The famous History of PALMENDOS SON to the most Renowned Palmerin D' Oliva EMPEROUR of CONSTANTINOPLE And the Heroick Queen of THARSUS Wherein is likewise A most pleasant Discourse of Prince Rifarano the Son of Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda Sister to the Soldane of Persia With their Knightly Deeds and Acts of Chivalry Their Famous Adventures and most Worthy Resolutions Newly Corrected and Amended and most Profitable and Delightfull for all sorts of People LONDON Printed by E. Alsop and are to be sold at her house in Grubstreet near the Upper Pump 1653. The Epistle to the Reader THere is no doubt but among those who shal peruse this History some there are that wil esteem it worthy a more advantagious title then that of Letters as wel in regard of those things therein frequently handled as in respect of the exactnesse of the Dialect whereof it is composed which sufficiently commends it self and the ability of the Author whose works whereof this is but a part can hardly be paralell'd by any for the gracefulnesse of discourse or the sublimity of conceits Here are no long and tedious Apologies but at the first dash you wil find matter of substance and delight the Reasons go altogether along without assistance and their ornament allowed them with freedome of conceptions the fecundity of language and yet that is not passed promiscuously But as concerning the several subjects whereon this History is grounded they are sufficient to draw and allure the inclination of the mind and the scope of the matter equally incident and naturally delightful to all sorts of people of both sexes and it were an errour to imagine there are some things so particular to the one that the other cannot touch upon the same without some injury thereunto briefly whatsoever may fal into discourse and under reason are the objects the Author aims at All the wisdome of the Pagans is contained in those Epistles and Orations of Seneca and we are beholding to the Author of this History for the very Quintaessence of Romancy wherein we shal yet stand amazed at the perfection of those things here treated on and to say that any hath joyned Art to abundance and mingled mildnesse with Majesty or hath raised his stile without either losing himself or straying from his subject that is it which in truth we find no where better performed then in this History And if any little defects be found herein which hath hapned in the Presse I hold they ought to be born with they being but literals in regard the matter it self is ful of variety It is altogether impertinent to insist further in the praise and commendations of this work but I shall leave it to all those that are delighted and desire to edifie themselves by History first to read and then to judge and in so doing I doubt not but when they have weighed the matter and the phrase in the ballance of their own reason they will acknowledge that it is both pleasing and profitable and if in this kind it find the like vitility in these times as it hath done heretofore then hath he his desire who is Thine c. A M. THE HISTORY OF PALMENDOS Son to the famous Palmerin d'Oliva Emperour of Constantinople and the Queen of Tharsus Discoursing likewise of the Prince Rifarano son to Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda sister to the Soldan of Persia their Knightly deeds of Chivalry famous Adventures and worthy RESOLUTIONS CHAP. I. How Belcar and Tyrendos being in the Court of the Emperor Palmerin received their Order of Knighthood and how Belcar departed secretly from Constantinople And of the Combat he fought in the Realm of Macedon against the three Sons of a Knight that lodged him NOt long after the destruction of the magnificent Monarchie of the Romans was erected a new Empire in Greece which the incomprehensible bounty divine favoured with continual happiness placing the good Prince Palmerin d' Oliva in the Crown and lawfull Government thereof as well in respect of his great prowesse high and Knightly paradoxes which with vigilant care he used for the defence of such an estate the onely renown whereof brake the designs of many that by hostility sought to disquiet him as also in regard of the notable linage and posterity discending from him of whose vertues and heroical perfections this present History of Palmendos his son is contrived and therefore to be placed at the end of his fathers travels In which discourse already extant gentle Readers you have understood how the Emperor Palmerin so loved and honoured Knights errand that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Court because yearly he continued a sumptuous spectacle in form of a Tourney for the exercise of Knightly and military discipline And with such religious zeal was this worthy practise followed that the Court might well be called the School of Arms and Nurse of civility For this cause many Kings Princes and great Lords sent their sons to be there educated among whom the good Knight Frysol King of Hungaria sent one of his named Belcar and the Duke Eustace of Mecaena another called Tirendos that they might deserve their Knighthood at the hand of the Emperour the true mirror and Idea of manhood and so consequently they to participate some part of his bounty and prowesse The time then being come that Belcar son to King Frysol should receive his order of Knighthood he humbly intreated the Emperour that he might enjoy it at his hand and Tirendos son to Duke Eustace of Mecaena desirous of the self same honour made the like request unto his Majesty Whereto the good Emperour who loved them both with singular affection knowing how well Chivalry would be imployed by them right willingly condescended Hereupon after they had performed the accustomed vigil he knighted these two Princes with great royalty desiring God to bestow such favour on them as at no time they might degenerate from their famous predecessors And to Belcar embracing him in his arms he said My good Nephew heaven accomplish in you such perfections of manhood as each one may know you to be the son of the worthy Knight Sir Frysol a Prince so hardy and valiant as any that ever followed Arms. The ceremonies being ended they all returned to the Pallace where the new Knights being unarmed rich Robes and Mantles were brought them for the greater honour of the feast which in the Court at this time excéeded But Belcar took little pleasure in beholding the divers occurrences at this Assembly because his mind mas more busied with expectation of future glorie which made him thus to commune with himself Belcar thou hast now no longer time to rest séeing thou hast received the honourable order of Knighthood and that at the hands of the Emperour thine Vncle whom the divine providence hath indued with so many laudable vertues nor doth any thing want in the King thy father that is required in
I imagine my self fortunate having such a precious gage from a Knight so perfect nor shall she be worse intreated then mine own self Marencida hearing these gracious spéeches and what courtesie Palmendos used to the Princesse perceived that she was the Emperours daughter wherefore she gave her many thanks shewing better countenance then before she did to any which Philocrista took very kindly and mounting up the steps with her into the Hall she came to Francelina with these words This Lady Madam doth now supply your place séeing Lord Palmendos is returned for now your company with me must discontinue because reason and your fatal love doth so command me notwithstanding I hope our amity shall continue Fair Princesse answered Francelina we are both so far yours and so good part have you in my Lord as you shall find your self no lesse contented then abashed when you know all therefore fear not that I will forget your friendly familiarity rather will I continue your loving sister as our further assurance of our mutuall agreement Sundry other spéeches passed betwéen the two young Ladies in mean while Marencida looking about her and remembring the great pomp state and riches of her father she made but slender account of the Emperours Court which was not at this time so well stored with Knights as it was wont to be whereupon she giving a great sigh thus uttered her mind You know Emperour of Constantinople that the sumptuous royalty of my fathers Court doth exceed the greatest Princes in the whole world as also how many mighty Lords serve him with homage and fealty because heretofore you have seen the same where if you were so adventurous and hardy as to kill without fear of them as the whole world knoweth the mighty Emperor mine Vncle think I pray you what miserable case the Lady is in so trayterously brought from her own Country and now delivered captive into your custody wherein me thinks in respect of the renown spread abroad of you you should take example by my adversity and rather grieve then glory therein as I sée you do considering that inconstant Fortune is still variable and doth not always allow men felicity This I speak not whereby to gain the more favour or honour in your Court because death would be much more welcome to me then to live in the vexation of mind I do wherefore I intreat you again if intreaty may beseem an adversary hereafter to conserve your reputation in such sort as I may receive no impeach to mine honor and you shall comfort me better therein then all the commendation of your fame can do To these words she added many â—ufull complaints as the Emperor being therewith moved to compassion replied in this manner I understand Madam full well what you have said and know beside that the feminine choler which governeth your spirit maketh you use such kind of language as is clean exempt from all the rules of womanly modesty nor am I now to learn that the strength of earthly Kings and Potentates is less then nothing when God is bent repugnant against them whereby we are all to resolve that we can do no good act without his assistance According to his direction came I unto your Vncles Court before whom I protest and crave no mercy in the day of vengeance if I slew him