youth and very well gyuen who earneâ—…ly intreated his Mother to obtaine so much of the Soldane his Father that after his Sisters mariage he might stay a while at Constantinople which sute at her request the Soldane graâ—…nted and therefore sent him by Sea well aâ—…companied with Knights Abenunco sayâ—…ing along the cost of Thrace mette with Ocurites King of Culaquin who was Sonne in law to the great Turke and reputed the hardiest Knight among al the Turkiâ—…h Nobilitie his Maiestie hauing giuen his Daughter in mariage to this Barbarian shee béeing one of the most accomplished Ladies in all Heathenesse Ocurites knowing the â—…rate mallâ—…ce betwéene the Emperour and his Father in Lawe the more to please him prouided himselfe 〈◊〉 good strength by Sea and dailie came vppon â—…he Coastâ—… of Greece sending 〈◊〉 with stroÌ„g Brigandines beâ—…ore him to disâ—…ouer what Christians stirred abroade and sundry tiâ—…es tooke many of them captiues as nowe he intended to doo by the Soldans Sonnâ—… When Ocurites by y â— streamers and banderolles heard of the Babilonian Prince and knewe withall that his father was a chéefe Freende to the Emperour in great furie with his Ships he sette vpon him Abenunco with his Knights defended themselues so well as they coulde During this conflicte â—…almendos approched very néere them and of a Galley â—…illed with Christian slaues he demaundeâ—… the cause of this â—…erce encounter Sir answered one of the â—…aues he to whom this great traine of shypping appertaineth is Ocurites King of Culaquin and Sonne to the great Turke that with diuers of his â—…eague faction dailie coastes on Greece to endamagâ—… the Emperour Palmerin enemie to his Father and those he hath nowe mette withal belong to the Soldane of Babilon they sayling as we vnderstand toward Constantinople When the Prince heard what the Christian had said he â—…rauelie encouraged his Cozin Ozalio in aâ—…isting the welâ—…willers tâ—… the noble Emperour so comming to the Kings Ship he thus spake Nor shalt thou Ocurites offend so good a Prince as is the Emperour of Constantinople heerewith he beganne to lay about him valiantlie and Ozalio not one inche behind him made the enemie well vnderstand his inuincible courage Palmendos knowing the King by his rich Armour gaue him such a peazaunt stroke with the hâ—…lttes of his Sword on the Helmet as made him stagger and at length fall downe wheÌ„ offering to rise againe Palmendos caught hâ—… so strongly by the Helmet aâ—… he pulde it violently froÌ„ of his head kéeping him stil vnder his Sword in such subiâ—…tion as at length he was caryed prisoner into the Princes Cabin and there committed him to the charge of foure trustie Knights In meane while Ozalio fought with the Kings Brother who vnderstanding that Ocurites was taken prysoner did what he coulde to recouer him againe but Ozalio stept betweene him and his purpose still labouring him with so manie hardiâ—… strokes as at length he smote his head froÌ„ his shoulders The rest beholding theyr King taken and his Brother slayne besâ—…e the great massacre made among them and that they were no way able to withstand theyr fortune a number fel hedlong into the Sea rather then they wold die vnder the enemies sword Palmendos séeing no further resistaunce but y â— the Turks were vtterly discomâ—…ted he caused such prisoners as were taken to be made sure the Ships likewise to bee seazed on as his owne then comming to Ozalio whose forwardnes he commended he willed him to see all things disposed as beséemed such a victory afterward he embraced y â— Soldans Sonne and diuers courteous ceremonies passing betwéen them the one for his happy deliueraunce the other reporting what he had doone was for the Emperours sake at length Palmendos vsed these spéeches My Lorde willingly woulde I beare yee companie to Constantinople but that a voyage of great importance dooth vrgentlie call me to another place yet séeing you are deliuered from the Tyrant Ocurites and all your Knights in sufficient safety let me obtaine this fauour at your hands to take the King with ye to Constantinople and all y â— Christian prisoners deliuered from captiuitie Them shall yee present on my behalfe to the Emperour Palmerin requesting that this auncient Christian enemie may be safelie kept vntill I come to sée his Maiestie which shall bee with all the expedition I can Woorthy Sir aunswerâ—…d Abenunco it greeues me that your iournâ—…y lyes not presentlie to Constantinople because I shoulde thinke my selfe happie in hauing your companie béeing the man to whâ—…m I am continuallie bounde for my life and libertie and â—…eereof I am assured that ouer and aboue your gracious welcome you shall winne the honour of the famous Tryumphe ordained by the Emperour at the marriage of my Sister with the Prince of Hungaria And hartilie sorrie am I aunswered Palmendos that I cannot be present in so woorthy an assemblie whereof at this time you may well excuse mee not doubting but I shall come with some sufficient amends for my stay These speeches he vttered his thoughts beeing farre otherwise for so soone as he heard of the Ioustes at Constantinople he determined to goe thether secretlie without making himselfe known to anie but as a strange Knight to aduenture his fortune among other wherefore he departed from Abenunco who offered him manie riche presents for hys great kindnes yet woulde not hee accept of anie Abenunco returned him manie thankes cheefelie for hys promise that hee woulde in shorte time visite the Emperour in personne so after many courteous speeches and sundry familliar farewelles Palmendos commaunded his Pilot to launche into the high Seas for that he intended an other kind of course CHAP. XII Howe Abenunco arriued at Constantinople whose comming greatly reioiced the Emperour but much more his Sister Esquiuela And howe Lynedes Lorde of the Isle of Lique the Countie of Pelada his Cozin came to Ioust against the Knights of the Courte attending the Tourney for the mariage of Ditreus GReatly did Abenunco coÌ„mende his fortune in finding so good succour at a time of such necessitie and all the Knights in hys coÌ„panie held opinion that Palmendos was the only flowre of Chiualrie but aboue all other the Christian slaues accouÌ„ting their deliuerance for a miracle imagined the Author thereof was some great Freende to the Emperour In this ioy they sayled till they came to Constantinople where his Maiestie béeing aduertised that the Soldans Sonne was arriued commaunded Primaleon Ditreus and many of hys best Barons to goe conduct him to the Court. In meane while Abenunco clothing himselfe most sumptuously caused the King Ocurites and the Christian prysoners to be carryed on shore that hâ—…e might not fayle in the charge giuen him by Palmendos so the Babilonian Prince riding to the Courte with all the prisoners going orderlie bâ—…fore him he gaue charge to one of his cheefest Knights that hée should present them to his Maiestie and béeing come into the Emperours presence
inhabited and because some incâ—…ory of hiâ—… and Francelina might be referued to fâ—…wing 〈◊〉 The Knight of the Isle feasted them â—…ery royallie and nothing was wanting that any way miâ—…ht delight them when Palmendos falling in conference with the Quéene destâ—…ed that she would accâ—…mpany her Daughter to Constantinople there to stay with her in the Emperors Courte 〈◊〉 sâ—…nt 〈◊〉 him and that she shoulâ—…â—…oreouer 〈◊〉 hiâ—… 〈◊〉 that hee hauing 〈◊〉 his voyage into 〈◊〉 would no longer conceale himselâ—…e as he had doone My â—…oble Soone quoth the Quéene I shall wyllingly performe wâ—…at ye haue appointed but I would know if you meane to take aâ—… strength witâ—… you against the Turke becaâ—…se I would sâ—…nde for 〈◊〉 to Thessâ—…lie and beside craue 〈◊〉 of the Emperour who I am sure will succour 〈◊〉 with all his legionâ—… Gracious Madame and mother answered Palmendos I wil take no other company with 〈◊〉 then I brought hetâ—…er for such busines must be doone raâ—…her by 〈◊〉 hazarde then by bringing forces intâ—… the 〈◊〉 so that were yours anâ—… all the Emperorâ—… 〈◊〉 together yet shoulde wee neuer compaâ—…e our intenâ—… that way But you shall vnderstande that I béeing on thâ—…â—…ea not long since met with the King of Culaquin â—…onne in lawe to the gâ—…eat Turke as hee coasted along Thrâ—…ce with hiâ—… Rouers and Pirats onely to 〈◊〉 the Empire â—…o farâ—…e 〈◊〉 he might yet by goâ—…d happe I 〈◊〉 hiâ—… prisoner and sent him to his Maiestie at Constantinople Iâ—…â—…appilie by secrete subtiltie I cannot preuaile I â—…hall mooue an exchaunge of these two Kings cullouring the â—…atter with manie plausible reasons in bréefe I wyll 〈◊〉 as the occurences shall best aduise me wherein I hope the diuine bountie will direct mee the best course tâ—…at I may compasse thâ—… issue of mine affectionate desire Thâ—… Quéene reioyced â—…erie much when she heard that y â— King of Cuâ—…aquin was likewise prisoner and hoping to haue her â—…usband in exchaunge for him she more dilligentlie hasteâ—…ed the departure of Palmendos the like though lothe to leaue his coÌ„panie so soone did faire Francelina not doubtting but her Lord and Husband woulde soone returne and â—…nit vp all their ioyeâ—… with the presence of the King her Father CHAP. XXIII Howe the Queeâ—…e of Thessalie and Francelina hâ—… Dâ—…ughter departing from the Isle of Carderiâ—… werâ—… accompanied on the way by Palmendos Ozalio when taking theyr leâ—…ue eâ—…ch of other the Queene and her Daughter râ—…de to the Emperours Court