deceitfull shadowe of contenâ—ment and then conducted them to the earles pallace where they found him with a falcon on his fist for his delight was wholy in hauking but whâ—â— the Counte beheld Minea he sayd Lady what occasion hath drawen you into these parts Then Iacob drawing foorth the letter gaue the earle this salutation Mahomet that is our god and the god of Asia preserue the mightie king Meurmont and blesse you whom that good king kindly regréeteth by these letters Then in most humble maner kissing the superscription he presented them to his hands who breaking open the seales read them the tenure whereof was this ⸪ ⧠The letter of king Mermont to the Counte Brandis MOst thrise excellent and renowmed Counte Brandis we haue beene aduertised that for an occasion of no great moment more then the defence of a spotlesse reputatioÌ„ you hold one of our liege people prisoner Wherfore by vertue of our royall authoritie wee commaund you that without delay or further prolonging of excuse you returne him to our saued handes and send vs in writing all the articles of his imprisonment and we protest by the holy title of our Crowne to make full satisfaction If otherwise you repell and effect the contrary expect nothing but the vttermost worst of our indgnation Written at Mouâ—ment and signed Mermâ—nt No sooner had the earle read this letter which Berea had composed and sealed with her fathers seale but he sayd to Iacob honourable sir your welcome is as good as your owne desires can intreat and most willingly shal you haue Meruin restored whoÌ„ if he had wrongd me a thousand fold more then he hath yet would I deliuer him for the loue of the famous king Mermont to whom I am in kinred néerest allied assure his highnesse that if I had knowen him for one of his subiects I would not haue detained him for a kingdome 3 T is vaine to make a long tale of a light subiect Meruine was sent for deliuered to Iacob his father Barbin who accepted him with al ioy and imbraced him with the highest contentment and he on thother part did that duetifull reuerence which either a son ought or a father expecteth Then the earle sayd vnto him Meruinâ— this night will I do thée honor to sup with me because for the loue of king Mermont I haue forgotten thy misdoings then the Sewer being ariued the kings seruice was sent vp they feasted with great pompe The solemnitie being ended Iacob Barbin Meruin went with Minea to her house where they lay for that night yet before they went to their rest Iacob drew Meruin apart in secret and told him in wel couched phrases adorned with a most graue staied countenance that the diuine lady of all hearts only beautifull Berea saluted him sending him that sacred chast affection which no time could outweare nor force violate In briefe he laid open all the large volume of her loue how she had composed that lâ—tter which was the meane of his redemption with many other testimonies of her holy desires euen on the tip of Iacobs tongue as he was talking sate Loue heading new darts and from thence tooke his â—light into the heart of Meruine where he commented of all that was spoken doubling each praise and redoubling euery perfection and in the end in that religious Sanctuarie set downe this immoueable iudgement that Berea was most excellent worthy of all loue therefore by him should euer be beloued Hence began the sparkles of loues purest order and hence grew an vnlimited desire in Meruine spéedily to behold his nâ—w selected goddesse Then Iacob presented to him from hir a paire of gorgeous gloues on which was imbrodered a turtle doue in a bower of roses and this Motto Neueâ— euer alone which Meruin receiued as kindly as they were sent willingly often kissing and rekissing them as the blessed ensigns of a fortunate loue By this the night grew old so that euery one betooke them to their rest but Meruine that night indented with his new thoughts that they should exile sléepe from his eyes and make his rest the resting on his loues imaginations and so they did 4 But when Minea perceiued that Meruine must so soone depart she sent a messenger in all haste to Croisant to intreate him to bring all his power to conduct Meruine to his owne country the which he did bringing with him to Brandis foure hundred horsemen his attendants When the morning had set open the gates through which the day might passe Meruine arose and desired his father the rest to make haste in their departure he longed excéedingly to sée his brother Tyrus and the rest of his kinred but they that could haue read on the table of his desires might haue séene it was Berea to whom his wishes aspired By this they were all ready then Minea brought him his armes and his sword and one of his squires brought him his mare Mordant whereon he lightly vaâ—ted without the aide of stirrop and said Ladies to whom my seruice is bound in an eternall band be Mahomet eueâ— gratious to you and graunt you all what you can desire At this the countesse and Minea kist him and then they departed but the earle himselfe would néeds be their conduct to their ships giuing Iacob a letter to deliuer king Mermont importing that he had set Meruine quit of all accusations And further that if his maiesty pleased to commaund him or his power against the enemies of his commonwealth hee was ready and would take it for a grace of vnspeakable kindnes Thus hauing brought them to their ships and séene them aboord with triumph he returned to his castle and Iacob Barbin Meruine Croisant and the 400. horsemen bequeathed themselues to the fauor of the seas and the winds mercy of whom we will cease to speake and treat of other matters CHAP. XIII 1 The incounter betweene Gâ—llien Rotherus the sonne of Oliuer and Meruine 2 Of the good knight Drohes who yeelded himselfe to Meruine THe euer memorable record of this famous history maketh mention that in the same time that Meruine was departed from Brandis as is before written there was sailing vpon that sea vpon which he then daunced many French Christian knights that forsooke the flowrie countrey of Fraunce to behold the diuine sepulchre of their holie Sauiour amongst whom Oliuer that was exterminated by Marsilius had begotten on Iaquelin whom Oliuer the beautiful daughter of the rich king named Hugues of Constantinople at such time as the truce was made by Charlemaine and his twelue péeres There was also with this Galien Rotherus another knight the remeÌ„brance of whose vertue might excéedingly wel equal the most praise-worthy reputatioÌ„ he had to name Drohes who after that time became friend to Meruin as shal be fully mentioned in this present â—istory Behold now these christians chased by the vnmercifull fury of a violent storm aâ—riued néere â—nto Meruin who
like him that is the purest part of my being Yesterday when the declining of the Sunne made the day deny to be day as if glory were gained in being adopted the euening Brison my seruant reported to me that he had enioyed the excellencies of thy excellent wife this two yéeres and better which shamefull report of a villaine so galled me that drawing my rapier the traitour hardly with life escaped yet seeing him by flight repriued I thought it in some measure my duetie to let thée know so high a scandall both that thou mightest reuenge and regard it And by Mahomet he reported further that the false woman concealed him many nights in a presse in thy withdrawing chamber where the strength of my imagination makes mée beléeue hée is at this present which if thou wilt approoue and we finde true by Iupiter he dies had he the liues often thousand Hard it is to say whether at this discourse Ielousie or Sorrowe tooke first holde on the heart of Croisant yet both so excéedingly tormented him that ledde by the furie of his passion hee and Brohars leauing their squires behinde them returned backe to his house where entring secretly at a posterne gate they lighted a torch and mounting into his bed chamber found Brison layd by Basina whome enuious sleepe charmed against this miserable aduenture Brohars at the first sight drew his rapier and slew Brison in the bedde ere almost any eie would haue iudged hee had seene him in the bedde a iust reward for so vniust treacherie Then sayd Brohars deare selfe how sorie am I for thy shame by Mahomet â—he iudgement of bâ—rning beareth in it too much lenitie and by Iupiter were she my sister I would holde it treason against the gods if I excused her from being an