gave in upon the south quarter matching then with incredible fury they began a most cruell bickering for the Greekes imitating their Princes who never let their swords fall without the death of some one followed their businesse so close that the Pagans wanting courage to defend themselves were already wavering and ready to quit their ground had not 20000 horse come in presently to their second But that also served them to little purpose for Florisel of Niquea being at that instant likewise fallen upon their quarters caused such a confusion as no 〈◊〉 knew which way to turn himselfe howbeit Fulgoran no way losing his judgement left the great King of Mauritania in his stead to make head to the brave Prince of France who still got ground upon his enemies and taking with him two dreadfull Giants with fifteen thousand horse went to charge the Squadron which Florisel led had not that great Captain more carefull of the preservation of his men then of satisfying his own passion wisely retreated after he had bothed the earth with the bloud of his enemies The gallant Pagan vexed to death with the sight of such a massacre among his men could not bridle his rage but without observing how the Christians retired in a safe orderly manner gave in upon them with the Giants hoping to break them and to enter the town pell â—ell with them But Alastraxerea with her two thousand horse comming in at the same time charged him in flank whilst Florisel making his men turn head stood his shocke with unspeakable valour and not onely rendred his designe effectlesse but also forced him to quit the place with extream losse In the mean time Spheramond was but in an ill taking for intending to retire to save his men from the terrible blows of Prigâ—â—leâ—â— and his Giants who found nothing able to resist them was by the obstinate eagernesse of the enemy so engaged that some misfortune had befallen him if the valiant Parmenian of Cyprus and Don Sinaldo advancing with strange fury had not valiantly freed him out of their hands Lucendus also having bravely delivered himselfe from an incredible multitude that most violently charged him the Citie ports were shut to the great contentment of the Princesses who seeing all the principal knights safely come off received them so lovingly that the sweetnesse of their entertainment made all their labor seem almost nothing The losse which the Christians had made somwhat troubled them when as they considered that one Knight was of greater importance to them then three to the enemy but having learned that seventeen thousand Pagans three Kings and twelve Giants remained slain in the field and that they wanted of their men but three thousand and seven hundred they comforted themselves hoping that God would not forsake them since the question was as much for his glory as for the preservation of their estates On the other side the Pagans were mad with spight to see the aâ—dacity of the enemy and their own losse but yet having too much courage to be daunted therewith they made shew of lesse griefe then inwardly they felt But not intending to sit down without revenge they assembled that day in counsell and there resolved either to carry the town or dye at the assault whereupon secretly commanding all the Captains to be ready by breake of day that so they might by a camâ—ssado pay the Christians in their owne com they withdrew till two hours after midnight when as they rose according to the order given armd their Souldiers with the least noyse that might be and divided their forces in this manner Prigmaleon Fulgoran and the great Kings of Mauritania made three battalions each of an hundred thousand Souldiers twenty Giants and fourteen Kings to assail the town in three severall parts and gave the Tamberlan of Moraria in charge to keep them of the Fort imployed with thirty thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse thereby to impeach them from assisting those that were to defend the walls Now they perswaded themselves that they should finde the Greeks asleep but Florisel being advertised of their designe by the spiâ—s which he had in their camp placed Alaslraxerea at the Conduct-gate with twenty thousand men and part of the young Knights charging them not to shew themselves till the ladders were set up and laden with enemies Spheramond at the Dragon-gate with the like number and the same direction and Lucendus at the East-port in the like sort provided so commanding Silvan to take four thousand horse for to round the tower he went out of the City with Dorigel Parmenian of Cyprus Ladazan of Numidia and the brave Esquilon of Poland and finding twenty thousand horse and twelve thousand foot in his fortifications he presently put them in arms to make use of them as time and occasion should require The Pagans drawing toward the Town and hearing no noise in it thought the Christians had been sleeping so that in a moment their ladders were reared whereupon the Giants first mounted to encourage the souldiers to follow them But straightway they saw the enemy shew himself and with a tempest of stones boiling oyl sulphur and pitch overthrew those which thought to lay hold of the parapet so that the ditch began to be filled with dead men then it was that the assault grew to be furious and cruell for the Giants enraged to see their fellows repulsed and slain not caring for their lives pressed forward and divers times to the sword with the Christian Princes who under favour of the wall discharged most horrible and mortall blows especialy Spheramond that never lighted on a Giant without depriving him of life Neverthelesse lacking room to lay about him according to his minde he took a new resolution and leaving the charge of his quarter to Don Sinaldo as also Lucendus that of his to Garmant they both sallied forth with six thousand horse apiece and gave upon the enemy with such fury that finding them in disorder the field was infinitely covered with dead carcasses Then was the valiant Prince of France seen breaking into that mighty battalion of the enemies and charging them with such courage as made his friends admire and his enemies fear him On the other side the invincible Emperour of the Parthians seemed a thunderbolt of war one while sending arms and heads to the ground another while dividing a Giants body in two pieces In brief nothing was to be seen round about them but dead bodies nor any thing to be heard but a confusion of voices and the cryes of such as lay dying under the horses feet The valourous Aethiopian and the mighty King of Canabea whom these two little squadrons attacqued followed by the Kings and Giants that accompanied them did wonders piercing into the Christians squadrons with a great and terrible slaughter and were very glad to see them abroad in hope to beat them in and enter the Town with them But Florisel that considered the consequence of this
that you aske me why the entring into that house is forbidden I will tell you that as far as I could gather by the Damsels discourse which carried the Knight away that it is to hinder a great happinesse to Christendome predestined to it by the ruine of this inchantment which is shortly to come to an end I could not said Russian be more clearly informed in what I desired to know so that I will trouble you no further Saying so he passed on with his guide determining to go into the Castle and see the end of that adventure CHAP. XXV Don Rogell by a strange meanes is brought to the Castle of Love and having with Russian of Media given an end to the inchantment they both remained inchanted under the arches of the 〈◊〉 of lovers DVring the time that Russian was going to the Castle of Love Don Râ—gel weary of the City had a minde to refresh his spirits on hunting commanding therefore the dogges to be brought to the wood and with some gentlemen getting to horse he entred into a Coppice where within a while he saw a Stâ—gge come out one of the greatest that ever he had seen Passion that often hurries us after what we desire made him so run his horse after the Deer as presently he had lost his company and thought they followed him hard yet none of them knew what was become of him for being better mounted then they he quickly got a great deal of ground of them and stopt not but upon occasion of a new incounter as full of danger as of wonder he saw comming out of the wood fix Savages which carried a great pack upon their shoulders and two terrible Giants that conducted them with so horrid an aspect that the onely view of them might have affrighted any heart lesse couragious then that of this valiant Prince But being incapable of feare he observed them a good while and at last was advancing with an extream desire to know what was in that pack had he not withall remembred that he was without Arms that therefore reason did forbid him the committing so rash a part and that 〈◊〉 an indiscreet act would bring him much more blame then commendation Returning then into the wood without any further thought of hunting but onely with a purpose to finde out his people among whom was 〈◊〉 Sqâ—â—re who alwayes carried a compleat armour for him he made many returns in it with infinite discontent that he was not then in case to fight for fearing he should not meet with this adventure again he thought himselfe unfortunate and carried with an unusuall rage he determined to turn head and try his fortune onely with his sword whereas casting his eye about â—n every side to see which way he were best to take for his pâ—rsuit of the Savages he spled a green cuirasle at the foot of the tree with an helmet and shield of the same colour That fortune no lesse expected then wished for changing his displeasure into joy made him instantly alight and taking up the cuirasle with the rest of the Arms that belonged to it he armd himselfe from head to foot Hereupon being more contented then he had been of a long time he speedily remounted his horse and never thinking of the discontent his friends would be in for his departure he travelled so long that night came upon him neeâ— to the cabbine of a young Shepheard who received him with much courtesie giving him such entertainment as his narrow fortunes were able to affoord The desire he had to reap the fruit of his labour not permitting him to sleep soundly he gat up by break of day and proceeded in his former way till thâ—t about two hours after noon he saw a proud Castle before the which two Knights were in fight with very much courage The neerer he drew to them the crueller their combat appeared to be for the terrible blows they gave one another shewed an extream force and made him think that the death of them both would perhaps be the end of their combat Being delighted with this furious fight he staid a while to observe the violence and adresse wherewith these Knights struck and avoided the blows of one another But hearing a noyse on the left hand he turned suddenly about seeing the Savages and the Giants whom he soâ—ght for ready to enter into the Castle by another gate far greater then that before which this combat was begun he spurred away so hard that he got into the gate just as the last Giant entred who giving him no leasure to informe himselfe of this adventure charged him very furiously with a beliefe that he should dispatch him at the first blow But this Prince that knew the way to vanquish lifting up his shield over his head bâ—re off the violence of his sword that descended without harming him and at the same instant made so strange a thrust at him that hee gave his enemy a deep wound in his side The other Giant turning about at the noyse of this fight and seeing his brothers bloud ran immediatly at Don Rogel who nothing amazed to have two such adversaries upon him with a quick change of his ground avoided a blow which he let flye at his head and made another thrust at him hoping to have as good fortune with it as he had at the first but it was without effect for that meeting with his shield entred but a little way Whilst this combat grew hot by reason of the Giants rage and the government of the Prince who fought with more judgement then force that of the two Knights having enduâ—ed above three hours continued still with all fury that may be imagined between two valiant men who would rather have been in their graves then misse the glory of being conquerours Their blows fell alike heavie and dangerous the sight of their bloud enflamed their choâ—ler and the resistance which they found from one another rendred them so obstinate as they would not speake of breathing though they were both in case to desire it But me thinks it is time to tell who these two excellent Princes were that the reader may no longer be held in suspence Russian of Media was one and the other was Mandajar the proud Pagan that took the sword and helmet from the Damâ—ell and afterward was carried to guard the castle of love as you have heard in the precedent chapter Passing therefore from this to the prosecution of my discourse you must know that these Knights â—attering one another continued their combat above an hour longer At the end wherof Mandajar feeling his enemies sword too often in his flesh and hoping for no safety but in dâ—sparation tooke his sword in both his hands and let drive with such fury at the Prince of Media his shield as he forced him to set one knee to the ground with an opinion that he would never rise again But he had little time to rejoyce for his sword brake
companion was about to embrace and caress them had not the Prince of Persia stayed him with a wink of his eye which made him instantly conceive that he was to forbear advancing then in a majesticall manner he set one knee to the ground before the Princesses and addressing his speech to Palmirenna who went formost he said unto her Madam if strangers may speak without offence take it not ill if being unknown to all here I dare ask of you to what Enterprise you conduct these two Knights with such a train of Women We are going to expose them to very great hazard answered Palmirenna and to confrom them with three most redoubted Knights to the end they may revenge us of some insolence they have offered unto us I will accompany them then if you please said the Knight that so the party being equall their danger may be the lesse but I would be glad it might be by the commandement of one of you Apply your self then to me said Archesidella for these two being my Sisters Knights it is reason that now you should be mine seeing I have no lesse interest then they in the quarrell Madam answered he ravished with her beauty which from henceforth enthralled his liberty I expected not so great an honour but you rendring me worthy of it I will endeavour to deserve it as long as I live wherupon he took her hand and kissed it in token of his servitude and placing himself by her he followed the rest to the field wher all the world was in an uproar for the death of the gentle Knight Lorgades who desiring to try his fortune again in other arms then those he wore the day before was slain by the King of Alfanar but the tumult ceased by their arrivall and the griefe which the Emperour conceived for the losse of so valianta Gentleman was somewhat appeased by the sight of his Corazinda who having very much caressed Lucibel of France being that Knight which so lately arrived and unto whom she had also in few words discovered the whole secret of this Affair mounted upon a strong and mighty Courser she went unto the Prince of Cabilla unto whom she said Don Rifantes behold I am come hither to make good the menaces which I made unto thee yesterday wherfore bethinke thee of thy evil life past and call upon thy gods Saying so she turned about to her companions who had planted themselvs just opposite to the Gyants and rendring all the world amazed at her gallant demeanour she stood stil untill such time as the Trumpets made them dislodge all six with such fury that the earth seemed to tremble under their horses feet These Knights being of the best on the earth their incounter was marvellous Rifantes made two or three turns with his horse in the dust the Gyants were carried to the ground wounded both in their bodies the Princes of France and Persia being unable to support the violence of so terrible a shock fell a little after with extreem discontent to be unhorsed before their Mistresses Corazinda alone remained in her saddle to the incredible satisfaction of Palmirenna and the Emperour who being no lesse joyfull then astonished did infinitly commend the valour of this Amazon In the mean time our Warriors equally transported with rage rose up and drawing out their swords began one of the most outragious combats that ever had been seen in this Empire the Gyants whose motions were exceeding dreadfull gave most horrible blows and such as promised nothing lesse then death but our Princes were so active and dextrous as they avoyded the most part of them and warded the rest with such force that they left no hope of prevailing to their enemies who feeling themselvs hurt every minute made such a terrible noise as put al the Assistants in a mighty fright On the other side Rifantes and Corazinda who scorning advantage had quitted her Horse entreated one another far worse jealousie animated their stroaks and as often as their swords were aloft they fell with unexpressable fury the place was strewed with their armour fire flew continually about their heads they set their knees and hands to the ground and the rage wherewithall they assayled each other was so great that the most confident Warriors of the assembly were some what touched with fear Two hours being spent in this sort the violence of Brundamors and Rozaganss blows began to relent contrary to our Knights whose strength increasing with their travell rendred their swords more dreadfull which so madded the Gyants that Rozagant taking his Curtelas in both his hands discharged it with such force on Floridan that having divided his Shield in two and given him a great gash in the arm which sustained it he made him set his knees to the ground where questionlesse his life had been in no little danger had hee permitted the Gyant to redouble upon him but getting up instantly much ashamed that this accident was befallen him before Amplamira he struck the Gyant with such unaccustomed fury on the shoulder that he cleft him to the very girdle sending him stark dead to the earth to the great astonishment of Brundamor who having wounded Lucibel in the thigh and head couragiously disputed the honour of the combat when as this Prince extreamly vexed to see his arms dyed with his blood lent him so terrible a blow on the arm that he made it together with his Sword fly to the ground and instantly redoubling a furious thrust he ran him quite thorow and thorow so making him to breath out his last These Gyants being dispatched thus to the incredible content of the two Infantaes who rejoyced to see their Lovers victorious with life aud honour every one cast their eyes upon the furious combat between Corazinda and Rifantes which was most fearfull for Rifantes mad at the slaughter of his two Cosins laid about him so desperately that a Warrior less strong and couragious then our Amadis had fallen under his fury but he no less enraged to find so much resistance in one man in a quarrel where Palmirenna's happiness and his own were in question returned him such an exchange that his body was wounded in nine or ten places howbeit choosing to dye a thousand times rather then make the least shew of discouragement he maintained his party with marvellous valour and at length being in the supremest degree of rage he resolved to set up his rest upon one only blow wherefore taking his sword in both his hands he struck Amadis so dangerously on his Shield that having parted it in twain the point thereof light upon his shoulder and hurt it making him withall to stagger in such manner that he was fain to set one knee to the ground to save himself from falling but suddenly arising with unspeakable fury and gnashing his teeth for anger he advanced his rich sword and let it descend with such violence on Rifantes Helmet that if it had not turned in his
of twenty thousand Horse and five and twenty thousand Foot was given to the Kings of Arbales Arisdan and Carderia together with the Knight of the Flowers and a Gyant the rereward of a like number to the Kings of Grisolia Metlina and Caâ—ilant with the Knight of the Flower de-Luces and the Emperour reserving the main battail for himself wherein were thirty thousand Horse five and thirty thousand Foot the Duke of Bonport three Gyants and the fair Slave left the Marquis de la Rocque and the Count Vadian to guard the Town the King of Mariana in the Camp with fifteen thousand men and to the gentle Knight Tarsander and the young Prince of Balivan he consigned four thousand light Horse to serve for wings unto the Army All things being thus disposed of they marched out of their trenches in good order to incounter their enemies who shewing no lesse zeal to fight then advisednesse in marshalling of their Troops followed Rifantes that led the Vantguard with thirty thousand Horse and fourty thousand Foot this valiant Chieftain conceiving that a good example was the best exhortation could be made to incourage the Souldiers setting sputs to his Horse charged his Launce against the King of Arbales but Floridan seeing him set forth parted at the very same instant and meeting him in the middest of the course broke his staffe very bravely and received this Enemies Incounter without so much as once being moved in his saddle Both Armies herewith animated a most dangerous conflict was seen in an instant the King of Arbales ran the King of Astramer quite through and through and overthrew him dead to the earth The King of Carderia his Companion was by the King of Fortan cast under the Horses feet where at length he was stifled The Martarians considering that the safety of their Prince their lives and their liberties were in question fought desperately The adverse part trusting to their numbers carried themselves couragiously so as all was in confusion nothing was seen nor heard but bodies extended on the ground and the cryes of dying men which filled the ayr with their groans and lamentations Floridan seemed a Thunderbolt death was ever tyed to his sword Rifantes made such havocke that way was given him whersoever he went The blood 〈◊〉 along instreaâ—â— â—nd every thing hâ—ng in suspence when 〈…〉 observing how the safety or destruction of his side depended on the whole valour of Rifantes and the unspeakable force of a Gyant who made a heap of dead bodies round about him he most valiantly approached unto him and discharged so terrible a blow on his arm that he cut iâ—â—â—eer off and following his advantage he redoubled on his Helinet with such fury that he sent him to the ground where he was troden to pieces under the Horses feet from whence â—â—ying amongst the enemies Troops he so terrified them as they began to fly to the infinite discontent or the great Soldan of Aralaâ—â—â— and Arastron who accompanying the King of Cabilla in the main Battail were mad for that they were not as yet ingaged in fight whereupon suddenly advancing with rage they were falling upon the King of Arâ—ales Squadron but perceiving the Emperour of Martaria present himself with the grosse of his Army they were constrained to alter their purpose and make head against him who desiring to shew his courage in despight of age charged his Launce against the King of Cabilla and met him so lustily that he threw him over the crupper of his Horse neverthelesse unable to support his enemies incounter he was also compelled to fall and that in danger to be trampled under the Horses feet had not Palmirenna's fair Slave who had still an eye upon him lept suddenly down and catching him up remounted him in despigâ—â— of all the enemies fury The fall of these Princes having drawn the bravest Commanders of the Army together the sight grew so hot as all the field was dyed with blood 〈◊〉 incountring 〈◊〉 ran him through the body with his Launce and disdayning to draw his Sword against ordinary Knights flew upon Radamant his brother who had newly slain the King of Zamblan and began to charge him with a mâ—â—titude of dreadfull blows but this Gyant grown furious by his brothers death received him in such sort as he gave him a dangerous woâ—â—d in the shoulder howbeit the force of this Knight being more then monstrous he endured not long before him In the mean tiâ—â— our fair Slave overthrew all that came in her way she cut off men by the wast cleft down others to the teeth made so strange an havock that she might well have been compared to torrents whose violence the sturdiest Oaks are not able to withstand On the other side Brizardan falling on our troops with incredible rage rendred himself so terrible that his blows were no lesse feared then death it self every one gave him place and which way so ever he turned there no enemy appeared at length beholding the wonders performed by our fair Slave he approached to her behind and before she was aware gave her so mighty a blow on her Helmet as he made her bow with her head to the Saddle bow where raising her self up again with infinit fury she took her Sword in both her hands and discharged it so dangerously on the Soldans Shield that dividing it she wounded him very desperately from thence spurring on to Arastron who held the Emperour â—â—der his arm ready to carry him away to his Tent she stâ—â—â—k him with such violence on the head as she overturned him on the crupper of his Horse casting out a great deale of blood oâ—â— of his eyes and ears whereby freeing the Emperour she caused him presently to be horsed again Those two horrible blows having amaxed the enemies they 〈…〉 give ground when as the Kings of Filzandria and 〈…〉 â—â—â—manded the rereward entred with strange â—â—in All was then in 〈◊〉 and doubtlesse the Emperour had been in an ill cose i◠〈◊〉 had not oportunely arrived with the Kings of Grizolia Merlina and thousand Gazilant followed by twenty thousand Horse and five and twenty Foot Then it was that the Heaven Earth and Ayr seemed but one and the same thing and so many Knights fell at this Incounter that it was not possible to tread but on dead bodies Arastron and Brizardan being come to themselves again and in the supremest degree of rage put all to the Sword the fair Slave Lâ—â—â—bel and Floridan on the other side made no lesse havock the Gyants and the Kings were so many furies the King of Filzandria fought most desperately Tarsander and the young Prince of Balivan rode breaking the enemies ranks briefly nothing was seen but blood and slaughter and the noyse of Drums and Trumpets was so great as a thousand claps of Thunder could not have been heard Brizardan Arastron and Rifantes did wonders but our Knights so behaved themselves that the King of Cabillaes Troops began to turn their
noise at the gate he turned about his head and instantly saw two other monsters like him that he had overthrown come running towards him with their Cymitars in their hands and threatning him with no lesse then the losse of his life This object somewhat troubled him but immediatly resolving himself he sheathed his sword in the body of his first man who was striving to get up and straightway mounting on his horse the better and more easily to defend himself he made towards them but they were by that time so neer unto him as he was constrained rather to think of warding their blows then offending them For the one of them laid upon his shield and the other upon his cask with such violence as but for the goodnesse of his new armes his life had then been at its period neverthelesse he was not much dismaied yet thinking that such violent incounters might at length be attended with death he resolved to fight with judgement and to stand carefull upon his guard making them therefore spend the most part of their blows in vain he took so good choice of his times as he often drew bloud of them not giving a blow which pierced not the flesh and put them in doubt of their lives whereat they were so enraged as in stead of striking on his armes they hewed the stones in pieces and filled the ground about them full of clefts Whilest their fury did thus transport them the Emperor not willing to let slip any occasion that presented it self took his time when as one of them stooped to pull his Courtelasse out of the earth whereinto he had sunk it three foot deep and hit him with a reverse so just upon the neck that he laid his great head at his feet leaving his companion much amazed to see himself alone covered with bloud and wounds and with little or no power to defend himself any longer howbeit he recovered some heart with the sight of three other Giants that came out of the same Castle who having encompast his enemy began to charge him with such fury that not being able to ward so many blows which bruised his bones he thought that he must needs fall under such an oppressing violence but resolving to sell his life at a dear rate he defended himself with such courage and charged them with such force that he grievously wounded two of them when as the third gave him so insupportable a blow on his helmet that he laid him quite void of sense on the crupper of his horse voiding bloud in abundance at his nose and ears The Giant proud of his fortune followed him with his sword advanced for to finish the work when as a great Knight arriving in the instant charged his Lance against him and running it clean through his body tumbled him dead upon the ground Spheramond who while this was a doing had some leisure a little to recover his spirits seeing himself so opportunely seconded clasped his sword fast in his hand and with an infinit rage for having been reduced into that estate he let it descend with such force upon the first Giant that he divided his head in twaine just at such time as he which came to his succour having dispatched the other against whom he was opposed taking a new Lance from his Squire turnd himself gallantly to receive thirty Knights that sallied out of the Castle under the conduct of three dreadfull Giants who made such a noise as the earth seemed to tremble under them The courage of these Knights encreasing with the difficulty of enterprises Spheramond carried with extraordinard fury addressed himself to one of the Giants and discharged a blow upon his arm with such force as he sent it together with his sword to the ground That done falling in amidst those Knights he kild the two first that presented themselves before him On the other side the black Knight so was he called that sided with him made the Giant whom he encountred lose his stirrop and dealt such blows amongst the rest as he laid three of them at his fâ—â—â— but the two remaining Giants held them so short that with the assistance of those rascals which would not suffer them so much as to breath they had been in extream danger of their lives if two Knights had not at one time arrived there by severall wayes who seeing a fight managed with so much unequality presently layd hands on their swords and attaching the Giants that exceedingly molested the Princes charged them with such furious blows that they were fain to turn head for to defend themselves leaving Spheramond and his companion amidst their other Knights of whom they made so great a slaughter that there remained but two of them alive who fearing to lose their lives as their companions had done threw away their weapons and craved mercy You shall said Spheramond have it granted you upon condition that you put us in possession of this Castle You may said they enter it freely and without fear For you shall find no body there to resist you so as Argenea the Mistresse of the place doth not frame some new inchantment to make you purchase it with more danger and pain howbeit I can assure you that she is not now in the Castle she having gone from thence not long since as I conjecture to find some means from hindring it to be taken For her spirits without letting her know the time had advertised her of the misfortune that hath this day befallen us you may therefore boldly enter in and your best course will be first to seaze upon the ports for your more security This counsell seeming good to the Knights the blacke Knight staid at the gate * whilest Spheramond searched all about the house But finding nothing he returned presently to view the combat between the two Knights and the Giants which continued with so much fury that it was not easie to determine what the issue of it was like to be But ere long they perceived the advantage on their side that came last For their enemies had lost so much bloud as they fell both almost at one instant so weak that there was no need of any weapon to make an end of them Spheramond extreamly satisfied with this victory lifted up the visier of his helmet and addressing himself to the Knight that had first succoured him Valiant Sir said he You have so infinitly obliged me as I cannot doubt of your affection to me but to render the pleasure of your assistance and my preservation accomplished tell me who you are that in recompence thereof I may heerafter seek out occasions to be commanded by you Excellent Prince answered the black Knight discovering his face I will never acknowledge that you are any way engaged to my arms in the least obligation For your valour alone was able to defeat your enemies without my aid yet I cannot but give humble thanks unto heaven for bringing me hither so opportunely to testifie
