your selves that I resolve to conquer or die thus hoping you have all the same courage and resolution let us bravely fall on our Enemies This Spéech being ended caused a great shout throughout the whole Army and presently every one repairing to his own Command they marched on to assault their Enemies who all this while were not idle but the Emperor not forgetting what was necessary to be done did likewise order his Battel and divided them into four parts one of fifty thousand men he commanded himself the prince of Albania commanded the like number and two mighty Giants of his kinred commanded the other two Squadrons Thus having divided his Forces and ordered his Battel he was likewise about to make an Dration to his Souldiers but the noise which his Enemies made in their Approaches diverted him therefore causing his Trumpets and Drums and all manner of Military Instruments to soun◠he being armed at all points in the Front of the Army went forwards to receive the Babylonians Don Bellianis being likewise in the Front of his Army séeing his Enemy approach and believing it to be the Emperor because he had on his accustomed black Armor in which he had gotten great Renown anger and jealousie so incensed him that taking a strong Lance and couching the same he ran full against him and the other being also provided did the same in such brave manner that their Lances shivered into pieces and their horses méeting sad like to have overthrown one another but thesé two brave Warriors soon recovering themselves and drawing their Swords assaulted one another with incredible fury Long did their Combate endure together so that both Armies joyned and as well the Soldiers as the Commanders performed wonders making an incredible slaughter At length one of the Giants Cousin to the Emperor advanting with his Troop arrived at the place where the two Generals were in Combate and resolving to dispatch Don Bellianis towardly came behinde him and gave him so weighty a blow on the Helmet that he fell backwards on his horse and he going to redouble the same had certainly killed him at the second blow had not the horse of Don Bellianis run away with his Master who soon coming again to himself and being extraordinarily enraged perceived that it was the Giant that had used him so hardly for he still pursued him to take away his life which he séeing being more enraged than any Numidian Lioness hereaved of her whelps the fire sparkling from his eyes let fall his Target and taking his Sword in both hands laid so puissant a blow on the Gyant that he did cleave him down from the head to the middle The Black Knight séeing this cryed out Oh ye Gods with how much force and valor have you endued one single Knight Don Bellianis having done this execution spurred on his beast and more furiously than a baired Bull entred the Army of his Enemy where he did kill and slay all that came within the reach of his Sword The Black Knight did the like till at length he was encountred with by the Knight of Hope who in despight of his resolution to go forwards made him stay and bravely receiv'd him but the Black Knight being of admirable force and derterity so handled him that in short time he left him without sense or motion and so he departed and went forwards killing and slaying all that had the valor to oppose him Thus continued he a long time till one came to him and told him that his presence would be very necessary in his own Army for that the Knight of the Golden Image and those who followed him had put one of the Squadrons of his Army to the rout which he hearing presently departed and coming to the place where Don Bellianis was he saw him perform things incredible for he was in pursuit of many Knights none of them having so much resolution as to turn their faces towards him for if they did they certainly met with their deaths The Emperor séeing this was forced for the safety of his own men to engage himself once more in Combate with him which Don Bellianis was not at all discontented at but renewing his forces be likewise renew'd the Fight with him These two valiant Champions continued long in fight together and gave to each other such violent blows that those Forces that were there stood still and forbore fighting to behold them But Don Bellianis whose match was not to be found throughout the whole Vniverse being angred that
the Fight continued so long gave the Emperor so mighty a blow on the arm that he wounded him so mightily that his sword fell out of his hand which Don Bellianis seeing and intending to redouble his blow was prevented for many valiant Knights who had till then stood still séeing their Prince in so great danger went and succored him and in despight of Don Bellianis carried him away to his Tent where when his woâ—â—ds were dressed he would have entred the Fight again but his Chirurgeons would not in any wise permit it Thus the absence of the Emperor caused Don Bellianis and his party to prevail but although he behaved himself with great valor and killed many Knights and Giants yet their great numbers still freshly coming on in the end tired him so that when the night approached he having continued the Battel all that day he withdrew his men and contented himself with what he had done for the next morning having taken an account of the numbers that he had lost he found that he wanted but fiftéen thousand men when on the enemies part were slain at least fifty thousand men That day the Knights of Hope and of the Flaming Sword did perform bravely and not having ever béen in any Battel before they by the example of their General performed excellently both in commanding and executing and the Prince of Mesopotamia though a most valiant Knight and much against his will this day performed nothing for he remained where his General had commanded him and there was no occasion to use that force that was under his command till it was night and then they retreated in good order to the place where he was placed and there taking up their quarters expected the aproach of the next mornings sun to renew their fight News was soon carried every where of the good fortune of the Knight of the Golden Image and the forces under his command and how that in single Combate he had so wounded the Emperor of Trezibond in the arm that he was forced to leave the fight and of those other advantages that he had gotten which caused many more of the Souldan of Babylons Subjects to come in unto him and the next day there arrived a fresh supply of fifty thousand men from the Prince of Numidia with promise and assurance that he himâ—elf would within few days be with him in the head of one hundred thousand men and then they did not question but they should be able to expel their enemies out of the Countrey But Don Bellianis believing that he had Forces enough already to perform that withouâ— any new Additions resolved to try the fortune of another day with his whole Army resolving to die or drive his enemies out of the field In this resolution he continued and therefore gave order that all should be in readiness to fall upon their enemies whensoever he should command them On the other side the Emperor of Trebizond was much discontented at the wound he had receiv'd but resolv'd that should not hinder him from fighting in his own person in the next Battel which he intended should be within two days for by that time he expected a recruit of fifty thousand men which were already raised and onely staid behind to expect his Command for them to advance which Forces he sent for with this resolution that as soon as they were come to him he would again hazard another Field-battel but he was hindered of â—is purpose for Don Bellianis according to his resolution he had already taken did engage him and all his Forces in another Field battel before the arrival of his other Forces as shall be she wed you at large in the Chapter following CHAP. XXV How Don Bellianis fought another Battel with the Emperor of Trebizond and how he forced him to leave the Field and how he followed him into his own Countrey TWo hours before day the next morning did Don Bellianis without any noise of Trumpets or other warlike Instruments leave his own Camp and with his whole Forces marched to assault his Enemies who having kept a strict Watch took the Alarm but before they could put themselves in a readiness Don Bellianis and his Forces had sacrificed the lives of above twenty thousand men The Emperor of Trebizond being enraged at this supprisal soon called for his Armor and having arm'd himself therewith and being mounted on a lusty Courser soon revenged himself of some of his Enemies for before he brake his Lance he dismounted above twenty Knights and being accompanied with twenty fierce Gyants who were appointed for his Guard by reason of the last days misfortune they with their broad and sharp cutting Cymetars and Battel ares made a woful destruction to what place soever they came present death followed to those that resisted them at length they met with the Prince of Mesaporamia who having bin idle all the last battel was resolved to make amends in this days combate and went with a Guard of a hundred Knights killing and forcing their ways throw their enemies Camp him and his Knights did the Emperor and his Gyants assail and betwéen them hapned a bloody Conflict for the Gyants being of the best in the whole Army had presently slain above twenty of his Knights which so enraged the Mesapotamian that maugre all their resistance he sent two of their black souls immediately to accompany his Knights and fiercely breaking through the midst of them he ran against the Emperor with great advantage for be well night dismounted him from his horse for he not being provided for the encounter was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to save himself from falling At which assault he recovering himself and being enraged with his sword gave his adversary so mighty a blow on the Helmet that he bent his head to the horses neck and would have soon dispatched him of his life but that the Knight of Hope came timely enough to prevent him and so received the blow and returned it so fiercely on the Emperor that he was wounded on the Thigh and by this time the Prince of Mesapotamia had recoveerd his senses and finding the danger he was delivered from was first thankful to the heavens and then revenged himself on one of the Giants who was next him whose arm he cut off and wounded him so in the side that his life was sacrificed to his revenge Thus the Battel was in this part of the field but the Knight of the Golden Image and the Knight of the Flaming Sword kéeping company with one another made very great havock of their enemies and being followed by a great party of valiant Knights gave the enemy so terrible an On set that after two hours contention they fled and left the field having first left it thickly strewed with the dead bodies of the Emperors Forces Don Bellianis pursued him so long that in the end they came to a great River and séeing that death was both before and
Ship to search up and down all the Islands of the Archiepelago to find his Princess out not knowing the name of the place where he had lost her but all was in vain for he had lost her quite another way Thus being crossed at his ill fortune he at last landed at Constantinople and then not caring whither he went such was his sorrow for the loss of his dear Princess His destinies after many weary Iourneys at last brought him to Antioch where he arrived at the Triumphs held for the Solemnization of the Wedding of the King and Quéen and there he performed such Knightly Déeds of Chivalry as hath béen told you in the foregoing Chapter The next day after the Combate betwéen the Knight of the Keys and the Prince of Phenicia all the Champions resorted early into the Lists and there the two Knights destred of the King to give them leave to finish their Combate but the King would not assent thereto but ordered that they should both desist there-from and in regard there had béen so much equalling in the Knights both at the Lance and Sword neither of them should be accounted Vanquished or Vanquisher and that they should neither of them come into the Field all the following days of the Tournament but that the two Knights Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore should kéep the Field onely which at last they all assented to and they pecformed it to their great honor for in that time they dismonuted many hardy Knights but still kept the honor of the Field till all the days of the Tournament were accomplished CHAP. XXVIII How Don Clarineo Don Lucidamore Contumeliano Florispiano The Knight of the Wolf the Knight of the Keys did all take their Leaves of the King and Queen and journeyed towards Babylon to meet with Don Bellianis THese Iousts and Tournaments being ended and most of the Nobility departed to their own Dwellings the Knights Don Clarineo and his Companions desired leave to depart in quest of their Brother Don Bellianis and the King and Quéen hearing that he was at Babylon or there abouts knowing of the Wars that was betwéen the Souldan of Babylon and the Emperor of Trebizond and that Don Bellianis was engaged therein they not onely consented to their departurs but also would have furnished them with many brave Knights to have gone with them but they refused that kindness The Knight of the Wolf like wise knowing their intentions and that in their company he should be certain to get glory desired his Father Damartino to give him leave to accompany them which he did likewise consent unto knowing the worth of his companions would be able to kéep him from harm thus were they accompanied and ready to go when Peter of Ireland the Knight of the Keys being almost hereaved of his srnses for the loss of his dear Mistress the Princess Magdalena and being resolved to search all the World over but he would finde her and having a very great estéem for the Princes Don Clarineo Lucidamore and the rest of their Companions for the great worth and valor that he saw them endowd with he came likewise to them and desired them to admit him to be a Companion in their adventurous Travels To which his request they soon consented for they had a very great estéem for him having séen him exercise his valor Thus accompanied they came one morning to the King and Quéen to take their last farwel when the King told them that since they would not take any forces with them he desired that if his Cousin Don Bellianis or any of them had or should have any occasion for Forces he would at any time assist them with fifty thousand men and come in the head of them him self and give such testimouies of his good will and affection for them that he would merit the estéem and servic they had done for him Having thus said the Quéen likewise heartily thanked them for the honor they had done her and desired to be kindly remembred to Don Bellianis hoping that he and they all the Wars being ended would take that place in their way home whereby she should again have the satisfaction of their good companies to which Request of hers they assented to kissing her hands they departed and set for wards for Babylon The Knight of the Keys was very heavy and pensive as you have heard which gave them all some trouble but Don Claneo having a more particular estéem for him than the rest so the occasion of his melancholly which when he had heard he was likewise much troubled thereat participating in the sorrows of his friend and promised him that so soon as he had séen his Brother Don Bellianis that he would return with him to Constantinople and there would cause such diligent search to be made that he would find her if she were any where in all those Seas vowing unto him an eternal friendship which the Knight of the Keys not onely accepted but promised the same should continue to him to the end of his life This discourse being ended they passed on their Iourney in somewhat more pleasant communication in such manner that in short time they arrived near to the City of Babylon In which travels we will once more leave them and turn to Don Bellianis and his Companion the Numidian Prince and the rest of those valiant warriors that were set down before the City of Pharez CHAP. XXIX How Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia assaulted the Emperor and his Forces and forced them all to retire into the City GReat was the vexation and anger of Don Bellianis for that he saw the Wars had held him so long from the fight of his dear Mistress the Princess Florisbella and therefore he resolved to assault his Enemies and force them to a Battel and the Prince of Numidia was likewise of the same resolution Wherefore they providing all things ready divided their Army into two parts which they took betwéen them and so with their whole Forces set upon the Enemy in their Entrenchments and having given them the Alarm followed it with so much puissance that they soon forced them to retire to the City Walls The Emperor of Trebizond being advertised hereof came forth and at the Head of fifty thousand valiant men went to méet Don Bellianis whom he soon found and knew by the mightiness of his blows the presence of the Emperor gave some new courage to his Soldiers and he engaging with Don Bellianis caused them that were about to flée into the City to face about and return upon their Enemies and then there was a fierce Slaughter upon all sides The Prince of Numidia with a Party of fifty thousand men rode up and down the Field to give his assistance to that part or place where there was most néed and there was one party of the Emperor of Trebizond's Foof-soldiers of about fifty thousand who kept close together and did much harm to his Soldiers being
make use of your Lance against me let me see what you can do vvith your Svvord for assure your self that I vvill do my utmost endeavor against you vvith mine and I hope to make you knovv that I have an arm as capable and strong to vvâ—ild a Svvord as it vvas to manage a Lance against you He heard her well enough but was intended to leave her as he had done the time before but he was hindred by those who attended her and thereby she had the means to come up to him when she was within reach of him she again commanded him to defend himself and advancing her Sword in the air she let it fall on his Shield with such violence that it forced him to bend his body and she again redoubled her blow in such manner that she wounded him on the shoulder the smart of the wound made him alter his resolution and séeing it was impossible to get from her without blows was resolved to give her one and so be gone whereupon he raised his Sword and intending to hit her cross the top of her Helmet to astonish her a little his blow fell with such force that the buckles of her Helmet breaking that fell off from her head and thereby she discovered the loveliest but withall the most majestick face that Nature ever produced all her long golden locks flew about her shoulders and the colour of her face was so rubified with the head of the fight and the anger to be thus used that it was much like that of Roses and indéed throughout all she séemed to present those two Goddesses Venus and Bellona the one in the face and the other in all the other parts of her body The Numidian Prince was so surprized with this unexpected but most pleasant sight that he stood with his Sword in his hand like a dead statue but she soon put life in him again for now her anger being raised to the highest pitch she likewise raised her Sword and saluted him with a powerful blow on the Helmet which although it for the present blinded his eyes yet his understanding was clear and he refused to take the advantage he had against her of assaulting her unarmed as she was but resolving to be gone he was likewise resolved to have some benefit of the combat for he seizing her in his arms catcht hold of that fair gréen Scarf that held her Sword-scabberd and lifting it over her head turned his Horse and in despight of all the resistance her Knights could make he made his way through them and so returned to his Army During the time of this combat all the Forces of both Armies had the leisure to ingage themselves and that with indifferent fortunes for as he possessed his Souldiers with a courage so did she those under her command and those Chiefs that they had appointed on both sides over their several Squadrons being Persons of great conduct and valour had worthily discharged their places But the Army of the Prince of Numidia having béen always used to conquer were resolved to do so now too and therefore they laid about them so valiantly that their Enemies were fored to withdraw The Princess Floreza séeing this and being enraged as well at the misfortune of her self as that of her Army she sene away immediately to the City to command those Forces there under the conduct of the Knight of the Tyger to advance and in the mean time she used all possible diligence to rally her scattered Forces she did so and had put them again in the best order that time and place would permit When she saw her fresh Forces issue out of the City as this caused an universal Joy to her and her People so it was as much cause of sorrow to the valiant Numidian who by this understood that the fight would be very bloody and that he must be forced to fight it out to the last man he was sorry to find it so but being resolved to do all things that might be done by a good General he sent away to his Camp to command those Forces that he had left there to quit the Camp and advance towards the place of Battle put not to make their approaches so near as to be discovered by either Army but to stay in some near convenient place and expect his Commands His Orders were obeyed but before they could arrive at him the Enemy was advancing with the recruit of fresh Forces He has in this time Marshalled his Army and was ready to receive them and so went on and joyned Battle he was still hoâ—eâ—ing at some small distance with a small party and as he saw occasion went and relieved those that stood in néed of his assistance and that done he again retired to the place from whence he came where he made his observations and in fine by this his good and prudent management he saw that his Army had received the first brunt of the on-set of his Enemies Forces with valour enough and had made a considerable resistance and that his Enemies having failed in their expectation were now wearied whilst his Men kept close to their ground and séeing that there was no advantage on the Enemies part he whéeled aboâ—t and went to those Forces he had ordered as a Reserve when he came to them he cried out Come Fellow-Souldiers there is only your assistance wanting to put an end to this days work and reap the advantage of Battle that hath been well fought do but now show your resolutions to continue what you have been Conquerors and we shall soon be so They answered him with such a shout as demonstrated their joy and willingness to follow him wherefore he being at the head of this Party flew like lightning and in a instant was up with his Enemies who were mightily surpized with this assault They bore it as couragiously as they could but these fresh Forces coming with fresh resolutions to die or conquer made their Enemies know that they were led by one who was no â—dvice in the Art of War The gallant Princess did all she could to hinder her Enemies from a Victory which she saw they were resolved to have but séeing it was in vain she like a prudent General caused the retreat to be sounded The Numidian Prince hearing of it was resolved not to disoblige her further but give her the satisfaction she desired but although he as well as she had caused the retreat to be sounded yet his Souldiers could not be easily brought off from the work they were ingaged in in killing and vanquishing their Enemies But now the night coming on did that for them both which they were so desirous of for it separated the two Armies and the valiant Princess found her loss so considerable that she thought it necessary to quit the Field to her Enemies and enter the City being the better place of security She put this her resolution into execution but not so well but that she
