the favour of their Archers threw out bridges and ladders to get to the strand But the Christian Princes and those brave Knights received them upon their lances made them tumble into the sea as fast as they left their ships and not fearing their Archers who but very seldome pierced their Arms put themselves into the water the better to make use of the swords The fight then begun to be very cruell for the Giants and the Kings in a rage to see the water died red with the bloud of their men leaped all at once on land in spight of all their enemies resistance and with them above fourty or fifty thousand men Then was the encounter very bloudy for as many Pagans as the swords of our Christian Princes did light upon found their graves in the sands and the catholiques had not a much better bargain under the scymiters of the Giants whereof two were at this first meeting slain and with them the Kings of Zambar Carthageâ—â— and Nabagazâ— Prigâ—â—leon and Fulgorâ—â— who desired to signalize their valour at their enemies cost cut in pieces all that they met with and followed by a multitude of people which were gotten to land they had fallen upon Alastraxerea's Squadron if Spheramond had not arrested the fury of Prigâ—â—leon and Silvan that of the King of Canabea These four Knights being thus incountred began a most furious combat during the which Alastraxerea the fair Savagesse Florian Dorigel Quedragant Altaria and Dardanio were on the one side gotten together to take the Giants in hand while their Knights made a strange massacre of the Pagans and on the other side Florizel Lucendus Esquilan Florestan Florizart Leonidas Melfort Sclarimond and some oâ— the most remarkable in the Army rendred themselves dreadfull even to those proud Knights who thought that all the men in the world assembled together were not able to resist their forces so that nothing was seen but dead bodies and horses on the ground The fight having thus continued above two hours with horrible slaughter Florisel perceiving a battallion of three or fourscore thousand horse which had landed below the place where they fought ready to charge him caused presently a retreat to be sounded being unwilling to engage himselfe amongst such a multitude of enemies And falling into the rear of his Army with all those brave Knights he bare off the fury of the Giants and the Kings who not enduring the losse they had suffered charged themselves like desperate men but seeing twenty thousand foot advance which Don Siâ—aldâ— and Garmant had drawn out to favour the retreat of the Christian Princes they made a stand and rallying themselves together went in good order to plant their Army before the towne Florizel having put the greatest part of his men into the fortifications which he had caused to be made and the rest into the town desired to know what this battell had cost him and by the report of the Captains he found that seven thousand Christianâ— were dead on the place but he was advertised by the spies which he had in the â—nemies camp that the Pagans had lost two and twenty thousand men fifteen Giants and thirteen Kings at which they were so enraged that if it had not been so neer night they would not have tarried till the next day for giving the assault to the town yet necessity enforcing it they were glad to set a good face on the matter for fear of disanimating their Souldiers promising themselves to do wonders upon the first occasion since their Army was now out of feate of the sea and that they might fight at large upon firme ground But they were beguiled in their hopes for the Greeke Princes who well knew how to follow their fortune and to vanquish as well by industry as courage gave them a new occasion of despight as I will presently deliver CHAP. XXXI The wonderfull deeds of Armes that were done both in a sally and in the assault given to Constantinople with the great losse that the Pagans suffered by an Army newly arrived in favour of the Christians THis mighty Fleet of enemies having landed as hath been told you passed the night without any rest being imployed in setting up of tents and making retrenchments for their security so that about the break of day the fortifications being finished the Souldiers tired with the sea as well as with their precedent labour and besides pressed with an extream desire of sleep laid themselves downe to take a little rest but they were quickly rowsed for the Princes of Greece being infatigable and ever casting for the victory and how to weaken their enemies having withdrawn to the town for to cheer up those timerous Princesses after they had supped went to counsell where the couragious Florisel remonstrating in few words what benefit would result from a surprisall of drowsie enemies determined to get to horse before Sun rising and meaning to play his game with as much losse and hazard of the enemy as he could he gave order that Spheramond should â—ally forth at the east port with ten thousand choyce horse the two Cenophales the brave Esquilan of Poland Perion of Turkie Florian and Tristor of Sopradisa that the Prince Lucendus with the like number should fall out of the south port followed by Silvan the fair Savagesse Quedragant Florestan Agrian Alteria and Dardaniâ— and that at the same time he would be in the fild with twelve thousand horse in the head of which should be the valiant Dorigel Florizart Frizel Abies Melfort Armond and Leonidas appointing the Queen Alastraxerea to be ready with two thousand horse to favour his retreat as also Parmenian of Cyprus with the like number to support Spheramond and Ladazan of Numidia to do as much for the Prince of France if the enemies approched to the walls Things being in this sort disposed and direction given to such as were to be of the party every one withdrew till the houre appointed when as they sallied out with a designe to make a strange havock among the Pagans The first that began to stirre was the invincible Emperour of the Parthians who findâ—ng the enemy sleeping and almost disarmed did such execution on them as the fild was all strewed over with dead bodies Prigmaleon Fulgoran who were asleep in their arms but a great way asunder hearing this fearfull alarm presently took each of them ten thousand horse which they held ready about them for all occasions and joyning together went to oppose the violence of these indomptable Greekes who bare all down before them when as a fresh noyse on the south side made them make a stand as uncertain which way to bend themselves but being met just at that instant Prigmaleon with fifteen Giants and twelve Kings who had put themselves into his troop whilst the others took care of drawing the rest of the forces to Arms turned to that side where Spheramond acted wonders desiring Fulgoran to encounter the enemy which
astonished that he knew not what world he was in and Fulgoran following his example wounded Gorgophon very dangerously in the thigh by which means having very happily the leisure to releeve one of the Cenophales who being unable to withstand an heavy stroak lent him by the Grand Salvage he had fallen at his Horses feet had he not been sustained by him Furiander in the mean time had received a sore hurt on the arm by the other Cenophales These astonishing strokes putting the Pagans into the extremity of rage they addressed themselves again to be revenged threatning no less then death with their tempestuous swords but the Princes who well understood they were accomptable for the people under their charge and that knew the safety of the souldiers consisted in the preservation of their Leaders retyred to their troops leaving the Pagans in dispair of having that revenge upon them they so much hoped for The Christians having thus prudently made their retreat they desired to know the names of the Commanders of the new Army and finding that it was the brave Russian of Media with the beautifull Amazon Brandimanda who departed from Corolandaya by the advice of the wise Vrganda before the others were in the field gave them a million of thanks and especially to Brandimanda whose matchlesse beauty joyned with that invincible prowesse whereof they had so lately experience they could never sufficiently admire then causing the Amazons to be led into a quarter a part and the Souldiers into the trenches they conducted them to the Palace where disarming themselvest they found every one hurt except Russia Brandimanda the valiant Esquilan Cilindor and Leonidas of Mesopotamia who with Alteria was left in the Town if need were to make good the retreat Prigmaleons hurt was on the arm and head Fulgâ—rans on the shoulder the Cenophales in two or three places Grandimore on the left arm by the sword of the proud Gyant Antamedon Perion and the rest in divers parts of the body notwithstanding which they had some cause to rejoyce for the losse the enemy had amounting to the number of threescore and seventeen thousand men three and twenty Gyants and the Kings of Brutaxia and Parmondia as they understood by their Spyes besides those that were hurt in the number wherof were Roussardan Gorgophon the Grand Salvage Furiander Antomedon and the valiant Artogant Soldan of Francapia with a multitude of common Knights But when they bethought themselves of the losse of the gentle Florizartus of Trapobana and of thirty three thousand men that remained dead in the field the greatest part whereof perished rather by the sword of the Gyants than the multitude of the souldiers they could not beleeve that Fortune had much obliged them by the advantage they had gained neverthelesse putting on a brave resolution they comforted themselves with the hope of some other succours and so placing trustie Sentinels in all places requisite they went to refresh themselves with a small repast Afterwards those that had escaped without hurts assembled themselves in Prigmaleon and Fulgorans Chamber who would by no means lye asunder where it was resolved that Russian and Brandimanda with each of them a troope of ten thousand Horse should sally upon the Enemie two houres before day wherupon they went to repose themselves for a while In the mean time Falanzar enraged at the massacre of so many of his men and for the losse of his Kings and Gyants by so small a number environed three parts of the Citie and causing great Trenches to bee cast up and covering the field with his Souldiers for the space of two myles round he promised to himself that he would gain the Walls at the first assault seeing all his Gyants should have now elbow-room to bestir themselves but his opinion deceived him as you shall see in the Chapter following and made him conclude that the end of his enterprize would not prove so feasable as he expected CHAP. XXXIX The brave feats of Arms performed in a Sally by Russian of Media and Brandimanda the furious assault given by the Pagan Princes unto the Town which being reduced to extreamitie is marvellously relieved THis mighty Fleet of the Enemies having gained the Shore the night was almost wholly employed in making of Trenches and setting up Tents and Pavillions so that it being neere that time of the day which chalengeth a kind of securitie over all things the Souldiers annoyed with the Sea wearied with their late travels and importuned by sleep betook themselves all to their rest being confident that the Christians durst not so much as once peep out of their Walls But they like brave spirits who thought there was no glory equall to that which was gotten in the midst of dangers and hating all rest which might be accompanied with disgrace had no other designe than continually to be pulling some feathers out of their enemies Wings whereby they might stop the fury of their flight they rose presently after midnight and arming twenty thousand of their best and lustiest Horses they divided them into two Troups whereof one was commanded by Russian Cilindor and Leonidas the other by Esquilan Brandimanda and the fair Alteria and so sallying out at two severall Ports they advanced softly towards the Pagans till it was break of day which affording them light to discover their Sentinels all asleep they presently cut their throats without any noyse and so falling aboard with the rest who were in no better estate to make resistance they began to commit so great a slaughter that the ground was covered over with dead bodyes before the Alarum was taken in the Camp Russian Cilindor and Leonidas over-runall Souldiers they cut in peeces Knights they cleft down to the shoulders Tents and Pavilions they turned upside down and meeting with little or no opposition they made a strange havock Falanzar Generall of the Pagan army who lodged not far from the place where they first fell on easily hearing the fearfull cryes and groans which came from his men as they were dying rose up immediatly and finding Brufaldar King of Gedrosia Brizardan the redoubted Soldan of Aralafia with Moranteon Soldan of Circassia he gave them thirty thousand men to resist the fury of their enemies whose number he conceived to be fifty thousand at the least and so ran speedily himself thorow all parts of the Camp to put the rest in battell array These three proud Pagans who had not been at the last nights service cheerfully embracing this charge began presently to march forward and being conducted by the noyse which continually encreased they forthwith encountred the Christians and plainly perceiving the smalnesse of their number divided their troups with an intent to environ them and to charge them on every side but those valiant Knights not affording them the leisure to put their Designe in practise broke thorow them with such a tempest that the blood ran along the ground in little rivers which put the incensed
and sixteen thousand foot having first drawn out sixteen thousand of the foot for the guard of the town he divided into five battalions each of them containing thirty thousand horse and twenty thousand foot of which he committed the first to the Emperour Spheramond accompanied with the two Cenophales the King of Numidia his wife Cassinna Olidor of Siranquea Armond of Bohemia and Florizart of Taprobana Don Lucenduâ— had the second with the brave Alastraxerea Periâ—â— of Turkie Florian and Tristor of Sopradisa Quedragant and Leonidaâ— of Mesopotamia Dorigâ—l had the third with his wife the faire Cilinda Florestan of Sardinia Agrian of Scotland Alteria and Dardaniâ— The fourth was led by the Kings of Hungary and Poland accompanied with their sonnes Melfort and Esquiâ—â—â— Parnenian the Duke of Laiazza and Abies of Ireland The last he reserved for himselfe with the King of Cathay and his wife the Princes of Dardania and Comagena and Frizel of Arcadia Then ordering that Silvan and the fair Savagesse his wife should command ten thousand horse upon the wings to releeve such as they saw overpressed he commanded every man to look well to his horse and arms and to be in a readinesse by the break of the next day In the mean time the Pagans were busied with the same care for knowing of what importance this battell would be they endevoured to fit themselves in every particular for it and to omit nothing through negligence Being then informed of the order that the Christians intended to hold they thought it best to observe the same and not to make any superfluous bodies for they considered that united forces were harder to be broken then when they were dispersed so that finding their Army to be three hundred thousand horse and an hundred and sixtie thousand foot they made five Squadrons of it each consisting of sixty thousand horse and twenty five thousand foot The first led by the great Cariffe of Africa with whom were the Kings of Tingefort of Morque Calisan Nâ—zamoâ— Argosana MerouÌ„e and of the Tragonites as also twelve dreadfull Giants The great King of Mauritania commanded the second and with him the Kings of Zizima Dragon Ceziphala Barnazar Saphotir of the Island of Till Bazana and twelve other Giants no lesse huge and terrible then the former The Tamberlan of Moraria brought on the third with the Kings of Libia Bisaura Argier Numidia Thunes Miraâ—â—â—in and twelve Giants Fulgoran and Prigmaleon led the fourth and fifth with the like number of Giants Kings and Knights The Kings of Budomel and Arcania had the guard of the camp with thirty five thousand foot All things thus setled on either part they expected the day of battell which being come to the generall content of both the Armies the Pagans began to draw into the field not a little wondring to see their enemies there before them who already had had their troops there embattaild with admirable judgement The first that shewed himselfe of the Pagans party was the great Cariffe of Africa who marching gloriously under a number of colours wherein appeared two Lyons slain by one man intimating his valour that had made him twice to triumph over those beasts caused a charge to be sounded as soon as he saw the Emperour Spheramond with a brave Cavallerys set forth against him The incounter of these two leaders was very gallant for the African was brave daring but having the prime Knight of the world in hand was wounded in the shoulder and ready to lose his saddle had he not been sustained by one of his Giants that followed him neverthelesse his wound being such as would not permit him to keep the field he was constrained to retire leaving his men very ill handled at the first shock for the Cenophales the King Melinda Cassiana and Olidor laid five of the Giants dead upon the earth Armond of Bohemia and Florizart having been as fortunate against the Kings of Tincefort and Calisan who were overthrown at the first incounter with a multitude of Pagans beside who were not comparable to the Greekes that had been inured to the war so many years together wherein their enemies had forced them to bear Arms. This fight growing furious on the one part by the terrible blowes of Spheramond and the Princes that accompanied him and on the other by those of the Giants their adversaries there was nothing to be seen but karkasses strewed on the ground and the cries of dying men filled the aire with groans lamentations Wheresoever the Princes went death attended on their swords and on the other side the Giants made such a massacre that it was hard to passe over the heaps of slâ—in men But the numbers of the enemie giving way to the valour of our Princes they were already wavering and ready to turn their backes had not Prigmaleon caused the second battalion to advance commanded by the great King of Mauritania to encounter whom the excellent Prince of France drew forward his and with that greatnesse of courage wherewith his younger years was endued at the very first course he ran his lance clean thorow his enemies body depriving this second Squadron both of an head and hope yet being maintained by so many Kings and Giants the battell began to be very bloudy the valiant Alastraxerea Ginoldan Perion Florian Tristor and Quedragant laid about them so terribly that for all their multitude of Kings and the bravery of their Giants of whom five were at this second charge killed in the place the Pagans were about to retire with shame had not the Tamberlan of Moraria presently set forth with incredible fury To oppose whom Dorigel of the fortunate Island came on with a confident hope of victory since his friends had begun so luckily for this King resolving not to degenerate from the valour of the excellent emperour of Persia his brother performed such wonders as he was much redoubted by his enemies who notwithstanding their losse so disputed the victory as no man knew to which side it would incline when as the brave King of Lidia followed by his wife the faire Savagesse and his six thousand horse gave in upon them with such violence as having disordered this third Squadron with an unspeakeable slaughter both that and the two former had all passed by the edge of the sword if the invincible King of Canabea had not come into play with so much valour and acting such marvellous deeds as notwithstanding all the resistance the King of Hungary and Poland could make who advanced at the very same time he maintained the battell in an equall balance his presence cleared the ranks and the souldiers shunned his sword as they would have done a thunderbolt from heaven close by him marched Florimond Grandimore and the brave unknown Knight making such a havock as was most lamentable to behold Then were above twenty thousand Knights seen lie dead on the ground and such was the confusion in every part as it cannot be exprest The