not make dainty to let you see such evidence upon my breast as shall assure you of this truth and by this means curing you will be very glad to let you understand how it is no little discontentment to me that nature hath framed me such as I am You may say replide the Lady what you please but upon my faith I shall still take you for a Knight untill I see some better assurance of the contrary wherefore you shall oblige me though this may seem somewhat uncivill if you will put off your cuirasse that so I may be disabused and in the mean time tell me your name for it may be I shall know you by the fame that goes of you That is the only way answered she not to know me at all for my name is not so renowned in the world as that you might know me by telling it you yet to obey you please you to know that I am called the great Savagesse wife to the mighty King of Lidia who died at the battell of Aleppo and am fitter to do you service with my arms in my hand then as you have desired Saying this she unlaced her cuirasse and took the Ladies hand to put it into her bosome when as three Giants and twelve Knights who had long dogd them and now found them by the light of the torches seazed upon them both and put them into a Chariot notwithstanding all the resistance that the fair Savagesse who had not leisure to draw her sword could make The Knights much troubled for the want of their helmets at this so unexpected an incounter speedily recovered for to make them ready to follow the Giants who went away infinitly pleased with their booty But it was so dark that they knew not where they were and therfore it was a good while before they could find their Squires who likewise were so drowsie as it was long before they could bridle their horses by means wherof their enemies were gotten a great way before them ere they were able to set forth in pursuit of them neverthelesse desirous to see the end of this adventure they rode all night with incredible speed insomuch that two howrs after Sun rising they came to a valley in the bottom wherof they saw the Coach standing still and the three Giants with their followers battering a Knight who defended himself bravely and had already laid fowr of their Knights dead at his feet Oh heavens said Fulgoran madded to see this unequall match what do I behold and why do not I assist so gallant a man Come Cousin let us make these base creatures know that the justice of the Gods is alwaies armed for the succour of the oppressed This said they fell upon the Giants with such fury as at the first shock they tumbled two of them to the earth so wounded as one was troden to death with the horses feet the other getting up again a little after with much ado the Knight that was first ingaged in the â—ight seeing this favourable aid and determining to make a profitable use therof bestird himself so lustily amongst those rascals that he laid three more of them dead at his feet whilest Fulgoran and his Cousin combatted the other two Giants The valor of these three warriours being at the highest the combat lasted not long for the first Knight having made his enemies turn their backs he discharged so furious a blow upon the arm of the Giant that fought with Florimond as he sent it together with his sword to the ground just as Fulgoran had made an end of his The victory being thus gloriously atchieved the Ladies which were bound with cords were presently delivered to the great astonishment of the Knight that began the fight For knowing the fair Savagesse he presently unlaced his helmet and imbracing her said Ah Madam how I detest these inhumane villanes that have bound you who are able to bind all the world A thousand times I give thanks to heaven that brought me thus seasonably to encounter you for to begin your deliverance nor am I lesse engaged to these brave warriors who have in seconding me shewed so much valor for the which I will go and vow a perpetuall service to them Be you also pleased to yield them the like regard that it may appear you are as curteous as you are beautifull wherwith he was turning to them when as the fair Savagesse being free of her bonds took him in her arms and kissed him with such affection as made her somthing jealous that was with her My Lord said she it is I that is made happy in this meeting and your geneâ—ous hand doth every day ingage me in new obligations I acknowledge that these Cavaliers have done much for us and am therfore willing to render them thanks for their assistance wherupon she leaped down from the Chariot to go to Fulgoran and Florimond who were amazed at her beauty but they prevented her with so much respectivenes as rendred her almost ashamed of it Madam said Fulgoran to her you honour us too much in esteeming us worthy to serve you and this poor pains we have taken is nothing in comparison of that which we desire to undergo for you This day is most fortunate since it hath furnished us with means to see you but that our contentment may be compleat tell us I beseech you who this yong Knight is the bravest and most valiant that ever I beheld It is not without reason answered the fair Savagesse that you commend and desire to know him for besides the merit of his valour wherof your selves are judges he is discended of the noblest race in the world being grandchild to the excellent Emperour Amadis of Greece who fils all the earth with astonishment at the recitall of his glorious deeds of arms and son to the valorous Penthesilea the most invincible Princesse of the world and the never conquered Don Silves de la Silva His name is Silvan accomplished with all those rare endowments that can honour a gentleman and so obliged to the assistance you have given him as he will not fear to engage his life for your service nor my self to employ these arms for you which you see me cary Fulgoran exceedingly pleased with this incounter for he had an extream desire to prove himself against some of the Greek Princes answered Madam the praises that you give this Knight are great because they come from you but too little for the excellency of his valor wherof there needs no better testimony then this field covered with dead bodies wherfore I shall gladly receive the honor of his affection together with yours although I could have wished that our acquaintance had been begun in another fashion I mean by a combat between him and me For being of a contrary faith to mine we could hardly have continued friends but by such an adventure Silvan who was no lesse discreet then valiant and that would not appear insensible being so
force of their arms the day being already passed they saw the seas covered with ships comming in very good order whereupon both sides were in fear alike for neither of them knew to whether part they were in favour inclined but they dwelt not long in that doubt for as soon as the Vantguard approached the Port the red Crosse with the arms of Persia were discerned in their flags whereby it was judged to be the valiant Don Rogel of Greece his arrivall brought no lesse fear to the Pagans then contentment to his friends who being free to go whether they pleased for that the truce was yet on foot went to meet him in the strand with a thousand signes of joy the ceremonies of entertainment being over the Princes not to lose time met presently in councell for to deliberate on the courses which was to be held for the future battell wherein all their opinions in a manner concurring they resolved to make four equall battalia's each of them consisting of five and twenty thousand horse and eight thousand foot the first or which should be commanded by Spheramond accompanied with Amanio d' Astre and Perion of Turkie the second by the valiant Prince of Persia his father with Russian of Media and Dardanio the third by the royall Alastraxerea with Esquilan and Quedragant of Sansuega and the last by the excellent Florizell of Niquea with Florestan and Florizart the command and guard of the town was intrusted to the Count of Argamond with ten thousand foot and the Campe to the Duke of Silesia with the like number of Infanterie On the other side the Pagans were not drowfie but knowing that the losse of that day would be the ending of their honours and lives they incouraged their souldiers one while with promise of rewards another while with hope of glory so as the most cowardly resolved to fight it out bravely both for reputation and spoil their spies having informed them of the order the Greek Princes determined to hold in imbattelling their army they also concluded to frame four battalia's of their forces each of them composed of thirty eight thousand horse and fifteen thousand foot whereof the first was to be led by the Prince Bruzanges Florimond his son the valourous Arifleura and three Giants the second by the great Cariffe of Africa Dardanor King of Romeria and three Giants the third and fourth by the King of Coriza and Fulgoran with a like number of men the King of Calican remaining with twelve thousand foot for the guard of their Camp These things thus decreed every man bestirred himself some making clean their arms some whetting their swords and others looking to their horses In brief none was idle and every one passionately wished for the next day that they might imploy their forces Assoon then as the morning appeared Spheramond who had the foreward covered the field with his horse and not intending to stay untill the trumpets sounded a charge he espied on his right hand five Knights armed all in white present themselves with incredible courage against the enemy to the no little joy of the Christians whereupon perceiving Florimond begin his career he set spurs to his horse and so strongly incountered him in the midst of his race as their lances flew into a thousand shivers Florimond still keeping his seat though he was twice or thrice ready to fall such was not Bruzanges fortune with the valiant Amanio d' Astre for he was laid upon the earth so dangerously hurt that without the succour of his son he had been stifled under the horses feet Perion of Turkie and the white Knight directed their staves against the Giants whereby two of them were wounded but so slightly as they presently laid hands on their scymiters and disdaining to fight with ordinary men they began a furious combat with three of the white Knights whilst Spheramond in the midst of the preasse thundered wheresoever he came neither was Florimond any way behinde him for as often as he advanced his sword the death of some Christians ensued whence it followed that his people in imitation of him laboured exceedingly to make good the place they fought upon but they were so pressâ—d by Spheramond Periâ—â— Amanio d' Astre and the white Knights that they began to give ground with extream discontent to the Giants who could not relive them being too far ingaged in their combat with the new come Knights neverthelesse enraged to see themselves staid in that sort they all at one instant diseharged three such blows on their adversaries heads as they laid them on the ground almost void of sense with that taking the opportunity of the time they went to have made their people turn head which they perhaps had done if they had not been stopt by the brave Emperour of the Parthians Amanio d' Astre and Periâ—â— who not giving them leave to passe any further charged them so stoutly as they were constrained to look to their own defence then it was that Florimond re-incouraging his men overthrew as many Christians as stood in his way but the white Knights being come to themselves again and infinitely inraged that they had been so ill intreated flew into the throng with their two companions and made such a slaughter among them as the enemies were fain to retreat to avoid their fury notwithstanding all that Florimond could do to stay them The great Cariffe of Africa accounted one of the most valourous among the Pagans seeing the first troop in disorder caused those which he led to advance against whom the Excellent Emperour of the Persians opposed himself and with that greatnesse of courage which made him so admired in the world charged his lance against the Cariffe whom he made to lose his stirrups Russian of Media having run one of the Giants quite thorow and thorow upon the encounter of these new troops the earth was quickly covered with arms legs weapons and the field with horses that had lost their masters the air ecchoed with the cries of dying and wounded men the ground shook with the noise of drums and trumpets all was full of horrour and fear and wheresoever Dâ—â— Râ—gel and Russian passed they left behinde them evident marks of their valour the ranks grew thin before the great Cariffe and his Giants in brief all was in confusion and the bloud streamed so over all the field as it filled every one with astonishment the King of Calican and Fulgoran impatient to see others imployed in businesse of glory caused their troops presently to advance the like did Alastraxerea and Don Florizell then it was that the earth and the heavens seemed to be but one thing and so many Knights were overthrown at this encounter as no man could stir a foot without treading on the dead the Knight Ardant carried ruine in his hand Florizell passed along like lightening the Giants cut all in pieces that stood in their way Alastraxerea Esquilan Russian Rogell Spheramond Quedragant and Pâ—rion
who finding himselfe amongst such dreadfull enemies was in some doubt of his life neverthelesse resolving to sell it dearly he bestirred himselfe with much valour and dexterity But it much inraged him for that his sword could not make way thorow the shaggy hair of these monsters which crushed his bones with their heavie clubs On the other side Fulgoran laid fearfully about him for desiring either to dye or to vanquish he had already overthrown two of them dead at his feet defending himself couragiously from the rest that pressed him with incredible fury The combat being in this dangerous estate the unknown Knight enraged for that he could not as yet see any bloud drawn from his enemies gave one of them such a thrust in the belly as he ran him quite thorow and thorow laying him dead on the grasse but he had not time to rejoyce at this his lucky dispatch of that monster for the rest charged him at the very same instant with two such cruell blows as they extended him on the earth quite void of sense beleeving then that he was dead they yelled forth such a dreadfull cry as the whole Island resouâ—ded therewith whereby Fulgoran being drawn to look about for to see whence it might proceed perceived the misfortune of his companion whereat he was so exceedingly incensed that taking his sword in both hands he discharged it so forcibly upon one of them as the hair not able to withstand the edge thereof it divided his head in two pieces whereupon not regarding the rest he ran suddenly to the unknown Knight whom his adversaries were a disarming and carried with the same fury as before he struck one of them so terribly on the shoulder as he cut him down to the very girdle The other three beholding this terrible blow presently forsook their former man and joyning with them that remained they assailed him so furiously that they gave him no leave to breathe their strokes descending so thick upon him as his shield seemed to be an anvill whereon 5 or 6 Smiths were a hammering Seeing himself pressed in this sort fearing that at length he should fall under the weight of these strokes he began to retire by little and little towards the Arch that so he might avoid fighting with them all at once when as a big Knight in gray Armour presented himselfe who seeing the inequality of this fray drew out his sword and therewith charged one of the Salvages with such strength as he sent his club arm and all unto the ground not contented therewith he gave another such a thrust just in the throat as the point of his sword came out at the nape of his neck laying him dead on the grasse Fulgoran no lesse amazed then pleased with the valour of this new commer took his sword again in both hands and fearing lest the glory of this adventure might be ravished from him he struck one of them that pursued him very hard with such violence on the thigh as cut it sheere off placing him in the number of those that live not The two that still remained beholding the horrible butchery of thir companions would have saved themselves by flight howbeit they were followed so close by the two Knights as their deaths were not deferred but to the third blow they received This victory being thus gloriously obtained Fulgoran going to the grey Knight spake in this manner Noble sir I must render that unto your valour which all the world cannot refuse you and give you thanks for my deliverance if I live it is through you but I will gladly spend so much bloud for your service as you have now preserved in my body pursue the good fortune which brought you hither the glory of this adventure is reserved for you and the beginning that I have given to it shall not make me desire to oppose your enterprize I have not done any thing sir answered he embracing him for your succour but what the Law of Knighthood commanded me So many enemies as you have extended heer on the earth and that dreadfull serpent which lies dead yonder are assured testimonies that you can vanquish without me and defeat your enemies without my assistance wherefore I will never attribute unto my selfe the honour due to your courage which verily is more then humane but shall be glad to go on with you and in all things be governed by your command Herewith they embraced again and were disposing of themselves to proceed in their enterprize when as Fulgoran bethinking him of his companion went presently unto him to see whether he were yet in case to receive any service from him Having then unlaced his helmet he found his face all covered with bloud but yet was much cheered to see him still breathe Courage said he unto him our enemies are slain and you revenged for the outrage they did you This victory answered he somewhat faintly would be a great contentment unto me were I sure that it had not cost you too much of your bloud I feel much pain replied Fulgoran from so many blowes that I have received but the Clubs being unable to to pierce my Armes I have not lost one drop of bloud the only thing that now troubles me is to see you so ill It is true answered he that I am very light headed but time wil restore me my judgement with my strength and if our Squires were heer to tend me I am perswaded I should be well again in a little time Fulgoran who highly prized him ran incontinently to the first Arch of the bridge to call them and leaving him in their hands he passed on with the gray Knight till they came to the Marble walls where they parted upon the encounter of two wayes Fulgoran taking that on the right hand and the gray Knight the left going then on with wonder to see so strong walls and dangerous guards they came much about the same time unto two gates the gray Knight to that on the west side and Fulgoran to the other that looked towards the Sun rising so that the sound of their knocking was heard both at one instant whereupon the gates flew open with a most dreadfull noyse which notwithstanding stayed not from entring in with their shields on their arms and their swords in their hands But they had not made three steps when as Fulgoran saw one of the hugest and most deformed Giants that might be advance towards him with an Axe of ten foot long which he discharged at his head with a confident beliefe to cleave him to the middle notwithstanding the goodnesse of his Arms howbeit he nimbly avoided the blow by leaping aside so that it lighted upon the ground whereinto it entred a great depâ—h Fulgoran laying hold on that advantage struck him so furiously on the arm that he separated it from his body and not satisfied therewith he was going to double his blow when as the Giant more through rage then judgement closed with
unable to speak through excesse of joy but when his tongue was at liberty he said My content in thus meeting you is no lesse then that you testifie in beholding of me My Lord I wandered about the world onely to seek you that I might do you service and beleeve me I am not more glad of the saving of my life which is preserved onely by your valour and that of these brave warrioâ—s in your company then that I am to see you now in the estate I have alwayes wished to finde you but we shall have time enough to confer of these things hereafter let us now if you please go on with our businesse and see what we have more to do in this Island for the enlarging of a Knight whom I must render to this Gentlewoman All of them agreeing with him in opinion they advanced toward the Castle which they found close shut against them and not knowing how to get in they promised life to as many as were there when as a horrible Giantesse who was come out of a secret postern came behinde Prigmaleon and struck him so mighty a blow with a mace that she laid him quite astonished in the dust and redoubling Fulgorans helmet before he could ward it with his shield she left him in the same estate which put Grandimore in such a rage as laying hand on his sword without remembring her sex he discharged a blow at her head with such violence as he clove her in sunder to the girdle whereupon he ran presently to Fuâ—goran took him in his arms and unlaced his helmet to give him air whilst the unknown Knight did as much to Prigmaleon Time and the helps which they used to them having restored the Knights to their senses with the infinite content of the other two and the Gentlewoman Grandimore being vexed for that they would not open the gate took up the Giantesses mace and therewith began to knock so at it as all the shore resounded again but the unknown Knight remembering that the Giantesse came forth by a back way went about the house till findâ—ng the place whence she issued he went in without any fear And having gone a while under ground he met with a pair of stairs which brought him into a great court where he saw a young Giant of eight or ten yeers old with three Knights and the four villains that had saved themselves by flight busily imployed in bringing pieces of wood to rampire up the gate against Grandimores blows The ratling that his arms made comming into the Court caused the Knights to turn unto him when as thinking that some other followed him they presently fell on their knees craved their lives which was freely granted them upon condition the prisoners should be opened and all that were there detained set at liberty This promise having assured them they opened to Grandimore whose chiefest care being to satisfie the Gentlewoman he commanded all the prisoners to be brought forth which were about threescore as well men as women the most part of whom had been deflowred by the two Giants and then cast into the dungeon The Knight which was the occasion of this enterprise comming out with the rest and knowing how much he was obliged to the Gentlewoman whom he also loved besought these Knights that he might marry her before they left the Castle which was granted them to their infinite content The prisoners being freed and the Knights having need of some rest they went up into the lodgings after they had committed the charge of the Castle to Celisdan so was the Gentlewomans sweet heart called and renewing their caresses they related their adventures with as much satisfaction as wonder to all the company In such discourse they passed away the time till supper after which every man retired to his rest till two howrs after midnight that the Sentinell came and awaking them declared how he had seen a chariot drawn with six great horses go by wherein were five or six women that made the strangest moan in the world the fear of two dreadfull Giants and twenty Knights that rode by and threatened them not being able to make them hold their peace These Princes alwayes forward to succour such as were in distresse having received this intelligence instantly arose and commanding the grooms to make ready the best horses that the Giants had in the stable armed themselves with all speed possible and guided by a fair and clear moon-light followed the way that the Sentinell had shewed them when as they had ridden hard two howrs and better about day break they came to a port where they found the horses and the chariot but that empty and without any to guide it This somewhat troubled them but when they espied not far off a ship newly under sail they presently conjectured that they whom they sought for were aboord her wherewith they were extreamly vexed because they could not succour those afflicted women Whilst they looked one at another without speaking as it were lamenting their want of some vessell to carry them Fulgoran turning about descried a Bark afar off which comforted him a little especially when he observed that it stood right with them but when it was come neerer and that he perceived it to be the same in which he had navigated so long before he quickly alighted and addressing himself to Prigmaleon See Sir said he our friends do not leave us without their assistance behold heer our little Bark which comes so pat for us to pursue these theeves according to our desire Let us lose no time then but make use of the occasion that so favourably presents it self whereupon having all left their horses they presently with their Squires got aboord the vessell which not tarrying for any other lading put off straight to sea following the ship where the Giants were to the infinite contentment of the Knights who entertained the time with discourses of the admirable knowledge of those Sages which in this sort were able to command the winds and order the inconstancy of that mercilesse element highly commending the care which they shewed in directing all their designes onely to the honouring of vertue The one half of the day being pleasingly spent in these discourses they saw the ship which they had in chase grapled with another and hearing a terrible noise presently conjectured that it proceeded from the fight of some Knights who meeting with the Giants and not enduring the lamentation of those captive women had set upon them with a resolvtion to revenge their wrongs That conceit having put them in a readinesse they immediatly came up close to those vessels in one of the which they saw onely four Knights two very big who had taken the Giants to taske and other two of a lesser proportion that opposed the fury of twenty strong Knights The courage wherewith these four Knights maintained the combat giving them exceeding satisfaction they stood a good while looking on them
