to the aged King Primaleon by the fauoure of the Ladie Arismena SUch spéede made Palmerin beeing departed froÌ„ the Marchant as on the fourth day following riding by a Riuers side he found a Dwarffe sitting heauilie wéeping of whom he demaunded the cause of his mourning Alas Syr saide the Dwarffe as I was riding by the commaundement of my Maister to a Lady whom he déerelie loueth a Knight euen nowe tooke my Horse from me and very villainously offered me outrage which yet dooth not so much greeue mee as beeing thus on foote I know not howe to get ouer this Riuer Mount vp behinde me said Palmerin and at the first Towne wee come to I will prouide thée of another Horse Then mounted the Dwarffe vp behinde him and hauing past the Riuer desired to know of Palmerin whether he trauailed for quoth he I neuer sawe man whom I had greater desire to serue then you Dwarffe answered Palmerin I nowe iourneie towarde the Court of Macedon to the King where I hope to find the Prince Florendos who is accounted one of the woorthiest Knights in the world and by his hande I desire to be knighted if I may And after you haue receiued your order said the Dwarffe I hope you will not be so vnwise to hazard the aduenture wherein so manie haue failed and lost their liues What aduenture is that quoth Palmerin To goe to the Mountaine Aâ—tifaeria said the Dwarffe in hope to kill the Serpent which hath béene the death of so manie valiant Knights And what occasion said Palmerin mooued them to fight with the Serpent That will I tell you answered the Dwarffe The King Primaleon father to the Prince Florendos whom you séeke thrée yéeres since fell into a verie strange disease for which no remedie can yet be found notwithstanding the dilligent endeuours of the Quéene and Ladie Arismena her Daughter one of the fairest and most vertuous Princesses that euer was hearde of who séeing her Father in such daungerous estate hath often assembled the best Phisitions in the whole worlde who haue practised al possible means to recouer his health yet hither to all hath béene to no purpose Whereupon she sent to an auncient Knight the most skilfullest in the arte of Nigromancie this daie liuing who returned this answere that he should neuer bee healed except hee bee first washed with the water of a Fountaine which standeth on the top of the Mountaine Artifaeria whether fourtimes a yere resort three Sisters Magitians of the Isle Carderia to gather vertuous Hearbes which there they wash and wherof they frame all their enchantments This place is so defended by the Monster wherof I tolde you that no man as yet durst approche it Which newes when the Princesse Arismena vnderstood hoping by strength of men to recouer the water and vanquish the Beast leauied a great number of Souldiours well appointed who were no sooner entered the Mountaine but the Serpent came furiouslie foorth of his Den throwing fire and smoake out of his mouth and beating his winges togeather with such terror as the very hardiest durst passe no further but were all glad to take themselues to flight yet coulde they not depart with such expedition but the greater part of them paid their liues for their bolde attempt the Mountaine was so stored with Lions Beares Wolues Harts Tygres Ounces and other wild rauenous Beastes that deuoured them Nowe at length manie Knights haue tryed themselues in this aduenture thinking by their Prowesse to performe more theÌ„ the other but all the worse for not one of them returned backe againe aliue And why goes not the Prince Florendos him selfe said Palmerin that is estéemed yâ— most valiant Knight thorow all Greece Alas Sir said the Dwarffe some other matter hath so drowned his minde in mellancholique as he liues like one that dispiseth himselfe While the Dwarffe continued his discourse the desire of honour and renowne did so liuelie touche the spirit of Palmerin as he said to him selfe It may be that Arismena was the Lady which in my sléeping thoughts visited mee so often if the Destinies haue vowed her mine why should I feare the Serpent or all the other Beastes wherewith this Dwarffe doth so terrifie me Haue not I slaine a Lyon alreadie with a staffe Tush the more daunger is in the place the more honor depends vpon the victory If I leaue my life there I am not the first if I returne with conquest I shall be beyonde anie yet in fortune therefore fall out as it will no perrill shall dismaie me from giuing the aduenture whereupon he sayd to the Dwarffe But tell me my Freende hee that bringes the water from the Mountaine to the King what aduauntage shall he deserue My Lord quoth hee it hath beene manie times published that his rewarde shall be the best Cittie in all this Relame Sée then Dwarffe said Palmerin one man more will hazarde his life in this enterprise albeit I should receiue but thanks for my frauaile wylt thou goe with me That will I aunswered the Dwarffe if you please and neuer will I forsake you while breath is in my bodie Thus set they on till they came to the great Cittie of Macedon at what time Florendos was gone to the Temple in such heauines as he séemed a man of another world béeing accompanied with manie Knights and his faire Sister the Ladie Arismena to whom Palmerin boldlie addressed himselfe and as though hee had beene a Courtier all his life time with séemelie modestie he set his knée to the grounde before her and thus began Madame I humbly â—eséeche you to vouchsafe mee one request which well you may not denie me in that I am a Straunger as also in respect of the desire I haue to doo you seruice And trust me Sir quoth shée you shall not bee refused what is it you woulde haue me doo for you That at your request said Palmerin the Prince Florendos your Brother wyll giue me my Knighthoode Arismena seeing Palmerin so amiable and well disposed of bodie meruailed of whence hee was and said In good sooth Sir such matter nothing appertaineth vnto me for as I iudge such a motion shoulde procéede from your selfe yet taking him by the hande shee presented him to her Brother saying I pray you my Lord graunt to this yonge Gentleman as yet not knighted the thing he hath desired mee to demaunde Florendos hauing not as yet behelde him looked vppon him when an excéeding passioÌ„ presenting the Princesse Griana to his thoughts suddainlie touched him and béeing rapt into more conceite of ioy then he had béene accustomed demaunded of Palmerin if he would be made Knight With right good wyl my Lorde quoth he if it shall like you to doo me so much honor for aboue all thinges els it is my onelie desire My freende said Florendos it is necessarie I should first know whether you be noble borne or no. My Lord quoth Palmerin as yet I neuer knewe my Father or
doubt of My Lorde quoth Palmerin the King and you haue so highlie honoured mee as wheresoeuer I shall come heereafter I rest yours in my verye vttermost endeuours These wordes did Ptolome heare the Sonne of Frenato whoÌ„ Florendos had kept since the time he was his Page and was nowe olde enough to receiue Knighthoode which made him desirous to purchase honour by some meanes especiallie if the King woulde mooue Palmerin to take him with him his request he perswaded himselfe would not bee denyed whereupon knéeling before the King hee beganne thus If it so please your highnes that at your handes I might receiue my order of Knighthoode before Palmerin departed from your Court I am assured he would not disdaine me for his companion especially if your Maiestie did mooue the question on my behalfe Beléeue mee quoth the King so good a motion shall not be hindered by me therefore to morrow will I giue you your order and such Armor as shall well beséeme a Knight prepare you in meane time to performe your watch Highly contented was Ptolome at these spéeches and gaue order for his prouision of néedefull occasions til euening came when he entered the Chappell where hee spent the night in deuout orisons yâ— heauen would so further the whole course of his time as might stand with the aduauncement of iustice and his own honor Earlie in the morning the King accompanied with his Sonne Florendos and manie other Knights entered the Chappel where finding Ptolome on his knées hee gaue him his knighthoode wishing his fortune to prooue such as might make him famous where euer he came afterward he desired Palmerin that this new Knight might beare him coÌ„panie in his trauailes whereto Palmerin willingly consented accepting so well of Ptolomes behauiour as hee purposed thence forward not to forsake so good a companion TheÌ„ they both tooke their leaue of the King and Florendos and departed with the Gentleman towardes the Duke of Durace making such good expedition in their iourneye as hauing crost the Seas with a prosperous winde they landed in the Countrey of Durace Nowe because the Cittie was besiedged on all sides they were doubtfull howe to gette in vnséene of the enemie which the Gentlemanne their guide performed so well as by priuie signes made to the Sintinell at length they got in without any danger The Duke hearing tydings of their arriuall left his Chamber came to welcome Palmerin whome hee entertained with great honour spending the most part of the night in familiar conference with him till hauing brought him to his Chamber hee left them bothe to their good rest till the next morning when he came againe to visite them thus saluting Palmerin Your arriuall Sir Knight dooth arme mee with such assured hope as by the helpe I shall receiue at your hande mine enemie I trust shal not outbraue me as he hath doone hitherto and therfore you with your worthie companion are bothe so welcome as you can desire My Lorde quoth Palmerin the King that sent me to you hath bounde me to him by so manie courtesies as for the loue of him and Florendos his Sonne you may assure your selfe of my vttermost seruice so long as I shall be able to holde my Sworde The Duke returned his noble offer manie thankes and walking into the Hall the Duchesse there expected the comming of Palmerin so after manie welcoms and courtlie embracings the Tables béeing couered they sat downe to Dinner all which time Palmerins eyes were fixed on the Duchesse Daughter who was one of the fairest Uyrgins that euer he sawe and so busied was his thoughts in beholding her as hee gaue small regarde to the Dukes wordes who reported what shamefull iniuries the Countie had offered him from time to time and howe manie skirmishes had passed betwéene them since the beginning of the wars Thus spent they the Dinner time till the Tables beeing withdrawne and the Duchesse with her Daughter gone into their Chamber the Duke questioned with Palmerin as concerning Ptolome who was verie néere allied to the Duke and so with discoursing of nouels of Macedon as also the doubtfull affaires of the warres they passed the whole daie till night came when Palmerin and Ptolome departing to their Chamber Palmerin coulde take no rest the beautie of the Duchesse Daughter so troubled hys thoughts which made him desirous to knowe her name if this were shée the thrée Sisters spake of on the Mountain and was beside promised him in hi◠〈◊〉 visions Palmerin was not alone thus passionate but on the other side the yong Ladie became as amorous of him but Fortune wold not permitte their loue as you shall heare more héereafter The CouÌ„tie hauing al this while maintained very straight siedge intending now to loose or gaine al gaue fierce assault vppon the Cittie first calling all the cheefest Lordes and Captaines of his Armie moouing them with earnest and Souldiour like perswasions to foresée all aduauntages and to encounter their enemies with magnanimious and resolute courage When he had thus unboldened his menne to the fight with sound of Drummes Trompets Clariâ—ns they bad the Cittie battaile then might you beholde howe they besturred themselues with Fagots to fill the Ditches and Trenches set scaling Ladders to the walles howe the one side assaulted and the other defended that manie loste their liues or departed maimed such hauocke did Palmerin and Pâ—olome with the Dukes power make on their enemies notwithstanding they were in number farre beyonde them and meruailous well prouided of all necessaries But then Palmerin remembred a suddaine pollicie to preuent a mischéefe for as the enemie retired to prepare for the seconde assault he called the most part of the best Knights that the Duke had willing each one betake himself to his horse and follow him leauing the rest well appointed for defence of the walles The Counties power sounding the alarme and comming roughlie againe vpon the Cittie Palmerin with his company priuilie issued foorth at the Posterne gate on the backs of the enemies and gaue such a braue onsette as they were forced to forsake their scaling Ladders to resist this encounter There were manie strokes deliuered on either side the Countie most part of his Knights béeing on horsebacke which made them holde the longer play with Palmerin and his men notwithstanding the Countie séeing such a hardie attempt giuen on a suddaine and doubting freshe supplie woulde come from the Cittie with feare began to retire and with one of his Bretheren laboured to resist this sharpe assault but Palmerin and his companie gaue them small time to rest laying on loade with meruailous fiercenes whereat the Countie was so offended as coÌ„ming to Palmerin he gaue him such a cruell stroke on the Helmet as he fell therwith to the ground yet did he quicklie recouer himselfe againe and requited the Countie with so sound a salutation as he made him tomble from his saddle headlong to the earth at what
for your sake I may kéepe it while I liue Marcella woulde not denie his request but put it about his necke herselfe From which time forwarde Palmerin shewed himselfe of more cheereful disposition deuising how he might compasse the meane to goe seeke his fortune wherto his sundry apparitions had so often incited him And as none can shunne what is ordeined him by diuine prouidence not manye daies after as he was walking alone vppon the Mountain he heard a voice cry verie pittifullie for helpe and succour whereuppon Palmerin ranne that waie which hee hearde the voice where hee behelde a Lyon gréedilie deuouring a Horse and Palmerin hauing no weapon to defend himselfe withall but a staffe verie hardilie sette vpon the beast gyuing him such a stroake betwéene the eyes as he fell down dead to the grounde then comming to him hee hearde complaine saide I haue my Freende in some parte reuenged thy wrong Alas Sir ê™ he had you not béene my life had perished for as I trauailed on my iourney this Lion furiouslie sette vpon me to deuoure mee which the rest of my companie perceiuing tooke theÌ„selues to flight leauing mée as you founde mee The best is said Palmerin that you haue escaped with life and if you please to goe with mee not far hence where I haue béene nourished you shall haue the best entertainment that I can make you My Freende quoth the Straunger you haue alreadie doone so much for me as if you will goe with me into the Countrey where I dwell I haue wherewithall to reward your trauaile richlie Is it farre hence Sir said Palmerin In the Cittie of Hermida ê™ he in the Realme of Macedon I dwel from whence I parted a moneth since with my merchandise which I haue left at Constantinople froÌ„ whence returning homeward this vnlooked for mis-fortune befeil mee which had made an ende of me without your assistance As they were thus conferring togeather one of the Strangers seruaunts came to looke him and finding him so happilie escaped was not a little ioyfull reporting that he had left his companioÌ„s not farre off Returne then said his Maister and wil them come to me to the next Uillage where I meane to haue my wounds dressed which the seruaunt performed immediatlie and all this while stoode Palmerin in debating with himselfe if he should thus leaue his Father Gerrard or not at length after manie opinions fearing if hee returned home againe not to finde the like opportunitie concluded to depart with the Stranger So was hee sette on a verie good Palfray setting forwards to Macedon yâ— night they were entertained in a verie good lodging where the stranger caused his woundes to be searched reporting to eueriâ— one howe by the ayde of Palmerin his life was preserued for which cause he accounted of him as of his owne Sonne All this while Gerrard and his Wife little thought of this mishappe but expected Palmerins returne till darke night and séeing he came not as he was wont both he his wife the next daie searched the Mountaines but they could not finde him which made Gerrard to question in himself what euil he had offered him that should make him thus depart Nowe durst not his Wife Marcella tell him the talke betwéene her and Palmerin but accompanied her Husband in sorrow for their losse especially Dyofena and her Brother Colmelio were most sory Dyofena for losse as she thought of her Husband and Colmelio for the companie of his supposed Brother whose absence went so neere his hart as he intended neuer to giue ouer searche till he hadde founde him CHAP. XIII How Palmerin went with this Merchant named Estebon to the Cittie of Hermida who afterwarde gaue him Horse and Armour to be made Knight EStebon the Merchant thus conducting Palmerin on his way at length arriued at the Cittie of Hermida where he was louingly welcomed home by his Wife both yong and beautifull as anye in that Countrey to whom he reported his daungerous assault by the Lyon and without Palmerins help he had béene deuoured but quoth hee good fortune sent him at the verie instant that slewe him for which I shal be beholding to him while I haue a day to liue therefore good Wife entertaine him in the best sort you can deuise for he hath well deserued it This spéeche had the Merchant with his fayre Wife who embracing Palmerin said That nature had omitted nothing in her workmanship making him so amiable and ful of hardines Palmerin séeing himselfe so fauoured of so beautifull a woman hauing before spent his time among Shéep heards Swineheards and loutish Swaines of yâ— Country with modestie began to blushe and was so well stored with ciuilitie to make her this answere I desire Mistresse that 〈◊〉 behauiour may bee such as may continue my Maisters good liking and yours towards me So from that time hee followed Merchandise and profited so well in the course of traffique as Estebon committed all his affaires to Palmerins trust who rather gaue his mind to martiall exercises and followed Knightlie dispositions so much as verie nature declared the noblenes of his minde for he delighted to mannage great Horses to fight at al maner of weapons to sée daungerous Combats to frequent the assemblye of Knights to talke of Armes and honourable exployts and in bréefe to exercise all the braueries of a noble Courtier Whereat Estebon meruailed so much as faling in talke with him he said Me thinkes it is strange Palmerin that thou béeing the Sonne of a drudge and nourished on the Mountaine of Oliues as thy selfe hath often tolde me disdaynest the life of a Merchant frequenting the company of hardie Knights as though thou shouldest take Launce and shéelde to enter the Combat Sir said Palmerin I know not if my Father be such as I haue told you but I wot wel my heart so serues me as I can thinke of nothing but actions of honour and knighthoode The Merchant was contented to heare Palmerin in these terarmes because he perceiued that his Wife fauoured him greatlie wherat he became a little iealous and gladly would remooue the occasion wherfore he said Séeing it is so Palmerin that thou hast no mind to follow my affaires I am well contented yâ— shalt exercise chiualrie béeing the thing thou naturallie affectest and whereby thou mayst attaine to credite account For mine owne part because I will not hinder so good forwardnesse thou shalt haue of me money Horse and Armour that thou mayst goe to Macedon to the King where if thou request it of the Prince Florendos his Sonne he will not refuse to giue thée thy order Palmerin returned him verie hartie thanks and hauing prouided al things expedient for his iourney tooke his leaue of the Marchant Estebon and his wyfe hoping to speede well in his aduenturous enterprise CHAP. XIIII How Palmerin arriued at the Court of Macedon hoping to receiue the order of knighthood at the hande of the Prince Florendos Sonne
himselfe and tormented with so manie passions as euerie howre his death is expected What will ye Ladie that I say hee complaines hee sighes and daie by daie is in such dispaire for his Ladies loue as happie might I haue accounted him had he neuer séene her or that his daies were as short as his desires If then Polinarda were in doubt not iudging herselfe to bée shée it may easilie bee imagined and presently was shee brought into such perplexitie as the vermillion couller in her chéekes began to change such suddaine feares possessed her and so manie sundry opinions thwarted her conceite as faine she woulde haue spoken but coulde not of long time wherby the Dwarffe discerned the cause of her alteration yet he dissembled what he sawe and thus continued on his discourse Nowe considering faire Madame the high deserts of my Lorde may she be estéemed happy as you saie that shall cause the losse of the best Knight liuing this day Ah Mistresse if he die as God forbid farwell the flower of all noblenes and the most assured Freâ—nde to distressed Ladies Wherefore I beséeche you pardonâ— mee if I shall name her vnto you and let mee intreate you to dealé with her so farre that the courtesie wherein she is indebted to so gooâ— a Knight as my Master is may be shewed effectually as that she would loue and fauour him as he dooth hath verie well deserued Trust me Vrbanillo aunswered the Princesse when I knowe the Ladie I will and beside if she doo not regarde his passions as she ought I will intreate her at my request to be more pittifull These wordes procured a suddaine iealouzie in her that shee shoulde promise to another what she desired her selfe yet earnest to bee resolued she vowed to fulfill her promise and therefore desired him to tell her name So you will giue mee your worde Madame quoth the Dwarffe not to take in ill parte what I shall saie I will satis-fie your request presently Be léeue me saide the Princesse I will not rather perswade thy selfe that héerein thou doost me great pleasure Ah fayre Princesse quoth the Dwarff it is for you and no other that my Lord is thus tormented it is for you that heé liues and dies a hundred times a daie swéete Ladie haue pittie on him and séeke not the losse of so good a Knight who looues you déerer then his owne life At which aunswere shee was supprized with incredible pleasure yet feigning the contrarie she saide Is it I and howe long I praie you By my faith Madame quoth he that can I not well tell yee but I haue hearde him say of long time more then foure yeeres before he was Knighted hee vowed himselfe yours since which time all his honourable actions hath hee onely dedicated to your praise So that to finde you hee left the King of Macedon and his Sonne Florendos of whom hee was estéemed as no man the like yet that honour hée forsooke to doo you seruice and for your loue he yéelded himselfe as vassaile to the Emperour your Father and gaue himselfe your Knight if you deigne to accept him When Polynarda had well hearde the Dwarffe albeit her harte floted in ioyes yet could she so well commaunde her thoughts as shee seemed to make smal account of his words notwithstanding she returned him this aunswéere I promised thée Vrbanillo not to conceiue ill of ought thou shouldest tell me nor doo I yet wold I haue thee to regard my calling béeing daughter to so great a Prince as is the Emperour But if it bee so that Palmerin thy Lorde beares me such speciall affection I must let him knowe by thée that it would haue â—éene farre more séemelie himselfe to haue told me then to make thée Ambassadour in such secrete affaires neuerthelesse I not mislike his honourable loue and good will whereof I shall thinke better when I knowe the effecte is conformable to thy protestations Madame quoth the Dwarffe so you would please to vouchsafe him time and place hee will acquaint you with strange matter concerning bothe your destinies which courtesie can no waie impeache your honour Why tell him saide the Princesse he shall haue mee dailie héere in the Chamber of presence where he may saie his pleasure with safetie in meane space I accept him as my Knight charging him that he doo not depart the Court without my licence if hee desire to doo mee pleasure The Dwarffe well pleased with so good an aunswere on hys knee kissing the Princesse hande tooke leaue of her to returne towardes Palmerin who méeting him by the waie in place conuenient saide Howe nowe Vrbanillo what newes hast thou brought me life or death So good newes Maister aunswered the Dwarffe as you haue good occasion to repute your selfe the moste fortunate Knight that euer bare Armes Then Palmerin embracing him saide Ah tell me what they are hast thou spokeÌ„ with diuine Polinarda takes shee anie pittie on my consuming cares That dooth she my Lorde quoth the Dwarffe and commandes you by me if you be so vowed hers as I haue perswaded yâ— hence foorth you depart not the Emperours Courte without her leaue Then recited he the whole talke betwéene them and lastlie the pleasure she conceiued in so good tydings so that she accepted him onelie for her Knight While yâ— Dwarffe continued this discourse Palmerin was rauished with such inwarde ioy as with a great sigh he said Oh heauens how doo you fauour me nowe sée I well that my seuerall apparitions on the Mounts of Oliues and Artifaeria are predestinations ordeyned to mee by your gracious prescience I beséeche you therefore humblie that what you haue promised may soone come to effect for the regarde of incomparable Polinarda Then demaunded hee by what meanes he might attaine to speake with the Princesse She sayth ê™ he that you shall dailie haue her in the presence or in the Empresse Chamber and there may you safely impart your whole minde vnto her But I haue other newes to tel yee for I vnderstand certainlie that the Emperour intendes a matter greatlie for your aduauntage he minds to morrow to visite one of his Castelles neere at hande and there to passe the time in honour of the Ladies will haue a Tourney There better then any where els may you and Polinarda conferre togeather therfore courage your selfe and goe keepe comanie with my Lorde the Emperour it may bee himselfe will acquaint you with this enterprise Now credite me Vrbanillo saide Palmerin thou hast doone so much for mee as I shall neuer recompence thée while I liue but I pray thée tell mee did shee not at the first take my message strangelie That did she quoth the Dwarffe when I perswaded her that you loued a Lady in such sorte as hardlie coulde you liue without her fauourable regarde then she thinking it was some other and not herselfe changed couller meruailous passionatlie but let it suffise you that she is as deepe in loue as you
yâ— olde Knight thanked him and as they went he discoursed to him howe these 〈◊〉 assâ—â—led him because he had enforced them to surrender certaine heritages which vniustly they detained froÌ„ poore Orphanes and for that cause set spyes to watch him that they might set vppon him and kill him which surelie they had doone quoth he without your succour In the continuaunce of these spéeches they arriued at his Castell where many of his Squires meruailed to sée him so sore wounded but especially his Lady and his two Sonnes to whome hee rehearsed the summe of his aduenture and the great fauour and helpe he founde by Frysol for which cause they entertained him with excéeding honour And so long aboade Frysol there with the Knight till béeing desirous to receiue the order of knighthoode hee came to the Knight in this manner May it please you Sir to bestow on me Horse and Armour I wyll goe to the Emperors Court of Allemaigne he beeing the most renowned Prince in the world The good Knight seeing him so forward to chiualry gaue him Horse Armour and money for his iourney whervpon he sette forwarde and the third daie after hee arriued at the Emperors Court from whence a little before Trineus and Palmerin were departed towards Fraunce which newes made Frisol earnestly desire his knighthood because he intended with all speede to trauaile thither likewise in respect of the honour was there to be wunne Frysol vnderstanding the Emperour was in the Chappell hearing diuine seruice went thither where beholding the Princesse Polinarda he reputed her the onely fayre Lady of yâ— world thinking hee could neuer glut his eyes with regarding her whereupon seruice beeing ended he fell on his knee before the Emperour in this manner Because I knowe inuincible Lorde that you are renowned beyonde all other potentates whatsoeuer and that you make no small accounte of Knights aduenturous I desire that by your hande I may be numbred among them The Emperour seeing him so yong and yet valiantly giuen aunswered I would be lothe my Freende to deny a request so reasonable but I wil first knowe if you be Gentle borne or no. My Lorde quoth he I sweare by the fayth I owe to God and your Maiestie that I am noble borne and of the bloode royall by my Fathers side God forbid then sayd the Emperour but you shoulde be Knight and Fortune sheelde you so well in chiualry as she hath indued you with comely shape and beautie Then was the Spurre put vpon hys right heele and the Emperour bad him ryse a Knight commaunding his Daughter Polmarda to gyrde hys Sworde to him which she did saying Worthily and with happines Sir Knight may you imploy the order you haue receiued Madame quoth Frysol if heereafter any vertue or valoure abyde in me it shal be imployed onely for you hauing thus honoured mee with my Sword wherewith I hope to accomplish such deeds of Armes as shall renowne her name that gaue me my weapon but Polinarda made him no aunswere because Palmerin was the onely Image of her thoughts After Frysol was thus Knighted taking his leaue of the Emperour and his Daughter he departed making no small hast till he arriued at the Ioustes at Parris where he determined for his first deed of chiualry to enter the Combat for the beauty of Polinarda But he could not get thither so soone as hee intended for hee was hindered by the way with an vnexpected aduenture which was in a fayre Forrest where hee behelde foure Knights carry away a Ladie perforce who seeing him cryed Ah good Knight for Gods sake succour â—ee whereuppon Frysol coutching his Launce sent one of the Knights headlong to the grounde and in short time wounded another in such sort as nowe hee had but two left to resist him on whom Frysol made tryall howe well he coulde unploy the gift of Polinarda The Knights seeing the hard fortune of their two other fellowes the one hauing broken 〈◊〉 necke in the fall and the other wounded past hope of recouerie tooke yâ— wisest way for themselues posting thence so fast as they coulde ride but Frysol would not folow least they had some other companie in ambush that might haue intrapped him wherefore he conducted the Ladie to her Mothers Castell where hee remained that night and the next daie set forwarde to Parris where hee arriued at the time he fought with Palmerin according as hath beene before rehearsed After the Knight of the Sunne who hencefoorth shall passe by the name of Frysol had left Palmerin and was departed the fielde the night was so obscure as hee knewe not which waie he rode so that the moysture of the â—uening dewe did great harme to his woundes as if God had not armed him with the better strength he was in daunger not to escape with life The verie same daie was the Duke of Gaule departed from Parris to goe ayde the King of England against yâ— Kings of Scots and Norvvay who was Nephewe to the Emperour of Allemaigne for that they molested him with troublesome warres and the Duke beeing benighted was glad to pitch his Tents in a faire fielde through which it fortuned Frysol to passe complayning of the daunger he felt himselfe in The Duke of Gaule beeing abroade foorth of hys Tent to recreate himselfe hearde this sorrowfull noyse which made him send his men to sée who it was and to bring him with them to the Tent whither when they had brought him the Duke pitting his estate demaunded whence he came and who had wounded him in that sort Then discoursed he the whole matter how hee had fought with the Knight that ouercame the Duke of Sauoye and so long their fight endured that the darke night and the King caused them to be parted neyther of them as yet conquered and because he woulde not returne into the Cittie sought some Uillage where he might conuenientlie lodge The Duke of Gaule hearing the wordes of Frysol estéemed him for a hardy and valiant Knight hauing so long endured against Palmerin vnuanquished wherefoâ—â— he saide Sir Knight you are very welcome to mee all the ayde and succour I can giue you you shall bee sure to finde with hartie good will assuring you that there is no Knight liuing to whom I wysh more euill then him whom you haue this daie fought withall So causing him to bee vnarmed willed him to rest himselfe vpon his owne bedde and made his woundes be dressed abyding there eyght dayes for the health of Frysol In which time the Duke had imparted to him the warres of the King of England which made him make more hast to be gone or els he would haue kept him company longer My Lord quoth Frysol so please you to accept my companie I hope to behaue my selfe so well as you shall not be discontented with me The Duke thanked him and reioyced yâ— by his meanes so good a Knight was preserued and did him all the honour hee could deuise taking him
auauntgarde were slaine sore wounded or taken prisoners Which when the King of Scots perceiued béeing a Prince so hardie and valiant as might bee commaunded the maine battaile to giue the charge in middest whereof he was in person whereuppon the fight beganne again much more fierce then before so that you might haue heard the Horsses storme the Armour clatter and on euery side behelde good and venturous Knights giue vppe their liues At this furious onset Palmerin séeing the Scots to retire for aduantage cryed to the King of England Why how now my Lord doo you forget your selfe Why doo you not folow on with your maine battell séeing the enemie playes vpon aduantage chéerefully let vs vpon them for the daie will be ours The King séeing that Palmerinâ— counsel was verie expedient commaunded his men to martch on valiantlie which they did with such courage as not one of them but was thorowlie busied Palmerin fearing least Trâ—neus would be ouer venturous because the yâ—ng Prince was meruailoâ—s forward desired him not to runne so farre into danger but kéepe by him to the â—nde the one might succour the other if necessitiâ— required With these words â—e ranne vpon the Sâ—ots like an angry Lyon and no man durst withstand him they sawe him make such slaughter the King of England following him at an inche deliuering true testimonie of his inuincible hart On the other side Trineus met with the Kinges Brother of the Isle Magdalen piercing his Launce quite through his bodie so that he fel deade among his owne Souldiers and Ptolome all this whyle was not idle but where ere he came he laid his enemie at his féete so that the Scots wondered at yâ— behauiour of these thrée Knights When the King of the Islâ— Magdalen vnderstood the death of his Brother incensed with vnquenchable anger ran fiercelie among the English till hee came where Trineus Palmerin and Ptolome were one of his Knights shewing the King the man that slew his Brother whereupon he making towards Trineus lifted vppe hys Sword and thought to haue slaine him but Palmerin stepping béetwéene them said To me Captaine to me and so the King and he encountered togeather so terribly as Palmerin was wounded in two or thrée places for which hee made such recompence to the King as fastening his Sword on his Helmet clâ—st his head in â—wayne that doone he fell deade to the grounde The sight héereof enflamed the Scots with such rage as like mad men they ranne cutting and killing among the English as well to reuenge the King of the Isle Magdalens death as to defend their own King whose danger they feared In this hote skirmish the Kings of England and Scots met togeather who charged each other with such forcible strokes as the King of England was vnhorssed and sore wounded but Trineus béeing at hand seeing his déere fréendes Father in such perrill buckled with the King of Scots so valiantlie as he gaue him many a cruell wounde and had not his men made hast to conuay him through the throng he had béene slaine by Trineus so was the King of England mounted againe and reuenged hys foyle on his enemie with meruailous valour There tryumphed the thrée Grecian Knights with inexplicable honor the Englishmen making such hauocke among the Scots as vtterly dispayring they fled one part to a Forrest neere at hande and the other towardes the Sea to their Shyps the King getting into one of them to saue his life by the meanes of one of his Knights that leÌ„t him a good Iennet of Spayne to escape away withall And so sayled thence the King with greater shame then did the Emperor Antonius from Octauius Caesar leauing his men fiercely pursued by the English who terrefied them in such sort as many of the poore Scots chose rather to run into the Sea drowne them selues then to â—all into the handes of their conquering enemies CHAP. XLVIII Of the retrait of the King of Englands Armie and the honor he did to the three strange Knights AFter the King of Englande was maister of the field he caused the retrait to be sounded and hys men called togeather commaunding likewise that search shoulde bee made through the fielde to succour such as were sore wounded and to burie the deade least the ayre should be infected wherupon the Englishmen took the spoile of their enemies chéefely their bag bagage which they had left behind them In meane while the King withdrew himself into his Tent where remembring the great seruice of the thrée strange Knights hee commaunded his Nephewe Ceâ—des to séeke them immediatlie who founde them in a Scottish Tent binding vppe their woundes and béeing not a little glad of his good fortune hee came to Palmerin saying Gentlemen the King my Uncle earnestlie desireth you to come to him because hee will neither enter the Towne nor vnarme himselfe til he heare some tidings of you Séeing it pleasâ—th him said Palmerin to commauÌ„d we humblie obey wherefore we pray you Sir to returne his Maiestie our dutifull thanks and dilligent attendance After Ceridâ—s was departed they resolued among themselues at the earnest request of Trineus that Palmerin shoulde bee the chéefest among them and him they woulde honor as their Lorde because the Prince feared to be known if such account shoulde bee made of him so went they presentlie to the Kings Tent where they were no sooner entered but the King albeâ—t he was sore wounded arose from his Chaire and embraced them louingly one after another not suffering them to knéele before him but honorably thus spake to them Woorthie Gentlemen howe welcâ—me you are I cannot expresse for I account my selfe so highlie beholding to you as the Realme of England had sustained this daie great foyle but by your fortunate valour think then woorthie Lords wherein England may recompence you and on my worde it shall not be denied in meane while I praie you let me haue your companie because I will see your hurts carefully attended The Knights with great reuerence accepted the Kings noble offer and were conducted into a faire Tent next the Kinges where the Chirurgions with great dilligence dressed their wounds and afterward they came and supped with the King And because the King intended on the morrow to goe refresh himselfe at the Towne of Corfania which before had béene cruellie besiedged by the Scots to giue God thanks for his happie victorie a famous Sermon was made before him by the Archbishop of Canterburie to whom likewise he gaue order for enterring such as had béene slaine of account and in that place for memorie of his good fortune hee caused a goodlie Monasterie to be builded and dispatched a Poste presently to aduertise the Quéene of his good successe Now was his Maiestie verie desirous to know the thrée strange Knights that had so valiantlie assisted him especiallie the man that saued his life whereupon the next morning he went to sée them demaunding howe they fared for quoth he we will
former promise not to râ—ueale the least matter that may be hurtfull to them Neuerthelesse in regard of the reuerent good will they beare you and that I would not haue you offended with such an abiect creature as I am I would gladly tell you some thing to your content so you will promise me on your princely worde that what I reueale shall neuer be disouered by you Perswade thy selfe thereof sayd the Princesse and looke what thou sayst by my honor shall neuer turne to thy after harme Then know fayre Madame quoth he that the gréene knight is of the most noble and illustrious house in Europe louing a Ladie as his proper life for whom he hath left his Countrey parents friends to come and do her seruice The blacke knight as I haue alreadie tolde you is my maister and further then this I may not tell you What am I the nearer my desire quoth shée by this aunswere eyther thou shouldest haue sayde nothing or else thorowly satisfyed mâ—e for now I can not bée quieted till thou tell me what Ladie it is that the gréene Knight loues so déerely let mée not make so many intreaties for I promise to thée againe by the faith of a Princesse that neuer shall any creature know it by my meanes You vrge me so farre quoth the Dwarffe and haue made mee such great promises as I am constrayned beyond yâ— charge giuen by my maister to acquaint you with the trueth in respect the fault wil be greater in you to make refusal then in yéelding Resolue your selfe therefore good Madame that the braue gréene Knight so rich in Armes but more in minde is the Prince Trineus Sonne to the Emperour of Allemaigne so passionate in loue and so depriued of liberty by deuout seruice to your excellent bountie as against both duetie and nature he hath deceiued his Father feigning to come ayde his Kinsman the King of Norway where contrariwise he hath shewed himselfe his mortall enemie And to no other ende hath he thus offended both Father and Cozin then to make known his long labourous desires to make you Lady and Mistresse of him and his and such is his fearâ— to be refused as he endures more torments then the martired bodye of poore Prometheus Bee not then the cause swéete Ladie that a Prince so famous and a Knight so gentle shall buy his great good seruice to your Father and CouÌ„trey yea the most loyal loue he beares to you with vntimelie vnfortunate and cruell death Thinke with your selfe is it not the highest among all honours to be Wife to such a Lord and Empresse in time of renowned Allemaigne Is it not perpetuall report to be Lady and commaundresse of the principall parte of Europe Let not him beare record that a bodie so adorned and countenaunce so milde and gracious can entertaine tirannie or crueltie yea Madam such crueltie as if you receiue him not into your fauourable conceit you shall procure the death of the truest Knight in loue that euer liued The blacke knight is the renowned Palmerin d'Oliua the wonder of the world for â—alour conquering in Fraunce the Duke of Sauoy in maintenaunce of his Ladies beautie fayre without compare conforming his Shéelde and Armour equall to his mourning thoughts for his absence from her that tryumphes in his loue The third knight so adorned with white Roses is called Ptolome loued by a Ladie well woorthy of him It now remaineth fayre Princesse that you make the Prince Trineus equall with them in felicitie for you haue the mayden heade of his loue which with honor you may entertaine into your chastâ— thoughtes Thus haue I acquainted you with such a secrete as no creature but your selfe could haue got of mée and the danger to fall into your misconceit hath made mée such a blab leauing all you haue heard to your gracious coÌ„struction Agriola méetelie farre enough in loue before but now vtterly denied of longer libertie hearing the wordes of Vrbanillo was surprised with such a strange alteration as a long time she was driuen to silence not able to vtter the secrete conceits of her minde yet al length to shadowe her suddaine change from the Dwarfe shée sayde Ah my Fréende thou acquaintest me with matter altogither incredible is it possible that Trineus Sonne to the Emperor of Allâ—â—â—aigne would venture into this Court considering the mortall enmitie betwéene our Fathers Trust mée my Fréende I cannot credit thée I renounce mine owne soule sâ—ide the Dwarfe if it be not as I haue told you then iudge Madame what acceptaunce shoulde be made of his seruice when loue to you excéedeth nature may it not bee termed loue surpassing all other eyther registred in antiquities or present memorie If it should be quoth she as then sayest it is beyonde my power to returne condigne recompence yet in respect of thy secrecie I dare assure thée mine owne opinion of him hath so ouer-maistered me as in honorable modestie he may commaund and I am not so well nurtured to disagrée But if eyther by my words thou hast gathered or by any chaunge of countenaunce perceiued the suddaine yéelding of a flexible nature interprete it in this good sort that Princes afflictions make each other melt as framed of one mettall which I charge thée conceale from him as thou regardest my word and his safetie Pardon mee Madame quoth the Dwarfe it standeth not with my allegeaunce to obey you héerein what a villaine might I bee accounted and vnworthy the name of a faithfull seruant if I shoulde â—ide these happy tydings from him to ease those torments that euerye houre threaten his death Yea Madame did my maister but thinke I would so abuse him well deserued I to be â—orne in péeces Well quoth she if thou findest time conuenient till him but no other I charge thée on thy life and withall certifie him that I woulde not for my Fathers Crowne he should be knowne Feare you not good Madame sayde the Dwarffe they are alreadie so well aduised as none but your selfe ran any way endaunger them It sufficeth that the Prince vnderstande your pleasure which I will impart to him when the King is returned so kissing her hande hée departed leauing her so highly contented in assurance of the loyall loue of Trineus as she neuer determined any other Husbande yet woulde shée not disclose her minde no not to Eufemia her secret companion thinking herselfe too much bewrayed because the Dwarffe knewe it Soone after the Quéene sent for her to walke in the coole shadowe of the Trées where not long they stayed before the King returned who reported what pastime they had all that morning The Knightes hauing saluted the Quéene and her Ladies Trineus saluting the Princesse Agriola was so transported as hée scant knewe where he was The Princesse likewise fixed with a stedfast eye on him as wounded both him and her selfe togither her complexion so aptly deciphering her sickenesse as the Prince perceyuing it sayd to