to me how my arms should never recover this burning hue that first it had till my kindred were known I did my duty to the Emperour Don Râ—gel my Lord with whom it was that I had fought and besought him that he would not refuse me the name of Father protesting that I would indeavour to render my self worthy of that grace To what end should I particularize all that then passed amongst us The Prince of Aethiopia and my self were received with so much kindnesse as that I in regard of the obligation of bloud and nature wherein I am tied to them and he for the â—â—â—ity which he means to contract with them are come out of Constantinople with a purpose to beseech you as humbly we do that for our sakes you will raise the siege as you came hither at our intreaties in recompense whereof time I hope will furnish us with occasions to serve you and one day return you the favour which now you shall do us This said Prigmaleon and he stood up expecting when one would speak for the rest But perceiving them to be all silent they modestly retired and with them Bruzâ—nges Florimond Grandimore and the unknown Knight beleeving that their presence hindered them from taking some resolution in an affair of that consequence They being come then out of the room the other Princes were a great while in dispute some advised that every man should repair to his home remonstrating that to persist any longer in that siege would be their manifest ruine since they had lost those two Princes who joyning their forces with the Christians they could hope for nothing but a totall destruction of their Army Howbeit this opinion nothing approved of the rest perswaded the prosecution of their enterprise affirming that now to give over after so much labour and charge would prove the greatest basenesse that might be yet considering the importance of those two Armies which might much offend them in case they should turn to the enemy they resolved to cut them in pieces the next night and afterwards to do as occasion should invite them This concluded upon all those Kings rose from Counsell and one of them went to Prigmaleon Fulgoran to tell them that the votes being equall they had put off the resolution to the day following You mâ—y do therein as you think good said they But if you would well consider the event of things and the means you have to oblige us by it you would be carried more readily â—o it then you are whereupon going away with Florimond and the unknown Knight who would needs accompany them to them to the City they took leave of Bruzanges and Grandimore and returned to the Greek Princes who made it appear that they cared not much whether the enemy continued stil before their wals or was on the sea returning homeward since they had drawn from them the best part of their strength Renewing then their feasting and sports they passed away the day with all delight till toward evening when as word was brought that there was a Knight at the gate who desired to speak with Prigmaleon Let him come in said Florisel it may be he comes to be merry with us as being weary of lying so long in his tent and seeing nothing but arms Vpon this command the Knight was brought into the room where kissing a paper which he had in his hand he presented it to Prigmaleon from the King of Zizinia who having opened and read it said to him Knight your master tells me that the businesse being of importance he hath committed it onely to your fidelity let us know then I pray you what the matter is More I assure you answered he then you imagine and by the care my Master takes of you you may perceive how much he loves you He was this day present at the Counsell wherein it was concluded to cut your troops and those of Canabea in pieces but he not intending to be a traitour to you nor able to endure such wickednesse hath advertised you of their designe to the end that with the assistance of your new friends you may turn that hurt upon them which they intend to you He will favour your enterprise nor shall his men draw a sword against you and when the alarm is given he will draw to the sea side and embark his souldiers It rests now that you make good use of the advertisement that he givees you and carry the matter with such discretion as it may not be known that your enemies counsell is revealed by his means Assure him said Prigmaleon much amazed at the soul design of those Pagan Kings that I will die rather then prejudice him for the favour he doth me he doth indeed oblige me as you see but I will never be ingratefull and hope one day to require him in the mean time I will prevent this mischief if I can and beleeve it the traitours shall have no great cause to brag of their villany Having then acquainted the Greek Princes with the businesse he sent the unknown Knight to his quarter to give private directions to his Commanders and intelligence of the enemies designe Florimond having received the like Commission for the Canabeans with order to put on white shirts upon their arms that they might know their own men in the dark This Knight being returned to the Pagans Camp Don Florisel of Niquea desiring to let Prigmaleon know how much he esteemed his friendship seeing the night reasonable dark put thirty thousand horse out of the North-gate and divided them into two squadrons in one of which he commanded himself with Prigmaleon the two Cenaphales Lucendus Filadard Esquilan Gadard Dorigel Melfort Abies Armond Leonidas Florizart Dardanio The other he left to the leading of Don Rogel Spheramond Melinda Olidor Ginoldan Amanio Silvan Anaxander Floradin Perion Florian Tristor Quedragant Agrian and Florestan having all of them white linnen upon their arms now with his squadron he advanced towards Prigmaleons quarter and Rogel with the other toward Fulgorans But thinking it fit to stay till the fight began they made a stand about a mile off tarrying for nothing but the noise to make them give in upon them On the other side the Pagan Kings did not slumber for having made two battalia's of their men each of them of seventy two thousand horse and fourteen thousand foot they fell to march very quietly and thinking to finde the Aethiopians and Canabeans sleeping in their beds they charged furiously upon them but they were better entertained then they expected for the unknown Knight and Grandimore on the one party and Brazanges with his son Florimond Arfleura and Larâ—ella on the other who had kept their men in arms and in good order to fight gave them so rude a welcome that they presently knew that they were out of their reckoning The battell then growing sharp and the noise every moment increasing the Princes of Greece flew in among the enemies
of twenty thousand Horse and five and twenty thousand Foot was given to the Kings of Arbales Arisdan and Carderia together with the Knight of the Flowers and a Gyant the rereward of a like number to the Kings of Grisolia Metlina and Caâ—ilant with the Knight of the Flower de-Luces and the Emperour reserving the main battail for himself wherein were thirty thousand Horse five and thirty thousand Foot the Duke of Bonport three Gyants and the fair Slave left the Marquis de la Rocque and the Count Vadian to guard the Town the King of Mariana in the Camp with fifteen thousand men and to the gentle Knight Tarsander and the young Prince of Balivan he consigned four thousand light Horse to serve for wings unto the Army All things being thus disposed of they marched out of their trenches in good order to incounter their enemies who shewing no lesse zeal to fight then advisednesse in marshalling of their Troops followed Rifantes that led the Vantguard with thirty thousand Horse and fourty thousand Foot this valiant Chieftain conceiving that a good example was the best exhortation could be made to incourage the Souldiers setting sputs to his Horse charged his Launce against the King of Arbales but Floridan seeing him set forth parted at the very same instant and meeting him in the middest of the course broke his staffe very bravely and received this Enemies Incounter without so much as once being moved in his saddle Both Armies herewith animated a most dangerous conflict was seen in an instant the King of Arbales ran the King of Astramer quite through and through and overthrew him dead to the earth The King of Carderia his Companion was by the King of Fortan cast under the Horses feet where at length he was stifled The Martarians considering that the safety of their Prince their lives and their liberties were in question fought desperately The adverse part trusting to their numbers carried themselves couragiously so as all was in confusion nothing was seen nor heard but bodies extended on the ground and the cryes of dying men which filled the ayr with their groans and lamentations Floridan seemed a Thunderbolt death was ever tyed to his sword Rifantes made such havocke that way was given him whersoever he went The blood 〈◊〉 along instreaâ—â— â—nd every thing hâ—ng in suspence when 〈…〉 observing how the safety or destruction of his side depended on the whole valour of Rifantes and the unspeakable force of a Gyant who made a heap of dead bodies round about him he most valiantly approached unto him and discharged so terrible a blow on his arm that he cut iâ—â—â—eer off and following his advantage he redoubled on his Helinet with such fury that he sent him to the ground where he was troden to pieces under the Horses feet from whence â—â—ying amongst the enemies Troops he so terrified them as they began to fly to the infinite discontent or the great Soldan of Aralaâ—â—â— and Arastron who accompanying the King of Cabilla in the main Battail were mad for that they were not as yet ingaged in fight whereupon suddenly advancing with rage they were falling upon the King of Arâ—ales Squadron but perceiving the Emperour of Martaria present himself with the grosse of his Army they were constrained to alter their purpose and make head against him who desiring to shew his courage in despight of age charged his Launce against the King of Cabilla and met him so lustily that he threw him over the crupper of his Horse neverthelesse unable to support his enemies incounter he was also compelled to fall and that in danger to be trampled under the Horses feet had not Palmirenna's fair Slave who had still an eye upon him lept suddenly down and catching him up remounted him in despigâ—â— of all the enemies fury The fall of these Princes having drawn the bravest Commanders of the Army together the sight grew so hot as all the field was dyed with blood 〈◊〉 incountring 〈◊〉 ran him through the body with his Launce and disdayning to draw his Sword against ordinary Knights flew upon Radamant his brother who had newly slain the King of Zamblan and began to charge him with a mâ—â—titude of dreadfull blows but this Gyant grown furious by his brothers death received him in such sort as he gave him a dangerous woâ—â—d in the shoulder howbeit the force of this Knight being more then monstrous he endured not long before him In the mean tiâ—â— our fair Slave overthrew all that came in her way she cut off men by the wast cleft down others to the teeth made so strange an havock that she might well have been compared to torrents whose violence the sturdiest Oaks are not able to withstand On the other side Brizardan falling on our troops with incredible rage rendred himself so terrible that his blows were no lesse feared then death it self every one gave him place and which way so ever he turned there no enemy appeared at length beholding the wonders performed by our fair Slave he approached to her behind and before she was aware gave her so mighty a blow on her Helmet as he made her bow with her head to the Saddle bow where raising her self up again with infinit fury she took her Sword in both her hands and discharged it so dangerously on the Soldans Shield that dividing it she wounded him very desperately from thence spurring on to Arastron who held the Emperour â—â—der his arm ready to carry him away to his Tent she stâ—â—â—k him with such violence on the head as she overturned him on the crupper of his Horse casting out a great deale of blood oâ—â— of his eyes and ears whereby freeing the Emperour she caused him presently to be horsed again Those two horrible blows having amaxed the enemies they 〈…〉 give ground when as the Kings of Filzandria and 〈…〉 â—â—â—manded the rereward entred with strange â—â—in All was then in 〈◊〉 and doubtlesse the Emperour had been in an ill cose i◠〈◊〉 had not oportunely arrived with the Kings of Grizolia Merlina and thousand Gazilant followed by twenty thousand Horse and five and twenty Foot Then it was that the Heaven Earth and Ayr seemed but one and the same thing and so many Knights fell at this Incounter that it was not possible to tread but on dead bodies Arastron and Brizardan being come to themselves again and in the supremest degree of rage put all to the Sword the fair Slave Lâ—â—â—bel and Floridan on the other side made no lesse havock the Gyants and the Kings were so many furies the King of Filzandria fought most desperately Tarsander and the young Prince of Balivan rode breaking the enemies ranks briefly nothing was seen but blood and slaughter and the noyse of Drums and Trumpets was so great as a thousand claps of Thunder could not have been heard Brizardan Arastron and Rifantes did wonders but our Knights so behaved themselves that the King of Cabillaes Troops began to turn their
the Pagans did not so much as make shew of stirring In the mean while the Sultan of Brutacan having received no order to make his retreat was perswaded to follow his good fortune and entring the breach which he had made to put himself into the middest of the Town but finding a greater resistance from the Princes and Souldiers within then they had from the wals there began a most fierce and bloody combat The Gyants advanced bravely making way with their swords and their Souldiers taking courage from their example followed as resolutely making a vast and terrible slaughter whereof Brandimandâ— being advertised and finding her selfe prettily recovered she thought it a dishonour to dye in her bed wherefore she took six thousand men reserved for an extremity and meeting with Cilinder and Alteria who had retyred for a while to refresh themselves they fell on with such a fury upon the Soldans troops that at the very first encounter above four thousand of their Enemies and fourteen Gyants were cut in pecces which so incensed the horrible Cressamagrant that advancing his dreadfull Faulchion he let it fall with such a violence on Frizel of Arcadia that it cleft him down to the shoulders and layd him dead at Prigmaleous feet who in a great rage requited the Pagan with such another as cutting his leg from his body he fell to the ground with a noyse like thunder These dreadfull stroaks giving equall courage to both parties the fight waxed more furious than at any time before and if the enemies could at once have made use of all their forces without doubt they had carried the Town but the breath being but equall the Christians though but few in number were able to withstand those that would enter so that they held them play untill night which drawing on to the great griefe of Astrurion it made him bestow his blows with the more violence amongst the which one lighted so boisteroufly upon gentle Abies of Ireland that it cleft him almost to the girdle whereat Fulgoraâ— was so enraged that taking his sword in both his hands he discharged such a blow upon the head of the great Soldan as turned him over and over and doubtlesse hee had quite made an end of him had not fourteen Gyants that were retyring carried him off The Citie being thus delivered from so tedious and cruell an assault they employed a multitude of Labouters to repaire the breaches and caused the bodies of Frizel of Arcadia and Abies of Treland to be carried to the Palace the loss of whom had been much more grievous uno them but that they were comforted with the assurance of this new succour which they understood proceeded from the Emperour Florisel of Niquea that was accompanied with many other Christian Princes their friends whom they went to visit in their trenches before they could so much as lay aside their Armes where many kind salutations passing between them they related the danger the Town had been in all that day the losse of Frixel Florizartus Abies and Leonidas and the whole story of all that had hapned since they departed from Constantinople and so for that present they departed with a resolution to take a full revenge of their enemies CHAP. LXI The furious Battell between the Pagan and Christian Princes the conclusion thereof with the number of the dead THE rage of the Pagan Princes who had lost in this assault threescore and seven thousand men three and fifty Gyants with Fiortan Brontaiar Argantor and Lizartus all worthy Knights not suffering them to take any rest Falanzar gave order for the interring their dead and assembled his Captaines together to whom he spake in this manner Mighty Princes I see no reason why wee should be discouraged though fortune hath not favoured our designes we have lost Souldiers Gyants and many persons of quality rather by the difficulty of scaling the wals than by the valour of our enemies but now we have a faire occasion to revenge our selves and to repay with interest the displeasure they have done us wee may now give them a day for all and this Grecian Army newly arrived will rather further than any way hinder our designes let us offer them battell they are hardy enough to entertain it and we powerful enough to obtaine the victory the advantage is ours on every side wee have a multitude of brave Knights the meanest whereof will make the strongest of our enemies sweat for it our Souldiers are more in number and no whit inferiour in courage they shall be assisted by a multitude of valiant Knights who are able to astonish even the whole world so that we shall undoubtedly revenge our former losses It is true that for the present the one halfe of our bravest Knights are confined to their beds by reason of their wounds I hold it therefore convenient to give them some respite for their recovery In the mean time let us enquire whether this may agree with the consent of our friends and allies Great Monarch replyed Marmaran Sophy of Bultara the proposition you make is so good that there need no reasons be urged for the authorising your opinion and I dare assure you that it agrees with the desire of the whole Army let us then if you please send to our enemies and demand a truce for eight dayes that in the mean time time we may put every thing in good order and to give the King of Grifala and the rest of our friends leisure to recover their strength that they may be the better able to doe you service Hereupon Polidarchus King of Amazia was intreated to take the charge of delivering this message to the Christian Princes which being willingly undertaken by him he went presently to Don Florisel of Niquea presented him with a bloudy Gauntlet and demanded seven dayes of Truce he appointed the eighth for the set battell We know not how to deny our Enemies answered Florisel when they invite us to fight I accept of the battell on the same day that you demand it and desiring to be more courteous then you have been violent comming hither to seek the ruine of our Empires without any provocation at all on our part are content to ratifie the Truce for the terme required by you Pilidarchus being thus returned back every man prepared for the battell they used all the skill that could be for the recovering of those that were wounded and the Captaines diligently employed themselves in advancing the courage of the Souldiers for on the victorie of this furious day the ruine or glory of all Christendome or Paganisme depended Seven dayes then being insensibly past away Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian and their Companions having quit their beds met with the rest of the Christian Princes to consult of their affaires where they all agreâ—ing to submit themselves to the prudence and direction of Florisel of Niquea he ordered it all in this manner The number of the whole Forces consisting of three hundred thousand