armed in white and by another gate two more in gilt Armour sitting their horses in such a gallant and sprightly manner as all men beheld them with admiration arriving all at one time those in the white came to the other and fairly entreated their leave for the first course which being easily granted them two of them presented themselves and ran with a good grace but with no better fortune then the other before them for at the first incounter they were both unhorsed Their companion resolving to shaâ—e in their misfortune if such were his hap put himselfe forward and running with incredible fury encountred one of the Knights of the Crownes so bravely that he brake his staffe in a thousand shivers but was so shaken by the lance of the adversary that he staggered as if hee would have fallen yet he quickly recovered himselfe and made an end of his course with the estimation of a good Knight Having taken a new staffe he came to him with whom he had run and thus said Knight I am sufficiently satisfied of your valour wherefore if you please I will now make triall of your companions That answered he depends on your choyce though I beleeve your bargain will be nothing bettered by it Fortune replied the Knight shâ—ll determine of that wherewith returning to his place he spurred lustily against the second and incountring him with the like fury as before brake upon his shield but the Knight aiming his laâ—ce at his helmet hit him with such force as he brake the laces of it and made it flye from his head whereupon there fell scattered about his shoulders goodly tresses of haire which declared that it was no Knight but a most beautifull Amazon whose name the Knight would not receive though she twice presented it Those which accompanied her seeing her discovered made themselves known to the Princes of Greece the one being Leonidas of Mesopotamia the other Abiâ—s of Ireland and the Amazon Altaria who was very kindly received by the Emperour particularly by the Queens of Guindaya France and Lydia who placed her amongst them after they had highly commended her The two Knights in the gilt armour upon whom all men eyes were câ—st seeing Alteriâ—'s combat thus ended presently advanced and setting spurs to their horses encountered them of the crown so furiously as one would have said that four towres torn from their foundations by so many whirlwinds had shocked together Fortune was indifferent to them all for they remained firm in their seats passed their course with so much bravery as made the whole assembly admire them but the desire they had of victory caused them suddenly to turn head and then taking new staves they setled themselves to run the second time when as there was seen come into the place three Knights and a Giant of a gallant and a warlike aspect in the company of the Gentlewoman before mentioned who addressing her self to the Knights of the Crowns with a very furious garb that well demonstrated how much she was displeased thus spake Discourteous Knights I have brought these with me heer that are more ready to do service unto Ladies then you have been and that will revenge the disgrace you have put upon me In good time be it said one of them we shall see what they are able to do provided these Knights heer our opposiâ—es will give way thereunto Wit that not entering into further â—iscourse they made a signe to their adversaries to prepare themselves and dislodged at one instant with such fury as not able to stand so violent an incounter they were constrained to come all of them together to the ground Choller and the shame to be overthrown in the presence of so great Princes having suddenly raised them up they couragiously laid hands on their swords to try whose the victory should be But the four last that came with the Gentlewoman advanced and interposing between them said That they were not to proceed any further since the conditions of the justs did forbid the combat with the sword so long as there remain any in the place on horsback whereupon the Iudges being called their reasons were approved of as very just in regard it was one of the principall Articles thereof expressed in these tearms That if fortune made the encounter equall and they were all at one time unhorsed they might try it out with the sword but if at the time of their being dismounted new commers arrived in number equall to them the assailants should take new lances and siding with the maintainers shâ—uld all together make head against the last attempters that the first might not be defrauded of their due honour And that therefore the number on both sides being equall the Knights had reason to hinder the combat with the sword untill they had tryed themselves with the lance it still remaining in their power to recommence their combat in case the last commers were overthrown but otherwise not The Knights in the gilt arms not desiring to shew themselves refractory since the Iudges would have it so ranked themselves with those of the Crowns who took fresh horses conceiving by the countenance of their adversaries that they had a hard party to deal withall and placing themselves over against them attended the sound of the trumpet for their dislodging Whilst the questions were deciding Alteria observing those which came last in knew them for the same that had delivered her out of the power of Argenea as indeed they were Fulgoran Prigmaleon the unknown Knight and Grandimore who arriving in Greece as I told you in the former Chapter were drawn to Constantinople upon the report of the triumphs there proclaimed So that turning to Don Rogel who sat not far from her she said to him Beleeve it Sir you will by and by receive much contentment in the sight of these eight Knights combat for if those two of the Crowns have hitherto rendered themselves remarkable they in the gray and black armour are excellent in the supremest degree and few their equalls are to be found in the world By their valour the dangerous guards of the Castle of Argenea were vanquished and these two younger Princes with my self delivered from a prison where we certainly beleeved to finde our graves but since the trumpets now begin to sound you will quickly see the proof of my words Don Rogell then turning his eye about to the lists saw them begin their course at one instant and meet in the midst of it with such fury as the earth seemed to tremble under them their fortune was equall for they all lost their saddles the unknown Knight remaining wounded by the lance of one of the Knights of the Crowns and one of them in the gilt armour by that of the Giant Grandimore The shame to see themselves dismounted in the presence of so many excellent Princes having suddenly raised them they began one of the most furious combats that ever was beheld Nothing
appeared but sparks of fire in the air and cantles of armour and shields on the ground If Fulgoran and Prigmaleon charged with violence they felt themselves so closely followed as they wondered at the valour of their enemies nothing was to be heard but horrible blows one part laid on load another was forced to set their knees to the ground In brief this sight might truly be tearmed the most furious that ever had been seen between eight persons Prigmaleon who had one of those of the gilt arms to deal with being mad at the resistance he found from him let his sword descend with such rage on his helmet as he made him recoil two or three paces with the sight of a million of stars at midday but he had not time to glory much of that advantage for his adversary recovering his spirits came and charged him with such force as his shield being divided in two pieces the sword fell so heavy on his shoulder that he was fain to set one knee to the ground to save himself from falling but quickly getting up again he rendered the combat far more cruell then ever it was In the mean time Fulgoran and his adversary intreated one another with the like fury Grandimorâ— and the unknown Knight disputed the victory with very much courage howbeit they were so pressed by their opposites as they had little leisure to think of their consciences neverthelesse desiring rather to die then to shew any signe of faintnesse they fought two howrs without any advantage to their enemies who still resolving to vanquish redoubled their blows and so sharply followed them that these two Pagan Knights after another hours combat fell almost both at one time to the ground to the great content of the conquerours who having made them confesse the victory helped them up and delivered them into the hands of two Chirurgians which Don Florisell had appointed to be ready for the relief of such as should chance to be wounded The misfortune of these two Knights augmented the rage of Prigmaleon and Fulgoran their blows became more weighty then before so as often times their enemies were forced to knocke their chins against their breasts and to set their knâ—es to the ground But they had so good a share in those courtesies that every one was amazed at the sight of so dangerous a combat which every one thought could never be ended but by the â—eath of them all And indeed they were so eager as they continued seven hours without taking of breath or that any one could discerne any the least signe of wearinesse or of advantage in them which so madded them as carried by an unusuall rage they all quitted their swords and grapled together hoping by meer strength to get the victory but little prevailing that way they were at length constrained after they had tumbled on the ground sometimes above and another while below to rise as by agreement and recommence their combat which lasted till night no man being able to attribute the honour of it more to the one then the other Don Rogell who infinitely admired the valour of these Knights perceiving them obstinately bent not to give over for all that it grew dark caused the retreat be sounded But their rage not permitting them to heare it they went on with their businesse and continued battering one another more cruelly then they had done all the day before so that Don Rogell was inforced to discend with Spheramond and intreat them to part for his sake shewing them hat the cause of their contention being so slight their enmity had no reason to be so bitter but they lent a deafe care to all that he could say so as at last he was constrained to put himselfe between them which so much displeased Prigmaleon as turning himselfe somewhat hastily to Don Rogell he said in some choller I would fain have intreated you to have let Fortune work her will but seeing your authority opposes the designe of those that combat before you remember that it shall not be able to hinder me when I shall visit you with an hundred thousand men to require an account of the distaste you now give me Neither will I said Fulgoran who was as much displeased promise them better dealing for I will once more cover your fields with brave and warlike Souldiers Wherefore Princes of Greece receive these words for a defiance and prepare for a war But that you may understand who are your enemies this Knight is Prigmaleon the great Emperour of Ethiopia whom you see in these gray Arms and I am the King of Canabea by which name you cannot chuse but know me Yes said Don Rogel without being any way distempered we have cause not to be ignorant of what you are but it may be time will qualifie this heat and that little you gained before our walls perhaps will keep you from pursuing the second designe But if you be so resolved we have friends enough not to care much for your Armes yet shall not that keep me from intreating you since it is now dark night to take a lodging in our Palace untill you have a little refreshed your selves after the great toyle you have this day endured That is ordinary with us answered Fulgoran so that your courtesie may well be spared wherewith somewhat coldly retiring they went to their friends who with more despight then paine quickly got to horse and notwithstanding they were shrewdly wounded travelled till about midnight that they came to a Gentlemans house where when they had stayed two dayes they left Grandimore and the unknown Knight to be cured of their hurts and the morrow after they parted with a promise of meeting at the end of two moneths in Natolia with each of them an hundred and fifty thousand men to be in one body transported to Constantinople In the mean time Don Rogel and Spheramond who were not much troubled with their menaces addrest themselves to the other Knights and with such curtesie intreated them to let themselves be known as they were content to satisfie them Having then unlaced their helmets they let them see that those two of the Crownes were Lucendus Prince of France and Dâ—rigel King of the fortunate Island The other in the gilt Armâ— were the valiant Russian of Media and the mighty Esquilan of Polonia You may well imagine the contentment which the Greek Princes and especially the Infanta Fortuna received by the comming of these Knights though I do not put my selfe to the trouble of relating it In summe a thousand caresses were not for born amongst so many friends nor any thing forgotten which might serve for the contentment of those Princes who for the present treading all care of their more important affairs under foot passed two or three dayes more in tourneys and all the delights that could be imagined At the end whereof that happened which in the next Chapter shall be related CHAP. XXVI The adventure of the
not contribute to mine own safety answered she Will my presence avail this Knight say you It is most just that I give him this small satisfaction seeing he contemns his own life to save mine let us go then when you please but with this assurance that for everv drop of bloud his enemies sword shall draw from him so many tears shall I shed so being attended by certain Ladies she appeared upon the walls just at the time when Rozalmond being come to Fulmigadan said unto him Knight it is time for you to say that Armazia is too fair to fall into the power of a man so ill made as your self she hath sent me hither to free you of the error you are in that she may one day affect you howsoever her father hath been constrained by fear to promise the contrary but thinking that these words would not be very pleasing unto you I am come provided to answer you other wayes What do I hear said Fulmigadan in wonderfull fury doth Armazia disdain the honour of my favour and do I see my self defied by one man alone O ye Gods How will I be revenged on her and you for this affront but thou insolent Knight shalt begin the dance for bringing me so harsh a message Saying so he unsheathed a long and heavie Scimiter wherewithall he struck at Rozalmonds head but he observing his action threw away his lance and laying his hand suddenly on his sword opposed his left arm to the fury of the blow which was so great that it made him bow to the crupper of his horse with extreme pain but he presently setled himself again and desiring to be revenged he struck him with such fury that the Pagan receiving the blow upon his shield thought he had been under the ruines of a tower overthrown by lightning and indeed he so astonished him that had it not been for his horse that carried him away Rozalmond who had his sword aloft might easily have vanquished and slain him This first blow amazing Armazia inflamed her with the love of this Knight and mâ—de her wish that his enemy might never come to himself again but seeing him re-settle himself in his saddle and with a world of madnesse make head against his adversary that pursued him her bloud congealed in her vains with the apprehension of so mortall a blow as the inâ—initenesse of his choler did threaten â—nd in truth the rage of the Pagan was such that Rozalmonda arms though the best of the world could not have resisted the fury of the blow but lightly avoiding it and making use of the opportunity he charged full upon the body of Fulmigadan which he opened and gave passage to his bloud to issue forth in great abundance Thus the battell waxing every minute hotter and hotter the ground was strewed with pieces of their armor the grasse was died with their bloud the skie enlightened with the fire which sparkled from their helmets and the encounter of their swords If the force of Fulmlgadan seemed monstrous no lesse admirable appeared the addresse of his adversary both in abating and shifting his blows briefly this combat brought a generall astonishment and every one expected the end of it by some dreadfull blow In the mean time the two combatants charged one another with extream fury and taking no time to breathe so quick were their strokes that their swords were neverseen but in the air or on their armour Fulmigadan far more enraged then can be exprest and striking with passion and not with judgement railed against heaven and earth for producing a man so puissant and couragious as to be able to withstand his force that made the whole world to shake and seeing that four hours were already spent since the combat first began and yet had gotten no advantage of his enemy he gave such desperate blows that made Rozalmond amazed at his fury but being no lesse incensed to see that in the beginning of his arms the victory was so long disputed in the presence and for the preservation of Armazia to whom his soul was so far ingaged he resolved either to die or suddenly to vanquish clasping his sword then fast in his hand he began to presse the Pagan with such terrible blows that his forces seemed to increase with his travell whereat Fulmigadan was so transported with rage that he took his Scimiter in both his hands and discharged it so furiously upon Rozalmonds helmet as it made him fall backward upon the crupper of his horse casting out great quantity of bloud at his mouth and nose whereupon every one thought him to be dead and the Emperour commanded his Knights to assail his enemy who seemed to be all covered over with bloud and dust but even as the troops were about to march they beheld Rozalmond raise himself up and make towards Fulmigadan with such horrible fury that he who contemned the dreadfull thunder of the Gods began to fear seeing him arrive with so much rage and indeed the blow which he discharged on his head was such that it cleaved him down to the very shoulders overthrowing him stark dead to the ground This victory thus generously obtained brought a world of contentment to the Emperor but much more to the beautifull Armazia who not able to contain her joy so published the praises of this Knight as if she had neither voice nor speech but for his glory howbeit every one thinking that she did it in regard of the interest which she had in the death of Fulmigadan it was not supposed that her love made her speak in that maner but she could not possibly contain her self in the excesse of her passion for seeing Rozalmond come with some wounds upon him she made it appear that she would be partaker of his pain and not enduring to stay till the Emperour had entertained and caressed him she went and with an amorous countenance asked of him whether his wounds were dangerous Madam answered he I am not so ill but that if I were to begin another combat for your service I would most gladly undertake it The Gods said she forbid such another accident you have done so much this day that your name shall never die in this Empire so long as the world doth last but I fear I shall abuse your patience if I do not permit your wounds to be visited wherefore I will leave you having first entreated you to make use of all things heer as if you were in your own house the obligation wherein we stand ingaged unto you gives you this power and commands me to seek out the means to shew my self acknowleding in particular which assure your self I will do in the mean time have regard to your health so with most amourous looks she departed leaving him more contented with the care she had of him then with a Monarchie The Emperours Chyrurgeons being arrived would have dressed his wounds but Cassandra desiring them to leave that unto her she caused
much by the charms of her beauty as he is otherwise held by those of her mother Creonda then softly retiring and hiding themselves behinde the trees they let this Nymph passe who seeing Clarisel asleep put her mouth presently to his and finding that this touch did not awake him she said somewhat aloud with a sigh Alas It seems your cares are not like unto mine you take your rest whilst I am disquieted your eies are closed whereas mine are covered with teares sleep no longer dear Clarisel but come and take part of my pain and let us seek the means to divert the storm wherewithall we are threatned At these words Clarisel arose and seeing Crisolita's cheeks all bedewed with tears he said unto her Whence comes this change What cause have you to look so sad and why do you thus complain Because the end of our content is come said she for my mother told me in the morning that your Destâ—nies will not permit you any longer abode heer and that a Knight will arrive very suddenly who shall carry you from hence judge then whether I have not reason to weep and just occasion to wish my self out of my life for what pleasure can I take in the world if I may not see you my dear heart all delights will be trouble some to me my griefe will make those joyes that would even ravish others distastfull unto me and the memory of our imbraces will torment me when I am deprived of the hope any more to enjoy such happinesse I do not think said Clarisel that any man can take me from hence against my will wherefore do not you afflict your self in this sort for be assured my love is too much for me to forsake you so but I wonder that your mother who can stay the Sun in his course force even the devils themselves and do what else she please against the law of nature doth not shew her self more carefull of our good by impeaching the arrivall of this Knight The Ordinances of heaven are inviolable answered Crisolita for you may be confident that she hath imploied the utmost of her skill and yet cannot come to know how or by whom you are to be carried from hence which makes me conjecture that a Magician more cunning then her self hath undertaken the care of this affair wherefore I must resolve to lose you and so I will but first I desire to obtain this promise from you which wil be infinite comfort to me in your absence that you wil alwaies love me and return hither sometimes unto me Let the Gods who are judges of our thoughts said Clarisel refuse me in my greatest occasions if ever I forget the favours you have done me Madam they are of too much esteem with me and I am more sensible of benefits then to affect the name of ingratefull but since the Destinies will separate us let us make use of the time we yet injoy and by a thousand new delights assure our love against the common weaknesse of an absence Then beginning their caresseâ— with a million of kisses I doubt they would have proceeded farther had not Rozalmond whose mouth peradventure began to water broken the bough of a tree to give them a tacite notice that they were seen The lovers surprised with this noise arose straightway from the ground where they lay and running towards the Castle got immediatly out of sight whereat Cassandra laughing turned to the Prince and said Behold Sir a testimony of that power called Love which oftentimes carries us into extreamities not permitting us to consider of things but let that passe you are now to imploy your sword for the rendring of a man to the world who questionlesse will prove very necessary in it Let us go Madam said Rozalmond for I shall most willingly undertake this enterprise and receive infinite content to serve mine unkle upon so worthy an occasion using some speed then they arrived neer to the Castle where under the first gate they encountered a man of a goodly stature who seeing Rozalmond advance said unto him Knight you cannot enter heer unlesse you overcome me wherefore let us try unto whom Fortune will be most favourable I will not commit such an errour said Rozalmond as to trifle out the time unprofitably in talk so that using no farther speech they presently charged one another with two such mighty blows that thereby either of them knew the force of his enemy the Knight of the Bridge as valiant and couragious as could be offended his adversary and defended himself with marvellous dexterity but he was exceedingly vexed for that his sword could not fasten on Rozalmonds armour who giving him sometimes a thrust at the brest then a down right blow on the shield cut all his arms in pieces and drew the bloud from divers parts of his body which put him in such a rage that not regarding his life he struck such blows as oftentimes made Rozalmond see Stars though the Sun were but in the midst of his course The combat continued in this manner very cruell and dangerous each imploying his uttermost force especially the Knight of the Bridge who being mad for that he saw no bloud on his enemies armour and resolved either to vanquish or to die he set both his hands to his sword and struck his enemy so rudely on the helmet that he made him stoop with one knee to the earth whereat he was so mightily incensed that rising in fury he discharged such a terrible blow on the Knight of the Bridges shield that having divided it in two he made him to stagger and put both his hands to the ground whereon questionlesse he had fallen had not the shame of being overcome and the apprehension of death caused him quickly to get up again Renewing the fight then with more cruelty then before they held out three long hours without any shew of taking breath but Rozalmond who began to enter into fury and mad at the resistance which he found in his enemy gave him so dangerous a blow upon the helmet that had not his sword turned in his hand his head had been cloven in pieces howbeit not being able to support the violence of such a stroke he tumbled to the ground as if he had been dead This fall without doubt had brought a great deal of contentment to the victour if he had not pitied the misfortune of so strong and valiant a Knight but desiring much to save him he stepped instantly unto him and unlâ—â—ed his helmet to see whether he were in case to receive any assistance which at the first he greatly doubted perceiving his face to be covered all over with bloud howbeit not to omit any thing that might serve for his preservation he intreated Cassandra to wipe him and to employ her utmost skill in Chyrurgerie for to recover him if there were any hope of it and so not stopping at this first victory he went on with his sword in his
one made two or three steps back sometime the other was astonied their armour was all over hacked and if the bloud ran down on one of their arms the other presently beheld his on the ground Having thus continued fighting three hours together and no advantage perceived on either side when the Damsell who had so ingaged them seeing four very gallant Knights arrive ran suddenly unto them and bedewing her cheeks with tears besought them to grant her one thing she would request of them We will not deny you said one of them who spake for the rest provided your request be just and that it be in our power I should be unworthy of your favour answered she if I should require an impossibility of you my desire then is that you will tell me your names and that you will speedily part these Knights who outrage one another as you see for my occasion You would have made us beholding unto you said the Knight if you had not desired our names but not to fail in our promise know that this great Knight is Prigmaleon Soveraigne of the Empire of Aethiopia the second is Persides son to the excellent Emperour of Persia Don Rogel the third is the valiant Lucibel Prince of France and for my self I am called Russian of Media touching the quarrell of these Knights we will labour to pacifie it or die in the attempt Whereupon advancing towards them who were still in fight they wondered to see with what fury and addresse they managed their combat and especially with what grace he of the Roses bestowed his blows which seemed far more terrible then those of Grian who had gotten him such glory at Constantinople and gently declaring unto them that she that was the cause of their difference desired their attonement they intreated them to become friends and to part with equall reputation I am content said Griolanis so as this woman will quit me of the boon which she hath cunningly obtained from me How answered the damsell would not my love suffer me to see you in danger have I sought the means to draw you out of it and are you so ingratefull not to acknowledge such favor Knight it shall cost you your life since I can hope for nothing els from you Then having desired the new commers to do her right one might presently see the case altered Rozalmond Grian Griolanis and Silverin forgetting their former quarrel made head against these fowr Princes of Greece who abandoning their lances had betaken them to their swords and began a most dangerous bickering if Rozalmond admired the dexterity of Persides Persides redoubted his fury the force of the Savage astonished the bastard of Media and no lesse was he apprehensive of his addresse if Griolanis blows seemed weighty to Prigmaleon his had no lesse violence and if the Knight of the Desert struck with courage Lucibel could answer him as readily their helmets were all fire the ground was strewed with pieces of their arms the woods resounded with the impetuousnes of their blowes briefly it was the dreadfullest combat that ever was seen in Greece for indeed such strong and valiant champions never appeared there before the more they fought the more terrible they seemed and their fury increasing with their travail it might well be concluded that the end of this fray would determin the most part or it may be all their lives Rozalmond vexed to find so much resistance in his enemy imploied all his might but Persides fought so well that he perceived he had met with his match and durst not assure himselfe the victory which so enraged him that he seemed to be even desperate wherfore resolving either to die or quickly to vanquish he gave his enemy so dangerous a blow on his shield that being not able to sustain the fury of it he was constrained to fall backward on his saddle bow deprived of sence but he was not long in that posture for raysing himself up far more incensed then ever he was in his life he gave Rozalmond so strong a thrust that his horse recoiled a step back this while Russian and the Knight of the Savage assailed one another very furiously now the one bowed down to the crupper of his horse by and by the other hit his chin against his breast if Griolanis astonished the valiant Aethiopian he was oftentimes compelled to lose his stirrups and stagger under the weight of his blows and if Lucibel drew bloud from Silverin he saw his own at the same instant upon his arms thus was the combat so equall so cruell and full of fury that no other but some unlucky end of it could have been expected if at the end of six howrs the night had not arrived which growing very dark made them retire with some content to the Greek Princes who thought their enemies a little too strong and that this battell could not have beene concluded with their honour Being parted then the one from the other howbeit resolved to attend the next morning for to see unto whom fortune would give the victory the fowr first combatants went to lie down together under certain trees when they saw a Giant passe along by them who carrying a torch in the one hand held a very fair damsell by the other that wept bitterly crying out for help unto the Gods and it seemed to Rozalmond that it was his beautious Armazia which put him into such a rage that instantly he got him to horse again galloping after the Giant whom he had threatned with a million of deaths if he had been able to suffer so many but the busines being carried by enchantment and by the sole wisdome of Alcander who laboured in this maner to divert the mischief which might have ensued if these Princes had fought again together Rozalmond could by no means meet with this Giant and finding himself not long after in the Cote of a yong shepheard who received him very courteously he forgot this affair and betook him to his rest whilst the others which had had clean contrary visions straied one from another severall waies CHAP. IX The marvels which Griolanis encounters pursuing the fantosmes of Alcander THE valiant Knight of the Savage and Griolanis having an extream desire to overtake two Centaurs which seemed to carry away certain damsels rode so hard that by break of day they found themselves close to a great and spacious forrest at the entrance wherof perceiving two waies alike beaten they separated themselves though somewhat unwillingly Grian taking the right hand and Griolanis the left pursuing their course with the same desire to succor these afflicted women which they thought were in the hands of those monsters Griolanis having been two howrs in the wood sometimes standing still to hearken if the cries of the damsels could bring him to the retreat of these Centaurs sometimes to mark the tract on the ground that might make him guesse the way he was to hold he espied three Knights riding a
