THE Honorable pleasant and rare conceited Historie of Palmendos Sonne to the famous and fortunate Prince Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Translated out of French by A. M. one of the Messengers of her Maiesties Chamber Patere aut abstine AT LONDON Printed by I. C. for Simon Watersonne are to be sold in Church-yarde at the signe of the Crowne Anno. Domini 1589. Fortissimo et militiae naualis Peritissimo viro Domino Francisco Draco Equiti Aurato DEsinat Herculeas iam Grecia vana columnas Mirari aut Minyas Dulichiâ—…mue ducens Amphitryoniadem super as fortissime Drace Iasonaque et comites Penelopesque virum Neptunusque suum credit tibi iure tridentem Cedit Sceptra libens imperiâ—…mque maris Palmendos tanto latus tutusque Patrono Audet in innumeras peruolitare manus Zoilus inuideat rumpantur et ilia Codro Palmendos Draco vindice tutus erit It volat et gaudet spernit que minacia verba Nempe soles tumides spernere Drace minas Antonius Mondaius To the courteous Reader HAuing finished this History of Pâ—…lmendos I commit the same to thy fauourable censure And though it bee not floorished foorth with borrowed phrases of eloquence yet hope I thou wilt accept it freendly as thou hast done heertofore my works of the like matter To make any commendation therof to thee I will not first reade thy fill thereon and after iudge as thou findest occasion yet with thy wonted fauour to encourage me in proceeding in translation of 〈◊〉 which by the next Tearme I hope will be accomplished From my house at Cripple gate the fifth of Februarie 1589. Thine in all courtesie Anthâ—…ny Monday The history of Palmendos sonne to the famous Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Discoursing likewise of the Prince Rifarano Sonne to Tryneus Emperour of Allemaigne Aurecinda Siâ—…er to the Soldane of Persia theyr Kâ—…ghtly deedes of Chiuâ—…e 〈◊〉 aduentures and woorthy resolutioâ—… CHAP. I. Howe Belcar and Tyrendos beeing in the Câ—…urte of the Emperor Palmerin receiued theyr order of knighthoode and how Belcar departed secretly from Constantinople and of the Câ—…mbat hâ—…e fought in the Realme of Macedoâ—… against tâ—…e three Sonnes of a Knight thaâ—… lodged him NOt long after the destruction of the magniâ—…cent and proud Monarchie of the Romaines waâ—… erected a new Empire in Greece which the 〈◊〉 bountie diuine fauoâ—…red with continual happines placing the good Prince Palmerin d'Oliua in the Crowne and lawfull gouernment therof as wel in respect of his great prowesse high and knightlie paradores which with vigilant â—…are he vsed for the defence of such an estate the onely renowne whereof brake the desseigâ—…es of manie that by hostilitie sought to disquiet him aâ—… alsâ—… in regarde of the notable linage posteritie discending from him of whose vertues and heroycall perfections this present Historie of Palmendos his Sonne is contriued and therefore to be placed at the ende of his Fathers trauels In which discourse alreadie extant gentle Readers you haue vnderstood howe the Emperour Palmerin so looued and honored Knights errant that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Courte because yéerelie hee continued a sumptuous spectacle in forme of a Tourney for the exercise of knightly and millitarie discipline and with such religious zeale was this worthy practise folowed as the Court might well be called y t Schoole of Armes and Nursse of ciuilitie For this cause many Kinges Princes and great Lordes sent their Sonnes to bee there educated among whom the good Knight Frysoll King of Hungaria sent one of his named Belcar and the Duke Eustace of Mecana another called Tirendos that they might deserue their knighthoâ—…de at the hand of the Emperor the true mirrour and Idea of manhoode and so consequentlie they to participate some part of his bountie and prowâ—…sse THe time then béeing câ—…me that Belcar Son to King Frysoll shoulde 〈◊〉 his order of knighthood he humbly intreated the Emperour that he might enioy it at his hand and Tirendos Sonne to Duke Eustace of Mecana desirous of the selfe same honour made like request vnto his Maiestie whereto the good Emperâ—…ur who looued them both with singuler affection knowing hâ—…w well Chiualrie woulde bee imployed by thâ—…m â—…ight willinglie condiscended Héereupon after they had performed the accustomed vigill he knighted these two Princes with great royaltie desiring God to bestow such fauour on them as at no time they might degenerate from their famous prâ—…decessours And to Belcar â—…mbracing him in his armes he sayd My good Nephewe heauen accomplish in you such perfâ—…ctiens of manhoode as each one may knowe you to be the Sonne of the worthy Knight Sir Frysoll a Prince so hardie and valiant as anie that euer followed Armes The ceremonies béeing ended they all returned to the Pallace where the newe Knights béeing vnarmed rich Robes and Mantles were brought them for greater honour of the feaste which in the Courte at this tâ—…e excéeded But Belcar tooke little pleasure in beholding the diuers occurrences at this assembly because his minde was more busâ—…ed with expectation of future glorie which made him thus to commâ—…ne with