he had left behind at the water followed him He thus being arrived at the City fortified it both within and without and sent thoroughout his Empire to all places for help resolving to make that place the seat of war for else he knew that the Souldans Forces would follow him further The next day after their departure Don Bellianis was informed thereof by those he had left at the water side wherefore he marched down thither but do what he could it was two days before he could mend the Bridge which the Emperor of Trebizond had caused to be broken which when he had done he passed over with his whole Army resolving to pursue his enemy which he did accordingly and thus in good order he marched till he arrived néer the City of Pharez where he saw that the enemy had made strong entrenchments without the Town so that all he did at present was to encamp himself néer them which when he had done he prepared to give them an assault which he did as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVI How the Emperor of Trebizond being besieged in the City of Pharez sent Ambassadors to Albanta Georgia Muscovia and several other Kings his Allies to help him in his Wars with the Souldan of Babylon and how Don Bellianis assaulted his Forces that were encamped without the City DOn Bellianis being extreamly desirous to do all that might be possible for the overcoming of his enemy before any other help came to him that he might acquire the more honor thereby resolved to set upon his enemies Camp that was without the City and if possible force them to retire into the City that he might lay a close Siege thereto and so hinder them from going abroad for provisions In order to which resolution after his men had rested themselves he commanded them to provide to assault their enemies On the other side the Emperor resolving to abide him there took care for fresh supplies for he not onely sent thorough all his own Dominions for more help but likewise sent Ambassadors to those Kings that were either his Friends or of his Alliance such as were the Kings of Albania Georgia and the Emperor of Muscovia desiring them not to fail him in this occasion and the Ambassadors who went made such expedition and had such good success in their Embassies that the Emperor had great assistance as you shall hear hereafter In the mean time knowing that he had not onely a valiant but a politick enemy to deal with he kept strict Guards both within and without the City lest he should be surprized Don Bellianis notwithstanding all the diligence he took did surprize him for having drawn out a Squadron of fifty thousand Knights the most accomplished in the whole Army caused them to put a piece of white silk or cloth in their Helmets that they might know one another though in the dark and in the middle of the night when his enemies expected no such matter he came to the Camp and killing the Centinels fell in among the Emperors Forces and slew many of them before they could arm themselves and such was their confusion in the dark that they without knowledge slew one another not knowing their enemies from friends by reason of the darkness of the night and their not being acquainted with his stratagem In this manner he run thorough the Camp and being followed by the best of his Army came to the walls of the City desiring them to open perswading the Guards that they were of their own party telling them that they must néeds speak with the Emperor but the Guards who had commands to the contrary went immediately to the Emperor and told him thereof who arising from his bed came to the wall and then he very well understood that the Army was alarmed wherefore he refused to open the Gates not knowing whither they were of his own Army or Enemies Don Bellianis perceiving this and that it would be to little purpose to continue there departed and so returned thorough the enemies Camp killing and staying all that were in his way and so being gone thorough the Camp and passed all the Guards he caused the retreat to be sounded which his Souldiers hearing soon understood the meaning thereof and so left the Camp and came to him who when they were câ—â—e fairly retreated to their own Quarters But Don Bellianis who had an intent to surprize the City and fayling therein as you have heard was somewhat vexed but however he considered that he done them a sufficient mischief for he had killed above twenty thousand of his enemies and came off with the loss of not above five hundred men This action gave the Emperor a sensible displeasure and did resolve if possible to revenge it but he could not at present put his resolves into execution wherefore he gave strict commands to kéep double Guards and more strict Watches hoping in short time to have such aid that he might be able not onely to revenge that loss but to beat his Foes out of the field But before any Forces came to his assistance Baltasano Prince of Numidia arrived at the Camp of Don Bellianis with one hundred thousand men and with new Orders from the Souldan that if the Emperor would pay the cost of the War and disband his Forces that then he should have peace otherwise that they should prosecute the War against him to the utmost such was the desire and inclination that the Souldan had for peace These Orders much troubled Don Bellianis being very discontented that the War must end and that he could not sacrifice the life of his rival fearing him so long as he should live lest he should so propound the having of the Princess Florisbella as the Souldan should accept of it and indéed when the prepositions were sent to the Emperor he was willing to accept of them provided be might have the Princess for his Wife otherwise he would stand to the utmost hazard of the war not questioning but by the help of his Allies and Friends but that he should not onely be able to beat his enemies out of his Country but to assault them in theirs and give them such trouble that the Souldan would be willing to propound his Daughter for a composition of the War This Answer being returned to the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano displeased them both but the anger that Don Bellianis was in at this proposition was so great that I am not able to express it for rising from the place where he sat he delivered this answer to the messenger Go tell thy Master that so long as the Souldan of Babylon has Subjects in his whole Empire that he shall never compel him to such baseness as the prostituting his most Royal Daughter to one so base and unworthy and were all the treasure of the Souldan exhausted all his Subjects slain and none left in his whole Empire to defend him yet I would