where they werâ—… very 〈◊〉 entertâ—…ined LOthe are 〈◊〉 Louers to part a sunder but the causes â—…ing â—…rgent â—…hey are conâ—…rained to make a vertue of neceâ—…itie wherâ—…ore taâ—…ing their leaue of the Knight of the Iâ—…e as also of all the Lordâ—… Baronâ—… that so fréendlie bare them company all this while after many amorous and ceremoniall courâ—…esses â—…companied with sighes teares and 〈◊〉 lookes and they had brought them hâ—…lfe a dayes ioâ—…ney on the waie Palmendos and Ozalio rode toward the sea-side where they had lest order that their Shippe shouldâ—… méete them The Quéene and her Daughter without any trouble to hinder their iourney arriued at the Cittie of Constantinople sendâ—…ng one of her Knightes to the Emperour to let him vnderstande the cause oâ—… her comming aâ—… also the discourse of all that had happeneâ—… The Knight discharging his duetie as he was commaunded his Mâ—…iestie requested to know his name who had so fortunatly deliuered Francelina Dreâ—…d Lord answered the Meâ—…senger hee is called Palmendos the most valiant and courteous â—…ight in all these parts of the worlde Mâ—…h good haue I heard of the man said the Emperor but commâ—…th he now in company with the Quéene No my Lorde replied the Knight because the future deliueraunce of our King hath procured his iourney into Turkie Then the Emperor coÌ„maunded Primaleon and his Sarons to goe accumpanie the Queene and her Daughter to the Court which they with all diligence performed for that the fame renowne spred of her thorow all those regions enereased their deâ—…re to behold her Arnedes like wise would haue gone with them but that as yet he was not perfectlie recouered and beside hee wexed dailie verie melanchollie séeing the Embassadours of Fraunce staied so long nor coulde he heare anie tyding of his Cozin Recindâ—… The Queene of Thessalie and her Ladies came attired in mourning blacke expressing her sorow for the King her Husband but Francelina like glorious Cynthia in her cheefest pride clothed as you haue heard in most statelie ornaments drew euery eye to admire her beautie Primaleon hauing saluted y â— Nueene gaue her place and rode with the Princesse her Daughter when caried awaie in conceit with her surpassing feature he entred into these spéeches Mâ—… thinkes Madame the Fairies were ouermuch iniurious to locke vppe in prison such admirable beautie in that anie gentle hart beholding you would the sooner aduenture for the King your father hauing such a gracious reward set downe for his trauaile wherefore Palmendos hath good occasion to boast if Fortune permitte him to deliuer the King of Thessalie And I quoth Francelina account my happines nothing inferiour gaining thereby the most valiant and debenaire Knight that euer enterprised actions of Chiualrie which makes mée estéeme the Fairies wise and discréet by enclosing me in the enchaunted Castell for verie few wold haue thrust their liues in perrill hauing once seene me where contrariwise to get honor by the aduenture they made proofe of that whâ—…ch was onely destenied sor Palmendos hee beeing the man that iusâ—…ly may be called the flower of Knighâ—…es In this matter I will not coâ—…tende with yee aunswered Primaleon for the vertues and graces of your beloued is such as no man may woorthilie bee compared with hâ—…m wherefore you haue good reason to affect him and he likewise is bounde to constant permanencie if your diuine lookes haue peirced his hart as they ought The Emperour and the Empresse with Philocrista and their other daughters came to the Pallace gate to welcom y â— Quéen when thee and her Daughter alighting from their Palfraies with humble reuerence saluted his Maiestie who with his Empresse honourably entertained them conducting them into the great Hall where the Quéene began in this manner Most mightie and inuincible Monarche Palmendos the onelie Iewell of knight-hoode by vs kisseth the hande of your imperiall Maiestie hauing sent yee this young Princesse to be kept vnder your protection till he returne from Turkie with my espoused Lord the King of Thessalie if Fortune graunt his deliueraunce from the cruell Infâ—…dels for which I continue in hourely deuotion as wel for the great desire I haue to see the King my Husband as also to sée the Knights spéedie returne who onely dedicateth his trauailes to your highnes seruice With these wordes she deliuered her Daughter to his Maiestie and the Emperour receiuing her very graciously shewed himselfe excéeding ioyfull for their arriuall desiring
them to vse his Court as their owne and to be as frollike there as if they were in Thessalie Beside hee prayed God so to direct Palmendos in his atâ—…pt as hee might deliuer the King her Husband from captiuitie withal that iâ—… he had requested assistaunce in the cause he shoulde haue had his Maiesties power at commaund then taking Francelina by the hand he said To you Daughter Philocrista I committe the henourable charge of this young Prinâ—…sse vntill such time her Knight be returned My Lorde answered Philocrista I shall right willinglic fulfill your commaundement bee ing no lesse glad of such a companion then to haue y â— Ladie present with me for whom such rare déedes of Chiuâ—…lrie haue béene performed The Empresse fooke the Quéen by the hande and Philocrista her charge Francelina they all sitting downe vnder a sumptuous Canapie where the Knights regarding them especially the Emprcsse and the two Princesses imagined a second iudgâ—…ment for the Apple of beautie And admit we Arnedes for y â— gentle shéepeheard Paris yet hee imagined his Philocrista to bee most perfect although Francelina was very farre beyonde her al the Knights concluding that thâ—… had neuer séene more choyse beautie excâ—…pt the Empresâ—… when shee was in the flower of her youth But Philocrista neuer attained her Mothers perfections albeit shee had two Sisters named Flcrida and Bazilia which by the Author of Palmerin are named Belisa and Melicia that came verie neere her in resemblaunce especiallie Flerida of whcm we shall haue occasion to speake heereafter when wee câ—…me to the noble Prince Edward of England The Emperour intrcated Francelina to tell him if she coulde of whence Palmendos was where to the Princesse modestlie thus aunswered Dreade Lorde I can reueale no further of him then that hee is commaunder of a Kingdome diuers other Signories of great estate what els I knowe of him I am to be excused till his comming when himselfe will manifest his Countrey and originall not his valour courtesie sor that is blazed through moste partes of the world For this discreâ—…t aunswâ—…re shee was greatly commended by the Emperour who noting her comelic gestures and behauiour estéâ—…med her discréete and well aduised and seeing the Ring on her finger that Palmeâ—…dos gaue her he thought it very much resembled hys owne Ring which the Queene of Tharsus gaue him at his beyarture Now coulde hee not containe himselfe but demaunds of her of whom she had that costly Iewell so like one that he held in great estimation She aunswered that Palmendos gaue it her after her deliueraâ—…nce froÌ„ the Isle of Carderia wherat his Maiestie greatlie meruailing imagined this Knight to be the Quéene of Tharsus Son Now was he much more desirous to sée him then before remeÌ„bring what kindnes shee shewed him in the Realme of Pasmeria then causing his owne Ring to bée brought and compared with that the Princesse wore they were founde in euery point so like and conformable as hardly could the one bee knowne from the other Indéede they were made both by one workman and magicallie charmed like in resemblaunce as the perfect signall to discouer the originall of Palmendos which made the Emperour conceiue some suspition that this vnknowne Knight shoulde be his Son especiallie when he called the Quéenes darke speeches to memorie which she vsed after her acquaintance with him Yet woulde he not reueale this doubt to anie one but past it ouer with fresh welcomming the Queene her daughter and deliuering in spéeches that hee was glad Belcar kept not the Bridge when it was PaÌ„lmendos fortune to arriue there yet was hee sorrie for Tirendos mishap albeit he commended the courtesie of the Conquerer in exacting no further on the Prince of Mecâ—…na But leaue we Palmendos and Ozalio trauailing toward Turkie and speake a little of Recinde the Castilian Prince beeing one of them that followed in his search CHAP. XXIIII Howe Recinde pursuing the search of Palmendos reskewed a Merchaunt from fiue Theeues whom he dyscomfited on the mountayne And how by the meanes of an Archer that bent his bowe against him hee came to the mouth of a deepe Caue where hee kylled a Lyon that kept it and deliuered thence a Lady which was enchaunted into the shape of a Serpenâ—… REcinde leauing Constantinople for the same cause as the other Knights did happened to the same place where Palmendos lodged the night before demanding of his Hoste 〈◊〉 he had séene anie such man who made this answer Uerilie the same man that had the honour of y â— Tourney was my gueste this last night and neuer did I sée a more courteous Gentleman which makes me hope he wil ende the aduenture of Francelina whether he is gone as he tolde me he woulde With these words the Spanyard waâ—… well contented minding to follow him to the Isle of Carderia and ryding by the way he heard a verie lamentable cry which caused him to looke about when he espied one hanging on a Trée by y e armes and fiue villaines harde by making a fire to dresse some