himselfe Belcar thou hast now no longer time to rest séeing thou hast recâ—…iued the honorable order of knighthood and that at the hande of the Empeâ—…ur thynâ—… Unckle whom the diuine prouidence hath endued with so manie laâ—…dable vertues nor dooth any thing want in the King thâ—… Father that is required in a man at Armes If then hetherto thou hast liued in pleasure delights hencefoorth thou must bequeath thy selfe to trauaile to shewe that thou doost resemble and imitate in some things thine Auncestors who with great labour and industrie haue attained such fame and renowâ—…e as the memory therof shal remaine immortali And if thou wilt not darcken this honour then must thou hasten thy departure from y â— Court and follow the search of strange aduentures as they dyd in their daies for thine example After many and sundry thoughts that fought together within his spirit he concluded to depart acccmpanied but with one Squire and that so secretly as could be deuised Thence would he trauaile directly towards Macedon to make the first proofe of his valour in y t aduenture of Francelina who was enchaunted in y â— Iâ—…le of Carderia as was declared in the History of Palmerin d'Oliua And at thys time was little talke of any other thing then of the number of Knights that daily sought to winne her in marriage and with her the Kingdome of Thessalie for such 〈◊〉 the promised guerdon and recompence to him that coulde deliuer her out of the enchaunted Castell but hetherto all the Knights lost thâ—…ir labour for no one was able to finish the â—…duenture Belcar béeing earnestly prouoked with the fame of this occasioÌ„ which was generally râ—…puted strange and full of â—…aunger resolued to frame his iourney thether because heâ—… earnestly
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
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
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
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
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
commaunded him from that seruice but only the gracious Letter sent by her whcrfore he desired to returne thether againe to make her more famous til the aduenture were ended To stay her aunswer and appease his hote desire at that very instant the Courrire arriued sent froÌ„ Tirendos whose message being heard highly wâ—…s the Princesse contented but Belcar ouercome with excéeding greefe because fayne he would haue tryed his fortune against Palmendos Nowe come we to the Damosell againe that pursued Belcar for the death of her Bretheren according as you suâ—…ficientlie heard before she vnderstanding that hcâ—… was in the Court of Macedon so highly loued of y â— King Quéen and the whole nobilitie she was out of hope to worke him iniurie there wherefore she intended to returne hâ—…me againe and by the way she happened to méet with y â— Prince Recinde when beginning her accustomed complaints she deliuered the same discourse which she had doone to Cardino and Tirendos saying that the Knight who had so trayterously slain her brethren soiourned in the Court of Macedon Recinde desirous to win honor by succouring the distressed and hoping he might find the Knight he sought for at Macedon answered her in this maner If it be Damosel as you say that the Knight in such trayterous sortc sic we your bretheren I proâ—…se ye by the faith I beare to Chiualrie that to my power I will reuenge your wrong because all 〈◊〉 receiuing this ordcr are bounde by dutie to assist Damosels iniuriously wrongâ—…d by dâ—…storall varlets The crafty deceiuer fel at the Princâ—…s séete affirming what she had saide with many othes Gâ—…e thâ—…n with me ê™ Recinde to shew me the Knight and either I will loose my life or mâ—…ke him coÌ„fcsse his villainy The â—…nted palliard mounted on her Palfray and such spéâ—…de thcy made in trauaile as at length they arriued at Maccdon when entring the great Hall they â—…ounde there the King Belcar and diuers noble Barons whereupon the Dâ—…inoscl thus spake to Recinde Sée here my Lord the Knight that slew my Brethren I beséech yee make him knowe before the King the teason he committed against harmeles men for his Maiestie not knowing the enormitie of the case reputeth this offendour one of the most courteous Knights in his Court as my selfe perceiued at my last béeing here Recinde hauing with humble reuerence saluted the King Florendos turned to Belcar w t these spéeches Sir Knight this Damosell hath sworne to mee that yeu haue trayterouslie slaine her two bretheren after you had béen fréendlie entertained at her fathers house if yee did so surelie it was an act far vnbeséeming you and by force of Armes I shall make ye so to confesse it if you haue the hardines to enter the field with mee Belcar greatly offended to heare himselfe so charged and euermore by one that sought to bring his life in danger in anger thus replied In sooth Knight I cannot but think thy discretion very simple in saying if I haue the hardines to enter y â— fielde with thée and thy presumption is as insolent as this Dâ—…mosell is trothlesse and disloyall in accusing mee without anie cause notwithstanding I hope to recompence ye