likewise in the Front of his Army séeing his enemy approach and believing it to be the Emperor because he had on his accustomed black Armor in which he had gotten great renown anger and jealousie so incensed him that taking a strong Lance and couching the same he ran full against him and the other being also provided did the same in such brave manner that their Lances shivered into pieces and their horses méeting had like to have overthrown one another but these two brave Warriors soon recovering themselves and drawing their Swords assaulted one another with incredible fury Long did their Combate endure together so that both Armies joyned and as well the Soldiers as the Commanders performed wonders making an incredible slaughter at length one of the Gyants Cousin to the Emperor advancing with his Troop arrived at the place where the two Generals were in Combate and resolving to dispatch Don Bellianis cowardly came behinde him and gave him so weighty a blow on the Helmet that he fell backwards on his horse and he going to redouble the same had certainly killed him at the second blow had not the horse of Don Bellianis run away with his Master who soon coming again to himself and being extraordinarily enraged perceived that it was the Gyant that had used him so hardly for he still pursued him to take away his life which he séeing being more enraged than any Numidian Lioness bereaved of her whelps the fire sparkling from his eyes let fall his Target and taking his Sword in both hands laid so puissant a blow on the Gyant that he did cleave him down from the head to the middle The Black Knight séeing this cryed out Oh ye Gods with how much force and valor have you endued one single Knight Don Bellianis having done this execution spurred on his beast and more furiously than a baited Bull entred the Army of his Enemy where he did kill and slay all that came within the reach of his Sword The Black Knight did the like till at length he was encountred with by the Knight of Hope who in despight of his resolution to go forwards made him stay and bravely received him but the Black Knight being of admirable force and dexterity so handled him that in short time he left him without sense or motion and so he departed and went forwards killing and slaying all that had the valor to oppose him Thus continued he a long time till one came to him and told him that his presence would be very necessary in his own Army for that the Knight of the Golden Image and those who followed him had put one of the Squadrons of his Army to the rout which he hearing presently departed and coming to the place where Don Bellianis was he saw him perform things incredible for he was in pursuit of many Knights none of them having so much resolution as to turn their faces towards him for if they did they certainly met with their deaths The Emperor séeing this was forced for the safety of his own men to engage himself once more in Combat with him which Don Bellianis was not at all discontented at but renewing his forces he likewise renewed the Fight with him These two valiant Champions continued long in fight together and gave to each other such violent blows that those Forces that were there stood still and forbore fighting to behold them But Don Bellianis whose match was not to be found throughout the whole Vniverse being angred that the Fight continued so long gave the Emperor so mighty a blow on the arm that he wounded him so mightily that his Sword fell out of his hand which Don Bellianis séeing and intending to redouble his blow was prevented for many valiant Knights who had till then stood still séeing their Prince in so great danger went and succored him and in despight of Don Bellianis carried him away to his Tent where when his wound was dressed be would have entred the Fight again but his Chirurgeons would not in any wise permit it Thus the absence of the Emperor caused Don Bellianis and his party to prevail but although he behaved himself with great valor and killed many Knights and Giants yet their great numbers still freshly coming on in the end tired him so that when the night approached he having continued the Battel all that day he withdrew his men and contented himself with what he had done for the next morning having taken an account of the numbers that he had lost be found that he wanted but Fiftéen thousandsmen when on the enemies part were slain at least fifty thousand men That day the Knights of Hope and of the Flaming Sword did perform bravely and not having ever béen in any Battel before they by the example of their General performed excellently both in commanding and executing and the Prince of Mesapotamia though a most valiant Knight and much against his will this day performed nothing for he remained where his General had commanded him and there was no occasion to use that force that was under his Command till it was night and then they retreated in good order to the place were he was placed and there taking up their quarters expected the approach of the next mornings sun to renew their fight News was soon carried every where of the good fortune of the Knight of the Golden Image and the Forces under his command and how that in single Combate he had so wounded the Emperor of Trebizond in the arm that he was forced to leave the fight and of those other advantages that he had gotten which caused many more of the Souldan of Babylons Subjects to come in unto him and the next day there arrived a fresh supply of fifty thousand men from the Prince of Numidia with promise and assurance that he himself would within few days be with him in the Head of one hundred thousand men and then they did not question but they should be able to expel their enemies out of the Country But Don Bellianis believing that he had Forces enough already to perform that without any new Additions resolved to try the fortune of another day with his whole Army resolving to die or drive his enemies out of the field In this resolution be continued and therefore gave order that all should be in readiness to fall upon their enemies whensoever he should command them On the other side the Emperor of Trebizond was much discontented at the wound he had received but he resolved that should not hinder him from fighting in his own person in the next Battel which he intended should be within two days for by that time he expected a recruit of fifty thousand men which were already raised and onely staid behind to expect his Command for them to advance which Forces he sent for with this resolution that as soon as they were come to him he would again hazard another Field-battel but he was hindered of his purpose for Don
