that Don Edward our infortunate Prince Primaleon your noble Sonne and all the other captiue Princes in despite of her and the giant Dramusiande are reléeued from their long vnhappy imprisonment Then turning to the Princesse Bazilia he began courteously to salute her as thus It stood with good reason faire Lady that your presence should be partaker of these happy tidings insomuch as you I am sure haue suffered no small afflictions for the absence of your deare friend the Prince Vernar whom I can assure you to be in as good health as you can wish sauing that he is not here as you could willingly be content he himselfe as in short time he will I dare awarrant you Gridonia rauished with the report of Argolant was so suddenly ouercome with excéeding ioy that she caught the Princesse Bazilia in her armes either of them cured of one sicknesse that one could hardly iudge whether their present gladnesse excelled their passed gréefe or in what order they receiued these newes but it sufficeth they had good cause to be pleasant The Empresse came and took either of them by the hand conducting them into her Oratorie where in heartie and solemne deuotions they gaue thankes to God for this prosperous successe In the meane while the Emperour desired Argolant to rehearse the names of such noble Princes and Knights as were partners in this long captiuitie which when he had heard he greatly reioyced that the florishing noble mindes of all Christendome bare parts of the mishappes of the renowned English Prince a token of their great loue and friendship in that they disdained not the terrour of such hard misfortune to beare him company whom all hautie hearts did honour And the rather was his ioy the greater because the knight of Fortune contained the magnanimitie of courage as notwithstanding all bitter brunts to threaten the contrary he was the chosen Champion to accomplish this rare aduenture Now he called to remembrance the letter sent by the Lady of the Lake the same day as Polendos king of Thessaly deliuered him that royall present as also the message of the Sage Aliart which had now discouered the full effect of their promises Through all the Cittie was presently noysed the recouery of the Grecian Princes which caused euery one to make small account of the presumptuous brags of the Soldanes of Babylon and Persia in that they iudged themselues vnder the surest defence that might be now they had obtained those whom they euer estéemed The Emperour causing Argolant to be brought to his chamber went straight to the Closet of the Empresse where he rehearsed all that Argolant had declared as concerning the successe of the knight of Fortune Argolant departing on the next morning was desired by the Emperour to will the knight of Fortune make hast vnto Constantinople because he had a great desire to sée him And now the Emperour with all his court was indued with as great ioy as he conceiued sorrow at his departure which he had good cause to do hauing lost his chéefest defence in the absence of the Princes and knights that were kept prisoners in the Castle of Dramusiande by the accursed meanes of the Enchantresse Eutropa and now possessing the fréedome of his losse he might well estéeme the volour of this hardy knight But such are the changes and mutabilities of Fortune who when the heart is drowned in gréefe past any hope she sendeth a happy successe to requite the former mischance and likewise where most pleasure hath continuall residence there she soonest prouideth the greatest mishap CHAP. XLV How the English knights and the Grecian knights in honor of the Emperour Trineus and the faire Agriola enterprised a braue Tournament wherein each one behaued himself very valiantly And how three strange knights arriued there whose noble behauiour vrged the royall assembly to great admiration EIght dayes after that the Emperour Trinâ—us was arriued at Court the knights among themselues determined a triumph for which cause the Tiltyard had many scaffolds and galleries built about it that they might the better behold this hauty attempt When the Emperour with the fair Agriola the king Fredericke the Quéene the Princesse Flerida Don Edward Primaleon with the other noble Ladies and gentlemen of the Court were come to the place appointed for them to sée this Tournament the English knights entred the lists where they meant to manifest the affection they bare to their Ladies that in honour of their fauours they feared not to hazard the vttermost of their liues After them entred the Grecian knights euery one brauely mounted and attired in faire new complete Armour which graced with their persons maruellously the Prince Gracian by their generall consent was chosen Captaine to whom they referred the state of their conduct for that day because Palmerin of England would not enter the Ioust against his friends left his valour should turne to their disaduantage At the sound of the Trumpet they all prepared themselues encountring one another with such knightly courage that the Estates presents with such a whole multitude of people attributed great coÌ„mendation to this hardy exployt for that they dismounted one another on either side as it was doubtfull to say which company were likest of victory Gracian ran fiercely against Eutrope of Beltran an English knight of great strength and very well estéemed but Fortune turned her backe towards him that day so that he could not withstand the knightly puissance of the French Prince Platir encountred with Normant the Proude gaue him such a colde welcome that they were faine to carry him forth of the field In like manner Carlente sped at the hands of the Prince Berolde consequently the English knights albeit their déeds did iustly merite eternall commendations both at the Tilte and Tourney were vrged to the repulse because the Grecian knights were the stronger side Berolde breaking through the rankes vsing such singular behauiour in all his attempts as was greatly liked of the Regardants came to Clariball of Hungaria who setled themselues stoutly against ech other that they endured both a doutfull and a dangerous fight neither hauing the aduantage of the other but such an equall condition passing betwéene them as the Emperour with all the royall company were greatly affected therewith The king Recinde albeit the sharpe strokes his Sonne receiued vrged him to take it some what impatiently yet the generall applause which was giuen vnto him constrained him to thinke well of his valiant procéeding Eutrope came now to the assistance of Clariball accompanyed with Syr Pridos Archirin LaÌ„bert Roquendar Rugerald Flocandrisse Alberraz Lamonstrant and Brutamont against whom to maintain the quarrell of the Prince Berolde came Gracian Frisol Luyman Onistalde Dramâ—an Tenebrant Don Rousel and Bazilliarde all these behauing themselues very gallantly at Armes yet at this brunt was too weak to resist the hot assaults of the valiant English Princes which was stil maintained with fresh supply of noble
he was greatly made account of insomuch as euery one thought his labour well imployed to do him seruice and euery one were desirâ—us to question with him how Don Florian was guarantized of his wounds which he had receiued at the Castle of Dramusiande When dinner was ended they went all to the chamber of the Empresse Agriola with whom the Quéene and the Princesse Flerida had dined and the king desiring silence when they were all placed began in this order to the Sage Aliart Let it not séeme displeasant vnto you good Sir that I presume to remember you of a promise made yester-night as also to deliuer me from a doubt that I haue conceiued of your selfe which is if I may request so much fauour to tell me of whence you are because the great cunning and science I haue heard to be in you doth argue you are discended of some noble linage To which demand Aliart presently returned this answer I was determined déere Soueraigne neuer to bewray my selfe to auy but since your Maiestie hath commanded me whose words are more of force to compell me then any prince or potentate may or can constraine me I will certifie you of that which neither friend nor foe could yet get of me This knight whose name you are desirous to know is called Blandidon as concerning his birth and Parentage the Prince Florian can at large giue you to vnderstand for which cause I will passe no furder to discouer what he is But as touching my self this knight here named Pompides and my selfe are Brethren both of vs the sonnes of the Prince Don Edward and Argonida the Lady of the Enchanted Isle as hath béene affirmed to vs by the oath of diuerse Don Edward sitting by his beloued Flerida loath to conceale any thing that might profite in this case humbling himselfe to the King his Father began as followeth Deare father what Sir Aliart hath deliuered to your Grace I must and will auouch to be most true they are both my Sonnes wherefore I desire you to entertaine them as your Nephewes And my swéete Flerida let it not séene as disliked of you because it was long before I entred acquaintance with you and such were the craftie deuices Argonida vsed with me that what with perill of my life and the pleasure I had also in her company these twaine are the fruits of our long familiar labours The King came to them aud imbraced them very louingly when presently Florian at his instant request declared the hautis Exploytes and Knightly déedes hée had both tryed and found in the noble Blandidon Flerida forgaue her Lord Don Edward this offence smyling at the subtill inuentions Argonida vsed to gaine the desire she bare to the English prince when immediately Aliart and Pompides came and submitted themselues to her whom shée welcommed as hartily as had they béene her owne children and so continued pleasantly talking with them till time required they should depart to their Chambers Palmerin of England held yâ— Sage Aliart in great estimation when he perceiued he was allyed to him in kindred so that altogether he framed his delight to be in his company and would not attempt any thing but he should be priuie to it The Triumphes and sumptuous feastes continued daily aboundantly and euery night there was Marking Dauncing rare deuises put in execution so that the Grecian Knights highly honoured the Ladies of England whose braue gesture of Courtly entertainement was not onely estéemed of them but as much commended at their returne in the Court of Constantinople After a long continuance of this excéeding ioy Arnedes and Recinde concluded to depart to their kingdomes leauing their sonnes to accompany the other Princes in their pleasure which the Emperour perceiuing determined to iourney towards Allemaigne also But when they prepared themselues to take their leaue Don Edward and the other Princes desired them to vouchsafe the paines to sée the Castle of Dramusiande wherein so long time they had béene kept as prisoners This request pleased the Emperor very well so that he desired Arnedes and Recinde to beare him company also and then they would depart together Intreaty had quickly wonne them so that on the morrow they departed themselues thither accompanied with the Ladies and Gentlemen of the English Court who greatly longed to sée the Castle so much spoken off that had caused great Brittaine to stand in such feare and by the prowesse of the Noble Palmerin was brought into subiection CHAP. XLIX How the Emperour Trineus the King of England with all the Princes and Ladies rode towards the Castle of Dramusiande where by the way they saw the Caue of the Sauage man wherein the two Princes had beene so long time nourished And how all the way as they rode the Sage Aliart presented them with many rare and braue deuises vntill such time as they arriued at the Castle Where they met with a strange knight who in honor of the beautie of his Lady Miragarda Iusted with diuers of the Princes and departed againe from thence vnknowne to any but the Sage Aliart who discouered to Palmerin of England his name and whence he was IN the morning the Knights who had behaued themselues so worthily in the triumph prouiding them of new and rich Armor made great haste because they would bee ready to goe with the Giant Drausiande onely because they would gratifie their Ladies in bearing them company to sée this Castle At their departure foorth of London the King by sound of Trumpet and Heralde caused them to be proclaimed that no Citizens should offer to follow them because hée had determined being so many of themselues that none should enter the Castle but the Ladies and the Knights For that night hée concluded to lye in the Forrest and therefore sent such prouision of Tents and Pauillions that when they were arriued there they found euery thing to their owne contentment The Princesse Flerida was desirous to sport her selfe about the Forrest and walking By the place where shée had suffered the extreame panges of her trauayle the Sauage man came and humbled himselfe vnto her declaring how in that place he tooke the two Princes from her and nourished them in his Coue which was néere adioyning On this report the knights were desirous to sée his Caue so taking leaue of the Princesse they walked with him thither where after Primaleon Maiortes and the Soldane Bellagris were entred they began euery one to be greatly amazed séeing this Caue to containe so large a breadth and length which made them suppose it to be in manner an intricate De dalus All about on the walles was hanged Tapistrie not of Gold Silke Caddis or such maner of stuffe but the skinnes of Beastes which the two Princes had slaine very finely laboured into an artificiall frame and so decked foorth the Chambers that the Knights marueyled in so desart a place to finde such a fayre dwelling A great while they stood debating with
occasion to content your selfe with this victory in so much as you haue woone it of those who are your especiall friends and we would haue you know that we are not offended at our mischance being vanquiwed by a Prince of so great and singuler prowesse And for that you may be the better perswaded of my words you shall vnderstand that he which is so earnest in prouoking you to the Combat is your déere friend the Prince Berold the other is your own brother the Prince Platir who to their great paines I thanke them haue honoured me in trauaile with their worthy company as for my selfe I am your humble Seruant the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Valley who had knowledge of you so soone as I did sée you yet would not I make any shew thereof being desirous my selfe to be vnknowne to the end that the faire Princesse Miragarda might yet once more behold your Knightly valour and then to esteeme of you according to your noble deserts The Prince Florendos tooke of his Helmet and comming to the Sage Aliart did embrace him very courteously giuing them to vnderstand how he was heartily sory that he had iousted against his Brother and his other two deare friendes whom he spared not to entertaine very gratiously and the like did the Prince Floraman for that they had witnessed their friendship to him in 〈◊〉 places so they sitting downe all together passed away the greatest part of the day in rehearsing their manifold and Knightly aduentures which they lengthened with large discourse because they would gladly get a sight of the Princesse Miragarda who was so dainty in shewing her selfe as very seldome would she come to the open window but looke forth at some priuy or secret place for that her greatest felicitie was when she might sée the fiield died with the blood of those who came to contend for the singularity of beauty in triall whereof she was not a little proud that the victory returned alwaies to her which made her take the greater deilght when she perceiued the liues of them that tried the Combats to stand in danger which she did oftentimes behold in the sundry Combats fought before the Castle These thrée knights continued still in talke at last they were told of the entertainment which the Princesse Miragarda afforded to the Prince Albayzar which did the better content them then any thing else for that they greatly desirad their liberty whom the great Turke did hold as prisoners and whose cruelty they knew would be seuere if it were not mittigated by this meane When they had spent all the day in hope to sée the Princesse and could not any way accomplish their desire knowing beside that the Princes Florendos and Floraman determined to stay there still at the Castle they friendly tooke their leaue of them taking their iourney toward the Cittie of Constantinople which was the cause why they left the King of Spaines Court. Thus the Prince Florendos accompanied with his beloued friend Floraman concluded still to guard the Sheeld of his faire Mistresse Miragarda against all those that durst come to vse any controuersie therewith and stil he bemoned his hard Fortune that his true and faithfull seruice could be no better estéemed CHAP. IX Of a strange aduenture which chanced before the Castle of the Giant Almarol and what happened to the Prince Florendos NOw our history reports the thrée knights which iousted against the Prince Florendos did not linger or loyter in any place til they came into Greece and not very farre from the cittie of Constantinople where by chance as they trauailed they met with Leonarda the Princesse of Thrace being worthily guided by many noble Gentlemen some that imployed themselues in knightly seruice to gaine the good opinion of Princesse and others that vttered many amorous conceits to inueigle her fancy towards them in marriage and so they passed away the time till they arriued at Conâ—stantinople where the Princesse was entertained with maruailous great honour but because the History doth make mention hereafter of her royall receiuing into the Citty I will now speake no more thereof but returne againe to the Prince Florendos who walking along the Riuers side to take the fresh aire the next day after the three knights departed from him he espyed two Boats well furnished with Oares in the foremost wherof sate foure Damosels attired in very sumptuous apparell and sitting about the poope end of the Boate sounding and tuning their Lutes whereto their voyces deliuered such pleasant ditties as they might well haue bene compared with the three Knights that had taken their way to Constantinople if so be they had stayed still at the Castle of Almaroll to haue made triall When they drew neare to the Castle the men besturred their Oars merily and the Ladies continued their pleasant song very often making signes of courtesie towards the other Boate which was couered with a Tilt of surpassing riches and there vnder a pauilion of inestimable value sate a Lady on pillows and Cushions of Veluet imbrodered 〈◊〉 with Gold whose countenance which in sooth was maruellous beautifull shewd her to be the Gouernes ouer all the other for she had on a light robe of Carnation Taffata cut and layd out with very beautifull Silks that it séemed of great costlines and value to the beholders by reason that there wanted not gold Pearle and precious Stones to set it forth to the vttermost and for that she might be the better discerned the heate of the day being past the Sunne declining to the neather Regions she gaue commandement that the Mantles of the Pauilion should be lifted vp when the Princes Florendos and Floraman might at will behold the exquisite perfection of her beautie and at her féete they might see sitting on a cloath of blacke Veluet two aged Gentlewoman betwéene whom sat a very faire Damosell and by her side lay a séemely Knight in gréene armour bearing in his shield for his deuice in a field of Sinople Cupid fast lincked in chaines of gold his bowe and arrowes lying before him broken in pieces and the knight himselfe séemed as a man altogether vanquished and ouercome for that the Damosell aduanced her selfe aboue him The Marriners were brauely decked with the colours of their Ladie whereof I may say to you they were not a little proude for that in behauiour they séemed so pleasant as no accident what soeuer could haue power to change them and in these great shewes of delight they brought their Boates to the side of the Castle continuing these swéete harmonie which by the Eccho of the water gaue an acceptable noyse to their eares who at the windowes of the Castle stoode to behold them The two Princes Florendos and Floraman thought the time too long till they might haue further knowledge of these Ladies but especially the Prince Florendos who being earnest in desire to knowe the Knight in the Boate casting his armes together thus
content to depart hence euen as they came hither and being once gone from hence they will visite most of the Princes Courts in Christendome to trie if Fortune will be so fauourable to them as to knit vp their earnest desires to their contentment The king Recinde was greatly abashed at these sudden newes and the knights were moued much at this aduenture especially regarding the estates of them that would Combate for their Ladyes and for them thus much I can say that there were many among them who would gladly haue forsaken their old fauoured seruants on condition they might marrie with these three noble Princes The King and the Quéene allowing well their worthy enterprise they stayed a great while looking when some one knight or other of the court would be so venterous as to deale with them but séeing none would come they prepared themselues to depart at the very instant as the Damosels Knight arriued there This valiant and renowmed Knight was no sooner espyed but they that knew him came and met him letting him vnderstand the enterprise of the thrée strange Knights which being rehearsed to him the Damosels receiued very much ioy thereat for that they being wearie of him and hope to depart with these thrée knights and the Prince vnderstanding their intens said vnto them You shall now do what your selues imagine expedient and I will recempence my selfe by these meanes on these thrée knights for the great trauaile I haue taken dayly in your seruice I haue béene so greatly deceiued in your loue sayd Artesia as I am content to change your company And we are of the same minde said they whom he had woone from the Knights in the Forrest vpon this he sent them to the thrée knights who were preparing themselâ—es to the Ioust and willed them to come and deliuer them out of his handes who would compell them to stay in his company I â—â—are me quoth the King that these Knights wil not attaine the cheefe of their enterprise against the hardy Damoâ—sels Knight Artesia and her companions forsooke the company of Arlencea and put themselues apart from them which the Ladies of the Court perceiuing they could not chuse but maruell thereat knowing very wel the prowesse of the knight that had conducted them Some iudged the occasion to be the Damosels desire of themselues that they might be at their owne libertie others reputed the cause to some vnfaithfulnes they had found in their Knight Gradian séeing the day wast apace tooke the hardinesse to aduance himselfe foorth first making show of the Ioust which the Damosels Knight beholding he gaue his horse the spurs and encountred Gradian with so great force as he made him fetch an errand on the ground then hee came to Artesia with these words It is necessarie that once againe you come and obey that I shall command you Then he receiued another Launce which one of the Kings Pages brought him and with it he vnhorsed Arpian because he had not learned to sit fast in his Sadle Lustramar was very angry at the misfortune of his friends wherfore he encountred the Damosels Knight so nobly as he caused him to forsake one of his Stirrops but himselfe was sent to kéepe his fellowes company These thrée knights séeing the dishonour they had receiued in the Ioust offered to trie the Combate with the Sword and chiefly Lustramar did séeme most desirous of it but the Damosels knight excused himselfe séeing the day departing so spéedily and the darke night ready to ouercharge them yet would not Lustramar be content with his answere which when Poliphemia perceiued she came vnto him with these words I pray you Sir knight content your selfe and séeke no â—urther occasions at this time for I assure you that our guide is so litle woont to be conquered as they that deale with him are very well contented hauing felt him indéede to put vp the soyle of a fall I haue found so small assurance answered Lustramar in Womens words as for your counsell I will not forbeare to follow my enterprise Then I promise you said Artesia you will not boast of your bargaine in the end While these two knights prepared themselues to the Combate the king Recinde who was desirous to know the Damoselles knight came himselfe to the place where these two knights were offering to charge one another when hee caâ—sed them to be parted and they all â—oure were very honourably brought into the Pallace The Damoselles Knight humbly saluted the Quéene and hauing taken off his Helmet hée kneeled downe to kisse her hand but the King who knew him presently imbraced him very louingly speaking thus to the Queene Madame I pray you to make good account of the deedes of honour you haue receiued by this Knight for he hath finished as rare aduentures as euer did any assuring you that he is the prince Florian of the Forrest otherwise called the knight of the Sauage man Sonne to the Prince Don Edward and the Princesse Flerida your great friends The Queene hearing these wordes tooke him vp in her armes and imbracing him very gratiously charged him with his great discourtesie when he passed by the Court and would not suffer himselfe to be knowne Lustramar and his companions knowing that he which had vanquished them was the noble knight of the Sauage man they made no account of the foyle they had receiued but on the next morning when they had departed thence they desired the Prince to esteeme of them as his vnfeined friends Two dayes after the Knight of the Sauage man was desirous to leaue the Court of Spaine whervpon he tooke his leaue of the King and the Quéene leauing Siluian there in the court because she was well knowne as also Artesia and her companions who wept at their parting for the losse of that they could not recouer againe The Queene tooke her leaue friendly of the Giantesse Arlencea because the Prince Florian did make so good account of her and the King Recinde brought them foorth of the Citie where taking a courteous farewell on all sides with charging him to doe his commendations to the Emperor and his children in the Emperours Court the King returned againe into the Citie and the Prince rode on his iourney CHAP. XXIX Of that which happened to the knight of the Sauage man when he came to the Castle where Arnalte the Princesse of Nauarre made her abode FLorian of the Forrest not forgetting to take new armour when he departed from the King of Spaines Court yet kéeping his deuise in his shield of the Sauage man still because he had greater delight therein then in any other in this manner he trauelled atchieuing many rare and singular aduentures which for breuities sake I let passe because they were not of such importance as to be placed among his other knightly déeds After he had coasted along through diuers Countries it was his fortune at length to arriue in a very pleasant valley euen there