â—…or light beléefe that false woman likewise the instrument of thy follie After these spéeches he went and Armed him selfe for the Combat which the King many waies laboured to hinder but Recinde continued so resolutely against Belcar as the King could not diswade the matter wherfore he thus spake to Recinde Séeing you wil not at my intrea tie giue ouer this rashnes let me vnderstand the name of him that will not graunt so smal a matter specially to one that is able to yéeld thanks therfore I amm ê™ Recinde a Knight of a strange Country who came to the Emperors Court at Constantinople meane while the nuptiallâ—…s of the Hungarian Prince were sollâ—…mnized whether likewise came a Knight vnknowne bearing a siluer flower in hys Shéeld hée hauing wun the honor of the Tourney departed secretly from the assembly which made me followe in searche of him and in respect I am but a poore Knight errant I desire no wrong may be offered me in the battail Be thâ—…rof assured answered the King that none shal meddle with you but your aduersary onlie trust me it greeueth me to the very hart that comming from the Court of the Emperour Palmerin my Sonne you should héere enter the fielde against Belcar who is one of his Maiesties cheefest fauourites When Recinde heard Belcar named on the one side it displeased him y â— he was to deale with a Knight so famous and renowned on the other side it gréeued him as much when he considered the néere alliaunce betwéene him and Melicia whom he loued as his verie soule so that willinglie he would haue forborne the Combat but that he could not with honor gaine say it Nowe the King desires the Duke of Pontus and another of his cheefest Barons to iudge the fight according to conscience and without any exception of person Soone after the Champions enter the Listes where breaking theyr Launces brauelie in the carrire they were both dismounted notwithstanding they quicklie recouered themselues and drawing their Swordes fell to the Combatte Long while they continued a most furious fight sharpe cruell woundes being deliuered on either side that iudgement could not be giuen who was in greatest daunger but his Maiestie séeing Belcar were very feeble and that it was like this â—…ght would ende bothe their liues as one loth to sée the death of eyther he threw his staffe of peace betwéen them then comming downe from the window where hée stoode into the â—…eld he desired them at his request to giuâ—… ouer the fight My gracious Lord answered Recinde that may we not consent vnto vnlesse the Damosell that complained of Belcar will first remit the iniurie he hath doone her My selfe will thereto perswade her said the King in meane while doo you trauaile no further in this controuersâ—…e séeing you haue bothe shewen sufficient and haughtie Chiualrie So went the King to the Damosell who was wonderfull glad to sée Belcar in such daungerous estate as no Knight before had brought him in the like Damosel ê™ he séeke not the death of two so good Champions as these are but for my sake pardon Belcar if hee haue in ought offended and I shall cause him to make such amendes as your selfe shall like well thereof beside such courtesy shal ye find at my hand as happilie shal yéeld occasioÌ„ of thanks while yee liue Héereto will I neuer consent though I die quoth she and more wold the present death of Belcar content me then if the whole Monarchie of y â— world were vnder my puissaunce considering the enorme and deteâ—…table treason wherwith hee villainously wronged my Father and Bretheren which makes mee I cannot discharge my Knight of his promise The King with great instance intreated her againe and so did all the Lords attending on
him but all was in vaine shee was so resolutly grounded in her wickednes as shee accounted it pleasure to be selfe-willed therein Wherupon the Quéene hartily sorie to sée Belcar so sore wounded vnderstanding the obstinate refusall of the Damosell she accompanied with the Duchesse of Pontus and the Princesse Alderina her Daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Quâ—…ene would entertaine her among the Ladies of honour in her Court But these prayers and requests nothing auailed to mooue any pittie in this inexorable Damosell which the Quéene perceiuing and that she continned so obstinate in crueltie she made a sollemne othe that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and flaunderous that her selfe should die a most shamefull death The Damosel séeing the Queene so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she greeued to beholde the teares of faire Alderina wherfore she alighted from her Palfray and falling at the Quéenes féete desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to y â— King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Maiesties sake shée was coÌ„tent to pardon both y â— Knights The Queene embraced her in signe of thankâ—…s sâ—…nding word to Recinde that hee shoulde proceede no further in battaile so the Damosell went with the Quéene and her Ladies to the Pallace and bothe the Champiâ—…ns acccmpanied the King who bringing them to their Chambers commaunded that his cheâ—…fe Physitions and Chirurgions