instant sacrifice Ha Croisant Croisant Let her be burned let her be burned 2 At these wordes the no ill-thinking Basina awaked and with an amazed shamefastnesse swéetly blushed to sée her husband and Brohars so néere her bed but when she saw the sheetes not full so white as her cheekes exceede them in blushing and perceiued them all stained with a warme goarie liuorie then shee scricked out aloud and asked what meant that prodigious token of tragedies Ah strumpet false breaker of wedlocke and woorse then both answered Croisant burnt shalt thou bee for the sinne wherein this night I haue found thee and then drawing his rapier hee drew the innocent ladie by the haires who dead-slaine with amazment lay at his feete Whilest Brohars euer damned for this action thus proudly insulted ouer her Basina quoth he many times haue I tolde thee I would manifest thy sinne yet wouldest thou not desist to sinne but euermore increase thy sinne with Brison my seruant whom this night I haue slaine in thy bed amidst the paradise of his imbraces Traitour sayd the lady awakened with these words as with a cracke of thunder falsly thou liest Deare loue and lord all dearer then my soule my Croisant vouchsafe to heare me O for pittie couer thy shining weapon and let my words haue thorow thine eares a gentle passage Neuer haue I in my thought beene guiltie of that execrable treason which he vniustly vrgeth nor would I be were I tormented with woorse then fiers torture All this my false imagined shame vilde traitour thou hast vene authour of because I haue neglected thine owne monstrous desires which by heauen deare husband he hath more then this whole yeere prosecuted Falser then falshood sayd Croisant too apparant is thine euill and then shaking his sword ouer her like the wing of a haggard faulcon ouer a surprised doue he draw her from her bed and had there seuered her guiltlesse head from her as guiltlesse bodie had not Isea her gentlewoman come foorth who seeing her lord tyrannising our her poore innocent Lady cried so loud that many barons which belonged to Croisant came forth and repriued the Lady from the hands of their then too cruell lord saying Alas my lord what will you doe against your excellent wife whose vertuous wisedome and wise virtue is to women an example and to men a iust admiration Lords said he her ill is beyond the bounds of ill and more than the degrée of ilnesse It is prooued it is prooued and then he repeated all that Brohars had reported and himselfe séene Lords said the Lady by Mahomet or what other god soeuer takes true patronage of our soule my inward thoughts are innocent of this accusation With that Isea who as ye haue read heard all what had before passed betwéene Brohars and the lady both his beâ—â—iall assault and her diuine repulse said By Iupiter the god and patron of our country my lady in thought and deed is altogether giltlesse and this treason false Brohars is the inuention of thy braine because shée hath euer lothed thée and thy detestable desires When the lords heard Iseas constant affirmation they chid their lord for too rashly following his owne will and bade him listen to Isea who protested the ladies most pure pure innocencie auerring withall the appeale she made against Brohars Whereupon they told him it was conuenient to vse aduised meanes in so great an action which was that if Brohars would accuse the ladie of such detestable ilnes and approue it against some knight in equall combate that then the lady should haue respite to finde out a champion to defend her honour By Alcheron said Brohars which containeth the law of the holy Mahomet I consent And I cried out the lady for purenesse is my Sanctuarie Then was Croisant appeaâ—ed who caused his wife to be imprisoned in a strong tower giuing hir one whole yere for quest of her defender but in all that time shée could not find anie knight who dared incounter Brohars for he was valiant fierce and couragious and so excellent a man at armes that the world knew not a better had not the shamefulnes of his treson poisned the vertue of his prowesse When Meruine Iacob and thother marchants came to lodge with Minea there wanted but thrée dayes of making the yeare accomplished so that poore Minea became her owne tormentor because her sister Basina in all that space had not found one that durst vndertake her quarrell yet it hapned in supper time that Iacob troubled to sée her sorrow desired one to moue hir to come to him thinking that meats mirth would expell mindes melancholie and she more to satisfie him than to please her selfe came and set herselfe next to Meruine Then they demanded the cause of her griefe to whom she reported all the treason of Brohars and how hir innocent sister within the spare of thrée dayes should be burned if some diuine power vouchsafed her not a knight to defend her And when Minea had reported this she sighed with such extreame ardencie that all the company were moued with an extraordinarie pitie CHAP. VII 1 Meruine promiseth Minea to fight the combate for her sister
for the king my soueraigne and for a ful point to his speach he gaue him a blowe crosse the beuer as he fell downe mortally wounded Meruine tooke his horse and theron mounted king Mermont whose ioy none can speake of but those that haue tasted his affliction Now began a maruelous battell wherein all did very well yet euery one couetous to do more pleasant and louely it was to behold Drohes who thinking euery pagan he mette the murderer of Gallien sent thousands to hell that had not seen Gallien but aboue all Meruine surpassed who neuer lifted vp his hand but death followed the falling At these two Mermont wondred swearing within himselfe the one was Mahomet the other Apollo and that they were come the one to shew deity thother to attaine a greater conquest than the death of Pithon In fine he said both were his assistants bicause his quarrell was lawfull In such sort did Meruine and Drohes behaue themselues that of 3000 that caried away Mermont not one escaped but either slaine or sore wounded A Sarazen beholding this fight séeing two thus triumphant oâ—er so many thousands smote his horse with his spurs and came running to Baucamont crying King of Damascus retire for euen Mahomet and Iehouah are come to fight against thée Mermont is recouerd and thy men discomfited two for two millions are much too mightie retire then retire for saue death thou canst haue no companion Night-rauen quoth Baucamont care for thine owne soule I scorne thy prophesies yet tell me from whom or from what part are those people arriued Instantly said he you shall sée them ascending from yonder valley flie flie for death is in their foreheads Traitor said Baucamont turn thée and bring me to them Not for the wealth of the world answerd he againe for by Iupiter I had rather mountaines should fall vpon me then the wrath of those inraged people should by aduenture find me and in this saying he stroke his horse andâ— flew ouer the field feare giuing him wings and flight bearing him beyond the compasse of eies prospect No sooner was he gone but Baucamont perceiued the approach of Meruine Then mustred he his people together saying Neuer till now houered the crowne of Glorie ouer vs win 〈◊〉 and weare it for sée he that commands it coms vnto vs to present it and with that he smote Marcheuall and charged Meruine Meruine on thother side gaue Mordant the reine to incounter with Baucamont their carier was like the méeting of two tempests from two seuerall corners of the earth but Meruine hit Baucamont such a blow that he fel from his courser to the ground neither had he euer raised his head from the earths pillow had not a band of 4000 come in to his rescue Betwixt him and them a singular to an infinit plurall began a fierce doubtful and vndying combate Iacob this while the good merchant valiantly behaued himselfe so also did Croisant and Barbin whose swordes bare liueries of their Lords wages yet when I thinke on Meruine and Drohes the déeds of the others were but as margent notes to their hâ—ge volums there might one sée coÌ„fusion in her royalty heads without hands hands without bodies legs without féet thighs like feet moouing there you might see stones broken with bodies burden yea burdened bodies by stones broken all things horrible yet nothing but honorable there lay pagan slain on pagan misbeliefe on vnbelieuing while Drohes smiled to sée selfe religion selfe discipline and law