of her whereupon he made her this answer Madame if you were as firme and constant as you are both kinde and beautifull which is a thing most necessarie in you I durst awarrant you that your Knights could not be conuicted in this manner beside there is no knight but would willingly ioyne with them in doing you seruice and I assure you that had you not offred to compell me against my will I would willingly haue granted your owne desire so desirous I am to doe faire Ladies seruice remembring alwayes that such as you are ought to be well estéemed and not forgotten And you shall vnderstand that I haue béene both in the Court of England and Spaine which are not a little renowned by the beauty of the faire Ladies that there are nourished Likewise I haue séene Florenda daughter to Arnedes the king of Fraunce whose beautie is honoured of a great many but shée whom your Champion named and those that I haue rehearsed to you my selfe may not compare with the Ladies of the Emperour Palmerins Court. There haue I séene Gridonia Polinarda Leonarda the princesse of Thrace and Sidelia Daughter to the King Tarnaes of Lacedemonia I haue séene also the Princesse Targiana daughter to the great Turke for whose loue Albayzar the Soldane of Babilon hath suffered very dangerous trauailes all these in my iudgement are highly aduanced in beauty beyond you and so it will be granted of any that is not wedded in affection towards you But let it not offend you that I speake more plainely it is your crueltie and pride together that doeth much deface your title of beautie which you cannot deny your selfe making so light account as you doe of sir Dragonalt not remembring that he is a worthy Knight and Sonne to one of the most valiant Princes on the earth And if this triall is not sufficient to cause you loue him faithfully trust me I must needes say that he hath put himselfe in danger for an vnfaithfull person whom neither knightly bountie nor regard of her owne duty hath power to mooue In respect therefore that you made me promise to grant what I requested my desire is that in recompence of his noble deserts you would accept of him as your Lord and Husband so shall you both fulfill your promise to me and accomplish the commandement which the King your Father charged you should fulfill I now respect your answere to see if a man should build any assurance of your word Sir Knight answered Arnalte do me the fauour to tel me first who you are and afterward I will doe my good will to satisfie your request The knowledge of me faire Lady saide the Knight of the Sauage man shall be no hinderance to the matter wherefore I aduertise you that I am called Florian of the Forrest Sonne to Don Edward the English Prince and Flerida the Daughter to the Emperor Palmerin Dâ—agonalt hearing these words spake thus If in the victory you haue obtained Sir Knight I should loose nothing else but the reputation of a good Knight I could not be any iote offended being vanquished at his handes who alwayes returneth from the Combat conquerour but seeing I am frustrate of the hope that should yéeld me content I cannot chuse but complaine on Fortune who hath caused me fall into so great perplexitie Arnalte vnderstanding that the knight of the Sauage man was the Sonne of the noble Prince Don Edward she began to blush remembring what had passed betwéene her and him and very desirous she was to match with him in mariage but seeing she might not doe as she would she contented her selfe with his request declaring her minde in this manner I did not thinke Sir Knight that he which could so nobly vanquish the enterprise of knights would study and practise how to deceiue poore simple women neuerthelesse the behauiour of the Prince Dragonalt enforceth me to obey your desire Vpon this condition that within one yéere you and hee shall bring mee to the Court of the Emperour Palmerin as well for the vnfained reuerence I beare to his Maiestie as also to be acquainted with those gratious Ladies which you haue named God forbid Madame saide the Knight of the Sauage man but I should agrée to this lawfull request and the rather because I knowe your presence will greatly honour the Emperâ—urs Court Then Florian offered to kisse the Princesse Arnaltes hand but she imbraced him very courteously and Dragonalt would haue humbled himselfe at his féete but he would not suffer him to rise from his bed for he made such estimation of him as hee sent for the chiefe gouernours of the Realme who hauing knowledge of the Knight of the Sauage man iudged the mariage of Dragonalt and the Princesse to be according as it ought and to do them the greater honour the Prince Florian caused the marriage to be solemnized presently in the Castle On the next morning he came to take his leaue of the prince Dragonalt and the Quéene Arnalte to whom hauing made promise that he would not faile to accompany them to the Emperours Court he tooke his way on his iourney where we will forsake him a while and speake somewhat of the Prince Albayzar CHAP. XXX How the Prince Albayzar embarqued himselfe to saile into Turkie after that he had presented himselfe to the Princes of Thrace ALbayzar the Soldane of Babylon was desirous to leaue the King of Spaines court thrée dayes after he had tried the Ioust against the noble Prince Florian of the Forrest and taking his farewell of the King the Quéene the Ladies and those knights of the Court who were his friends he set forward on his way accompanied with two Esquires making such spéedy haste as it was not long before he attained to the Cittie of Constantinople Then comming to the Pallace with a very proude and stately iesture he entred the Chamber of Presence where he found the Emperour the Empresse and her Ladies beside the chéefe Princes and Knights of Court he making no reuerence to any stood viewing among the Ladies whom he had séene before which of them he might repute for the Princesse of Thrace At last iudging her to be the Princes that sate next vnto the faire Polinarda he came before her and knéeling down saluted her with these spéeches Madame at the very instant I was about to depart from the King of Spaines court a knight arriued there being accompanied with nine Damosels and he trying the Iousts with the most redoubted Knight of the Court vnhorsed them brauely one after another The sight hereof made me desirous to hazard my fortune but such was my ill hap that he serued me as he had done the other knights and hauing thus conquered me he enforced me to make my faithfull promise that I would come and submit my self before you and declare the message he would command me for the condition was so made on either part when we began the Ioust This Knight charged me to
the sonne of King Edward and certifying her likewise how the Soldan had receiued his Heathenish faith to make her amends by marriage which she ought not to refuse as well considering the valour and riches of the Soldane who was a mighty and renowmed Prince as also that her son might know his noble father Pandritia heauily looking about her was so sore troubled as it was a great while ere she spake a word but after she had better remembred her selfe shee earnestly beheld king Edward speaking to him in this maner My hard destiny worthy Prince hath concealed this so long which you at last haue vouchsafed to bewray that my life may be heereafter more pleasant then it hath beene and this you may assure your selfe that if I had knowne of this before I had giuen due chastisement to my ignorant misfortune But since it is come to light at this time both the loue of my sonne the saluation of the Soldane and his Subiects compelleth me to forget all matters past considered also that the force of loue made him deceiue in this manner The Emperour liked well of that she had said and the Empresse embraced hee many times being so glad as could be possible that all things came to such a happy end Blandidon was then called into presence who was very sorry when he knew king Edward was not his father but the hope to be preferred by the Soldanes dignitie made him to forget all former occasions and take content in that present before him 〈…〉 L. How the Soldan Bellagris was baptized and how afterward the Emperor caused him to be married to Pandritia and how the other Princes of his court were married also AFter that these marriages were thus agréed vpon the Emperour commaunded the day following that all things for the solemnizing these honourable rites shoâ—ld be prepared in the most decent maner because he would haue them all married in the great Hall of his Pallace there the Archbishop of Constantinople sayd diuine seruice afterward he made a learned Sermon to giue the Soldane Bellagris earnest affection to the law of Iesus Christ publishing likewise openly what had passed betwéene him and the Ladie Pandritia because no suspition should arise by them who were apt enough to conceine an euill opinion When the Archbishop had concluded his sermon be baptized the Soldane The Emperor and king Edward of England were his Godfathers and the two Empresses his Godmothers And to honour him the more the Emperour would haue him first married so the Soldane Bellagris and Pandritia being thus knit together in Matrimonie Blandidon humbled himselfe before them in signe of obedience but the Soldane embracing him tooke him vp reioycing greatly that he had so good a knight to his sonne and that hée should leaue to his subiects such a worthy Gouernour After that Pandritia was thus espoused to the Soldane the Empresse and her Ladies walked with her because the Emperour would haue Florendos and Miragarda matched next which being done his heart abandoned all woonted care and taking her by the hand gaue place to other the Quéenes of England and Spaine walking with them along the Hall to comfort these new married folkes with their good counsell Next entred the Prince Polinarda led betwéene the Empresse of Allemaigne and the Quéene of Fraunce Palmerin going before her accompanied with the Emperour Vernar and the King Tarnes of Lacedemonia and next them came the faire Princesse of Thrace betwéene the Queene Francelina of Thessalie and the Quéene Flerida of England they being glad to sée her matched with the Prince Florian of the Forrest After these two noble English Princes had wedded their swéete friends the Princes Gracian Berold Platir and all the other Prince and Knights were espoused vnto their Ladies Then the new Quéen of Thrace and the Princesse Polinarda entred leading Arlencea betweene them whose beautie shewed very stately being set foorth by the presence of these two Princesses the Prince Primaleon and King Edward accompanied the Giant Dramusiande who was married to Arlencea with great royaltie When they were departed the place the Princesse Miragarda humbly intreated the Emperour that he would giue Cordigea daughter to the Giant Gatarin she remaining in her seruice in marriage to the Giant Almaroll whereto his maister presently agreed after he had vnderstood the good will of Cordigea so he gaue her himselfe to honour the Princesse Miragarda the more to the Giant Almaroll Of this Cordigea you may reade more at large in the second Booke of the notable History of Don Edward of Brittaine The Giant Almaroll was Lord of another Fortresse not farre from thence where he had kept the Princesse Miragarda this Fortresse being called Beauties Bulwarke whereof hee made a present to his espoused Lady Cordigea on condition she should call the Castle after her owne name but returne we againe to our Historie As soone as the Archbishop had ended all these Ceremonies of these marriages the Emperor went into the Queene Flerides Chamber where the dinner was prouided to honor these princes withall and with the Ladies came in Florenda and Graciana the daughters of the king Arnedeâ— but Germaine of Orleaunce being the affectionate seruant of Florenda thought himselfe vnworthy to come in presence because hee was counted but a subiect to the king of France yet did the Emperour make such commendation of the knightly déedes of Germaine of Orleaunce as the King graunted him to marry with his Daughter Florenda albeit his Daughter Graciana found her selfe discontented that she could not get a husband to ioy with them for company The feast was serued with most magnificall honor and the new married Prince made such high account off as it was thought a heauenly life to be a married man for Florendos Palmerin Florian Platir and the other princes were respected in the fauour of the Emperors and the Kings exceedingly in like manner was Miragarda Leonarda Polinarda Sidelia and all other Princesses honoured by the Empresses and the Quéenes most stately to beholde Oftentimes they would recreate themselues thorough the City to the no small delight and content of the Emperour who marking all his frienâ—s and seeing the Prince Floraman absent from their company hée demanded what was become of him Some made answere that hee was a little from the Palace sitting mourning vnder a Tree Which when Florendos vnderstood hee left the company and went to him and perswaded him to come and reioyce with them Floraman returned him this answere Why doe you trauell your selfe so Sir Florendos to haue him be partners of the pleasures you enioy who hath for euer lost his comfort The great good will I vnfainedly beare you doth not deserue you should so deale with me in that my sorrowes would be ten times more if I should doe as you would haue mee therefore I desire you let me beare my griefe quietly séeing I am hee whom Fortune delighteth to torment continually Florendos deuised all
wordes fearing hee should not long enioy his Queene and Wife but the Sage Aliart séeing these two Louers restored to their liberty tooke his leaue of them to trauell to Constantinople where his presence was long desired and looked for and he gaue charge to the knight of the Sauage man that he would come thither with all speede possible because his friends might be greatly furthered by his company But to let you vnderstand by what occasion the Quéene of Thrace was thus enchanted the History discourseth how the Princesse Targiana could not forget her anger and heauy displeasure towards the knight of the Sauage man but dayly thyrsting and desiring for reuengement entertained as partner in her purpose an Enchantresse whose dwelling was in the Realme of Persia named Drusia Velonna Targiana expecting the time when she might open her intent to this Enchauntresse Drusia at length consented to fulfill her mind and one day when the Princesse was bathing her selfe at a Fountaine Drusia came suddainly to her thorow the window of an high Tower and presenting her selfe so straungely before her the Princesse Targiana was so amazed and frighted thereat as she called to her seruants to come and helpe her But Drusia reuealing her selfe the Princesse was quickly remooued from this feare whereupon she rehearsed her earnest desire to be reuenged on the knight of the Sauage man requesting her fauour and furderaunce in the cause The Enchauntresse being one that loued the Princesse well and was glad to compasse any thing that might yeeld her content spake vnto her in this manner Madame I haue well pondered the matter wherewith you haue made me acquainted and haue deuised the meanes to releaue your ouercharged and troubled thoughtes and very easâ—y might we be reuenged on the knight of the Sauage man if it were not for his brother the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Vally whose great experience and knowledge may be some hinderance to vs neuerthelesse I haue found out one practise wherby you may bring him into great trouble and daunger Oh Velonâ—a quoth Targiana it is the onely thing I desire to hinder or offend him by any way whatsoeuer You know well Madame aunswered Drusia Velonna that he is but slenderlie affected to them who notwithstanding loue him with most especial good will yet is he so amorous of the Queene of Thrace his Wife as it is not possible for any man to be more wherefore I intend to conuey her into such a secret place where the Sage Aliart shall haue no power to helpe her vntill the Empire of Greece be all poyled and brought to confusion neyther shall the knight of the Sauage man bee able to finde her but shall spend his time in seeking after her yet shall his labour be bestowed to no such ende she would Targâ—ana was very well contented with that the Enchauntresse had tolde her wherevpon she enchaunted the Queene of Thrace in the manner as I haue declared to you already Afterwards she returned to the Princesse Targiana whom she likewise conducted by her Arte to the Castle of the Quéene Melia at what time Albayzar was gone vnto Babylon and when Targiana had sufficiently pleased her selfe beholding the rare and strange alteration of the Quéene of Thrace she desired Drusia to shut the doore and to hang the Key at the chaine about the Serpents necke wherevpon Targiana departed thence to the place of the Great Turke her Father afterward tooke her Iourney into Persia being of the opinion that the Sage Aliart could not helpe the pittiful estate of the Queene of Thrace In the Castle of Melia she remained thus Enchaunted vntill the Knight of the Sauadge man and the Sage Aliart met together and deliuered her But now wee will returne to the Prince Albayzar who is comming to laye Siege to the Cittie of Constantinople whither the Knight of the Sauadge man trauelled speedily for that it were against reason that such a Noble and redoubted Knight should be absent from the place where his déerest Friends were assembled together CHAP. LIII ¶ Of that which the Christians did in the Citie of Constantinople at what time the Princesse Targiana sent tydings to the Courte of the Emperour Palmerin of the comming of his Enemyes IT is rehearsed in the Chronicle of the Emperour Palmerin how the Kings of England Spayne France Lacedemonia and Thessalia were desirous to depart to theyr seuerall Kingdomes after the Triumphes sports for the Mariages of their Friends were somewhat ouerblowne and past And euen as they were preparing themselues to their iourney Fortune who would make them partners of yâ— Emperors daungers towardes presented them with such occasions as they were constrained to breake off theyr former determination in that the Princesse Targiana sent news at the very same instant to the Emperour of the huge Nauie which Albayzar had prepared to besiege Constantinople withall Moreouer shee gaue to vnderstand how the Armie of the Great Turke her Father was as then arriued in the Porte of Armenia and stayed but onely for the Winde likewise that the Turke her Father had appointed Albayzar chiefe captaine Generall of his Armie because hee surpassed all the other in valour and courage The report of this Armie caused great astonishment in manie and chiefly to them who were not able to endure the trauell of Armes and the Emperour Palmerin himselfe was so ouercharged with yéeres as that hée could not walke out of his Chamber yet was hee able to comfort and encourage his deerest Friends with good Counsell wherby their troubled mindes were greatly cased Primaleon who was naturally giuen to be couragious and brauely minded did not make account of any misfortunes that might happen to him and the rather because the valiant Princes and Knights in his companie could not be summoned at a better time to witnesse theyr Nobilitie The Kings Court sent to â—he Gouernours of their Realmes and Signories that they should leuey what power they could possible and come thither to them with all speede to assist them CHAP. LIIII ¶ How the Enemies sent an Embassadour to the Emperours Court and of the answer which was made him AFter the manner as I haue declared to you already the Emperour prouided for the entertaining of his Enemies and as his Maiestie was aduising himselfe about these Affayres he was aduertised that an Embassadour was arriued at the Porte of the Cittie who demaunded safe conduct before hée would come on shoare His Maiesty with the counsel of the Kings and Princes was content to graunt his request Wherevpon the Embassadour tooke Landing and being accompanyed with foure Knights hee tooke his way to the Emperours Pallace The Kings and Princes determined that the Embassadour should rehearse the cause of his arriuall to the Prince Primaleon before they would suffer him to come into the Emperours presence but diuerse of them were of a contrary opinion affirming that the presence and noble Answere of the Emperour himselfe would more daunte and
iudged him to be the Prince Florian of the Forrest It was not long before foure knights from the Prince Albayzar presented themselues in the field very brauely Armed whome the strange knight vnhorsed one after another presently whereat Albayzar was much offended so that hee desired the knight to rest himselfe a while to which wordes the knight thus answered You see Sir I haue two Launces yet left and I am very willing to bestow the breaking of them therefore send the Giant that standeth next you and he and I will trie our fortunes together Alas Sir answered Albayzar you are too forward in wishing Fortune to turne her face from you therfore I pray thee Framustant quoth the Giant that thou wilt graunt the knight his honest request The Giant was so glad to doe any thing that might content Albayzar as he armed himselfe immediately and giuing his horse the spurres against the knight they met together so forcibly as the knight was constrained to catch hold about the necke of his horse being sorie to receiue such a foyle in the presence of so many good knights Wherefore to reuenge himselfe on his enemie he tooke the second Launce wherwith he encountred the Giant so worthily as himselfe was almost cast out of his saddle but such was his fortune against the Giant as the point of his Launce entred the Beuere of his Helmet whereby he cast him on the croup â—r of his horse and the Giant thinking to recouer himselfe pulde the bridle of his horse so strongly to him as the horse fell downe kackward vpon him which fall â—id so astonish him as he was carried out of the field depriued of his senses This mishap disliked the Prince Albayzar to whom the straunge knight came with these spéeches If thou thinke it good Syr Albayzar I will now depart into the Citie for that the Ladie desireth me so to do it draweth towards Night and the entertainement you will allowe me heere I iudge shall be very slender I see well then aunswered Albayzar that it is not your will to vse me in any thing neuerthelesse for the prâ—wesse I haue seene in you I am content to accompanie the Lady to the Gate of the Citie not doubting of my assurance beeing lycenced by the King Recâ—nde and these other Princes King Edward and his friends tooke in â—ood part the words of Albayzar and when he had brought them to the gates of the City he tooke his leaue of the king Recinde and all the rest desiring the strange knight to tell him who he was You demaund the thing answered this knight which I force not greatly to make knowne vnto you wherefore you shall vnderstand that I am the knight of the Sauage man your principal enemie and this Lady is the Queen of Thrace my Wife then he tooke off his Helmet saying he was glad to meete him in the place where he would haue occasion to deale further with him At thâ—se wordes Albayzar was so offended as he would not speake to any all that night King Edward and his friendes rode into the Citty ioyfully certifying the Emperour of the arriuall of Florian. The Queene of Thracâ— was very graciously entertayned by the Empresse and the other Ladyes who maruailed much at her strange apparrell wâ—ich was the workmanship of the Queene Milia wherof the 〈◊〉 to make a present tâ— one of the daughters of the king Armato her brother as I haue already declared to you The Emperour was so glad at the arriuall of his Nephew as hee would hardly suffer him out of his presence hee kissed the hande of the Empresse his grandmother and of the Quéene Flerida his Mother and after hee had saluted all his friends hee was conducted to his chamber to haue his wounds visited which he receiued in the Ioust against the Prince Albayzars Knights CHAP. LIX ¶ Here shall be declared after what manner the Prince Florian of the Forrest arriued at Constantinople and of manie things that happened after his comming SO soone as the Prince Florian had recouered his Quéene and Wife by ayde and assistance of the Sage Aliart he followed Aduentures a certaine time because she should perceiue his valiant and Noble disposition but when he vnderstood the hard case wherinto his déere Friendes at Constantinople were brought he changed his former determination and caused his Quéene to decke her selfe in the Turkish Attyre and tooke his way to the place where his troubled Friends remained And because he could not enter the Cittie but he must first passe the Campe of his Enemyes he disguised himselfe very strangely couering his Shielde with the Sauadge deuise and carryed the Shielde whereof I haue spoken alreadie which he found in one of the chambers of the Castle where the Quéene Leonarda was Enchaunted In this manner hee presented himselfe before Albayzars Tents where he sped in Iousting as you haue hearde before and after he had rested himselfe two dayes he desired the Emperour to giue his Enemyes Battell because he thought euery day a yeare till he might encounter with the Prince Albayzar but his Maiesty deferred the matter so long as he could because he would be assured of the good disposition of all his Armie The Turkes tooke it very strangely that they had trauelled so farre to lay siege to the principall Citie in all the Empire and yet to 〈◊〉 so long before they ioyned in Battell but Albayzar knew very wel the aduantage that they of the City might get of them in that they were compassed wiâ—hin such strong Walles of defence besides that Cittie was plentifully stored with good and hardie Knightes who would murther many of his ere they would yéeld themselues Therefore he changed his mind from giuing the assault and made hauocke and spoyle of them about the Citie thereby to prouoke the Emperour to seeke reuenge but in the meane while they continued their spoyling the Soldane of Persia sent a Messenger to the Emperour who beeing brought into his Maiesties presence setting his knée to the ground he began in this manner Most puissant Emperour the Soldane of Persia my Soueraigne Lord with the licence of the Prince Albayzar his captaine and the consent of the whole Turkish Armie saith that he is greatly offended at that which hath happened in the seuerall Iousts against his Nephew Florian with whom he would once more gladly hazard himselfe on condition that you willl suffer twelue Knights of your Court to come into the Fielde to morrowe morning to Ioust and Combate against twelue Turkes of which companie my Lord will be the captaine And thus much we will graunt that the Combat shall be fought before the Empresse Chamber windowe to the ende that these Princesses and Ladies may see the valour and prowesse which shall be shewen on both sides and they will agree to giue ouer and ende the Combate when these Ladyes shall thinke good so to command them Moreouer he humbly desired the Empresse that it may stand with her