or ever thought to do it being too far carried away from minding any such intent by the honor I had before received at his Highness hands Yet was I privie to his forcible detaining of the Lady and laboured to restore her to her Lord and husband she being daughter to the renowned King of England and wife to the now famous Emperor Trincus of Almain herein me thinks I committed no offence he kéeping her most unjustly profaning thereby the sacred Laws of royal equity And because the wise have evermore patiently endured their fortune being either good or bad I verily perswade my self Madam that you will forbear to complain and lament in this unséemly manner knowing your self to be conquered by the most courteous and debonair Knight that this day liveth in Europe even he that in Hellespont overcame the King Ocurites your husband These news so grieved Marencida to the heart when she heard the Emperor say that the King her husband and she her self were both taken captive by one Knight as frantick-like she could have eaten her flesh with anger but the young Princess Philocrista conducting her to her chamber appeased her fury with divers friendly spéeches and courteous behaviour But let us now return again to the Prince Palmendos who in this time unarmed himself that the Emperor might at more pleasure behold him CHAP. XXXI What courteous conference Palmendos had with the Emperour the Empress and Primaleon And how being afterwards baptized he was affianced to his Lady AFter that Palmendos had put off his Armour he threw a rich Turkish robe about him embroidered all over with Oriental Pearls which he brought from Tharsus with him according to the modern custome used among the most magnificent Kings of Asia intending to wear it when he should come into the Emperours presence Being returned into the great Hal and each one covetous to understand his Original Primaleon took him by the hand and sate down when the Emperour began in this manner My noble friend Palmendos longer must you not conceal your self your renown being so lavishly bruited through all Countreys tell me then I pray you of what parents you are issued as also what you think else convenient to acquaint us withal Gracious Lord answered Palmendos with you whom I so reverence by honour I may not dissemble in any point for that I were unworthy your presence if I should deal double with so great a state Know then mighty Emperor that I am son to the Quéen of Tharsus the affectionate servant and vowed friend to your Majesty forsaking my Country by a strange occasion so soon as I understood where my father remained which long before was concealed from me The cause of my comming into your Highness Court was the fame and praises I heard of Francelina to whose service the fatal destinies enjoyned me at my very essence in that I never affected any other Lady yet reputing my self unworthy of her grace and favour or to be seen in this honourable Court. To this he added the discouse of the old woman that appeared unto him in the Pallace at Tharsus and how she blamed him for his idle and slothfull life yet hiding how she assured him to be his son because further opinion should pass till that were discovered But quoth he as hitherto I have lived according to the Law of Mahomet so now would I willingly receive Christian Baptism which I faithfully promised for my good success when heaven made me able to deliver this worthy Princess When the Emperour heard these things he presently judged Palmendos to be his son by the sudden and summary supputation
he being the man that justly may be called the â—ower of Knights In this matter I will not contend with you answered Primaleon for the vertues and graces of your beloved is such as no man worthily may be compared with him wherefore you have good reason to affect him and he likewise is bound to constant permanency if your divine looks have pierced his heart as they ought The Emperour and the Empresse with Philocrista and their other daughters came to the Palace gate to welcom the Quéen when shee and her daughter alighting from their palfrays with humble reverence saluted his Majesty who with his Empresse honourably entertained â—hem conducting them into the great Hall where the Quéen began in this manner Most mighty and invincible Monarch Palmendos the noble Iewel of Knight-hood by us kisseth the hand of your imperial Majesty having sent you this young Princesse to be kept under your protection till he return from Turky with my espoused Lord the King of Thessaly if fortune grant his deliverance from the cruell infidels for which I continue in hourly devotion as well for the great desire I have to sée the King my husband as also to sée the Knights spéedy return who onely dedicateth his travells to your highnesse service With these words she delivered her daughter to his Majesty and the Empeperour receiving her very graciously shewed himself excéeding joyfull for their arrival desiring them to use his Court as their own and to be as frolick there as if they were in Thessaly Beside he prayed God so to direct Palmendos in his attempt as he might deliver the King her husband from captivity withal that if he had requested asistance in the cause he should have had his Majesties power at command then taking Francelina by the hand he said To you daughter Philocrista I commit the honourable charge of this young Princesse untill such time her Knight â—e returned My Lord answered Philocrista I shall right willingly fulfill your commandement being no lesse glad of such a companion then to have the Lady present with me for whom such rare déeds of Chivalry have been performed the Empresse took the Quéen by the hand and Philocrista her charge Francelina they all sitting down under a sumptuous Canopy where the knights regarding them especially the Empresse and the two Princesses imagined a second judgement for the Apple of beauty And admit we Arnedes for the gentle shepheard Paris yet he imagined his Philocrista to be most perfect although Francelina was very far beyond her all the Knights concluding that they had never séen more choise beauty except the Empresse when she was in the slower of her youth But Philocrista never attained her mothers perfections albeit she had two sisters named Flerida and Bazilia which by the author of Palmerin are named Belisa and Melicia that came very near her in resemblance especially Flerida of whom we shall have occasion to speak hereafter when we come to the noble Prince Edward of England The Emperour intreated Francelina to tell him if she could of whence Palmendos was whereto the Princesse modestly thus answered Dread Lord I can reveal no further of him then that he is commander of a Kingdome and divers other Signories of great estate what else I know of him I am to be excused till his comming when himself will manifest his Country and originall not his valour and courtesie for that is blazed through most parts of the world For this discréet answer she was greatly commended by the Emperour who noting her comely gestures and behaviour estéemed her discréet and well advised and seeing the Ring on her finger that Palmendos gave her he thought it very much resembled his own Ring which the Queen of Tharsus gave him at his departure Now could he not contain himself but demands of her of whom she had that costly Iewell so like one that he held in great estimation she answered that Palmendos gave it her after her deliverance from the Isle of Carderia whereat his Majesty greatly marvelling imagined the Knight to be the Quéen of Tharsus son Now was he much more desirous to sée him then before remembring what kindnesse she shewed him in the realm of Pasmeria then causing his own Ring to be brought and compared with that the Princesse wore they were found in every point so like and conformable as hardly could the one be known from the other Indéed they were made both by one workman magically charmed like in resemblance as the perfect signal to discover the original of Palmendos which made the Emperour conceive some suspition that this unknown Knight should be his Son especially when he called the Quéens dark speeches to memory which she used after her acquaintance with him Yet would he not reveal this doubt to any one but past it over with fresh welcomming the Queen and her daughter and delivering in speeches that he was glad Belcar kept not the bridge when it was Palmendos fortune to arrive there yet was he sorry for Tirendos mishap albeit he commended the courtesie of the conquerour in exacting no further on the Prince of Mecaena â— But leave we Palmendos and Ozalio travelling toward Turky and speak a little of Recinde the Castilian Prince being one of them that followed in his search CHAP. XXIIII How Recinde pursuing the search of Palmendos rescued a Merchant from five Thieves whom he discomfited on the mountain And how by the means of an Archer that bent his bow against him he came to the mouth of a deep Cave where he killed a Lion that kept it and delivered thence a Lady which was enchanted into the shape of a Serpent REcinde leaving Constantinople for the same cause as the other Knights did happened to the same place where Palmendos lodged the night before demanding of his Host if he had séen any such man who made this answer Verily the same man that had the honour of the Tourney was my guest this last night and never did I see a more courteous Gentleman which makes me hope he will end the adventure of Francelina whither he is gone as he told me he would With these words the Spaniard was well contented minding to follow him to the Isle of Carderia and riding by the way he heard a very lamentable cry which caused him to look about when he espied one hanging on a tree by the arms and five villains hard by making a fire to dress some food they had killed on the mountain Comming to the man that hung in this woful plight he cut him down and understanding that these villains had robbed and so misused him he caused the Merchant to take his weapon and so they setting upon the Thieves slew three of them driving the other to flight by which means the Merchant had most of his treasure again for which he thanked the Prince and mounting on horseback he accompanied him on the way Not far had they gone but they met