Horse and two hundred thousand Foot without counting those which Prigmaleon had in the Town for the manning of the Wals he divided into four troups each containing seventie thousand Horse and forty thousand Foot the first was commanded by Prigmaleon Fulgâ—an Russian the Cenophales Esquilan Brandimanda and all the young Princes that had been their assistants in the former Combats The second was commanded by Spheramond Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor his Wife Cassiana Amanio of Arestrea the Duke of Laiaze the King of Cataya his Wife Crothea Galard King of the barren Iland with Rozafar and the King of Lacaonia The third was commanded by Don Rogel Lucendus Dâ—rigel Silvan the fair Salvage his Wife the valiant Silverin of the Desart Gadart King of Hungaria Filiard King of Polonia Oriander King of Sardamira his Queen Oronsa Parmenian of Cyprus and Garmantes The fourth by Don Florisel of Niquea with Anaxander King of Dardania Floridan King of Comogena his brother Troilus the renowned Knight of Savoy and twelve young Princes upon whom he had that day conferd the order of Knight-hood with all the magnificent Ceremonies the Camp could afford Every thing being thus ordered every man retyred to visit his Horse and Arms with a command to be in readinesse at break of the day In the mean while the Pagans slept not for knowing of what importance the issue of this battell would be they armed themselves with a resolution to redeem their honour though they paid their bloud for it being advertised of the course the Christians had taken in ranging of their Troups they held it best to observe the same order and not to think of reserving any part perswading themselves that it would be more difficult to rout their troups being united than separated and so they divided their whole Forces consisting of eight hundred thousand into foure Bands The first wherof was commanded by Roussardan the furious King of Grifalara a man of a Gyant-like nature with grifly haire a face covered with black patches an ugly flat nose and ill-fashioned legs but withall so valiant that next to Gorgophon and Bravorant King of Morimont there lived not a braver Pagan upon the whole earth his Associats were Moranteon Souldan of Circassia the grand Salvage Furiander his son Artegant Souldan of Francapia the proud Arastron Gederion King of Arginaria Furcamond King of Martan Aliodorus Torismond Arciles and Teliander all brave Knights with threescore Giants The second by the valiant Marmoran Sophy of Bultara Bravorant Gorgophon Marisgolfus Salander King of Balsandria Polidarchus King of Amazia Giracond King of Toriana Don Margenio Rindar Brandimart threescore Gyants and Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats who would no more make use of his Elephants because in the preceding assault they had occasioned so great a disorder The third by stout Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with the haughty Antomedon Caliph of Francapa Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia Marcelian Emperour of Media Rodomart King of Fortan Asmorian King of the upper Indies Bemond King of Java minor divers other Knights of qualitie and threescore Gyants The fourth was reserved for Falanzar great Emperour and Caliph of Siconia with the King of Russia Anaxamena the valirnt Amazon his Wife Palamedes King of Cassandria Fierastron the redoubted Gyant of Balivan Polecastaleon King of Zeilan Brufaldor King of Gedrozia the dreadfull Tipheus Barcandor Bucargant and threescore Gyants In the mean time Mambrinian King of Fornascia with the Kings of Zamber of Saphotir of Siziphalt and fourscore thousand men guarded the Camp All things being thus resolved upon on both parties the day of Battell was expected which being come to the great content of both the Armies to whom all delay was insupportable the Pagans began to draw their men out of their Trenches much astonished to see themselves prevented of their Enemies who already had possessed themselves of the field and there stood in battell array The first that appeared on the Pagans side was the furious King of Grifalara who marching in a glorious and most magnificent manner under a multitude of Standards whereon were represented two Lyons chained together onely by the force of one hand caused the charge to be sounded At the same instant Prigmaleon who thought no Oration could so animate his Souldiers to behave themselves bravely as to give a sudden testimonie of an undaunted courage gave the Signall to his troups immediatly to joyn most violent was the encounter of these two brave Warriours who saluted each other so boistrously that their Launces bounded into the ayre in a thousand slivers Fulgoran and the Grand Salvage fell to the ground the one hurt on the left arm the other on the brest Russian of Media and the proud Knight Arastron broke their Launces very furiously upon each other and yet past on unmoved like two rocks in the middest of the Sea The two Cenophales and Grandimor running against Furiander Artegant Soldan of Francapia and Moranteon Soldan of Circassia received such an astonishment from each others incounter that all six remained for a long time sensslesse Gedereon King of Arginarea was overthrown by Esquilan Brandimanda passed her Launce thorow the body of a Gyant three other Pagan Knights fell down dead at the feet of Perion Cilindâ—r and the unknown Knight and so many Cavaliers fell to the ground on both sides that the field was full of horses that ran up and down masterlesse Launces were broken in pieces sword blades flew into the ayre and the Battell waxed so hot that the dust was all tempered with bloud Roussardan the Grand Salvage and the proud knight Araston cut down all they met withall making head and arms fly about which bred such fear in the Enemies as they were no lesse terrible to them than thunderbolts On the other side Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian Brandimanda Esquilan and the two Cenophales who disdaining to employ their Swords upon common persons charged the vastest Gyants with so great a furie that in an instant three and twenty of them lay breathlesse on the earth when as Arastron Roussardan and the Grand Salvage marching in the Front like so many torrents sweeping all before them let fly with such a violence upon Quadragant Agrion of Scotland and Dardanio that they cleft them all three down to the teeth and seeing that Prigmaleon Russian and Fulgoran having dispatched the mighty Brucalan with Arbadan and Pandarus his Brothers by the force of three terrible stroaks which sent them dead to the ground had made way into their Troups massacring all without mercy that gave them any opposition in great rage they clapped spurs to their horses and making towards these three Knights they discharged three such dangerous blows upon them that had not their Arms been of the best in the world they had without doubt added them to the number of the dead neverthelesse these rough salutations that humbled their chins to their saddle bowes did nothing els but incite them to a sudden requitall which they returned so bravely as there was
not make dainty to let you see such evidence upon my breast as shall assure you of this truth and by this means curing you will be very glad to let you understand how it is no little discontentment to me that nature hath framed me such as I am You may say replide the Lady what you please but upon my faith I shall still take you for a Knight untill I see some better assurance of the contrary wherefore you shall oblige me though this may seem somewhat uncivill if you will put off your cuirasse that so I may be disabused and in the mean time tell me your name for it may be I shall know you by the fame that goes of you That is the only way answered she not to know me at all for my name is not so renowned in the world as that you might know me by telling it you yet to obey you please you to know that I am called the great Savagesse wife to the mighty King of Lidia who died at the battell of Aleppo and am fitter to do you service with my arms in my hand then as you have desired Saying this she unlaced her cuirasse and took the Ladies hand to put it into her bosome when as three Giants and twelve Knights who had long dogd them and now found them by the light of the torches seazed upon them both and put them into a Chariot notwithstanding all the resistance that the fair Savagesse who had not leisure to draw her sword could make The Knights much troubled for the want of their helmets at this so unexpected an incounter speedily recovered for to make them ready to follow the Giants who went away infinitly pleased with their booty But it was so dark that they knew not where they were and therfore it was a good while before they could find their Squires who likewise were so drowsie as it was long before they could bridle their horses by means wherof their enemies were gotten a great way before them ere they were able to set forth in pursuit of them neverthelesse desirous to see the end of this adventure they rode all night with incredible speed insomuch that two howrs after Sun rising they came to a valley in the bottom wherof they saw the Coach standing still and the three Giants with their followers battering a Knight who defended himself bravely and had already laid fowr of their Knights dead at his feet Oh heavens said Fulgoran madded to see this unequall match what do I behold and why do not I assist so gallant a man Come Cousin let us make these base creatures know that the justice of the Gods is alwaies armed for the succour of the oppressed This said they fell upon the Giants with such fury as at the first shock they tumbled two of them to the earth so wounded as one was troden to death with the horses feet the other getting up again a little after with much ado the Knight that was first ingaged in the â—ight seeing this favourable aid and determining to make a profitable use therof bestird himself so lustily amongst those rascals that he laid three more of them dead at his feet whilest Fulgoran and his Cousin combatted the other two Giants The valor of these three warriours being at the highest the combat lasted not long for the first Knight having made his enemies turn their backs he discharged so furious a blow upon the arm of the Giant that fought with Florimond as he sent it together with his sword to the ground just as Fulgoran had made an end of his The victory being thus gloriously atchieved the Ladies which were bound with cords were presently delivered to the great astonishment of the Knight that began the fight For knowing the fair Savagesse he presently unlaced his helmet and imbracing her said Ah Madam how I detest these inhumane villanes that have bound you who are able to bind all the world A thousand times I give thanks to heaven that brought me thus seasonably to encounter you for to begin your deliverance nor am I lesse engaged to these brave warriors who have in seconding me shewed so much valor for the which I will go and vow a perpetuall service to them Be you also pleased to yield them the like regard that it may appear you are as curteous as you are beautifull wherwith he was turning to them when as the fair Savagesse being free of her bonds took him in her arms and kissed him with such affection as made her somthing jealous that was with her My Lord said she it is I that is made happy in this meeting and your geneâ—ous hand doth every day ingage me in new obligations I acknowledge that these Cavaliers have done much for us and am therfore willing to render them thanks for their assistance wherupon she leaped down from the Chariot to go to Fulgoran and Florimond who were amazed at her beauty but they prevented her with so much respectivenes as rendred her almost ashamed of it Madam said Fulgoran to her you honour us too much in esteeming us worthy to serve you and this poor pains we have taken is nothing in comparison of that which we desire to undergo for you This day is most fortunate since it hath furnished us with means to see you but that our contentment may be compleat tell us I beseech you who this yong Knight is the bravest and most valiant that ever I beheld It is not without reason answered the fair Savagesse that you commend and desire to know him for besides the merit of his valour wherof your selves are judges he is discended of the noblest race in the world being grandchild to the excellent Emperour Amadis of Greece who fils all the earth with astonishment at the recitall of his glorious deeds of arms and son to the valorous Penthesilea the most invincible Princesse of the world and the never conquered Don Silves de la Silva His name is Silvan accomplished with all those rare endowments that can honour a gentleman and so obliged to the assistance you have given him as he will not fear to engage his life for your service nor my self to employ these arms for you which you see me cary Fulgoran exceedingly pleased with this incounter for he had an extream desire to prove himself against some of the Greek Princes answered Madam the praises that you give this Knight are great because they come from you but too little for the excellency of his valor wherof there needs no better testimony then this field covered with dead bodies wherfore I shall gladly receive the honor of his affection together with yours although I could have wished that our acquaintance had been begun in another fashion I mean by a combat between him and me For being of a contrary faith to mine we could hardly have continued friends but by such an adventure Silvan who was no lesse discreet then valiant and that would not appear insensible being so
that ere long he would have returned again but the traitor never thinking more of his promises but with sorrow for that he had made them and despising my caresses because he had too easily injoied them not only refused to write to me but having done a world of indignity to a Gentleman whom I sent to presse his return and to advertise me of his health he signified to me by word of mouth that the beauty of my Country much more then that of my person did make him desire to revisit it but that it should be with a powerfull army to annex it to those estates that fortune had conferred upon him and as for me that I should do better to place my self amongst those that attend the sacrifices of the Gods then to think of living any more to the world Imagine I pray you what an astonishment I was in when the Gentleman delivered this unto me Verily I had much ado to beleeve him for remembring the loving speeches that he had so often entertained me with and the innumerable oaths that he had sworn to me I could not be perswaded that his affection was entinguished and that he could be so fearles of the justice of heaven but alas I found to my grief that the good opinion which I had of him did abuse me for adding effects to his words not long after he invaded my Country with two and twenty thousand men seazed upon all the places that depended upon my command except the Castle of Heautefleur wherinto a Cousin of mine hath put himself with three thousand foot resolving to die or to keep it for me but fearing to fall into the hands of this wicked wretch who threatned to abandon me to the lust of his souldiers I rather chose to make my retreat to this place then to serve once again for the subject of his scorn You are now brave Knight fully informed of my infortunat estate which can have no end but with the losse of my life In extream dangers Madam said Russian we must put on strange resolutions your miseries I confesse are great yet do I not hold them past remedy for you will be at quiet when this vile man shall be no longer living and that may be within a few daies the Heavens are just and alwaies armed for the defence of oppressed innocence to whom I render humble thanks for bringing us hither to assist you in so just a quarrell for the maintenance wherof this Knight and my self will either die or reinvest you in your former greatnes Is your Castle far from hence But one daies journey replied she Be then assured said he that your enemies shall shortly see us in the mean time keep you close heer that we may know where to give you an account of our proceedings when time shall serve with that they tooke their leaves of her and getting to horse made such speed as they were at the Camp by break of day and just as the enemies were raising of their ladders to assault the place that occasion seeming to favour their approach to the walls without suspicion they followed Ormand and seeing those of the Castle make a sally at the very same instant even as they desired they presently turned head and began the skirmish so lustily as the souldiers on both sides were amazed at it Russian advisedly judging that the quiet of the Countrey depended upon the life or death of Ormand perceiving him advance with certain troops he discharged so dangerous a blow upon his helmet that he overthrew him to the ground amongst the feet of a thousand horses but not willing to let him die in that maner he caused him presently to be taken up and commanding two Knights to carry him to the Castle they pursued their good fortune with such fury as the enemies being in disorder for want of their Generall betook them