was such as it cast them into a sound sléepe In the meane while Argentao the Gouernour of the Profound Isle whom the Sage Aliart had commaunded to come arriued in the Porte of Constantinople with foure Galleyes and being come on shoare the Sage Aliart he went into the Cittie and commaunded all the inhabitants to assemble themselues together which they did immediately when hée began to let them vnderstand what small hope was to be reposed on the liues of the Prince Primaleon their Emperour and Florendos his Sonne because they had béene so cruelly wounded in the Battaile desiring them to take their losse so patiently as they could and not to dismay themselues but that they should prouide for the reedifying their Citie not onely to assure themselues from the danger of their enemies but to witnesse to the world that fortune had not the power to roote out quite the name of the noble Citie of Constantinople as she had subuerted the memorie of many other famous and renowmed Citties Beside they should call home againe those Citizens who for feare of daunger had taken themselues to the neare adioyning Fortresses and by a generall voyce to choose them a gouernour for otherwise they should not containe themselues within bonds of assurance And therefore quoth he I am the more willing you should choose you a Gouernour if so bee the Emperour Primaleon and the Prince Florendos his Sonne should finish their liues by the hurts they haue receiued in the Battaile because I would not haue you left comfortlesse but this you must vnderstand that the yong Princesse Primaleon Sonne of the noble Florendos and the Princesse Miragarda must be the next inheritour of the Empire Now for that the Childe is very young and beside hée is a long way hence I would you would get you such a gouernor as might be thought worthy of so great a charge and whom you may be well contented withall vntill the young Primaleon come to sufficient yeares that hee may be able to receiue his royall Scepter of gouernment And this I must desire you that you will not be offended because I kéepe the childe so farre from you for I assure you he shall be daily in the company of other noble Princes with whome hee shall exercise Knightly Armes and learne the rules of discretion and Vertue wherewith it is necessary a Prince should be adorned For your selues I would wish you to order your dealings so well as he that shall succeede this Empire may receiue no occasion to dislike you and that you may continue your course the better I will come diuers times to visite you to let you vnderstand of the welfare of the Emperour Primaleon The Citizens of Constantinople tooke in very good part these friendly spéeches but they were not a little agrieued that there was no greater assurance of the Emperour Primaleons life wherefore seeing the Sage Aliarts excused the matter so well they requested of him that he would tell them in what place the yong Prince was nourished that they might come sometimes to visite him as their Lord and Soueraigne Your request answered Aliart is very great yet will I somewhat content your earnest desire the place where your prince is nourished is called the Perillious Isle which sometime belonged to the Sage Vrganda but at this time it is in my custody for that my brother and the noble Palmerin of England who conquered it with his sword and great losse of his blood bestowed it vpon me After he had thus directed them for the order of their gouernment he tooke his way to the monasterie of Saint Clare where the body of the Emperour Palmerin lay embalmed and the bodies of the other Kings and Princesse which he caused to bée conueyed into one of Argentaos Gallies but Primaleon King Edward and his sonnes Berolde Gracian Floraman of Sardignia and Blandidon who were all estéemed as dead persons for that Aliart had laid them in such a traunce they were laid in another Galley where their wounds were visited very diligently Then the Galleyes departing from the Citie the people began to lament excéedingly because so many noble princes were brought into such dangerous estates yet durst they not shewe any kind of feare or dismaying least they should chance to displease their friend the Sage Aliart Within fewe dayes the Gallies arriued at the Perillous Isle where their Ladies receiued them very worthily and the Sage Aliart shewed himselfe so diligent towards the recouery of thier health as they remained on all sides greatly contented FINIS To the courteous Reader THus Gentlemen I haue finished the second part of this most famous History desiring you to beare with the rudenesse in the translation and to esteeme of my good will which farre more then my cunning will stretch vnto As for the the History of Palmerin d'Oliue which contaiueth three seueral parts and should haue bin translated before this or Prmaleon of Greece because they are the originall of all the other stories after I haue ended the third part of this worthie Historie God aiding me you shall haue them very speedily with any thing else that I desire you to accept of this and to consider how highly it hath bene and yet is esteemed in diuers countries being first written in the Spanish towgue next in Italian and afterward in French and how it hath bene countenanced with the titles of Princes and Personages of great dignitie which may moue you to allow it the better acceptation in that it is to the honour of our countrey of England and deuised by strangers to honour it the more Thus not doubting of your fauourable iudgement I humbly take my leaue wishing you all good happes that is meet for all such gentle and friendly mindes to haue Yours A. M. A Table for the more ready finding of euery Chapter contained in this Booke OF that which happened to the Prince Florendos after that he had left the Castle of Dramorant the Cruell where he vanquished Astribor chap. 1. Of that which happened to the Prince Florendos after that hee departed from the castle of the Prince Arnalto chap. 2. How the Damosell of the Princesse of Terace arriued at the Court of the Emperour Palmerin And of that which happened to the Knight of the Tiger chap. 3. Of that which happened to the Knight of the Tiger against those that were in ambush to take the Damosel chap. 4. Of that which happened to the Knight of the Sauage man after he departed from the Court of the Emperour Vernar chap. 5. Of that which happened to the knight of the Sauage man before he had taken his farewel of the Damosell chap. 6. How the knights which belonged to the giants Brocalon and Baleato surrendred vp the Castles vnto the noble knight of the Sauage man and of that which happned to the prince Florendos c. chap. 7. Of the combates that the Prince Florendos fought the second day after hee
Sauadge man did with the two young Princes how pittie vanquished the bloody tiranny he was minded to execute on them And how Argolant arriued at Constantinople at what time the Emperour Palmerin was at the Triumphes for the birth of faire Polinarda Where declaring his tidings the Emperours Sonne Primaleon presently tooke himselfe to trauaile beside diuers Noble personges who followed in the search of the famous Don Edoard REturne we now to the Sauadge man who as the History declareth hastened to his Caue with the two yong Princesse in his armes his Wife there awaighting the returne of her Husband hauing in her armes her owne childe being about the age of one yéere He bing come to her presented her the two young Princes declaring that all that day hée had found no other Dinner for themselues and the Lyons then those two Infauntes whom hée willed might presently be dismembred in pieces for that his hungry stomacke required to haue meate The Wife in whose heart motherly pittie excelled Sauadge crueltie for that indeede Women by nature doe beare a more estimation of mercie then is requisite in men shée vsed such kinde perswasions with her Husband as also finding the meane to prouide other necessaries for him that she saued the liues of the Infants and satisfied the hungry appetite of her Husband so that louingly shée became theyr second Mother and as carefully nourished them as had they béene the fruite of her owne body Where we will leaue them a while to God and good Fortune being not forgetfull of Argolant whom we left sayling toward Constantinople After so long being on the Seas as is required in so long a iourney he arriued at the famous City of Constantinople on a Sunday morning where he perceiued as gallant Triumphes in preparation as were at the renowned mariages of Primaleon and the Prince Don Edoard The cause whereof was for ioy of the birth of the Daughter of the Prince Primaleon whom the Emperor gaue to name Polinarda in token that her beauty good Fortune should excell any Lady liuing at that day In honour of this ioy the Triumphes were proclaimed which procured the assemblie of many noble personages among whom was Tarnaes the K. of Lacedemonia Polendos King of Thessalie and Belcar the Duke of Duras the presence of these States being no small honour to the Emperor and Fame to the Court of Constantinople Argolant attired all in blacke Armor rode through the Cittie and in short time arriued at the Emperors Pallace where beholding the valiant behauiour of each couragious knight to winne honour in this Triumphe with an heauie sigh he called to memory the vnlooked for sorrows of the Court of England which was adorned with no lesse griefe then was the Emperours Court with gladnesse Which perswaded such an vnkinde conceite in the heart of the gentle Knight Argolant who estéemed the loyaltie of friendshippe to serue as an especiall remedy to the afflicted mind that he feared his newes were not of force sufficient to chaunge theyr excéeding myrth albeit his expectation was deceiued in that point Then approched he the place where the Emperor sate at dinner where with no lesse ciuilitie of iesture then modest behauiour of personage hée vayled his helmet offering to kisse the Emperors hand which might not be permitted in that he was ignorant of whence hée was Which he perceiuing beganne in presence of them all to declare his Ambassage not forgetting the place and person which in euery point hée handled with duetie The Emperour well noting the sadde tale of Argolant the misfortune of his Sonne Don Edoard and heauinesse of the English Court he withdrew himselfe frō the Table into his Chamber where as patiently as his griefe would suffer him he beganne to vse his spéeches in this manner I know not whether the Gods in granting me a prosperous course in youth haue determined to ruinate my dayes in mine age or Fortune holding me then in fauour beyond al men hath allowed my misfortune now to be aboue any if so it was appointed I would my life had ended then in tranquillitie who◠I feared no endamagement then prolonging my dayes in hope of an aunswerable age to bée subiect to the miserie of time and abiect from the honour of a noble heart Well what hath passed to thy high good hap and what is present to the no small anguish of thy heart let the remembrance of the one extinguish the Fame of the other and the crueltie of chaunce roote vp the inestimable praise of thy conquest These and sundrie other heany complaints were vttered by the Emperour the triumphes were now of small estimation for that thorow the whole Court these sorrowfull tidings had strooken a suddaine alteration But most of all in the heart of the noble Primaleon who vnderstanding the misfortune his déere Friende and brother Don Eodard stood not to cast doubt of this matter or that accident either how Fortune might fauour him or endamage his suddaine enterprise but as couertly as he might departed from Constantinople refusing Father Mother Wife Children Lands liuing and all that the loyaltie hée bare to his friend might declare he preferred his safetie before his owne solace And that his deedes might be answerable to his good intent he vowed to trauatle the course of his to search in euery desolate and vnfrequented place but he would finde his déere friend Don Eodard Whose welfare he as heartily desired as his owne life for that he had found the like trustie and vnspotted affection in him when through his valure he defended him from the Giant Gatherin The Emperor was aduertised of his departure by the vnaccustomed pensiuenesse of his espoused Lady Gridonia as also by the great sadnesse of the Empresse his mother whom neither the gentle perswasion of the Emperor might satisfie nor endeuour of her Courtly Ladies might winne any meane to pacifie Who vsed the more diligence in the matter onely for the affection they bare to the Princesse Flerida by whose vertuous and Princely behauiour of life which had not onely rauished the mindes of all but obtained the good liking of euery one in that vertue is the chiefe ornament of noble or ignoble they were all encouraged to attempt any occasion to set the Empire at quiet When the Emperour perceiued her great disquietnesse that the spéeches of the Ladies as also of himselfe were bestowed to small effect he beganne to vse commendations of the valiant attempt of his Sonne Primaleon in that his courage of minde vrged him to so famous an enterprise Desiring her to consider the losse of the Prince Don Edoard their Sonne in law and that the good Fortune of Primaleon might bring inestimable comfort to all Kingdomes in Christendome so that the honour of his hardie attempt deserued rather a generall reioysing then such sad complaints as they séemed to bewray The knights who had likewise béene partners in the Triumph and bare great good will to the
languishing of his life The King well noting the intent of Floraman that he could not fancy his Fathers choise by secret treason in the Duke of Ciciliaes Court he found the meanes to poyson the fair Altea to the no smal griefe of her noble Father friends as also the Gentlemen that were in his Courte of whome her beauty was honored and the ciuility of her life greatly commended The Duke misdoubting that the vntimely death of his daughter was procured by some vnnaturall meane because she was so soone sicke and so suddenly gone sent for Allaricqua her bedfellow and by executing sundry torments on her she confessed that being hyred by the king of Serdignia she ministred the potion that cut off her flowring yeares When the duke hearde the discourse of his Lord and Soueraigns vnkinde dealing hee caused the Anatomie of his Daughter to be artificially figured which he placed vpon a Toomb representing her Funerals and thervpon in golden verses writ the Epitaph of her rare and vertuous life and by her was the image of Death very liuely drawn in perfect proportion This rare piece of workmanship he laid in a goodly fair Chariot and leuying a great army went against the King of Serdignia Of whose comming when Floraman heard he could not finde in his heart to enter Battel against his Ladies father but with a company of wel appointed knights he brake thorow the rankes and entred the Campe from whence he tooke the Chariot with the Picture of Altea So ryding presently to a Porte of the Sea he tooke shipping and coasted into the Turks Dominion and building there his solitary Castle he liued there bemoaning the vnkinde acte of his Father and the vnfortunate death of his faire Altea To whose Picture hee would often report the afflictions of his minde and with sundry Lamentable Sonnets discouer her praise and his owne paine which to his Lute hee often recorded as the onely meane to perswade him from any desperate intent In this place remained Floraman till such time as the Prince Palmerin visited him as you haue hearde and although it was the good Fortune of Palmerin to conquere him who was both wasted with mourning and growne into great debilitie by his excéeding sorrow yet was Floraman estéemed a Knight of singular Prowesse And when Palmerin was departed and hée entred into his Castle againe vnto his Ladyes Picture he appealed in this manner Alas my Altea impute not this Conquest to any right in mine Enemie but rather to the feeble and weake assaults of your seruant which extreame sorrow for your mishap hath caused and griefe of mine owne misfortune that so aduersly chanced Wherefore to make amends for this great mischaunce and that you may knowe your Knight estéemeth none but you I will in my aduentures so blaze your memorie that all Ladies shall report you are the onely Altea and cause them to know she is as yet vnborne that must be your equall Long he stayed in that comfortlesse place till at last the King his Father vnderstanding where he was sent for him and because hee would not shewe himselfe disobedient hee departed thence bearing with him his Ladyes Portraite still vsing his blacke Armour and the Shielde wherein Death was painted as the onely Sepulchre of his great sorrowes vsing no other name for himselfe but the Knight of Death And what rare Aduentures were by him atchieued in the honour of his Ladie and great reputation of himselfe you shall be at large certified in the sequell of this Historie CHAP. XX. ¶ Palmerin of England after hee was departed from Floraman the Knight of Death happened to come where he saw a combate fought betweene three Knights and the Knight of the Bull named Pompides who at the commandemens of a Lady kept the passage of a bridge and how the Knight of Fortune bare away the Victorie WHen the renowned Knight of Fortune had conquered Floraman the Knight of Death he with his brother Siluian procéeded on his iourney neuer shewing any signe of a liuely disposition but heauy and pensiue all the way as he rode which Siluian desirous if he might to remedy vsed these words vnto him Good sir wast not the time in woe that you should vse in pleasant recreation séeke not the ruine of your selfe for hee that regardeth so â—lenderly your profered courtesie rather extinguished her memory as she hath lightly left you or thinke on her when you iudge she is mindfull of you Vnto which words the knight of Fortune thus shaped an answere Siluian my deare Brother and friend if thou cauldest discerne the drops of blood that fall from my oppressed heart as thou perceiuest the moyst teares that issue from my head or if thou couldest iudge the world of woes I abide in my silent thoughts as thou doest perceiue some motion by outward appearance thou wouldest rather wish me in my graue then to sée me remaine in this remedilesse griefe which no way can be remedied but onely by the last extremity which is death And albeit as thou saist she estéemeth not my Passions but rather is merry when I mourne and laugheth when I languish yet shall it neuer be sayde but Palmerin liued without fraude and therefore dyed in faith preferring an honourable death before a haplesse life I would I had bene blinde when first I saw her beauty or that I had stayed with our Father then to enioy such an vngentle friend where wee might haue liued in quiet estate now not enioying one houre of rest for albeit I liue in spotlesse loyaltie yet am I rewarded with most vngentle loyaltie And what of that let it suffice she is vnkinde and thou vnhappie she bent to crueltie yet will thou liue and die in constancie desiring no longer life then I may be frée from any spotte in my promised Loue. And heereupon Syluian assure thy selfe her Beauty shall hazard my honour on a thousand Launces but she shall confesse her selfe Palmerin is aboue all in loyaltie Thus passing the time in talke one to an other the Knight of Fortune in great paine and Syluian still continuing his perswasion they arriued at a Bridge where they saw thrée knights before them who would haue passed ouer but were resisted by a Knight in fair white Armor who kept the Passage bearing in his Shield for his Deuise a Bulles head and was called the Knight of the Bull. One of the thrée Knights very couragiously gaue Combat to the Knight of the Bull but wan quickly set beside his saddle In fine the Knight of the Bull preuailed against them all thrée to their griefe and his glorie The Knight of Fortune knowing these thrée knights that had bene foyled to be of the Emperours Court as Luyman of Burgundie Germaine of Orleaunce and Tenebrant he was not a little sorrie for their mishappe and presently menaced his courage against the knight of the Bull who met so stoutly togither that they were both dismounted Then charging one another with
from iniury This heauy tale vrged them to ride with the Gentleman till by Fortune they met with the Damosel in the Forrest of the Cleare Fountaine that brought the Shield from the Sage Aliart to deliuer to the yong Prince Palmerin whoÌ„ the knight of the Sauage man was desirous to know When Don Rosian saw how he had taken the Shield from her sent her with the answere you haue heard before hée desired that hée might accompany the Gentleman to reléeue the distressed estate of the Lady promising to returne to what place hée would appoint After leaue obtained he departed with the Gentleman and had such good Fortune that he slew two of the Knights in combat and compelled the third to flight himselfe being before hurt and his Armour bruised as you haue heard when he met with the Knight of Fortune But because you shall be certified why he was called De la Bronde you shall heare what in the English Châ—onicles is affirmed for this matter King Marke had by his Quéene Yseul a daughter named Yseul who was thought by some to be the daughter of Tristam she being ioyned in marriage with the Duke of Galles haâ— a sonne by him named Blasanon de la Bronde Duke of Galles and Cornewall who espowsed Marlottâ— daughter to the king Charlian of Ireland who hauing a sonne by her at her request named him Marloâ— De la Bronde And in this order it did contiâ—e to the Duke of Galles who because he would not haue his house grow into obliuion named the sonne of sir Pridâ—s and Attaida Don Rosiran De la Bronde Who after he haâ— thus bene vanquished by the knight of Fortune was conducted by his Esquire to a Monasterie where he remained till his wounds were heâ—led CHAP. XXV How the knight of Fortune stayed so long in the Castle of Rianda that he was aduertised by a Damosell named Lucenda who was newly come from the Emperours Court the knight of death in defence of his faire Altea had born away the prize from all Ladies And how vpon this report he rode to Constantinople accompanyed with Siluian and there in the honor of Polinarda he vanquished the knight of death who resigned his Tent to the noble knight of Fortune COncerning the knight of Fortune who remained at the cure of his woundes in the Castle of Rianda who shal vnderstand that a Damosell who was attendant in the Emperours Court and Couzin to this Ladie Rianda desired leaue to came and visite her Aunt in the time that the Knight of Death endured his Tournament for the faire Altea This Damosell being named Lucenea arriuing at her Aunts Castell was presently knowne by the knight of Fortune because he had béene daily in her companie in the Emperours Court which vrged him thus to commune with her Mistresse Lucenda it is maruell to sée you so farre from the place where I wish my selfe euer both for the honour of the persons as also their happinesse of pleasure Lucenda right glad to see the Prince Palmerin gaue him her answere as thus Trust mee sir if you would follow my counsell not that I speake by way of commaund but rather on earnest desire to intreate you I would wish you to hasten your selfe to them and well to discharge you of the Emperours anger as also to satisfie those that receiued no small offence at your suddaine departure The Emperour and his Knightes thinke more then I will speake and the Ladies iudge worse of you then I can say in that the one imputeth it to your small friendship and the other suppose you owe them small fauour But if you are desirous to wipe out this blemish and to make apparance of your perfect bountie now is it time to winne you the Spurres or to gaine you the report of a continâ—all shame and now shall they know if your affection be such as preferreth their Fame before your owne ease The Knight of Death who came thither lately and hath set vp his Tents in the honour of his Ladie hath eclipsed the beautie of our Courtlie Ladies to the reproch of many Knights and glory of his faire Altea If now there remaine in you either the Nobilitie of Knighthood or vnspotted loue you haue aduouched to your Saint let him knâ—w there is one farre aboue Altea that both shall and must beare away the title of beautie so shall you expresse an inuincible minde and al Ladies triumph in so gallant a Champion These newes set the knight of Fortune in a chafe for that he knew he had conquered him once alreadie which made him leaue Lucinda and take himself to his Chamber where a thousand heauie thoughts doe on sudden ouercharge him First what might be thought of his long absence from the Court then how hee might incurre the displeasure of his faire Polinarda whose commandement did binde him out of her sight yet must come in her sight if he went to auenge her quarrell But when he considered euery thing as he ought comparing likewise the bold atempt of the knight of Death he determined to thrust himselfe in the face of Fortune and either to finish his tormented life or to make known the truth of his inuiolate loue In the morning Siluian armed him in a verie faire armour all beset with golden Lyons and taking his leaue of Ricada and Lucinda they rode both of them toward Constantinople the Knight of Fortune all the way being very pensiue and sad whom Siluian would often cheere in this maner Good sir consider with your selfe if you forsake your Lady in such great extremitie how can you thinke your selfe worthyâ—at any time to haue her fauour Imagine with your selfe the honor you shall gaine in this fight with the noble report both of your friends and foes thinke againe the shame that may attaint your Knighthood if you leaue off this enterprise which is the onely type of renowne O withdraw these sad conceits and thinke if you were now in the field how Polinarda would triumph to beare the name of all estimation and the Knight of Death die with sorrow to see his good Fortune dasht in the presence of such a royall assembly Trifle not the time therfore with any fond delay because danger may arise by lingring and dolor by ouermuch loytering These words of Siluian were greatly esteemed by the knight of Fortune who made such haste that at last he arriued at Constantinople where passing by the Pallace the Chamber of his Lady Polinarda he fel into a multitude of amorous complaints but Siluian left him not with his wonted perswasion At last he came before the tent of the Knight of Death when he had euen then conquered a Grecian Knight named Titubant who aduentured for the beautie of Cardigna Daughter to the Giant Fiottan who was sent presently to the Sepulchre of Louers While they were vnarming Titubant the Knight of Fortune came prauncing into the Listes vppon a very faire Courser that Rianda
ill bestowed vpon you that imploy your selfe in the persecution of a faire Damosel when you are both bound by dutie and by law of armes to defend her Sir answered the strange knight I desire you let not the fained teares and vniust complauit of this Strumpet inueigle your minde for it is not troth that she reporteth neither am I so base minded to pursue her causlesse The knight of the Sauage man was so perswaded by the Damosell that he would not credite what he said bnt answered him thus Sir you shall rather disaduantage me then dishonour her and therefore prouide for your selfe The strange knight seeing him so egerly bent said I am content since you will enforce me to it and not rule your desire by reason Whereupon touching their Speares they met together couragiously so that the strange knight was cast and the knight of the Sauage man faine to leape off from his horse and drawing their Swordes they layde at each other very cruelly to the great hurt of them both In the meane time they were in figh the Damosell had left them and returned accompanied with two knights more shewing them the knight of the Sauage man and saide Behold Sir knights the man that hath slaine my Father and now would gladly worke the death of this my Brother pointing to the knight that before had pursued her wherefore I desire you to take reuengement on him At these words one of the knights alighted and perceiued the knight that the Damosell named her brother to be very sore wounded stepped betweene them saying to the knight of the Sauage man Come Traytour deale with me and not with him whose losse of blood and wearinesse beside desireth rather to take rest then the Combate The knight of the Sauage man was greatly offended at these wordes wherefore he left the other and went to him saying I will make thée either recant thy wordes or else I will leaue my life in this place So charging one another very puissantly the Knight of the Sauage man laide him at last along on the earth which the other knight séeing and also the Armor of the gentle knight to be greatly broken in many places began as followeth I sée Syr Knight you are brought into such debilitie both with the great expence of your blood as also wearinesse with long enduring the fight that I thinke it great dishonour to giue you a fresh assault and small manhood in mee to vrge you to such extremitie The knight of the Sauage man still incensed with furie for the vnkind wordes hee had receiued of them returned him presently this answere As I haue little cause to estéeme of your friendship so haue I lesse opportunity to craue your fauour and though my wounds be yrkesome in your sight yet can I endure the vttermost that you can charge me withall wherefore set apart these words and execute the extremitie of thy disloyall will Thus breaking off their talke they beganne to assault one another very rigorously so that the knight sitting on Horse-back conceiued great maruaile at the hauty courage of the knight of the Sauage man While he occupied his eies in beholding this noble exploit such féeblenesse entred the minde of his fellow that he could scarcely hold his Sword or kéepe himselfe from falling to the ground and fearing he could not escape the death being in such great disaduantage he alighted from his Horse and to the Knight of the Sauage man began in this manner Me thinkes Syr knight it were for your better assurance of health as also great gentlenes you might offer to these knights to satisfie your desire vpon this victory then to hope on a farder of me likewise so be depriued of that you might hardly spare which might yéeld you greater disaduantage then the conquest you haue gotten will enlarge your renowne Syr quoth the K. of the Sauage man except he recant the shrewde wordes he gaue me or confesse himselfe vanquished and to rest at my commaund I will finish his boldnesse by honour of my Sworde say you what you can and hee what he dare Trust me Sir answered the knight if you will not grant to such a small request as shall both extoll your Fame and manifest your friendship I shall be enforced to enter Combate with you which I am very loath to doo considering your present estate in so much as I would not be hée that should depriue you of your life Good Syr quoth the knight of the Sauadge man this care in you is more then I haue deserued or desire you should vse vnto me wherefore hereupon assure your selfe I am as able to deale with you as they haue found me indifferent to conquere them At these words the knight whom this noble Victor held in subiection fell along on the ground through faintnesse of much blood that had issued from him as also the grieuous wounds hee had so vnhappily sustained Which made this other knight to assaile the knight of the Sauadge man very rigorously in hope to haue reuenged his friends hurt with the detriment of his noble Enemies life but he found the knight of the Sauadge man so great of strength and so greatly affected to a farther Victorie that hee partly repented himselfe for entring such hazard Yet did he behaue himselfe with greater courage then the other knightes which made him endure Combat a longer time It chaunced the King of England to come on Hunting into this Forrest where espying these two knights so eager at their fight and commending both their expertnes and braue behauiour he entred betwéene them vsing great intreatie to leaue off their Combate which they presently did for that they would not disobey the kings request whom they knew and were very glad to sée The knight of the Sauadge man lifting vp his Beuer came and presented himself to the King who perceiuing him to be the knight was nourished in his Court as also the man hee had greatest delight in receyued him very graciously in signe whtreof he suffered him to kisse his hand When the King had knowledge that the other Knight was Gracian sonne to the noble Arnedes King of France he alighted from his Horse imbracing the Prince very louingly and desiring him to shewe the occasion of their discord as also what the other Knights were that lay on the ground The Prince Gracian after he had done his dutie to the King and to the Noble companie that then were there present beganne as thus If it shall like your Maiesty the knight that lieth hithermost and is nearest to your Grace is named Francian Sonne to the famous Polendos king of Thessaly In whose company to mine owne honour and eyther of our contents I trauelled from the Citie of Constantinople through many places where we haue approoued our Knighthoode and made manifest such déedes of Armes as our yeares and skill would suffer vs To this place wee were conducted by a Damosel who reported her selfe to bee
