he was displeased upon that account that one day taking his opportunity in a Forrest he slew him and fled into France Which Murther being laid to the Kings charge who was altogether ignorant of it the Danes under their aforesaid Captain and several others under pretence of Revenge but more out of greediness for Prey and Plunder Landed with about twenty thousand men and after them ten thousand more with which they ravaged and laid waste the Countrey destroying with fire and sword all before them ravishing women and Virgins and then ripping them up alive dashing babes against the ground and all other horrid impieties that can be imagined so terrible they dealt that the people fled before them dreading them worse than a Pestilence the King having garhered together the English Forces had sought several Battels in which he was worsted and thereupon retired with his friends to Winchester a Town then so strong that it was impossible to take it unless by starving Powder that Hellish Engine then lay deep hidden in the secrets of the Earth and was not formed to belch destruction to mankind against which the Danes having drawn all their Forces besieged it almost round there being no passage in or out but at the Western Gate Guy upon this sad News and distress of his King and Countrey thither he makes all speed resolving to raise the Siege or lose his life Nor age detains him but through guarding Foes He Fights his way and deals them stormes of blowes CHAP. XV. How the King being Besieged at Winchester Guy undertook to fight with Colbron a Monstrous Giant Kills him and routs the Danish Army forcing them with great slaughter to fly the Land and then betakes himself to his solitary Cave where he lived many years unknown GUy no sooner entring the Town but he went upon the Walls to veiw the Enemies Forces how they lay Encamped and what their numbers were not in the least making himself known to any Long he had not been there but out from a Tent placed on the Northside came proudly strutting an Armed Gyant of Monstrous size being at least twelve foot in height and eight in thickness he being the man that had so terrified the English and made great slaughter on them in all the Battels that were fought none being able to resist his strength but still fled before him he wearing underneath his high proofed Armour a shirt of Mail and bearing a great two edged Sword Long he had not stalked like a huge Colossus on the plain but disdainfully aloud he called unto the King and thus began for to Revile Athelitone now no more King of England but our Prisoner mued up within these Walls which we e'r long will Level with the ground in vain it is to trust to your defence come forth and try your Manhoods in the field dy here like men and so perhaps you may purchase to your selves the names of Valiant but if like Cowards there you stay till we slaughter you within your walls and roast you in the flaming Town Infamy unto posterity will blot the false fam'd English Renown which has spread wide into the world a report of such doowds as you never durst adventure T is agreed by all the Captains of our Army that if amongst all your Nobles you can find a man that dares to Combate me in which Combate if he remains victorious they will not only raise the Siege but depart the Land and leave you in Peace and quietness so said the proud insulting Foe at which their Armies shouted loud and gave him great applause At which daring affront the King being much perplexed turned to his Nobles demanding if any of them would adventure on the Noble Enterprize Remember said he how great Goliah fell by David's hand and shall this Pagan outbrave us thus for shame my Lords let it not be known T is Heavens cause we fight for the defence of the true Christian Faith as well as for our Countreys honour who can tell but God may have put this offer into their hearts either to free us from distress or to deliver them into our hands If none will undertake it I my self will Encounter with the haughty Foe and if I perish Heavens will be done So said the King but all around stood mute looking on each other who should first Reply which Guy who had stood all that while undiscovered observing with anger groaned and coming to the King most humbly besought his Majesty to confer on him the Honour of the Combate to which the King not dreaming who it was for all supposed Guy then dead by reason he had not been heard of in so long a time made answer â—las poor Pilgrim for so thou seemest to be thou art not able to contend with one so Mighty I had a Champion once whom Death has now snatch'd from me on whose head I would have ventured my Life and Crown Oh Renowned Guy for ever lost thou wouldst not have seen thy Soveraingn thus affronted and abused with that he turn'd and went whose Royal Tâ—ars grieved Guy for to behold still with supplications pressing him that he would give consent Saying Dread Lord though I 'm now unknown to you yet trust my Courage for this once and by Heaven I vow before the Sun descends beneath the Western deep he that has braved you now shall pay his Life for the affront at which Heroick speech the King stood amazed and wondred at the greatness of his saying I have accepted thee thou shalt be the man on whom I 'l venture