Frisol had recouered his health Chap. LX. Howe Palmerin Hermes and Colmelio returned to London and the good entertainment the king of England made them AFter that Frisol was returned from the Combate Palmerin after many embracings of Colmelio went with him to the fountaine where hee left Hermes all thrée togither making no little ioy Colmelio for his happie finding of Palmerin and he for the loue of his supposed brother and Hermes for the comfort hée shoulde bring the King his Maister béeing able nowe to acquaint his highnesse with Palmerins name which hée was loath any in the English Court shoulde knowe wherefore he sayde Nowe can you not my Lord hereafter bide your name though you haue béene daintie of it all this while It is true Syr quoth Palmerin albeit I little thought to be discouered so soone but séeing it is so come to passe my hope is in yâ— highest who wil defend me in all mine attempts now tell me Colmelio what newes in Greece Truly my Lord quoth he the discourse will be long and tedious therefore if you pleasâ— to mâ—unt on horsebacke it will serue well to shorten the thought of our iourny So as they rode towards London Colmelio began to discourse in how many places he had â—â—â—ght him in Greece and how at length he heard of him at Macedon by report of his coÌ„quest of the serpent at the mountaine Artiâ—aeria which was the meane that broâ—gâ—â— the King of Macedon to his former health Afterward how he left Greece trauailing into Allemaigne and froÌ„ thence into England at what time the Emperors power was discomfited and hearing great fame of Frisol his late Maister he spent some time in his seruice not doubting but by his meanes to find the man he looked for Palmerin was somewhat mooued hearing Colmelio so commend Frisol wherefore he demaunded of him if he knewe any thing of that Knights linage No my Lord quoth he but I can assure ye that he is one of the most gentle Knights in the world and he concealeth his parentage very secretly which makes me iudge he is disceÌ„ded of royal birth After Colmelio had ended his discourse he repeated to him some parte of his fortunes in the end perswading him that hée would remunerate his paines in séeking him and in time manifest the loue he bare him By this time they were come to the Citie of London Hermes riding before to the pallace where he aduertised the king how Palmerin was returned to yâ— Citie which newes so highly contented the king as oftentimes he imbraced Hermes for bringing the man he long desired to sée but Trineus and Ptolome excéeded him in ioy and mounted presently on horsebacke to go méete theyr fréend when so many embracings courteâ—â—es and kinde gratulations had passed betwéene them as is vsuall at the méeting of long absent louers Ah my Lord and fréend quoth Trineus how long hath Fortune kept you from me why did you depart not vouchsafing a farewel What earnest occasion might cause such an vnking departure trust me I perswaded my selfe in respecte of the long continuaunce of our amitie that death could not procure such a seuere enterprise My Lord quoth Palmerin it séemeth you haue some cause to complain of mée but wheÌ„ you vnderstand how matters haue happened you will not condemne me altogither For at the time of my departure I thought verely to return the next day following but such importunate affaires continually fell out as I could not return till this very instant Ptolome said as much as Trineus did notwithstanding this fortunate meeting forbad all further accusations and they became as good friendes as euer they were So rode they to the Pallace where the king attending theyr comming perceiued at length they were entred the Hall when Palmerin falling on his knée kissed his highnesse hand who very honourably embracing him saide Where hath my noble friend béene so long What crooked fortune hath caused your so long absence you departed from vs in blacke Armour I pray you tell vs where did you conquere these sumptuous Armes by the loue you beare to chiualrie and to mee satisfie me in my demaund Palmerin séeing the king coniured him so straightly reported the truth of all his aduentures howe he had that armour of the Ladie whose daughter hee deliuered and left his owne there broken in péeces The king embracing him againe saide I cannot be perswaded but all especiall aduentures high good fortunes and chéefest honours in the world are onely reserued for you and among all the rest most maruailous is this of the Castle in the enchaunted Lake which many knights haue heretofore attempted but returned with the losse of their horses Armour and with great dishonour Thrise welcome are you for these happy tydings as also for your gentle courtesâ—e to Erisol who is a knight of most honourable reputation But in regarde of your wearisome trauailes it is verie requisite that you nowe go rest your selfe therefore lette some body helpe to disarme you and betake your selfe on Gods name to your Chamber Palmerin reputed the kings councell most expedient and therefore did as hee commaunded him so hauing reposed himselfe a while hee came to sée howe the Quéene and her daughter fared who would not suffer him to departe before hee hadde likewise acquainted her with all his fortunes especially the whole circumstaunce of his traâ—â—ile at the Caâ—â—le of the Lake But night being come and euerie one betaking themselues to rest Palmerin demaunded of the Prince how hee â—â—llâ—wed his desires and what hee had concluded as concerning his loue Ah dâ—â—re fréende sayd Trineus why aske you mée that question doo you not thinke that hauing so lost you I likewise was disappointed of any meane to helpe mee know then that at this instant I am in the middest of all my misfortunes for so badly hath it happened that I am now further from Agriola then euer I was and I shall tell you how Not many dayes since as I was familiarlye deâ—ising with my Ladye the Duke of Gaules daughter chaunced to hearâ— such amorous spéeches as passed betwéene the Princesse and mée wherby she gathered that Agriola made some estimation of me whereupon shée laboured to cause my Mistresse in shorte time mislike what I hadde so long trauailed to perswade her with as thus That it ill beséemed a Princesse of her account of so gracious discent and Daughter to such a mightie King to conferre with straungers or vouchsafe a listening to any thing they sayde for they were none such as she reputed them but after they hadde brought a Ladyes honour in daunger they then were satisfied as they vsed it for a custome among theyr companions And so well could shée féede the Princesse humour with these suborning and spightfull detractions which séemed to her as swéete and freendlye perswasions that in stéede of the little loue I latelye conquered I finde nothing but frownes and disdaine that she will scant affoord mée a
foure daies iourney to méete him and entertaining him with excéeding honor offered himselfe his people and substance to his seruice Palmerin verie thankfull for the Princes kindnessâ— woulde nothing but certaine Horsses of him because diuers of his owne had miscaried By this time were the Brethren entred the confines which belonged to the Admirall of Tharsus where they had doone verye much harme by exactions and great misusing of the people This Admirall was a verie gentle Knight and named Alfarano which seeing what iniurie they did him and vnderstanding that they had béene conquered and now flâ—dde without anie place of assuraunce leueyed an hoste of hardie Souldiours wherewith he intended to kéepe a straite through which they must of necessitie passe béeing so narrowe as they could passe but two togither and no way else couldâ— they escape him except they woulde climbe the tops of the Mountaines In this place lay the Admirall ambushed with so manie men as he thought conuenient and within thrée dayes after Paâ—merin with his power came to assist them The Phrygians hauing heard héereof were greatlie amazed at this vnexpected aduenture and had no other helpe but to climbe the Mountaine where in wholes Caues they were glad to hide themselues and there they continued fiue or sixe daies in safetie albeit they were readie to die for want of sustenaunce Palmerin foreséeing the incommoditie of the place and that they could not escape him nor néeded hée anie further to followe them caused the Mountaine to be enuironed on all sides thinking the ende heereof woulde bée such as indéede it afterward prooued to be For these poore distressed menne hauing neyther foode or other prouision came foorth of their Caues and assembled togither on the side of the Mountaine where entering into conference of their estate some gaue counsaile to goe fight it out but other better aduised would not consent thereto for better is it quoth they to yéelde our selues to the mercy of our enemies then to aduenture our fortune where no hope of successe is to be expected Héereuppon they concluded and the two Brethren of Gramiell were the first that vnarmed themselues and comming in this manner to Palmerins Tent thus they began Noble Knight Palmerin more fortunate then any man in the world we Brethren to the renowmed Prince Amarano whom thou hast with thine owne hand slaine and thrée other of our brethren likewise whereof the noble Orinello deserueth spéeche all sonnes to a King and themselues héeretofore worthy accomplished Princes though nowe â—oyled and consorted with the deade we noble Lord more certaine of thy clemencie and courtesie then any successiue ende of a battaile so vnreasonable and desperate come to yéelde our bodies and goods to thy disposing desiring thee to pittie our estate and regarde the works of Fortune so whom thou art Subiect as well as we Beside that the more shall greater persons bée praised for honorable fauour then by vsing rigour and vnnaturall crueltie which maketh them euery where hated and despised When Palmerin sawe them so humble considering his owne estate and how time might frowne on him returned them this aunswere Now my Lords haue you doone wiselie to laye by Armes and submit your selues for otherwise your destruction was at hande Notwithstanding in respect you haue thus yéelded your selues to me I entertaine you into my safe defence assuring you peace with the Soldane so that you sweare your faithfull loue and doo him homage So gaue hée them in kéeping to one of his Knights whome hée especially trusted returning to Alfarano in recompence of his wrongs and losse sustained by the Phrygians gaue him all theyr spoyle and the â—aunâ—â—me of all the Knightes taken prysoners The Admirall humblye kissing his hand desireâ— him to rest himselfe in one of his Citties which was within fiue or sixe miles of the place which gentle offer Palmerin would not refuse because he was sore wearied with trauaile wherefore by the Admiralles appointment the Pallace was prouided for Palmerin and his Fréende Olorico Chap. XX. How the Queene of Tharsus came to see Palmerin in the Citie belonging to Alfarano her Admiral where by the meane of an enchaunted drinke shee accomplished her pleasure with him HHere our History willeth vs to remember how in our former discourse was mentioned that the Quéene of Tharsus sent a rich Helmet to Palmerin and at the Damoselles returne was acquainted with his singular composed feature rare courtesse and Knightly chiualrie the reporte whereof caused her amorously to affeâ—t him and in such vehemeÌ„t maner as she determined her onwn death vnlesse she might enioy his louelie company Which the better to compasse shee discouered her desires to a cunning Magitian hée by whose meanes she 〈◊〉 the Helmet to Palmerin who gaue her such an 〈◊〉 powder as Palmerin drinking it in wine or otherwise should soone after become so forgetfull of himselfe as the Quéene might accomplish whatsoeuer shée desired He likewise did reueale to her the seuerall loues of Palmerin and Olorico which tale made her more earnest in following her intent And vnderstanding his arriuall in the Realme of Paâ—meria concluded in person to goe sée him furnishing her selfe with all things necessary both rich Tapestry and great store of Gold and Siluer plate habillements precious stones rings and vnualuable Iewels With thesâ— shée adorned her Knights Ladies and Gentlewomen to the vttermost and when she had finished her traine to her own liking shée sette forward with such expedition as within thrée dayes shée arriued at the Cittie where hée was but first shée aduertised her Admirall of her comming that hée shoulde imagine nothing by her suddaine presence The Admirall so ioyfull héereof as could be deuised in that by this meane hee shoulde the more honourably entertaine his guestes acquainted Palmerin and the Prince Olorico therwith who likewise were excéeding glad of the newes especially Palmerin desirous to know by her his offspring Therefore in most magnificent order with theyr men at Armes and the Admirall Alfarano they rode to méete the Quéene for her greater honour who by the speciall intelligence was giuen her knewe Palmerin among them all in that hee marched formost with the Prince Olorico and the Admirall of Tharsus Shee regarding in him farre more singularities then sparing report had acquainted her withall after that Palmerin had saluted her with very great reuerâ—nce as he was not to learne courtlyâ— courtesie the Quéene requited him with a swéete kisse and thus began Sir Knight the fayrest beyond all other that euer I sawe well woorthie are you to be esteemed among the most happie béeing able to winne the loue of Ladies that neuer sawe you Aduise your selfe well of this great fauour and what a precious Iewell you receiue of them in requitall of your seruice or acceptaunce of any amorous contentment Then wonder not not Gentle Knight if to sée you I haue left my Country for beside your great valour bountie and loyalâ—ie which neuer can be
hee would conferre with you and haue your wounds attended by his owne Chirurgions So turning again to the Pallace they entred the Hall where the Emperour méeting them said Right welcome are ye my noble Fréendes who hauâ— so happilie defended my Daughters honor for whose sake I shall make ye such recompence as shal be hencefoorth an encouragement to all Knights to aduenture the Combat on the behalfe of anie distressed Ladye Imediatlye in theyr presence by sounde of Trompet hée caused to bee declared that the Prince Florendos and the Quéene Griana were innocent of the trayterous accusation and therefore in open Fielde bad they should bee deliuered commaunding likewise his most expert Chirurgions to giue diligent attendaunce on the wounded Knights causing them to be lodged in the most statelie Chambers of his Pallace Afterwarde hée suffered the bodies of the vanquished to bee buried giuing expresse charge on paine of death that none of the knights of Hungaria should depart from Constantinople without his leaue because hée woulde while they stayed there prouide for the gouernment of the kingdom as appertaining to his yong Daughter the Princesse Armida The Empresse was so ioyfull for the deliueraunce of Griana as shee had soone forgotte her Nephewes misfortune the Quéenes Ladies likewise were not a little glad but aboue all the yong Princesse Armida her comfort could not be expressed that her Mother was so graciouslie defended and now the Duke of Pera who hadde the Prince Florendos in custodie fetching him foorth of prison said My Lord thanke God and the Knights that fought the Combat for you for by theyr meanes the Emperour declareth you absolued and set at libertie The Prince lifting his eyes to Heauen thus began Ah my God how happie is the man that trusteth in thy mercie doubtlesse he that beléeueth in thy promises shall neuer perish Noble Duke in all mine afflictions I haue euermore founde your speciall fauour but if God prolong my life I will not be vnmindfull of your gentlenesse In sooth my Lord quoth the Duke for so good a Prince any honest minde would gladlie endeuour himselfe and if I haue pleasured you in anie thing I did no more then my dutye which christian amitie requireth of each other So taking him by the hand hée brought him before the Emperour when falling on his knées the Prince thus spake If héeretofore dread Lord both I and my people gaue our selues to â—rauaile and aduentured desperate hazard in your defence at this time I count my selfe sufficientlie recompenced séeing your displeasure qualified and the hard opinion you conceiued against me chaunged into princely and honorable iustice Syr Florendos aunswered the Emperour when I remember the wrong you did my Daughter leauing such a scandalous report of her at the first time you came to this Cittie I thinke you woorthie of the sharpest death But placing mercie before rigorous iustice I am desirous to let you knowe that it liketh me better to be loued then feared forgetting quite the offence against our person the murder of our Sonne without any regard to the murmur of the people whose ignoraunce cannot consider of Princes mercie Nor will I stayne mine aged yéeres with mine owne proper bloud or the death of a Prince so noble whereby I shoulde leaue to my following posteritie as a Trophe of my life an endlesse memorie of tirannous crueltie but rather shall my chéefest aduersaries stop their mouthes with remembrance of my clemencie and princelie bountie as your owne conscience shall well witnesse with me You therefore my Lorde the Duke of Pera see that the Prince Florendos be lodged in the best place in our Cittie and kéepe him companie vntill his traine shall come from Macedon With great humilitie the Prince kissed the Emperours hande acknowledging his manifolde and princelie courtesies desiring the Duke likewise before his departure that hee might speake with the two Knightes Frysoll and Palmerin Béeing brought to their Chambers the embracings and gracious courtesies hée vsed to them I am not able to vtter and verie loth was hee to parte from them but that hée woulde no way preiudise theyr health wherefore giuing them the good night he was conducted to his lodging leauing Palmerin verie sadde and pensiue remembring what the Quéene of Tharsus had saide to him howe hée should deliuer his Father from death before he could know him which was likewise confirmed by the apparition of the Ladie to him vnder the name of his best and déerest Fréendes O that the Heauens did so fauour me quoth he that I were the Sonne of the Prince Florendos and Quéene Griana then woulde I imagine my selfe the happiest man in the world Yet can I not forget that the Fayries tolde mée on the Mountaine Artifaeria that one daie I shoulde bée Lord of all Greece but God is my witnesse that I couet not such honor and preferment were it not for the loue of my Ladie to the ende her Father might not dislike of our contract And hence will I not depart before I vnderstand the truth héereof and to what ende this aduenture will happen Frysoll on the other side he deuised how to make himselfe knowne to the Emperour and Empresse because he had good hope when himselfe might bée knowne that his Father Netrides shoulde enioy the Kingdome of Hungaria The Prince Florendos likewise coulde take no rest for his great desire to recouer the Quéene Griana Such were the passions of these thrée Princes eache one liuing in hope of good successe which happens according to their expectations as you shall reade héereafter Chap. XXXII How the Queene Griana with the yong Princesse Armida went to visit Palmerin and Frysoll and howe the Queene knew Palmerin to be her sonne to the no litle ioy of the Emperour and the Prince Florendos TWo daies after the deliueraunce of the Prince Florendos the yong Princesse Armida deuising with the Quéene her Mother said Me thinks gracious Madame we are to be reprooued of ingratitude in that we haue not as yet visited the poore wounded knights considering how greatly we are beholding to them I beséech you let vs this morning go sée how they fare Alas Daughter aunswered the Quéene hast thou the heart to bring me among such persons when I am saide to bee the cause of thy fathers death Then the Princesse breaking foorth in teares replied Beléeue me Madame if you remember your selfe well you are in as little faulte as Iam and so hath an honorable victorie declared but had you béene anye way culpable therein yet nowe you ought to comfort your selfe hauing had such a famous proofe of innocencie In signe whereof and to declare your thankfulnesse to those gentle Knights it will bée counted a speciall point of courtesie to visite them that ventured for you Go we then said the Quéene séeing you thinke it so necessarie and are so desirous So accompanied with manie Ladies clothed all in mourning blacke they went first to Frysoll greatlie thanking
Palmerin hearing either fearing to offend them or induced by modest bashfulnes he went to his Sister the Princesse Armida whose thoughts hée sounded by such subtilties and dissimulations as he found the effect of her desires which was to enioy Sir Frysoll to her Husband He not a little contented héerewith confirmed her choyse to be commendable sealing the assurance thereof with an honourable report of his knightly déedes of Armes Then the Emperour called for the Duke of Mecaena and the Counte of Reâ—foâ—t as also his principall Secretarie whom hee commaunded to write to the Emperour of Allemaigne touching the marriage of the Princesse Polinarda and his sonne Paâ—merin shadowing the secret agréement betwâ—ene themselues and committed tâ—e rest to the discreâ—ion of the Ambassadours The Letters sealed with his great Signet was deliuered to them that had the charge of this message who could not so spéedily departe from Constantinople because the winde and weather was not nauigable Now had Palmerin promised Frysoll that he would speake to the Princesse his sister and solemnely resolue vpon their marriage wherefore méeting with this earnest Lâ—uer hee thus laboured to please him Trust me Cozin I haue so surely imprinted your especiall generositie in my Sisters minde as the carracters can neuer be defaced but remaine more perfect by your spéedie marriage Frysoll reuiued with these newes as all pretenders of loue may well imagine offered to kisse his hande which Palmerin would not suffer whereupon hée thus procéeded Ah my Lorde howe am I more and more indebted to you right wise was hee which saide that affabilitie and liberalitie are continuall companions with noblenesse and magnanimitie And though by al my seruices I cannot deserue the honour you do mee in accepting me for your Brother yet am I so faithfully vowed yours as the honours of my Father nor loue of the Princesse your Sister can seperate mee from your companie vntill you haue founde your long desired Friende Trineus And for this cause my Lord I earnestly intreate you to hasten Apolonio towards my Father for I will sende him to 〈◊〉 place where he shall be assured to finde him Palmerin accorded thereto immediatly and so labored with the Emperour that the Letters were deliuered and the oathes taken of all the Hungarians they were sent home into theyr Countrey with a Lieutenant appointed to gouerne them vntill the comming of Netrides to whom Frysoll wrote the truth of all his fortunes with earnest request of his spéedie presence And to enduce him to the greater haste hée feigned that many Princes laboured for the Crowne of Hungaria and were in likelihood to obtaine it all which was but to enioy the faire princesse Armida The same day Florendos sent to the King his Father at Macedon that hée should send the cheefest states of his Realme against the day that Palmerin should be sworne the Prince of Greece Chap. XXXIIII How Câ—tdyna the Gentlewoman attending on the Queene accompanied with her Brother and diuers other Squires brought Gerrard his wiâ—e and daughter to the Court and what entertainment Palmerin made them CArdyna with those that were commaâ—ded to kéepe her company in short time came to Gerrards house whom shee found sitting at dinner with his familie The good man was at first amazed séeing such courtly personages enter his house a matter estéemed rare among yâ— persons dwelling on the mountaine but séeing they came in decent and modest sort not proffering any discourtesie he entertained them very friendly when Cardyna taking him by the hande said Good Father are you the man that is called Gerrard I am the same quoth he gentle mistresse You are then the man aunswered Cardyna that I séeke and therefore I pray thée tell me what thou didst with a Childe that twentie yéeres and more since thou foundest in swadling clothes vnder a Palm Trée on this Mountaine for certaine I am that thou didst take him home with thée to thy house Ah mistresse quoth the good old man you haue killed my heart in remembring me of him whom I loued déerer then any of mine owne The infant of whom you speake I founde not farre hence vnder a Palme Trée for which cause at his Baptisme I named him Palmerin From that time forwarde I nourished him as hée had béene mine owne Sonne till hée rame to tall stature and as he grew in yéeres so did hee in vertuous and noble qualities which made him not a little beloued in these parts for when hee attended my Cattell he tooke pleasure to course the Wolfe Hart Beare Bore and Lion and oftentimes would kill them when him listed which none of mine owne Children durst at any time aduenture Ah swéete Mistresse when I remember his many seruices the dutifull reuerence and loue hee bare mée I am readie to die with conceite of gréefe that it was my ill hap so soone to loose him Yet came not this misfortune alone for mine eldest Sonne who loued him as he had béene his owne Brother immediately went after him and yet could I neuer heare any tidings of them Notwithstanding Mistresse if you know of whence hée was I can shewe you all the clothes wherein I founde him I shall be contented to sée them quoth Cardyna but what will ye giue the partie that can tell ye whee he is Cerrard at these wordes fell on his knée before her and with the teares trickling downe his graie beard saide By my troth mistresse if it shall like you to doo me so great pleasure of all my substance I will giue yée the one halfe or all my heard of Beastes which ye saw féeding on the Mountain as ye came beside my continuall seruice while I liue Gramercies Father sayd Cardyna but call for your Wife and Daughter and then shall I tell ye newes that well content you As for him whose friendly Parentes you were so long time hée is nowe at Constantinople and is the Sonne of Madam Griana daughter to the Emperour who commaundeth you thrée to come to the Court that she may content ye for nourishing so well the noble young Prince The olde man excéeding ioyfull without ordering his affaires or appointing his Seruaunts their course of labour saide to his Wife and Dyofena his Daughter Make ye readie presently in your best garments and let vs goe sée that noble Gentleman for all the Golde in the world cannot make me staie nowe I haue heard so happie tidings The good woman and her daughter trickt vp themselues in their countrey fines and taking the rich swadling clothes sette forward to Constantinople so merely as sometime did the foster Father of Paris Alexander his Wife and their Daughter Pegasis when they brought the Cradle and acoustrements of the infant royall to the Cittie of Troy after he was knowne by his Father King Priam and Quéene Hecuba his Mother Palmerin being aduertised by one of the Ladies of Honour attending on the Empresse that Cardyna had brought Gerrard to prouoke greater contentation he would
as in short time he arriued in Allemaigne where hee was graciously welcommed by the Emperour and especially by the Princesse his Daughter to whome he reported the honorable behauiour of Palmerin and howe he was sworne Prince of Greece and Macedon Héereof was she so ioyfull as neuer coulde shée be satisfied with the discourse making many demaunds to the Duke as well of the Tryumphes Tourney and disports as also of the marriage celebrated at Constantinople whereto the Duke returned such fitte aunswers as nothing wanted to extoll her Fréendes honor yet without anye occasion of iealouzie to the Princesse wherto amorous Ladies are commonlie subiect But nowe returning where wee left before you must note that Palmerin béeing departed the confines of the Empire entred his Fathers Realme where in euery Cittie he was entertained with great tryumphing especiallye in the Cittie of Hermida where the Merchaunt dwelt that was Palmerins Maister for whom he sent but hée was aduertised by his Wife that her Husband was gone to the Sea and his two Sonnes with him wherefore he gaue her manie rich gifts and Letters for his Maisters frée enfranchise and libertie At his departure from thence he came to the place where Vrbanillo his Dwarfe was borne whose father was there liuing a poore auncient Knight and his Sister of as tall stature as Vrbanillo whom Palmerin at her Brothers request sent to Constantinople to his Mother And for the honor of the order his Dwarfes Father had receiued hée gaue him the Uillage wherein he dwelt and in the presence of the Macedonians put him in possession thereof who not a little commended the discréete and liberal mind of the Prince From thence he iourneyed to the chéefe Cittie of Macedon where remained the aged King his Grandfather but how the Cittizens entertained him and what honorable Tryumphes were made at the Court I list not héere sette downe because it would be more tedious then benificiall As for his Aunt the Princesse Arismenia shée at his comming mette him in the base Court with all her Ladies and as Palmerin fell on his knée before her to kisse her hande she stayed him in her armes saying God forbid Sir Palmerin that the Knight of the greatest fame in the world should reuerence so simple a Damosell as my selfe but rather am I bound by duetie to honor you as the man by whose especiall vertues our linage is this daie crowned with perpetuall memorie Fayre Aunt answered Palmerin if before I knewe you to be my Fathers Sister I deuoted my selfe to your seruice with much more affection shall I desire to followe it nowe wherefore suffer me swéete Madame to kisse your hand as being the Ladie to whome I rest continually bounden I beséech you my Lord quoth the Princesse to pardon me for neuer shall Macedonian Maiden be so repâ—â—â—ued but that she well knowes her dutie to her betters At these spéeches came the King of Sparta the Dukes of Pontus and Mecaena and the Prince Eustace whom the Princesse welcommed with excéeding honor After all courtesies ended Palmerin said I vnderstand Madame that the king your Father is crazed and sicklie if it be so I am verie sorrie I praye you therefore let vs goe sée howe his Maiestie fareth When you please my Lord quoth the Princesse for I thinke if héeretofore hee receiued health by you Fortune may at this time affoord the like and yet as I haue read there is no remedie for troublesome age but onelie death it selfe which is the Gate to immortalitie and endeth all diseases whatsoeuer So entred they the Kings Chamber and the Princesse going to the bed side to her Father saide My Lorde sée héere the good Knight Palmerin your Nephew may it please you to speake to him and bid him welcome Well know I that he is right welcome to your Maiestie were there no other cause then the happye recouerie of your former health which his aduenturous trauaile héeretofore brought ye The good olde King whome the palsie caused to shake and tremble raysed himselfe vppe a little and beholding Palmerin with weake and féeble voice thus spake Come néere my noble Sonne that these armes halfe deade may embrace thée and my lips now drie and withered may once kisse thée before I die So holding him betwéene his armes and lifting his eyes to Heauen said O my God for euer be thy name honored and praysed in vouchsafing me to sée my Sonne before my death Ah swéete death the ende of all miseries and beginning of felicitie now art thou welcome forbeare not thy stroke in that I haue now séene the honorable defence of my Subiests héereafter yea such a worthie Fréende for them as neuer had they the like Ah my Son howe déerelie ought I to loue thée how gracious hath thy remembraunce béene of mee yet féele I my selfe so weake and feeble as nature cannot prolong my life thrée daies Alas I knowe not which of vs twaine hath greatest cause to reioyce eyther the Father seeing his Sonne euen when he is readie to leaue him or the Sonne finding his Father attending his comming before he giue vp the ghost I hope my good Lord said Palmerin that you shall not leaue vs so soone therefore take a good heart and that no doubt will prolong your life Alas my Sonne quoth the King vnweldie age hath so weakened my body and euen dried vp my vitall blood as longer I may not liue and had not hope to sée thée lengthened my languishing daies thou hadst found my bodie breathlesse which yet sustaineth féeble life onely by thy presence Now that I may leaue this worlde with content and trauaile with better quiet to mine ende tell mée good Sonne the whole matter concerning thy Father Florendos with the perfect discourse of thine owne fortunes Then Palmerin rehearsed euery circumstaunce both of his Fathers deliuerie howe hée had maried the Quéene Griana and in what estate he left them both at his departure Chap. XL. How the aged King Primaleon of Macedon graundfather to Palmerin dyed and how the King of Spaâ—ta espoused the faire Pâ—incesse Arismen Sister to the prince Florendos NOt two dayes had Palmerin stayed in the Court of his Graundfather but the aged king resined his life to the celistiall powers for which cause all the triumphes ceased and generall sorrow entertained for the losse of their good king Arismena who so reuerently loued her father as in his life time she would not match in mariage with any one because it was his will it should be so neuer shewed her selfe disconted therewith but her Father béeing now dead shee committed the whole affayres of the Realme to the Counte Roldin one appointed for that office by generall good liking With such honorable pompe was the funerall obsequies executed and the Princesse gracious behauiour therein so especially commended as the young King of Sparta became amorous of her discouered his mind to Palmerin intreating him so to fauour the cause as he might make
sorting vs so commodiouslie togeather that I may shewe you before I enter the Lystes royall the occasion why I left the Realme of Macedon to visite my Lord the Emperor I sweare to you vpon my knightlie faith that your gracious selfe was the onelie cause of my iourney and while I liue I shall euermore aduenture my selfe in ought that may stand with your fauour and liking and the first argument of my happinesse I should account if you would commaunde mee this daie to arme my selfe for your Knight otherwise I must be content to absent my selfe béeing assured that with out your regard it is vnpossible for me to doo any thing that can returne me estimation or honour And albeit I haue not as yet doone anie seruice to you whereby I shoulde deserue to be so accepted yet such is the hope I repose in your vertuous nature as you will not refuse my honest request beeing the first I euer desired of you and not the last I truste shall doo you honour Nowe as you haue heard before Griana earnestlie affected Florendos neuerthelesse as a modest and well aduised Princesse doubting leaste hee faigned those spéeches of course dissembling her selfe to be somwhat displeased returned this aunswere I did not thinke my Lord Florendos that you woulde so farre forget your selfe to holde mee with spéeches not beséeming the Daughter of so great an Emperour as I am neuerthelesse knowing you are a Stranger and ignoraunt it may be of the modestie which shoulde defende Knights deuising with Ladies I will not vse such rigour towards you as I ought yet must I tell you that I finde my selfe offended You desire that as my Knight you may enter the Tourney for that I graunt ye to the ende I may perceiue the effect of the prowesse which each one so much commendeth in you the rest it is my pleasure that you forbeare Madame quoth he if I haue vsed anie such spéeches as agree not with your patience for Gods sake in my excuse accuse my small compasse of libertie which remaineth onelie at your disposition What quoth she thinke you that I wil loue anie but he that must and ought be my Husbande Ah swéete Ladie said Florendos that is it I so earnestlie desire and thinke not that I sollicite you with anie other kind of loue but onelie to make you the Mistresse of my self and altogeather to dispose of me and mine for proofe whereof I will héereafter imploy my selfe in the Emperours seruice in such sorte as if you like it I hope to purchase his consent Truelie Sir quoth she that onelie appertaines to the Emperor and not to mée to whom you are to make known what you intende for hee hath authoritie to commaunde and I am bounde by duetie to obey At which wordes the Empresse called her awaie when Florendos making her courteous reuerence departed to his Chamber to arme him selfe for manie Knights were entred the Lystes and he in short space came thether for companie where hee behaued himselfe with such valoure as he not onelie got the honour of the first daie but of the foure daies folowing while the Tourneie endured and wonne the prize which Caniano had prepared for him that best deserued it which made him bee greatlie estéemed of the Emperour and of the whole Court ingenerall espeâ—iallie of the faire Griana whose harte by little and little Loue brought in subiection to the no small content of Florendos which doubtlesse had the Prince Tarisius beheldâ— I imagine hee woulde haue hardlie liked it But nowe during the time of these great Feastes and Triumphes Fortune the sworne enemie to all quietnes presented the Emperor with other occasions to cut off these pastimes and courtlie deuises for after many of the Knights assembled at his Courte had taken leaue to returne into their Countries Gamezio Sonne to the Soldane of Babilon who was on the Seas with a mightie Armie intending to conquer Alexandria was by extreamitie of winde and weather driuen into the straights before Constantinople Which when the Pilots and Marriners perceiued not onâ— amongst theÌ„ but greatlie reioyced at this good fortune but chéefelie Gamezio who perswaded himself yâ— his Gods had sent him thether that the moste noble florishing Cittie of the world might fall into his handes whereupon the windes somewhat appeased and the Seas calmed he assembled the chiefe and principall Captaines of his Armie and thus began My good fréendes I beléeue assuredlie yâ— our great Gods would not suffer vs to arriue in Alexandria because wee went against them of our owne Law and Religion but rather it liked them better that we should addresse our selues to this Countrie of Christians either to ruinate it altogeather or at least to bring it vnder our obeysance Therefore I am determined for this time to defer the reuenge of the iniurie which the King Calameno did to the Soldane and as much as in me lyes imploy my forces in conquest of this Countrey for which cause I desire that each of you would particularlie encourage your people assuring them if wee can conquer this Cittie the riches thereof will counteruaile their paine and trauaile The Captaines failed not to accomplish their charge to the vttermost summoning euerie one presentlie to Armes so prouiding their Shippes their Ensignes all thinges els néedefull for their defence they hoysed their sailes making towards yâ— Shoare where with such prouision as they had they tooke landing making such a noyse with their Drummes Trumpets Clamors as was heard with no small feare in euerie part of the Cittie Neuertheles they were receiued with better resistance then they looked for as following the discourse of the Historie you shall at large vnderstand CHAP. III. Of the battayle fought before the Cittie of Constantinople betweene the Emperours power and the Armie of Gamezio IMmediatlie was this huge Armie on the Sea discouered by the Sentâ—rnelles of the Cittie whereupon the rumour arose so greate as the people ranne on heapes to defende the Hauen where the Moores thought to haue made their first entrie In the meane while Caniano Tarisius and the other principall Knights with their men of Armes put themselues in equipage doraynning their Armie in such warlike maner as nowe they marche forth of the Cittie to succour those places where the Moores gaue most eager assault The Prince Florendos béeing left behinde made no little haste to gather his companie and as he galloped with them by the Emperours Pallace hee espied the Princesse Griana standing at her Chamber windowe casting manie a ruefull looke towardes the 〈◊〉 of the Cittie which so déepelie peirced the gentle Princes harte as immediatlie hee saide within himselfe By Heauen swéete Ladie either will I die this day or remooue the gréefe that séemeth so néere to touche you And with this resolution he gaue the spurres to hys Horse when it was not long before hee got among the thickest of the Moores where he behelde the enemie so strong and the