they had a very great estéem for him having séen him exercise his valor Thus accompanied they came one morning to the King and Quéen to take their last Farewel when the King told them that since they would not take any Forces with them he desired that if his Cousin Don Bellianis or any of them had or should have any occasion for Forces he would at any time assist them with fifty thousand men and come in the head of them himself and give such testimonies of his good will and affection for them that he would merit the estéem and service they had done for him Having thus said the Quéen likewise heartily thanked them for the honor they had done her and desired to be kindly remembred to Don Bellianis hoping that he and they all the Ware being ended would take that place in their way home whereby she should again have the satisfaction of their good companies To which request of hers they assented to kissing her hands they departed and set forwards for Babylon The Knight of the Keyes was very heavy and pensive as you have heard which gave them all some trouble but Don Clarineo having a more particular estéem for him than the rest so wrought with him that at the last he won him to give him an account of the occasion of his melancholly which when he had heard he was likewise much troubled thereat participating in the sorrows of his Friend and promised him that so soon as he had séen his Brother Don Bellianis that he would return with him to Constantinople and there he would cause such diligent search to be made that he would finde her if she were any where in all those Seas vowing unto him an eternal friendship which the Knight of the Keyes not onely accepted but promised the same should continue to him to the end of his life This discourse being ended they passed on their Iourney in somewhat more pleasant communication in such manner that in short time they arrived near to the City of Babylon In which travels we will once more leave them and turn to Don Bellianis and his Companion the Numidian Prince and the rest of those valiant warriors that were set down before the City of Pharez CHAP. XXIX How Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia assaulted the Emperor and his Forces and forced them all to retire into the City GReat was the vexation and anger of Don Bellianis for that he saw the Wars had held him so long from the fight of his dear Mistress the Princess Florisbella and therefore he resolved to assault his Enemies and force them to a Battel and the Prince of Numidia was likewise of the same resolution Wherefore they providing all things ready divided their Army into two parts which they took betwéen them and so with their whole Forces set upon the Enemy in their Entrenchments and having given them the Alarm followed it with so much puissance that they soon forced them to retire to the City Walls The Emperor of Trebizond being advertised hereof came forth and at the Head of fifty thousand valiant men went to méet Don Bellianis whom he soon found and knew by the mightiness of his blows the presence of the Emperor gave some new courage to his Soldiers and he engaging with Don Bellianis caused them that were about to flée into the City to face about and return upon their Enemies and then there was a fierce Slaughter on all sides The Prince of Numidia with a party of fifty thousand men rode up and down the Field to give his assistance to that part or place where there was most néed and there was one party of the Emperor of Trebizond's Foot-soldiers of about fifty thousand who kept close together and did much harm to his Soldiers being commanded and guarded by ten strong Gyants whom the Numidian attempted to disperse but they were all so resolute that he could not break through their Rancks wherefore he attempted them a new way and retiring from them first ordered his Squadrons in the fashion of a Wedge the Front not being above twenty Knights but the Rear was above five hundred men broad and be in the Head of this party forced with his twenty Knights into the Ranks of his Enemies Squadron and maugre all the resistance of the Gyants and the rest he went into the body of the Army and being gone so far the rest followed him till at length the Rear of his Squadron opening to the right and left and so whéeling about both ways encompassed the Enemies whole Squadron engaging them in Front Rear Flanks and Middle and indéed on all sides at one and the same time he had such success that in short time he killed most of them so that of fifty thousand men there was not left one thousand alive All this while the Emperor himself was fighting valiantly with Don Bellianis where be gave and received many wounds but there was little advantage betwéen them by reason they were hindred by the multitude of other Knights that fought about them This incensed Don Bellianis being full of wrath that he could not execute the Revenge he intended on his Enemy but before they were parted he gave him on large wound on the shoulder and then the company increasing he was forced to leave him and so he fell into the Rancks of his Enemies being much angred the effects of which caused the death of many person for he seldom gave a stroke but death immediately followed He was attended by the Prince of Mesapotamia the Knight of the Flaming Sword and the Knight of Hope who did very well testifie themselves to be valiant Knights and good Practitioners in Bellonas Field great was the slaughter where they came but far greater where the Prince of Numidia was for he had destroyed all his foes and was now coming to Don Bellianis to assist him but he néeded little of his aid for like a roaring Lyon he flew like Lightening into all places of the Field The Emperor of Trebizond hearing of the ill fortune of his Squadron of Foot in whose strength he put much confidence was greatly dismayed at that Overthrow and being angred at his ill fortune he caused a Retreat to be sounded but it was in a very ill manner performed for he was forced to draw all his Forces into the City not being able any longer to kéep the Field leaving his Entrenchments to his Enemies and with great difficulty did he get into the City for he was hotly pursued by his Enemies and many of his men slain but at the length into the City he got and made fast the gates and then Don Bellianis Baltasano of Numidia and all their Forces being hindered from going further were forced to stay But coming into the place where their Enemies had encamped they found very good Booty which gave a great satisfaction to the Soldiers their General having given them frée leave to take all they could get This being done they