Syster to the other Knight that lyeth on the ground the gaue vs to vnderstand that this knight meaning the knight of the Sauadge man had cruelly slaine her Father and did his endeuour to kill her Brother likewise wherefore she desired vs to stande her Rescue and to deliuer her foorth of such griefe as shee might conceiue by his death Francian perceyuing her Brother in such estate as hee could not awarde the heauie blowes this Knight charged him withall entred betwéene them and in like manner was brought to as lowe estate himselfe Yea and I perswade my selfe had not your Grace come to ende the strife my selfe had bene partner of their hard mishap The knight of the Sauadge man hearing what the Prince Gracian had saide began in this order to discourse how it happened My grations Soueraigne the Damosell of whom this Knight hath spoken came Ryding towardes mee her haire dispearsed on her shoulders her Face all blubbered with teares her Garmentes torne and very much polluted all the way as she came crying how that this knight whome she after named to be her Brother did séeke to dishonour her and therefore desired mee to defend her in so great extremitie When I had ioyned Combat with the Knight soone after she came againe and brought these two knight reporting to them as hee hath informed your Maiestie so leaning vs in this strife she departed we know not whither The King well noting the deceyte of the Damosell which was onely to séeke the ruine of those Noble knights caused the Helmet of Francian and of the other knight to be taken off when féeling the ayre they came to themselues againe sauing that their wounds made them very féeble Then was the other Knight known to be Polinard son to the Emperor Trineus when presently the King caused Francian and Polinard to bée conueyed in a Chariot to the Citie of London And by the way the King questioned with Polinard for what cause be pursued the Domosel when this noble knight tooke in hand to defeÌ„d her By your gracious leaue answered Polinard I thinke shée was the most wicked and deceitfullest Damosell on the earth for through her perswasion Onistalde and Dramisian my friends were brought into such ignorance and such credite of her that they entred Combat and had almost slaine one another had not I arriued at their fight when they were hardly to be iudged if there were any recouery for their health At my request they ended their strife and rode together I know not well which way nor if they be aliue as yet but I followed the Damosel to know the occasion why my brethren were fallen to so great debate wheÌ„ this knight came and preuented me as your Grace hath heard The King was greatly displeased at this misaduenture and sent presently about to heare tydings of Onistalde Dramisian that if their bodies were found dead they might be interred according to the nobilitie of their birth But they were found liuing and by the king sent to the Monasterie of Cleare Victory where they were carefully cherished by the brethren of that Religion which was first found by Amadis de Gaule néere vnto Fenrisse thither were his bones carried after his death from the great Brittaine to witnesse the victory hee had got of the Kings in that place The king caused a great many of knights to pursue after the Damosell but their labour was in vaine for her Mistresse Eutropa who sent her kept her safe enough from them When the King was come to the Court hée caused the Princes to bée so prouided for as they recouered againe their health in short time and the knight of the Sauage man lying in his accustomed Chamber was diligently looked vnto by the Princesse Flerida and the King would often visite him because his minde did stil vse perswasion with him that he should be somewhat allyed to him in kindred To be resolued whereof he would intreate the Princesse and he himselfe would often question with him to make knowne vnto them what he was or of whence he iudged himselfe to descend but he would neuer by any meanes satisfie their request because indéed he could not gaine any knowledge of himselfe CHAP. XXXV How the Sage Aliert brought the bodies of Flâ—raman Platir Pompides and Blandidon in a Chariot to his Castle where he healed their wounds and set them againe in the place where they fought their Combat which made them know one another and ioyne together like friends And how a Damosell came talked with them and gaue them Horses and Armour with foure Esquires to attend on them so they all departed with the Damosell to finish an aduenture which made her liue in great sorrow And how the knight of Fortune departing froÌ„ the Castle of the Sage Aliart happened to lodge in the house of an ancient Gentleman neare London where a Damosel came to intreate him of an aduenture hee should take in hand on her behalfe against the noble knight of the Sauage man SAge Aliart of the Obscure Valley as the Historie declareth caused the bodies of Platir and the other knights to be brought in a Chariot to his Castle where separating them in sundry chambers â—ee vsed such great care and diligence for reâ—â—ring their health that in short time they had escaped the point of danger and were in as good constitution of body as they had beene before For this occasion vrged him to vse more circumspection to them that if their liues had failed thorow misaduenture then had not onely their noble kindred béene oppressed with griefe but also their Dominions remained destitute of their chiefe defence For which cause he had thus prouided for them albeit out of their knowledge whence such friendship should procéede neither how they left the place of their Combate and were brought into so strong a Castell Platir and Floraman were at last lodged in one Chamber in like manner were Pompides and Blandidon where they no lesse maruelled at their sudden recouerie of health then at the Princely attendance was daily vsed to them but which was more to their griefe they could gaine no knowledge of their Host either what he was or wherefore he vsed such great curtesie vnto them The knight of Fortune who as yet remained in the Castle of the Sage Aliart could neuer compasse the meane to find the Lodgings of these Knights but was very pensiue to thinke of their great hurts receiued in the Combate Neuerthelesse the perswasion that the Sage Aliart vsed with him as promising all should bee safely recured vrged him to exempt so great a debut When time serued according as the Sage Aliart thought conuenient by force of his charmes hee cast them in a dead slumber and brought them to the place where they sought their Combate where when they awaked they found the place bestrewed with the Trunchions of their Speares as also pieces of their armour and the grasse somewhat died with the effusion of
pure in modesty so precise of her personage and so exquisite in her vsuall behauiour that many noble Gentlemen haue put their liues in hazard to deserue her good liking that was liked of all Great hath bin the intreaty of many Honorable personages to haue her in mariage which I haue alwaies denied till now making choyse of one aboue all the other I haue agréed to accomplish his importunate desire This being knowne to a knight who had long time béene a Suter yet neuer so fortunate as to gaine his intent now presumeth vpon his strength to take her from me perforce to iniure him that hath obtained my consent to espouse her In signe wherof pointing to the Pauillions of the other knight on the farder side of the riuer behold where he hath placed his Tents to inuade my Castle and through the helpe of his friends purposeth to ruinate this mine ancient dwelling to vse violence to her who is betrothed to another When I considered there was no meane to remedy the necessity of my case but eiter to kéepe my Hold and there be famished or yéeld me selfe to my foes and so be dishonoured I sent one of my Damosels to the English Court at whose request you are here arriued in this place where you may behold my vsurping enemy and the great danger I stand in of the hard award of fortune And once more haue I sent by way of intreaty to will them breake vp their siege and not to trouble me for her whom they cannot haue though they vse neuer such violence But such is the great mallice of this knight and his intent linked to such an extreme purpose that neither gentlenesse may intreate him nor faire demeanour serue to perswade him Wherfore noble Gentlemen as you respect the honour of an oppressed Virgin and the oath that your knighthood hath auouched in this behalfe stand now her friend who is voyd of all defence and maintaine her cause which is both for your renowne and her good fame for euer She hauing thus ended her coined protestation they stood debating with themselues what answer they ought to make herat last the prince Gracian they hauing referred all to his disposition tooke the Damosell by the hand and thus shaped his answer Faire Lady since this honorable company haue appointed me vn worthy to answer on their behalfe and that we are perswaded you would not informe vs of any misreport thus I dare awareant for them all that you shall finde them as ready to defend you as your enemy dare presume any way to molest you The Damosell hearing the answer of the Prince Gracian to be such as serued fit for her purpose gaue theÌ„ all hartg thanks and calling her teares againe into remembraunce vrged the knights to such pittie that they greatly desired to enter Combate with the other company Then returned the Damosell that had beene with the other knights informing them likewise of such a false report when being entred the Pauillion to the Damosel with curtesie she gaue forth these spéeches Mathe enemy to your honour and friend to his owne damage wil not be perswaded but will follow his enterprise and in derision scoffeth at this noble assembly reporting them to be so weake that they dare not shew themselues These words vrged Onistalde vnto such anger that he presently brake forth into these spéeches I beléeue that had they tryed those whom they haue aduentured to dare they should finde the chastisement of their peremptory bragges to be aunswerable in effect as they haue iustly deserued Tush quoth Polinarda it is easie for our enemy to talke his pleasure but when he shall find his trechery rewarded with due recompence hee will wish he had vsed himselfe more fréendely to this Ladie whom he hath so greatly iniuryed Then Francian was desirous to send them defiance which the Damosell would not suffer lest her dealings should be espyed but to worke the surer in her deceite she sent the other Damosell once more to will them to depart presently whereto if they made denyall that she should summon them in armes to prepare for the fight In maane while she was gone on her message this other craftie Gyrle vsed such familiaritie with the Prince Gracian and the other Knights that their heats were enflamed against them beyond the Riuer To whom the other Damosell had reported that the Prince Gracian and his company did endeuour themselues to take the Castle from her Mistresse perforce whereupon shée requested them to defend her Mistresse right and to cause them know they went about a disloyall enterprise The Prince Floraman hauing well pondered the words of the Damosell returned her presently this aunswer Albeit out duettie is to defend any distressed person and so gainsay the mishap of any iniuried Lady yet reason willeth vs ere we presume too hastily to be acquaiâ—ted with the cause and well aduised ere we begin such a rash attempt else may our enemie iudge we come more vpon a brauerie then Knighthood may awarrant our behauiour and so runne into danger our selues for that the rightful cause hath alwaies the victory Wherfore thus resolue your selfe wee will first know if your reportes be of trueth or no least we enter into such defectes as we may perhappes repent vs. With that the Demosell began to rehearse their promise at such time as she deliuered them Horses and Armour in their great necessitie for which cause she desired then to accomplish their promise threatning them that their Nobility might be defaced in denying their words Trust me answered Platir I haue such a good opinion in her dealings that she would not vse perswasion to vs of an vntroth Wherfore tell vs faire Lady doth your enemy still remaine resolute in his determination albeit my Companions deny to ayd you as they haue auouched yet will I abide by you to the death in what I haue promised Then the Prince Berolde coming to the Damosel began as thus Can we faire Lady sée you in such great hazard and not Imploy our selues to giue you succour No assure your selfe for mine owne part and so I dare auouch for the rest of my company that we will pawne the blood of our hearts ere we will sée you remaine in such a heauinesse The Damosel at these words returned to the Prince Gracian certifying them of their willingnesse to the fight and not long she stayd but returned to them againe her face all be sprent with teares which was chéefe vaile to couer her treason and thus she spake Now Gentlemen your quarrel is of more force then before for they haâ—ing my Lady and Mistres in their hold haue vowed not to let her depart without she will render to them her castle And moreouer they send you word by way of defiance that they are so ready to deale with you as they iudge you dare not come forth to them either to defend the cause of my Lady or to make proofe of your loyaltie
place where these knights were assembled and entring into the Campe like an ancient olde man hauing a rodde in his hand where about was wound a Serpent he strooke vpon the ground with it when presently the knights fell all to the earth in such a strange and marueilous alteration that one would haue iudged they had béene depriued of their liues After he had there finished what pleased him he weÌ„t vp to the Castle of Dramusiande sending such a darke smoke ouer all the Valley wherein might be perceiued great flashes and flames of fire that the Princes in the Castle were marueilously affrighted This moued Eutropa to such great anger because shée could not gaine the knowledge how this had hapned no worke her will on â—he knights as she had certainly purposed that shée went raging all about the Castle mooued to such disquietnesse that no body could perswade her At last this great darknes vanished away and nothing could bee séene but the Knights that lay all grouelling vpon the ground which caused Dramusiande with his noble Prisoners to goe foorth and fetch them all into his Castle When they had taken off their Helmets the King Recinde knew his children and the king Arnedes his sonnes Polendos knewe Francian his sonne and Bazilliart and Don Rosuel were visited by the valiant Belcar Dridan was carried the armes of Maiortes and Platir was borne in by his noble Father Primaleon who because he had left him wheÌ„ he was somewhat yong did hardly knowe that it was his sonne In briefe they all lamented to sée their kindred and friendes in such great misfortune and conueyed them into the Castle where they were so honorably vsed that in short time they had good hope to recouer them from this danger When they had attained some part of their former health they reioyced greatly that they had happened into the company of their dearest friends and declared in what maner they were deluded by the two Damosels which was not strange to them who perceiued the daily practises of Eutropa to be grounded on such trecherous deceits Now did Dramusiande greatly commend his good Fortune in gaining so many couragious and well approoued knights as he was fnlly resolued he should now easily conquere the Isle of the Lake which as yet hee would not make knowne to any of the Knights but vsed himselfe so pleasant in their company and frequented them daily with such delightfull exercises that generally they bare him great good will and affection For this opinion he conceiued that vsing them with gentlenesse and shewing himselfe curteous in all attempts he should winne their good wils which hée made more account off then all the riches in the world As it is alwaies séene that friendship sooner winneth the gentle minde theu the rich promises and deliuery of Coyne can purchase any faithfull perswasion which craueth a more couetous interest then the persons estéeming vertue will straine their mindes to amount vnto CHAP. XXXIX How Eutropa after she had obtained all the Knights prisoneners in her Castle began a new trechery to bring to ruine the Emperour and Citie of Constantinople by sending Letters to the Soldan of Babylon declaring how the Emperour was destitute of his chief knights how he might easily ouercome the citie And how the noble knight of the Sauage man after he was healed of the wounds he had receiued by the knight of Fortune left the Court of England and trauelled to seeke the aduentures of great Brittaine in which endeuour he arriued at the castle of the Giant Dramusiand where he vnhorsed the Prince Primaleon and his noble Father the Prince Don Edward Likewise how he preuailed against the kings Arnedes and Recinde and foiled the Gâ—ants Pandare and Alligan so that he entred combate with the Giant Dramusiande each of them fore wounding the other yet neither could enioy the victory And how the Sage Aliart came againe and made such a maruellous darkenesse that the knight of the Sauage man was carried away no body could whither GLad was Eutropa that she had gotten these Knights her prisones whom she stood in great feare of and Christendome in most néed of and yet not contenting her selfe with this extreame crueltie would practise another mischiefe to bring to destruction all the noble knights on the earth It so fortuned that by politike meanes she was aduertised of the death of Olorique Alchediane the great Soldan of Babylon and deere friend to the Emperour Palmerin who had a sonne remaind aliue not of the gentle nature of his father but a great enemy to the whole estate of Christendome This seruing for fit her diuellish purpose she gaue him by Letters to vnderstand what great and gréeuous mischances his Progenitors had receiued by the Emperours of Greece in that many Princes of his blood and linage had béene cruelly slaine before the walles of Constantinople which naturall loue and dutie did inforce him to reuenge else should he be iustly contemned and reproched of the whole world where if now he would vexe his enemy vpon so iust occasion vrge him to the small defence he had left for his succour he might be Monarch of the whole world and haue more at command then all his Predecessours had As for a conuenient time he could with for no better then was at that present when if he would lay siege to Constantinople it had no other Rampier of defence then the aged Emperour whose yeares forbad him to enter the field and whose dominions lay ready at his owne appointment As for the noble couragious knights whom all the world feared and were the onely safegard to that famous City were in such place where they had more néed of succour themselues then come to defend the aged Emperour Yea and all other realmes were so vnprouided of those that were the meane to let this determination that neither could they helpe him or promise safety to themselues so that if he would he might bring vnder his obeysance the most of all Christendome There letters were conueyed to the Soldan of Babylon who prouide for the attempt which Eutropa had willed him where to his determination we will forsake him at this time till we gaine more fit occasson to discourse of procéedings The hardy knight of the Sauage man was purposed now to sée the aduentures of great Brittaine for which cause when his wounds were perfectly healed he tooke leaue of King Fredericke and the Princesse Flerida procéeding in his trauell till fortune brought him to the Valley of Perdition where he presently espoed the Castle of Dramusiande Not long had he stood to take view of this Castle but hee perceiued to issue forth a braue company of well appointed knights among whom were Giants of a monstrous stature which gaue him occasion to suppose that hée was arriued at the place where so many famous Knights were detained Prisoners yet was ge driuen into a great doubt in that such comely Knights should kéepe company with
whose extreame cruell nature delighteth in thy griefe I am that Eutropa who all this while hath plagued thée and thy noble friends and will continue in tormenting thee and thine vntill this world hath made an end of me I go now to the place where I shall haue leysure to forget the iniurie thou hast done vnto me and power to fulfill my desire in thy continuall vexation These words thus ended and the Aire waxing somewhat cleare againe they might perceiue the Enchantresse in the Aire inuironed with a darke and gloomy myst like a cloud and and how she cut the Aire with a great many fiery flashes about her When she was departed forth of sight they remayned in a great amazement yet being all glad that they were rid of her who was so ill affected to them The Damosels who by the commandement of the ancient man had stayed there till the knights were perfectly rerouered came to the Prince Don Edward vsing these words Good sir giue vs leaue now to depart séeing the knight of Fortune and the Giant Dramusiande are out of danger and strong enough to endure the trauaile of their Armour Trust me Ladies answered Don Edward your great courtesies hath so seuerely bound me that I might be iustly reproached of ingratitude to suffer you depart not vsing such honourable recompence as you haue well deserued Neuerthelesse such is the simplenesse of this place to your worthy desert and so great affection to see you liberally rewarded that if you would vouchsafe the courtesie to come to the English Court or report where I may send to your abiding what I will do I leaue to your good opinions to report Sir quoth the Damosels the vertue which is alway resident in your noble minde and fameth your knightly déeds throughout the whole world that neither Enuy can blot out nor accident of time haue power to extinguish so that we may well be estéemed happy who hath so good a Champion to defend her honour As for your Princely offer we find our deserts so simple as we were loth to presume in place to séeke any recompence yet if our presence at London may either profite you or pleasure your friends we will be as ready to come as you can be desirous to wish vs there But such is now our businesse that your friends being reduced into their former estate we must néeds depart wherfore we desire you to vouchesafe vs leaue Ladies quoth Don Edward he that should séem to deny you and you not giuing consent thereto should by his boldnesse with my blood that would offer them iniury who haue deserued more then I can say And therefore when you shall thinke good to depart you may right willingly for here is none will gaine you or that dare deny you The damosels perceiuing the great humanitie of this gentle Prince failed not to giue him courteous thanks according so taking their leaue of the Knight of Fortune with all the other Princes they went to the gate of the Castle where they found two Palfrys appointed for them and being mounted thereon returned to the place from whence the ancient man brought them Don Edward séeing al was in good readinesse and that Dramusiande was méetely strong-againe he offered the castle to the knight of Fortune who wold not refuse it vpon condition that from that day forward it might be called the Fort of Fortune so leauing Pompides there to kéep it they departed al towards London accompanied with Dramusiand bearing the Armour wherein he had combatted against the knight of Fortune The Citizens being admonished of the coming of their long lost Priuce Don Edward gathered themselues in such heapes in the stréets that the Princes could hardly passe without hurting some of them with their Horses Some of them preased to sée the Prince Don Edward because he had bene so long absent from them other some to sée the giant Dramusiand maruelling that the knight of Fortune had the power to conqure him who had subdued so many Thus passing on they arriued at last at the Court where Don Edward casting his eies on the princesse Flerides Chamber the teares trickled downe his chéekes remembring how long time he had bene from thence and had not séene her whom he most honoured and intirely loued but séeing he was come againe at last and at his gentle behauiour should recompence what had béene amisse he quieted himselfe least any should behold his amorous passions King Fredericke at the entrance of the Cour came and receiued them all graciously giuing them such Princely entertainment as their nobilitie of birth and hoyourable estate required Don Edward and Dramusiande were the last that presented themselues to his Maiestie where knéeling downe and humbling himselfe to kisse his hand the Prince began as followeth My Soueraigne Lord and Father if I either haue or may find fauour at your highnes hands then let me not at this time be denied of the same as to entertaine this Giant not after the cruell deserts of his Father but euen as the most curteous and friendly knight in the world The king imbracing his sonne receiued him in his armes from the ground bedeawing his white any heary Beard with aboundance of teares which through meere loue he shed for the presence of Don Edward when hée began to answere him in this manner What he is my son who conceiuing so great desire as I of long time haue to sée you that could find in his heart to deny any thing that you should require Then comming to Dramusiande who endeuoured to kisse his Graces hand imbracing him in his armes he thus began My intent was not to shewe courtesie to him that hath béene the cause of my long continuing heauinesse but the report my sonne hath made of your great bountie and gentlenesse hath conquered the extremitie that I once had sworne to vse vnto you so that hee which would now offer to vexe you any way should be enemie to me and so not escape vnpunished The knight of Fortune humbling himselfe in his presence the King cast his armes about his necke with this gréeting My minde did assure me Sir knight that the heauy sorrowes I endured too long a time should be ended by the valour of your hautie déedes of Armes who is so welcome to my Grace as no liuing creature on the earth could be more My soueraigne Lord answered the knight of Fortune what I haue done hath bin thorow Gods appointment whose power assisting me beyond my desert haue finished the aduenture which no pollicie could otherwise bring to passe In honor of this happy victory they went al to the chiefe Church of London where seruice was accōplished with great solemnity and then returning to the Pallace the Quéene and the Princesse Flerida receiued them all with great bounty the knights vsing such courteous demeanour as beseemed the roialty of theyr persons being right glad to haue a sight of the fayre Princesse While Flerida was vsing