confound one another and bâ—ganne to pride himselfe that that day his déeds should be eternized But at this time what Meruin did is impossible to describe because they ascended higher than mortall capacity He incountered Africant and slue him so did he thadmirall whom horse and man he bare down to the ground What shal I say more al force was no force when his force gainestood it as Hares from drunâ—s Lambs from lions Fawnes from tygers so flew the pagans before him What he did what his power sought to do was all this while beheld both by Berea and her mother who stood next her and from the tickling spirit of her heart said to her daughter Faire soule seest thou not yonder pagan whose armes are like sunne shine and his deeds better then the sunnes beauty in his helm he wears two gloues a swimming swan in a bower of roses on my soule he is not mortall for his deeds are celestiall his prowesse is heroicall and his cariage like the god of warrefare Berea heaâ—ing her mothers speaches it seemed the Roses in Meruines headpiece were fled thence to her cheeks for she prettily blushed and thought of her loue Meruine and as she looked downe toward him her thoughts the truest heralds of a â—oâ—ing conceit told her it was he alone that so gallantly behaued himselfe to the wonder of all men O how with that imagination loue gaue new fire to his old flame and surprised her with delicate thinkings then grew shee dumbe with admiring sighing because she was dumbe blushing to heare her selfe sigh then grew pale lest hir dumbnes sighing and blushing should of other than her own eies be perceiued After this war of maiden lookes had taken alittle truce with her intentions thus to her heart her heart whisperd Thou God of my forefathers how excellent hast thou made my loue death being most fierce fearing is become his vassaile attend him death but touch him not As she was imagining more her mother turned about and perceiuing her distraught in countenance challenging the distemperature of lookes asked what she ailed and desired nothing to be hidden from her Madame said she I felt a torment of such vehemencie take hold on me as no creature can imagine Mahomet defend my father for I feare some euil Thus dissembled she with her mother Meruine being the loadstarre by which all her lodgings were guided All this while fell destruction from the sword of Meruine vpon the pagans who like larkes vnder the wings of a hobby sought holes in the earth to hide them Drohes pursued his footesteppes and the nearest of any imitated his vertues Now was Baucamont remounted once more and passing thorow his ranks gaue them new incoragement reuiling the new come strangers and disabling their actions though his wounds bare bléeding witnes of their worths 5 When he had done he charged afresh vpon Mermont and that with such impregnable violence as he ouerthrew him horse and man to the ground but with nimble agilitie he soone recouered his féete and drawing his sword brandished it for his defence All that shew of magnanimity had but little auailed to his profit if Meruin had not againe by chance come to his rescue who cried aloud Mermont my king deferre thy fortune but a moment and I le yield succor to thy life and then rushing amongst the thickest he strake Gyrion on the head cleauing him to the waste After him the next and the next sparing none that was within
princes and for your exploit assure your selfe it is more full of honors than midnight of stars After this was said Marrant and Calix went to their bed-chambers and the heart-consuming carefull Berea rose from her blacke lodging déeply vowing that this damnable practise should be declared to the king hir father and so she went vnto her owne chamber where the Fairy Gratiana attended her comming and when the Fairy beheld her she said Madame your lookes are gastly and dispairefull how fareth your Ladieship or where haue you bin At that demaund Berea with a sad countenance reported from point to point all the treason committed against hor Meruine and with such féeling protestations that all her amazement flew to Grariana and she looked with a greater terrour At length gathering her sences together she said It behoueth vs madame to be wise how we manage this mischieuous action By heauen said Berea I will tell it to the king my father Not for a kingdom quoth Gratiana for so may you draw your selfe in danger 2 Rather let vs accuse false Calix and lay the treason on his shoulders but because we will not be vncircumspect let vs go to the vertuous Drohes take his counsell to which they agréed and so came into the chamber of Drohes who had lien long sick of a burning feuer whom when he beheld he knightly saluted and demanded what occasion they had that so late an houre brought them from their rest Berea without circumstance in plaine but pittifull speaches denounced vnto him both the reason and the treason which when he heard his manly heart was mad at the misaduenture for Meruine was as deare to him as his soules safety Yet with a staid countenance he said Lady banish al feare for to morrow I will not faile but before the king I wil call Calix to account for the treason and euen so God deliuer me from my extreame malady as I will without dissimulation shew the true loue I beare vnto the princely Meruine Thanks good Drohes said Berea and so departed to hir bed but no rest could draw the motions of her sunny eies but al night she wept and lamented for the losss of hir only beloued Meruine As soone as the morning had thrust his forehead ouer the moâ—â—taines Drohes in whom could slumber no forget fulnesse arose with a lâ—on-like resolution to combat against Calix and make him confesse his treason but alas he had lien vij wéeks sick of a fierie ague through want of food was now weak and feebâ—e now God be his guide for his attempt is dangerous When Drohes was ready he went into the great hâ—ll where he found K. Mâ—rmont Iacob the Marchant and Barbin incoâ—inently when Drohes saw the king he said King of Montment iustly maiest thou be accounted vnwise and traiterous to thine owne maiestie when thou sufferest the death of the most wise and valiantest creature of the world who had done thée so great honour and proâ—ite as to the like may nothing be compaâ—ed whose sword twise in one day hath ransomed thee from thine enemies and whose prowesse hath deiluered captiue to thee the kings of the greatest nations Alas how little right or lawe is backe repaied him when he is traiterously murdered It is Meruine of whom I speake he in whom valure is proude to haue an habtiation he that took Baucamont and Antifer who yet are thy prisoners Whâ—n Mermont beheld with what a setled and displeased countâ—nance of discontentment Drohes spake he said I pray thée desist thy speach for there is neither king nor prince vnder the cope of heauen who shall wrong the gentle Meruine but I le die or worke a mighty reuengement Yea said Drohes these speaches are of royall value know then he is in your house that hath murdred Meruin in the forest where yesterday you hunted name him said the king t is Calix said Drohes At that word the King changed his colour and calling before him a Sergeant at armes commaunding him to take a band of souldiers with him and fetch Calix before him which immediately was done the rumor whereof astonished Marant who went after to behold the occurrents 3 No sooner approched Calix before the king but Drohes said Traitor thou euen thy false selfe who hast murdred renowned Meruine in the woords which if thou deniest my sword shall make thée confesse with repentance before this day be fully vanisht in signe whereof there is my gage which I pawne to prooue all my assertion truer than thy religion When Calix heard him he beganne to waxe pale bowing his head to his breast without speaking any word which the king perceiuing he said false traitor why takest thou not the gage which he offereth by the saith I beare vnto Mahomet if thou be guilty all the golde in the world shall not ransome thée from a shameful death I refuse it not qd Calix and then lifting aloft his head took vp his gage Marant séeing what had passed aduising himselfe said to the king Now your maiesty must assigne vs a day of combate to the end we may assemble our friends and kinred together to behold the combate and my selfe will be pledge for the fealtie of Calix my kinsman By Mahomet saith the king I vnderstand not your intention but as I am