Thus this brave Martiallist taking his leave of the Souldan and Ladies departed from that great City and that evering marching ten miles to a little Town where for that night he took up his Quarters CHAP. XXIII How Don Bellianis marching towards Trebizond and increasing his Army arrived at last neer to his Enemies Camp EArly the next morning did Don Bellianis arise and caused the Drums Trumpets and all other Warlike Instruments to sound a March which Command being accordingly obeyed they advanced forwards but he was much hindered in his marches by reason of the great quantity of Forces that still came in to him so that before he had marched one hundred and fifty miles his Army was one hundred thousand men compleat at which he was very joyful and therefore he made all the expedition possible to méet the Enemy before he should be come out of his own Kingdom But the Emperor of Trebizond having carryed on his business with great privacy had gotten his Forces together and mustring two hundred thousand men besides many fierce and strong Gyants he was advanced with his Army very far and was come into part of the Dominions of the Souldan of Babylon before he heard the News of the Souldans being returned which did somewhat trouble him but however he resolved to go on and not leave his Enterprize unattempted Wherefore hearing of the approaches of his Enemies Forces he sent to sée what number they were and who had the Commanding of them The Messenger returning to him told him that the Souldans Forces consisted of one hundred thousand men and that they were conducted by a famous Knight called The Knight of the Golden Image Hearing this news he was somewhat discontented thereat for he had béen in the Wars betwéen the Souldan of Persia and the Duke Alfiron and there he had both heard and séen the valiant Acts of the Knight of the Golden Image but however he resolved to persist in his Enterprize and like a good and hardy Knight to go forward and endeavor to give his Enemy battel before he should increase his Forces not questioning but thorow the magnanimity of his own valor and that of his Knights and Gyants under his Command he should be able to encounter his Enemy with good advantage and considering he had double his number he might vanquish and overcome his Forces before Aid came to him wherefore he hearing that he was within a days march of his Enemy caused his Army the next morning to march forwards intending that if his Enemy continued his march to joyn Battel with him Don Bellianis likewise hearing that his Enemy came forwards advanced apace being resolved as well as he to give him battel that day if it were possible but when they approached néer to one another their men were so wearied with that days travel that before they could put them in any good order and bring up the Rear of their Armies the Evening came on so that they were both forced to alter their Resolutions and therefore they both encamped themselves in fight of one another and all that night both Armies made great Fires so that it was an artificial day now and then running into one anothers Camp in small parties and doing some harm but the morning approaching they let the Fires go out and Don Bellianis caused them all to prepare themselves for the Battel and so they did encouraging one another in the best sort that might be resolving to loss all their lives ere they would permit themselves to be overcome by their enemies Don Bellianis knowing what was necessary to be done by a good General having béen in many other battel 's ordered his Army and divided his Squadrons as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXIIII How Don Bellianis ordered his Forces and of the cruel bloody Battel between the Emperor of Trebizond and his Army and the Forces under the command of Don Bellianis THe morning being come wherein this great Battel was to be fought Don Bellianis arose early and dividing his Army into thrée Squadrons took forty thousand men under his own command twenty thousand men he ordered to be commanded by the Knight of Hope and twenty thousand men under the command of the Knight of the Flaming Sword and twenty thousand men more he ordered to be under the command of the Prince of Mesapotamia and not to stir to the Battel until there should be an absolute necessity or that he should be commanded by himself Thus having ordered his Battalions he commanded the Heads of every Troop to come to the Front of the Army where he encouraged them by this following discourse Gentlemen and fellow Souldiers the cause of this war I shall not néed to inform you of you being already satisfied in that particular the courages of your enemies you likewise are acquainted with having by often experience found that never any of your nation was overcome by them but that you still marched away conquerors giving laws to them rather then obeying any of their commands Their presumption that your King was absent was the chief occasion of this boldness in them or else they would not have béen so hardy as to enter your Land and now being ashamed after all this provision to turn back again without abiding the hazard of a Battel they with much unwillingness expect you their intention was to force your Princess command your Estates dispose of your persons and to make all the Inhabitants of this kingdom their Vassals hoping to have found you in disorder and without a Head but thanks be to heaven you have not onely a Head to rule over you in that your gracious Soveraign is restored but also a General who will hazard his person to the utmost with you and therefore I question not but you will have hearts to follow my example and if you sée any thing of courage in me to imitate me therein and follow my example and assure your selves that I resolve to conquer or die thus hoping you have all the same courage and resolution let us bravely fall on our enemies This spéech being ended caused a great shout throughout the whole Army and presently every one repairing to his own command they marched on to assault their enemies who all this while were not idle but the Emperor not forgetting what was necessary to be done did likewise order his Battel and divided them into four parts one of fifty thousand men he commanded himself the Prince of Albania commanded the like number and two mighty Giants of his kindred commanded the other two Squadrons Thus having divided his Forces and ordered his Battel he was likewise about to make an Oration to his Souldiers but the noise which his enemies made in their approaches diverted him and therefore causing his Trumpets and Drums and all maner of millitary Instruments to sound he being armed at all points in the Front of the Army went forwards to receive the Babylonians Don Bellianis being
