this hemisphere caused mee immediatly dispatch my Ambassadours toward your Maiestie to intreate that you woulde consent to an alliance which I haue purposed if you please betwéene our houses according to the ordenaunce of the last will which the into king of famous memorie my most Noble Father whom God absolue left me when he payd his mortall tribute to nature And because I haue instructed the bearers hereof in all the pointes and articles which on our behalfe you are to bee acquainted withall I shall need to vse the lesse discourse by Letter reposing onely on then sufficiencie Requesting you that in this cause you will giue them credit or what else they shall thinke méete and determine concerning the marriage of Arnedes Prince of Fraunce my Sonne as if I were with you my selfe in person and looke what honor shall be done to them in your Countrie I will account it as receiued by my selfe But least happilie you should repute it strange that thee â—est Sonne of so great a house as this should come to your Court so meanely attended therein I desire yée consider his earnest affection to accomplish some memorable déede vnknowne whereby you may easly gather how gladly he would goe beyond or equall the best Your affectionate and perfect friend The house of Fraunce This Letter béeing read the Emperour tooke the Ambassadours into his Chamber where after hee had heard at full the summe of their message immediatlie hee called together the Princes and Lordes of his priuie Councell to let them vnderstand his intent concerning these affayres This by their aduise was immediatly confirmed for good as well to accomplishe his promise to the deceassed King of Fraunce as also in respect Arnedes behauiour was so generally commended béeing a vertuous Knight and verie forward to Martiall exercise But aboue all the rest Primaleon was most willing and readie in consenting to this alliance knowing the earnest desire of his Sister to sée herselfe the wife of Arnedes another Adonis and for beautie well might Philocrista bée resembled to Psyches or rather if you will a second Venus The mariage béeing concluded on the morrow following they were affianced together with very stately and magnificent triumphes so that both in the Pallace and thorough the Cittie was nothing but disportes and pleasure to the no little content of the Emperour and Empresse as well for the comming and knowledge of Palmendos as for this loue knot betwéene Philocrista and the Royall Prince of Fraunce And now dooth Primaleon arme himselfe for knighthood that hereafter hee may bestowe his time in those commendable occasions Here the French Authour confesseth his fault for hauing intiteled the whole booke the first Booke of Primaleon both that which goes before called by me the History of Palmendos the name agréeing with the discourse and this where Primaleons chiualrie doth now but begin His reason is that the young Prince béeing verie daintylie brought vp and not of yeeres to receiue the order of Knighthood he tooke occasion in meane while to report the braue behauiour of his brother Palmendos But now shall wee speake of the gentle Prince himselfe the onely mirrour of honour and Armes as by reading his History you may perceiue CHAP. II. How Primaleon intreated the Emperour Palmerin his Father in the presence of the French Ambassadoures who prepared themselues to the Grecian portes that hee would giue him the order of Knighthood And how the Lorde of the enclosed Isle sent him a Sheeld and a Sworde wherewith hee tooke his order And what hee sent to the Emperour which he afterward sent to the King Florendos his Father requesting his presence at the mariage of faire Philocrista TO begin the narration and discourse of the déeds of our Primaleon who in his yongest yeares exercised himselfe so well in vertuous Disciplines whereof according to his verie naturall inclination and desire he declared himselfe a studious louer as one might iustly name him the true miracle of perfection So among other endowments for the spirite of wisedome he might be compared to Salomon for beautie both exteriour and interiour to the gentle Gréeke Alcibiades and for magnanimitie councell millitarie strategemes and such like to valiant Scipio the African or the subtill Hanniball of Carthage especiallie in this time of his youth when he had not receiued his order of Knighthood But now fit time therfore being come hée sell on his knée before his Father armed with a light Câ—â—ret which had no other beautie or brauerie then the plaine fashion which most he affected for his help in fight and with humble gestures hee intreated one request The Emperour very willingly made him graunt thereof as the like hee did to diuers others who this day demaunded his gratious fauour seeing him so bountifull in honour of this feast My Lord saide Primaleon the request which at this instant I desire your Grace not to denie mée is that I may be armed Knight by your hande in this armour on the day of the feaste for the nuptialls of Philocrista my sister for to make the same the more magnificent I hope to prouide a Tourney worthy the view of your Maiestie wherto I beséech you graunt me licence of safe conduct for all Knights whatsoeuer because I intend to haue it published in diuers Countries This had I graunted quoth the Emperour with all my hart albeit thou hadst not bound mee thereto by promise because these are the thinges that highly please me and very honorable is it to sée such solempnities at mariages especially of such a Princesse as thy Sister is My Lord sayd Abenunco to Primaleon I humbly beséech you to preferre me in this action in that I likewise earnestly desire to receiue my order of Knighthood with you so please the Emperour to honor mee with so much fauour The like request made Arnasin sonne to Duke Ptolome who was equall with them in youthfulnes of yeares wherwith Primaleon was not a little content Immediatly were Heralds of armes dispatched into diuers Regions to publishe the Tourney and the day purposed for the beginning of the sportes which shoulde continue during the feast with Court royall openly kept at the mariage of the Princesse Philocrista assuring all knights that pleased to shew themselues there to bee entertained with honour euerie way equall to desert Meane while was Arnedes seated by his affianced Mistresse more faire and brauer adorned than the daughter of Tindarus when Paris Alexander was euercome with her loue they bothe ioying yet with modestie and bashfulnes as neither durst enterprise the hardines to speake the first woord in which mute passions they rather resembled the two beautifull starres Castor and Pollux than humaine creatures possessed of life and moouing whereuppon Melicia smiling thus spake to them Ah that mine eyes were so happie that they coulde now behold him for whom my heart indures most passionate martirdome I would not show such pusillanimitie as you doe séeming as though you scantly knewe
whole vnto your beauty prowesse and valour which hath brought me into such a taking that no reason beeing able to preuaile ouer the flaming desire of my heart which you infused into mee when I gaue you mine I am constrayned to abandon mine honour vnto you Wherein I cannot but merualle to finde my selfe so quicklie ouer taken with your loue regarding the small time I feele this burning passion in my breast for to make you knowe the waight you sée presently howe I haue feared nothing which may staine the reputation of a Lady Illustrious and of great renowne The Duchesse perseuering in these her curteous Ceremonies the Damosell beganne to cut her off thus Maddame it is nowe time to bring into some harbour the two Barkes so tossed with the amorous storme and tempest So that to preache is not nowe required in this place rather let the Pilots thereof alone to doe the deuoire of their office By this meanes Tirendos hauing well vnderstoode the watch worde set vp the Mast with one hande and lifted vp the Sayles with the other then laying downe his Armes of steele required in mortall battells hee helped himselfe with those which are more esteemed betweene two Courtaines couching himselfe neere the Duchesse side where tooke some end the anguish of two Louers who remayned in that manner vntill they thought it high time to giue order for the rest of their Nauigation a Chamber was appointed for the Knight in a secret corner There hee soiourned nine or tenne dayes in the greatest pleasure and contentment that as yet hee euer tasted in his life for the Duchesse who loued him as dearelye as her own life was faire and gratious in perfection in such sorte that the departure and discontinuing of this felicitie and pleasure was a most grieuous thing to both these vassals of Loue. For fearing lest at length this secrete misterie would bee discouered the Knight must néedes go out of his swéet and voluntarie Prison albeit the Duchesse did not much feare her old and gray-headed Husband who may bée an example to all other that euery one should séeke his match lest the other inconuenient happen But Tyrendos in taking leaue of his Lady promised vndoubtedly to sée her againe which comforted her a little and afterward in going out of the Garden hee was met by Dirdan who louing the Ladie as you haue before vnderstood could by no meanes rest or sléepe but walking all night long about her lodging to bee within sent of his Paramour in meane while to allay as he thought the restles fit of his burning feuer Hee séeing Tyrendos sally foorth of the Orchard was vexed to the gall as euerie one who hath tasted the bitter fruite of iealousse may presume insomuch that to knowe who hee might be he drew neare raging and grumming betwéene his teeth these wordes Ah a cursed death maist thou die who commest nowe from the place the issue from whence hath wounded peirced my heart in twaine wish that he would haue laide hande on his choller to stay him but Tyrendos who had at the instant set hand to his sworde reached him a blow vpon his coxcombe which cleft him downe to the shoulders continuing his purpose thus Now shal the martyrdome end which hath hetherto tormented thée for her whose shoo-sole thou wast vnworthie to kisse Then making hast to the place where Velican attended him hee mounted strait and without any other company but this Knight who would neuer leaue him went directlye to Constantinople where they arriued in good time for the Turney On the morrow morning was Dirdan found dead hard at the Garden dore whereat was great murmuring the people saying hee was slaine for loue of the Duchesse which brought her into some suspition of her honour As soone as shee knewe thereof shee quicklie déemed who was the author of this Homicide Tyrendos her louer whom she neuer saw afterward albeit all the rest of her life he was the chiefest Darling of her destres The Duke who was old and loued his Ladie aboue measure neuer enquired farther of Dirdans death nor cared hee much what the worlde might thinke But misdéemed the Duchesse had caused him to bee dispacht to banish him for euer her presence for which déede hee estéemed her the more and had better opinion of her than before and so we will let them liue the one ioyfull of this perswation and the other passing sorrie to depart from her swéet louer whome wee shall finde hereafter in Constantinople at the Tourney to behaue himselfe better in other Combats CHAP. XI How the King Florendos arriuing with his Queene Griana his wife in Constantinople were most honourably receaued by the Emperour Palmerin their Sonne who met them with a great traine a dayes iourney from the Cittie And howe Primaleon Abenuncq and Arnasin receaued the order of Knighthood THe King Florendos and his Quéene Griana being departed from Macedon in the companie of the principall Barcons of their Kingdome tooke by their way all the pastimes they could deuise But beeing entred within the bounds of the Empire they were ioyfullie receaued by the Emperours commandement who had giuen order to his Subiects for the same effect as also for that the Queene Griana his Mother was their naturall and Soueraigne Princesse All this Troupe beeing arriued within a dayes iourney of Constantinople hee came to méete them accompanied with the greatest part of the Nobles of his Court with all the honour and most kinde entertainment as a Sonne so well brought vp as hee might shew towards his Father and Mother who hauing first grâ—eted him receaued and chearished Primaleon and Palmendos his Children who did vnto them all the reuerence possible to be thought of The like curtosie vsed Arnedos towardes them whome they reputed as their Sonne and in like manner all the rest both Kings and Princes who accompanied the Emperour So that these interchaungeable gréetings and welcomes were so long a dooing that they could not reach Constantinople but tooke vp their rest for that night in a most pleasant place foure miles distant from the Cittie where the Quéene could not fill her eies with beholding her sonne To bée breefe on the morrow they entred the Cittie with the greatest ioy that was euer heard of the Empresse Quéene Arismene the thrée Infantes and manie Ladies of high renowne who kept them companie béeing at the first Gate of the Pallace to receaue them more Honourablie who entertayning first the King and the Quéene after them came the thrée Infants to kisse their hands and then all the other Princes one after another These welcomming Ceremonies of the Ladies accomplished all this Royall companie mounted into the principall Hall of the Serraglia where the Emperour sate downe next to the King his Father and the Empresse bringing her thrée Daughters with her next the Quéene who could not faciate her selfe furuaying with an vnspeaâ—eable ioye so Heroicall and Illustrious a â—rue In so much that in
himselfe and his traine hée thus imparted at large his minde Madame to the ende you should not bee ignorant of the chiefest cause of my comming into this Country knowe yée that I being prouoked with an incredible desire to doo you seruice am departed the Kingdome of Bohemia the proper place of my natiuity where the King my father happily swayeth the Scepter at this present day and this vpon confidence that you shall know the sincere affection which I haue to obey you in all things you will not refuse to accept me fréely for your sonne in Law And albeit that I doo not repute my selfe at this present very rich in earthly riches hauing as yet my father liuing yet may I well vaunt to bee in bart and good will to serue and defende you from your enemies a man more forward than any other Prince of Europe For this occasion I pray you graunt mee in marriage your Daughter Gridonia whome I shall bée able to vpholde in her honours better than any other Knight that at this day liueth Faire Knight replyed then the Duchesse to giue you my Daughter to wife could I well be content if by any meanes it might bée knowing very well the illustrious bloude from whence you descende Notwithstanding shée hath sworne neuer to marry with any but with him who for the Iewels of her marriage shall first present her with the head of Primaleon of Greece sonne to the Constantino Politane Emperour This is no small demaund quoth the Knight againe albeit when I shoulde haue some iust and reasonable occasion I would embolden my selfe so farre as to dare to goe to deâ—â—â— him at his owne home to effect the same I will tell you occasion good ynough said the Lady then you shoulde knowe that in a Tourney which he caused to be published at the Nuptials of his sister Philocrista hee gaue safe conduct to all commers when for all that he slew felloniously as if it had béene in a mortall Combate fought at all destance Perrequin of Duas sonne to the King of Polland my Brother who entred the Lists onely to the ende to assay himselfe against him So that by good reason you may vppon this death accuse him of fellony and disloyalty Madame answered hée that is not sufficient to vrge this euill act vpon him because the Knight who entereth into a Tourney is as the man that playeth at Dice who before hée sit himselfe downe to play must make account that hée may sometimes loose and sometimes winne Euen so the true Knight should appeare within the Lists in hazard to leaue his life there behinde him as soone as to bring it away with him againe Notwithstanding séeing that I haue no better occasion I will combat him alleadging that hée slew him in anger and mallice which prouoked him thereunto Whereuppon I doo assure thy selfe that hee trusting in Prowesse and reputation will answere me arrogantly and prouoke mee with some iniurious wordes which will giue mee more apparent reason to combat him And to the ende that you shoulde knowe I speake nothing with my mouth which my heart forethinketh not I promise to depart incontinently hence and to take my voyage to Constantinople where if I dye in the battell it shall be for me a perpetuall honour and praise to dye for so perfect a Lady as Gridonia is and if I chaunce to vanquish mine enemy I shal purchase the most exquisite and rare treasure that Nature might present me on this earth True it is Madame that I would greatly desire that it would please you of curtesie to let me sée the Princesse your Daughter before my departure for that hauing once imprinted her liuely beauty within my hart shée shall double augment my force and courage That will I not refuse you said the Duchesse but I accorde it vnto you with all my hart yet not without aduertising you before hand that you shal put your selfe in great perrill of your life by reason of a Lyon which gardeth her continuallie the which wareth fierce and cruell so soone as hee perâ—â—aneth anie Knights come neare my Daughter For all that will not I let to go see answered then Valido hoping I shall well enough defend my selfe if the beast come to assaile me Hauing then taken this resolution the Duchesse sent with him one of the Gentlemen of her house with expresse commandement not to suffer any other to enter within the Castell but this Knight onely where when hee came afterwards and that Gridonia knew that it was the King of Bohemiaes Sonne who would go to combat Primaleon for her Loue she commaunded to bring him vp into her chamber Which the Prince vnderstanding hee tooke brauely his buckler in one hand his naked sword in the other then entred â—â— without any feare like a hartie and valiant Champion But the Lyon séeing him approch in this equipage beganâ—◠〈◊〉 and narre lifting vp his head furiously out of the Damosels lappe where he was wont for the most part to repose it Neuerthelesse she held him backe by great force by a lease made of gold-twist which held by a rich coller buckled to his necke for that Gridonia was not strong inough to stay him Valido came full vppon him with his brandished sword to strike hym but she cried vnto him that he should not doe it except he wold die and that he should depart onely out of the Chamber and they would finde meanes to speake together The Bohemian did doe so much willinglie and much â— doo had the Insant to kéepe her Lyon foom running after him yet by stroaking and making much of him shée shut him â—â— within a great Chamber wherein séeing himselfe thus imprisoned he began to roare in so strange manner that hee made all those who heard him fore afraid Whereat Gridonia was so vered that going out of her Chamber to speake with the Knight shée spake but thus much Fayre Knight my mishap and disaster will not permit mee at this present to haue any long talke with you therefore I beséech the Almightie so to strengthen your Arme against Primaleon that you may make him pay dearely for his treason wherein I remayning satisfied shall repute my selfe a most Fortunate woman to bee reuenged by meanes of the best knight who euer put foote in stirrop So much astonished and ranished with her great beautie was Valido that hardly could be answere one only word neuer fearing to be accounted lumpish and of small discretion he hazarâ—â—d to breake silence in this manner Madame sore shuld the heauens punish mee and Fortune should shew hir selfe too too mutinous against mee if séeing so rare and perfect a Paragon as is your personage I should not employ my body and soule to their vtter mostâ— to reuenge you of the wrongs which are offered you for that hee should be very blinde and deuoide of naturall reason who hauing once séene your selfe if he shuld not iudge you vnworthie of aduersitie and for