earth who retains her against her will with a purpose to marry her after he hath defended this passage six months together My mistris doth not love him because he is very ill favoured and of an insupportable humour but in regard she could not be rid of him she made him undertake this enterprise for the glory of her beauty hoping that the Princes of Greece who are not far off would deliver her assoon as they heard of the violence that is offred to her will and indeed she was sending me to seek the gallant bastard of Media or the good Knight Ardant but a woman that very much loves her and that may justly vaunt to have excellent skill in Art Magick counselled her to send me into France to finde out the Knight of the Palms and to obtain a promise of whatsoever I should demand of him and now behold the enemy is before you nor is it so neer night but that you may well have time to exchange some blows with him do not then I beseech you defer the effect of your promise and make it appear that we have not made choice of you but out of a confidence of your valour I am very glad said Alcidamant that I may acquit my self by obliging you and if the safety of your Mistris doth depend on me be assured that I will soon restore her into her own power Heerwith taking his lance he approached his enemy who ready to meet him encountred him so furiously in the midst of the course that he made him lose his stirrups but his fortune was worse for he was thrown from his horse making two or three turns on the grasse that was bedewed with his bloud which issued out of a great wound given him by Alcidamants lance on the right side howbeit nothing amazed for this hurt he arose more incensed then ever he was in all his life went to his adversary whom he found alighted because he would not combat with advantage and gave him so terrible a blow upon his shield that his arm unable to support the fury of it was fain to yeeld whereby it fell with such violence on his helmet that he was somwhat astonied therewith which put him into such a rage that clasping his sword fast in his hand he discharged it so mightily on his head that he opened his helmet razing both the hair and skin This so dangerous a blow made the great Ariston to stagger but being as couragious as possibly might be he renewed the fight with so much valour that he made it continue two howrs to the great amazement of Alcidamant who confessed that he never met with so strong a man before The time and the desire to vanquish rendred their blows still more redoubtable The ground was strewed with peeces of their arms and if the bloud issued from Alcidamants left arm Ariston lost his out of five or six places whence it proceeded that being much weaker then at the beginning of the combat he could not support the fury of a blow which his enemy gave him on the head but tumbled down dead cloven to the very teeth This victory gave no lesse contentment to Cilina the damsels mistris then glory to the Knight of the Palms They saluted one another he satisfied with her beauty she with his exceeding valor But as they passed thorow the forrest to seek out some village that they might lodge more commodiously then in the wood Alcidamant heard the voice of a person complaining which carried him presently into the thicket where he beheld a furious Giant whipping of a damsell that was tied to a tree so cruelly as the bloud trickled down from all the parts of her body This object provoking him to no lesse rage then pity he drew out his sword and discharged it with such force on the Giant that he made him set one knee to the ground howbeit suddenly rising up he began a dangerous combat which neverthelesse lasted not long for Alcidamant being in a rage cut his arms into a thousand pieces and finally gave him his dispatch with a blow that opened him from the shoulder to the very stomack and taking off his head he gave it to the Lady for whose sake he had made the first combat desiring her carry it to Constantinople present it from him to the Prince of France with the relation of all that had happened upon occasion of that quarrell which she very willingly undertook Departing then from the Knight she used such speed that she arrived within two daies after at Constantinople and went unto the great Hall of the Palace where finding a number of gallant Knights she demanded which was the Prince of France I am he said Lucendus most ready to serve you if you have occasion to use me Excellent Prince answered she the necessity of no misfortune hath brought me hither to desire your assistance but I come with a present to you from the Knight of the Palms one of the best without doubt now living in the world Whereupon turning about to a Squire that followed her she took the head of a dead man and setting it on the floor pursued her discourse in this maner The Knight of whom I spake comming some three daies since to enter into a combat for my sake where his glory was not smal having easily triumphed over the great Ariston who was feared of all the world followed on his way to find out some lodging when the voice of one complaining carried him into the thickest of a forrest where he encountred a great and dreadfull Giant as you may perceive by his head whipping of a damsâ—ll whom he had tied to a tree in despite of you having understood that she was of your Kingdome and that she was comming hither to give you intelligence of some matters which had past in France to the prejudice of that sidelity subjects ow to a gratious Prince and to give some colour to this act of his he said that having left his home to revenge the death of his father upon you whom you had surprised without arms and wretchedly murthered he might with good reason kill all that appertained unto you This good Knight not able to endure such wickednes assailed the Giant who for that his revenge was diverted grew insolent and mad threatning to cut him in a thousand peeces and struck him so furiously on the head thâ—t he astonished him with this first blow and I my self beleeved that the battell had been at an end seeing him to reel as if he would have pitched his nose into the ground nevertheles instantly reassuming courage and giving most horrible and heavy blows he had rendred the busines very doubtful had not the good Knight avoided the most part of them by his agility and abated the fury of the rest with incredible force Maintaining himself then in this sort and bestowing not a blow in vain I soon saw this great masse of flesh opened in five or six places
great gate of the house as these Squires have advised you for otherwise all the world shall not be able to deliver you out of captivity enter in at a little wicket you see on the left hand leave the shield you bear and make use of this at my saddle bow be sure you part not from the same Ring which was given you when you fought the first combat for Melania yeeld not to the intreaty tears nor sighes of any woman whatsoever and above all things make much of the new sword which shall come to your hand for it is the best on the earth and without it you should never see an end to the adventures which are to befall you This said Alcidamant having curteously thanked the damsell took the shield which she gave him whereupon there was no figure presented and alighting from his horse with his sword in his hand he drew towards the wicket which he saw stood open when as a damsel issuing out of the Castle said unto him Knight whether run you so and why do you use your arms where you shall be gladly entertained with all respect Sheath up your sword for heer is none that means to oppose you and not to disaccommodate your self with stooping at the wicket take the way that leadeth to the great gate where you may enter at pleasure Yes no doubt said Alcidamant if I would make you sport with a leap I am too well informed of your villany and if you get you not packing the sooner I will quicly take your head from your shoulders to revenge an infinite number of good Knights which you have betrayed under colour of giving them fair entertainment What said she stepping in again do you threaten me in mine own house Come come my masters cut me this rascall in pieces and revenge me of his insolence Herewith Alcidamant being in the Castle yard heard a great noise and saw thirty armed men come forth who suddenly incompassed him about and endeavoured to smite him to the ground but this incomparable warrior nothing amazed set upon them so furiously that at three strokes he laid three of them stretch'd along upon the earth and pressing in amongst the rest he cut off the arm of one and the leg of another cleft the third to the teeth divided the body of the fourth in two pieces and made so great a slaughter that his very enemies wondered at it and came no more neer him but in fear which so incensed the Mistris of the house that opening an iron door she let forth two Serpents of twenty foot in length and twelve in heighth and of such an horrible shape that they would have daunted the most assured courage of the world These Monsters being at liberty began to run up and down the Court and meeting with those Knights crush'd some of them between their teeth and tore the rest with their claws In the mean time the Knight of the Palms who could hope for no better usage making towards one of them whilst the other was sucking the bloud of those he had slain by good fortune gave him such a thrust in the flank that he sheathed half of his sword within his body which made him so mad that lifting up his tail of ten foot in length he let it flie at the Knight with such violence that he laid him on the ground three strices off and opening his fearfull jaws was like to have swallowed him if retaining his judgement amidst the danger he had not thrust his sword into his throat wherewith he gave him a wound as great as the former and overthrew him dead in the place This blow coming in season the Knight got suddenly up and taking his good sword in hand again which the Serpent in the pangs of death had made him let go he ran presently towards the other and discharged so weighty a blow upon his head that he made him sink to the ground but the scales being hard the blade rebounded in the air as if he had struck upon an anvill with this the Serpent shewing his bloudy teeth came fiercely upon him and put him in such distresse that he was about half an hour shifting sometimes on the one side and then on the other to shun the fury of the beast but thinking that he must either die or instantly vanquish and remembering that he had not found the belly of the other so hard as the scales of this he thrust him into the flank with such fury that his guts came forth with the sword which put him into such a rage that making a number of horrible leaps he filled the air with a most dreadfull noise The Knight judging this to be the stroak of death withdrew aside to prevent further inconvenience and wiping his sword in the grasse thought to have rested himself when it came into his mind that glory is not to be acquired but in the finishing of an enterprise wherfore seeing a great pair of stairs he ran couragiously up and finding a door open entred into a great Hâ—ll where six furious Savages who seemed to uphold the building on their shoulders assaulted him with each of them a massie club in his hand It was then that he was most amazed not imagining that ever he should be able to overcome so many monsters at once but assuming new courage he opposed his left arm and his shield against the fury of some blows of the clubs which they discharged at his head and clasping his sword fast in his hand he gave the first so dangerous a stroak that he opened him even to thâ— very wast This happy blow reviving his forces he began to lay about him on all sides and bare himself so generously that in three howrs he put them all to the sword howbeit so wearied that if the night had not come to give him leave to breath a little he could not have passed on to undertake any further combat Remaining then somewhat amazed in the dark he stood leaning a while upon the pomell of his sword but hearing no stir in the Hall he sate him down upon the pavement where the pains he had taken would have invited him to sleep but thinking it not safe to rest in so dangerous a place he continued as a man that looks every minute to be assailed by his enemy Having been three howrs and more in this estate he beheld five or six damsels come in with each of them a torch in her hand whereof one which seemed to be Claristea said unto him How now dear heart can you be so neer me and never desire to see me truly I have great cause to complain of you and to say that all my caresses have been very ill imploid Pardon me Madam said he rising up Ignorance must excuse my fault for to tell you true I thought you to be rather in France then heer We have been taken said she by a Magician and are so restrained that we shall never get hence if
you do not give us the Ring wherwith you undid the enchantments of Narsander Be assured Madam said he then remembring the damsels advertisement that I will deliver you if I can but it may not be this way for if the Ring were once off from my finger we were in danger to abide heer till Doomsday Out upon thee base fellow said she dost thou refuse me so small a matter having given thee all thy death shall revenge this ingratitude With that those damsels seemed to be so many fantosms who with their torches laid such heavy blows upon Alcidamant that he was much troubled but that which troubled him and vexed him was that he felt his armor as hot as if it had newly come out of the forge not knowing then what to do he whirled about his sword and defended himself the best he could but all his addresse was in vain his force served to no purpose and he had no hope but in his courage which carried him skirmishing all the length of the Hall to the door where those damsels went out before the which as he was taking new counsell a great Giant presented himself who striking him on the shoulder with his club made him fall on his hands to the ground but he quickly got up again and with his sword discharged so furious a blow on the Giants shield that he parted it in two giving him a great gash in the arm The combat growing very fierce all the Castle rang with the violence of their stroaks Alcidamant made use of his skill with judgement the Giant emploied his strength If the one struck the other had his answer ready each of them redoubted the blows of his enemy and though the torches of the fantosms who had ranged themselves round about the Hall had given no light yet the fire which flew out of their helmets was able to make them see where to place their blows This terrible combat having endured above two howrs Alciadmant who was displeased with so long a delay took his sword in both his hands and let it descend with such fury that he had cleft him to the shoulders if it had fallen according to the Knights intention but turning in his hand and striking but with the flat it broke in five or six pecces to the extream discontentment of Alcidamant neverthelesse the stroak was so violent that it overthrew the Giant to the ground in a swown The Knight who desired to make use of occasion seeing his enemy senceles went to disarm his head and with his own sword to separate it from the body when as those fantosms came about him with much more noise and din then before The Knight stood amazed at this charge and thought himself now lost having not wherewithall to defend him howbeit casting his eie all about as if he would seek for some place of refuge he espied a tomb raised in the midst of a chamber which shewed it self on the left hand wherupon there lay a yong gentleman thrust thorow with a sword therichest one of them in the world now finding himself opprest by those furies which would not let him rest he went couragiously in and laying hold on that fair sword he drew it forth without any difficulty at all which gave him such content that immediatly he returned into the Hall and would have run in again amongst those fantosms but they presently vanished as fearing the keenesse of that rich steel which Alcidamant seeing turned to the Giant being yet in a trance disarmâ—d his head and was going to dispatch him when as the gentleman whom he had left lying upon the tomb approaching to him took hold of his arm and intreated him to spare him for his sake Truly said Alcidamant wondring much at his beauty I am sorry that he is not as I fear capable of so small a grace your merit being worthy of a far greater I humbly thank you said the gentleman for I am confident he is not dead and that shortly we shall see him thorowly recovered But Sir since you have granted me one boon I beseech you refuse me not another That will I not said Alcidamant for there is nothing in my power which is not at your command These Sir said he are powerfull obligations now what my further request unto you is I will let you understand when you have rested your self a little in my chamber whilst I give order for the recovery of this Knight who kept me not heer but with an intent to oblige me although his first resolution was to take away my life Do what you please said Alcidamant and I shall gladly second you in so charitable an office Then giving the Giant air he revived presently and rising up humbly excused himself to the Knight of the Palms whom he advised to unarm the better to refresh himself but he would not by any means yeeld to it till the arrivall of the damsell which accompanied him and that she should authorize him thereunto by assuring him there was nothing further to be feared Having at length then unarmed himself but not willing to go to bed because it was yet fair day light the Giant was intreated to set at liberty all such as were imprisoned in the Castle which being done there came forth above fowrscore Knights who wondring at the horrible slaughter they beheld in the Court as well of the men as of the serpents whose deformity they admired presented themselves before the Knight of the Palms no lesse taken with his goodly presence then with his unmatchable valour in so tender yeers and besought him since they had their liberty by his means that he would be pleased to command them something I will not dispose of you otherwise answered he but if you will take the pains to passe by Constantinople when you go hence and present your selves on my part to the fair Queen of France you shall do me a singular pleasure Heerwith fowr yong Knights stept forth one of the which said unto him Valiant Sir I do not know what acquaintance you have with that Princesse but you have this day more obliged her then you think for having delivered her nephew there called Persides son to the excellent Emperour of the Persians Don Râ—gell these two Princes Russian of Media and Prigmaleâ—n Emperour of the Aethiopians and in particular my self who am her grandchild Truly gentlemen said Aleidamant bowing himself down for to kisse their hands and wondring to see them so bravely accomplished I am more glad of your safety then of the glory I have acquired by this adventure and should be very sorry to injoin you so long a voiage knowing well that your designs are all warlike and that you would not willingly return to your friends because you would not be diverted from your enterprises I will lay this charge upon some other and do earnestly intreat you to command me something out of this assurance that I am a Knight wholly devoted to your service
his head in the dust Animated with this lucky stroak he suddenly turned the point of his sword against the first that had hold of his shield and thrust it so strongly into his belly that he sent him dead to the ground with exceeding content to see himself so soon delivered from two such mighty enemies Seeing the grot then open and free he would willingly have entred in without further delay for to have seen Argenia and Clidor but fearing he should meet there with some new occasion to employ his sword he sat him down upon a stone to take a little breath howbeit the cries of these Lovers which he heard not permitting him to stay long he rose up for to go in and deliver them when as he beheld three dreadfull Giants who held seven damsels tied with cords calling to mind then that these were those cruell men which made so great a massacre of all the women that fell into their hands he came presently to his horse got up took his lance and approaching to Orfuron so was the great lover of Argenia called he said unto him Wicked monster whither leadest thou these damsels Set them instantly at liberty or defend thy self O Gods said the Giant what do I hear One man alone dares threaten me and will have me give him an account of my actions Come vile creature and receive the reward of thy temerity with that he charged his lance and encountred Rozalmond so furiously in the midst of the course that he made him bow to the crupper of his horse tumbling on the ground himself with a great wound in his side The other two seeing their brother in this plight presently advanced and surprising the Knight before he could finish his course discharged two such dangerous blows upon him that with the amazement he was in by the incounter of the lance he was like to have quit his saddle neverthelesse comming speedily to himself again he re-setled him in his seat far more furious then a Tyger that hath lost her whelps and drawing out his sword he struck the first that presented himself before him so cruell a blow that he cut off above half his left arm and being about to redouble upon the other he was charged by Orfurâ—n in so dangerous a maner with a great and heavy mace that he was constrained to knock his chin against his breast heerupon his horse as if he had been able to conceive that such another blow would have ranked him amongst the number of the dead carrying him away saved him from the fury of a merciles sword which was falling upon him and having esloigned him from his enemies gave him time to come to himself being well recollected then and trembling with choler and rage he set spurs to his horse and comming to Orfurâ—n he discharged with such violence upon his head that he divided him to the waste sending him dead to the ground with no lesse noise then if a towr had been overthrown by lightning to the very foundation This dreadfull blow amazed the other Giants but fury succeeding instantly to fear they approached him being carried by dispair and began to presse him harder then ever he had been in all his life He was wonderfully troubled in receiving the blows of the one upon his shield and warding himself from the others curtelax managing occasions and time with such judgement that the bravest Knights of the earth would no doubt have admired his fight but thinking that the length of the combat might prove dangerous although he saw his enemies bloud appearing on every part of their bodies he resolved to put all in hazard wherfore taking his sword in both his hands he struck one of them in such a terrible maner that he cut his body just in twain the one half tumbling down on the grasse and the other remaining in the saddle This horrible stroak possessing him that had no longer use of his left arm with extream fear he would have saved himself in the grot but Rozalmond alighting gave his horse unto the damsels to hold who all this while had been upon their knees invoking heaven for his good successe and got in as soon as he where he was much amazed to behold Argenia and Clidor giving over scourging one another and with their whips laying upon the Giant who appeared then to be naked without arms or cloths and never offering to resist He stood still a while taking pleasure in this sight but not to lose time and fearing to be overtaken with the night in that place he went to the Lovers pluckt the whips out of their hands and threw them out at the mouth of the cavâ— which was no sooner done but a great clap of thunder and lightning fell upon the grot beat the Giant in peeces broke asunder the inchantment and made the poor wretches understand how ill they had used one another by the power of charms Their love nevertheles continuing in the same state it 〈◊〉 in before Argenia desired Clidor to forgive her the wrong she had done him Clidor besought his Love to forget his cruelty towards her and both kneeling down before Rozalmond made those acknowledgements which were due to his assistance I should not endure you said he to the fairest Argenia in regard of your ingratitude to Meleander so was the Hermit named that had entertained him did I not consider the power of Love who absolutely disposeth of our hearts but since it was his pleasure you should commit this fault I will pardon you upon condition that Clidor shall render those favours legitimate which he shall receive from you heerafter It is that which I most desire in the world answered Clidor and even now I plight her my faith referring the consummation therof till such time as we shall be healed of our hurts in the mean space if you please to command us any thing my Lord we will most gladly obey you in some sort to acquite us of the obligation wherein we stand so deeply ingaged to your valour I should be very well contented said he that you would take the pains to go unto Constantinople with certain damsels which are without and present your selves on my behalf to the Empresse Richarda recounting the successe of your adventures together with that which hath past in this grot since my arrivall These Lovers finding honour in this request promised not to fail therein and going forth after they had put on their clothes were very much abashed at the slaughter which they saw without the grot The greatnes of the Lions the two horrible blows wherewithall the Giants were slain and above threescore heads a number of arms and legs cut off from Knights that no man living had seen no not Rozalmond himself who had made this massacre upon the resistance he had met with at the pillars as you have heard before made them admire the rare valour of so incomparable a Knight who addressing himself to the damsels desired
them to accompany these Lovers to Constantinople which they willingly undertook as they that were bound to publish unto all the world the grace they had received in his succour Taking the way then which would bring them thither they lef Rozalmond who returned to Melâ—anders Hâ—rinitage and related unto him all that past concerning the adventure of the grot for the which he could never commend him enough though he were somwhat discontented to hear that Argenia and Clidor were to live happily in the sweet fruition of one another CHAP. XXVII Clidor and Argenia arrive at Constantinople just at the same time when as the Knights senâ— by Alcâ—damant from the Castle of the Serpents came thâ—ther The mâ—rvellous contentment which those messages brought to the Princes of Greece CLidor and Argenia exceedingly desirous to see themselves in the liberty of their caresses used incredible speed to get to Constantinople and even then the steepls and towrs of that stately City appeared unto them when as they encountred thâ—ee Knights riding along with two covered chariots who beholding so many damsels with one unarmed man approached unto them and having saluted them with respect curteously entreated them to let them know whither they were bound To seek out the Princes of Greece answered one and acquaint them with the wonders which a Knight hath performed in the deliverance of these Lovers pointing to Clidor and Argenia whom ill fortune detained inchanted in a Cave which for that cause is to this day called The Lovers grot Will you be pleased said the Knight to render the way lâ—sse tedious by the recitâ—ll of this adventure Truly I am sorry answereâ— she that I am not able to satâ—sfiâ— your desire for having in charge to addresse my self only unto the beautifull Princesse of the Parthians I should think I did greâ—tly amisse if I should communicate it unto any other but if you be so desirous to hear it as you seem to be go with us to Constantinople and there you shall be fully satisfied Most willingly said he will I accompany you thither for indeed I have likewise in charge to wait upon not the Eâ—presse of the Parthians but the excellent Queen of France from a Knight who not long since hath done such marvellous acts as are of power to make him live for ever Why this is as it should be said the damsell for I shall have part in the content which you will bring to these Princes and you shall have your desire in the knowledge of those memorable things which the Knight of whom I spake to you of hath lately actâ—d come then let us make a little more haste that we may present our selves unto them before they rise from the Table Wherupon putting their horses to it they arrived not long after at the City went unto the palâ—ce and entred into the Hall where the presence of so many Princes and beautifull Ladies amazed them at the first but desiring to acquit themselves worthily of their charge they advanced forward and kneeling all down demanded at one instant for the fair Empresse of the Parthians and the beauteous Queen of France We cannot hear you all together said Florisel seeing you come upon severall occasions Speak damsell said he looking upon Argenia relate unto the Empresse of the Parthians the cause of your comming and then we will give the like audience unto these Knights Sovereign Princesse said Argenia then kissing Richarda's delicate hands the Knight of the Roses then whom I do not think there is a more valiant under heaven hath commanded me to wait upon you for to acquaint you with his glory and my fortunes which truly rather deserve pity then that you should inflict any new punishment upon me for that I did not acknowledge as I ought the affection of a Lord to whom I was greatly obliged Beginning then the discourse of her love with Meleander she delivered at large the good offices which she had received from his assistance protested that she had a full intention to recompence him with what was most dear unto her had she not been constrained by a sovereing power to love Clidor whose passions were no lesse violent then Meleanders spoke of her incounter with Orfuron of the subtlety which she used to get out of his hands of the revenge which he took of his disdain and falling upon her deliverance concluded with the praises of Rozalmond whom she placed in the highest degree of glory particularizing his combats against the invisible Knights the Lions and the Giants not forgetting the horrible blows which she had seen and discoursed in such sort for the advantage of this warriour that she made the Princes of Greece amazed and possessed them with an extream desire to know him better I should blame your ingratitude and bemone Meleander said the Empresse Richarda if I did not think him wise enough to lay this fault upon Love but knowing well that none can dispose of their will when that proud tirant of our minds holds them ingaged I will not ordain you any further penance then that which you suffered in the grot and for this Knights sake whom I know not and to whom I am much obliged without any desert at all I remit you to the rights of your freedome and do counsell you to follow the advice which he hath given you for the consummation of your mariage Madam answered Clidor That is it we desire and to effect the which we humbly receive that liberty your Majesty hath been so graciously pleased to grant us with a protestation to publish unto every one both your vertues and the acts of that most renowned Knight of the Roses Saying thus he bowed himself even to the ground for to kisse her hands and so gave place to the Knights that were to speak unto the Infanta Fortuna whereof one began for the rest and said Mighty Queen of France I acknowledge that Argenia's discourse hath given great content to this excellent presence and that the valour of that famous Knight whose praises she hath worthily published doth deserve one of the chiefest ranks amongst the best Knights of the world but I am addressed unto you by the commandement of another no lesse generous and valiant and that a few daies since hath done miracles able to astonish the whole earth and to fill this Court with all the joy that can be expected from good news He câ—me lately to the Castle of Serpents wherof it may be you have heard Yes answered Lucendus we understand that it is one of the most dangerous houses in the World Questionles there was reason to say so three weeks since said the Knight but the custome is well changed since that unmatchable Knight came thither Being neer to that Castle as I said before he met with two Squires that lamented the losse of fowr excellent Knights whom they had seen fall into certain fosses made of purpose to entrap such as came that way He was sensible of their