Letter and then knéeling on his knées he delivered the same to the Souldan who causing the same to be opened it contained these words The LETTER of Aurora Queen of Antioch to the Souldan of Babylon Most Illustrious Vncle MY hard misfortune in being expelled my Kingdom hath long since arrived to your knowledge and now having so great a good as to be restored thereto I thought it convenient to inform you of the truth thereof The Illustrious Prince Don Bellianis of Greece and Son to the Emperor has by the appointment of the Gods been the chief Instrument of my Restauration for not onely he and his Friends killed the Usurpers Gallaneo and Tramolcano but also have caused the Souldan of Persia to give me full and quiet possession thereof where I am now peaceably setled And I have also joyned my self in Marriage with Don Brianel Prince of Macedon and Cousin to the same Don Bellianis who as I hear under the Names of the Knight of the Basilisks and the Golden Image hath done you some services Assure your self Sir that he has not his equal throughout the whole Universe as I by sufficient experience can testifie both for valor and vertue and I think my self the most happy in his Alliance having married into his Family This Noble Company that are now come to you are his Brethren and Alliance and are come in quest of their Brother and Friend What kindness you shall do to them I am confident they will deserve and it shall be likewise acknowledged to be done to Your affectionate and obliged Kinswoman Aurora of Antioch Greatly satisfied was the Souldan when he had read this Letter for now he knew that which he so much desired the Quality of Don Bellianis and séeing his two Brothers and knowing that they were all of his Alliance he arose from his Seat and kindly embraced them and bid them heartily welcome telling them that he accounted himself extreamly happy in their company and that he was more obliged to their Brother and Friend Don Bellianis than to all the persons on the earth They gave him many thankes for the good estéem he had of them and told him that they were likewise ready to serve him in what occasion soever he should employ them and since Don Bellianis was absent they desired his leave for them to depart towards him The Souldan consented to this but withal he desired them to take some Forces with them which was accordingly agréed on Thus after this Discourse with the Souldan he conducted them to the presence of the Emperess and her Daughter the Princess Florisbella and her Cousin Mattarosa and the rest of the Ladies which pleasant Sight gave a great content to all the Knights but Peter of Ireland but in him it renewed his sorrow for the loss of his Princess Magdalena The Emperess and Ladies being informed by the Souldan of the Quality of the Knights and that they were Brothers and néer Relations of Don Bellianis was much pleased with their company and giving them their hands to kiss told them that she was very joyful to sée them the Princesses Florisbella and Mattarosa did likewise kindly receive them and the Princess Florisbella was not onely joyful for their arrival but also greatly contented that now her Father was satisfied in the true Quality of Don Bellianis The Knights were all very sensible of the occasion that continued Don Bellianis in the Souldans service and did truly think that it was for the sake of the Princess Florisbella whom they did estéem to be the most beautiful Lady they ever saw and therefore worthy to be served by so good a Knight At length after several Complements the Knights were disarmed and after a short repast the Souldan called them to Council wherein it was concluded that they should depart the next day and carry with them fifty thousand men who were all ready for the march to go and assist Don Bellianis CHAP. XXXI How the Emperor of Trebizond was relieved by the Arrival of the Kings of Albania and Georgia with one hundred thousand men and fifty thousand men sent by the Emperor of Russia and how he appointed a pitcht Battel with Don Bellianis and Baltasano Prince of Numidia and their Armies and how the two Princes Brothers to Don Bellianis and all the other Knights came with the Aid of fifty thousand men and engaged with Don Bellianis and his Army against the Emperor of Trebizond whom in the end they conquer and take him prisoner And so leaving one hundred thousand men in the Field under the Command of Baltasano Don Bellianis and the rest of his Friends and Alliance with the rest of the Army marched back with their prisoners to Babylon IN some distress was the Emperor of Trebizond by reason of his being so closely besieged in the City of Pharez but the expectation he had to be relieved by his Friends gave him some satisfaction and still continued him in his former Resolutions of not agréeing to the end of the War unless it were on the Conditions he had formerly propounded to Don Bellianis who you know was resolved rather to die than to yield to any such Proposals and therefore he and the Prince of Numidia endeavored all they could to gain the City but it was so well fortified that it was very difficult however they caused the Mines to be made to undermine the Wall but before they hadended that news came of the Arrival of fresh Supplies to to the Emperor whereupon they prepared themselves to resist them and to hinder if possible their entrance into the City The Emperor heared in battel gave Don Bellianis a mighty blow over the Helmet but be soon required it by returning him another on the shoulder which descending down wounded him on the Arm. Thus was the Fight on all sides vigorously prosecuted But the Kings of Albania and Georgia being wholly desirous to force their way into the City made it their whole business to yet thither and so by degrées they got ground till at length both the Armies came in sight of one another and then the Emperors Forces séeing that they were likely to be so well relieved gave a great shout and jâ—yned all their Forces together the noise that they made gave some disquiet to Don Bellianis who was still fighting with the Emperor and being desirous to know what was the matter he reached the Emperor so mighty a blow that he remained without féeling and so he turned his horse towards the place from whence the noise came and then he soon discovered that the occasion of it was the Arrival of the two Kings into the Army with their assistance He presently furiously rode through all the Ranks of his Enemies doing much execution till he arrived at the place where the Prince of Numidia was engaged in fight with two mighty Gyants one of which he presently assailed and with less than thrée strokes laid him dead at his féet when turning about he
saw that his Companion the Numidian had likewise killed the other and so they both agréed to retire to their own Forces to sée how the Fight was maintained and so making their way by the death of many of their Adversaries they arrived at their own Camp where they saw the two Knights of Hope and the Flaming Sword bravely engaged with six couragious Knights and yet they defended themselves very valorously they soon joyned with them to the loss of all the lives of the six Knights In the mean time the Emperor being frée endeavored to withdraw his Forces and coming to the two Kings of Albania and Georgia after some Complements he desired them likewise to draw off their Forces which being done they all retired into the City but with the loss of twenty thousand men Don Bellianis and his Forces following them to the very gates When they were entered the City the Emperor conducted the two Kings to the Pallace where he entertained them and gave them many thanks for this their aid and assistance and then they concluded to rest their Forces for two days and by that time the Emperor told them he was confident he should not only have aid from the Emperor of Russia but likewise more of his own and so soon as