Bay-trée Wrapping her costly mantle about her he departed safely from the guard and coming where Oricano staied with his horse made such shift as he mounted into the saddle and so gallopped to the rest of his company who marvelled not a little that he had got so good a booty Great hast they made till they got on shipboard when Palmendos laying her upon his bed and using her reverently because she was of such honour he put up his vertuous sword into the sheath when very soon after Marencida awaked and séeing her self in the company of strangers crying out with fear she said Alas where am I what have I no one about me that I know how came I so strangely into this place Why Fortune hast thou not yet afflicted me enough are my stars grown into such hatred toward me as in my sléep to séek my destruction And what are you that have béen so bold as to take me out of my bed this audacious behaviour will return you no other guerdon then the very sharpest death that can be devised Madam answered Palmendos from that we shall keep our selves so wel as we may as for my self I am a Knight of a Country far hence and hearing by chance what mone you made for the captivity of the King your husband as also how desirous you seemed to see him in Constantinople I was greatly moved to pity your affliction and as one willing to pleasure you herein as also what other thing you shall command me I took you forth of your bed promising you by my religious vows to Chivalry not onely to show you the King Ocurites but also to guard your chastity incontaminate as free from the least spot of dishonor as when you happened into my custody False and disloyal Knight quoth she how can I but receive shame and infamy by this treachery having in such sort been taken from among my Guard If I desired to see the King my husband it was only to content my mind which is thereto moved with vehement affection yet might my meaning be â—at enough from my words because I could not do it without my fathers licence and more willingly would I end my life in this place then go with thée of whom I can imagine no good thought but as thou hast feloniously stoln me from my bed so wilt thou hereafter traiterously murther me I am neither theef or traitor answered Palmendos but a Knight ready at your commandement if so you take my service in good worth and séeing you are now in my power determine to go with me willingly or perforce and think not I intend your death for it is far from my thought I promise you Then began Marencida to fear her hair which séemed as the golden wier and beat her fair hands so white as the Alabaster with out-cries as a Woman deprived of her sences when the Prince pittying these feminine importunities drew his sword and to ease these extreams charmed her a sléep again During this time Ozalio had told the King of Thessaly the whole news of his daugh Francelina whereto he gave good attention because since the time of his imprisonment he had not heard any thing as concerning the affairs of his Realm or that the Quéen his wife had any such daughter wherefore the tears trickling down his face he came and imbraced Palmendos saying In sooth my son all the grievous torments I have heretofore indured séem nothing in respect of the comfort I now feel that my unknown child shall injoy a man so vertuous and for this Ladies taking I am likewise glad because by this mean I shall be sufficiently revenged on the Turk Thus doth God answered Palmendos shew himself a just Iudge and the true directer of all humane actions limiting every occasion according as best him pleaseth but we were best to make what speed we can hence else may we repent our comming among these inexâ—rable tyrants Marencida awaking again and not perswaded with all the courteous entertainments he could devise she still continued her former acclamations not unlike Ariadne at the comming of Bacchus when she was found forsaken by Theseus at the sea-side in like sort did she renue her maledictions invocating on Neptune and Thetis as also the Tritons their Heralds Monsters Nimphs and Sirens that she might suffer shipwrack in the sea and the fishes feed on her unhappy carcasse But Ozalio pittying her dolorous complaints and finding his heart somewhat esprized with her love intreated Palmendos to grant him one request which above all things else he required at his hands when the Prince yeelding unto any thing his cousin would demand Ozalio proceeded in this manner My sute is worthy Lord and cousin to enjoy this Lady as my Wife to whom I know the destinies have fatally reserved me considering the sudden change and inexplicable controversie my heart indureth whereas the continual accompanying of beautiful Ladies heretofore could never move my frozen affections and now I féel them not warm but boiling Easily may you quoth Palmendos obtain this demand of me if nothing else stand in the way to hinder it and as much do I desire your advancement as any way I can be covetous of mine own hoping while I live to sée no divorce betwéen us but that our estates shall continue equally together and in witness of my word I deliver you the charge of this Princesse hereafter to dispose of her according to your desires Ozalio now uses all decent courtesies to Marencida thereby to gain favour in her conceit yet all was in vain for she would not afford him any good countenance but remain in her wonted obstinacy When the poor fisherman understood by his son Oricano how his guests had delivered the King of Thessaly out of Albayzo castle he thought it no longer tarrying for him in Turky wherefore he came and intreated the Prince Palmendos that he might sail with him into Christendom which suit was very soon obtained so he his wife and family came all aboard the ship the Prince promising to reward their gentleness liberally Now let us come to the Guard and them that attended on Marencida who waking and not finding their Lady in her bed began to chafe and rage in most extream manner some rending their hair and beards violently others running mad among the Trees thinking she had been metamorphosed in the Garden nor could they imagine how to escape the danger when the great Turk should hear of this mishap These comfortless creatures thus amazed not any one of them daring to go tell the Emperour hereof they determined to fly the Country and return no more to the Court leaving Marencidaes Ladies and Gentlewomen mourning in that unhappy place where about noon Ripole brother to Iffida arrived returning from the wedding with his wife and divers brave Knights but when he understood the cause of their sorrow he was stricken into such a quandary as he would pass no further before he
was present in his thoughts The Queen very earnestly beheld the King her husband when séeing his hair and beard so strangely over-grown beside his skin and complexion so wonderfully altered as doubtfull in mind she came to him with these words Are you my Lord the King of Thessaly for whom my heart hath suffered excéeding grief I pray you resolve me presently without holding me in longer suspence in that your deformed estate hath greatly perplexed my remembrance Madam answered the King it is no marvel though you know me not considering the long time since you saw me last which the integrity of our love hath made us imagine of greater compass although the accustomed revolution of years do not diminish or increase one moment in their natural course notwithstanding I am the same King your husband who have felt more passions for your absence then anguish or torment in my miserable captivity But séeing the immortal bounty hath suffered me once again to sée you before my soul forsake this passible body which was my continual desire during my tribulation now care I not though Death presently do his duty for séeing the circle of your arms have embraced me I am the readier for my mother Earth to receive me Now are joyfull tears plentifully poured forth on all sides and embracings so vehement as though they should never unfold again the liberty of spéech being hindred all this while for Palmendos and Francelina were transported into a second heaven where the outward ceremony served to confirm the inward contentation at length the Quéen taking Francelina by the hand thus spake to the King Sée here my Lord your daughter of whom I was but newly conceived when you went from Thessaly happy and fortunate may she justly be tearmed in that her destiny hath delivered you from prison restored me my former joy and given her the most perfect Knight that ever bare Arms. When the King beheld his daughter so fair and gracious he took her in his arms expressing with silent favours his hearty joy and in this while the Emperor came with his train alighting from his horse to welcome the King of Thessaly whom when he beheld so spent and dis-figured the tears fel from his eys and imbracing him in his arms said My noble brother heaven have the honour for delivering you from our common enemy where albeit heretofore I was glad of your rescue yet was I agrieved at your imprisonment being then my self as you know in the Turks power although he gave me more liberty then you in hope I would have aided him with my uttermost ability My desire then to get from his service constrained me to deal somewhat hardly against you an errour too notable and I confess worthy reprehension but God pardoning the offences of the repentant hath in pitty regarded us both and by his inexpuisable goodness directed all things to a happy end My Lord replyed the King the whole discourse thereof have I heard by Palmendos which gives me reason not to think any fault in you when you could not otherwise help the same But let us leave occasions past séeing heaven hath so miraculously delivered me that I should come my self to present the entire affection wherewith I am bound to your Highness service Nor could any thing in the world said the