king of this region I will not eate till I sée an end of this dissention Then forthwith was Calix commaunded to be armed and Iacob carried Drohes to the chamber of Berea who gaue him the most excellentest wines and rarest conserues that time or experience had found out of all which he tasted with good appetite making himselfe strong and lusty Then was he armed in euery péece according to his owne liking and when he was readily prepared he mounted on his horse Marcheuall which sometimes was belonging to the famous duke Oger then taking a launce in his hand trotted in stately maner into the great court ioyning on the castle of Turgon which the king had then caused to be prepared for that dreadfull battell a world of gallant cheualiers attended Drohes into the lists And a short space after Marant brought Calix whom he ernestly besought that if he were discomfited yet that he would not accuse him and he would quickely procure his peace with the king Calix agréed giuing his faith thereunto and entred the field where Drohes attended him whose bodiâ— though sickenes had made weake yet his courage as inuincible was most mighty albeit he knew Calix to be renowmed for faith of chiâ—alrie When both the combatants were in a readines the king said Champions stand forth for I will that the occasion of this battell be published vnto euery one say therfore Drohes of what thou accusest him I say qd Drohes and what I say this sword and arme shal witnes to be true that this traitor Calik here present hath murdred Meruine in the forest where your highnes yesterday hunted as I will proue vpon his body before it be
this angry discharge Gratiana depaâ—ted with dying sorrow from the presence of Meruine and as the history reporteth fled to a wast and vnfrequented wildernesse which bordereth vpon Damatam where the remâ—ined and where we wil leaue her till som better occurrent reuoke her and we will proceede with renowmed Meruine who espoused Berea on whom he begate Orient the father of Helias that begate Idain that bore Godfrey of Bullen as it is written in the holy Legend of the same Godfrey ⸪ CHAP. XXIX 1 How Drohes instructed Meruine in religion 2 How Meruine deliuerd Charlemaine and the twelue peers 3 How Berea was baptized with the rest of the cittie and was named Mathaburna other accidents IMmortally valiant Meruine when as you haue heard he was assured of his genealogy which bred in him no little comfort and the rather because he was a Christian and the sonne of so famous a champion yet he not a little grieued that by him the Christians were surprised and brought to so streight a doore of misfortune wherefore his sorrow strangely increased which Berea seeing she grew troubled seeking albeit in vaine many wayes to recomfort him which seeing they auailed not she went to Drohes and discoursed all that had chaunced a liuely cordiall that inspird with an inexpressable gladnes so as without any tarriance he went with hir to the aâ—bour where Meruine lay prostrate on the ground beating himselfe with extreame languor Drohes beholding the furie of his passion though at first amazed yet ran to him with true zeale oâ— euer-liuing intimacie thus kindely chid him Ha qd he thou glorie of mankind and flower of chiualrie whither is the virtue of thy resolution fled that thâ—u lendst conquest to a weeping passion What wilt thou in teares drowne thy body consume thy soule Arise arise thou excellentest of all creatures and with a liuely faith in the liuing God of Abraham aske pardon for thy sinnes and the lambe of peace that redéemed the world wil wipe out thy trangressions sith vnder the face of heauen there is not so boundlesse an offender as God in his mercy is an almightie parâ—â—ner When Meruine had heard Drohes he rose vp kissing his hand sayd thou balm of mine afflictions health to my sicke soule O pardon mée I beséech thée the vnlucky slaughter which on the sea I coÌ„mitted where I slew Galien thy déere companion the famous sonne of renowmed Oliuer the other christiaÌ„s otherwise I wil sauefist that hand which sauefisted them in duty I should haue adored Thrice deare frieÌ„d replied Drohes my inward soule hath forgiuen thée and then Drohes sate downe and expounded to him many places of holy scripture instructed him in all the points of christian religion he declared how our sauiour had a diuine resideÌ„ce in the sacred womb of the virgin Mary and how from thence hee was deliuered shee being both a mother and a mayd Then how at the age of three and thirtie yeâ—res he suffered death and passion to deliuet mankind from the gates of hell and destruction and the third day arising from the graue mounted into the doores of the highest heauen from whence hee sent downe the holy spirite to inspire and recomfort his apostles To be briefe there was no point appertaining to saluation which Drohes did not explane with most heauenly eloquence Berea that sate by as soone as she had heard discouered the misteries comforts of our religion with a constant and maiesticall modestie rose vp and sayd beare witnesse princes that here I renounce Mahomet Tauergant and their Alcheron and desire to be baptized and imbraced for a perfite thristian At this they all clapt their hands for ioy kissed the skirts of her clothing in token of reuerence 2 Then sayd Meruine who through Drohes instructions was both resolued and comforted let vs waste no more time but go and deliuer Charles the emperor Forthwith they went and comming into the castle they found all our Barons heauy and sadde but the emperor recomforting them with kingly resolutions Meruine no sooner came in his sight but falling vpon his knées he said Royall king of Fraunce and all you right noble knights of Christendom pardon me I beseech you both mine errour and mine offences to you I will be a liege man and a subiect to these a neuer failing friend in the hardest aduentures whom in signe of euer liuing amitie I desire to kisse Then arose he vp and kissed both the emperor and the rest and after he declared how hee was a Christian borne and the sonne of Oger the Duke of Denmarke Many other discourses they had and infinite reioycings crying the sonne of Oger is become a Christian woe to the Pagans and their false god Mahomet Then issued Charles and the rest out of the Castle protesting solemnely the sacke of paganisme By my redeemer said Charles I will not rest till I see the Sarazens tremble vnder Ioyous my good sword As I am prowd of my birth and progenie said Meruine there is not liuing a pagan how redoubâ—ed soeuer but if he refuse baptisme he shall also refuse his life and being This said they went into a chamber and armed themselues Meruine caused a cornet to be winded at the soâ—nd whereof the 4000. Pagans Meruine had brought with him assembled themselues in the base court of the pallace vnto whom Meruine made this briefe speach Fellow souldiers admire not my speach but be reaâ—y in your resolues My will is that euery one of you be baptized become a christian and he that refuseth to die the death chuse either eternall life or destruction The wonder was not little that these words cast amongst them yet what through fâ—are of his prowesse and terror to behold the christians at euerie point armed they agreed to obey him both in the course of life and religion Meruine commended them and forth with gaue them charge to range through the citie and to put all to the sword that refused to receiue baptisme The christian peeres of France were their fore-leaders that spared neither man woman nor child that would â—ot be baptized so that in lesse than in an houres space all Montment was wholy conuerted These things ended Charles called Meruine vnto him and asked if he would accept at his hands the honor of knighthood My lord qd he it is the onely thing to which my thoughts haue a longing then kneeling downe Charles drew Ioyous his sword and laying it on his shoulder bade him rise vp the most renowmed knight vnder the firmament only be thou stedfast in thy faith and raise high thy god and religion Thou earthly god of Europe said Meruine in the maiesty of heauen and before thy royall presence I make a vow there shall not a pagan moue his foote vpon the earth if he renounce not Mahomet and put his trust in the liuing God And what he vowed he effected for his conquests against the pagans doubled his ouerthrowes