they were arrived he intended to take the Field not questioning but he should quickly force the Enemy to leave his Countrey Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia retired to their Camp and resolved very suddenly to give them a general Assault but the next day the Forces of the Emperor of Russia arrived and in despight of Don Bellianis entrenthed themselves and kept the Field The Emperor being thus well relieved resolved now to take the Field and give a Field-battel to his Enemies which he concluded to do the next day and in order thereunto early the next morning he with all his Forces issued out of the City with one hundred thousand men under his own Conduct one hundred thousand men under the Conduct of the two Kings of Albania and Georgia and fifty thousand men under the Command of the Knight of the Tyger Kinsman to the Emperor of Russia who had brought those Forces thither In this equipage the Emperor was in the Field and on the other side the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano divided their Forces onely into two parts and resolving on all sides to fight valiantly and conquer their Enemies they bravely assailed each other Bloody was the Fight in all places so that soon was the Fields gréen Apparrel turned into purple The Generals on all sides performed wonders the Emperor on his part did very valiantly resolving to get the Field or never return to the City and Don Bellianis being resolved this day to shew the invincibleness of his Courage he being accompanied by five hundred Knights as his Guard in despight of all opposition forced his way into his Enemies Camp where with his own arm he soon killed fifty Knights and those who followed him imitating his example slew many of their enemies The Prince of Numidia had likewise in another place forced his way into the Camp of his Enemies and there he encountred the Knight of the Tyger who was encompassed with ten strong Gyants but maugre all their opposition be furiously forced his way through them and assaulted the Knight of the Tyger with so mighty a blow on the head so that he was not onely astonished but the Sword falling on the horse his head cleaved him down-right and he fell down dead under his Master The Gyants who were néer him soon assisted him and mounted him on another horse but it cost two of them their lives the one being slain by the Prince of Numidia and the other by the Knight of Hope who was now arrived with some Forces to the place where Baltasano was and then they all joyned Forces and the Knight of the Tyger being very valiant revenged himself by the loss of the lives of many of his Enemies Don Bellianis having run through his Enemies Camp with great fury returned and rode up and down to finde out his Rival the Emperor whom he at length found out and encountred and many fierce strokes were given to one another the Emperor resolving to revenge himself on Don Bellianis shewed the utmost of his skill and courage and gave him a blow on the Thigh so that the blood issued out thereat through the Ioynts of his Armor he was greatly enraged hereat and gave the Emperor another wound on the side Thus they continued fighting together till at length the multitudes of both parties that came to assault each other parted them and then they ranged about the Field killing and destroying many Knights It was now the Noon day and the Fight had continued eight hours and yet there was not much advantage on either side till they heard the sound of Trumpets and at some distance they might perceive fresh Forces enter the Field but to which that they belonged it was yet unknown at length they arrived in sight and then by their Colours they were known to belong to the Emperor and indéed they were forty thousand men under the Conduct of the Knight of Fame Nephew to the Emperor who hearing of the Fight made haste thither thinking to get Honor in the Battel but he fared not so well as he expected as we shall declare to you anon Don Bellianis séeing this quickly drew out forty thousand of his men and went to méet him and taking a new Lance couched the same and ran furiously against his Enemy who did the like but not with the same advantage for Don Bellianis onely lost one of his Stirrops but his Enemy came horse and man to the ground He soon recovered himself and being angry at his misfortune revenged himself by the death of six Knights whom he soon killed or overthrew thus was these two Battels joyned but Don Bellianis soon abated some of the vigor of his Enemies by the puissant and mighty strokes he gave them killing ten Knights before he brake his Lance and then drawing his Sword he soon after sent twenty Knights more to accompany their companions so that now they were not so furious to assault him as they had béen He quickly made his way thorough all this Squadron and having testified to them his strength and valor returned and went to assault the Knight of Fame who was now engaged with his Enemies but at the arrival of Don Bellianis they soon gave way to him and he reached him a mighty blow on the head so that his Helmet flew from his head and he was likewise wounded and Don Bellianis intending to give him a second blow was prevented for two furious Gyants opposed themselves to him but he who was used to deal well enough with these sort of people soon let them know his valor by the cutting off of one of their legs In the mean time the Knight of Fame had recovered another Helmet and
came to revenge himself on Don Bellianis so that now he was engaged both by a Gyant and the Knight of Fame but he did well enough to maintain the Fight with them both In the mean time the two Kings of Albania and Georgia had engaged themselves among their Enemies and at last they arrived where the Emperor was engaged but they brought him such Aid that they caused the Souldans Forces to retire and many of them lost their lives so that they being without any valiant Commander did in a manner flie This gave great encouragement to the Emperor and the two Kings and they pursued them some way till they saw a Body of men afar off who came on a great pace and the néerer they approached the more they appeared and at length they were likewise known to be Forces of the Souldans This caused the Emperor and those that were with him to make a stand much wondring at this business and not daring to go any further They made up towards them a great pace and méeting with some of those who fled informed themselves of the manner of the Fight and caused them to face about and return on their Enemies The Emperor séeing this was resolved to receive them but they still made haste and arriving néer the Emperors Forces six Knights advancing forwards and couching their Lances ran upon the Emperor and his Forces and with the furiousness of the Encounter they dismounted five Knights that opposed them and the Emperor who was the sixth lost both his Stirâ—ops they quickly passed on and