Companions to méet his Enemies Caroliano had in this time put some order to his disordered Forces diviâ—ing them into two hands one he Commanded himself and the other he rest to be Conducted by his Brother Boraldo They were now near one another and therefore soon met but with such fury that many Knights were discomfited at the first Encounter Don Billianis and his Company performed Wonders in the fight killing multitudes but so great was the number of their Enemies Forces above their's that the dead nothing dicrouraged the living and their two Commanders Caroliano and Boraldo were such valiant Knights that they much encouraged their Forces by their Example They several times met with Don Billianis and his Companions and being assisted by their great numbers much endangered and wounded them Boraldo giving Don Billianis two wounds and two blows together one on the side and another on his head cutting the Buckles of his Helmet and leaving his head unarmed but Boraldo was with one other from Don Billianis thrown wounded down to the ground Caroliano séeing that killed Don Billianis Horse and did him some more mischief so that he was at that times in great danger but by his great force and valour be escaped with the loss of the lives of many of his enemies who opposed him The Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty performed valiantly but were in danger to be taken Prisoners in this mean time a party that was appointed by Caroliano whéeled about a little and came to the place where the Princess were Guarded they assaulted their Guards who defended them with much vavalcur but not so but that the Princess were in great danger to be taken had they not béen relieved by a fresh Trop of well appointed Knights who were Friends and Commanded by the valiant Prince Don Contumeliano of Phoenicia who being known by his Armour brought great joy to Duke Alfiran and his Forces who were then in low Condition He first relieved the Ladyes and put them out of fear of their Enemies and then with great courage assisted the Duke and his Forces he ranged about the Field ayding those that were in greatest néed and at length be came to the place where Don Billianis was engaged with a multitude of enemies there he saw him do wonders Boraldo being nere and séeing Don Contumeliano beléeving it was he that had killed the King of Cyprus and knowing him to be a good Knight durst not come boldly before him but lifting up his Sword gave him a mighty blow behind Don Billianis séeing it supposed he would fall from his Horse but he only stooping turned about and gave Boralda a great blow which being seconded by one from Don Billianis who was come to his assistance felled him from his Horse dismounting and taking off his Helmet and beléeving him dead he did not cut off his Head as he intended though it had béen better he had and these two Valiant Princes Don Billianis and Contumeliano saluted each other Don Billianis his Horse being killed he mounted on that of Boraldo's and then falling agen upon their Enemies they soon vanquished them so that they fled and were so pursued by their Enemies that an infinite number were slain in all five and twenty thousand of the Souldans and not above two thousand of the Dukes Forces For this Victory thus obteyned they all rendered thanks to the Gods only our thrée Christian Princes gave thanks to that alone God to whom it was due The Princess's were met and congratulated each other and all rendered great thanks to the Prince of Phoenicia as thinking himself more then ordinarily obliged to him for being his Champion in his late Combat and would have kissed his hands but the Prince of Phoenicia being minded to undeceive them all and not being desirous to receive honour for that which he had not deserved did in publick tell all the Company that it was not he that had the honour to finish that dangerous Combat but the Knight of the Golden Image in his Armour and the manner how he lent it him This was supprising news to them all and caused several discourses but all being over they put forward to Bollera although Don Billianis was of advice to return back to Persepolis and destroy it which he said at that time might be done with ease but the Princess Persiana disswaded him and so they putting on arrived at Bollera where they were entertained at the Dukes Palace and their wounds dressed the two Princes Don Billianis and Contumeliano taking up their quarters there CHAP. XI How the Souldan being inraged at the overthrow of his Army raised 300000. Horse-men thinking to be revenged on the Duke and Princes How the Duke and Persiana were Married and of the great joy and or the strange Adventures in Justing THe Souldans Army being thus overcome fled and dispersed themselves leaving much booty to their enemies some mingled themselves amongst the victors and there understood by Don Contumeliano's discourse that it was the Knight of the Golden Image that had vanquished the King of Cyprus When it was dark some of the Souldan Knights searched for the bodyes of Caroliano and Boraldo to carry them to Persepolis Caroliano was found alive and in pretty good case as to his senses but Boraldo though he was not dead was still in his Trance they put them both on Horseback and a man to support each of them and so carried them to the City although the Souldan was mightily troubled when he heard of the discomfiture of his Forces and complayning against his Gods Raged like a mad man yet was he very well pleased when he saw his two Kins-men brought back and ordered them to be placed in a Bed in his own Chamber that the greater Care might be taken in the cure of their Wounds The Knights returned told him that he was mistaken in beléeving that it was the Prince of Phoenicia that fought with and vanquished the King of Cyprus for although there was such a one and he a very valiant Knight yet it was not he but the Knight of the Golden Image who had come out of his Prison to that purpose The Souldan was surprized at this news and said that he might have discerned it by the Blood that issued out of his Wounds through his Armour before he began the Combat but his hard Fortune had blinded his Eyes that had occasioned all this mischief to fall upon him which however he was resolved to revenge and to that end caused Proclamation to be made throughout all his Dominions to cause all able to bear Arms in two Moneths to come to Persepolis and by this means he gathered mighty Forces for within one Moneth he had Mustered together thirty thousand valiant Horsemen with which Army he questioned not but to be revenged of and vanquish his enemies to overcome and subdue the Kingdom of Asia and to pass further against the Grecian Emperor All this he intended and only waited for
Duke Alfiran and those within thâ— City hearing of it issued out and then there began a very bloody doubtful Battel Perianeo séeing both Armies engaged and remembring his promises with the Knight of the Crowns left them to go to the place appointed he was then armed in a Sanguins Armour without any device in his Shield so that Don Billianis who expected him did not know him but he believing Don Billianis to be his Adversary told him that he was come to finish the Battel They had some words before they begun whereby they understood from each other that they both loved the Princess Florisbella and therefore at that knowledge their anger encreased and encountring one another they were both sorely shaken but both kept their Saddles their Swords being drawn they began a Câ—mbat the most furious that had ever been séen supposing one anothers Forces to be more then humane Thâ—y wounded each other in many places and complained of their ill Fortunes that they could not overcome At last Don Billianis grew outrageous and was resolved to finish the Combat with one blow he was going to give his Enemy but he was hindered off his intention by a Lady who appeared to him that resembled his Princess Florisbella who cryed to him to help and deliver her from four Gyants who drew her away he séeing that pursued her and them which was but an Illusion and went down the Valley and his Armour was changed in Colour resembling that of the Prince Perianeo who had not séen any thing of this wondering what was became of his Adversary wherefore he looked abont for him and in his Stéed saw the Sage Friston who addised him not to follow his Adversary but to return to his Fathers Camp ners Bollera he knowing him to be his very good Friend did not disobey him but went thither And there I will leave him to return to Don Billianis CHAP. XIII Of the strange Combat between Don Billianis and his Father the Emperour caused by the Inchantment of the sage Friston and how they came to know one the other and how the sage Bellona arrived and cured them and took Don Billianis with her to finish a strange Adventure how the Emperour coming to Bollera found a great Army before it and of his strange adventure there and of the terrible fight between the Dukes Army and the Souldan DOn Billianis had not long persued those imaginary Gyants before by the vertue of his Sword the Enchantments having no force ended only his Armor was changed in colour and so was that of his Father whom he saw before him and supposed him to be his enemy the Persian Prince there mistakes were alike and the Emperor séeing his supposed enemy without a Lance throwing away his and â—rawing his Sword went to assault him they both flew at one an other with like tury and gave and received many a strook that piteously wounded them and the Combat lasted with great violence until Don Bellianis giving his Father a mighty strook on the Helmet cutting the Laces his head was disarmed and he was about to give him another which would certainly have stain him but that looking on him he saw and knew him to be his Father and thereupon he cryed out Oh Heavens what billany hath béen doue by my hands and what more am I about to do and then unlacing his own Helmet his Father knew him great was the â—â—a zement of both and sitting down together they began to study how this mis fortune had happened the. Emperor aâ—â—ing him how he came to be armed in the Prince of Persia's Armour he replyed it was not so but belonger to Sabian of Trebanto and they discoursing further of this matter both concluded they had béen enchanted and resolved to depart but they were very wéek with the loss of blood Iust as they were going the sage Bellona arrived who went to kiss the Emperors hands but he took her up and she knowing they had néed of her assistance gave them somewhat to eat which when they had done their Armour came to their right colour and their wounds closing they were as fresh and lusty as they had béen before the Combat And then she having given them a satisfactory answer to all their request she told the Emperor that he must permit his Son to go with her to finish an adventure of very high consequence he willingly consented and offered likewise to accompany her but she denyed that desiring him to go back to the City of Bollera where the Duke had néed of him and that when his Son had finished the adventure she intended he might return and that it would not be long first the Emperor was contented with their reasons and his son having asked him blessing which he gave him he mounted on Horseback and went with the sage Bellona The Emperor travelling towards Bollera came thither by break of day and wondring to sée so many men in the Fields he judged them enemies and therefore rushing among the Tents he saw one wherein a Knight lay that was talking with several others that were near him him he believed to be the Sophy and near him was the Prince Perianeo they discoursed about another Assault to the City he hearking to them did not mind a Knight that was Commander of these Guards who coming near him and séeing him a stranger asked what he made there and delivered him to four others to carry him to Prison but he would not permit them so to do wounding them all one after an other and the first Knight hardly escaped him calling out for help The Emperor hearing that and knowing he must be gone resolved first to do some execution and therefore he thrust his Lance into the Tent and Bed of the Souldan but missed of his aime running betwéen his arm and side however those that were about him supposed him to be slain and his Son went out to sée who had been so hold to attempt such a déed this being done the Emperor with great fury passed on wounding and killing all those that were so bold to oppose him till he came at length into his own Camp there was he joyfully receaved though they were much troubled when he told them that the Knight of the Golden Image was gene upon a certain adventure and being arrived at his quarters he want to rest himself The Prince Perianeo returned to his Fathers Tent who told him that rhis must néeds be the Knight of the Golden Image and thereupon he counted to his Father the several Battles which he had under taken and performed I am very desirous to have further tryal of his strength said the Prince do you know him said the Souldan yes râ—plyed he and yesterday we began a Combat but was hindred from finishing it by the arrival of my friend the sage Friston This was the discourse betwéen the Souldan and his Son In the mean time the Duke Alfiron desired the Emperor in the absence
to come to Antioch to find their Brother Don Bellianis who was to restore the Princess Aurora that a certain Adventure had bereft them for the present of the Emperor and Sabian of Trebanto who was alone with him and that they were come according to their first intententions to aâ—sist the Princess Aurora Damartino and Palineo heard them talk but know not about what only they supposed them to be Friends Don Brianel having considered what was most necessary to be done told his Friends that it were best for them to say that they came from the Emperor of Babylon c. that those two Knights would be the more ready and he also told them that he left their Brother Don Bellianis in Persia in a bloody contest with the Souldan about the death of Gallaneo they were glad to hear of the death of that Traytor and now being satisfied in all particulars and instructed in what they should say they likewise told their Pages that they should say that they came from the Souldan of Babylon This done Don Brianel and his Couzins advanced towards Damartino and Palineo and presenting them to them said that they had cause to render thanks to the Gods for their good Fortune in ordering it so as that they met these Knights who were his Kinsmen and were come about the same Employment that they were engaged in and to that end had brought from the Souldan of Babylon a very strong Army which however should be disposed and ordered as they should direct Palineo made a very courteous Reply being as he said very well satisfied in the misfortune of his Encounter thinking it no dishonour to be dismounted and vanquished too by Knights of his alliance And Damartino concluded that as to the ordering of their affairs it would be necessary for them to go back to the Castle and there advise further thereof only sending to the Army to stay where they were till further order Thus did they ride back to the Castle whereupon Advice taken it was resolved that Prince Lucidamore and Damartino should go that Night to the Army and the next morning bring them before the Walls of Antioch They understood that the King had already heard of the Forces and believing them to be Enemies had provided against them an Army of 100000. men to fight without the Walls and 40000. men to defend the City However Don Clarineo Don Brianel and Palineo resolved to pass through the Mine into the City and surprize and open one of the Gates whereby their Army might have entrance This being agréed upon Don Lucidamore and Damartino went to the Army the Prince having himself commanded the Souldiers to say that they came from Babylon CHAP. XVII The cruel fight between Don Clarineo Don Brianel Palineo with Tumolcano and his Gyants And other fâ—ats in the City and how strangely they were Relieved by Don Bellianis And how by the Policy of Damartino all the Tyrants Army and Citizâ—ns turned to them all joyntly submitted and declared for the Princess Aurora And how they rewarded Palineo and left Damartino Governour till the return of the Princâ—sse Aurora TWo hours before day did Lucidamore and Damartino bring their Forces to the City Walls intending to surprize it they made up towards that Gate which was intended to be opened for them neither were Don Clarineo and Don Brianel Palineo unmindful of what they had promised but passing through the Mine and hearing the approach of the Army they went to the Gate their passage was indifferent cleer because the King and his Forces were gone another way but when they came to the Gate to put their determinate purpose in execution they there found a sufficient Guard to defend it however being resolved to prosecute their intentions the politick Palineo went to the Porter that had the Keys and giving him a great blow over the Head that cleft it in twain he took the Keys from him but how ever he could not perform his intention in opening the Gate for he was set upon by several Knights at once he defended himself very well and offended his Enemies by the assistance of his two Princely Companions but the King Tramolcano hearing of this attempt and being resolved to prevent it went in company of Count Garino and a great Troop to assist his Guard they spurred on with great fury thinking to overcome the Princes which Clarineo seacute eing ran the Gyants borse thorow who being mortally wounded overthrew his Master Garino intending the same was prevented for Palineo stepping aside with one blow beat him from his Horse but they did both arise agen and they their Forces did so furiously assault our thrée Knights that they were in great danger of their lives had they not béen rescued as you shall presently hear It was near morning when a little without the City might be séen a Pillar of fire which approached the Walls after it two Gyants that carried a Ladder and set it against the Wall and a Knight whose Armor was garnished with Basilisks who dismounting from his Horse mounted the Ladder up to the City Wall Don Lucidamore who was without and saw this did likewise mount the Ladder and follow him they were opposed by some that were on the top of the Walls but the Knight of the Basilisks either killed them or threw them down headlong and séeing certain steps in the Wall he thereby discended being still followed by Lucidamore when they came down they made great slaughter till they arrived where the thrée distressed Knights were Don Brianel not knowing him to be their Friend made a blow at him but he knowing him warded it and procéeded against his Enemies at one blow killing the trayterous Count Garino and then he cryed out Courage brave Knights for you are relieved And immediately at another stroak he cut off the Gyants legg so that he fell down dead and now the Forces without séeing they could not enter at the Gate made a breach in the Wall and entred there and soon after Palineo being recovered opened the Gate But so great was the Multitude of King Tramoleano's Forces that it was almost impossible to overcome them and they knowing that they must all dye if they were overcome fought like mad men or in dispair Damartino considering hereof grieving that so many men should perish considered of a way to prevent it and therefore he commanded all his men to cry aloud Antioch for the Princess Aurora those of the City hearing this although they were before engaged for their King Tramoleano as they thought in their own defence against forraign Enemy yet now hearing their Princess Aurora named and supposing her to be amongst those that they believed were their Enemies they soon turned Parties and sought for them and helped to destroy those that were the popper Forces of the Tyrant so that in short time there was none left among them And now our Princes being together and all jâ—yfull for their
without a Head but I am to render you infinite thanks for your so resolute answer to his Ambassadors not questioning but some considerations of me the meanest of your servants occasioned you to return that answer Sir said she I never had any inclination for that Prince for his person does not please me and besides that there is such an antipathy in my nature to any one of the Family of Trebizond though never so well accomplish'd that I should have refused him but were there presented to me the most accomplish'd person for vertues and magnanimity and were he likewise sole Potentate of the whole Earth set in competition to you Sir and were you but a bare Knight-errant my choice should quickly testifie that the love I have promised to you is not counterfeir but absolutely real He hearing her in these tearms fell down on his knées and strictly embracing hers exped out Ah Madam how do you undo your creature with heaping so much blessings upon him which in all his life although spent in your service can never merit The Princess Mattarosa séeing them in these terms commanded him to arise and leave off these impertinent precestations for faith she I am consident you are both so well satisfied of each others affections that these words are impertinent and must néeds give you both some sensible trouble They very well knowing that she spake a great deal of reason fell from this discourse to some other as what order he intended to take in his Expedition To which he replyed That he intended the next day to be upon the march with those Forces that were already raised and go méet the Enemy if possible in his own Quarters and so hinder him from hurting the Countrey To which the Princess was somewhat unwilling to give him leave to depart so soon but he telling her that the sooner he went it was most probable he should return the sooner and that during his absence he would send his trusty Dwarf with Letters to the Princess Mattarosa to be delivered to her and under that pretence Answers might be sent without any suspition These things being concluded of and he taking his hearty Fare wel both of her and her Cousin after many amorous Salutes he departed to his own Lodging and so he went to take his ordinary repose The next day he was up early in the morning and the two Knights Of Hope and The Flaming Sword desired that they might be admitted to wait on him in this Expedition to which request he being sufficiently satisfied of their Valor assented and gave them doth sufficient Commands tinder him which when he had done he sent for the Prince of Numidia and they after some Conference together resolved immediately to master all the Forces that was then in the City which they having done found that there was eighty thousand men And Don Bellianis resolving to be gone divided the Forces into two parts and took under his Command fifty thousand men knowing that the Forces of his Companion would increase dayly and therefore commanding them all to be in readiness that Afternoon he repaired to the Souldan and desir'd his leave to depart telling him that old Maxim in War That the least delay Spreads Palms and scatters Roses in Rebellions way The Souldan after he had heard his reasons gave consent giving him a large Commission to raise Forces all the way he should go and promising to send him more Aid with all the expedition that might he Thus this brave Martialist taking his leave of the Souldan and Ladies departed from that great City and that evening marching ten miles to a little Town where for that might he took up his Quarters CHAP. XXIII How Don Bellianis marching towards Trebizond and increasing his Army arrived at last near to his Enemies Camp EArly the next morning did Don Bellianis arise and caused the Drums Trumpets and all other Warlike Instruments to sound a March which Command being accordingly obeyed they advanced forwards but he was much hindred in his Marches by reason of the great quantity of Forces that still came in to him so that before he had marched one hundred and fifty miles his Army was one hundred thousand men compleat at which he was very joyful and therefore he made all the expedition possible to méet the Enemy before be should be come cut of his own Kingdom But the Emperor of Trebizond having carried on his business with great privary had gotten his Forces together and mustring two hundred thousand men besides many fierce and strong Gyants he was advanced with his Army very far and was come into part of the Dominions of the Souldan of Babylon before he heard the News of the Souldans being returned which did somewhat trouble him but however he resolved to go on and not leave his Enterprize unattempted Wherefore hearing of the approaches of his Enemies Forces he sent to sée what number they were and who had the commanding of them The Messenger returning to him told him that the Souldans Forces consisted of one hundred thousand men and that they were conduced by a famous Knight called The Knight of the Golden Image Hearing this news he was somewhat discontented thereat for he had béen in the Wars betwéen the Souldan of Persia and the Duke Alfiron and there he had both heard and séen the valiant Aas of the Knight of the Golden Image but however he resolved to persist in his Enterpriâ—e and like a good and hardy Knight to go forward and endeavor to give his Enemy battel before he should increase his Forces not questioning but thorow the magnanimity of his own Valor and that of his Knights and Gyants under his Command he should be able to encounter his Enemy with good advantage and considering he had double his number he might vanquish and overcome his Forces before Aid came to him wherefore he hearing that he was within a days march of his Enemy caused his Army the next morning to march forwards intending that if his Enemy continued his march to joyn Battel with him Don Bellianis likewise hearing that his Enemy came forward advanced apace being resolved as well as he to give him Battel that day if it were possible but when they approached near to one another their men were so wearied with that days travel that before they could put them in any good order bring up the Rear of their Armies the evening came on so that they were both forced to alter their resolutions and therefore they both encamped themselves in sight of one another and all that night both Armies made great Fires so that it was an artificial day now and then running into one anothers Camp in small parties and doing some barm but the morning approaching they let the Fires go out and Don Bellianis caused them all to prepare themselves for the Battel and so they did encouraging one another in the best sort that might be resolving to lose all their lives ere
commanded and guarded by ten strong Gyants whom the Numidian attempted to disperse but they were all so resolute that he could not break through their Ranks wherefore he attempted them a new way and retiring from them first ordered his Squadrons in the fashion of a Wedge the Front not being above twenty Knights but the Rear was above five hundred men broad and he in the Head of this party forced with his twenty Knights into the ranks of his enemies Squadron and maugre all the resistance of the Gyants and the rest he went into the body of the Army and being gone so far the rest followed him till at length the Rear of his Squadron opening to the right and left and so whéeling about both ways encompassed the Enemies Squadron engaging them in Front Rear Flanks and Middle and indéed on all sides at one and the same time he had such success that in short time he killed most of them so that of fifty thousand men there was not left one thousand aside All this while the Emperor himself was fighting valiantly with Don Bellianis where he â—aâ—e and received many wounds but there was little advantage betwéen them by reason they were hindred by the multitude of other Knights that fought about them This incensed Don Bellianis being full of wrath that he could not execute the Revenge he intended on his Enemy but before they were parted he gave him one large wound on the shoulder and then he company increasing he was forced to leave him and so he fell into the Ranks of his Enemies being much angred the effects of which caused the death of many persons for he seldom gave a stroke but death presently followed He was attended by the Prince of Mesapotamia the Knight of the Flaming Sword and the Knight of Hope who did very well testifie themselves to be valiant Knights and good Practitioners in Bellonas Field great was the slaughter where they came but far greater where the Prince of Numidia was for he had destroyed all his foes and was now coming to Don Bellianis to assist him but he néeded little of his aid for like a roaring Lyon he flew like Lightening into all places of the Field The Emperor of Trebizond hearing of the ill fortune of his Squadron of Foot in whole strength he put much confidence was greatly dismayed at that Overthrow and being angred at his ill fortune he caused a Retreat to be sounded but it was in a very ill manner performed for he was forced to draw all his Forces into the City not being able any longer to kéep the field leaving his entrenchments to his Enemies and with great difficulty did he get into the City for he was hotly pursued by his Enemies and many of his men slain but at length into the City he got and made fast the Gates and then Don Bellianis Baltasano of Numidia and all their forces being hindered from going further were forced to stay But coming into the place where their Enemies had encamped they found very good Booty which gave a great satisfaction to the Soldiers their General having given them frée leave to take all they could get This being done they fortified themselves in their Enemies Entrenchments the two Generals resolving not onely to continue close Siege to the City but also to assault them there setting Pionéers to work to undermine some part of the City-wall that they might make a breach and so enter to them and all the other ways that they could invent or imagine they put in practice but the design at that time was hindred for the City was soon after relieved by the arrival of fresh Supplies as shall be hereafter declared to you And now we will for a while turn back to Babylon to the Souldans Palace and sée what the Ladies did which we will shew you in the next Chapter CHAP. XXX How the Souldan of Babylon received a Letter from Don Bellianis who sent others to the Princesses Florisbella and Mattarosa and of the Arrival of the Princes Don Clarineo of Spain Don Lucidamore of Thessaly and the rest of their Companions at Babylon in quest of Don Bellianis THe Souldan of Babylon had not heard any News of the success of his Forces under the command of Don Bellianis since the departure of the Prince of Numidia onely such News as report gave our and therefore much desired to be satisfied in his Affairs however he continually raised more Forces and kept a great Guard about him to be ready at all times when occasion should serve to be upon the march In these Affairs was he employed when one day sitting in Council an express Messenger came with Letters from the Camp which he delivered to the Souldan who immediately causing them to be opened there was written as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord Since my arrival with your Forces I have been indlfferently fortunate for I have not onely satisfied the mindes of your own Subjects in the way that I marched but have also received much aid by their voluntary assistance which I accepted of according to the Orders that you sent me and we have had some Engagement with the Enemy to a very good advantage for we have forced him to leave your Countrey part of which he was entred into and retire into his own with much loss and disadvantage The Arrival of the Prince of Numidia was very importunely done for we were then engaging the Enemy who is so wilfully resolute that without the aid he brought we should have had some disadvantage The Offers of Peace you sent were tendred to the Emperor of Trebizond but he in hopes of Assistance from his Neighboring Kings is still resolute to proceed in the War unless he may have the Princess your Daughter offered up to him Which Propositions of his we wholly declined and such is the anger of your Subjects at his Arrogancy in propounding things so unreasonable that rather than their Princess shall be exposed to a thing so disagreeable to her inclination they will all lose their lives If Sir you continue in this opinion as I hope your Imperial Majesty will never condescend to a thing so base and mean as the Prostitution of your Daughter to have peace with your Enemy I then question not but to force your Enemy to very good terms and much to your advantage If the aid the Emperor expects does come in to him it will occasion the lengthning of the War and you some trouble to send fresh supplies which I question not your readiness to perform And Sir assure your self that in so just a cause as this I shall not onely hazard my own person to the utmost perils but rather than condescend to any thing that is base I shall be able of my self to raise such Friends as shall bring me two hundred thousand men to justifie this Quarrel and be revenged of your unreasonable Enemies But I hope Sir e're any fresh