me and I assure you that these tydings hath breathed such newe life into my verie soule as alreadie I finde my selfe wonderfullie chaunged yea and that in such sorte as before thrée daies bee past I shall attende her gracious will with seruiceable dilligence In the meane while I shal desire you faire Fréend to let my soueraigne Mistresse vnderstand that I kisse her highnesse hande in humble duetie and had ere this giuen farewell to this life hadde not her swéete regard called me againe from death Thus parted Cardina from the Prince taking her way spéedily towards Griana who longed not a little to heare from Florendos whom she had made Lord of her gentle affections CHAP. VI. Howe Cardina recited to the Princesse Griana what speeches had past betweene her and Florendos and of the counsell shee gaue her Mistresse to conferre with him in the Garden so soone as he was recouered CArdina thus dispatched from Florendos made no little haste towardes the Princesse who remained all this while silent in her Chamber and no sooner perceiued she Cardina to enter but she demaunded if Florendos receiued her token in good part or no. Beléeue me Madame answered Cardina I thinke you neuer did anie thing in all your life whereby you coulde obtaine more honour and applause then by that you vouchsafed to doo at this instant for in my iudgment you haue performed a miracle in giuing him life that was in the very iawes of death Then from point to point shee recounted the talke passed betwéene them first howe she founde him in yâ— midst of his regrets and lastlie what message hee had sent by her Thus while Cardina continued her discourse euery worde tooke hold on the gentle hart of the Princesse and wounded her with such pittifull regarde of the Prince his torments as what she desired inwardlie shee shaddowed with modestie as lothe to receiue shame in her loue hauing caryed her selfe with such honour all her life quoth shee to Cardina Howe might I good Seruaunt ease this waightie oppression Uerie well said Cardina wheÌ„ Fortune alloweth opportunitie But thou knowest quoth Griana a Princesse as I am to be séene secrete with so braue a Gallant dooth greatlie hazard my life and honour As for that Madame saide Cardina my Sister can better aduise you then I or any that I know by her meanes may you speake with your Knight the brauest Gentleman in the world and one whoÌ„ I knowe is so farre deuoted yours as hee will rather loose his life then impeache your honour anie waie and otherwise then in loyaltie to make you his Ladie and wyfe I am well assured he loueth not which loue Madame you may well entertaine Returne then Cardina quoth the Princesse to my Lorde Florendos and assure him that so soone as he is recouered I wyll come and speake with him in such place where we may well aduenture and desire hym as he loueth me that it may bee with all conuenient spéede Cardina without anie further delay weÌ„t with this message to the Prince Florendos who hartened himselfe so well vpon these spéeches as within sixe dayes he found himselfe thorowlie amended whereof the Emperour and Caniano hys Sonne was not a little glad but Tarisius was scant well pleased thereat for he had coÌ„ceiued a secrete iealousie because he was so earnest in affection towards Griana who by her Mayd Cardina had warned Florendos that yâ— night following he should come into the Garden whereâ—nto her Chamber had a secrete entraunce and there woulde he and she conferre of their loue without suspicion of any Florendos séeing these affayres sort to so good ende purposed what euer happened not to fayle the time place which made him thinke this day a yéere in length so long hee looked and desired for the night But nowe the wished howre is come when Florendos with his Cozin â—renato who was priuie to the Princes secrete loue departed from their lodginges and comming to the Garden they sawe the wall was verie high and harde to climbe notwithstanding greater thinges are possible to Louers chéefely when a cause of such waight is in hand so that in short time Florendos had gotte the top of the Wall and afterward went to the place where Griana â—tayed his comming who had no bodie with her but Lerina Sister to Cardina to whom likewise she thorowly bewrayed her secrets He hauing espied them came and fell on his knee before the Princesse but she tooke him vppe in her armes embracing him so swéetlie as Lerina withdrew her selfe amongst the Trées not with anie intent of feare to displease them but with a certaine kinde of gréefe which ouercame her that shee wanted a Fréende to participate with her in loue as her Mistresse hadde before whâ—m Florendos béeing on his knée sayd Madâ—me by vertue of your commaundement I am thus bolde to enter your presence yéelding my whole abilitie to you as to the diuine Goddesse that hath shéelded me from death which grace séeing your princelie nature hath affoorded me my life for euer héereafter remaines at your soueraigne pleasure the vnfeigned promise whereof I binde to you by irrâ—uocable vowes but especiallie by my faith yâ— onelie ornament of a true Knight that I desire no longer to breathe this ayre then to honour your name with my continual seruice for life without yâ—ur grace and fauour is more yrkesome to me then a thousande deathes But by your fauour my Lorde answered Griana howe or from whence hath this hote loue sprunge let mee knowe I desire you Madame ê™ he as I haue heretofore so at this time I assure you that in my nature Countrie of Macedon I hearde the renowne of your excelling beauty at which verie instant I dedicated my selfe onelie yours and euer since continuing in this religious seruice I haue so confidentlie set downe my rest in gracious regard of your swéete selfe as béeing yours in seruice I liue if otherwise I die In sooth said said the Princesse I sée theÌ„ you haue giuen your selfe wholie mine and so I am well centented to accept you Then Madame quoth he to seale yâ— assuraunce of this diuine fauour you haue doone me 〈…〉 intreate to kisse those swéete lippes that deliuered the 〈◊〉 I haue long looked for Which to grant though for modesties sake at first she séemed daintie yet at length looue had so supprâ—zed her as he néeded not striue when no resistaunce was offered Thus with feares and solemne kysses they breathed into eache others soule the mute arguments of their loue and faire Cynthia amiablie fauouring this delicate encounter added such courage to the minde of this louâ—lie Champion as breaking his Launce in the face of Venus hee bequeathed the successe of his dâ—uoire to the gracious aspect of that Planet And among a number of soft and sweete loue spéeches he discoursed to her his talke with the Emperour her Father howe he had requested her in marriage
why lament you then séeing it is your pleasure to make her vnfortunate while she liues I hartelie desire the heauens to pardon you and that the first newes heereafter you shall heare of me maie be the true report of my death This said shee mounted on horsebacke and without anie semblaunce to take her leaue of her Father so béeing honourablie accompanied in short time she arriued in Hungaria with Tarisius whose loue to her so vehementlie increased as he reputed himselfe yâ— most fortunate Prince in Europe hauing gained the paragon among all Ladies Soone after the aged King died by which meanes Tarisius came to the Crowne Griana highlie esteeming such as shee brought with her from Constantinople to witt Lerina and Cardina but especiallie Tolomestra to whom she verie often imparted the whole secrets of her minde leading so strickt and constant a life as all the Court did wonder at her But the remorse of conscience which dailie touched her for the losse of her Sonne caused her to spende day and night in denout orisons that the heauens would forget her hainous offence CHAP. XI Howe Florendos vnderstoode by the Esquire hee sent to Constantinople the marriage of Griana and Tarisius whereat he conceiued such inward greefe as hée would haue died with extreame sorrow ALl this while continued Florendos on the Frontiers betwéene Constantinople and Macedon til at length he hearde that Griana was released of her imprisonment wherof he was so glad as nowe he thought to deale more surelie then he did before whervppon he dispatched Lyomenus one of his Esquires towardes her with a Letter of earnest and intire affection wherein he desired to knowe if he might compasse the meane to come and sée her and hee doubted not to bring her so secretlie on her iournete and with so good prouision as before they should be againe discouered they would be safelie arriued in Macedon But this hope was soone frustrate for Lyomenus béeing come to Constantinople founde the marriage betwéene Tarisius and Griana consumated which he tooke so displeasantlie as without giuing the Letter or speaking to the Princesse he returned hastilie againe to his Lorde and Maister Who béeing aduertised of his comming sent for him immediatlie vp into his Chamber at whose entrance the Prince discerned the newes by his conuntenance whervpon he demaunded if Griana were sicke or howe shee fared My Lord ê™ he happie had she béene if she had dyed tenne yeeres since for I doubt vnlesse you arme your self with wonderfull patience that what is doone will highlie endaunger your person Why quoth Florendos what is happened Trust me my Lord ê™ he the verie worst that can be for you Tarisius hath espoused her and despight of her the Emperour caused it to be doone No sooner had Lyomenus spoken the word but Florendos cast himselfe crueliâ—e against the grounde saying O my God take pittie on my soule for my bodie must needes suffer mis-fortune At which wordes he fell in a swoune when Lyomenus thinking him dead ran hastilie and called Frenato who knowing full well the cause of his passion laboured by all meanes he might to perswade him 〈◊〉 notwithstâ—â—ding all the intreaties he vsed in 〈◊〉 â—nd 〈…〉 hee coulde not get one word of hiâ— whereuppon hee sent for an auncient Hermit neere at hand whom Florendos made verie much account of who beeing come applying diuers soueraigne Hearbes to his temples whereof the olde Father â—nâ—we well the vertue at length Florendos recouered his sences and opening his eyes behâ—ld the olde Hermit to whoÌ„ with verie feeble voice he said Ah good Father praie for me for I féele mine ende nigh at hand Not so my Sâ—nne saide the Hermit what are you so vnprouided of diuine perswasion as you will loose bothe bodie and soule for matter of so meane consequence hast thou liued so long and yet ignâ—raunt of the inconstancie of Women which is no other thâ—Ì„ thou beholdest in Griana Knowest thou not that as the saile of the Shippe is subiecte to all windes so are their affections to continuall mutabilitie and knowest thou not that what they purpose to execute irreuocable in one moment they are suddainlie disswaded from My Sonne beléeue my counsell and with as much pleasure learne to forget this folly as with extreame paine thou diddesâ— first imprint it in thy thoughts Ah Father quoth Florendos neuer seeke in this sort to perswade me béeing assured if you knew how things haue past you wold not thus in fearmes disgrace my Ladie for shee is mine and Tarisius hath no right to her to whom the Emperour hath married her perforce els would she neuer haue broken her faith to me and while I liue Father none but she can bee called the Wyfe of Florendos Sonne to the mighty King of Macedon The wise olde Father séeing him in choller beeing lothe likewise to offende the Prince would no longer crosse him in spéeches but fearing to mooue him too much mildlie thus spake May be my Sonne she hath beene deere to you and I would your consent in loue had aunswered your lyking but thus to dispaire and endaunger your owne life truste me it is not well doone therefore I desire you to perswade your selfe and by your constancie condemne her lightnes taking patientlie what haâ—h happened These and such like good words vsed the old Hermit but Florendos would take no sustenance neither be remooued froÌ„ this opinion for fiue daies while the old man staied with him neither would he looke chéerefully as he was wont but continued euermore sad melanchollique nor could the King his Father cause him like of anie Wife but onely Griana for whome continuallie he neuer left mourning CHAP. XII How yong Palmerin sleeping had a strange vision which prouoked him to know whose Son he was and of the talk which passed between him and Dyofâ—na the daughter of Gerrard PAlmerin being now come to the age of fifteene yeeres nourished in the Mountaine as the Childe of Gerrard his supposed Father well beloued of him and Marcella his wife as their own Sonne grewe in stature so tall comelie and wel nurtured as well might he be known of noble parentage For albeit he companyed with Gerrards Children who vsed him after their rusticall capacities yet hee desired more to passe the Mountaines with his long Bowe to chase the Beares and Bores thorowe thicke and thinne and to keepe Hawkes and dogges rather then Sheepe and Cattell as the other Children did In these sports he had such wonderfull delight as oftentimes he would come home verie late and sore wearied but one time among the rest he came home so ouerlaboured as he was glad to laie him downe to rest and he was no sooner fallen a sléepe but he was solicited with a meruailous visyon the effect whereof thus followeth Hee thought as hee was pursuing a goodlie Harte thorowe a Forrest hee met with the fairest Ladie that euer eye behelde who sat on the side of a
goodlie Fountaine and called him vnto her saying Be not abashed Palmerin though I am come from the furthest parts to finde thee in this Countrey for I am well assured that ere many daies be past thy bountie prowesse shall make thee renowmed through the worlde for one of the hardiest Knights that euer liued Leaue therefore thys obscure and rusticall kinde of life and hencefoorth lift thy mind to high occasions which are offered thee and heereof beléeue me as she that loueth thee as her owne life beeing deuoted onelie thine at all times as nature may witnesse who hath marked me with thy like Charracter TheÌ„ shewing her arme she saide Beholde in this hande and on this side of my hart one like and selfe same marke as thou broughtest on thy face from thy Mothers wombe To which wordes Palmerin woulde haue aunswered but the Ladie vanished awaie so suddainly as he could not perceiue what was become of her Whereuppon raising himselfe and meruayling from whence this occasion should proceede he admired the beautie of the Ladie he sawe in his sleepe which was so liuelie in his remembrance as he iudged her present before his eyes But perswading himselfe that such apparitions happened by idle thoughts or by some vapour of no effect made no account thereof whereuppon the next night following the same Ladie that appeared to him in the Forrest presented herselfe to him againe holding in her hands a sumptuous Crowne of golde and thus spake See heere my Lord the honour which I holde beeing giuen me onelie for the loue of you In this sort continued this vision for foureteene or fifteene daies following till at length the Ladie shâ—wed herselfe verie angrie saying I am ashamed Palmerin that you deferre so long to séeke me out doo you thinke the promises I haue made you are friuolous No no the time and trauaile thou takest if thou giuest credite to my wordes shall make thée knowe that thou art the Son of a King and not of the Countrey swayne that hath fostered thée From henceforth therefore expect me no more in this Mountaine but if my beautie haue found place in thy harâ— seeke then to conquere me that thou maist be yâ— Lorde and possessour of mee Thus departed the Ladie leauing a desire more then accustomed in the hart of Palmerin who till that time made little reckoning of so high matters for the Pastorall life hee ledde with Gerrard and hys familie seemed the most happiest to him in all the worlde not hauing séene any person of greater calling then he But nowe newe affections so eleuated his minde as he intended to goe seeke her whom in sleepe he had beheld so often For quoth he if she assure mee to discende of a royall linage I may well presume she knowes me bettâ—r then my Father Gerrard els would she not so often induce me to folow my fortune and the good that is prouided for me well might I be accounted a foole if I wold not adueÌ„ture on so especial an occasion therfore happen what wil I meane to search thorow the whole worlde till I haue founde her and none but she shall euer be my Mistresse But how can it be that I am discended from so high a place séeing my Father is such a simple Countriman hath my Mother béene forgetfull of her reputation that some Prince or great Lord hath so become my Father Well I wyll knowe of her if I can before I depart and if she will not tell mee I will searche for her that shall assure me Thus was Palmerin confounded with remembraunce of his visions as from that time he became maruailous pensiue solitarie then bethought he howe he might knowe of his Mother Marcella the ende of his desire wherof Dyofena who loued him déerely partlie aduertised him You haue heard heertofore how when Gerrard founde Palmerin among the Oliue Trées he had a daughter three yeeres olde named Dyofena indifferent fayre who as shee increased in yéeres became so amorous of her supposed brother that hardly she could dissemble her affection notwithstanding shame and regard locked vppe her lippes that she durst not speake what she gladlie would but séeing Palmerin in like sadnes as she was she immagined that one sicknes had strooken them both wherfore casting manie doubts as she laie in her bed in the same Chamber her Parents did she heard them enter into this discourse Haue you not séene Palmerin quoth he howe heauie and sadde hee hath béene a long time Yea truelie haue I ê™ shee it may bee that some haue tolde him hee is not your Sonne so falling out of one matter into an other Dyofena hearde them report the manner how they found him which she desirous to let Palmerin vnderstande arose earlie the next morning and comming to Palmerin thus conferred with him Brother if you knew so much as I doo peraduenture you wold be not a little abashed Why good Sister quoth he I pray you let me vnderstand the matter In sooth quoth shée I euer thought till this time that you had béene mine owne naturall Brother but by chaunce hearing some talke betwéene my Father and Mother this last night I am no other then your fréende and shee yâ— loues you dearelie which I haue euermore hetherto feared to let you knowe doubting the nerenes of our consanguinitie which I nowe perceiue cannot hinder our marriage if you will request mee of my Father who I am sure will not denie you And so she rehearsed the manner of his finding which so well lyked Palmerin as he gaue the more credite to the visions he had séene neuerthelesse he thus dallied with Dyofena It may bee Sister you misunderstoode our Parents my selfe will deniaund the trueth of our Mother if she assure me as you haue doone then will I talke with them concerning our marriage So shall you doo well said Dyofena to bee thorowlie assured yet néede you not report mee to haue informed you least thereby you bring mee into my Parents displeasure Palmerin thus leauing Dyofena chanced to find his Mother Marcella alone to whom he said Mother I beséeche you graunt me one request that I shall demaunde of you That will I my Sonne quoth she if it be in my power to doo Understand then good Mother quoth he that I haue oftentimes dreamed how I am not your Son so that I knowe not what to saie vnlesse you please to assure mee better When Marcella heard these wordes she was strooken in a studie but Palmerin was still so importunate as at last she thus answered In good faith faire Freende I neuer knâ—w thine owne naturall Parents yet haue I looued thee as if thou wert mine owne Sonne and so what words Dyofena had before reported Marcella confirmed taking him with her into her Chamber where she shewed him the costlie swadling clothes that he was founde in and the Crucifire likewise that hung about his necke which he intreated her to bestow on him to the ende quoth he that
Mother nor any of my kindred notwithstanding mine owne hart makes mee iudge no lesse of my selfe and more gladlie would I die then doo anie thing that were not vertuous and well woorthie the name of a Gentleman And trust me said Florendos I am of the same opinion this night therefore you must obserue the religious watch as is accustomed and to morrowe will I giue you your order and put the spurre on your héele my selfe Palmerin on his knée humblie kissed the Princes hand and continuing in talke togeather Florendos tooke a great delight in beholding him so that hee demaunded his name and Countrey My Lord quoth he they which found me amongst the Palme Trées on y◠Mountaine of Oliues not farre from Constantinople haue giuen me the name of Palmerin By mine honour said Florendos I ought wel to know the Cittie whereof you speake as the place wherein my déerest affections tooke their first life and not long since are bequeathed to death awaiting nowe but the howre to be discharged of the burden Thus hauing in his companie his vnknowne Sonne begotten by him on the Princesse Griana knew little that his loue had sorted to such effect neuerthelesse nature prouoked him to like so well of Palmerin as none in y◠Courte contented him more then he And longer woulde they haue continued their talke but that faire Arismena interrupted them asking Palmerin if he woulde discharge her of the request he demaunded That doo I Madame quoth hee and in requitall thereof dedicate the whole circuit of my life to your gracious seruice and to begin my deuoire on your be halfe so soone as I haue receiued my Knighthoode I wyll take my iourney towards the Serpent in hope to bring the water that must recouer the King your Fathers health Alas good Sir said she God forbidde that you should fall in such daunger by my meanes I know well aunswered Palmerin that I can die but once and if it be nowe then am I dispatched and if I escape I shall doo that whereof many other haue failed and this is my resolution faire Madame Beléeue me said Florendos me thinkes you are as yet too yong to finish an action wherein consists so great daunger I praie you therfore referre it vnto such as haue had more experience in Armes then as yet you haue My Lorde saide Palmerin in other matters I shall obey when you cōmand but this I must desire you not to disswade me from Well then quoth Florendos séeing you will néedes haue it so I am content you shall in the meane while kéepe mee companie as for Sworde and Armour trouble not you selfe to prouide ame because my selfe will furnish you sufficientlie Thus all daie Florendos accompanied Palmerin demaunding of him what things he had séene in Constantinople and falling from one discourse to another he asked him what Esquire he had to attēd on him Thē he shewed his Dwarffe called Vrbanillo such a deformed and euill fauoured felow as euerie one that saw him laughed hartilie whereuppon Palmerin said to Florendos By my faith my Lorde as vnséemelie as he is I thinke so well of him as I should be displeased if he were anie waie iniuried Assure your selfe said Florendos that he will stand you in great stedde when you haue no néede of him and looke y◠you leaue nothing behind you that you néede to fight against the Serpent and trust it in his discretion to bring after you When Vrbanillo perceiued euerie one test so with him he was halfe angrie and in some choller thus said to the Prince I can no waie my Lord better my shape or proportion but if I liue this little deformed bodie of mine shall giue you to vnderstande that I beare so good a minde as where my Maister leaues his life I meane to finish mine and though in meane while I can doo him no other seruice he shal be assured of my trueth and loyaltie But not offended Owarffe my good freende saide Florendos for I thinke well of thée and of thy behauiour And so because the Tables were couered for Supper they brake of talke Palmerin preparing himself to his watchfull deuoire in the Chappell CHAP. XV. Howe Florendos gaue to Palmerin the Armour and Sword of Gamezio whom hee slewe before Constantinople and afterwarde Knighted him and howe a Damosell came to the Court who presented him with a Helmet and a rich Sheelde THe time béeing come that Palmerin should performe his deuonte watch in the Chappel before hee receiued his Knighthoode according to the auncient custome Florendos gaue commaundement that the Armour of Gamezio should bee brought him which the Emperour had giuen him after his conquest of the Soldan of Babilons army on the Sea as you haue heard before and these he shewed to Palmerin saying My fréend this Armour sometimes belonged to the best Knight of his time whom neuerthelesse I conquered béeing then more pleasant ioyfull and at better content then I shal be while I haue a daie to liue And because I haue some speciall opinion of your prowesse and that these ornaments of defence you will better imploy then anie other on whom I shal bestowe them I praie you henceforth to weare them for my sake My Lorde saide Palmerin my desire is that my seruice towardes your honour maie be witnessed in my good imploying of this gentle gift Then Frenato and diuers other Knights did helpe to arme him and afterward accompanied him to the Chappell where all that night hee spent in sollemne orisons that God would endue him with strength to vanquish the Serpent that so the King might againe receiue his health At the breake of daie as Florendos went to the Chappell to giue him his order there entred among them on the suddaine a comelie Damosell bearing a Helmet a Shéeld of Azier the goodliest and most beautifull that euer was séene vpon the Shéelde béeing portraied a Ladies arme hauing her hande fast closed togeather the Damosell comming before the Prince Florendos began thus I pray you my Lord to pause a while till I haue conferred a little with Palmerin Florendos was greatlie amazed at this accident in that he had neuer séene the Damosell before notwithstanding he returned this answere Faire Damosell my Fréende good leaue haue you to saie what you please Then comming to Palmerin and falling on her knées before him she saide Sir Palmerin a Knight that hath authoritie to commaund me and whom as yet you doo not knowe hath sent you by me this Helment and Shéelde wherein you shall find the verie secretes of your hart And if you desire to know whence this honour procéedeth it commeth from him who hath prooued the effect héereof and that knowes more of you néerest affairest then you doo your selfe albeit as yet he hath neuer séene you Damosell saide Palmerin where maie I finde the learned man that hath thus honored mee whō I may remunerate with my chéefest endeuours heerafter You
saying Sir Knight doo you not knowe mee No in good sooth aunswered Palmerin Beléeue mee quoth the Damosell then hath my seruice béene euil imployed which sâ—metime I did you and whereof I am sure you haue heard good account Then Palmerin knewe her she bringing the Shéelde and the Helmet when Florendos knighted him whereuppon he rose from the Table and embracing her said Faire Damosell and my fréende I pray you pardon me for the length of time since I first saw you did quite exempt you from my remembrance pleaseth it you to commaunde me anie seruice Sir Knight said the Damosell when I presented you the Helmet and Shéelde wherwith you tooke your order of Knighthoode you promised mee if you remember that you would vse it with right good will in anie affaires the Knight had that sent it you and when he should require such performaunce nowe is the time to confirme your déede with your worde for hee hath sent mée to you with humble intreatie that without anie staie you goe where I shall conduct you otherwise you are the onelie cause of his death God shéelde me froÌ„ such mis-fortune said Palmerin rather woulde I goe with you presently from the Table So doo I pray you quoth she for I haue hast Then he called for his Armour and the table withdrawne he went into his Chamber to arme himselfe and so dyd Ptolome also returning they tooke their leaue of the Ladies and mounted on horsebacke the whole companie béeing so sorrie for their departure as Esmerinda came to the Damosell saying I promise you Damosell you haue doone vs wrong in mine opinion to hinder vs of the presence of so good a Knight Ladie aunswered the Damosell thinke you he was borne for you onelie content your selfe with the good you haue receiued by him and suffer such as haue néed of his prowesse to receiue his assistaunce as you haue doone And good reason saide Esmerinda if it be to so good an end that no resistaunce bee offered when helpe is required So departed the two Knights with the Damosell which waie she guided them and verie desirous was Palmerin to bee with the Knight that sent to seeke him because hee would gladlie know of whence hee was that wyshed him so wel as his message declared by the Damosell the same daie hee was Knighted CHAP. XXIIII Howe Palmerin and Ptolome arriued at the Courte of the King of Bohemia where they entred Combat against the Countie of Ormeque and his two Cozins who accused the Knight and his Son of treason that sent to seeke Palmerin MAnie miles had these Knightes ridde with the Damosell when Palmerin at length desired her to tell him what hee was that sent him yâ— Helmet the Shéeld whereto she aunswered that séeing he was so desirous to knowe listen ê™ she and I shall report the whole vnto you The Knight we speake of is disceÌ„ded of verie royall bloode béeing Uncle to the King of Bohemia that raignes at this present as also to the Empresse of Allemaigne the verie best séene in Nigromancie this daie liuing This noble man is named Prince Adrian who neuer liked to liue in the Court of the King his Brother but contented with what patrimonie his Father left him at length maried with a verie beautifull Ladie of whom in time hee begat a Sonne named Dyardo which Sonne his Brother the King of Bohemia nourished vppe in his Court with his owne Sonne So mutually in loue agréed these two yong Princes as after the death of the aged King the yong Dyardo should ioyn the rule with his Cozin the King who tooke to Wife the Daughter to the Duke of Lorayne bringing her with him into this Countrey in companie of her Sister a Princesse so wise and vertuous as euer liued It so came to passe that Dyardo my Lords most noble Sonne framing his thoughts to the inspirations of loue affected so highlie the other Sister as he determined neuer to haue anie other to his Wife if he might compasse what he intended For her good Ladie he coulde not be deceiued in his amorous desires he found her loue so equall with his yet did they shaddow their affections so discreetlie as none coulde perceiue them but Domarto the traiterous Countie of Ormeque one of the best Knights in all this Country were he as familiar with vertue and honestie as he is with mallice and disloyaltie This Traytour enterprised to match with the Queenes Sister beloued as you haue hearde by my Lordes worthy Sonne and thereuppon after manie sollicitings made knowne his intent vnto her whereof she made so slender account as shee forbad him any more to trouble her Domarto séeing my Lorde Dyardo his onely hinderaunce in loue intended a mallicious villainie and on a suddaine accused the Prince that he intended to poyson the King so to obtaine the Crowne as discended of a neerer coÌ„sanguinitie And as it often falleth out in such cases when one séekes to crosse an others fortune there is no time flacked in following such drifts euen so this Traytor finding the yonge King alone began his matter in this coullorable sort My gracious Lord the faith and allegeaunce I owe to you highnesse bindes me to make your princelie cares acquainted with such newes as God is my witnes said the Traitour lifting his eyes and hands to heauen mine own death were more welcome to me such is the loue I beare them whom it concernes béeing al so neere allied to you in birth as sorie I am they shoulde bee detected but in your regarde my gracious Lorde the action touching you in such sort as it dooth let me die rather then spare any liuing creature no not mine owne Sonne had nature giuen mee anie This néedelesse exordium haue I made to so foule an occasion albeit truth néedes no coullers or eloquent figures and therefore in bréefe my Lord this is the summe I am crediblie enformed that your highnesse Cozin the Prince Dyardo and Madame Cardonia Sister to the Quéene haue laid the platforme to poyson your Maiestie and this haue they attempted by the procurement of olde Adrian your Uncle who pretends that the Crowne of Bohemia is his I knowe not whether it be for want of discretion or no but howsoeuer it be my Lorde you shoulde not leaue such a villainie vnpunished The King began greatlie to meruaile at these newes and knewe not well what to think whervpon he aunswered the Countie that he coulde not beleeue this accusation But the Traytour set so smoothe a countenaunce on the matter and did auerre it still with such stout protestations as hee induced the King to beleeue him so that a daie or two after the King béeing walking in hys Garden séeing Dyardo Cardonya at the Quéenes chamber windowe secretlie conferring of their amorous affections commaunded them bothe to be carried to prison The Countie glad thereof prouoked the King still with such anger against them as immediatlie he woulde haue theÌ„ bothe doone to
togeather and séeing the time readie to countenaunce theyr enterprise tooke eache of them a rich Mantle and wyth theyr Swordes vnder their armes went out at a windowe vppon the walles and albeit the passage was somewhat daungerous yet loue had so encouraged them as without regarde of daunger or fortune they came to the windowe which the Dwarffe shewed them not séene by any Polinarda who was most attentiue hearing the trampling of theyr feete sayde to Brionella Is not this Palmerin So opening the Casements they sawe Palmerin and Ptolome attending like dilligent Seruants If then bothe parties were pleased it is not to be doubted nothing in the worlde more contenting them then the sight of each other And truelye Palmerin and the Princesse had great reason for beside that their fatall destenies did so prouoke them theyr equal natures were so commendable and correspondent as though they had neuer séene yet were they borne to loue togeather Now was Polinarda very brauely accoâ—stred in a gorgious night Mantle and such soft white silkes as the shewed more bright then the morning Starre her firie pointed lookes so wounding Palmerin as rapt vppe as it were into a second heauen he remayned silent a long time not able to speake a worde The Princesse was likewise in the selfe same conceit and so ouercome with regarde of her Paramour as she continued mute and was loth to giue the onsette Palmerin ashamed to accompany his Ladie with such silence beganne thus mildlie to courte his Mistresse I did neuer thinke faire Madame that Fortune woulde honour mee with such extraordinarie fauour directing my course to your noble Fathers Courte to bee thus entertayned into your gracious seruice hauing no deserts in mee to induce you to your choyse but it may be in respect of some good report by such to whom I account my selfe highlie beholding hauing thus founde the place where I was prâ—ordained to loue my Starre hath appointed it and withall to make me the happiest man liuing And it may be Madame that such as enâ—ie not my happines haue acquainted you with some of my exterior actions which God not I hath brought to passe but they ignoraunt of the intire and feruent loue I beare you coulde make no iust report therof to you béeing a secret so speciall and not to be comprehended beside the depth and wonderfull nature thereof not to bee measured therefore to be buried in your heauenly opinion which howe ample so euer you please to graunt me the more am I bounde both in duetie and affection which in despight of enâ—ie and his confederates shall remaine immooueable and pleade the continuall loyaltie of your Knight and Seruaunt And if I shoulde reporte howe manie times your diuine personne hath béene presented me in sléepe I shoulde therewithall discourse infinite passions which I endured séeing my selfe frustrate of that I nowe beholde How many Countries and Citties what perrils and daâ—ngers haue I past to finde you prouoked on still with neuer chaunging loue If this then were sufficient to make me run through a worlde of daungers I leaue it to your iudgment sweete Madame what it may doo nowe séeing with myhâ—â—yes what I dreamed on before and may with â—â—fetie saie incomparable beautie Héerehence proceedeth that my extreame affections haue ouercome all other parts in mâ— not able to imagine howe manie reuerende opinions I vse of you which must intreate you on my behalfe that your accustomed clemencie will pardon my preiudicate conceiâ—e because béeing not mine owne but yours onelie I may easilie offende These spéeches moistened with the teares of his eies and like-warme blood of his hart deliuered manifest euidence how truelie he loued the Princesse who bearing him companie in all arguments of loue thus answered I doubt not Sir Palmerin but the looue you beare mee is excéeding great noting your earnest affections and the great trauaile you haue sustained in searche of me and no other certaintie doo I request to be perswaded by béeing as vehement in affection towards you as you are to me for proofe whereof this attempt maie suffise that against my duetie I should be séene thus secretlie in a place so suspicious and time so vnnecessarie But if I haue offended héerein accuse those séemelie perfections which I haue regarded in you and the confidence I repose in your good conceit coupled with the honourable estimation yâ— is generallie reputed in your vertues Pardon me swéete Ladie saide Palmerin if by my longing desire to speake with you I haue in anye thing displeased for earnest good will to doo you seruice constrained me to be thus importunate The matter is far from anie desert of offence quoth the Princesse for hither are you come by my commaundement to the ende that wee might sée one another and talke of such thinges as neerest concerne vs and therefore resolue your selfe good Knight that I esteeme you aboue all other and promise you by the faith of a Princesse and loyall Fréende to die rather then anie other shall be Lorde of me Which verie words so rauished his sences as verie hardlie he could sustaine himself whereuppon Polinarda put her hande out at the windowe which he in often kissing well marking behelde the Charracter thereon as you haue hearde before Ah Madame ê™ hee this is the token that makes me the happiest man liuing As howe I pray you saide she what know you héereof Then Palmerin discoursed all his dreames and visions and bréefely ranne thorow repetition of his whole life how the wise Adrian had sent him the Shéelde of Sable wherin in was figured a hand fast closed togeather signifying the same hand I holde at this present because this hath the same marke the other had in figure In trueth said the Princesse I was desirous to know the meaning of that Sheeld wherin I sawe a Siluer hand closed which you bare the first day of the Tournament béeing nowe not a little glad that you haue so satis-fied me Afterwarde Palmerin made knowne to her the marke himselfe had on his face which agreed with hers in perfect likelihoode O God quoth she happie be the time of this meeting blame me not my Lorde to bee thus supprised with your loue séeing our fatall desteâ—ies haue so appointed this will cause mee to liue in more hope of good successe then before I did and that our amitie will sorte to such ende as our two harts shall bee combined in one yet let mee sée I beséeche you the marke on your face howe neere it resembles this on my hand She fetching a Taper which burned in the Chamber lifted vp his comelie locks of hayre and sawe them bothe shaped in one forme wherefore suddainly setting awaie the light shee embraced Palmerins heade in her armes and sealed many swéete kisses on his amiable Charracter The like louing salutation passed betwéene Ptolome and Brionella at another Casement of the Windowe with sollemne vowes and protestations neuer to faile in their loue and this to
And though I vanquish one Knight it shall not be lawfull for me to rest a minute space but presentlie take him in hande that shall followe and bee it my fortune to bâ—â—oyled by him he shall kéepe the fielde in manner as you my Lord deuised And to the ende all may be the better executed pleaseth you yâ— in such places where your intelligencâ—rs shall come my enterprise may likewise bee declared in respect I hope to behaue my selfe so well as my Ladie will make speciall account of me The Lady for whoÌ„ the Duke of Sauoye thus attempted was Daughter to the King and Sister to Lewes named Lucemania whom he loued intirelie and aboue all thinges desired in marriage which to compasse and to honour his Ladie he thus offered the Combat against all Knights These Princes intending to goe thorow with their intent concluded betwéene them that the Duke of Sauoye shoulde breake it to the King to gaine his good-will whereuppon the Duke departing towards the Quéenes Chamber to finde the King espyed him aâ— very good leysure walking in his Garden to whome hee went in all haste and on his knee thus began So please it your highnes to graunt me oneâ—boone I shall be bounde to continue the â—oue I haue borne your Maiestie which is to prolong my life in your seruice as the most forwarde Knight in your royall Court The King who had long time fauoured the Duke 〈◊〉 him by the hande thus aunswered Demaâ—nde my good Cozin what you please and it shall bée graunted Then the Duke deliberatelie discoursed what the Prince Lewes and he had intended for the loue of theyr Ladies wherwith the King scant content and mâ—ruailing at this hastie enterprise said Why Cozin do you imagine your selues able to maintaine so hard a taske in resâ—â—â—ance of so manie hardie Knights wherewith the worlde is now plentifullie stored Beléeue me in maine Countries are Ladies of greater beautie I doubt then is at this 〈◊〉 in our Realme of Fraunce I promise you I hardly like what my Sonne and you attempt but seeing my worde is paste you shall not nowe be hindered doo â—herefore what your thinke expedient with this consideration alwaies that the ending of matters is greater then the beginning The Duke humbly thanking the King aunswered Wee doubt not my Lorde but by the hope of God and fauour of our Ladies to ende our affaires with fortunate successe but if nowe we should giue ouer and not goe forward with our promise we might woorthily be reprooued of shame cowardise the most villainous reproches that can be to any noble hart The King perceiuing the earnest affection of these two yong Princes and that to denie their request would be more hurtfull then to graunt commaunded him againe to procéede with their intent with such suretie against all strange Knights as what losse or victory happened to them they must be content with all that fell out The Duke not a little ioyfull kissing his highnes hande departed and immediatly acquainted Prince Lewes therewith but nowe the Queene vnderstanding her Sonnes enterprise sent for him and with sad countenance thus spake I would my Son that the intent of you and the Duke of Sauoye were eyther awhile deferred or vtterly forgotten because I greatlie doubt that the ende will bring a further consequence then you expect For thinke you that by all your forces and Chiualries the beauties of your Ladies shal be any iote increased no beléeue me but if they loue you as loyall Freendes ought to doo as greatlie wil they dislike your enterprise as feare the daunger whereinto you may fall a matter causing other desire then you thinke on more offensiue perhaps to them then anie honor you may winne can please them Lewes who by no meanes would be disswaded from his conceit aunswered Good Mother if for no other feare this matter shal not be reuoked in regard of the shame neuer dying dishonor I shall gaine thereby which makes mee desire a thousande deathes then not to bee so good as my worde therefore perswade your selfe good Mother that albeit her beautie for whom I enter the Combat cannot bee more perfect hereby in that it is without imperfection yet such is my resolution in a matter so certaine as her sweete lookes shall deliuer me strength enough to ende my taske without dreade of any inconuenience yâ— may happen The Duchesse enflamed with loue hearing these wordes on her behalfe must needes speake and thus began I knowe not my Lorde who is the Ladie you loue nor what are her vertues but heereof I can assure you that she is highlie beholding to you and except great reason to the contrarie ought to loue you considering what perill you thruste your selfe into for her beautie Madame quoth the Prince the trauaile I shall take and the bad fortunes may befall mee are little of no account in respect of her gracious deserts therefore for her honour I will beare my inwarde paines with secrete content and attempt these outwarde actions with the greatest courage I can possible desiring no other recompence then her fauourable conceit whereof once assured nothing can seeme difficult to me no were it to dye in her diuine seruice And as he would haue continued longer the King not yet thorowlie content with his promise past to the Duke of Sauoye entered the Chamber by whose countenaunce Lewes wel knewe he was mal content wyth him wherefore falling on his knée hee saide My Lorde no one is ignoraunt how all my welfare and reputation consisteth onelie in your Maiestie as a Prince and Father the most vertuous that I know which great good in some part to recompence I haue enterprised a matter vnwoorthie of dislike so please your highnes of your accustomed bountie to excuse accept it in good part in respect that such as are borne to the highest places of dignitie ought to bee more prompt and readie to all magnanimious actions then theyr inferiors chéefelie in prowesse chiualry and deedes of estimation What brought such renowne to Horatius Mutius Scaeuola Marcus Curtius Manlius Torquatus and a number more of Romaine Knights if not the couragious folowing of occasions offered What made for euer immortall the fame of Marius the Romaine Cittizen Hanniball the Carthaginian and Agesilaâ—â— the Greeke if not the vndaunted valour of their minds deliuered in their déedes of kinglie consequence Assuredly I beleeue that their Fathers Uncles and auncient progenitours neuer made them noble or ought renowmed what then onely vertue the very formatrix of all nobilitie For this cause my good Lorde and Father hauing now oportunitie as my Cozin yâ— Duke of Sauoye hath informed you may it please your grace to permit my endeuours with fauour to the ende I may deliuer perfect testimonie that I no whit degenerate froÌ„ your heroycall and kingly vertues The King somewhat moderating his former opinion answered Trust me Sonne full well you know howe to disguise and couer your follye