ensue Ah my Lord replied the Damsell I giue you leaue to shew your surie on me the very first of all if euer I bring you into any further perrill with that shee kist his hande and letting him forth by the same doore hee came in at shee conducted him to the Hermitage where taking leaue one of another the Knight tooke his way toward the Cloister being most ioyfull of the vertue of his sword which he had purchased there but very sorrowfull and pensiue for the wordes which the Dukes sister told him which hee also saw so haue some relation to the Presage of the figures painted vpon his shield Afterwardes beeing arriued at the Abbey after the entertaimnents and welcommings accustomed taking the two Knights whom he had deliuered along with him in company he returned strait vnto the Court of the King his father who for that hee could heare no newes of him was in great heauines and melancholly the which at his arriuall was all changed into extreame ioy and gladnes when embracing him hâ—â— thus began to welcome him My deare sonne I cannot sufficiently woonder how ye departed without making me any thing at all priuy to your intent My Lord and father answered the young Prince I beséech you to pardon me for so much as I was forced sore against my will so to doo and then hee recounted vnto him the brauadâ— of the Damsell in the woode who carried him afterwards to prooue his valour in the aduenture of the Numâ—ey where hee deliuered also these two with the whole discourse of their History Whereat all those who heard him wondred greatly and espeacially the King his father who beeing filled with an vnspeakeable ioy welcommed them in the best manner vnto his Court and with kinde spéeches embraced them whereby they thanking him in most humble manner bowed themselues verie low to kisse his hand so that after this Royall entertainment they had great honor done them by al those of the Court who could not be satisfied with beholding them but did extoll vnto the heauens the inuincible valour of their deliuerer The Duke of North-Wales the verse same who was at that time Successor to their Father came to visite them as his néerest kinsmen with many other Knights and Lordes of his blood whereof they were wonderfull ioyfull especially to see themselues in the place where they were brought vp in theyr tender age and yet not knowing any one body of all those whome they beheld there And after they had made some abode in this Court for the loue of the King and of Prince Edward his Sonne so soone as he departed they went their waies also to yeeld themselues religious men within the Monastery of the Caue where they vowed the small residue of their liues vnto the seruice of God The King and all the great Lordes of his Court beheld with much admiration the rich sworde and all the rest of the Princes Armes estéeming the knowledge of the auncient Duke of Borsa to be most wonderfull who had â—â—â—ented so cunning matters in his house where to returne to the Infant Rene after shee saw her hope desperate shee besought her Father to make her a Nunne in the Monastery which had béene cause of her disafter protesting neuer to loue any other Knight but he Whereunto her Father easily condescended because this Ahbie was within the Country vnder his obedience and long since founded by his auncestors In this place the Damsell liuing at her great case felt cuerie day more and more some accesse of the languishing passion which shée indured for her deare and perpetuall friend Prince Edward who after hee was Crowned King of England knowing of the austere life she lead after his refusall came to see her as farre as the Connent was from him where hee bestowed great riches on it for the loue of her and of the Abbesse who by meanes of his sword which he left there remembred his promise The English Prince then being greatly estéemed of his father and of all the Lordes and Barrons of his Realme hée made small account of that reputation for that his spirit was rather occupied to séeke out the meanes how hée might secretly depart to goe followe straunge aduentures by the which hee might finde out her whom hee loued more entirely than himselfe In the meane time hee tooke his chiefest delight to visite many times her image and representation vnto the which hée discoursed and recounted the extreame affection be bare her as if he had beene in presence of the liuing creature and by this meane tooke he some comfort when vppon a day fortune presented before his eyes a fit opportunity to depart and to goe into any part of the world whether so euer he desired which was in this manner When he was walking vpon the bankes of the Thames mere London be spied a vessell laden with merchandize ariue which a rich Merchant of Hungarie accompanied with diuers others had laden together to sell and to traâ—sique by whom vnderstanding whence the ship was for he knew long before howe the Duchy of Ormeda bordered vpon the kingdome of Hungarie aduised himselfe that hee might secretely depart with this ship when it should bee ready to set sayle towards the North. By this occasion beeing returned into his Chamber purposing to get his equipage in a readines calleth aside a Page of his who was very faithfull named Clawde of whom hee demaunded if hee knewe not the Master of the shippe with whom he had spoken Who made answere he did then hée tolde him further howe hee must néedes make a voyage into Hungarie and to Constantinople about matters of great importance And because this shippe sayled directly into those Countries hée commaunded him to certefie the Pilot how a Knight who desired to passe into Hungarie would giue him willingly what he would demaund if hee would spéedily make for those parts The Prince made no creature priuy to his departure for that he meant to carry no more company along with him but his man Clawde only and Maiortes for to make him pastime by the way Claudius hauing thoroughly vnderstood his Masters mind went incontinent strait to the Hauen where hee concluded with the Master for the time of their embarkement and deliuering him a good summe of money to prouide necessary furnitures returned backe to his Lord and told him all who was very ioyfull of this opportunity And as secretly as hee could by night time be caused his Armes to be carried a boorde the shippe with such sea prouisions as were necessary for this voyage and after that the Merchant had made good trafficke of all his merchandize Prince Edward embarked himselfe with his man Clawde and his Dogge Maiortes onely The King and the Quéene missing Prince Edward at his vprising as he was accustomed to salute them were in great he aâ—nes for him and yet supposing he had but absented himselfe from the Court for a while they comforted themselues herein
a hardy Knight bée determined to lay an ambush for Prince Edward to take him away by violence as you shall vnderstand But the Lady being a very ioyfull woman to sée her businesse haue so happy issue would not depart vntil the Tourney were finished which her Knight also purposed to attend who in the meane time was fore offended with himself that he combatted not Belcar because that slaying him in battell hee thought to doo great pleasure to Gridonia who hated mortally the partakers and louers of the Emperour of her capitall enemy But the King and all the Lords there present had no other talke but of him so that Belcar who felt himselfe some what displeased hearing all the praise powred vpon him saide thus much in all their hearings The houre approcheth when we shall see what hee can doo Notwithstanding I maruell much of you my Lorde looking vppon his father that you suffer your selfe so soone to be ouercome with wordes I haue done it sonne replyed the King to preuent the perill of your life hauing no better right on my side and let mee heare no more for good Knights ought to be honoured and maintained by Princes After this commaundement this pleacame no more in question but euery one prouided to make himselfe braue against the Tourney attending with an incredible desire to sir howe the Knight of the Dogge would be haue himselfe Sunday being once come the King went accompanied with his Barrons and the Quéene attended by her Ladies to the Scaffold and presently the place of the Iousts was opened where wer about two thousand Knights what on one side and other and the Duke of Borsa and the Earle of Oregua helde vppon the Courtiers side being both very valiant Champions Aâ— the first encounter many knights were séene goe to the ground then beginning to strike one vpon another â—dgeling â—â—â—â—ling and point wise making such noyse as if a Legion of Smiths had béene beating vpon their Anuiles But King Frisol looked about on euery side thinking to recognize the English Prince who hearing say that the Skirmish was already begun supposing some one or other of the Kings Sonnes would be within the lists he came thether accompanied with the xx Knights of the Ladies so that seeing the courtiers at the point of carying away the victory he purposed to reléeue the féebler side and dashing Spurres to his Horse before he brake his Launce he laide many a Knight along then setting hand to his sword he did maruelous things By this means knew him many Courtiers who came to prooue themselues against him Amongst others the Earle of Oregua comming very neere him lent him two sound blowes with his Mace for which he susteined sodaine reuenge by one blow which Prince Edward crossed him ouer his Helmet wherwith being sore hurt he fell to the ground Surely quoth the King then who beheld the coÌ„flict I perceiue now that which my heart did presage vnto me of the prowesse of the Knight of the Dog to be true things which euery one may iudge aswel as I by his honorable seats of armes which do aduance him far aboue all those of the whole troope And as he vttered these spéeches behold Belcar and his brother Ditreus who enter the lists vnknowne and for they said they would not be séene in the Tourney that day to the end to auoid asmuch as might be the clamor of the vulgar sorte assoone as the Nobility were placed vpon the Scaffolds they went secretly to arme theÌ„selues to thrust in among the crowd as being no better than simple Knights onely where being ariued Belcar ran his Launce cowched with great fury against the Knight of the Dog who seeing him come with such a powder attended him couered with his shield whereupon he receiued one liuely attaint wherewith had it not bin for the band of the Armer or who fatally tempered it Prince Edward had bin in danger of his life Then began they to charge one another with inuincible courage neuerthelesse their conflict continued not long because the Englishman who excelled Belcar in chiualry féeling himselfe somwhat mooued lighted so fell a knock vpon his Helmet that he cleft it a two and wounded him déep in his head so that he was constrained to fall astonied to the ground When the Prince of Hungarie saw his brother Belcar lie so piteously vanquished the Courtiers ouerthrowne he ran as a mad man against Prince Edward with so terrible a furie that his blow glauncing within the plates of his pouldrons vnder his shield he gaue him a little wound in his arme but he went not farre from the place to vaunt himselfe therof for the Knight of the Dog reached him two so sound blowes vpon his left shoulder betwéene his Habergion and his headpéece that he sent him to kéep his brother company Afterward with the aid of the most valiantest on his side he brusht his aduersaries in such sort that he made them all discampe to saue themselues and seeing himselfe victorious being very weary and ouer trauelled he retired himselfe into his lodging where he was by the Lady and her Knights disarmed and his wound carefully looked vnto Meane while the King who knew nothing of his sonnes disafter shewed himselfe to be very ioyfull to see that which he presumed of the Knight of the Dog to be in effect most true and supposed thereby he had done very well not to graunt his sonne Belcar the combate against him neuertheles being arriued at the Pallace and finding them both in so ill pickle he changed his sodaine ioy into sorrow saying Alas I deserue this well who did my self intreate the knight to attend the Tourney to procure me this mischiefe now let him go his wayes on Gods name and that no man be so hardie as to disturbe and vexe him The English Prince vnderstanding how Ditreus and his brother were wonderfull ill at ease through the wounds which they receiued of his hand was the gladdest man in the world for the respect which you haue heard before and considering how it was not very good to soiourne any longer in this court requested the Lady to take her leaue of the King and that it would please him to pardon him if he abode no longer there which she did most willingly not without great enquiry of the King to know who her Knight might be wherein the good Ladie being not able to satisfie him any otherwise but that a Merchant of Arriace had taken him into his ship in England as a passenger He tooke her conge honestly of him to returne home to her own house whether the knight of the Dog would néeds accompany her a good part onward of her way whereof the Earle of Oregua being aduertized who hated him mortallie for that he had béene dismounted by him in the Tourney desiring also with an extreame affection to get his faire Dog Maiortes froÌ„ him encouraged a brother of his who was both a valiant and a hardy
one winke so much was his minde troubled with thinking of Maiortes whom the Damsell had tolde him to be a man and of the other things which Osmaquin had prophested of him which did all iumpe right with the imagination of his dreame wherein his thoughts were still occupyed vntill it was day when they remounted on horse back marching along the sea coast they came at last vnto a little créeke lying betwéene two Rocks where they found the Frigot at an Anckor whereinto they went all aboard to Ship themselues In this vessell were two little Chambers either of them garnished with a fine bed and with whatsoeuer prouision was requisite for such a voyage therein was also found two rich Armours varnished blacke with two very fayre swordes for the young Gentlemen which Osmaquin had layd in that place before he dyed together with all the treasure of the Soldan their father foreknowing well by meanes of his Art what would ensue after their fathers decease So soone as the young men syied these Armours they besought Prince Coward to Arme them Knights before they set sayie whereunto he most willingly condescended and causing them to endosse the Armours he buckled on the spurres vnto them both and gyrded both theyr swords vnto theyr sides giuing them the gentle accolado with these kinde spéeches I pray God to make you as good Knights as your aspect and phistognomie doth prognosticate that the prowesse and valour which shall héereafter apparantly procéede from you may deface the want of this act not accomplished according to the ceremonies requisite in the honour of Chiualrie When they had thus receiued the order of Knighthood they hoysedsailes and without euer setting eye of any other ship they rowed so long that within a while they found themselues in the maine Sea where the Infant Olymba was so glad séeing her two Brethren Knighted that she could not satisfie her self in her dilligent attendance vpon Prince Edward So that sayling with a prosperous and a calme sea they came to surge within the coast of Thrace whence Prince Edwarde discrying Constantinople a great way off his heart began to rise not knowing what fortune would befall him in that Cittie And for that he would not directly put into an Hauen they Anckored in a little gulfe about fiue miles off where neuer any Ships vsed to ride and yet thether haunted some poore Fishermen whose dwelling was not farre of As they were all gotten a shore My friends quoth Prince Edward to the young Gentlemen I must of necessitie go into Constantinople where I hope to haue the combate granted me against Primaleon of Greece sonne to the Emperour Palmerin for indeed for no other cause am I come into these climates wherein if God so much sauour me that I may escape with my life I promise you to be héere againe quickly to aide you with all my power and if peraduenture I die ending my life in this Combate heauen a graunt yée may speedily recouer your estate and succession Therefore mine aduise is that yée abide héere to accompany the Infant your sister for I am determined to passe thether alone as I came when yée first found me out When Olymba heard the Prince speake in this manner she began to fetch a deepe sigh saying Ah Noble sir God for bid your death should be so sodaine I hope assuredly you shall returne victorious in this battell therefore trouble not your selfe with any of these thoughts and cares but haue your confidence in God onely who shall be your Protectour Then Bellager interrupting this her spéeche requested the Knight he would not for any thing in the world abandon him whereby he might not sée the ende of this combat so that hee must néedes goe along and Mosderin who would faine haue made the same voyage was faine to keepe his sister company where we will leaue them to bring the two Knights vnto the Citty of Constantinople CHAP. XXIIII How Prince Edward being arriued in Constantinople to defie Primaleon vppon the death of Perrequin of Duas found himselfe surprized with the amorous and gratious regarde of the Infant Flerida the Emperours daughter and how he and Primaleon fighting afterward a Combate at all 〈…〉 were by her parted and what fell out therevpon PRince Edward and Bellager hauing taken the way of Constantinople had not trauelled aboue two miles but they mette with many Knights who were walking abroade in the fields For this place being very pleasant and of great recreation the Emperour woulde néedes showe some pastime of hunting to Torques sonne to Kings Tomaâ— of Griesca and of Romata him whom he had before deliuered out of the hands and dangerous assaults of the Soldan of I'ersia This Torques a most gallant Gentleman and very actius â—â—eats of Armes pricked on with the spurre of vertue to winne bruite and renowne among the best Knightes hearing euery day such high commendation of those in the Emperours Court surpassing the best accomplished and most valiantest Knights in all Europe and Asia he besought the King his Father vppon a time to giue him licence to goe the ther to sée them Whereunto he most willingly gaue his consent and she rather because the good Prince Palmerin was one of the gretest friends hee had a thing which might easily bee iudged by the sumptuous and most honourable entertainement which hée made his sonne at his arriuall vnto whom Primaleon opened the secrete gates of his amity loue and faythfull friendshippe in such sort that they were neuer shut vnto him afterward Now by this time Prince Edward béeing come iust to the place where was pitched the Emperours Cent who was then walking abroade with his Empresse along by a little fresh streame which was very néere vnto that place Primaleon and Torques with the Infant Flerida and diuers other Ladies walking after them hee was greatly amazed and astonished for a time but at the last he asked of a Squire who it was Syr quoth hée it is the Emperour of Constantinople who came hether yesterday to take his disport and pleasure at the Chace Accompanied with the Prince of Griesca who arriued but this other day within his Court And if you be a stranger in this place as it séemeth vnto mee you are I will presently showe you the Emperour if you knowe him not for behold where hée is himselfe in person walking with the Empresse Kight ioyfull was the knight of the Dog to beholde the Emperour calling to minde the maruellous deeds which he heard reported of him approching neerer be did not alight at all from his horse to shew that he came not to doo him anie seruice But a little he bowed himself on his horse mane saying Sir of your fauor I would request you it may please you to shew me if Primaleon your sonne be in this tronye or no for that before you esteemed the most iust and equitable Prince liuing at this daie vnder the firmament I wil desâ—s him vpon
THE FIRST BOOKE OF PRIMALEON of Greece Describing the knightly deeds of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former Historie of Palmendos brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon LONDON Printed for Cuthbert Burby and are to be solde at his shop by the Roiall Exchange 1595. The first Booke of Primaleon of Greece Describing his Knightly deedes of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former History of Palmendos Brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon c. CHAP. I. How the Ambassadours of Fraunce came to Constantinople where they were Honourablie receaued by the Emperour who hauing heard the effect of their Ambassage and conserred theron with the Prince Arnedes affianced him immediatlie to his Daughter Philocrista by whose hand the Ambassadours presented the Letters of credence from the King their Maister IN the Historie of Palmendos after which this Booke of Primaleon followeth you haue hearde of the Loue betweene the Prince Arnedes 〈…〉 Philocrista Daughter 〈…〉 Emperour Palmerin and 〈◊〉 a Courtier was sent to aduertise the â—ing his Father thereof That hee might â—nâ—ay the like good fortune â—s Palmendos had done with his mistresse Francelina and thereby confirme a generall reioysing The messenger béeing carefull to dispatch this businesse made such haste in his iourney as in short time be arriued at the famous Cittie of Paris where the King vnderstanding the will of his Sonne quicklie resolued to conclude these assures Electing as chiefe in this Ambassage the Duke of Orleaunce a verie wise prudent Lord commanding also that the Marquesse of Oliuet the Countie Peter one of the bost knightes in his Court should be are him companie with manie other Barrons so sumptuouslie accoustred as euidentli declared how far the French excéeded al other Nations in magnificence and good partes whereof at this time wee haue no leysure to speake The King hauing giuen them his Letters of credence and instructions concerning the summe of their charge he deliuered them sundry precious gifts which he sent to Philochrista and the Prince Arnedes But before their departure there came a Knight to the Court from the King of Castile to aduertise Recinde howe his Brother béeing deceased without issue all the people verse much reioyced that the Scepter of the Kingdome should fall to a Prince so valiant When the King of Fraunce heard these newes by the gentleman of Spaine named Pinedo be made answere how Recinde was gone with his Son Arnedes to Constantinople where as hee heard by credible intelligence hee daylie wonne great honour and renowne Hereupon Pinedo determined to passe into Greece with the Ambassadors and comming to Tolloain Prouence they embarqued them selues on the Mediteranean Sea where sayling with winde at will it was not long before they arriued at Constantinople euen at such time as Arnedes was in his wonted passions of loue No sooner were they entred the Porte and bad cast Anker but the Duke of Orleaunce commaunded a generall iouysance in applauding heauen for their happie nanigation whereof the Emperour béeing aduertised he sent to know the cause of this reioysing When he heard the arriuall of the French Ambassadors he was right glad thereof hoping Arnedes woulde now recouer health by some good tidinges and therefore sent spéedily to acquainte him therewith intreating him to bee of good courage séeing the Lordes of his Countrie were come so happilie It were needlesse to demaund if Arnedes were wel