to their heels leaving above three thousand dead upon the place Those of the Castle being by the direction of these two Knights retired there were bonefires made for joy of so remarkable a victory but especially for the taking of Ormand prisoner who seeing himself in the hands of a people that had no cause to love him could not well brok his misfortune and did extreamly fear the displeasure of the fair Isolinda for he could not beleeve that after so much scorn as he had put upon her it was possible for her to continue her affection still to him nevertheles resolving patiently to endure the worst of fate he expected what his enemies would determine of him In the mean space the two Knights not willing to lose time made all the garrison to arm leaving the inhabitants to favour their retreat if they were pursued and determined to waken their enemies by the break of day but assured by their spies that they were dis-lodged in the night Russian departed onely with three Knights not acquainting any body with his designe but his companion whom he desired to remain there by his presence to restrain the fury of the people who out of the remembrance of the mischiefes he had caused them to suffer were otherwise like enough to do some violence to their prisoner and returning the same way he came the night before he arrived at the caves mouth where the fair Isolinda hearing the noyse of the horses had hidden her self with an extream apprehension of falling into the hands of her enemies and entring into the vault he found her all trembling so that to assure her he said thus Madam this is no time for you to be afflicted Fortune hath changed her countenance and you now hold Ormand in a stronger prison then that of your eyes at least he shall not so easily get out of it whereupon rendring her account of all that had past he so amazed her with the strangenesse of this change as she could hardly have beleeved it had not her Knights whom she well knew with new protestations given her assurance of the truth thereof Revived with these newes she returned a thousand thanks to Russian and getting on horseback she went presently away with him to Hauteâ—â—eâ—r where with unspeakable joy she was received by her subjects who besought her to deliver Ormand into their hands that they might punish him as he deserved but thereunto the two Knights opposed themselves remonstrating the mischiefes which might result out of such an execution she that could not for all that had passed totally extinguish her love to him yeelded to their advice with so much felicity as the two Knights resolved to endeavour the reuniting of their affections and indeed wrought so effectually as Ormand having solemnly protested to love her ever and without dissimulation she was pleased to pardon him and he to take her to wife which was presently done with the generall applause of her people who proclaimed the valour of our Knights to be worthy of Altars An assured peace thâ—â— being setled Russian and his companion that loved not
to be idle took their leaves of the new mâ—â—ried couple and not having forgotten their way to the Bark they put to sea again committing the care of their voyage to those sages that had been their conductors thither CHAP. XIX The arrivall of the Pagan Princes in the Empire of Trebisond the fight between the Greek Princes and them at their landing the assault given to the town and the resolution that the Pagans took THE Queen Alastraxerea being advertised as I have related that Fulgoran armed the Pagans against the Empire of Trebisond did all that a warlike and discreet Lady could do to crosse the designes of the enemy the ports were fortified the townes furnished with munition and souldiers and the fields covered with a number of gallant Knights On the other part Fulgoran was not idle for upon the return of Gonzaldin whom Russian and Esquilan had defeated when they succoured Dorigell and the gentle Amanio d' Astre he drew together the forces of Canabea to the number of thirty thousand men and those which King Dardanor had sent him being about fourty thousand more together with the troops of the Prince of Calican of thirty thousand with these forces consisting of threescore thousand horse fourty thousand foot and two and twenty furious Giants who alone thought themselves able to coâ—quer the whole world he embarked himself to go meet with those of the great Cariffe of Africa and the King of Coriza amounting to foursoore thousand horse and thirty five thousand foot in whose company they sailed together with so fair a winde for three weeks space as they began to make the land of Trebisond The valiant Alastraâ—erea who looked daily for them and therefore held in readinesse some forty thousand horse besides sufficient garrisons for the townes being by frigates of advice informed of the approach of this mighty Fleet presented her selfe with her forces at the Port. And determining bravely to dispute with the enemy his first footing upon her territories attended while the winde should bring them to shore The skirmish then began to grow hot on both sides the Christians encouraged by the presence of that valorous Princesse who like a flash of lightning made her way through as many enemies as she encountred bestirred themselves very bravely and standing very firm upon the shore would have made a strange butchery of their adversaries if Fulgoran accompanied with Florimond Bruzanges and the fair Arifleura had not leaâ—'d to land in spight of all resistance and the King Dardanor the Cariffe of Africa with twelve Giants done the like in another place these Knights clearing the place with incredible fury in a short time made room for more then twenty thousand men to land who seconding the Giants that ruined all before them they made the Christians give ground when as five Knights armed in white presenting themselves with their lances in their rests gave in upon the enemy with such courage as they raised the spirits of those who before trembled with fear these five joyning with Alastraxerea who seemed a Fury to the Pagans maintained the fight a long time howbeit the greatest part of the Army being landed Alastraxerea thought good to make her retreat but still fighting wherein she was weâ—l seconded by the arrivall of two Knights in gray armour who at the same instant flying in among the enemies presently laid two horrible Giants dead upon the earth and rendred themselves so redoubted to the other Knights as they durst not come near them this retreat so full both of courage and discretion bred admiration in their enemies which extolling the valour of the Christians mourned for their own losse being but too great for a first encounter for in the sea and on the shore fell about thelve thousand men and four Giants besides the Kings of Coriza and Romeria dangerously wounded whereas the Christians got off with the losse of two thousand men The army thus landed the Citie was presently invected the Pagans fortifying their camp with more judgement then ever any of their forces had done before upon any Christian land and as one side made their preparations for an assault the other disposed themselves to make a gallant defence Alastraxerea finding her selfe assisted by the five Knights who were Perion of Turkie Florizart of Taprobana Quedragant Florertan and Dardaniâ— as also by these two thunderbolts of warre in the gray armour which were quickly known to be Russian of Media and the brave Esquilâ—n of Polonia thought herself much more assured then before and therefore was lesse afraid to skirmish with the enemy so as no day passed without the death of some and for the most part of the Pagans who more guided by rage then judgement did hazard all to get nothing which so vexed Fâ—lgâ—â—â— seeing his people diminish as much as the honour of the Christians augmented he resolved to lose all or win all and therefore he disposed his forces for an assault commanding them either to die or vanquish to which end having caused a great number of ladders to be prepared he went himselfe the formost to the fight being followed by his Giants by Florimond Bruzanges Dardanor the great Cariffe and the Kings of Coriza and Calican when as advertisement was given him that a great fleet of Christians was under saile entering the harbour These newes made him pause a while for Captains cannot without blame despise any intelligence brought them but being no lesse wise then couragious he commanded the Kings of Coriza and Calican to take six of the Giants and an hundred thousand men to attacque the town whilst with the rest of the armie in good order falling out of his trenches he marched to the shore where Florizel accompanied with the incomparable Emperour of the Parthians whom he had a little before met at sea was landing with fourscore thousand men This brave Prince seeing such a multitude of enemies instantly drew his forces into Battaglia and not intending to give his opposites leave to discover that the half of his people were not yet disembarked he advanced together with Spheramond and the gallant Amanio d' Astre encountring Fulgoran so furiously that their horses not able to bear the shock fell backe three or four paces to come on again afterward with the greater violence Spheramond running against one of the Giants passed his lance clean through his body Amanio d' Astre having made Florimond of Canabea to lose his stirop on the other side the Cariffe of Africa Bruzanges and the Giants finding none but ordinary Knights in their way made so great a slaughter of them that without the assistance of Spheramond who came in to their aid with ten thousand men the Christians had suffered much but his arrivall stayed the fury of the Pagans in such sort as they began to give him ground which Fulgoran perceiving who then was combatting Florizel with so much valour as he was amazed at it he delivered such a dangerous blow upon his helmet as
astonied him and throwing himself among the Parthians he recovered again what his men by their default had lost whereupon Spharamond carried with a strange rage to see the massacre of his people discharged a bow upon his helmet with such fury as laid him upon his horses crupper so farre besides himself that he had no judgement or memory left him This blow so affrighted the enemy that they had certainly retired to their trenches if the Cariffe of Affrica attended by his Giants had not presently come into their second his presence diminished their fear and terrified the Christians but Florizel and the valiant Amanio d' Astre advancing to their succour so revived their courages that the fight was renewed more sharply then before Whilst thus they disputed the honour of the landing the other were not at quiet for the Kings of Coriza and Calican made the assault to be maintained with so much obstinacie as it seemed they resolved not to live or be victorious the dead which fell in the ditches feared them not and their losse augmenting their courage made them so adventurous as Alastraxerea avowed afterwards that she never had seen a wall better assailed howbeit their labour was in vain and the Christians resistance such as they were constrained to fall off just at the time that their fellows who fought upon the shore retired into their trenches Florizell seeing their retreat and considering that his souldiers were as yet not recovered of their travail by sea would not presse them any further but encamping hard by them commanded necessary instruments to be made caused the hurt men to be looked unto took order for the guard of his camp and desirous to see the Princesse Alastraxerea his sister mounted upon his horse with Spheramond to go to the Citie but but they met her in the mid way accompanied with the new Knights you may well imagine how kindly they entertained one another and withall the content that Spheramond took in seeing these young Princes on whom he had lately conferred the order of Knighthood discharge themselves so bravely for the honour of the Christian name I will not therefore dwell any longer hereupon but following my discourse will tell you what the Pagan Princes resolved to do being grieved with the losse of eighteen thousand men and three Giants which died in this encounter wherein also there fell of the Christians no lesse then eight thousand and five hundred Knights Fulgoran performing the duty of a right commander that will not be frighted for one misfortune seeing the courage of his men grow cold and that the names of the Greek Princes was become redoubted in his Army caused the principall Knights of his troops to be called together and when they were assembled with a confident countenance thus spake unto them As it is no little griefe to me to see your lookes so pale and that so slight a losse should any whit amaze you as yet we have had no cause to complain and so many of our enemies slaughtered before these walls should me thinks oblige us not to fear the encountring of them Have they any advantage of us Do their swords cut better then ours Have they better courages or Arms of better proofe Verily we no way yield to them in reâ—olution of doing bravely their curtelaxes carry no keener edge then our scymeters and the greatnesse of our blowes doe testifie that our armes are as of much weight as theirs you will say that they have never beene assailed wiâ—hout danger and that so many armies as have beene routed in these fields doe witnesse their valor and may justly make us apprehend a like successe of our enterprize It is true that they have ever hitherto shewed themselves invincible and that few kings have affronted them without their owne extreame damage but shall we from thence infallibly conclude that fortune must therfore perpetually favour them nothing lesse she delights in inconstancy and makes her selfe sport in abasing those whom she hath for a time raised to the highest pitch of eminency the glory which they have acquired in the proceeding battailes should make us rather strive with obstinacy for victory over them then daunt our courages for triumphing over them that stoope under the weight of so many law â—ells shall render our names so glorious in the world that all the sorraine nations will shrinke when they but heaâ—e us named Throw off therefore I pray you this fear which I see in your faces re-kindle that generous fire which made you slight your ease to bring your selves into businesse of honour and giving the enemy no leisure to strengthen himself by the comming in of any fresh supplies go pull him out of his trenches and make it appear to them that you were never afraid to meet them in the plain field For my own part I am of opinion to present them battell with our whole army and by a triall of all the forces on both sides see what we may hope for from our enterprise This answered the Cariffe of Affrica this brave Prince is the best advice that now can be given for a long siege or a tedious war cannot be but very dangerous and if we spend our time in beating of walls in stead of turning our swords upon our enemies we shall never avoid the misfortune of those which have come hither with the same designe that brought us hither who left all their honour behinde them in our enemies hands the Princes of Greece are full of courage and will never shun the fight since the Emperours of Partâ—ia and Greece are arrived to their succour but if we be good men we cannot fail of the honour of the day The number of our souldiers doth far exceed theirs our hearts are good we have Giants and Knights to be redoubted Why then should we not be conquerours Either the victory Excellent Prince must be ours or we must all die in seeking to atchieve it As for me I prize my life at lesse then nought in this occasion and do beleeve that all these Lords heeâ— assembled will be as resolute as my self you may therefore when you please send to offer them battell with this assurance that we will dispute the honour of it with a great deal of courage This opinion being approved by them all they dispatched presently a Herauld to Don Florizell of Niquea who received him very courteously and a little after returned him with assurance of a generall battell the fourth day following for the preparations whereof a truce was in the mean time concluded on either side CHAP. XX. The joy of the Greek Princes for the arrivall of the Excellent Emperour of Persia and the successe of the battell THe two armies disposing themselves equally for victory prepared all things necessary for the fight the Pagans with a certain assurance of triumphing through the multitude of their men and the Christians of defeating their enemies more by the assistance of heaven then by the