them fifty thousand men who were all ready for the march to go and assist Don Bellianis CHAP. XXXI How the Emperor of Trebizond was relieved by the Arrival of the Kings of Albania and Georgia with one hundred thousand men and fifty thousand men sent by the Emperor of Russia and how he appointed a pitcht Battel with Don Bellianis and Baltasano Prince of Numidia and their Armies and how the two Princes Brothers to Don Bellianis and all the other Knights came with the Aid of fifty thousand men and engaged with Don Bellianis and his Army against the Emperor of Trebizond whom in the end they conquer and take him Prisoner And so leaving one hundred thousand men in the Field under the Command of Baltasano Don Bellianis and the rest of his Friends and Alliance with the rest of the Aamy marched back with their Prisoners to Babylon IN some distress was the Emperor of Trebizond by reason of his being closely besieged in the City of Pharez but the expectation he had to be relieved by his Friends gave him some satisfaction and still continued him in his former resolutions of not agréeing to the end of the War unless it were on the Conditions he had formerly propounded to Don Bellianis who you know was resolved rather to die than to yield to any such Proposals and therefore he and the Prince of Numidia endeavored all they could to gain the City but it was so well fortified that it was very difficult however they caused the Mines to be made to undermine the Wall but before they had ended that News came of the Arrival of fresh Supplies to the Emperor whereupon they prepared themselves to resist them and to hinder if possible their entrance into the City But the Kings of Albania and Georgia who were arrived within thrée Leagues of the City and heard that they must fight their way through the Souldans Army prepared for the Encounter and so in good order marched on until they arrived within sight of each other and then Don Bellianis and Baltasano with fifty thousand well approved Knights likewise advanced to méet them where they soon encountred one anothar The two Kings of Albania and Georgia being both valiant and redoubted knights couching their Lances went to encounter the two Generals the Princes of Greece and Numidia who likewise couching their Lances ran against them and breaking their Lances without much prejudice to one another they passed on and so both Armies joyned to mortal Batrel where great was the noise of the sound of Trumpets and all manner of other warlike Instruments and the clashing of Armor but greater was the terror that the two brave Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano gave to their Enemies where ever they came for whoever came within the reach of their well-cutting Swords did pay dearly for that presumption The two Kings of Albania and Georgia did likewise behave themselves like hardy Knights and valiant and discreet Generals for their great and valorous Déeds gave both encouragement and valor to their followers Very bloody was the Fight when News came to Don Bellianis to advertise him that the Emperor with great Forces was come out of the City and had assaulted his Camp At which News he went to Baltasano and advertising him thereof they concluded that the presence of one of them would be very necessary and therefore Don Bellianis out of the desire he had to be revenged on his Enemy and Rival the Emperor those to go thither and leave the Prince of Numidia to continue the Fight which being agréed on he quickly departed and arriving at his Camp he found that the Enemy had made a valiant Assault and that they had béen as well resisted by the two valiant Knights the Knight of Hope and the Knight of the Flaming Sword who were fighting valiantly in the midst of the Emperors Forces Don Bellianis seeing that encouraged them by his presence and so departed to find out the Emperor who at length he overtook and knowing him by the many hardy stroakes he saw him deliver he cryed out to him Sir Knight you will gain more honor by leaving those people and fighting with me who am resolved to conques you or die The Emperor hearing these words soon turned about to sée who had béen so hardy as to speak them but he was soon satisfied when he saw they were uttered by the valiant Knight of the Basilisks wherefore leaving his other enemies he came towards Don Bellianis and so they both making their ways through the Ranks of their Armies joyned in fight together The Emperor heated in battel gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow over the Helmet but he soon requited it by returning him another on the shoulder which descending wounded him on the Arm. Thus was the Fight on all sides vigorously prosecuted But the Kings of Albania and Georgia being wholly desirous to force their way into the City made it their whole business to get thither and so by degrées they got ground till at length both the. Armies came in sight of one another and then the Emperors Forces séeing that they were likely to be so well relieved gave a great shout and joyned all their Forces together the noise that they made gave some disquiet to Don Bellianis who was still fighting with the Emperor and being desirous to know what was the matter he reached the Emperor so mighty a blow that he remained without féeling and so he turned his horse towards the place from whence the noise came and then he soon discovered that the occasion of it was the arrival of the two Kings into the Army with their asistance He presently rode furiously through all the Ranks of his Enemies doing much execution till hâ—nrrived at the place where the Prince of Numidia was engaged in fight with two mighty Gyants one of which he presently assailed and with less than three strokes laid him dead at his féet when turning about he saw that his Companion the Numidian had likewise killed the other and so they both agréed to retire to their own Forces to sée how the Fight was maintained and so making their way by the death of many of their Adversaries they arrived at their own Camy where they saw the two Knights of Hope and the Flaming Sword bravely engaged with six couragious Knights and yet they defended themselves very valorously they soon joyned with them to the loss of all the lives of the six Knights In the mean time the Emperor being frée endeavored to withdraw his Forces and so coming to the Kings of Albania and Georgia after some Complements he desired them likewise to draw off their Forces which being done they all retired into the City but with the loss of twenty thousand men Don Bellianis and his Forces following them to the very Gates When they were entered the City the Emperor conduced the two Kings to the Pallace where be entertaind them and gave them many thanks for this their aid and
who fled informed themselves of the manner of the fight and caused them to face about and return on their Enemies The Emperor séeing this was resolvdd to receive them but they still made haste and arriving near the Emperors Forces six Knights advancing forwards and couching their Lances ran upon the Emperor and his Forces and with the furiousness of the Encounter they dismounted five Knights that opposed them and the Emperor who was the sixth lost both his Stirrops they quickly passed on and ran furiously into their Enemies Squadrons and shewed the admirableness of their valor by the mighty blows they gave for in less than a quarter of an hour they had slain and dismounted above a hundred Knights and in this time their Forces by their example followed them and joyning with theie Enemies soon compelled them in despight of the Emperor and the two Kings of Albania and Georgia to retire to the rest of the Army When they were all arrived there they gave a loud shout and cryed out Babylon Babylon This noise gave a fresh Alarm to the Armies and Don Bellianis wondring thereat went to sée the occasion doubting that the Enemy had got more Aid but he was soon satisfied of the contrary for he knew the Common Soldiers by their Colours but he was much more astonished when he saw the incomparable Déeds of the six valiant Champions and indéed they were all unknown to him he coming nearer to them discovered one of them by his Armor to be Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia wherefore he went to him and said Ah worthy Friend great paines have you taken to come thus far to my assistance the Phenician courteously replied to him Noble Prince I should not think it any trouble to travel throughout the whole world to serve you especially in so good company as I have brought with me then he knowing that Don Bellianis was willing to be informed who were in his company told him that his Companions were his two valiant Brothers Don Glarineo and Don Lucidamore and his Cousin Florispiano of Swevia and the two other Knights were somewhat strangers but both valiant Knights and so they were indéed the one being the valiant Peter of Ireland Knight of the Keys and the other the Knight of the Wolf and that they had brought from the Souldan of Babylon fifty thousand men for his assistance Don Bellianis being very joyful hereat soon entred the Fight and was now again resolved to conquer or die and that this day should put an end to the War In this resolution he went to his Companion the Prince of Numidia and informed him hereof and telling him that he would with a Party of Horse break through his Enemies Forces and get betwéen them and the City and hinder their entrance and that he would onely desire him to prosecute the Fight assuring him that there were such valiant Knights come that he questioned not to have the Victory Thus did he leave the Numidian and went to execute his purpose and so he did and soon brake through the Forces of the Enemy The Prince of Numidia being thus encouraged drew up all his Forces and freshly assailed his Enemies and in short time by the assistance of the six Champions and the Forces they brought he got so great advantage of his Enemies that he forced them to retire which they did not do so well but that many of them were slain Among the rest Peter of Ireland did gloriously for he slew the Knight of Fame Cousin to the Emperor and many Knights and Gyants that were near him The two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore took the King of Georgia Prisoner maugre the resistance of all his Guards and the Knight of the Tyger hardly escaped with life being very much wounded by Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia The Emperor of Trebizond séeing that by the means of this fresh Supply he should lose the Day resolved to retire before he should be quite vanquished wherefore he caused a Retreat to be sounded and so retired to enter the City but Don Bellianis who expected him hindred him there-from and fiercely assaulted him greatly surprized was the Emperor when he saw himself assaulted on both sides wherefore he advanced forwards to sée who it was that hindered his Retreat but he was so bravely received by his Rival that notwithstanding his utmost endeavors he could not get off but after he had received many wounds by Don Bellianis was taken Prisoner the rest of his Forces in the mean time séeing the Field lost left him and fled in great disorder into the City Great was the sorrow in the City for the loss of the Emperor they not yet knowing whether he were alive or dead none of the Commanders returned back but the King of Albania the King of Georgia being taken and the Knight of Fame being killed the Knight of the Tyger was brought in wounded and thus the Night being come the horror of the day was covered Don Bellianis séeing the Emperors Forces were got into the City caused a Retreat to be sounded and so repaired to his Tent which was set up near the City Walls and the prince of Numidia being come to him they delivered the two Prisoners the Emperor and the King of Georgia into safe custody under a strong Guard commanded by the Knight of Hope and then they sent for all those valiant Knights who had assisted them They quickly came to the Tent where they were kindly embraced by the two Generals the Prince of Numidia being very joyful to sée his Friend Don Bellianis his two Brothers who had discovered themselves they were on all sides joyful for this happy méeting and much more in that it had béen so fortunate The Prince Don Clarineo delivered two Letters to his Brother one from the Souldan and another from his Daughter the Princess Florisbella Don Bellianis looking on that from the Souldan was greatly abashed when he saw the Superscription to be thus For the most accomplished Prince and valiant Knight Don Bellianis of Greece but he was astonished when he had opened it and found therein these Lines The LETTER of the Souldan of Babylon to Don Bellianis of Greece Noble Prince I Must beg excuse for the mean Treatment I gave you the cause was my ignorance of your Quality had I known your Princely Extraction I should have used you like the Son of so great an Emperor as is the Emperor of Greece but your Vertues and Magnanimity did well enough declare your Descent wherefore I once again ask your Pardon and do promise you as a requital my true Friendship and so soon as by your incomparable Valor you have put some end to this War I shall desire your presence that we may by some Action testifie the Esteem we have of your Friendship We question not but you will receive a satisfactory Answer from the Princess our Daughter who testifies not onely a Respect but some Affection for you and assure your self that we shall not
not onely give my own consent to the Match but I would endeavor to perswade the Souldan my Husband thereto and I question not but the many Services which that good Prince hath done him will engage him to give him that satisfaction if he desires it As for that Madam said Mattarosa I am sure that the valiant Prince Don Bellianis is extreamly amorous of my Cousin Florisbella and that it hath béen the sole cause of his coming hither which hath béen so much for the advantage of us all he himself told me this and I think my self not onely obliged to tell you but to do what else for him I can The Princess Florisbella séeing things brought to this pass thus answered them Dear Mother since it is your pleasure for me to speak in this occasion I shall do it with all fréedom and therefore assure your self that ever since I first saw the Prince Don Bellianis I have had a very great inclination for him but I have smothered it till now I hear he is a Person not only fit by his worth and desert but your estéem of him to be so and therefore if you and my Father should be so contented I shall think my self happy in having a person so every way accomplished for my Husband and I question not but his worth will sufficiently plead for him to my Father The Emperess being highly satisfied in the Answer of her Daughter said that she would immediately take such Orders with the Souldan as she would not onely know his mind herein but also if occasion be perswade him thereto to the satisfaction of all and so she departed from her Cousin and Daughter leaving them in the greatest satisfaction in the world The Emperess went to the Souldan her Husband and discoursed of this matter to him who was so pleased therewith that there was nothing wanting but the presence of Don Bellianis to put a conclusion to the matter and therefore they all wished for an end of the war In these tâ—arms they were when a Knight armed at all poines came into the presence of the Souldan and doing his ordinary Reverence told him that he came from the valiant Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and had brought a Letter to him and thereupon the Souldan caused it to be opened wherein he found these words written The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord Since my last to you our Success in your Wars hath been very various for the Emperor of Trebizond continuing in his wilfulness endeavored all he could to lengthen the War which he effected by the continual arrival of fresh Forces but however the Justice of your Cause gave us sufficient Success for alrhough your Forces did rather diminish than encrease yet we still joyned the better At length we being wearied with the tediousness of the War resolved though to our disadvantage to hazard all in one Battel which we both began and continued with equal success till new Forces arriving at his Army somewhat discouraged your Soldiers but however I resolved to put an end to the War with that one days Battel if possible and therefore giving your Forces fresh encouragement by my endeavours we continued the Fight but most fortunate was it for us that those Forces you sent under the Conduct of my Brothers and Friends came at that time so opportunely for it so discouraged our Enemies and gave so much encouragement to your Soldiers that all resolved to make this use thereof either to conquer or die This their Resolution they well enough performed for after a long and bloody Battel our Enemies were forced out of the Field which they had before kept into the City to their great loss not onely the Common Soldiers and many brave Knights suffered and lost their lives but the Chief Commanders also The Emperor it was my fortune to take Prisoner and the King of Georgia who had assisted him with fifty thousand men was taken by my two Brethren and the rest put to flight so that we may conclude the War to be at an end I have left the City with a hundred thousand men besieged by Don Baltasano and with the rest am coming towards Babylon to know your further Commands which what ever they be shall be surely executed for since your incomparable Daughter hath had so much goodness as to admit me to the honor of being her Servant I sind my self capable for any attempt I shall bring with me the Emperor whose presumption gave her a discontent who shall either ask her pardon for his so bold attempt or be otherwise disposed of as you shall think fit I thought good to send you this Messenger that you might participate in the Contentment we all receive by this Victory which you may account absolute or else if you please to command it shall be quickly perfected either to the gaining of the Empire of Trebizond or what other Kingdoms you shall please or else to the loss of the life of Your humblest Servant Don Bellianis If this News was pleasing to the Souldan you may easily judge and he soon expressed it by his Commands that a general Ringing should be made throughout his whole Empire And he then immediately assembled his Council together to advise what was necessary to be done wherein it was concluded that he himself and all the Grandées of his Court and all the Forces that were then in the City prepared for the War should the next day march in triumph to méet the valiant Don Bellianis and his worthy Companions The Princess Florisbella was soon informed of this Victory not onely by that Letter of her Fathers but by one of her own sent by Don Bellianis to her which when she had received it she opened and read as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella Dear Princess THe tediousness of the War hath given me a very sensible trouble not for any thing of difficulty I found therein but for my absence from your Divine Presence but now thanks to the Gods we have put a Period thereto the Justice of your Cause commanding no less for we have not onely sacrificed the lives of many of of your Enemies to your just Anger but I have in my custody the persons of two of the most considerable the Emperor your Grand Enemy and the King of Georgia one of his Alliance I beg an Excuse for my not giving you a particular account of our Battel and Victory doubting the tediousness thereof would displease you I shall bring the Emperor my Rival into your presence but I suppose he will not be so impudent as to persevere in his wilfulness of having your Divine Person at his dispose nor at the least discontent you if I thought he would I should hinder him there from by bereaving him of his life It was my intention to have sacrificed his life long since to your just displeasure and thereby have rid my self of a Rival but
Emperor my Brother but the love of and my duty to my Country requires my assistance of it in this extremity As for those Trophies you won in the Field as I cannot hinder so I shall not forbid your using them as you please And as you desire me to consider your condition with your Uncle so I think you ought to consider of mine with my Brother and my Country to whom I am more obliged then you can be otherwise setting this aside it may be I should be as generous as you I confess you might have prosecuted your Victory against us with somewhat more rigor for you did spare where you might have killed but I hope if the War continue I may have the same advantage against you when you may expect I will make the same use of it This is all at present from her who although she is obliged to be your Enemy yet she will endeavor to answer your generosity Floreza of Trebizond The Prince of Numidia was highly contented with this Letter and had great hopes of a handsome prosecution in his love which although it was not encouraged yet he was not bid to despair But as he was a Lover so he was the General of an Army and his care was to be employed in prosecuting the War he had some inclinations to propose of a Peace to the Princess but he thought it would be better to wait till the arrival of those Forces who he heard were approaching under the command of the Knight of Hope which in few days came up to the Army It was then supposed necessary to procéed and lay a close siege to the City but they were hindred from doing so by the arrival of sixty thousand men under the conduct of Perisano Knight of the Panther who was one of the principal of the Nobility of Trebizond and withal was amorous of though not beloved by the Princess Floreza This Knight of the Panther was a proud ambitious Person and had carried himself so arrogantly in the count ship of the Princess that she had wholly refused him but he now supposing he should either oblige her by fair means in bringing this assistance to her in this extremity or else be able to compel her by force he therefore had raised these Forces and now came to her assistance Although she knew his pretensions yet she took no notice of that but welcomed him and told him that the Emperor her Brother would acknowledge this as a very remarkable service and that she would endeavor that her Brether should in due time recompence him He returned this answer that he did not nor could not expect any recompence from him who was himself in prison and whom he looked upon as one out of the World but his reward he expected from her self whom he acknowledged his only Sovereign and the recompence he expected she very well knew of and in requital of it he questioned not but to rid her and that Empire of all their Enemies that they together might reap the fruits of such a Peace as he would assuredly give her She hearing his arrogant expressions answered that she should never think otherwise of her self then as a Subject so long as her Brother was living and therefore to be wholly disposed by him but if he would joyn with her in opposing their Enemies she was ready to accept him He replied be was come for that purpose but withal that she knew his mind This valiant and discréet Princess was very much troubled at the arrogancy of this vain-glorious Knight but was resolved to dissemble her knowledge of his intentions and if possible to gain the Chiefs of his Army to her dispose but as yet she thought it would be convenient to be silent and sée how the fortune of the War was likely to procéed and therefore proposed to issue out of the City and assault their Enemies in their Camp The Knight of the Panther was very ready to entertain this proposition and therefore told her that he was provided to execute her commands when she pleased and promised to do great marvels on the day of Battel but when the day came and he and all his Forces were joyned with their Enemies yet although he was sâ—â—â—â—e and couragious enough he found such warm entertainment in the Enemies Camp that he was in short time forced to retire into the City with the loss of ten thousand men of his party He stâ—â—ing that the War was likely to continue much longer then he expected and believing that he should not by force gain his enâ—s was resolved to try what he could do by treachery and to that end he intended to take the same course with the Officers of the Princesses Army as she intended to do with his by gaining them to him And the Prince Baltazano was full of uncertainties what course to take in the prosecution of his love for he had intelligence that the Knight of the Panther who commanded the Forces that lately relieved the Princess was also her Servant but whether he was accepted or countenanced by her he knew not Wherefore in these irresolutions we will at present leave him before the City of Pharez engaged both in Love and War in both which he will be for some time engaged and now we will return to Babylon where we left the Souldan and his Empress accompanied by their valiant Son in Law Don Bellianis and their fair Daughter Florisbella the two valiant Princes Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore and several other great and worthy Personages The Court of the Souldan of Babylon was never filled with more joy and tranquillity then on this occasion especially when it was known that the fair Princess Florisbella was with Child this was very pleasing not only to the whole Court but to all the Subjects of this great Empire and the time of her lying in being come great and splendid provision was made to entertain the Princely Babe But the joy of all was more then ordinary when she was brought to bed not only of a brave Son but he was accompanied by as lovely a Daughter These two were wonderfull in their births for besides that the ordinary lineaments of their body were in the highest perfection they had extraordinary marks the Son had the perfect figure of thrée Crowns on his breast lively represented and the Daughter had as many Roses on her left arm At the sight of these so remarkable marks all the Cout was full of discourse what should be the meaning for it was concluded by all that they did admit of some extraordinary interpretation Various were the opinions of all and nothing being agréed upon the Sages and Wise Men of the Kingdom were sent to who sent this answer A Prophesie IT shall not be many moneths before as great sorrow shall possess the Court of Babylon as now it is filled with joy and it is impossible to hinder it the Fates having decreed that the two Princes shall be lost but not