foode they had killed on the Mountaine Comming to the man that hunge in this wâ—…full plight he cut him downe and vnderstâ—…nding that these villaines had râ—…bd so misused him caused the Merchaunt to take his weapon and so they setting vpon the Thâ—…ues sâ—…ew three of thâ—…m dryuing the other to flight by which meanes the Merchaunt had most of his treasure againe for which hee thanked the Prince and mounting on horsebacke accâ—…mpanied him on the waie Not farre had they gone but they met a Knight vnarmed of huge constitution and euill fauoured hauing a 〈◊〉 Bowe in his hand and a Quiuer hanging by his â—…e full of Arrowes of whâ—…m they desirâ—…d to knowe which way they should get foorth of the Forrest The discourteous Knight without making any answer let flye an Arrow 〈◊〉 them wherewith hee killed the Prince Recindes horse â—…e beeing not a little mooued at this mishap grewe into great choller against him who made no longer staye but ranne from them so fast as hee could Recinde and the Merchaunt still pursued till hauing lost the sight of him and meruailing where he should be hidden at length they founde the mouth of a very dark Cauâ—… which they suspected the Knight had taken for refuge whereuppâ—…n the Prince intreated the Merchaunt to staie there without because hee intended to searâ—…h the Caue and be reuenged on the Knight that had so wronged him Not farre had he gone vnder the earth but hee hearde a pittifull voyce crying for helpe which caused him to returne backe againe when at the entraunce of the Uaute he bâ—…helde a mightie Lyon which came foorth with the Knight and ran â—…ppon the Prince 〈◊〉 furiouâ—…e but he who could not â—…ee frighted with matters of greater moment so valiantlie defended himselfe against the Beast as in short time hee layde him dead at his footâ—… New ranne the Knight backe
before the Temple Gate there staying for Palmendos with such horrible grynning of his tuskâ—…s as the very sight thereof was sufficient to fray a manne of good courage By this time the Prince gained a conuenient place by the Temple side when beholding the cruel beast come running 〈◊〉 towardes him he coâ—…mended himselfe to the heauens and fell to his worke So thicke as hayle â—…lewe the enchaunted bristles from the â—…ore at the Prince but the coate of ware so coÌ„founded their strength as they could not pierce his Armour which onely had béen the death of many Knights before But the Prince gaue the Beaste such a sounde stroke with his Mace on y â— head as he staggered to and fro vnable to sustaine himselfe and following this good aduantage thrust his Sword so déepe downe his throate as casting forth a great deaâ—…e of bloode vpon the Prince at length he tombled downe on his side when halfe a dozen good strokes with the Mace made him safe for stirring any more And althâ—…gh thys was a naturall Bore yet had hee béene deuilishlie enchaunted and brought into that place by the Priestes Magique as the Lyons were y â— kild the Duke of Feria this Bore was appointed by him to guarde his Treasure in the Temple which as you heare was slaine by the hande of Palmendos And euen as the Bore of Calydonia that was sent to torment the whole Countrey died by the valour of Meleager who afterward made a present of his head to y â— fayre Atalanta as a notable experience of his magnaniâ—…tis in like sort did the Prince of Tharsus as a remembraunce to all that should come thether cut of the Bores head and as a signe of his spoyle and Trophe set it on a Pyller in the same place where he got the victorie He had no sooner put off his coate of waâ—…e which was well loden with y â— Bores brystles but he sawe the Knight of the Horne come towards him with a huge Mace in his hand saying Unhappie was thy comming Knight into this Desert when thou must buy thy boldnes with thy dierest bloode Héerewith he gaue the Prince such a cruell blowe as made him sette one knee to the ground and so long endured the sharp fight betwéene them as they bothe béeing farre spent and ouerlaboured fell downe to the ground not able to styrre themselues Palmendos in short time recouering strength arose and seeing his enemie was not to be founde boldly went to enter the Temple the Gates whereof stoode now wide open which greatlie augmented his desire to enter Being come within the Porche two Images of Brasse stoode on eyther side who with monstrous Trompets blewe such forcible wind on him as hee was three or foure times carried forth againe therewith but pressing on still with all the strength hee had he gotte such sure footing within the Temple as he felt no more of that violent winde Passing forward in the bodie of the Church he came to the magnificent Sepulchre wherein the Duke of Feria and the high Preestes Daughter were interred which was so riche sumptuous and rarelie inuented as he had neuer séene the like before Hauing read the Epitaph he espied y e Sword wherewith the most perfect Damosell in looue slewe herselfe then mounting on the bars that inuironed y â— Tombe he tooke the Sworde in his hand and in remembraunce of the accident as also for the beautie thereof hee hunge it at his girdle determining to take it with him and so walked higher to find out the Treasure At length he came to the Sanctuarie where stoode the auncient costlie Altare for the Sacrifice hauing thereon an Idoll of massie Gold vppon the head wherâ—…of was a rich imperiall Crowne and in his right hand a Scepter so curiously framed as it was impossible to sée Iewels of greater price In the Idolles other hand was a Booke fast sealed with foure great buckles of Gold and in such a meruailously costly Chaire was the Image sette as nature her selfe woulde haue béene driuen into admiration to behold a matter of such surpassing excâ—…llencie All about the Altare stoode many Basons of Golde and before it hung diuers Images of siluer with lighted Lampes from whence came such a swéete smell of Mirrhe and other Aromatique druggâ—…s and the light caused the precious stones in the Idoll so to glisâ—…er as it wold haue rauished anie eye to note the Maiâ—…stie therâ—…of Palmendos carried away with contemplating this sight and not able to withdrawe his eyes from gazing thereon at length beheld the darke night to draw on the Lampâ—…s in this holie conclaue hauing so beguiled him wherefore hee concluded not to depart thence till the morning that hee might behold the other singularities of the place CHAP. IX VVhat illusions appeared to Palmendos iâ—… the Temple one whereof resembled the beautie of Francelina wherewith he had a great deale of talke and how Ozalio with the other Knights came and found him PAlmendos sate downe on a curious piller intending to repose himselfe till the next morningâ—… but immediatlie he hearde such a bruite and rumour as though the whole worlde had beene in one moment assembled Héerevpon he arose and couragiously drawing his Sworde because hee doubted some ambushe or newe charge went directly to the Sepulchre of y â— Duke where hee behelde a Damosell with her hayre about her eares and all her garments soyled with blood which verie sight greeued him to the hart This was the shaddow and representation of the Priestes Daughter who after shee had deliuered manie bitter sighes with a voice hollow and trembling thus spake Am I not more wretched and vnfortunate then anie other vnder the Globe of heauen yes questionlesse séeing the fatall Destiniâ—…s hath appointed me to endure perpetuall cruell and rigorous martirdomes for thy sake noble Duke of Feria the onely recorde of mine afflicted soule for whom loue tooke such priuiledge on me as I feared not to offend my selfe with mine owne hande But who hath robbed me of the Sworde that so suddainly made the sad execution of my life Ah Palmendos thinke not to carry it away so lightlie for that Sworde is yet more necessary for me With these wordes she ranne violentlie vppon him and shooke him as if she would haue torne him in pecces at which instant there arose such a â—…hunder and trembling of the earth as hee thought verilie the Temple woulde haue suncke and the foure elements resolue and turne intheir former state of Chaos By reason heereof the Prince coulde not continue his magnammious and wonted vigour but â—…ell downe depryued of his vnderstanding as though pale death had taken possession of him During this tâ—…aunce a faire Uirgin richlie accoustred whom the olde â—…oman that told him of so manie thinges at Tharsus had sent thether by her poste came and tooke him by y â— hand saying Arise Palmendos my noble Lorde and câ—…me to her who seeing the fearefull state wherein