desire to speak unto her and as I was opening my lips so to do after she had a little viewed me she prevented me thus If you be Sir as courteous as handsome you will not refuse me a Boon I desire of you Men use not replied I to send away those of your merit with discontent you may therefore freely command of me what you please and be assured not to be denied You shall then follow me presently said she to Nicopolis the capitall citie of this kingdome and there put your selfe into the hand of Arthemisa with protestation to defend her against the King of Nicomena a dreadfull Giant and ugly as may be exprest who now holds her besieged in that place because she will not give him the title of her husband She is a Princesse so faire and withall so nobly enclined to acknowledge any service done unto her as you will never repent any assistance you may give her To what end should I spin out my discourse any further she did so highly extoll the beauties and perfections of this Princesse as I loved her before I saw her so that I rode away most desirously to Nicopolis whereinto I entred with much facility by the cunning and direction of this wench I had a little affection to her before as I told you but as soone as I saw so many charms in the eyes of Arthemisa I reserved no more power over my selfe but well contented to present her with my liberty never to redemand it again The King of Morcassia her father was much afflicted to see the enemy so neer his walls yet did he a little cheer up himselfe when he saw in a skirmish that fell out two dayes after my arrivall that my blows were weightier then those of all his Knights and that the King of Nicomena's people did no lesse redoubt the incountring with me then his did that of the Giant whereupon he made extreamly much of me all things were directed by my advice but that which gave me most satisfaction was that I saw Arthemisa did love me and was delighted to see me sigh at her feet Leaving them with this tranquillity of minde I accounted my selfe the most fortunate Knight of the earth especially when as a little after I was the cause of all their happinesse by the death of Balistan so was their capitall enemy called whom I slew in single combat routing afterward his whole army with a horrible slaughter This victory gained me the hearts of the Morcassians and absolutely possessed me of the good graces of Arthemisa who to tell you in few words being no lesse in love with me then I was with her yeelded up herselfe wholly unto me and so made me taste the sweetnesse which is found in the caresses of an amorous woman Two months past amidst this felicity at the end whereof she counsellâ—d me to demand her of her father to the end our secret privacies might not at length be the cause of our ruine The assurance that I had of the Kings favour made me approve of her opinion so that I went presently to him and putting him in minde of the service I had done him I besought him to reward me for them by the possession of Arthemisa Your vertue answered he doth oblige me to give you all contentment but first for the satisfaction both of my self and my subjects I desire to know who you are This request replied I seemes so reasonable that I cannot refuse it without wrong to my self My father is called â—nomander Prince O ye Gods said he stepping back two or three paces say no more that name is no stranger to mine eares O heavens have you suffered me to be obliged for my life to the son of the greatest enemy I have Get you gone continued he unto me get you gone Knight and that instantly for Arthemisa shall never be your wife And were not the memory of your services a bar to my displeasure I would make you feel what is due to the hate of your father Think now I beseech you how I was vexed at the hearing of these words so contrary to my hope In truth I was ready to die but my rage kept me alive to make him this reply Ingratefull King thou hast forgot that without my assistance thou hadst now been a slave and not knowing what curtesie means thou refusest me that which I have justly purchased but thou shalt one day see what thy heady fury will avail thee and that it had been more expedient for thee to have past by the enmity which thou carriest to my father and a thousand times repent the little esteem thou makest of me for be assured I know the way to abase what I have so generously exalted Thou threatenest me here in thine own Palace but beware of comming neer me for I carry the same sword that spilt the bloud of thine enemies and think not my courage any whit abated by two moneths rest Saying thus I past into my chamber armed my self and mounting on horsback I retired into a forrest which was not far from thence with a designe to return the same night for to know of Arthemisa how I should bear my self in this affair But alas I found her not alive for having been acquainted with the quarrell between her father and me she fell upon the floor with so violent a grief as she was therewith suffocated before she could be succoured From hence proceeds the excessive sorrow that I have now these three moneths endured and from this so untimely death of hers are those hourly complaints derived which you have heard and which I would have continued to the end of my dayes had not your perswasions diverted me from them This discourse ending with many sighes Fulgoran began afresh to comfort him remonstrating unto him that a noble courage ought equally to receive the assaults and caresses of fortune and thus discoursing they arrived at the Army which the unknown Knight liked very well of when he knew the occasion wherefore it was there Not long after Fulgoran perceiving the terme of the truce ready to expire called the chiefest of his Commanders into his tent and with a Majestick countenance thus spake unto them Excellent Princes did not the bloud of the innocent rather move us to pity then carry us to cruelty I should advise you once again to hazard that remainder of our men which the fury of our enemies hath left us and seek in their destruction the honour of an happy victory but unable to see them suffer so for the satisfying of our pleasure I am of opinion that it is best our quarrell be determined by a company of selected persons and that we should secure our people with the venture of our lives I am the authour of this proposition and therefore it is reason that I also should be the first in the danger Our adversaries are valiant it is true and all the world ascribes to them the glory of knowing
enterprise caused eight thousand horse to slip along by the Town without being perceived by the Tamberlan of Moraria put Esquilan in the head of the one moity and sending him to second Spheramond himself with the rest charged the enemy and assisted the Prince of France who then was fighting with Fulgoran with as much courage as force and dexterity these troops having renewed the fight with much cruelty and so continued it a pretty while were about to make their retreat upon advertisement that a great piece of the wall was fallen down and that there was great danger in it by reason of the enemies obstinate pressing on there when as on the sudden a terrible noise and tumult was heard at the sea side which put a fear into both sides the Christians doubting that it was some new succour against them and the Pagans mistrusted as much but it was soon known what it was for presently the Pagans army was seen to be in disorder and a little while after a Knight came up to the trenches that certified Florisel of the arrivall of the brave Amanio d' Astre of Ginoldan the Kings of Dardania and Comagena the Kings Melinda and Olidor his brother with sixty thousand horse and forty thousand foot who knowing in what estate the fight stood had landed with a determination to charge the enemy back As I live said Florisel this is good news Come let us close up our enemies and keep them from putting themselves in array Saying so he advanced with forty thousand horse drawn out of the Towns and treaches and put himself into the field with a resolution to fight but Prigmaleon and Fulgoran as discreet as valiant perceiving the disorder their people were in by reason of this new-come army which made an incredible flaughter amongst them kept their souldiers within their trenches under the command of the King of Thenes and of the Island of Till and running where the Christian Princes were arrived arrested their fury drawing the rest of their men within their works Florisel commending the discretion of Princes so young went to receive his kinsmen with a world of contentment and causing a quarter to be set out under the walls for their forces carried the Kings to the City with him where the entertainments were renewed at their meeting with those beautifull Princesses That done they fell to burying the dead which on the Christian part was found to be nine thousand three hundred Knights and seven hundred foot and on the enemies twenty seven thousand souldiers fourteen Giants and five Kings which so much the more vexed the Pagans as our Princes had cause to rejoice Neverthelesse concealing their thoughts they shewed but little ressentment of it divulging that they were glad of the comming of these troops for that thereby the Greâ—k Princes would be drawn to a set battell whereunto before they had no reason to hearken CHAP. XXXII The Pagans send to present the Christians with battell which is accepted and the successe of it THE discontent of the Pagans not suffering them to be at quiet the Princes assembled together after they had given order for the buriall of their dead and trusting as much in the greatnesse of their spirits as in the multitude of their people sent an Herauld with a bloudy gantlet to require assignation of a day for a generall battell which these invincible Princes of Greece would not refuse them because they would not leave any bad impression of their courages Florisel of Niquea then having accepted it and appointed next morning for the same a truce in the mean time being agreed on all men were commanded to prepare themselves for the fight and the Ladies bestowed themselves in prayers unto God for his mercy and blessing to be powred down upon his people And now all men making ready when as on the second day they descried a Fleet at sea sailing in good order no man knowing in whose favour they were come both the armies expecting them equally affected with hope and fear these forces landed and marching in good order sent to the Pagan Princes to let them understand that they were come to serve them against the common enemy of their Gods under the command of the great Cariffe of Africa the Kings of Tincifroc and Marocco and the Princes of Gamall and Aridamia as also their dear friends the Giant Grandimore and the unknown Knight were with them whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleon with great joy went presently to give them thanks for their assistance If this supply consisting of forty thousand horse and thirty thousand foot pleased the enemy you may well beleeve it gave no content to our Princes neverthelesse being uncapable of fear they resolved to submit themselves under the hand of God and not to murmure at his providence Commanding then publike prayers to be made and going to sit in Councell about the approaching battell word was brought them that a mighty Fleet was descried at sea comming thither with full sails Their desire to know who they might be breaking off their former designe they presently repaired to the walls where they had not long been before they discerned a world of colours and flags with white and red crosses which made them quickly come down to go to the Port but in the way thither they met a Gentleman who informed them that in the first ships were the young Prince of France Florisbel of the Star second son to Prince Lucendus and the Infanta Fortuna and Lucibel of France son to Fortanian and the beautious Chireestoille with five and twenty thousand choice Knights That the second squadron came from Trebisond with twâ—lve thousand foot The third from Hungary and Poland with ten thousand horse under the conduct of Gadard and Filadart The fourth from the fortunate Iland with six thousand foot commanded by the brave Cilinda who brought with her her little son Cilindor The fifth from Cathay with eight thousand horse led by Orâ—thea and her husband The sixt from Almayne with six thousand horse under the charge of Alozian eldest sonne of Don Argantes and the fair Scharimenâ— The seventh of twelve thousand Spanish horse whose Generall was Sestilian sonne to Don Arlanges of Spain And the last from Guindaya with seven thousand foot commanded by the Duke of Affarte these newes having given them far more content then the arrivall of the enemies succour had brought them sadnesse the Princes went to the Port where these young Cavaliers and the Kings were entertained with a million of welcomes and from thence conveyed to the Citie to the infinite joy of the Ladies who received them with a world of caresses The welcomes once at an end all these Christian Kings and Knights assembled together to consult of these affairs because the day of battell drew neer but they all referring themselves to the prudence of Don Florizel he ordered things in this manner Their whole forces consisting of an hundred and threescore thousand horse and an hundred
valiant Esquilan of Poland did miracles and not parting from his father who gave strange proof of his courage ran to oppose the Giants that ruined all before them but the valour of the Prince of Canabea and of the Giants that accompanied him held the battell longer in suspence then could have been hoped for from the weaknesse of the former troops howbeit in the end he was constrained to give way to force by the comming in of Silvan who that cay rendered good proof of a wonderous vertue and carrying ruine along with him whithersoever he went he made the victory incline to the Christians when as the mighty Emperour of Aethiopia entered the field and like a torrent rushing on our troops quickly changed the face of all things but he was soon incountered by Florisel of Niquea with his last battalia These two Princes as valiant as possibly might be encountering in the midst of their course bare one another to the earth but fearing to be troden under the horses feet they instantly got up again the fall of these two great captains having drawn all the bravest Knights of their squadrons to that place there began a most dangerous fight for the Kings of Cathay Dardania and Comâ—gena laboured all they could to remount Florisel but they were so pressed by the Giants and the Pagan Kings who were very excellent warriors that their valour little availed them For having thrown themselves into the midst of so many enemies they were unhorsed as well as Florisel and constrained to defend themselves on foot with him a long time howbeit tired at length with the killing of men round about them whose bodies served them for a rampire they expected nothing but a glorious death to crown their future renown when as the valiant Silvan conducted by the Queen Orothea who could not get her souldiers that stood in fear of the Giants to follow her came in with such fury to see Florisel in that danger as at the first blow he laid a Giants head at his feet redoubling another terrible one on Prigmaleons helmet he made him see the stars at midday Perion Orothea and the fair Savagesse acting things no lesse wonderfull this squadron was presently seen in disorder and the Princes remounted upon good horses revenging the trouble they had been put to with their enemies lives Whilst the victory hung in this incertainty the Emperour Spheramond Lucendus Dorigell Ginoldan Amanio d'Astre and the brave Alastraxerea made such a slaughter having killed the greatest part of the Giants that infallibly the Christians had gotten the day if advertisement had not been brought to both the Armies that the sea was covered with ships and the shore with men who embattelling themselves declared that they ment to have a share in the businesse This news caused either side to give over and draw to their colours the Pagans retired to their trenches and the Christian Princes toward the town just at that time when as they saw these troops composed of about sixty thousand horse move to charge them in the flank whereby it appeared that their comming was against the Christians to the great rejocing of the enemy whereupon Fulgoran and Prigmaleâ—n advanced towards them and understanding that it was the Emperour of Melly accompanied with fifteen Kings they gave him the kindest welcome in the world offered him the absolute command of all their forces and related unto him the successe of the late battell which had been very bloudy for the number of the slain being taken it was found that they had lost an hundred and forty thousand horse thirty seven thousand foot seven and twenty Giants and fourteen Kings The Christians having got off for seventy two thousand horse and two and twenty thousand of their infantery CHAP. XXXIII During a truce agreed upon between the two Armies the Emperour of Melly sends to demand a combat of five to five which is accepted and the issue of it THE grief of our Christian Princes was no lesse for paying so dear for the victory then it was for the arrivall of such a multitude of new enemies But having placed all their hope on God who never leaves the afflicted in their miseries so as their patience reâ—dered them worthy of his aid they busied themselves more with refreshing their surviving souldiers then in mourning for those which were dead for doubting a second assault from these troops that yet had not fought they sought to encourage their men by the care they took of their health and by that means prevent the inconveniences which might arise by their negligence On the other side the Pagans were not very well pleased for knowing full well that the end of the battell would have been unfortunate unto them in regard of the losse they had made notwithstanding the great advantage which they had in the beginning they gnawed their fingers for very spight and if their wounds had not kept them in their beds they would questionlesse either have renewed the assault or presented a new battell the next morning But being able to do no more then they could they resolved to expect time and in the mean space give their hurt men leisure to be cured for which purpose sending to the Christian Princes they obtained a truce for fifteen dayes But the Emperour of Melly as able and valiant as any of the Pagans and that could not endure to continue idle so long desired Fulgoran and Prigmaleon whom the Army acknowledged for their Generall that they would permit him during the truce to fight a particular combat of five on his fide against as many of the Greek Princes of whom there ran such a glorious fame Your determinations depend only upon your selves answered Prigmaleon and therefore you may mighty Prince dispose of this affair as you shall think good Fulgoran and my self would willingly have waited upon you in it if our wounds would have suffered us howbeit if you please to tarry but eight dayes we will double the number and adde some conditions to our combat which may be for the benefit of either Army There were no reason replied he that a Generall should tie himself to the passions of a private man you shall have time enough for that and this first combat will be no impediment to a second wherefore since you do not disapprove of it I will go and waken the Princes our enemies a little whereupon calling for paper he wrote this cartell to them and sent it the same day The Emperour of Melly to the Princes of Greece The honour of the world and the glory of our Altars obliging me from losing of time makes me desire to see you in the field with the ordinary arms of a Cavalier but without comprising any thing in thiâ— combat which concerns your differences with the mighty Princes of Aethiopia and Canabea I will be tomorrow under your walls accompanied with four Gentlemen so as you will meet me there with the like number and with the