England and immediately ordered his own Armour to be brought which Guy retiring put on least he should be known and girding on a massy sword came to the King to take his leave which the Nobles seeing began to offer their services but the King would not permit them now but embracing Guy unknown said Go thou worthy man and Heaven direct thy hand to quest thy Foe at which Guy returning humble thanks departed whilst on the walls all stood for to behold the Frey No sooner was he come within call of Colbron's Camp so was the Giant named but he cryed aloud Come forth presumptuous Dane who durst so late put base affront upon Majesty behold me English born that am come to chastise thy insolence at which the Dane rousing from his Couch whereon he was laid came forth where no sooner beholding Guy but frowning and dreadfully glared on him with his fiery Eyes and thus disdainfully began And could the King amongst his Lords find out no youthfuller for the Combate fit but to send an old man ready to drop into the Grave who weary of his Life growes desperate and fears not death as knowing by course of Nature a few moments more would put a period to his dayes t is sure he sent thee to mock me and maâ—e me more enraged bâ—â— be it how it will thou never shallt return alive perhaps so â—aid Guy if you can hinder it but as
he gazed he felt new flames and so unexpected a surprise that all began to wonder at the suddain change his Father demanded the cause but could not get the secret from his brest it stuck too close yet after the sumptuous repast he played several Prizes before the Earl and being stung by Love grew more fierce against his Cumbatants or perhaps to shew the Lady his Valour and to make her to have some esteem of his worth so that at Wrastling Back-â—word Faulcheon or the like none were able to stand before him for his force â—â—med more than man and all that he struck or laid his hand upon he felled or tumbled to the ground so that at the last none durst Encounter him he seeing that put on his Clothes and going to the Earl humbly desired his Licence to retire himself as he pretended for refreshment at which the Earl embracing him said Go thou worthy Youth our Nations Pride and withal gave him a Ring set with Diamonds as likewise several other Noble men made him Presants the which he unwillingly received modestly excusing the Applauses and Favours they had heaped upon him saying he was not worthy of them and that his whole Lives Service must make them Restitution for those benefits he had received at their hands which modestly made them yet commend him more and have a greater Esteem of his Vertues and each was the more desirous of his company but at his earnest request and the approach of night they dismissed him upon his promise to attend them the next day after he was departed and the Table sumptuously spread wine in abundance was called for and supper no sooner ended but the Earl began Guys health each of the Lords and Gentry presant pledging it with their hats off Such Fame got he by his prevailing manhood after which round their whole discourse was of his hopefulness and the great Endowments that Nature and Art had conspired to bestow upon Guys Father was muth joyed in his happy Son c. But now we must leave them in the midst of their Iollitry and sollow Guy into his secret retirement where being arrived he began to contemplate upon what he had seen and could hardly perswade himself that she was mortal so far his fancy wrought upon her perfections for indeed she was fair even to a Miracle so that that age afforded her no parallel for Eyes she had that glistered like two Stars shaded with eyehrows pleasant to behold a fair high Forehead and cheeks as smooth as Alablafter in which the Roses and the Lisâ—ies mired so pure that none could discern which had the superiority her Teeth like orient Pearls enclosed with Coral Lips and such a winning smile as might ravish the beholder with a smooth chin transparent whilst in curious wreaths her Golden Tresses hung to these add a majestick grace and comly mean To summe up all Natures masterpiece the only wonder of her sex These considered wrackt poor Guy almost to despair of ever attaining such an accomplished creature while thus he gives his passion vent how am I lost for ever lost in what a pathless maze is it I wonder can Loves soves force be such to wound a heart that never injured his deity but if it must be so that it is thy sport winged god to wound us Mortals with thy staming shafts let her in whose bright eyes thou satest when first thou wingedst them with her Glances and darted them into my breast feell an equal passion or else t is Tyranny to â—orture one thou art not purposed to relieve how am I wrapped in clouds not knowing â—here I am so quickly snarched into the unknown Regions where I cannor turn unâ—â— the right or to the left but must either sore aloft or fall into confusion wild and ruâ—◠〈◊〉 the latter is sure if nor â—revented by the souner for me to attain that â—â—auteous â—â—â—ly form divine my soul-desire I fear is altogether impossible by reason of the inâ—â—â—â—e dissance in our Fortunes she to high and I so mean and low yet that me thinks should not divide us Love is far more pure than Gold and wieness