sort being vnwilling to make choise of any but by your appointment but in the ende his sutes grewe to that importunacie that hee would haue no deuiall but comming into her chamber chusing his fittest opportunitie when my Mistresse was in her bedde and surprising her vnawares offered her excéeding shame and villanie but beeing by her striuing and out-crie disappoynted of his full intent hée presentlie fledde away The King hearing Flauias spéeches was excéedingly iuraged with furie commaunding his knights to poste euery way to learne where he made his abode This newes being spred at last came to a knight of Natolia who by occasion was then in the Lybian Court who presently came to the king and tolde him that hee needed not â—o make inquyrie for the knight of Fame for that hee was â—t the Golden Tower The King hearing that newes was exceeâ—ingly gladde thereof commanding his knightes to staye their iourney writing a letter to Maximus to this effâ—ct MOst mightie King I salute you requesting you to worke reuenge in my behalf vpon a traitor who now remaineth with you who hath dishonoured my Daughter hee is called the Knight of Fame assuming that name to colour his wicked practises who no doubt will soone deuise some mischiefe against your person let him not escape your hands but rather send him to mee that I may â—euenge that monstrous iniurie hee hath done mee by his life which onely shall satisfie mee Thus remembring my loue to you and desirng your secrecie I cease Your brother of Lybia Hauing written this letter and sealed it with his signet hée presently sent the same by certaine of his knightes to the Golden Tower who as effectually dispatched theyr iourney as hee hadde giuen them straight charge and arriuing at the Golden Tower deliuered the letter to Maximus who hauing redde the same and well considered the circumstance which augmented his hatred and suspiâ—ion alreadie begunne against the knight of Fame presently comming to the place where hee was in talke with Marcellus hee caused him to be apprehended and without any other iudgement caused him presently to be cast into a denne of Lyons to be deuoured The knight of Fame was no sooner put into the denne but the Lyons made an excéeding roaring that those without assuredlie iudged him deuoured and himselfe expected nothing but that terrible and â—eaâ—full death but the Lyons who by nature will not harme those of Royall blood spared his life and not so much as offered to touch him but were rather terrified with his presence Hee being glad of this happy escape beganne to assure himselfe that hee was sprung of Kingly race which greatly comforted his heart and added a perswasiue hope to comfort himselfe withall that by that occasion hee should attaine to Angelicas loue if hée could worke meanes for his releasement out of that place most of all hee woondred why Maximus had offered him that outrage In these and such like cogitations he spent the rest of the day Marcellus seeing the Knight whome hee most dearely loued destroyed without iudgement equity or cause was so inwardly inraged that he was in minde oftentimes to worke himselfe iniuâ—ie and séeke meanes of reuenge if he knew who had bene the causer thereof and not knowing what to doo nor in whose companie to spende his time hée presently thought to goe to Angelica whom hee thought bare some good will to the knight of Fame with her to bemoane his vntimelie death but comming to the place where shée was hée would haue entred therein but Collimus according to Maximus commaund denyed him and that the more obstinately for that hée knew none fauoured the knight of Fame so much as hée whom he mortally hated Marcellus being before sufficiently inraged was now so much more vexed that hee drewe his dagger and with a violent blow stabbed the same to Collimus heart and withall going to Angelica hee found her very sad little thinking of these mischances who séeing him in that rage which shée soone perceiued by his behauiour shée came vnto him hauing seated himselfe downe in a chayre and desired to know the cause of his wrath O Sister quoth hée this place is the harbour of crueltie tiranny and dishonour which in times past hath bene famous and a receipt of honour but shortly will be hated and shâ—nned as odious omniminious and all procured by the foolish Diuining of a wicked Harlot that hath filled my Fathers head with such fancies that hée forgetteth himselfe his honour and Kingly behauiour and geueth credit to none but flat terers and parasites imprisoning his children murthering his friends and séeking the subuersion of honour and honourable knights Oh Angelica what should I say or to whome should I complaine hee hath slaine vertue he hath destroyed honour hée hath murthered my deare friend that kinde