to this day And now nothing but Triumphs were thought of against the Wedding of the Prince of Conaught and the Princess Honora and the Knight of Cupid intended also on that day to be solemnly married to the Princess Florida Nothing was wanting to compleat the happiness of all this Court but the presence of the valiant Knight Peter whom we having lest in the Army before the City of Pharez we will go thither to him Many assaults did the Prince of Mumidia give to the City of Pharez with different fortune for he was not always Conqueror And the Knight of the Panthar in hopes to gain the affection of the Princess Floreza behaved himself very valiantly but he finding that his valour did not produce the â—esâ—â—ed effects applied himself to treacherous courses and so managed his design that he gained the absolute command not only of the whole City and Army but also of the Princess Floreza The Prince of Numidia understanding of these affairs leaving the command of the Army to the Knight of Hope disguised himself and being accompanied with Peter of Ireland and several valiant Knights they were as Friends to the Knight of the Panthar admitted into the City but although they really were Friends to the Princess Floreza yet they approved themselves to be Enemies to him and his designs for the Prince of Numidia in short time so gained upon the affections of the Citizens that the Princess Floreza was released and the Knight of the Panthar first put into safe custody and in short time after executed as a Traytor And then the Princess Floreza understanding that it was the Prince of Numidia to whom she was obliged for her deliverance she not only acknowledged the kindness but they agréed upon a truce for the present and soon after news being brought from Babylon of the death of the Emperor her Brother aâ—â—irâ— Peace was agréed upon which was fully confirmed by the marriage of these two worthy Personages Baltazano Prince of Numidia and Floreza now Empress of Trebizond And now this long lasting War being finished to the content of all Parties they all designed and took their journey to Babylon where when they were arrived they were highly welcomed and entertained by the Souldan and Don Bellianis and his incomparable Princess Florisbella and to compleat the joys of all the Court the Knight of Hope was recompensed for his services by his marriage with the Princess Maturoza These things being thus happily dispatched at Trebizond and Babylon the valiant Knight Peter of Ireland thought it high time to leave that part of the World and travel homewards and in his way to search for his beloved Princess Magdalena but although he had great trouble in the inquiry yet it was to no purpose till in the end he arrived in his own Country and there he soon heard of a great triumphant Feast that was to be in few days after held at the Marriage of Owen Mac O Brian Prince of Conaught and the Princess Honora and his beloved Friend Don Clarineo and Floreza he was surprized at the recital of his Friend Clarineo's being there but much more when he understood the joyful news of his Princess Magdalena but however he so well contained his joy that he won the honour of the day at the solemn Tilting held in honour of these Nuptials and at night he discovered himself to his Father Mother and Lady and their Friends to the great joy of all and compleated the joy of the Irish Court by the solemnization of his Wedding to the Princess Magdalena which was in few days after performed And now having joyned these great Personages together to their great joy and contentment I shall conclude this History FINIS
as astonished him and forced the horse to set his knées on the ground never was seen so fierce a Combate as was between these Knights who â—â—rived to exceed one another so that they were also very much Wounded At the same time thirty Knights and four Gyants entred the Field and seeing the Knight in the Azure Armor in danger they all pressed on towards Don Bellianis to assault him but the Knight that was Prisoner cryed out to them to forbear telling them they were mistaken and that he was the party that they took the other for they then coming to him knew him to be Don Gallaneo and he acquainted them that the other who was in the Azure Armor which had been his was the Emperor Don Bellaneo as indeed it was and the new Knight was Don Brianel who were travelling with Don Gallaneo their Prisoner towards Constantinople but were thus met with as you have heard and now Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants understanding the whole matter from him that their chief enemy the Emperor was before them they all set upon him and Don Bellianis understanding that it was his Father with whom he had fought so Wounded was much troubled but however resolved to assist him against his Enemies to the last gasp and the Emperor seeing the danger he was in drawing his Signet from his finger delivered it to one of those that came from the Castle vvith him commanding him to hasten to the Court and deliver it to the King of Hungaria and let him know the condition he was in and that he should immediately send him aid and then séeing all the Troop ready to assail him he prepared to defend himself and was assisted by Don Brianel his Son Don Bellianis and Don Arsileo and the two Old Knights who attended the Princess Aurora and thus did this unequal Battle begin wherein we will leave them and follow the Messenger who made such hast that in short time he arrived at Constantinople and finding the King of Hungaria delivered the Signet and related the Case at which the King immediately assembled the Guards which was two thousand Knights and vvith them departed tovvards the place of Combate commanding all the City to Arm and vvith all expedition to follovv him vvhich command vvas in short time executed accordingly CHAP. III. The end of the fight between Don Gallaneo and his Forces and the Emperor and Princes and how the Princes departed without discovery and what befel them and the Lady in the dangerous Grove and how the Emperour after their departure knew who they were VEry bloody was the fight between the Emperor and his small party being only those whom we have told you and eight more who came out of the Castle and that band of Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants who all made it their cheifest aim to kill the Emperor but he so well defended himself being also powerfully assisted by his Son Don Bellianis that although Don Gallaneo himself getting Armor and assaulting him yet all that party was in the end vanquished and Gallaneo very much Wounded but scarcely had the good Emperor time enough to return thanks for his deliverance but he found himself in greater danger then ever for he beheld all the rest of Don Gallaneo's Knights and Gyants to enter the Field and ride fuâ—iously towards them all that the Emperor could do was to hearten himself and encourage his Companions who were all resolved to do their utmost and if they must dye to sell their lives at the best rate they could and therefore taking the body of Don Gallaneo and placing it before them they provided to receive their enemies with great courage who now coming on conducted by one Don Galfeo Cousin to Don Gallaneo he séeing the body of his Cousin would not suffer those of his party to ride over him but to alight which was some comfort to the Defendants who received their enemies with admirable courage and kept them so long in play that they saw the King of Hungaria coming with his Forces and then being in hopes of the Victory they laid about them like Lyons and as if they had but then freshly entred the Fight although the Emperor himself acted Wonders yet he saw himself out-done by his Son at which he greatly marvelled for he sometimes saw him kill two Knights with one blow and when it was to rescue his Father from danger he made nothing of cleaving one Gyant to the Wast and of cutting another in two at the middle so prodigeous were his blows and he was very well seconded by Don Arsileo and Don Brianel who that day performed Wonders so that in short time the Field was indifferent clear from their enemies which Don Galfeo seeing and also that more Forces were coming from the City he privately causing the body of Don Galianeo to be laid on a Horse before him left the Field and fled to his Ships where he with all speed embarqued And now was the Battle soon after finished by the Death of all these Knights and monstruous Gyants who were pursued and slain by the other Forces that were novv come from the City and now did the Emperor give great thanks to Don Bellianis and Don Arsileo for their assistance desiring them by all means to tell who they were and to disarm themselves that their Wounds which were many and dangerous might be dressed but they disguising their Voices refused to do either desiring by all means leave to depart which the Emperor refused to grant And search being made for Don Gallaneo they understood that he was carried away by Don Galfeo at which they were all troubled especially the Princess Aurora who told Don Bellianis that in his Death half of her business would be finished but since he was escaped Don Bellianis told the Emperor that the first time he saw him although in the presence of the Souldan his Lord he would rid him of an Enemy by giving him his Death The Emperor was still desirous of detaining and knowing them telling them that next to the search of his Son and Kinsman he most desired to know them to this Don Bellianis replyed that he néeded not further to trouble himself in searching for the two Princes for that they were both well and were not long since before that Castle and that there they had béen acquainted with them although this did somewhat please and satisfie the Emperor yet he was still displeased at the departure of Don Bellianis and his Company who carried the two pieces of his painted Shield with him and so they Rode on three miles to the top of a hill where they were disarmed to have their Wounds dressed but they were found to be so many and dangerous that the Damsels 〈◊〉 were well skilled in Surgery were very much dismayed and troubled which caused great grief to their Lady the Princess while they were thus lamenting they saw a Chariot in the Air coming towards them
Prince but they soon received their deaths at their hands and they being dead they searched about for more enemies but could find none and now séeing the Keys at the Porters girdle they took them from thence and opened the Prison door where they found Damartino the late Governour but so pale weak and féeble that he was hardly to be known He supposed they had béen Knights that were come from the Tyrant King to dispatch him of his life but when he was informed the contrary and that he was frée he was very glad rendring thanks unto Palineo whom he knew but Palineo told him that all thanks for that was onely due to Don Brianel without whose assistance there had béen nothing done nor attempted Don Brianel was unwilling to receave this praises but rendred them to Palineo But now the Governour Damartino being at liberty he told them that it was necessary to deliver several others that were there Prisoners and were his servants to this they agréed and séeking about found and delivered them this done the Prince and Palineo were laid in two Beds to have their wounds dressed by one belonging to Damartino who was skilful in that Art and there they continuel several days till they were well ordering that if any came from the King to admit them and Don Brianel being very curious of his Horse and careful to have him he was hardly to be equalled sent one of their servants to fetch them both which they did in the dark of the evening and now all things being in good state and condition with them Don Brianel being now at leisure and in company with Damartino and Palineo told Damartino that although he had done thus much for his deliverance yet he had other business to dispatch having a Letter from their Princess Aurora directed to Damartino which he gave him and he opening it found these Lines Aurora the disinherited Queen of Antioch Princess of Miriana to her Loyal Knight and Subject Danartino greeting It is not unknow to you and all the World of the strange disasters of our Family of late years and how that I have lost a Father and you a King and have my self been forced for safeguard of my person from the power of my enemies to banish my self from my own Countrey and flee to strangers for aid and succour The Gods I hope have now looked on my suffering and are willing to put an end to them by my acquaintance with this vallerous Knight and several of his Alliance who have promised to assist me in the recovery of my Kingdom And to the end it may be done with the more ease and facility I have desired him to take the trouble to travel to you and advise with you of what is most needful to be done as what forces I ought to have for the accomplishing of my designs and when and where to order them Of these matters I have given him Commission to treat with you of whose Loyalty I make no question therefore I pray take such order herein as may best conduce to the service of your distressed Princess Aurora Damartino was so joyed at the recept of this Letter that he embraced the Prince Don Brianel with very great affection and so did the valiant Knight Palineo and they both promised their utmost assistance and that they would spend their lives to the very last drop of blood that was in their bodies but considering the great strength and policy of the Vsurper they did believe the attempt would be very difficult however being resolved to procéed in it they purposed the next day to leave the Castle in the custody of Damartino's servants who had directions how to answer all that came and secure it till their return and that they would visit the Duke of Silviana who was a man of great power and from whose assistance they had great expectation in order to this design they having changed their Armour departed about midnight It was near morning when these thrée Knights accompanied only by two Pages issued out of the Castle and advanced on their way they had not travelled above six miles before they met with two Knights compleatly armed in Rose coloured Armour with many Crowned Lyons they being as courteous as they séemed to be valliant one of them advancing asked if any of our thrée Knights were lately come from Antioch yes replyed our Knights and desired to know the cause of their enquiry we séek for a Knight said they that wears a Tawny Armour and the Picture of a fair Lady in his Shield Don Brianel knowing that they enquired for Don Bellianis replyed thus let me know your name and quality I shall give you a true account of your demand I am said the other called the Knight of Lyons I am no wiser with that answer said Don Brianel then I was before I can resolve you no more said the Knight then I shall not perform promise with you said the Prince I wonder said Palineo Sir Knight of the Lyons how we should know you since I believe your déeds of Arms have not yet â—lazoned forth your worth your arms séeming as if it had hitherto béen engaged in few mortal fights you were best try my courage replyed the Knight of the Lyons content said Palineo and if I am vanquished my friend shall acquaint you with what you desire and if not your fair Armour shall be mine content said the Knight and to this Don Brianel also â—gréed and thereupon they began their encounter which was performed with such fierceness that the Knight of the Lyons lost his stirrop but Palineo was dismounted yet would not yeild himself vanquished nor suffer Don Bâ—ianel to acâ—uaint the Knight of the Lyons with his demand whereupon the other Knight of the Lyons and Don Brianel began 〈◊〉 Combat wherein Don Brianel received such a blow on the Helmet that breaking the Laces it flew from his Head â—eaving it wholly uncovered Great was the anger and â—age of Don Brianel for this misfortune which he was reâ—olved to revenge and thereupon drawing his Sword approached his enemy with marvelous fury the Knight of â—he Lyons was as valiant as he and resolved to prosecute â—he Combat but approaching near Don Brianel and knowâ—ng him he cried out in the Gréek Tongue It is enough Prince of Macedon I must not fight with you Don Brianel â—earing that and wondering who should know him in so â—trange a place asked who he was the Knight of the Lyons without any reply unlaced his Helmet and Don Briâ—nel soon knew him to be Don Lucidamore Brother to Don Bellianis and asking who was his Companion he was answered that it was his Brother Don Clarineo of Spayn â—hey all embraced with much joy to the great wonder of Damartino and Palineo and now nothing passed but loving Spéeches the two Princes acquainting Don Brianel that â—hey came out of Constantinople with the Emperor their Father and 100000. Men which were not far off intendâ—ng
Victory they sought out the Knight of the Basilisks who had given them so great Ayde and he was mounted on horse-back to depart but at the earnest request of the Princes unlaced his Helmet and discovered himself to be the valiant Don Bellianis Never was greater amazement and joy then these Princes had at his wished for sight they all ran to embrace him and so did the other Knights to give him thanks for his asistance And now they returned to the Palace and care being taken for the cure of their Wounds Don Bellianis and Damartino went into the City and having caused the Citizens to assemble he acquainted them that he came from their true Princesse Aurora and that he would acquaint her of their Loyalty which he promised should be rewarded he shewed them her Letter to Damartino at which they were so satisfied that they undertook that in few days the whole Kingdom should be at her dispose and all their Enemies turned out To which purpose they sent Messengers to all places of Importance in that Kingdome It was not long ere Messengers came from most places of the Kingdome to ensure them of the utter subversion of their Enemies and that all places had quietly submitted iâ— the Government of their Princess Don Bellianis supposing all affairs were finished called all the other Princes's and considerable Nobility to Counsel where he ordained the old Governour Damartino to be Governour and Vice Roy till the Quéens return he would have excused it pretending his great age but he was so well approved of by all that he accepted the Government Don Bellianis being well acquainted with the great pains and merits of the Knight Palineo and being resolved to reward him gave unto him all the Lands and Revenues of the late Count Garino promising that the Princess Aurora should not only confirm his Gift but also consider of somewhat further as a Reward for his Loyal Actions this was also alowed off confirmed by all so that Palineo who was now cal'd Count Garino gave many thanks to Don Bellianis promising that not only the estate but his person should always be ready to be sacrificed for the service of his Princess The Assembly being broken up and all things thus orderly setled he thought of his departure and having acquainted his Brothers and Couzen where he had left his Father and that it was necessary for them all to go to him they agréed to send the Army before by Sea to the City of Persepolis in Persia there to attend his or the orders of the Emperor his Father They being thus dispatched away he and his Brothers Don Brianel stayed eighth dayes longer in the City of Antioch to sée all things put into quiet and order And every thing being as they wished for they desired to depart but the Governour Damartino and Count Garino had so importuned them to know who they really were that they in the end told them however oblieging them to kéep their knowledge thereof private They rested amazed and contented that their Kingdome was setled in such quiet by the asistance of such great Princes And ordering Guides to wait on them and direct them out of that Countrey the nearest way to Persia they departed and in this Iourney we shall leave them and withal here Conclude this First Part of this Honourable HISTORY FINIS THE HONOUR OF CHIVALRY Or The Famous and Delectable HISTORY OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE CONTINUING As well the valiant Exploits of that Magnanimous and Heroick Prince Son to the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece as also the Wars between him and the Souldan of PERSIA Wherein is likewise described the strange and dangerous Adventures that befel him in the prosecution of his love towards the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon His Releasing of her Father the Souldan from a strange Enchantment and vanquishing the Emperor of Trebizond The Second Part. Now newly Written in English by F. K. Licensed and Entred according to Order LONDON Printed by Tho. Johnson for Fran. Kirkman and are to be sold at his Shop in Thames-Street over against the Custom-House 1671. To the Reader THis Second Part having already received a very favourable acceptation in a former Impression I shall not need to enlarge my self in an Epistle and therefore I onely tell you that I have now prosecuted the Story in a third and last Part and hope it will be to your content and that is the utmost ambition of Your Friend and Servant Fran. Kirkman THE SECOND PART OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE OR The Honor of Chivalry Continuing the valiant Expliots of that Heroick Prince Son unto the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece CHAP. I. How the City of Bollera being straitly besieged by the Souldan was well near taken but that it was rescued by Gorino Brother to the Duke Alfiron and the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions IT is now full time to return to the City of Bollera where we left the thrice renowned and most magnificent Emperor Don Bellaneo in company of so many valiant and renowned Knights and great Personages who were straitly besieged by the Souldan of Persia and his son Perianeo Knight of the Images After the last Battel was ended which is largely described in the 59th Chapter of the First Part of this excellent History the Emperor commanded that a strict and just account should be taken of how many Fighting men were left in the City and Trenches which command being put in execution by Duke Alfiron and Sabian of Trebanto who were very vigilant and careful therein and after they had taken a just account thereof they delivered it to Don Bellaneo whereby they found that there was not above fifty thousand men both in the City and Trenches and that they had lost ten thousand men for the Duke brought twenty thousand men with him from Persepolis and there was â—ithin the City besides forty thousand fighting men when as on the other side the Souldan had at least four hundred thousand fighting men besides above fifty thousand which were slain in the last Battel and the Souldans men daily increased and many good and hardy Knights and Giants from all parts of the Empire of Persia came in daily to them at the brute of these Wars and for the love that they bore to their magnanimous and redoubted Prince Perianeo Knight of the Images for whose return there was great Ioy throughout all those Countreys On the other side great was the grief and sorrow of the most péerless Princess Persiana who was married to the Duke Alfiron as is before recounted and for whose sake alone all these Wars were begun and in whose Quarrel many redoubted Knights had lost their lives As much troubled was the beauteous Princess Aurora for the absence of Don Bellâ—anis the Knight of The Golden Image and Don Brianel whose success in the winning of her kingdom and other strange Adventures she had not yet heard of But