suspition of me I giue you to vnderstand that I am called Primaleon Sonne to the famous Emperor of Constantinople When the Tristfull Knight heard these wordes he was ouercome with such extreame sorrow and heauinesse because he had entred Combat with his Father Primaleon that he had much adoe to sustaine himselfe which the Prince séeing came to him with these words Florendos let no grieuous motions séeme to abate your courage for I had knowledge of you before we fell to the Combat as for what hath passed I franke and fréely forgiue being glad that I haue tryed your right to be of such reputation The Tristfull Knight knéeling downe and in great humility kissing his Fathers hand hée sustained him graciously in his armes and great were the salutations that passed betwéene them Pandritia being glad to sée the Prince Primaleon conducted them both into her House of Sadnesse where they were lodged in a goodly chamber and their wounds attended by the Ladies with very diligent and louing respect CHAP. LII How Primaleon and the Tristfull knight being healed of the wounds they had receiued in the combat by the courteous entertainment of the sorrowfull Lady Pandritia after they had staied there a little space and Primaleon certifying her of the happy deliuery of the Prince Don Edward they both departed from thence the Prince toward Constantinople and the Tristful knight in his iourney towards Spaine when Pandritia likewise for these ioyfull ridings left her House of Sadnesse and went to the Garden of Damosels And how after Primaleon and the Prince Vernar were arriued at Constantinople the Soldan Bellagris sent a Messenger to the Emperor who gaue him to vnderstand of the dealing of the Soldan of Babilon who had staid his army to contend with certaine Lords of his dominions that rebelled and entred into armes against him FLoredos the Tristfull Knight and his noble Father the Prince Primaleon made their abode for the space of certaine dayes in the carefull Castle of the solitary Pandritia where they were so carefully visited and their feeble estates so louingly tendered that in short time they recouered their perfect health In which time Primaleon had certified her of the prosperous successe of the Prince Don Fdward whom she verily supposed to be dead long before so that shée conceiued such great delight in this report as at the request of the Prince the left her House of Sadnesse and returned to her Mansion named the Garden of Damosels vsing more pleasant conceits then for a great while she might suffer to thinke on Primaleon hauing borne her company longer then willingly hee would and declared to her the the names of the Knights that were prisoners with Don Edward as also the manner of their happy deliuerance accompanied with the Tristful Knight he tooke his leaue of her she being loath they should depart so soone but perswaded by their earnest affayres gaue them the courtesie and so they left her They twaine thus ryding together the Tristfull Knight desired his Father that hée might leaue his company because the affection to his Lady directed his trauaile into Spaine who not denying his sonnes request because himselfe was minded to ryde alone to the ende hee might make the better proofe of his valour imbraced one another the Tristfull Knight riding towards her for whose swéete sake he liued in great affliction and anguish of minde where at this time wée will leaue him and returne to the Prince Primaleon who not encountring any aduenture by this time is come to Constantinople whereas full often he wished himselfe because he had heard of the Soldanes Army which was of such force that it caused the whole Empire to stand in great feare Primaleon being entred into the Citie kept close his Beuere because he would not be knowne to any but intended to come suddainly vpon his friends which wold make him to be the better welcome Being come to y◠Pallace hauing deliuered his Horse to his Esquire he went vp into the great Hall in the same Armour that he vsed against the Tristfull Knight which was very much defaced with the blowes he had receiued causing great astonishment to all that were present who gaue him way to come before the Emperour Then knéeling downe and desiring to haue the Empresse and the Ladies present he would discourse 〈◊〉 his Highnesse what had happened lately in England which the Emperour desirous to heare yet not knowing what or who he was all this while receiued him from the ground saying That the honour of the place from whence he came should make him a great deale the better welcome and so he conducted him to the Empresse chamber where by good hap the princesse Gridonia Polinarda and Bazilia were present when the Emperor tooke occasion to begin as thus Faire Ladies this Knight commeth from the Court of England and would not declare his message to me vntil such time as he might come to your presence before whom he desireth to shewe his Ambassage which I wish to be otherwise then I thinke for because of the tariance of my sonne Primalaon whose absence is no small cause of my heauinesse With that the Emperour sate downe by the Ladies whom Primaleon began to behold very earnestly because he perceyued them growne into great alteration especially the Emperour his Father whose countenance was much changed then when he saw him last and the Princes Gridonia had greatly offended his faire face with the continuall mourning shée vsed for the absence of her Lord so generally beholding them all and staying from speaking an indifferent long space to the great amazing of the Emperor as also the company of the courtly Ladies at last he vnclasped his Beuer began in this order I desire you my gratious father to pardon my long silence as also the great time of mine absence from your royall Court hauing no other Message to present you but the good health of your noble friends in England as also of your Sonne Primaleon who humbleth himselfe before your gratious presence The Emperor was suddenly wrapt with such an inward ioy y◠for a great time he remained as it were in a trance in like maner the Empresse Gridonia Polinarda al the Ladies who came running altogether imbraced him with such ioy as it is impossible for me to giue iudgement thereon After hée had vsed curtesie to them al the Princesse Bazilia came kissed his hand to whom he said Faire Sister feare you not your Lord Vernas will not long absēt himselfe frō you but you shal haue him here right soon I dare warrant you Then was he vnarmed when the Emperour could not satisfie himselfe till he heard the ioyfull newes lately chanced in England but when he vnderstood how Palmerin was sonne to the Prince Don Edward and his daughter Flerida he receiued great contentation in that he was nourished in the company of the princesse Polinarda who concealed her ioy from any one Dramacian
exigent of many of their liuings which was onely procured through the loue of Miragarda by the aduise of the Countie and her honourable Councell who pittied to sée this great inconuenience sent for the Giant Almoral to whom were giuen certaine knights and Gentlewomen to attend vppon her and he should kéepe her till such time as he should appoint her Mariage which at that instant he could not dispatch because of the great discord that was risen about her amongst all the Princes and knights of the Court. And so he sent her to the Castle of the Giant Almoral vntill the princes should be in quietnesse againe where in the meane time she often vsed to walke in the gréene féeldes for to delight her selfe euen as she did at the time when Florendos come and found her and there she liued till some one might reléeue her from Captiuitie as hereafter you shall vnderstand how euery thing happened during the time of her abyding there CHAP. LIIII How Palmerin departed from the Realme of England and in his trauaile met with the Prince Gracian lying fast a sleep vnder a greene tree who gaue him to vnderstand of an hard aduenture befaln to the Prince Platir and Floraman And how he riding to helpe them met with a Damosell who brought him to the place where they were fighting the Combate and there Palmerin slew Dramaco who was Lord of the Castle and redeemed three Ladyes from their tirannicall seruitude SO Long remained Palmerin in the Court of the King of England with his noble father and his fréends who reioyced in his company that euery one supposed he would not trauaile again which he could hardly kéepe himselfe from all this while but that the earnest intreaty of the King with the Princes Flerida his Mother vrged him to stay longer then gladly he would At last when they perceiued al means could not serue to hinder his determination but that he laboured night day in pursuing his pretence they gaue consent he should depart whither pleased him so taking his leaue of the aged King his Father Mother and all his Fréends who were not a little sorrowfull to enioy his absence he gaue thē euery one a gentle Conge so left them in their great heauinesse But within a while after Don Florian séeing his Brother Palmerin was gone and how his honour was imbaced by staying so long from trauaile hee began a fresh sadnesse throughout all the Court especially to King Frederick whose affection was more inclined to him thē to the Prince Palmerin because hee had nourished him in his Court and therefore his loue was a great deale more surelie grounded on him But first to discourse what happened the Prince Palmerin who riding encumbred with a thousand conceites durst not take his way to Constantinople fearing to displease his Lady Polinarda but remembring how neere they were in affinitie he had good hope she wold make more estimatiō of his seruice Contenting himselfe with this thought hee rode on till he arriued in a very vnfertile Valley whose scarcitie of Trees or of any other thing delightfull to the eye vrged him to dispence with his thoughts a sudden sadnesse till at last after hee had ridden a good while he came to a faire and mightie bigge Tree whose compasse of Boughes contained a fine and very coole shadowe vnder it where he espied a Knight to lie fast asleepe hauing neither horse nor Esquire to beare him company which made him somwhat amazed and loath to leaue him in that dangerous estate he moued him with his lance and these spéeches Sir Knight this place is not for such an one as you to repose your wearie limmes in because you are as vncertaine of any safetie as you may assure your self it is to be feared The knight suddenly awaked and setting hand to his Sword presently started vp When Palmerin had knowledge of him to bee the Prince Gracian whose company was not a little welcome to him being in such a solitary and vnfrequented place of passage wherefore hee began in these tearmes following Sir Gracian let not my presumption be admitted to any offence but rather estéemed of in this sort that I am yours any way to command in seruice Graciā being glad to see the Prince Palmerin knowing that his puissance might remedy part of his misfortune which being willing to disclose he imbraced the Prince in his armes and in this order began to vtter his tale As it is not vnknowne worthy sir how your knightly chiualry hath brought to end the aduēture which was tearmed beyond any possibility so knowe I that your affection is inclined to ayde those whose misaduenture requiret the helpe so good a Knight and how happie your arriuall at this time is let the spectacle you shall shortly sée remaine as an vndoubted and infallible witnesse which because delay in words may turne to some danger thus it is If you follow on the way you sée right before you it will not be long before you shall come to the place where the Princes Platir and Floraman abide in great danger to whom you may yéelde maruailous friendly succour if you make hast to them who would gladly be so happy as to haue a sight of you In the meane time if Siluian will doe me the fauour that I may mount vp behinde him if we come not vnto you I desire you to except vs at the Forgetfull Stone where haue you no doubt but we will meete together Palmerin being sory to heare these newes but highly commending his Fortune that he came so luckely to the aide of the two Princes promising to fulfill the requst of Gracian he set Spurres to his Horse and rode as fast as possible he might towards them He had not rode very long but that he came to a place where two pathes seruing two seueral wayes made him to stand in a muse which way he were best to take but to driue him from his doubt he espied a Damosell come riding towards him vsing such heauy clamours as if one had pursued her to depriue her of her life Palmerin abashed at this vnlooked for aduenture stayed his Horse to question with her but she perceiuing his intent in a great feare gaue him these spéeches Good Sir offer me not the discourtesie to be a hinderance to my happy trauaile for that you may endamage me with greater harme if you stay me then the discourse of my misfortunes can yéelde you any content to heare which I am afraide to disclose because I doubt your valour can giue me no comfort in this great mishappe Trust me Lady answered Palmerin as for my valour I can hardly make you any warrant of it but so great is my desire at this instant that I must request you shewe me the cause of your grieuous lamentation Well Syr quoth shée since you are so desirous to vnderstand the exextremitie of my case come with me and you shall be certified hereof as much as you
began to be somewhat offended with himselfe wherefore the Damosell receiued it againe of him and to mooue him from sadnesse gaue him these spéeches My gratious Lord I sée that age hath decayed the force of your affection but had this aduenture béene deliuered you when time was I know it could not haue remained thus at this present Primaleon presently came and tooke the Cuppe but his Fortune was no more fauoured then the Emperor his Father which vrged him to some cause of anger fearing that Gridonia would haue giuen him but slender thankes Then came the Prince Vernar and in his hand the Cup receiued a little brightnesse whereby the Ladies knewe that the Damosell had reported nothing but the trueth After Vernar came the King Polendos and in his hand the Cup became as blacke againe as euer it was whereat the Ladies began to laugh and the Damosell of Thrace spake to him in this order Syr Polendos if the loue you beare your Lady be of no more effect then it séemeth at this present I iudge she hath cause to be but little beholding to you Gentlewoman answered Polendos it is so long time since amorous thoughts haue let me that it is no maruaile if Fortune séeme so aduerse to me now Then arose the prince Gratian thinking to end the aduenture by the faithfull loue he bare to his faire Claritia and in his hand the Cup receiued more brightnes then it did when the Prince Vernar had it whereat his heart was rauished with vnspeakeable ioy and giuing the Cup to his brother Guerin it became as blacke againe as euer it was The ladies greatly delighted to sée the variable quality contained in the cup so that they had an assured meane to sée which of their knights might excel in loyaltie of loue Berolde P. of Spaine the onely beloued of the faire Onistalda aduanced himselfe to take the cup vsing this silent opinion to himselfe Madame I haue euer desired your helpe in all mine affaires but at this present I craue no succour at your hands for that the merit of my constancy promiseth me a large title in this honourable aduenture Then taking the cup it seemed brighter then euer it had béene and the frozen teares began somewhat to melt which mooued the Princesse Onestalda to so great pleasure that she could not conceale it but the Ladies sitting by did perceiue it After him came the P. Platir the knight of Fidelia daughter to the king Tarnaes but albeit he bare her great good will the Cup was not so bright in the hands of Berolde but while he held it it became as black Then came Bellizart seruant to the faire Denisia Dramian the knight of Florian but both of them sped alike in their enterprise Francian who loued the faire Bernard tooke his turne next to trie the Cup but he sped so ill that he wisht himselfe out of the place for in his hand the cup lost all the brightnes that the other knights had brought it into whereat he was greatly agrieued and the Emperor laughing a good at him began merrily in these words Sir Francian you may cōmend your fortune to be in such libertie for the Ladies will not receiue any hastie occasion whereby they may thinke good to fal in loue with you and you may shape your selfe of like disposition at no time to be hastie in trusting them After him came Frisol Onestalde Estrellant Tenebrant Luyman of Burgondy Pompides Bla didon Germaine of Orleance Dridan Polinarde Tremoran Baromont Albanis of Freeze amongst which company the best fauoured were Polinarde Beromont and Germaine of Orleance yet none of them might be compared to the Prince Berolde The Damosel of Thrace was in great despaire thinking the aduenture would not be ended in the Emperours Court when presently came the sorrowfull prince Floraman at the Emperors request he tooke the cap saying My Lady remember the danger wherin you sée me as also the griefe I sustaine for your sake wherout you may deliuer me if you please set me once againe in my ioyfull state When he had ended his spéeches the Cup receiued such a maruellous brightnesse the congealed teares melted so suddenly that the whole assembly thought the aduenture to be fully finished but the Damosell knowing the contrary went to the Emperour who in her presence spake thus to the Prince of Sardignia I know well Sir Floraman that this aduenture was reserued for you because the firmenesse of your faith gaue mée a great deale more assurance then the experience I haue to report this enterprise and trust me I am very glad it is so fallen out because now all other will hold you in the estimation that my selfe of long time reposed in you The ladies who euer bare good affectiō to Floramá were now a great deal more vrged towards him which y◠damosell perceiuing that euery one supposed the aduenture to be ended to the Emperor she began in this maner My gratious Lord I desire you that all y◠knights may abide in this place for albeit the cup is brought into this good effect yet is not y◠brought to passe which must be finished I know said Floraman that fortune is wont to cause me begin euery enterprise with ioy but at the conclusion thereof she threatneth my death Then Don Rosuel diuers knights assaied the Cup some spéeding well some ill euē as their constancy did differ in quality At last whē the whole cōpany were minded to retire for y◠time they espied a knight in gréene Armour to present himself before him whose stoutnes of behauior caused al to feare that tooke occasion to behold him there was none y◠knew him but Primaleō who presently said that it was the giant Dramusiand wherfore he desired the Emperor to stay a while when aduancing himself to méet him Dramusiand came imbraced him with very great reuerence When he had opened his helmet Primaleon brought him before the Emperor where humbly vpon his knée he began in this maner I desire you my gratious Lord and Father that you wil receiue this knight with your accustomed honor for that his valiant and noble behauior hath made him as much renowned as any on the earth The Emperour knowing that it was Dramusiande would not suffer him to kisse his hand but imbracing him in his armes began as followeth Albeit your friendly dealing did long time detaine my life in an vnexpected danger yet the good report of your Prowesse and noble behauiour since that time hath vrged mee to forget all vowing my selfe your friend to command and so I pray you for euer to vse me Dramusiande very often thanked the Emperor and Primaleon presented him to the Empresse and Gridonia who albeit they made a shew of a friendly welcome yet could they not do it hartily considering the griefe they sustained for the imprisonment of Primaleon For they say it is the nature of women not to forget and forgiue their
because he was out of breath then to endurr so hot a combat was brought into such feeble estate that he was constrained to fall to the Earth verie greatly trauelled and sore wounded The Princesse Arnalte whose inconstancy you haue sufficiently heard heretofore was so sore displeased when shee saw her Knight conquered as shee commaunded her seruaunts presently to rowe away forsaking her Knight and making no more account or estimation of him then as if she had neuer knowne or seene him before The Prince Florendos hauing thus brought his enemy vnder his obeysance opened his Helmet to sée if hee knewe him then the Knight did humbly yéelde himselfe desiring when hee had taken what sharpe reuengement on him hee pleased so to deale with him if his minde were bent to such rigour as at his hands hee might take his latest breathing for that hee hadde so fondly thrust himselfe into the place where he had committed so great dishonour the Prince returned this answer It suffiseth me Sir Knight that I haue conquest of thée 〈…〉 I will that thou goe and present thy selfe to the Princesse Miragarda and to suffer the Iudgement that it shall please her to assigne â—hée speaâ—â— to the Giant Almaroll and hee will cause thée to know the Princesse minde The Giant by the intreatie of the Knight went to knowe the pleasure of the Princesse who returned with this answere that the Princesse sent commandment vnto Florendos to take the Oath of the vanquished Knight that hee should neuer serue any other Lady then the Princesse Arnalte and that hee should beare the Deuise in his shield after an other mâ—â—ner in respect she did thinke it farre vnrâ—â—â—â—able that Loue should be helde captiue vnder the power 〈◊〉 Vassall wherefore hee should cause Cupid to be painted in his Shield holding a Knight bathed in blood downe to his féefe Albeit this iudgement of the Princesse Miragarda was somwhat sharp and rigorous yet the Knight would not gainsay her determination so causing some regard to be vsed in his wounds on the next day he departed thence very sadde and sorrowfull to thinke in what displeasure the Princesse Arnalte so suddainly went away The Prince Florendos remained a while at the Curing of wounds and in the meane time the Prince Floraman maintained the custome accomplishing many hauty and noble déedes only to mooue the affection of the Princesse Miragarda in more amiable and gentle maner to the good and hardy knight Florendos but she for all this would vse no estimation of the great paines which the Prince did daylie suffer for her sake CHAP. X. ¶ Here shal be declared what and who the Knight was that came in the company of the Princesse Arnalte for what cause hee and she trauelled to the Castle of Almarol and of the great entertainment which was made in the Court of the Emperor Palmerin at the arriuall of Leonarda the Princesse of Thrace HEre it shall not be much amisse to let you vnderstaÌ„d who the Knight was that came in the company of Arnalte the Princesse of Nauarre for that if occasion so serue you may haue the better knowledge of him hereafter It is reported before in the first part of this Hystorie that Darpos the Duke of Normandie the sonne of Frisoll king of Hungaria had to issue two sonnes whereof one was named Frisoll after his Grandfather of whom mention is made many times in the Historie and the other was called Dragolant who for that it is long time since he was reported a Knight at Armes is now the farther out of remembrance This 〈◊〉 being a gallant young Gentleman and méetly endued with strength to beare Armour beside the great fame of the noble exploytes of his Father and Grandfather did so imbolden him in couragious desire as he loathed to spend his life in ease or slothfull idlenesse wheruppon he left the place where he had bene nourished and brought vp addicting his mind to the search of Knightly aduentures forgetting the Court of the Emperour Palmerin where first the renowne of his déeds might haue giuen the greater grace to his person In this his hautie desire accompanied with one Esquire to beare his Sheild and helmet he tooke his voyage towards the Realme of Spaine being very earnest in affection to 〈◊〉 the Castle of the Giant Almaroll that he might approouâ—â—â— valour against the Knight that kept the Princesse Miragardaes Shield but as he iournied thitherward he was constrained to passe through the Realme of Nauarre where by chaunce he happened to the passage which was guarded by the Princesse Arnaltaes knight whereof two were vanquished by his noble valour Princesse Arnalte well noting his worthy behauiour as also that he was a braue and lustie young Gallant she vsed such friendly perswasion to him that he went with her into the Castle where she entertained him with such honour as she was accustomed to vse towards them who resembled Dragonalt in bounty and prowesse This young Prince beholding Arnalte intiched with so great beauty and vnderstanding that her dowry was to be Quéene of Nauarre began to waxe maruailous amorous of her being farre inueigled with her loue as he iudged in his owne opinion that in her consisted the detriment of his his life and dignity of his honour At length it so fel out that the Lady and Mistresse of his dutifull thoughts was maruailous desirous to go sée the faire Princesse Miragarda which being a meane for him to vtter his earnest affection he made a reuerent offer to beare her company in her iourney for that he well knew the more he did entertaine himselfe into her company he might in the more familiar manner procéed in his loue The Princesse Arnalte was not curious in accepting his gentlenesse in that his presence did rather adde an estimation of honour of her then impeach her of any vndecent cause wherefore all things being in a readinesse with as much conuenient spéede as might be she set forward towards the Castle of Almaroll accompanied with the Ladies and Damosels and six Esquiers as you haue heard before as also with this noble and aduenturous prince Dargonalte who to witnesse the intire loue he bare to the princesse many times by the way assayed very knightly occasions wherein Fortune did still affoord him the victory The Princesse receiued no small pleasure at his happy chances in that shée estéemed so well thereof as she thought him worthy to possesse her loue which Dragonalt aduisedly pondering frequented the Princesse with very amiable conditions so that in short time they came to a Citie standing on the bankes of the Riuer Thesin which made two leagues from the Castle of the Giant Almaroll where they stayed till they had prouided two Boates to passe along the Riuer wherein they came to the Castle of Almaroll and Dragonalte had the entertainement as you haue heard before by the noble and valiant Prince Florendos whose valour did mooue such a hatred in the Prince