No permission of breathing was suffered betwéene them but blood and death earnestly desired on either part so that the King the Lordes and the Iudges reputed this for the strangest Combat that euer they sawe nor could they say who was likest to winne the fielde but if the one died the other could not escape so that the King mooued with compassion caused them to be seuered and commaunded them to enter theyr Tents Which motion liked well the Knight of the Sun for long he perswaded himselfe he could not hold out wherfore he mounted on horsebacke so well as he coulde withdrewe himselfe Palmerin béeing wonderfully displeased that he could not obtayne the victory of thys Knight Soone after the King and the Prince Lewes came into his Tent and séeing him very sore wounded woulde not let him staye there but sayd Beléeue me Sir Palmerin you haue great néede of rest and your wouÌ„ds I sée are very dangerous you shall therefore be conueyed to my Pallace where all helps that may be deuised shall be giuen assuring you that greater honour could neuer Knight purchase then you haue doone And though this last Combat were not ended you néede not be displeased the issue thereof importing yâ— death of the one or the other and perhaps of both which I would not haue séene for two of the best prouinces in my Realme And me thinks you should content your selfe hauing receiued before such honour ouer so many Lords and Knights of name come you therfore with me and Lord Trineus beare vs company Great thanks receiued the King of them for this honourable courtesie and Palmerin went with him to the Pallace where the Kinges Chirurgions tooke care of his woundes he béeing lodged in the most stately Chamber in the Courte Nowe the Prince Lewes beganne to loue Palmerin so déerely as he coulde not be an howre foorth of his coÌ„panie desiring his health as his owne welfare wherfore all thinges that he imagined Palmerin tooke pleasure in would he performe with his vttermost endeuours and would suffer none to hold him talk but only of matter that might yéeld pleasure and delight Notwithstanding diuers Knights conferring with him that euening as concerning the Knight of the Sunne Palmerin aunswered them that his mind should neuer be thorowly quieted vntil such time as he fought with him againe The Prince who still endeuoured to kéepe him from sadnes saide I beléeue my Lord that he will not easilie be induced to deale with you again for you brought him into such estate as hee will kéepe himselfe héereafter out of your handes and well I am assured that had you continued but a little longer the victorye had béene yours for the Knight was so weakened that he did nothing but defend your blowes It pleaseth you my Lord to say so quoth Palmerin but had he felt such valour in me or such courage as beséemes a vertuous Combatant hardlie coulde he escape as he hath doone neuerthelesse I hope with the fauour of Fortune to méete him once more and then we will trie who is the strongest Much other talke they had but Palmerin intreated the Prince that all the portraits of the conquered Ladies might bee brought him which were aboue an hundred of diuers beauties most strange fashions and among them all could be founde none seconde to Polinarda but as we haue said already that of Agriola the Princesse of England who by the report of a Gentleman present that had séene her was much more beautifull then her figure presented Such spéeches they continued so long of the Englih Uirgin as Trineus albeit he neuer sawe her became amorous of her and at yâ— instant he so solemnly vowed himselfe hers as thence forwarde he swore neuer to loue any but her so yâ— for her sake he thrust himselfe into manie perrillous fortunes as in the folowing discourse of the History you shall reade more at large From whom let vs returne to the Prince Lewes who seeing so many portraitures of Princesses and Ladies would dailie congratulate Palmerins good fortune and embracing him said So helpe me God my noble companion I woulde neuer desire greater riches in the world theÌ„ to resemble you especially in chiualry which in you is so surpassing al other as you haue ended to your honor what a number haue fayled in Oh howe happy may the Ladie account herselfe that hath such a Knight and were not the condition too cruell towards my selfe I could wish I were a Woman in her place to haue so high rule and commande ouer you At which words all present began to smile yet shewing good countenaunce to Palmerin for the affection they sawe the Prince beare him which is yet to this day a common vsage and practise among Courtiers but Palmerin somewhat ashamed of such superstitious prayses aunswered Trust me my Lorde I account my happines the greater that I haue doone seruice to so high a personage and so good a Knight as you are desiring to méete you in such place héerafter where you may perceiue the good wil I beare you not only for this high entertainement which is more then I can deserue as for the pleasure I haue to honour so good a Prince which if the occasion happen you shall perceiue the experience I haue spoken nothing quoth the Prince but what is more acquainted to others then my selfe and if I would conceale them then will they be most openly knowne because vertue doth so apparantlie shine in them Manie other spéeches passed betwéene them and longer had continued but that manie Lords which came to sée the Ioustes were now vpon departing and therefore woulde take their leaue of the King whereuppon they were constrained to breake off the Prince going to the Chamber of presence where hee gaue thanks to a number that honoured the Courte with theyr presence and so one after another all departed the Duke of Sauoye béeing one of the first ashamed God knowes to be so conquered by Palmerin and not bidding his Lady Lucemania farewell But Lewes did not serue the Duchesse so for her loue continued as resolute as before and shee loued him as wel conquered as had he béene the conquerour whereof she assured him by many amorous méetinges by which meanes the Prince stayed the Duke at the Courte longer then himselfe would haue doone Lewes thus loâ—ing Palmerin as you haue hearde intreated the Duchesse to come and visite him which she accomplished the day folowing when Palmerin spent manie discourses with her rather of loue then entring into religion for he perceiued by her countenaunce that she had no will to become a Nunne where we will leaue them togeather to tell you who the Knight of the Sunne was that fought the last Combat with Palmerin CHAP. XL. VVho the Knight of the Sunne was and of his strange aduentures THe King of Hungaria Father to the Prince Tarisius that maried the faire Griana Mother to Palmerin had in his latter yéeres a Sonne named Netrides
and after he had long lyued in rest and prosperitie hee dyed leauing the yong Prince Netrides fiftéene yéere olde and in the custodie of his elder brother Tarisius This Netrides growing in good constitution of bodie and behauiour béeing well beloued generally so gracious gentle and well gouerned he was as the Lords Knights Gentlemen the people of Hungaria esteemed him more then their King Tarisius who béeing crowned after his fathers decease loued Netrides as brotherhoode required till Fortune enuious of this concorde not willing that the vertues of this yong Prince should be there extingushed changed his affection into excéeding hatred by an occasion héereafter following One daie the King Tarisius walking in his Garden to take the ayre left his Brother Netrides in his Chamber accompanied with the Quéene who without imagination of any harme nor that his fatall staâ—s woulde sort him anie mis-fortune sactte downe in the Kings chayre as he talked with the Quéene and continued there so long till Tarisius came vp and founde him there sitting which he tooke in such ill part as in a great rage he thus begaâ—me Who made thée so audacious and presumptuous to sitte in my seate against thy duety and my liking By mine honor thou hast doone more then thou wéenâ—st and if I sée the like againe or I may but heare thereof thy heade shall pay the price of thy folly Netrides who of his owne nature was humble and gentle fell downe on his knée intreating the King his Brother to pardon him for what hee had doone was not with any intent to displease his Maiestie but an ouersight and that so he would permit it to passe The King made him no aunswere because hee tooke Netrides reasons for no payment but conceiued a secret hatred in his minde by this occasioÌ„ of so slender moment which increased thence forward as the matter prouoking a fierie Meteore so that he did repine at his Brother so much as he would not speak to him nor affoorde him a good countenaunce Then called he to remembraunce the loue of his people towardes hys Brother and if this hatred should come to their knowledge for so small a cause he imagined they woulde displace him and make Netrides King For which cause hee intended to haue him slaine and the execution â—â—reof hee committed to one of his Archers but God who is euermore the preseruer of the innocent would not suffer such a damned déede of paracide to take effect Which Tarisius perceiuing and finding one day his Brother alone enflamed with this dyscontented humour sayd Netrides thou hast offended mee more then I will now stand to argue on I therefore banish thée my Court and Kingdome and looke that within three daies thou get thée hence and on thy life not to discouer it to any man or take any one with thée to beare thée coÌ„pany The yong Prince obedient to his Brother made answere that he wold accomplish his charge and so withdrew himselfe into his Chamber not declaring to any one hys cause of heauines Then willing one of his Squires to saddle hys Horse departed so closely as he coulde forbidding anie of his Seruaunts to follow him and such expedition he made as not resting but one night in any lodging he left his brothers kingdome wandering without anie care of himselfe or which way he tooke but went héere and there as fortune pleased to guide him Hauing long time trauailed in Alâ—lemaigne his money fayled him in that at his departure hee was but badlie prouided yet could not his priâ—celie minde abase it selfe to begge so yâ— béeing without meate or drink or anie place to rest himselfe in ashamed of himselfe hee sought to shroude him where none might discrye him and so entring a great Forrest very thicke set with Trées shrubs and bushes hee estéemed this a conuenient place to rest in wherefore alighting from his Horse and turning him to féede layd himselfe downe at the roote of a Trée and thus began to breathe foorth his complaints Ah inconstant Fortune and to me most of all inconstant didst thou erecte me so high and reiect mee nowe thus lowe well then may I saie that more wrong thou doost a man in one houre then right all his life time for it héeretofore thou diddest lende me pleasure and delight thou nowe makest me pay for it and that with vsury too rigorous not leauing anie hope to comfort mee Ah tirranous King cruell and vnmanlike Brother thou hast with shame banished me and brought me into this poore estate wherein I must die Oh happy if I might rather then to liue in the vile estate of beggery So saying he layde him downe among the Hearbes and was supprised with such extreame féeblenes as he fell into his lamentations againe thus Ah my Lord and Father too soone diddest thou leaue me woulde God I then had borne thée company or that at this instant I could come to thee Ah men of Hungâ—ria I am well assured knowing the loue you euer bare me that you will pittie when you heare my afflictions and calamities alas I neuer deserued this vnhappy ende And béeing vnable to continue longer spéeche he there determined to finish his life But better fortune befell him then he expected by the meanes of an auncient Knight named Lombardo who béeing néere hearde all his dolorous complaints This Knight béeing rich and of noble blood had neere that Forrest a strong delightfull and sumptuous Castell and delighted to walke among the woods for his recreation as good hap it was fore Netrides that he walked this euening He hearing these sad and sorrowfull regrets pittie so touched his hart as the teares bedewed hys â—héekes yet would he not trouble him while he continued his mones but afterward came and tooke him by the hand saying Arise my Freende and take courage for you are in the place where you shall finde more good to benefit you then harme to offende you therefore cherish your spirites and forget this heauines which may endaunger you beyond recouerie Netrides séeing this honourable Gentlemanne with his bearde so white as snowe hearing his courteous offer and for him nowe so necessary with ioy feare bashfulnes all coupled togeather accepted it and humbly thanked him albeit quoth he a contented death is better to me them a miserable and dispised life The Knyght comforting him aunswered that it was not in his power to chuse lyfe or death but the founder of the heauens reserued that authoritie in his owne handes With these wordes hee tooke him by the hand and conducted him to his Castell where he was worthilie entertained by the Knight himselfe his Ladie and her Daughter one of the fairest Uirgins in all that Country Lombardo hauing heard all his mis-fortunes and hard aduentures in the night discoursed the whole to hys Ladie wherefore good Wife quoth he entertaine him so well as may be for I assure you he is discended of high degrée and if his manners and vertues bee
with him into England where he founde the Countrey very much desolated with warres to his no little greefe but leaue we them and returne to Palmeâ—in CHAP. XLII Of the great courtesie the King of Fraunce vsed to Trineus and Palmerin and of their returne into Allemaigne SO dilligently were Palmerins woundes attended which he had receiued by the hand of Frysol as not long after hee recouered his health whereof the King and Prince Lewes were highly glad and much more Trineus to whoÌ„e the King desired to giue his Daughter Lucemania in marriage which to compasse hée intended a sumptuous banquet whereto hee woulde inuite these twaine yet first he would acquaint the Quéene therewith and therefore began the matter with her thus I see Madame that our Daughter Lucemania is of yéeres sufficient for a Husband and because I euermore desired her highest preferment and that I would knâ—w if the Prince Trineus to whom I could wish she were espoused were anie thing in loue that waie affected for hardlie in my iudgment shall we finde a greater Lord béeing heyre to the famous Emperour of Allemaigne for this intent I say will I ordaine a banquet whereto hee and noble Palmerin shall bee inuited and our Daughter to beare them company in yâ— best sorte you can deuise The Quéene who more desired this marriage then the King her Husbande aunswered You doubt not my Lord that I request her chéefest aduantage wherefore let it be as you haue determined and shee shall be present as you haue appointed This matter thus procéeding two daies after were Trineus and Palmerin called to this banquet and to honour them the more the King caused his Sonne Lewes with a braue companie of Knightes and Gentlemen to conduct them into the Pallace where they were royallie receiued by the King and Quéene and so led vppe into the Chamber appointed for their banquet After they had washed the King caused Trineus to sitte by him and Palmerin against him aboue whom sat faire Lucemania his Daughter béeing placed iust opposite to yâ— Prince Trineus the Quéene to furnish the Table satte downe by the King And albeit nature had bestâ—wed on yâ— Princesse most exquisite beautie yet her sumptuous accoustrâ—ments made her appeare most amiable but all coulde not mooue the hart of Trineus to forget her to whose shrine hee was dedicated The banquet ended and yâ— Tables withdrawne Trineus daunced with the fayre yong Princesse courting her with manie honest decent spéeches which made Lucemania suppose he loued her but the Prince noted it well enough albeit his affections were bound to English Agriola In this time the other Ladies were conferring of Palmerins knightlie valour when the Countie of Armignac his Sonne intreating the Duke of Orleaunce Daughter to daunce was thus staied by her spéeches to yâ— other Ladies You sée faire Ladies quoth shee that Palmerin hath misprized our beauties to reuenge our iniurie let vs all fall vppon him and shut him in some place where hee may neuer come foorth for if he escape vs the Allemaigne Ladies shall beare the honor from the French which will bee to vs perpetuall discredite These wordes she spake with such a pleasant countenaunce as mooued all the other Ladies to smile whereupon the Duchesse of Burgundie answered In sooth it is necessarie we should doo so and let vs not suffer him to gette out of our handes so easilie as he did from the Knights that came to the Combat All the companie lyked this motion well but the King said Ladies I will not consent that Palmerin shall haue anie wronge because I haue taken him into my guarde And who shall make recompence quoth another Ladie for the wrong hee hath doone vs You ought to suffer for satis-faction saide yâ— King and bee glad that you had the meane to sée the best Knight in the world for mine owne part I promise you I rest so contented Palmerin hearing the King so commende him bashfullie thus aunswered Alas my Lorde there is no such matter in me as pleaseth your Maiesty to report but what my abilitie is it remaines to doo you seruice accounting my selfe more then happy by comming to your Courte to haue knowledge of a Prince so noble and vertuous and no man liuing next my Lord the Emperour that maie commauÌ„de me more then your highnes Among other speeches yâ— King broke the matter of his Daughters marriage to Palmerin desiring him to labour in the cause to Trineus which hee promised but al in vain for after they had taken their leaue to returne towards Allemaigne though Palmerin was earnest in the matter in respecte of the beautie and nobilitie of the Princesse as for the support he might haue by matching with the Daughter of Fraunce yet Trineus thus answered I thanke you my Lord for the good you wish mee as also the honour the King affoordes mee but another beyond her whose renowne hath conquered me is Lady and Mistresse of my affections And because you are hee frâ—m whom I will not hide my most secrete thoughts know that it is Agriola Daughter to the King of England to whom though my Father be an enemie yet by your aide mine owne good endeuours I doo not doubt to compasse my loue You knowe my Lord quoth Palmerin that I wish as wel to you as mine owne hart and when occasion serues tryall shall make manifest And séeing you haue fixed your loue on faire Agriola of England imparting likewise the same so confidently to me I am perswaded you coulde neuer make a better choise therefore let nothing chaunge your opinion Thus rode they on with manie sundrie spéeches not a little gladde they were returning to the Emperour but Palmerin much more then was Trineus for the desire hee had to sée his Ladie Polinarda wherefore with the consent of the Prince he sent a Squire before to aduertise the Emperour of their comming before whom he had no sooner doone reuerence but he was presentlie knowne and demaunded in what estate his Son Trineus and Palmerin were where he had left them what accideÌ„ts had happened in Fraunce Then the Squire rehearsed the Combats and victories of his Maister against the Princes of Fraunce and the Dukes of Gaule Sauoye with their royall entertainment by the King and his Sonne howe manie portraits of Ladies Palmerin had conquered with the whole discourse of euerie action Whereof the Emperour the Empresse and all the Lords Ladies were maruailous glad yet was not theyr ioy comparable to the Princesse Polinardas hearing the Squire reueale the honourable déedes of her loue so that her conceit might be discerned by her couÌ„tenance needes she must thus demaunde of the Squire I praie thée tell me my Fréende howe fares my Lord and Brother with his noble companion Sir Palmerin The Squire wel abuised because he knewe the loue betwéene her and his Maister sette his knee to the grounde againe with this aunswere I left the Prince your Brother accompanied with
Which she thankfully accepted and spending this whole daie in diuers delights Palmerin béeing in the euening in his Chamber accompanied with Ptolome sent his Dwarffe to the Princesse to appoint the time of their méeting and she séeing the Dwarffe caught him about the necke demaunding of him what newes hee brought None but good Madame answered the Dwarffe my Maister hath sent you the Bon soir and therewith his humble duetie to your highnes for being your Knight and liuing onelie to doo you seruice he hath good hope that your vertuous nature wyll not forget howe many daungers he hath past for your sake and nowe dooth loue appeale for his desired reward Therefore good Madame as you are hartfast vnite your selues handfast giue my Maister life your selfe comfort and make me happy by carrying of this message for I vowe by the reuerend faith I beare you bothe that I will not depart without some gracious aunswere Polynarda smyling to heare Vrbanillo speake so earnestlie sayd The assuraunce thou giuest me of the trustie affection thou bearest thy Maister dooth not a little content mee and pitty it were so good a Knight shoulde labour all this while in vaine therefore perswade thy Maister that to morrow at night I will méete him where we were wont and there will I resolue him to his owne content CHAP. XLIII How Palmerin went in the night to the appointed place to conferre with his Lady Polinarda and the amorous communication they had togeather VRbanillo with chéerefull countenaunce returned to his Master declaring to him his talke wyth Polynarda her swéete lookes her gracious aunsweres how choiselie she loued him and lastlie her promise to meete him in the accustomed place yet is not this all for before you depart with her shee hath assured mee to resolue you to your owne content And that is it I want ê™ he for might I once receiue my content then shoulde I thinke my trauailes rewarded And doubt you not thereof saide the Dwarffe if she be a woman of her worde Then Ptolome béeing present asked the Dwarffe if he saw Bryonella No in sooth quoth he she was not in the Princesse Chamber nor to my knowledge was she acquainted with my comming yet dare I thinke she will be there with my Lady The time béeing come the Ladies were at the place with deuotion answerable to those silent howres and theyr Knights not fayling their appointment what pleasure on eache side was conceiued is not to be enquired for all wyshings are nothing in respect of their contentments Polynarda hauing her fréendly Knight before her so sweete a blush ecclipsed her countenaunce as woulde driue nature into a studie to frame the like and thus she began Alas my sweete Freende in what paine anguish and heauines of hart hath your absence brought me what teares haue fallen from mine eyes and drops of blood froÌ„ my hart by renting sighes and â—easelesse acclamations remembring our pleasures past our present comfort and the hope of better hap to come What dolorous conceits hath often wounded me thinking on so many hazards and perrils as might hinder me from séeing you againe and not without cause beléeue me for had you miscaried neuer Ladie sustained such a losse in respect of your Knightlie valour and the vnfeigned loue I heare you whereof before I depart I meane assuredlie to resolue you in requitall of your honâ—urable tranailes for maintenaunce of my beautie And héereof perswade your selfe good Knight that to haue you I refuse all other good fortunes whatsoeuer and therefore I carâ— not though it were openlie knowne how especiallie I prize desire loue and estéeme you Palmerin confounded with this long expected comfort and not able to endure with silence interrupted her in this manner By the faith of your sworne Seruaunt swéete Madame the perrils mishaps and dangers I haue past since my departure neuer deserued the verie least of your coÌ„plaints nor could my endeuours prooue such as your incomparable perfections merrited the onelie remembraunce whereof was sufficient to make me inuincible wherefore faire Mistresse if I haue wunne anie honorâ— your fauour was the meane and your beautie gaue mée the vertue streaming so plentifullie from your chaste eiâ—s as the water from the Fountaine To little purpose were it nowe to rehearse yâ— strange assaults massacring thoughts and violent flames wherein I haue buried and continuallie béene crucified since the howre it pleased you to let mee sée Fraunce vndoubtedly yâ— verie meanest of my sufferings was able to destroie me without the resolute assuraunce of your diuine fauour which triuÌ„phing â—uer death shall make me liue continuallie So that the desire to let you knowe how assuredlie I am yours and the continuall wyshing to see you againe gaue mee victorie ouer your enemies and brought me safe thorow all extreamities to honour you as I doo at this present It nowe remaines Madame that you regarde the trueth of my loue the permanence thereof and the instant passions worsse then death to mee yet with this prouiso that I presume not of anie action meritorious but your grace which is able to strengthen me in greatest debilitie And no where know I to séeke for pittie and support of my cares if not onelie by her who hath yâ— soueraigne power to chase hence the cruell and euer threatning menaces of death Forbeare good my Lorde quoth she thus to talke of death considering I cannot liue one howre without you nor holde I any comfort of my life but onelie in loouing you to enioy you so that what you endure I suffer and no passion torments you but I haue a share therein so deuoutlie is my spirit conforted with yours And therefore thinkâ— not your oppressions greator then mine for if you doo it procéedeth by want of experience of feminine passions the extreamitie whereof farre surmounteth your sexe For which cause to giue some rest to our long and ouertrauailed desires I giue you héere my hand and therewithall a chast hart accepting you onely for my Lorde Husbande and to my promise call Heauen Earth to witnes Where is the wit so daintie the tongue so florishing or the penne so dilligent as can conceiue report or set down in perfect coullers the ioyes of these louers You faire Lordinges and you likewise swéete Ladies that long haue trauailed in amorous affections and in the ende receiued the rewarde of your passions by your owne conceites can imagine the content of these twaine for Palmerin was of this opinion that Iupiter had not the like pleasure with faire Alemena for whom hee caused one might to endure the space of three daies as hee hadde with his gracious Mistresse Polinarda For nowe the manifolde strokes he gaue for beautie were héere remembred his daungerous trauailes in all places recounted his absence with kinde gratulations welcommed his teares sighes complaints feares resolued and lastlie his long vnchangeable and most faithfull loue fâ—eendlie rewarded Let vs not heere forget that Ptolome and Brionella
answere replyed In truth my Lord if I were not desirous to fulfill what is required in chiualrie I wold not so boldly haue made this demaund therefore for such exceptions as you admitted let mee not I beséeche you be denied at this time and let this induce you that such as are borne to gouerne Kingdoms if they giue themselues onelie to pleasure without passing through the pykes of some dangerous hazarde they are not woorthie to be lifted to such honor The Emperor hearing the braue minde of his Sonne and that his wordes fauoured of courage conceiuing well thereof answered Since your desire is so earnest to be made Knight I am well contented but I wold haue it doone honorablie and before a greater assemblie then now is in our Court Alas my Lord said Trineus there is no néede of tryumphe before victorie let such pomp remaine I pray you til I haue wâ—nne honor and accounte by my déedes The Emperor ioyfull of the Princes good opinion perswaded himselfe he wold 〈◊〉 fortunate wherfore he graunted his request so that Palmerin might accoÌ„panie him in his voyage Of which condition Trineus was not sorie because in him consisted all his hope of successe so his Father commaunded him to prepare himselfe for hys order whereupon Trineus made himselfe a costlie Armor and another for Palmerin the deuises béeing changed because they intended to passe vnknowne Nowe had the Emperor leuied an Armie of tenne thousande good Souldiers the conduct wherof was appointed to the Countie Tolano a Knight valiant and hardie hauing had like charge in sundrie occasions of war therefore so soone as all things were in readines they were embarqued and sayled with such benefite of winde and weather as soone after they tooke landing in England Where a while we will leaue returning to Polynarda greatlie discontent with her Brothers departure because of Palmerin and Brionella no lesse troubled for her fréend Ptoleme but the Princesse féeling newe afflictions for the absence of her loue came to her Brother saying I knowe not Brother who hath aduised you to venture so dangerously our Cozin hauing assistance sufficient without hazarding your personne let mee then intreate you good Brother to affect occasions that promise better securitie Better occasions Sister quoth hee it is impossible if it be a thing allowable vertuous to succour a stranger howe much more then is it to our Kinsman especially such a one as is our Cozin of Norvvay therefore I pray you be of good comfort till my returne And if it so happen that my Father in my absence intend your marriage looke that your consent not til I come home againe for my not being héere will serue you for a sufficient excuse Which Polinarda promised and her word so past stoode her in no small sted afterward as you shall finde in the discourse following So soone as Trineus was prouided of all thinges for his knighthoode he came to the Emperour in this maner I desire you my Lord to accomplish your promise hauing doone my duetie as you commaunded me With right good will my Sonne saide the Emperor goe Arme your selfe Then went hee Palmerin and Ptolome armed to the Chappell Trineus béeing in Gréene Armour figured all 〈◊〉 with harts of Golde and in his Shéelde was portraied a Knight vnarmed holding in his hand a Bowe bent with an arrow readie to shoote against a gréene Trée whereon hunge a scrole which had written in it in Letters of Gold this mot Madame quand mourray-ie Whereby he meant that the loue which made him enterprise this voyage should beare him companie till death Palmerins Armor was all blacke declaring his mourning for his absence from his Lady and in his Shéelde for his deuise was figured a goodlie Eagle shâ—ouding a little Birde vnder his winges declaring therby the fauour he had receiued of his Mistresse Soone after came the Emperor into the Chappell where hee Knighted his Sonne put his Spur on his héele and giâ—ded his sworde about him afterward they went to dinner and spent the whâ—le daie in manie pleasures for ioy of the newe Knight Pâ—â—merin Ptolome to comfort their Ladies before theyr departure according as they were wont when yâ— Princesse Polinarda thus began Alas my Lorde what gréefe wyll your departure be to me with what patience doo you think I am able to endure it perswade your selfe the very conceit of your absence will be my death or at least a cause of such danger as I shall neuer recouer Bee well aduised therefore how you deale with me for the intent of my Brother maie be broken if you would labour in it but if it may not be then saue my life by your spéedie returne These words were deliuered with such teares and reking sighes as Palmerin might well perceiue the vehemence of her gréefes and answering her heauines with as earnest oppression said Swéete Ladie bee perswaded tempeâ— your sorrow with patience considering the vnion of our spirites makes a simpathie of afflictions if then for my sake you will not pacifie your selfe yet to shéeld your owne perril let me intreate you to be resolued in that my returne shall bée with such expedition as you will commaunde But if you continue thus melanchollie you will bewray what as yet shoulde bee concealed and so may great harme ensue to vs both Wherfore I desire you to moderate your impatience and thinke well of my departure which is chéefelie to seeke out a Knight against whome I fought in Fraunce for your beautie as for anie other matter you may beléeue me Whereuppon he reported his Combat with the Knight of the Sunne which made the Princesse as well for Palmerins promise as the account he made of Frysol somewhat better quieted to answere If it be so my Lord that your returne will bee with such spéede I shall enforce my selfe to beare the burthen of my cares with as much patience as I can and sée you faile not your appointed time but tell mee I praie you what Armes beares the Knight of the Sunne you spake off which Palmerin discribing Polinarda remembred him saying My Lorde I know nowe very well what he is for eight daies after your departure towardes Fraunce the Emperour my Father knighted him commaÌ„ding mee to gird him with his Sworde which I coulde not but obey wherein the Knight glorying sollicited me with affections not liking me which I pray you reuenge béeing the man whom the matter néerest concerneth After manie other amiable conferences the Knights humbly tooke their leaue of their Ladies and in the morning betimes the Mariners called on Trineus and his companie to hast aboorde because the winde serued well for England which they performed with all speede hauing first taken their farwell of the Emperour and the Court. So hoysing sayle they sette on to Sea and in good tâ—me came within yâ— kenning of England where we will forsake them awhile and returne to the Emperors Armie which he sent to the King
himselfe Ah loue hast thou wrought so happily for mée as my Ladie knowes my secrete afflictions shall I be so fortunate as she will 〈◊〉 remorse on my passions swéete hope perswades mee so for the often change of her diuince countenaunce tels me there is some mercie in working The King and Quéene departing into their Pauilion Trineus and Palmerin did the like into theirs the Prince taking Vrbanillo aside demaunded if he had any good newes for him If you will graunt mée one thing said the Dwarffe I will tell you such tydings as cannot but content you Demaunde what thou wilt quoth Trineus and by the faith of a Prince thou shalt not bee denied Then beganne the whole discourse hee had with the Princesse and what deuotion shée had for the recouerie of his health Iudge you in what rare humour the Prince now felt himselfe without question he imagined himselfe in a more beautifull paradise then euer was inuented by Epicurus himselfe and embracing the Dwarfe he said Ah my good fréend what wilt thou yâ— I giue thée tell mée what thou demaundest thou hast my whole life so much at thy command as thou maist liberally share out thine owne recompence but séeing the beginning is so good no doubt much better remaineth behind Why my Lord ê™ the Dwarfe you know I was borne to doo you seruice commaund what you please and I will accomplish it Then shalt thou said the Prince returne to my Mistresse againe and kissing her hande present her from me this Emerald desiring her to weare it for my sake with remembrance to pittie his painfull miseries whose life and death is onely in her hand Vâ—banillo taking the ring Trineus and Palmerin went to passe the time with the King and the Princesse at their entraunce regarding Trineus perceiued by his countenance that he vnderstoode her message for his blood was now risen chéerely in his face which before was suncke downe with too much langushing so that she imagined her selfe more happie in béeing so be loued then to loue and knew not well how to dissemble her ioy Ah poore Trineus the paine thou endurest attending the wished houre to speake with her far surmouneth the torments of Leander awaighting when Phoebus would go bathe himself with Thetis and the Marine Goddesses that he might afterward swim to his affianced Heroe and had not shée giuen thée a better signe by her eye to aduenture I would haue reckoned thée more infortunate then the beâ—râ—thed spouse to the prisoner of Abydos Now had Trineus bashfully taken the Princesse by the hand when vnhappily one came to aduertise the king that the hart he had â—hased the day before was now againe gotten within yâ— toylâ—â— that if it pleased him to hunt in the morning hee should no doubt kill him with little labor These newes were so welcome to the King that because he would the next morning more earlie go to his pastâ—ne hée withdrewe himselfe for that night the Quéene and Agriola likewise departing to their Pauillion so that Trineus encounter was thus preuented and he with Palmerin returned to their Tâ—nt trusting still on the Dwarfes diligence that he should perfect all things to his hearts desire to perswade him the more Palmerin thus began I haue this hope my Lord séeing alreadie so manie good signes that you cannot any way â—ée deceiued in your loue and this I would aduise you Fortune béeing so fauourable assisting you to her very vttermost you should nâ—t hence-foorth shewe your selfe so feminine but in hardie manner reueale to the Princesse when you shall find her at conuenient leysure both howe you loue her and what fauourable grace you expect at her hands I must confesse that Letters and messages are able to doo much but the person béeing present and knowing how to request and how to be answered is more auailable a thousand times and in bréefe no Messenger can bée like himselfe I speake not this as though my Dwarfe were not faithfull but to this ende that shée should receiue no occasion of displeasure In how manie dangers haue Gentlemen béene only by the bad construction of their seruants message the readiest wit that it cannot number them therefore if you find oportunitie attend no other suter but your selfe This councell wel liked the Prince Trineus wherfore he determined to speak to her himselfe so soone as time and leysure woulde permit him and in this resolution they went to take theyr rest but the remembrance of Polinarda would not suffer Palmerin to sléepe comparing his ioy in her presence with his tormeÌ„ting passions nowe in her absence breathed foorth maâ—iâ— sighes â—hed manie teares till at length hee began to slumber wherin he thought he discerned this sight Béeing in coÌ„panie with the King he sawe come foorth of a darke caue a dreadful Lyon who with open throat set vpon him and assayled him in such maner as with his nailes téeth he rent his Armor and put him in verie great daunger of his life so that he stroue in such sort in his sleepe as Trineus béeing in bed with him awaked him deemaunding why he strugled so earnestly Palmerin thus awaked desired God to withstand all his euils and afterward recounted to Trineus the whole effect of his dreame and said It will not bée amisse my Lord that to morrow we ride armed in the Kings companie for such illusions albeit they commonly fall out vntrue yet can presage no good to follow I like your counsell well aunswered Trineus and that Ptolome go armed as well as we In the morning they arose and armed themselues all saue their Helmets and Launces which their Squires caried and in this sort came to bid the King good-morrow who meruailed much to sée them so prepared and doubting they had receiued some occasion of offence demanded what mooued them so to be armed You know my Lord quoth Palmerin that a Knight ought euermore to be ready for all aduentures and not knowing what inconuenience or danger may happen before such time we shall returne againe we haue armed our selues to preuent the worst The King not discontented with this answer mounted on horsebacke comming to the chase had excellent game at Déere Hart Bore and wilde Buffell wherein hée tooke such excéeding pleasure as he determined to stay there fiue or sixe daies longer But in the place where he supposed himselfe safe and frée from all hazard suddainly hée was solicited with the chaunges of fortune for the Quéen and her daughter Agriola were in meruailous danger as you shall reade in the discourse following Chap. LI. How the Queen of England and Agriola her daughter were in danger to be rauished by the giant Franarco and of the succour they had by Trineus Palmerin and Ptolome THe king returning from the chase with his companie little minding any infortunate euent and conferring with Palmerin til they drew néere vnto their Tents at length they heard a great tumult and beheld a Squire making
in a fayre Medow neare a Bridge and there placed twelue knights the most hardie and valiant men in all his Dukedome who should maintaine this order that no Knight shoulde passe ouer the Bridge vnlesse hée entred Combate with those twelue Knightes one after another and such as were vanquished shoulde submitte themselues to the Dukes mercy eyther for their deliueraunce or to remaine his prysoners and the horsse of the partie foyled should belong to the conquerer but if they were dismounted the passenger shoulde go on his iourney and take theyr Horsses with him Thys aduenture thus established many good Knights were ouer come because it was a verye harde matter to vanquishe twelue Knights and yet escape But the Duke tooke no little pleasure heerein who detained Frysol more by constraint then otherwise for his anger so vehemently encreased against Palmerin as no delight or pleasure coulde expiate his reuenging desires Chap. LV. How Palmerin went with the Damosell to accomplish the promise he made her and what befell him PAlmerin as you haue heard departed from the Damosell in a rage because he coulde not execute what he intended wherefore hee deuised to deale some other way and to single foorth Frisol in such conuenient place as one of them should dye before they departed And as he was imagining some other way to ouertake Frysol the Damosel had now againe recouered his company saying I pray you Sir Knight conceiue no il opinion of me for hindering you from killing your enemie whome you haue left in very great ieoperdy considering what bountie and courage is in him and which your selfe perhaps will bee sorye for Wherefore I pray you forget this displeasure determinâ— to fulfill what you haue promised which if you will doo you must go with me Beléeue me Damosell saide Palmerin you shewed but little courtesie so often hindering me from the thing which aboue all other in this worlde most tormenteth mée What vnhappye bodye are you but more vnhappye the houre I mette with you but séeing it is reason I shoulde kéepe my promise leade the way and I will not faile to follow you So rode they on and for foure dayes space hée woulde not speake one word to her and fayne he would haue left her company but that he could not with honor forsake her The next daye as they rode by a Riuers side Palmerin espyed a Knight standing with a Bowe and arrow in his hand which he let flye at his Horse killed him Palmerin impacient by remembraunce of Frysol and angrye that the Knight had thus killed his Horse made towardes him so fast as hee coulde but the Knight was suddainlye gotte on the further site of the Lake and Palmerin vppe to the middle in Water before hée was ware of it and nowe hee could neyther sée the Knight that slewe his Horse nor the Damosell that came in his companie Palmerin béeing in great perplexity when he sawe nothing but water rounde about him and féeling he was vpon a Bridge behelde a meruailous déepe streame running vnder it and at the ende thereof a goodly Castle Walking along the Bridge toward the Castle amazed at this contrary aduenture hée espyed a Knight on the battlements of thÌ„ Castle who sayde Staye a while Syr Knight one shall come presentlye and open the Gate Palmerin knewe not what to say but determined to defende himselfe if any came to assaulte him so the Castle Gate béeing opened hée entred with his sword drawne yet was there no man that displeased him but euery one made him humble reuerence with very good wordes and gentle countenaunce declaring by their behauiour that hée was more then welcome thither Thus walking on to the inner Court there came towardes him a Ladie accompanied with manie Damosels and Knights all shewing chéerefull gestures and the Ladie taking Palmerin by the hande sayde Ah gentle knight right welcome are you to this place and heauen bée praysed for the good it dooth mée to sée you here that is able to aâ—complish the thing which no other as yet coulde bée able to finish enter hardily in good assuraunce for you will wee make all the honour wée are able Palmerin beléeuing the Ladie was brought into a maruailous goodly Chamber where certaine Squires holpe to vnarme him bringing him a gorgeous Mantle to wrap about him This done he was conducted into a large Hall where the Table was couered the Ladie entertaining him so nobly as in the King of Englands Court hée coulde not be better The feast ended and the Tables withdrawne the Ladie beganne to deuise with Palmerin saying Long time my Lord haue we desired your comming as the man in whome our onely helpe consisteth for by your valour we are perswaded to be deliuered from the miserie wherin I and mine haue too long time béene detained I beséech you Madame quoth Palmerin to tell mée your affayres as also what the Knight meant to kill my Horse and why you entertaine mée with so great kindnesse If you wil promise mee saide the Ladie to accomplish a néedfull occasion and which I thinke is destinied to you I will resolue you otherwise I shall but loose my labour If it bée a matter reasonable quoth Palmerin and that a knight may compasse spare not to tell mee for I will do my endeuour therein Gramercies gentle knight sayde the Ladie the circuÌ„stance of the occasion followeth in this sort This Castel my Lord sometime belonged to my noble Father a Knight so hardie and valiant as any in these parts in whose yonger yeares loue so ouerruled him aa he affâ—cted a lady of no lesse quanlitie and condition then himselfe by whom he had a â—aughter at whose birth his Lady and Wife deceased My Father being yet in the flower of his youth matched the second time with a Lady of very honourable and auncient discent by whom he had me the first Childe My Sister come to fourtéene yéeres of age my father oftentimes would haue richly married her whereto she béeing vnwilling by my Fathers consent shée remained with her mothers Sister whose skill was very great in all sciences by whose counsel my sister caused a goodly Pallace to be edified and a strong Lower in an Isle on the other side of this Castle where afterwarde they made their continuall abiding During this time my father louing mee déerely matched me with a wealthie and noble knight excelling in all perfections but chéefely in chiualrie by whom I had a Daughter a yéere after our espousall but the more my gréefe my Husband and Father both died within little space after my Childs birth My Daughter being come to the yeeres of marriage her beautie made her desired of many noble Lords but because I still reputed her too yong I denied all her suteâ—s which afterwarde turned me to verie great detriment For my Sisters aunt had a sonne the most mishapped deformed and worst conditioned knight as all the Countrey could not shew such another yet became he