all these sorrows were somewhat mitigated in that the City was so well guarded by Don Bellaneo Knight of The Imperial Crowns and the rest of those invincible Princes and Knights The Prince Perianeo being greatly desirous to put an end â—o these Wars and being vexed that one City manned with so â—â—w Knights should be able to withstand so mighty an Army as he had under his command desired of his Father to give him leave to assault the Place and in order thereunto one morning very early two hours before the Sun-rising he being before provided of all things necessary for so great an Attempt took part of the Army which he devided into four parts one Squadron of fifty thousand men he gave to be commanded by Caroliano another oâ— fifty thousand men was commanded by Boraldo the third of fifty thousand men by Don Fermosel and the last he commanded himself being fifty thousand well resolved Knights and forty Giants In this manner with the greatest silence that could be they approached the Out-works of the Enemy which was near half a league from the City The defendants who kept an excellent order in their Camp were ready in short time to receive them being commanded by the Kings of Armenia and Tesifante who hearing of the approaches of the Enemies presently caused the Clarions and Trumpets to be sounded and buckling on their Armor went to receive them Caroliano approaching the Tents of the Defendants couched his Lance and furiously unhorsed twenty or thirty Knights before he met with any that could withstand him but the King of Armenia séeing him do so much mischief and had so weak resistance without any Lance drew his sword and cut the Lance of his enemy in two pieces and then redoubling his blow made him bow his body to his horse neck but he soon recollecting his spirits drew his sword and began a terrible Fight By this time they in the City having taken the Alarum issued out under the Conduct of the Emperor and the Duke Alfiron leaving onely a Guard of five thousand men to defend the City and the Ladies that were therein but when they came near to the Camp they met their own Soldiers flyinâ— for safety into the City with all the spéed they could being pursued by heir enemies who came so powerfully upon them whereupon the Emperor Duke Alfiron and the rest were much dismayed however encouraging them in the best manner they could they caused them to return and face their enemies and then the fight began to be very hot and bloody Don Bellaneo couching his Lance unhorsed twenty Knights before he brake it and then taking another ran so fiercely on into his enemies rancks that they all made way untill he met with Boraldo with whom he encountred so fiercely that breaking his Lance into shivers he caused him to measure his length on the earth and so passed on drawing his sword and killing many of his enemies thus was the fight again renewed and his forces séeing the undauntedness of his courage followed him so vigorously that like a torrent he bore down all before him till at length he met with Perianeo who then came up with all his Force to renew the Battel then did the good Emperor bestir himself and indéed he had great néed for he was encompassed with six Giants besides the Knight of the Images all which did their uttermost endeavors to assail him some of their blows he received on his shield and others were delivered with such puissance on his helmet that he was enforced to hold about his horses neck to kéep him from falling but he soon revenged himself of them for like a raged Lion he cut off the arm of one of the Giants and another he cut off one side of his face so that now he was delivered from two of his enemies but the Prince Perianeo knowing him by his Arms to be the only considerable Adversary he had desired the other four Giants to leave him alone with him thinking himself to to overcome him that he might gain the more honor then began one of the most terrible Fights betwéen these two undaunted Warriers that was ever heard of both of them resolving to do their utmost devoirs and they behaved themselves so fiertely that as well many other Knights as the four Giants stood still to behold that incomparable Combate During this time in all other places the Fight was continued with much vigor and the brave Knights Alfiron Contumeliano and Florispiano performed wonders the valiant King Armenia was all this while ingaged in Combate with Caroliano where he gave and received many wounds and their Fight continued so long that both their horses were slain and the King of Armenia was in a great jeopardy for many of the Knights of Caroliano's Squadron séeing their Commander likely to be overcome by the King of Armenia did violently assault him and brought him to great extremity having wounded him in many places he had very nigh fainted with his great loss of blood when the King of Tesifante accompanied with 500 Kts. came to his rescue again mounted him on the horse of one of the knights that he had slain Thus the Battel continued indifferent on both sides till Boraldo and Don Fermosel arrived with their several Squadrons of fifty thoâ—â—and men a prece brake through theÌ„ rancks of their enemies and attempted to force their way into the City which they endeavored by all means possible to effect for they brought Scaling Ladders and all other instruments of War fitting to assault it which when Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Knights heard they immediately retreated into the City knowing that it was but weakly manned and not able long to resist the furious assaults that would be made Thus the Emperor who as I told you before was ingaged in a bloody Fight with the Knight of the Images was forced to leave the Combate unfinished to retire to the City to rescue it which he heard was well nigh taken being come near the gates of the City he saw that the enemy had gotten possession of part of the wall and likewise he saw the Knight of the Images coming behind him with all his Forces wherefore he séeing the extreamity of the business hasted into the City and stood in the réer of all his Forces and was the last man that entred holding a continual Fight with his enemies till he saw all his own Forces were within the walls and then he himself entred not permitting any of his enemies Forces to enter with him which they by all means attempted to do so soon as he was entred and the gate strongly fastned he repaired to that part of the wall which he saw was possessed by the enemy and mounting thereon being followed by several valiant Knights soon tumbled the enemies from the wall and kept the possession thereof but all this and what ever else they could do did not hinder the enemy from getting the
her knées but he raising her up kindly saluted her Don Bellianis was now on his knées before the Empress humbly desiring to kiss her hand but she knowing how much she was engaged to him would not permit that but she raising him from the ground most lovingly sainted him giving him many thanks for the great pains he had taken for he calling him the Restorer of Babylon and bestowed many thanks upon him when he had received his welcome from the Empress he went to the Princess her Daughter and falling on his knées humbly kissed her hands but she soon raised him from the ground reitterating all the thanks that her Mother had already given him To which discourse he replyed and said That since she had béen pleased to admit him to the honor of being her Sarvant he questioned not but he should be able to overcome any Enterprize how difficult soever and since thera was an decasion given him of expressing hin duteous service to her he was resolved to do such acts as might render him worthy of the estéem she had of him or in the prosecut of them lose his life as testemony of the duty he owed her Thus he discoursed with her and then he went to the Princess Mattarosa to receive those Welcomes that she had prepared for him which were in affect the same he had received before of the Empress and her Daughter and thus taking her by the hand the Souldan doing the same to the Empress and the Numidian Prince to the Princess Florisbella they walked into the great Hall of the Pallace where being come the Ladies hesped to disarm them which when they had done and had clothed themselves in rich Mantles they sat them down to repose themselves many of the Nobility came into the Presence to congratulate the return of their Soveraign and to kiss his hands and thank the Knight of the Golden Image for the great good he had done them in restoring their Prince to them in such time when they most stood in néed of his presence But Don Bellianis returning them thanks told them that without the assistance of the Prince of Numidia he had not béen able to have performed that Enterprize but however what power he had he should willingly at all times employ in defence of the Souldan and his Countrey they were glad to hear these expressions pressions from him doubting that now he had performed this adventure he would depart but understanding that he was resolved to stay and assist them in the Wars they humbly supplicated the Souldan that he would be pleased to order Don Bellianis to be General of such Forces as should be raised to go against Trebizond To which the Souldan soon consented but he would not accept of so great a charge except the Prince of Numidia might be joyned in Commission with him To which they at last consented and it was ordered as soon as a sufficient Force should be ready he should advance towards the Enemies countries and the Numidian Prince should stay at the Court to guard the City and obey such further orders as should be necessary In these consultations they continued most of that evening till it was time for every one to go to rest at which time he commanded his Dwarf to give him notice of the departure of the Princesses to their Lodging because he vvas very desirous to have some conference vvith them vvhich the Dwarf did so effectually that he brought Word that the Princesses vvere both together in the Lodging of the Princess Florisbella vvherefore he sent him to the Princess Mattarosa to knovv vvhither he should give them a trouble of a visit in that place she acquainting the Princess her Cousin therevvith they so ordered it that she dismissed all her Damsels but one vvho was acquainted vvith her Love and so telling the Dwarf that his Master might come when he pleased the Dwarf returned with this answer to his Master who being glad thereof departed out of his ovvn Lodging roâ—â—â—o into that of the Princess vvhich he accordingly did as shall be declared to you in the next Chapter CHAP. XII How Don Bellianis went to the Chamber of the Princess Florisbella and of the discourse they had there and how the next day he departed towards Trebizond with fifty thousand men THe Dwarf had no sooner delivered his Message but Don Bellianis repaired to the Chamber of the Princess Florisbella whither when he was come he kindly saluted her and the Princess Mattarosa her Cousin which having done they all seated themselves and the Princess his Mistress thus began to him Six Knight since I have admitted you to be mine it is necessary that you give me ordinary satisfaction of telling me the order of your procéedings in this Adventure and since I have not yet heard the particulars thereof I pray let me have the knowledge of them from your own mouth Madam reply'd Don Bellianis the actions that I have done in this occasion are so inconsiderable that it is not fit that your ears should be troubled with matters of so small moment but since it is your desire to give your self so much trouble I shall give you a small relation of them Then did he begin to tell her all the passages of that Adventure beginning from the time that they took shipping the happy méeting with the Sage Bellonas Damsel the rescuing her from the Gyants his desperate attempt in throwing himself into the Sea to get to shore his killing of those Monsters his descending the Cave fighting with the Serpents and Dragons and all those other Actions which he and the Numidian Prince performed for the Releasing of the Souldan At which recital she was so sensibly afficted when he related any thing wherein he was in any peril that the crystaline tears ran from her fair Epes down her Chéeks in great abundance which made him leave off his discourse and say to her Madam the trouble that I thought I should put you to in recounting these Adventures made me desire to be excused in discoursing them to you but if I had thought they would have given you so sensible a displeasure I should for once have so far disobeyed your Commands as not to have given you an account of these past Actions She hearing that he had done wiping her fair face said Sir Knight the many difficulties that you have run thorough for my sake could not chuse but make me accompany you in rears but praised be the Gods who have delivered you from these dangers and I hope these wars once ended there will be no further occasion for you to endanger your person Ah Madam said he if my discourse hath given you any sense of sorrow assure your self I was much more afflicted when I had first the relation of your misfortunes about the Emperor of Trebizond and although I did not question your Loyalty yet I knew not what you might be compelled unto by a fearful Mother and a Nobility
behind them they made a stand and bravely resisted him and all his Forces where they fought so desperately that the streams of the River which were wont to be of a christal hue were now by means of the great slaughter was there made become of a sâ—arlet dy All this while the Emperor and his Giants with great part of his Forces were engaged as I told you with the Prince of Mesapotamia and the Knight of Hope where though they on both sides performed miracles yet in the end in despight of all the resistance he could make after the death of many of his Giants and a very great slaughter of his men was likewise forced to retreat which he did with a great deal of sobriety hoping that the other part of his Army was in better case than that which he commanded But he was not long without the knowledge of what had hapned to them and hearing that they were engaged at the River side he then commanded some of the most valiant of the Giants to make good the Retreat with the best advantage and the least loss they could while he himself went in all haste to his Forces hoping by his presence to put new courage into their brests When he came to them he found that they had made a mighty resistance and that the Fight was very bloody wherefore that he might exercise the part of a discréet General and bring them off with the least loss he knowing that there was a Bridge not far off sent to possess it which when he had done he commanded his Army to retire thither as fast as they could he himself with the most valiant Knights of his whole Army making good the Rear as well as they could but notwithstanding all the diligence and valor that they could use Don Bellianis and the Knights with him plied their business so well that ere they got over the River many of them lost their lives At length they got to the other side of the River and in despight of Don Bellianis and all his Forces they cut down the Bridge so that there was no way for him and his forces to follow them This being done he left a strong Guard at the Rivers side and then return'd to the place where the Emperor had encamped where they found great Treafure for so great was their haste in their retreat that they had not timeto take any thing with them All the Booty of the Emperors Camp he gave to the Souldiers which gave them a great satisfaction and caused them ever to have a great estéem of him This being done he dispatched Messengers to inform the Souldan of what he had done not forgetting to write to his Dear Princess the remembrance of whom made him the more desirous to put an end to these wars that he might solace his spirits in her company The Emperor of Trebizond being thus forced to leave the field and séeing that Fortune was a little contrary to him yet being of an extraordinary courage resolved still to persevere in his enterprise and not to leave off basely hoping in the end to attain his desires and in order to the strengthning and recruiting his forces he sent tommands to those Forces that were be hind to await his coming to a City called Pharez which was the first City in his Empire which being accordingly done one evening leaving some horsemen at the Rivers side he raised his Camp and departed to Pharez and the next day those that he had left behind at the water followed him He thus being arrived at the City fortifi'd it both within and without and sent throughout his Empire to all places for help resolving to make that place the seat of war for else he knew that the Souldans Forces would follow him further The next day after their departure Don Bellianis was informed thereof by those be had left at the water side wherfore he marched down thither but do what he could it was two days before he could mend the Bridge which the Emperor of Trebizond had caused to be broken which when he had done he passed over with his whole Army resolving to pursue his enemy which he did accordingly and thus in good order he marched till he arriâ—ed near the City of Pharez where he saw that the Enemy had made strong entrenchments without the Town so that all he did at present was to encamp himself near them which when he had done he prepared to give them an assault which he did as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVI How the Emperor of Trebizond being besieged in the City of Pharez sent Ambassadors to Albania Georgia Muscovia and several other Kings his Allies to help him in his Wars with the Souldan of Babylon and how Don Bellianis assaulted his Forces that were encamped without the City DOn Bellianis being very desirous to do all that might be possible for the overcoming of his enemy before any other help came to him that he might acquire the more honor thereby resolved to set upon his enemies Camp that was without the City and if possible force them to retire into the City that he might lay a close Siege thereto and so hinder them from going abroad for provisions In order to which resolution after his men had rested themselves he commanded them to provide to assault their enemies On the other side the Emperor resolving to abide him there fook care for fresh supplies for he not onely sent through all his own Dominions for more help but likewise sent Ambassadors to those Kings that were either his Friends or of his Alliance such as were the Kings of Albania Georgia and the Emperor of Musoovia desiring them not to fail him in this occasion and the Ambassadors who went made such expedition and had such good success in their Embassies that the Emperor had great assistance as you shall hear herafter In the mean time knowing that he had not onely a valiant but a politick enemy to deal with he kept strict Guards hoth within and without the City lest he should be surprized Don Bellianis notwithstanding all the diligence he took did surprize him for having drawn out a Squadron of sifty thousand Knights the most accomplish'd in the whole army caused them to put a piece of white silk or cloth in their Helmets that then might know one another though in the dark and in the middle of the night when his enemies expected no such matter he came to the Camp and killing the Centinels fell in among the Emperors Forces and slew many of them before they could arm themselves and such was their confusion in the dark that they without knowltdge slew one another not knowing their enemies from their friends by reason of the darkness of the night and their not being acquainted with his stratagem In this manner he run through the Camy and being followed by the best of his Army came to the walls of the City desiring them to
open perswading the Guards that they were of their own party telling them that they must néeds speak with the Emperor but the Guards who had commands to the contrary went immediately to the Emperor and told him thereof who arising from his bed came to the wall and then he very well understood that the Army was alarmed wherefore he refused to open the Gates not knowing whether they were of his own Army or enemies Don Bellianis perceiving this and that it would be to little purpose to continue there departed and so returned thorough the enemies Camp killing and slaying all that were in his way and so being gone throught the Camy and passed all the Guards he caused the retreat to be sounded which his Souldiers hearing soon understood the meaning thereof and so left the Camp and came to him who when they were come fairly retreated to their own Quarters But Don Bellianis who had an intent to surprize the City and failing therein as you have heard was some what vexed but however he considered that he had done them a sufficient mischief for he had killed above twenty thousand of his enemies and came off with the loss of not above five hundred men This action gave the Emperor a sensible displeasure and did resolve if possible to revenge it but he could not at present put his resolves into execution wherefore he gave strict command to keep double Guards and more strict Watches hoping in short time to have such aid that he might be able not onely to revenge that loss but to beat his Forces out of the field But before any Forces came to his assistance Baltasano Prince of Numidia arrived at the Camp of Don Bellianis with one hundred thousand men and with new Orders from the Souldan that if the Emperor would pay the cost of the War and disband his Forces that then he should have peace otherwise that they should prosecute the War against him to the utmost such was the desire and inclination that the Souldan had for peace These Orders much troubled Don Bellianis being bery discontented that the War must end and that he could not sacrifice the life of his Rival fearing him so long as he should live lest he should so propound the having of the Princess Florisbella as the Souldan should accept of it and indéed when the propositions were sent to the Emperor he was willing to accept of them provided he might have the Princess for his wife otherwise he would stand to the utmost hazard of the war not questioning but by the help of his Allies and Friends but that he should not onely be able to beat his enemies out of his Countrey but to assault them in theirs and give them such trouble that the Souldan would be willing to propound his Daughter for a composition of the War This answer being returned to the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano displeased them bath but the anger that Don Bellianis was in at this proposition was so great that I am not able to express it for rising from the place where he sate he delivered this answer to the Messenger Go tell thy Master that so long as the Souldan of Babylon has Subjects in his whole Empire that he shall never compel him to such baseness as the prostituting his most Royal Daughter to one so base and unworthy and were all the Treasure of the Souldan exhausted all his Subjects slain and none left in his whole Empire to defend him yet I would command such an Army from other parts in defence of the Royal Princess Florisbella as should not onely be able to expel thy Master from the Souldans Dominions but also to destroy him and all his in the very heart of his own Kingdom And tell thy Master that since he hath neglected the gracious and favourable Propositions of the Souldan that he now expect no more but prepare himself for all the misfortunes that a cruel and bloody War can bring him And tell him that I the Knight of the Golden Image do resolve when next I meet him to bereave him of his life or lose my own in the attempt and hereupon I bid him mortal battel This was the Answer of Don Bellianis and it was spoken with so much fierceness that the very fice issued out of his eyes for anger and he could hardly utter his words for the inward vexation that he took at the Demands of the Emper or Thus the Messenger being returned Don Bellianis and Baltasano resolved both to assault him on the next day and use their utmost endeavors to gain the City and thereupon they provided all things ready for an Assault CHAP. XXVII How Don Brianel Prince of Macedon was married to Aurora Queen of Antioch and of the Tilts and Tournaments that was held at the Wedding and of an Adventure that happened there WE will now for a while leave the two Princes of Grece and Numidia and all their Companions and Armies in their field encamped before the City of Pharez as you have heard in the foregoing Chapter and turn back to Antioch where we left the Princes Dou Brianel of Macedon Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly Don Contumeliano of Phenicia and Fliorispiano of Swevia who attended there to assist at the Solemnization of the Wedding There was so great joy for the return of the Quéen that most of the Nobility of the Countrey resorted to Antioch to sée her and to tender her their dutiful Allegiance which she graciously accepted and they still stayed to continue the Triumph that should be at the Wedding The day being come and all things provided the Quéen and Don Brianel were married in great pomp and she that day was most richly attired so that notwithstanding all her sorrow in her travels she appeared to be one of the most handsome Princesses in the world Dinner being ended every one resorted to the Tilt-Yard which was near the Pallace where a Scaffold was erected and on that was placed two Chairs of State for the King and Quéen to sit and behold the Tournaments and Feats of Chivalry that was to be performed Don Clarineo Don Lucidamore Don Contumeliano and Fliorispiano and a young Knight called Trion or the Knight of the Wolf who was Son to Damartino the late Governor were the Challengers who undertook to Ioust and kéep the Field against all comers for six days and accordingly they being armed at all points entred the Lists and commanded the Trumpets to sound and the Herald to proclaim that if there were any adventurous Knights that would in honor of the King and Quéen break a Lance they were there ready to receive him which was no sooner done but there came a Knight armed in white Armor who taking a Lance entred the Lists and expected the sound of the Trumpet that he might begin his Course the Knight of the Wolf did the like and they bravely méeting brake their Lances in the encounter and so passed on