of your glories and then beganne to shew the vnspeakable wonders of their high valours with such admirable déedes of armes that the Pagans knew them as well by their chiualâ—ie as if their faces had bin bared Now haâ— they dispersed the battell and the Sarazens beganne to turne their backes insomuch that the young Princes beheld and knew their father Gautier to whom they came and falling on their faces adored him as theyr earth-god and second meane of creation When Gautier saw his sonnes his vnspeakable ioy would not let him speake onely silence was his best embassadour of boundles contentment When Huon saw this equall contention of Natures purest loue he brake their passions with these words My lords banish these slow salutes and thinke on these deuotres To armes the pagane crie their deathes must be our glories that done we shall haue time to discourse of passed fortunes ¶ CHAP. XXXII 1 How the Pagans were ouerthrowne and the Christians went and conuerted Damascus 2 How Meruine went after to Babilon where Mermont and the other Pagans for feare of him fained to receiue baptisme 3 Then how he went to Mequa and Ierusalem and conuerted them to Christianitie AT this spéech of Huons the foure brethren departed from their father and thrust themselues into the battell leauing vndying Registers of their euer-liuing renowne Yet in the heat of the conflict there was a pagan called Gryffoy of wonderfull great valour and worthie euery way except for that way which should gouerne all wayes all the exquisite titles of a compleat man at armes This Pagan well taught by proofe the greatnesse of the Christians spirites with a battle-axe which he brandished in his hand he stroke a Christian called Adrian so mighty a blow that he chined him to the breast and after him another and an other till he had laid ten breathlesse vnder him Bertran giuing aime to this slaughter grew so impatient to behold his countrymens effusions that turning his sword aloft he came and assaulted Gryffoy with so mighty a stroke crosse the helme that cutting away his plume he entred more than an inch into his beuer and with the blow so astonished the pagan that at that instant he had cut 〈◊〉 his head if an infinit â—â—mber of pagans had not inâ—ironed him and assailed Bertran with numberles blows and desperate resolutions insomuch that they forced him to recoile for his safety Then came Huon and diuers other christians who retaind Bertran and that in a lucky houre for then was the battell most sharpe and doubtfull there might you haue seene many knights on euery side ouerturned horses wounded and men at their wittes end some flying some dying and some amazed The gentle knight Meruine this while on the other side of the field approoued his valour to be strange and vnresistable for he lost not a blow in which death had no interest so resolute were his proceedings that now the pagans were at the conclusion of their glories and had beene wholy discoâ—fited if the valiant king Gorbant in that very houre had not ariued with an armie which by the eyes account could not be lâ—sse than a hundred thousand king Gorbant marched before his army mounted vpon the beast Montehaut which was valued before all the horâ—es in Painime and like to lightning gaue a charge vpon our Christians breaking their rankes and dispeâ—sing their battels so as in lesse then an houre the christians had almost lost the hope of their good fortunes for Gorbant ere he brake his launce brake the neckes of vij Christians and with the strange valour he was adorned so gallantly behaued himselfe that the common sort of Christians were not able to indure him but beganne to flie But Meruine ashamed to see their dishonours demaunded a reason for their flight To whom one of them whose name was Vincent made answere My Lord there is newly arriued some God or diuell in the habite of a Pagan whose force is so vnresistable and his blowes so huge and insupportable that frâ—â— his handes issueth nothing but our deaths and destructions I pray thée said Meruine with all spéed conduct me to the partie Not for a kingdome my Lord said Vincent for he is altogether inuincible and mine eies shall die if they behold him At these words Meruine would not stay but thrust him selfe amongst the Pagans to finde out Gorbant who was then in the prease and had newly incountered with knight Drohes whom he beheld respectiuely and the rather for the beauty of the gallant steed Marcheuall so that he saidâ— vnto him Boy descend from that worthy horse whereon thou art mounted lest while I chastiâ—â— thy folly I wound the horse with whose comelinesse I am highly delighted Drohes hearing himselfe so basely intitled with a reuengefull furie ioyned himselfe to the Pagan and strucke him thwart the helme with all the puissance he was able yet made the Pagan moue no more than an oake or a mountaine in requitall whereof Gorbant repayed him so heauy an interest that the blow slipping from his beâ—uer descâ—nded vpon the horse and cut his head from his shoulders so that the good beast Marcheuall fell vnto the ground in a moment Drohes more astonished with wonder than with feare lightly raised himselfe againe drawing his sword said O God this pagan is vndoubtedly strong who hath slaine my horse but if I die vnreuenged let my knighthood forsake me This said he ranne against the Pagan led by a tempestuous fury but was preuented for striking by meanes of Monthaut who with the thundering noyse of the horses féet came running thither and also at the same time came Gaultier and sundry other Christians whâ— with all their powers assailed Gorbant which with so excellent resolution defended himselfe that the slowtest strained curtesie to approach him yet notwithstanding in that time Drohes had so gallantly borne himselfe that he had now recouered another most famous horse vpon which being mounted he came to assaile Gorbant that euen then had brought to the ground all that incountred him giuing such vigour vnto the dead spirites of the Pagans that the christians were almost amazedly vanquisht During this homage Meruine was on the other side of the field where he approued his diuine excelencie of valour vpon king Bandus and his army whose numbers being numberles stroke the beholders into admiration whereas alas the christians were but xxv thousand at the beginning and now but ij thousand at the coâ—cluâ—â—on At which Meruin grieued not alitle vowing neuer to returne if either he got not a crown for victory or a tomb for buriall Then doubling strength vpon strength he so lion-like ranged among his enemies that euen as the corne before the shearers sickle so â—ell the pagans one vpon an other dead and discomfited not to dwell long in this discourse so immortall was his valour that the pagans were halfe dead with the astonishment of the glory In the end as he ranged to and fro he
soule and the death of Claretta named both he and his Sonnes fell into a great agonie of discontentment vowing to God and their soules a déep reuengement for that monstrous murder and so forthwith marched towards Montment But Iacob staying behinde assembled together foure hundred Christians whom he conducted after Gautier with such hast that he ouertooke him before he had fully got sight of Montment which instantly they had entred without resistance had not a certayne Pagan espied them who running into the citie gaue king Gorbant warning of tâ—eir approach He vpon the first notice mustered all his barons together and issued out to méete the Christians who then were within a league of the towne walls 3 The Pagans being ordered in battell said amongst themselues Alas alas these Christians are come to theyr funeralles for sith Meruine is dead it is impossible for them euer againe to see a day of conquest They were to the number of an hundred thousand and thus quartered Griffoy bare the ensigne of Mahomet and had thirtie thousand King Bandus had other thirty thousand and Griffoner with a regiment to second him Gorbant with the rest went before The Christians had ordered themselues though not so huge yet full as strongly and thus Gautier after incouragements to his sonnes put spurres to his horse and gaue the first charge on the Pagans and the first he incountred he bare dead to the ground the second he cut off by the head after him an other and an other and desiâ—â—ing til x. fel by his sword before him At this began a clamorous noise greater than thunder from heauen and the battell was mightily confused Gorbant if his armes had béene excellently imployed his