my wounds its forte is irresistable O ye powers for what are these treated beings these soster heauties if not to be enjoyed or did ye send these Angellick shapes from your bright abodes only to be gazed upon and wondered at by Love-sick man and punish him by what he never must possess t is sure they were not nor can such lovely shapes lodge curelty or proud disdain within their breasts why then neglect I to declare my suit who knows but she may prove kind or burn with equal flame seeing her eyes bent equally with mine and glance for glance she often sent and now and then a heavenly smile which ended in a blush I 'l be no longer tortured thus between hope and despair but will go to her and with low obedience tell her that I Love so receive my sentance of Life or Death from her fair lips but alass how shall I do it seeing I am unskilful in that grand affair assist me then thou god of Love and send one of thy golden shafts before to make me room yeild me succesful in this my bold attempt Virgin I come my Fever burns wo fierce to be delayed So saying he stayed his language with a peal of sighs strait arose from the solitary â—bed whereon he lay in the best attice he had posted to Warwick Castle where he heard his Love was gone to recreate her self but scartely was he entered ere he met the Earl with many of the Gentry preparing for a Hunting match all of them welcoming Guy and desired his company but he excused himself by telling them he was much incisposed and so with much adoe obtained his exemption of the Earl who immediately sent for his Physitian and gave him strickt charge to be careful of his bealth and preservation so the Earl to Hunting rode and Guy was conducted to his Chamber where the Physitian made no small adâ— to enquire into the Nature of his Malady but the more he sought the more be found himself at a loss at which he perceiving Guy to smile disdeinfully the better to save his credit told him he must be dieted blooded and keep his chamber or his distemper would grow worse to which Guy rising from his seat onswered Truly Father at this time of your prescriptions ther 's no need nor can your Art afford the least rellef no Gallen or Hipocrates themselves were they alive and both here present could not give me ease t is my self must be my own Physitian or my Malady must reign for ever over me There is a slower as I have lately heard of precious worth growing in this Castle the which could I once pluck would ease me in a moment at which the Doctor stood in admiration wondring what stower he meant why truly sir said he t is called Happy indeed quath
him that the best way for their security was to hoist up all the sails and if possible to out-strip them the which if they could do till Evening he feared not but by the help of night to get clear of them why said Guy how many ships have us in chase truly said the Captain I can discern but one yet that one carries thrice the men on board her that we have t is no matter said Guy Captain be of god courage I swear I would not for the Crown of France have it reported that Guy ever sled no rack about and let us meet them like couragious English Soldiers my self alone will bear the brunt of war whilst you if you please may stand and see fair play this speech so incouragrd the Seamen that they cryed let us engage them strait and the Captain now half ashamed was no less willing so that they had no sooner put themselves into a posture but the ship in which the French Lord was bore up side by side and without any more a do grapled with the English which made Guy smile whilst like Mars he stood upon the Deck brandishing his dreadful sword the French endeavoured to board the Vessel which Guy gave order to permit without much difficulty to that they thinking themselves vittorious gave such a shout as made the Drean ring nay now quoth Guy you have awakned me look-to it for this rudeness some or most of you shall sleep until the day of Doom with that he began to lay about him with more then humane force whilst Arms and Heads and dead men covered all the place whereon he â—ought for against his Sword no Armour could defend but at ruch blow fresh â—â—eams of blood raâ— down Philbertus seeing such havâ—â—k of his Souldiers made ordered those few that were left alide to retreat if possible to his ship and immediately endeavoured to ungrapple which Guy having cleared his Deck perceiving leap'd on Goard the French ship and alone for half an hour maintained the sight with such sury that many of them leaped into the Sea for to avoid his sword the which Philbert seeing encouraged his men all he could and as a man grown desperate with bespair charged on Guy's Helm with such force as made it sparkle fire at which Guy no whit daunted but retuend him such a blow as made him fall for dead at his feet which the Soldiers seeing cryed for quarter and threw down their Arms Guy who was alwaies merciful to the submissive bid cease the battle in which space Philbert came to himself and with a low submission begged his life which Guy as freely granted and after having transported him and the rest that were left alive into his own ship he set fire to the other and sailing onwards of his intended course coasting the Compass till they touched on