pleased with these tydinges considering the present cure hee found in one moment hée reby which shewed that herein consisted the onelie medicine for his malladie this made him leaue his bed and goe with Primaleon to the Emperour who séeing him come so 〈…〉 was not a little glad of his good recouerie and said Me thinks Sir Arnedes that the arriuall of these French Gentlemen hath reuiued and verie well strengthened you Well haue you saide my Lorde answered Arnedes because it is the onlie meanes of my restoring Philocrista who knew full well the depth of his amorous desiers reioyced maruellouslie at this fortunate occurrence so that by outward view of her countenance might easilie bee discerned the inward content of her bart and whence procéeded this alteration wherein by silence shee bewrayed to the French Prince what boldlie she durst not vtter in spéech and whereof he néeded no interpreter but with like signes returned thankfull requitall minding to goe presentlie to the Porte to sée by whome the King his Father had sent this long expected message The Emperour commaunded manie of his Barrons with him for more Honourable accompanying the Ambassadors to the Pallace and in signe of greater fauour Primaleon himselfe went with Arnedes who sent his divarse before to let them vnderstand his comming to the Porte Whereupon the Duke of Orleaunce with his company immediatly laÌ„ded where first beholding their yong Prince they ran hare-headed to kisse his hand when he haning seuerallie embrased the thus spake to the Duke of Orleaunce My noble Cosen how many pleasures hath your art shall héere inriched me withall in sooth farre more than you can easlie thinke on But tell mee I pray yée ere we passe any further how sares the King my Noble Lorde and Father So well as your heart can desire my Lord answered the Duke and as one wounderfull longing spéedilie to sée you wherefore his will is that making so little stay héere as possible you can you vse some hast in returning to your Countrie of Fraunce Herein shall I most gladlie obey him replyed Arnedes ere many dayes after this hée expired in meane space giue honour to Primaleon here the Emperours Sonne who hath vouchsafed to come in person to welcome yée Primaleon maruelled that these French Lords and Knights so humbled themselues to Arnedes which made him imagine that he was Sonne to their King in regard whereof vsing the greater kindnes to the Duke of Orleaunce and the other Ambassadours he desired theÌ„ to resolue him concerning the estate of Arnedes who hitherto had not disclosed himselfe to anie one My Lord said the Duke this yong Prince is out Soueraignes Sonne who in respect of his earnest desire to be seruice to the Emperour your Father thought it méetest for him to come vnknowne to this Court and héere to remayne so concealed till hee should perceiue his priuate deseignes fall out to his owne contentment Concerning which the present message committed to our trust by the King his Father I hope will sort to good and successefull end with the help of him whome I pray so spéed vs as herein our enterprise may not be disappointed In good faith said Primaleon turning himselfe to the French Prince I haue very great reason to complaine of you Arnedes that you would thus long hide yourself from me for although you resolued in comming hither that no one should know ye yet you might haue exempted me from that vniuersall number considering the
before day which displeased Rifarano verie much for that hee could not take his leaue of the Emperour nor of Palmendos whom he destred to sée aboue all other Wherefore calling to him the Squire of the Countesse who followed him hee commaunded him before his departure from thence he should present himselfe before the Emperour and to tell him that Rifarano recommended himselfe most humbly to the good grace of his Maiestie beseeching him of excuse if he could not come him selfe to doe the message for that by reason of some businesse which was of great importance he was coniured to depart in all haste to the end to arriue with more spâ—d in Germanie and that he would ere long returne to make amends by his humble seruice for the Honour which he had receaued in his Court Then giuing him manie rich presents as well for himselfe as his Mistris commaunded him assoone as hee had discharged his dutie towardes the Emperour he should returne to hir strait to pray her learn him shee should not thinke amisse of him if during his aboue with her he neuer told her the name of his house and linage For which he would come to make amends hauing remayned some few daies in Almaine whether he was going with Ledefin to sée the Emperour Trineus his Father and that in the meane time she should make account of him as of the most affectionate seruant shee might finde in the vniuersall world After these spéeches the Pilot began to cut with his ship the spacious pliane of salt waters leauing vppon the shore the Squire verie pensiue and sorrowfull to abandon thus his Master but after he had called his courage to him he went to do his embassage to Palmendos and the Emperour who was wil sorrie for his secret departure because he would soone haue sent Rifarano home to his Father wish more honour The Countesse of Islande vnderstanding by her Squier that her Paramour was an Infidell and had nâ—â—eadie taken his way towards Germanie shee had almost 〈◊〉 for sorrow So that tooing afterwardes some â—â—llere pennance for her offence after the end of nine Moneths shee brought into this world a goodlie Sonne who inherited the â—arâ—â—dome of Island after the discease of his mother and following military Discipline did atchieue 〈◊〉 many strange thinges in Fraunce whether he went to sée his Father who was Duke of Burgundie as you shall vnderstand by the discourse of our Historie With this Childe the Countesse tooke so great comfort that by little and little she forgot the loue of Rifarano whom ' wee will nowe come to finde making saile in the Adrâ—aticke Sea where he had so happie Nauigation that within fewe daies hee came vppon the coast of Germanie and casting his ankers in a Porte foure dayes iourney distant â—â—om the Emperour Trineus Court they went thither in compleate armes except the head In breefe béeing arriued at the Pallace Rifarano sell on his knées before his Father demaunding his hande to kisse it The good Prince Trineus who vnderstoode long time before by letters from the Emperour of Greece of his Sonnes arriuall in Constantinople which hee then presentlie imparted to the Empresse his wife who greatly desired to knowe what they were séeing these two strange Knightes mistrusted lest the one should be him whereof serued for a good testimonie the gladnesse which hee shewed in his heart when he saide Sir Knight to giue you my hand I may not willingly consent before I knowe who you are My Lorde replyed hee againe in places where I am knowne they call mee Rifarano and this my companicâ— â—echefin Sonne to the Solton of Persia and to 〈◊〉 most affectionate friends O then you are thrice welcome quoth the Emperour into the place where your arriuall ouercommeth mee with gladnes So said he embracing them hauing for very â—ole so râ—re the teares in his eyes that he could hardly abstaine but some one did fall to the ground when he began thus Ah! my sonne happie may I thinke the perill and danger I past to be get you séeing that I see you no 〈◊〉 proued such fruite of my labour that all my life I shall for my part praise God for so great a grace but how could you stay so long away before you would come to see me considering your valour and Chiualrie did much increase my desire thereunto â— Alas It was the heauen which beeing enâ—â—ous and iealous of my blisse could not permit me to enioy your presence Hauing done this speech hee welcomed verie courteouslye Lechesin in the meane time they had this honest and gratious communication came in many Nobles who vnderstood newes of Rifarano to entertaine him the most Honourablâ—â— they could So that the Emperour who knew verie well the Empresse would be most glad of this occurrence taking the two Knights the one in the right hand and the other in the left went to finde her in her Chamber saying Madame these Princes the one who is of the Soldan of Persiaes sonnes and the other ouer whom you haue absolute power to commaund come to do you their humble reuerence and to offer you their seruice in any thing whatsoeuer wherein it shall please you to employ them Then the Empresse rising from her 〈…〉 to embrace them both with great loue especially Rifarano to whome she saide My sonne I haue now good occasion to reioyce mee of your presence and to cherrish you as mine owne Childe seeing you resemble him so naturally who following his destante gaue you your essence among men whome I loue aboue mine owne person with zeale so entire and perfect that it extendeth and redoundeth far ouer yours Madame quoth Rifarano nature hath so fullie accomplished you with all vertues that there can procéed from you nothing but a sincere good will for which I thanke you most humblie in mine owne behalfe albeit it much surpasseth my little merite which shall cause me to put this kindnes into the number of manie others which you haue so well heaped on mee that all my life I shall finde my selfe much boundeâ— vnto you Then bee kist her hand with the honour and reuerence which appertaineth to so high a Ladie and next did embrace Vernan her eldest sonne a Prince surely carefullie instituted in good manners and vertuous education which well hee could shew by the gentle entertainment he made him in recognisance of this new fraternitie albeit he were verie young of yeares Hee held the second place of thrée male Children and of two female which they had at one birth whereof the first liued not long because this was not in age marriageable the alliance of the houses of Almaine with that of Constantinople could not be redoubled giuing him to Philocrista whome the Prince of Fraunce had neuer other wise espoused their eldest Daughter of the age of fourtéene called Bellerisa was verie faâ—re yet not so faire as the younger But the Emperour caused the two Knights to bee disarmed and
to Trioll my Brothers Wherein if my Lorde and father commaund mee any thing farther I shall consent with a verie good will to returne you the guerdon which so good will as yours doth merite wee may well imagine what was the case content of Lechefin knowing there was giuen and that by his verie Lady some refrigeration to the burning of his flame which beganne to liue and kindle so liuelie afterward in Bellarisaes hart that it was within a while no losse vehemente than that of her louer Who by this meane became more hardie and couragious than euer hee was before committing afterwarde nothing which might staine his honour but in Ioustes Tourneyes which were held in those quarters he carried away stil the greatest part of the honour as the best Champion neâ—te after Trioll who farre surmounted all those of that Countrie Therefore both the one and the other were greatly esteemed by the Emperour and the Potentates of Almaine where wee will leaue them a while to passe their time according to the renowne and commendation which they shall win to recount the Cournies and great magnificentes made in the meane time in Constantinople in attending the Courney held at the Nuptials of Palmendos and Franchelina CHAP. VI. How the County Peter one of the French Ambassadors determined to hold eight daies together continuall Iousles against all commers to Constantinople which hee did for the honour and beautie of Ladies attending the opening of the great Tourney which Primaleon caused to be published before And how the Duke of Drante vassall to the King of Thessalâ—â— was the first who entered the listes against him YOU haue vnderstoode heretofore howe the Emperour Palmerin sent to inuite meane great Princes and Signeurs of Greece to be at the Nuptials of his Daughter Philocristat wherin the Posts and Messengers did so well their â—ingenes it as in short time after there arriued the 〈…〉 part of the Barrens stem all Countries vnder his obedience in the best equiâ—age they could Amongst the Princes of â—arque there arriued first the King of Sparta and the Queens Arismene his wife Aunt to the Emperour who brought thither with them one onely Daughter which they had beeing not twelue yeares of age but verie beautifull and of the best grace called Amandria Before whom the Emperour came forth to welcome and entertaine them commanding his Fourriers a Harâ—ingers to marke out for them all the body of the great Serraglia néeâ—rst his quarter But the Emperour had Philocrista and two other yong daughters whereof the eldest who was called Flerida betweene thirteene and fourteene yeares of age certes as fayre as the day resembled very much the Empresse hir mother Shee after the marriage of Plulocrista was put in her place being giuen vnto her many Damsels and the same Estate that her sister had so that shee kept the Empresse alwaies company as did her sister Philocrista before To be briefe as for the graces and perfections wher with nature diâ—med worthy her gentle and diuine spirit she was the pearle of honour the Idea of beauty and the matchles Paragon of all good grace seeing that euen from her infancie shée was reputed in sagesse viâ—acity and quicknes of spirit a new or second Pallas being a Princesse fayrer demeanured and well aduised shée acquainted her selfe and grew into such league of amity and loâ—ing kindnes with her Cosen Amandria that they did neuer part company At the arriuall of the King of Sparta thether the Emperour his Nephewe conceiued a maruellous ioy The which was redonbled when hee vnderstoode that the King his father câ—me accompanied with Belcar and Recindes the future King of Castâ—le whereof Prince Arnedes was not glad a little nor the Spanish gentleman who did attende for him in that Court and the Infant Melissa was most ioyfull of all for thâ— hope shee hâ—d to see him qâ—â—cly her husband From diuers other strange Regions and Countries came euerie day Knights to the Court where they were all curteously reccaued by Primaleon Especiallie a great Eroupe of Thessalian Barrons who came thither to kisse their Kings hand and also to sée Palmendos whome they blessed and by their praiers lodged him aboue the heauens lawding God who gaue theÌ„ such a Prince for Seigneur whom for his part hee cherished and honoured in the best manner which contented them most of all Moreouer thither came the good Knight Frisoll King of Hungarie whether could not his Quéene accompanie him because shee was verie sicks And the Emperour stayd but for King Florendos his Father before he would begin â—â—e feast and solemnitie of the Nuptials when the French Embassadors who were there séeing so manie Princes and braue Knights gathered together pricked forward through desire of glorie determined to enterprise some Martiall excercise to passe away idlenes The formost of whome was the Earle Peter a verie braue and hardie Knight who loued as his own soule Isortine the Duke of Sauoyes Daughter the same man whome the Emperour Palmerin vanquished in Gaule who afterward espoused Lucimine Daughter to the King of Fraunce by whom he had thrée male Children verie braue knights and that only daughter faire in perfction whome hee caused to bee brought vp in the Court of his Father in law The Earle desired extreamely to haue her in marriage and for that purpose did he marueilous deeds of Armes as her Knight for the great loue that hee bare her redoubled his forces and encreased his courage in such sort that hee was esteemed one of the best Champions of the Kingdome which was cause the King of Fraunce those him for second Ambassadour in this treatie of mariage betwéene Arnedes and Philocrista Upon a day whilst the Emperour was conferring with the King of Sparta this French Earle came to beséech him in presence of the assistance to giue him leaâ—c to make a close â—ilt yeard in the great place of the Pallace where if it pleased him also he had enterprised to abide eight dayes together from Sunne to Sunne maintaining Ioust and Combate against all commers who shoulde come to shew their valours in protection of their Ladies For that hee desired to maintaine her who possessed his heart to be one more Accomplished in vertues and graces correspondent to her extreame beauty than any other loued or serued of any Knight except Philocrista and Franchelâ—e the two glorious Startes of their age This did hee establish for a Lawe of the Combate that all knights vanquished by him should leaue theyr coats of Armes behinde them hanged vpon a piller which he caused to be erected at the ende of the Lists hoping to carry them with him away into Fraunce if so it fortuned that hee staid out his eight dayes iourney without giuing ouer his enterprise Contrariwise he would leaue his to his vanquisher who could holde out the rest of the prestred time vnder the honour and defence of the Lady whom he serued The Emperour who heard the County talke thus
this profounde contemplation shee could not countermaunde her spirite but her eyes must shedde same teares for gladnesse when she thus brake foorth Lord God now let mee leaue this mortall world when it shall please thee seeing thou dooest mee this Grace to represent before mine eyes the thinges which I so extreamely destred to sée Scant had she finished these few words but the enchaunted bird who was within the auncient chamber of the Emperor sent forth two most lamentable scréeches and had not at their comming shewed any signe of gladsomnes as shée was alwaies accustomed to doo at the arriuall of the Emperours fauourites So that the Emperour who was very sorrowful for this presage gaue great héede vnto it with many other Seigneurs who knew the nature of this animall beléeuing verily by her hoarss chattering some siniser accident was presaged But he dissembled it as well as he might without shewing any outward appearance but said incontinent to the Queene Madame I beseech you most humbly let vs not talke in this happy time of recreation of any thing which may driue vs into melancholly seeing you being yet farre from death shall see your selfe long time serued and reuerenced of all these who are assistant before you and therefore doo not dismay your selfe by any thing which may bring you into a vaine and fantasticall opinion My sonne replied the Quéene then Death hath this by nature that there is none liuing in this world who can stew himselfe so strong against it that he may anoyde it our predestmation being such we cannot prolong or abridge it one little minute whereby ensueth that for any thing I haue now saide I can neither retarde it nor hasten it any thing the sooner When shee had spoken these words with a very good grace shee embraced the Infant Flerida who seemed vnto her the â—aprest and gratious creature shee had euer seene in her life before and kissing her sweete cheekes many times shee saide Fayre Daughter I pray God he suffer you to liue so long as your beauty and sweetnes of feature deserueth wherein I thinke well neither maide nor wise can bee founde to come once neere your Paragon Most true was that which the Queene spake for whosoeuer behelde this young Princesse iudged her to be a Venus in beauty and a Pallas in prudency But this day they past in great ioy and sollace throughout all the Court and in the euening Primaleon besought the Emperour againe that hee woulde the next day following giue him the order of Knighthood and the same hee entreated him also to doo for Abenuâ—â—cq and Arnasin Duke Tolomus sonne which be accorded vnto very willingly Therefore on the morrowe euery one doathing himselfe pompeously in rich and sumptuous Habits except Primaleon and his â—ead companions who watched all that night their Armes within the Chappell whether the Emperour comming with his father and the other Kings and Princes there was asolemne Masse begun You must vnderstand since the first time that Abenuncq saw Amand in the King of Spartaes daughter hee was so attainted with her loue that no other thought than of her dwelt within his breast So that in meane time while the Masse was saying hee resolued to become a Christian to shew more euidently vnto his Lady and Mistresse the extreame desire which set him on and especially to enter the Tourney as her onely Knight wherein hee hoped to adde vnto his praise that which he could make good there The Masse beeing ended hee humbly besought the Emperour hée might be partaker of the holy Sacrament of Baptisme before he came to the order of Knighthood For knowing how much the Law of Christ was more sublimate and in blessednes excéeding that of the Mores hee would no longer liue in Paganisme Which the Emperour and all the Assistants hearing were passing glad of his renouncing of Infidelity So that vncouering his head the Patriarck of Constantinople did baptize him presently cheâ—sing for his Godfather the King Florendos who commended him greatly for so vertuous an act For testemony whereof he promised strait to make him so great and puissant a Prince that hee should haue cause to put in obliuion the estate and riches of his father Whereof the new Christian returning him humble thankes the Greekish Monaâ—ke turned himself towards Primaleon saying Sen request of my most honourable father it would please him to arme you Knight with his hand for if I haue purchased some little honour in this world I can assure you all procéeded from him who inucsted mee first with this honourable degrée of Knighthood which I hope will be augmented more in your person if it please him to enrich you therewith Then you shall giue it vnto the young Arnasin and I vnto Abenuncq your companion Primaleon hauing heard what the Emperour his Father said went full ioyfull to knéele before the King his Grandfather beséeching him he would put on his spurre and girde vnto him his sworde of Armes whereof hee excused himselfe saying it were better to bee done by his Sunnes hand But the Emperour himselfe and all the other Princes who were there prayed him so instantly that in the end he was constrained to condiscend thereunto and giuing him as well his fatherly blessing as the militarie acoladoâ— hee soone made him Knight the Emperour armed Abenuncq Knight and afterwards Primaleon himselfe dubbed Arnasin of the same order The ceremonies were done with so great pompe that it was noone before they departed out of the Chappell so that the dinner staying for them after that the Yeomen of the Pantry had recouered the Tables rounde the Squiers of the kitchin were not long before they serued in their first seruice So comming from Church they went strait to dinner where the Emperour sate downe with his father the other Kings and great Lordes beeing serued most honourably and as such a magnificent Feast â—e séemed so Royall a companie of Princes After the tables were taken vp the Quéene Griana and the Empresse whose prouision was no lesse came to them with all the rest of Ladies so richly attired that the onely aspect of them put some gladnes into the Knights heartes who beheld them and amongst the rest filled some of their breasts with such amorous and pricking desires which tooke so déepe roote therein that they could neuer afterwards hee 〈…〉 Then beganne the dauncing and other reuelling in midst whereof thy enter laced interchaunge able talke of many matters Belcar tooke in the meane time Recindes by she hand whome hee brought to sit downe hard by Melissa with this language Deare Sister I must estéeme great and maruellous the felicity which God hath within this little while sent you to make you Ladie and Mistresse of one of the most valiant Knights who liueth vnder the zodiacke besides he is in all other thinges a Prince so accomplished that there are few at this day founde to be his like in valour and worldlie riches He of whome I speake