Emperor more delight me then your comming with the Knight I have so long desired to see with whom I cannot but be offended these words he merrily uttered in that he hath tarried so long time from me Then Palmendos falling on his knee modestly answered in this manner Dread Lord if heretofore I have provoked your displeasure I confess such punishment is due to me as you shall ordain and willingly will I endure it to fashion me the better to your service wherein I would imploy my self according to your appointment although it were to sight against the gates of Death whereof I gladly could afford some proof so please your Highness to enjoyn me such a task as may express my zeal and forwardness And that you may know the name of your voluntary servant I am that Palmendos who was since the hour of my birth destinied to follow your vertues humbly intreating to discharge your remembrance of any discontentment I have heretofore occasioned in that mine own mind still perswaded me I wanted worthiness to come before your Excellency The Emperor beholding him of such gallant stature did not a little marvel at his rare perfections wherfore taking him graciously in his arms desired he would command any thing wherein he might stand him in stead for he was not able to requite his high deservings Afterward came Primaleon and courteously entertained him the like did Abenunco signifying how much he was bound to him for his happy deliverance then came Arnedes with the other Lords and Knights all of them embracing the hardy champion that went away with the honour of the Tourney By this time had Ozalio brought Marencida on shore she wondring to behold such state and royalty wherefore she desired to know the place of her landing Madam answered Ozalio this City is called Constantinople and among this flourishing troop of Princes who have vouchsafed their comming hither to this Port there may you behold the famous Emperor Palmerin who is here in person to receive the King of Thessaly and the worthy Knight that delivered him from prison your self likewise will esteem him a vertuous Prince by the good entertainment you shal enjoy when once he understandeth your state and calling so that I hope you will not repent this voyage were it but to have knowledge of him alone How miserable and unfortunate am I quoth she to fal into the mercy of my fathers capital enemy how can my griefs but grow into an exceeding surplusage If I see the King Occurites my husband the meeting will be with marvellous heart-break on either side being both of us captive to the very worst enemy we have The Emperor and his Lords kindly saluted her but she would not once bow her self or make any answer whereat the standers by very much wondred tearming her a woman of rough and unseemly behaviour saying nature might much better have made her a man Mounting all on horseback in most comely order they rode to the Pallace where the Empress and her Ladies met them in the Court. To tell the courtesies gratulations and welcome there used would ask a world of time yet but little to the purpose let it suffice then they are so well entertained as you can any way imagine Palmendos taking Marencida by the hand brought her to the Princess Philocrista with these speeches I desire you Madam to accept this Lady into your company and give her such good counsel as you can best devise for she is descended of royal bloud I assure you Sir Palmendos replied the Princess I must obey what you command me for the love I bear to you and your sweet friend and
Prince could not continue his magnanimous and wonted vigour but fell down deprived of his understanding as though pale death had taken possession of him During this trance a fair Virgin richly accoustred whom the old woman that told him of so many things at Tharsus had sent thither by her Post came and took him by the hand saying Arise Palmendos my noble Lord and come to her who séeing the fearfull state wherein you are onely by fantasies represented to your eyes do intreat you not to disable your heroical and noble courage at the sight of vain and fantastical visions for it beseemeth not so good and accomplished Knights as you are in such sort to passe through strange adventures Be of good chear then and repute this hour of your renown to surpasse all the bravest men in the world because since the essence of this enchantment no Knight could enter this Temple but you alone Wherefore by good reason ought the treasure to be yours which hath so long time béen concealed here take hence then the Golden Idol on the Altar with all the other rich and precious jewels and send them to the vertuous Emperour your Father And for your sake shall this temple hereafter be frequent and accessable for any which you shall consecrate to the name of Christ and of the treasure you shall yet find you shall erect a Monastery of Virgins in honour of that incontaminate maiden that brought the Saviour of al mankind into the world who hath given you strength to run through these actions that this place may be reverently and devoutly used which heretofore hath been blasphemed with Idolatry contrary to the bounty inexpuisable making to sinfull men vows offerings and sacrifices And albeit you are not as yet a Christian yet for my sake enter that unspotted faith for the time will come wherein you shall sundry times say happy was that hour wherein you found me Having taken good order for all that I have said contain your self no longer in these countries because in other climats is reserved a tryumphal Scepter for you inriched with honour and eternal praises In vain it were to ask if Palmendos was filled with great marvell hearing the damosels voice who came to comfort him in this austere calamity and could so well decipher his affairs for the extasie and radishment of his spirit which evidently appeared in his countenance delivered ample testimony thereof Nor were these words any thing else but fuel to encrease loves fire already burning neverthelesse séeing himself in a place so commodious where fréely he might hold that with this Damosel he called up his spirits and boldly made this answer Madam for the reverend honour you bear to your God conceal not who you are that know me so well intreating you to pardon my presumptuous request because your rare and perfect beauty which is the onely spur to my demand hath confounded me with greater admiration then all the strange sights I have yet beheld all which in respect of your excellence I hold as diabolical and frivolous for you séem celestial and sent by the Gods into these nether Regions where having discovered the future event of my destinies my heart hath thereby received incredible joy and contentment Be not abashed courteous Knight quoth she at any thing I have said for it is long since I knew what I have uttered and in regard of your worthy valour I love and estéem ye above all other in the world so that I have left the Countries of my original onely to sée and tell ye what I have done desiring you to excuse me in the rest as concealing of whence and what I am because at this time you cannot be satisfied therewith yet ere it be long we will méet again and then shall you understand more of me by one request I must make to you which as yet may not be manifested Wonderfull will that consolation be quoth the Prince to me that you will command any thing wherein I may expresse my forces and in that devotion I have vowed evermore faithfully to continue your friend offering in witnesse of this obeisance to serve henceforth as your Knight with promise not to prejudice the least of your commandements so long as my stars give me leave to breath Nor will I further presse you to tell me what you are séeing your will standeth not thereto but till that gracious hour of commandement come I will accomplish your appointment erecting here a Monastery of virgins for the service of your God and your words have made me thirst with unquenchable desire till I be resolved as concerning that faith While she returned him many thanks for his friendly offers the old woman arrived who made him enamoured with the love of Francelina in his Realm she taking the Damosel by the hand said Go with me fair daughter and leave this most discourteous Knight who suffered me to be misused before him in Tharsus whereof I hope to take sufficient revenge by the extream passions his heart shall endure hereafter No sooner had she ended these words but immediately they both vanished away wherewith the Prince greatly admiring was driven into such a profound conceit of her rare beauty as he thought even there to yéeld up his Ghost because he imagined never to have séen her like Herein his judgement was no whit beguiled for he did as many young Lovers do shew themselves favourable Iudges in their own causes Now enters he into conceit because the old woman had taken her away that this Damosel was Francelina she whom he had so lively imprinted in his heart as for her love he had left his native Country Thus compassed with grief on every side entred into these terms Alas old Woman I know not what thou maist be yet very true do I find thy words but small to my avail did Ozalio smite thée in my presence that I must requite with so long irksome and lingring pennance Ah cruell enemy why didst thou rob mine eys so soon of their unspeakable content thou sufferedst me to sée that my love might grow the more immeasurable but thy words were such daggers to my heart as never can I tast a sharper corosive And if this were the object of Francelina for fairer creature did the Sun never shine upon at no time shall my soul enjoy rest till once more I have séen her again Thus entercoursing a thousand opinions he stood a long time as driven to the Antipodes accusing himself with base pusillanimity and blaming the old woman who had so robbed him of his forces as he could not stay the Lady with him by whose presence and gracious spéeches he supposed himself in an eternal beatitude But now is the clowdy night chased toward the Occident when he determined to effect what the damosel had commanded him and going to the Altar he took the golden Basons and the other sumptuous things making them ready to be carried thence despoiling likewise the