should giue dilligent attendaunce to sée their wounds healed Dailie woulde the Queene accompanied wyth the Duchesse of Pontus and the fayre Princesse Alderina her Daughter come to visite them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amitie and shortly after the Queene in regarde of her promise caused the Damosell to bee very honourablie married when Belcar made her openly confesse that her accusations were mâ—…st false and vntrue in respect that hee neuer sawe any of her Bretheren before that night wherein hee was intreated by her Father to lodge at his Castell But leaue we these and let vs nowe returne againe to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio were embarqued for Turkie they landed at a port neere the Cast ell of Albayzo where the King of Thessalie was kept prisoner and howe Palmendos intended to bee at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captaines sonne and what was his successe AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Quéene of Thessalie her daughter Francelina they posted with al spéed to theyr Ship the Marriners hauing in the time of their abode there happened on a Turke left therein the Hauen by reason of extreame sâ—…cknes wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to bée a Moore tooke him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arriuall he had verie wâ—…ll recouered his health He vnderstanding that Palmendos woulde saile into Turkie desired to graunt him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenes hee would direct him whether hee pleased because hee knewe all the portes and créekes of the 〈◊〉 and most of the Citties and Townes on the land Palmendos ioyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patrone and without concluding to what place they would first saile hee wylled them to make toward the neerest port to the Citie of Tubant demaunding of the Turke if he knew any harbour of suretie neere that place My Lord quoth the Turke I will conduct ye if you please into a straight of the Sea which is verie secret where oftentimes ride diuers great vessels and no other place of lodging is néere at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a daies iourney from Tubant and thâ—… like from the Castell of Albayzo where the great Turke at this present kéepeâ—… the king of Thessaâ—…e and all his treasure vnder the charge of a good â—…night who is the Captaine of the Castell and this plâ—…ce hee reputeth aâ—… the strongest holde in all the Countrey Moreouer this I â—…are 〈◊〉 Sir that there is no part so little in all that Coâ—…ntrey but I knowe it as well by night as by day â—…uen as perfectly as the porte whereof I tell ye there may you abide in 〈◊〉 and dâ—…e what best your selfe shall please vncontrouled by any this wyll I make good for â—…e gâ—…eat 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 found Palmendos seing how Fortune faâ—…oured him coâ—…mitted his conducting to the Turke who was named Orycano when at length they came to the porte neere Tuâ—…ant then Oricano went on shore with the Knightes to take some order for their good entertainement but â—…nding not his father at home entreated his mother 〈◊〉 two bréethren who were not a little glad of his â—…afe return to vse those Gentlemen so curteouâ—…y as might be expressing what kindenesse hee hád found at their hands Palmendos reioyced that they were in a place so sore and secret and â—…éere Albayzo Castell where the Kâ—…ng of Thâ—…ssalie was detained in captiuitie yet kept he on his rich black Armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castell of Carderia his good sworde likewise hee had by his side wherewith hee could enchaunt and bring asléepe anye one by drawing it foorth It was large and short as a woodknife or Fauchion most artiâ—…cially damasqued and garnished with three sortes of Diamonds the whoâ—… sheath béeing composâ—…d of one the mosse-barre and pomell of an other and the handle of the crost raâ—…e and pretious Calamite that euer was séene the blade of the finest tempered stéele that coulde bee in any sworde in bréefe the like weapon was hardly to be found through the worlde By this time Orycanos father was come home who reioycing to beholde his Sonne shewed very louing 〈◊〉 to the princeâ—… for his sake wheâ—… among other talke Palmendos requested to knowe of the olde man whence he came â—…o late whereto the poore man humblie 〈◊〉 answerâ—…d I come Sir from a Town not far hence whether I went in the morning to sell fish becauâ—…e greatâ—… number of Knightes are assembled there againâ—… thâ—… mariage of the Lordes daughter with the son to the Captaine of Albayzo Castell and I staied the longer â—…o sée the Bridegroome and his Sister who is reported to bee the fairest woman in the worlde By manie great Priâ—…ces she hath béene requâ—…sted in mâ—…riage but â—…he hath refused euery one saying she will neuer be marriâ—…d but with him that can winnâ—… her by Martiall prâ—…wcsse for which canse many braue and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third daye of the feast haue appointed a Tourney for her loue the resort being so great to sée this Ladie as iâ—… the great Turke with all his Bassaes aâ—…d 〈◊〉 kept Court there Palmendos attentiuely noting this tale conâ—…idered