vertue in valure had inherited alittle better than excellent By letting his déed passe we will speake of Iacob who folowing Gautier with foure hundred Christians and séeing the fearefulnesse and hugenesse of the battell said vnto his souldiers Gentlemen this day it behooueth vs to be most circumspect what we take in hand you do sée the rare mightines of the battell and the equalitie of puissance let vs then aduise our selues what way is best for our generall profit which in my conceipt is this Whilest the two armies are thus equally busied we will assault the towne now vtterly vndefended and making our entrance therein put man woman and child to the sword that will not fall downe and adore the name of Christ Iesus To this with clamours they all agréed and forthwith entred the Towne which was left vngarded and beganne to put to â—he sword all with whom they incountred But the fearefull people soone rendred to mercie and accepted a second baptisme The Iacob went to the castle of Turgon with his followers where he found Guyda and Barrant her litle sonne surnamed the Cruell and Berea to whom Iacob said Madame great and infinite are the mischiefes that hang houering ouer thy head if so soone thou hast forgotten prince Meruine and renounced the Christian true lawe of saluation Ha Iacob said Mathaburna with a wéeping face chide me not for in my heart I adore nothing but that true God of my saluation what else I haue done this life which onely I loue but for his loue hath with carefulnesse drawne me hereto You make me prowd qd Iacob with these words know then I haue taken with these my followers both the towne and this castle wherefore I will leaue two hundred to gard you and with the rest returne to the great battell This said he tooke his leaue and after safe order taken for the Towne and Castle he returned to the tumult where he shewed himselfe to be a most resolued and courageous gentleman whose resolution when Gautier sawe he commended excéedingly with promise of great honors My Lord saide Iacob my beginning hath béene better than my procéeding for I haue taken both the citty and Turgon Wherefore if you doubt your successe you may make your retraite therein for it is your owne assured When Gautier heard this he daunced for ioy and in that place created him knight kissing his chéeke and praying for his endlesse good fortunes Iacob so prowd with these honours that the first pagan that he met he sent dead to the ground and then rushing into the heart of the army made wondrous destructions which king Gorbant beholding inraged he ranne against him and gaue him such a blow that he felled him to the earth by means whereof the good Iacob was taken prisoner and now came the battell to the extreamest hazard for the Pagans being an hundred thousand and the Christians but twelue thousand the greater number prenailed wherefore Gautier commaunded a retrait to be sounded and so retired into the citie at the sight whereof Gorbant tore his haire and was madly inraged not leauing to assault the towne on each side but in vaine for in his despight it was strongly maintained When as armes and fury was laid at rest Gautier went to the pallace where reposing himselfe he made inquirie for Iacob but not any could tell of him or his fortune Good God said he shall we loose that good knight is it possible that vertue should so soone vanish and with that hee shed teares for affection This while Guyon went to Guyda and taking her by the hand said Faire Lady how comes your fortune to hale you into this coast and whose is this infant you beare with you Ah Guyon said she it is my son but I pray you how doth your brother Bertran O he was mightily false to me at Damascus when leauing me along he estéemed more his sword than mine honour for hatefull reuenge whereof I instantly married king Gorbant his greatest enemy Thus she discoursed her aduentures to Guyon whilest her husband and Griffoy without the city stoode tearing their haires for their losses After some consultations held they sent for Iacob and tolde him that if he would go to Montment and persuade Gautier to send him forth of the city his wife and yong son he would deliuer all the christian prisoners that were that day taken Iacob glad of these words for he mightily feared death said willingly I will performe thy desire so I may haue sufficient pledge for the trueth of thy promise Then Gorbant called Bandus Griffoy and Grifoner and sent them for hostages of his word so they came into Montment and finding Gautier in the pallace Iacob deliuered the message oâ— Gorbant which was most welcome to Gautier who deliuered to Iacob Guyda and Barant and detaind the pledges for his returne who comming to Gorbant with a comely reuerence deliuered them to their lord who on thother part deliuâ—red vnto him all the Christians that were prisoners whom he brought triumphantly into the citie and enfranchised the hostages who solemynely swore by Mahomet neuer to raise their tents till they had once againe made themselues commaunders of the Cittie but their dowes were witnesses against them for Gautier night and day so souldier-like
to be beheaded because in a discontenter humor shée cald him Bastard at which inhumane slaughter many repined but he slew them eaeriâ— one that did but giue a shew of displeasance so that through his terror all the Pagans became obedient to his will With a great Armie of men he went before Montment and won it both by assault and diuelish art for the same night that he slew his mother the damned Fiend Mutafier appeared vnto him and made a coâ—enant with him that he should neuer for any thing whatsoeuer renounce the law of Mahomet to which hee willingly agréed for ioy whereof Mutaâ—ier triumphed and said he should be the destruction of all Christendome promising that he should neuer die by the hand of any man hauing been nursed by the milke of woman This promise made Barant proud for he imagined that there could not be any infant brought vp without the milke of a woman wherefore hee held and reputed himselfe euer inuincible When Barant the Cruell had taken Montment hee put Iacob to death and all those that trusted in the true God of all things whom Mathaburna again denied as ye shal heare hereafter CHAP. X. 1 How Barant surnamed the Cruell departed from Montment with three hundred thousand souldiers and passed the Sea towards Maiance 2 how Charls and Gautier made a peace and ioyâ—ed against the Pagans WHen Barant had brought all Montment to his subiectioâ— he went to the Pallace where he found the most beautifull Mathaburna and demaunded of her whether she would adore Mahomet or no. My good Lord saide she I neuer refused him for he hath alwayes béene deare in my heart and his temple haue I reserued in my bosome When Barant beheld with what a comely grace her speaches were deliuered and noted the excelling beautie that reflecting from one eye to another he became mightily enamored in loue with her fauor so that not able to smother his desires bluntly like a will-wooing moouer hee said Madame your excellencies make mee wonder that neuer before beleeued there was such a thing as admiration in briefe I loue you and if you will let mee espouse you I will make you Queene of France and giue you the World for a Dowrie My Lord said shee I humbly thanke you but no Espousalls shall bee so welcome to mee as the Conquest af France and the death of Charles who hath been the ruine of so manie of my Kindred and on whom incessantly I pray for some strange vengeance to fall so incessanâ— is the hate I beare him Faire Madame said Barant you are exceeding wise and here I promise you before Mahomet whom I cal to witnes of my Uow within this short space I will either giue him into your owne hands to take vengeance of him or dye in attempting your pleasure I beseech you my Lord doo so sayd Mathaburna whose heart was cleane of a cantrarie opinion wishing rather to him and his confederates worse torments than Hell fier before that Charles in thought should bee discontented Thus shee whispered to her selfe and then speaking alowde saide Yet haue I one other sute to your Lordshippe which is if you can fiâ—de out a Knight whose name is Meruine bring him to mee that I may reuenge my selfe of a notable wrong hee hath done mée and then will I not onely bée your Loue but your vassall and you shall wholly dispose of mee Thys Request he swore vpon his life to performe As these spéeches were vttered