assurances usuall in such cases This Ticket being delivered to Don Florisel that kept his bed of two hurts he received the young Knights which desired nothing more then to win honour and glory pressed forward to be of the number of the combatants perswading themselves that Florisel would not refuse this offer but he that by the relation of his spies was assured how the Emperour had the estimation of a very valiant Prince and that his seconds were of the most redoubted Giants in the world made some difficulty at first of accepting it for he thought that this combat would be of great importance to the Pagans if they went away with the honour of it howbeit withall considering that to put it off with an excuse would blemish the reputation which in so many occasions he had purchased he promised the messenger that he would give his Master all possible satisfaction and that he would command the field to be chained in and that for assurance he could give him no greater assurance then his faith and the continuâ—tion of the truce The messenger being thus dispatched and highly pleased with this answer and the brave gallant demeanour of the Princes which he exceedingly commended to the Emperour as most worthy of the fame that ran of them Florisel desiring his friends not to be displeased if they were not comprised in the number named for the first of the combatants Silvan with Amanio d' â—stre Esquilan Ginoldan Perion These five Princes more pleased with this election then the possession of a Kingdom went presently to view their arms and preparing themselves like good Christians they attended the next day with much impatience which no sooner appeared to the infinite contentment of both parties but the Emperour of Melly came into the field in the midst of four dreadfull Giants matching in so grave and majesticall a fashion as his carriage did well denote his greatnesse and on the otherside the Christian Princes so gallantly presented themselves that every one took pleasure in beholding them The Iudges who were the valiant Alastraxerea and the beautious Arâ—â—eura Aunt to Fâ—lgoâ—an having divided the Sun between them Silvan charged his lance against the Emperour and the rest in like sort doing the same at the third sound of the trumpets they suriously set spurs to their horses meeting in the midst of their course so bravely that they were all overthrown to the earth without any other hurt then onely the astonishment of their falls but they lay not long there for getting up with exâ—ream rage to be so disgraced â—â— the of presence such great Princes they began to charge one another with such mighty blows that all the shore resounded with the terrible nâ—ise thereof The Princesses of Greece who stood upon the walls to encourage the Christians seeing the fury of the lances past were not a little glad for that the enemy had nothing to boast of in that encounter and began to observe with what dexterity those brave Knigâ—t avoided the horrible blows of the Giants who suffering themselves to be transported with choler which moved but heavily by that time the combat had lasted an hour when our Knights seemed to have drawn fresh forces out of their labour Silvan calling to minde that he was before the flower of all the Knights in the world laid such furious blows on the great Emperour of Melly and he again charged him with so much force and valour as all men were amazed at the cruelty of their fight On the other side the vaâ—iant Amanio d' Astre Ginoldan and their fellows acted wonders against their adversaries and now was their armour on both sides died red with their own bloud when as the Gianâ— Fulmander with whom Perion fought delivered so terrible a blow on his enemies shield that being unable to resist the violence thereof it was divided into two pieces and the point of the sword falling on his helmet laid him quite astonished in the dust Silvan beholding that terrible blow discharged so sound a one on the Empâ—rour of Melly that with a great wound in the head he deprived him of sense and suddenly running tâ— Fulmander who was driving at Ginoldan behinde he struck him so couragiously on the arm that both it and his sword flew together to the ground In the mean time Perion having leisure to rise approached to his enemy who was taking his scymiter in his left hand and smote him with such violence as he laid his head at his feet This combat thus ended he set himself to observe Ginoldan Amanio d' Astre and Esquilan who fought wiâ—h admirable dexterity and every minute drawing from the Giants bloud and enfâ—ebling them as he concluded their victory to be infallible but he was wonderfully amazed at the fury of Silvan and the Emperour of Melly who not regarding their wounds continued battering one another with unspeakable cruelty The fight having lasted two howrs and more in this outragious manner Silvan that could not endure to have the victory disputed with him so long took his sword in both his hands and discharged it with such fury on his enemies helmet as he laid him on the earth where when he had him he presently put the point of his sword to his throat making him confesse that he was overcome And just at the same time Amanio Ginoldan and Esquilan had their enemies heads in their hands whereupon the Christian Conquerers were conducted to the town with a world of triumph and the Emperour of Melly with the bodies of the four Giants carried to his tent to the extream discontent of the Pagans who then vowed either to die or totally to ruine the Princes of Greece Neverthelesse within a little while a strange mutation of things happened as I will presently tell you CHAP. XXXIV The Fountain of Lovers comes to Constantinople and what Knights began the triall of it BOth the Armies taking breath under the favour of the truce and every one keeping within their trenches that they might not give any cause of jealousie to their enemies one morning two Lions were seen to passe thorow the Pagans Army which drew a little edifice of marble from the top whereof there fell a pure and cleare water into a Fountain cut into five angles two arches were at the ends of it upon one of the which there hung a most excellent fair sword and on the other one of the richest helmets that ever was seen under them two Knights appeared of a warlike aspect and in the midst was a corniche of indifferent greatnesse where sat a Damsell that in her left hand held the rains with which she governed the beasts and in her right a little golden wand wherewith sometimes she touched them to make them go This object arrested the eyes of those forrain Kings with wonder to behold so rare a thing and gladly they would have seen the Lions take their way into their teeth that they might have had the content to have
desires then not permitting him to think of his return he expected the issue of the businesse when as Fulgoran who amidst his excesse of joy could not forget him turning most kindly to him thus spake My worthy Lord and Companion I am extreamly afraid that the knowledge of my parents obliging me to be baptised wil make me lose the honour of your love and cause you to hate me as much as ever you affected me That is a thing answered Prigmaleon which you are not to doubt for your vertue onely having given birth to our friendship I cannot beleeve it can be so easily broken by any difference of religion on the contrary I think it good reason that you imitate your parents and that it is just in you to testifie the content you take in knowing them for these being the prime Princes in the world no man can descend from them without glory we have troubled them very much and our arms have caused great disorder in their States but we may amend that fault you shall serve them out of duty as I will out of affection for from henceforth I vow to hold a firm peace with them if they be pleased with it and am very willing to be their friend provided they judge me worthy of that favour Now on my soul said Fulgoran embracing him again this is that which most I could wish for in the world and your freenesse so obligeth me that not to be ingratefull I most heartily offer you all that lies in my power but come and let us go to these my Lords who for that they know you not have not rendered you that which your birth and valour deserve Repairing to Don Florisel he briefly acquainted him with the quality of Prigmaleon whereupon Florisel excusing himself on his ignorance caressed him in such manner as he held himself much indebted to his câ—â—tesie These ceremonies having lasted a good while the Princes would needs look into the inchanted Fountain and wondered at the secrets which it revealed to them but he that seemed to receive most satisfaction from it was Prigmaleon for seeing in it the fair Polixena with a smiling and cheerfulnesse countenance he conceived that his affection would not be paid with ingratitude and that this fair one had already harboured a good opinion of him which so delighted him that going with Florisel who would needs give him the upper hand to the palace where he was magnificently entertained he continued in all the contentment that might be desired till it was bed time when as he was by the greatest part of the young Knights conducted to a chamber that was prepared for him CHAP. XXXVI The Pagan Kings understanding that Prigmaleon and Fulgoran were become friends to the Greek Princes conspire to massacre their troops they are prevented and their Army defeated FVlgoran and Prigmaleon not suffering themselves to be so transported with pleasure the one by seeing his kinred of a quality so eminent and the other with those delights which his new fancies begat in him as not to think of that so much concerned them they arose early in the morning and with the approbation of the Greek Princes returned to their quarter where when they had called together all the principall Commanders of the Army Fulgoran began this discourse to them There is not My Lords any one heer so little experienced in affairs as by the revolution of things in the world hath not learned that often times our wills and our desires do not depend upon our selves and that the heavens and fortune have reserved a power to dispose of them either for our good or for a chastisement of our offences It is not long since that intending to arm for the glory of our Altars and to gain my self a reputation in the world I laboured to procure your assistance with a purpose that you should share with me in the honour as well as in the labour of my enterprise but now you see me heer with other inclinations my speech no longer demands bloud and revenge nor my heart wishes for the ruine of this Empire and lesse for the destruction of the Princes of Greece this makes you wonder and by your faces I see that you would willingly know from whence this change doth proceed My Lords it is most reasonable that I reveal it to you and that I now deliver you the cause of my amity as well as heertofore I did that of my hate Yesterday the Prince of Aethiopia and my self carried with a strong desire to see the rarities of a Fountain which the day before passed thorow our Army required that we might be admitted to the triall thereof which our enemies who are full of curtefie and truly generous freely granted not desiring to know us or otherwise to be informed of our condition so that we entered into Constantinople where in few words to come to the point we began a very dangerous combat with the Knight of the Fountain which having lasted eight howrs was ended by the greatest wonder in the world My sword flying in pieces by the violence of a blow which I gave my adversary on the helmet which also therewith fel from his head leaving him discovered I presently laid hold on a sword that hung upon the Arch and my enemy seeing himself without a head-peece took one that was fastened to the other Arch so being furnished with new arms we were about to renew our fight with more fury then before when as a clap of thunder laid us both on the ground deprived of all sense and with us the other two that then were still â—ighting together whereof one was the valiant Prince of Aethiopia heer present a thick mist so covering us for a while as none that were present could discern us but ere long we were seen all four without our helmets and these arms which I now have on me did in an instant re-assume their former colour whereat I confesse I was exceedingly amazed for not knowing how our combat ended I beleeved I was a prisoner but beholding certain Magicians whom I have long time known come toward me I was somewhat better assured and saluting them intreated them to tell me at what rate I should be quit for the folly I had committed in so rashly abandoning our trenches Oh how happy a fault said an old Wise-man to me is this you have done for you shall presently see the benefit that will arise to you out of it Requiring me then to deliver him this sword that you see heer laying his hand upon the hilt he shewed me these words which you also if you please may read upon the blade Fulgoran son of Regel of Greece and of Florella Queen of Canabea Seeing such good evidence of my extraction which may also be confirmed by the Prince Bruzinges heer my uncle and having consulted with the water of the Fountain that fains not remembring withall the words that a great Magician and my friend had spoken
earth who retains her against her will with a purpose to marry her after he hath defended this passage six months together My mistris doth not love him because he is very ill favoured and of an insupportable humour but in regard she could not be rid of him she made him undertake this enterprise for the glory of her beauty hoping that the Princes of Greece who are not far off would deliver her assoon as they heard of the violence that is offred to her will and indeed she was sending me to seek the gallant bastard of Media or the good Knight Ardant but a woman that very much loves her and that may justly vaunt to have excellent skill in Art Magick counselled her to send me into France to finde out the Knight of the Palms and to obtain a promise of whatsoever I should demand of him and now behold the enemy is before you nor is it so neer night but that you may well have time to exchange some blows with him do not then I beseech you defer the effect of your promise and make it appear that we have not made choice of you but out of a confidence of your valour I am very glad said Alcidamant that I may acquit my self by obliging you and if the safety of your Mistris doth depend on me be assured that I will soon restore her into her own power Heerwith taking his lance he approached his enemy who ready to meet him encountred him so furiously in the midst of the course that he made him lose his stirrups but his fortune was worse for he was thrown from his horse making two or three turns on the grasse that was bedewed with his bloud which issued out of a great wound given him by Alcidamants lance on the right side howbeit nothing amazed for this hurt he arose more incensed then ever he was in all his life went to his adversary whom he found alighted because he would not combat with advantage and gave him so terrible a blow upon his shield that his arm unable to support the fury of it was fain to yeeld whereby it fell with such violence on his helmet that he was somwhat astonied therewith which put him into such a rage that clasping his sword fast in his hand he discharged it so mightily on his head that he opened his helmet razing both the hair and skin This so dangerous a blow made the great Ariston to stagger but being as couragious as possibly might be he renewed the fight with so much valour that he made it continue two howrs to the great amazement of Alcidamant who confessed that he never met with so strong a man before The time and the desire to vanquish rendred their blows still more redoubtable The ground was strewed with peeces of their arms and if the bloud issued from Alcidamants left arm Ariston lost his out of five or six places whence it proceeded that being much weaker then at the beginning of the combat he could not support the fury of a blow which his enemy gave him on the head but tumbled down dead cloven to the very teeth This victory gave no lesse contentment to Cilina the damsels mistris then glory to the Knight of the Palms They saluted one another he satisfied with her beauty she with his exceeding valor But as they passed thorow the forrest to seek out some village that they might lodge more commodiously then in the wood Alcidamant heard the voice of a person complaining which carried him presently into the thicket where he beheld a furious Giant whipping of a damsell that was tied to a tree so cruelly as the bloud trickled down from all the parts of her body This object provoking him to no lesse rage then pity he drew out his sword and discharged it with such force on the Giant that he made him set one knee to the ground howbeit suddenly rising up he began a dangerous combat which neverthelesse lasted not long for Alcidamant being in a rage cut his arms into a thousand pieces and finally gave him his dispatch with a blow that opened him from the shoulder to the very stomack and taking off his head he gave it to the Lady for whose sake he had made the first combat desiring her carry it to Constantinople present it from him to the Prince of France with the relation of all that had happened upon occasion of that quarrell which she very willingly undertook Departing then from the Knight she used such speed that she arrived within two daies after at Constantinople and went unto the great Hall of the Palace where finding a number of gallant Knights she demanded which was the Prince of France I am he said Lucendus most ready to serve you if you have occasion to use me Excellent Prince answered she the necessity of no misfortune hath brought me hither to desire your assistance but I come with a present to you from the Knight of the Palms one of the best without doubt now living in the world Whereupon turning about to a Squire that followed her she took the head of a dead man and setting it on the floor pursued her discourse in this maner The Knight of whom I spake comming some three daies since to enter into a combat for my sake where his glory was not smal having easily triumphed over the great Ariston who was feared of all the world followed on his way to find out some lodging when the voice of one complaining carried him into the thickest of a forrest where he encountred a great and dreadfull Giant as you may perceive by his head whipping of a damsâ—ll whom he had tied to a tree in despite of you having understood that she was of your Kingdome and that she was comming hither to give you intelligence of some matters which had past in France to the prejudice of that sidelity subjects ow to a gratious Prince and to give some colour to this act of his he said that having left his home to revenge the death of his father upon you whom you had surprised without arms and wretchedly murthered he might with good reason kill all that appertained unto you This good Knight not able to endure such wickednes assailed the Giant who for that his revenge was diverted grew insolent and mad threatning to cut him in a thousand peeces and struck him so furiously on the head thâ—t he astonished him with this first blow and I my self beleeved that the battell had been at an end seeing him to reel as if he would have pitched his nose into the ground nevertheles instantly reassuming courage and giving most horrible and heavy blows he had rendred the busines very doubtful had not the good Knight avoided the most part of them by his agility and abated the fury of the rest with incredible force Maintaining himself then in this sort and bestowing not a blow in vain I soon saw this great masse of flesh opened in five or six places