their Lances as before but méeting with their bodies with great fury fell both to the ground Great was the admiration at this wonderful encounter and both the Knights were themselves much amazed but they nimbly got on theiâ— féet and the Knight of the Keys being angred at this misfortune went to the Prince of Phenicia and said Sir Knight it was your desire before we tryed our fortunes with the Lance that if we should have no advantage with the Lance that we might end the Controversie with the Sword Now since we have both had an equal misfortune and thereby are uncapable to end the difference with the Lance let us finish it with our Swords To which the Prince of Phenicia consented And so they drew their Swords and began a marvellous brave Combate to the satisfaction and admiration of all the Beholders they being equally resolved to make amends with their Swords for the default of their Lances laid on many lusty strokes The Knight of the Keys being a young and lusty Knight behaved himself very nimbly giving his Adversary very many strokes and still avoiding those of his Enemy which so enraged the Prince of Phenicia that he should be so used before so many brave Knights his Friends and Companions that he resolved to fasten one blow on his Enemy that should end the Combate but he was deceived for though it was so mighty a stroke that the Knight of the Keys was forced to lay one hand on the ground to save himself from falling yet he quickly recovered himself and gave his adversary a mighty blow on the Thigh so that he was wounded there extreamly Which the King and Quéen séeing and doubting that what was begun in Iest and for Râ—â—reation would end in earnest and in the execution of one or both of their lives caused them to be parted much pitying that two such brave and valiant Knights should injure one another upon so slender an occasion They being parted the sport for that day ended and every one returned to the Pallace much wondring who the Knight of the Keys was CHAP. XXVIII Who the Knight of the Keys was and some of his Adventures and an end of the Tournament IN the west part of Christendome there is an Island called Ireland in which Island the Knight of the Keys was born in a City called Wexford scituating near the Sea-side his Parents being Christians at the time of his Baptizing gave him the Name of Peter His Father was Earl of one of the Provinces of that Island called Munster and Brother to the King of that Island This was the place of his Birth where being the onely Son of his Father he was bred up with all the diligence and care that might be he providing Masters to instruct him in all things fit for so greaâ— a person At the age of eightéen years he being dubbed Knight begged leave of his Father to séek Adventures to which his Parents hardly consented in regard he was the onely Comfort and Ioy of their old Age but his importunity prevailing providing himself of things necessary he caused a strong Suit of Armor to be made and in respect his name was Peter in remembrance of that holy Saint and Apostle he caused two Keys to be painted on his Shield And providing himself of all things necescary for so great a Voyage as he intended to take he took his leave of his Parents his Mother giving him thrée rich jewels at his departure and her Blessing and so he departed taking shipping for England where he arrived and performed many valiant Déeds of Arms but his resolution being to sée strange and far Countreys he took shipping again and crossing over the narrow Seas arrived in France where at the Court of that King he performed brave Feats at Arms at the Marriage of one of the Noblemens Daughters And leaving a great fame of his Valor behind him he travelled through all France and arriving at Marsellis he again embarqued himself intending to sayl to Constantinople resolving there to spend some time in séeking out Adventures but as he was sayling thither the Ship was forced to put in at an Island called Sardinia and being advertised that a great Feast was held there in Honor of the Kings Coronation Day and that there was many Knight who approv'd their valors in running a Tilt and such kind of honorable Exercises he resolved to spend some time amongst them which he did to his great advantage for he so well demeaned himself that he got the sole honor of the Tournament and he carried himself so courteously to all that he not onely got the good will and affection of the King and Quéen but also of their Daughter the beauteous Magdalena who was so wounded by the little God Cupid that she knew not what to do in vain was it to smother her affection which she strived by all means possible to do but could not so that an ancient woman her Nurse with whom she had béen bred did discover that somewhat was the matter more than ordinary with hee Mistress and although she used many ways to finde what should be the matter yet she failed in all till at length the Princess not being any longer able to smother her affection discovered it to her Nurse begging of her not onely to kéep it concealed but also to give her the best advice that she could The Nurse now knowing the Disease of her Mistress began to apply Remedies and like a discréet person told her that it was altogether unfit for her who was the Daughter of a King and so great a Beauty as she was that the greatest Princes in the world might account themselves happy in the enjoyment of her that she should set her love and affection on a simple Knight one who was but a private person and it was unknown whether he was nobly destended or not To which the Princess soon replied That she was confident he was not of mean Parentage but of Princely Birth in respect of the Princely Endowments and Qualifications that she saw he was endowed with and therefore if she would do her any service it must be in this occasion to find some way to discourse with him and gain some knowledge of him from himself for she was resolved in her love and that it could not any ways be diverted The Nurse séeing this desired her to smother her passions as well as she could that the King and Quéen might not discover any thing from her and that she would take some spéedy occasion to give her some satisfaction In these tearms she left the Princess who promised to be guided herein by her addice and sought opportunity to speak to the Knight which she soon found for he was so déeply in love with the Princess as she was with him and desired nothing more than to have an opportunity to speak to this old Lady who he saw was very conversant with the Princess and did believe was her Confident They
Supplies come to the Enemy that we shall be able to compel him to put an end to this War And assure your self that all my utmost endeavors shall not be wanting in execution of this publick Affair as hitherto I have been ready to hazard my Person in the preservation of your Majesty and that of your Family and I shall think my self sufficiently satisfied if for all my trouble and travel you will do me the honor to permit me to be a servant to You and your Family and more particularly to be admitted by your fair Daughter as a Servant to her Vertues In expectation of which I shall account nothing dear so as I may be admitted for her Champion and I question not but I shall give a satisfaction to you all which I make my resolve to do or die A Faithful Servant to your Imperial Majesty The Knight of the Basilisks Great satisfaction did this Letter give to the Souldan not onely for the good success that his Forces had already obtained but for their resolution to continue constant to him He considered that he had great cause to be thankful to the Knight of the Basilisks for so he was called at the Court being unknown by any other Name there he had béen much bound to him already for delivering him and his Daughter from the Enchanment of the Tent as it was set down in the first Book of this History for the assistance he had given to his Cousin the Princess Aurora in helping her to her Kingdom of Antioch for his delivering his Cousin the Princess Mattarosa and her Brother the Prince of Numidia from the power of the Gyant Altifer and his Companions and more especially for releasing him from the Enchantment in the Island to the extraordinary great peril of his person and now at last he was engaged in a long and troublesom War and had performed very well already in it and had sent him his resolutions to persist therein and all the advantage he desired and propounded to himself for all these so signal Services was onely to be admitted a Servant and Champion to his Daughter whose Cause he was now fighting in These he thought so reasonable that he immediately sent for his Daughter and being resolved to do nothing as to her person without her consent he cold her the effect of the Knights Letter and withal informed her with his Request desiring her that if it were not wholly against her inclination that she would grant the Request of the Knight She who was as desirous of this as he was and had not only a good will but an extraordinary affection for him answered her Father That she considered the Obligations they were all boound to the Knight of the Basilisks in were so many and binding that she was ready to do that as also any thing else that her Father should desire that would give satisfaction to the Knight of the Basilisks who she said she believed was sent by the Gods for the preservation of her and all her Family and was certainly the Titular Angel of their Countrey And she further added that were she knowing of the Birth and Parentage and that it were equal to hers and the good Will of her Father and Friends joyned to her own Inclination she should do that willingly for him which the Emperor of Trebizond endeavored to force her to so greatly was she satisfied not onely in the Courage and Magnanimity but also in the Vertues of the Knight of the Basilisks When she had said thus she held her peace and somewhat blushed that she had so plainly discovered her affection to her Father but she was somewhat satisfied when her Father gave her this reply That he was wholly of her opinion and that he questioned not but that one so well accomplished was likewise of an Illustrious Birth and that he would endeavor to satisfie himself in his Birth in the mean time he advised his Daughter to write to the Knight and give him some satisfaction such as she should think fit And he said he questioned not but he was of an extraordinary Quality for he propounded the raising two hundred thousand men to fight under him in this Service This was the discourse betwéen the Emperor and his Daughter which being ended she retired into her Closet where she was expected by her Cousin the Princess Mattarosa who had received Letters from Don Bellianis one for her self and another for her Cousin When the Princess Florisbella came there she found her Cousin reading of that to her self but she quickly left off that to deliver the other to her Cousin which she no sooner received but she opened the Seal and found therein written as followeth The LETTER of Don Bellianis to the Princess Florisbella MADAM I First crave your pardon for my silence hitherto and give you this for excuse that my Sword has till this time been so employed that I had not time to exercise my Pen. My Sword hath been exercised in the destruction of your Enemies and indeed we have had so good effects the justness of our Quarrel commanding it that your Enemies are not onely expell'd out of your Kingdom but they are in some kinde of distress in their own for we have at last by the help of your valiant Cousin the Prince of Numidia and the Forces he brought with him forced the Enemy with great loss to leave the Field and retire to the City where we have now encompassed him The Propositions your Father sent were not accepted of though very reasonable and the Emperor of Trebizond is still so presumptious as to desire your Person in marriage and upon these terms he will leave the War and this he questions not to force you to do by the help of more Forces he is raising and by the Aid he expects from some of his Alliance how pleasant this Proposition was you may easily judge and that be might as well have said that we should all suffer our selves to be slain without any resistance and I for my part should sooner have consented to that than this so unjust command This his presumption caused me to defie his Person and I had a resolution to kill him or die at our next meeting but hitherto I have been hindred from executing this my just Resolution but I still keep in the same Determination Madam this is the present condition of your publick Affairs but I continually suffer Martyrdom in my long absence from your Divine presence Madam I beseech you pardon my presumption in writing so plainly to the Souldan your Father I did it to understand somewhat of his inclination I pray let me by your answer know his resentments thereof Thus Madam hoping and not questioning your Constancy and that your inclination will still continue to make me happy I rest Your Eternal Servant Don Bellianis The Princess having read hers with much content desired to know the effect of the Letter sent by her Knight to the
assistance and then they concluded to rest their Forces for two days and by that time the Emperor told them he was confident he should not only have aid from the Emperor of Russia but likewise more of his own and so soon as they were arrived he intended to take the Field not questioning but he should quickly force the Enemy to leave his Countrey Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia retired up to their Camp and resolved very suddenly to give them a general Assault but the next day the Forces of the Emperor of Russia arrived and in despight of Don Bellianis entrenched themselves and kept the Field The Emperor being thus well relieved resolved now to take the Field and give a Field-battel to his Enemies which he concluded to do the next day and in order thereunto early the next morning he with one hundred thousand men under his own Conduct issued out of the City one hundred thousand men under the Conduct of the two Kings of Albania and Georgia and fifty thousand men under the Command of the Knight of the Tyger Kinsman to the Emperor of Russia who had brought those Forces thither In this equipage the Emperor was in the Field and on the other side the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano divided their Forces onely into two parts and resolving on all sides to fight valiantly and conquer their Enemies they bravely assailed each other Bloody was the Fight in all places so that soon was the Fields gréen Apparel turned into purple The Generals on all sides performed wonders the Emperor on his part did very valiantly resolving to get the Field or never return to the City and Don Bellianis being resolved this day to shew the invincibleness of his Courage he being accompanied by five hundred Knights as his Guard in despight of all opposition forced his way into the Camp of his Enemies where with his own Arm he soon killed fifty Knights and those who followded him imitating his Example slew many of their Enemies The Prince of Numidia had likewise in another place forced his way into his Enemies Camp and there he encountred the Knight of the Tyger who was encompassed with ten strong Gyants but maugre all their opposition he furiously forced his way through them and assaulted the Knight of the Tyger with so mighty a blow on the head so that he was not onely astonished but the Sword falling on the horse his head cleved him down right and he fell down dead under his Master The Gyants who were near him soon assisted him and mounted him on another horse but it cost two of them their lives the one being slain by the Prince of Numidia and the other by the Knight of Hope who was now arrived with some Forces to the place where Baltasano was and then they all joyned Forces and the Knight of the Tyger being very valiant revenged himself by the loss of the lives of many of his Enemies Don Bellianis having run through his Enemies Camp with great fury returned and rode up and down to finde out his Rival the Emperor whom at length he found out and encountred and many fierce strokes were given to one another the Emperor resolving to revenge himself on Don Bellianis shewed the utmost of his skill and courage and gave him a blow on the Thigh so that the blood issued out thereat through the Ioynts of his Armor he was greatly enraged hereat and gave the Emperor another wound on the side thus they continued fighting together till at length the multitudes of both Parties came to assault each other parted them and then they ranged about the Field killing and destroying many Knights It was now the Noon day and the Fight had continued eight hours and yet there was not much advantage on either side till they heard the sound of Trumpets and at some distance they might perceive fresh Forces enter the Field but to which they belonged it was yet unknown at length they arrived in sight and then by their Colours they were known to belong to the Emperor and indéed they were forty thousand men under the Conduct of the Knight of Fame Nephew to the Emperor who hearing of the Fight made haste thither thinking to get Honor in the Battel but he fared not so well as he expected as we shall declare to you anon Don Bellianis séeing this quickly drew out forty thousand of his men and went to méet him and taking a new Lance couched the same and ran fvriously against his Enemy who did the like but not with the same advantage for Don Bellianis onely lost one of his stirrops but his Enemy came horse and man to the ground He soon recovered himself and being angry at his misfortune revenged himself by the death of six Knights whom he soon killed or overthrew thus was these two Battels joyned but Don Bellianis soon abated some of the vigor of his Enemies by the puissant and mighty strokes he gave them killing ten Knights ere he brake his Lance and then drawing his Sword he soon after sent twenty Knights more to accompany their Companions so that now they were not so furious to assault him as they had béen He quickly made his way through all his Squadron and having testified to them his strength and valor returned and went to assault the Knight of Fame who was now engaged with his Enemies but at the arrival of Don Bellianis they soon gave way to him and he trached him a mighty blow on the head so that his Helmet flew from his head and he was likewise wounded and Don Bellianis intending to give him a second blow was prevented for two furious Gyants opposed themselves to him but he who was used to deal well enough with these sort of people soon let them know his valor by the cutting off one of their legs In the mean time the Knight of Fame had recovered another Helmet and came to revenge himself on Don Bellianis so that now he was engaged both by a Gyant and the Knight of Fame but he did will enough to maintain the fight with them both In the mean time the two Kings of Albania and Georgia had engaged themselves among their Enemies and at last they arrived where the Emperor was engaged but they brought him such Aid that he caused the Souldans Forces to retire and many of them lost their lives so that they being without any valiant Commander did in a manner fly this gave great encouragement to the Emperor and the two Kings and they pursued them some way till they saw a Body of men afar off who came on a great pace and the nearer they approached the more they appeared and at length they were likewise known to be Forces of the Souldans This caused the Emperor and those that were with him to make a stand much wondring at this business and not daring to go any further They made up towards them a great pace and méeting with some of those
forced her self to give her some consolation so great was her grief but she little thought that the Holy Maid was so déeply concerned in this occasion After many lamentations and tears the Countess desired the Holy Maid that she would come and visit her oftener that they might lament together and so she departed leaving the fair Magdalena in the greatest grief in the world The Countess being gone she retired her self into her Chamber where throwing her self upon her Bed she thus began Ah unfortunate Maid how far better had it béen that thou hadst never béen born than thou shouldst be the occasion of so much grief I was the cause that the good Knight Peter adventured himself in such manner that he has now lost his life and therefore it is my cause that so much grief is come to his Parents for his loss Certainly he loosing of me hath travelled so many Countreys in searching for me that he is now cast away at Sea and become food for Fishes It had béen much better that I had never béen fair or at least that I had never consented to have left my Parents so to torment and afflict them but Heaven is just and hath now deservedly sent this loss to punish mefor my disobedience Ah what shall now become of me I shall never again sée the fare of my dear Knight nor never give any comfort to my dear Parents in my sight for since I have béen so unfortunate here will I end my life and for the future do better service to God for the expiation of my sins Thus did she lament and thus continued she in this place in the greatest devotion in the world never stirring out but to the Earls where she went sometimes to accompany them in their Lamentations for the loss of their Son and her Friend resolving that so long as she lived she would not discover her Quality and Condition to any one and in this place we must for some time leave her and return to her dearly beloved Peter and the rest of the Princes and Knights who were in their way to Babylon but we will first by the way tell you the News that came to Babylon to the Souldan and the fair Princess Florisbella CHAP. XXIV How News came to the Souldan at Babylon of the Victory obtained against the Emperor of Trebizond and how the Souldan and many of his Court went out to meet Don Bellianis and his Companions THe Souldan of Babylon was very joyful for the Arrival of the two Princes Claâ—ineo and Lucidamore Brothers to Don Bellianis and the rest of the Knights their Companions and he and all his Court had much hope that they and the Forces which they conducted to Don Bellianis would be able to reduce the Emperor of Trebizond to better tearms than had béen already propounded The Princesses Florisbella and Mattarosa were greatly satisfied at the Arrival of the Knights and did both believe that in short time they should have the company of their Knights and therefore the Princess Florisbella endeavored to put her Affairs into such order that Don Bellianis at his return might give her and himself the satisfaction she desired wherefore she taking an opportunity when onely her self and Mother and her Cousin the Princess Mattarosa were together she began to her Mother thus Madam good fortune have we had that the Gods have at so necessary a time as this sent us so valiant Knights to defend our Empire when it was most in danger but withal I am very sorry and discontented that my person should give so great on occasion as to endanger the lives of such valiant Knights and I would to the Gods that we could invent some way to prevent this trouble for the future The Empress replied I question not Daughter but what Forces are already goue with the assistance of the Gods a just Cause and the Aid of so many brave Princes and Knights will be able without any more trouble to bring home Victory or at least to force the Emperor of Trebizond to such a Peace as shall be as disadvantagious to him as he intended to us but there is something else further to be considered of for so long as you remain unmarried you being the onely Heir of this Empire we shall be in the like danger either the love or ambition of some Persons will readily promyt them to give us a trouble therefore dear Daughter since your years of childehood are past and you are capable of making a Choice it would be necessary and convenient for you amongst so many Princes and great Personages that sue for your favor that you would choose one whom you think fit to make your Husband that thereby all the rest may be satisfied and we left quiet and that your Father and I in our old age may live without this trouble Madam replyed the Princess if either you or my Father would propound some one that were fitting for my Quality and Condition I should be ready to bend my inclinations towards him and willingly content you therein Madam said the Princess Mattarosa I suppose the Princess my Cousin would willingly satisfie your self and her Father in this particular but if you please to hear my advice I shall endeavor to please you both I believe it the most necessary thing to be considered of in this Choice to have one that shall be both valiant and able to defend this Countrey from all its Enemies these Wars have testified that you have Enemies and therefore it is necessary as well to prevent a future danger as to end this there are several brave Princes and Knights engaged in this war and out of the same one might be thought of that might be a fit Match and if I may with fréedom speak I shall name the Person The Emperess who had heard her Cousin liked well of her counsel and therefore told her that she should willingly not only hear her but also give her consent thereto provided it were such a person as was every way both by Descent and Valor deserving and if her Daughters good will and inclination were added thereto The Princess Mattarosa very well knowing that she should give no distaste to her Cousin in precéeding replied That the person whom she thought most fit for a Husband for her Cousin was the most accomplished Person for Valor Vertue and Princely Descent in the whole world and the person that that Empire and they all were most obliged to and saith she I shall not néed to name him further for this Character does sufficiently testifie that it can be none other but the Prince Don Bellianis of Greece The Emperess replyed That truly she always had a very great estéem for that Prince and she supposed that gratitude had caused some inclination in her Daughters minde and says she I am sure that he has deserved more of him than all men living and could I sinde that she would be willing to accept of him I would
for the future it shall be my endeavors to conquer Kingdoms and vanquish-Kings that I may lay their Crowns at her feet as a just Tribute to her Vertues Having thus spoken he arose from the ground and retiring back a few steps he permitted his Brothers and Companions to go forwards and be received by the Souldan and then he himself went forwards and kindly saluted the Nobility of Babylon Thus having done they all remounted their Horses and in good order marched towards Babylon but it grew so late that the Souldan resolved not to enter the City that night but to stay at a Pallace of his a league from the City at which place they being arrived took up their Quarters for that night and prepared for their entrance into the City the next morning which being come they all again mounted their horses and set forwards This day the Prince Don Bellianis and the Souldan rode on together and then his two Brethren and so the rest of the Princes and Knights in order When they came near the City the Magistrates thereof came and presented themselves in their richest Habiliment and made a Congratulory Oration to Don Bellianis and so all the way that they rode he had several Orations and Presents made him for which he gave them many thanks The two Prisoners the Emperor of Trebizond and the King of Georgia came in the midst of the Army being placed in two Chariots with Chains and Ferters of Gold and a great Guard about them and thus did arrive at the Pallace where they were met by the Emperess and her Ladias The Princes and Knights soon left their horses and on foot advanced forwards where Don Bellianis falling on his knées was kindly and lovingly embraced by the Emperess but when he came before the presence of his Princess he knéeled on the ground not daring to cast one glance of his eyes upon her divine countenance She was this day dressed in a Gown of Sky-coloured Sattin embroidered with Gold and richly beset with Diamonds and Rubies represeneing Stars in the Heavens but her Face appeared to be more glorious that the Sun when he is in his greatest lustre her Bosom fitly represented the Milky whey and in all her parts there was so much excellency and divinity that it dazléd the eyes of the Beholders Our poor Prince was all this while on the ground not daring either to look up or speak but having her by one of her hands more white than the driven Snow he most amorously kissed that and fetching many sighs bathed it in tears She well knowing that he was surprized said to him What most Noble Prince after having conquered many enemies have you not confidence to behold a Lady your Friend He then recovering himself and looking on her Face said Dear Princess so much transcendent light procéeds from your divine Countenance that I am not holy enough to look up lest for my presumption I be strucken blinde But considering with himself that he was observed by many in that passion he again saluting her hand arose and making an obeysance passed on towards the Princess Mattarosa who kindly received him and so the rest of the Knights having performed their duties to the Ladies he went to his Princess and séeing the Souldan was leading the Emperess amay he likewise took the Princess by the hand and went after them after he was come into the great Hall they disarmed themselves and a costly banquet being prepared they all sate down which being done the Souldan did then declare to his Emperess and Daughter what he had promised to Don Bellianis wherewith they were so well satisfied that he intended forthwith to have them married and therefore not onely caused all those Princes that were there present to continue in the Court till the Ceremony should be performed but he likewise sent into all the adjacent Countreys to summon all the Knights to come at that time which he intended to be within fourtéen days CHAP. XXXVI How the most Renowned Prince Don Bellianis of Greece Son to the Emperor of Constantinople was married to the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon and of the Solemnity of the Wedding and the Tilts and Tournaments then holden in honor of the same GReat was the Preparations that were made for the Sâ—lemnity of the Wedding betwéen the Prince of Greece and the fair Princess of Babylon and many were the great Personages that came to Babylon to assist or attend at that Solemnity The King and Quéen of Antioch Don Brianel and Aurora with a Troop of five hundred gallant Knights came tither as they believed they were by duty bound to wait upon their Relations and the King and Quéen of Pharez Don Alfiron and Persiana with another Troop of five hundred Knights likewise came at this time to tender their love and service to the most accomplished Don Bellianis and great was the resort of several other Princes and Knights Princesses and Ladies from all parts to sée and assist at this great Ceremony so that not onely the City but all the adjacent Towns were filled with rich Tents and Companies of Ladies and Knights Don Bellianis and his Princess Florisbella spent much of their time in welcoming and treating these persons that came so far to honor them and the Souldan and his Emperess were excream joyful that they had béen so fortunate as to match their Daughter to so brave a Prince and one so well beloved not questioning but now their Empire would be more flourishing than ever and they should be out of all fear of the power of any of their Neighboring Enemies At length the day so much expected and desired came when all things being in readiness those great Personages set forwards to the Temple The Fair Princess Florisbella was led thither by the two Princes Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly both Brothers to Don Bellianis and he was led thither by the Princess Mattarosa of Numidia and the fair Princess Cynthia Sister to the Prince of Mesapotamia the rest of the Princesses and Princes Ladies and Knights in great state and very good order attending Being come to the Temple and the usual Solemnities performed they returned back again to the Pallace where a most rich and gallant Dinner was provided The Tables being furnished with all manâ—er of Delicates which the Luxury of Asia could produce Afner Dinner was ended every one made haste to the place appointed for the Tournament the Princesses and Ladies seating themselves on a Scaffold erected on one side of the Tiltpard for that purpose in the middest of which Scaffold was placed two Thrones on the one was seated the Souldan of Babylon and his Emperess and on the other the Prince Don Bellianis and the Incomparable Flonisbella his Bride and the rest of the Kings and Quéens Princes and Princesses Knights and Ladies in several places appointed for that purpose No sooner were they all seated but silence was commanded and