he would haue turned anotherway but one of the Knightes called to him Returne cowarde returne thou shalt not escape without tryall of thy manhoode for we must make proofe if there bee anye in thée Palmerin not knowing where to set his Hauke and very loth to loose it was not desirous to Iouste but séeing that with honour he could not refuse it aunswered It is small courtesie Sir Knight to challenge the man that hath no wil to your sporte but if there be no remedye your will be fulfilled albeit I hope you will first repent it I sée thou canst prate well quâ—th the Knight and beléeue mee thou wert wise if thou couldest so escape but séeing thou art so long before thou art readye I le bring thee to such a place where haukes shal not hinder thee and in one yéere thou shalt spare the wearing of Bâ—â—tes and spurres in such a comfortable place as the Sunne nor day light shall â—ffend thine eyes I hope I haue learned sayd Palmerin to kéepe my selfe from such places but I would faine knowe the gentle Chamber Page that is so skilfull in waiting with his Pantofies as he can teach Knights errant how to weare them The knight being angry called foorth the rest of his companiâ—â—s among whome he espied Hermes prisoner his Helmet lying by him and his armes pinniâ—nd therefore to reuenge his wrâ—nge he called his Squire saying I pray thée my Fréend looke to my Hauke a while for I am come to defendâ— thy Maisters honour and calling to the dukes Knight saying Come Sir let vs dispatch quickly for I haue earnest busines in another place the Knight laughing at him answered Why how now Captaine thinke you to passe hence so easilye Héere are sufficient to stay your hasty iourney eleuen more must talke with you the wâ—orst of them able to abate your pride for your horsse lackes a stable and wee will prouide him one So couching theyr Launces they mette togither with such force as the Dukes knight was throwne from his Horâ—â—e his shoulder béeing broken with the weight of his fall Palmerin arresting the Knightes horâ—â—e for his â—wnâ— gaue him to Hermes squire in kéeping saying Because the Knight is not willing to get on horse-backe againe hâ—ld this for mee and he maye lie at ease to sée the fortune of his fellowes Then came another Knight from the tent whom Palmerin welcommed in so fréendlye manner as he lay not able to stirre hand or foote with this one Launce hée vnhorssed foure more and brake it so valiantlye on the seauenth Knight as while he liued he meant to ioust no more With a fresh Launce hée dismounted all the rest none of them being willing to deale with him any further wherefore Palmerin came to Hermes saying What doo you 〈◊〉 Knight Why take you not the best Horse among all the 〈◊〉 That â—â—all I Sir séeing you commaund me albeit not loâ—◠〈◊〉 you serue me as thâ—se Knights are yet God be thanked that by your meanes I am deliuered from imprisonment wherein these knights intended to kéepe me because I vnhorsed foure of them and at the fift encounter my horse was killed which was the cause of my foyle and taking The knights quoth Palmerin haue nowe leysure to resâ— them for they were troubled before with watching for passengers I doubt not now but we may quietly passe the bridge for I sée none of them offer to hinder vs. Hermes mounting on horse backe commauded his squire to take a fresh one for him likewise and so they rode on together reioycing at this good fortune They had not ridden the space of a mile but Hermes demauded Palmerins name which when hee knewe in great reioysing he saide Ah worthy knight now is my trauel ended in search of you trust me I would refuse the best citie in England in respect of the great friendship I haue found at your hands as also for the comfort your presence will bring to our dread Lord and your noble companions who long time haue expected your desired returne As they rode on in these spéeches they came to a fayre fountaine where Palmerin would alight to refresh himselfe and to bind vp such smal wounds as he had taken in iousting against the knights of Gaule Chap. LIX ¶ How Frisol was deliuered out of Palmerins handes by the meanes of Colmelio his Squire THe same day that Palmerin â—ousted with the knights of Gaule the duke himselfe was gone on hunting by meanes whereof he lost the sight of the pastime which afterward hée repented because he had with him the most part of his knights so that no one was left in his Castle but Frisol that might bee counted of any value who beholding so many knights â—oyled by one maruailed not a little what be might bee and after long consideration of his haughtie exploits hée saide to himselfe I cannot thinke this knight to be the man against whom I combatted sometime in Fraunce yet know I no man liuing but 〈◊〉 that could performe such rare chiualrie Now because Palmerin had changed his armor he verily imagined that it was not he yet was he desirous to know but doubtfull to follow him by reason of his former experience againe if he should suffer him to passe without some triall he iudged it would returne to his great dishonour wherefore he resolued to aduenture his fortune And in this determination he came to the dukes sister who loued him intirely as you heard before she beginning with him in this manner I cannot sufficiently maruell 〈◊〉 Frisol how you haue suffered in your own view my brothers knights to be so shamefully conâ—â—unded by one passenger I deâ—â—re you swéet friend if euer you brake launce for a Ladies loue that for my sake you will deale with that proude knight and make him know that you can abate his courage were his head framed of yâ— hardest hammered brasse If you fulfill my request you shal do an acceptable déed to my brother to me such seruice as I shal hereafter requite to your own content Madame quoth Frisol I did intende to fight with him but séeing it pleaseth you so graciously to coÌ„mand me no danger can withhold me because the world can witnes what great auaile so honorable a Ladyes fauor is to the knight that liues to renowne her name So departing from his lady he presently armed himselfe mounting on a lustie Courser followed the way that Palmerin was gone the 12. knights not a little glad therof wel hoping yâ— he wold reuenge theyr dishonour Frisol continued his trauaile so long til at length he came to the fountaine where Palmerin refreshed himselfe who had no sooner espied him but surprisâ—â— with great ioy sayd to Hermes I am sure this knight comes hither is to seek me wherfore I intreat you by the reuerend loue you beare to your best beloued not any way to hinder yâ— fight betwéene vs til the end deliuer victorie to one 〈◊〉 or other for
he thinking to reueÌ„ge the reproch of his felow hath followed me to performe what they were not able Then Palmerin sodainly clasping on his helmet mounted on horsback and taking aduantage of the plaine field because it was most conuenient for the combat which Frisol perceiuing scornefully sayd I think Sir knight you are some kinde of prophet because you deuine so wel the cause of my comming vnhappie was it for you to preuaile in such sort against the duke of Gaules knights which you must now pay for with too late repentance If I did them any harme sayd Palmerin it was their owne séeking and by your arrogant spéeches it may be presumed you are one of the same company but yâ— loue of the Dukes sister cannot shéelde you from your deserued recompence At these words Frisol well perceiued that this was the knight he so much doubted Neuerthelesse his courage was so good as remembring the promise he made to his Lady gaue spurres to his Hose and they encountred with such braue chiualry as yâ— shiuers of their Launces flew vp into the aire and then they assaulted each other so roughly with their Swordes as well they might bée estéemed right valiant Champions No mercy was intended on either side for Frysol was determined to die or conquere and Palmerin held the same resolution so that the ground was coloured with their bloud their armour and shéeldes battered in péeces and no hope left on either side of life But as alwaies some mischance or other followes a noble mind so fel it out with Frisol for in their close buckling togither Palmerin had got sure hold on his shéeld which Frisol striuing forcibly to recouer the bucklâ— brake in sunder and with the sodaine breach therof he fel down backward when Palmerin leaping from his horse said And let me neuer hereafter bee called Palmerin if now I do not reuenge my selfe sufficiently Which words when Frisols squire heard he came hastily and fell at his féete saying Noble knight I beséech you for the honour you beare to arms to pause a while tel me if you be Palmerin D'Oliua for if you be I am your brother who haue suffered great paine and trauaile to finds you out Palmerin presently knew Colmelio the sonne of Gerrard his foster father whose sight was so ioyfull to his as casting away his sword he ran and embraced him about the neck saying My déere friend Colmelio the most welcome man in the world to me How happie may I account my selfe quoth Colmelio to finde you when all hope was past hauing trauailed so many countryes and al 〈◊〉 â—aiâ—e if then you loue me as you make protestation let me intreate one fauour at your hand that you forget your anger towards my maister Frysol and giue ouer your fight for long time haue I serued him as my Lord and well hath hee deserued much better seruice then mine Colmelio sayde Palmerin the thing thou demandest is meruailous great neuerthelesse such is my comfort hauing met with thée as I graunt thy request and happily hath he now escaped with life coÌ„sidering what occasions haue past vs héertofore So taking Colmelio by the hand he said to Frisol Sir knight at your squires intreatie I suffer you quietly to departe and méete with me againe at any time you thinke good but you shall go looke another Squire for Colmelio at this time goes with me Frisol who was wouâ—ded in many places very faint with losse of his bloud might eaâ—â—ly be induced to this agréement of peace but coÌ„ming to Colmelio he said Wilt thou forsake thy master and go with his enemy Trust me sir quoth Colmelio you must néeds pardon me if in this matter I chance to offend you for to séeke him I forsooke my fathers house haue continued a verie laboursome search If thou wilt néeds go said Frisol and that my intreaties may not dissawde thée I will pray for the successe of thy desires and thy aduancement to honour and while I liue will I account of thée as my fréend and brother So returning as he came he began in this manner to exclaime against Fortune Ah cruell inconstant Lady sufficed not thée to dishonour mee before mine enemie but thou must rob me of my squire I loued â—o deerely but so hast thou dealt with them of highest calâ—â—â—g for infinit kings and potentates hast thou deceiued â—nd before their very chéefest enemies dishonoured such hath beene thy trecherye to me at this instant that I may iustly coÌ„plaine of thée while I liue As he continued these complaints he met diuers armed Knightes that came to assist him and the duke himself in company among them who demanded of Frisol whither his enemie were slaine or sent away vanquished Uanquished sayd Frysol thinke you so good a knight may be so easily vanquished Then he dâ—â—â—â—â—rsed his whole successe which the duke hearing exclaimed on his huÌ„ting that he was not present when Palmerin passed wherefore he would néeds followe him but that Frisol intreated him to the coÌ„trary because the night approched so néere as it was impossible for him to ouertake Palmerin The duke in a maruellous rage for yâ— his enterprise fell out no better returned with Frisol and an houre within night they came to his Castell where hee called for his chirurgiâ—â—s charging them to giue diligent attendance â—n Frisol When the Dukes sister heard the misfortune of her friend she came hastily to him in his chamber after many swéet kisses said I beséech you my lord fâ—rget my folly for I was yâ— cause of your mischance Madame said Frisol where no offence is coÌ„mitted what néeds any remission If my fortune haue béene ill it is not for mée to complaine on you for your request tended to mine owne honour but I must be content with my hap though it hath sorted to so bad effect and this doth yet comfort me that I receiued my foile by the onely Knight in the worlde And if the heauens please to lengthen my dayes I shall be desirous to do him seruice for there is no man liuing to whom I could better affoord it Now néede I not mislike hauing tried him so often if he be worthy the loue of diuine Polinarda for he beyond all other doth best deserue it Why how now quoth the Lady are you so vnwise to honour him so much that hath so iniuried you and which is most childish to desire his seruice Goâ— then and séeke him whom thou so louest for by mine hâ—nour I more despise thée now then any man in the world thou making such reputation of him whom thou oughtest to pursue with mortall hatred Frisol smiling hereat said Madame I must néeds say so séeing no ill wordes can amend my mischaunce so without any aunswer she â—â—oong foorth of his Chamber The next day the Duke called all his Knights commanding them to restraine the passage â—o longer at the bridge intending to go to the Court sâ— soone as
the ship and mariners ready and getting all aboord the wind seruing for their auaile they set saile and before day they got farre enough from London Chap. LXII How the king of England and the Queene were aduertised how their daughter Agriola was conuayed away and of their sorrow for her departure THe Duke of Gaules daughter who continually was bedfellow to the Princesse absenting her selfe very long from bed fearing to disquiet her Ladie being sicke as she supposed but comming at length to sée hâ—w shee fared finding the bedde emptie and Agriola gone shee presently made a great out-crie whereat the other Ladies came and altogither amazed at this sudden aduenture went to the Quéenes Chamber where they reported how the Princesse was gone but howe or when they knew not The Quéene at these tydings suddenly arose and comming to her daughters Chamber found it too true which made her fal into such pitiful acclamations farre surpassing those of Maguelona when she lost her friend Peter of Prouince in the wood In these lamentings shee returned to the king whose heauines excéeded iudgment for the losse of his daughter and then came diuerse lords gentlemen who declared that the strange Knights were likewise departed Which raised such a â—umour through all the Citie that they had stolen away the Princesse The King vnderstanding the general sorow for his daughters absence said In sooth my friends if these Knights haue done such seruice for mée they haue sufficiently recompenced themselues in doing me the greatest dishonour they could deuise yet wil I not condemne them so much as my daughter for that I am perswaded shée procured this mischaunce But nowe I well perceiue what credit a maÌ„ may repose in his enemy for Palmerin euermore serued the Emperour of Allemaigne then hâ—rdly could he be true to mee Yet is it in vain for me to blame him or his companions if they tookâ— the aduauntage of their owne intents But now there 〈◊〉 no remedy my daughter is in the company of most chosen knights if she haue done well or ill hereafter her deserts will answer her misdemeanour Thus the king would not suffer any pursute after them though the Quéen and her Ladies earnestly intreated him he answering that no such mone should be made for a child so vngrateful 〈◊〉 disobedient but hauing committed an action so â—ile â—â—â—rme she should no more account of her as 〈◊〉 childe And well may wee quoth hee so refuse her in that she wouâ—â— leaue her parents and depart with straungers 〈◊〉 might we haue accounted our selues if we had lost her in her infancie The Quéene séeing her â—ord so impatient appeased his displeasure so well as she could because shee would not mooue him too much Within few dayes after the Duke of Gaule arriued at the Court who most of all gréeued at thâ—se vnhappy tidings wherefore he perswaded the king to proclaime open warre against the Emperour of Allemaigne assuring him that the knight which most commonly accompanied Palmerin was Trineus the Emperors sonne When the king heard the Dukes spéeches forgetting his anger he reioyced estéeming himselfe happy and his daughter wise in matching her selfe with such a husband and if she had made her choyse among al the Princes of the world shee could not haue sorted out one comparable in honor In bréefe aunswered the duke that for a daughter so lost he would not séeke the death of his louers and subiects but being one of Fortunes changes he could not withstand it and thus the king wisely and patiently entâ—red hiâ— gréeâ—e Chap. LXIII How Vrbanillo and the Prince Trineus Esquire arriued at the Emperours Court and what great ioy their comming procured IN this place â—ur history taketh this occasion howe the King of Fraunce daily expecting newes from Palmerin as concerning his intent of marriage betwéene his daughter and the Prince Trineus but séeing he heard no tidings at all he determined to send his ambassadâ—rs to the Emperor electing for chéefâ— in this embassage the Count of Aâ—mignac to whom hee gaue ful power authority to conclude the marriage betweene Trineus his daughter Lucemania as also of the princesse Polinarda with his son and heyre The king dispatching al things for his ambassage sent many â—arons and knightâ— of name to accompany the Count to countenance the matter with more royaltie magnificence and in this maner they came to Gaunt where the Emperour being aduertised of theyr arriuall 〈◊〉 no grâ—at account thereof such was his gréefe for his sonneâ— absence Palmerins of whom he could not heare any tidings as also for the foyle his Armie sustained in England But while the messenger from the ambassadours of Fraunce stayed with the Emperour Vrbanillo and the princes Squire entred the hall whose presence highly contented the Emperour as embracing them very louingly he demaunded for Palmerin and his sonne Trineus when they deliuering their letters and the Emperour perswaded therby of their spéedie return was greatly contented saying to the Ambassadours messenger My fréend séeing I haue heard such long looked for tidings of my sonne you may returne to the 〈◊〉 your maister desiring him to come when hee thinks conuenient he shall be heartily welcome to me with this answer the messenger departed TheÌ„ the emperor taking Vrbanillo by yâ— hand said Tel me now I pray thée how fares thy maister where is he is my sonne with him My gracious lord quoth the dwarâ—e where your noble son abideth there is my maister both of â—â—â—ght good disposition and highly honored And hereof I can assure your maiesty yâ— you haue a son who by good reason 〈◊〉 to be numbred among the best knights liuing for such honourable experience hath hee made of his worthines that perpetuall memorie will recorde his déeds of chiualry what els remaineth you shal know at their comming which will be so soone as they can possibly I euer perswaded my selfe said the Emperour that in the company oâ— so good a knight as Palmerin my son could not but purchase credit and honour the refore séeing they haue such prosperity of health I care the lesse for their stay but welcome are they whensoeuer they come By this time Polinarda heard of the Dwarfes arriual which greatly pleasing her she sayd to Brionella I pray thée swéete fréend go spéedily and séeke the Dwarfe that we may knowe what is become of our Lords and my brother Trineus Brionella who longed to heare of hir loue Sir Ptolome whom wel she knew to be one of the companie with all spéed accomplished the Princesse commandement and found the ioyfull messenger with the Emperour who tooke great delight in the Dwarfes reports but his maiestie perceiuing with what chéerefull countenance she came to bring Vrbanillo to her Lady the princesse bad him go with her hoping by his meanes his Daughters extreame sadnesse would be comforted Brionella béeing forth of the Emperours presence embraced him many times to know his tydings when the Dwarfe not
shee sawe before her eyes woulde often times haue cast her selfe into the raging waters At length the tempest ouer-passed they discryed an Island wheretâ— with the helpe of theyr Oares they coasted shrouding them selues vnder the sides of an highe mountainâ— and although the place séemed casuall yet there they determened to caâ—tâ— Anker vntill the Seas were more calme and quiet Bâ—ing thus vnder the lée and defended from the winde with the hâ—ge Râ—cke Palmerin came vp on the haâ—ches to sée what iudgement he could make of the Island aâ—d so delectable thâ— country seemed vnto him as he was desirous to go on shore taking his Faulcon on his fist that was giuen him in England so with no other defence but his Sworde he went to viewe the soyle not suffering any body to beare him coÌ„pany Trineus and Agriola perswaded him to the contrary but all would not serue for the scituation of the Countrey pleased him so well as he walked on in great contentation not minding to returne againe to the ship till toward the euening Chap. LXV How Trineus Agriola Ptolome and all their Mariners were taken by the Turkes after that Palmerin was gone to viewe the Island THe Historie reporteth that while Palmerin was thus absent there arriued foure or fiue Turkish Gallies who likewise glad to shun the tempesteous weather cast Anker néere to Trineus ship and séeing no bodye on the decke of this strange vessel because fearing no harm they were all at rest they enuironed it about and hauing boorded it the Captaine of the Turks called to them saying What are yée asléepe within that ye let vs boord ye without any resistance by the reuerence of our gods we shal awake yée but litle to your ease So came the Souldiours on boorde after theyr Captaine who put the Pilote the Maister and many of the Marriners to the Sword sparing none but such as they pleased to ransome Then searching the Cabins they â—ound Trineus Agriola and Ptolome whom they tooke prisoners by reason they were vnarmed as also somewhat sicklye after theyr roughe passage This rouing Captaine or Pyrate named Olimael noting the singuler beautie of Agriola commaunded her to be â—arryed on boord his Galley When the Princesse sawe her selfe so hardly handeled and that her Lorde was prisoner with these villainous Moores so that perforce they must abandon one another she brake foorth into pitifull acclamations and looking on her husband thus spake Ah my Lord how hard straunge is this fortune haue we escaped a tempest so daungerous now to fall into this mercilesse extremitie Oh that you and Sir Ptolome had béene Armed that these Moores might haue bought our liues with the sword but despightfull chaunce hath 〈◊〉 thwarted vs as no meanâ— is left to preuent our perill Ah Palmerin how gréenous iâ—â—hine absence and how displeasaunt will our mishap bee to thée how much would thy valour now auaile vs being vtterly destitute of any succour or refuge I knowe our mishap will so offend â—hée as I feare thou wilt vse some outragâ— on thy selfe With these words shée fell downâ— among them in a dead traunce the sight whereof so enraged Trineus and Ptolome as snatching weapons out of the Moores handes they layde about them so lustily that in short time they had â—laine halfe a score of them But vnable were they to conâ—â—nd against so many wherefore being taken againe they were bounde so cruelly with cordes and chaines as renâ—e their tender and delicate flesh in many places and being so conueyed into an other Galley theyr Squires likewise prisoners with them the Moores tooke what they pleased out of the Shippe and when they had done set it on fire Then presently they weyed Anchor and launching away made haste least any reskewe should followe them so that quickly they losse the sight of the Islande and Olimael comming to sée Agriola assaied by many meanes to asswage her heauinesse embracing her in his armes and promising her great â—icheâ— if shée would be paciâ—â—ed But 〈◊〉 his spéeches were in vaine for shée séeing the Moore imbrace her with angry 〈…〉 like a Lyon enraged caught him by the haire and the throat saying Thou villaine Dogge thinkest thou I take any delight in thy company How darest thoâ— traitourlye théeâ—e lay hande on mee And so roughly did shâ— struggle with Olimael as if his men had not assisted him shée had strangled him notwithstanding hée tooke all patiently perswading himselfe that by gentle speeches smooth â—latterings and large promises hée should in time win her to his pleasure So came he forth of the cabin with his throat and face brauely painted with Agriolaes nayles washing away the bloud which made comely circles about his phisnoâ—ie then called he the Captaines and chiefe of his companie willing them to share the bootie among them and hée would haue nothing but the Princesse for his parte for he was so inueigled with the beautie of his prisoner as he had no delight but onely in beholding her In this manner then he bestowed his prisonners Trineus he gaue to one of his 〈◊〉 and Ptolome to a Knight that seruâ—d the Soldâ—â—â— of 〈…〉 hee gaue among thâ— common 〈◊〉 But when the Prince sawe hée must néedes leaue his Ladye and each man would carye his prysoner whether him pleased his gréefe for his wife and sorrowe for his friendes I leaue to your iudgement as not â—able to â—ée expressed Yet some hope of comfort hée reposed in Palmerin thaâ—by his meanes 〈◊〉 escaped theyr hands he should get againe Agriola else was there no waye lefte to helpe him Ptolome who déerely loued the Prince before they parted thus began Why how now my Lorde where is your woonted prudence and disâ—â—etion Where is that constant magâ—â—nimitie which in so many fortunes héeretofore you vsed what is it lost or haue you forget it What meane ye will ye be subiect to passions as a weake effeminate person You that are sprung from the most auncient noble and generous race of Christendome esteemed for a most couragâ—ous and vertuous Knight will you â—ée driuen into these sad and desolate â—pinions What then would a Turke Moore or barbarous Myrâ—â—don doo in like afflictions when he yâ— hath assurance of his God and knows that all persecutions fortunes and mishaps are prooues of his fidelitie and the meanes to attaine eternal quiet shewes thâ—se vndutifull behauiors as though he had lost all meanes of hope and comforte If the body be afflicted let the spirite be animated and armed with patience against all infirmities of the flesh Leaue these soft countenances for Women and if you will not perswade your selfe that these troubles happen for the encreasing of our ioye it maye bée the meanâ— that God will forsake vs. Then neyther feare or dispayrâ— I praye you for he that suffered vs to fall into these Moores handes both can and will deliuer vs againe As for your Lady Agriola doubt not of her vnconquerable loyalty for shée hath in
escaped valiantly PAlmerin béeing brought to his Chamber which was one of the most sumptuous in all the Pallace accoridng as the Princesse had appoynted he made signe to the Gentlman that attended on him to withdrawe himselfe for he was accustomed to bee alone in his chamber which he immediatly did being loath to offend him Palmerin béeing alone by himselfe gaâ—e thanks to the God of heauen who in midst of his misfortunes caused such a gracious Ladie to fauour him so kindly as defended his life when hee was in daunger and by whose means hée conceyued good hope to escape his enemies hands and to returne safely toward Allemaigne His meditations ended he betooke himselfe to rest and in the morning Linus the Gentleman that had him in charge came and presented him before the Soldane who commaunded him to bée carryed presently to the Lions Alchidiana vnderstanding that the dumbe Knight was with her Father sent him a rich Mantle of scarlet desiring him to weare it for her sake which hee putting about him went frankely with his kéeper to the Lions Denne where the doore béeing opened hée boldly entered desiring God to assist him in this perill Palmerin being in the Denne because none of the Lions should get forth to hurt any other howe euer God disposed of him made fast the doore after him and with his sworde drawne his Mantle wrapped about his arme went to sée how the beasts would deale with him The Lions comming about him smelling on his cloathes woulde not touch him but as it were knowing the bloud royall lay downe at his féete and licked him and afterward went to their places againe But there were among them thrée Leopards that furiouslie came and assayled him the formost where of hée paunched with his Sworde that hée was able to doo no more harme The other two although they had torne his Mantle and put him in verie great daunger as they that looked in at the windowes and creuises perceyued yet to their no little admiration in the end hée slue them both and so went forth of the Denne againe to whom Linus came and louingly taking him by the hand brought him to the Soldane to whom hee discoursed his fight with the Leopardes and howe gentle the Lions had beene to him The Soldane greatly astonished hereat made more estimation of him then hée did before and because the Lions refused to touch him reputed him of royall parentage Whereupon he sent for his Daughter praying her to intreate him not as a Knight but as a noble and vertuous Prince considering his behauiour so well deserued The Princesse entertayned him very graciously and hearing the successe of his happy fortune spake thus in the hearing of them all Because euery one shall know Sir knight how much I honour your good gifts I will cause my Father so well to loue you as hée shall repent himselfe a thousande tymes of the â—aunger hée put you to and so veriâ— louingly embracing him desired paâ—don on her own behalfe because she suffered him to be thrust to the Lions Palmerin in signe of attonement that hee was nothing displeased kissed her hand and sitting downe in a Chaire by her behelde Aâ—demia who resembled his Mistresse so equall in beautie and could not holde his eye from her so that hée conceiued such pleasure in his regard as he iudged it sustenance enough to maintaine life But she that was ignorant of the cause presumed that he loued her wherfore thenceforwart she began so amorously to affect him as shee enioyed no rest but in his presence Thus were these two Ladies Alchidiana and Ardemia touched with one disease and that so sharpely to the quicke that the least torment they endured séeing hée could neither speake nor vnderstand their language was woorse to them then death And so it fell out that each of them thinking her selfe best beloued concealed her thoughts from the other and would in no case be reputed amorous least so her desires should be discouered Alchidiana for arguments of her loue gaue him horses esquires seruants and pages so that the greatest Prince in the Court was no better equipped then he and in this fortune such was his mind that for all the honor and fauour the Soldane and his daughter bare him he did not outreach himselfe in behauiour but was benigne and full of courtesie that each one loued and desired to be familiar with him And if any enterprise of Ioustes or Tourneyes were in hand Palmerin was the formost in the field and carried the prize away from all whatsoeuer which incited Maulicus to loue him in such sort that he entertained him into such speciall credite as he would neuer resolue on any matter of importance without his shew of good liking And albeit the Princes of the Court shewed him good countenance yet Enuy that neuer can rest in ambitious hearts caused them in the ende to raise slaunder against him which Palmerin perceiued but being vnable to remedie awaited conuenient time for his departure notwithstanding the earnest affection Alchidiana bare him He knew likewise so well to disguise his matters that so often as the Princesse would hold him in talke he still feigned not to vnderstand her which made her iealous towards Ardemia her Cozin who by Alchidianaes iniuries and Palmerins refusall of her loue lost her life as you shall read in the chapters folowing Chap. VI. How the Prince Maurice sent his Ambassadors to the Soldane to desire safe conduct for his comming to the Court to trie if he could find any Knight there able to deliuer him of an extreame trouble that hee dured by enchauntment DUring the time that Palmerin was thus estéemed and beloued in the Court of the great Monarch of Assiria vpon a Sunday after dinner as the Soldane was in the great Hall conferring with his Daughter and many other great Princes and Lordes present there entred a Moore Knight armed except his Helmet and Gauntlets which were carried after him by two Squires and making his solemne reuerence humbled himselfe at Maulicus féete saying Most high and redoubted Monarch my soueraigne Lord Maurice sworne Prince of whole Pasmeria kisseth your highnesse hand sending to require your gracious safe conduct that himselfe may come to your Court to trie among all your knights if there bee any one so loyal and valiant as can deliuer him from a torment he endures the most cruell and straunge that euer was heard of and happened to him in this sort The King of Pasmeria great gouernour of the Moorâ—s and father to my Lord béeing vnable through extreme age to weilde the gouernment of his Realme gaue the administration thereof and made his Lieutenant generall my Lord Maurice a Knight so hardy and puissant as any of his time and so renowned for his beautie sagacitie and braue lineaments of body as there is none of the Kings of Iudea Egypt Ethiopia and neighbour Countreyes round about but gladly desire his 〈◊〉 and friendshippe So that
may wee beholde the soueraignitie of confident loue 〈…〉 then and certifie him of our pleasures and that we pray 〈◊〉 godâ— his 〈◊〉 may be in such an houre as hee may depart hence to his owne content yet am I greatly afraid that he shall not finde any Knight in our Court but hath eyther forfaited or failed towardes his Lady The Moore kissing the Solâ—ans hand and humbly taking his leaue returned to his Lord leauing the Soldane and his Knights admyring this rare accident so that hee exhorted euery one to aduenture his fortune at this Crowne to giue the greater assurance to their Ladies of their loyall fidelitie but many of them were herein deceiued for in stéede of prayse and glorie they receiued shame and reproch as you shall sée héereafter The Prince aduertised of the Soldans aunswere in hope of good successe sette forwarde on his iourney and the next day following hée came to Calpha where Maulicus caused him to be honourably lodged in the Cittie because that day he would not come to the Pallace On the morrow after that Lethea wife to the Soldane her Daughter Alchidiana the fayre Ardemia with many other Ladies and Princes were come into the Hall to sée the tryall of this noueltie Prince Maurice vnderstanding how the Soldane with all his courtly assistants stayed his comming went to the Pallace accompanied with a hundred Knights all clad in mourning blacke in signe of their continuall sorrow for their Princes misfortune There he was very royally entertained the Soldane causing him to sitte by him in a sumptuous Chayre of estate of purpose prouided and after many welcomes and kinde gratulations the Soldane demaunded how hee felt himselfe and whether hee sustayned any ease of his torment Ah my Lord quoth the prince I can not expresse to your maiestie the paine which I féele being a thousand times worse to mée then death and euerie houre enforcing mée to despayre but I must endure it with what patience I can till incomparable loyaltie discharge mee of this burthen With these words he lamented excéedingly so that each one was mooued to pittie him for such a burning flame continued in the Crowne and so fâ—rious heate procéeded from his mouth as sette the Hall in maruailouâ— hotnesse yet consumed hee nothing at all but in euery part was as formall as any other man Beloued Couzin said the Soldane for my selfe I will not enterprise to meddle with your Crowne for I doo not imagine my selfe so fauoured of loue as I can finish that wherein so many haue fayled nor would I willingly séeke mine owne dishonour being farre vnable to profit you as for my knights let them make proofe of theyr loyalty and spare not and sée which of them can winne the honour of this aduenture Hereupon Guiâ—â—haran brother to faire Ardemia first entred and 〈◊〉 to the enchaunted Prince sayd Trust me my Lord since I began my profession in loue I neuer committed any preiudice to my Lady therefore will I trie to end this enchauntâ—ient Then earnestly beholding Alchidiana for whose loue onely hee came to Court hée approched to the enchaunted Prince and pulâ— so hard as he could at the Crowne but hée crying aloude sayde For Gods sake Sir knight striue no longer for if by disloyaltie I could be cured I sée you are able to giue me remedie Alas in all my life I neuer felt like paine by any Knight that tried his fortune great neede haue you to doo seuere pennance if you will bée fauoured by loue any more towards whom you haue so haynously offended for my infirmitie may not be holpen but by loyaltie firmnesse faithfull persuit constant perseuerance and such other honoured vertues estéemed in loue whereof you haue not the least particular Thus retyred this newe louer more ashamed then a Uirgin to bee seene lightly disposed and so sate downe among the other 〈◊〉 whose fortune prooued as effectuall as the first to 〈◊〉 owne disgrace and great torment of the languishing 〈◊〉 The Kings and auncient Princes séeing the young Knights could doo no good put themselues in deuoire each one conceiuing so well of himselfe as if theyr fortune serued to ende the aduenture their yéeres should carrie the honour and they be renowned for euer by their Ladies but their vaine conceit and desire to accomplish an impossibilitie much abused them so that they shamefully remained frustrate in their intents and the paines of the enchaunted Prince greatly augmented who thus spâ—ke to them Truly my Lords it is the custome of your auncient and auâ—acious opinions to extoll your loueâ— and valour but for any thing I sée your olde yéeres haue much lesse merited amorous mercy then the indiscréete and vnconstant dealing of these yong Princes Then seeing that no other offered to prooue his vertue deliuering many greeuous sighs he sayde Unhappie wretch that I am howe much more had it béene to my ease and benefit if the Quéene of Tharsus whome I so 〈◊〉 offended would haue contented her selfe in her reuenge to cause mée be péece meale torne in sunder then thus haue deliuered me into this insupportable vexation the ende where of will neuer be accomplished séeing that in this honourable Court of my Lord the Soldane I find no one can giue me comfort Palmerin hearing the lamentation of this amorous 〈◊〉 fell into a profound imagination and after he had long regarded Ardemia who so liuely resembled his Mistresse Polynarda saide within himselfe Ah swéet Madame and onely mistresre vouchsafe at this instant to assist mee for by your succour I shall nowe make proofe of my faithfull and inuiolable loyaltie which neuer in ought offended you if not at Durace in affecting Laurana whom I simplie thought to be the Lady who was so often promised in my viâ—ions But seeing my thoughts neuer sorted to effects as also that I was deceiued in your name that ought not be imputed to me for any trespasse and therefore 〈◊〉 Goddesse bee fauourable to me Then surprised with sodaine ioy hée beganne againe earnestly to be holde the Princesse Ardemia who imagining her selfe onely beloued of him cast foorth a bitter sigh turning to Alchidiana 〈◊〉 Ah Madame and my déere Couzin what great fault hath this cruell Quéene committed appointing her Magique in such sorte as loyall and faithfull Ladies maye not be suffered héerein for deliueraunce of this yong and beautifull Princeâ— doubtlesse hee should sooner receiue helpe by them then by Knights 〈◊〉 much more loyally doo they loue then men and are in their affections firme and constant Alchidiana who felt her selfe touched with this intricate furie whereof the 〈◊〉 Ardemia complained suddainly coniectured whereto her sighes and faultering spéeches tended which raysed priuate conceit and such a vehement attaint of iealousâ—â— as she would not aunswere any worde but feigning to smell some discontented fauour turned her face the contrary way Palmerin looking round about him and séeing no one would meddle with the 〈◊〉 fell on his knée before the 〈◊〉