incensed the Knight of the Roses that taking his sword in both his hands he discharged it with such fury on the Knight of the Savages his head that he overturned him on the crupper of his horse so far from himself as it was a quarter of an hour before he could recover his senses from thence putting himself in the front of the Greeks he overthrew all that he met withall in such sort that with the aid of the valiant Knights of â—â—e Serpents the strangers began to recoil and then did every one expect to 〈◊〉 them chased out of the field when as the incomparable Knight 〈…〉 Palms set spurs to his horse and came against Esquilan of Poland 〈…〉 he cast out of his saddle do what he could to keep in it The Princ◠〈◊〉 Greece who were much distasted to behold him stand still whilst the 〈◊〉 were in action were exceeding glad to see him enter into the combat and of his valour by the first incounter having so easily overthrown a Knight whom they lightly esteemed they all bent their eyes upon him and perceived how having drawn forth his sword he seemed a thunderbolt that drives all into ruine This glorious warrior conceiving that the honour of the turnament consisted not in the multitude of men but in the courage of the Chieftains made head against the Knights of the Serpents whose valour he had admired and knowing that great trees are not overturned with a little wind or with one silly blow of an aâ— he displayed the force of his arm and gave one of them such a violent blow that he laid him in the dust senslâ—sse and instantly with the like fury redoubling another he overthrew the second on the cruppet of his horse casting bloud out of his eyes and ears Hereupon the strangerâ— re-assumed new courage and laboured to imitate so valiant a leader who in the mean time pursuing his victory made such open way wheresoever he went that the Princes of Greece were constrained to acknowledge they had never beheld the like The Knight of the Roses who was then in fight with Brandimanda that had set upon him for to revenge her lover perceiving the disorder whereinto this Knight had brought his troops became wonderfully enâ—aged and gnashing his teeth for anger to see himself now in dispute for the honour of the turnament which all mens opinion had given him before he left Brandimanda astonied with a blow and calling for a strong lance to be brought him he cryed to the Knight of the Palms to defend himself whereat â—urning him about he sheathed up his sword and withall took the staffe which his Squire carried after him infinitely contented to hear himself called upon by a man whom he held to be one of the bravest and valiantest Knights of the earth and whose gallant demeanour had filled him with wonder settling himself then sure in his saddle and desiring to display all the valour and addresse that he had he set spâ—rs to his horse perceiving his enemy comming on and met him in the midst of the course with such marvellous fury that their lances shivering into a thousand pieces their horses recoiled three or four paces back unable to support so terrible a shock the Knights remaining firm in their saddles without any shew of amazement upon so violent a carriere O me said Florisel then what an incounter was this If two towers had met with such force together we should have seen theâ—â—oâ—h ruined and yet these Champions appear no more moved then if they had carried glasses in their hands It is marvellous indeed said Spheramond but let us see unto which of them Fortune will give the honour of the combat for they are going to it with their swords Whereupon these valorous Knights began to charge one another not as in a turnament but as two whose hatred would be the death of each other The Knight of the Roses considering that he fought before his friends who had alwayes shewed themselves insensible did wonders imployed his sword with fury and used all the sleights that are practised in combats but his adversary was so cunning that if he reached him one blow he was sure to receive another as dangerous and weighty â—â—â—â—antly if the one shewed himself ready and nimble the other expressed 〈…〉 esse agility their blows were dreadfull they joyned anger to force â—â—d time so kindled their courage that in stead of being weary their swords were seen to descend with more violence then at the beginning of the fight that every minute began more terrible to the great astonishment of the two troops which had withdrawn themselves apart the better to judge of this combat The valiant Prince of Greece who had never seen a fight maintained with like fury held thâ—se two warriors for the most redoubted that either their times or antiquity had produced Fowr hours being spent without any shew of desiring to rest themselves the ground was strewed with their armour the bloud flowed from divers parts of their bodies millions of sparkles flew about their ears and as every one conceived their forces to be alike nothing could be expected from their rage but dangerous and mortall blows The Knight of the Roses mad to finde such resistance in one man set both his hands to his sword and stretching himself forth upon his stirrups discharged it so manly on his shield that he divided it in two the point thereof falling with such fury on his casque that he was constrained to strike his head against the crupper of his horse so far from himself that the most part of the assistants beleeved he was dead neverthelesse he was seen quickly to re-settle himself up and clasping his sword fast in his haÌ„nd he gave his enemy such a terrible blow that it struck the Princes of Greece into admiration making the Knight to bow with his head to the pommell of the saddle so astonied that the bloud gushed out of his mouth and eyes every one thought him to be neer dead By my life said Spheramond this is one of the dreadfullest blows that ever I saw given and if the Knight of the Roses receives many such without all doubt he is not far from his end I do not know said Rogel what wil become of this combat I see no cause the one hath to brag more then the other for if the Knight of the Palms shews strength he of the Roses manifests but little weaknesse As he thus spake Rozalmond traÌ„sported with rage to see himself in the state he was in flew at his enemy wherupon they charged one another more furiously then before insomuch that six hours was past they never spake of resting themselves the more they fought the more courage and force they shewed Neverthelesse seeing the night approach they redoubled their blows and little regarding the trumpets that sounded a retreat they continued labouring to kill one another Don Rogel perceiving them to be so wilfully bent descended with
reasons he rendred her fearlesse and her hope greater The time which he could stay with her being sweetly past away he retired to his chamber and slept two howrs at the end whereof the Sun growing somewhat high he arose armed himself with his rich armour wherein he seemed a Mars and going to take horse he was told that the forces of the Iland of Silvana amounting to six thousand choyce Knights were arrived New occasions said he then speaking to the Captains that followed him must have new resolutions this supply comes very opportunely and not to let them cool put them presently in battell aray with four thousand of ours the rest shall serve to guard the walls with the inhabitants but be sure to commence no fight till the combat between Fangomadan and me be ended my companion will take care to dispose of you as you should be Herewith the Knight of the Lions being particularly advertised of his designe gave his Lance that he carried in honour to his Squire and letting him go instantly ordained that which was to be done and put ten thousand men in order after he had given notice thereof to Merodiana who being richly attired was already on the walls for to encourage her lover and be judge of his valour I am resolved said she when she was acquainted with the busines in all things to follow the counsell of the valiant Knight of the Palms therefore let his command be executed The Knight of the Lions seeing his men disposed and being very well satisfied with this answer went out to behold the combat of his companion who finding the Giant in the Lists met him so roughly with his Lance that he made him â—lie to the ground himself remaining somewhat astonished with the encounter The Giant seeing himself overthrown contrary to his expectation rose sooner then could be imagined of so huge a masse of flesh and drawing out a great and weighty courtelax struck such furious blows at his enemy that the least of them had been able to have cut him asunder if he had received it but having avoided them with an admirable dexteritie he charged him so bravely both with point and edge that he amazed both the Armies The Giant stormed exceedingly for that he could not fasten one stroke on his adversary and casting a thick smoke out of the visor of his helmet he hindred himself from seeing where to place his blows whereas Alcidamant that fought with judgement spent not a minute unprofitably The first fury of these warriours having endured above two howrs the place was covered with the Giants Arms which went to pieces whensoever the rich sword of his enemy fell upon them the bloud trickled down from three or four parts of his body and that which carried his choller to the highest degree of rage was that his adversaries armour appeared entire Merodiana beheld this combat with strange motions if the Giants courtelax were aloft she feared the violence of it and she rejoyced when she saw it light without effect she considered the valour of her Knight admired his agility in saving himself from his enemies sword wondred at the force of the blows which he gave and above all took extream pleasure in the grace of his fight Am I not very happy said she to her self to enjoy a Knight the bravest of all that live and is it not exceeding glory for me to triumph over him under whom the strongest Giants of the earth are constrained to bow Yes without doubt and I doe not repent the giving of him that which he hath nobly gotten would to God Fangomadan were dispatched out of the way that my content might be perfect I would then embrace this gallant warriour and in despight of detraction declare before all that I love him infinitely Entertaining her selfe with these thoughts she fixed her eyes upon him and perceiving the Giant to be more unweldy and her lover far abler as she conceived then at the beginning of the combat she was transported with excesse of joy This while Alcidamant pursued his advantage charged his enemy more furiously then before and observing that Merodiana beheld him accused himself for being so long defeating a man in the presence of her whose favours had made him most happy Vext then then to see the victory so long disputed he took his sword in both his hands and letting it fall terribly on his enemies shield he so astonished him that he made him reel three or four steps backward whereupon taking his advantage he redoubled such a dangerous blow on his head that he cleft it in twain to the unspeakable contentment of Merodiana and her subjects who seeing the good Knight of the Lions in the head of their troops set forth in good array and following the Conquerour of the Giant who made them way with his sword they fell so furiously upon the enemies amazed with the death of their master that they slew above two thousand at the fiâ—st bout the rest betook themselves instantly to flight where the slaughter was so great that of seventeen thousand there escaped not fully two hundred who got to the Armie of Fangomadans cousin relating unto him the absolute defeature of the other forces with the death of the King which put him into such a rage that drawing all the garrisons out of the strong places which he held into one body of an Army he resolved to affront the Conquerours and in their overthrow revenge the losse of his companions Advancing then whilst the two strangers refreshed themselves with the Armie which commended them to the skies and especially him of the Palms whom they would fain have adored if he would have permitted it he presented himself three dayes after before Alfarta where the fight commencing by light skirmishes grew so hot upon the arrivall of the two invincible warriours who were accompanied with eight hundred horse that they came to a generall battell in the which the army of these new enemies greater by the half then the former were all cut in pieces by the exceeding valour of Alcidamant and his companion who thundring wheresoever they went assured their souldiers made them fight without feare and so terrified their adversaries that they were dead before the swords of these lightnings of warre fell upon them The enemies being in this manner utterly defeated the whole Island reverted to the obedience of the fairest Merodiana who daily found out new entertainments for her lover and having no other care but to please him held her selfe the happiest Princesse of the world CHAP. XLI The Infanta Silvana falls in love with Alcidamant goes from her Iland to Merodiana for to see him and having found him a hunting she enjoyes him by a notable trick THE people breathing now in peace after so many troubles the Companies were discharged and especially those of the Iland of Silvana who giving account to their Mistris of the successe of the war so published the praises of the Knight of
hee hath two heads one that casts forth a million of stinking flames through the midst of a number of teeth a cubit long and the other armed vvith two very huge horns wherunto the inevitable death of all such as dare assail him is fastned his tayl is eight foot long so strong and mighty that with it he overthrovvs all the trees that stand in his way briefly he is so horrible and cruell that if the gods do not the sooner put to their helping hand this Province vvill shortly be laid vvast vvhich vvere a lamentable thing being so fertile and populous as it is But pardon me Sir if I be so bold as to aske of you hovv you having been upon the Mountain of Bears vvhere his ordinary hauntis could elcape his fury for to speak truth I hold it a kind of miracle Heaven that hath preserved me for his glory said he vvould not suffer me to fal into the power of this Monster but leaving this discourse tell me what is become of the Gentleman that combatted by me unarmed I beleeve answered he that hee will pay for the harme you have done for the Emperour having found him to be living hath commanded the Surgeons to have a speciall care of him reserving him as I think for to sacrifice him to his Gods in regard of the extraordinary beauty wherewithall he is indued I hope hee shall do better replyed Amadis in the mean time not to be ingratefull for thy good information of that which I desired to know I will give thee somewhat to relieve thy poverty therwith hee took a Ring which he had on his finger of great value and bestowing it on him made him no lesse amazed then contented Look said the Shepherd bowing himself even to the ground for to thank him how our opinions do many times bring forth contrary effects I thought I should have been undone by incountring with you and thereby I have found wherwithall to overcome the miseries of my birth Sir your liberality obligeth mee to have a care of your safety passe on no further with these armes for you shall be sure to meet with none but enemies whersoever you go time will best advise you for your future preservation in the mean while you shall spend this night if you please in a poor cottage of mine wher without feare of any danger you may take a little rest Amadis seeing it was night and perceiving the fellowes good will suffered himself to bee conducted by him to a Village hard by whereunto entring secretly and leaving the care of his horse to him he sate him down to supper and having fed heartily on a Kid that was served into the table he laid him down all armed as hee was on a bed hoping to sleep quietly thereafter his hard travell howbeit his new passion would not permit him so to do it represented the beauties of his Lady unto him with the difficulties which appeared in his love that so disquieted him as hee could do nothing but tosse and tumble all the night long at length being fully resolved I must hope said he instead of complayning and afflicting my self I fear my Mistresses and the Emperours displeasure in regard of the combat which I had with their Knights but I may repair that fault and give them as much cause to favour as now they have to hate me this Monster that spoyls their Territories must be fought withall if I prevail I shal oblige them with a service that will produce their content and the good of their people if I fall in this attempt it will give an end to my miseries so that no way it can prove amisse for me to undertake this Enterprise Concluding then with himself in this sort he fell asleep and so continued till the Sun was of a pretty height when arising and finding his breakfast ready after he had eaten a little he drew the Shepherd aside and said unto him Honest friend J purpose to commit a secret un to thee but before Ideclare it thou shalt swear to me to do whatsoever I shall bid thee Assure your self my Lord said he that I will make little account of my life wher it shall concern your interest only command and without any doubt of my fidelity be confident that I will not fayl in obeying you Well said Amadis that which I would have thee do is to go along with me to the Mountain of Bears to the end thou mayest be witness of my actions so as if I dye in the Combat which I resolve to undertake against this Monster that destroys so goodly a countrey thoushalt be obliged to find out the beautious Palmirenna and shalt tell her that the Knight who slew her Guard stuck not to expose his life for the conservation of her people therby to obtain her pardon for the displeasure shee received from his sword But if I get the victory time shall further direct us Good gods said the Shepheard starting back what is this you say have you lost your understanding so far forth as to cast you self away Ah do not go about Sir to employ those forces which the gods have given you on so despearate an adventure reserve your self for better fortune and seek to escape hence some otherway Thou labourest in vain said Amadis to divert my resolution it is not thy counsell I demand but a performance of thy promise say then wilt thou follow me Yes answered he bedewing his cheeks with tears though it be much against my mind Whereupon Amadis road on to the foot of the Mountain wher the Shepheard taking his Horse of him commended him to his gods CHAP. 3. Amadis defeats the dreadfull Monster of the Mountain of Bears his adventures afterwards WHilst the Shepheard was weeping Amadis traversed the Wood with an undaunted courage and calling to mind the glory which his Ancestors had acquired in such like adventures he resolved to be no whit amazed with the sight of this horrible creature whose dreadfull form made every one to tremble at the very apprehension of it but when he saw him approach with most furious motions he could not be so confident but that hee began to doubt the end of his life neverthelesse chusing rather to dye then shew the least token of fear he drew out his rich sword and discharged it full on his enemies body hopâ—ng therwithall considering the strength with vvhich it was delivered to have seen an end of thc combat but perceiving it to fall without effect by reason of the hardness of his scails wherupon it lighted he was marvellously astonished howbeit taking new courage hee advanced it again whenas the horns of this creature meeting with his Shield sent him to measure the ground wher doubtlesse he lay not long for knowing it would be his apparant ruin to attend such another shock in the case hee was in he arose full of rage and stepping lightly aside he let his enemy passe by making such horrible leaps that