Arnalte towards her affectionate loyall friend Dragonalt that she angerly departed from the Castle of Almaroll towards her owne place of abode in Nauarre entending neuer to sée him againe But it is not to be doubted but that this suddaine choller would take as suddaine a cooling in that as she could be easily intreated to anger against them who had but little offended her euen so could she be as easily woon to forget her desire of wreakefull vengeance her vnstayednesse was such and her good will to loue so great In this manner it chaunced Dragonalt who continuing his affection to the Princesse Arnalte in the ende was so fortunate as he obtaind her good will in mariage she making him Lord of her selfe and King of Nauarâ—e wherefore we ought not to despaire of that which is in the hand of Fortune to giue vs as you may perceiue in the course of this History which here leaueth Dragonalt his Quéene togither returning to Leonarda the princesse of Thrace who being ready to depart the Realm of Thrace for the desire she had to be in the Court of the Emperour Palmerin the Quéene Carmelia her Grandmother sent her away worthily accompanied with Ladies and Gentlewomen for the better gouernement of her in her iourney beside she gaue charge to the Lords and Gentlemen that went with her in no case they should depart from her vntill they had presented her to the Emperour In this order she set forward towards Constantinople being met diuerse times on the way by many braue Gallants who vnderstanding her setting forth did honour her with their dutifull attendance vntill shee came to the Emperours Court where was assembled togither so many braue Knights so richly Armed and carrying such fine deuises as one would haue iudged that they did rather prepare to incampe themselues for warre then to shew knightly disports to delight the Emperor Many came thither to behold the brauery others to doe the princesse Leonarda seruice and some beside who had good hope to winne her in marriage ech one did striue who should behaue himselfe most gallant and who might witnesse the greatest title of knighthood as wel to please the eye of the yong Princesse as to deserue the estimation of the whole Court their honourable estates seruing them very well so to doe The prince Gracian Berolde the Sage Aliart Platir and diuerse other knights of the Emperors Court going in the company of the aged Emperor himselfe went to meet the Princesse two leagues from the Citie who being aduertised of their comming by reason that the Prince Primaleon with other Princes rid somewhat before the rest did presently leaue her Coach and mounted on a goodly white Palfray whose harnesse was very rich and costly to beholde the Princesse her selfe was brauely attired after the Greekish fashion that she might the better delight the eyes of them which did behold her her Robe was of Carnation Veluet very fairely imbrodered with pasement Lace of Gold her Clocke was of Scarlet closed before with sumptuous Diamonds which were placed very thicke in maner of buttons and all the compasse of the Cloke was likewise garnished with Diamonds hauing betweene euery Diamond a ranke of very glorious Orient Pearle which shined in the Sunne so gallantly as they did maruailously decke and set forth here costly Vesture and beside the glimpse of them so sweetly dazeled in her face as the youthfull Knights whose thoughts were frée before from the assaults of loue were now suddenly entrapped with her singular beautie The Emperor albeit he was farre in yeeres yet he did attire himselfe very youthfully to giue the greater grace to the yong Princes that bare him company so comming to the Princesse Leonarda he entertained her with very stately and accustomed honour afterward he gaue place to the Prince Primaleon his Sonne who kissed her hand in very gentle manner and so did all the other Princes that came with the Emperonr whose presence witnessing so great estate did much content the mind of the young Princesse who was no small deale abashed at the great honour which the Emperor did so nobly affoord her as to grant her licence to remaine in his Court in remembrance of which courtesie she would haue stouped downe to kisse yâ— Emperors hand but her remembring how his court was gratiously honored by her presence would not suffer her to humble her selfe so much giuing her to vnderstand in very friendly spéech that in her comming to abide in his court he did accept it as a thing of no small contentation to him Then setting forward on their way that they might the sooner enter the Cittie the Emperour on a sudden espied an occasion which withdrew his mind from thinking on the beautie of the Princesse Leonarda for he saw a prettie space from the cittie of Constantinople vnder an â—ake standing neere to the Hermitage of S. Lois which was a little out of the common way a knight armed in Carnation coloured Armour so thicke beset with little 〈…〉 of Gold as the whole Armour was gallantly set forth â—erewith his Helmit likewise was after the same maner and in his Shéeld he bare for his deuice in a field of Azure a Cipresse trée very thicke hung with Nuts of Gold This Knight was mounted on a lustie bay Courser hauing attending on him two Esquiers one of them carying a Shield couered ouer with cloath so that the deuice thereof could not be discerned the Knight hauing espied the Emperour sent presently one of his Esquiers vnto him who being come before the Emperour rained his Palfrey and began to salute him in this order My gratious Lord the Knight whom you behold vnder yonder Oake is supprised with a maruellous earnest desire to trie against these Knightes of your Court the renowned valour which hath beene so much reported of them through the whole world and he willed me to certifie you that it is a long time since he bare Armour or followed any Knightly aduenture therefore he would now gladly make proofe of the good opinion he holdeth of himselfe and because he might the better spéede in his purpose and not be denied in his honest request he is determined this day to guard this passage not doubting but he shall defend himselfe sufficiently against any that dare iudge so great hardinesse in themselues as to passe by without asking him licence Wherefore he humbly desireth your Maiestie that you would command your Knights to Ioust with him for he hath promised to refuse none of them except the Prince Primaleon your Sonne against whom he will neuer consent to beare Armes The Emperour was so ioyfull at these tydings as might be and the rather he would consent to the knights request for that it was a meane whereby the Princesse Leonarda might receiue some pleasure considered also that it did very well like him because she should perceiue the noble valour and prowesse of the Knights that remained with him in his Court and
to requite your kindenesse Polynarda contented herselfe very well with the gentle aunswere of the fayre Princesse Leonarda as well to be resolued of the speciall entertainment which shee gaue to her Noble Couzin Florian as also to remooue the suspition shee had of her singular Beautie fearing least her most fauoured Friende the Prince Palmerin of England should fall into any lyking to matche with her because she reserued him altogether for her séemely selfe The Prince Florian was not a little prowd of his good fortune and the Emperor would haue called him to him but that he saw how familiar the two princesses were in talk with him whervpon he determined if good hap would so permit to make a marriage betwéene him and the Princesse of Thrace whom he gaue as bed fellow to his Néeâ—e Polinarda assuring you that these two vertuous Ladies liued and loued so intirely together as the one could neuer be without the others company and what occasions of secrete sorrow so euer hapned the one would not 〈…〉 of the other in reuealing their close conceits for they 〈◊〉 of this minde that it could not be called firme and faithful friendship when all kind of such causes should not passe common betweene them At length the Emperor accompanied with the Prince Florian withdrew himselfe into his Chamber where he quistioned with him about the prosperous estates of the King of England his Grandfather and his father the Prince Don Edward not forgetting his deare daughter the faire Princesse Flerida whom he desired if it might be possible to sée before he dyed and after he had communed with him about many matters hee caused the Prince to be brought into his Chamber where the good Knight could not â—â—sse the night so quietly as he was accustomed the 〈…〉 princesse Leonarda was so earnest in his thoughts as 〈◊〉 and tumbled but could not enioy any wished rest On the next day in the morning when the Emperour had béene at the Chappell to heare diuine Seruice the Table was couered in the Princesse Fleridaes Chamber where he dined in the company of the Empresse Gridonia Polinarda and the faire Princesse of Thrace but after that the Tables were withdrawne and they had â—â—tten a prettie while talking together there entered a Damosell attired all in blacke with two séemely Esquiers attending on her she humbled herselfe before the Emperour with kissing his hand and did the like to the Empresse Gridonia and Polinarda who very gently imbraced the Damosell for that she knewe her to be one of the wayting Gentlewomen vpon the Princesse Targiana at such time as she was there abiding in the Emperours Court and before the Empresse shee stayed still when the Emperor hauing knowledge of her came and demanded other as concerning the welfare of her Lady and Mistresse to which wordes she answered in this manner Dread Prince and my most gratious Lord I desire you that you will not receiue any displeasure for that you sée me rather inclined to the Empresse then to your excellencie because the Princesie Targiana commaunded me to addresse my selfe vnto her highnesse as to one whom she vnfainedly regardeth but for your grace desireth to vnderstand how the Princesse my good Lady â—aâ—eth it is so that she neuer came foorth of her Chamber since the day that the Prince Polendos your Sonne and the other Princes and Knights were committed to prison during all which time she hath not ceassed most gratiously to wéepe and lament insomuch as her faire beautie is maruellously altered and chaunged yet hath the Turke her Father laboured as much as may be to disâ—wade her from this mournefull kinde of life but all in vaine he wasteth his endeuor for she tooke her oath in his presence that she would neuer giue euer vexing her selfe with continuall waiting vntill your knights enioyed as frée libertie as they had when they came with her from Constantinople The Turke her father fearing lest her extreame griefe would be a cause of shortning her youthfull time hath promised to restore them for the libertie of the Prince Albayzar whom they of Babilon haue request of him that they may enioy him among them againe for this cause the great Turke hath sent hither an Ambassadour who will be here either this day or tomorrow morning when your Highnesse shall vnderstand the summe of the matter And for that the Princesse Targiana feareth least you should denie to graunt what he requireth which may mooue such an inconuenience as your Maiestie would repent the great honour you bestowed on her in your Court she put me faithfully in trust to bring these tydings vnto the Empresse in whose presence I haue made you acquainted with that I had in charge because it teâ—cheth you more then it doeth any other person Moreouer shee carefully pondering euery carâ—e with her selfe and doubting least the mallice which her father beareth to the Princesse of your Court will séeke a secrete reuenge some way as treason intended betwéene him and his Ambassadour towards your Highnesse to preuent the worst that may happen she desireth you to returne her Father good words but not forgoe the Prince Albayzar whom you know her lawfull husband before first your Knights be foorth of her fathers power and that they haue attained such a place of assurance as al deuises notwithstanding no harme may come vnto them but if after their libertie such misfortune happen them as she would be very loath your Maiestie may as you sée cause finde your selfe agrieued with the offenders Faire Damosell answered the Emperour I accept very gratefully the good aduice of the Princesse Targiana and I sée very well that the honour she receiued in my Court albeit it was but small is now double and double rewarded and perswade your selfe that I am determined to follow her counsell The Emperour concluding his minde the Damosell came againe to the Princesse Polinarda to present her with the gratious commendations of the faire Targiana but when she behelde the rare and singular beautie of the Princesse of Thrace which set by her the damosell tooke the hardinesse to demaund and if that Lady were not the Princesse Miragarda for whom and by whom the Prince Albayzar was vanquished In sooth faire Damosell answered Polinarda this is not the Princesse Miragarda but this is Leonarda the Princesse of Thrace whom the noble Palmerin of England deliuered out of the enchantment wherein she remained a long and tedious time at these wordes the Damosell tooke occasion to beginne thus By your fauour Madame I knowe now who this Lady is because I haue not forgotten the straunge aduenture of the Cuppe which was brought by a Damosel into his Court and I assure you that Palmerin of England was of a very strange nature that he could both make so small account of such a faire Princesse as also in refusing the stately gouernment of the Kingdome of Thrace Polinarda desirous to mooue the Damosell from talking in that matter willed that
she would report to her the welfare of the Princesse Targiana that had so friendly giuen them to vnderstand before of the tidings which were brought thither by the Ambassadour who beiug arriued at Constantinople the Emperour sent the chiefest Princes and knights of his Court to receiue him with very friendly and courteous entertainment but when the Damosell heard that the Ambassadour was come she presently departed thence towards Spaine to go find out the Prince Albayzar promising the Princesse Polinarda to returne by Constantinople before she made her returne into Turkie The Emperour dessred the Damosell to present the message of his good will to the king Recinde as also to the Prince Albayzar and after that he had bestowed diuers rich and costly giftes on her she betooke her selfe to trauaile being verie glad that she was espyed by none of them which came with the Ambassadour who as I haue already declared was receiued in very Princely order not as he were an enemie but as became best the estate of him to whom he was sent who in sooth was of such a noble and vertuous minde as when he should deale roughly and extreamely with his enemies hee would entertaine them as his vowed and professed friends and such was his courtesie to this Ambassadour To the Emperours pallace he was conducted very worthlie riding among the chiefest Princes and knights of the Court and the Emperour himselfe to doe him the greater honour came and receiued him at the gate of his Pallace but the proud Turke would not one vouchsafe to vaile his bonnet or offer any honourable signe to the Emperour such was his malicious stomacke towards him who had in no case offended the Turke his Lord. The Emperour perceiued well the small regard he had of him by the words which the Princesse Targiana had sent him by her Damosell but yet he suffred him to do what he thought best vsing still so great courtesie vnto him as at last he was constrained to shew more decent iesture when he presented the Emperour with a letter from his Lord the Turke the seale thereof was of pure Gold and fastened about with a sumptuous Chaine The Emperor receiued it at his hands very gratiously and hauing viewed the tenour thereof he desired the Turke to go take his rest in his Chamber and the next day he would satisfie him in the occasion of his Ambassage I desire your grace answered the Turk that it may so stand with your pleasure as to make me presently answer without deserâ—ing any furder time which when I haue receiued I will goe â—est my selfe in mine owne Tents which I haue commanded to be prouided for me without the walles of your citie for if I should do otherwise the great Turk my gratious Lord would find himselfe much offended with me the Emperour replyed in this fashion You shall doe what you imagine conuenient in your owne conceit neuerthelesse I should not be any whit agreeued if my Ambassadour did lodge in the Pallace of the great Turke that he might the better fulfill his dutie in the charge committed to him I beséech your grace said the Turk to let these néedlesse spéeches goe and remember your selfe of the hundred Knights of your Court which are held as prisoners by my Lord the Turke and sée that you make some prouision for them for my Lord hauing them in his power to reuenge diuers iniuries which he hath receiued by some of your Subiects he determined to put them to death but to witnesse his gratious and noble nature he is content at the earnest intreatis of his daughter the faire Princesse Targiana to giue them their liues and to restore them in change for the Prince Albayzar who is kept prisoner in the Court of the King of Spaine by the commandement of the Princesse Miragarda But trust me you are to thinke your selfe in no small fauour with the Princesse Targiana whose teares were of such power as to sâ—ue the liues of your knights whom my Lord the Turke had determined you should neuer sée againe vntill your Highnesse had sent him the knight of the Sauage man that he might reuenge the iniurie which he too forgetfull of himselfe committed in carrying away by Sea his daughter Targiana a deed truly worthy of sharpe punishment the Turke there pausing the Emperour tooke occasion to beginne thus Certainly I confesse my selfe greatly bound to the Princesse Targiana but farre more to the faire Princesse Miragarda in that had not her wise foresight beene the greater my Knights had suffered the extreame rigour of death but this I assure you that since cruell Fortune had so throwne the Dyce on mee I rather would haue loste twice so many more as they are then to send your Lord the Turke my Knight of the Sauadge man in the presence of whome here I faithfully promise to deliuer the Prince Albayzar prouided alwayes that you make me sufficient assurance of them whome the Turke holdeth in vnkinde seruitude whereof how I may be certainly perswaded I pray you vouchsafe me the knowledge how and in what manner the case must be ordered The course which you must take in this matter answered the Turke is thus your Maiestie must send vnto my Soueraigne and Lorde the Prince Albayzar vppon his inuiolable Oath which by mee he voweth to you and which you may account of so great and sufficient truth and he will not faile by so great a bond to send you the prince Polendos your sonne with the other Princes and Knightes that are in his companie and this you may be bolde of that my Lorde more willingly would loose his life then falsifie his faith towards your Excellencie The Emperour leaning vpon his arme and noting well the words of the Embassador paused a good space without making any answere which the Prince Florian perceiuing being better acquainted with the infidelitie of the Turkes then the Emperour was and fearing least hee would haue giuen credite to this subtill assurance presently started vp and began as thus Most worthy Emperour if you but consider the cause why the great Turke detayneth your Knights in Prison you shall well perceiue the smal trust you ought to repose in him in that the occasion was so little and the assurance of his troth is much lesse Againe if you suffer the Prince Albayzar to escape vpon his worde you may chaunce sooner then you would to repent your selfe For if you remember his vnfaithfull dealing to the Giant Dramusiande in the time hee kept the Shield of the Princesse Miragarda how contrary to his vowed promise he brought it from the Castle of Almaroll in the night and comming with it into the Court did brauely giue it foorth in speeches that he had woon it by his knightly endeuour which dishonourable dealing he found in the end too costly Therefore it is very necessarie that the King Recinde regard him more carefully then hitherto he hath done in that the libeâ—tle of his person will
which are no other but shapes without substance for in the beholding these you do but mispend your time looking for that recompeÌ„ce which they haue not the power to giue you And therefore it shall be more necessary for you to goe to them whom the Pictures represent who in time will more sufficiently content your hearts then your eyes receiue pleasure in looking on these toyes which Vrganda giueth you to see at this prefent by her Enchauntment Palmerin hearing the words of his Brother the Sage Aliart returned to him with this answere Doe you maruaile Syr Aliart if they which behold the liuely presentations of so faire and beautifull Goddesses finde good cause to busie their braines and receiue their memories Credite me I thinke no man but would be rauished in delight to sée things of so rare and excellent importance Palmerin spake in this manner because he would not haue his friends suspect his amorous thoughts so departing thence they went againe to the Castle where prouision being made they sate downe to dinner which being ended they concluded to depart from the Island wherevpon Palmerin caused Satrafort to be called into his presence with the other Gentlemen that came in his company when Palmerin speaking to his Brother the Sage Aliart began to vse his spéeches thus If I should not consider with my selfe my noble friend and Brother which way Fortune might aduance me to such estate as I should be able to recompence the manifold courtesies I haue receiued at your handes you might repute mée of a most base and ignoble minde wherefore to witnesse to you the great feare I haue least I should be condemned amongst the vnthankefull I here frankely and fréely giue you the Perillous Isle which I haue conquered with great trauaile and losse of my blood desiring that you would accept thereof in that it ought rather to be vnder your gouernment then any other that I know Wherefore I pray you not refuse my gentle gift and I would it were of such estimation as I could finde in my heart to bestow vpon you for I perswade my selfe that it was the will of Vrganda it should be reserued for you And for Satrafort I perceiue he is as willing hereto as my selfe desiring you that you would account of him as his noblenesse and vertue requireth that you may discharge the duty wherein I am greatly bound to him My Lord answered the Sage Aliart they of this Island haue good occasion to be offended séeing you will commit it into the handes of him who is not worthy to come within it neuerthelesse the earnest desire I haue to doe you seruice willeth me not to make refusall of your gratious offer and I accept Satrafort not as my fubiect but as my louing friend and companion as well for the valour of his person as likewise to let you perfectly vnderstand that I am he who vowes himselfe alwayes at your commandement Thus concluding his spéeches he offered to take she Prince Palmerins hande to kisse it but the courteous Prince would not permitte him then taking the Sage Aliart in his armes he beganne againe as followeth My louing Brother if Fortune rayse me to any such preferment as I may finde somewhat worthie your good desertes you shall well peceiue the affection I beare you in the meane while imagiae the best of mee The Prince Berolde and Platir commended marueilously the liberalitie of Palmerin whose presence was more acceptable to Satrafort then the Sage Aliart so that he would gladly haue changed his maister neuerthelesse he concealed his mind closely to himselfe doubting least he should purchase the displeasure of his new Lord to whom he aduaunced himselfe to giue him his faith for his dutifull obedience praying the Knight of the Tiger that he would continue him in his woonted noble fauour Palmerin vsed such friendly behauiour towards him as he remained well content withall and hauing left the Sage Aliart to giue order about the customs of the Isle he imbarqued himselfe in the ship with Argentao being desirous to goe on firme land so soone as he could possible considered also that hee would haue Arganto returne to his gouernment And because he would the more commodiously rip vp his secret griefe to Siluian he tooke his leaue of the princes Berolde and Platir giuing theÌ„ to vnderstand that he must of necessitie goe alone by himselfe for that hee had an aduenture assigned him where he promised to be on the day ensuing These three thus parting Platir and Berolde being glad to please the Prince Palmerin in any thing he thought méete they entred the same Foyst wherein they were brought thither and so humbly taking their farewell of Palmerin they sayled towards Constantinople the wind and weather seruing them so commodious as in few dayes they attained the firme land In like manner did the Prince Palmerin in another Countrey after he had taken his leaue of Argentao who likewise returned into the Profound Isle where his Subiects receiued him very â—â—atiously accounting them highly bound to the Prince Palmerin in ordaining them such a Gouernour who would in no case suffer the people of that Island to be so cruelly dealt withall as they had béene before of the bloody Giants CHAP. XX. How Alfernao arriued at the Emperours Court of Constantinople and of that which happened to him NOt many dayes after the Knight of the Sauage man was departed from the Citie of Constantinople the Emperor was aduertised of his losse by the Prince Florians Esquire which caused no small griefe thorow the whole Court but it came so to passe that Alfernao arriued there vpon the sudden euen as the Emperour sate leauing on the Table lamenting for the want of his Nephew Florian and when he had caused him to come before him Alfernao fell downe at his féete with these words Illustrious and most gratious Emperour I humbly desire your maiesty that you would thinke of me in your woonted fauour clemency not remembring my passed transgressions for if your Grace looke into the depth of them I shall be found worthy of most grieuous punishment which your royall clemency hath power to moderate in that you are accustomed to vse mercy to them whose offences deserue rigorous intreating I am dread Prince that ancient man who came and requested your highnesse assistance and dissembling with teares and faint spéeches which were nothing else but méere deceite that I had great néede of the ayde of one of your Knightes wherevpon you granted licence to your noble Nephew that he should leaue your Court and goe in my company but I intending deceit was deceiued my selfe and could not execute on him what I had determined Then began Alfernao to discourse to the emperor the whole successe of his Nephewe Florian of the Forrest who had sent him to informe his Maiestie of all that hapned to him that the report of the Esquire might be the better belieued whereto the Emperour thus answered Certainly