since it was so that the Princess was otherwise disposed of and thereby he was frustrated in his expectations he thought it was but just that he should be restored to his liberty and his Empire restored to him but he thus elosed that if this would not be granted he questioned not but that he had so many loyal Subjects in his own Dominions and so many Friends and Allies abroad that he should gain that by force which was denied him This was the answer of the Emperor which was judged to be so unreasonable that it was concluded on all hands that the War should be vigorously prosecuted and to that end Letters were presently sent away to Don Baltazano to know of him the condition of the Army under his command and in what condition the Enemies were that they might from thence conclude what Forces were necessary to be raised A Messenger being dispatched to Don Baltazano who was left with an hundred thousand men at the siege of the City of Phatez which was fortified and defended against him by the King of Albania and the Knight of the Tyger as is before declared This Messenger was not long before he returned to the Souldan and brought this Letter The Letter of Baltazano to the Souldan of Babylon Dread Lord and most Honoured Uncle WHen the worthy Knight Don Bellianis left this place we were victorious and no Enemies appeared against us but such as were inclosed in the City of Pharez which we also reckoned to be inconsiderable in regard the Emperor their Lord was your Prisoner and the King of Georgia was also taken and no General left to head the Forces but the King of Albania who was wounded and the Knight of the Tyger in worse condition then he but no sooner were part of your Forces withdrawn but new Recruits came from further parts of the Country and being led by a Virgin named Floreza Sister to the Emperor the City was relieved and notwithstanding the frequent assaults that we have given them yet we have not been able to carry it so great is the courage of the Princess Floreza that by her presence and prudence she kept all things in very good order until the two Generals the King of Albania and the Knight of the Tyger were recovered of their wounds and then they had so great a respect for her that she still continues Commander in chief and to incourage her further they have sent to their Countries for more fresh Forces and so great love and respect have all the Commonalty of the Country for the Princess Floreza that they take up Arms generally in all places and have mustered in great numbers so that we dayly expect by the â—ddition of these Forces that she will in short time be able to take the Field wherefore if your Majesty intends to prosecute your Conquests here I humbly conceive it will be necessary to raise more Considerable Forces In the mean time nothing shall be wanting to be done for your Majesties service that is in the power of Your Majesties Subject and Kinsman BALTAZANO This Letter being read before the Souldan and his Counell it was presently determined that an hundred thousand men should be immediately raised and sent away under the command of the Knight of Hope who had given such rare proofs of his valour and that more Forces should follow with all convenient spéed Hereupon the Drums were beaten up and those Forces which Don Bellianis brought back with him being recruited by the new levied Forces they made up the number and being all fitted with necessaries for the War the Knight of Hope advanced in his company marched Trion Knight of the Wolf and the valiant Peter of Ireland Contumeliano of Phaenicia and Fâ—iorispiano of Swevia Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore Brothers to Don Bellianis likewise offered to go but it was not permitted them at present so to do CHAP. II. How Alfiron and Persiana King and Queen of Shyraz go home and she is brought to bed of a Daughter named Belliana Don Brianel and Aurora King and Queen of Antioch Likewise go home and she is brought to bed of a Daughter named Aurora Perianeo and Don Gramalis had a Son and Daughter in the pleasant Island by Meridiana and Altea named Gorgiana and Altea who are nursed by Friston The Princess Floreza issues out of the City of Pharez and fights a bloody Battle with Baltazano who gets the honour of the day but is deeply fallen in love with her THese Forces being thus sent away under the command of the Knight of Hope in short time after Alfiron and Persiana King and Quéen of Shyraz desired leave of the Souldan and Don Bellianis to depart and travel to their own Countries promising to raise Forces there that should be ready to assist in the War and at the same time Don Brianel and Aurora King and Quéen of Antioch likewise departed with promise to raise Forces that should be always ready to wait upon the commands of Don Bellianis and it was not long after the arrival of these Personages at their own Courts but that the two Quéens were brought to bed of two lovely Daughters that of Don Brianel and Aurora was named Aurora like the Mother and that of Alfiron and Persiana was named Belliana in honour of their great Friend Don Bellianis And now we have given you an account of these procéedings of the Friends of Don Bellianis we will also give you some account of those of his Enemies wherefore we having so long for atten Perianeo Son of the Souldan of Persia and Gramalis of Torace we will return to give some account of them If you turn back to the eleventh Chapter of the second Part of this History you may find that these two valiant Knights were by the means of the said Friston conveyed into the pleasant Island where they spent their time in all manner of delights in the company of the Princess Meridiana daughter to the valiant King Gorgiana of Soria and the fair Lady Altea and the Prince Perianeo had so much fréedom and injoyment of the Princess Meridiana that she being with child by him was brought to bed of a fair Son whom they named Gorgiana after the name of his Grand-father and the Lady Altea likewise had a Daughter by Gramalis of Thrace which they named Altea like the Mother and as this Son of Perianeo proved to be one of the best Knights of his time so this young Lady Altea was the only Paragon for Beauty throughout the whole Vniverse These young Children were no soone born but they were taken from their Parents by the sage Friston who promised that he would take care of their education and at all times be answerable for them to their Parents and in this condition we will again leave them for the present and return to the Knight of Hope who was on his journey to the City of Pharez having the command of an hundred thousand men and being
accompanied byâ— several valiâ—â—â— Princes his Compâ—niâ—â—â—â— He being commanded to make all expedition in his march diâ— not stop to make any addition to his Forces but procéed to fast as he could but he was not â—â—â—â—ed there so 〈◊〉 best fresh supplies 〈…〉 sent into the City which had so 〈…〉 Forces of the Princess Flâ—râ—â—â—â— that she being ambiâ—â—â—â—â— of glâ—ry and 〈…〉 within to City valiantly came out and 〈◊〉 the Field The Prince Bâ—â—â—â—ano séeing her resolution by her action disinâ—ath 〈◊〉 himself and 〈◊〉 resolutely to encounter her This brave 〈◊〉 pâ—â—â—â—â—â—ing â—â—her he intended first a Herald to him to let 〈…〉 that if he would stay until the next 〈◊〉 Sun 〈◊〉 would sade him the laboâ— of coming to her and meet him half way but if he 〈◊〉 resolved 〈◊〉 otherwise and assault her presently she would be 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 him He hearing her generous resolution was resoâ—â—ed to 〈◊〉 her 〈◊〉 and wait 〈◊〉 the next day and therefore sending her such word he again re-ertâ—ed his Camp Although this Princess had several times sent out small parties that had assaulted him in his Trenches and headed several parties in the City when he had assaulted it yet he had not yet séen her but report rendred her a brave Person and as compleat in the outward lineaments of her body as she had shewn her self in the braveness of her mind and therefore the Prince Baltazano was deuÌ„rous to oblige her and resolved if possible to sée and encounter with her in the next days Battle wherefore that he might be ready the next morning â—â—he kept strict guards all that night and the time appointed being coming he again left his Camp but as forward as he was the Princess was as ready as he for she had likewise quitted the place where she had incamped that night and was advanced towards him She had divided her Forces in thrée Battalias one which was the Van she led her self and under her command were forty thousand men the second which was the Body of the Army was commanded by the King of Albania and he had under him sixty thousand men and the Rear was led by the Lieutenant General of the King of Georgia who was a very valiant Knight and known by the name of the Knight of the Lions who also had forty thousand men and the like number of forty thousand men was left in the City under the conduct of the valiant Knight of the Tyger Thus was she accompanied but her Armor and Accoutrements were extraordinary for she rode on an excellent Horse who was covered with white Armor and her own was gréenena melled with Gold richly set out with precious Stones she had a Lance is her hand and a good Sword by her side which bâ—â—ng there 〈◊〉 a gréen Scarf with Gold fringe The Prince of Numidia was not one of behind her in magnificence for he was armed in a Silver Armos which shoâ—â— so bright that it dazled the eyes of the beholders The Forces which he led were somewhat less then hers but they were modelized in the same manner being divided into thrée Squadrons led by thrée trusty and valiant Knights he himself took no particular command as thinking it to be more convenient to be frée that he might be every where as occasion served only he had 〈◊〉 a thousand valiant Knights to attend him as his Guardâ— and he also had left twenty thousand men in his Camp to guard that and to be as a reserve to the rest of his Army as occasion should require In this order and thus prepared did these two valiant Generals march at the head of their Armies and slowly advancing before their Forces at length met The first that encountred were the two Generals the brave Numidian and the gallant Floreza who putting the Lance to her Rest failed not to encounter him and that with such violence hitting him on the Shield which he held out to receive her that he was so shaken with the blow that he was forced to catch hold of his Horses neck to kéep him from falling He had never met with the like force in any man before wherefore he was mightily astonished but he being resolved before hand what to do did not put his Lance in his Rest but carried it so that it flew over her head without encountring her She soon saw the reason of his missing her and being angry at his generosity turned back her Horse and cried out Sir Knight although you so much contemn the forces of a Woman yet I hope before I leave the Field to make you sensible of my valour and if you will turn back let us again encounter He stayed not to return her an answer but being followed by his Troop of one thousand Men passed on to the Body of her Army and then he shewed by the mightiness of his blows that he was not guilty of any cowardise for he had killed or dismounted six before his Lance brake and then drawing his Sword he at six blows sent as many more into the other World and being angry at the blow the Princess had given him he was resolved to revenge it on her Followers By this time he was passed the first Battle and was come to the second which was commanded by the King of Albania and him he met to his dammage for although he was a very valiant Knight yet he gave him a wound over the arm and the Sword falling heavily on the Horses neck cut off his head so that he was dismounted but he was soon rescued by his Followers And now our Numidian Prince thought it was time to whéel about and sée how his Army was entertained by their Enemies and indéed full time it was for him to do so for he found the Fore-front of his Army in very great disorder by the valiant exploits of the unmatchable Floreza who had so laid about her that she had kill'd or dismounted above twenty with her own hand and had thereby made such way for her Followers that that whole Squadron was almost put to the rout The Prince of Numidia séeing this fled to the Rear of them and there caused them to face about and in short time by this stratagem he had brought all those who were flying in the Van to be in the Rear and those in the Rear who had not known of the disaster were now in the Van and he did then in the head of these Forces so lay about him that he stopt his Enemies and gave his own Men the time and conveniency to rally By this means his Forces were in as good condition almost as they had béen in the beginning of the Battle which the Princess Floreza séeing was resolved again to assault him wherefore commanding that an hundred of her best Knights should kéep near her and by all means kéep the Numidian from passing from her she set forwards and being come within hearing of him she cried out Now Sir Knight since you would not
had a great loss by it for several believing that now they should be again inclosed within the City walls chose rather to flée away or fall into their Enemies hands and so they did and also the Camp of the Numidian was much inriched by the plunder of the Field Thus was the fortune of the Wars altered and what this valiant Princess had béen some moneths in gathering together was in one day separated or vanqâ—ished The next day upon a view of the Field there were an hundred thousand Men slain on both sides but it was supposed two thirds of them were of the Princesses party but she who began with less Forces then now she had was not so much discouraged as to despair but hoped for a better day and in expectation thereof was content with her present fortune In order to the management of her Affairs she sent out to raise Forces not only in all the Dominions of her Brother but she also sent to all her Allies which were so many and they so forward in her assistance that she questioned not but in short time she should be in condition to take the Field again till when she made several excursions and notwithstanding all that the Prince of Numidia could do to hinder her yet she several times got in some Recruits with all necessary provision and he indéed was so concerned for her ever since that fatal day whereon he disarmed her head that he knew not what to think of it but in the end he discovered that the little god Cupid had wounded him so déeply that he must be conquered and yield to those whom he had conquered But the relation of that and other transactions that happened upon that account being many and various I shall here conclude referring the prosecution of them to a new Chapter CHAP. III. How the Prince of Numidia being enamoured of the Princess Floreza sends her a Letter to acquaint her therewith which she civilly answereth She and the City of Pharez is relieved by the arrival of Perisano Knight of the Panther with sixty thousand men and he is reinforced by the arrival of the Knight of Hope and an hundred thousand men The Knight of the Panther being her former Lover now endeavors to gain her by fair or foul means He promises to perform wonders but attempting the Army of the Prince of Numidia is beat back with loss The Princess Florisbella is brought to bed of a Son named Meridian and a Daughter named Clarinda who are threatned by a Prophecy The arrival of the young Princesses Aurora of Antioch and Belliana of Shyraz to be bred up with the two young Princes who being brought out on a solemnity are carried away by a strange inchantment ALthough the Prince of Numidia had gained great advantage over the Princess Floreza in the precedent Battle yet he could not much brag of his conquests he himself being wounded by the eyes of Floreza more déeply then she had wounded him in the body but the wound on his body was sooner cured then that he had received at his heart for at an instant her beauty was so powerful that it pierced his Armor and gave him an incurable wound He being sensible of his ill fortune complained to the great god Mars that he had permitted him who was his absolute Votary to be overcome by that little god Cupid But considering the all-powerful charms of Venus who oftentimes inforced Mars himself to submit to her was resolved to be content and since he was wounded to indeavor a remedy There was none capable to cure him but she alone that wounded him and he know her to be his enemy but however believing her to be as generous as she was fair and couragious he took pen ink and paper and writ these lines to her The Letter of the Prince of Numidia to the Princess of Trebizond Madam ALthough fortune declared her self to be somewhat on our side by giving us somewhat the better against you on the last day of Battle yet you have made the greater Conquest and indeed how could it be otherwise since you come so doubly armed not only with Sword and Lance but also with what is more powerful then either and is indeed more conquering then all the weapons in the World your Fair Eyes whose rayes are so subtilly penetrating that they pierce the choieest Armor the truth of this I have experienced by the effects and must confess my self your Captive Indeed we have the honour of keeping the Field which you quitted and found some Trophies there which were considerable but all to me is inconsiderable in respect of that glorious Scarf which I obtained of you and which I prize above all else I could have purchased I hope Madam since I won it in the Field you will give me leave to wear it as a glorious Trophy and not to take it as other people may do that I wear it in sign of victory over you when as all my ambition in having the honour of wearing it is to signifie that I fight under your colours although this may seem to be a paradox yet assure your self of the truth of it and setting aside the trust I have of commanding the Forces of my Uncle I should come immediately and present my Person to be commanded by you Madam consider my condition with you and consider my quality with my Uncle and command me any thing which you think is generously fit to be done and assure your self you shall command Baltazano of Numidia This Letter was conveyed to the Princess who received it of the Messenger with much civility and being told from whence it come and expecting that there was some State matters in it she directed the Messenger to stay till the next morning and then she would return him an answer He waited accordingly and the morning being come and he receiving a Letter went presently to his Tent where breaking open the seal he found these lines The Letter of the Princess Floreza to the Prince Baltazano Sir Knight YOur Letter hath very much surprized me for I expected somewhat in it in order to the prosecution of the old War and you propose a new one it were necessary that the first were finished before any treaty of the second for how can I think you to be my Friend when you are in arms in my own Country against our Subjects and have already sacrificed so many of their lives to your ambition of Empire You may answer that the War was begun by my Brother and prosecuted by you as an Enemy to him but I cannot take him to be my Friend who is his Enemy As for your generosity in offering your service to me I thank you and found you friendly when in arms I took you for an Enemy If you are obliged to serve and be true to your Uncle who hath intrusted you with his Army I have a double obligation on the same account for I am not only intrusted by the
be an Adultress and the Children Bastards He séemed at first to be surprized at this strange discourse which he himself had framed but as he said his Brother's Honour being in question he caused the wicked Damsel to be carried before the King where she not only justified this report but made oath of the same whereupon the Countess was sent for but all the answer she could give was in the denial of the fact with asseverations and tears The King hearing the case and intending like a good Prince to do justice took this order that by a day prefixed the Damsel should provide a Champion who should maintain and justifie what she had said and that the Countess should likewise provide her Champion to fight with the other in vindication of her honour and that if the Damsels Champion should be vanquished the Damsel should be burnt alive and if the Countesses Champion should be vanquished she and her Children should be bereft of all the Estate of her dead Husband and left to séek their fortunes where they could This was set down by the King as absolute Now the time of this Combat approaching the King was going to Windsor which was the place appointed where it should be fought The Earl's Brother did before hand believe what would be the King's order in the matter and therefore he had provided a Champion for the Damsel who was a monstrous great Giant bred up in the Isle of Man a Country thereto adjoyning The Damsel being thus provided for was out of all care and fear of further harm but the Countess could not procure any to undertake her cause though all men believed her virtuous so great was the terror every one had of this monstrous Giant And now was the time very near come when the Combat was to be sought and all Persons concerned and a very great Assembly of People were come together to Windsor Our Prince Clarineo now known by the name of the Knight of Cupid went among others and was very much concerned on the Countesses behalf for he could not hear of any Champion that she was provided with He had some discourses with his Squire Florello upon this occasion telling him that he wondred at the cowardise of the English Knights that would not undertake this Giant adding that if the Countess had no Champion he himself would undertake her cause Florello hearing this and doubting some such matter replied I question not my Lord but that the Councess is wronged and that she hath bad fortune to have so monstrous an Enemy and none to undertake him but withal I think it would be deemed rashness in you who are wholly a stranger to her to indanger your life in a Combat so hazardous The Prince replied That he was bound by the order of Knight-hood to assist all Ladies especially those that were distressed and that he could not exercise his valour better then on this account and continued he I should not be worthy of my Lady Florida if for her sake I shall not assist those that resemble her I but replied Florello I know this that if she were here present she would hardly give consent that you should upon any consideration whatsoever put your Person into so great hazard I question not but I should perswade her thereto replied he and to the end that you may hereafter acquaint her with this affair we will go together to the Countess and see in what condition she is and accordingly ingage for her Hereupon they presently went to the Countesses Lodgings where they were admitted The Knight of Cupid being entred and sate down asked her Whether she was yet provided of a Champion To which she replied No and that the next day was the day appointed for the Combat and then continued she my Children will be undone and it shall be the last day of my life for it will be impossible for me to our-live my shame and if all fail I will be my own Executioner She having ended her lamentable discourse finished with such a deluge of tears that drew compassion from all there present The Knight of Gupid séeing so many accompany her in her lamentations and none offer to assist her in her cause told her That he had so much confidence in the justice of her cause and innocency that he would undertake the Combat in her behalf She hearing what he had said replied Ah! Sir Knight how much am I obliged to you for your kind offer which I dare not accept of not so much out of a sense of my own misfortune as for fear of yours for the Monster who is the Champion of my Adversary is so mighty that he is thought to be able to encounter with four of the best and valiantest Knights in this Kingdom therefore Sir Knight I should be mighty sorry to adventure you single against so vile a Monster and then should you miscarry as I doubt you must although I am innocent I should be then concluded guilty and you would to no purpose lose your life in my defence therefore I think it best to conclude my self unfortunate and not make others who are wholly unconcerned suffer with me To this the Knight of Cupid replied Madam if you please to accept of me for your Champion do not question any thing else further but leave all to Fate that hath formerly strengthened me to overcome and vanquish Enemies altogether as redoubtable as this Monster His Squire Florello hearing this and being no longer able to forbear said Good my Lord consider what you do and remember that as this Lady supposes she can have little benefit by your assistance so you know the Princess Florida will if you be unfortunate receive so great a grief that it will be the ending of her days and so you will thereby be the occasion of the death of her your self and do no kindness for the Countess but rather leave her the more suspected All that you can say replied the Knight of Cupid is nothing for I question not the Victory if there were two such Monsters so great confidence have I said he to the Countess in the justness of your cause and the assistance of that power that hath never yet failed me therefore if you please to accept me as your Champion I will undertake the Combat on your behalf The Countess hearing his resolution kindly thanked him and he promised not to fail the next day to be ready Armed at all points in the Field and so they parted The next day being come and the hour of the Combat approaching and all things provided to receive the Combatants Iudges and Spectators the King entred and mounted on a Scaffold where was also the Quéen and the chiefest of the Nobles two Iudges who were appointed to be Iudges of the Field sate at the King's féet The Countess and her thrée Children being clad in mourning apparel sate by themselves and the Damsel with the Brother of the Earl by themselves on another