he sent his son Primaleon with divers other Knights to entertain them as beséemed and the Moor Princes séeing every one give place to him that came formost immediately they reputed him to be the Emperours son whereupon they alighted when Primaleon courteously embracing them said My Lords you are more then welcome to my fathers Court his Majesty being not a little glad of your arrival so taking each of them by the hand he conducted them into the great Hall where the Emperour sate in his chair attending their comming and then approaching the state made offer to kisse his Highnesse hand but he took them in his arms and would not suffer them saying Know my good cousins that I account my self greatly indebted to you in that you would forsake your own Countries to visit me so far off and that I may not fail in the use of your names let me understand which of you is Rifarano albeit you both stand equal in my grace and favour yet being singularly desirous to continue my love to the Princesse Zephira I must consequently esteem and affect all that come from her On the other side as well for the indissoluble amity intirely grounded in our young years betwéen the Emperour Trineus and me as also in regard of the alliance united betwéen us I am constrained to love his linage and posterity and thus I would have you both perswaded that greater good could not happen to me then the sight of them they estéem so dearly Heaven so prosper and favour you in all things as they have throughly comforted my spirits by the very hearing of my good friends and confederates the Soldan and Zephira whose health I pray you resolve me of for it is long since I heard any thing from them My Lord answered Rifarano at what time we departed Persia we left their persons in most safe disposition and they by us humbly kissing your Majesties hand have sent this Letter in sign of the reverence and love they bear you now for they could not themselves come so far they have sent this Prince their son named Lecefin in their stead to do any serviceable duty in your royal Court· As for my self I am Rifarano son to Aurecinda expresly leaving my Countrey to have knowledge of your excellency and with my uttermost indeavours to follow your service craving this licence that I may go see the Emperour Trineus my father whose son I account my self not onely happy to be but greatly accuse my self of ingratitude that I have so long time deferred this voyage Lecefin kissing the Letter upon his knée delivered it to the Emperour which he commanding to be opened took and read as followeth The Letter of Zephira wife to the Soldan of Persia to the Emperour Palmerin To the right happy and most fortunate Prince Palmerin d' Oliva mirrour of courtesie and surpassing all good Knights Zephira wife to the Soldan of Persia perpetual vowed friend to your imperial Majesty kisseth your Higness hand wishing your increase in all felicity KNow most noble Emperour that the long and vehement affection of my son Lecefin to see Constantinople onely to offer you his service and behold the magnificence of your Court hath caused the Soldan my husband and me now to send him in company of Rifarano Sonne to the Emperour Trineus to satisfie the desire they had in visiting you on our behalf And albeit they deserved greater royalty for such a voyage yet would they have no other company then thirty Knights knowing that ostentation in shew would not purchase them the more estimation at your hands and therfore they come no otherwise accoustred Notwithstanding if the sincere amity you evermore shewed me hath acquainted you with the inward integrity of my heart whereby you have deigned me place among your most affectionate friends I desire you in regard of that zeal to entertain these two and accept of this present as comming from the hand of her who hath not her equal in good will to your excellency And to witnesse my bounden duty in acceptation hereof I vow both me and mine evermore to your obeysance perswading my self that your wonted debonair courtesie will not suffer me disdained in the offer I make The most obedient of your friends Zephira Soldanesse of Persia For this gentle Letter from the Soldan and Zephira the Emperour gave Lecefin their Son many thanks again and again welcomming him to the Court then turning to Rifarano he said I well perceive my Lord Rifarano that you are the undoubted Son of the Emperour Trineus because you so lively resemble him in face well have you done to come see so good a father and the more do I thank God for your arrival here at this time when we intend to hold open Court to honour the approaching marriage of our beloved cousin and so please ye to stay the intended Triumphs here shall you see good store of worthy Knights that mean to tempt Fortune for the Garland of honour This news dread Lord answered Rifarano are not a little welcome to us in respect that next the principal point of our voiage which was to kisse your Majesties hand we were desirous to behold the valour of your Knights for their renown is spread through the whole world and now we shall well witnesse the same comming at a time so apt for the purpose Nor can we forget a worthy Knight whom we met in our journey being named Palmendos without his second or match in martiall affairs and I think there is no one man living except your Highnesse the mirrour and Paragon of chivalry that worthily may be equalled with him Right sorry are we because we can deliver no better knowledge of the man by reason of his desire to passe unknown and therefore concealeth himself in all places where he travelleth This famous man right noble Lord humbly kisseth your highnesse hand having sent you such rare and inestimable riches as when you have séen them you will judge that the like present was never given to any King or Emperor as we are to present your Majesty withal from this unknown Knight The charge of this message we undertook in that our selves with divers other Knights were delivered from the cruel bondage of Baledon the Giant in the Isle of Delphos where we endured miseries not fit to be recounted in this gracious assembly Yet the heavens gave Palmendos power to kill this Tyrant After which victory he hath seized the Island subject to your Majesty until you send some such Governour or Lieutenant as best liketh you wherewithal as testimony of his honourable victory he hath sent you the wife and daughter to the Giant to dispose of them as shall séem best in your wisdom Hereto he added the whole discourse of the Temple and how Palmendos had ended the enchanted adventure thereof Without doubt quoth the Emperour being driven into great admiration I cannot imagine who this worthy Knight should be for if he have ended such
were not Palmendos and Ozalio notwithstanding they séemed good and hardy champions descended of some great birth in that they were so worthily accompanied with women of choise and singular beauty as also Gentlemen of civil behaviour Hereupon many Knights jousted with the County who still bare away the honour of the field Lynedes all this while not arming himself for the worthy successe of his cousin deservred high comendation whereof his Lady was not a little proud to sée her husband perform such chivalry Rifarano and Lecefin envying the Counties glory intended to sée how they should spéed in the joust yet they desired to defer it till the last day when they vanquishing the County and Lynedes his cousin might bear away the whole praise of the Triumph but others came in the mean time and altered their intent as you at large shall perceive hereafter CHAP. XIII How Arnedes Sonne to the King of France and Recinde his Cousin Sonne to the King of Castile came to Constantinople where Arnedes vanquished Lynedes and his cousin in the Ioust by which occasion they were greatly honoured of the Emperour THe King of France father to Lewis Duke of Burgundy being at the extream point of his life among other things remembred that when the peace was concluded between the Emperour Palmerin and him they determined upon an alliance by marriage if God granted them issue whereby to do it to the end that in the heroical house of France sons and daughters might be nourished proceeding from such worthy Ancestors as the like might not be found through the whole world For this cause when the time likewise should conveniently agree therewith he commanded his son to remember the Emperour of his promise which Prince Lewis promising his dying father to perform with exceeding sorrow accomplished his funerals and making choice afterward for his own fancy in hope to fulfill his fathers desire in his issue he married with the daughter to the King of Castile by whom he had three sons and two daughters that were born at a birth His eldest son was named Arnedes whose mind was evermore given to arms and military discipline wherein time and use made him so expert as he was esteemed the onely champion of France it came so to passe as the King of France married one of his daughters with the King of Sicily at whose marriage Arnedes won such fame by his chivalry as the report of him was blazed thorow many provinces To this marriage likewise came one of his cousins son to the King of Castile and named Recinde who conceived so goodliking of Arnedes behaviour that they sware an inviolable league of amity between them twain never to forsake each others company in matters of arms wherwith the Queen was highly contented because she loved her cousin Recinde with intire affection King Lewis seeing his son Arnedes of years to have a wife and fearing he should elsewhere dispose his liking one day called him into his chamber and thus conferred with him My son such is the natural inclination of my love towards thee as I would not wish any thing to thee but to have thee as well contented therewith as my self to this end I use these speeches for that our late Kingly father of famous memory at the very shutting up of his