he divided it in two sending his arme withall to the ground and redoubling on the secoed who with reason feared the tempest of that Sword hit him so rudely on the helmet that he made him reele three or foure paces back whereupon perceiving the Knights had run his Horse into the belly with an Halbard he quit his saddle instantly and flying in amongst them covered the ground with three or foure of them before the Gyants were come to themselves again both of them returning then with incredible furie they began to charge him with such terrible blows as he was many times constrained to bow with his knees nevertheless he fought so couragiously and so often drew bloud from them that they had little cause to brag of any advantage but being resolved either to vanquish or dye one of them took his Scimitar in both hands and displaying all his force strook so mainly at his head that if he had not wisely avoyded the blow it had questionless been his death howbeit leaping very lightly aside he let it fall upon the ground whereinto it entred up to the hilts and taking hold of opportunitie whilst the Gyant was drawing it out again he discharged his Sword so dangerously on his Casque that he cleft him to the brains overthrowing him with a noyse like to that of a Tower whose foundation sayâ—es the other which had but one arme and very little bloud left thinking that his companion had been strucken with lightning would fain have saved himself by flight but he was so weak that at the very first step he fel down breathing out his last Our Warriour seeing himself freed from these Colosses which had exceedingly troubled him was going to set upon the rest when as he perceived a Lady comming in marvellous beautifull and followed by two and twentie Knights richly armed with a Gyant far greater than the former who addressing her speech unto him said Knight persist no further in this Combat but put yourself into my hands if you love your life I know very well that your valour makes you confident for the slaughter I behold here may perswade you that you can couragiously passe through any danger whatsoever but I am able to oppresse you so with multitudes that you must needs fall at last besides the Guards of this place were not established here for you but to surprize a Knight who though he be not so tall yet is no way inferiour to you in valour and strength sheath up you Sword then and follow me with this assurance that you shall receive no displeasure here Madam answered he much amazed to behold so rare a beautie I wil gladly submit my self to your power for so sweet a captivitie can not be but most pleasing to me and would I had spent more bloud then this which is in my Armour that I had met you at the gate of your house neither should I then have been in the state I am in nor you have had cause to complain for the loss of your people for yeelding all obedience to the merit of fair Ladyes and principally of those of your qualitie I should freely have granted whatsoever you had demanded but their insolence having constrained me to draw my Sword I secured my self by their deaths wherwithall I am now infinitely displeased because it may be an offence unto you which I shall labour to repayr by all the best services my uttermost abilitie may be able to do you I perceive said she laughing that I shall have as much adoe to overcome you with courtesie as my Knights have had with their Armes wherfore I will debate no longer with you but let us walke to a Chamber that your wounds may be visited I think they are so slight Madam answered he that they need no great looking to howsoever your commandement shall wholly dispose of me Wherupon causing his Squire to unarme him he discovered a small hurt on his shoulder and another somewhat greater but one more dangerous in his thigh which the Chirurgions having drest he got him to bed where he continued till the next morning when as he arose feeling little or no pain for to present his service to the fair Princess who being wonderfully wel satisfied with his goodly personage and behaviour entertained him awhile with ordinarie discourse and finding him no lesse witty then he had shewed himself before valiant she led him into the Garden where she freely discovered to him the secretest of her thoughts telling him that she was Queen of the Island of Silvana and that the Guards of this place were set to apprehend a Knight that carryed three Palmes in his shield Truly Madam said Rozalmond then I do not marvell now at your assembling of so many Knights and strong Gyants since it was to arrest a man whose like is hardly to be met withall in the world why replyed the beautifull Silvana Do you know the Knight of whom I speak Madam answered Rozalmond I neither know his name nor original but all the earth is acquainted with his valour and would to God he were here now that we might finish a Combat which hath twice already reduced us to the extreamest peril of our lives without discerning to whom the honour of it was justly due wherupon relating all that had past at Constantinople and afterwards upon the confines of Florertan he gave her marvellous contentment to hear the prayses of this Knight so published by his greatest enemy Verely answered she you have a great deal of reason to speak wel of this Knight who hath done miracles in this Kingdome Combatting and killing a Monster the hugest and most formidable that ever nature produced but far more in my sister Merodiana's state where the most redoubted Gyants of the world have past under the edge of his Sword in the head of a mightie Army which the same day was cut in pieces by the sole vertue of this Knight and not by the multitude or force of our souldiers the Enemie being at the least three for one But Madam said Rozalmond who was somewhat vexed to hear so much glory given to his Adversarie if this Knight hath done so much for you why wil you expose his life to the hazard of the furie and multitude of your men which sure were but an ill acknowledgement of his services O that is a secret said she which may not be imparted I wil have have him if I can not to put him to death for I would sooner consent to mine own ruine but to oblige him to keep his faith Your eyes Madam said Rozalmond who then ghest at her disease wil more prevail with him then your Armes and he wil sooner be constrained by your beautie then by your Gyants in which regard you are to procure rather by gentleness then force That course have I held already said Silvaâ—a but alas to no purpose another hath captiv'd his heart so that I am out of hope unless some disdain from his
Pagans much more vexed at the hardinesse of these incomparable Warriors which were able to represse their fury then at the losse of three and thirty thousand men slaughtered in their Camp were at the supremest degree of rage but desiring some way of revenge they assembled in Falanzars tent who demanding their advise upon the consequence of another Battail with a proposition to send for Artogant and his Army but Bravorant King of Morimont the most redoubted Pagan of the earth rising up with Gorgophon that bit his fingers for spight to have met with enemies able to resist him he said unto him with a carriage that testified his rage Great Monarch when I consider that our troops are lesse by halfe than they were at our arrivall here I cannot choose but marvell either at our misfortune or at our enemies well managing of their wars their cunning is more than their courage their men are better than ours and it is too evident that numbers have stood us in little stead in our enterprises wherefore I hold it not fit nor will I counsell you to hazard the honour of Paganisme and the greatnesse of our hopes any more on the weaknesse of the armes of such a multitude of souldiers as we have which ordinarily faile us in our occasions and are the means to make their Captains lose the glory which otherwise they might obtain knew they but how to obey and fight You have here two hundred Knights as valiant as any the earth doth bear the meanest of which would make the most valorous of our enemies to faint embrace this as the best course propound a combat of an hundred to an hundred and in that manner decide our differences The Grecians are rash enough to undertake it trusting in the force of thirty or forty amongst them whom they not a little valew but I am confident that you will this way obtaine the victory whereof we are else like to fayl if by past successe we may probably conjecture of that which is to come Your advice is such and so good answered Falanzar that I resolve to follow it if the rest of these Princes here are of our opinion Mighty Emperour said Gorgophon then proceed on boldly for I will undertake that not one of this assembly but is desirous to spare the blood of so many men as infallibly would be spilt if we should be so wilful as to meet the enemy once more in open field wherefore cause a challenge to be drawn as soon as you please and let the conditions of the combat be that you shall be Lord of this Empire if the victory be ours or that we will dislodge with all our troops and leave it still in their possession if fortune shall favour them This said all the Princes rising up as it were to authorise Gorgophons speech Falanzar sent this which followeth to be presented to the Grecian Princes by Gedereon King of Arginaria The great Emperour and Caliph of Siconiaes challenge to the Princes of Greece THE pitty which we have of our people and the horrour of so many dead bodies that we have seen lying in these fields inducing us to prefer their welfare before our own fafety doth oblige us to conserve it with the hazard of our lives In which regard we have sent to present you with a combat of an hundred Knights against alike number of ours so to determine all our differences with the victory of the one or the other party consult with your courages and forces and let us know whether the world doth commend you with reason The King of Arginaria our Embassadour having absolute power from us to dispose of the conditions of this fight you may take his ingagement for all our combattants and send us a like assurance of your parts The excellent King of great Britain unto whom all the rest of the Princes referred themselves having read this challenge turned him to Gedereon and said King of Arginaria you may behold the answer that is to be returned you in the countenances of these Warriors which are here assembled there is no need of further advising with them about it they testifie sufficiently that their desire and yours is one and the same wherefore not to hold you longer in suspence we say that we are contented with the number you have chosen and with the conditions you propound for the possession of this Empire though you have no right at all unto it but if our ill fortune takes it from us we have three or four others to recompence our Son Prigmaleon withall whereupon the Emperour of Aethiopia having protested to performe whatsoever Amadis had agreed unto the Secretary was called to write this The King of great Brittaines answer to Falanzar Emperour and Caliph of Siconia WEE are no lesse tender of our people than you and your resentment that way seems so just unto us that never sticking at the right you have to claim the Crown of the Empire wee are very well contented to set it upon the end of a Launce before the Judges of the Combat which you demand and wherunto We agree to be performed betwixt our two Camps five dayes hence with the same assurance as you have given us And because the election of the Arms is in Us We choose those which are usuall with Knights Errant and in the mean time Wee will make a truce for foure dayes The King of Arginaria returning with this answer all the Pagans were marvellously astonished at the name of Amadis of Gaule whom they thought had been dead long before and understanding that he was the chief of them that had made way thorow their Camp with so great a slaughter they beleeved that so many Princes were resussitated to torment them eternally neverthelesse their own pride perswading them that the earth could not contain men that could resist them Falanzar caused a List to be drawn up of those that were to Combat and never going about to give them reasons for to render them the more courageous he sent them away to their Tents there to take order that their Horses and Armes might be well fitted for this furious fight Let us give them time to make their preparations and recount the brave actions performed by the Martarians You may remember that the Emperour of Martaria being made a Christian departed from Corolandaya with Persides of Greece Floridan of Persia Lucibel of France his Sons-in-law and gentle Sestilian of Spain servant to the fairest Agiliana Princesse of Arbales to carry succours to the Princes of Greece This great Monarch desiring to manifest his zeale to the glory of the new God which he adored and the esteem that he made of the Princes of Constantinoples allyance being fortunately arrived in his own Empire made forth Commissions caused an hundred thousand Horse and threescore thousand Foot to be levyed bestowed most part of the Infantrie in five or six Frontier Towns and levying twenty thousand Horse and thirtie thousand Foot under
the conduct of the King of Arbales his Cousin to withstand all attempts of his neighbours if they should chance to stir in his absence he resolved in person to conduct an Army of fourscore thousand Horse into Aethiopia Having then accodingly imbarqued them with his Sons-in-law and himself he was carryed with so prosperous a gale that having run along by the coasts of Guinea Cephala and Calicut in seven and thirty dayes he arrived within three leagues of Zeiden where informing himself of the state of the War he understood that Artogant the Soldan of Francapa being separated from the body of the Army held Goraxa very straightly besieged with great likelihood of carrying it in regard it could not be succoured without much prejudice to the Christian forces whereupon putting his men in battell array he marched toward Goraxa with a resolution to charge the enemies and accordingly finding them prepared to receive him for that Artogant had been advertised of their discent he caused Lucibel and Sestilian to advance with thirtie thousand Horse who incountring six Gyants in the head of forty thousand men they charged their Launces so luckily as two of the Gyants were run thorow and thorow The incounter of these first troops was very furious and so many Knights were overthrown that within lesse than halfe an hour the ground was all covered with them Lucibel and Sestilian having broken their staves in the bodies of the two Gyants began to disorder the Pagans and overturning all that came in their way they filled every part with such fear as the souldiers flying from the tempests of their swords declined them more than they would have done the pestilence On the other side the four Gyants enraged at the death of their companions made so great a slaughter as was most lamentable to behold In this sort the fight became most cruell and bloody and every minute so many men fell that in the field was nothing but heaps of dead bodyes Two hours being spent in the heat of this first conflict and the victorie as it were hanging in equall ballance there arrived six Warriours from Zeidens side who understanding by an hurt souldier of all that had past they fell in amongst the Pagan troups and began to make such a massacre of them as they were no lesse dreaded than all the Army besides they cut off arms and heads cleft men down to the waste divided Knights in two and the fury wherwithall they fought was so great that they alone seemed able to destroy all the Pagan host The Gyants perceiving this disorder went and ran all foure together with such confidence against those six incomparable Warriours as if they would easily have layd them in the dust but they were so rudely incountred that two of them had their arms swords and all sent to the ground and the other two were cleft down to the teeth Then it was that the Pagans beholding so sudden a defeat of those foure Colosses in whom they had placed all their hope betook them to flight ready to be cut all in peeces had not the Soldan of Francapa come in to their succour with ten Gyants and threescore thousand Horse The arrivall of these new forces having restored their courages they turned head against the Christians and began to lay about them with incredible valour but the Emperour of Martaria approching with Persides and Floridan the fight began to be so hot and violent that the face of the whole field was covered over with slaughtered carkasses and the ayr sounded nothing but cryes and lamentations of dying men The Gyants did wonders they cut and hewed down all before them and keeping themselves still close together they made such a miserable havock whersoever they went as it was a spectacle of incredible horrour The Martarian Emperour desiring to shew that he was a Christian ran without fear into danger being guarded by the thundring swords of Persides Floridan Lucibel and Sestilian who alwayes accompanied him and the slaughter was so great wheresoever they past that the Gyants being unable to arrest their â—â—ying people advanted to incounter them and charged them with such fury as Sestilian and the Emperour were overthrown under the horses feet where doubtlesse they had been stifled had not Persides Lucibel and Floridan kept off the enemy till such time as their followers had taken them up and carried them out of the presse This while the three Princes were in much danger amidst so many Gyants and being oppressed on so many sides they had little hope of escaping with life when as those six Champions that came from Zeiden incountring upon that place fell in with the Gyants and discharged their swords all at one instant with such a tempest that six of them sunk down dead at the feet of the three besieged Princes who knowing those six incomparable Warriours to be Rozalmond Alcidamant and their companions were so far incouraged that clasping their swords fast in their hands they delivered three such horrible blows as three of those Colosses fell downdead on their fellows The Pagans neverthelesse being nothing dismayed stood very stoutly it after the example of the Soldan of Francapa who that day rendred marvellous proof of his force and courage in so much that the Pagan Army being resolutely bent to fight it out were within three hours cut al in peeces six thousand only excepted which with Artogant saved themselves in a wood leaving the Christian Princes with the losse of thirty thousand men whereof they were not much sensible the rather for that the Emperour and Sestilian were well recovered of their hurts Having continued then some time to bury their dead during the which Rozalmond and his friends had recounted the deliverance of Amadis of Gaule and of so many inchanted Princes with all that had past in that adventure The Emperour raysed his Camp and marched on towards Saba being somewhat perplexed with thinking how he should get to the Citie by reason of the enemies lying round about it but having learned of certain Courriers who had been sent to seek Alcidamant and his fellows for to be of the number of the Combattants that there was a truce between the Pagans and them he quietly advanced without any impeachment to the gates of the Citie where all those great Princes did the Emperour of Martaria so much honour and so caressed those excellent Knights that came along with him as cannot well be expressed in words wherefore I will passe it over and relate the combat betwixt the Christian Princes and the Pagan Kings for the determination of their wars CHAP. LII The dreadfull combat of an hundred Christians against so many Pagan Princes the end thereof with the bloody slaughter of all the enemies troops HAd not the hope of an horrible revenge in some sort mittigated the displeasure which the pagans conceived upon the advertisement of the defeat of Artogants Army by the Martarian forces they would have been even mad with rage