and courteous knight hée hath cast the vnknowne most honorable though vnknowne Knight of Fame into the Lyons den without iudgement iustice right offence or tryall Angelica hearing his words was ready to sound with gréefe but that feare to discouer her loue withheld her but being not able to refraine from teares she withdrew her selfe aside to conceale the same which Marcellus espying caught her in his armes and said Nay deare Sister do not conceale your gréefe for his death from mée that loue you so much the better and if you euer conceiued any good liking of him I shall honour you for the same for hée was worthy to be beloued of the best Lady in the world for in him shined all partes and poynts of true Knighthood and honour I cannot quoth Angelica denie but that I liked and loued him too neither shall I euer do otherwise whilest I liue though hee knewe not so much for whose death my heart shall neuer harbour quiet nor neuer shall thought of other loue siâ—ke into my breast for him had I vowed to loue and that vowe will I kéepe inuiolable whilest life doth last Oh Angelica quoth Marcellus had I knowne you had loued him so well I would haue dyed with him but I would haue saued his life which was so suddainly acted and so vnexpected that before I could recouer my sences from amazâ—ment he was past my reach What cause had my Father thinke you to séeke his destruction but because hée saw him in spéeche with you Aye me quoth Angelica was I the cause of his death I will then go to him with that such gréefe opprest her heart that shée fell downe in his armes Marcellus called to her Maides who presentlie came thronging about her maruelling at her suddaine sicknesse and especially Anna who was priuie to her thoughts hearing Marceilus speeches made great lamentation This newes was soone come to the Queenes hearing who presently came running vnto the place and hauing by her labour recouered her enâ—red into these speeches Why how now Angelica what meanâ—st thou to doo thy selfe this wrong What mâ—â—chance or suddaine passion hath caused this disquiet
that he restraineth me Angelicas presence and kéepeth his counsels from me to intrude my selfe into his counsels I will not presume onely my desire is that I may but be admitted to the sight of my sister Angelica Marcellus quoth the Quéene I pray thée bée contented for a time for thou seest thy fathers minde which will impart his secrets to none who if hee should knowe that your sadnesse were for that cause would be the more fearefull to imparte tâ—em to you which can no way pleasure you but rather fill your minde with greater â—ares which now is more happy then it would be then for Angelica so long as shâ—e is â—n health what neede you be so carefull for her then good Marcellus rest your selfe contented and desire not that which will rather adde more trouble to your head The Quéene hauing ended these spéeches departed and lest Marcellus where shâ—e found him Assoone as the Quéene was gone hâ—e â—egaâ— againe to ponder these things not knowing why his head shâ—ld be thus troubled for he knâ—w all that hee desired and yet his minde was troubled therewith that at last with more aduised consideration hee weighed euery conceit of his thoughts and found that neyther his Fathers vnkindnesse Angelicaâ—s absence nor his feare of disgrace was theâ— that troubled him but only a good conceyt of Dulcias kindenesse which caused him to enter into a viewe of her perfections which his fancie began so much to commend her that hée thought her worthy to bée beloued withall thought why he might not loue her which very thoghts â—rew to such insight into his owne fancies that he perceyued that loue had alreadie taken possession in his heart then hée began to consider what displeasure if might procure him if he should set his fancie on one so faâ—re his inferior and not rather seeke the loue of some Kings daughter that might adde honor to his title and not diminish the same which thought was no sooner begun but it ended being dasht by an other conceyt that Dulcia was as beautifull as any as vertuous as any as courtâ—â—us as any and therefore as worthy to be beloued as any that iâ— hee should marry with his equall she might rather marrâ—e him for his dignitie and of a haughtâ—e minde to keepe her owne high dignitie still then for any true loue and if she were his equall hée should rather be subiâ—ct to her will then shee any way obedient to him that Dulcia would bee a louing kinde and â—uetifull wife that shée would honour him rather then desire to bée his equall and that shée would refuse no perrill daunger nor hazardâ— for his sake that hauing spent some time in these cogitations hée resolued to loue Dulcia whatsoeuer ensued thereon though hee incurred his Parents displeasure