Lucendus and Spheramond desiring them to part and become friends for his sake but their rage being uncapable of reason they made as though they did not hear him intreating one another more cruelly then before howbeit considering that at length they should be obliged to yeeld unto him they stood up in their stirrups and taking their swords in both their hands they discharged them both at one time with such wonderfull fury that they overthrew one another to the ground at the same instant giving great appearance of death in their fall This accident infinitely displeased the Princes of Greece who held the losse of those Knights to be irrepairable and therefore went in all haste to succour them Spheramond to the Knight of the Roses unto whom he bore a particular inclination not knowing wherefore Lucendus to him of the Palms unto whom he thought he was obliged when as a damsell appeared amongst them that addressing her self unto Spheramond said thus unto him Excellent Prince you do well to seek the safety of this Knight for â—â—deed he is your son cause him presently to be caried in and use all meaâ—â— necessary to bring him to himself again I le take care for the other and wilâ— render him ere it be long in as good case to fight as ever he was Gentlewoman said Spheramond much amazed to hear that he held his son Rozalmond in his arms give us I beseech you the same remedy which you have promised to that Knight His vertue deserves it said she and therefore I may not deny you anoint his face and wounds with that which you shall find heer said she giving him a little glasse viall and then let time work Saying thus she caused Alcidamant to be laid upon a blanket which two Dwarfs carried between them who retiring out of the prease went with him towards the wood and entred into a shepherds cottage where she looked so carefully to him that within two howrs he came to himself again but so infinitely grieved in that he had not vanquished his enemy for he did not know that he was in as bad a state as himself that it is likely he would have advanced his own death had not the damsell assured him of the truth Suffering himself then to be drest he sâ—ept till the next day when he found himself perfectly healed and as able to ride as ever he was which so amazed him that if he had not certainly remembred his former actions he might well have been perswaded that all had been but a dream This while some of the Princes of Greece were imploied in caressing the brave Knights of the Serpents which were Persides Lucibel and Russian and the rest laboured to bring Rozalmond to himself again who within two howrs being some what recovered and finding himself between a pair of sheets and not knowing how he came there he began to detest his wicked fortune that had not permitted him to triumph over his enemy Shall I live said he with the shame of one vanquished and that which is more shall I dare to appear before Princes which never learnt so base a lesson No I will never survive the losse of mine honour and the glory of the combat which mine adversary hath carried from me Adiâ—u my fairest Armazia thou hast as just cause to abhor such a recreant as he hath reason never to present himself more before thee Whereupon throwing off the cloths he leapt furiously out of bed took his sword which he found lying upon the table and having drawn it forth continued on his speech in this manner It is fit that this blade should deprive me of life which could not take it away from a better Knight then my self howsoever my friends shall know that I did not want courage There with he was running himself upon it when as he perceived his Father comming in unto whom his Squire had discovered this fury His presence staid him and falling on his knees he said Ah Sir Come you to see a wretch that doth not merit the honour to be called your son you have alwaies triumphed over all the enemies that euer have presented themselves before you whereas I could not vanquish one single Knight in the presence of so many Princes that command the Empire of Arms. Oh! what a hell and vexation is this to me and that I might be permitted to revenge upon my self the wrong I do you Son said Spheramond I know not what cause you have to complain but you have this day got more honour by combatting the Knight of the Palms then ever I did by all my past adventures you have not prevailed over your adversary I confâ—sse but he hath no advantage of you and the estate into which you have put him is no lesse pitifull then that wherein you are you were overthrown both at one instant and the Iudges have pronounced your honour to be equall as your forces are alike comfort your self then and without passion which much abates of your judgement consider that the destinies have not promised to let all things succeed according to our desire Rozalmond weighing his fathers reasons understanding that he was not overcome as he imagined was somewhat pacified and returning to his bed promised to afflict himself no further but calling to mind that this Knight had deprived him of the honour of the turnament he conceived such hatred against him that it was a long time before it could be rooted out of his mind so that laying himself to rest with a resolution to be revenged on him and rather to travell over all the World then not to meet with him once again he fell into so sound a sleep that he waked not till eight of the clock the next morning at which time he arose without any pains at all of his wounds that were so well healed as the scars of them were hardly to be discerned whereat all the company exceedingly rejoiced and were resolved to renew their sports in testimony of the content they received at the return of this Prince so valorous in arms if his departure had not prevented them as shall be related by and by CHAP. XXXI Rozalmond departs secretly out of Constantinople to pursue and onâ—e more to combat the Knight of the Palms and the strange adventure that he incountred ROzalmonds displeasure continuing still amidst the caresses which he received all that day from an infinity of Lords and Ladies he withdrew himself somewhat betimes to his chamber where he called to him a yong gentleman the son of the Duke of Arbamont whose carriage and disposition he liked well and said unto him Artander so was he named hast thou any mind to my service Yes more answered the yong gentleman then to any others in the world wherefore my Lord you may absolutely command of me Be secret then said Rozalmond and be sure that I will largely recompence thy services the night favours the resolution I have taken to be gone from hence
reasons he rendred her fearlesse and her hope greater The time which he could stay with her being sweetly past away he retired to his chamber and slept two howrs at the end whereof the Sun growing somewhat high he arose armed himself with his rich armour wherein he seemed a Mars and going to take horse he was told that the forces of the Iland of Silvana amounting to six thousand choyce Knights were arrived New occasions said he then speaking to the Captains that followed him must have new resolutions this supply comes very opportunely and not to let them cool put them presently in battell aray with four thousand of ours the rest shall serve to guard the walls with the inhabitants but be sure to commence no fight till the combat between Fangomadan and me be ended my companion will take care to dispose of you as you should be Herewith the Knight of the Lions being particularly advertised of his designe gave his Lance that he carried in honour to his Squire and letting him go instantly ordained that which was to be done and put ten thousand men in order after he had given notice thereof to Merodiana who being richly attired was already on the walls for to encourage her lover and be judge of his valour I am resolved said she when she was acquainted with the busines in all things to follow the counsell of the valiant Knight of the Palms therefore let his command be executed The Knight of the Lions seeing his men disposed and being very well satisfied with this answer went out to behold the combat of his companion who finding the Giant in the Lists met him so roughly with his Lance that he made him â—lie to the ground himself remaining somewhat astonished with the encounter The Giant seeing himself overthrown contrary to his expectation rose sooner then could be imagined of so huge a masse of flesh and drawing out a great and weighty courtelax struck such furious blows at his enemy that the least of them had been able to have cut him asunder if he had received it but having avoided them with an admirable dexteritie he charged him so bravely both with point and edge that he amazed both the Armies The Giant stormed exceedingly for that he could not fasten one stroke on his adversary and casting a thick smoke out of the visor of his helmet he hindred himself from seeing where to place his blows whereas Alcidamant that fought with judgement spent not a minute unprofitably The first fury of these warriours having endured above two howrs the place was covered with the Giants Arms which went to pieces whensoever the rich sword of his enemy fell upon them the bloud trickled down from three or four parts of his body and that which carried his choller to the highest degree of rage was that his adversaries armour appeared entire Merodiana beheld this combat with strange motions if the Giants courtelax were aloft she feared the violence of it and she rejoyced when she saw it light without effect she considered the valour of her Knight admired his agility in saving himself from his enemies sword wondred at the force of the blows which he gave and above all took extream pleasure in the grace of his fight Am I not very happy said she to her self to enjoy a Knight the bravest of all that live and is it not exceeding glory for me to triumph over him under whom the strongest Giants of the earth are constrained to bow Yes without doubt and I doe not repent the giving of him that which he hath nobly gotten would to God Fangomadan were dispatched out of the way that my content might be perfect I would then embrace this gallant warriour and in despight of detraction declare before all that I love him infinitely Entertaining her selfe with these thoughts she fixed her eyes upon him and perceiving the Giant to be more unweldy and her lover far abler as she conceived then at the beginning of the combat she was transported with excesse of joy This while Alcidamant pursued his advantage charged his enemy more furiously then before and observing that Merodiana beheld him accused himself for being so long defeating a man in the presence of her whose favours had made him most happy Vext then then to see the victory so long disputed he took his sword in both his hands and letting it fall terribly on his enemies shield he so astonished him that he made him reel three or four steps backward whereupon taking his advantage he redoubled such a dangerous blow on his head that he cleft it in twain to the unspeakable contentment of Merodiana and her subjects who seeing the good Knight of the Lions in the head of their troops set forth in good array and following the Conquerour of the Giant who made them way with his sword they fell so furiously upon the enemies amazed with the death of their master that they slew above two thousand at the fiâ—st bout the rest betook themselves instantly to flight where the slaughter was so great that of seventeen thousand there escaped not fully two hundred who got to the Armie of Fangomadans cousin relating unto him the absolute defeature of the other forces with the death of the King which put him into such a rage that drawing all the garrisons out of the strong places which he held into one body of an Army he resolved to affront the Conquerours and in their overthrow revenge the losse of his companions Advancing then whilst the two strangers refreshed themselves with the Armie which commended them to the skies and especially him of the Palms whom they would fain have adored if he would have permitted it he presented himself three dayes after before Alfarta where the fight commencing by light skirmishes grew so hot upon the arrivall of the two invincible warriours who were accompanied with eight hundred horse that they came to a generall battell in the which the army of these new enemies greater by the half then the former were all cut in pieces by the exceeding valour of Alcidamant and his companion who thundring wheresoever they went assured their souldiers made them fight without feare and so terrified their adversaries that they were dead before the swords of these lightnings of warre fell upon them The enemies being in this manner utterly defeated the whole Island reverted to the obedience of the fairest Merodiana who daily found out new entertainments for her lover and having no other care but to please him held her selfe the happiest Princesse of the world CHAP. XLI The Infanta Silvana falls in love with Alcidamant goes from her Iland to Merodiana for to see him and having found him a hunting she enjoyes him by a notable trick THE people breathing now in peace after so many troubles the Companies were discharged and especially those of the Iland of Silvana who giving account to their Mistris of the successe of the war so published the praises of the Knight of
the midst of them advertised them particularly of all that they had to do and taking the way of the City she came thither just as the Emperour was returning out of the Temple from sacrificing to his Gods Howbeit not thinking it fit to present her self unto him any where but in the Palace because she would not play one match without the other she followed fair and softly after him giving the people occasion to laugh for to see her walk between five such ill-favoured creatures and comming to the hall even as Trasiclea entered she presently advanced towards her and kneeling down with tears and sighs she thus began Excellent Princesse I am reduced to that passe as it is not possible for a wretched woman to be more miserable in so much that if I do not finde some assistance of your pity you shall see me cut off the poor remainder of my life heer in your presence and this poniard in my hand shall second the cruelty of my fortune which hath lately deprived me of a son whom I may richly boast to be one of the best Knights of the earth rendering him a prisoner in the hands of a mercilesse Giant that loving the same Mistris which he served to free himself of a rivall purposeth to take away his life if he be not speedily succoured Now the fame which runs of your valour hath induced me to make this addresse unto your greatnesse with an opinion that I shall not be refused No verily said Trasiclea that you shall not for I will serve you most willingly in this extremity Madam said Alcidamant extreamly discontented to see her so resolved I beseech you to pardon me if I say that you promise too lightly I am fitter for travell then you and your divine person is not to be exposed unto hazzard without more occasion Leave the care of this to me and give your subjects the satisfaction of your presence whilst I go and dispatch the affair Why my Knight said she smiling are you not contented with so much glory as you have acquired in the world already but that you would bereave me of this too Let me intreat you to stay heer for to serve the Emperour my father in my stead and because it will not be long ere I return you shall seek to entertain him in the mean time Now by my Crown said the Emperour I am also of his minde daughter and do not hold it fit that you should undertake this enterprise wherein it may be there is more danger then you think for Sir said Drumelia who was very much afraid that her designes should be very much discovered you need not doubt her esloignment her valour exempts you from that and to let you see that I do not venture her person lightly as you imagine I le stay heer my self with you and she shall be conducted by two of these Dwarfs so that in case she return not safely by to morrow with all the contentment you can desire inflict the cruellest punishment you can upon me Trasiclea said unto her father My Lord there are so few occasions of glory presented in these quarters that I cannot without much wrong to mine honour refuse this same therefore permit me I beseech you to depart with your good favour and comfort your self the mean while in the company of this noble Knight of the Palms Well since you will have it so said the Emperour I le no longer oppose your desire but I am in some mistrust I know not wherefore and cannot be perswaded that this voiage will be prosperous Trasiclea having thus obtained leave presently armed herself little regarding the suspition her father had of the enterprise which she imputed rather to the imbecility of his age then to any assured judgement and therefore having cast a thousand looks on her Knight for to bid him tacitely adieu she departed with Cesarina and two of those Dwarfs somewhat troubled for that she had not the company of Alcidamant The displeasure whereof so took up her thoughts that never minding her enterprise she rode on till she came to the wood whereinto the Giants were no sooner entred but they re-assumed their former shape laid two blows with their heavy maces on the head and shoulders of this Princesse who thus surprised fell and kist the ground with little or no memory at all The Giants seeing her in this posture instantly alighted bound her with cords and laying hold on Cesarina that seemed more dead then alive they tied her to the foot of a tree Whilst this Tragedy was framing in the wood a more bloudy one was acted in the City Drumelia thinking Trasiclea sure enough in the hands of these Giants desiring to play her part touched the three Dwarfs with a wand she had in her hand and making them appear with their naturall greatnesse much amazed the assistants especially the Emperour who going to save himself received a blow with a scymiter on his arm which laid him on the ground liker to die then to live Whereupon a great rumour arose in the hall the Courtiers betook them to their swords by Alcidamants example who with his cloak wound about his left arm gave one of the Giants so furious a blow on the shoulder that he opened him to the very girdle and instantly ran one of the other two quite thorow the body the third who made a horrible massacre of the unarmed Knights seeing the fall of his companions in a mighty rage flew at Alcidamant hoping to cut him in pieces but the advised Knight whose judgement was not overcome with fury slipt aside from the blow and losing no time gave him a deep and dangerous wound in the thigh The Giant boyling with choller was not then much sensible of it but a little after advancing his heavy scymiter to discharge it on the Knight and stretching himself upon his feet to render his stroke the stronger he fell all along and carried with him more then half of our Frenchmans cloak who receiving a light hurt on the arm did for all that forbear the taking of his enemies head from his shoulders and suddenly running to the door made stay of Drumelia who beholding the miserable end of her kinsmen would have saved her self By my life said he you old witch you shall not escape me so your head shall answer for Trasiclea's life Say wicked creature Whither hast thou caused her to be conducted What wilt thou not speak No I will be torn in pieces said she before I will discover it her death shall yet make some satisfaction for the King of Dramirs and the inhumane butchery of these his kinsmen What a horrible treason is this said Alcidamant But the horriblenesse of thy punishment shall be answerable to it Whereupon dragging her into the hall he committed her to the custody of certain Knights whom he commanded to look well unto her as they would answer it with the perill of their heads and perceiving the Emperour
the earth seemed to groan under him but desiring to make use of occasion hee gave him so dangerous a blow as he vvent along that he cut off half his tayl though it were vvonderfull big and covered over vvith exceeding hard scails vvhich put him into such an excesse of fury that returning vvith incredible svviftnesse hee seized upon the Knights Shield with his teeth and pulling it easily from him notwithstanding all the resistance hee made to keep it hee scrashed it into a thousand pieces whilst hee trampled it under his feet This generous Warrior that was not capable of fear in the greatest and most evident dangers and that would not have regarded the glory of his enterprises but for the hazard wherwith they were accompanied not losing his judgement in such an extremity suddenly cleared his arm from under one of the Monsters feet and thrusting his sword into his belly ran him up with such force that he entred it even unto the very hilts which made the Monster skip in so violent a manner as hee lighted a dozen paces off to the unspeakable content of ouâ— Knight who neglecting no opportunity speedily got up with a resolution to avoid the like incounters if hee could but that hee was not able to do for the Monster sensible of his hurt flew madly at him without any regard at all of his sword wherwith hee had in vain struck him on the head and getting him in his teeth overthrew him to the ground pierced his armour in five or six places and died all the grasse with his blood Now was the Knight even at the last gaspe being almost stifled with the stinking flames that incessantly issued out of his mouth but the remembrance of his excellent Mistresse infused such strength into him that hee so strugled with the Beast as hee made him let go his hold and at the same instant gave him another thrust in at the throat that reached to his very heart Then it was that this Monster feeling the pangs of death fell to storming and making such horrible cryes that they were heard even to Cardana the Mountain shaking as if it had been strucken with a million of thunderbolts Wherupon the Knight perceiving him breathing forth his last retyred aside for to kneel down and render thanks unto God for so glorious a victory but being exceedingly weakned by the losse of his blood and overcome with the vile sent of the venom which flowed out of the Monster hee fell all along on the ground with little appearance of life in him This while the Shepherd amazed with the strange noyse hee heard was mightily perplexed Amadis his liberality made him desire to go and see in what estate hee was but then again hee was retained by fear so as hee knew not a good while what to resolve on at length his gratitude prevayling hee set spurs to his horse and crossing the wood arrived at the place wher the Monster lay stretched forth and weltring in his blood His horrible figure so terrified him that hee was upon the point of running back again but espying the Knight lying on the grasse a little aside hee lighted instantly and laboured so long that he found the means to open his Helmet for to give him ayr wherupon Amadis came presently to himself at which the poor man was wonderful glad and fain would have unarmed him but unable to do it he thought it best to have speedy recourse to some other mean getting up on his horse then he rode away to the Citie as fast as hee could drive wher alighting at the Court without answering those that demanded of him what hee would have hee went directly to the Emperour who was talking in the Hall amidst his Courtiers of the strange noyse they had heard not conceiving from whence it should proceed and falling on his knees even out of breath hee said unto him Sir I bring you joyfull tydings the Monster of the Mountain of Bears is slain by the valiant stranger that yesterday did such wonders against your people O yee gods said the Emperour rising out of his seat is it possible that so formidable a creature whose fury thousands of men and dreadfull Giants were not able to withstand should be kild by the hand of a mortall man verely this report is scarcely credible Sir answered the Shepherd let me suffer if I tell you an untruth for I saw him quite dead and will conduct you if you please wher that brave Knight lyes still attending the succour of the gods if mans assistance fail him being so dangerously hurt that he cannot live till night if hee be not speedily provided for That shall hee be sure of said the Emperour for so powerfull an obligation must cancel al other offences that hee hath committed against us though I beleeve this combat was undertaken more by necessity then any way to oblige us Nay â—eplied the Shepherd your Majestie may be pleased to give me leave to assure you that hee performed it with a ful resolution to do you service for before he entred the Wood hee commanded mee to tell the Princesse Palmirenna in your Majesties presence that hee went to venture his life to obtain paâ—don for the fault hee had done in drawing his sword against her servants albeit that mischance hapned by their insolencie and much against his mind That do I grant most willingly sayd Palmirenna and seeing his respect to me hath made him so regardlesse of such a danger I shall be as sensible of that good affection as I would have been of his offence Wherfore your Majestie sayd she continuing her speech unto her Father shall do well to command your Chyrurgions away before whil'st we go fair and softly after to behold this miracle The Emperour very well pleased herewith presently dispatched away his Chyrurgions with a great charge to employ the uttermost of their skill for the recovery of the knight and getting into his Daughters Coach he followed them accompanied with all his Nobilitie who could not wonder sufficiently at so prodigious a thing But we will leave them thronging the wayes and striving which should make most haste to behold this redoubted Warriour to whom this succour had been unprofitable if Heaven that reserved him for his glory had not otherwise ordained of him for to deliver what arrived to him after the Shepherds departure Recovering then by little and little he was rysing to unarm himself when he pereceived a Dwarf that sayd unto him Be of good cheer sir this action will bring you more glory than harm it is true that your wounds are very dangerous by reason the Monsters teeth are venemous but I have assured remedies to preserve you and will do that for your recoverie which the experience of the best Chyrurgions in the World would attempt in vaine onely follow me and let us not decline those which come to seek you for I hold it not fit to put you into their hands not in regard of