latest days gave me charge to join thee in marriage with the Emperors daughter of Constantinople that such issue as no doubt shall proceed from you both may somewhat resemble their famous Ancestors Wherefore I am determined right soon to send an Embassage to him to solicite this marriage which I hope he will like well of and this I can assure thee if fame tell no leasings that the Princess Philocrista now aged sixteen years is a Lady of such rare and singular beauty as nature hath not framed her like under the moving of these eight Spheres When the Prince Arnedes saw that his father talked so courteously with him about these affairs he humbly intreated him not to travel any further in the matter for there was time enough hereafter to deal in such occasions wherewith the King pacified him because he saw his son so cold as he thought in matter of marriage nor would he trouble him any more therewith afterward But the young Prince wise and advised in concealing his own desires having long before heard fair Philocrista commended beyond compare as also the déeds of the Knights in the Emperour Palmerins Court he had no leisure now to forbid them his remembrance so that fain would he compasse a secret journey to Constantinople intending if the Princesse pleased to demand her of the Emperour in marriage and if his Majesty would not consent thereto he intended to do such exploits in Greece as the honourable praise of them should compasse his love This was the project of Arnedes resolution which in secret he imparted to his cousin Recinde who with mighty perswasions animated him herein vowing that till death they would loyally continue friendly companions and so well govern themselves by disguising their persons and contrarying their languages in these affairs as the most skilfull head should not search the depth of their intent When the two cousins were thus determined Arnedes imagining it no wisedom to juggle with his father went and requested a favour at his Highnesse hand the effect whereof was thus Gracious Lord and Father quoth he my desire is without your displeasure that I may go sée the Princess Philocrista as well to like as love before any motion of marriage and because my cousin Recinde will bear me company I would have your Majesty so perswaded that in secret disguising we will passe unknown of any much lesse give occasion of suspect what we are not doubting but by our vertuous behaviour to yéeld you content by our voyage and our selves good report Beside the world is well acquainted therewith that this Emperour of Constantinople had not won such fame and renown but onely by the innumerables Trophies erected in divers regions of his youthfull travels which are examples sufficient for Knights of high desire not to desist from worthy enterprizes for the object of death who without regard of time or place pursueth in ambush the steps of the worthiest Nor let doubt of our stay in Greece hinder us good father for as we go not to build any dwelling there so is the hope of our return to be expected more spéedy It greatly displeaseth me answered the King that I have promised to mine own discontentment and which much more will redownd to your disadvantage but séeing I have past my word and in this sort you mean personally to visit Greece go in Gods name who guide and send you safely home again else will your stay more hurt me then can you imagine Humbly taking his leave of the King because he would not have his departure known he secretly got him to Marseilles accompanied with none but his cousin Recinde his dwarf and thrée other
them and coming down from the window where he stâ—od into the field he desired them at his request to give over the fight My gracious Lord answered Recinde that may we not consent unto unless the Damosel that complained of Belcar will first remit the injury he hath done her My self will thereto perswade her said the King in mean while do you travel no further in this controversie seeing you have both shewed sufficient and haughty chivalry So went the King to the Damosel who was wonderfull glad to see Belcar in such dangerous estate as no Knight before had brought him in the like Damosel said he séek not the death of two so good Champions as these are but for my sake pardon Belcar if he have in ought offended and I shall cause him to make such amends as your self shall like well thereof beside such courtesie shall you find at my hands as happily shall yéeld occasion of thanks while you live Hereto will I never consent though I die quoth she and more would the present death of Belcar content me then if the whole Monarchy of the world were under my puissance considering the enorm and detestable treason wherewith he villanously wronged my father and brethren which makes me I cannot discharge my Knight of his promise The King with great instance intreated her again and so did all the Lords attending on him but all was in vain she was so resolutely grounded in her wickedness as she accounted it pleasure to be self-willed therein Whereupon the Queen heartily sorry to see Belcar so sore wounded understanding the obstinate refusal of the Damosel she accompanied with the Dutchess of Pontus and the Princess Alderina her daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Queen would entertain her amongst the Ladies of Honour in her Court All these prayers and requests nothing availed to move any pity in this inexorable Damosel which the Queen perceiving and that she continued so obstinate in cruelty she made a solemn oath that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and slanderous that her self should die a most shameful death The Damosel seeing the Queen so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she grieved to behold the tears of fair Alderina wherefore she alighted from her palfray and falling at the Queens feet desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to the King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Majesties sake she was content to pardon both the Knights The Queen embraced her in sign of thanks sending word to Recinde that he should proceed no further in battel So the Damosel went with the Queen and her Ladies to the Pallace and both the champions accompanied the King who bringing them to their chambers commanded that his chief Physitians and Chirurgians should give very diligent attendance to see their wounds healed Daily would the Queen accompanied with the Dutchess of Pontus and the fair Princess Alderina her daughter come to visit them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amity and shortly after the Queen in regard of her promise caused the damosel to be very honourably married when Belcar made her openly confess that her accusations were most false and untrue in respect that he never saw any of her brethren before that night wherein he was intreated by her father to lodge at his Castle But leave we these and let us now return again to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio embarqued for Turky they landed at a Poâ—t near the Castle of Albaizo where the King of Thessaly was kept prisoner and how Palmendos intended to be at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captains son and what was his success AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Queen of Thessaly and her daughter Francelina they posted with all speed to their ship the Mariners having in the time of their abode there happened on a Turk left there in the Haven by reason of extream sicknesse wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to be a Moor took him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arrival he had very well recovered his health He understanding that Palmendos would sail into Turky desired to grant him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenesse he would direct him whither he pleased because he knew all the Ports and créeks of the country and most of the Cities and Towns on the land Palmendos joyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patron and without concluding to what place they would first sail he willed them to make toward the nearest port to the City of Tubant demanding of the Turk if he knew any harbour of surety near that place My Lord quoth the Turk I will conduct you if you please into a streight of the sea which is very secret where oftentimes ride divers great vessels and no other place of lodging is near at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a days journey from Tubant and the like from the Castle of Albayzo where the great Turk at this present kéeps the King of Thessaly and all his treasure under the charge of a good Knight who is the Captain of the Castel and this place he reputeth as the strongest hold in all the country Moreover this dare I avouch Sir that there is no part so little in all that country but I know it as well by night as by day even as perfectly as the port whereof I tell you there may you abide in assurance and do what best your self shal please uncontroled by any this will I make good for the great courtesie I have found Palmendos séeing how fortune favoured him committed his conducting to the Turk who was named Oricano when at length they came to the port near Tubant then Oricano went on shore with the Knights to take some order for their good entertainment but finding not his father at home intreated his mother and two brethren who were not a little glad of his safe return to use those Gentlemen so courteously as might be expressing what kindnesse he had found at their hands Palmendos rejoiced that they were in a place so sure and secret and near Albayzo Castle where the King of Thessaly was detained in captivity yet kept he on his rich black armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castle of Carderia his good sword likewise he had by his side wherewith he could inchant and bring asléep any one by drawing it forth It was large and short as a woodknife or fauchion most artificially damasked and garnished with three sorts of Diamonds the whole sheath being composed of one the mosse-bar and pummel of an other and the handle of