more then welcome to my â—…thers Court his Maiestie béeing not a little glad of your arriuall so taking each of them by the hand he conducted them into the great Hall where the Emperour sat in hyâ—… Chaire attending their commingâ—… and they approching the state made offer to kisse his highnes hande but heâ—… tooke them in his armes would not suffer them saying â—…now my good Cozins that I account my selfe greatly indebted to you in that you woulde forsake your owne Countreyes to visiâ—…e me so farre off and that I may not faile in the vse of your names let me vnderstand w t of you is Rifarano albeit you bothe stande equall in my grace and fauour yet beeing singularlie desirous to continue my loue to y â— Princesse Zephira I must consequently esteeme and affecte all that come from her On the other side as well for the indiâ—…oluble amitie intireâ—…ie grounded in â—…ur young yeres betwâ—…ne the Emperour Trineus and me as also in regard of the all 〈◊〉 vnited betweene vs I am constrained to loâ—…e his linagâ—… and poâ—…eritie and thus I woulde haue you 〈◊〉 persâ—…aded that greater good coâ—…lde not happen to me then thâ—…â—…ght of thâ—…m I esteeme so déerelie Heauen so proâ—…per and fauour you in all things as they haue thorowlie comforted my spirits by the very hearing of my good Freendeâ—… confederates the Soldane and Zephira whose health I pray ye resolue me of for it is long since I hearde any thing from them My Lord answered Rifarano at what time we departed Persia we left their personnes in most safe disposition and they by vs humbly kissing your Maiesties â—…and haue sent this Letter in â—…gne of the reuerence and looue they â—…are yée now for they could not thâ—…mselues come so far they haue sent this Prince their Sonne named Lecefin in their stedde to dâ—… anie seruiceable duetie in your royall Court. As for my selfe I am Rifarano Sonne to Aurecinda expreâ—…y leaâ—…ing my Countrey to haue knowledge of your excellencie and with my vttermâ—…st endeâ—…ours â—…o follow your seruice crâ—…ing this licence that I may goe sée the Empâ—…ur Tryneus my Father whose Sonne I account my selfe not onelie happie to be but greatlie aâ—…use my selfe of ingratitude that I haue so long time deferred this voyage Lecefin kissing the Letter vpon his knée deliuered it to the Emperour which he commaunding to be opâ—…d tâ—…ke and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 followeth The Letter of Zephira wife to the Soldane of Persia to the Emperour Palmerin To the right happy and most fortunate Prince Palmerin d'Oliua mirrour of courtesie and surpassing all good Knights Zephira wife to the Soldane of Persiâ—… perpetuall vowed freende to your imperiall Maiestie kisseth your highnes hand wyshing your increase in all felicitie KNowe most noble Emperour that the long and vehement aâ—…ection of my â—…onne Lecefin to sée Constantinople onely to offer you his seruice and beholde the magnificence of your Court hath caused the Soldane my husband and me nowe to sende him in company of Rifarano Sonne to the Emperor Trineus to satisâ—…fie the desire they had in visiting you on our behalfe And albeit they deserued greater royaltie for such a voyage yet woulde they no other companie then thirtie Knights knowing that ostentation in shewe woulde not purchase â—…hem the more estimation at your handes and therfore they come no otherwise accouâ—…tred Notwithstanding if the sincere amitie you euermore shewed mâ—…e hath acquainted you with the inwarde integritie of my harte whereby you haue deigned me place among your most affectionate Freendes I desire you in regard of that zeale to entertaine these two accept of this present as comming from the hand of her who hath not her equall in good will to your excellencie And to witnes my bounden duetie in acceptation héereof I vowe both me and mine â—…uermore to your obeysaunce perswading my selfe that your woonted debâ—…ire courtesse will not suffer me disdained in the offer I make The most obedient of your freendes Zephira Soldanesse of Persia. For this gentle Letter from the Soldane and Zephira the Emperour gaue Lecefin their Son manie thanks againe and againe welcomming him to the Courte then turning to Rifarano he said I well perceiue my Lord Rifarano that you are the vndoubted Sonne of the Emperor Trineus because you so liuelie resemble him in face well haue yée doone to come sée so good a Father and the more doo I thank God for your arriual heere at this time when we intend to holde open Court to honour the approching mariage of our beloued Cozin and so please ye to stay the intended Tryâ—…mphes heere shall yée sée good store of worthie Knightes that meane to tempt Fortune for the Garland of honour These newes dread Lorde aunswered Rifarano are not a little welcome to vs in respect that next the principall pâ—…int of our voyage which was to kisse your Maiesties hande wee were desirous to beholde the valour of your knights for their renowne is spredde thorowe the whole worldâ—… and now we shall wel witnes the same comming at a time so apt for the purpose Nor can we forget a worthie â—…ight whom we met in our iourney beeing named Palmendos without his seconde or match in martiall affaiâ—…es and I thinke there is no one manne liuing except your highnes the mirrour and Paragon of Chiualrie that worthilie may be equalled with him right sorrie are we because wee can deliuer no better knowledge of the man by reason of his desire to passe vnknowne and therefore concealeth himselfe in al places where he trauaileth This famous man right noble Lord humbly kisseth your highnes hand hauing sent yee such rare inestimable riches as when you haue seene them you will iudge that the like present was neuer giuen to aâ—…e King or Emperour as we are to present you withal from this vnknown Knight The charge of this message we vndertooke in y â— our selues with diuers other Knights were deliuered from the cruell bondage of Baledon the Gyant in the Isle of Delphos where we endured miseries not fit to be recounted in this gracious assemblie Yet y â— heauens gaue Palmendos power to kill this Tirant after which victorie hee hath seazed the Island subiect to your Maiestie vntill you sende some such Gouernour or Lieutenaunt as best liketh you wherwithall as testimonie of his honourable victorie hee hath sent ye the Wife and Daughter to the Gyant to dispose of them as shall seeme best in your wisedome heere to be added the whole discourse of the Temple howe Palmendos had ended the enchaunted aduenture therof Without doubt ê™ the Emperour béeing driuen into great merâ—…aile I cannot imagine who this worthy Knight shoulde be for if he haue ended such a waightie enterprise it must néedes follow that he is péerelesse in Chiualrie and if it be his fortune to sée our Court I shall requite him withall the honour I can but tell me is he a Meore or a Christian A Moore borne
they seemed good hardie Champions discended of some great birthe in that they were so woorthilie accompanied with women of choyse and singuler beautie as also Gentlemen of câ—…uill behauiour Héerevpon many Knights â—…ousted with the Countie who styll bare away the honour of the â—…elde Lynedes all this while not arming himselfe for the woorthy successe of his Cozin deserued high commendation wherof his Lady was not a little proude to sâ—…e her husbande performe such Chiualrie Rifarano and Lecefin enuying the Counties glory intended to see how they shoulde spéed in the â—…oust yet they desired â—…o defer it til the last day when they vanquishing the Countiâ—… and Lynedes his Cozin might beare away the whole praise of the Tryumph but others came in meane while and altered their intent as you at large shall perceiue heereafter CHAP. XIII Howe Arnedes Sonne to the King of Fraunce and Râ—…inde his Cozin Sonne to the King of Castile came to Constantinople where Arnedes vanquished Lynedes and his Cozin in the Ioust by which occasion they were greatly â—…onoured of the Emperour THe King of Fraunce Father to Lewes Duke of Burgundie bâ—…eing at y â— extreame poynt of his life among other things remeÌ„bred that when the peace was concluded betwéene the Emperour Palmerin and him they determined vpon an alliaunce by marriage if God graunted them issue wherby to doo it to the end that in the heroycall house of Fraunce Sonnes and daughters might be nourished procéeding from such worthie auncâ—…ers as the like might not be found thorow the whole worlde For this cause when the time likewise shoulde conueniently agree therewith he commaunded his Sonne to remember the Emperour of his promise which Prince Lewes promising his dying Father to performe with excéeding sorrow accomplished his funeralles and making â—…hoyse afterward for his owne fancie in hope to fulfill his Fathers desire in his issue hee maried with the daughter to the King of Castile by whom hee had thrée Sonnes and two Daughters that were borne at a byrth His eldest Sâ—…nne was named Arnedes whose minde was euermore giuen to Armes and Millitarie discipline wherein time and vse made him so expert as he was estéemed the oneliâ—… Champion of Fraunce It came so to passe as the King of Fraunce marryed one of his Daughters with the Kyng of Scicilie at whose marriage Arnedes wunne such fame by his Chiualrie as the report of him was blazed thorowe manie prouinces To this marriage likewise came one of his Cozins Sonne to the King of Castile and named Recinde who conceiued so good liking of Arnedes behauiour that they swore an inuiolable league of amitie betweene them twain neuer to forsake eche others companie in matters of Armes where with the Queene was â—…ighly contented because shee looued her Cozin Recinde with intire affection King Lewes seeing his Sonne Arnedes of yeeres to haue a Wife and fearing he should els where dispose hys lyking one day called him into his Chamber and thus conferred with him My Sonne such is the naturall inclination of my looue towards thee as I would not wyshe anie thing to thee but to haue thee as well contented therwith as my selfe to this end I vse these speeches for that our late kinglie Father of famous memorie at the verie shutting vppe of his latest dayes gaue me charge to ioyne thee in marriage with the Emperours Daughter of Constantinople that such issue as no doubt shall procéede from you botâ—…e may some what resemble their famous auncesters Wherefore I am determined right soone to send an Embassage