is the Prince Recindes whom yee see no lesse affectioned towards you with an intire loue than desirous to shew you the experience by meane whereof I pray you of all fauour betwéene you and me you will reciprocally loue him for that he deserueth it his vertues of themselues should inuite you thereunto and I promise you to employ my selfe so well for you both that with in few dayes your heartes shall finde some case and content The Damosell who was sage and as curteous as might he hasht a little at her Brothers spéeches and made him this answere You say true Brother that the Seigneue Recindes is vertuous valiant and a rich Prince I should 〈◊〉 my selfe to want manners and grace not to obay you in that which it pleaseth you to commaund mee séeing betwéene you two so perfect amitie is confirmed so that you and hee may he assured all my life I shall reuerence him in such sorte that you shall know with what sincerity shee speaketh who will remayne perpetually seruant to you both Now may I quoth Recindes repute my selfe truely happie about all these who thinke to haâ—â— attayned 〈…〉 of their felicitie seeing you so prompt Madame 〈…〉 which it pleaseth my Lord your Brother to preserue in my 〈◊〉 and if I reioyce in any good which God giueth me it is onlie but for the hope I haue to make you the Ladie and Mistresse of me and of the kingdomes of Spaine The Emperour who was a 〈…〉 and we 〈…〉 Prince casting his eye round about especially suruaying the qualitie of those who were in any conference with the young Princesse that it would be a verie sorteable match betweene Recindes and Melissa in so much that in time hee purposed to put it in effect Likewise he spied Abenuncq sitting nere Amandria Daughter to the King of Sparta his Vnkle whom hee permitted also to giue vnto him in mariage to the ende to recompence him there with because hee had forsaken his Mahometicall law and whilst the Emperour had this in his minde Abenuncq boorded her thus Onely Mistresse of my seruitude you might sée this morning the victorie which loue hath gotten ouer me making me renounce mine owne proper religion to take a new which is strange vnto me During which Combat the poore slaue of Cupid so fortefied himselfe with your liuely and rare beauty which hee shooting off at his eyes hath so imprinted it within his soule that no other thing were it neuer so highly estéemed can take that place from it Neuerthelesse if to make sufficient proofe of his Magnanimitie finding this precious treasure néere him it would please you to let him enter into the Courâ—â—ey as your Knight which is the most Soueraignety of his desiers you may well assure your selfe you neuer sawe so much hardinesse in a young and new made Knight as in him If for the loue of mee quoth Amandria then you haue renounced the Pagan lawe I am greatly bounden to blesse God and to thanke you for the good will you beare me albeit I merite not the least parcell of any such honour in recompence whereof I might he iudged ingratefull and too discurteous if I should refuse the honest request it pleased you to make mee béeing but newely Knighted and issued out of so Royall a house as you doe Wherefore I am content and thinke my selfe happie that in my name you will enter the â—istes wherein I hope you shall winne such Honour among the rest seeing you had so good knowledge and deuorsâ—â— of yourselfe to come to our faith Madame replyed he you onely haue béene the occasion in that to insinuate my selfe into your fauour I get the knowledge of the Soueraigne God For that regarde shall I loue you the more quoth shee smiling and will estéeme you euer more than any Knight which may offer himselfe to mine eyes in signe whereof there is a ring which shall serue you for a fauour in the â—ourney This ring replyed hée which nowe I haue by your gift shall giue me so much force and courage that when I should haue a thousand liues I would employ them all one after another séeling it fast vppon my little finger so that hauing it in my possession I shall prize it farre more than the fatall ring of Gyges This was the parlie these two newe louers had together that day which made Abenuncq in so great ioy hauing vnderstood thereby his Ladies will as hee past away merrily that night with the other Knights CHAP. XII How the Prince Arnedes was espoused with Philocrista and Palmendos with Franchâ—line and afterward laie all foure in two beddes which the Knight of the Isle-Close sent the Emperour with eight Musitians to make them all kinde of harmonious mellodie And howe the next day following they opened the great Triumph wherein Primaleon bore away the prize ON the morrowe which was the day when the Nuptials of Arnedes with Philocrista and of Palmendos with Francheline should be solemnized come euerie one foorth richly arrayed to accompanie them to the Church of Saint Marie the round but before they came thither they staire an houre by the way so full were the streetes and windowes stuffed with Knights who came thither to the â—ourney At the last they came thither and presently was there begun a high and solemne Masse by a Bishop who giuing his benediction to the new Epouses finished incontinent the Ceremonie which the Greekes had accustomed to vse in their Nuptials then returning to the Pallace in the same order they came it was past twelue before they came backe thither by meanes wherof these new married Princes sitting downâ— to cable with the King their Vnkle the Emperour their Father and the other Kings and Princes and great Seigneurs beganne presently a Consort of Musitions to sound on al kind of Instruments In briefe they so feasted all that day that it were impossible to recount it afterward bed time beeing come the Queene of Thessalie and many other Ladies of Honour brought Philocrista to her Chamber where they laid her in a rich and statelie Bed whose Curtaines and Canope were cloth of gold wrought with little figures of Birds spred cleane ouer a Couerture of fine crimson Veluet diapred euery where with great orientall Pearles The couch beset round with Imagerie of Pâ—rle in forme of Pomgranets holding two great braue Medailles of massiue gold had the soure principall pillers of the Mother of Emraude wrought infashion of bathes vnderpropped by foure Dragons of gréene marble planted vppon the bases of Caâ—cidonie and foote stalles of Iaâ—per and vpon the top of the pillers stood foure Sâ—hinges of â—â—ne â—gate comming soâ—ere the naturall creatures that you â—ould haue said there had bin nothing in theÌ„ wanting but the spéech The like did the Empresse to Francheline with manie other Ladies in her Chamber and in a Bed of no lesser 〈◊〉 arâ—â—fice thaÌ„ that of Philoorista as commâ—ng both out of the mans shop and
triumph day which was appointed for the Nuptialles of his Sister And for the more magnificent gracing thereof the Emperour grently desired to see the king his Father and the Queene his Mother there present which made him send a pest in this behalfe to request them The like did hee to the king of Sparta and Arismena his Aunt whome hee had not seene since their espousalls hee sent for King Frisoll also with the residue of his chiefest friendes that they would honour him with their presence at his Daughters wedding because soone after she was to depart for Fraunce The Horseman which the Emperour sent for Macedon found king Florendos in exceeding pleasure in that hee had married Belcar with Alderina Daughter to the Duke of Pontus and as yet the feast endured where Recinde was enforced to abide at the earnest intreatie of Belcar who promised afterward to accompanie him to Constantinople So that when the Poste arriued there they were prouiding to set forward on the way Now were the king and Quéene not a little ioyfull when they vnderstood that Palmendos was their Nephew Philocrista should marrie with so great a Prince as was the son to the king of Fraunce Hereupon they concluded not to frustrate the Emperours desire which hee had to see them at this solemnitie Then the messenger recounted to them how Arnedes had remayned vnknowen in the Court without any intent to make him selfe knowen untill the Ambassadours of Fraunce arriued there With whome quoth hee there came a knight of Spaine that enquired after Recinde Son to the Castile king because his eldest brother being deceassed the Subiectes of the Realme desire him for their king Recinde hearing these newes beeing vnable longer to endure deliuered forth meruaylous sorrowe for the death of his Brother saying that hee more desired his life than all the Kingdomes in the world Sundrie other mournefull spéeches hee procéeded in when the king and Balcar wundring that two such knights had so long concealed themselues reioysed not a little thinking themselues happie that they had done such honors to Recinde with whome they vsed many reasons and sweet perswasions to comfort and put him from his sorrowfull dumpes The messenger being likewise glad because hee had found the end of the Spanish Knights perigrination thus spake My Lord Recinde cease these teares which serue to no purpose for recouering the thing that is out of all hope of men but rather to hinder the Castillians who desire shortly to see yee as their Lorde and King Soueraigne For which me thinkes ye haue greater occasion to thanke God than thus to torment your selfe against all reason considering that the Scepter of Castile is one of the most rich and honourable in all Europe And if yee meane shortly to see the Prince Arnedes in Constantinople who is not a little pensiue for your cause of heauines yee will procure great ioy both in him and the whole Court of the Emperour because each one doth wish your presence there especially vpon so good occasion as is now offered When Recinde heard the Gentleman vse such spéeches he began to remember himselfe that nowe hee was to deliuer some Heroicall spectacle for better attayning his Lady Melicia whome by the sad and certaine newes of his Brothers death he thought the sooner to recouer as his owne Wherefore he determined to make one in this Tourney and as hee resolued on this honourable purpose many secret discourses combatted with his spirite which he generally imparting to Belcar receiued this answere from him My Lord and Brother although I durst not enterprise to goe so soone to Constantinople yet would I gladly beare you companie as well to grateste yée herein as any thing els I am able to deuise because you are the man to whom I would haue my nearest thoughtes knowen throughout my whole life with this assurance beside that yée shall not find any man lesse sparing of him selfe in such matters as may be déemed agreable to yée Seigneur Belcar answered Recinde I may well say that if Fortune heretofore hath slenderly fauored mee entertayning me often with verie rigorous tearmes yet might it bée interpreted but as a presage of vnspeakeable content in future prosperitie for the ioy I take in being of so good account with you surmounteth all the mishaps that haue befallen mee So knitting vp these courteous entercourses they purposed to take order for their voyage each one according to his owne best contriuing desiring the King not to make ouer much haste because they minded to trauaile together For Belcar Recinde and Tirendos required to go thither before meaning to perfourme some matter at honour and worthie commendation in the sight of the Emperour who had neuer seene anye deedes of Belcar and Tirendos whereto King Florendos agréed verie willingly who notwithstanding hee was aboue thréescore yéeres old yet was hee neuerthelesse of strong nature able to endure the paine of trauaile Nowe when hee had appointed euerie thing in equipage with a goodly companie he set on towarde Constantinople whither the Duke of Pontus could not come so soone as hee for certaine businesse of importaunce that had befallen him to the great griefe of the Princesse Alderina that shee should so long be absent from her deare spouse Belcar So leaue we them voyaging as time fauoured to speake of such things as happened in the Emperours Court in meane while CHAP. III. How Ozalio intreated Palmendos to accomplish the promise he made him and he vnwilling to deny him any thing gaue him Marencida to wise as also the Kingdome of Tharsus And howe they both embarqued themselues with a gallant companie of Knights to goe thither And what hapned the Queene Mother to Palmendos at their arriuall WHile the Horsemen and messengers were thus busied about their charge the Emperour commaunded preparation for the great triumph feasting his Sonne Palmendos and the French Lords entertayning them with all pastimes his hart could deuise so that the whole Court exercised themselues in nothing els than in such things as might yéeld greatest pleasure to this honorable assemblie Among them all that were thus contented Ozalio had little minde of pleasaunce séeing his Cosen altered from the Law of Mahomet wherefore he intreated him according to his promise that he would giue him the Princesse Marencida to wife with leaue to returne againe to Tharsus which motion highly pleased Palmendos knowing that by these meanes the Queene his Mother should heare certaine tydinges of him Marencida on the other side was in no lesse paine than Ozalio and albeit the Princesse Philocrista euermore comforted her with such honorable meanes as became her calling yet could she not fasten vpon any thought of pleasure but continuing daylie solitarie like solitude it selfe would not come forth of her Chamber but there all the day streamed foorth fountaines of teares complayning without ceasing of her aduersitie Of one thing she might iustly make vaunt that her eyes were
brauâ—ly was in so profound a thought calling to minde the happy tune that he purchased so much renown in trauersing the â—eltique Belgicke Gaule that he shewed outwardly some apparent token of gladnes and seeming to be in the Countesse thoughts and to feele the same pleasure which he receiued remembring the perfections of his Lady answered him merrily in this sort My Lorde I foresèe well the paine and trauell which will lie vppon your necke in this charge and howe much courage she giueth you whom you loue so perfectly that in her fauour you enterprise so Knightly an exployt Whereuppon I assure my selfe that beside the praise which shall remaine vnto you shee shall estéeme you much more considering the great hazard into which you expose your owne person But that I may condiscend vnto your request albeit I should bee very sorry if I shoulde accorde you any thing which might turne you to any hurt I grant you fréely to execute your enterprise therein and in all other honest and loudable 〈…〉 of Chiualry Gratious Lord replied the Countie as long as my soule shall dwell in his passible bodie I will alwaies endeuour in all places to manifest the praise of her merite according to the small puissance that it hath pleased God to giue me whollie vowed yea fatally destinated to her seruice when my forces shall not answere my hart which in this respect is mexpugnable I shal augment onely but the number of these who cannot bring their driftes about thanking you in all most humble affection of the fauour which you shewed me in giuing me such licence in your house After these speeches and manie other which they had together the Countie retired himselfe into his lodging whereas soone as he was come he commaunded that on the morrowe they should plant in the place before the Pallace an inclosure which should haue in Diameter and circomference of the Center vnto the ends foure and twentie sethome in latitude and eight and thirtie in longitude which was done with high railes in so sufficient proportion that sixe Knights might easily fight together afront besides hee would haue a doore made hard by where he gaue order to set vp a Tent a Bedde a Kitchin with Offices al which was necessarie for so sumptuous a recreation The next day at Sunne rising be armed himselfe at all points and mounting vpon a double Courser hee came to appeare within the listes where were manie Knights disarmed to kéepe him companie whome he vsed verie magnificently in the feast The first man who came within the listes was the Duke of Drante vassall to the King of Thessalie young in age but lustie and verie skilfull in managing Armes who loued with a singular affection a daâ—nsel his subiect faire and marueilous gracious who finding the doore of the Tilt shutte thrust it open with the great end of his Launce to enter in therefore soone mounted the Earle on horsebacke and taking his sworde in his hand demaunded the Duke whether hee would Iouste or Combat wiâ—â— him I will haue but the Iouste quoth the Duke for that I thinke quicklie to make you confesse her whome I loue to excell in beautie and good grace the Ladie for whome you enterprise an exploit which seemeth to passe your cunning It were a thing almost miraculous replied the Earle if with so great reason as I haue to make good mine enterprise I should be vanquished by the first assailant Saying so they went to campe themselues at the two ends of this place then comming violently to encounter they shiuered both their Launces and dashing one another with their shields they passed brauely the rest of the carriere whereof the Earle was verie sorrie when he cried to his aduersarie Knight take yet one staffe more for the encounter of this first Iouste hauing béene so fauourable vnto you I will see how you will behaue your selfe in the second Then shall bee séene manifestlye the iust occasion I haue to Iouste answered the Duke taking another Launce with the which comming couragiouslye to charge him he mist his blow in striking which the Countie did not but running aright carriere sent him ouer his horse croupper with a tumbling cast downe to the ground Saying with a ioyfull courage An other time venter not with me in the listes if you haue no better reason to combat To that the Duke answered him nothing for hee founde himselfe ashamed to haue voyded the Aâ—son before Francheline his soueraigne Ladie and many other Lords and Knights who beheld them through the Pallace windowes But rising vp he put off gently his Coate of Armes and afterward beeing remounted he departed out of the Tilt-yeard to goe whether it pleased God to conduct him whereof Palmendos had so great remorse because of the vassalage which hee owed vnto the Father of his affianced Ladie that with some apparance of reason hee would haue entred the listes himselfe to haue reuenged him Afterwards there appeared nine or ten Knightes from whome the Countie still carried away the honour and hanbergions So that about Sunne setting when hee retired for that day he felt himselfe verie wearie and ouerpressed with the burthen that he was faine to sustain notwithstanding the iâ—iâ— which rauished his spirites more and more made him forget the dolour and wearines of his members Thether came Arnedes with all the French Knightes to feast him and to kéepe him companie the greatest part of the night where to stay our selues no longer the Earle continued sir whole daies before he was vanquished of anie doing marueils of Armes as well at the Iouste as at the Combat at the sword making great cheare and banquetes to those who visited him whereof the Emperour meruailed much no lesse of his prowesse and valour than of his magnificence and sumptuositie which hee continued vntil the seauenth day following when there came thither two Knightes one whereof tooke awaie within few houres from the Earle all the honour hee had wonne in the former dayes as you shall presently heare CHAP. VII How Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos being departed from Constantinople passed by the Duchy of Bort where Tyrendos vanquished at the Iousts the Knight who kept a passage out of the Cittie for the loue of the Duchesse and what fell out afterward vpon this occasion WEE declared a while since how Belcar Recindes and Tyrendos departed vnknowne from Macedon to go to Constantinople and riding great iournies passed by the Duchy of Bort whereof was Lord an aged and grayheaded father who in his youthfull yeares loued rest and his delights better than the Courtlie life or any millitarie exercise He had two faire Daughters and one Sonne estéemed a verie valiant Knight who against his Fathers will was gone to Constantinople and at his second mariage did this oldman take to wife a verie yong Ladie excéeding his daughters in beautie whereof a rich gentle Knight called Dirdan was much enamoured before and after the Duke