the King of Ulster resided she who had béen the unhappy cause of all these Wars which she confidering of and that she might be the cause of her Father's ruine considered also which way to prevent it and therefore sent to her Lover Owen Mac O Brian Prince of Conaught to desire him to lay down his Arms and leave her to the disposal of her Father for if he obstinately persisted she would never have him although frée to dispose of her self and séeing his first taking up of Arms against her Father had béen for her sake to hinder her marriage with Flusteron so she desired him that for her sake he would also lay down his Arms and then she questioned not but her Father would be induced to do so too and a Peace would follow and she hoped then so to order affairs as that she might content him and her self This Prince who was still in Arms in his own Province and only waited the motions of the two other Armies now hearing the desires of his Princess knew not what to resolve on but being willing to oblige her in all he could and not thinking it convenient to lay down Arms till the War was ended he resolved on a third course which was to take past with her Father relieve and assist him against the King and thereby as he hoped oblige him to bestow his Daughter on him and therefore away he marcheth with all his Army towards the City of Dundrom where the King and the Knight of Cupid had besieged the King of Ulster The news of his approach surprized the King neither did the Prince of Ulster know what he intended but he soon sent a Letter to acquaint him that although he had appeared his Enemy when alone in the Field yet now that he saw him likely to be oppressed by the King and his numerous and victorious Forces be would joyn interests with him till he had fréeâ— himself of so potent an Enemy and that then afterwards it would be time enough for them to consider of their own private quarrel which he hoped would be put to a good end and that at least if he would not let him have the happiness of having his Daughter yet he would not compel her against her will to be married to another The Giant Flusteton hearing of this message and supposing it might turn to his disadvantage would not permit the Prince of Ulster to return him any answer but told him that he would take such order that the King of Lemster should soon be enforeed to withdraw his Forces and the way he propounded was this that they being weâ—â— fortified néed not fear any assault in that place and if they â—ould be put to the utmost extremity they might escape by sea but he did not expect any such matters because the Prince of Conaught would hinder the King from procéeding so forwards and he leaving a sufficient Party to secure the Princess left the City of Dundrom and went to his own Country and there raising another great Party he roved up and down and at length entring the Province of Lemster in the King's absence did much mischief burning and destroying all places where he came thinking by this means to force the King to raise his siege and return home to guard his own Country But the King not knowing of this mischief but séeing the Forces of the Prince of Conaught sent to know why he came thither armed commanding him to depart and disband his Forces He answered that he could not indéed deny but that he was his Sovereign and therefore ought to be obeyed but that withal what he did was for self-preservation and to serve a Mistress whom he estéemed above all for he believed that if he should permit him absolutely to conquer his Neighbor the Prince of Ulster and thereby his Mistress would also be destroyed it would not be long before he served him in the same manner and so become absolute not permitting them their antient Principallity to which they had as much right as he to his absolute Sovereignty and therefore the cause why he could not obey him at present was because he was resolved not to sit still and first sée his Neighbors Principallity taken from him and then his own This was the answer he sent whereupon the King sent away to his Brother Mac Guire Prince of Munster and Father to Peter of Ireland to raise what Forces he could and come to his assistance resolving to compel these two Princes to obey him The Prince of Munster knowing of the War and doubting of the events thereof had already raised an Army to be in readiness and therefore was quickly on his way to his Brother before Dundrom but in the mean time the Giant Flusteron had committed many villanies for he had surprized the antient City of Tredagh in Lemster and destroying the Inhabitants very much ruined the City it self and now hearing that the Prince of Munster was ingaged against his Party he marches into his Country and spoils many places there but more particularly the Town of Rabennee which he set on fire and now all the Kingdom of Ireland was ingaged in a War which was very bloody and all occasioned by the wilfulness of this Monster Flusteron who now supposing it necessary makes all haste possible to the City of Dundrom and getting into it gives an account of his villainies By the assistance which he brought the City was so well relieved that it was resolved they would no longer be inclosed within the walls but go out and face and fight their Enemies knowing that if the Prince of Conaught did them no good he would not harm them by assisting their Enemies wherefore he making all the Forces he could marched out of the City and being fleshed and encouraged by the success he had abroad hoped to have the same here in the Field and now being resolved to fight he questioned not but he should conquer and therefore was so bold as to send to the King to defie him and to appoint a pitcht Battle thrée days after or sooner if he would The King hearing of his presumption called his Councel to advise what was to be done And there the Knight of Cupid advised the King to agrée to the Battle to be fought thrée days after and in the mean time to have a Truce so that any single Persons might be frée to visit their Enemies Camp or City All this was agréed on by all Parties and the Knight of Cupid having leave of the King and power to treat as he thought fit was resolved to treat with all Parties and sée if by his prudent management he might put an end to this War without fighting Whereupon the chief occasion of this War being about the Marriage of the Princess Honora he first went to her and there he examining her to every thing found that she had an absolute antipathy against and hatred to the Giant Flusteron her intended Husband and
that rather then have him she would destroy her self and that withall she had as great a love for the Prince of Conaught Owen Mac O Brian whom she would with all her heart be married to The Knight of Cupid having heard her mind told her that he would endeavor that she should have her desire and therefore he went next to her Father Owen O Coneele Prince of Ulster of whom he likewise desired to know If he had any inclination to Peace The old Man replied he desired it above all things being weary of the War long time since and that he would have left it off if the Giant Flusteron would have permitted him The Knight of Cupid hearing this told him The occasion of the War as he understood was because he would compel his Daughter to marry with Flusteron against her own mind Truly replied the old Prince I had no inclination that she should be married to Owen Mac O Brian Prince of Conaught because we have been ancient Enemies and therefore was willing the other my Friend and Subject should have her and that hath occasioned this unhappy War but I now wish that it were otherwise and did not care if she were married to the Prince of Conaught or left to whom she her self should please so I knew how to rid my self of Flusteron who is grown now too potent for me and over-rules all my Councels As for that replied the Knight of Cupid if you please to give your Daughter free leave to marry I question not but I shall end the War without much more blood-shed and that you shall be well enough rid of Flusteron If it may be so I should be content replied the old Prince and so they parted And now the Knight of Cupid thought it expedient to go to the Giant Flusteron where when he came he told him that he had béen the whole cause of the War and that it would be well done of him to endeavor an end of it by permitting the Lady Honora to choose whom she would for a Husband Why whom should she choose but me replied the Giant fiercely who have best deserved her It may be so she will replied the Knight of Cupid and that it will be the best way to give her her own freedom I shall not trust the peevish Baggage said the Giant but I will have her alive or dead and as I have so I will always hazard my life to gain her I would that young Princely Puppet of Conaught would either fight with me for her or produce any body else that would do it and then it should be soon seen who best deserves her I must confess said the Knight of Cupid that for force and valour you may exceed him but there are other qualities that a Lady expects above that What should any Ladies expect replied the Giant but to marry where their Parents think fit and to obey those Husbands who can gain most from others and thereby enlarge their own Dominions This is your opinion replied the Knight of Cupid but I still advise you to let the Lady have her own choosing Yes if I were sure she will choose me replied he or else if she will renounce all her interest to her Father's Principality and he give me present possession of it That were unreasonable replied the Knight I rather believe that the Prince of Conaught will produce a Champion to fight in hers and his own behalf I should be glad to see him replied the Giant and that shall be the end of the War I will go ask him replied the Knight and so departed And now at last going to the Prince of Conaught he told him That he had been much too blame to ingage a Kingdom in a War out of pretence of assisting of a Lady Then I perceive Sir replied the Prince you have never been in love for if you had you would not value ten Kingdoms to a Ladies enjoyment Well but how do you think to gain her replied the Knight for I know that you must never have her unless the Giant Flusteron be first dead and that I think is somewhat difficult to be done Truly replied the Prince rather then lose her I would venture my own Person against that Monster But do you imagine said the Knight that you should vanquish him Truly I much doubt it replied the Prince but I then could but die and then all my sorrow would at once be at an end The Knight of Cupid hearing him thus resolute and pitying all Parties and being desirous to make an end of this War for the doing whereof there was but one way told the Prince that he would undertake the Combat on his behalf and therefore desired him to agrée to what he should direct and then he questioned not but he should suddainly put an end to the War to his own content The Prince knowing well enough the great valor of the Knight of Cupid as having heard of his fight at his first arrival in that Kingdom and withal having séen other testimonies of his valour during the War and believing that if he undertook the Combat he should be successful he therefore kindly thanked him for his generous offer telling him That if he would on his behalf enter the Combat against his Enemy and conquer him as he did not question he would freely give him his Principality only contenting himself with the in joyment of the fair Princess Honora The Knight of Cupid hearing the generous offer of the Prince replied That he desired no other requital but the honour of having done him that particular service and as he hoped a general good â—o the whole Kingdom that was now involved in a desperate War The matter being now agréed upon as to the main the Prince at the directions of the Knight of Cupid writ this Letter The Letter of Challenge from Owen Mac O Brian Prince of Conaught to Flusteron of the Mountains of Callingford in Ulster IT is not unknown to the whole Kingdom that the chief cause of these Wars hath been your pretensions and mine to the Princess Honora and you and I both know that but one of us can lawfully injoy her to Wife and I have often heard that you have several times sworn that none should have her so long as you were alive whereupon I have often thought that there is but one way to conclude upon Peace and that must be very difficult and dangerous for me however I being now resolved to spare all further effusion of blood as much as in me lies do make this further offer That I will within these two days expose either my own Body or some others as my Champion to fight with you body to body and which soever shall remain Victor shall have the Lady Honora as the Prize of his Conquest If therefore you accept of these terms I expect that you give sufficient Pledges for performing of the Conditions as I on my part am willing to do These
under the promise of marriage permits him to enjoy her He departing on his voyage to Ireland she attends him disguised like a Page named Florello IUst as the Giant Fustagon fell breathless on the ground Don Arsileo entered the Chamber where the combat had béen fought for he hearing a great noise in the Castle and the Guards which were upon him leaving him to assist their Lord he found the means to break open his Chamber-door and descending into the Court and séeing the fight he missing Fustagon and inquiring for him heard he was gone towards the lodgings of the Princess wherefore doubting some desperate act he seizing on a Sword a Helmet and Target went thitherward intending to assist and relieve the Princess or else to lose his own life in attempting it with this resolution he entred the Chamber just as the Giant fell and séeing Don Clarineo his and his Ladies deliverer he fell down on his knées to render thanks to him for that great service he had done them but he was soon taken up by Don Clarineo who pulling off his Helmet discovered himself to his Kinsman who soon knowing him cried out Oh my good Lord how much am I engaged to you for this great and immense favour He would have procéeded in further discourse of that nature but that Don Glarineo interrupted him and leaving him in the company of his Lady went down to sée how causes went there but before he went he cut off the head of the Giant and placing it on his Swords point went amongst the Knights who were still fighting He therefore beholding them advanced his Sword and cried out What is the intent of this your wilful fighting since behold here the Head of your greatest Enemy which should put an end to this combat All the Combatants beheld and heard him and the Giants Knights séeing the head of their Lord and Master and withal finding themselves over-powred threw down their weapons and cried out for quarter which was soon granted them And the Castle being in all parts secured the Giants Knights disarmed and imprisoned the two valiant Princes Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore again went to the Princesses lodgings where they found her not only accompanied by her Lover Don Arsileo but also by her Father who was come thither to her At the entrance of the two Princes they would all thrée have fallen on their knées but they would not permit it but being disarmed sate down by them and the Damsel who had met the two Princes now entred and joyfully fell down at the féet of her Lady embracing her knées but she understanding that she was by her means relieved soon took her up and embracing her gave her many thanks for her so good service In the end all Persons were very well pleased and our wearied Princes having refreshed themselves with such viands as the Castle afforded lay down to take some rest during which time Don Arsileo took charge of the Castle and considering how their condition was and that although they had overcome all the Forces within the Castle yet there were more without who might interrupt their quiet he therefore by the advice and consent of the Princess and her Father dispatched away certain Knights who were taken Prisoners with them and now released to the Country of his Princesses Father to acquaint his Subjects of their Victory and to command them to attend him there immediately in the best manner they could These Messengers being sent away made such dispatch that they soon arrived at the Castle of the Princess Leonarda's Father where they found a young Knight a Kinsman of hers called the Knight of the Stars that had gathered a considerable hand of Souldiers together with intent to relieve their Lord and Lady and now hearing of the joyful news of their deliverance and that they only wanted their assistance in conducting them home they soon put themselves in a readiness to march thitherwards and now many more who before were fearful of the Giants power knowing him dead joyned themselves to this Troop so that their Forces were very considerable And they being upon their way we will leave them and return to the Giants Castle where the two Princes and their Companions and Knights having refreshed themselves and being now met together to consult what was necessary to be done resolved to leave the Castle and journey towards the Princes but they knowing that the Giant had Forces in the way thought convenient to attend till the Subjects of the Prince who had been sent to should come But before their arrival there a Squadron of the Giants Knights who were quartered abroad came to the Castle but not being admitted entrance much wondred at the cause till at length they understood it wherefore they sent to and acquainted the other Squadrons with the matter desiring them to come presently to them and they would attempt the re-taking of the Castle At this summons all the other Forces came up and being met together and resolving what to do they knowing a private and unknown way into the Castle several of the most couragious and adventurous of them entred a Vault which led into the Castle the rest still standing before the Castle Walls Our vastant Princes stood upon the Battlements expecting the assault but they were mightily surprized and amazed when they saw a great number of armed Knights were entred the Castle and they knew not which way at length they perceived that they issued out of a Vault and therefore they went thither to stop it but those who were already entred hindred them and ingaged in â—ight with the Princes while more of their Companions entred Those who were without the Castle seeing our Knights to quit the Walls understood what was the occasion of it and that some of their Companions were entred the Castle and had begun a sight which they intended to assist them in and thereupon they being provided with scaling Ladders and other such like warlike instruments they mounted the Castle Walls which our knights seeing were forced to divide themselves and run part of them thither to resist them Thus were they ingaged in two several places and the fight became very bloody and in the end would have béen very hazardous to our Princes but that they perceived a great Troop at some distance marching up towards them and it was not long ere they knew them to be their Friends for they set upon the Assaylants so violently that they caused them to leave the assault and descend to assist their Companions our knights séeing this now bent all their Forces against those who came up out of the Vault whose numbers did not long increase as they had done because they staid in the Field to help their Companions without the Castle so that our Princes séeing that their enemies were but small and not likely now to increase they laid so lustily about them that they put them into much confusion for they did not understand
the condition of their Companions without and wondred that they had no more of their assistance The Prince Arsileo as being chiefly concerned performed wonders killing several knights with his own hand and the Prince Clarineo again advanced the head of the Giant Fustagon on a Spear on the Walls of the Castle at the sight of this both Parties as well those within as without séeing the head of their Chief whom they did not believe to be dead were so dead-hearted that they gave way to their Enemies and throwing down their weapons fled Those who were within the Castle were taken Prisoners and disposed amongst their Companions and the rest without were pursued and most of them slain by the hands of the merciless Country-men And thus was this Adventure fully finished to the perfect joy of all the Princes who setting open the Castle Gates admitted the knight of the Stars and all his Company to enter the Castle And now it was concluded that all the Princes and the Princess Leonarda should leave that place and travel to her Fathers Castle and the custody of that Castle was given to the knight of the Sâ—ars and some of his Companions who were left to kéep it for the Princess Leonarda to whom it was given by the Princes Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore who promised so to undertake with the Emperor their Father that she should have a grant of that and all other Possessions of the Giant Fustagon And thus having secured every thing in the Castle by a sufficient power which they left and taking a considerable Euard with them they departed and in short time arrived at the Castle of the Priness Leonardas Father who made them very welcome and promised to attend them to Constantinople to the presence of the Emperor Few days stayed this Company to refresh themselves and then they set on the Company consisted of the old Prince and his Daughter the two Princes Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore and Don Arsileo and several good knights in their Company and during this journey Don Arsileo enjoyed so much pleasure in the company of his beloved Lady that he thought himself very well rewarded for all the pains he had taken and the hazards he had underwent for her and to make his joyes the more compleat not only she but her Father also promised that at his arrival at Constantinople if the Emperor consented he should be married to her He having received this pleasing answer desired his Cousins Don Clarineo and Doâ— Lucidamore to assist him with the Emperor for his consent they promised to effect his desires And thus did they travel till they came to that great and famous City of Constantinople where when they came they were met by the noblest of the Citizens without the City and soon after by all the Court and at the Court Gates by the Emperor and Empress Great was the joy on all sides for their so happy return for the Emperor had heard of all the Adventures at the Castle of Fustagon and had intended to send them relief but that he heard all was very well accomplished The Empress was joyfull at the sight of her Children and after she had embraced them she kindly received the Princess Leonarda and her Cousin Arsileo and she and the Emperor understanding the love that was betwéen them consented to their marriage and sent unto Hungary to the king his Father to acquaint him therewith But the Emperor not questioning his consent in regard the Lady was not only fair but discréet and virtuous and the addition of Fustagon's Dominions to those of her Fathers being added would make her a considerable Fortune wherefore the Wedding was agréed to be solemnized within ten days after against which time and as well in honour of the Wedding as for joy of the safe return of the two Princes Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore great provision was made for several Triumphs to be then had and kept not only in the Court but also in the City The long wished for Wedding-day being come great joy it was to all but more particularly to the Prince Arsileo and the fair Princess Leonarda whose joyes were now compleated and he reaped all the happiness he was capable of in the Company of so lovely and beloved a Brite But although the joy was universal and the triumphs many and delightful yet they had an end and now our Princes had time to rest at home for the pains they had taken abroad But so great was the pleasure that these valiant knights took in seeking Adventures that it was not long ere Don Clarineo remembring the promise he had formerly mate to his Friend Peter of Ireland knight of the Keys to make search after his lost Lady Magdalenâ— Princess of Sardinia he was therefore resolved to make a diligent search and inquiry after her and to that end pretending to take a short voyage about the Islands of the Mediterranean Sea he armed and equipped a Vessel for that purpose and being only accompanied by a Dwarf who usually attended him he embarqued He caused the Master of the Ship to put in at several Islands where he went on shore to inquire and séek after the Princess Magdalena or to find out some other Adventure but he méeting with nothing that was considerable resolved to sail to Sardinia and inquire what news was there to be heard of her He being landed at the Port rode up into the Country and his ears were soon saluted with the pleasant noise of a Horn and the cry of a pack of Hounds that were in pursuit of a goodly Stag he saw the Beast and soon after the Company which was large and gallant for upon inquiry he understood that there was the king and Queen and most of the Court and one Lady who was more remarkable then the rest who was called Florida and was Princess of Sicilia This Lady was not only beautiful but also of a brave gallant and generous aspect and so used to ride on hunting that she sate upon her Horse in a very becoming posture Don Clarineo was mightily taken with this Lady and therefore rode up to her and kept near her all the time of the hunting and she séeing him so gallant a Personage was as curious in beholding him The hunting being ended by the death of the Stag and the king Quéen and Princess being about to return to the Court our knight turned about toleave their company the Princess séeing that cried out Nay Sir Knight be not so discourteous to leave us but as you have taken pains in hunting so go with us and participate of the prey He séeing he had an invitation came up to her and making his due reverence to the King and Quéen and then addressing himself to her replied That it was enough for him to have the honour of her company abroad and not to presume any further The King replied That he should be welcome his Court being always ready to receive and entertain