imaginations Arlencea who was marnailously affected towards him seeing her companions were all fast asleepe went to the place where the Prince Florian was laid where sitting downe by his side she began to fall into these spéeches It séems to me most worthie knight of the Sauage man that the iniury which I heretofore haue done you doth as yet remain fresh in your memory in that you make no account of her who liueth and dieth onely for your loue And that I speake the truth you may be perfectly resolued in that without regard of mine owne honour I come to séeke you out the cause being this that my intreatie might moue you pittie her who preferreth the loue of none aliue but you which courtesie if you shall seeme to refuse my conceite of griefe will be so extreame as I must needs giue entertainment to my latest enemy who will set both soule and body in quietnesse when you that might haue comfort of both remaine dease and will make no account of me So breaking off she laid her head on the Princes breast fetching so many grieuous sighes and groanes as though the life would haue forsaken her body whereupon the Prince tooke her in his armes and with very amiable speeches though not such as she gladly looked for he began to comfort her thus Madame Arlencea I do not so little esteeme of you that I would willingly consent to doe the thing which should seeme displeasant or offensiue to your honour desiring you to thinke that before I was so much bound to you as now I am I inteÌ„ded to accomplish that which your selâ—e desireth but since the time that your great fauour deliuered me out of the daunger whereinto Alfernao brought me I forsooke altogether the folly of so vaine a humor being loath to reward her so vngently whose courtesie neither time nor death can make me forget And thus perswade your selfe that I haue prouided a husband for you according as your noble bountie doth well deserue yea he is so good a Knight as you will refuse to make choyse of the Knight of the Sauage man whom you may at all times vse as your friend and seruant There pausing he kissed her hand and brought her again to the place where the other Ladies sleyt and he departing againe to his owne lodging she began to be ashamed of her folly noting well the wittie words of the Knight of the Sauage man for whose loue she was so extreamely passioned as she was coÌ„strained to discouer the flame that did so torment her to one of her Damoselles the very same that gaue the fatall ring to the prince To her she ripped vp her whole discourse of the words which had passed that night desiring her earnestly with the teares trickling down her chéekes that she would giue her such assistance as she might enioy the loue of the Knight of the Sauage man the Damosell answered her Lady thus Trust me Madame you haue not any occasion to finde your selfe agréeued for by good reason the Knight ought not to satisfie your will in that such a Prince as he is ought not to trauell himselfe for Damoselles and then to receiue shame and dishonour by them but yet to content your minde and because you thinke me willing to doe you what pleasure I can I will goe to the knight and vse such friendly perswasions with him as I will vnderstand the depth of his intent Arlencea imbraced the Damosell for this genile answere and spake to her againe in this manner I know well my swéete wench that if I shall haue any remedie in this case I must enioy it by thy meanes wherefore I pray thée goe and fortune be with thée But if it come so to passe as neither perswasion nor any thing else will mooue him to loue me I pray thee intreate him that he would pardon the fault I committed in disturbing him of his quiet ease Madame said the Damosell repose yourselfe altogether on me and so she went to the Knight of the Sauage man whom she found in a slumber when sitting downe by him she began in this manner Me thinkes that he which enforceth Ladies to liue in sorrow because he wil vse no more regard vnto them ought not so easily to take his rest The Knight of the Sauage man hearing the voyce of a woman opened his eyes and séeing it was not Arlencea but the Damosell whom he loued best amongst them all he beganne friendly to embrace her giuing her better words then he did to the Giantesse her Lady whervpon the Damosell beganne to him thus againe Syr Knight I desire that you would vouchsafe to tell me what is the cause you make no more account of my Ladies loue séeing she hath for your sake forsaken her mother forgotten the cruell murdering her Brother and likewise hath lost the libertie of her selfe Madame answered the prince I feare I shall not haue time enough to discourse the whole matter to you because it is now vpon this point of day wherefore I intend to set Madame Arlencea a part a while and demaund of you for what occasion you haue forgotteÌ„ me séeing I remaine yours in affection since the day that Alfernao deliuered me into the power of your Lady Arlencea I pray you Syr said the Damosel that you would not be offended at my nicenesse all this while it was but onely to auoid the malice of my Lady in her abscence I pray you thinke so wel on me as you may be pleased for my displeasing you and I haue the better will to come to mooue my Ladies sute againe The Knight of the Sauage man hearing her courteous answer and that he might now breake a Launce in the face of Venus he tooke her in his armes but because the day came on apace and they vnwilling that any should sée their secret pleasure I durst not sée what they did for feare I should be shent for my labour CHAP. XXIIII Of that which happened to the Damosels Knight in going to the Castle of Almaroll VPon the point of day breaking the Damosell gaue her Ladie Arlencea to vnderstand the answere of the K. of the Sauage man the prince séeing the Ladies walking came and gaue them all the mornings courtesie afterward when they were all mounted on horseback they beganne to set forward on their iourney and because Arlencea was somewhat mooued with her euill Fortune that night past which the P. perceiued very well he came vnto her and vsed such kinde and gentle language to her as in a while she forgot the cares which had troubled her so much The Prince began to deuise pleasantly with the foure Damosels he woonne in the Forrest and iested with them in such merry conceites as the iourney séemed nothing troublesome vnto them but this pleased not Polyphemia who was the Damosell that Arlencea sent to mooue her sute to the Prince for she thought that shée deserued better countenance at his hands then all the
Damosels knight perceiued he spake to him in this order Sir Florendos sée here the deedes wherein I haue imployed my selfe onely because I would doe you seruice I am as yet ignorant answered Florendos wherein I shall thinke my selfe beholding to you for I sée two Knights here brought into very badde estates yet I knowe not vpon what occasion You shall Sir Florendos saide the Damoselles knight be resolued hereof This knight which you sée here slaine wold haue caried away the shield of the princesse Miragarda and he which is yet liuing but in very slender abilitie was the fauourer and aider of the others attempt but I haue giuen them to vnderstand that a thing of so high estimation might not be woonne without some labour Thus in regard of the offence they were about to offer you and to witnesse the good will I vnfeinedly beare you I tooke vpon me to hinder them in such a disloyall enterprise for proofe of my words you may behold whether they be true or no. I pray you Sir quoth Florendos tell me who you are for I desire to know the name of him whose prowesse hath so déeply indebted me to him Sir Florendos answered the Damosels Knight I will satisfie you because I sée you are so desirous wherefore I aduertise you that I am Florian of the Forrest your Couzin and obedient seruice who will not suffer you to receiue iniurie in any place where he shall be present Florendos in great ioy replied thus Now is my minde which hath béene troubled a good while very well eased in both knowing and séeing the prowesse that is in you wherefore I humbly desire you to thinke so well of me that you would spend a litle time here with me that I may commune with you about matters of some importance Beside you shall cause the wounds of the Giant Almaroll to be the sooner healed in that he will not grieue so much hauing receiued the foile at so noble a knights hands I doe not thinke answered the Damosels Knight that you would wish me to tarrie here in that I haue promised to visit other places which if I should faile to doe I should gaine the ill reports of a number wherefore I desire you suffer me depart hence and that you would take the oath of this last knight which I conquered that he shall make you faithfull promise after you haue knowledge of his name to trauell to the court of the King Recinde where he shall declare to the Quéene for what occasion I did combate with his fellow and himselfe and I desire you againe not to receiue any ill opinion by my sudden departure Florendos laboured to disswade him from his iourney but he would by no meanes be mooued from his determination wherefore after a friendly embracing he set forward on his way accompanyed with the Damosels who held him in greater reputation then they had done before but he began to waxe contrary to them in that he estéemed of them euery day worse then other CHAP. XXVII Of that which happened to the Damosels Knight as he returned to the Court of Recinde King of Spaine EArly on the next morning the Damosels knight set forward in his iourney to the Court of the King Recinde intending when he came thither to discharge himselfe of some of the Damosels because he would haue none in his company but Arlencea and the Gentlewoman that attended on her to do her seruice being loath to forsake her tiil he had brought her to the place where she might be marryed according as her honest behauiour deserued and to the end she should not thinke him to be vnmindfull of her As he rode on thus musing with himselfe he heard the voyce of a Woman crying very pittifully in a Wood which was hard by the way and because the cry was so lamentable he gaue his Horse the Spurres and ridde till he came where he heard the noyse He then looking a side beheld on the banke of a goodly Riuer a knight whose armour was of Azure colour very richly wrought all ouer with little fillets of Gold in his shield was pictured a golden Lion in a Siluer field and at his feete he held a Damosell by the haire of the head whose beautie deserued not such despightfull vsage as the Knight shewed to her for he held his Sword drawne in his hand and made show to cut off her head if she refused to obey his lust Not farre of he espyed another knight tumbling among the greene leaues who laughed at this pittifull sight so heartily that he was ready to fall in a sowne beholding what hard shift the Damosell made to helpe her selfe and after he had laughed a good while he spake these words It doth me good to sée that fortune enforceth you to take such great pains for by this meanes I shall be eased of such busie labour when I come to take my pleasure on the Damosell The Damosels Knight perceiuing the shame which these knights endeuoured to offer to the Damosell he cryed to them aloude that they should forbeare their villany or else he would cause them to buy their pleasure dearely The Knight which had the Damosell by the haire of the head séeing the Knight that spake so boldly to him returned him presently this answer Are you offended Sir to sée me vse the Damosell in this manner Trust me were not the water so broad which is betwéene you and me I would quickly make you know the price of your boldnesse Nouerthelesse if thou darest tary long I will not faile but come to thée when thou shalt well vnderstand that thou méetest with such a knight as will soone allay thy brauery I pray you my companion sayd the other knight that lay by doe not offend your selfe with fretting or raging for I iudge it best that we go to this Knight who hath so many Damosels in his company where we may take our choyce and that without trouble I desire you my friends answered the Damosels Knight that you would tell me where the ford for passage is to the end I may make triall of your valours If you haue so great desire to come to vs said the first knight you must swim ouer for I know no other way for you Then began he againe to pull and hale the Damosell very cruelly because he would mooue the Damosels knight to more anger who being earnest in reuenging great shame and villany and making no account of the danger in passage he alighted from his horse and lept into the riuer which he passed very well and recouering the furder side the knight that lay among the gréene leaues said to his companion Doe not trouble your selfe from your determination for I will quickly quaile the lustinesse of this Knight whereto the Prince thus answered It is hard for me to say how things may come to passe but I intend to hinder the pleasure you make such account of So without any more words
affectionate and he was in good hope to be rewarded with her if they woonne the victorie in his Shield was figured Hope in a gréen vesture like a young beautifull Ladie and vnderneath her was written in letters of golde the name of the Princesse Polinarda The king of Gaspia was in Tawny Armour streaked ouer in diuers places with blacke in signe that he had bene vanquished in the Combate past and in his shielde he bare for his deuise a Beare hauing his clawes al bloody in a field of Sable whereby hee gaue them to vnderstand that he had good hope to bathe his hands in the blood of his Enemies The king of Trebisonde was in red Armour all ouer figured with little siluer Birds hauing their wings spread abroad in manner as they were flying and carryed the picture of god Mars in his Shielde with the Minotaurs-head that he conquered in Creete this deuise was in a golden Field The king of Sparta was in white Armour and in his shield was portrated a Lyon torne in pieces because he had torne a Lion himself when he was in his youthfull time The king of Aetolia was in blacke Armour bearing for his Deuise in his shielde a blacke Bull in a field of Geules The king of Armenia was in Azured Armour wrought all ouer with roses of golde and in his shield was figured a Phoenix in a fielde of Azure whereby his meaning was that his Ladie was the onely Phoenix of beauty in the world to whome no other might equall her selfe The king of Gamba was in guylt Armour with his Bases of siluer and in his Shield was pictured a golden Lion in a siluer fielde The king of Bythinia was in gréen Armour crosse-streaked with bonds of siluer coupling in manner of knots and in his shield he caried a golden Tiger rampant against a Rock of Christal in a field of Sinople The Prince Argelao of Arfasia had his Armour like to the king of Bythinia Many other of the Prince Albayzars knights came into the fielde being very brauely Armed but I will let them passe vnnamed at this time assuring you that Framustant and the other Giants were armed very gallantly behaued themselues with such report in the field as they thought verily to dismay the Christians with their countenance CHAP. LXIII ¶ Of the first Battell betweene the Christians and the Turkes and the successe thereof THe Armye on eyther side being appointed in good and decent maner the Potentates Kings Princes and persons of most Authoritie would néeds goe place themselues in the formost rancke holding this opinion that in such a renowmed Battell wherein the perill of all Christendom consisted they which presented themselues the foremost in Fight should deserue the greatest honor and glory in the Field which consideration made the Captaines leaue theyr charges to their Lieutenants and come and place themselues in the face of the Battell Then the Drummes and Trumpets sounding gallantly on either side the Soldane of Persia marched on with his traine to receiue the first Squadron of the Christians and meeting togither Primaleon encountred the King of Caspâ—a and brake his Launce so brauely on him as himselfe forsooke both his stirrops but the king of Caspia had such a forcible stroake as hee was sent headlong to the Earth very sore wounded Palmerin of England serued the king of Aetolia in the same manner albeit he was reputed amongst the Turkes for an especiall good Knight at Armes Florendos and the king of Armenia fayled in the Ioust but they met so forceably togither with theyr bodyes as both they and their Horses tumbled to the ground the Prince Florendos recouered himselfe againe quickly but the Turke was so amazed with his fall as hee could hardly tell where he was whereupon his two Couzins came vnto him and conducted him betweene them to his Tent. Berolde of Spaine and Floraman of Sardignia addressed themselues to the Prince Argelao and the king of Bithinia and encountred with them so furiously as they were all cast forth of their saddles being not able to mount themselues againe because the number was so great the fight so hâ—te where they were Recinde and Arnedes ranne against the Kings of Gamba and Sparta they being all vnhorsed except the king Recinde who kept his horse valiantly The Soldane Bellagris and the King of Trebisonde mette together and brake their Launces verie brauely not béeing any thing shaken in the encounter The Soldane of Persia who desired to haue himselfe séene in the field had no sooner espied the knight of the Sauadgeman but he gaue his horse the spurres and encountred with him so nobly as the knight of the Sauadgeman lost both his stirrops which he recouered againe presently but the Soldane was so sore shaken as he lay along on the necke of his horse and had tumbled to the ground if one of his traine had not immediatly succoured him Among them that dealt in the first encounter Dramusiande and Framustant was most to be regarded for they fayling at the breaking of their Launces met in such couragious manner together with their bodies as both horses and men were sent to the ground and recouering themselues nimbly againe they beganne a furious and cruell combate and to the example of all other knights charged one another with most puissant stroakes All the Princes of the Emperours Court were at this first encounter except King Edward the Emperour Vernar and the king Polendos who would not depart from their Squadrons fearing least they would disparse themselues out of order and the Giant Almaroll kept them company likewise because he saw no more Giants in the foremost rancke but Framustant with whome Dramusiande fought very gallantly After thyy had thus encountred with their launces and many knights throwne to the earth some slaine outright and other some in little better case they drew their swords on all sides and began the most cruell Battaile that euer was séene and the Captaines returned againe to their seuerall charges because they would not haue them fall out of order Argelao and the King of Bithinia fighting on foote against Floraman of Sardignia and Berolde of Spaine were succoured by the Soldane of Persia who like a noble captaine praunced among the ranckes to animate and encourage the mindes of his friends and assembling them in sundrie companies hee came where these foure continued the fight still fiercely but the Soldane Bellagris with his traine shewed such prowesse on the fresh commers as with in a while both the Soldane of Persia himselfe and the companie he brought with him were enforced to giue them place against their willes leauing Argelao and the king of Bithinia in such danger as had not the king of Trebisonde come vpon them with the second Turkish SquadroÌ„ they had béene slaine by the hands of Floraman and the Prince Berolde The Soldane of Persia was so greatly gréeued séeing his men so vanquished and they that were left so out of heart
as he cried for succour to the king of Trebisonde with whose aide he returned to recouer what he had lost and at length made the meanes to get Argelao and the king of Bithinia thorow the preasse But he that had theÌ„ séene the prince Primaleon might plainly haue discerned his willingâ—es to preuails against his enemies for he laide on loade so on euerie side and following vpon theÌ„ with his traine so nobly as not one durst stand before him to endure his fury by this meanes he recouered horses againe to Floraman and Berolde but they were so wounded as they were glad to get forth of the battell Primaleon Palmerin of England and Florian of the Forrest with their traynes helde the king of Trebisondes second Squadron so hâ—te play as they wished themselues a little furder off But on the left hand of this Squadron was the most daungerous battaile betwéene Framustant and Dramusiande who had gotten great aduantage of his enemies by reason that Framustantes sword was broken to his hand but Albayzar sent two hundred Knights on foote to helpe the Giant which when Primaleon perceiued he spake to Palmerin of England in this manner I pray you Sir goe with me to succour our friend Dramasiande for I will neuer returne into the Cittie except I haue him with mée Without any more words they layd about them lustily and knockt downe euery one that stood before them vntill they came where Dramusiande was thither likewise came to defend him against his enemies the Knight of the Sauageman Florendos Platir Polinard Pompides the Sage Aliart Maiortes Frisoll Blandidon Don Rosiran de la Bronde Belcar and his sonnes being likewise accompanied with twentie of the most renowmed Knights in all the Armie and to aide Framustant came the Soldan of Persia and the king of Trebisond accompanied with a hundred knights of great authoritie and valour they being all on foote When Primaleon saw his friends without their horses he alighted likewise and so did the Prince Palmerin but when the other Christian knights heard that Primaleon fought on foote they forsooke their horses and came hastily running to defend him and now beganne such a cruell and fierce battell as on all sides it remained very doubtfull and dangerous Dramusiande and Framustant so layde vpon each other with their pommils of their swords as they were at length so sore trauailed as their stroakes could but little hurt them Primaleon and the king of Trebisonde buckled together but such was the fiercenesse of their fight as in the end they were constrained to pause a while the like happened to Palmerin of England and the Soldane of Persia but the Knight of the Sauage man slew two Knights who came traiterously and strooke him behinde his back and Florendos with the rest of his companions stuck so closely to their tackling as many of the enemies ranne like dogges away But Maiortes was so compassed in with his enemies as none of his friends might come to helpe him so that he had such gréeuous wounds giuen him as hauing slaine so many of his enimies as durst abide him hée fell downe dead to the ground himselfe Florian of the Forrest was so grieued when he saw him fall as the teares trickled downe his cheeks and albeit he was in extreame heauinesse yet he followed on them that had kilde Maiortes and reuenged his death nobly because the death of so braue a noble man was much lamented of them that knew his valiaunt minde but most especiallie of his Sonne Dridan who with anguish of mind cast himselfe amongst his enemies and within a while he behaued himselfe so well as the Turkes knew to their cost his extreame griefe for the death of his Father yet such was his vnhappie fortune in the end as being beset among the thickest of his enimies many cruell wounds giuen in diuerse places of his body he fell to the ground his vitall spirite forsaking him and made him follow his Fathers dead ghost which was no small griefe to the noble king Edward of England in respect of the great friend shippe and loue that had remayned of long time betwéene him and Maiortes And because he iudged that fighting thus on foote would be the death of many his deere friendes he commaunded his hard horses to breake through the ranckes whereto they presentlie obeyed and scattered the troupes of the enemies in such sort as all his friendes were mounteâ— on horsebacke againe and Dramusiande and Framustant were separated a sunder but at this second encounter the king of Trebisonde was slaine by the hand of the noble Palmerin of England Dramusiand and Framustant were so daungerously wounded as they were not able to hold out the fight any longer wherefore they were conueied thence the one to the Turkes Tentes and the other to the Cittie to be tendered with present regard according as their dangerous estates required When the conflict was thus broken diuers that had entred with the first squadron retired to take breathing but Primaleon Palmerin nor many of the Emperors Court beside were any of them for it was a pleasure to them to endure the trauaile of Armes such small account they made of their hurts and their enemies The Empresse and the Ladies séeing so great cruelty and the losse of so many noble Gentlemen withdrew themselues into their chambers where they lamented in such gréeuous maner as if they had seene the enimie entred into the Citie whervpon many Ladies of great authorite hearing their pittifull lamentatioÌ„s came vnto the Pallace reposing altogither their hope in the aged Emperor if the knightes in the Field should fayle of the victorie The king Tarnaes would haue denied the Ladies entraunce into the Pallace but it was more then he could well doo for hardlie can any man gouerne the common people especiallie when a generall feare of their liues is threatned before their eyes The Emperour himself whose debilitie in yéeres and griefe of minde conceyued by this vnlooked for stratageme depriued him of his woonted good iudgement and pollitique meanes to preuent so great mischéefe as he could not imagine with himselfe how to remedie this suddaine misfortune but euen with a Womans stomacke rather then the inuincible minde he had alwayes borne héeretofore fel into pusillanimitie and doubtful feare with himselfe vtterlie forgetting the auncient Adage Audaces Fortuna iuuat and Targiana the Princesse of Armenia and all the Ladies in the Turkes Campe were so fearefull and doubtfull of the victorie as the Ladies in the Emperours Court. King Edward being Generall of the Christian Armie desiring to witnesse his noble valour in the fielde hauing rested himselfe a pretie space dismounted thrée knights one after another with one Launce afterward drawing his sworde he charged the enimes on all sides about him so valiauntlie as they were glad to auoide and giue him place And the Prince Albayzar likewise séeking to honour himselfe this day with the renowme of the field came vppon the
the City which was committed to the charge of the King Tarnaes of Lacedemonia and the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Valley they hauing their conduct fiue hundred Knights on horsebacke and foure thousand able footemen and for the rest of the Christians they were deuided into sixe seuerall Bands The first was conducted by the Prâ—nce Primaleon who had atiending on him two thousand and fiue hundred Knights The second Band being of the same number was committed to the Prince Floraman of Sardignia The third to the king Estrellant The fourth to Albanis of Frieze The fifth to Drapos Duke of Normandie all these fiue hands being like in number The sixt was vnder the charge of the noble king Edward to whom came all the rest of the Christian souldiers The Soldane Bellagris with his traine had the charge of the vtter wings to giue ayde where he saw néede required When these Knights departed from the citie toward the field they were all in blacke Armour and their shields of the same colour without any deuices their horses were likewise trapped in blacke and the more to expresse their inward heauinesse they would haue neither Drumme Trumpet nor any kind of instrument vsed in warre with them Neuerthelesse albeit this sad procéeding to the battaile declared their owne heaninesse yet was it likewise a feare and terror to the enemy séeing them comming farre from them and euery man had closed the Beuer of his helmet because the enemy should not perceiue their mournfull countenances When they were come to the place where the Battaile should be fought they spread themselues abread in the field after the deuice of their Captaines without making any maner of noyse at all The footemen came after being all attired in black likewise and without either Drums Phifes or Trumpets wherby they gaue the enemies to vnderstand what vnfained loue and affection they bare to their Emperour and how they could not forget what gracious and friendly entertainement he was woont to make to his very enemies A thing which all Princes ought to haue in regard and in remembring the great vertue of this famous Emperour to gouerne their Kingdomes in such sort as the people may rather know what a gréeuous losse they haue by the death of such a Prince then to behaue themselues in such manner as their Subiects shall reioyce to be rid of their Gouernour The Turks were greatly abashed séeing their enemies come marching in this order they knew well by their mourning habits that they would in this battell make no account of their liues But Albayzar séeing the astonishment of his Souldiers came to encourage them like a noble captaine laying before them the renowme of the victorie which should be the recompence of all their trauailes and a sufficient reuenge for the death of many of their parents and friendes who lost their liues before the walles of Constantinople for which cause this warre was first enterprised When he had a good space vsed these and such like spéeches to them they began to waxe desirous of the battaile and chasing all their formerfeare out of remembrance they marched on after the same manner as they did in the first battaile sauing that they were vnder the charge of other captaines for that they which conducted them before were slaine Their Armour was very much broken and bruised and so died with the blood that issued from their bodies that it was almost as strange a sight in the field as the Christians sad and mournefull habites of blacke King Edward séeing his men placed in decent order and the backwings in such regard as hée thought méetest hée gaue charge to Primaleon to giue the consent with his company for he had with him the noble Palmerin of England Florian of the Forrest Florendos Platir Pompides Blandidon Don Rosuel Bellizart Dragonalt King of Nauarre the Giant Dramusiand and the most renowmed princes of the Court. On the enemies side the King of Aetolia was first in the field because he conducted the formost troupe wherein was the most puissant knights in all the Turkish Armie beside the Giant Framustant who desired aboue all other things to preuaile against Dramusiande The Christians finding themselues in a readinesse the Turkes sounded their Drummes and Trumpets to beginne the Battaile but sodainely came on them so great a tempest as they returned backe againe being not able to ioyne in fight for the space of two houres after In the meane time as this tempest continueth let vs returne to the Citie of Constantinople which as you haue heard before was committed to the chargs of Tarnaes king of Lacedemonia and the Sage Aliart of the Obscure Valley who finding by his Art that the Cittie of Constantinople would bee brought to destruction and that king Edward of England and the Prince Primaleon with the rest of the Princes Knights that maintained the warre would stand in great hazard of loosing their liues being not able to auoyd the cruelty of the Turks who would get the Cittie into their possession vpon these aforesaid considerations he determined to prouide for the safety of the Princesses and Ladies of high authority who were most of them great with childe and neare the â—ime of their deliuerance Wherefore that the fruit of their bodyes might not perish in this extremity he raised a very darke and obscure cloude which shadowed the light of the firmament in such sort as not onely they in the field were couered therewith but also the Cittie was so wrapt in the cloud as it was not possible for them to discerne it In the meane while both the Armies remained in great amazement by this darkenesse as they had not the power to méete together Aliart conueyed through this daâ—ke Cloud the Empresse the Princesse Polinarda and all other Princesses and Ladyes beside to the Perillous Isle which the Prince Palmerin of England had bestowed on him and he shaddowed the Isle likewise by his Enchantment in such manner that it remained as it were inuisible vntill Aliart conceiued so well of the time and reason as he thought good to discouer it These Ladies were surprised with maruellous admiration whâ—n they found themselues not in Constantinople but in a strange land where they could not haue their company who had endured so many hard and dangerous conflicts for their sakes this aboue all other causes did most offend and trouble their consciences yet at length when they saw no other remedy they were glad to practise and content themselues with often visiting each other in their Chambers to expell all other cogitations that séeme irksome vnto them Thus wil we leaue the Empresse and her ladies in the Perillous Isle and returne to the King Tarnaes at Constantinople who after the cloude was vanished away and the day cleare againe séeing that the Empresse with her Ladies and the Sage Aliart had forsaken his Companie conceyued such extreame griefe within himselfe doubting least some mischaunce had befallen them as amidde his