displeased to seperate their Trinity they tooke their iournie strait to Constantinople whereby the Duke was marucylous glad of this Knights abode with him misdoubting nothing that be would lie in ambush for his wises honor who hoping to take some pastime in the amorous chace with her new Parramour made a great deale the better cheare to the Gentlewoman who was cause to retayne him with her â— where wee will leaue them to the liking of their loues to recount what befortuned Belcar and Recindes after they had parted company CHAP. VIII How Belcar and Recindes being arriued in Constantinople vnknowne of any vanquished the County Peter and continued the lawe of his Ioust dooing maruels of Armes and how the Emperour sent Palmendos and Primaleon to know who they were BElcar and Recindes perceiuing the will of Tirendes their companion prayed God to preserue him from all sinister accident then bidding him adien they fell into their way againe wherein riding many dayes iourneys they arriued at the last in Constantinople on a Sunday morning the seanenth day of the Ioust that County Peter enterprised as you may call to minde whereof they heard some newes by the way as they came By meanes wherof they determined before they would make themselues knowne to prooue themselues against him as Knights errant Belcar praid his companion to let him haue the first course which hee willingly graunted albeit hee coulde haue desired to win the honour or shame first himselfe Entring then into the Citty they made directly to the Tilt-yeard where they found the gate fast by reason the County dined then in the company of many Knights with great ioy and sollace as they were accustomed within his Pauilion So that being saint to stay the fit houre they leaued vpon their Launces vntill they sawe the Emperour take his place on the left hande to whome the King of Hungarie who fate at his side begins to say My Lord behold those two â—nights who will I 〈◊〉 how braue they gouerne themselues â—â— horse-backe Truly brother you say well quoth hee I beliue it will doo a man good to see them at the shecke When Belcar perceiued the Emperour whom he had not séene long time before force and courage increased so in his heart that hee purposed to shew this day some pleasure in his house where because his was nourished and brought vp in it from his infancy he knew not King Frisol his father who was with him in company beeing brought from Hungarie thither in his swadling clouts But the Earle séeing the Seigniory Noblesse in the galleries caused forth with his Helmet to be brought and by and by all his strings leathers and buckles to be laced and tyed Then mounting he commaunded the Trumpets and 〈◊〉 to sound and to open the Gate of his repairs Whereinto Belcar being first entred the Earle asked him whether he would Ieust or fight I will quoth the Assailant doo all that I shall know to be necessary but let vs first Ieust to sée what will follow Hauing thus saluted each other they encounter with 〈◊〉 a fury that Belcar lost his 〈◊〉 and the Earle breaking in dashing together the peâ—â—rall and the girths of his horse went mangre his nose to luste his greater and mother but â—â—â— soone got vp againe being greatly ashamed and vexed to loâ—â— an instant the honour he had conqurred in sixe dayes Sir Knight then quoth Belcar I haue wâ—rme your Coats of Armes if I be not giuen to misunderstand in declaring â—â—â— the Lawe of your enterprise According to which you must depart this field which I purpose to garde and defend in my turne as you haue done before me if seene body 〈…〉 not by force of Armes My Habilliament shall I 〈◊〉 giue you answered the County without departing the Tilt 〈◊〉 be not by Martiall exployte performed by you or some other which shall force me to doo it You will séene your 〈…〉 replied Belcar neuerthelesse seeing you will 〈…〉 hathly and con me thanke for she curtesie 〈…〉 which I shew you Then set the Earle foote to stirrup againe and in the meane time the Emperour being greatly astonished at the magnanimity of this Knight said to the King of Hungarie he well knew who he was the two Champions beganne with their swords a terrible and furious skirmish hewing out another in so bruske and strange manner that it terrified the bâ—â— olders to be are them onely For the County through rage and despite which surmounted his reason laid on without feare most desperately But his aduersary who was a little more nimble and could mannage a little better than hée did tiggle his ribbes with such sound flashes which eastly tamed him at length so that being weary to make him languish so much hee 〈…〉 in the ende a fell stroake vppon his Murrion which lâ—ude him in a stonny vpon the bare ground saying Now Knight must you condiscende by force to that whereunto you woulde not accord by your good with a thing surely procâ—â—ding from your rash presumption which make you thinke the honour of Chiualry dwelt onely among Frenchmen At this spectacle and words 〈…〉 the Prince Arnodes and had it not beene through the â—â—disposition of his person and that Philocrista would neuer haue permitted it hee had endossed his Armes to 〈◊〉 the County and his Nation of this reproach In the same paine and choller were all the rest of the French Nobility who séeing they coulde none other remedye listed by Earle Peter from his fall and bare him into his lodging to cause the Surgeons to â—â—ke vnto him and search his wounds Belcar who thought in the 〈◊〉 time what he haâ—â—â— doo tooke the coats of Armes and giuing it to one of his Pages commaunded him to be are it from him and one of his companions to Melissa the King of Hungaries Daughter whom they 〈…〉 all commers it shee would vouchsafe them so 〈…〉 to let them Combat vnder her 〈…〉 And gaue charge more-ouer to the young-man to tell the Emperour and those who were about his Maiestie that whosoeuer would Tourney against him should alwaies finde him ready within the Listes Where if per aduenture hee were vanquished by any of the Assailants the field should remaine tolâ—s companion who should second him therein which they did desire to did in attending the opening of the generall Triumph The Page vnderstanding throughly his Masters will went strait to the Pallace where knéeling before the Empresse hâ—e besought her to showe him which of her Ladies was Melissa King Frisols Daughter wherein beeing by her gratiously certefâ—ed the youth rose vp and with a most lowly reuerence began to say in this manner Madame Melissa the Knight who vanquished Earle Câ—â—â— kisseth the hand of your Excellencie and sendeth you by 〈◊〉 this his spoile the which hee knoweth beséeming your worthines whom he loueth more than any Lady of this company And although he neuer saw you hee assureth himselfe neuerthelesse
shee for whose loue the French Lord fought is not so perfect in beauty but she yéeldeth and giueth the first place into you Aduertising you more-ouer that he and his companion remaine from this present houre your most 〈◊〉 and obedient Knights as hoping if it please you to doo them so much honour that they may accomplish the Lawe of the Ioust of County Peter vnder your name to employ themselues so in this place that the renowne of your beauty shall flie throughout all climates of the Leuant Hee that had there séene the comely beauty of Melissa should not haue sailed to haue ludged of the tamour aâ— her two Alabaster cheekes couered with a transparent and 〈◊〉 Lawne for the shame that seazed her hearing him speaâ—â—â—â— in her fauour Nor could she answere a worde to the young-man shee founde her selfe so confounded when the King her father who was there with the Emperour 〈…〉 this Embassage in good part said vnto her Daughter I will not beléeue but the Seigneur who sendeth you such a present knoweth you and though it were for no other respect at least you ought to receiue it and to honour him who sendeth it you for loue of his generous minde I know not my Lorde quoth Melissa then who may bee the Knight whose curtesie seemeth not to approch his force taking this hardlesse to giue a present to a Damsell whom he knoweth not which notwithstynding for that it is your pleasure I will accept of it You shall aduertize your Master quoth shee to the Page he greatly mistaketh to presume so much of my beauty as to continue the Ioust of the Earle for mee who haue deserued no such honour at his hand Neuerthelesse I thanke him for his good will in â—ccompence whereof if I can doo any thing for him you shall assure him from mee I will employ my selfe with as good will as I pray God to preserue him and his companion also from all incumbrances which may impeach his valiant enterprise for the small occasion they haue to charge so heauy a burthen for so little beauty as mine makes me feare they wil be vanquisht if their prowesse and dexterity doo not supply this default Then the young youth making a low obeysance to thanke her for this curteous answere tooke his leaue gratiously of her And turning to Duke â—ustace who was neer esâ—â—eâ—ought him to tell the Emperour and his company that who so euer had any desire to ioust against this Knight-vanquisher and his companion should appeare vpon the Battiers where hee should finde them alwaies ready which hee did without delay The Emperour misdoubting one of these Knights to be Belcar told if incontinent to King Fâ—isol who assured him the contrary for that he supposed hee had hardly lest the company of Florendos Now did Belcar all that day nothing but breake stanes for there was no French Knight but came to doo his best against him hoping euery one to reuenge the County Peter but the like chaunce befell them as did to him before for this Desendant was rough and a very good horseman which was his inheritance he helde from King Frisol his father who was esteemed one of the best men at Armes of his time That same day Belcar dismounted beside the Frenchmen about twenty Knights the most redoubted of the Court whereat the Emperour wondered much so that he sent Primaleon to them to know who they were who gladly did this Embassage with Palmendos entreating them to repose that night in the Emperours Court who gaue them such charge for the great desire he had to know them Gentlemen answered Belcar desire his Maiesty to pardon vs this once for that wee cannot leaue this place without incurring some blame beeing departed from our houses with full detemination to make our selues knowne to none This is a point of small curtesie quoth the Constantino Politan to refuse the honest offer which the Emperour maketh you with so simple excuse as you finde now And who are you faire Syr quoth Belcar faining not to know him who tearme vs discurteous I am Primaleon replied hée Sonne to the Emperour who sendeth to intreate you by mée to doo him this honour I haue done then presecuted the Desendant because I knowe you haue not as yet receiued the order of Chiualry Assuring you that for your praiers nor for the entreaties of the Emperour shall you preuaile further with me than as I told you before I will not importune you any further sayth the young Prince then being somewhat offended and when hee had so said he returned into the Pallace with Palmendos who was so wrath with this thwart answere that hee purposed on the next morrow to Arme himselfe to the ende to chastiâ—e his arrogance When the Emperour vnderstood they had disdained to graunt his request hée did but laugh at it saying they must he let alone in their obstinacie to sée what might bee the 〈◊〉 Neuerthelesse Palmendos would be reuenged and without saying ought to any body went secretly to endosse the Coat of Armes in which he vanquished the Tourney which we haue described before and came withall with a great Eaunce in his hand within the Barriers So soone as Recindes spide his Armour hee knewe it and who carried it on his back which he let his companion know requesting him not to Ioust against him for the Emperours sake Whereunto Belcar answered bee coulde willingly forbeare notwithstanding he oâ—â—ht not to refuse so good occasion to proone his valour against so 〈◊〉 a Knight for if he dismount me at the Ioust quoth hee I shall not thinke it any shame or dishonour for mee seeing hee is the Achilles of our age with whose valerous exployts all the Orient reseundeth When hee had done his speech hee did his best endeuour to make him feele his forces and running one against the other very roughly such was their encounter that Belcar had taken measure of the earth had he not taken hold of his horse-maine And Palmendos liked not very wel the knocke which he gaue him but it was néedefull for them to breath a little Then charging a fresh with new Launces for that the first flewe in pieces to their Gauntlets they met together with so sodaine a sury that they made the ground tremble vnder them where Belcar sound himselfe much bruised what with the blow and the fall in his Armour Then Palmendos who lost onely his stirrups glad of this reuenge demaunded his Hanburgeon aduising him if he would not fight at the sharpe to depart the field Other battell quoth Belcar séeke not I against thee for small hope haue I to gaine more honour by the sword than I haue already at the Ioust and for that also I estéeme and loue then too well to make further tryall against thée knowing right well by this encounter I should haue but ill spéede if I procéeded further Palmendos hearing him say so mittigated a good part of his indignation and
shall you neuer vnderstand by my meanes quoth the Spaniard hereof can I well aduertise you that happen to mee what may I will not couch my Launce against you You will tell mee then a reason quoth Arnedes or you shall presently die of my hand Such inhumanitie shall I neuer sée in you replyed Recindes albeit I had no will to desend my selfe By the liuing God said Arnedes hastily you wil constraine me to bée discourteous indéede and therefore at your owne perill be it I can no longer forbeare quoth the Emperour then who heard this controuersie but I must néedes knowe who are these two Knightes nowe in fielde for me thinkes I see none other than the true representation of Belcar and Recindes When he had thus saide he descended with manie Nobles after him and finding the two Combattants yet in dispute the one séeking to knowe why his aduersarie woulde not encounter him the other excusing himselfe that hee might not tell the cause willed Arnedes to goe aside And taking Recindes Horse by the Bridle hee prayed him of all loue that hee woulde satisfie the great desire hee had to knowe him My Lord quoth he I cannot doe it without insâ—â—â—ging my faith therefore I pray you vrge mee not to be perâ—urde Assure you replyed the Emperour you shall neuer sée me depart from hence before I knowe and looke you in the face so that by excuses you may not preuaile Therefore I pray you put off your helmet and thinke in so doing you shall not breake your faith and promise For Gods sâ—ke replied Recindes do not offer to force me in your countries This force will I offer you answered the Emperour for that in my mind it stayneth neither your honor nor mine The Knight in a perplerity not knowing what to say further seeing it was a matter of constraint held his peace and not a word Then Belcar who had verse well heard all the whole circumstance seeing hee coulde no longer conceale himselfe threwe incontinent his helmet to the ground and went to fall on his knees before the Emperour in kissing whose handes her saide My Lord pardon vs if it please you if wee haue not béene so prompt to obey you as your greatnes requires for wee determined at our departure out of Macedon to come vnknowne into this place to exployte before your eyes some honourable attempt wherein you might take some delight pleasure Notwithstanding seeing wee are frustrate of one intention hauing perfourmed nothing worthie to giue you contentment it is the verie reason why wee dissembled our selues vnto your Maiestie of whom both the one and the other of vs two reputeth himselfe a most happie man to haue receaued so great honour Ah my deare friends quoth the Emperour then you be exceeding welcome into my Court wherein I may well assure my selfe cannot be founde two Knighte in whom can be found so much anâ—â—rosity as in you onely but tell mee I pray you whether the King my most honourable Father will come speedily vnto this Cittie My Lord answered Belcar I am sure it wil not be a wéeke before he arriue here For he was readie to depart when I entreated him to let vs goe before to bring you newes thereof The Emperour maruellous ioy full of this aunswere turning himselfe with a laughing countenance towardes the King of Hungarie saying to him Brother receaue to you Belcar your Sonne whose vertues and good manners make him so amiable that euery braue man of good iudgment wold be to him in steede of a Father in this behalfe As the Dominators of Greece spake these words Belcar falling vppon his knees kissed honourably his Father King Frisols hand who embraced him with great loue the trickling teares standing in his eyes and at length the French Prince seeing his Cosen Recindes in face ranne vnto him with open Armes to giue him the accolladâ—e and could not almost speake for extreame gladnes which seazed his heart in recognising him Which the Spaniard perceauing alighted quickly from his Horse to embrace him and after they had shewed manie familiar louing cherrishings one to another he went to doe his dutie to the Emperour who receaued him most ioyfullie as did likewise all the â—eigneurs and Barrons of the Court whereof the greatest part esteemed themselues verie happie if they might come next to offer them the gentle welcome and if all the beholders were very glad of this sodaine and inexpected ioy whereof euerie one had a good share that of Pinedes was so abundant that it could not be expressed hauing seene him perfourme the valiant and famous acts which you haue to fore vnderstood Then tooke the Emperour Recindes by the hande and the King of Hungarie his Sonne Belcar whome they lead straite to the Pallace where beeing disarmed they went honourably to kisse the Empresse hand who entertayned them with most kinde spéeches During which Melissa who heard them by the only instinct of the vnspeakeable ioy which she felt in minde reuested in the superficies of her face such a naturall beautie that it was an admirable thing to behold Full well did the two knights marke it when they came to doe reuerence to Philocrista Francheline and to her who represented the third Goddesse So that thinking her selfe thrice happie to haue bin knowne worthie the presents of two worthy and excellent Princes embraced many times her brother Belcar amiably Neuerthelesse with more than a singuler affection and without any meane as it falleth out manie times to those who are striken with the same Dart that shee was shee entertained Recindes her loyall and perfect louer And beleeued firmely by that which her Brother sent her when the youngman brought her the first coate of Armes that shee knewe indéede the whole discourse of their secretes wherein she found great consolation shewing oftentimes to her louer by many signes gratious aspects and other duâ—â—â— Embassages of loue what was her intention which Recindes did the like for his part toward her In this meane time Belcar was busie in beholding the extreame beautie of Franchâ—line whereof he was greatly astonished not without thinking Palmendos a most happie man to haue won so much honour in winning her for his wife And albeit hee was well contented with Alderine the onely Lady of his heart yet hee could haue wished to haue had this for his Mistresse which passion could not be so well dissemble but in embracing Palmendos hee must néedes tell him in smiling manner Truely Sir it was for my great good I was not present at the bridge of Carderie when you arriued there for obtayning nowe so caste victorie of me what would you haue done when your heart was so much pricked forwarde to purchase so rich a treasure as Francheline is No marueile then if you haue shewed that prowesse vpon me which euerie man hath manifestly knowen in you seeing before your eyes a beautie sufficient to make able the most coward and faint harted knight that