to him to sollicite this mariage which I hope he will like well of and this I can assure thee if Fame tell no leasings that the Princesse Philocrista nowe aged sixteene yâ—…eres is a Ladie of such rare singuler beautie as Nature hath not framed the like vnder the moouing of these eyght Spheres When the Prince Arnedes saw that his Father talked so courteously with him about these affayres he humlye intreated him not to trauaile any further in y e matter for there was time enough heereafter to deale in such occasions wherwith the King paciâ—…ed him because he saw his Sonne so colde as he thought in matter of marriage nor would he trouble him any more therewith afterward But the young Prince wise and aduised in concealing his owne desires hauing long before heard faire Pilocrista coÌ„mended beyond compare as also the deedes of the Knights in the Emperour Palmerins Court he had no leysure now to forbid them his remembraunce so that fayne would hee compasse a secrete iournâ—…y to Constantinople intending if the Princesse pleased to demaunde her of the Emperour in marriage and if his Maiestie would not consent thereto hée intended to doo such exployts in Greece as the honourable prayse of them should compassâ—… his loue Thys was the proiect of Arnedes resolution which in secrete he imparâ—…ed to his Cozin Recind who with mighty perswasions annimated him heerein vowing that till death they would loyalliâ—… 〈◊〉 freendly companions and so well gouerne themselues by disguâ—…ng theyr persons and contrarying their languages in these affayres as the moâ—… skilfull head shâ—…ulde not searche the depth of their intent When the two Cozins were thus determined Arnedes imagining it no wisedome to iugle with his Father went and requested a fauour at his highnes hande the effecte whereof was thus Gracious Lorde and Father quoth hee my desire is without your displeasure that I may got â—…ee the Princesse Philocrista as well to like as loue before any motion of marriage and for my Cozin Recinde will beare me coÌ„pany I wold haue your Maiestie so perswaded y â— in secret disguiâ—…ng we wil passe vnknowne of anie much lesse giue occasion of suspect what we are not doubting but by our vertuous behauiour to yeelde you content by our â—…oyage and our selues good report Beside the worlde is well acquainted therwith that this Emperour of Constantinople had not wâ—…nne such fame and renowne but onely by the innumerable Trophes erected in diuers Regions of hys youthfull trauailes which are examples sufficient for Knights of high desire not to desist from worthy enterpryfes for the obiect of death who without regarde of time or place pursueth in ambush the steppes of the woorthiest Nor let doubt of our stay in Greece hinder vs good father for as we goe not to build any dwelling there so is y â— hope of our returne to be expected more spéedie It greatlie dyspleaseth mee answered the King that I haue promised to myne owne dyscontentment and which much more wyll redownde to your disaduantage but seeing I haue past my worde and in thys sorte you meane personally to vysite Greece goe in Gods name who guyde and sende you safely home agayne els will your stay more hurt mee then you can imagine Humbly taking his leaue of the King because he wold not haue his departure knowne hee secretly gotte him to Marseilles accompanied with none but his Cozin Recinde his
minde I mâ—… giue ouer the exercise of Armes which Fortune I see â—…ies I should follow Longer would he haue continued in these pensiue mones but the Hermit interrupted him in this manner My Soâ—…e giue thankes to him that deliuered thee out of the Knights hands and hath not suffered both bodie and soule to perrish let idle and vndecent thoughtes bee nowe abandoned and â—…ft thy minde to the place of eternall comfort With these wordes he bound vp his wounds â—…o well as he could minding to lead him to his Hermitage but as one mischaunce happenâ—…th not alone so â—…ell it out at this instant for hee was no sooner gotten â—…n foote but Lecefin his mortall enemie arriued and knowing him to be his riual in loue drawing his Sword thus spake Now shall I teache thee my capitall 〈◊〉 what it is to looâ—… her whom thâ—… aâ—…t â—…t wâ—…thy to serue and that shall I make thee presently 〈◊〉 or bâ—…y thy 〈◊〉 with the price of thy bloode for a Ladie of so rare perfections standeth too farre out of a Frenclomans reaâ—…e Héer with he violentlie strooke at Arnedes whom the good olde Hermit seeing in â—…ch daungerous case tooke 〈◊〉 in his Armes desiring Leceâ—…n not to seeke his death that had of late escaped it so néere But Lecefin beeing a Moore and therefore the more inexorable wold giue no eare to his words but cruelly gaue the olde man such a stroke on the head as therewith he fell downe dead to the grounde Ah dogged and distoyall Traytour said Arnedes when he beheld this tragicall act why hast thou 〈◊〉 this religious Father that neuer offended thee the heauens I hope will not let thee passe vnpunished but plague thee as such a damnable déede requireth So taking his Sword as well as he might by reason of his former hurtes he séekes to defende himselfe and reuenge the Hermits death but all was in vaine for with out a meruailous chaunce Arnedes death was nowe ordayned In a happy howre arriued there Pernedin sonne to the Duke of Pera one of them that departed in y â— search of Palmendos who knowing both the Combatants stepped betweene them saying Why how now Gentlemen are courtly freendes become enemies in Field Arnedes who was no longer able to holde out falling downe to the earth sayd Ah Pernedin reuenge my wrong on this inhumaine wretche who seeing mee cruellie wounded before by the Knight that bare away the honour of the Tourney without any cause sette violently vpon me and this villainous Moore not content to wronge mee alone hath â—…layne this holie Hermit because he disswaded him from dealing with me that had béene so hardlie intreated before What tyrannie is thiâ—… in a â—…night aunswered Pernedin by my Sworde did not my 〈◊〉 to Rifarano ouer-tule mce the gentle Prince that brought thee to y â— Court heere I wolâ—… make thee to breathe thy last but I shall declare thiâ—… treason before the Emperor his Barons what manhood thou hast vsed to a wounded man whom y â— durst not deale with had he béenâ—… in health wherefore gette thee gone I â—…duise thee or I shall sende thine accursed soule to hel At these worâ—… Lecefin was so ashameâ—… of himselfe as moun ting presentlie on Arnedes Horse he rode away not speaking to eyther of them knowing hee haâ—… notoriously blemished his honour wherefore he went to a Monasterie of Nunnes neere at hande to haue his woundes bounde vp that he had receined by Arnedes When the Sisâ—…ers knewe that hee was of the Emperours Court they entertayned him very courteously anâ—… one of them beeing a cunning Chirurgion vndertooke in shorte time to heale his woundes Nowe was Pernedin both offended and greeued to see the olde Hermitte slaine and Arnedes in such daunger wherefore calling the Noâ—…ice that alwaies attended on the olde Father they leadâ—… the wounded Prince into the Hermitage and after warde â—…etching the dead bodie buryed it as they coulde conuenientlie applying soueraigne salues whereof the good olde man was neuer vnprouided to Arnedes woundes But Pernedin seeing there was no more helpe and they likewise ignorant in those kind of vnguents thought it more meete they should goe straite to the Cittie of Constantinople There may ye quoth he sooner recouer your health because men of skill and knowledge shall take special care of you and for my parte I will willinglie accompany you thether albeit I haue not sped in y â— cause of my departure It will be to my shame answered Arnedes that the â—…perour should seâ—… me in this daungerous plight notwithstanding I will at this present be councelled by you beâ—…ing neuer able to recompence thys honourable kindnes CHAP. XVIII How Pernedin brought Arnedes to Constantinople where the Emperour the Empresse with theyr Daughters Philocrista and Melicia came to visite him and what talke the two Dwarffes had together Pâ—…esently after that Arnedes was brought by the meanes of Pernedin to Constantinople in a Litter because he could not endure to sit on horsebacke newes of this mischance was brought to the Emperour who growing into extreme anger against the Moore said Well may Lecefin resemble the Solâ—…ane his Father a man full of trecherous and ignoble practises but he must not thus thinke to wrong a Prince of Fraunce So stepping frowninglie from his Chayre hee went to the Princes Chamber to see him charging his Phisâ—…tions and Chirurgions to tende him so well as if they had his owne person in cure Then Arnedes reuealed the whole discourse of that which happened between Palmendos and him at the end whereof the Emperour thus aunswered I wonder that the â—…night should be so desirous to doo me seruice and yet dooth flye in this sort from mee doubtlesse hee is gone to prooue the aduenture of Francelina if hee rode that way you say he did and it may be his fortune to ende it I hopâ—… except our Nephewe Belcar excéede him in valour that I can 〈◊〉 beleene he will When the Emperor departed hâ—… commaunded that the Empresse and hâ—…r Daughters should goe visite the Prince which shee accordinglie did taking Philocrista and Melicia with her shee beeing greatly offended at the iniurie doone to Arnedes And Philocrista very much bemoned his mishappe yet wiselie and discreetlie as became a sober â—…irgin for the looue shee bare him was deriued from gentlenes and vertue which shee noted him to preferre in all his actions and nothing hadde 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 re especiall account then to conferue her chastitie pure and vnspâ—…tted Arnedes was ioyfull to sée hâ—…r hee loued so deerelie how she sorowed his hard fortune and blamed Lecefin as a diâ—…oyall Traytor which gentle spéeches did more comfort his hart then all the phisâ—…ck or cunning in the world could doo While the Empresse and her Daughters beguiled the time with him Amenada a woman Dwarffe that attended on Philocrista Risdeno her Nephewe came to Bruquell Arnedes Dwarffe who vsed sundry lamentations for the great mishappe had befallen