there came into their presence a Sarazen foorth of Denmarke who for feare had receaued Baptisme that falling on his knees reported to Barant all the great battaile and the successe which passed betwixt Charles and Gautier and of the Emperours imprisonment telling him that if his Highnesse were in Fraunce there was no let but that at his pleasure he might conquer the whole Nation sith ciuill Dissention had broken the sinewes of their Concord At these words Barant was so much ouerioyed that regardlesse of any manner of thing he would néedes kisse Mathaburna but she repulsed him saying No man vnder heauen should touch her vntill she were espoused according to Mahomets lawe This disdaine did very much inrage him so that through his passion he had strucken her if a Lord of his counsaile had not withholden him whom he right highly estéemed which Lord chid him for his rashnesse in offring to kill her whom his heart so much loued and one of so wise and diuine beâ—iour Amend my Lord quoth he your fault and for very shame aske pardon At these words Barant went vnto her and demanded if she would forgiue him Yea my lord quoth she when you bring Charles and Meruine to be my prisoners Thankes gentle Lady replied he and foorthwith he caused a trumpet to be sounded and sommoning his army departed towards Maiance where by the aide of diuels and furies he arriued at the Port tenne leagues from the city where he beganne to sacke burne and destroy all the Countrey as hee went shewing himselfe a monstrous diuelish tyrant and no man The poore Countreymen that sawe their houses burning and their wiues and children dying ranne to Gautier and told him of the hideous ruine which the Pagans made in the Countrey laying it waste like a forsaken wildernesse their number being greater than any eie could account These amazing words raised the blood from Gautiers heart into his eyes and thence distilled in droppes of salt water so that tormented with sodaine feare he called for his Lords and went to counsaile during which consult arriued before the Citie Prince Loys of Fraunce and his French army who did pitch their pauillions close to the walleâ— being at that time ignorant of the pagans commings 2 It was thought most conuenient by Gautiers counsaile that the Emperour Charles should be deliuered that with his aide he might helpe to beate backe the Pagans which was performed And Gantier with honny-dipped words intreated the Emperors fauor saying he thought the heauens were displeased with their disagreements for that within those dayes there were arriued in his kingdome aboue three hundred thousand Pagans who had already conquered Mequa Ierusalem Babylon and all those Countries before 〈◊〉 by Meruineâ—o â—o famously conquered and that now his fortune was in the ballance of Mischance or Honor. When Charles had heard his words and marked his humblenes then pitty expelling all rancor from his â—reast he embraced 〈◊〉 and his sonnes and tooke a 〈◊〉 oath of perpetuall amity for my whâ—â—â—of all the tiâ—y rung with clamours and euery one triumphed aboue measure â—his done Charles walking on the citie walles sawe from the battlements the tents of the braue French men which knowing he saide vnto Gautier I beléeue that Loys my sonne is in yonder army 〈◊〉 if 〈◊〉 not deceiued I sée the shining of his colours It is most true saide Gautier and I am very glad of his comming for his aide is a welcome hope to our doubtfull aduenture against
the vtter ruine of paganisme or to die in defending our most sincere and holy religion Faire prince aunswered Loys I will doe thy message but I had much rather thou wouldest goe with me because this day the field is no field but a â—laughterhouse Not to be deified said Bertran will I forsake my brothers and so taking leaue Loys departed towards the citie and he againe to the battell raging vppe and downe till hée found his brethren who were most mightily oppressed till by his prâ—wesse he redéemed them which no sooner was doone but Barant the Cruell with Entrant the good sword of prince Meruine in his hand which the deuill Mutafier had deliuered him and with which in that moment he had slaine tenne noble christians came and opposed himselfe against Bertran who with his battel axe gaue him such a blowe on the helmet and with such powâ—r that slipping downe â—ut the horse necke in sunder bringing Barant ashamed to the earth who before neuer had felt a blowe of such puissaunce so that calling to Bertran he said I beséech thée christian tell me what thou art whose vertue I wonder at My name said Bertran was neuer hid for feare of any Pagan know then men call me Bertran of Denmarke when Barant heard this he knew he was his father where fore he commanded all his souldiers to retire from him because hée would with him trie fortune in single combate Which when his men had doone Barant said Prince Bertran you remember your imprisonment at Damascus your loue to Guyda my mother whom traiterously you forsooke and left with childe of me who am your sonne and you can not forget your vowes now shall all they nor your valor auaile to deliuer you from death vnlesse you doe fall downe and adore our great God Mahomet When Bertran had heard him and beeing inraged with so vile a motion he saide Thou art not my Sonne neyther will I euer acknowledge the begetting of so prophane a Deuill and with that lifting vp his axe hâ—e strooke him a maruellous great blowe which beganne the fearefull combat betwixt the father and the sonne in which was shewed the wonders of resolution whome in that fight wee will leaue and speake a little of the other christians who were all slaine saue thrée and twenty which yet suruiued though mightily wounded Guyon amongst the rest was deadly wounded by Barant yet indured as if he had béene immortall till the bloud falling into his eies depriued him of his sight yet notwithstanding he would not leaue fighting but strake here and there killing all that came neare him in the end he assailed his brother Florion with such a mercilesse blow that he feld him downe to the earth who in falling cried Ah brother Guyon thou hast slaine me whilest I regarded not thy fury woe and alas cried Guyon what haue I done swéete brother forgiue mée for the bloud of my woundes hath closed vp mine eyes and I did not nor could not behold thée my selfe am likewise wounded to the death and mine houres are shortning This he saide yet would not leaue fighting whilst he had breath to breathe a minute but sate firmely on his horse till there was left aliue but tenne Christians then came a pagan and ranne his launce thorow Florions body who said Now is my death certaine yet will I not die vnreuenged and with that strooke the Sarazin that he claue him to the girdle saying Thus dieth the sonne of Gautier himselfe by himselfe reuenged then fell â—e downe there being at that houre but sixe breathing christians whoâ—e names were these Guyon that had his 〈◊〉 wound vpon him and his sight forsaken Florion that likewise was at his last breathing the Count Dampmartin the 〈◊〉 Dardaine the Duke of Aniow and Bertran that then with his sonne Barant was combating the former fiue indured long but in the end they were all dispatched so that of twenty thousands there was left but only one and that was infortunate Bertran 3 Admirable was his and Barants combate all the arâ—â—y 〈◊〉 their resolutions and vowing amongst them selues neuer to part them till thoâ—e of them had left his life very variable was Fortune betwixt them the sonne now triumphing at the â—athers decaying and the father immediately smiling at the sons misfortune so long lasted this battell and so much vnnaturall was the conflict that the day ashamed forsooke the heauens then ranne the pagans and fetcht torches and made such fire works that the night was as bright as the sun-shine halfe of which they spent in dreadfull and doubtfull wars the sonne offring the father mercy if he would adore Mahomet the father proffering to the sonne forgiuenes if he would renounce blasphemous Mahomet but both of them being of contrary resolutions they 〈◊〉 afresh to their fearfull and fatall combate and Barant vowâ—d if he conquered his father that he would make himselfe monarch of all the wheâ—â— world As he was thus protesting Bertran gaue him a blowe on the head which brought both his knâ—es to the ground but starting vp sodainely againe he sent it backe with such a violent requitall as mightily vexed