that he 〈◊〉 spâ—ken 〈◊〉 of her in the presente of the 〈…〉 with maruailous anger and disdaine returned him this aunswere Amarano the most rash and 〈◊〉 Knight that euer I sawe I wonder howe thy folly could make thée so audacious to come and accuse me of treason against all truth before my Father and his 〈◊〉 But thy spéeches well noted and considerâ—â— shew nothing but carelesse youth 〈◊〉 and too vaâ—nglorious conceit chiefly in this that thou armed 〈◊〉 and accompanied with so many well appoynted Knights commest in this sort to molest a poore maiden who neuer to thée or thine committed any offence but all seruiceable honour especially to her on whose behalfe than offerest the combat As for the valour thou reputest in thy selfe that 〈◊〉 which this slaunder doth encourage thée withall 〈◊〉 thy hartinesse and resolution of heart thou oughtest rather oppose against a Knight able to aunswere thée then a siely Uirgin who hath no weapon but her â—onour wherewith to defende her selfe I confesse I am a Ladie but not traiterous or false as thou auouchest yet of so noble courage as were I of thy sexe thou neuer shouldest depart this Hall before I had that conspyring head from thy shoulders to witnesse thy falshoode and maleuolent spirit Notwithstanding as I am so please my Lorde and Father with a Kitchin cudgell I shall let thée know that thou dotest in thy spéeches and against thine owne conscience chargest me with the murder of my Cozin Examine thy thoughts what likely reason might induce mée to such an offence If shée was fayre thanks to our Gods mine owne talent is so good as I néede not enuie her beautie If shée made account of her rich dowrie I béeing sole heyre to the Signories of the Soldane might iudge my selfe farre beyond her being desired in mariage by many Kings and Princes whereof I am well assured shée neuer had the like I knowe not then what cause should anie way induce me to request her death But what néede I make such prâ—â—estations to thée séeing that by some one of my Fathers 〈◊〉 thy pride will bee abated and I reuenged of the iniurie thou hast doone me Amarano not aunswering her a 〈◊〉 spake to the Soldane in this sort It is not decent my Lord that a Prince or Knight of qualitie should stay on the wordes of a Woman so little considerate who more by anger then vertue thinkes to reprooue and annihilate a 〈◊〉 accusation Wherefore according to the agréement 〈◊〉 determined cal for the knight that dare vndertake the quarrell of your daughter to whom I will manifest in plaine Combat that what I haue said is trueth and if hée bée vanquished your Daughter Alchidiana and he shall bée burned togither as the greatnesse of the offence well deserueth contrariwise if Fortune denie mée successe I will request no other iustice then what shall please you to appoynt for me Maulicus séeing that well he could not denie the Prince though to his gréefe pronouced the sentence that his Daughter that day shoulde present a Knight to sustaine her cause according to his conditions alleaged This hard prescription made neuer a Knight willing to aduenture the Combatte so much they feared Amarano for the great report they heard of his prowesse but stoode all silent as though themselues were condemned to death Alchidiana séeing the courage fayle of so manie Knights whom shée estéemed for men of great account knewe not to whom shée should haue recourse and therefore ouercome with excéeding sorrowe but that her Ladies assisted her had twise or thrise swouned before her Father Palmerin beholding her and knowing that his refusall was greater cause of Ardemiaes â—eath then the iniurious wordes of Alchidiana pityed her estate and hauing before his eyes the loue she bare him the great honours was done him for her sake and the pustillanimitie oâ— the Soldanes Knights was so mooued 〈◊〉 forgetting all daunger and his dissembled dumbnesse which hitherto hée had so cunningly obserued as though he had béene borne in that Countrey hée thus began in the Arabian tongue 〈…〉 vnwoorthie hencefoorth the name of Knights how can your hearts endure that a proude and presumptuous Prince shall come into your 〈…〉 to accuse your Ladie and Mistresse and not one of you daring to defende her right By the celestiall powers 〈◊〉 may you bee accounted heartlesse men and in suffering this wrong to be depriued of all noble titles and to bee solde in the market as slaues and villaines Thinke you the Prince Amarano is come hither for anie other intent then to make tryall of his great hardinesse Can you be destitute of reason and so easily abused as to thinke 〈…〉 Princesse Alchidiana whom nature hath so worthily 〈◊〉 with beautie and with whom no other may make comparison could be prouoked to murther Ardemia for this onely occasion because she was faire And you Lord Amarano for a matter so slender haue you enterprised to blame a Ladie so vertuous as is the Princesse Alchidiana I accept the Combat on her behalfe auouching that shamefully and without reason you haue accused her behold me readie likewise to maintaine in open fielde that falsely and maliciously thou lyest in thy throate in witnesse whereof there is my gage and I beseech your highnesse affoorde vs presently Iudges that may discerne the issue of our Combat I take thy offer quoth the Prince and before the Sun set will giue thée the payment that belongs to such a frollickâ— companion Who can nowe imagine the ioy of Maulicus and his Daughter séeing him whome they reputed 〈◊〉 by nature thus to recouer his spéech assuredly they were all so amazed that they thought Mahomet had come from the 〈◊〉 to performe this myracle The Soldane thus surprised with vnspeakeable comfort forgetting the maiestie of his person 〈◊〉 Palmerin in his armes saying Ah 〈◊〉 Knight hâ—we may this bée dreame I or dooth but my fancie delude me with your spéech O Mahoâ—et for euer bée thou praysed for this great grace By the highest God I am more ioyfull of this good fortune then 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 the fayrest Island in the Mediterâ—â—â—ean Sea Nowe will I dismay â—o longer 〈…〉 Daughters fortune séeing that you take her quarrel in hand and for her sake wil comâ—at with Amarano with all my heart I graunt you the Fielde and thinke that my Daughter will not denie it But tell mée noble Fréend howe you haue so happily recouered your speech Palmerin abashed that hee had so forgotten himselfe knewe not what excuse to make neuerthelesse â—éeing nowe there was no remedie and that the 〈◊〉 throwne could not bée recalled imagineâ— some likely â—â—militude of his suddaine spéech saying I promise you my Lord that the cerâ—itude of your Daughters iâ—â—ocencie and the great griefe I conceyued séeing your Knightes so cowardly and faint in courage mooued mée into such choâ—ler as the Catarrâ— which of long time hath hindâ—red my spéech dissolued it selfe and â—â—th giuen my tongue libertie
to reueale what I was enforced to bewraye before by signes And this is not a thing altogether strange for I haue heretofore read in Histories that a Knight called Aegle Samien dumbe from his byrth when one of his companions would vsurpe the honour of a victorie which iustly appertained to him was so enraged and incensed with displeasure as that very passion with the helpe of the Gods restored his spéech And thus hath it happened to mée for which I honour theyr names with immortall thanks not so much for my speaking as that I may nowe declare my earnest affâ—â—â—ion to do you seruice and fayre Alchidiana your Daughter to whome I am so greatly indebted for the manifolde honours shée hath dooâ—â— mée without dâ—sert as I shall neuer be able to recompence Ah my noble friend quoth the Soldane this liberall offer for the defence of 〈◊〉 Daughters honour contents mée in such sort as both shée and I 〈◊〉 to requite your paines Amarano 〈◊〉 at the braue disposition of Palmerin but specially at the great honour Maulicus did him knew not well what to thinke and did not feare and reproch ouer-rule him I thinke hé◠would haue deferred the Combat till another yéere Notwithstanding to couer his new opinion he be thought him of a pretie subtâ—ltie and saide I beséech your Maiestiâ— to tell mée of whence this dumbe Knight is to whome ouâ— Gods by miracles haue restored such brauing language Iâ— is necessarie that I know what hee is and whence he is discended because the fight béeing enterprises for two such Princesses as sometime was fayre Ardemia and your Daughter present if hée be not the Sonne of a King as â— am hée may not be permitted the Field with me Amarano answered the Soldane I know not what hee is for 〈◊〉 this time hée hath continued dumbe in our Court to him therefore you shall frame your demaund for this opinion I holde of him as hee will answere you nothing but truth but if you go about so craâ—tily to excuse your selfe each one may iudge that in you which but ill beséemes 〈◊〉 of a noble man that is to bee double in your speech And which is more hee béeing a Knight as good as your selfe you may not refuse him because you demaunded the Combat against any Knight in my Court and in your challenge made no exception Perswade your selfe quoth the Prince that if hée be not the sonne of a King hee shall not enter the Fielde against mée therefore if hee bée none such hée hath not to meddle with Armes in this cause and so the fight on his behalfe is finished If thou make such doubt said the Soldane aske him the question thy selfe I hope hee is able to resolue thée in these subtill cauils and sophisticall questions During this contention there entred the Hall a fayre yong Damosell bearing betwéene her handes a goodly Helmet the richest and most beautifull that euer was seene and falling on her knées before the Soldane with such gracious salutations as stood with her dutie shée demaunded which was Amarano of Nigrea who had accused his Daughter and which was likewise the dumbe knight who enterprised her defence Maulicus without any other inquisition shewed them both to her whereupon the Damosell arose and comming to the Prince thus began Amarano of Nigrea the Quéene of Tharsus my Lady and mistresse beeing certaine that this day thou wouldest be in this place sent mée hither to aduertise thée that the dumbe knight is of higher linage then thou art aâ—d such a one he is as the greatest Lorde or Prince may not compare with him in bountie And if thou wilt knowe the certaintie of his discent more then any other as yet dooth shee aduiseth thée for thy profit to desist from the Combat whereto thou hast challenged him in defence of thy false accusation against Alchidiana And further shée doth admonish thée that if thou doost not as shee commandeth the knight late dumbe surpassing all other in knightly chiualrie shall ouercome thée and thou shalt not bee able to stande against him Damosell quoth the Prince you may answere your mistresse that ouerlate shee sent me her counsell and I am not accustomed to giue credit to such sorcerers besides I will not loose mine honour at the simple wordes of a Woman I knowe not And it doth not a little content mee that this knight is such an one as hee should be wherefore being so sure of his bounty I am the more desirous to Combatte with him to make experience of his renowne yet this I still maintaine that what I haue spoken is true and thereon wee will presently enter the Feeld so please the Soldane to giue consent Maulicus séeing the day was too farre spent adiornde if till the day following wherefore the Prince withdrew himselfe to his lodging reposing great confidence in his owne strength and after his departure the Soldane taking Palmerin by the hand sayde I knowe not my Lorde how I may acknowledge the honour you do my Daughter whom I estéeme as mine owne selfe but if the Gods affoord me life I will deuise some rich recompence as I hope shall returne your owne content Then the Damosell sent from the Quéene of Tharsus approching to Palmerin presented him the Helmet saying Noble and vertuous knight the Quéene saluteth you with this taken of her good will in remembraunce of your speciall loyaltie whereby you deliuered the Prince Maurice for which she so much remaineth yours as you shall command her any seruice hence forward albeit she could haue wished him longer torment that proued so vnfaithfull to her She likewise desireth you to weare this Helmet in fight with Amarano for it will greatly auayle you and more then anyother for such is her hope that after you know this present seruice you will not deny her one request which one day shée intendeth to craue of you Palmerin taking the Helmet answered Fayre Uirgin most humbly thanke the Quéene on my behalfe and tell her that wheresoeuer I am she shall finde mée ready to fulfill any thing shee will commaunde The Damosell departed and made such spéede as in short time she came to the Queene her Mistres whom she acquainted with her whole message whereof she was very ioyfull especially of Palmerins great courtesie whom she beganne to affâ—ct very greatly Chap. XII How Palmerin entred the Combat with the Prince Armaâ—ano of Nigrea whom he slew and the great honors the Soldane and his Daughter did him THe Princesse Alchidiana hearing the words which the Quéene of Tharsus canoâ—ell reported before the Soldane her Father beeing likewise glad that Palmerin was of so noble parentage and so â—enowned in the region farre thence distant began to loue him more extreamely then euer she did before and resolued with her selfe that seeing for her sake hee vndertâ—ke the Combate hee bare her more secret affection then hee durst bewray and in this opinion shee practised howe to coâ—ferre with him
desired nothing more then the fight that hée might accomplish his promise to the Princesse Alchidiana when hee receiued of her his rich Shéelde and Launce perswaded the Generall that hée should the next morning summon the Bretheren of Amarano that within foure and twentie howres they should depart the Soldanes confines or else endure the daunger of the Sworde The King of Balisarca aduising héereon in counsaile founde it verie necessarie and expedient wherefore calling his Sonne Sir Paâ—merin and the Prince Olorico hee committed the charge thereof to theyr present dispatch They béeing come to the Armie of Gramieâ—l were immediatly conducted to the Princes Tent who was then deliberating with his Brethren and other Captaines of the Armie So soone as he vnderstoode the arriuall of these Ambassadours he caused them to come before him and their message béeing deliuered the Phrygian Princes who were of meruailous haughtie disposition aunswered that they would not obey any such commaundement Moreouer they intended to chase thence the Soldanes Lieuetenant euen to the verie Gates of his owne Cittie for that contrarie to all equitie hée withstoode the buriall of their Brothers bodie in his kingdome Gueresin Sonne to the King of Bâ—lisarca could not suffer such iniurie to his Lorde in his presence wherefore he said that the Soldane had doone them no wrong but receiued their Brother and his traine with greater honour then they deserued and that none of them should haue the like againe So went hée foorth of the Pauillion Gramiell and two of his Brethren following him whereof the one had béene in Asiria with his Brother Amarano who séeing Palmerin that all this while kept himselfe without the Tent and marking his Shéeld wherin mockage was painted his Brothers head he knew him immediatlie and in great rage pulling himselfe by the haire said Uillaine that I am how can I suffer in my presence the Traytour that murdered my Brother Bold and presumptuous catife how durst thou aduenture before mee thus to deride me with thy villainie Trust me saide Palmerin I dare come before thée with better assuraunce of my selfe Then thy Brother had when he entred Combat with me Whereore if thou be such a Gallant as thou wouldest haue me iudge thée by these brauadoes and likewise hast any stomacke to reuenge thy Brothers shame Arme thy selfe and an other of thy Brethren with thée and come to me in place conuenient where I my selfe will iustifie to you both that Amarano was woorthilye slaine and as such a false accusing Traytour well deserued I desire nothing more saide Orinella for so was hée called that gaue these hotte spéeches but my Brother shall not deale with thée till I haue tried my fortune alone and if I faile of my purpose then shall he afterwarde Combat with thée this prouided that thou assure mée from any in thy companie but thine owne person That will I vppon my Knighthoode said Palmerin thou perfourming as much on thy behalfe yet I thinke before the sport be doone that thou wilt wiâ—h thy fellow with thée Thus Palmeriu Olorico and Gueresin withdrewe themselues Orinello and his brother presently going to Arme them and accompanied with manie Knights came into the field Palmerin likewise as readie as the formost came in with a good traine of Souldiers hee had brought with him least any treason shoulde bée wrought against him Olorico shewed himselfe greatly discontented because hée might not accompanie his Fréende in the Combat but Palmerin perswaded him that more néedefull occasions were reserued for him which should returne him greater honour and whom he should court in better sort then euer he did the Ladies of Arabia Gramiell being verie richly armed woulde néedes come see his Brethrens Combat which hée had good hope would sort to theyr honor but Palmerin séeing Orinello readie to the carrire encountred his enemie with such puissance as his Launce passing through his boyd caused him fall dead from his horse without moouing eyther hand or foote Hauing performed his course hee returned to take his Launce out of his enemies body striking him with the great Trunchion ende on the stomacke to sée if any life was left in him but séeing his soule was departed to Lucifers Pallace hée coutched his stafe to receiue the other Brother who met him with such strength as he was well néere dismounted yet in the ende hée was sent after his Brother though manie hardie strokes first passed betwéene them Héereupon was such a suddaine crie on all sides some with ioy and other with sorrowe as made the ayre resound theyr voices And I thinke that the Greekes when they receiued their libertie by Quintus Elaminius made not the like clamour when as Valerius rehearseth the Byrds fell from the ayre with the furie of theyr cries In the meane while the King of Balisarca hauing hearde héereof came into the Fielde accompanied with maniâ— Lords and conducted Palmerin with great honour and tryumphe backe to his Tent especiallie the Prince Olorico who excéeding ioyfull for the good fortune of his companion embracing him saide Ah gentle Palmerin how brauelie haue you accomplished your promise to the Princesse the like successe heauen graunt you in labouring my cause Beléeue me good Prince quoth Palmerin so well will I imploye my selfe in that action as I hope you shall haue cause to thanke me Now to returne to Gramiell he caused his Brethrens bodyes to be conuaied thence and embalmed them in two Chests of leade referring their Funerall till his returne and with the teares in his eyes he thus began to encite his people Not knowing howe my louing Freendes and Countreymen to animate your mindes sufficiently with remembraunce of the tirannie exercised by the Soldane on the bodye of my Brother and your Prince vnhappie occasion presents you with a fresh memory of reuenge séeing these two yong Princes the beloued Sonnes of your King so shamefullye slaine in your presence For this cause déere Fréendes that each of you may take a newe couragious spirite to morrowe to encounter these effeminate Assirians let vs all be resolute togither and cause them to vnderstand that you who haue lead your liues in the Deserts of Affrica much better know how to mannage Armes then such loyterers in theyr Mistresses Chambers who can doo nothing but before theyr Ladies Héerevpon two hundred Knightes aduaunsed themselues before him swearing and vndertaking to bring Palmerins bodie to him the day following and therefore all that might they prepared themselues strengthening theyr Shéeldes and Armour and all other things necessarie for the fight thinking the next morning by Sunne rysing to bid them battaile these knightes inuenting to ambush thâ—mselues as you shall heare Palmerin beeing brought thus honorablye to his Tent called for the Chirurgions to visit his woundes which they founde so easie to bee cured as they assured him of spéedie recouerie Hée then â—mmoning the whole Counsaile togither aduised them that in his opinion hée thought it expedient to dislodge that place
about midnight with bag and baggadge and so to coast the Mountain feigning a fearefull departure For quoth hée the enemie aduertised of our retyre will imagine that we despayre of our successe by reason of the death of the two slaine Princes Thus our dissembled flight will cause them disorderlie to pursue vs which we will suffer till espying our aduantage when returning valiantly vpon them I dare gadge my life we shall eyther kill them downe right before vs or at least driue them to a shamefull foyle This deuise was generallie allowed for good and at the howre appointed was executed By chaunce this morning Gramiell came among his menne verie earlie and vnderstanding the Soldans power was departed with such silence presentlye cryed alarme charging all his men to followe them for he doubted they woulde enter a Cittie néere at hande which was so stronglye fortefied as they should neuer entise them foorth to skirmish therefore he desired to preuent them of that helpe Héereupon the Horsemen galloped after them amaine crying vpon them my Fréendes vpon them the day is ours Palmerin the Prince Olorico the King of Balisarca Gueresin his Sonne with a thousande men at Armes séeing howe they were disordered returned vppon them and made such a slaughter among the Phrygians as the Field was couered all ouer with their bodies Gramiell séeing that of the first sallie not one came backe againe sette forward with his battaile wherein hée had a thousand Horsemen and furiouslye runnning on the Soldans power by misfortune hée mette with the Prince Olorico to whome he gaue such a cruell stroke on the head as had almost sette him beside his Saddle Olorico greatly discontented héereat turned valiantlie towards his eneme and betwéene them continued a very daungerous fight but in the ende Gramiells Helmet béeing cutte from his heade hee beganne to despayre when Olorico following his intent noblie at one blowe smote his heade from his shoulders This mishap was séene by one of his yonger Brethren who running fiercelie with his Launce against Olorico was suddainlye preuented by Palmerin in that hée stroke him beside his Horse where hee was troden to death with the trampling of the Horsses Then came foorth the two hundred swoorne Knightes from their ambush who had vndertaken Palmerins death and him they hemde in so subtillie as hée was brought into very great daunger Which the Prince of Arabia beholding made way through the thickest to assist his Fréende after whom followed Gueresin with an hundred Knights without which supply both Palmerin and Olorico had béen slayne for theyr Horsses were killed vnder them and they enforced to fight on foote But when they beheld this fortunate succour theyr courage nobly increased and then beganne the sharpest encounter for the winges on eyther side approched the Archers and Crossebowes likewise sending their Arrowes as thicke as hayle among them so that the battaile endured till darke night Then the Brethren sounded the retraite for which the King of Balisarca was not sorrie hauing so ouertrauailed himselfe that day as he could no longer â—itte on Horsebacke notwithstanding before hée woulde enter his Tent he sawe the Fieldâ— assured the watch placed and all the Souldiours planted in good order Chap. XIX How the Brethren of Gramiell with all their traine tooke themselues to flight and how Palmerin suddainly pursued them with his power and tooke them prisoners IMmediatlie after that these two Phrigian princes had thus souÌ„ded the retrait and considered how they had lost fiue of theyr brethren thrée in single fight with Palmerin and the other in the battaile the greatest part of their power likewise almost vtterly dismaid to know the certaintie of their strength they commaunded a deuision to bee made of the whole and wounded and séeing how small their number was they concluded not to stay in any place til they came to the Realme of Pasmeria whereof Maurice was King and their kiseman from whom Palmerin tooke the enchaunted Crowne where they thought to supply their want with men actiue and able to Armes The next day the king of Balisarca raunged a thousand men in order to giue a fresh assault on the enemie but he was suddainlie aduertised by his espiall how the Phrygians were fledde He not a little glad of these newes sent word to Palmerin thereof who though he was sore wounded Armed himselfe commaunding his Captaines to prouide sixe thousand men presently to goe sée the certaintie of these tydings With this strength he ioyned the Kings power and so went to the ememies Campe where they found no resistanuce nor any but such as laye gréeuonslye wounded of whome hee enquired which way the cowards were fled which the poore Souldiours reporting to him hée vowed to followe till hée ouertooke them The resolution agréede vpon betwéene the King of Balisarca and him with tenne thousand light Horsemen hée determined to pursue them and the King to staye there with the rest of the Armie to recouer the Townes againe to the Soldane which before had béene taken of the enemie and to bee in readines with assistaunce if he shoulde happen to stande in any néede While Palmerin made election of his company a horseman was dispatched with these newes to the Soldane how the enemies had béene foyled and of their flight The messenger béeing come before Maulicus and the Letter open and read how valiantly Palmerin dealt with his enemies before all his nobility the Soldane sayde By all the Oracles of Delphos I may well perswade my selfe that whersoeuer Palmerin is for vs wee are assured of the victorie The Princesse hauing heard these newes sent for the messenger and after shee vnderstoode by him howe Palmerin bare her Shéelde in the face of her enemies and had slaine in Combat two of Amaranos Brethren shée was meruailous ioyfull and rewarded the Messenger so well for his paynes as for euer hée might extoll the bountie of the Princesse The Messenger dispatched againe with the Soldans Letters brought spéedie aunswere to the King of Balisarca and Palmerin of their packet wherein the Soldane hartylie thanked them desiring them to followe theyr fortune Palmerin vnderstanding the will of the Soldane and Alchidiana and howe they desired him to pursue the Brethren of Gramiell determined to set forwarde next morning aduertising the Prince Olorico thereof that hée might put himselfe in readines But notwithstanding all theyr dilligence their enemies gotte before them into Pasmeria where they rested theÌ„selues in hope to be assisted by their Cozin Maurice And he was giuen to vnderstand how the dumbe Knight named Palmerin followed them wherfore he commaunded them to depart his Realme for hee would not ayde them against his déerest Fréende This repulse droue them into great dispayre yet séeing they coulde not helpe it they were constrained to make a vertue of necessitie and so secretly as they coulde deuise by little and little stole toward their owne Countrey Maurice hearing how Palmerin was come into his Realme rode thrée or
thou not consider thy great offence committed against the God of heauen medling with a Woman more brute then brutishnesse it selfe and thy disloyall treason agaynst my selfe Be assured that if thou presently forsake not her companie I will neuer forget thy fault but chastise thée continually as a dissembling reprobate So she departed Palmerin intreating her to pardon this iuiurie which she would not heare but floong away in great anger and he awaking brake foorth into these spéeches Ah vnhappie wretch that I am thus to loose the gracious fauour of my Mistresse These wordes awaked the Prince Olorico who embracing him in his armes demauâ—ed the cause of his sorrow but Palmerin was so surprised wish 〈◊〉 he would make no answere but fell from the Bedde in a swoune Olorico fearing he was dead cried out for helpe whereat the Quéene arose and casting her night Mantle about her came to know the occasion of this clamour and finding Palmerin breathlesse shée called for so many present remedyes as extinguished the passionate fitte Palmerin séeing the Quéene so néere him clothed himselfe immediately and departed the Chamber commaunding all his people to prouide themselues for he would depart thence within an howres space Neither could the earnest intreaties of the Quéene nor courteous perswasions of Alfarano cause him to stay till Dinner time but his carriage béeing sent before and his men attending him hée came to take his leaue of the Quéene who verie sorrowfull for this straunge accident said to him at his departure Noble Palmerin my heart attainted with such extreame gréefe as the sight of you doth somewhat remedie expected further hope of ease by your presence but séeing your departure may not bée withstoode I pray you vouchsafe to weare this King for my sake and kéepe it safely till my messenger bring you another like vnto it Madame quoth Palmerin beeing vnable to remunerate the great honours you haue done me I will not denie you so small a request that I may the better fulfill the bond of allegiaunce wherin I stande bound to you while I liue Go then in the safe protection of the Gods quoth shée for thou hast left me such a recompence as all my life time will be ioyfull to mée Palmerin not vnderstanding â—er darke spéeches departed putting the King on his finger béeing the most rich and curious péece of worke that euer was séene for in it was a goodly great Rubie cutte in faces so liuely as could be deâ—ised which shone so brightly as in the night time it sparckled great light The Quéene like wise 〈◊〉 shée had giuen great riches to the Admirall returned to her Countrey leading thenceforwarde a verie chaste and continent life â—nely for his sake by whom 〈…〉 selfe conceyued with Childe And at the time appointed bâ— nature shee was deliuered of a goodlie Sonne resembling his Father in braue constitution whome the mother caused to bée named Palmendos as well in memorie of his father Palmerin as also of his Graundsire Florendos from them deriuing his name as béeing the onlie flower of Chiualrie And as Palmerin was vertuous so did his Sonne follow him in all bountie prudence magnanimitie loyalty liberalitie courtesse and humanitie in briefe he had all the noble vertues that a Child might receiue from his father as you may at large perceyue in his Historie But because his deeds as yet serue not to our purpose we will leaue him growing vnder his mothers charge and returne to them whom lately we left Chap. XXI Howe Palmerin to colour his intended and desirous voyage into Christendome perswaded the Soldane to sende his Armie to Constantinople and what followed thereon GReatlie desirous was Palmerin to returne towards the Soldane and therefore would not make his way by Pasmeria but iourneyed thitherwarde where the King of Balisarca staied his comming who came to méet him with all the Lordes and Captaines of his Armie Thus hauing brought the Countrey in quiet obeysaunce of the Soldane with theyr prisoners they returned towardes his Maiestie sending worde before of their spéedie comming The Soldane was not a little ioyfull of these tydings as also of the fortunate victorie against his enemies wherefore he left the Cittie of Calpha and determined to méete them at a Castell of pleasure which hee had lately edifyed chéefely because hée would sée the good order of his Armie which was now conducted in better equipage then before was woont to bée séene in Assiria The King of Balisarca caused the captiues to be ledde before who by his commaundement when they came in the Soldanes presence threw their Armour to the ground and thrée times fell on their knées kissing the ground prostrating themselues before him with great reuerence All these ceremonies finished Palmerin the Prince Olorico with the other Gouernours of the Féelde came and kissing his highnesse hande hée intertained them verie graciously and after he had embraced Palmerin he woulde néedes ryde betwéene him and the King of Balisarca In this order rode thy on to the Pallace Gate where his Ladie Lethea and Alchidinia her Daughter trickt vp in vestures of surpassing value attended their comming and after the accustomed reuerences on all sides entered the great Hall where the Princesse taking Palmerin by the hande before her Father and all his Barons thus spake Sir Palmerin so well is your prowesse and haughtie déedes of Armes knowne to euery one as my prayse cannot extoll them to aduauntage notwithstanding I dare say before my Father and all his Lords héere present that hée is so much indebted to you as he can nâ—uer returne sufficient recompence These words vttered with such affection were noted by euery one especially the Prince Olorico when Palmerin made this answere to the Princesse Madame héere may you behold the Prince of Arabia one of the best Knights that euer I knewe and who hath doone more seruice to your Father and you in this warre then any other beside for with his owne hande he slue Gramiell who was chiefe leader of the Phrygian Armie Beside such and so many haue béene his rare exploytes as no one that I knowe may be equalled with him And all this hée admitteh to your fauour wherein hée earnestly desireth to continue so please you to accept him for your Knight deliuering this assurance before hand that héereafter hée will aduenture his life in your cause whersoeuer it shal like you to commaund him For this cause Madame you may not refuse him being the man that among all the Assirians dooth best deserue to be your seruaunt Alchidinia who well vnderstoode to what ende his spéeches tended and the occasion why Palmerin thus spake aduised her selfe well and returned this answere So helpe me our Gods I know well that the Prince Olorico is so puyssant and renowmed as any man of whom I yet heard notwithstanding I hope the Soldane my Father will not be ingratefull in the knowledge thereof and that sufficiently I dare awarrant yée But I desire
sorrow hée conceiued for his Ladie knowing him to bée the same man indéede was so excéeding ioyfull as infinit embracings and kissings woulde not serue to bewraye his comfort for such gracious welcomes reuerence and courtesie he vsed as Palmerin bashfull to bee vsed with such honour said Unseemelie is it my Lord that you should thus much abase your selfe to mee for vnder correction it ill agrees that the Maister should honour the Seruaunt The poore Prince could not but still holde him in his armes and with teares and meruailous affection thus aunswered Ah Palmerin mine onelie hope and comfort in trouble where hast thou beene what fortune hath kept thee so long from mee My déere Fréende howe manie yrkesome thoughts haue I endured expecting thy comming so that when I saw thou didst not returne and I could no way heare what was become of thée the verye conceite of thy absence had néerâ—â—laine me Then carelesse what became of my selfe being depriued of my loue and honour of my life I am fallen into these miseries farre excéeding death which Fortune I sée hath permitted because I am perswaded that thou must deliuer me from all mishappes and by thée shall I attaine my chéefest desires Ah happie and fortunate hower well worthie for euer to be celebrated with tryumphâ—s finding thée the onely cause of my good whome long since I feared was consorted with the dead but séeing thou art now so happilie come acquaint me with the fortunes that â—raied thée thus long for very desirous am I to knowe them Palmerin was so gréeued to sée him in such weake sicklie estate as hée could hardlie make any aunswere yet striuing with himselfe said My noble Lord the time requireth now other occasions héereafter shall I tell you the whole discourse Graunt mée I beséeche you without further intreating that I may enter the Combat in your name against one of those Traitours who haue accused you for such is my hope in God that I shall spéede luckilie and bring him to the end such a villaine deserues With all my heart quoth the Prince I am contented assuring my successe so well in your vertues as if fiue hundred of my Knights did enter the fielde for mée And to the ende that without feare or doubt you maye take my cause in hand I sweare to you by the liuing God that since Tarsius espoused Griana I neuer sawe her till when the King came and found me with her which was so short a time as she had not the leysure to make mée any answer True it is that I kild the King but howe I did it in respect hée was mine enemie and abused my Lady and lawful wife What though they were espoused togither the mariage was not to be allowed in that it was doone against her will she béeing as I haue said my Wife by solemne spéeches before God married to me It suffiseth said Palmerin I haue enough You shall likewise vnderstande my Lord that I haue brought with me another Knight who will gladlie aduenture the Combate on the Quéenes behalfe and such a one he is as the other accuser will scant dare to stande against him wherefore let mée intreate you to comfort your selfe expecting our happy and fortunate successe Florendos falling on his knée gaue thanks to Heauen for this luckie euent and hauing an indifferent while conferred togither after Palmerin had aduertised Frenato of his Sonne Ptolomes health and that in short time hee had good hope to finde him he returned to the Emperour to whome making great reuerence he saide Now my gracious Lorde I come to vnderstand your answer I pray you sir Knight quoth the Emperour holde me excused if I haue not welcommed you as your nobilitie bountie and highe Chiualrie deserueth but after the Combat is ended which for my part I graunt ye what hath wanted now shall bée supplyed so that your selfe shall rest contented I thanke your Maiestie for this extraordinarie fauour said Palmerin and séeing the Prince hath committed his cause to my fortune I beséech you send for the Kings Nephewes that the appointed daye may not bee preuented by any further delayes And if the Quéene your Daughter be not prouided of a Champion this Knight poynting to Frysoll my vowed Fréende and companion shall vndertake her cause in that he came hither for no other businesse and such good experience haue I made of his valour and hardinesse as if by knightlie Chiualrie her right may be defended assure your selfe my Lord this is the man I thinke said the Emperor she is not as yet determined of anie one albeit full manie haue made offer of themselues and for wee will expect no further this Knight shall be preferred before all that come I humbly thanke your Maiestie for this fauour aunswered Frysoll yet would I bee loth to presume too farre before I vnderstand the Quéenes pleasure The Emperour caused him to be conducted to the Quéenes Chamber and his two companions with him who desired to sée the Ladies where béeing entred Frysoll humbly vpon his knée began in this manner Right noble and excellent Quéene so far through Christendome is spread the report of your rare vertuous and integritie of life especially your innocencie in the crime wherewith you are accused as from farre Countreyes I am come to be your Knight if you will vouchsafe me such honour as to accept me Assuring you that vnder your commaundement and in the companie of my noble Fréend who vndertakes the Combat for my Lord Florendos right willing am I to aduenture life and credit Alas Gentle Knight quoth the Quéene this offer procéedeth from your courtesie and bountie not by any vertue on my parte deseruing for too contrarie hath Fortune euermore sette her selfe against me But verie ingratefull might I bee accounted and neuer be reckoned among Ladies of regard if hauing taken such paines for me I shoulde not accept you for my Knight especiallie in so vrgent occasion Therefore I entertaine you into this seruice and I desire of God that you may be as easilie deliuered from the charge you take in hand for me as my conscience is cléere from the faulte wherwith I am accused I hope Madame quoth Frysoll that my Lord your Father shall ere long perceiue your loyall perfect and pure nobilite which neuer can kéepe companie with seruile anâ— detestable treason All this while Palmerin beholding the Quéene séeing her swéete face so stained and blubbered with teares mooued with naturall remorse was constrained to turne his head aside to hide the teares that trickled down his chéekes The Quéene likewise regarded him so earnestlye as when â—he behelde him wéepe she imagined that one gaue a violent pull at her heart which shee dissembled so well as she could determining not to demand the cause thereof vntill such time as the Combatte were finished So taking their leaue of the Quéene and the Princesse Armida they returned to their lodging till the next morning when the Emperour
him for the paines hée had taken putting his life in daunger for the conseruation of their honors Not to mée Ladie answered Frysol ought you giue these thanks but to him that onelye giueth strength to man and if from my byrth I had continually trauailed in your seruice yet your graces are such as I shoulde neuer deserue to bee reckoned among your meanest fauorites The yong Princesse thinking her selfe greatlie bounde to him woulde not giue him good morrowe with so little talke but sitting downe on the bedde by him taking him by the hand began againe thus I knowe not Sir Knight how the Quéene my Mother will procéede in requitaâ—â— of your noble seruice for mine owne parte not forgetting howe the Traytours threatned me whom to their endlesse shame you haue vanquished and slaine I find my selfe so indebted to you as it far excéedeth my power to guerdon you with answerable recompence Frysol perceiuing the yong princesse affection whom Loue had caught somewhat within his reache knewe immediatlie by her sober bashfull lookes the cause why so manie sighes were coupled with her words himselfe likewise suddainlie sicke of the same disease returned this aunswere Madame if Fortune the Fréend to your happinesse would fauour mée so much as the enterprise doone by your commanding might sorte to an ende fitting my desire I shoulde then accounte my selfe more then sufficientlie gratefied in this that the act is agréeable to your liking and the fauâ—urable countenaunce of such a Ladie is more then so meane a Knight as my selfe can merit Beside from the daye that the high renowme of your prudence and gracious beautie assured me of those exquisite gifts wherewith nature hath plentifullie enriched you I tooke such a religious vowe of bâ—ndage on mée as considering your high calling and my selfe so far inferiour I shall neuer obtaine the fauour of libertie if your â—enignitie excéeding all things else graunt me not that speciall grace The Quéene loth to trouble this forme of confession withdrewe her selfe into Palmerins Chamber where as it fell out shee founde no bodye but himselfe by which occasion remembring the loue she bare to Florendos after shée had humblie saluted him shée thus began Beléeue me gentle Sir your knightlie Chiuâ—lrie hath shewed it selfe of such desert as the Prince Florendos for defence of whose honor you haue not feared to aduenture your life your daungerous woundes well witnessing the same shall neuer deuise sufficient satisfaction For in my iudgement it may well bee said that goods honor and life hath beene restored him by your noble magnanimitie Madam quoth Palmerin these wounds that for thâ—se two daies haue made me keepe my Chamber thankâ—s bâ— to God are not so daungerous as if occasion were offered either for you or my Lord Florendos but full well could I bee seene therein to purchase entertainment into your gracious conceite The Quéene then sitting downe in a Chaire by him and viewing him verie earnestly his lockes of haire kept down by a gorgious wrought Cap embroidered with Saphires and small Emeralds shée behelde the mole on his face like a Crosse which made her remember that her Son had the like and in the selfe same place when Cardyna tooke him from her and caried him to the Mountaine Héereupon she tooke greater occasion to regard his countenaunce and imagining him verie much to resemble the Prince Florendos immediatlie shée perswaded her selfe that hee was her Son Which conceit mooued her to such alterations as of long â—he continued silent though Palmerin in meanâ— while demaunded manie questions of her These changes ouer-ruled by reason and discretion shée commaunded her Ladies to depart the Chamber and to goe accompanie the yong Princesse Armida they béeing no sooner gone but shée began in this maner Let me request Sir Palmerin to know your Parents and the name of the Countrey where you were borne Palmerin somewhat amazed at this demaund was nowe in the midst of his onely desire verilie perswading himselfe that the Quéene was his mother wherefore he thus aunswered Madame I sweare to you by my faith that I knowe no Ladie this day liuing to whom I woulde willinglie reueale more then to your selfe but so contrarie was Fortune to mée in mine infancie that as yet I could not get anie knowledge either of my Father or Mother nor of the Countrey where I was borne Yet thus I haue beene certified that I was nourished on a Mountaine not farre from this Citie which is called the Mount of Oliues where as I haue béene many times tolde my Foster-father founde mée in rich swadling cloathes and more then this so please you to credite mée cannot I bewray of whence or what I am O heauens quoth the Quéene how greatly am I bound to prayse your infinite bountie and pittie for so safe protecting mine infant whom I forsooke so cruelly Ah gentle Knight sée héere thy Mother euen shee that commaunded thou shouldest bée caried to the Mountaine and the Prince Florendos whom so lately thou diddest deliuer from death hée noble Palmerin is thy Father Norwithstanding my Sonne I desire thee by the reuerent loue thou bearest mée to conceale secretlie what I haue sayde vntill I gaine the meane to discouer my shame to the Emperour yet such a shame as neuer came greater good to thy Mother nor can I nowe account the déede sinfull in that my fortune hath brought mée such an honourable Sonne So rauished with ioy was both the Mother and the Sonne as neither coulde expresse their inward contentation for such was their alteration as they reputed for an illusion or dreame what was most certaine indéed such wonderfull comfort brought this vnexpected chaunce wherewith the greatest indowments of honour or riches may not bee compared Béeing in this extasie the Mother for her Sonne and the Sonne for his Mother Palmerin hauing now againe recouered his forces sayd My God I render thy name immortall thanks in that I drewe my breath from so noble and vertuous persons as also for graunting mée knowledge of them in a time so fortunate forbeare then good Mother to misâ—éeme of any thing for I will discourse the matter in such sort to the Emperour as forgetting all things past hée shall receiue both the mother and sonne with greater ioy then you can imagine But to the ende Madame you may be more certaine of your sonne see héere a Crucifixe of Golde which was tied about my necke when I was founde and hath of long time béene kept by the most perfect Lady in the world The Quéene knowing it right well after shee had kissed it manie times answered Assuredly my sonne it is the veriâ— same that my selfe tied about thy necke when I was in the greatest gréefe that euer distressed mother might bée to sée her infant violatelie rapt from her so soone as Nature had brought him into the world But if my mishap as then surpassed all other womens yet now is it recompenced with such a fortunate houre as