what thou canst for I wel perceiâ—…e thou coâ—…nest to seeke thine own ruine And there didst thou finde thy dishonor aunswered Rifarano when by force and treason thou abusedst thys Gentleman who neuer gaue thee any cause of offence wherefore restore his Wife whome thou vniustlie detaynest or if reason may not thereto perswade thee come downe and enter the Combat with me and I shall let thée know the price of thy villainie I had not thought replyed the Knight of the Castell that thy indiscretion had beene so great as to thinke I would win a thing so hardlie and deliuer it from me so lightlie nor shall the paragon of my hart bee in the custodie againe of so base an excrement of nature then spake he to the Dwarffe in this manner Thou wretched and ridiculous creature commest thou likewise to make one in the Tragedie begin with thyne owne hand thou wert best or I shall plague thee with extreame torments So tooke he the Gentlewoman in hys armes and oftentimes laciuiously kissed her shee stryuing in teares to hinder his embracings wherefore hee sayde Good Madame seeke no occasion whereby to offende your selfe for yee shall sée me plucke downe the brauery of this Knight and make y e Monster your husbande safe froÌ„ troubling you anie more Tush these are but wordes quoth Rifarano let me sée thee come Armed into the fielde then shall I liue in hope of some déeds And if y u wilt haue me imagine thee couragious bring down the Ladie with thee that the Conquerer may carrie her whether him pleaseth I am content answered the Knight because thou shalt see howe little I esteeme thy threatning and soone shall all controuersies be ended betweene thee and me that heereafter may arise on this occasion Quickly had he Armed himselfe and came foorth leading the Lady in his hande which when the Dwarffe saw he durst not tary but gotte him a bowe shoote further off So fell the Knight and Rifarano to the Combat which continued long time doubtfull on eyther side but at length Rifarano had the vpperhand of his enemie because he had giuen him many cruell woundes on his bodie When the Squires of the Castell sawe their Maister ouercome they woulde forcibly haue caryed the Ladie into the Castell again but Rifarano aduertised thereof by her cry made them forsake her runne hastilie into the Castell then taking her by the hand sayd Come with me Ladie and I shall deliuer ye to your Husbande that loues yee loyallie as you may be perswaded by this I haue doone at his earnest intreatie Many humble thankes she requited him withal seeing her selfe frée from her iniurious enemie and the Dwarffe séeing this fortunate successe came and humbled himselfe at the Conquerers feete embracing his Wife in aboundaunce of ioy being neither of them able to expresse theyr contentation for that teares and inward motions of comfort had depriued them of speech Afterward the Knight had recouered himselfe againe and came stealing on Rifarano thinking to murder him but the Dwarffe espying him cryed out whereupâ—…n the Prince returned and getting him once more into subiection with his Sworde smote hys heade from his Shoulders The Dwarffe not a little ioyfull for this victorie desired the Prince that he would accompany him to his Castell because that trayterous Knight had a Brother and two Cozins who hearing of his death wold presently pursue them Whereto Rifarano courteously condiscended and mounting the Gentlewoman behind her Husbande they iourneyed thence with all spéede possible But ere they could recouer the place where they wold be they were pursued by the Knights Brother and his two Cozins When the Dwarffe and his Wife nowe verilie thought to die notwithstanding such was the braue behauiour of Rifarano that one after another they syedde as the Knight of the Castell had doone and so without any more â—…nterruption they gotte hâ—…me to their Castel where they feasted the Prince very sumptuously On 〈◊〉 morâ—…w he departed thence continuing his trauayle after Palmendos and by the way he succoured a distressed Countesse against a cruell Brother in Lawe of hers namâ—…d Diole who sought forcibly to depryue her of her possessions but by the rare Chiualrie of Rifarano hee lost hiâ—… life in that bad attempt And here wyth the Countesse we will leaue Risarano because wee haue too long forgotten our cheefe Knight Palmendos CHAP. XX. Howe Palmendos arriued in the Isle of Carderia where first he vanquished Tyrendos in the Ioust and next the Knight that guarded the passage of the Bridge and also dyuers other that assayled him at the thyrde Tower and howe he came to the Gardengate where Francelina was NOt long since you vnderstoode how after Palmendos had vanquished Arnedes hee followed his way with long desire to see Carderia wherfore omitting all occasions that might hinder his voyage he determined to make no stay till he came to the Isle and very soone after it was his chaunce to arriue there wheÌ„ he implored the helpe of heauen in fynishing this aduenture and as a sacrifice after victorie he promised to offer his soule to the holy caracter of Christianitie and to be baptized so soone as he could At this time Belcar kept not the passage of the Bridge because he was departed certaine dates before to visite the King and Queene at Macedon for they hearing of his wonderfull deedes of Armes in defending that Bridge fent for him to the Courte by an expresse messenger And truelie he woulde not haue gone so resolute was he in his enterprise but that the Princesse Alderina secreatly commaunded him by a Letter written with her owne hande she hauing discouered the trueth of all to the Quéene Griana intreating her by some meanes to continue the Duke her Father there till that Belcar came from the Isle of Carderia The Quéene liked heereof excéeding well and knowing her Nephewe could not ioyne in more honourable mariage then with the chaste and vertuous Ladie Alderina she conferred with the Duke and Duchesse of Pontus who likewise were glad of so noble alliaunce For this cause the Quéene sent one of her Gentlemen to Belcar accompanied with Alderinaes Page who closely deliuered y â— Prinâ—… the Letter the substaunce whereof followeth thus the beholders were greatly amazed for that since the departure of Belcar he had pâ—…uailed against many a Knight Among the rest the Queenâ—… of Thessalie Mother to Francelina who was come thether â—…lue or â—…xe dayes before because the laâ—…t of the three Fayrâ—…es that caused y â— enchauntment in the Fortresse foreseeing shee coulde not liue long haâ—…tened the comminâ—… of Palâ—…dos as you haue hearâ—… 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 word to the Queene that soonâ—…â—…ter her 〈◊〉 she 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her deâ—…res 〈◊〉 The death of the Enchauntresse was no sooner known to the good Queene who had an extreame affection to 〈◊〉 her Daughter free from the Magicall coniurations that 〈◊〉 the King her Husbande 〈◊〉 be deliuered frâ—…m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
my selfe I am a Knight of a Countrey far hence and hearing by chaunce what mone ye made for the captiuitie of the King your Husband as also howe desirous you seâ—…med to see him in Constantinople I waâ—… greatly mooued to pittie yâ—…ur affliction and as one willing to pleasure you heerin as also what other thing you shall commaund mee I tooke yée foorth of your bed promising ye by my religiouâ—… vowes to Chiualrie not onely to shewe you the King Ocurites but also to guarde your chastitie incontaminate as frée from the least sâ—…ot of dishonour as when yee happened into my custodie False and dislâ—…yall Knight quoth shee how can I but receiue shame and infamie by this treacherie hauing in such sort beene taken from among my Guarde If I desired to see the King my husband it was only to content my minde which is theretâ—… mooued with vehement â—…ffection yet might my meaning be far enough from my words because I could not doo it without my Fathers licence and more willingly woulde I ende my life in this place then goe with thee of whom I canne imagine no good thought but as thou hast felloniously stollen mée from my bedde so wilt thou heereafter trayterously murder me I am neyther Theefe or Traytour aunswered Palmendos but â—… Knight readie at your commaundement if so you take my seruice in good worth and seeing you are now in my puissaunce determine to goe with me willinglie or perforce and thinke not I intend your death for it is farre frâ—…m my thought I promise you Then began Marencida to teare her haire which seemed as the Golden wyer and beate her faire handes so white as the Alablaster with out-cryeâ—… as a Woman depriued of her sences when y â— Prince pittying these feminine importunities drew his Sword and