the crest rare and precious Calamite that ever was séen the blade of the finest tempered â—eel that could be in any sword in brief the like weapon was hardly to be found through the world By this time Oricano's father was come home who reâ—oycing to behold his son shewed very loving countenance to the Princes for his sake when amongst other talk Palmendos requested to know of the old man whence he came so late whereto the poor man humbly thus answered I come sir from a Town not far hence whither I went in the morning to sell fish because great number of Knights are assembled there against the marriage of the Lords daughter with the son to the Captain of Albayzo Castle and I stayed the longer to sée the Bridegroom and his sister who is reported to be the fairest woman in the world By many great Princes she hath been requested in marriage but she hath refused every one saying she will never â—e married but with him that can win her by martial prowess for which cause many brave and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third day of the feast have appointed a Tourney for her love the resort being so great to sée this Lady as if the great Turk with all his Bassaes and Ianizaries kept Court there Palmendos attentively noting this tale considered with himself that if he could by subtil trains entire this Lady to Love he might easily get into Albayzo Castle where he should the better compass the stratagem to set the King of Thessaly at liberty For this cause he determined to be present at the Tourney and in bed acquainted Ozalio with his whole intent who thought it the onely way to work their enterprize On the morrow Palmendos told the Fisher that he would make one in the Iust so giving him good store of money he prayed him to regard his ship and mariners till he returned and so he set forward with Ozalio and Orycano who served them faithfully during all this business Not far had they rid but they met with a Page that attended on Iffida for so was the beautifull virgin named the Captains daughter and occasion of this triumph Palmendos then asked him if the Tourney held the day following It doth sir answered the Page by general agreement and so please you to be there you shall see many valiant Knights enter the field where I hope the partakers of Ripole for so was the Bridegroom called shall bear away the honour of the day and sundry brave champions will adventure for the love of Iffida my Mistress whereby they may gain the better mean to offer her their service intending therefore to be on her brothers side who is the chief man in this enterprise The Prince calling to mind the perfections of Francelina breathed forth a sigh that came from his very soul and on the other side he was marvellous glad that he had so fortunately met with the Ladies Page and being desirous to gain some acquaintance with her he spake to the youth in this manner Gentleman I think the graces of your Mistress to be so amiable as in one instant they are sufficient to captivate all such as behold her and therefore I can assure you that with the better will and more sincere affection is he provided to her service that never saw her which I speak on mine own behalf who abandoning the place of my original have with insupportable travels crost many Countreys onely to come let her understand my extream devotion to be her perpetual and faithfull servant whereto the renown of her beauty induced me which I think is spread over the face of the whole earth And séeing my hap was so good to méet with you albeit you know me not nor have I yet deserved any thing at your hand yet let me intreat you to do one favour for me the issue whereof beside your atchievement of notable reputation in debonair courtesie which all of your young years ought to have in singular commendation I hope I shall let you sufficiently perceive that you deal not for an ingratefull person nor will ye mislike your travel in the cause What would you have me do answered the Page in respect you séem a man of vertue and quality if it be a thing possible for me and honourable I will with all my heart accomplish it A thousand thanks for your friendliness answered Palmendos and for nothing else is my suit but that you would say to your Lady Mistress how that a strange Gentleman which came into this Countrey onely to sée her graces and vertues most humbly commends himself to her favourable opinion earnestly desiring that she would accept him as her Knight in the Tourny where to morrow he intends to shew himself as one that will over-ballance her most favoured in weight of affection and will be accounted second to none in exploits of Arms having no better mean whereby to acquaint her with the insupportable burthen of his heart and that she may well perceive it I will not be on her brothers side but against them that take his part hoping to send them vanquished out of the field or make them glad to take their héels by the strength and hardiness her divine beauty shall give me so please her to grant me the aforesaid favour and which will cause me to account my self the most happy Knight on whom the planets have breathed their celestial influence The Page séeing Palmendos fair and so richly armed imagined him to be some great personage wherefore be modestly thus replied My Lord this dare I not do for any man living without I knew the party to have some familiarity with my Mistress nevertheless being a matter of so small consequence and that you deserve much more then this on my behalf I shall deliver her this message for your sake who have so importunately requested it Palmendos requited the page with many thanks and to make him the more forward in the matter he took a bracelet of gold from his arm and gave it him So beguiling the time with other spéeches at length they arrived at Prisâ—a for so was the Town called where the triumphs were appointed the field being covered all over with costly pavilions wherefore Palmendos made choise of a convenient place and there commanded his rich Tent to be presently erected Mean while the Page courteously took his leave and entring the town went straight to his Mistress lodging where having first dispatched the answer sent from her sister and séeing her so conveniently apart from her Damosels he rehearsed all that Palmendos had said unto him I wonder quoth she what the Knight should be that durst send me such a presumptuous message séeing he saith he is a stranger and for my love hath forsaken his Countrey Believe me Madam answered the Page nor do I know him but he séemeth to be discended of great parentage and is one of the goodliest personages that ever I
intent and seeing him so pensive she immediately interpreted this Saturnine taciturnity to her own advantage thinking it proceeded from the ravishment of her beauty as her Embassadour had before perswaded her herewith she judged in him more elegancy of form and sweetnesse of complexion then in any other Knight whatsoever which made her so esprised with his attracting regard as to allay the extremity of this heat she desired nothing more then to speak with him that she might be resolved of whence and what he was Palmendos stirred not from his place nor thought he long of his stay there because he hoped to gather some fruit thereby but warily marks the amorous looks of Iffida and how her eye was the messenger of her inward desire all which he covertly imparted to Ozalio who moved not one foot from his dear friend They fearing lest their long stay would cause suspicion went their way which made Iffida likewise repair to her chamber and calling the minister of her love aside began in this manner Ah Page how truly didst thou discover the perfections of the strange Knight whose behaviour and discréet modesty joyned with his rare and martial prowesse makes me repute him for the chiefest man that ever came into this Countrey Madam answered the young Councellour if you would sée innumerable vertues conjoined in one body I beseech you hasten your speaking with him and let not the happy hour miscarry through your default which the fatal destinies have so graciously appointed his lovely spéeches shall acquaint you with his indowment which you may behold so correspondent in every point as you can wish 〈◊〉 nothing but is to be found in him How should I speak with him said Iffida without impeach to my honour which hitherto I have carefully regarded unlesse it be by thy means in some secret place free from the hurt of suspected persons wherewith the world is now mightily stored I shall tell you how Madam answered the page you know my Lord your father willed you the other day that you should return to him with all possible speed which will serve as a fit occasion to take your honest farewell of this company if then you will depart hence to morrow toward evening you may lodge by the way at my mothers house whither I will go before with the two Knights and cause her to say that they be both her Nephews who now are friendly come to visit her so may you confer together at your pleasure The invention is good answered Iffida yet must you be very circumspect herein that the drift of our intent be not discovered The complot thus concluded the Page went in the morning to Palmendos and making him not a little glad with this news caused both the friends to mount on horseback and set forward with him to his mothers house seated in a pleasant place between Tubant and the Castle of Albayzo When the Gentlewoman saw the two Knights she was much abashed but her son soon resolved her in every point and that she might boldly call them her Nephews her self being a stranger born far from that country The mother being throughly instructed by her son desired their intent might take good successe whereupon the Page returned to his Mistresse who had in this while so well ordered her departure as the new married nor any other could gather suspicion then forward she sets for her journey had hast so surely had love seized on her heart having no other company with her then her four waiting damosels and two