and inraged Bertran that thinking at one stroke to finish the conflict he gatherd al his strength together and stâ—oke him so that he brâ—kâ— his axe in péeces so that left without defence he closed with Barant whom by his strength he ouerthrew but the Pagans ranne in and pulled Bertran so that Barant goâ— vpon him anâ—â—aue him diuers mortall blowe Then Barant pulling on his helmet he saide Father now be wise for this is the laâ—â— moment in which your life is forfeited if you will not adore Mahomet and renounce that God which euer thou hast estéemed Traitor said Bertran and thou bastard son of a defiled curtezan thinkest thou death can make me deny my Sauiour thou art deceiued thou art deceiued When Barant saw his constancie he drew forth his dagger and stabbed his father foure times who cried thou onely great God of Isâ—ael and Sauiour of the world forgiue mine errors and receiue my soule into thy bosome with that Barant strucke him through the heart and so he departed this life Then stood vp Barant and saide to his army Behold Princes now ought you highly to esteeme me that haue slaine my mother and my father to the end I might make mighty your religion therefore take vp this dead body and beare it with me to kill the heart of old Gautier with consuming sorrow CHAP. XII 1 How Loys came to Maiance and reported the wofull estate of the Christians and the sorrow Gautier made for his sonnes 2 Singlayes sorrow and the message Barant sent to Charles together with the answer 3 How Barant slew one of the messengers THe yong prince Loys who in the battell had receiued many great wounds was now returned to Maiance and with a very heauy countenance the first report of misfortune came vnto the Kings pallace where he did finde the
away with him but standing in awe of his staffe would not but mounting aloft fell vpon Drohes like a mountaine and with his gripes wounded him so that he fell to the earth and lay in a swound till Adain cried O arise my Lord for the monster returneth At these words Drohes awaked and holding the point of his staffe ouer his head the Griffon durst not assaile him Wherefore Drohes thinking in houering to kil him he strucke so vehemently that missing his staffe entred more than two foot into the very ground as by no means he could get it out againe Which the Griffâ—â—â— séeing descended to haue borne him away but Drohes held the staffe so fast in his hand that he could not Adain beholding her Lord in that danger strucke the Griffon on the wing such a blow that leauing Drohes he returned to Adain seazing vpon her bore her through the ayre but as the storie saieth ere hee descended to the ground she was dead so grieuously did his tallaâ—s gripe her to the heart CHAP. XV. 1 How Drohes spake to Robaster touching the deliuerie of Meruine 2 Of Malabeon of Luton Robasters father that gaue counsell in the action THe monstrous Griffon when hee sawe in his â—â—ght Adain dead hee presently deuoured her for whose losse Drohes sorrowed extreamely and mingled with his moanes many swâ—wnings and many bitter lamentations During which Robaster comming by and hearing him make great moane now for Adaine then for Meruine he tooke compassion of his woes and went and saluted him saying good sir I haue heard your outries in which you exclaime for the losse of a wife and a perfect friend be comforted man for destiny is vnremoueable When Drohes heard Robaster hee lifted vp his head and with humble reuerence he demanded of him his name My name quoth he is Robaster who hath bin the death of many Pagans yea and of many Christians also for which now doth my soule indure a mortall penaunce Drohes hearing this amongest his woes reâ—oyced and saide Ha Robaster thou art the Starre which hast led me hither and in thée is the power of all my ioy and happinesse Then Robaster taking him vp for he was verie sore wounded he presently led him to his hermitage where Malabeon his father was and cured him but Malabeon went inuisibly for such was his power and onely he was seene to his sonne and to none other When time of repast came they sate downe to meate and Drohes smelling a delicate perfume demaunded what it was and Robaster tolde him that they were certaine rare waters the which he kept in his chamber which if he pleased he would shew him thence he brought him into his chamber which resembled an earthly paradise so rare was the exquisitenesse thereof all being done by the art of Malabeon the which Drohes in admiring praised beyond all measure and Robaster that tooke no small delight in Drohes tolde him he should command any thing he sawe or wherein his helpe might doe him seruice he vowed he should finde it most willing and ready O quoth he will you not heereafter goe from your promise Not for the world quoth he Then will I take you at your word quoth Drohes know then that for these fiue yeares space the onely glorie of the worlde the myracle and mirour of Knighthoode hath beene by corrupt and false treason detained and kept prisoner in Minor from which place it is vtterly impossible that euer he should be deliuered except by the handiwork of almightie God and your good helpe because a diuell of hell is his gardian neare vnto whom no man dareth to approach so cruell is his wrathfull indignation Wherefore I humbly pray you that in regard the life of Uertue liueth in your power be deiâ—â—ed in the hearts of men for attributing vnto her a most happy restitution How I pray you doe you call the Knight quoth Robaster Oh answered Drohes it is renowmed Meruine the sonne of Oger of Denmarke and the right beautifull and vertuous Ladie Morgua I haue heard quoth Robaster of one sonne of Ogers who was slaine by Charles the sonne of Charlemaine who was called by the name of Baldwine but of Meruine I neuer heard before nor of any of his actions 2 Then spake Malabeon his father and saide Sonne it is very true that Oger begot the valiant Prince Meruine of the Fairie Lady Morgua in the Fairie land which I know right well that was present at his baptizing as the Fairie can well witnesse with me who stole him from his mother and for griefe thereof knowing herselfe to be damned suffered a diuell to beget on her a monster with thrée heads that hereafter shall bring all Christendome to a most wofull heauinesse vntill by that famous and worthily renowmed Prince Meruine he be brought vnto some shamefull end whom it behooueth thée to deliuer because now the date of his destiny is expired and if he be not the sooner redéemed all Christendome will be vtterly ruinated by Barant surnamed the Cruell against whom no creature is able to indure battell except Meruine in whose hands the tyrants life is contained Father quoth Robaster by what manner of meanes may I worke his deliueraunce Uery easily answered Malabeon for I will first goe alone to Minor and waiting the comming out of Mutafier who shall not see me steale priuately away the keys of the prison and then returning for thée by the helpe of the highest Sonne deliuer him Good father said Robaster help vs in this holy déed I will dispatch it and returne quoth Malabeon before the day goe downe Drohes hearing this ouercome with ioy embraced Robaster in his armes and asked if he euer sawe his father Yes said he but besides my selfe not any creature In sundry other discourses they continued vntill Malabeon returned from Minor with the keyes and bade them arise for now was the time to goe and deliuer Meruine for beholde here are Mutafiers keys When the two barons heard this they leapt for ioy and Drohes maruelled that he was so soone returned Stand not amazed said Malabeon but let vs be gone for if Mutafier shall chaunce to returne and finde his keyes taken away it may be he will do the prince some iniurie Alas said Drohes how shall wee be able in a moment to goe more than an hundred leagues Care not said Malabeon onely arme your selues and doe but follow me which they did and then casting pilgrims weedes ouer them went so that no man could possibly perceiue their armors and at the last came to the riuer Orbe ouer which by the helpe of Malabeon they passed vpon a little planke of wood and then came vnto the view of Minor where Malabeon commaunded them that as soone as they should come before Butor that they should fayne themselues to be come 〈◊〉 countries and that they should say that Barant the Cruel had by his prowesse taken both Charles and the twelue peeres assuring them that hee woulde stand