to ease these extreames charmed her a sleepe againe During thys time Ozalio had tolde the King of Thessalie the whole newes of his Daughter Francelina whereto hee gaue good attention because since the time of his imprisonment he had not heâ—…rd any thing as concerning the affâ—…ires of hiâ—… Realm or that y â— Queene his wife had any such Daughter wherefore the teares trickling downe his face he came and embraced Palmendos saying In sooth my Sonne al the gréeuous torments I haue heertofore endured seâ—…me nothing in respect of the comfort I nowe feele that my vnknowne Câ—…ild shall enioy a man so vertuous and for this Ladies taâ—…ing I am likewise glad because by this meane I shall be reuenged sufficiently on the Turke Thus dooth God aunswered Palmendos shewe himselse a iuste Iudge and the true directour of all humane actions limitting â—…uerie occasion according as best him pleaseth but we were best to make what speed we can hence els may we repent our comming among these inexorable Tyrants Marencida awaking againe and not perswaded with all the courtâ—…ous intreaties the Prince could deuise shee still continued her former acclama tions not vnlike Ariadne at the comming of Bacchus when she wâ—…s found forsaken by Theseus at the sea-side in like sort did she renew her malâ—…dictions inuocating on Neptune and Thetis as also y â— Tritons their Herralds Monsters Nimphes and Sirens that shée might suffer shypwracke in the Sea and the Fishes féede on her vnhappie carcasse But Ozalio pittying her dollorous complaints and finding his hart somewhat espryzed with her loue intreated Palmendos to graunt him one request which aboue al things els he required at his hands when the Prince yeelding to any thing his Cozin wouldâ—… demaund Ozalio proceeded in this manner My sute is worthy Lord and Cozin to enioy this Lady as my Wife to whom I know the destenies haue fatallie reserued mee considering the suddaine chaunge and inexplicable controuersie my hart endureth wheras the continual accompanying of beautiful Ladies heertofore could neuer mooâ—…e my frozen affections and nowe I feele them not warme but boyling Easilie may yee quoth Palmendos obtaine this demaund of mee if nothing els stande in the way to hinder it and as much doo I desire your aduauncement as any waie I can be couetous of mine own hoping while I liue to sée no diuorce between vs but that our estates shall continue equally together and in witnes of my worde I deliuer yee the charge of this Princesse heereafter to dispose of her according to your desires Ozalio now vseth all decent courteâ—…ies to Marencida wherby to gaine fauour in her coÌ„ceit yet all was in vaine for she would not affoorde him any good countenaunce but remained in her wâ—…nted obstinacie When the poore Fisherman vnderstood by his Soâ—… Orycano how his guests had deliuered y â— King of Thessalie out of Albayzo Castell hee thought it no longer tarrying for him in Turkie wherefore hee came and intreated the Prince Palmendos y â— he might saile with him into Christendome which sute was very soone obtained so hee his wife and familie did all come aboord the Ship the Prince promising to reward their gentlenes liberallie Nowe let vs come to the Guarde and them that attended on Marencida who waking not finding their Ladie in her bed began to chafe and rage in most extreame maner some renting their haire beardes violentlie others running mad among the Trees thinking she had beenâ—… metamorphized in the Garden nor coulde they imagiâ—…e how to escape the daunger when the great Turke shoulde heare of this mishap These comfortles creatures thus amazed not daring any one of them to goe tell the Emperor heerof they determined to flie the Countrey and returne no more to the Courte leauing Marencidaes Ladies and Gentlewomen mourning in that vnhappy place where about noone Ripole Brother to Iffida arriued returning from the wedding with his wife diuers braue Knights but when he vnderstood the cause of their sorrow hee was strooken into such a quandarie as hee woulde passe no further before hee enquired â—…ore of this â—…uent In meane while he sent a Squire to Albayzo Castel to aduertise his Father of his comming and the Squire prauncing vp to the Fortresse meruailed to see the Gates wide open but much more when he saw the slaughter of the Knights and the Captaine himselfe lie â—…laine among thâ—…m nowe was he surprized with such feare as hee had not the hart to tarie there any longer but trusting to the speedy succour of his horse legges galloped with all speede to his Maister where standing awhile as a man beside himselfe at lâ—…ngth he thus spake Pardon me my Lord in declaring a bloodie and tragicall report your worthy Father all the Guard oâ—… the Castell lye cruellie murdered in the base Courte and because I foundâ—… the greate Gates open I doubt the Treasure and riches in the Castell hath occasioned thyâ—… massacre by some robbers and theeues Ripole hearing these vnlooked for newes terrified in such sort as he coulde not tell what to say mounted on a lusty Courser and rodâ—… to the Castell the Gentlemen bringing his
during my tribulation nowâ—… câ—…re I not though Death presentlie doo his duetie for séeing the circle of your armes haue embraced me I am the readâ—…er for my mother Earth to receiue me Nowe are Ioyâ—…ull teares plentifullie powred foorth on all sides and embracings so vehement as though they should neuer vnfold againe the libertie of speeche béeing â—… all this while for Palmendos and Francelina were transported into a second heauen where the outward ceremonies serued to confirme the inward contentation at length the Quéene taking Francelina by the hande thus spake to the King Sée héere my Lord your Daughter of whom I was but newlie conceiued when you went from Thessalie 〈◊〉 and fortuâ—…ate may she iustly bée tearmed in that her destenie hath deliuered you from prison restored me my former ioy and giuen her the most perfect Knight that euer â—…are Armes When the King behelde his Daughter so fâ—…re and gracious he tooke her in his armes expressinâ—… with silent fauours his hartie ioy and in this while the Emperour came with his traine alighting from his horse to welcome the King of Thessalie whom when he behelde so spent and dis-figured the teares fell from his eyes and embracing him in his armes sayde My noble Brother heauen haue the honour for deliuering ye from our common enemie where albeit I was heeretofore glad of your reskewe yet was I agreeued at your imprisonment béeing then my selfe as you know in the Turkes power although hee gaue mee more libertie then you in hope I would haue ayded him with my vttermost abilitie my desire then to get from his seruice constrayned me to deale somewhat hardlie against you an errour too notable and I confesse worthy reprehension but God pardoning the offences of the repentaunt hath in pittie regarded vs both and by his inexpuisable goodnes directed all thinges to a happy ende My Lorde replyâ—…d the King the whole discourse thereof haue I heard by PalmeÌ„dos which giues me reason not to thinke any fault in you when yee coulde not otherwise helpe the same â—… but let vs leaue occasions past séeing heauen hath so miraculously deliuered me that I should come my selfs to present the entire affection wherwith I am bound to your highnes seruice Nor could any thing in the world said the Emperor more dâ—…light me then your comming with the Knight I haue so long desired to sée with whom I cannot but be offended these words hâ—… merily vttered in that hee hath taried so long time from mee then Palmendos falling on his knee modestly answered in this maner Dread Lord if heertofore I haue prouoked your displeasure I confesse such punishment is due to me as you shall ordaine wyllinglie will I endure it to fashion mee the better to your seruice wherein I woulde employ my selfe according to your appointment although it were to fight against the Gates of death wherof I gladly could affoord some proofe so please your highnes to enioyne me such a taske as may expresse my zeale forwardnes And that you may know the name of your voluntarie Seruaunt I am that Palmendos who was since the howre of my birthe destenyed to follow your vertues huÌ„bly intreating to discharge your remembraunce of any discontentment I haue héeretofore occasioned in that mine owne minde still perswaded me I wanted worthines to come before your excellenciâ—… The Emperour beholding him of such gallant stature did not a little meruaile at his rare persections wherefore taking him graciously in his armes desired he would commaund any thing wherein he might stand him in sted for he was not able to requite his high deseruings Afterward â—…ame Primaleon courteously entertained him the like did Abenunco signifying how much he was bound to him for his happy deliueraunce then came Arnedes with the other Lordes and Knights all of them embracing the hardiâ—… Champion that went away with the honour of the Tourney By this time had Ozalio brought Marencida on shore sheâ—… 〈◊〉 to â—…old such statâ—… anâ—… royâ—…ltie wherefore she desired to know the place of her landing Madame ansâ—…ered Oâ—…alio this Cittie is calleâ—… Constantinople and among thiâ—…â—…orishing troope of Princes who haue vouchsafed their comming hether â—…o this Porte there may yee behold the 〈◊〉 Emperour Palmâ—…rin who iâ—… heere in person to receiue the King of Thessâ—… and the worthy Knight that deliâ—…ered him from prison your selfe like wisâ—… wil estéeme him a vertuoâ—…s