that part of Normandy that borders on the German Empire where Guy nothing daunted Landed the which no sooner done but he hears that a great Tilt and Tournament was to be held for Blaunch the Emperours Daughter a most beauteous and accomplished Lady and whosoever carried the day was to have the Lady in marriage and with her a brace of Grey hounds a Faulcon and a milk-white steed upon this welcome News Guy discharged the Captain of the Vessel leaving with him the Prisoners who put them to their Ransome and code to the place designed for the noble strife Where Honour bated their his Arms to try And pluck a Plume from full fledg'd Victory CHAP. VI. How Guy worsted all the German Princes and won fair Blanch the Emperous Daughter who he afterwards left and departed for England GUy having taken his leave of his old friend the Captain rod to the place designed for the Stage of Fortune and the winning of the beauteous Prise to which he was lead by the loud sound of the Trumpets clarions Flutes and all manner of Warlike Mâ—sick where no sooner arriving but he beheld the Plain filled with Horses and Chariots and Armed Knights whose Coats of Arms streamers of Gold played with the winds and their might Armour and glittering Spears with the reflection of the Sun-beams made the place seem all on flame a glorious sight for to behold for most of the Christian Princes and Chavalours Knights were there assembled with their splendid Retinues thinking the Prise well worth their strife each being ambitious of the honour to be called the Emperours Son and over and above to gain the fairest creature that they e'r beheld Guy was no sooner setled in his station but the Trumpets sound the Charge whereupon Prince Philanus a German by birth entered the List on his proud steed who champing his silver bit scarcely endured the Reins against him Earl Spartianus came and both touching their Launces as swift as Lightning met and with such force that the splinters of their broken Launces flew around their heads then drawing out their glittering swords they furiously engaged till by a blow the Earl received on his Helm his eyes grew dazy and his sword dropped from his hand himself down from his horse fell on the ground which Guy seeing grew impatient of delay and setting spurrs so his bounding steed he came up to the Prince now proud of his late success and laying by their Spears they charged upon each other with their swords but ere they had exchanged many blows Guy's trusty sword fell with redoubled force much like a Thunderbolt upon the Germans head and breaking his Helm bruised him so that down he fell intranced and thence was carryed off for dead upon his Shield to revenge which disgrace done to his friend Otton the Great Duke of Tuscany proudly entred vowing that Guy should perish by his hand and no less then his life should be sufficient to appease his fury at which Guy smiling sustain'd his first charge without much resistance but at the second met him with such a blow as cut quite through his Armour and his shirt of Mail so that from the gaping wound the blood streamed fast which the Duke eager of Revenge regarded not till fainting he fell upon the ground and had not his blood been stayed he there had bled his last Duke Rainer next came forth and bid defiance unto Guy saying presumtious Knight this Lady must be mine nor shall that Armour guard thy brest from death since Armed with Love and powerful steel I fight he had no sooner said but Guy undaunted met him stroak for stroak so that blows like hail fell thick and thundred on their Armour till at last Guy's better blade wounded the Duke in his right shoulder so that he could no more resist but down his sole weapon dropped this prodigious vallour so amazed the spectators that long they stood gazing not knowing what to think while various discourses rumoured round and the ignorant sort affirmed it was no man that fought but some-spirit transform'd into a humane shape the Combatants stood mute not knowing what
wicked heads to which they scoffingly replyed what would this vain-glorious fellow have he thinks tries another to get a name by desperate folly and that for being slain in hopes of rescuing this Lady the world will pitry and lament his fate a third declared that he was surely mad which so enraged him that bidding the Lady be of good chear for that he came to fetch her back unto her Lord he drew his dreadful sword well known in war and with it laid about so furiously that scarce a stroke fell but he kill'd or mortally wounded one or other of them bruising their Helms and Heads breaking their Armour at such a rate that in an hours space ten of them lay gasping on the ground which the trembling Lady observing fell upon her knaes and entreated Guy to hold his Conquering hand and shed no more blood for her sake at which Guy moved with pitty put up his Sword commanding the remaining sir to ask the Lady forgiveness and â—o thank her for their lives the which they durst not refuse so that Guy giving them two or three lusty knocks a piece with his sword in the â—eabard dismissed them bidding them tell their treacherous Lord that his name was Guy and that he hoped ere long to meet him in Arms and render him the reward of his trechery after which