no Ladie may comparâ— her felicitie with mine Ah my sonne by thée are my sorrowes chaunged into ioy my dispaire into content and from death it selfe am I brought againe to life for if my husbands hard hap made me dâ—spise life now may you be assured how much I desire it Then declared shée how to saue the Prince Florendos life whose faithfull loue brought him to such extremitie by sicknesse she aduentured her honor for his safetie and entering the paradise of loue bestowed that iewel on him which she most of all estéemed And so maist thou quoth shée report to the Emperour yet in this manner that not by carâ—all impudicitie I so consented for God is my witnesse that notwithstanding the perill wherein I sawe him no perswasion could cause me yéeld him that especiall remedie before he had first solemnly vowed marriage to mée which against all right was broken by the Emperours commaundement Madame quoth Palmerin Florendos is of such valour and his honorable actions so well receiued among men that albeit he had made you no such promise yet reason may excuse you in this matter But if by promised faith and to saue the life of so gentle a Knight who happilie by your refusall might haue miscaried you honoured the Temple of Loue with so swéete an offering among people of good minde it ought rather to bée tearmed a vertue then anie bad affection or vnlawfull lust And therfore Madame comfort your selfe for shortly I hope to assure your peace with the Emperour and séeing I haue you for my mother and the Prince Florendos for my Father I féele my selfe frée from any gréefe or vexation assuring you that I will driue it to no further delay but this morning will I confer with his Maiestie The Quéene béeing fearefull that her long stay should cause anie bad opinion hauing kissed her sonne gaue him the good morrowe and so went to her Chamber where shée found Cardyna her Gentlewoman to wâ—om she shewed the Crucifixe her sonne had giuen her saying Tell me I pray thée Cardina doost thou remember that heeretofore thou hast séene this Crucifixe and in what place Beléeue me Madame quoth shée I thinke I haue seene it before nowe but in what place I am not certaine Why forgetfull creature knowest thou not that this is the Crucifixe which was tied about my sonnes necke when thy selfe did carrie him to the mountaine In gooâ— faith the Knight is hée who fought the Combate for my Lorde Florendos Nowe sée the great mercie and bountie of our God who preserued his life then and from infinite daungers hath defended him hitherto Notwithstanding bee thou secret and on perill of thy life reueale it to none vntill the Emperour my Father be acquainted therewith Cardyna was so ioyfull héereof as shée must néedes goe presently to sée Palmerin and finding the Chirugions with him visiting his woundes shée fetched a gorgious Mantle of purple Ueluet broydered round about with Pearles Diamonds and Rubies as wel might beséeme the greatest Monarch to weare As Cardina holpe him to put on this Mantle she noted the marke on his face which she remembred since thâ— time of his birth and in this maner goes Palmerin chéerefully to the Emperour whom he founde conferring with his Lords and Barons but his presence caused them breake off talke imagining him the comeliest person that euer they sawe The good olde Emperour Remicius reioycing to sée him in so good and able plight demaunded of him howe he fared Right well quoth he I thank God and your highnesse readie to aduenture on any occasion shal like you to commaund me and now am I come to aduertise your Maiestie of such matters as will not a little glad ye in the hearing so please your grace to vouchsafe me priuate audience Hereupon the Emperour commaunded euery one to depart the Hall and they béeing nowe alone Palmerin thus began Dreaâ— Lord and mighty Emperour till this time haue I frequented the Courts of manie Kings and Potentates without desire of requesting anie thing vntill this present when faine would I request one boone of your Maiestie the grant whereof shall returne you both profit and honor My noble Fréend Palmerin aunswered the Emperour what euer thou pleasest demaund and on my worde it shall bée graunted Palmerin with humble obeysaunce kissing the Emperours hand sayd In sooth my Lorde all that I haue to request is onely to desire your highnesse that all offences committed by the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter may not onely be forgotten but also forgiuen For thy sake Palmerin quoth the Emperour I forgiue all their offences whatsoeuer May it then please your Maiestie quoth he to remember howe when Florendos came to doo you seruice during your warres agaynst Gamezio because you denied to giuâ— him your Daughter hée was so sicke as euerie howre his death was expected It then so fortuned my Lord the Princesse your Daughter acquainted with the cause of his sicknesse to giue him some comfort as also to defend so good a Prince from death by gracious spéeches shée gaue him such hope of her loue and such for trueth as before they parted a solemne promise of marriage was concluded betwéene them I know not the conditions of their agréements but it séemed the Articles consisted on no difficult accorde for each receyued of other the swéete desires of loue in so much as that night was I begotten And for a trueth my Lord I am the Sonne to the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter who as I vnderstand by the Empresse perswasion against all right you compelled to marrie with the Prince Tarisius Florendos notwithstanding my Mothers wrong was verye great hath continued so loyall as hée would neuer accept anie other for his Wife nor as yet will but onely her Nowe my Lord that this matter may not séeme a fantasticall inuention I can resolue you of the place of my byâ—â—h which was in the Tower where my Mother remained prisoner by your commaundement vnder the charge of a Ladie named Tolomestra who to defende your daughters honor caused me to be carried to a place not far hence which is called the Mâ—unt of Oliues from whence my surname is likewise deriued in that place was I â—ound by a Countrey pesant vnder a Palme Trée who in signe thereof named me Palmerin d'Oliua My sorrowfull Mother hoping one day to sée me againe diligently noted diuerse markeâ— I haue and hung about my necke a golden Crucifixe which this day I gaue her againe and by this marke 〈…〉 like a Crosse shée well remembers me to be her Sonne In this respect my Lord that your Daughters offence was occasioned by true and faithfull loue and hauing likewise promised to forgiue all causes of displeasure graunt my father nowe at length to enioy his lawfull Wife that I béeing their Sonne may not bée estéemed as illegitimate the dâ—â—ing whereof will renowme your name for euer and loue
tryed in so manie affliâ—tions shall be crowned with his long and desired reward The Emperour amazed at this strange discourse could not imagine what answer to make wherefore hauing â—itten a prettie while silent lifting his eyes to heauen hée thus began O mightie King of Kings onely good and full of mercie I render thy name euerlasting thankes for thy gracious regarde to the distressed Empire of Greece for though in our last warres thou tookest away my Sonne Caniano thou hast at this instant sent me another who well hath learned to defend this state from the proude inuading Gouernour of Turkie Ah my Sonne Palmerin right well doo I beléeue what thou hast said And albeit thou hadst not shewen such probable arguments yet doost thou so perfectlie resemble my Sonne Caniano as easily may be coniectured whence thou art discended Whatsouer thou demaundest my Sonne is already graunted And with these wordâ— the teares trickled downe his milke-white Bearde such was his inward earnest conceyt of ioy and imbracing Palmerin in his armes he called his Lords who maruelled not a little at this euent and thus spake the Emperour Sée héere my Fréendes your liege Lorde and Soueraignâ— the Sonne of my Daughter Griana and the Prince Florendos how may you applaud the bountie of Heauen prouiding for you such a noble Prince The Lords all wondering at these spéeches came and entertained him with manie signâ—â— of honour so that it is not registred in any auncient memâ—rie that euer King or prince had such suddaine and gracious 〈◊〉 By this time these newes were spredde through the whole Pallace and the Empresse â—earing thereof sent one of her Squires for Palmerin when the Emperour taking him by the hand brought him to her Chamber saying Sée héere Madame your Sonne who by your meanes hath long time béene banished our Court héereafter looke hée bée better vsed The Empresse surprised with incredible ioy louingly embracing him said Welcome my Sonne forget my heynous oâ—â—ence when I would not suffer thy Mother to enioy the Prince Florendos which fault Heauen hath reuenged with the death of my thrée Nephewes whereof I nowe make no reckoning séeing God hath sent vs such a gracious comfort The Emperor on the other side welcommed the Quéene his Daughter which as yet hée had not doone since her comming from Hungaria Lay by quoth hée fayre Daughter these blacke garments the witnes of your inward mourning and decke your selfe presently in reioycing habits for now before all my Lords of Greece will I haue you espoused to the Prince Florendos So departed the Emperour and the Princes leauing the Quéene â—itâ— her Ladies who disrobed her of her mourning garments his Maiestie commaunding Palmerin to go séeke the Prince of Macedon his Father accompanied with all the noble men of the Court. In the meane while he caused all the ornaments of black to bée taken downe and the Pallace to bée hanged with sumptuous cloth of Golde and gaue in charge to the Empresse that the Quéene the Princesse Armida and all the Ladies should adorne themselues as to receiue the verie greatest Prince in the worlde Likewise he saide to all his Knights Reioyce my good Fréends with mée for God tooke away my Children and hath double restored them for those that bée dead hée hath raysed vs more Palmerin hauing with him all the Emperours Knights went to the lodging of the Prince Florendos and by the way the Cittizens of Constantinople Nobles Marchants and Artezans welcommed him verie honourablie making bonfires and Garlandes of tryumph in euerie stréete crying Welcome to this noble Cittie our newe Lord and Maister and such chéerefull delights did they solemnize the time withall as though it had béene the feast of Christmasse Palmerin his train being come to the Princes lodging found two squires at the Gate sent thither by the Emperour the one holding 〈◊〉 Horse verie richly câ—parassoned and the other costly garments of cloath of Golde which hâ— caused t◠〈◊〉 brought vp after him into the Chamber where falling on his knée before the Prince he said Nowe come I my Lord to kisse your hande not as I haue done héeretofore but as becommeth a Sonne to his Father for I am your Sonne begotten on the Quéenâ— Griana whom the Emperour will nâ—we bestow on you in marriage Florendos was so rauished with these spéeches as hee was readie to swoune betwéene Palmerins armes but at length â—â—tching a great sigh saide O celestiall Soueraigne what am I whom thou shouldest so respect and lifâ— to such surpassing happinesse Ah poore Florendos not long since the mâ—st wretched among men what man may nowâ— compare with thy fortune hauing such a knight to thy Son and fayre Quéene Griana to thy Wife Go wée my sonne quoth hée embracing Palmerin for it is no reason to stay when such happie newe a hath sent for vs. And credit mée the verie first time I did behold thée my heart was solicited with greater ioy then I am able nowe to expresse which euer since made me coniecture that there was morâ— betwéene vs then fréendly alliaunce Then was hée cloathed in the rich garments sent by the Emperour and his Cozin Frenato in like maner so comming on horsebacke the Duke of Pera rode on his right hande and his Sonnâ— Palmerin on the left with many Princes Lords Knights and Gentlemen ryding both before and behind them In this manner came they to the Pallace where the Emperour himselfe staied their comming at the Gate and after they were alighted the Prince making humble reuerence to his Maiestie thus spake Mightie and redoubted Lord I knowe not how to render sufficient thanks in that your highnes is pleased to honor me with your daughter which is the thing I alwaies desired Notwithstanding I hope to â—â—ew such deserts héereafter as neither shée shall be miscontented nor your maiestie repent your gentle gift Noâ—le Lord quoth the Emperour well haue you deserued her and mine Empire with her in respect of your worthy sonnâ— Palmerin whome all Europe Asia and Affrica honours Wherefore in the presence of all my Lords I will giue her 〈◊〉 you deferring the day of solemnitie vntill the states of Macedon come therefore Sonne Palmerin go for your Mother Presently hee departed the Dukes of Pera and Mecaena with him and soone they returned bringing with 〈◊〉 the Empresse the Quéene and his Sister the yong Princesse Armida whom hee had schooled with such graâ—â—â—s spéeches as she had nowe forgotten her displeasure towardes the Prince Florendos for the death of the King 〈◊〉 Father There openly in the Hall by the Archbishop of Constantinople the Prince Florendos and Griana were â—â—â—iâ—nced together to their no little contentment as also to the good lyking of all the Princes and Lords of Greece who spent the rest of the day in ioyfull disports and tryâ—â—phâ— Chap. XXXIII How Frysoll declared to the Empresse that he was sonne to her Nephew Netrides ALl this pleasure of the Princes
and lords of Greece for so many ioyfull and vnexpected accidents might not be compared with the pleasures of the Prince Olorico and Frysoll who would nowe no longer kéep his bed in respect of his ioy for the good fortune of his friend wherfore putting on his garments and accompanied with Olorico he came downe into the great Hall as the Prince of Macedon was betrothed to his Ladie when Palmerin stepping from al the rest welcommed them with very gracious courtesie After they had béene generally saluted Frysoll came before the Empresse and on his knée began in this manner Most excellent and gracious Madame may it please you pardon mine offence in shedding the bloud of your kinsman Notwithstanding as the Law of iudgement and reason exhorteth me of two euilles I choose to take the least so did I rather thinke it good to bathe my handes in the bloud of mine owne Couzin then permit him by the Prince Florendos offence to suffer open violence This speake I Madame as being the Sonne to your Nephew Netrides whom long since his eldest Brother disinherited and banished him his Countrey to a little Castle where at this time he remaineth in good disposition Now iudge which of these euents is most admirable that of your noble sonne Palmerin or this which I haue now rehearsed But may it be quoth the Empresse that my Nephew Netrides is yet liuing and can it be possible that thou art his Sonne Trust me Madame saide Frysoll I haue tolde you truth and by Gods leaue you shall haue more ample proofe therof within these few dayes Héereuppon the Emperour the Empresse Florendos and Palmerin with inexplicable reioycing embraced Frysoll not a little extolling theyr fortune that such hardie knights were discended of their linage Then Frisol rehearsed before them all the thrée Combats hée had with Palmerin and what great honour he woonne at the Tourney in France which report greatly contented the Prince Florendos hearing the honourable Chiualrie of his sonne nor would hée forget to ioyne therewith his conquest on the Mountaine Artifaeria with his Combats both in Bohemia and Durace At these reports the Emperour somewhat amazed saide before all his Lords I beléeue my Friendes that the maruailous rare fortunes of these two Cozins Palmerin and Frysoll with the strange aduentures they haue finished in their youth promise greater matters in their following yéeres Then an auncient Knight of Hungaria who was named Apolonio said to the Emperour how in time past hee had béene Page to the Father of Tarisius by which meane hee knew Netrides right well if hee might sée him And if he be yet liuing quoth hée in regard of his manifolde princely vertues the Realme of Hungaria néede no better Gouernour nor will the people themselues mislike of so good a change Wherefore may it so stande with your highnesse pleasure to grant mée companie beséeming the cause I wil do my dutie in the search of him and bring him hither with mée to the Court. Willingly the Emperor consented thereto and like order tooke the Prince Florendos that Cardyna with her Brethren and other Gentlemen should go to the Mountaine of Oliues and enquirâ— for Gerrard Palmerins foster-father Marcella his Wife and Dyoâ—ena their Daughter Palmerin séeing all things sort to so good ende falling on his knée before the Emperour and his Father saide Séeing it hath pleased God to make me knowne for your Sonne I will not conceale a matter from you which concerneth mée very néerely and although it be of great importaunce yet will I not further procéede without your aduise So discoursed he all his seuerall apparitions while he continued with his supposed Father whereby he was prouoked to go séeke the lady who by fatall destenie was promised him nor did he hide his troubles in her search but therewith bewrayed that her name was Polynarda daughter to the Emperour of Allemaigne and his Wife by solemne vowes passed betwéene them He declared moreouer how he trauailed to find the Prince Trineus whome hée lost on the Sea with the Princesse of England and them hée would recouer againe in respect of his faithfull promise to his Ladie Notwithstanding quoth he if you thinke it conuenient I would gladly sende to aduertise the Emperour and my Lady his Daughter of my present good fortune that his Maiestie may confirme our priuate agréement because I doubt the Prince of Fraunce whose Ambassadours haue béene there to conferre on the matter may otherwise present me of mine onely choyse In like manner if Netrides shall be founde to bee made King of Hungaria and the Princesse Armida to be bestowed in marriage on Syr Frysoll who is such a Knight in my iudgement as well deserues one of the chéefest Ladies in the world So God helpe me my Sonne quoth the Emperour no reason were it to disappoint what thou hast so well contriued for séeing things haue beene fore-pointed by fortune méere folly it is for men to contrarie them And because I haue héeretofore heard that the Emperours Daughter is the flower and choyse Ladie among all other whose vertues challenge the man beyonde compare in Chiualriâ— I will sende mine Ambassadours to the Emperour as well for the perfection of the marriage as to comfort her in her despayres with certaine assurance of our health and welfare and so shall your intended trauaile not bee hindered Notwithstanding before you begin your iourney you shall receiue the homage of all the Princes and Lords of Greece as their liege Lord and supreme Gouernour which béeing doone I will likewise take order for my Nephew Frysoll so soone as his Father shall come to the Court. Then calling for the Maister of his Horse commaundement was giuen for spéedie dispatch of messengers to all parts So leauing the Emperour busied in these affayres Florendos and Palmerin went to the Quéene who causing them to sitte downe by her after shee had very graciously welcommed them sayde I pray you tell me which of vs thrée is most beholding to Fortune the Father the Mother or the Sonne Doubtlesse who so considereth the condition of our aduenture will â—â—â—nde it such as seldome hath the like béene séene héeretofore And in sooth my Lorde Florendos the gréeâ—ous torments I haue endured since the losse of my Sonne and my great disloyaltie towards you by breach of my promise I iudge may bee equalled with the burthen of mine offence Neuerthelesse if you estéeme not your selfe satisfied let your noble regarde excuse what nature hath perfected which is to endure much more then as yet wee haue done Madame answered Florendos in time of ioy remember not our passed misfortunes but thinke what now is doone our gracious starres haue graciously furthered and limitted to this end that my loyaltie with the bountie and prowesse of our sonne should be laid open to euerie iudgement Héere had the Prince occasion to rehearse his afflictions in loue endured twentie yéeres space and more for her sake which
should be maried to one of the best Knights of the world Wée néede not doubt that the Quéene was héereat amazed yet the loue of the Mother to her infant cannot conquer the loue of the Wife to her Husbande which among all loues is the most honest and loyall so that in hope to frée him againe on whom depended her health and welfare shée gaue her Childe to the Damosell intreating that shée might be vsed as beséemed the Daughter of a King and as the swéete beautie of the infant deserued Shée returning to Carderia with the Childe made her Sisters verie ioyful by her comming who there nourished the infant till shée was three yéeres olde when the beautie of the yong Princesse beganne to shewe it selfe as fayre Cynthia dooth among the Starres Nowe did the Sisters inclose her in a strong Tower made of purpose for young Francelina wherein was the most goodly Garden in the worlde there was shee attended by her Nursses and sixe waiting Gentlewomen and such enchauntments were imposed on the Tower as no man should euer sée her vnlesse he were the best Knight of his time The entraunce into the Tower was verie strayte and narrowe barred vppe with a great Gate of yron and guarded with two furious Lyons Ouer the gate stoode a huge Image of Copper holding a mightie Mace of Stéele wrought by such cunning as if anie Knight but he that was destenied to end the aduenture should assay to enter hardly might he escape to returne againe Moreouer the conquerour should not demaund the first demaund of the princesse which was the deliuerance of her Father and for this cause the Sisters enchaunted the faire Francelina whose Historie wée must yet forbeare procéeding where wee leâ—t before Olimaell béeing thus on the Sea laden with Christian spoyles and prisoners at length entred the port of the great Cittie of Tubant where hée made such a chéerefull noyse of Droms Trumpets Clarions and Cornets as though the greatest Monarch in the worlde had come to take landing The great Turke maruailing at this sodaine melodie sent one of his Knights to vnderstand the cause who béeing certified by Olimaell what great victories hee had obtained against the Christians and the number of prysoners he brought with him returned to the Pallace where he told his Lord that the Admirall Olimaell was come and had brought with him great spoyles from the Christians where among quoth hee is a Christian King in person many worthy Knights and Gentlemen and a young Princesse of incomparable beautie Not a little ioyfull was the Turke at these newes wherefore comming into his great Hall where the imperiall seates of maiestie were erected himselfe fate downe in the â—one and faire Agriola of England in the other expecting the comming of Olimaell who in tryumphant manner set forward with his prize brauely mounted on a lustie Coâ—rser sumptuously caparasoned and aduauncing his sword drawne in signe of victorie Béeing come to the Pallace Olimaell saluted his Lorde with great reuerence standing by him to make report of his conquest and make present of his prisoners after their estate and calling First he caused all the riches to be brought and all the meanest captiues one after another to kisse the great Turks foote then commaunding them to be carried thence he began in this manner It is not to be doubted most high and mightie Monarch that this victorie gotten on the Christians enemies to our Gods hath beene obtained onely by your fauour therefore it is good reason that the principall head of this enterprise the great and chéefest honour should be doone The witnesse héereof are the treasures present and these prisoners abyding your mercie who from the very meanest to the highest shall humble themselues at your maiesties fâ—â—te When very many had doone theyr reuerence and the King of Thessaly shoulde next follow who though his handes were pinniond behinde him yet had a Crowne of Gold on his head to shewe what hée was although he sawe himselfe in the Traitours power and Olimaell had commaunded him to kisse his Maisters foote boldly made this answere Nor will I so much displease my God vncircumcized Tirant as thou art in such sort to abase my self being a king and administratour of iustice to faithfull Christians to kisse the foote of the mostâ—nastie and vncleane creature in the world profaning the worship which I onely owe to my maker It is in thy power to take my life from mee but not to constraine me do the thing wherein consists my damnation and a thousand deathes I will endure before I yéelde so much as in thought to thée Uillaine quoth the Admirall darest thou speake so vnreuerently in the presence of my Lorde did not my regarde of him withholde mée soone should I seperate thy cursed heâ—d from thy shoulders With these words he gaue the King such a blow on the face as made him fall on his knées to the ground Ah Traytour quoth the King well hast thou shewen the nature of a villaine that without commaunde strykest a King captiue and vnprouided of Armes but might it so please thy Lorde in open Fielde will I prooue thée a disloyall and vnchristened Curre that thus abusest the bloud royall The great Turke séeing the King so moued and angrie the bloud likewise trickling from his nose and mouth commaunded him to be carried thence to one of the strongest Castles in Nacolia where he should be enclosed without any companie that his captiuitie might be the more gréenous to him When the King of Thessaly was departed Palmerin approched leading the Princesse Laurana by the hande hée and his fiue companions beeing Armed except theyr Helmets Gantlets and swords whereat the great Turke maruailing demaunded of Olimaell why hée suffered them to be armed My Lord quoth hee these sixe Knights were the first prize I tooke who after they had giuen me theyr oathes haue done such seruice to your Maiestie especially this poynting to Palmâ—rin one of the best knights that euer I saw as full well do they deserue libertie which in recompeÌ„ce of aduenturing their liues in your seruice vnder your highnesse correction I promised them By Mahomet answered the great Turk for thy sake I likewise confirmâ— it and if héereafter they will abide with mée I will make them greater then euer they were While the Turke was making these promises Agriola hauing well noted Palmerin knew him and with the sodaine conceit thereof was readie to swoune but staying her selfe on her Chayre said O sole bountie who is this are not mine eyes deluded and my thoughts be guiled At these wordes Palmerin knewe her which before hee did not by reason of her strange disguysed apparrell yet thought hee best to conceale his inward ioy least crooked fortune should now againe preuent him The great Turke séeing Agriola looke so pale and wan started from his Chayre and taking her in his Armes said Alas Madame hath any sodaine ill befallen yée hath any one in this companie
her hée sent it by one of his Pages to Laurana who hauing it in her hand came laughing therewith to Palmerin saying Howe say you my Lord haue I not handled the matter 〈◊〉 it should be the Turke mooued with pittie of our straite imprisonment hath giuen me the charge of Madame Agriâ—la for by his Page hath he sent me the Key of her Chamber and Hyppolita shall lodge nowe among other Ladies And because this night the action must bee fulfilled doo you aduertise the Duke of Pontus that at midnight he faile not to come to vse drunken Holofernes as hée hath deserued Palmerin and the King of Sparta praysing God that their affaires went forwarde so luckily returned to their lodging intreating Agriola to be ready at the houre that their intent might not be hindered by her Afterwarde they rehearsed to their companions what was concluded by the Princesse Laurana wherefore quoth hée to the Duke prepare to bring your Armour secretlye to Agriolaes Chamber where you shall finde the King of Sparta and my selfe Meane while Frysoll Olorico and Eustace sée that all out baggage be conueyed into our shiâ—pe which may safely be done without suspect considering what great multitude of Souldiours are embarquing and therefore prouide all things readie agaynst our comming The houre being at hand Palmerin the King of Sparta and the Duke of Pontus went to the Princesse Chamber where the Duke was immediately Armed except his Helmet which he left on the Table couered with the Mantle whereof Laurana spake putting on the attyre the Princes wore vppon her heade and so finely was he disguised in those habits as in the dark he might be reputed rather a woman then a man and béeing readie to depart about the practise he saide to Palmerin I thinke it best my Lord that you and the King of Sparta conâ—uct the Ladyes before to the Porte for if in mine attempt I should happen to â—aile yet shoulâ— you loose but the worst in your companie So importunate was hee with them to follow his aduise as he caused them to depart presently to the Hauen where they were ioyfully welcommed by Frysoll and the rest without méeting anie by the way to hinder them When the Duke saw himselfe left alone and now he was to dispose himselfe to his intent falling on his knée he thus spake O my God that suffered the mightie Holofernes to bée be headed by thy Seruaunt Iudith affoorde me at this time the like grace and giue mée strength to worke his death who is the greatest liuing enemy to Christians This said hée went to the Turks Chamber where he found the doore readie open and approching the bed the Turke who verilie thought it was Laurana raysed vp himselfe and taking him by the arme said Welcome swéete Ladie for verie long haue I expected thy comming Ah Traitour quoth the Duke I am not she thou lookest forâ— regarde of honour will not suffer her to sinne in such sort With which wordes hée stabbed him to the heart and smiting off his head wrapped it in the Mantle that Laurana gaue him so going to Agriolaes Chamber and clasping on his Helmet went presentlie to his Fréendes whom hée founde in prayer for his good successe and throwing the head into Lauranaes lappe said Madame hée that was so importunate for your dishonour as a witnesse of his loue to you hath sent you his head here by me wherwith I present you so deuoutlie as henceforth I dedicate my life and seruice to your disposing A thousand thanks my Lorde quoth the Princesse this vertuous act hath made mée so constanlie to bée yours as in anie thing that toucheth not the impeach of mine honour I remaine with my vttermost endeuours to pleasure you As the Duke woulde haue replied the other Knights came to looke on the head which when they haâ— cast into the Sea they presently hoysed â—aile and before day had gotteâ— farre enough from thence In the morning as the marriners came from theyr Gallies towardes the Cittie they espied the head floting on the water and taking it vp shewed it to their companions to know if they could tell whose it was When they be helde it so dreadfull the muâ—â—achoes â—â—routing out like 〈◊〉 bristles and the locks of hayre hang shagging downe they knew not what to thinke and one of them hauing well marked it said By all our Gods if I be not deceiued this is the head of my Lord the great Turke at which words all the other began to scorne and â—ocke Hyppolita séeing faire Phoebus let foorth the morning light came to the Princesse Agriolaes chamber where not finding her nor Laurana the chamber likewise dispoyled of many things she doubted immediatly that they were fled whereof to be resolued she went to the great Turks Chamber and séeing the Pages standing at the doore saide Why enter ye not the howre is past and my Lorde is not yet risen Lady quoth they as yet hee hath not called vs and you knowe as yesternight be forbâ—d our entrance till we were called it may bée hée 〈◊〉 but badly this night and therefore now is contented to take his rest I feare quoth she some other matter then sléepe dooth hinder his calling you so thrusting open the doore and entring the Chamber sawe the bloud dispersed on the ground and the headlesse truncke hanging beside the bed with which sight they made a verie pittifull outcrie whereat many noble men and Gentlemen came who likewise beholding what had happened ioyned with them in sorrowfull complaints Soone was the report of this murder blazed through the Cittie so that Olimaell bearing thereof ranne thither with all haste where he was no sooner preseÌ„t but Hyppolita thus began Ah Olimaell thou broughtest the Traytours hither that haue slaine my Lorde and by thy meanes hath this treason béene committed By all our Gods sayde one of the Turks Nephewes present it is true but because thou hast suffered Agriola her Brother and the other Knights to escape thou villaine shalt abide it déerely So drawing foorth his Semitarie killed Olimaell therewith saying Such be their reward that trayterously betray theyr Soueraigne mine Unckle of a poore Ianizarie made thée his chéefe Admirall and thou for his kindnesse hast requited him with death but now thy villainy is worthily recompenced Olimaell thus slaine his men ranne furiously on the Turks Nephew and â—â—ew him with fiftie Knights beside that defended his quarrell and had it not béene for an auncient Basso who with an hundred Souldiours came to part them they were in danger of a greater sedition because they sawe none pursue Palmerin and his companions The Basso that had thus pacified this tumult by promises perswaded the Ianizaries and preuailed so well with them as the same day he was proclaimed yonger Brother to the Soldane deceased and great Emperour of Turkie Many iniuries did he to Christendome afterwarde in reuenge of his Brothers death which yet we will forbeare to rehearse what
her meaâ—es to finde some succour be ranne apace towards her and falling on his knée thus spake Alas noble Ladie if euer power had pittie to 〈◊〉 ye instruct me howe to recouer my companions and two woorthie Ladies transformed into brute Beasts Malfada swelling with anger to sée that he was not likewise enchaunted aunswered Wretched knight accursed bée their power that defended thée from my incontations liue not thou in hope to finde any remedie héere for these enchauntments are of such strength as they may not be vndane but by the most skilfull magitian in the world which thou art not I am well assured and therefore dost thou but loose thy labour But because by mine art I cannot be reuenged on thée some other meanes will I seeke for thy destruction You therefore my Seruants lay handes on him and carrie him to the darkest of my prysons that his following dayes may be spent in greater miserie Uncourteous and despightfull quoth Palmerin are these speeches especially comming from one that vaunteth of her knowledge nor can they bee measured by loue or charitie and therefore shall I chastise such bad creatures as refuse a matter no way hurtfull to themselues but wherein theyr owne honour might be discerned With which words hée smote her head from her shoulders and valiantly buckling with the other in the ende left not one to carrie reporte of this massacre afterwarde hee fell into this lamentation againe in this manner Infortunate Palmerin séest thou not how mishap will neuer leaue thée for where thou thoughtest with comfort to finde thy Brother Tryneus nowe hath Fortune ouerwhelmed thée with a whole world of mischaunces Ah noble Agriola and gentle Laurana two of the most modest Princesses that euer the earth bare howe may you iustly blame me bringing you from where you liued in honour in this accursed place to bee transformed to brute Beastes Neuer did Circes deale so cruelly with Grillus and other Souldiers to the wise Vlysses as this villainous olde bag hath doone with me Had you yet beene altered to Lyons and Tygers you might haue defended your selues from the cruelâ—ie of other Beasts but this damned Sorceressâ— hath transformed you to the most fearefull and timerous among all other creatures and therefore subiect to euerie inconuenience Ah loyall companions who loued me déerer then your Father or Brother from the Turks which cherished you with such kindnes and loue haue I brought you to the cruell and mercilesse Malfada My noble Friende and Brother Frysoll what now will auaile thy haughty Chiualrie And gentle Prince Olorico who for my sake forsooke countrey Parents Friendes and all how maist thou iustly condemne me of infamous reproach What answere shall I make to mine Aunt Arismena for her noble husbande the King of Sparta And vertuous Duke of Pontus a Knight of high and especiall qualitie greatly maist thou blame thy fortune to bee acquainted with mée Not forgetting the magnanimious Prince Eustace how can I excuse thy hard 〈◊〉 to the good olde Duke of Mecaena thy Father Had it pleased the soueraigne Creator of all things that among you my selfe had taken the strange shape my quiet would haue béene the better to accompanie you with mishappe as I haue doone in good fortune Ah swéete Sister Armyda little thinkest thou what offence thy Brother Palmerin hath committed and gracious Mistresse Polynarda what torment will this bee to your heauenly thoughts when you shall vnderstand the summe of my ill successe Wandering along in these mones he came to the Enchauntresse Castale where at the gate he sawe two Damoselles who humbly saluting him saide Welcome Sir Knight heere may you repose your selfe if you please Alas Ladys quoth be it is nowe no time for me to rest because the Ladie of this place I thinke béeing the most ingrate and despightfull woman that euer I sawe hath depriued mée of all my ioye and comfort but I hope I haue so well paide her for her paines as héereafter shee shall do no further harme Yet if any of you haue béene so well instructed by her as to finish the deuellish coniurations and will accomplish it or tell me if by force they may bee reduced to their former shapes who remaine enchaunted héere in this Islande for euer will I bee her Knight and will preferre her in honour beyond all other of her race The Damosels who thought their Ladies cunning had brought them thither that shee might abuse him and afterwarde transforme him as was her custome béeing amazed at this aunswere thus spake Accursed villaine of an euill death maist thou die whom our Mistresse by her knowledge cannot transforme now knowe we that thou hast murdered her but assure thy selfe to finde vs thy two most mortall enemies and though we can change thy Fréendes to their former shapes yet in despight of thy villainie wee will not nor shalt thou knowe how it may be doone Awaie strumpets quoth hee get yee going or I will sende your soules after your Mistresse and were it not a disgrace to mine honor to defile my hands with the bloode of such wicked creatures by heauen I would cutte yee as small as flesh to the pot Then came a knight foorth of the Castell who embracing Palmerin said My Lord Palmerin what fortune hath brought you into this accursed Iland Palmerin séeing such strange euents succéede one an other knewe not what to imagine but at length returned this answer You must hold me excused Sir for in truth I knowe ye not Why my Lorde quoth the knight haue you forgotten Dâ—ardo whose life you defended in the king of Bohemiaes Court By heauen said Palmerin I could not call you to remembraunce but tell mee good Knight what aduenture brought you hither for my chaunce hath béene so vnfortunate as the rehearsall woulde bee most dolorous Then Dyardo declared howe the King had sent him with some small assistaunce to pursue fiue Foystes of Moorish Pirats who had doone manie iniuries to his subiects And quothe hee after I had long time chased them fiue other Galleyes came and ioyning with them tooke mee and â—â—ue all my men At length by tempesteous wether we were cast on this Isle where we landing to séeke fresh water all the Moores were changed into Harts Dogs and Bores but the Ladie sparing me in regard of amorous desire hath kept mee in this Castle a yéere and more abusing mee at her owne pleasure and neuer could I compasse any meane to escape hence againe for if I had but made offer néere the Gate by forcible strokes haue I béene beaten backe yet not able to discerne who smote me Your hap quoth Palmerin hath béene verie harde but her cursed head lying on the shore side perswades me héereafter she shall doo no more harme But tell me good Dyardo is there no one within so skilfull in her Science as wée may winne to doo vs some good Not one aunswered Dyardo therefore am I lothe you shoulde staie long heere in doubt