Prince by the good entâ—…rtainment you sâ—…all enioy when once hee vnderstandeth your state and calling so that I hope you will not râ—…pent this voyage were it but to haue knâ—…wledge of him alone New miserable and vnfortunate am I quoth she to fall into the mercy of my Faâ—…hers capitall eneme howe can my greefâ—…s but growe into â—…n excéeding surplusage If I sée the King Ocurites my husâ—…and the meeting will bee wiâ—…h meruailous hart breake on either side beâ—…ing both of vs captiue tâ—… the very worst enemy we haue The Emperour and his Lords kindly saluted her but sâ—…ée wouâ—…d nâ—…t â—…nce bowe herselfe or make any aunswer whereat y â— stanâ—… by very much wondred tearming her a Wâ—…man of rough vnséemely behauiour saying nature might much better haue made her a man Mounting all on horseback in most comeliâ—… order they rode to the Pallace where the Empresse and her Ladies met them in the Court and to tell the courteâ—…es gratulations and welcome there 〈◊〉 would aske a world of time yet little to the purpose â—…t it suffise thâ—…n they are so well entertained as you can anie way imaginâ—… Palmendos taking Marencida by the hande brought her to the Princesse Philocrista with thesâ—… speeches I 〈◊〉 you Madame to accept this Lady into your câ—…mpany and giue her such good counsell as you can best deuise for she is discended of royall blood I tell ye Sir Palmendos replyed the Princesse I must â—…bey what you commaundâ—… me â—…or the looue I beare to you and your swéete Freâ—…nde and I imagine my selfe fortunate hauing such a precious gage from a Knight so perfect nor shal she be worse intreated then mine owne selfe Marencida hearing these gracious speeches and what courtesie Palmendos vsed to the Princesse perceiued that she was the Emperours Daughter wherefore she gaue her many thankes shâ—…wing better countenaunce then before she did to any which Philocrista tooke very kindlie and mounting vppe the steppes with her into the Hall shée came to Francelina with these wordes Thys Ladie Madame dooth now supply your place seeing Lorde Palmendos is returned for now your company with me must discontinue because reason and your fatall loue dâ—…th so commaunde notwittâ—…anding I hope our amitie shal continue Fayre Princesse answered Francelina wee are bothe so farre yours and so good part haue yâ—… in my Lord as you shall finde your selfe no leâ—…e 〈◊〉 then abashed when ye knowe all therefore feare not that I will forget your freendly familiaritie rather will I continue your louing Sister
as our further assuraunce of our mutuall agreement Sundry other speeches passed betweene the two young Ladies in meane while Marencida looking about her and remembring the great pompe state and riches of her Father shée made but slender account of the Emperours Courte which was not at this time so well-stored with Knights as it was wont to bâ—…e whereupon shee gyâ—…ing a great sigth thus vttered her minde You knowe Emperour of Constantinople that the sumptuous royaltie of my Fathers Courte dooth exceâ—…de the greatest Princes in the whole world as also howe manie mightie Lordâ—…s serue him with homage and fidelitie because heeretofore you haue seene the same where if yee were so aduenturous and hardie to kill without feare of them as the whole worlde knoweth the mightie Emperour mine Unckle thinke I pray you what miserable case the Ladie is in so traitâ—…rously brought from her owne nâ—…tiue Countrey and now deliuered captiue into your custodie wherein me thinkes in respect of the renowne spread abroade of you you should take example by my aduersitie and rather greeue then glorie therin as I sée you doo considering that inconstant Fortune is still variable and doth not alwaies allowe men felicitie This I speake not whereby to gaine y â— more fauour or honour in your Court because death would be much more welcome to mee then to liue in the vexation of mind I dâ—…o wherfore I intreate ye againe if intreatie may besâ—…eme an aduersarie heereafter to conserue your reputation in such sort as I may receiue no impeach to mine honour and you shall comfort mee better therein then all the coÌ„mendation oâ—… your fame can doo To thesâ—… wordes shee added many rufull complaynts as the Emperour beeing therewith mooued to compassion replyed in this manner I â—…derstande Madame full well what ye haue said and knowe beside that the feminine choller which gouerneth your spyrite maketh you vse such kinde of language as is cleane exâ—…mpt frâ—…m all the rules of womanlie modestie nor aâ—… I now to learne that the strength of earthlie Kinges and Potentates is lesse then nothing when God is bent repugnaunt against them whereby we are all to resolue that we can doo no good acte without his assistaunce According to his diâ—…ection came I to your Unckles Courte before â—…hom I protest and craue no mercie in the day of vengeaunce if I â—…we him or euer thought to doo it beeing too farre caryed away from minding anie such intent by the honour I had before receiued at his highnes handes Yet was I priuie to his forcible detayning of the Ladie and laboured to restore her to her Lorde and Husbande shee béeing Daughter to the renowned King of Englande and Wife to the nowe famous Emperour Trineus of Allemaigne heerein mee thinkes I committed no osfence hee keeping her moste vniustlie profaning thereby the sacred Lawes of royall equitie And because the wyse haue euermore patiently endured their fortune beeing either good or badde I verilie perswade my selfe Madame that you wyll forbeare to complaine and lament in this vnseemely manner knowing your selfe to bee conquered by the most courteous and debonaire Knight that this daie lyueth in Europe euen he that in Hellespont ouer-came the King Ocurites your Husbande These newes so greeued Marencida to the harte when she heard the Emperour say that the King her husbande and shee herselfe were taken bothe captiue by one Knight as frantick-like shee coulde haue eaten her fleshe with anger but the young Princesse Philocrista conducting her to her Chamber appeased her furie with diuers freendly speeches and curteous behauiour But let vs nowe returne againe to the Prince Palmendos who in this time vnarmed himselfe that the Emperour might at more pleasure beholde him CHAP. XXXI VVhat courteous conference Palmendos had with the Emperour the Empresse and Primaleon And how beeing afterward baptized hee was affianced to his Lady AFter that Palmendos had put off his Armour hee thrâ—…we a rich Turkish robe about him imbrodered all ouer with oriental pearls which he brought from Tharsus with him according to the moderne customâ—… vsed among the most magnificent Kings of Asia intending to were it when he shold come in the Emperours presence Beeing returned into the great Hall and eche one couetous to vnderstand his originall Primaleon tooke him by the hande and sate downe when the Emperour began in this manner My noble friend Palmendos longer must ye not conceale your selfe your renowne being so lanishly brutâ—…d thorow all Countries tell me then I pray yâ—… of what parents ye are issued as also what yee thinke els conuenient to acquaint vs withall Gracious Lord answered Palmendos with you whome I so reuerence by honour I maye not dissemble in anie point for that I were vnworthie your presence if I shold deale double with so great a state Knowe then mightie Emperour that I am Sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus the affectionate seruant and vowed friend to your Maiestie forsaking my Countrey by a strange occasion so soone as I vnderstoode where my father remained which long before was concealed from me The cause of my comming into your highnes Court was the same praises I heard of Francelina to whose seruice the fatall â—…â—…ned me at my very essence in that I neuer affected any other Ladie yet reputing my selfe vnwoorthy her grace and fauour or to be séene in this honourable Court. To this he added the discourse of the olde woman that appeared to him in the Pallace at Tharsus and how she blamed 〈◊〉 for his idle and slotâ—…full life yet hiding how she â—…red him to bee his Sonne because further opinion should passe till that were discouered But quoth he as hithertoo I haue liued according to the law of Mahomet so now would I willingly receiue Christian Baptisme which I faithfully promised for my good successe wheÌ„ heauen made me able to deliuer this woorthy Princeâ—…e When the Emperour heard these thinges hee presently iudged Palmendos to be his Sonne by the suddaine and summarie supputation he made of his age and of the time he was in Pasmeria where the Quéene his mother came subtilly acquainted with him Bashful her of he was when he looked on the Empresse as his vermilion colour plainly discouered yet did he discréetly shadowe the same notwithstanding the Empresse misdoubted somewhat remembring her dreame of the Quéene of Tharsus and what the Emperour himselfe had told her before yet made she no shew of any such matter wisely gouerning her thoughtes from outward suspition whereupon the Emperour thus began againe In sooth my especiall good friend Palmendos I nowe loue and estéeme yee much better then before vnderstanding that you are Sonne to the Quéene of Tharsus who did mee so great honor in her Countries her very namâ—… maketh me remember my trauailes in those parts so that I know not howe to expresse my ioy hearing your selfe so well resolued to forsake the Ethnicke paganisme of your blasphemous Godâ—… Wherefore I am thus aduised