his sword and offered resistance when presently the beasts vanished he knew not which way Then Palmerin leaped into the Boate and with all diligence rowed himselfe to yâ— farther side but when he was landed there hée had more cause of maruaile because now hée sawe no way how to get vp vpon that Rocke Walking a litle aside hée beheld a Rope that reached to the ground from the top which was so slender and rotten that hée thought it not able to abide the waight of his Armour wherefore to make himself the lighter he determined to leaue his Armor there yet not knowing what occasion he should haue to vse it when he should come to the top of the Rocke he bound himselfe about the middle with the Rope when presently hée was pulde vp with maruailous speede and when he was at the toppe he could not perceiue them that had drawne him vp Then he knew he was in the Field where the beasts were slaine and that euery thing the Enchauntment presented to him was for no other cause but to abate his courage where fore he addicted himselfe so aduenturous that all the feare in the world had not the power to dismay him CHAP. C. How Palmerin ended the Enchantment of the Princesse Leonarda FOr all that night Palmerin rested himselfe vnder a Trée and in the morning he beheld the Towers very brauely wherefore he walked on and at last espied his Horse tyed to a Trée in no worse case then when he left him So mounting vpon him he rode a little further where hee met with two Knights who without any words couched their speares against him the first receiued vpon his Shield and the Knights presently vanished away the second burst his Lance vpon him whervpon Palmerin followed him to requite him with a blow of his sword but he lost the sight of him in like maner as he did of the other knight Then Palmerin looking about espied a man readie to draw a Bridge which was the passage ouer a water which made him to gallop thither apace so that he entred the gate before he had the power to locke it When he-sawe himselfe in so faire a Castle he aduanced himselfe to sée the brauerie of the Chambers but two Giants came and laid at him with their Maces so that he was enforced to fall on the ground but recouering himselfe thinking to fasten halfe a good blowes on them they were gone nothing remaining before him but a great smoake This caused him to make the lesse estimation of any thing that chaunced and whatsoeuer resisted him hee would but little force of so comming into the Court of the Castell he perceiued a little gate on high in the wall whereto he must ascend by a paire of staires so narrow and dangerous that a man would haue hardly trusted himselfe on them Palmerin desirous to sée the ende of his labours aduentured to goe vp vpon them and when he was on the middle steppe all the walles about him beganne to shake very vehemently so that Palmerin doubted the whole Castell would fall vpon him and till came to the top of the staires the Enchantment lasted where he was no sooner come but a general terror did shew the Enchantment to be fully ended Palmerin entring through that little doore came into a darke entrie where there was a great gate made fast with great Lockes and boltes of Iron and hard by the gate lay a mightie Serpent whose horrible bignesse and oughly forme made the Prince to be greatly amazed about whose necke vpon a Chaine was hanged the Keyes that should open the gate The Prince knewe not how to passe this gate except he might winns the Keyes from so terrible a Porter whom hee charged with many noble strokes and the Serpent breathed such horrible veneme and smoke hauing the Princes Swoord in one of his nostrilles that with a terrible â—ore hee slewe through one of the windowes The people séeing it flye ouer the Cittie which made them iudge that Palmerin as then was in some painefull trauaile for whose good successe they prayed very often When he saw the Serpent was gone he found the Keyes on the ground wherewith he vnlocked and opened the gate entring into so faire a Hall that the Perilous Isle where Eutropa cast her selfe into the Lake nor the sumptuous Castle of the Sage Aliart Obscure Valley might compare with this rare and excellent Monument which was so engeniously deuised by the King of Thrace He walked all about and found all things new to bee in perfect estate for that the Enchantment was fully finished but at last he came to a Chamber where he perceiued certaine Damosels talking and by them stood an armed man who likewise tooke pleasure to conferre with the Damosels The Prince loth to trouble them entred into a verie faire Garden where on a gréene banke by a faire Fountaine he beheld diuers Ladies of excellent beautie but especially the faire young Princesse Leonarda who had no sooner espied him but she came to him very courteously in this manner Credite me Sir Knight I finde my selfe so largely beholding to you that I cannot recompence you so nobly as you haue deserued but in time I shall endeuour my selfe to requite the honourable bounty receiued at your hands meane while I shall request you to accept my good will in satisfaction of your noble déedes which are imprinted so déepe in my heart that I shall not faile to accomplish what your Prowesse hath bound me in My gratious Lady answered Palmerin the beauty which Nature hath aboundantly adorned you withall is sufficient to content the greatest trauailes attempted by the hardyest Knight in the world if so be Fortune had allowed him the lybertie to receiue so great a benefite of such a gratious Lady But séeing the aduenture here so wonderfull that these present put them past into darke obliuion I shall intreate you to tell me if I haue any greater danger to passe then this which it pleaseth you to present before me for trust me I shall dispaire to accomplish them knowing right well that the hope of so rich a Treasure as is your beautie ought to be reserued for the Knight who is indewed with greater Prewesse then my selfe These words procured a swéete blushing in the Princesse face whereof to be resoued she replyed thus I know not Sir Knight what danger you sustaine at this present because all the dangers and hazards of the Castle tooke end at such tune as you came into this Garden But then to breake off their talke there came in the Lords and Gouernours of the Citty who séeing the Serpent fly ouer the Citty which they knew very well to be the end of the Enchantment they came with great Maiesty riding to the Castle where comming into the Garden they humbled themselues on their knées before the Princesse Leonarda offering likewise to kisse the hand of the noble Palmerin which he would not suffer but receiued them courteously as
his friends and companions The Quéene Carmelia sent a Coach to the Castle wherein the Princesse Leonarda was brought to the Pallace of her Vnckle who receiued her as became her high estate and dignity and the Prince Palmerin likewise they vsed great honour and Princely obeysance but when he came to the Camber he found there Siluian who was not a little glad to sée his Lord so sauely returned CHAP. CI. Of that which Palmerin did while he remaineded in the Court of Thrace NOw at the request of the Quéen Carmelia Palmerin granted to stay in the court of Thrace for eight dayes in which time the Lords to fulfill the commandement of their deceassed King went to the Camber of the Queene Carmelia in whose presence they charged the Duke Rialdo to giue the English Prince to vnderstand what their King Sardamant had commanded to be fulfilled On this they all came to the Princes Chamber where they found him talking with Siluian as concerning his speedy departure from thence which they knewe he had appointed as the next day following but they making themselues ignorant therof at last the Duke Rialdo entred into these spéeches My Lord as I thinke you haue not forgotten what commandement our deceassed king Sardamant left to be performed in the marriage of the Princesse Leonarda his Néece So it is that willing to accomplish his straight and heauie charge as also not to suffer such a noble Prince who hath merited so graciously to be ingratefully recompenced likewise on our parts that we cannot esteeme for ourselues a more happy felicity then such a King to rule vs whose déeds rightly deserue to be Monarch of the whole world these causes considered and nominated we humbly desire you to accept your owne by right and our dutie to sée faithfully accomplished which is to be our gratious King and Seueraigne so that our happy and tranquill estate remaine feared of the stranger and beloued of our friends and neighbours Except the increase of wealth doe alter the noble mind which had alwaies hitherto continued vpright as to some it happeneth but falling into so great mishap your estimation would be the lesse accounted of So that the honourable pains you haue bestowed to restore vs the princesse Leonarda our Queene should be blotted with such obliuous reports as though they had béene neuer séene or done I assure you Sir answered Palmerin the refuse which I make to accept a reward so happie and fortunate is onely because I verily iudge the Princesse Leonarda ought to be kept for such a one as may better my estate in wealth and worthinesse The Damosel of Thrace who had brought him thither standing by and hearing the answere he made came vnto him in this manner Sir Palmerin I know right well that loue hindreth you to enioy what your déeds hath deserued and causeth you to muse on such a one as peraduēture thinketh not so well of you which is the onely cause that you refuse the recompence of your honorable and famous labours The words of the Damosell séemed very reason able to the Duke and his company but séeing they could obtaine no other answere of Palmerin they returned againe to the Quéene Carmelia concluding that he should giue a noble Lord to enioy the Princessé Leonarda according as the King Sardamant had so ordained whereto Palmerin gladly agréed saying I account this honour worthy Gentlemen the greatest that euer fortune could sent me in suffering your Princesse to ioyne in Marriage according to my minde and therefore thus assure yourselues that I shall bestew such a Prince vpon her as both she and you shall be contented to receiue The Lords of Thrace gaue him very harty thankes reporting his answere to the Queene Carmelia who made such acceptation thereof as it worthily deserued but Leonarda was somewhat offended and would haue fallen into anger had not the Damosell of Thrace vsed these words vnto her Faire Princesse me thinkes you should not thinke so ill of the constant faith and loyaltie of the Prince Palmerin who wil kéepe his vowe he hath made to her which perhaps is nothing inferior to you in beauty and wealth and this I can assure you that Palmerin hath a brother a Prince so saire and vertuous in all his déedes as if he ioyne you in marriage with him I know you will gladly held your selfe content The Damosell vsed her perswasions so well that the Princesse Leonarda was very well pleased of whom Palmerin tooke his leaue that night because he would be gone somewhat early in the morning which the Quéene Carmelia seeing she tooke him aside and thus charged him I pray you Sir to remember my Couzin Leonarda and to send her such a Lord as her birth and worthinesse hath continually deserued And if you thinke it good that I might cause her to be brought to the Court of the Emperour Palmerin I should estéeme it the greatest honour that in all my life time might happen vnto me For that I perswade me he would so wel entertaine her as the faire Polinarda who is his Néece with whom she would likewise greatly delight her selfe Furthermore because all the chiefe knights of the world be at the Court of Constantinople I would gladly this kingdome should be ruled by such a Prince as hath bin trained vp by that famous Emperour Madame saide Palmerin I assure you the Emperour will estéeme this honour highly and entertaine her according as she doeth deserue therefore I wish you to send her so soone as may be because the sooner she commeth the better shall she be welcome I pray you quoth the Quéene how estéeme you of the Damosell that brought the Cup thither Truely answered Palmerin I know no one so conuenient by reason of the good spirit and wit she hath which doeth greatly grace her in reporting her message Presently the Quéene called for the Damosell giuing her to vnderstand what was determined Wherevpon there were letters of credit made for her which done Palmerin tooke leaue of the Quéene and the Princesse Leonarda being accompanied with most of the nobles foorth of the Citie where after many circumstances of friendly departing they left him and returned againe to the Citie Palmerin being very well armed still vsing his Shield to be called the Knight of the Tiger trauailed on in his iourney accompanied with Siluian yéelding his body to trauaile and his heart to his Lady and Mistresse as in the second part you shall sée very gallantly discoursed FINIS THus Gentlemen you haue heard the first part of our English Princes labors wherin if you find the Translation altered or the true sence in some place of a matter impaired let this excuse answere his default in that case A worke so large is sufficient to tire so simple a workeman as himselfe and beside the Printer may in some place let an error escape So betweene these two reasons let the Author passe vncontrowled which will hasten him the sooner to send
minde then to be scorned where he liketh most What state of refuge can he hope to finde where each thing doth at his misfortune boast Condemnd confounded with rebuke and blame Yet ignorant from whence the causes came So heauy is the waighty yoake of Loue when queintest lookes affoord discourtesie That wise is he that doth the passions proue and yet can keepe himselfe at libertie But he whose wits is rauished by stealth Had need of Physick in his greatest health Some men in loue commend their happinesse their quiet sweete aâ—d delicate delight And I can boast of Fortunes frowardnesse Her extreame rigour and seuere despight But for the sweetnesse other men haue felt I came too late my part was else where dealt Yet can I say no man hath beene more iust nor seru'd his Lady with more due regard But she being gouerned by her owne mistrust denies her seruant his desirde reward This my misfortune waxeth more and more Yet will I suffer though I die therefore FINIS THe thrée Knights had no sooner espied the Prince Florendos walking before the Castle of Almaroll but they preseâ—tly left their singing and pulled downe the Beuers of their helmets because they doubted that they should be known and when they came before the Trée where the shields hanged they began greatly to commend his valour whose noblenesse had gained such braue prizes at length the knight in the greene Armour stedfastly beholding the portrait of the faire Miragarda began very brauely to vse his language as thus The beautie of that heauenly face which this Picture represents is of authoritie sufficient to bring to her obeysance the heart that neuer thought to loue yea of the worthiest knight in the whole world albeit my minde was farre otherwise before I sawe that with mine eye which hath béene daily coÌ„mended so much in mine eare Neuertheles if any of those Knights which hath enterprised to defend so rich a treasure dare be so hardy as to breake a couple of Lances with me I will doe my endeuour as becoÌ„meth a good knight on condition he prouoke me not to doe him more iniury then willingly I would because I feare that the Lady which oweth this faire Picture would very seuerely punish me for offering offence to any of her Knights as contrariwise shee will entertaine them with especiall fauour that take vpon them to enter the Combat for her to whom the Prince Florendos thus replied It were pitie Sir to put you foorth of so good a minde séeing your stomacke serueth you so wel for the purpose and because I am ready prouided for the Ioust I force not greatly to bestow the breaking of a Launce or two on you and therefore take the field at your pleasure for I will sanctifie you in this request With these words they parted to fetch their course and met together with such force that their Launces slewe vp into the ayre in pieces and so passed on brauely not being any thing shaken at this first encounter The Giant Almaroll seeing them destitute of Launces caused some to be brought forth of the Castle and being deliuered to their Esquiers they went and serued their Lordes withall who valiantly met againe to breake their Launces the second time but their encounter was so forcible that the Prince Florendos lost one of his stirroppes on which side he was in some danger to haue fallen besides his horse Neuerthelesse the Knight in the gréene Armour measured his length on the ground but he recouered himselfe againe quickly and being out of measure displeased at his fall drew his sword with these words Syr Knight for that I made the meanes to summon you to the Ioust albeit the foyle hath happened to me yet am I not offended thereat so that you will now so much honour me as to let vs trie one another a while with our swords and if in the ende it be your good hap to vanquish me your valour shall haue the larger estimation I knowe not answered the Prince Florendos how these Gentlemen in your company esteeme of your request because I sée them preparing themselues to offer me the Ioust therefore let my intreatie at this time perswade you from this desire in that we shall haue time enough to trie our manhood together when you shall not thinke your selfe greatly aduantaged nor I finde my selfe ouermuch iniured Thus concluding he gaue his horse the spurres and ranne couragiously against the knight in the white Armour mingled with Azure who in sooth receiued him very brauâ—ly breaking their Launces with so great force as the Prince Florendos lost both his stirrops but yet recouered himselfe well enough from the fall as for the other Knight the stroke of the Prince was 〈…〉 that his Horse and he sells 〈◊〉 both together and his horse tumbling vpon him did somwhat hurt one of his legs When Florendos had prouided himselfe of another Lance he gaue a signe to yâ— third knight to encounter with him which the Knight perceiuing and being somewhat moued at the misfortune of his companions failed not to put himselfe vpon the aduenture but such was the courteous regard he had of his fellowes as at the first offer they missed in their meeting whereupon they tooke the second caréere so worthily against ech other as they brake their Lances brauely and passed on for the third encounter The Prince Floraman and Almorall made great estimation of the noble behauiour theâ—e thrée Knights vsed and likewise the Princesse Miragarda did very much commend the noble exploites which Florendos and the other knights shewed before her presence but then the knight being desirous to try the end of his Fortune began to aduance himselfe forward and the like did the Prince Florendos when they met together 〈◊〉 couragiously that the knight was dismounted to the earth the Prince Florendos being in litte better case for had he not caught hold on themane of his horse he had bene forced to beare the knight company but he escaped the fall very well and being well mounted againe the knight with whom he had first Iousted came vnto him with these words Such is my earnest desire sir knight to try my fortune once more against you as I find my selfe very much agreeued till I haue felt as much by your sword as I haue done by your lance therfore as you are a Gentleman and one that hath worthily deâ—erued your knighthood let me gaine so much fauour at your hands as now presently you would satisfie my request the Prince Florendos shaped him this answer Your language is accompanied with such great honesty and couâ—teâ—e and beside I do esteeme thereof so well as it would be a great blemish to mine honour if I should deny your knighly desire and so alighting from his horse he drew his Sword to enter the Combate but the Knight which bare in his Shield the deuice of Apollo stepped betweene them after this sort Noble Florendos you haue good
hauing opinion that the Knight which had enterprised to guard the passage was one well seene in hautie exercises he returned the Esquier this answere My friend say vnto the Knight thy Maister from me that I freely giue him leaue to proceede in his honest request and I am partly sorte that my aged yéeres will not suffer me to be one in the number of those who I am sure will hazard their honour to get libertie of thy Maister for the Princesse Leonardaes passage and in her company I promise thée will I abide till either they haue woonne it valiantly or lost it vnfortunately Then came he againe to the Princesse Leonarda the Esquire being departed with this answer to his Maister and to her he began with these spéeches Madame do you thinke it reasonable that any one should denie me the way within mine owne dominions and especially at such time as I am in your company Certainely the Knight that hath enterprised thus to hinder vs ought to be one of no small courage except he doth imbolden himselfe by meanes of your beauty and hoping to moue you towards him 〈…〉 doth offer his person to endure a doubtfull 〈◊〉 â—â—â—antly had the Emperour concluded his intent when Reccamon who in his Court was estéemed for a good and hardy Knight gaue the spurres to his Courser against the strange Knight but his fortune was so farre contrary as he was presently dismounted from his horse hauing nothing at all moued the knight that kept the passage whereupon Frisoll coutched his Lance against the strange Knight who caused him to beaâ— Reccamon company Then galloped he his horse to fetch 〈◊〉 Lance for that he had broken his other vppon Frisoll 〈◊〉 Grecian being somewhat offended aduanced himselfe against the Knight who méeting him in the middest of the way gaue him such a forcible stroke as he was constrained to fall to the earth by means wherof Berolde put foorth himselfe whom the Knight caused to spéede as Gracian had done The Emperour hereat was greatly abashed beholding the shame which his Knight receiued whereupon Dramian went to trie his fortune which in sooth was to aduerse to him as his horse he fell downe both together which he perceiuing said that his enemie ought not refuse to ioust with him once more the strange knight hearing his words gaue a signe to Dramian that he should giue ouer and run no more but he would not be warned by his friendly motion when putting himselfe vpon the second triall he was againe throwne to the earth verie sore and dangerously wounded This moued the Emperour to be much agreeued doubting lest the issue of this enterprise would returne to the dishonour oâ— the Knights of his Court then Don Rosuell séeking to reuenge the iniurie his companions had receiued gaue himselfe forth brauely to méete the strange Knight but his entertainment was such as his fellowes had receiueed before him When the hardy Prince Platir saw the ill hap of the Princes he ranne couragiously against the strange Knight and after they had broken their Lances they met together verie forcibly with their bodies and their horses fought together likewise so cruelly as in the ende Platir and his horse was compelled to fall downe to the ground but the strange Knight sate still very gallan◠〈…〉 was not any thing hurt by the rough encounter The Emperour was ouercome with extreame griefe 〈◊〉 his knights beaten downe so fast by the valour of one Knight so that he knew not well what to say and the Prince Primaleon was as greatly moued as the Emperour his Father because he suspected that the knight vnknowne was the noble and valiant prince Palmerin of England whose prowesse was worthely estéemed in all Princes Courts in Christendome but he neuer remembred or iudged this strange Knight to be the redoubted prince Florian of the Forâ—est because 〈◊〉 were giuen abroade that he remained in the king of 〈◊〉 Court In briefe the famous behauiour of this vnknowne knight made them stand in their dumps so that they knâ—w not well what to thinke neuerthelesse the Knights continued on the Ioust to wit Estrellant Bellizart Francian who were one after another placed among the vanquished so there remained no more knights to Ioust but on a sudden euen as Francian was cast foorth of his saddle Pompides and Blandidon happened to arriue there which the Emperour seeing and knowing them to be such as merited his fauour he afforded them a gratious welcome desiring them that they would do their endeuour to make frée the passage to the end that the Princesse Leonarda might enter into Constantinople We are contented mightie Emperour answered Pompides to make a proofe of our good fortune before you as well to witnesse the regard we haue of your excellency as to trie if we may attaine to purchase that which so many good knightes haue sailed in No sooner had Pompides thus vttred his minde but he gaue the spurs to his horse against the strange Knight who in sooth compelled both him and Blandidon to speed as the other knights had done before Then when he saw that all the Knights of the Emperours Court were vanquished he listed vp his Helmet and came vnto the Emperour before whom he fell on his knées to kisse his Maiesties hand but when the Emperour perceiued that the knight who had so hardly kept the passage was his Nephew the Prince Florian of the Forrest he was then as ioyfull of his happy victory as before hée was agrieued to sée his knights so vanquished yea themselues did thinke it no dishonor to them to be ouercome by the noble Prince Florian who hauing kissed the hands of the Emperour and Primaleon offered to doe the like to the Princesse Leonarda but shée séeing a Prince of such young yeares to be accompanied with such singular prowesse could not so much account theâ—eof as in her eye she did imagine it worthy her great good will which suddainly at this instant she gaue in secrete to the hardy Prince Florian for that his vertuous deseruings in her conceit did well beséeme her fauourable acceptation And for the Prince Florian whereas vntill this present his heart could neuer faithfully make any certaine estimation of loue but euen for the present humour as you haue heard before now the singular courtesie of the Princesse Leonarda as also the sufficency of her equiualent beautie caused such a hot skirmish betweene loue and liberty as he must needes yéeld himselfe subiect to affection being conquered and brought vnder by his extreame charges so that nothing agréed so well with his labouring thoughtes as when he supposed the Princesse to commaund him seruice and he in good will applied his dutifull attendance The Emperour Palmerin séeing such libertie of the passage graunted by him who had now more minde to gaze on the faire Princesse then to remember the happines of his obtained victory came in this maner to the Princesse of Thrace Madame the