by and sée not the Pillar send one of the Ladies to them to let them vnderstande that they may not passe before one of them haue 〈◊〉 with the Prince and his Knights If they be vnhorssed by him the Ladie must be deliuered to him yet with this condition that he refuse not to graunt her one demaunde By Mahomet sâ—yd Drumino husband to the Lady I will not meddle in this matter he may be such a one as if he hap to winne my Wife he will be loth to restore her backe againe Feare not that quoth the Magitian hee is so courteous and hath so faire a Fréend himselfe as he neyther may or will with-holde her By heauen said Tomano I will cope with him and to morrowe let the Pillâ—r and Pauillions bée erected there will I with my companions stay his comming Sée heere the cause why the King Aâ—imar commaunded the Princesse Zephira and her Knights to be so honourablie entertained By this time is the Princesse come within a daies iourney of Romata and Tomano with his Brother Sister Ladies and knightes betake themselues to â—he pauillions hearing that Zephira was come so neere and being themselues Armed their sister decked likewise in most sumptuous ornaments they vowed to breake many launces for her sake Chap. XLVIII How Palmerin Iousâ—ed against Tomano Drumino and their knights whome he all dismounted and what entertainment the king Abimar and the wise Nigromancer Muzabelino made them BY this time is the princesse with Palmerin and her companie come to the place where the pauillions were erected and not séeing the Piller they passed on wherefore Tomano sent a Damosell to declare the conditions of the passage Palmerin feigning himselfe somewhat wearie made this answer Damosell you may saye to the Prince and his knights that the Princesse Zephira is not in our guarde as the Lady he fights for abideth with him Nor comes she hither to he fought for rather doth she intreat him to spare vs the Ioust in that it will be small honor to him to conquer knights ouerlaboured in trauaile and whose horses are not able for that exercise The Damosell certifying the Prince of this aunswer he grew into anger swearing they should not passe before they tryed their fortune wherefore hee sent the Damosell againe who thus spake to Palmerin Sir knight your excuses may not serue you you must eyther Ioust or leaue the Princesse behind you Trust me Damosell answered Palmerin sorrie woulde I be to accompanie her so far and leaue her in the custody of one I know not did your Prince shewe more courtesie if woulde agrée much better with his order but because he shall not think that we refuse the Iouste through feare or cowardise say hee shall haue his desire both he and all his shall try their fortune ere wee passe further This answer returned to the Prince Drumino first shewed himselfe in the Fielde and by importunate intreatie certaine of the Princesses Knights would first try their valour but such was their ill fortune as Drumino vnhorsed them one after another Zephira somewhat offended heereat intreated Palmerin eyther to win them passage or else with his successe she was content to staye Prisoner I goe Madame quoth Palmerin and Fortune spéede mee as I regard the safetie of your honor Muzabelino hauing acquainted the King with this pastime they came in habits disguised to beholde it at what time the Prince Drumino encountred Palmerin But not to hold you with tedious discourse considering which way the victorie is intended the twe Princes and all their knights were manfullye foyled by Palmerin The Ioust béeing ended and the king returned again to the Cittie Muzabelino came to Palmerin and hauing saluted him with great reuerence thus spake Woorthie Lord who onelie deseruest the name of chiualrie let mee intreate you to excuse the kings Son who to make proofe of your valour by my meanes attempted this noble aduenture from which you haue escaped with great honour and to their shame that made the challenge What are you Syr said Palmeiin that know me so well and the cause why I came into this Countrey Your Fréend Muzabelino quoth he whome you haue taken such paines to finde and who knowing you to be a Christian will kéepe you from all dangers among these Mahumetistes Palmerin suddainlie allighting from his Horsse came and embraced him saying Noble Fréend suffer mée to kisse your hand as a witnesse of my reuerence to your honourable age Not so my Lord answered Muzabelino rather suffer me to doo my dutie to that incomparable person by whose meanes ere sixe Monethes be past the greatest nobilitie in the world shall receyue incredible honour While these courteous ceremonies endured the conquered Princesse with her Ladies came from the Pauillion and saluting Palmerin with great courtesie sayde Sée héere Sir Knight the Lady who trusting in your honourable benignitie commeth to submit her selfe at your disposition béeing woonne with more choyse chiualrie then euer any other Ladie was Notwithstanding I hope that you will not refuse to graunt me one demaund according to the conditions agréed in the Ioust Palmerin séeing her so discréet and modest so sumptuous in apparell and accompanied with so manie Ladies iudged that she was the Kings Daughter and Wife to the Prince Drumino wherefore entertaining her verie graciously hée thus replyed Unfitting it is faire Ladie that a Princesse of so high and speciall qualitie shoulde bée subiect to a poore and vnknowne Knight and though the agréement of the Ioust bee such yet do I humblie thanke you for this honour bequeathing you to your former libertie and restoring you to him that hath best right to you A thousand thankes worthie Lorde said the Princesse now I se'e the words of Muzabelino to my father are true that the Knight who conducted Madame Zephira as in chiâ—alrie hée surpasseth all other so in sranke ininde and ltberalitic hée hath not his seconde which was the chéefest cause why I aduentured my selfe in this hazarde of Fortune Madame quoth Palmerin if the wise Muzabelino hath vsed any speach of mée in mine absence and to my honor it procéeded not by my vertue but his good will in so â—â—â—ing which if I liue I will one day acknowledge Right welcome are you saide the Princesse and faire Zephira the rather for your sake and such be the houre of your arriuall héere as you may obtaine the ende of your desires Zephira humblie thanked the Princesse Tomano Drumino and all the rest embracing Palmerin thinking it no dishonour to bâ— conquered by him they mouâ—ted all on horsebacke and comming to the Cittie founde the King there readie with an honorable traine to receiue them who saluting the princesse Zephira verie kindly said No maruell Madame if you durst vndertake so long a iourney hauing yâ— only knight of Fortune in your companie as my Sonnes haue good occasion to witnesse and shée that ommits her selfe to his charge may bée well assured of 〈◊〉
〈…〉 and they may come to kisse your 〈…〉 Florendos and the Ladies were 〈…〉 Long liue your Maiestie in health and happinesse here may you beholde the man for whom my Lorde Palmerin your Sonne hath endured such paine and trauaile The 〈◊〉 perceiuing by his spéeches that hée was Trineus the Prince of Allemaigne thus aunswered I hope my Lorde that you will beare with mine age and weakenesse which hinders me from entertaining you as fain I would but I beséech you to aryse for it ill beséemes so great a Prince to humble himselfe in such sort Florendos and Griana in this time welcommed their Sonne Arismena the King of Sparta Armida her Frysoll and the olde Emperour and Empresse graciously entertained Agriola and Laurana each absent Fréend so embraced and welcommed as all the day was spent onelie in those ceremonies The next morning Palmerin dispatched his Dwarffe Vrbanillo to the Emperour of Allemaigne that he and Polynarda might vnderstand these long expected newes and afterward comming to Sir Frysoll he sayd to him Brother our Mother hath eâ—riched vs with a Sister since our departure and my Sister Armida me with two Nephewes I pray you let vs go sée them Héereupon the Nurses brought the yong Princes the â—ldest of them being named Dytrius and the yongest Belear the yong Princesse Daughter to Florendos and Griana was called Denisa so faire and comely were the infants as if Nature had studied to make them most exquisite Beléeue me Sir Frysoll quoth Palmerin if my sister continu◠〈◊〉 she begins the Realme of Hungaria shall hardly want 〈◊〉 what two at a blow hir Ladie it is a â—â—gne of good 〈◊〉 And when you are entred the estate of wedlocke answered Frysoll if your linage increase according to the greatnesse of desire Madam Polynarda shall be as well sped 〈◊〉 her neighbors Thus iested the Princes togither attending â—ewes of 〈◊〉 courrier that went with Vrbanillo to the Emperor of Allemaigne 〈◊〉 at that time was at Vienna Chap. LIX How the Duke of Mensa and the Countie of Redona conducted the prince Olorico into Assiria where hee was espoused to the princesse Alchidiana FOr the space of a Moneth and morâ— Palmerin Trineus and Agriola soiourned at Constantinople till all thingâ— were prepared for them to 〈◊〉 towardes Allemaigne during which time Palmerin shewed such signes of loue to the Prince Olorico as he wold seldome be 〈…〉 that more and more his amourous passions encreased hée sayde Déere 〈…〉 Nor doo I this swéete Prince as enuious of your companie or that I stand in feare of the Soldane but onelie to kéepe my promise which was that I would ayde you to my â—ttermost to accomplish the marriage 〈…〉 for whom I see your 〈…〉 troubled My Lorde aunswered Olorico if euer perfect loue might be discerned in a Princes heart doubtlesse it is most amplie 〈◊〉 in yours Where you can finde in anie Historie seâ—blable affection or that a Christian would so fauour his enemie that is contrarie to him in law and 〈…〉 that so great â— Prince would 〈…〉 to accept as his companion in Armes the poore Sonne of the King of Arabia practising for his good not the suretie alone of the Christians but the alliance of the greatest Lord in Asia 〈…〉 Lorde since of your accustomed good 〈…〉 this offer of simple iudgement should I shewe my selfe to refuse it I accept your gracious kindnesse and assure your selfe of his readie seruice whom 〈…〉 to the Prince of Greece 〈…〉 the Soldane of Babylon in 〈…〉 The Letter of Prince Palmerin to the great Soldane of Babylon 〈…〉 〈…〉 against all your enemies Contrariwise if you will follow your former opinion wee must defende our selues so well as we may And for I can no more with 〈◊〉 forsake my Couâ—trey Parents and friendes to returne againe to your seruice I sende you the Prince Olorico a Knight both valiant and hardie as anie in all Turkie without exception of your Court the great Turks or the Soldane of Persia and he to serue you in my 〈◊〉 Desiring your highnes by that affection which you did beare me whâ—Ì„ the Prince 〈…〉 that you accept him as your Sonne and giue him in marriage your Daughter Alchidiana as the man that hath best deserued her if euer Prince might merit â— Ladies loue by bountie and choyse chiualrie So shall you performe an action of 〈◊〉 honour and 〈◊〉 me continually to acknowledge this kindnesse Your Palmerin d'Oliua Another Letter he wrote to the Princesse Alchidiana the tenure whereof was thus The Letter of Prince Palmerin to the Princesse of Assiria TO you Madam Alchidiana daughter to the great Soldane of Babilon Palmerin d'Oliua your knight sendeth health condigne to your magnificence Madame sending to your Father the Duke of Mensa and the Count 〈…〉 to the Crowne of Arabia You know faire Madame that neuer had he come to your Fathers Court had not the perillous battaile against the proude Brother of Amarano prouoked him nor would be haue aduentured the dangers of the Sea but in hope at length to purchase your gracious loue For these considerations good Madame entertaine him into your sober thoughts who hath no more feared to spend his bloud for your sake and thrust his life into infinite dangers then I haue doone to sette my hande and penne to this paper I know that your grace beautie and great 〈◊〉 commandeth the chéefest Prince on the earth for your Husband and to shéelde my selfe from blame I know that I promised you my seruice When I should returne from Constantinople but how hath it fallen out your Palmerin is knowne by them that haue like authoritie ouer him as your loue hath of the Prince Olorico I am a Christian a stranger Sonne to the simple king of Macedon and the Daughter to the Emperour of Greece beside of verie little or no desert at all Hee is of your Lawe your Neighbour sonne to the rich king of Arabia and a Prince of as high vertue as euer was in my companie witnesse whereof he made on the Phrigians and in an hundred places since in my presence Wherefore Madame if noblenesse of hart and loyall loue deserue so great an alliance I know no Prince this day liuing more worthie then he Assuring you withall that more gladly would I die thâ— death then sollicite the cause of him whome I would not imagine vnworthie my person Your Knight Palmerin d'Oliua When he had sealed these Letters hee gene them to to the 〈◊〉 who accompanied with fiftie Grecian 〈…〉 where their shippes was 〈◊〉 after them followed the King Maulerinos hundred Knights the number being supplied with other instead of them that were slaine and after them went the Knights that came with Ptolome then came the Prince Olorico and Palmerin deuising by the way on manie matters My Lord quoth Palmerin I imagine you nowe remember our taking by the Admirall Olimaell and feare that the like mishappe may againe befall you I therfore as your
Emperour said I beseech you my Lord graunt me one request which shall be no way preiudiciall to your Maiestie Arise sir Palmerin quoth the Emperour aske what thou wilt and thou shalt haue it My Lord Tryneus and the Princesse Agriola saide Palmerin are religiously married betweene themselues let me intreate your highnesse to confirme it witâ— open solâ—mnization before the Duke of Mecaena héere present whom I meane to send into England that he may resolue the King howe himselfe was an eye witnesse of their marriage The Emperour liked so well of Palmerins motion as soone after the wedding was solemnized and he comming to Bryonella courteously taking her by the hand said My good friend Brionella I am now to be discharged of the promise I made at my last being here in witnesse whereof I haue brought your knight sir Ptolome and him I commend to your further fauour So highly am I beholding vnto you my Lord quoth shée as neuer shall I bee able to returne sufficient recompence but were we equall in ioy with the Prince Tryneus and faire Agriola then would I think no storme could wrong vs. Palmerin at these words presently left her and perswaded the Emperour so well as Ptolome and Brionella were likewise espoused togither when Palmerin conferring with the Princesse Agriola thus spake to her Now may you iudge Madame whether I deceiued ye or no and if the estate of my Lord Tryneus be any lesse then I told ye Had I not giuen faithfull credit to your spéeches answered Agriola I would not haue forsaken my Parents and friendes so rashly but I hope they will pardon me in that I haue done nothing but to their honour On the morrow with excéeding ioy and rare tryumphs were Palmerin and Polinarda married togither and thus was long and faithfull loue worthily requited Ptolome was now created Duke of Saxon and Dyardo tooke his leaue to goe sée his wife Cordonya whom he had not heard of since the time he was taken by the Pirates Chap. LXI Howe Palmerin sent Ptolome Duke of Saxon as his Ambassador to the King of France and the Duke Eustace of Mecaena to the King of England to treate of the peace betweene them CErtaine dayes before the departure of Dyardo toward Bohemia Palmerin in the presence of the Emperour and all the Princes gaue the charge of his Embassade to the Duke Ptolome which he should deliuer not onely to the most Christian King of France himself but also to his yongest sonne who now had espoused the Duchesse of Buroundie So departed Ptolome from Vienna accompanied with many Lordes and knights and at length arriued at Digeon where the Prince Lâ—wes being acquainted with the cause of his comming thus answered the Ambassadour My Lorde sometime I had acquaintance in Fraunce with the most renowned Palmerin and because hée is the onely man of the worlde to whom I owe all friendly affection I will perswade my Father to ioyne in peace with him Nowe was Ptolome in good hope that his trauaile woulde sorte to successiue ende wherefore they presently iourneyed to the King who as then was with his estates at Paris and hauing hearde Palmerins request who nowe was wedded to the Princesse Polynarda and therefore his intended warre with the Emperour would extende to the hurt of the man he loued thus answered Duke of Saxon I am sufficiently acquainted with the bountie of thy Maister and verie well I doo remember that at his béeing in Fraunce he combatted for his Ladie Polinarda yet was I ignoraunt till nowe of that hath happened But leaste hée should conceiue that I séeke to make a commotion in Christeâ—dome let him enioy his Ladie and Wife in peace although shée was sometime promised to mine eldest Sonne reseruing the conditions of our amitie that our first Nephewes and Néeces may match togither in marriage therby to continue the honour of their predecessours As for the Kings of Spaine and England who moued me to giue them assistaunce on there behalfe I can make you no certaine answere vntill my Messengers be returned home againe Gracious Lord quoth Ptolome I dare assure you in the name of my Maister that hée hath euermore estéemed your fauour among the best Christian Princes and will not refuse the marriage betwéene your Children héereafter And this coniunction of your amitie will cause that neither the Kings of Spaine or England will séeke to molest him but with your highnesse ioyne in loue and friendship With this answer Ptolome returned to Vienna where the Emperour and Palmerin welcommed him with excéeding honour and by this time had the Duke Eustace taken landing in England where deliuering the summe of his charge to the King his highnesse returned him this answere Although my Lord Ambassadour both your Maister and the Prince Tryneus did me manifest dishonor yet not to withstand peace which still ought to bâ—â— preferred before warre I graunt his request and will presently call home my Garrisons shaking hands with him in honourable concord As for the wrong doone to my Daughter I am content to excuse it beléeuing that shée was not conueyed hence but with her will thanking the Prince for the honour he hath done her séeing she would leaue her Parents and friendes so lightly I thinke my gracious Lord answered the Duke that when you consider what your Daughter hath done you will not touch her with want of witte or iudgement for in respect of the long enmitie betwéene the Emperour and you shée desired that her marriage might sort this happie ende Nor would she haue departed hence with the Prince Tryneus without a faithfull and resolued promise of marriage which is performed with as great honour as euer was done to the daughter of a King Thinke you quoth the King that had not the great friendship of Tryneus when against his Fathers will he came with Palmerin to assist me quallified the weight of mine anger against him but I woulde haue pursued the iniurie he did to me yet did I referre his seruice to the iudgements of my Lords of England who perswaded me to reuenge which you well perceiue as yet I haue not done Prince Palmerin quoth the Duke is so vertuous as rather woulde hée haue runne on a thousande deathes then your daughters honour shoulde anie way haue béene impeached but béeing assured of this fortunate issue both hée and Tryneus aduentured as they did And sorrie am not I said the King that all things are come so well to passe but séeing we are entred thus farre in spéeche tell mée I pray you how Palmerin came to the knowledge of his Parents and howe hée finished the aduentures at the Castle of the tenne Rockes and the daungerous Isle of Malfada which neuer any Knight could compasse before Then the Duke rehearsed euerie accident how amourous the great Turke was on the Princesse Agriola and each seuerall occasion as they fell out at which report the Quéene with her Ladies were present who hearing the discourse
haue I so offended the Ladie that the sight of mee should endaunger her life tell me my Fréende quoth hée to the Pilot doâ—st thou know of whence she is No my Lord aunswered the Pilot but I vnderstand she is a noble Princesse who comming to sée the Emperour hath lost her people and goods in the Sea Me thinks I haue séene her heertofore saide Palmerin but I cannot remember the place where Then beholding her more aduisedly he said I 〈◊〉 of this the Princesse Alchidiana that cannot bee my Ambassadours tolde me that shee was married to the Prince Olorico By this time was she a litle recouered and séeing how he helde her in his armes thus spake Ah Syr Palmerin why doo you hinder the departure of miserable Alchidiana thinkeâ— oâ— shee can ende her life in better time and place then in this Countrey and betwéene his armes whome she loued as her life yet neuer receiued courtesie by him till this instant Ah my Lorde héere maist thou behold the foolish and indiscréete Alchidiana who for thée hath lost her Husband Olorico that loued her deerelye Knightes Ladies and inestimable treasure hath shee likewise lost all which she maketh no account off but of her beloued whom she shall neuer recouer But may it be Madame quoth the Emperour that you are indéed the Princesse Alchidiana Daughter to the Soldane of Babilon the flower of all the Ladies in Turkie The same am I â—saide shee who loued thee so vnmeasurably as the loyaltie of mariage â—eare of daungers of the Sea nor thy â—oo rigorous refusall both in my presence and by thy Messengers coulde not 〈◊〉 me from this shame onelie to see thy Court and the beautie of Polynarda And that at lengâ—h I might 〈◊〉 my desire I brought my Husbande with mee who I feare the cruell waters haue swalowed and as braue Ladies as 〈◊〉 were séene with riches that well might decorateâ—â—â— Empire By Heauen Madame quoth Palmerin if the Prince haue lost his life in this aduenture neuer will my heart be merrie againe Nowe sée I the vnspeakable loue you beare me which I haue in some part requiâ—ed toward your Olorico yet dismay not swéete Ladie nor feare his death before further tryall for by mine honour I sweare no sooner shall I come to Constantinople but I will cause his search presently to be followed not doubting but hée may be found againe And nowe faire Princesse tell what vertue or desert you sawe in mée that might value the least paine you haue endured committing your gracious personne to so manie doubtfull hazards of feares affrightes perturbations heatâ— and colde which your choyse nature could hardly brooke in trauell vnworthie were I the name of a man if nowe I shoulde not pittie you And I sweare to you by the liuing God that if your mishap sort to an euill ende neuer will I weare my Diademe longer Alas Madame if heeretofore I haue deluded you consider it was a Louers deceit that had bequeathed his heart to such a Ladie as loues you as if you were her Sister But haue you quoth shée among your amorous delights acquainted her with my vnséemely boldnesse what may she theen conceiue of me but as of a Girlâ— giuen to loose and lauish appetiâ—e The loue of wedlockâ— faire Princesse said Palmerin cannot make me disclose her preiudice that honoured me so much let it suffise you that for the fauour I obtained when you found me in lyke place she remaineth to recompence you with all possible kindnesse Let vs then depart hence toward Constantinople that you may be vsed as beseemeth your high calling Héere despised that I am quoth the Princesse had I entred into conceit of your former illusions neuer had I fallen into so great daunger but as for matters past either of your rygour or disdaine your present affabilitie compelles mée to forget set on then when you please and I will beare ye companie The Pilot the Marchants Wife and her Daughters on their knées desired the Emperour to excuse them in that they had not reuerenced his Maiestie as they ought Worldly honour I expect not sayde the Emperour come with mée that I may recompence your paines taken for â—his worthie Princesse So rode they on and as they issued forth of the Forrest their staied the Knights and Hunters attending the Emperours comming they all maruailing at the great courtesie hee vsed to the Ladie then his Maiâ—stie calling the Duke Eustace to him sayd Thou must presently with thy Companions goe Arme ye and trauaile to finde the Prince Olorico whom the tempestuous seas hath separated from his Ladie Who brought these heauie tydings to your highnesse sayd the Duke This Ladie who is his Wife quoth hée hauing myraculouslie escaped shipwracke by the meanes of this Mariner When they were come to the Pallace the Duke of Saxon came to holde the Emperours Horse while he alighted Ptolome sayde Palmerin know you no better your Mistresse Alchidiana you must now remember her passed fauours when shée redeemed you from base seruitude And that shall not I forget my Lorde quoth the Duke while I haue a day to liue but I cannot thinke that this Ladie is sheâ— It is euen shée without further question sayd the Emperour doo you and the Duke of Mecaena helpe her from her Horse and conduct her by into the Pallace while I in meane time goe to aduertise the Empresse Madame quoth Ptolome yet can I not be thorowlie resolued In sooth Ptolome said shée I am Alchidiana who to accomplish what thou and thy companions coulde not am come hither in this pouertie discouering my want of knowledge by an vnrecouerable losse except you my Lords take the greater pittie on me Thinke you Madame quoth Ptolome that my Lord Olorico is lost neuer feare it I beséech ye but thinke you shall finde as great fauour in this Court as if you were with the Soldane your Father Palmerin comming to the Empresse said Madame as I was hunting this day I found in our Forrest the Princesse Alchidiana of whom I haue so often tolde yeée shée béeing wife to the Prince Olorico that named himselfe my Dwarffes Brother when I was with you last at Gaunt I desire ye to intreate her as her calling deserueth because I am not a little beholding to her So taking her by the hand they came and met the Princesse and Palmerin taking her courteouslie in his armes deliuered her to the Empresse saying Faire Princesse you shall remaine with my Ladie till our knights haue found your Lord anâ— Husband God will requite your kindnesse to a distressed Ladie said Alchidiana although I feare for my offences his fortune will be much the woorse Madame quoth the Empresse so noble and debonaire is your Lord and Husband as no danger can any way preiudice his life but thinke him as safe as if he were héere present with you which doubtlesse will be right soone and in good time therefore let mee intreate you to bée of
great Turke the Calâ—â—â—â— of Siconia and the heyres to the Prince Amarano of Nigrea not much inferiour in this condition is the Soldane of Babylon whose daughter with her Husband I héere beholde The victorious Ambimar King of Romata and Griscâ— the worthie Maulerino and the puiâ—â—aunt Soldane of Persia my Maister Husbande to the vertuous Quéene Zephira who with their Brother haue sent your highâ—esse thrée Shippes laden with the most wealthie riches their Countreyes can yéeld My Lord and they humbly kisse your Maiesties hande desiring you to forget his disceurâ—â—sie to the gentle Knight Tâ—yneus when hee became â—â—amoured on the Princesse Aurecinda But if their loue then sorted to a philosophicall trope or figure it hath sithence prâ—ued effecâ—â—uall in procreation to the no little ioy of my Lorde and Maister The Princesse was deliuered of a goodly Son growing in such exquisite forme and feature as it is expected hée will one day resemble his Father in châ—ualrie as he dooth alreadie his Mother in amiable perfection Ambassadour quoth the Emperour for the great vertue and nobilitie I haue founde as well in the Princesse Zephira as also her noble Brother I graunt the fréendly allâ—ance thou demaundest Yet heereof am I sorie that the Son to the Prince Tryneus should be nourished and spend his youth among Maâ—umetists without knowledge of hiâ— God and Redéemer for in such sort should hée be instructed after he is come to the yéeres of vnderstanding that all the Alchoran is tales anâ— fables and doubtlesse God will so deale with him in time as hée shall imitate the steppes of his noble Father As for the presents sent Vs by the King Maulerino the Solâ—aâ—e and his Queen Zephira we accept them as from our Fréenâ—s and will returne them some remembraunce of our thankfulnesse His Maiestie commaunded the Persians to bée lodged in his Pallace and continued still their former ioyes and tryumphs but to alter those Courtly pastimes and delights this misfortune happened which héereafter followeth Chap. LXV Howe the great Turke refused to assist Lycado Nephewe to the Admiral Olimaell against the Emperor Palmerin and what trouble happened to Constantinople by the Traitor Nardides Nephew to the King Tarisius Lycado Meuadeno and their father SUch was the humanitie and pittie of Palmerin when hee finished the enchantments at the Isle of Malfada as he gaue libertie to all the Turks and Christians which were before transformed as you haue heard among whom was Lycado Nephew to the Admirall Olimaell hée that at the taking of Agriola had the Prince Tryneus for his prisoner This Lycado séeing himselfe in his owne Countrey and out of daunger where he heard howe the great Turke was slaine and his Uncle likewise hée came before the Sultane that then raigned saying Worthy lord as men are naturallie inclined to bemone their losses so are Subiects bound to aduertise their Soueraignes of any shame or iniurie done to their Maiesties This speak I my Lord because you haue not as yet reuenged the death of your deceassed Brother now sléeping in the Armes of Mahomet albéeit traytâ—rouslie slaine by Palmerin and his Companions at which time my noble Uâ—cle was likewise murthered with many Knights of cheefe and especiall account And least you should be ignoraunt in the truth of the déede and who also â—arryed hence the Princesse Agriola I haue credibly vnderstood that Palmerin is Nephew to the Emperour of Greece one of his companions is the Emperours Sonne of Allemaigne and all the rest were Princes and Lords of Greece onely sent as spyes into Turkie Wherefore séeing you now holde the state in such peace and quietnes it were necessarie you should leauie a mightie Armie and please you to commit the charge thereof to mée I will loose my life or make an absolute destruction of all Greece I remember said the great Turke that your Unckle made like entraunce into my decâ—ased Brothers Courte as you by your spéeches now labour to doo but I will so warilie looke to such intrusions as no Traytors shall rest héere if I can hinder theÌ„ Your Unckle vexed the Christians what followed thereon the death of his maister and a daungerous confusion By you likewise may â—nsue as bad fortune departe you therefore from the Court and but that we are loth to bee noted with tyrannie thou shouldest presently be drâ—wne in péeces with Horses False Traytour thou that commest to counsaile vs in a matter wherein we cannot meddle but with great dishonour it behâ—ues thée first to regard the end of thy intent and what he is that gouerns in Greece Go villaine go and on perill of thy life neuer presume before our presence againe Lycado was greatly astonied at this sharpe answere and séeing he could haue no better successe hee went to his Father the Brother to Olimaell béeing one of the chéefest Magitians in all Turkie to him he made his complaints saying he would die in that resolution but he would cause the Turke to knowe that hee was no Traytour and this quoth he shall be the meane whereby I will compasse it I meane to disguise my selfe and trauaille to the Cittie of Constantinople where priuily I wil murder the Emperor Palmerin so 〈◊〉 my Lorde the great Turke tâ—uch mée with no further suspition but will reward me with greater benefits then euer my Unckle had My Sonne answered his Father thinkest thou that thy deuise will sort to effect thy Brother Menadeno would helpe thée héerein but hée is too yong yet when time serueth for thy departure I will not onely tell thée but conduct thee my selfe I beséech you good father saide Lycado further me in what you may for neuer will my hart be at rest till I haue paid Palmerin with the selfe same coyne the great Turke was In meane while do you studie and search all our Bookâ—s of 〈◊〉 Diuination Magique and Nigromancâ—e as Zabulus Orpheus Hermes Zoroastres Ciroes Medea Alphonsus Bacon Aponius and all the rest that write of the blacke speculatiue reade them againe and againe deuiâ—e such spâ—lles exorcismes and coniurations as the very â—pirits may speaâ—e of the feast I will make at the Cittâ—e of Constantinole Héereupon the olde man made his Sonne Menadeno Knight and with Lycado betooke themselues to Sea saying My Sonnes I will bring ye to Constantinople where by vertue of mine arte we will arriue before thrée dayes be expired remember your vnckles death and behaue your selues in such sort as you may be Registred for euer The time doth nowe fauour you with sufficient reuenge and therein shall you be assisted by a Christian Knight whome we shall finde readie landed there for the same cause Their Ankers being wâ—yed they launch into the déepe and cut through the waues with such violence as if the deuill himselfe were in their sailes so that they tooke landing at the selfe same houre as Nardides arriued at Constantinople As concerning what this Nardides was you remember the two Traytors Promptaleon and Oudin Nephewes
all his enemies Moreouer within two Moneths hée would deliuer tenne thousand talents of Golde and two millions of Seraphes in recompence of his wrong doone to the King Abimar All this my Lord quoth the Soldane will I faythfullie performe and all the Kinges my Subiects shall subscribe thereto on this condition that you accompanie the Princesse to the Cittie of Harano there to honor with your presence our espousall where your sonne Tomano shall likewise match with our Daughter To this the King willingly consented whereupon the Soldane sent his Seneshall to cause his Armie march homewardes into Persia except sixe thousand men at Armes to guard to Soldanes person then openly in the field was the peace proclaimed and the Captaines on either side fréendly embracing each other Afterward the soldane comming to the king Abimar and in the presence of Palmerin and Trineus thus spake Néedlesse were it now my Lord to remember our passed displeasures but generally to conferre of warre and peace yet hereof I can assure you that the Princesse Zephira and these two strange Knights preuailed more agaynst me then all the rest of your Armie But least your people should thinke that our concluded peace is not thorowlie grounded to morrowe will I bée openlie affianâ—ed to the Princesse Zephira and afterward set forward to Harano that my Sisters may bée present at our nuptials in the meane while our Seneshall and sixe other noble Lordes shall remaine with you as our hostages These determinations fulfilled the Soldane passed to Harano where hée heard of the death of the Prince Donadel and the Kinges sonne of Rosillia with diuerse other Princes of his kindred â—â—aine in the battell but the heate of his newe loue caused him to make small account therof preparing all things readie for the solemnitie of his marriage Chap. LIII The conference that the Soldane of Persia had with his Sisters thinking by theyr meanes to stay Palmerin and Tryneus in his Court and the honourable entertainement hee made them at the arriuall of the Princesse Zephira And how by good fortune Palmerin recouered his Squire Colmelio from the Ambassadour Maucetto NO sooner was the soldane come to Harano but hée presently dispatched Messengers to his sisters that they might bée present at his honourable marriage and calling for his Daughter the yong Princesse Belsina he thus began Faire Daughter I thinke you are not ignorant for report fâ—â—eth quicklie fâ—r that I haue promised you in mariage to the Prince Tomano therefore I account it verie requisitie that your solemnitie bee done on the same day when I shall espouse the Princesse Zephira My gracious Lorde and Father quoth shée I remaine altogither at your highnesse direction and if for conclusion of peace you match with so faire a Princesse as is Zephira it were agaynst reason I should refuse the worthie Prince Tomano of Romata When hée perceyued the readie good-will of his Daughter and his two sisters by this time were come to the Court. After hée had welcommed them in most gracious manner hée entred into these spéeches I thought it verie expedient fayre sisters since you vnderstand the peace concluded betwéene the King of Grisca and my selfe to acquaint you with other matters greatly concerning you There commeth hither in the companie of the Princesse Zephira two strange knights of very rare perfections to whom I would willingly haue you vse such especiall behauiour as wée might purchase the meanes to enioy them continually in our Court for no other intent I promise you but onely that they may match with you in marriage You sister Lyzanda quoth hée to the eldest I commit to the cheefest Knight the verie same man that most valiantlie tooke mée prisoner in the battaile and you Arecinda for so was the yongest named I bequeath to the other who is one of the goodliest personages that euer Nature framed Héereunto they were right soone entreated especiallie Aurecinda who though her elder sister were graue and well aduised yet was shée pleasant quaint and so subtile as easily could shee practise the meane to deceiue the wisest man whereof she made some experience as you shal hereafter perceiue in the Chapters following The Soldane hauing sent for all the Kings Princes and Lordes his subiects to bée present on the day of this great solemnitie the Prince Tomano earnestlie desâ—ring to sée his best beloued desired Palmerin Trineus and the Princesse Zephira that they might set forwardes to Harano But Muzabelino who knew what troubles would succéede the marriage aduised the King Abimar not to goe and counsailed the two Princes Trineus and Palmerin to kéepe themselues continuallie Armed because the Soldane was a man continually subiect to incertaine chaunces So giuing of each of them a Cote of Armes of Crimson Ueluet most curiousâ—ie embroidered with Pearles hee departed from them returning backe againe to the Citie of Grisca Nowe ride these Princes ioyfully to Harano where they were receiued by the soldane with wonderfull pompe and honor each one admiring the rare beaâ—tie of the Princesse Zephira who was conducted with such a royall traine as neuer was the like séene before in Harano At the Cittie Gate the Soldane mette them and in a sumptuous Câ—â—che accompanied them to the Pallace where after many solemne curtesies on each side deliuered and such magnifical royaltie beséeming the time and place the Soldane came to his Sisters who had not yet talked with the two strange Knights and thus spake Sisters to the eâ—de that héereafter you shall not be beguiled the Knights that accompanie my Ladie the Princesse and whome I haue so much commended to you are Christians notwithstanding they bee such as they twaine deserue greater honor then I am any way able to expresse As for their comely stature after that your â—ye hath conferred with your heart I referre my opinion to your iudgement regarde then that they bee loued and estéemed as their perfections doo worthily deserue Aurecinda the yongest and most voluntarie Sister hauing her eye continually fixed on the Prince Trineus thus conferred with herselfe My Brother verie lightly commaundeth vs to loue these strange Knights I knowe not what my Sisters opinion is as for mine owne the beginning alreadie of my loue is such that if I do not quickly obtaine my desire I feare that my affection is rated at the price of my life The time is passed ouer with many delights and daily pastimes after the Persian manner but all this while Lizanda and Aurecinda are tormented with loue so that all patience was vtterly denied them yet bearing this waightie burden so well as they coulde at length the two Sisters came to the Princesse Zephiraâ—s Chamber where they founde Palmerin and Trineus conferring together feigning the cause of their comming to bid the Princesse good morrow Palmerin perceiuing that Lizanda sodainely chaunged her colour imagined the cause of her secret disease and béeing loth to bée tempted with anie such occasion dissembling that he sawe her not tooke
Zephira by the hande and leading her to the window â—ounde some cause of conference which Lizanda perceiuing in anger shée â—long forth of the Chamber yet Aurecinda would not follow her for she being thorowly conquered with loue neither regarding feare shame or other such like behauiour séemely in Maidens tooke Trineus by the hand and causing him to sitte downe by her thus beganne I doo not a little maruaile Syr knight that when Ladies come to sée you their entertainment is no better It is not the manner of Gentlemen to be so sollitarie without hauing some friend or beloueâ— which you shall soone finde in this Court of higher calling then you imagine if Ladies may discerne some signe of your fauourable liking In good â—aith Madame answered Trineus if to you and your sister I haue not done such â—uety as beséemed me it procéeded by forgetfulnesse or my minde carried away with other occasions for nature made me obedient to Ladies If these words Sir knight quoth she procéede from your heart I can assure you to be loued of such a one who is not vnworthie the like good will and of such account is shée with the Soldaâ—â—e as he shall create you one of the greatest Lords in Persia so please you to stay in his highnesse Court That may not be quoth Trineus for so soone as the Soldane and the prince Tomano shall be espoused I must néeds depart with my companion about affaires of very great importance Palmerin who with one eare listened to the Princesse Zephiâ—a and with the other to the words of Aurecinda after she was departed to her Chamber thus spake to Trineus Good Friende beware of this Ladie that shee cause you not to offende God and violate the loyaltie you owe to Madame Agriola Such experience haue I had in these actions as when Ladies haue enterprised theyr amarous furies if they cannot compasse it by the meanes of men they will aduenture it with hellish familiars that can deceiue the very wisest especially in this wicked Countrey where is no knowledge of God or his Lawes Beside you know that such impudent loue cannot bee carried about without such apt mâ—â—engers and from whence procéedeth manie inconueniences Brother aunswered Trineus feare not my constancie for my Ladyes loue hath taken such sure foundation as death cannot make me false to her yet prooued his words contrarie in the end and for which hée repented afterwarde While these delights continued 〈◊〉 Ambassadour to the soldane of Babilon arriued at the Courte where the Monarch of Persia receiued him verie honourably willing him to conceale the newes till the marriages were past which on the morrow was performed with maruailous royaltie As the Princes and Lordes accompanied the soldane to the Temple it happened that Aurecinda was conducted by the Prince Trineus whereof she béeing not a little glad by the way entred into these spéeches Ah my true Friend and Lord Trineus when will the day come that I may be thus led to espouse the man whom I loue more déere then my life Madame quoth Trineus I cannot maruaile sufficiently to sée you thus changed considering the greatest Lord in the Orient may be thought too simple for such a Wife yet did you choose one that perhaps would not espouse you my Lorde the soldane béeing your Brother may constraine him thereto Héere-hence quoth shée procéedeth my sorrow for hée whome I loue is not the soldanes subiect nor dooth agrée with mee in faith and opinion he will giâ—e no eare to mine intreaties much lesse to such a one as can make him one of the greatest Lords in Persia. But thinke you my Lorde that I can conceale what you may plainely discerne in mine eyes You are the onely man my heart 〈◊〉 chosen and whome the soldane loueth more then his Brother Alas Madame quoth the Prince vnfitting is it that a Knight errant shoulde espouse the Sisters of so great a Lord as is the Soldane of Persia. And would his Maiestie so much honour me yet the contraritie of our faith is such an impeach as flatly it may not be for rather will I be torne in péeces then match with a Pagan or renounce my faith for her loue No no my Lord saide the Princesse I will râ—nounce mine for your loue and worship Iesus Christ the sonne of the blessed Uirgin Well worthie then were I of reproch quoth Trineus if I should not requite you with loue againe considering what you aduenture for my sake As they would haue procéeded further in talke Colmelio Palmerins Squire whome Maucetto hadde bought standing to sée the tâ—aine of Persian Lords and Ladies passe by espied his maister and the Prince Trineus wherefore preasing through the guarde of Archers hee came to the Prince and taking him by the Mantle saide Most happie be this houre my noble Lorde to finde you and my Maister Palmerin What fortune hath brought thée hither Colmelio saide Trineus hast thou yet spoken to thy Maister No my Lord aunswered Colmelio he conducteth the Princesse with the Calife of Siconia wherefore I durst not presume to trouble him Beléeue mee saide the Prince but thou shall speake with him and while the Arch Flamin was performing the ceremonies in the Temple Trineus presented him to his Maister Palmerin who was thereof so ioyfull as if he had gotten the best Cittie in Persia. Hee demaunded by what meanes hee escaped the Pirates handes the true discourse whereof Colmelio rehearsed and howe Maucetto the Ambassadour bought him as Ptolome and he were brought to the Soldane of Babilon his Court to be sold and there doth Ptolome finde great fauour as I haue heard of the fayre Princesse Alchidiana the Soldanes Daughter onely for your sake Thou tellest me wonders said Palmerin depart not from me till after Dinner when I will goe to thy Maister Maucetto to demaunde â—hée which I hope hee will not denie because when I was Knight to Alchidiana hee was one of my most specially good Friendes After the solemnitie of the marriage was ended and Dinner ended at the Pallace for preparation of pastime Palmerin calling Colmelio went with him to the Ambassadour Maucetto who not a little abashed to sée him that was generally reputed dead in the soldanes Court came and embraced him with these spéeches My Lorde Palmerin what great God hath raysed you againe The soldane was credible enformed that you and Olorico were drowned in the sea for which both hée and Madame Alchidiana more lamented then for the losse of his whole Armie before the Cittie of Constantinople Palmerin dissembling as though he knew not thereof séemed to maruaile thereat very much and the better to shaddow his conceit saide that after the tempest was ceased which cast him verie farre from the Soldanes Armie thinking to returne to Constantinople hée was by violent windes brought to the Isle of Malfada where the Prince Olorico quoth hee and all the rest of my companions remaine enchaunted whom I hope to recouer againe after I can