cogitations of his love for to return unto Amadis This generous Warriour having slept very soundly all the night awaked Just as the Sunne began to appear in the mouth of the cave and feeling no pain of his hurt arose much amazed how it could be possible they should be healed in so short a space A more mighty hand said hee looking upon himself then that of a man hath done this miracle nature hath not so great a power noâ— could all the simples of the earth gathered in any season whatsoever give so sudden a cure to such 〈◊〉 wounds Cassandra certainly hath doâ—e it and the Dwarf that conducted mee hither was one of the creatures which she useth upon her occasions be it as it will I find my self I thank Heaven in cafe to put on my Aâ—â—es But what is that I say am I not commanded never to wear them if I mean to live Ah 〈◊〉 what tears will thy beauty cost me and what pains do I see prepared forâ—â—e if I thus wilfully persist in my affection I cannot come neer thee without danger nor esloign my self from thee without losse of my life what shall I do then to be at rest or what counsell shall I take in so great an extremity Perill hath some hope wheras ther is none in death and apparant losse is ever worse then hazard Recourse must therfore be had to that which is least to be feared I will see Paâ—mireâ—na and rather meet with destruction then misse the favour which I must expect from her pitty This resolution carrying him out of the grot with his sword by his side and beginning to enter into the way that leads to the Citie he perceived something floting on the sea and making to the shore This object arresting him a while hee streight perceived a little wooden Coffer cast on land covered with fear-cloath and a woman upon it stifled with the waves whence judging it to be some of the relicks of the former dayes shipwrack he drew away the body with a purpose to bury it and render that last duty unto her being dead but desiring first to see what was in the Coffer hee cut the cords asunder with his sword and having very easily broken it up hee found in it a Gown of green Velvet whose ground vvas silver an Head-tyre of the Greek fashion with a number of pretty knacks belonging to vvomen his curiosity but little satisfied vvith this incounter hee took the corps and meeting vvith a pit made by nature hee laid her in it and covered her vvith a little earth that done hee turned again towards the Citie the remembrance of Palmirenna possessing him with an extream desire to see her and began to walk along still casting with himself what course hee might take to have a sight of her without being known after much musing hee resolved at last to disguise himself whereupon calling to mind the Gown hee had left behind him he presently turned back and said Is it not with reason that Lovers are said to be blind Fortune presented me with assured means to free me from the care I am in yet I neglected them and did not conceive they were usefull for my purpose this is that taking up the Coffer in his arms and carrying it into the grot wher hee had lain this is that shall ease mee of my pain I have no hair on my face nor is it much to be misliked so that having this Gown and tire on I may easily passe for a woman Saying so hee stript himself out of his clothes put on the green velvet Gown fitted his hair under the tyre with the assistance of a glasse and admitting nothing that might serve to set forth a beauty tricked up himself so neatly as hee might well have been in love with his own form had hee not been so with Palâ—irenna Being perswaded then and not vainly that he was very handsome in this habit hee hoped to see a good issue of his design and thought it long till hee was in the Citie that hee might be conducted to his Lady but not knowing how that might be effected he began to be troubled anew howbeit remembâ—ing the Dwarfs advise he resolved to leave all unto fortune wherefore wrapping up his sword which hee very much esteemed of in some linnen clothes hee buried it in a corner of the grot under a little earth to the end hee might find it there again upon occasion that done and little caring for the rest of his Armes hee left the grot and taking the most beaten way hee walked on still thinking how hee might make use of his disguise wherupon fortune being more favourable to him then hee expected hee heard some comming whom hee made shew as though hee would shun but desiring nothing more then to fall into their hands hee suffered himself to be seen and then suddenly retiring under the trees seemed to be much afraid of those hee saw which were about some six who setting spurs to their horses came up presently to him wher he was Beautious stranger said one of them that was formost and that marvelled very much to behold so rare a creature be not afraid here are none but such as are wholly devoted to your service be therefore pleased to declare what occasion hath brought you hither No other alas said hee shedding some tears the better to beguile them but my evill fortune for departing from the Empire of Greece for to go unto Sicilia to the Nuptials of a sister of mine who was to be wedded to the Viceroy there I was carried by the violence of a most furious tempest into this coast wher not farre from hence our Ship ran against a Rock and was cast away with all that were in her as I beleeve my miserable self excepted who am reserved I fear for greater misfortune You are to hope better answered this Barbarian for the Gods have not preserved you but for happier ends as shall soon be made good unto you if you can but love me as I affect you Now by my life said one of the others whose heart was as deeply wounded as his shee would shew but little judgement to preferre your affection before mine that loves her more and hath greater credit and authority to assist her then you At thesewords the first giving him a furious look they both drew out their swords and seconded by their companions who instantly sided with them they charged one another so hotly that in a quarter of an houre four of them were laid on the ground to the great contentment of Corazinda so had Amadis then named himself who stepping in between the other two desired them to become friends and to tell him the name of the countrey Fair Nymph answered the one you are in the Empire of Martaria commanded by the best Prince of the world Lead me to him then said she and not hazarding your lives for so worthless a subject share that recompence between you which
a shore with above fiftie thousand men maugâ—â— the resistance of their eneâ—iâ—â— they fell in amongst them making no less a slaughter then famished Wolveâ— doe amidst a â—â—ock of shâ—ep Howbeit this 〈◊〉 lasted noâ— long for Câ—â—â—ziâ—dâ— accompanyed with two Gyants â—lew upon them and meeting Arastrâ—n first she discharged so mighty a blow upon his Helmet as she made him reele again hurting him dangerously on the head wherwith the Pagan who was one of the proudest men in the world became so furious that advancing his Sword he let it descend with such a tempest on our Warrioâ—â—◠〈◊〉 â—s it cut off a good cantle of it and made a shrewd gash in his â—â—me on the other side the redoubted Soldan of Aralafia and Rifantes fought wiâ—h the Gyants as bravely In the mean season the whole fleet landed and the noyse increased in such sort as all the coast resounded therewith the Gyants cut all in pâ—â—ces Floridan and the Prince of France seemed to be thunder 〈◊〉 the Souldiers animated by their Captaines example some fell in the 〈◊〉 some on the earth briefly all was in confusion and the Sea shore was so covered with dead bodies that those which landed last could hardly pass for them Corazinda having a mightie opposite shewed all her skill but Arastron combatted so well that she had in everything her answer Brizardan and Rifantes were almost mad that they could not succouâ— their men and especially the valiant Souldan not enduring to be arrested so took his sword in both his hands and therwith struck his enemy so terâ—ibly as hee divided his head in twain from thence beholding Arastron to staggeâ— with a dreadfull blow which Corazinda had discharged on his Helmet hee smote her so dangerously on the shield that he made her bend with her knees to the ground where Rifantes having likewise dispatched his Gyant charged her at the very same instant with such violence as she was forced to save her self upon both her hands with very great jeopardie of her life nevertheless rising again with more rage then amazement shee went and gave the Souldan so huge a blow that she sent him to the â—arth with a great wound in the shoulder and so astomished that he quite lost the fight of the Sun and carryed with the same furie she had undoubtedly made an end of Rifantes had not the proud Arastron arrested the force of her blow with his shield which was cut in two peeces But this mighty Pagan much incensed to meet with one able to put his life in hazard so redoubled his strokes that accompanyed with Rifantes and Brizardan who was got up again and in the highest degree of rage Corazinda questionless had been much indangered had not those two brave Champions Floridan and Lucibel glorious by the death of certain Gyants by them defeated arrived in good time for her These two Princes seeing the evill plight Amadis was in being on his knees with three dreadfull blowes received all at once instantly discharged with such furie on Rifantes and Brizardan that they were constrained to turn head and defend themselves much amazed to meet with men contrary to their expectation strong and valiant enough for to arrest the greatness of their armes In this manner began a Combat between fix incomparable warriours which might have lasted long had noâ— our Christian Princes perceiving their troups in disorder by the valour of the Kings of Filzandria and Corniban with three horrible strokes delivered on their Enemies all at an instant so astonished them that they had leisure to remount upon their horses and set themselves again in the head of their squadrons with such a ruine of those they incountred as their people resuming new courage spake of nothing less then a retreat how beit these Princes being as advised as valiant put them presently in good order and retyred with them into their Trenches in despight of so many enemies having with incredible paines sustained the furie of those that pursued them This so prudent and couragious a retreat was much admiâ—ed of the enemie which commending the extream valout of the fair Slave and of the two strangers lamented the loss of fourteen thousand men three Gyants and that of the King of Ircassia who was sâ—ain by the hand of the Prince of France nevertheless understanding that their Adversaries fortune was little better and that they had left nine thousand men two Gyants and the Duke of Plemond on the shore they did not much afflict themselves but went and planted their Camp before Cardana resolving to put all to fire and sword especially Arastron Brizardan and Rifantes who being marvellously incensed would have sent a Challenge notwithstanding the danger of their wounds to the three Knights that to their great grief were mightily incensed by every one but the King of Cabilla relying more on these three Warriours then on the rest of his Army would by no means permit them so as they continued keeping of their Beds ten or eleven dayes together during which time our Champions having no less need of rest both sides prepared all things necessarie for the Assault and defence of the Citie whereat the fair Princesses were much troubled but the presence of their Lovers confirming them they shewed more affection then fear principally Archesidella who being acquainted by Amadis of the qualitie of the Prince of France received him likewise for her Husband At length our Warriours perceiving all the field covered with Souldiours ready for the Assault they went and besought the Emperour that nothing might be ordered but by their counsell and presently thereupon caused threescore thousand foot to enter into the Towne which they divided into foure squadrons commanded by the King of Arbales and Miriana of Calizant and of Carderia and then going with three Gyants into their Trenches they drew out thirtie thousand Horse which they equally divided into three bands and so sallying out in three severall parts they left the Kings of Balivan of Merlian and of Grizolia with fourescore thousand to guard the Campe favour their retreat and succour the Town if need were The Enemie approaching the Walls began a most cruell and furious assault the great Soldan of Aralafia Rifantes and the proud Arastron mounted first followed by fiftie thousand men but they were so valiantly opposed by the foure Gyants by the Kings the gentle Knight Tarsander and the forces that were under their command which remained in the Town as the ditches were full of dead bodyes whereat notwithstanding they were so little abashed that it seemed rather to augment their courages in such sort that their followers carryed by their example behaved themselves so manfully as the Citie was in danger to have been forced had not the Faire Slave appeared in the head of ten thousand Horse who entring furiously amidst the enemies troups ran a Gyant quite thorow and thorow overthrew six Knights before she brake her Launce and thundring amongst the rest with her Sword
feet dangerously wounded in the head and Rifantes with a great gash in his arm â—umbled senselesse out of his saddle close by Brizardan who was in no better case These two horrible blows having wrought the effect which our Champions desired they lept presently into their saddles and beholding themselves invironed with four hundred Knights and the Gyant of the cruell Iland a daring man and endued with extream force unto whom the Prince of France opposed his Launce which he had reserved entire they began to charge them with such fury that in lesse then half an hour they had layd thirty at their feet neverthelesse the rest persisting very wilfully they were so followed and charged on every side as their horses being killed under them they were constrayned to alight and present themselves to their enemies who fell down dead as often as they encountred their blades In the meantime the Prince of France being withdrawn a little aside maintained a dreadfull combat with the King of the cruell Iland whose arms were all imbrewed in blood and questionlesse the death of this Colossus had ensued from the choller of this valiant Prince if a dozen of Knights had not charged him so rudely behind that unable to support the fury of an other blow given him by the Gyant at the same instant on his Helmet he was forced to the ground where he lay not long for considering the danger he was in he arose more inraged then a Bull bayted with a Company of dogs and clasping his sword fast in his hand with four stroaks he â—left four of the most confident of the Troop asunder and flying upon the Gyant he ran him into the thigh making him set both his knees to the ground for to save himself which little avayled him for this Prince calling to mind the priâ—e for which he fought gave him such a blow on his shoulder that he opened him to the very wast This while 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 came again to themselves and observing such a horrible Massacre round about them they arose transported with rage and despight and falling upon our Warriours they charged them so furiously with an hundred and fifty Knights that were still left as they covered their bodies all over with wounds but being resolved to sell their lives dearly they grew so enraged by thinking that their deaths would leave then Ladies in the power of these Barbarians as having given Rifantes and 〈◊〉 two dangerous hurts more they cut forty Knights in peices to the strange 〈◊〉 of the Emperour and the King of Cabilla who then arrived with fifty Knights thinking thâ—â— tâ— be rather furies then mortall men But to what end served the courage of their invincible hearts ofering they were to combat an Hydra and that they always met with 〈◊〉 women in the places of them they slew Truly the wonders they did wâ—â—e to no purpose for being so weary that they were scarce able to lift their arms they expected nothing but a glorious death for to crown all their passed labours when as they perceived a Bark make to the land out of the which two gallant Knights suddenly lept a shore marvellously astonished to behold so many bodies extended on the earth by the valour of three men which still resisted the violence of such a remayning multitude These two Warriours which were Flâ—â—â—sbel of the starre Lucibels uncle and the gentle Sestilian Prince of Spaine whom fortune had very oportunely brought thither admyring the vertue of these excellent Knights and not able to endure the continuance of so unequall a combat quickly unsheathed their swords and advancing on fell in so furiously upon those that held these Princes straightly beseiged as they layd six at their feete with the first six blowes that they gave which so revived our Gretians courages as they seemed to re-assume new forces running all three then into the middest of their enemies they performed such feates of armes as appeared even impossible to the beholders insomuch that threescore Knights more past by the edge of their swords Howbeit Brizardan and Rifantes carryed with unspeakeable greife for the ravishing away of their Ladies and the little satisfaction they could hope for of it having taken some breath made towards them afresh accompanied which Brustafard and fiftie Knights that came newly from the Citie and renewed their assault with such rage that it was a prodigious matter to see five men endure so much who nothing fayling in courage were not withstanding so weary as unably longer to subsist they were resolved to dye a thousand times over rather then shew the least jot of fear or faint heartednes but desiring to doe something now at the last cast Amadis displayed all his force and discharged such a terrible blow on Rifantes head that he clove him downe to the shoulders to the unexpressable greife of the King of Cabilla his father that beheld it Floridan and Lucibel had the same designe upon the Soldan and Brustufard howbeit their arms wanting vigor their blowes wrought not the effect they desired but contrarily finding themselves charged on every side by a multitude of Knights they were compelled to set their knees to the ground where as well as they could they defended themselves a good while as in the like manner did Florisbel and Sestilian that were â—carceable to wagge Amadis alone stood on his feete so transported with fury to behold his kinsmen in that lamentable plight but much more to be the cause of his Mistresse death who stayed but to see him fall for to cast her selfe into the Sea that laying desperately about him hee was even ready to fall into the same ease his companions were in when as two brave war like Knights arrived whereof the one carryed a Salvage pourtrayed on his sheild wherby you may guesse that it was the redoubted Griaâ— the Salvage and the beautifull Bradimande his Lady who had acquired such renowne in the world as their incomparable valor was every where spoken of This mighty and valiant Champion ravished which admiration at the â—ight of foure hundred men and two gyants massacred by the sole valor of five knights beleived that heaven had brought him thither for their assistance so that furiouslie setting spurâ—es to his horse hee addressed himselfe against Brustafard upon whom hee discharged his sword which such violence that hee devided his body in two peices to the great astonishment of our Christian Princes who possest which more courage then strength rose instantly up and as if they had done nothing all that day charged their enemies afresh who terrified which this new succor betooke them all to flight Brizardan onely excepted that careles of his life since hee had lost the hope of enioying Amplamira went and with all his force struck Brandimanda so furiously on the helmet that hee overthrew her from her Horse to the ground shedding great abundance of bloud out of all the passages of her head which put Grian into such a rage as he
extreame discontent of Armorand and the gallant Crisander who suddanly charging him made him recoyle two or three steps back wherwith he was so incensed that with his two first blowes he overthrew them both on the floor That done he advanced towards the stayres and no whit dismayed either with the Serpents fearfull hissing or the dreadfull howling of the Monster which made at him with horrible rage he went to incounter them and began one of the most terrible combats that ever was seen He sustained 〈◊〉 incredible courage the blowes which the Monsters cutting hatchet layd off his shield his Curtelas was alwayes deseending on the Serpent and finding himselfe so shrewdly prest by two such mighty enemies hee fought with such unreasonable furie as made all the houses round about to shake This bâ—ckering having lasted almost two houres the Monster advanced his mighty arms and discharging a thundring blow at the head of Gorgophon the combat without doubt had been terminated if warily observing the comming of this tempest he had not lightly slipt aside letting that dangerous steele enter into the earth which flying out of the Monsters hands he fell down instantly thereupon altogether without vigiouror force whereat Gorgophon was exceeding glad for thinking he had then no more to deale withall save that huge Serpent he valiantly opposed his shield to him but he presently saw a Knight descend covered all over with fire who giving him a cruell blow on the head made him set his hands to the ground and straight way redoubling another on his cuirace layd him all along on the earth from whence he was suddenly carryed not knowing by whom beyond the outer gate of the Palace Hereat when he came againe to himselfe he was so mad that he made a vow never to depart out of the Island before he saw the end of the adventure and because said he full of rage and despight that the destinyes have not reserved it for me I will combat first with all such as shall present themselves to prove it Wherupon he caused Armazia and her cousin to be put into a little tower which was hard by the Gate under the guard of the Gyant that accompanyed him and compelling those of Agricant to set him up a rich Tent he lodged himself therin protesting anew not to suffer any to trye the adventure before they had combatted with him whence it came to passe that being endued with extream forces he vanquished in the space of a moneth above fortie Knights which came from all parts thither But let us give him time to fill the world with the renown of his valour and to garnish the walls of Armazia's Tower with shields whilst we discourse a little of Rozalmond CHAP. XXVIII Rozalmond arrives in Martaria undoes the Inchantment of the Crystall Tower delivers Amadis Floridan and Lucibel with their Mistresses they are afterwards driven into Câ—rolâ—ndaya and prove the adventure of Adelazia's Martyrdome FOrtune doth ordinarily crosse the designes of men Rozalmond having left Alciâ—â—mants Hermitage with a resolution to goe unto Tramazond sayled for two daies together with a prosperous gale but but upon the appearing of the third the wind grew high and so contrary as the Marriners were constrained to turn their sayles and comply with it Being carryed then by the ordinance of heaven he continued a whole weeke and better in some danger of shipwrack but at the end therof the rage of the Sea being wel allayed he came to coast along by the Isle Du-bois in the Empire of Martaria where the Tower of crystall in which Amadis Floridan and Lucibel with their Ladyes were inchanted possessing him with a marvellous desire to know what it was he caused himself to be landed and going to the place by fortune he found the Emperour newly arrived there with a Pagan Knight who more audacious then strong and valiant was come thither with a purpose to combat the Lyons howbeit his courage that contemned the greatest dangers when he was in a chamber proved so abject at the sight of those furious creatures as he would not so much as touch his sword remonstrating unto the Emperour that to undertake a Combat where death was so assured was nothing els but rashly to cast away his life Which observed by out Warriour that could not choose but laugh at the Pagans boutade he approached to the Tower wherupon beholding written in letters of Gold The Paradise of the Princes of Greece he fixt his eyes attentively upon them and presently knew not Amadis whom he had never seen but Floridan and Lucibel whereat being wonderfully glad he was in doubt whither he should deliver them for to render them again to the world or leave them still in a place so full of blisse neverthelesse considering that a Prince oweth more to his glory then his pleasure he resolved to employ all his strength for to bring this inchantment to an end whereupon he was going to draw out his Sword but desiring first to inform himself of the cause of so sweet a captivitie he returned to the Emperour and setting one knee to the ground he said unto him Great Monarch I could be willing to undertake the finishing of this Inchantment so as your Majestie would be pleased to declare the story of it unto me That were to renew my sorrows answered the Emperour notwithstanding I will satisfie you in few words The Sea that many times brings strange Vessels into these coasts having one day landed two Knights not far from hence they were incountred by some of my men at Arms who more insolent then I would have had them set upon them for to make them my prisoners but being very valiant they defended themselves with such courage as they left thirtie or fortie of them together with two Gyants dead in the place and which is more one of them retyred into a wood thereby in despight of certain troups that came to succour their friends the other who fought unarmed remained behind so wounded that he was fain to be carried to my Palace where I committed him to my Chirurgions care reserving him for a sacrifice to my gods but I quickly fell from that resolution and set him at libertie in acknowledgement of the service his companion did me two dayes after by killing a great and dredfull Monster which spoyled all the Countrey and considering the exceeding valour he had shewed in the combat against my people I began to affect him very much In the mean time I caused the other Knight to be sought after that I might recompence him for so great a benefit howbeit he would never present himself in Arms whether it were that he feared my displeasure or that he had some other design as we have conjectured since but disguising himself in the habit of a woman he caused himself to be brought hither as a slave and to make short being indued with a most rarebeautie he appeared so amiable as my Daughters could not to indure to
boon I shall demand of you Valiant Warriour answered she discovering her face the more civilly to receive his submissions I am very glad that I have freed you from the pain of proceeding farther demand what you please it shall be easily granted you for I will deny your merit nothing wherfore get upon your horse and tell me what it is I must do for you Madam replyed Rozalmond vaulting into his saddle with much wonder at such rare beautie conducted lately by a young Squire to the execution of a very dangerous enterprize I met with a Magician of my acquaintance who stopping me in the midst of my way told me that I travelled in vain and that the end of this adventure would never be seen till such time as the most excellent Knight of the earth be accompanied with the strongest and fairest Lady of the world for the accomplishing of it I am not so vain to presume that the Destenies have made choyce of me for it but withall not distrusting my own forces and knowing that the earth beares not a more valourous and beautifull Princesse then your self I come most humbly to desire you that you will be pleased to assist my courage with yours and undertake with me to surmount the difficulties of this enterprize from whence if any glory redounds it shall be wholly yours if the successe be not such as it should be I will accuse any â—â—â—â—nesse for it Let us go let us go answered shee the danger shall be very great if we fall under it so taking the way Rozalmond directed they travelled five dayes without finding any adventure that might stay them but at the end therof they arrived at a terrible great rock whose bottom was bâ—â—hed with a little stream that ran along under the shadow of a great many fallowes Rozalmond alighted and taking his shield as if hee were going to fight he said unto Trasiclea Madam now is the time to shew our courage this is the place of danger and of our enterprize Herewith Trasiclea forsaking her Horse drew out her sword and following Rozalmond that went formost she came to a Tree at the foot wherof she beheld an Armour covered over with rust Behold Madam said he here it is where our first Combat must be these arms you must vanquish before you can passe further How these arms answered Trasiclea have they any force in them lying in this sort Do but advance Madam replyed Rozalmond and you will meet with greater difficulties then you think for Wherupon Trasiclea imagining that it was some Inchantment approched so neere unto them that she could discern three Palmes in the middest of the shield which so amazed her as she let her Sword drop out of her hand Madam what ayles you said Rozalmond unto her who well enough knew the cause of her distemper Alas answered she with a languishing voyce it was not without reason that you judged the danger of this enterprize to be great take me from hence I beseech you for the sight of these Arms in the state they are in will kill me with griese they belonged to the best Knight of the world whom my rigous without doubt hath layd in his grave but I will not long survive the losse of him and this desart which hides his bones shall be strewed with my ashes Brave Palmes continued she throwing her Helmet on the ground and unbuckling her Armour brave Palmes that never feared the tempest of blowes sustained by a Master so strong tell me if you can what is become of him And thou excellent Sword that foundst no temper hard enough to resist thy fury declare unto me where that mighty arm is which made thee do such wonders Thou makest me remember him but thou canst not represent unto me the grace wherwithall he made thee descend upon his Enemies he hath abandoned thee in these Desarts mine also will I leave with thee and joyn my arms to thine Saying so she layd her Armour by Alcidamants with so many tears and sighes as Rozalmond could not forbear weeping Madam said he unto her you must hope better let us search the Desart peradventure we may find this Knight alive Ah! I fear it answered she howsoever I will omit no means that may be used for to learn the truth therof Wherupon rising up with Rozalmonds help she went as far as the Grot where beholding her Picture erected with such honour shee fell into new complaints O! said she how well doth this testifie the injustice of my anger Alcidamant thou wouldst not have chosen such horrid Desarts for thy dwelling hadst thou not been the loyallest of all Knights living and had not my love been dearer to thee then all things els thou wouldst have been now amidst Mâ—rodiana's caresses or in the imbraces of her Sâ—â—â—er who loves thee no lesse Thou hast preferred my rigour before the pleasures thou mightest have enjoyed with them wherfore I will prefer death before the contentment of life I will dye to satisfie thee and since I could not possesse thee here I will go and present my selfe unto thee in the Eliziaâ— fieldâ— it may be thou wilt not be so cruell as I have been but pardon me and forgetting that thou didst through my default thou wilâ— leâ— our soules joynt though I have heretofore refused our bodyes should do so Herewith she swounâ—d in Rozalmonds arms who running speedily to the broâ—k took some water in his Helmet and sprinckled it so long on her face till she came to her self again Take courage Madam said he unto her and dispair not thus without cause the light which you see burning in this lamp this picture so well preserved and this bread that lyes here are mighty proofes for to perswade you that your Alcidamant lives let us seek him out I beseech you and stand no longer spending of tears in vain we have time enough still to afflict our selves when we are sure of a misfortune therfore we ought not to anticipate our sorrows before their being Your reasons answered she shall make me prolong my life yet a-while go then whither you please and I will follow you Wherupon leaving the Grot they walked towards the trees just at the time when as Alcidamant was returning to sigh according to his custome before the Picture of his Lady This poore Hermit comming softly along in regard of his weaknesse perceiving through the trees the glistering of Rozalmonds Arms knew him straight but seeing a woman in his company with her haire about her ears he was so moved that he began to tremble like the leaves of the boughs under which he was neverthelesse recollecting himself he advanced five or six paces but having discovered the beautifull face of Trasiclea his bloud instantly retyred into his veins and all pale and wan he tumbled in a trance to the ground Trasiclea seeing him fall ran suddenly to succour him and kneeling down for to help him up she was so amazed to see him in that