and of Arâ—â—dâ—â—na Of like valour and hardâ—esse shewed himselfe Aruasin the third newe created Knight But Primaleon who besturd him more than any of the rest laying on sore blowes and so thick that it seemed thunder passed the place where hée went behaued himself so that albeit Belcar and Recindes did merualles of their persones hee droue for all that by force of armes his aduersartes out of the place of combat for that one beeing first gotten foorth all the rest followed him as fast as they could at one an others héeles insomuch that Belcar Recindes and some othere of their pertakers who held out stoutly against him could not at the length endure the stresse of their aduersaries because they would not fight at all extremities against Primaleon in the end they were so constrayned to retyre them selues and auoyde the Barriers The Tourney then beeing vanquished by Primaleon hée was receiued by all the Barons of Greece with an incredible ioy saying with a common voyce he should be one day more valiant than the Emperour his father who then returned into the Cittie more ioyfull than he euer was before and giuing the honour of the Tourney to Abenuncq hee said that hee well shewed himselfe to descend of so rare and accomplished Knight as was the Soldan his Father But the King Florendos many times embracing Primaleon with the teares standing in his eyes praide the Almightie God that hee would to so faire a beginning giue also a better end Wherefore the young Prince kissed him bâ—ie his hand thanking him for so fauourable a wish Afterwards the other Knights being ariued at the Pallace the Emperour honoured greatly Recindes and Belcar saying they of purpose suffered themselues to be vanquished for that they had no lust to fight against the principall of their aduersaries which he spoke to no other end but to comfort them onelie in the discouragement they tooke at this misaduenture knowing neuerthelesse that none in the Troupe could equall themselues in hardlesse and dexteritie to Primaleon his Son And for that none of the Principall died not nor was not hurt in this first tourney the feast was redoubled which they held afterwards the space of fifteene daies together with open field for all commers wherein some dayes entred more than ten thousand Knights exployting strange and admirable deedes of Armes In the which Primaleon beeing euery day present carried away from all other the Honour and prize as at the first for albeit Palmendo and Arnedes the new Bridegroomes entred twice into Battaile with him and did actes that euery one was astonished at they were forced for all that to leaue him the vpper hand Notwithstanding let vs speake of a Knight who was slaine during the Triumph whereupon it fell out that many defied him afterwards accusing him or Treason for that hee had assured al Knights who would come vnto his Tonruyes of safe conduct and returne throughout all the Countries of the Empire CHAP. XIII How Perrequin of Duas the King of Pollands Son comming to the Tourney at Constantinople to kill Primaleon and to reuenge Gridonia the Duchesse of Ormedaes Daughter was slaine himselfe by the hands of Primaleon NArdides Duke of Ormeda beeing vanquished and done to death by the Emperour Palmerin which Duke of a â—roth came to Constantinople to reuenge the two Cosens of Tarisius his Bretheren whome the Emperour himselfe and King Frisoll slew with their owne handes as writeth the Author of his Historie his people returned with these sorrowful tydings to his Mother and the yong Duchesse his wife who made such lamentable complaints and mone for him that it was a pittifull thing to behold the issue of so miserable a Tragedie And to the ende to make more memorable her mourning and funerall ceremonies she commanded to erecte a faire and rich tombe within the Chappell of hir Pallace vppon the which for her last expiation after many other Honourable Pempes required in such a case she shedde euer it an infinitie of teares as if the bodie so much deplored had béene therein buried But what Surelie he was not there and I beleeue that if shee might haue recouered it shee would neuer haue enclosed it vnder that lamine but rather haue done as Arthemisia Quéene of Caria who after the death of Mausolus her husband for the more Honourable interring of him caused to be builded a magnificent and sumpiuous monument which was afterward called one of the seauen wonders of the world and neuerthelesse seeing that edifice finished which shee called Mausolus after her dead husbands name she then iudged it vnworthie to receaue the so pretious and rare treasure of her amitie Therefore she caused to burne the bodie to cinders the said cinders afterwarde to be aromatized distilled and resolued into water that shee might be her selfe his Sepulcher supping vp that distillation as the most exquisite potion which she could finde for alwaies afterward to conserue in her the integritie of her loue toward him Now this yong Duchesse being euery day after her mourning readie to be brought a Bed the anguishes and throngs which happen to women in that case came vpon her at the report of this newes so that shee was speedily deliuered of a verie faire and beautifull Daughter vnto whome for that shee was borne in a sorrowfull time and in that Countrie they call to lament or to crie Gridar was her name giuen Gridonia The old Duchesse who had no other heire but this one lie Niece caused her to bee carefullie brought vp and with so great dilligence that shee grew to the sight of the eye so faire and perfect in all features and lineatures of her visage that her mother seeing her such a quaint péece sware shee woulde neuer marrie her but to him who should reuenge the death of Nardides her defund husband And vpon this condition did shee then presently set downe the marriage of Gridonia who comming to the age of fiftéene yeares was required and demaunded of many Princes in marriage Neuerthelesse when they heard the law and vengearnce which was to ensue none would be so hardie as to accept the match So radiant and admirable was her beautie that through all the Countries and Marches rounde about the Duchie of Oâ—medes they could talke of nothing els By meanes wherof Perrequin of Duas Sonne to the King of Polland who was Brother to the Mother of the same Gridonia hearing a report of so erquisite beautie had great desire to see her Insomuch that hee be sought the King his Father to giue him leaue to goe visite the Duchesse his Aunt whereunto he easily accorded Hee then commaunding to rigge and equippe a good ship with all that might be necessarie for such a voyage soone after tooke the route of Ormedes where being with a fauourable winde and faire weather arriued the Duchesse reioycing much at his comming entertayned him verie amiablie which Gâ—â—donia also knew full well howe to doe She was so curteous and gratious
began Primaleon to take it in dudgeon finding him alwaies before him offering such fashion of Combat feeling rather a mortal bloudy fight than an excercise of ioy pastime wherefore he swore to be reuenged of him if hée encountred him any more in the Tourney which fell out euen so for that vpon the morrow séeing him with his Launce in his rest to come amaine vpon him snatcht another out of his Squiers hands quickly saying alowd in great indignation Discurteous Knight I know not who you are who filled with such a fury and mallice against mée will not suffer me to be one minute of an houre at quiet Neuerthelesse I will see now whether I can vncase this fellowe who thinkes to dispatch him who neuer as farre as bee knoweth offended him in his life Finishing these spéeches he went to charge him with his sword which he thrust so right into the middest of his breast that it ranne more than a foote and a halfe crosse thorough his shoulders and at that instant sent him as dead as a Dogge to the ground prosecuting his talke thus Now shall thou leaue mee manger thy mallice who hast dogde mee so these thrée dayes that I could neuer kéepe thée from behind or before mee Then in great hardiesse hurring into the thickest of the presse hée charged them so couragiously of all sides that ere long hée forced all his aduersaries to turne their backs To make a short abridgement hée got alwaies the honour of the victory as long as the Tourney lasted Whereof the Emperour and all the Nobles of Greece were passing ioyfull of his generosity valour and Chiualry But let vs nowe before wée conclude this first part of our History sée what good lucke befell the Spanish Prince who hath lately left the Iousts to Court his fayre Lady Melissa CHAP. XIIII Howe Recindes hauing espoused Melissa returned into Spatue Arnedes into Fraunce with Philacrista and all the other Kings and Princes into their Kingdomes Except King Florendes and Queene Griana who died in Constantineple to the great sorrow and mourning of the Emperour and all his Court. WHo might euer be able to recount the great magnificence and meruallous thinges which were done during the feast of Philocrista and Francheline Surely the sumptuositie thereof seemed so pompous and the feates of Armes so admirable that to describe them well they surpasse the cloquent tongues of Demosthenes or Cicero For there was present so great a number of braue and valiant Knights that you would haue iudged the whole assemblie to haue béene the choyce and flower of all the men at Armes in the whole world But aboue all Recindes made his valour well knowne there for the earnest desire which prouoked him to do his best endeuour in some thing which might the more recommend him to his deare and best beloued Melissa Therfore the Emperour who estéemed him highly told the King of Hungarie that he should get a good Sonne in law if hée purposed to giue him his Daughter in marriage King Frisoll answered hee would be very willing of this alliance and causing his Son Belcar Recindes great friend to be sent for demeunded him his aduise and what coniecture hee had concerning his will in this matter Whereunto making answere that it was the most affectionate point of the Castilians honour beganne thus to set this busines abroach Lord Recindes your valour and chiualrie sheweth it selfe so Heroicall among this Illustrious Troupe that I loue you as much as my Sonne Primaleon so that to accquite my selfe in part of satisfaction of the good turnes I ow you hauing done mee this great Honour to come and visite mee in my house I am content to giue you for wife Melissa my néece Daughter to so Honourable a King as is my Brother of Hungarie As for the perfections of the Infante séeing you know and sée them euery day your selfe I will not labour to dilate further vppon her praise séeming to mee that the amitle betwéene you and my Sonne Belcar should bee farre more inseperable when the accomplishment of this alliance shoulde be consummate The Knight most attentiuely giuing eare to the Emperours talke bowed himselfe with a lowly reuerence to 〈◊〉 his hande and likewise King Frisols accepting him for his father and reputing himselfe for the happiest Spanish Knight that euer set saile toward the Fennes of Meotis for that he alone had compassed such a marriage the which was solemnized the morrow after with so much pompe and a newe supply of Tourneying Tilting that Primaleon had leysure inough to shew his singuler prowesse valour nor hapned there any thing during all these Triumphes which disquieted the Emperour in minde but the death of Perrequin knowing that he was not the least of his faction for otherwise he would not haue cared so much for it When all the feasts were finished the Emperour gaue many presents to many Knights sending them home most ioyfull men into their owne houses and countries And in the meane while he shewed good cheare countenance Arnedes solicited by his Ambassadors demaunded leaue to returne into Fraunce with his wife Philocrista and so likewise did Recindes with his The Greekish Daminator denied them not their sutes but bestowed great riches vppon his Daughter to the end she should goe most honourablie into Fraunce and in like manner to Melissa his néece Then he commaunded to rigge out a fleete of ships well equipped with al things necessary for such a voyage The King Florendos gaue moreèuer manie rich and pretious Iewels to his néeces the King of Hungarie not forgetting to doe the like to his Daughter with whom hee sent a certaine number of his Knightes to accompany and sauegard her home And if the Empresse became verie sad at the departure of her two Daughters no lesse was the griefe of the two Princesse But for that they went away gallantly married to their content they easily forget all sorrowes past Euerie one then taking their leaues they be tooke themselues to the salt water and so well were they fauoured by Zoylus Neptune that with a prosperous gale and a calme Sea they soone arriued in the Coasts of Prouence where Recindes bidding adew his cosens Arnedes Philocrista followed the roâ—t of his voyage with Melissa And commaunding to single towards the strait of Gibraltar which lieth betwéene the two mountaines Calpe and Abylas at this day called the pillers of Herculos because the one of them in Spaine and the other in Barbarie were long since by him seperated to nauigate from the Ocean Sea into the Mediterranian came to land in the cittie of Siuill where he was most Honourably receaued From thence hee tooke his iourney towardes his Cittie Toledo where the King his Fathersoiourned who was passing glad of his arriuall most of all when hée heard the reputation hee had gotten in feates of Armes In somuch that going from his Pallace to entertaine them louingly could not forbeare weeping
seeing him in so good disposition and Melissa his Wife so sage be autifull and vertuous So at the first Fatherly embraced them both and after that hée had welcommed them with a thousand welcomes hee ledde them both into his lodgings purposing quicklie to solenmize the marriage in his Court Which he did and after warces liâ—erally bestowed many presentes vpon the Greekes and Hungarians which came to accompany Melissa who returned all verie well pleased from him towards King Frisoll their Soueraigne But the Princesse Philocrista was receaued with no lesse sumptuoslâ—y by the King of France and all other Dukes Marquesses Carles and Barrons of that Kingdome where they helde manye Ioustes and Tournyes for her newe and ioyfull entrance wherein purchased great honour Arnasin Duke Tolomus Sonne and Peynedin hee who reseued so brauelye the French Prince when Lecheâ—â— slewe the Hermite in combatting him as you may yet verie well remember Yet did hee nothing in comparison of Tyrendos who would néedes go along with this new married couple to conducte them into Gaule For that falling there in loue with a verie faire and beautifull Princesse neere Cosen to Prince Aruedes and shee likewise beeing inaâ—â—â—red of him did meruallous thinges in Annes to get her further fauour In somuch that the King and the Prince his Sonne perceauing their Loues married them together soone after and gaue them so great Treasure for a dowrie that the feaste beeing ended they returned all to Constantinople feeling the liberalitie and bountie of the King of Fraunce But to returne to the order of our Historie the Emperour remayned almost alone by reason of the departure of the new married Princes and of somany other Knights which did accompany them Likewise the King of Thessalie tooke his leaue of him to the end to goe visite a little his Kingdome where Palmendos and Francheline were most Honourably receaued with great signes of ioy and gladnesse And the King liued three yeares there onelie after his returne After whose death immediatelie was the Knight Palmendos Crowned who by meanes of his valour and prowesse 〈…〉 greatly the consines and demaynes of his Kingdome waging continuall war against the Turkes hauing conquest in manye battails skirmishes and assaults of Citties Like hostilitie receaued that nation by Belcar who incontinent after the Tourney and all their Feastes were finished in Constantinople departed thence to returne to Dâ—uace where as soone as hee had solemnely celebrated his Nuptiais hée set forth on foote a numerous and bloud Host to goe against these Infidels and to reuenge himselfe for faire Laurena In like maner euery one of the other great Princes which came to Constantinople tooke their way homeward towards their Countries Especially King Frisol and the King of Sparta and very willingly would the King Florendos haue returned into Macedon had it not béene for the Emperour who be sought him humbly to tarry a little longer with him Neuerthelesse many dayes were not come and gone before the good old Prince found himselfe cast downe with a grieuous sickenes wherewith by reason hee was already drooping and decrepit he died within one month afterward The Quéene Griana saing him abandoned by the Phisitions and out of all hope euer to recouer againe fell also sicke with the sorrow and griefe shée tooke for him And a maruelous thing it was that these two both rendring their tribute vnto nature left on one day this mortall and transitory life The Emperour and the Empresse conceiued such inwarde griefe and anguish at this occurrence that thorough the continuall teares wherewith they bewayled them or through the abundance of melancholicke humours which stufft their braines they made account to goe kéepe them company in the other world Yet for all that afterward recomforting themselues as well as they might they caused them to be both buried in a rich and most stately Tombe with great funerall Pompe and Ceremonies And if this Court had a long time before continued in sollace and gladnes yet was it nowe as farre in mourning and griefe after this death without any token of ioy or myrth at all So that Primaleon all this time of tribulation and heauy chears gaue himselfe to nothing but hunting hauking retayning many braue Knights with him who alwaies kept him company which way soeuer he went CHAP. XV. How after that the Duchesse of Ormeda had knowledge of Perrequins death her Daughter Gridonia made anoath neuer to marry with any man if first he did not reuenge her vpon Primaleon of Greece and for what occasion the Castel of the Coc-fendu was builded whereinto the old Duchesse with Gridonia retiring themselues how as they rested themselues hard by a faire Fountaine there issued out of a Forrest a Lion which put all their traine to slight and the Princesses in great feare PErrequin being slaine the greatest parte of the Knightes who behelde him in this lamentable taking being alwaies at his side alighted strait complaining greatly for his so great disaster but knowing his life irreuocable blamed him without any dread who had seperated it from his body the which they tooke vp and conuayed out of the field And after long lamentation and shedding of many teares ouer it they did most honourably bury it in an Abbey that stoode in the suburbes of the Citty Soone after without any long soâ—ourning there they embarqued themselues againe and set sayle to the first Port of Ormeda not daring to returne into Polland so that the Duchesse and her Daughter had the first newes of this mishâ—p At the comming whereof it were impossible to recount the sorrow and wayling that they made but especially Gridonia who loued Perrequin with a most perfect lone Bymeanes whereof shée vowed and sware an oath in presence of many neuer to accept of any other man for her husband but him onely who shoulde giue her for an earnest of her marriage Primaleons heade And if shée and her mother made great mourning for the death of Perrequin their kinsman it was nothing in respect of that of the King his father and of all the Kingdome of Polland hauing knowledge of this mischance It fortuned that many Princes afterward sending to the Duchesse to demaund Gridonia in marriage when they vnderstoode the conditions they doubted greatly whether they might euer be able to accomplish it or no Albeit some surceased not for all that to prosecute their demaunde menacing the Mother that if she would not giue them her Daughter with a good will they would ere long take her away by force And the principall who vsed these threatninges was the Prince of Clarence a most prowd and arrogant knight Insomuch that the good Lady fearing left for this effect he wold come to make warre vpon her sent both her Daughter and the old Duchesse her Mother vnto one of her Castels called the Roc-fendu which the great Grandfather of Gridonia had caused to bee builded informe of a Fortresse for this occasion This auntient Duke had an