Guy caused the Lady to mount behind him so they cid to the place where they left the Earl who seeing them riding towards him faint as he was came supported by Herauld to meet them where falling down he embraced Guy's knees readring him a thousand thanks with â—nexpressible joy saying He should be proud to dye fighting in his cause So much renown in Arms the Hero won That his great deeds through Europe now had run CHAP. XI How Guy and Herauld went with the Earl to relieve his Father who was besiged by Duke Otton and how Guy Raised the Seige routed the Dukes Army and kill'd him in single Combate NOw night had cast her Sable vail over the earth and left only the imperfect brightness of the Moons silver beams to chear the drousy Globe when Guy Herauld Terry and Oslil his fair spouse had through the Forrest vast and wild to travel many a mile before they came to any house or place of entertainment but being so good company they passed on joyfully till coming to a tuft of broad spreading trees that cast a horrid shade blacker then night it self they heard a hideous noise and roaring caused by Beasts of Prey who having left their Dens followed the scent of blood as Lions Bears Wolves Tigers Panthers Leopards and the like when casting their eyes round they espied two Armed Knights standing with their swords drawn on their Guards and listning to the self same eryes who Guy and his associates coming up to found to be two Kinsmen of the Earls at which Terry embracing them asked the cause that brought them into such a place so full of dread and danger to whom they with a sigh reply Alass my Lord to tell you news you would not gladly hear your Princely Father in his Castle is beseiged by raging Ottons Power begirt with fifteen thousand men the incensed Duke swearing to lay it level with the ground and take your Fathers life in revenge of your taking away his Love Alass said Terry with a countenance that witnessed a thorow sence of grief I take his Love just heaven knows my innocence speak Osâ—i tell this Renowned man if I at any time procured thee to break thy Faith or ever tempted thee to act ought against thy will never said the beauteous Lady thou hast been just in all that cruel Duke has wronged thy innocence indeed he did make known to me his horrid Love but his design when I withstood to yield was to have Ravished me by force but Heaven alwaies pittying the distressed prevented his black intent thine I am and ever will be till death shall make a seperation Well spoke fair Lady said Guy in whose brest are such sparks of Virtue now I find that I must truly praise thy worth t is for Love of a fair creature far distant from this place that I wars dreadful task first undertook and through a Sea of blood have waded to obtain and whom ere long I do intend to see and lay my Trophies gained by Conquest at her feet since I have found your constancy in perfect in their beings fear not worthy Lovers cease your cares Alass my Lord said Terry how can I be void of care and grief when my dear Father dear to me as life must unavoidably be ruined for my sake if any guilt there could be in the case surely I must be innocent come then life or death I le through the Leaguer break and free my Father or else perish in the brave attempt Grieve no more said Guy nor let restless thoughts disturb your peace these Arms shall force the daring foe to leave the seige or like to thundring with death hâ—â—â—l ruine on their guilty heads I in my Vissage bear the cripple fates and where so â—â—e I look severe destruction marks my frowns and death a waights to execute my will long have I wished to meet the Duke in Arms and now have found an opportunity unlooked for and with as much joy go to this war as I would go to see my well pleased Phaelice smile At these words the Earl revived and put on thearfulness whilst he and his fair spouse fell at Guy's feet and would in humble thanks have kissed the ground but that he taking them up in his arms would not permit such reverence for to be done to him a mortal man c. So they marched on till they came within sight of the Castle the which stood upon a rising hill no sooner had Fame conveyed the sound through the Army that Guy was approching but the Commander that had heard the dreadful exploits his warlike hand had done fled and left the Duke and some of his perticular friends to order the Forces the Duke seeing himself in this plight grew the more desperate vowing to continue the siege though ten thousand Devils were approching to give the besieged aid Guy after having dispersed some few that lay against the Eastern Gate with the Earl Herauld and the rest entred the Castle where finding the old Earl in much perplexity Guy comforted him as likwise Terry Herauld Ossil and the rest relating what adventures had befel at which the old man somewhat revived Guy desired him to permit the Soldiers under his Command to sally out upon the Fee for said he now fear has made half the Conquest I in a minuts time will finish it which said all with loud shouts cryed lead on lead on to Victory when on a suddain the Gates on groaning hinges opened wide and out they marched against the Foe Guy in the Front began the Battel with such courage and fury spurred on by keen Revenge that the