squires of her fathers Nâ—w is she come unto the long desired place where being very graciously entertained both by Palmendos and Ozalio as also the Pages mother Iffida being not to learn her lesson desires to know what Knights they were that so friendly saluted her They are quoth the Pages mother my two Nephews who having not seen mo of long time are come to know if they may stand in any stead as also to offer their service to my Lord your father if in any thing it shall please him to imploy them Right heartily wellcome are they answered Iffida and of duty I must needs thank them for the good will they bear my Lord and father for which cause as also their near alliance to you I love them as they were my proper brethren Palmendos coming to her with great reverence gave her humble thanks for her honourable kindnesse and while they spent the time about other familiar conference supper was set on the table in a pleasant Arbour where Iffida could digest no meat her eies were so busied in beholding her champion afterward they walked up and down the garden and she seeing the pages mother was deep in talk with Ozalio as one loth to lose so good an opportunity she beginneth with Palmendos in this manner I cannot but marvel at my self Sir Knight that being nothing touched with the love of sundry Gentlemen which heretofore have divers times offered me their service my heart should by you whom I never saw before these two days past so vehemently be provoked to love so that I cannot hear or think on any thing but it is broken or rejected by the remembrance of you let me then intreat you not to repute me as carelesse of my chastity or forgetfull of the modesty beéesming a Virgin For the worthy behaviour I sée couched in your incomparable personage hath fatally depeived me of my formen liberty and yielded me wholly you captive not doubting but you will so estéem of your conquest as not to impeach the same by any dishonorable attempt considering my noble birth and parentage And to satisfie my earnest longing desire onely abouted to have further knowledge of your estate acquaint me with the secret considerations of your heart and what you will command me in guerdon of the pains you have taken for my sake wherein my honour defended I will yéeld that willingly to you which none else but you can have of me Madam answered Palmendos I cannot expresse my high good fortune finding such grace and courtesie at your hands being on my part no way as yet deserved but time may yéeld the due to every gentle mind and make me able to requite such extraordinary favour And think not sweet Goddesse of my heart that in pittying the unsupportable burthen of my oppressions you shall any way incur the detection of lightnesse but rather of honourable and well-governed care when you shall behold the place whereto I hope safely to bring you for Madam setting aside my simple outward appearance I am a King born and Governour of sundry famous Provinces and this attempt proceeded onely of religious zeal to make you Lady of me and mine as your wondefull fame at first took the soveraignty of my heart How can I worthy Lord quoth Iffida but stand amazed that you being a King and a man of so rare fortune in managing Arms should come hither for so simple a damosel as my self
not worthy to cast mine eys to such preferment yet not to dissemble with you as concerning my resolution without my fathers consent I neither may or will go hence with you because it were both disobedience and injury to nature Notwithstanding one thing I will do for you which never heretofore I offered to any Knight I will bring you to my Father and tell him you are one of this Gentlewomans Nephews she being my Nurse in the time of mine infancy to him must you offer your service and no sooner shall he behold your Knightly chivalry but he will gladly accept you as his Son so with my Parents consent you may convey me hence and in mean while I shall keep secret your estate albeit it were good that you tell him the truth Pamendos who desired nothing but to get into the Castle and to compass the same by any way he could thus replied Madam such is the extreamity of my vehement passions as no one can recure them but she from whom they took their Original nor do my vital spirits receive any force to execute their office but from your gracious and gentle disposition therefore I will go with you when you please to your Father and say what you can best imagine for the peaceable assurance and fruition of the good pretended These words he uttered with very chearfull countenance by reason of the hope wherewith his heart was encouraged seeing the practise of his negotiation stand now on the tearms himself desired the Lady on the other side was so ravished with his love that she could not be satisfied with beholding him or consent to forsake his company till time of constraint came that they must to their lodgings where Iffida could not sleep through the whole night her slumbers were so broken by the abundance and plurality of amorous discourse which chased all other imaginations from her spirit In these extreams poor Iffida was tormented a disease clean contrary to that which troubled Palmendos who onely sought by dissimulation to recover the good King of Thessaly whereof he conferred in bed with Ozalio what stratagems and subtilties he must compass in the action intreating him most affectionately they having once getten entrance into the Castle to shew himself hardy and valiant putting every one to the sword when the watchword should be given When the morning was come Iffida decked her self in her brave accoustrements and coming into the garden found there the two Knights armed except their Helmets she praying them to go with her to the Castle of Albayzo that she might have the honour of presenting them to the Captain her Father This matter being soon concluded they all mounted on horseback and about noon arrived at the fortresse the foundation and structure whereof caused Palmendos to wonder in that it was placed on a high and mighty rock and stored with such munition for war as it was thought impregnable Being come to the gate Iffida lighted from her hackney and entred taking the Knights by the hand the Arches permitting them quietly passe without any fear or further inquiry what they were seeing them so well acquainted with fair Iffida whom the Captain loved so well as none might gain-say what she commanded Afterward the bridges were drawn the gates strongly barred according as they were wont to be so the Princes entring the great Hall Palmendos diligently looked about him thinking each hour a year till the skirmish were sought in this strong Hold thanking the heavens that had so well guided them thither CHAP. XXVIII How Palmendos and Ozalio slew the Captain of Albayzo Castle and all the Guard that then kept it taking the King of Thessaly forth of the Tower where he had remained captive twenty years and what did happen unto them in the mean while WHen the Captain of Albayzo Castle who was an honourable old man and put in chief trust with the great Turks treasure saw his daughter accompanied with two such brave Knights he was thereat exceedingly amazed as if this occurrence had already presaged the conflict and cruel slaughter which was immediately to follow in the Castle wherefore he said Why daughter how chanceth it that you are come without your brother My Lord quoth she the desire I had yester-night to sée you hastened my return in company of your two Squires my four waiting damosels and these two Knights who are both Nephews to my Nurse where I found them as I passed by that way and hereof be assured good father that this Knight pointing to Palmendos is one of the most hardy and courteous Gentlemen that ever you knew Whereof his victory in the tourny at my brothers marriage hath given me evident example as also the honest speeches he hath used to me this morning declaring his earnest desire to offer you his service under hope whereof I have been his guide hither esteeming the acquisition of such a man rare and of great consequence and will chiefly help the strength of your charge He is the better welcome answered the Captain and in recompence of his good will he shall command any curtesie at my hand For all these words he had other matters in his mind and because his daughter praised him so much so much the more willingly could he have spared his company in the castle for that his presence made him misdoubt and fear somewhat yet to dissemble the matter and take away all occasion of contrary mistrust with a counterfeit merry countenance he said Go daughter and sâ—lute thy mother mean while these Knights shall be unarmed Which words he spake to be assured of their Armour and weapons intending they should not have them again till they were forth of the Castle But Palmendos hearing these words began to misdoubt their interpretation and therefore thought best not to use any more spéeches but going with Iffidaeâ— Page into a fair chamber in stead of unarming themselves they clasped on their helmets and taking their shields with resolved courage came forth having their good swords ready drawn Palmendos now intending to try the vertue of his enchanted sword or else to put both their lives in danger The Page séeing this sudden alteration driven into as great a quandary as if he had been new metamorphosed began to cry out very pittifully tearming this act abominable and scelerous disloyalty wherewith he ran down to advertise the Guard thereof but they themselves were not far behind him because Palmendos knew this enterprize was not to be deferred therefore he and Ozalio came into the Castle Court where they found the Captain threatening the guard that they had so lightly suffered the Knights to enter but they excused themselvs on Iffida who brought them with her wherewith the Captain turning about and séeing them come in such fury he cryed to the Guard saying Take Arms my loyal and faithfull Knights and let us murther these false villains who have beguiled us so treacherously Palmendos having instructed