heart of the Duke that what by promise by flattery or otherwise before an houre was past hee appeased the firste of his passion making her of a mayden dedicated to Pallas a wise ready to offer the Seston or Girdle to Venus to present him her seruice whereof he was the gladdest man that might bee Neuerthelesse well bethinking with himselfe afterwards what was best for him to do for that he was alreadie married purposed to build in the same place a stronge and inviâ—sible Castell there to kéepe her within it with all the pleasure and contentment that her heart might desire For this cause hee sent word by his Squier to she Hunters who châ—ced in the wood that they should euery man 〈…〉 Cittie And hauing shewed to him the Hermits Daughter and afterwardes making him vnderstand his determination commaunded him to cause his Architect to come thither with a number of Artificers to builde a Fortresse in that same place Whereunto hys Squire gaue present order and returned with many rich robes for the young Damsell into the Cell wherein none euer entred but himselfe alone all the rest remayning vnder Tentes which hee had pitched before that same place From which the Duke would neuer depart vntill hee saw the Castell finished which hee had caused to bee builded vppon that cloâ—â—â— Rock whereof it bore the name continuallie afterwardes â—nd was one of the strongest and fayrest in all that Countrie for the Sea invironed it on the one side and on the other side was a most steepe and in accessible Rocke except onelie on that side where the fountaine was Therein did the Duke enclose his Loue Poncia the which when her time was come shee brought him foorth a verie faire and goodlie Sonne who was afterwardes Grandfather of Nardides Father of Gridonia of the 〈◊〉 Knightes whome the Emperour and King Frisoll shewe in a Combat which they had together But these Loue trickes could not so well bee concealed but the Duchesse had intelligence therof who séeing herselfe so much contemned by her Husbande 〈◊〉 for griefe and rage Whereuppon it fell out that for the intire loue which the Duke hare to the Childe which hee had by Poucia hee espoused her afterward in second Marriage liuing together in great pleasure and ioy vntill the verie end of his dayes when hee knowe that shee was his owne Néece Now in this Castell retired Gridonia with the olde Duchesse for feare shee had of the Prince of Clorence and arrining at the Fountaine for that it was both â—â—pleasant and a delightfull place she would haue â—aâ—ne gone 〈◊〉 to â—â—to refresh her selfe But she was not so soone set downe vppon the brâ—nke of it but the remembrance of hir dead 〈◊〉 Perâ—â—quin comming in her thoughts renewed in her a pittifull and lamentable be wailing of his death for that fortune fauoured so much the Emperour Palmenn who slew first the Duke Nardides her Father and Primaleon afterwards this her Cosen with whome shee hoped to passe ioyfully the rest of her life Meane while she made these strange complaints which might prouoke almost the vnreasonable and insensible creatures to compassion behold there rusheth out of the wood a huge and furious Lyonrozing so terrible that all the company of gentle women beeing wonderfull scarred euery one got away as well as they could leauing with her only the good old Duchesse who was not able to runne away as the others did Wee néed not in the question how great might be the feare of a simple and timerous Damosell as of Gridonia who supposed vndoubtedly that to be the last houre of her life Yet perceauing this Lyon to come right vppon her shee soone perceaued the contearie for that hee began to fawne vpon her with his pawes and to play with his taste as though hee had béene familiarly brought vp with her all his life In such sort that hâ—e put his head into her lappe and beginning gently to licke her handes made her as much amazed as if shee had séene before her eyes some new and strange wonder Wherefore by little and little assuring her selfe of the tamenesse of this brute beast shee stroked her hand vppon his head flattering him in most gentle and gratious manner wherein the Lyon séemed to haue so great pleasure that Gridonia and her 〈◊〉 ther putting away all feare called to them againe their company which was dispersed in the Forrest And if some of them came backe greatly ashamed â—o haue thus abandoned â—he two Ladies in their greatest necessitie yet she was more ioyfull to sée this beast so louing and 〈◊〉 meruayling much that a Lyon by nature cruell and humane should be made so 〈…〉 and gentle before Ladies to whom nor to any of their Damâ—sels and waiting gentle women hee neuer shewed him selfe â—urious nor angry but vnto all Knights who did approche the Intent and vnto others whome â—â— knew not he did 〈…〉 some displeasure either hee scratcht them with his pawes or 〈◊〉 them outright Glad then without all comparison was Gridonia of this good fortune and lead this Lion with her into her Castell where hee woulde neuer forsake the sight of her In such sort that shée stillâ—ed him with her owne hande and from thence forward hee was a sure Gardean of her person being very tâ—â—me quiet and familiar with all the seruants of her house euen as it had béene some little Dogge which séemed a most rare and strange case to all those in the Countries round about which had knowledge thereof CHAP. XVI How Valido the King of Bohemiaes sonne hearing the renowne of Gridoniaes beauty came to see her in the Castell of the Clouen-Rocke and howe hoping to haue her in marriage hee went to Combat with Primaleon in Constantinople where he was by his hands slaine outright FAire Gridonia then being within her Castell of the Clouen-Rocke the Duchesse her Mother who remained at Ormeda for the gouernement and administration of Iustice in her Countries had euery day messengers sent from diuers Princes which did demaund her in marriage as well for her superexcellent beauty and good grace as for that they hoped she should one day inherite the Kingdome of Polonia because of her mother the Kings sister who neuer had any Children but Perrequin whome Primaleon â—lewe in his Tourney yet when they vnderstoode with what condition they should marry this Princesse euery one did furcease to make any more earnest sute fearing the perrill of death which might enâ—â—e But the King of Bohemia the same who tooke Diartes and Cardonia whome the Emperour deliuered afterwardes as you may haue read in his Historie had two male children the youngest whereof named Valido who was a valiant and hardy Knight bearing the renown spread abroad of the great beauty of Gridonia departed his fathers kingdome accompanied with many braue Knights to take his voiage towards Ormeda Where being arriued hee was honourably receiued by the Duchesse vnto whom after hee had a little refreshed
enâ—ampeâ— themselues on â—oe one side meane while Primaleon Armed himselfe who for that hee was of a middle stature but otherwise very well proportioned in hiâ— members did mannage himselfe with a woonderfull dexteritye both on footâ— and on horse back and soone had his Armourers sitted him carefully in all peeces so that he came lightly to present himselfe before his father who spake vnto him in this manner My sonne I pray God aboue to preserue you from death in this conflict and to manifest thereby that you are not â—â—lpable of this mischiefe which they lay to your charge Sir quoth he I can well assure you that what I did was done but with great reason knowing before that hâ—â— sought nothing more than to haue 〈…〉 for this cause I hope bée who knoweth that I procéeded not with any â—â—â—litions intent wil exempt me from death if he â—â—e that my life â—e as yet necessary Hauing ended these spéeches hee kissed his handes which embraced him quickly then mounting on horse backe he tooke his way towardes the Barriers accompanied with many other Seigneurs an footâ— And in the meane while Valido who felt his heart boyle in a vehement heate to finish victoriously this enterprise calling to 〈◊〉 the beauty of Gridonia said that a finall time shoulde his enemy stande before him Who after place was made by the Mâ—râ—â—â— within the running place came with a fury his Launce couched in rest vpon the Bohemian who vasting his Launce in like manner brake it to the handle without euer mouing the Constantino Poliâ—ane out of his saddle where also this Assailant lost his stirrâ—ps at the attaint of his and was also a little huâ—t in the right side Neuerthelesse beeing an 〈◊〉 and a skkill all Knight in Armes hee seated himselfe quickly againe in his saddle and began fiercely to say vppon Primaleon with his sword but he who exceeded him farre in Prowesse and dexterity bâ—eing ashamed hee had not at the first encounter made him kisse the ground beganne to hewe him with such fell and heauy blowes that withâ— a while euery one perceiued who beare beare away the victory And he himselfe knowing that his enemy who lost his bloud by great drops waxed féeble in sight of euery one deliuered him such a mighty backe stroake vpon his Morton that he cloâ—â—â—e a two both his heade and heade peece downe to his shoulders in such manner that presently falling vnder his horse feete Primaleon spake these words alowd see what you are come so farre to seeke then making cleane his sworde hee put it vp into his 〈◊〉 and the Iudges put him forth of the Lâ—sts with greatioy Of this victory was the Emperour and all the other Lords of the Court maruelous ioyfull séeing so â—â—â—dently the verity of this false accusation By meanes whereof causing Primaleon to bee disarmed and afterwardes dressed of some wounds which he had receiued of his aduersary communded the vanquished Knight to bee fetcht out of the Barriers and to be honourably enterred But the two Gentlemen who came in his company made a maruelous lamentation for his death especially the sonne of the Earle Marcus who in bewailing him vtterâ—â—â— stronge things so that by this meanes the Emperour knowing who Valido was sent for the Knights saying thus A merualle very much howe the King of Bohemia whom I holde for my friend hath permitted that his 〈◊〉 should 〈…〉 my Comâ— to dâ—â— here an exployâ—e whose sorrowfull 〈…〉 greatly grieued me which if I had fore seene it and 〈…〉 him as now I doo to be the accuser of my sonne I should by no meanes haue graunted him this combat as you may well assure him from me Syr answered then the sonne of Diartes willingly will I obay your commandement euen as I desirâ— also to 〈…〉 you my best seruice wherein when you shall know my 〈◊〉 you will not say that I came hither of mine owne accorde with Valido but full sore against my will and as not knowing to the King my Master my thing of his 〈…〉 case When the Emperour vnderstoode that this Knight was Diartes sonne hee made him many kinde offers thaâ—king him for the good will he bare him And then the sonne of the â—arle Marcus 〈…〉 with extreame 〈◊〉 to the gall could not forboâ—ye to speake thus much Emperour of Greece 〈◊〉 hath béeâ—â— to you 〈◊〉 uourable since you 〈…〉 which I cannot beare 〈…〉 to sée my selfe reuenged for his death Hee had no sooner spoken theâ—t words but for his best aduantage he quickly 〈…〉 of the Pallace because that many setting 〈…〉 him by the â—ares â—ad not the 〈…〉 them not to stirre after him but to let him goe whether hee thought good which was strait to the 〈◊〉 with his communion where embarking in Validoes shippe they reformed into Bohemia to tell the King the sorrowfull newes of his sonâ—e Wherevppon hee conceiued great 〈…〉 her for the principall occasion of this his death for the which mischance shée was no lesse sorrowfull than he could be for his life CHAP. XVII Howe Lurcon a Giant sonne to 〈◊〉 whome the Emperour steâ—e in 〈◊〉 the Damosell Esmâ—rinda came to defie Primaleon vppon the same quarrell as Valido had done before and what successe befell vnto him after his defiance IN Romanie was there long since a Giant named Lurcon whome the Emperour 〈◊〉 slowe to deliuer the Damosell 〈◊〉 as you may sometime haue read in the beginning of this History This Lurcon being esteemed a very braue Knight was not mishapen 〈…〉 so inhumane and sauage as the other Giants but a man very actiue 〈◊〉 amongst his friendes and euen when the Nurse carried him in her Armes who had giuen him sucke euer since his fathers death after the which hee recouered by force of Armes the Castels which they kept from him in his minorly â—y and vowed neuer to marry before he had reuenged so great wrong offered him So he began to make so cruell warre vppon Crispin the hus bande of Esmerinda that hee kept him at home within doores from walking to far abroade in the fields and now her entred into the eighth yeare of his Knighthoode when Pertequin died séeking to accomplish his promise to Gridonia Of whom on a day hauing vnderstoode the discourse imagined presently with himselfe none could 〈◊〉 Primaleon about better than hee nor sooner enioy the Lady so that reioysing greatly in himselfe vpon this conclusion hee cared not at all to goe to sée the Duchesse nor her Daughter hopingth haue her to wise by force or frée will Whereupon hee embarked himselfe in a Frigot rigged with all necessaries to voyage into Constantinople where being arriued in safety hee sent away a Squier to the Emperour to demaund a safe conduct for him to come into his Court to combat with Primaleon which if he should refuse him hée would make his vaunts abroad howe hee durst not graunt it for feare he had of him When the Emperour heard the Gentleman talke in
this manner he began to be very angry iudging presently that he came to continue the accusation which Valido began therefore he answered him thus Tell your Master againe from me that when I shall grant him the assurance which he demaundeth at my handes it shall hee but to chastlye him for his prowde and arrogant spéeches which are more vsed in Giants mouthes than in any other persons being often cause they worke their owne ruine and confusion therein Then spake diuers Barrons who were there present Sir vnder reuerence of your Maiesty 〈…〉 vnto vs that this 〈◊〉 by no meanes to bee 〈…〉 say so 〈◊〉 in that of the Bohemian Prince all the words 〈◊〉 manifestly the truth of the matter from the false and 〈…〉 which he presented 〈…〉 of Perriquin So that you shoulde rather 〈…〉 of Lurcon than to accord him any 〈…〉 appearance of truth In the meane 〈◊〉 whilst this was bruied through the Court Primaleon returned from 〈◊〉 who woondreâ— greatly to heare such a marmuring stirre whereof when he heard the occasion hee waxed a little angrie as euery one might 〈◊〉 by these wordes which 〈…〉 to his Father I woonder 〈…〉 that you 〈…〉 who hath 〈…〉 you wil cleane 〈…〉 opinion of your Knights who séeme to haue feare of a beast beeing an enemie to God wherein I beseech you of your especiall sauour that you will suffer rather your Sonne to dye than she least act of cowardize should bee reproched and 〈◊〉 vnto 〈◊〉 Giue 〈…〉 permission to haue Combat with mee and to all those hereafter who shall came to 〈◊〉 mee vppon 〈…〉 will 〈…〉 as him who neuer thought to him offended 〈…〉 will The Emperour 〈…〉 and that 〈…〉 Which when the Giant vnderstande because it was alreadie late would in no wise that Euening goe a short but beeing made priuse of all that which hapned in the Pallace vpon this sodaine did but laugh and make a scotte thereat saying that if Primalcon did shew himselfe hardie and of great courage if would stand him in good stéede on the more 〈◊〉 before the conflict was ended so that to prouoke him the more and to the end he should not saile to enter the field with him hee sent his Squier backe incontinent with a letter of destance which be wrote with great expedition to this effect A Letter of Defiance vvritten by the Giant Lurcon to Primalcon of Greece TO thée Primalcon of Grecce the most soolish and cowardly defender of Cournyes the Giant Lurcon Sonne to Dermaquus who will eternize his renowne by thy death sendeth this destance for so much as the 〈◊〉 hauing fauoured thée so much as to make thée he borne of Noble and Royal blood thou hast stayned that famous marks of nature beside all the reputation which thou maiest her â—aster 〈◊〉 in military discipline beginning thy â—â—ertise by a most absurd dishonour able and villanous murder I meane by the death of the gentle Knight Porrequin of Dâ—â—s Son to the 〈…〉 king of Poland whom thou â—â—e west felloniously in the Turney which then heldest at the marriage of thy sister where he would faine be present the more to honour her 〈…〉 myselfe thou shalt not dare to denie to confesse manifestly the â—reason but that thou hast shamefullie and 〈…〉 massacred him vnder the pretence of the assuraunce which thou gauest to all commers Wherein I know not what excuse thou mayest pretend except it be a spâ—die and liberall offer to giue in recompence and satisfaction of his life the dead of him who hath committed so disloyall an ouersight The which I am now come to fetch to offer it vp vnto her who remendeth vengeaunce therefore aduising thee that when with thy good wil thou wouldest not consent to so iust and reasonable a thing I hope to constraine thée by force of Armes if thou hast so much courage as to enter the close field with me there to trie it out by single combat So soone as this Destance was quickly read ouer by Primaleon hee returned to the Squire who brought the 〈◊〉 whome verie â—oughâ—â—â— and in great choller hee aâ—nswered that if it had not beene so late hee woulde verie willing hir haue Combatted his Master that â—ight without any longer attendaunce Wherevppon the Emperour his Father gaue him aduise by 〈…〉 reasons that though are not to bee done vppon a hotte spurre 〈…〉 should bee the best way to see a little what the Giant woulde say further But the Empresse and her Daughters beeing troubled without measure by the remembrance thereof could not all that night once close their eyes to take a little 〈◊〉 And â—â— lesse was the inconuenient of the 〈…〉 which did importunately 〈◊〉 and trouble the Emperours spirke quite contrarie to Primaleons who for all that did not forbeare his slépe neuer a whitte the more but tooke his rest well enough as her that before 〈…〉 Anninâ— himselfe verie strongly 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 morning beeing as merrie and 〈◊〉 not if heâ— should haue gone but to 〈…〉 for she 〈…〉 of soone amiable Ladie But the Giant assoone as the day appeared went a shoâ—re and mounting vpon a strong and mightie 〈◊〉 armes at aâ— poâ—â—tes except his head tooke his way with his people toward the Cittie where by reason of the brute of the arriuall of this 〈…〉 which was alreadye spreade abroade euerie where bothe little and great came about him to â—â— him so that â—â—â—ing maruelously 〈…〉 of the sight of his person they prayde vnto God that he wold succour giue their Prince victorie against him the same did in like maner the knights of the court who were in great doubt of Primaleons life séeing before them so deformed and huge an aduersarie neuerthelesse the Emperour who was accustomed to talke with such Coloâ—â—es and skarbabes beeing but lumpes of flesh without any 〈◊〉 of spirite or bodie made light account of him and woulde willinglie haue accepted she Combat â—â—nsesse to haue â—ased his Sonne Primaleonâ— But as he discoursed thus with himselfe beholâ— Luâ—con 〈◊〉 before him who beginneth with this abrupâ—e spéech to him aâ—owde Emperour of Constantinople I rather with thy ruine than that of any other man who liueth vnder the celestiall Globe for that thou slewest â—oth my Father and Brother two the verie flowers of Chiualrie whereby I haue euer since seâ—â— an 〈◊〉 anguish in my heart because I coulde neuer finde any meane to be reuenged of so cruel an homiride Notwithstanding séeing God hath now opened 〈◊〉 the waie I hope soone to 〈…〉 with me vpon 〈…〉 and a â—reason which I stand vppon to make him 〈…〉 before he escape my handi◠〈…〉 Knight quoth Primaleon I am resolued to fight 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 which thou 〈…〉 to reuenge his death without giuing thée any reason how or wherefore I â—lew him â— séeing I haue giuen to him account sufficient alreadie who â—ot willing â—â— content himselfe therwith I haue made him buy the refusall deare as I hope to pay shée for the paine which
thou hast taken to come so farre to this place Verie glad was the Giant 〈◊〉 séeing Primaleon readie to enter the Barriers with him Into which the Emperor commaunded the Duke of Pera the Earle of Redon to conduct him and to assure him from all men except from his enemie in the meane time there remayned not almost any person within the Cittie which came not thither to beholde this Battaile euery man deuoutly praying him in whose handes are all victories to shew fauour to their Prince for whome they should bée in great dispaire were it not for the confidence they haue that hee will neuer forsake him in this necessitie as in him who neuer abandoneth nor reiecteth those who Arming themselues with true saith doe build their rain part on his refuge The Giant then after hee had laced and buckled the strings of his headpéece tooke a strong launce in his hand and seeing hys enemie come Armed conceaued so great pleasure that flourishing his Launce he thus began This staffe imbrâ—ed to day in the bloud of my aduersarie shall take vengeaunce on that 〈◊〉 who hath with his pearced the bosome of mine auncestors â—old thy tongue for shame great animall quoth Primaleon holde thy tongue and cease to vaunt thy presumptâ—ous 〈◊〉 till thou seest thy selfe banquisher for their is the houre to bragge and not before Then the Iudges séeing these two Combatants in good will euerie one to do his best for him selfe they departed the Barriers and presently the signe of the assault beeing sounded by the Trumpets the Knightes encountred with such furie that they 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 For the height of Lurcon constrayning him to carrie his Launce lower against Primaleon than if he had béene of his â—oulenes so that he could attaint him but on the â—ippe where peareing his Armour he scracht his skâ—â—e a little But the Constantino Politane who came full vpon him with a right carriere with his Launce 〈◊〉 him cleane through the cuirace into the 〈◊〉 so they dasht their shâ—elds and rusht their bodies together in such sorte that they both smoked at it In this â—â—counter the Giants Horse had such a shouldering that hee could goe afterwardes but vpon thrée legges by meaneâ— whereof feeling the heauie burden which hee had vppon his backe he kept such a capering rearing and flinging that hee laid his loutish Master vppon the bare ground who in falling did so entangle one of his feete in his stirroppe that his horse tâ—aâ—ld him a long time from place to place Which Primaleon seeing ranne vppon him with his naked sword in his hand and before he could get up againe he gaue him so sound a blow vppon his legge that he cut the bone almost quite a two whereat he cast out so horrible a noyse that hee â—erristed all the assistants but not him who he 〈◊〉 him with the Cemitorie which the Knight of the Closed-Ile had sent him which hee so be laboured then with all his might vppon hys Helmet that cutting a two the stringes that hee shewed quicklie his bare head Whereuppon Lurcon entred into so intollerable a phrenzie that béeing vnable to defende himselfe from the fell blowes of his aduersarie hee purposed to gripe him by the bodye thinking to dispatch him that waye But for all that Primaleon kept himselfe at the point of hys sworde and with a backe stroke vppon the Mazzard felde him as dead as a Dogge to the ground saying It is now that thou mayest exeâ—te thy Trophies to Pallaâ— and Mars for the victories they haue sent thee and not before thou haste Combatted as not long since thou didst vaunte to doe It were verie difficult to recount the ioy and gladnesse that euerie one conceauâ—d seeing the happie successe of this spectacle The which to the ende to make it publikely knowne abroade the Iudges and Martials of the fielde perceauing the Giant to haue breathed his last did accompany Primaleon with victorious acclamations vnto the pallace where they presented him to the Emperor who receaued him with great ioy Then came forth the Empresse and her Daughters to entertaine him as if he had béene newly arriued from some forâ—en Countrie praysing and blessing God for so signall a 〈…〉 torie the which beganne to bring some comforte and reioycing to the Court which was before all in 〈◊〉 verie sad and mournefull for the death of King Florendos his Quéene Griana Father and Mother to the Emperour Afterwards there arriued manie Knights to Combat Primaleon vppon the same quarrell but it cost them all deare as béeing those who defended a wrong quarrell the Prince behauing himselfe euerie day more valiantly than other wherof the Greekes reputed themselues most happie men to haue after the Emperour so sage valiant a Prince for their Seigneur wherefore from diuers Countries were presented him manie good offers to marrie a wife the which he would accept of in no wise for the little desire hee had to marrie so young But let vs discourse a little of the great perrils and traualles that another Knight made him endure who came to Constantinople to defie him vppon the same pretended treason of the Polonians death as you shall in the next Chapter heare more at large CHAP. XVIII Howe Prince Edward the eldest Sonne to the King of England was inamoured of faire 〈◊〉 seeing her picture against a wall and hovve hee was afterward conducted by a strange aduenture into a Monasterie of Nunnes and what befell him there in the meane time he was within the Nunnerie KIng Fredericke of England brother to Agriâ—la Empresse of Almaine had by his wife manie Male Children the eldest whereof called Prince Edward was no lesse accomplished excellent in the exercise of Armes than verie well 〈◊〉 in most ciuill and good manners and in all other laudable vertuous and honest thinges So that hauing receaued the order of Knighthood he held daylse Ioustinges Tournyes to exercise and make himselfe skilfull in militarie profession And for asmuch as hee delighted also in hunting one of the brauest Knights called Robert sent him a faire dog which he recouered of a woman who was a great Magâ—rian as you shall vnderstand hereafter This Knight Robert being in the prime of his youth had a great desire to see the aduentures of the world by meanes whereof embarking himselfe among other Marchants who went to trafficke and to fall Armes in Turkie beeing tossed by tempest and foule weather on Sea come to an anker in the Iland of Malfada where they were all enchaunted except him onely who pleased much the Ladie of the Ile Whereuppon â—â— fortuned that hee liued there in verie great pleasure about the space of two yeares at the ende where of calling to minde vppon a time his owne countrie he fetcht a great â—igh from his breast so that this Fayrie who neuer was far from him desired to know the cause of that sigh vnto whome hee reuealed the whole matter In good faith faire sir