with him selfe that if hée could by subtill traineâ—… entice this Ladie to louâ—… heâ—… might easily get into Albayzo Castell where he should thâ—… better compasse thâ—… stratageme to set the King of Thessalie at libertie for this cause he determined to be present at the Tourney and in bedde acquainted Ozalio with hiâ—… whole intent who thought it the onely waye to woorke their enterprise On the morrowe Palmendos tolde the Fisher that he would make one in the Ioust so giuing him good store of money prayed him to regarde his Ship and Marriners till hee returned and so hee set forwarde with Ozalio and Orycano who serued them faithfullye during all this busineâ—… Not farre had they rid but they met with a Page that attended on Iffida for so was the beautifull virgin named the Captains Daughter and occasâ—… of this triumphe Palmendos asketh him if the Tourney held the day following It doth Sir answered thâ—… Page by generall agréement and â—…o please yee to bee there you shall sée many valiant Knights enter the 〈◊〉 where I hope the pertakers of Ripole for so was the Bridegroome called shall beare away the honour of the day and sundrie braue champions will aduenture for the loue of Iffida my Mistres wherby they may gaine the better meane to offer her their seruice intending therfore to bee on her brothers side who is the chiefe man in this enterprise The Prince calling to minde the perfections of Francelina breathed foorth a â—…gh that came from his very soul on the other siâ—…e â—…e was marueilous glad that he had so fortunately met with the Ladies Page and desirous to gaine some acquaintaunce with her hee speaketh to the youth in this manner Gentleman I thinke the graces of your Mistresse to be so amiable as in one â—…nstant they are sufficient to captiuate al such as beholde 〈◊〉 and therfore I can assâ—…re ye that with the better wiâ—… more sincere affection is â—…e prouided to her seruice thâ—…t neuâ—…r saw â—…er which I speke on mine own behalfe whâ—… abandoning â—…he place of my original haue with insuppoâ—…table trauels crost many Countries onely to come let her vnderstande my extreame deuotion to be her perpetuall and faithfull seruant whereto the renown of her beautie induced me which I thinke is spread ouer the face of the whole earth And séeing my hap waâ—… so good to mâ—…ete with you albeit yoâ—… know mee not nor haue I yet deserued any thing at your hand yet let me intreat ye to do one fauour for me the issue wherof beside your aâ—…hieuement of notable reputation in â—…ebonaire courtesâ—…e which all of your young yéâ—…res ought to haue in singuler 〈◊〉 I hope shall let ye sufficiently perceiue that you deale not for an ingrateâ—…ull person nor wil ye misâ—…ike your trauaile in the cause What would you haue me do answered the Page in respect you séeme a man of vertue and quality if it bée a thing possible fâ—…r me and honourable I will with al my â—…eart accâ—…mplish it A thousand thankes for your â—…iendlinesse answered Palmendos and for nothing els is my sute but that you would say to your Ladie Mistresse how a strange Gentleman which came into this countrey onlie to see her graces and vertues most humbly commends him selfe to her fauourable opinion earnestlye desiring that she would accept him as her Knight in the Tourney where to morrow hee intends to shewe him selfe as one that will ouer ballance her most fauoured in weight of affection and will be accounted second to none in exploits of armes hauing no better meane whereby to acquaint her with the insupportable burthen of his heart and that she may well perceiue it I will not bee on her brothers side but against them that take his part hâ—…ping to send them â—…anquished out of the fielde or make them gladde to take their béels by the strength and hardines her diuine beautie shall giue mee so please her to graunt mee the aforesaid fauour and which will cause me to account my selfâ—… the happiest Knight on wâ—…om the planets haue breathed their celâ—…stiall influence The Page séeing Palmendos faire and so richly armed imagined him to be some great personage wherefore he modestly thus replied My Lord this dare I not doo for any man liuing without I knewe the partie to haue some familiaritie with my Mistresse neuerthelesse béeing a matter of so small consequence and that you deserue much more then this on my behalfe I shall deliuer â—…er this message for your sake who haue so importâ—…natly requested it Palmendos requited the Page with many thanks and to make him more forward in the matter hee tooke a bracelet of golde from his arme and gaue it him so begâ—…ling the time with other spâ—…eches at length they arriued at Prissa for so was the Town called where the Triumphes were appointed the field being couered all ouer with costly Pauilions wherefore Palmendos made choise of a conucnient place and there commanded his rich Tent to be presently erected Meane while the Page curteously tooke his leaue entering the town went straight to his Mistresse lodging where hauing â—…rst disnatched the answere sent from