ran furiously into their Enemies Squadrons and shewed the admirableness of their valor by the mighty blyws they gave for in less than a quarter of an hour they had dismounted and stain above a hundred Knights and in this time their Forces by their example followed them and joyning with their Enemies soon compelled them in despight of the Emperor and the two Kings of Albania and Georgia to retire to the rest of the Army When they were all arrived there they gave a loud shout and cryed out Babylon Babylon This noise gave a fresh Alarm to the Armies and Don Bellianis wondring thereat went to sée the occasion doubting that the Enemy had got more Aid but he was soon satisfied of the contrary for he knew the Common Soldiers by their Colours but he was much more astonished when he saw the incomparable Déeds of the six valiant Champions and indéed they were all unknown to him He coming néerer to them discovered one of them by his Armor to be Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia wherefore he went to him and said Ah worthy Friend great pains have you taken to come thus far to my assistance The Phenician courteously replyed to him Noble Prince I should not think it any trouble to travel throughout the whole world to serve you especially in so good company as I have brought with me Then he knowing that Don Bellianis was willing to be informed who were in his company told him that his Companions were his two valiant Brothers Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore and his Cousin Fliorispiano of Swevia and the two other Knights were somewhat strangers but both valiant Knights and so they were indéed the one being the valiant Peter of Ireland Knight of the Keyes and the other the Knight of the Wolf and that they had brought from the Souldan of Babylon fifty thousand men for his assistance Don Bellianis being very joyful hereat soon entred the Fight and was now again resolved to conquer or die and that this day should put an end to the War In this resolution he went to his Companion the Prince of Numidia and informed him hereof and telling him that he would with a Party of Horse break through the Enemies Forces and get betwéen them and the City and hinder their entrance and that he would onely desire him to prosecute the Fight assuring him that there were such valiant Knights come that he questioned not to have the Victory Thus did he leave the Numidian and went to execute his purpose and so he did and soon brake through the Forces of the Enemy The Prince of Numidia being thus encouraged drew up all his Forces and freshly assailed his Enemies and in short time by the assistance of the six Champions and the Forces they brought he got so great advantage of his Enemies that he forced them to retire which they did not do so well but that many of them were slain Among the rest Peter of Ireland did gloriously for he flew the Knight of Fame Cousin to the Emperor and many Knights and Gyants that were néer him The two Princes Clarineo and Lucidamore took the King of Georgia Prisoner maugre the resistance of all his Guards and the Knight of the Tyger hardly escaped with life being very much wounded by Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia The Emperor of Trebizond séeing that by the means of this fresh Supply he should lose the Day resolved to retire before he should be quite vanquished wherefore he caused a Retreat to be sounded and so retired to enter the City but Don Bellianis who expected him hindred him there-from and fiercely assaulted him Greatly surprized was the Emperor when he saw himself so assaulted on both sides wherefore he advanced forwards to see who it was that hindred his Retreat but he was so bravely received by his Rival that notwithstanding his utmost endeavors he could not get off but after he had received many wounds by Don Bellianis was taken prisoner the rest of his Forces in the mean time séeing the Field lost left him and fled in great disorder into the City Great was the sorrow in the City for the loss of the Emperor they not yet knowing whether he were alive or dead None of the Commanders returned back but the King of Albania the King of Georgia being taken and the Knight of Fame being killed the Knight of the Tyger was brought in wounded and thus the night being come the horror of the day was covered Don Bellianis séeing the Emperors Forces were got into the City caused a Retreat to be sounded and so repaired to his Tent which was set up néer the City walls and the Prince of Numidia being come to him they delivered the two prisoners the Emperor and the King of Georgia into safe custody under a strong Guard commanded by the Knight of Hope and then they sent for all those valiant Knights who had assisted them They quickly came to the Tent where they were kindly embraced by the two Generals the Prince of Numidia being very joyful to sée his Friend Don Bellianis his two Brothers who had discovered themselves they were on all sides joyful for this happy méeting and much more in that it had béen so fortunate The Prince Don Clarineo delivered two Letters to his Brother one from the Souldan and another from his Daughter the Princess Florisbella Don Bellianis looking on that from the Souldan was greatly abashed when he
for the Ioust when presently entred a Knight in black Armour having the Figure of Envy painted on his Shield This Knight coming at a time of Mirth in such an unaccustomed manner caused great Admiration in all the Beholders but the Actions which he did gave them greater cause of anger for no sooner had be placed himself at one end of the Lists in the head of all his Knights but he ran with great violence against the Prince Clarineo intending to kill him with his Lance for which purpose his Lance had a long Spike of Steel at the end and was made of the strongest Wood but he missed of his aim for he onely ran the Prince through the left arm and there brake his Lance. All his Companions did run with the like violence and intended the like mischief but some of them were thrown from their horses but they being thus armed did much mischief to several of the Princes Knights killing fiftéen out-right The Prince Don Clarineo séeing himself thus wounded quickly drew forth the piece of the Lance that was left in his Arm though with much pain and presently drew his Sword séeking about for his Enemy who had done him this mischief resolving to be revenged of him for the Injury he had received but it was some time ere he could finde him and then he saw him perform wonders for he killed ten of his Knights and laid them at his féet At length he came to him and having his Sword ready drawn assaulted him with great fury but it was to little purpose for the Sword of the one was sharp and the others was blunt and without an edge this disadvantage he was wholly unsensible of his anger and rage not giving him so much time as to consider thereof But at length he not onely