astonished that he knew not what world he was in and Fulgoran following his example wounded Gorgophon very dangerously in the thigh by which means having very happily the leisure to releeve one of the Cenophales who being unable to withstand an heavy stroak lent him by the Grand Salvage he had fallen at his Horses feet had he not been sustained by him Furiander in the mean time had received a sore hurt on the arm by the other Cenophales These astonishing strokes putting the Pagans into the extremity of rage they addressed themselves again to be revenged threatning no less then death with their tempestuous swords but the Princes who well understood they were accomptable for the people under their charge and that knew the safety of the souldiers consisted in the preservation of their Leaders retyred to their troops leaving the Pagans in dispair of having that revenge upon them they so much hoped for The Christians having thus prudently made their retreat they desired to know the names of the Commanders of the new Army and finding that it was the brave Russian of Media with the beautifull Amazon Brandimanda who departed from Corolandaya by the advice of the wise Vrganda before the others were in the field gave them a million of thanks and especially to Brandimanda whose matchlesse beauty joyned with that invincible prowesse whereof they had so lately experience they could never sufficiently admire then causing the Amazons to be led into a quarter a part and the Souldiers into the trenches they conducted them to the Palace where disarming themselvest they found every one hurt except Russia Brandimanda the valiant Esquilan Cilindor and Leonidas of Mesopotamia who with Alteria was left in the Town if need were to make good the retreat Prigmaleons hurt was on the arm and head Fulgâ—rans on the shoulder the Cenophales in two or three places Grandimore on the left arm by the sword of the proud Gyant Antamedon Perion and the rest in divers parts of the body notwithstanding which they had some cause to rejoyce for the losse the enemy had amounting to the number of threescore and seventeen thousand men three and twenty Gyants and the Kings of Brutaxia and Parmondia as they understood by their Spyes besides those that were hurt in the number wherof were Roussardan Gorgophon the Grand Salvage Furiander Antomedon and the valiant Artogant Soldan of Francapia with a multitude of common Knights But when they bethought themselves of the losse of the gentle Florizartus of Trapobana and of thirty three thousand men that remained dead in the field the greatest part whereof perished rather by the sword of the Gyants than the multitude of the souldiers they could not beleeve that Fortune had much obliged them by the advantage they had gained neverthelesse putting on a brave resolution they comforted themselves with the hope of some other succours and so placing trustie Sentinels in all places requisite they went to refresh themselves with a small repast Afterwards those that had escaped without hurts assembled themselves in Prigmaleon and Fulgorans Chamber who would by no means lye asunder where it was resolved that Russian and Brandimanda with each of them a troope of ten thousand Horse should sally upon the Enemie two houres before day wherupon they went to repose themselves for a while In the mean time Falanzar enraged at the massacre of so many of his men and for the losse of his Kings and Gyants by so small a number environed three parts of the Citie and causing great Trenches to bee cast up and covering the field with his Souldiers for the space of two myles round he promised to himself that he would gain the Walls at the first assault seeing all his Gyants should have now elbow-room to bestir themselves but his opinion deceived him as you shall see in the Chapter following and made him conclude that the end of his enterprize would not prove so feasable as he expected CHAP. XXXIX The brave feats of Arms performed in a Sally by Russian of Media and Brandimanda the furious assault given by the Pagan Princes unto the Town which being reduced to extreamitie is marvellously relieved THis mighty Fleet of the Enemies having gained the Shore the night was almost wholly employed in making of Trenches and setting up Tents and Pavillions so that it being neere that time of the day which chalengeth a kind of securitie over all things the Souldiers annoyed with the Sea wearied with their late travels and importuned by sleep betook themselves all to their rest being confident that the Christians durst not so much as once peep out of their Walls But they like brave spirits who thought there was no glory equall to that which was gotten in the midst of dangers and hating all rest which might be accompanied with disgrace had no other designe than continually to be pulling some feathers out of their enemies Wings whereby they might stop the fury of their flight they rose presently after midnight and arming twenty thousand of their best and lustiest Horses they divided them into two Troups whereof one was commanded by Russian Cilindor and Leonidas the other by Esquilan Brandimanda and the fair Alteria and so sallying out at two severall Ports they advanced softly towards the Pagans till it was break of day which affording them light to discover their Sentinels all asleep they presently cut their throats without any noyse and so falling aboard with the rest who were in no better estate to make resistance they began to commit so great a slaughter that the ground was covered over with dead bodyes before the Alarum was taken in the Camp Russian Cilindor and Leonidas over-runall Souldiers they cut in peeces Knights they cleft down to the shoulders Tents and Pavilions they turned upside down and meeting with little or no opposition they made a strange havock Falanzar Generall of the Pagan army who lodged not far from the place where they first fell on easily hearing the fearfull cryes and groans which came from his men as they were dying rose up immediatly and finding Brufaldar King of Gedrosia Brizardan the redoubted Soldan of Aralafia with Moranteon Soldan of Circassia he gave them thirty thousand men to resist the fury of their enemies whose number he conceived to be fifty thousand at the least and so ran speedily himself thorow all parts of the Camp to put the rest in battell array These three proud Pagans who had not been at the last nights service cheerfully embracing this charge began presently to march forward and being conducted by the noyse which continually encreased they forthwith encountred the Christians and plainly perceiving the smalnesse of their number divided their troups with an intent to environ them and to charge them on every side but those valiant Knights not affording them the leisure to put their Designe in practise broke thorow them with such a tempest that the blood ran along the ground in little rivers which put the incensed
they began to be and caused a multitude of Pioners to sap the wals the Arcofibrats approached with their Elephants and the neerer they advanced the more blood was spilt and the more fell dead to the ground the Elephants being got under the wals they quit their bows and arrows and fell to handy stroaks Their Cymitars lighted with such a weight on our souldiers and the Combat grew so cruell that there was nothing to be heard amongst them but cryes and pittilesse groans which did so encourage the Gyants who met with little or no resistance that three of them adventured to scale the wals in spight of all those that opposed and began to make a terrible massacre amongst the Greeks whose sudden flight giving Russian to understand the extremity of the danger he and Bandimanda ran thither with all speed and encountring these three Colosses the first whereof was Arginassus of the cold Desart he saluted him so rudely on the head with his sword as cleft him down to the shoulders and gave the other such a thrust in the belly as ran him up to the hilts In the mean time Brandimanda animated with the like desire to revenge had made a shift to make a separation between her adversaries head and his body the vast trunks of these three Gyants being taken on the instant and thrown from the wals struck such an amazement into those that followed that their hasty and eager desire of entring the Citie was soon abated In the mean time the Elephants being ranged on the other side and their Castles manned with stout and couragious souldiers there was instantly a bloody encounter but the Christians powring down boyling oyle upon those mighty creatures caused a sudden confusion for as soon as it began to pierce their skins they quitted their stations ranne violently into the body of their troops broke their Battalions and were the cause of the death of above two thousand souldiers Amongst the rest they overthrew Barcandor of the Inhabitable Rock who was in no small danger of being stifled neverthelesse being speedily rescued by his brother he received no other hurt but the astonishment he was in by his fall which rendring him more furious than ever he had bin in his life before hee caused a Ladder to be fetched and being accompanied with the dreadfull Tipheâ—s Bucargant and other Gyants he went to place it with a resolution either to dye or force the wall howbeit perceiving a great peece thereof falling down which buried above foure hundred Knights he quitted his Enterprise and drawing out his great curtelas he and his companions entred the Town together with six thousand Pagans more which began to make so great a slaughter that doubtless all had been lost had not Russian Brandimanda and the brave Polander opportunely come in with ten thousand fresh men who seeing their safety or utter ruin to be then in question At the very first onset they cut off three thousand Knights neverthelesse Tipheus Bucargant Barcandor 〈◊〉 Bultiâ—dâ—r and the other Gyants fought so furiously that they beâ—eâ—t them almost of al hopes of preserving their lives Esquilan being wounded in three or four places Russian in the arme and the thigh and Brandimanda by the force of two cruell stroaks which she received on the head from the hands of Tipheus and Bultendor lying senslesse if not breathlesse on the ground but at the instant Prigmaleon Fulgoran the two Cenophales Grandimore the unknowne Knight Perion Tristor Florian Florestan Abies Quadragant Dardanio Florisel Agrian Armond and Melfort hearing the rumour of it and wel knowing the perill the Town then was in roâ—e presently and with their Armies marched to the place of Combat These seventeen brave Warriours beholding the extremity their friends were in never felt the incommodity of their wounds but set upon the Gyants with such a fury that at the very first encounter they massacred the greatest part of them and now the Christian troops renewing their courage at the presence and valiant example of these renowned Princes made a speedy slaughter of seven or eight thousand men the Gyants themselves being all cut in peeces except Armandor Palamedes Tipheus the two brothers of the Inhabitable Rock and two and twenty others who perswading themselves that they were yet strong enough to take the Town began a fresh charge upon our Christian Princes but their resistance was so brave and couragious as the greatest part of the Pagans ran upon their own deaths Marmaran Sophy of Bultara Tipheus Barcandor and his brother Bucargant being the whole number that remayned alive who considering that policie was no lesse requisite to men of Armes than courage made their retreat with a resolution to bring new forces to the fight and so at length to weary the Christians which presently causing the breach to be repaired and Brandimanda to be carried to the Palace they made haste to the ayd of Cilindor and the faire Alteria that were scarce able to make any longer defence against the violence of Falanzar who yeelding a noble example to the rest of his souldiers with Brufaldor Arastron Alceus and some few others had wel-nigh forced the wals but the comming of these Knights did much abate the fury of the Gyants twelve whereof at their first arrivall fell dead to the earth neverthelesse the wall being very low on that side where Astrurion the mighty Soldan of Brutacan gave the assault they could no longer have made good the Town if on the sudden certain Courriers had not come to advertise Falanzar that above four hundred thousand Christians were newly landed and in array to fal upon their troops Wise men make use of all advice that is given them so Falanzar conceiving that this news did much import the safetie of his Army caused Marmaran presently to retyre from the Walls and joyning his own troups with him they made a body of three hundred thousand men and wheeled about with his forces to the Seaward howbeit not thinking these sufficient he sent unto Marcelian Emperour of Media and to Fierastron to repair thither with two hundred thousand more that had not yet fought and so making in this manner two mighty squadrons they expected to see what resolution their Enemies would take who were commanded by Florisel of Niquea by Rogel Spheramond Alastraxerea and other Christian Princes which were very desirous forth-with to charge the Pagans but Florisel whose valour was well tempered with experience and discretion would by 〈…〉 give way that they should theâ— engage themselves both because the night dâ—â—w on and that they were also wearied with the Sea and especially for that he knew not what condition his friends were in but withall to let them see that what he did was more out of experience then fear he caused his men to advance till they came even under the Walls before which having caused Trenches speedily to be made for the safegard of his souldiers he pitched his Tents and Pavilions during which time
Horse and two hundred thousand Foot without counting those which Prigmaleon had in the Town for the manning of the Wals he divided into four troups each containing seventie thousand Horse and forty thousand Foot the first was commanded by Prigmaleon Fulgâ—an Russian the Cenophales Esquilan Brandimanda and all the young Princes that had been their assistants in the former Combats The second was commanded by Spheramond Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor his Wife Cassiana Amanio of Arestrea the Duke of Laiaze the King of Cataya his Wife Crothea Galard King of the barren Iland with Rozafar and the King of Lacaonia The third was commanded by Don Rogel Lucendus Dâ—rigel Silvan the fair Salvage his Wife the valiant Silverin of the Desart Gadart King of Hungaria Filiard King of Polonia Oriander King of Sardamira his Queen Oronsa Parmenian of Cyprus and Garmantes The fourth by Don Florisel of Niquea with Anaxander King of Dardania Floridan King of Comogena his brother Troilus the renowned Knight of Savoy and twelve young Princes upon whom he had that day conferd the order of Knight-hood with all the magnificent Ceremonies the Camp could afford Every thing being thus ordered every man retyred to visit his Horse and Arms with a command to be in readinesse at break of the day In the mean while the Pagans slept not for knowing of what importance the issue of this battell would be they armed themselves with a resolution to redeem their honour though they paid their bloud for it being advertised of the course the Christians had taken in ranging of their Troups they held it best to observe the same order and not to think of reserving any part perswading themselves that it would be more difficult to rout their troups being united than separated and so they divided their whole Forces consisting of eight hundred thousand into foure Bands The first wherof was commanded by Roussardan the furious King of Grifalara a man of a Gyant-like nature with grifly haire a face covered with black patches an ugly flat nose and ill-fashioned legs but withall so valiant that next to Gorgophon and Bravorant King of Morimont there lived not a braver Pagan upon the whole earth his Associats were Moranteon Souldan of Circassia the grand Salvage Furiander his son Artegant Souldan of Francapia the proud Arastron Gederion King of Arginaria Furcamond King of Martan Aliodorus Torismond Arciles and Teliander all brave Knights with threescore Giants The second by the valiant Marmoran Sophy of Bultara Bravorant Gorgophon Marisgolfus Salander King of Balsandria Polidarchus King of Amazia Giracond King of Toriana Don Margenio Rindar Brandimart threescore Gyants and Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats who would no more make use of his Elephants because in the preceding assault they had occasioned so great a disorder The third by stout Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with the haughty Antomedon Caliph of Francapa Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia Marcelian Emperour of Media Rodomart King of Fortan Asmorian King of the upper Indies Bemond King of Java minor divers other Knights of qualitie and threescore Gyants The fourth was reserved for Falanzar great Emperour and Caliph of Siconia with the King of Russia Anaxamena the valirnt Amazon his Wife Palamedes King of Cassandria Fierastron the redoubted Gyant of Balivan Polecastaleon King of Zeilan Brufaldor King of Gedrozia the dreadfull Tipheus Barcandor Bucargant and threescore Gyants In the mean time Mambrinian King of Fornascia with the Kings of Zamber of Saphotir of Siziphalt and fourscore thousand men guarded the Camp All things being thus resolved upon on both parties the day of Battell was expected which being come to the great content of both the Armies to whom all delay was insupportable the Pagans began to draw their men out of their Trenches much astonished to see themselves prevented of their Enemies who already had possessed themselves of the field and there stood in battell array The first that appeared on the Pagans side was the furious King of Grifalara who marching in a glorious and most magnificent manner under a multitude of Standards whereon were represented two Lyons chained together onely by the force of one hand caused the charge to be sounded At the same instant Prigmaleon who thought no Oration could so animate his Souldiers to behave themselves bravely as to give a sudden testimonie of an undaunted courage gave the Signall to his troups immediatly to joyn most violent was the encounter of these two brave Warriours who saluted each other so boistrously that their Launces bounded into the ayre in a thousand slivers Fulgoran and the Grand Salvage fell to the ground the one hurt on the left arm the other on the brest Russian of Media and the proud Knight Arastron broke their Launces very furiously upon each other and yet past on unmoved like two rocks in the middest of the Sea The two Cenophales and Grandimor running against Furiander Artegant Soldan of Francapia and Moranteon Soldan of Circassia received such an astonishment from each others incounter that all six remained for a long time sensslesse Gedereon King of Arginarea was overthrown by Esquilan Brandimanda passed her Launce thorow the body of a Gyant three other Pagan Knights fell down dead at the feet of Perion Cilindâ—r and the unknown Knight and so many Cavaliers fell to the ground on both sides that the field was full of horses that ran up and down masterlesse Launces were broken in pieces sword blades flew into the ayre and the Battell waxed so hot that the dust was all tempered with bloud Roussardan the Grand Salvage and the proud knight Araston cut down all they met withall making head and arms fly about which bred such fear in the Enemies as they were no lesse terrible to them than thunderbolts On the other side Prigmaleon Fulgoran Russian Brandimanda Esquilan and the two Cenophales who disdaining to employ their Swords upon common persons charged the vastest Gyants with so great a furie that in an instant three and twenty of them lay breathlesse on the earth when as Arastron Roussardan and the Grand Salvage marching in the Front like so many torrents sweeping all before them let fly with such a violence upon Quadragant Agrion of Scotland and Dardanio that they cleft them all three down to the teeth and seeing that Prigmaleon Russian and Fulgoran having dispatched the mighty Brucalan with Arbadan and Pandarus his Brothers by the force of three terrible stroaks which sent them dead to the ground had made way into their Troups massacring all without mercy that gave them any opposition in great rage they clapped spurs to their horses and making towards these three Knights they discharged three such dangerous blows upon them that had not their Arms been of the best in the world they had without doubt added them to the number of the dead neverthelesse these rough salutations that humbled their chins to their saddle bowes did nothing els but incite them to a sudden requitall which they returned so bravely as there was
little cause left them of boasting and so there began the most dangerous Combat that ever man beheld between these six Knights On the one side the Gyants made huge massacres Esquilan Brandimanda Grandimore and the Christian Princes bestird themselves lustily on the other and their brave example made the courage of their men supply what they wanted in number so that above threescore thousand Knights being slain both parts the victory remained as yet doubtfull Wherupon the Pagans impatient of delay caused their second Battalion to advance which being led by Marmaran Sophy of Bultara accompanied with those incomparable Warriours Bravorant king of Morimont Marisgolfus and Gorgophon Collonels of the Gyants gave so fierce an assault upon the Christians first Squadron that they had cut them all in pieces if the Emperour Spheramond had not opportunly opposed their furie By this time the ground was all covered with dead men and the confusion so great and crpes so loude that a thousand claps of thunder would not have been heard amongst them Bravorant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus having addressed their Launces against Galard King of the Barren Ilands Alvida his Wife and the Duke of Laiaret they ran them quite thorow the body and so did in like manner to five or six more before they brake but great was the slaughter they made when as they hod drawn out their great and heavy Fauchions for the Lightning falls not with more violence than did their blows which meeting with no resistance sufficient to oppose them they strewed all the ground with dead bodyes Spheramond having encountred Marmoran Sophy of Bultara they both brake their staves upon each other and so pressing in amongst the multitude they slew as many as had the ill hap to come within their reach Alastraxerea made such havock amongst her enemies that every one fled from her as from some deadly contagion Melindus Clidor and Amiano of Astrea did no lesse wonders But the Enemies were so mighty and Bravorant joyning with Gorgophon made so bloudy a massacre that this second Squadron in spight of the best resistance Spheramond Alastraxerea and the Grecian Princes could make had been utterly routed if Florisel wisely fore-seeing that the flight of those forces might cause a generall ruine of the whole Army had not opportunly given order to the young Cavaliers that he had armed the day before to advance who desirous to season their first undertakings by some memorable testimonie of their valour made so fierce a Sally upon the Gyants that with their Launces they overthrew twelve of them to the ground then laying their hands on their swords they began to do such strange things that the Greekes recovering as it were a new courage gave their enemies so furious a charge as they made them begin to startle nay almost to betake themselves to plain flight Neverthelesse being detayned by the only valour of Braverant Gorgophon and Marisgolfus and the brave Sophy of Bultara who resembled so many furies they continued the fight so stoutly that the blood made large Rivers through the midst of the fields the earth was covered with the bodies of those that were already slain and the ayr filled with the groans of those that were then dying Spheramond wheresoever he passed carried death on his sword Bravorant and Gorgophon ran up and down raysing mountaines of dead bodies Marmoran and Marifgolfus appeared like lightning Alastraxerea Melindus Clidor Cassianus met with no resistance unlesse it were from the Gyants who did often times as well as their fellows taste the keenesse of the Christian blades In briefe it was a spectacle full of such horrour as the like hath seldome been beheld by the eye of man and the slaughter so indifferent that it was heard to say to which side the victory did most incline The Pagans who could not endure to be idle whilst their Companions were busie in the pursuit of glory marched up with their third sqadron conducted by the valiant Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan Antomedon the proud Caliph of Francapia Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia and Mercelian Emperour of Media These vast troops led by such proud and mighty Commanders fell on the Christians with such fury as promised no lesse then utter ruin at the very first onset But the Emperour of Persia seconded by Lucendus Dorogel Silvian the faire Salvage the noble Silverin of the Desart Gadard King of Hungaria Filadart of Polonia Oriander and Oroncus charged them so fiercely that made them quickly turn their faces to defend themselves from the cruelty of their weapons This brave Prince encountring Antomedon with his Launce ran him through the shield and arme yet not without great danger to himselfe for from the Gyants Launce he received such an encounter as tumbled him upon the crupper of his horse ready to have fallen to the ground if he had not been upheld by some of his followers Thus the third Squadrons falling to it pell mell there continued a most cruell battell the valiant Dâ—rigil did deeds worthy of himselfe following the brave example of his father who held all the enemies in admiration to see him alone act such wonders the noble Silverin of the Desart stopped the fury of Brizardan and behaved himselfe so bravely against him that by those that saw him he was judged no whit inferiour to the best Warriours of the world Lucendus sent Marcelian Emperour of Media to keep company with the dead Filadart Gadart and the Princes that followed them fought with so much courage and vigour that in a moment they covered the fields with the slaughtered carkasses of their enemies In the meane time Don Rogel and Lucendus seeing the great massacre made by Antomedon the mericilesse Sultan of Brutacan immediately assaulted these two proud pagans who were almost ready to swim in christian blood shed by their own swords upon whom they bestowed a couple of such violent blows as Antomedon was layd flat upon the crupper of his horse the blood gushing out at his mouth and eares and the great Soldan received such a stroak from Lucendus as rendred him in little better case then his fellow These terrible blows which probably should have been the cause of the Christians victory contrariwiâ—e exposed them to extream danger for these two great Warriours recovering themselves again and taking their swords in both hands advanced with so eager a desire of revenge that meeting with Filadart of Polonia and Gadart King of Hungaria they fell upon them with such a tempest as the one was cleft downe to the shoulders the other to the girdle which being soon perceived by Don Rogel he made with his best speed towards Antomedon upon whom he discharged so furiously as he quite dismounted him and put him in great danger of being trampled under the horses feet but being suddenly releeved by his friends he was by them immediately carried to his tent The retreat being known of these two mighty men it gave a fresh supply of courage to the Greeks