her Sister and séeing her so conuenientlie apart from her Damosels he rehearsed all that Palmendos had saied vnto him I woonder quoth she what the Knight should bee that durst send mee such a presumptuous message seeing he saieth he is a straunger and for my loue hath forsaken his Countrey Beléeue me Madame answered the page nor doo I know him but hee séemeth to bee discended of great parentage and is one of the goodliest personages that euer I saw as for his courtesâ—…e and liberalitie beholde Mistres what a costly Bracelet hee hath giuen mee that neâ—…er did anie thing for him in all my life Me thinks this is verie straunge replied Iffida that this Knight should come from farre Countries to sée me and verie ingratefull might I be reputed if I shoulde not thanke him for so great paines therefore faile not but shewe me him to morrow so soone as hee dooth enter the Listes that I may giue good héede to his behauiour Herein quoth the Page wil I accomplishe your commaund because right well I know him by his rich Armour as also the lustie Courser hee rode on yester day Thus made the Page a train for loue which afterward reached to the heart of his Mistresse where hauing kindled the fire her selfe shee felt the sparkes so to leape about her imaginations as all this night she could enioy no rest for thinking on the Knight that came from far Countries CHAP. XXVII How Palmendos came to the Tourney appointed for Iffida where he wonne her by his Knightly chiualry and by that occasion obtained her loue And how they spake together by the meanes of their Ambassadour so that Palmendos and Ozalio easilie entred the Castell of Albayzo ON the morrow which was the appointed day of the Triâ—…mph Iffida decked her selfe in moste
sée innumerable vertues conioyned in â—…ne body I beséech yée hasten your speaking with him and let not the happye houre miscarrie through your default which the fatall destinies haue so graciously appointed hys loouely spéeches shall acquaint yee with his endowments which you may beholde so correspondent in euery point as you can wish for nothing but is to be found in him Now should I speake with him saied Iffida without impeach to mine â—…onor which hithertoo I haue carefullyregarded vnlâ—…sse it be by thy meanes in some secret place free from the hurt of suspected persons wherewith the worlde is nowe mightily stored I shall tell ye how Madame replied the Page you know my Lord your father willed yée the other â—…ay that yée should returne home to him with all possible spéed which will serue as a fit occasion to take your honest sure well of this company if then you will depart hence to morrowe towarde euening you may lodge by the way at my mothers house whether I will go before with the two Knights and cause her to say they be both her Nephewes who now are friendly come to visite her so may ye confer togeather at your pleasure The inuention is good aunswered Iffida yet must ye be very circumspect herein that the drift of our intent be not discouered The complot thus concluded the Page went in the morning to Palmendos and making him not a little glad with these neweâ—… caused both the frends to mount on horsbacke and set forward with him to his mothers house seated in a pleasant place betwéene Tubant and the Castell of Albayzo When the Gentlewoman saw the two knights she was much abashed but her Sonne soone resolued her in euery point and that shee might boldlye call them her Nephewes her selfe being a straunger borne far from that Countrey The mother béeing thoroughly enstructed by her Sonne desired their intent might take good successe wherevpon the Page returned to his Mistresse who had in this while so well ordered her departure as the new married nor any other coulâ—… gather suspicion then forwarde she sets for her iourney had hast so surely had Loue seazed â—…n â—…er hart hauing no other company with her then her foure waiting Damosels and two Squiers of her fathers Nowe is she come to the long desired place where being very graciously entertayned both by Palmendos and Ozalio as also the Pages mother Iffida beeing not to learne her lesson desires to know what Knights they were that so friendly saluted her They are quoth the Pages mother my two Nephewes who hauing not séene mee of long time are come to know if they may stand me in anie stéede as also to offer their seruice to my Lord your father if in any thing it shall please him to imploy them Right hartily welcome are they aunswered Iffida and of dutye I must néeds thanke them for the good will they beare my Lorde and Father for which cause as also their néere alliaunce to you I loue them as they were my proper Bretheren Palmendos comming to her with great reuerence gaue her humble thanks for her honourable kindnes and while they spent the time about other familiar conferences sâ—…pper was set on the table in a pleasant Arbour where Iffida cold digest no meat her eies were so busted in beholding her Champion afterwarde they walked vp and downe the Garden and shee séeing the Pages mother was deepâ—… in talke with Ozalio as one loth to loose so good an eportunity she beginneth with Palmendos in this manner I