found himself full of wounds and faint for loss of blood but looking about he saw most of his Knights lye dead about the Field In this condition did he remain when about one hundred Knights came to his Assistance but they prevailed not much in regard that they were all armed as the others were with blunt Swords and Lances and the anger they were in caused them to be unmindful of the danger they ran into The Knight of Envy and his Companions being all very valiant Knights still laid about them with great eagerness and fury to the loss of the Souldans Knights and to his great grief and sorrow who knew not how on a sudden to prevent so great a loss Don Bellianis and his Relations were extreamly angred herewith who were all unarmed or at the best had onely blunt Swords according to the Agréement of the Tournament but extream great was the Cry Noise and Confusion of the Princesses and Ladies fearing lest they should all have béen destroyed in this unfortunate Skirmish This raised the anger of our Grecian Prince to such a height that he was ready even to run amongst the throng unarmed as he was when suddenly he saw another Troop of above one hundred and fifty Knights enter the Field who soon testified to whom they did belong by the strokes which they gave for at every stroke blood followed their Swords so that he soon knew them to be his Enemies which he séeing and being now so far come to himself as to consider the danger he caused all the Ladies to depart and he himself with all his Friends ran hastily to their several Chambers to arm themselves which they did in the best manner they could and returning to the Field they found that above five hundred of his Friends and Knights were either slain or wounded He soon made head against his Enemies and assaulted them with a great deal of rage and anger to the great help of his Friends and to the loss and discouragement of his Enemies Many were on both sides slain by the hands of Don Bellianis and his Enemy the Knight of Envy who now met together and began a furious Fight to the great amazement of all the Beholders They were both greatly wounded and astonished at each others strength when in the midst of their fury there appeared over their heads a great Cloud which breaking there was séen and heard great Thunder and Lightning which amazed all in the place and a great Darkness was over all the place for the space of a quarter of an hour at the end of which there appeared a small Castle in the place of the Combate and by it lay Don Bellianis along on the earth and many of his Friends There also appeared an ancient woman who taking a Bottle put it to the mouth of Don Bellianis and some of the Water that was in it passing into his body he revived and arose and looking about him saw that which was happened and saw the old Woman and knew her to be Bellona the Enchanteress who desired him to go about the Field and pull off the Helmets from the Heads of those Knights that lay there that she might assist his Friends which he did accordingly and there they found his two Brothers Clarineo and Lucidamore Contumeliano and Peter of Ireland with many others much wounded to whom she gave some of her Water and they presently arose in very good estate and condition much wondring at that which had happened Don Bellianis séeing this did suppose that all that had happened this day had béen done by Enchantment and therefore he asked Bellona who and what these Enemies were and whether they were real men or onely Enchantment To which she replyed That in general they were men and valiant Knights as he and his Companions could well enough testifie that they were his Enemies and came to disturb the peace he was in and that they might not for the future be in a capacity to injure him further she had provided that Castle which she shewed him and whereinto she said it was necessary they should be put in order to which they all went about the Field and as many of the Knights their Enemies which were about fifty as they could finde yet alive were presently put into that Castle This being done Don Bellianis and his Brethren Friends and Knights in the company of the sage Bellona set forwards towards the Pallace but they were soon met by the Souldan and his Emperess the Princess Florisbella and the rest of the Princesses and Ladies who had already heard of the good health of their Knights and greatly rejoyced thereat Thus they all being together returned to the Pallace where they being seated the sage Bellona spake to them thus Most Noble Souldan and Emperess and you others Kings Queens Princes and Princesses Knights and Ladies It is many years since I foreknew the misfortune that would this day happen to you and many days and nights have I spent in considering of a way to prevent this mischief but I could not finde a better expedient than what I have now executed You are all now in good health and the ill that was intended is now prevented so that you may assure your selves that you are out of all danger of any present harm What they are that thus disturbed you you need not care to know at this time for they are safe enough from doing you any further mischief wherefore proceed now in your Mirth since nothing whatsoever shall be able to disturb you She having spoken thus held her peace and the Souldan and the rest gave great thanks to Bellona for the great Service she had done them Thus Reader we will make an end of this Part of this History leaving our Princes in great quiet and in the Third Part we shall tell you who were the Knight of Envy and his Companions and the cause of their coming at this time As also an end of the Wars between the two Empires of Trebizond and Babylon and what became of the two Princes Perianeo and Gramalis of Thrace in the Pleasant Island and many other pleasant and delightful Adventures FINIS An Advertisement THe four first Parts of that Ancient and Honorable History of Amadis De Gaule formerly printed in a large Volume in Folio and now grown scare and dear are Epitomized and Contracted into one Volume in quarto and are intended suddenly for the Press to the satisfaction of those who have the Fifth and Sixth Parts of that History lately printed Also the Seventh and Eighth Parts are now in a good forwardness so that if the Stationer receives encouragement you may in time have all the Parts of that History in English You may in short time expect the Third Part of this History of Don Bellianis as also several other Histories of this nature Bookes printed for Andrew Kembe at St. Margarets-Hill in Southwark THe Batchelors Banquet Canaans Calamity Or The Destruction of Jerusalem Titana and Theseus Don Flores of Greece The Garland of Love and Good Will Francis Spira Christmas Carrols The Fathers Legacy The Fifth Part of Amadis de Gaule The History of Palladine of England The Second Part of the Famous History of Don Bellianis of Greece VVith other Histories of this nature FINIS