vnto them the whole discourse of their History after that they had all supped most daintely The morrow morning Prince Edward rose at the point of day-breake and departed alone with the Damosell leauing the two brethren among the Nunnes in the Conuent where the Abbesse made them good cheare for his sake and kept very carefully the sword which he gaue her whereuppon it fortuned afterward that he being King he augmented much the reuenues of this Nunnerie remembring the promise which hee had made to the Abbesse and to all the religious Nunnes her sisters CHAP. XX. How Prince Edward was brought by the Damosell into the house of the Duke of Borsa where her sister thought to enchaunt him to make him marry a Niece of hers beeing Daughter to the Duke who was inamoured of him onely by the great fame which was bruted of his valour and what ensued there upon THis Damsell who guided the English Prince wayted in the house of the Duke of Borsa Nephewe to her for whom her father enchaunted the two brethren within the Sepulcher the which was afterward married with the Earle of Brabant vnto whom he had promised her as ye haue read before But this Duke had onely one sonne and one Daughter which was his eldest excelling farre in beauty all others of that country for which cause hir father loued her a great deals the dearer so that more carefully to haue her nuctured in all feminine ciuility hee caused her to bee brought vp in the house of a sister of his being a widdow a most prudent Lady beeing well aduized and verye well seene in the Arte of Magicke and secret Philosophie a Profession very peculiar to the most part of their familie This Dukes Daughter called Rene hearing the famous report of the generous valour of Prince Coward so publikely talked of in the mouth of all men tell so farre in loue with him without euer séeing him that she became wonderfull pensiue and melancholly and by reason of the continuall teares and complaints which without ceasing shée powred out to the winde when she could secretly retire her selfe into her Chamber apart to ease the passion of her minde a little shee so defaced her beauty in fewe dayes that the Duke her father was aware thereof Whereupon seeing her sometimes to fetch déepe sighes déerely requested his sister for he loued his Daughter entirely to sound by some subtle meanes from whence this her melancholly sadnes might proceede Whereunto the good Lady made reply how she had not as yet perceiued any such matter notwithstanding shée woulde worke so wisely that shée woulde learne the truth And from thence going strait to her Néeces Chamber shée found her continuing her daily complaints So that sitting downe by her she began to pray and to coniure her that shee would no longer conceale from her the cause of her griefe then the young Damsell with a bashfull and blushing countenance answered to her with these words Madame I knowe not what to answere you in this case but that I am the most wicked and most disastred Damosell that was euer borne vnder the celestiall Spheares séeing that I haue imprinted in my heart a thing which redoundeth more to my totall ruine than to the least lote of any contentment whose â—sâ—ue shall be my spéedy death which shall bring an ende to my detestable and too too languishing life Then shée proceeded to tell how she loued with a most vehement and excessiue flame Prince Edward of England who would be the onely cause that shee shoulde speedily sée her selfe dissolued to dust and ashes forasmuch it séemed altogether impossible euer to haue any fruition of her desire because the Prince and she were not of equall estates The Aunt who sawe her in such a pittifull taking would not prolong her furthee torment but presently began thus vnto her Deere Neere I pray you gouern your selfe with some constancie of minde in this passion and in the meane time blotte out of your minde this impossibilitie which you alledge for the principal point of your anguish for I promise you so to imploye my Art that the Knight who will loue ere long more than anie liuing creature shall arriue in this place to espouse you So great and vnspeakable was the ioy of Rene that taking her Aunt about the necke shee embraced and kissed her manie times saying O my swéete Aunt if you procure me now this blisse and felicitie inferiour to none in this world you may well vaunt and say you haue deliuered a sorrowfull and desolate Niece of yours out of the most inâ—â—icate Laborinth which euer was deuised in this earth yea if it were that which Dedalus inuented so artificially in Crete to include the infatiable Minâ—taure My louing Niece take you no care replied the Lady but haue a little patience that all things may be done in these due time With that shee departed from the Chamber to conferre this busines with the Duke her brother with out whose priuy consent she would in no wise begin to set this worke abroach and discoursing to him at large the whole matter told him what hope shee had to carrie this businesse to circumspectly that ere long Prince Edward shuld wed his danghter so that after their conclusion she went to turne ouer hir bookes of Negromancie where she found that the Knight was sure in loue already of Gridonia Notwithstanding hoping to crosse and reuoke his affection by her Magicke shée dispatcht away immediatly the Damosell of whome you haue vnderstood before to bring him vnto Borsa True it is shée commanded her not to leade him vnto the aduenture of the Cloyster but thether she conducted him her selfe because of a sister of hers who was a Nunne in that place from whence departing together as ye haue read before in the former Chapter in two dayes he arriued at the Citty of Borsa But before the Knight did enter into the Citty the Damosell prayed him to stay for her a while in a Hermitage neere the Suburbes till shée returned from dooing a message to her Mistrisse who was very willing so to doo And abiding with the Hermit shée went to the Infant Rene who right glad of his â—â—rsual trickt vp her selfe most richly to entertaine her Louer sending backe with spéede the messenger to conduct him secretely into her Chamber Shée being quickly arriued at the Hermitage sayth thus to the Knight Syr you must leaue your horse here and come on foote with mée who will bring you into a place whether you shall finde your selfe a glad man to bée arriued I pray God quoth the Prince then that I be not deceiued nor circumâ—uented by you in any thing Alas That God whom you haue innocated forbid that I should euer seeke to entrap my Liege and soueraigne in any Ambush I pray you onely come with mee assuredly and without any feare of ill encounter vpon condition if it shuld fall out otherwise by my meane I will bee reputed the most
hands of any Knight who were issued out of that so noble and generous race of Palmerin de Oliua Notwithstanding séeing without doubt it is an inâ—uitable extremity I must patiently yéeld my selfe his humble captiue beséeching God I may finde so much curtesse in him as once did my mother in the like accident receaue of the so redoubted Prince Palmerin de Oliua Prince Edward afterwardes hauing vnderstoode by the More the interpretation which the Infant had accompanied with so heauy a sigh he would take the charge of her himselfe saying to the Master of the shippe that of all the booty they had taken he demanded nothing els for his share but this Damsell So Prince Edward lead away into his Chamber the Princesse Zerphira with fower of her principall Damsels onely who carryed with them theyr rings and iewels giuing the rest of the pillage to the Merchant and his companions then procéeding in theyr voyage the Knight called to minde how there were diuers Christians within his shippe who did him seruice with great reuerence whereupon mistrusting lest they should know him he tooke aside a little the Master of the Shippe saying thus vnto him my friend I perceaue you know who I am whereby men may thinke great simplicity in me to conceale my selfe hereafter Understand therefore that I departed out of the King my fathers Court with an vnspeakable desire to come to sée as well the good Knights which are in the Court of King Frisol as also in that of the Emperour of Constantinople therefore I must request you not to manifest mee to any one considering that what I doo now is but for some good respect And â—o the ende wee may auoyde the inconuenience which might ensue by the enquiry made of mée you shall doo mee hereafter the least honour you can reputing me but for a simple and poore wandring Knight whom you shall call the Knight of the Dogge and say I am of some farre Nation to you vnknowne who wandring thorough the world to séeke strange aduentures and arriuing at the King of Englands Court soiourned there a while with Prince Edward his sonne with whome I was so well acquainted that he would haue kept me there a long time with him whereby it procéedeth that I can better speake that language than any other yea than mine owne naturall tongue And if yee doo so and God giue mee grace to liue the age of a man I will reward you so that you shall thinke it a blessed hower wherein you first met me Syr replyed the Merchant you haue already done me more grace than I shall euer bee able hereafter to deserue at your hands which may well assure you I shall neuer dare disclose you seeing the great care and dilligence you your selfe vse not to bee descried of any whatsoeuer and whereas there is others beside in this vessell who knowe you as well as I doo I will make them all come before you to the ende they may promise not to make knowne your name but when and to whom you shall please So it fell out when they arriued afterward with great gladnesse at Arriace which was the place of the birth and dwelling of the chiefe Merchant who was owner of the ship Being a Cittie verie strong and of good defence situate in the Kingdome of Hungarie on the one side confining with the Countries of the Soloan of Nicea There came they into a Hauen and for the Merchant was rich and had a faire lodging hee tooke the Knight with him into his house who would néedes bring along Zerphira with him leading hir by the arme where they were Honourably entertained by the Merchants wife who at their arriuall vnderstood secretly by meanes of her husband the discourse of this Nauigation But all those of this ship hauing purchased by the helpe of the Knight of the Dogge great riches from the Instdels the brute thereof came quickly to the eares of this Ladie who found her selfe at that instant in a wofull case because King Frisoll went about by his Soueraignâ—ty to take from her this Cittie to fortesie it as beeing the next frontier to the Mores Country And also because her deceased husband had rebelled in his tune against Netrides his Father when after the conquest of this Kingdome hee sought to inuest himselfe with the principall Citties wherein no man gaintsaide him but he onely who died in this reuolte Under this pretexte then sent King Frisoll for this Lady to come vnto him so dispossesse her of the Cittie promising neuerthelesse to recompence her in good sort But shee who had but one only Sonne as yet a tender pupill vnder age would not exchange it for any other Cittie of his Kingdome as well by reason that hers was well seated for all kinde of commodities as also for that she saw all her subiects and inhabitance growne very rich and wealthy So that this Lady had no more but eight dayes of tearme remayning when she was to appeare before the King when also Prince Edward arriued at Arriace and hauing not as yet found out any that durst appeare to answere for her so that she wared very sad beeing in perplexety knowing not howe to resolue what was best to be 〈◊〉 in this cale when she vnderstoode of the prowesse and magnanimitie of the Knight of the Dogge bruted abroad in her Cittie Whereuppon it fortuned that shee sent incontinent for the principall Merchant to come to her Castell who arriued there soone after with two handmaides of Zerphira which fell to his share whereof he made a present vnto her and declared vnto her as much as yon haue read before wherewith thee had her minde so troubled that she lost almost both her sence and reason and therefore she prayed him to moue the Knight to haue some compassion of her woefull distresse Whereuppon he protesting vnto her of a troth the great curtesie and generousnes of Prince Edward shee made no farther enquirie but beeing accompanied with the Marchant with some one of her Damsels she went presently to him and falling downe prostrate before him thus she began Braue Knight if the affliction of any poore desolate widdow hath euer found place of pittie in your noble minde I beseech you most humbly you will now vouchsafe to regard mée in the necessitie wherein I am And after shee had vnfolded the whole matter vnto him the Prince made her this aunswere Madame I am verie sorie and sore displeased at your sadnesse and cause of melancholie on the other side I am verie glad that so good an occasion doth offer it selfe now to make you knowe the desire I haue had euer since mine Infancie to helpe and succour to my small power all Ladies who would employ mee and especially those who feele themselues oppressed and destitute of aids and counsell And for this cause will I willingly present my selfe before your King making him to vnderstand that corrupting the inuiolable lawes of Iustice he
the death of a knight whom he felloniously slew in his tourney Iesus Christ quoth the Emperour then being some what affended and when will this demand haue an end I tell ye knight that both you and all those who shall come to take this reuenge seeme vnto me rashly aduised since the truth of the act is so manifest and notorious But the Prince who saws him speake thus in choller maruelled at the manner of his answere for that he reputed him a little more modest and discreet than he seemed to be at that time so that being not able to containe within his heart the burning â—eale which prouoked him so farre he was forced to replie vpon his former purpose thus Sir I did not thinke to receiue so rigorous an answere from so benigue and curteous a prince as ye are neuertheles to vse no superfluitie of speech ye shall knowe from me that if Peregrim of Dugas haue not bin yet auenged tho small courage and cowardise of those who came hether for that purpose hath bin the cause thereof as I hopâ—â—rs long to shewâ— you plainly if ye will grant me the combat against your see I wil sée quoth the Emperor what you can doo more than others who haue entered the field vpon this quarrell whom I estéeme of more or at least of as great valour and as expert knightes as your selfe At that word prince Edward thought great scorne would talke no longer with him but being become saturnine and dreaming built castles in the aire when Primaleon Torques who lead betweene them faire Flerida by the hands ariued at the place where this protestation was made and comming in the same maner all three néerer vnto the knight Primaleon who knew what the matter was before sainteth him thus My frind I am Primaleon wold ye anie thing with me â— Nought but vengeance replyed the Englishman for the death of Perregrim of Ducas whom ye slew cowardly and not as an honourable and loyall knight It sufficeth quoth the Constantinopolitan hereupon ye shall haue the combat with me which shall not be deferred anie longer than till I come from arming my selfe For God forbid that such staines and reproaches imputed to mine honour should euer for me be deferred or remitted vnto farther dispute and longer processe of time to decide them Oh my God gan the infant Flerida what vnreasonable destances are these I neuer heard of anie demand more impudent and more inconsideratly propounded than this since that so often the truth ther of hath bene tryed as euerie one can tell and I cannot imagine what other guerdon those knights pretend to haue who come to reuenge this death vpon my brother but onely to and my daies without anie shew of other honest reason These spéeches vttered she with so great a stomacke that the verie griefe which her heart apprehended caused the faire superficies of her angelicall face to shew so perfectly that there is no man liuing but would haue remayned marueliously a bashed to beheld her so naturall and accomplished beautie She enoing her exclamation turned towards prince Edward her wit in eyes â—â—dewed with teares which distilled from her braine thorough the vehemencie of the anguish which she felt in her brest séeing her brother whom she loued as her owne soul so chafed and so peruerse against her to performe the battell The gracious and pittifull regard of these two glistering starres wounded in a moment the heard of the knight in such strange manner that loosing almost all sense hee clean forgot Gridonia also and the passion of this his grâ—â—ne and newe wound was so vehement that hee found no phisition nor surgion who could vnderstand the method of his cure except the verie same from whome his wound was inflicted Alasse what might hee then doo Surely willingly would bee haue desisted with his honour from this battell onely to haue done some acceptable seruice to the Princesse Flerida whereby to haue gotten some accesse to be neere her But what Primaleon his a aduersarie departed to goe arme himselfe and the infant more than his mortall enemie for without dying all her forces failed her and her verie fine weâ— dyd shrinke for â—â—ard she retired herselfe incontinent with the Empresse into hâ—r sent Alasse the poore desolate louer remayned as it were rauished and in a trance thinking on the dreame he had within the caue of Osmaguin and on the words which Olymba tolde him lykewise he called to mind the two figures pictured vpon his shield and of that which the Duke of Borsaes sister and the ye sent in the wood had forewarned him of All these thinges comming into his imagination made him so perplexed and irresolute as he could not tell what to doo it séeming vnto him that for some one of these thinges whereof he was so many times sorewarned began to be true in déede And on the other side considering the high valour of Flerida and 〈◊〉 whence shee descended hee sawe many reasons which did inuite him to loâ—â— her about Gridonia whom he had not as yet euer séene nor promised any other thing but onely by his Letter to combat Primaleon to doe her seruice so that hee sayde within himselfe O God of Gods how great and admirable are all thy iudgementes Who is able to ouerthrowe the things which are by thée established Surely no liuing creature Then if I may acchieue the fruition of mine vnhoped for desire which hath now assayled my soule I shall haue none ocsion to complaine of Fortune Wherein to make my first aâ—saie eyther I will suffer my selfe to be vanquished in this combat or else I will imploy all the forces which God and nature haue lent me to ouerthrow Primaleons and it behoueth me to do my best least I appears to be of small valor in presence of so faire a Ladie for if it be in my power to kill her brother and I for her loue saue his life shall I not therby purchase her grace amity Meane while the knight of the Dog had these imaginations it his head Primaleon who had taken post to go arme himselfe in Constantinople returned mounted vpon a puisant courser whoÌ„ the Emperour mitigating his sodaine indignation against the knight began to view him better and iudging by his very looke some excellent thing in him coÌ„mended him highly in his opinion Bellagor likewise who accompanied him thether then cesting his â—is toward Claudius and his saire Dog Maiortes maruelled much more what hee was so that Primaleon beeing ariued the Emperour his father vsed this speech vnto him Sonne take ye heed ye behaue your selfe valiantly in this battell for your enemie seemeth to be both magnanimious and generous My gracious Lord Father replied Primaleon it shall stand him then in good stead seeing he commeth to sustaine a quarrell so vniust repugnant to all reason Then the Emperour who saw them both in a readynes to do their deuoires commanded the Earle of Rhedon