cannot but marâ—…aile at my selfe Sir Knight that being nothing touched with the loue of sundry gentlemen which heretofore haue diuers times offered mee theyr seruice my heart should by you whcme I neuer saw before these two daies past so vehcmently be prouoked to loue so that I cannot heare or think on any thing but it is broken or râ—…ted by the remembraunce of you let mee then intreat yée not to repute me as carelesse of my chastitye or forgetfull of the modestie beséeming a Uirgin For the worthy behauior I sée couched in your incomparable personage hath fatally depriued mee of my former libertye and yéeldâ—…d me wholie your Captiue not doubting but you wil so esteeme of your conquest as not to impeach the same by any vnhonorable attâ—…mpt considering my noble birth and parcntage And to satisfie my earnest longing desire onelie adicted to haue further knowledge of your estate acquaint me with the secret consideration of your heart and what you wil commaund me in gâ—…erdon of the paines you haue taken for my sake wherein mine honour defended I will yéeld that willingly to you which none els but you can haue of me Madame aunswered Palmendos I cannot expresse my high good fortune finding such grace and courtesâ—…e at your hands béeing on my part no way as yet deserued but tyme may yéeld the due to euery gentle minde and make mee able to requite such extraordinary fauour And thinke not swéet Goddesse of my heart that in pittying the insupportable burthen of mine oppressions you shall any waye encurre the detection of lightnes but rather of honorable and wel gouerned care when you shal beholde the place wherto I â—…ope safely to bring you for Madam setting aside my simple out ward appearance I am a King borne Gouerner of sundry famous Prouinces and this attempt proceeded onely of religious zeale to make you Lady of mee and mine as your woonderful fame at first tooke the soueraigntie of my heart How can I woorthy Lord quoth Iffida but stand amâ—…zed that you being a King and a man of so rare fortune in mannaging arms shold come hither for so simple a Damosel as my selfe not woorâ—…hy to cast mine eies to such preferment yet not to dissemble with yée as concerning my resolution without my fathers consent I neither may or will goe hence with yée because it were both disobedience and iniurie to nature Not withstanding one thing I will doo for yée which neuer heretosore I offered to any Knight I will bring you to my Father and tell him you are one of this Gentle womans Nephâ—…wes she being my nursse in the time of mine inâ—…nice to him must yée offer your seruice and no sooner shall he beholde your Knightly chiualrie but he will gladly accept yée as his Sonne So with my Parents consent you may conuaie mee hence and in meane while I shall kéepe secret your estate alâ—…eit it were good you tolde him the trueth Palmendos who desired nothing but to get into the Castel and to compasse the same by any way he could thus replied Madame such is the extreamitie of my vehement passions as no one can recure them but shee from whome they tooke their originall nor doo my vitall spirites receiue aniâ—… force to execute their office but from your gracious and gentle disposition therefore I will go with you when you please to your Father and say what you can best imagine for
the peaceable assuraunce and fruition of the good pretended These wordes hee vttered with very chéerefull countenaunce by reason of the hope wherewith his heart was encouraged seing the practise of his negâ—…tiation stand nowe on the tearmes himselfe desired the Labie on the other side was so rauished with his loue as she could not bee satisfied with beholding him or consent to forsake his companye till time of constraint came that they must to their lodgings where Iffida could not sléepe thorough the whole night her slumbers were so broken by the aboundance and plurality of amorous discourse which chased all other imaginations from her spirit In these extreames poore Iffida was tormented a disease cleane contrarye to that which troubled Palmendos who only sought by dissimulation to recouer the good king of Thessalie whereof he conferred in bed with Ozalio what stratagems and subtilties hee must compasse in the action intreating him most affectionatlie they hauing once gotten â—…nteraunce into the Castell to she we him selfe hardie and valiaunt putting euery one to the sword when the watch-word shold be giuen When the morning was come Isfida decked her selfe in her braue accoustrements and câ—…mming into the Garden found there the two Knightes armed except their helmets she praying them to go with her to the Castâ—…ll of Albayzo that she might haue the honour of presenting them to the Captaine her Father This matter being soone concluded they all mounted on horsebacke and about noone arriued at the fortresse the foundation and structure whereof caused Palmendos to woonder in that it was placed on a high and mightie rock and storred with such munition for war as it was thought impregnable Béeing come to the gate Iffida lighted from her haqueney and entred taking the Knights by the hand the Arches permitting them quietly to passe