they met with ffoure several wayes and there being overtaken by the darknesse of the evening they purposed to attend the morning light wherefore alighting from their horses they fate down together upon the graâ—â—e and causing such meat to be set before them as their Squires had provided they began to feed as heartily as if they had been feasted at the tables of the Emperours of Gardacia or Martaria the Knights needed no lights the place being illuminated by the faire eyes of their Mistresses and those excellent Ladies did not a little comfort themselves with the protection which their company gave them assurance of from all disasters that might occur The short collation being ended the Squires retyred to their horses which were feeding not far off and the Ladies overcome with the heavinesse of sleep layd themselves down under the next adjoyning trees environed with the Princes who rested at their feet to secure them from any danger that uncouth place might produce Their past travell caused them quickly to fall into a sound sleep and so continued till midnight when as six dreadfull creatures laying hold on the Ladies stole them from amidst the Knights wherewith they being wakened and crying out with such a shrill voyce as quickly pierced the eares of their Champions they rose up full of amazement which was immediately converted into fury as soon as they perceived the Centaurs run through the thickets of trees loden with such precious burthens their griefe for this theft allowing them no leisure to look for their horses they made after them on foot with the best expedition conducted onely by the wofull cryes of those they sought to rescue and so leaping over hedges and ditches with a far nimbler swiftnesse than those unto whose feet dispaire hath added wings they wandred to their great griefe till break of day When Rozalmond being on the top of a Mountain saw one of these Monsters standing in the mouth of a cave and grasping in his rude armes the beautifull Armazia which spectacle ministring unto him no smal content but much more fury he doubled his pase and was not far behind him when he drew his sword and entred the cave with an assured confidence that his first blow should take his head from his shoulders but the place was so darke that after he had advanced three or four steps he could see neither Centaur nor Lady neverthelesse being directed by the complaints which he well understood came from Armazia he fell to running with no lesse speed then if he had been in the plaine field enjoying the favour of the sun-beams to direct him and finding the vault still larger and larger he made no stay till he came to the brink of a violent Torrent whose swift streams made so loud a noyse that there seemed to be some dangerous precipice before him these dreadfull waters taking from him al hopes of passing further he turned back and sought up and down the Vault for the Centaur when on a sudden he heard the voyce of Armazia on the otherside of the Torrent which with many a heavy sigh uttered these words alas shall I meet with no reliefe and must I perish by the violence of this Monster who goes about to force me helpe helpe noble Knight or Armazia is lost forever Rozalmond hearing these pittifull words transported with rage throws himselfe into the River whose waves tossing him for a while to and fro at last they landed him in a Hall of a stately Palace under ground so amazed as if his senses had utterly forsaken him howbeit his spirits being a little revived he rose up and walked a turn or two up and down that obscure room and would have gone further if he had not there discovered the Centaure who with a great club in his hand came to assault him this fell object did rather rejoyce than affright him that was uncapable of fear so that he charged this Monster with so fierce a blow as he thought would have divided him in two whereat he being little or nothing astonished let fall his mercilesse club with such a might on Rozalmonds arme as almost deprived him of the use therof The fury of this Knight growing to extremitie he being now about a piece of worke of the greatest importance that ever he undertook namely the redemption of her that was dearer to him than all the world besides the combat began to be most dangerous the Centaure avoyded the strokes of his adversary with such a skilfull nimblenesse as hee was seldome or never ther with touched and returned his so dexterously and with such a force that poore Rozalmond was often-times constrained to make use of his hand and knee to save himself from falling Oh God said he am I come hither to fight in such manner as I shall not be able to rescue Armazia from the cruelty of this Monster why did not these waters that I passed rather stifle me or the rocks beat out my brains than that I should escape both and live to see my Wife my onely comfort ravished from me and I want the power to relieve or revenge her give me a resolution either to deliver her from him or my self to death since all my quiet and happinesse depends on her safetie whereupon beholding the Centaur with knit brows eyes sparkling out fire and gnashing his teeth all evident tokens of an enraged soule he let his sword fly with such a tempest at his head as cleft him down to the shoulders overthrowing him to the ground with such a noyse as seemed to threaten the ruine of the place This fortunate blow rendred him not a little contented but he was forth-with marvellously astonished to see such a multitude of Sepents arise from the bloud of this Monster as covered all the roome but advancing with his sword that never failed him he cut half a dozen of them that were the forwardest to assault him in peeces which begat a greater wonder for these twelve peeces were transformed into twelve furious Lyons Then was this incomparable Warriour in no small streight for being environed and assaulted by all these Lyons and feeling the Serpents twining about his legs wherby he was so incumbred as he had scarce any power to stir he knew not from which to defend himself nor upon whom to bestow his blowes he often lifting up his sword above his head attempted to let it fall againe with no lesse force than would have cleft down a Gyant but the Lyons being terrified with the glittering of his blade instantly with their pawes seized on his arm and so prevented the blow In brief he knew not what course to take but was so full of rage that he could almost have found in his heart to have converted his fury to his own ruine neverthelesse calling to mind his Armazia and somewhat comforting himself with the remembrance of his wonted courage and the happy successe which he ever had in all difficult enterprises he resolved to quit his
sword and clenching his fist let fall his Gantlet upon the head of one of the Lyons with such a force as sent him dead to the ground which giving him hope of the like defeat upon the rest he layd about him so furiously with both hands that it was not long ere he sent the rest to keep company with the former These dangerous enemies being dispatched he would willingly have taken a little breath but the cruell war which the Serpents still continued against him offered him no leisure so that he laid his hand again on his sword and prepared for the slaughter of these troublesome creatures howbeit remembring that from their pieces had sprung such fierce and ravening creatures he let it hang at his arm and griping these Serpents in his hands he strangled them all one after another but with so much pain and labour that he was fain to fall upon his knees not being able to support himself any longer on his legs this victory which had made him sweat more than ever he had done in any Combat in all his life giving him some hope of a lucky end he sat him down on the ground where not staying so long as to take breath he suddenly arose and going to a very fair Damosell which he saw come out of the cleft of a Wall with an opinion that it was his dearest Armazia he said unto her ah Madam what care and pains hath the losse of you cost me but I hold them all wel bestowed since they have been able to serve you and that I find you living after I had utterly despayred of your safetie My Lord answered she how glad am I of meeting with you thus but that I may be a assured it is you pull off your Helmet that so by the light of your fair eyes I may be cleered of all farther doubt I never disobeyed you as yet replyed he wherfore I will bare my face that you may know I am not here by any inchantment wherupon going to unlace his Helmet a woman catching him by the arm said unto him Knight what mean you to do take heed of discovering your self for otherwise you will never get out of this place who are you said he stepping a pace or two back that counsels me to displease my Lady by the neglect of her command and observing her a little better he continued saying O me what do I see Sweet Cassandra what is it hath brought you hither now Onely the care of saving you answered she for if you give credit to this fantosme that represents unto you Armazia you shall never see her again and shall with your self lose all those excellent Knights that accompanied you out of Corolandaya together with the glory and greatnesse of all Christendome At these words Rozalmond staying cast his eyes upon the former Damosell and acknowledging in her face the very favour and beauties of Armazia he was strangely distracted for it grieved him to have any other will then such as his Mistris pleased and on the other side he was assured that Cassandra loved him and that her skill was most admirable in so much that he stood looking very wistly on them both without speaking one word when as she that seemed to be Armazia said unto him how now Knight Do you more regard the speeches of a Sorceresse that means to deceive you than of your Wife do you not perceive this to be the face which you have so often adored are not these the very clothes I had on at the time of our cruell separation Verely I have great cause to complain of you and to say that your love was but dissimulation bethink you therfore whether you will beleeve me or no for be assured if you refuse to give me your Sword and Helmet I will return into Gardacia and never look on you more Madam answered Rozalmond who began to suspect her and that knew well Armazia loved Cassandra better than to speak ill of her you may be confident that I will never prefer any thing on the earth before your contentment but be pleased to consider that men are subject to a thousand dangers and that I should not be in case to fight if any new enemies should chance to arrive whilst my arms were in your hands and what good will they doe you Let me alone with them I beseech you for to serve you and to withdraw you out of this Cave with lesse danger It imports not you much to see me now but much it concernes me to keep me as I am wherfore you shall have that content as soon as we shall be in any place where the Sun may assure me that I am in the world Uncivil Knight answered she thou shalt presently feele how much thou hast displeased me saying so she took upon her the form of a most hideous Fantosme which with a burning Torch in her hand began to charge him so furiously that her blowes seemed to be so many thunderbolts falling on his head and shoulders he looked about for Cassandra but perceiving her to be gone he layd hold on his Sword and giving a thousand and a thousand strokes in the ayre without hitting any thing he was so weary as he was constrained to rest himself against the Wall where this Fantosme came and making most villanous faces and with most dreadfull howlings assailed him again giving him such terrible blowes that another lesse strong and couragious would have fainted under them Five houres being spent in this Combat the Knight that saw nothing because the night was very dark but by the eyes and Torch of the Fantosme desiring to free himself from so great a vexation flourished with his sword all about and cutting the ayre as before five or six turns up and down the roome at length by chance met with an entrie wherinto he was no sooner entred but the Fantosme vanished away and left him in such darknesse that every step he made he was in fear of falling into some precipice whereupon he stood still and leaning upon his Sword rested himself for half an houre in that manner at the end whereof being wonderfull desirous to see a period of this adventure he went on groping with both his hands untill about the break of day he discovered a very stately Court full of most admirable Pictures and lymited with three great bodies of lodgings built triangle-wise of which the Walls being curiously covered with Porphirie Jasper black Marble and Crystall cast so bright a lustre that he stayed the more exactly to observe the workmanship of it Neverthelesse advancing presently forward he past in at a Dore which he saw open before him and had scarce set one foot within it when as he felt two such terrible blows discharged on his Helmet as he was fain to kisse the ground from whence suddenly arising he espied two dreadfull Gyants each of them holding a mighty club aloft in the ayre and ready to fall again upon him if lightly leaping
that they might surprize the Enemie asleep and accordingly they entred into a little thicket where having taken a little rest they arose and advancing towards their Enemies they entred pell-mell amongst them with such fury that above five hundred men lost their lives in lesse than halfe an houre the Tents went to ground Pavillions were overturned and the massacre continued with such horrour as the Sun seemed loth to appeare because it would not be spectatour of so cruell a butchery The famous Amadis of Gaule pressed thorow them like lightening Amadis of Greece thundered every where the invincible Knight of the Sun over-run all like a torrent Belianis of Greece carried himself like a fury the foure excellent Ladyes Trasiclea Claridiana Pentasilea and Hermiliana did wonders Belstoran Rosicler Claramant Poliphebo Don Silves Fortiman of Greece Amadis d' Astre and â—he rest cut off arms cleft men in two hewed Knights in peeces and nothing appeared before them but went to the ground the uprore increased the whole Camp put themselves in Arms the Christians were amazed and could not imagine from whence so great a disorder should proceed were it not from the Army of Martaria that was every day expected briefly all was in confusion and the Commanders not able to be informed by those that fled of the cause of this tumult knew not what to resolve upon neverthelesse Falanzar a prudent and couragious Prince advancing with Brufaldor King of Gedrosia Roussardan the furious Bravorant King of Morimont Marisgolf the grand Salvage and Furiander his son encountred these fifty redoubted Warriours and seconded by twenty thousand Horse thought to vanquish them very easily but Amadis of Greece the Knight of the Sun Amadis of Gaule Rosiclere Poliphebo Belianis and Belfloran having arrested the furie of these seven proud Pagans that were perswaded they could carry all the world before them the rest flew in amongst their troops so couragiously that after they had past two and thirty Gyants by the edge of the Sword they put them to flight with an incredible slaughter In the mean time the Combat between these fourteen Knights became most horrible and cruell howbeit our Pinces not meaning to stay till the whole Campe were in arms to invest them having valiantly dif-ingaged themselves out of their hands drew towards the Citie but encountring the proud Knight Arastron who came accompanied with Marmoran Sophy of Bultara Brizardan Soldan of Aralafia Gorgophon 〈◊〉 the great Caliph of Francapia Moranteon Soldan of Circassia Fierâ—sâ—on the redoubted King of Balivan Barcandor and Bucarguant their pastage thither grew more difficult than they expected neverthelesse Trasiclea Don Silves Amadis d' Astre Claridiana Claridian her son Claramant Fortiâ—â—â— and the gentle Doliftor of Nubia opposing themselves to these nine Warriours there began a most cruell and furious fight between them whilst the rest had much adoe to save them from an hundred thousand men that came in from all parts and questionlesse they had been in great danger if Florisel of Niquea who imagined that they were some valiant Knights that laboured to passe unto his Camp had not suddenly issued forth with thirty Princes of Greece and fifty thousand Horse which falling furiously on these disordered troups overthrew so many to the ground as it was almost covered with them Then it was that those brave Champions hearing Grecia cryed on all sides took new courage and flying amongst the Pagans made so great a slaughter that if Falanzar had not caused his Forces to retyre his Army had been in danger to have been cut in peeces although he was assisted with two hundred Gyants but this prudent Monarch and his followers after his example having quit the combat which they had with Amadis of Gaule and his friends the Christians had liberty to return to the Citie where that great Amadis of Gaule with Amadis of Greece and Don Silves being discovered Florisel Don Rogel and the other Princes of Greece were so confounded as they remained a good space without speaking a word beleeving that this succour proceeded from the art of Alquif or Urganda and that those personages were no other than Fantosmes but being cleered from that by the speech of these great Princes who declared unto them how they had been preserved in the Castle of Treasure and delivered by Rozalmond Alcidamant and their Companions together with Belianis and the Knight of the Sun whom they made known unto them Florisel Don Rogel and Spheramond were ready to swoun for joy they fell on their knees before their Grandfathers embraced Don Silves Pentasilea Amadis d' Astre Agesilan Fortumian and the rest and with much honour caressed the Knight of the Sun Don Belianis of Greece and their companions My Lord said Florisel of Niquea embracing the knees of Amadis of Greece am I so happy as to behold you again I never thought it possible and when I saw you enter into the crystall Chamber of Cenotaph where you were inchanted I verely beleeved that the clap of thunder which brake forth at that instant was the signe of your death But how true O great Alcander was your prediction then and now I understand the meaning of those secret words you wrote unto me as also the Prophecie you left at Constantinople for the Crowes which were to assemble to possesse the sleeping Eagles neast are with out doubt these enemies that lye about our Walls and now I see that Prophecie fulfilled which said The Earth shall open to render forth the treasure it concealed and the tears shed for a losse not suffered shall be changed into gladness The truth hereof is unquestionable and the excess of my content past all expression Florisel having said thus Prigmaleon Fulgoran and Russian made themselves known to the new commers and Silvan having with a thousand embraces received Don Silves and the faire Pentasilea his mother some hours were spent with incredible rejoycing at the end whereof and just as they were sitting down at a table a souldier entred who as a most prodigious matter delivered that Zeiden had been recovered by the valour of six Knights alone who in one day had slain six Gyants and seven thousand five hundred Knights that guarded it looke said Amadis of Gaule here is new occasion of joy which doubtlesse arrives unto us by Rozalmond Alcidamant and their companions who are said he speaking to Florisel the best Knights of the world my Lord answered Florisel I have seen them in fight and must thereupon conclude as you have done Herewith sitting down to dinner they were served in great state with all the exquisite meats that possibly could be had where we will leave them and return unto the Pagans CHAP. LI. The Pagan Princes present the Combat of an hundred to an hundred unto the Christians they accept of it the forces of Martaria with the assistance of Rozalmond and his friends defeats Artogants Army that besieged Goraxa WHilst the Christian Princes were drowned in pleasure and gladnesse the
Media against Barcandor Fulgoran against the gentle Knight Armorand Don Silves against the generous Alceus the Knight of the Sun against Bucarguant Belianis against Brizardan and all the rest sought so well that four hours were spent before it could be discerned to whom the victory would incline but Rozalmond and Alcidamant seeing it was time to display the uttermost of their forces by some remarkeable blows discharged with such force the one upon Bucarguant who had left the Knight of the Sun almost senslesse and the other on Barcandor his brother as they cleft them down both to the teeth and continuing in this rage Alcidamant cut the Soldan of Circassiaes head in peeces and Rozalmond the King of Gedrosiaes The death of these four mighty Pagans being accompanied with the slaughter of sixteen Gyants and of Alâ—rban Danizel Argilles and Rodismond the number of the Infidels began to diminish which perceived by Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan Fierasâ—on Marisgolfe the grand Salvage Antomedon Typheus Marmaran and the proud Knight Arastron they discharged such horrible blows upon their enemies that having hurt them all very dangerously they fell in with such fury amongst the Christians as the valiant Anaxartes was cut in peeces by Bravâ—rant Argantes Emperour of Germany by Gorgophon Lindâ—â—â—â—t King of Rhodes by Roussardan Olidor of Siramque by Fieraston Anazander King of Dardania by Marisgolfe Floridan his brother by the grand Salvage the remayning Câ—nophale by Antomedon Liscâ—â—d King of Siconia by Typhâ—â—s Grandimer by Marmoran and the gentle Dorigel Lord of the fortunate Hands by Arastron wherewith the Princes of Greece were so displeased as Rozalmond Alcidamant Amadiâ— of Trebisond Claâ—â—sel Grian Grioâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 â—erâ—ides Claridâ—an and Belâ—â—â—â— having incountred them vowed never to leave them till they had revenged their deaths whereupon the combat renewed with more cruelty than before wherein Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his sonne Cassiaâ—â—s and the Duke of Laâ—azo were likewise slain But Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece Florisel of Niquea the knight of the Sun Rosicler Poliphebo Don Eleno of Dacia and Lucibel of France joyning together began to run over the field with such rage that having layd nine Gyants dead at their feet namely Radamant the cruell the strong Pandaro Razartes Coriander Artiliâ—n Gedereon King of Arginaria Rindar Broncaldion King of the Arcofibrats and Meliander the rest were cut in pieces together with Artogant who dyed by the hand of the Knight of the Sun so that of the hundred Pagan Knights there remained no more but the mighty Bravorant Gorgophon Roussardan the grand Salvage Furiander Typhaeus Antomedon Fierastron Marisgolf Marmaran Arastron Brizardan Policastaleon Astrurion Soldan of Brutacan with whom Don Rogel had fought all day without any advantage the generous Alcaeus and the gentle knight Armorand who by no means induring any speech of rendring themselves combatted like desperate men but having continued fighting almost two houres after the rest they were fain at length to fall at the feet of their enemies more voyd of bloud than of courage The Victory being thus gloriously obtained the Judges went and parted the ten Amazons sent them out of the field with equall honour and causing those sixteen famous Pagan knights to be conveyed into the Citie that their wounds might with the more care be looked unto the Christian Princes were marching out of the Lists in triumph with the Emperour of Martaria who greatly rejoyced at their good fortune when as they perceived the Enemies troops ranged in battell array under the conduct of the great King of Maâ—ritania Zazifalt and Monomatapan to make towards them for to refcue the Pagan knights out of their hands whereat being marvellously incensed they put themselves in the head of their Squadrons and fell in upon them with such fury as the Pagans wanting valiant and skilfull Leaders began within lesse than an houre to betake themselves to flight wherupon our Souldiours were so encouraged that imitating their renowned Commanders they made such a terrible maâ—saere as the ground for foure leagues about was covered all over with dead bodyes and that which rendred the defeat yet greater and more horrible was the Sea which hemmed them in almost on every side so that since the Creation of the world so great a slaughter was never seen for of foure hundred and three score and sixteen thousand men the remainder of so prodigious an Army scarce fifteen hundred escaped and that by the benefit of the night The Christian Princes seeing themselves absolutely victorious returned into the Citie where they found that they had lost of personages of marke Luâ—â—ndâ—â— Anaxâ—â—tes Argantes Emperour of Germanie Melindus King of Cloton the Cenophâ—â—es Floâ—ariaâ— of Thrace Luceneio Lâ—cidâ—mor Florâ—nio Emperour of Rome Filizel of Montespin Don Flores of Greece Zair Filin Artaurus 〈◊〉 of Rhodes Arlanges of Spain Arlantes his son Dorigel of the fortunate Ilands Golâ—â—â— his Wife young Leodâ—â—â—â— the valiant Trâ—ilâ—â— Grandâ—â—â—â— the Duke of 〈◊〉 Floridan of So pradiza Perion of Turkie Florestan of Sardinia Cassianus Anaxander King of Dardania Floradin Gelodan Prince of Moldavia Alettha Oriander King of Sardamira Oroncius Alvida the Queen Castora the King of Catay Rozaphar Parmenian of Cyprus Garmantes Don Smaldo and Tymbres of Egypt wherof some were slain in the Combat the rest in the battell much were they grieved for their deaths and with many tears did they lament them but they were comforted for that they dyed in the bed of honour and that also the principalls had been preserved from the fury of so bloudy a day for which having rendred humble thankes unto heaven they gave order for the curing of the wounded and solemnizing the Funerals of the deceased with all kind of pomp and magnificence CHAP. LIII The Pagan Knights are delivered Alcidamant Amadis of Trebisond and Rozalmond are crowned Emperours of Tramazond Martaria and Gardacia The separation of all these Princes THE Pagan Knights being mad with rage for the slaughter of so many Kings and valiant Gyants that had kept all the world in awe but much more for that they were vanquished by their enemies would not suffer the Chirurgians to dresse their wounds desiring rather that a speedy death might free them from the miserie of a long expected captivitie which being declared unto the King of great Brittain he went the next day to visit them and knowing that whatsoever he should doe would be authorized by the Christian Princes having found them all in a room together he said unto them Knights I imagine that if fortune had favoured your designes and that we had been in your power as now you are in ours you would have taken pleasure to have made us suffer unworthy things for the satisfaction of your revenge but we will let you see that the Princes of Greece are gentlier disposed that they love not slaughter nor bloud neither doe at any time shed it but when as they are obliged therunto either for the maintenance of the order of Knighthood
aside he had not avoyded them his fall and the sight of these great Colosses having stirred up his courage he took his good sword in both his hands and with it struck one of the Gyants in such manner that having divided his iron club in two the point therof light so rudely on his shoulder as he was forced to set his knees and hands to the ground and going to second the former blow he was prevented by the other Gyant who gave him so cruell a stroak between the neck and shoulders that it made him 〈◊〉 against the Wall but he quickly recovering himself let drive in such sort at him that wanted a club as he layd him â—lat on the earth which presently opening swallowed him up and straight-way closed again Being thus rid of one he turned him about to the other and thinking to avoyd his thundring club which was descending upon him he was so surprised that he was constrained to slide under the Gyants arm and sâ—iâ—â— on his body then might be seen a most dangerous wrastling the Gyant took him fast by the shoulders and gave him such twitches and terrible heaves that he had many times like to have overthrown him howbeit refuming new courage in hope of acquiring immortall fame by being victrious he put the Gyant so many wayes to it and so often shewed him such tricks as are practised in wrastling as after two houres travell he extended him on the floore which instantly swallowed him up as it had done the other These two dangerous enemies being thus dispatched our Warriouâ— looked about him to see whether there were any more to combat with but perceiving none appeare he went to observe those excellent Pictures where he beheld Amadis of Gaule Amadis of Greece and other Princes of their blood together with the glorious feats of Armes performed by them in their life time so lively represented that he had been lost in the contemplation of them had he not been directed by the sight of the five Knights entring into the Court together out of five severall doors CHAP. XLIII The marvellous exployts of Alcidamant before his entrance into the Castle of Treasure THE day appearing to Alcidamant upon the top of a Mountain after he had made a thousand and a thousand turnes discovered unto him a Centaur of a prodigious greatnesse that carried away Trasiclea towards the mouth of a cave from whence issued huge flames of fire which making him forget his former pains hee began to run more lustily then hee had done all the night before and travelled so long till he approached the said cave which seemed to be another Mount Aetna where the Centaur making a stand threw Trasiclea into the midst of the flames and advancing his mighty club he let it descend with such a tempest on our Champion that he was fain to set his hands to the ground for to save himselfe but transported with extream fury and desiring to be revenged on the Monster for precipitating his Mistris in that manner he returned him so terrible a blow as he made him stagger five or six paces backward wherwith the Centaur marvellously incensed discharged so terribly on his helmet that he thought the ruins of some Tower had fallen upon him neverthelesse being in the 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 he took his sword in both his hands and therewith striâ—ing at this 〈◊〉 â—â—counâ—â—ed his club first and bâ—at it with such violence against his hâ—â—d that it overturned him into the middest of that dreadfull Furâ—â—ce Then it was when this Warriour seeing himselfe alone without hope of taking a greater revenge for the death of his Lady which he beleeved was reduced to ashes that he began to cry so horribly as made all the vallies about resound therewith his actions were nothing but expressions of madnesse and all his motions so full of rage that the most confident Gyants would have trembled at the sight of him Why stay I any longer said he labouring to pluck off his Helmet that he might tear his haire in peeces wretch that I am why stay I any longer to make an end of my selfe in any sort whatsoever my Mistris is not in the world what should I doe in it then no no I must leave it dye the same death that she hath done and joyn my ashes to hers saying so he â—lung his shield to the ground and casting his eyes by chance towards the grot with such piercing sighes as if his soule would every minute have parted from his body he perceived a little Pillar where beholding a table hanging hee approached unto it for to reade these words Jf thou hast courage enough to passe these 〈◊〉 thou shalt recover the Treasure which thou beleevest is lâ—st O me said he more contented than ever he had been furious am I permitted yet to hope and can the safety of my Mistris consist in my adventures away with all regard and feare of danger and let the world see that my soule doth burne with a far more fierce and glorious fire whereupon taking up his sword and shield he went on and threw himselfe into those horrible flames wherein having continued above a quarter of an houre without feeling any heat at all he found himselfe in a meadow environed with inaccessable Rocks saving one only overture which appeared in the forme of a door whither addressing himselfe he perceived three monstrous fowles come out of it the least whereof was as big as an Oxe which striking at him with a most dreadfull noyse layd him all along on the ground from whence feare and a desire to meet with his Lady having quickly raysed him up again he took his sword and 〈◊〉 when these creatures were returned with their former fury he hit one of them so luckily just on the joynt of the wing that he cut it off which caused that dangerous creature to fall to the ground where becomming more 〈◊〉 by the sight of his blood he râ—â— upon him with a mâ—â—vellous force but the Knight presenting the poynt of his sword stroke him to the heart and so sent him dead to the earth In the mean time the other two beâ—â—ing their mighty wings stooped to him and catching him in their tallonâ— caried him up into â—â—e ayr where by his fall or the fury of these Monâ—â—ers he could have expected nothing but assured death had he not forâ—â—â—â—tely met with the â—elly of one of them where into he past his sword almost to the 〈◊〉 by which means the pâ—ngs of death wherein he was made hiâ— unâ—ooâ—â— his hold and let our Knight fall in such a grievous manâ—â—â— that he verely thought all his boâ—es had beâ—â—e broâ—eâ— within hiâ— neverthelesse â—â—â—ing the other 〈◊〉 towards him he presently got up yet not so soon but that having first caught him by the Helmet he lift him up above two foot from the ground howbeit finding him too heavie for his hold he quit him and forced him to fall again upon his hands where