without any feare or further enqâ—…irie what they were séeing them so well acquainted with faire Iffida whome the Castilian loued so well as none might gaine-say what shee commaunded Afterward the Bridges were drawen and the gates strongly barred according as they were woont to bée so the Princes entering the great Hall Palmendos diligentlie looked about him thinking eche hower a yeare till the skirmishe were fought in this strong holde thanking the heanens that had so well guided them thither CHAP. XXVIII Howe Palmendos and Ozalio slewe the Captaine of Albayzo Castell and all the Guard that then kept it taking the King of Thessalie forth of the Tower where hee had remained captiue twentie yeeres and what happened to them in the meane while WHen the Captaine of Albayzo Castell who was an honourable olde man and put in chéefe trust with the great Turkes treasure saw his Daughter accompanied with â—…wo such â—…rane Knights hee was thereat exccedingly amazed as if this occurrence had alrâ—…adye presaged the conflicte and crâ—…ell slaughter which was immediatlie to followe in the Castell wherefore he said Why Daughter how chaunceth it that 〈◊〉 are come withâ—…ut your Brother My Lord quoth â—…ee 〈◊〉 desire I had yester-night to sée yée hastened my 〈◊〉 in company of your two Squires my soure waiting Damosels and these two knights who are both Nephews to my nursse where I found them as I passed by that way and héereof bée assured good father that this Knight peinting to Palmendos is one of the most hardie and curteous Gentlemen that euer ye knewe Whereof his victorie in the Tourney at my Brothers mariage hath giuen me euident example as also the honest spéeches he hath vsed to mée this morning declaring his earnest desire to offer you his seruice vnder hope whereof I haue béene his guide â—…ither estéeming the acqâ—…isition of such a man rare of great consequence and will chiefly helpe the strength of your charge He is the better welcome answered the Captaine and in recompence of his good will hee shall commaunde any courtesie at my hand For all these wordes he had other matters in his minde and because his Daughter praised him so much so much the more willinglye could hee haue spared his companyâ—… in the Castell for that his presence made him misâ—…ont and feare some what yet to dissemblâ—… the matter take away all occaston of contrary mistrust with a counterfeit merrie countenaunce he said Goe Daughter and salute thy motber meane while these Knights shal be vnarmed which he spakâ—… to bee assured of their Armour and weapons intending they shold not haue them againe till they were foorth of the Castell But Palmendos hearing these wordes began to misdoubt their interpretation and therefore thought best not to vse anye more spéeches but going with Iffidaes Page into a faire Chamber in stéede of vnarming them selues they clasped on their Helmets and taking their Shields with resolued courage came foorth hauing their good swordes readie drawen Palmendos intending to trie y â— vertue of his enchanted swoord or els to put both their liues in danger The Page séeing this sudden alteratioÌ„ driuen into as great a quandarie as if he had béene new metamorphised began to crie out very pitifully terming this act abhominable and sâ—…elerous distoyaltie where with he ran downe to aduertise the Guard thereof but they themselues were not farre behinde him because Palmendos knew this enterprise was not to bee deferred therefore â—…ee and Ozalio came into the Castell Câ—…urt where they found the Captaine threatning the Guarde that they had so lightly suffered the Knights to enter but they ercused them selueâ—… on Iffida who brought thâ—…m with her wherwith the Captaine turning about and séeing them come in such furie hee cried to the 〈◊〉 saying Take Armes my loyall and faithfull Knights anâ—… let vs mnrther these false villatnes wâ—…o haue beguiled vs sâ—… 〈◊〉 Palmendos hauing instructâ—…d Ozalio to kéepe sure the Gate that none might issue foorth or more reske we â—…ome in remembring his swéete Ladie Francelina determined to die or deliuer her father frem imprisonment Now makes he proofe of his Swoord charmed by the Fairies which as hee lifted about his head caused euerie one that came against them sléepelâ—… to stagger and when they offered to strike with their weapons they fell down as though they had béene in a sound sléepe béeing all in that case depriâ—…ed of their liues both the Captaine the Guard and the rest that could be found except the Turke who guided them by Sea and the Page that came wyth these newes to Iffida saying Alas Madame wee are all betraied by the false Knights that eâ—…tred the Castel with vs right worthy am I of a thousand deaths in that your Father and all the Guarde haue lost their liues by my meanes When Iffida and her mother heard these vncouth newes they came downe as women disâ—…raged of their wits and seeing this lamentable massacre she fell downe on her fathers dead bodie saying Ah my good Lorde and Father pardon mee that was the cause of this thy death and séeing innocently I haue béene so circumâ—…nted by
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