or anie other hazard of his honour whatsoeuer and with resolution hée went immediately vnto the place where shee was guarded in steed of Angelica and by the Damzells meanes who before had done him the like fauour he came to her chamber where he found Dulcia all alone very sad to whom he said How now Angelica what are you sadde can I neuâ—r come but that I must alwayes finde you in this melancholy dispoâ—â—â—ion what are you sorry to be thus pend from a husband My Lorde quoth Dulcia though I am otherwise sadde it doth mee good to see you merrâ—e You are deceyued Dulcia I am not merrie My Lorde quoth shee if I should giue credite to your words they shewe that you are merrie that call me Angelica yet knowe the conâ—rarie Oh Dulcia quoth he neither doth wordes nor countenance alwayes bewray the inward thoughts for this which you take to bée myrth in mée is but a forced habite which I haue taken vppon mee euen now but knewe you the thoughtâ— of my heart you would say I were sadde My Lord quoth shée I beséech you pardon my boldenesse which I presumed séeing your pleasant disposâ—tion wherein if I was deceyued I hope you will not bee offended with for indéed oftentimes the heart meditates of many things the mind cannot vtter So doth mine Dulcia quoth hée for I wish thée more good then I am able â—e vtter and the cause that my heart is sadde is because I am not able to do â—hée so much good as my heart doth wish and cannot vtter I most humbly thanke you quoth Dulcia acknowledging my selfe farre vnwoorthie such faâ—our and vnable to deserue such good which maketh mee thinke you still continue in that forced habit which maketh you vtter those spéeches Indéede well replyed Dulcia quoth he but as I suddainly tooke that habit vpon me it was gone again before I had vttered the words therfore you may bée assured now that my words procéede from a true heart and not from a forced habit My Lord quoth she againe where there is such often change of disposition there can bee no constant resolution Yes quoth hée that which is of purpose taken to shew myrth is forced but the naturall disposition still continueth firme In déede in â—ewe quoth she but not in all Then quoth hee thinke mee one of those â—ewe My Lord quoth shée I beséech you pardon me if I do not for it is giuen to all by nature to be more confâ—dent then prouident And I aunswere I haue receyued more fauour at your hands in suffering mée to be thus familiar with you then I am worthy or euer haue deserued therefore I craue pardon hoping â—hat you will beare wish my rudenesse Dulcia quoth hée doe not aske pardon when you haue not misdone but beléeue my words without any question to proceede from the deapth of my true heart which entendeth and wisheth you no lesse good then I haue vtâ—ered for I haue found such vertue in you that I am inthralled to that vertue and desire to be partaker and possesse thy bewtie which hath made mée your affectionate friende and intreate your loue then that which I desire nothing more My Lord replyed Dulcia my loue and duetiâ— is such that I will not refuse any commaund you shall impose vpon mée Dulcia quoth hée it is not such loue as is commaunded by dutie nor such friendship as riseth from feare but such kinde loue as procéedeth betwixt faithfull friendes from the yéelding consent of a true heart and such a loue as hath a further respect then that common duâ—y for if you knewe with what feruencie I desired your swéete consent to this loue you would pittie my torments My Lord replyed shée I beséech your Honour do not séeke to en thrall mée in loues bands that am frée and am assured your fancie cannot like of one farre vnworthie that high fauour you speake of but suffer me rather to continue in my peacefull estate that estéeme my selfe farre from euer enioying such happinesse as to be belâ—ued of my superiour being alreadie so farre bound vnto you in all humblenesse that you shall not commaund me any thing that
call you be not disquieted with my fathers dispeasure who giueth too much credite to vntrue reports and that causeth him both to be offended with any that speaketh to my sister and also suspitious of all that come into his owne company wherby he dishonoureth his owne name liueth a troublesome life and also kéepeth her as it were in prison which I am sure can bréed no litle care in her brest whose hard hap I much pittie and would any way ease if it lay in my power Most honourable knight quoth he I am most hartily sorrie that my ouer boldnes hath causeth your fathers displeasure that diuine Ladies disquiet which is more gréeuous vnto me then death which it was my accursed misfortune to procure being drawn to that presumption by attractiue beautie wishing that I had some way ended this my accursed life before my approach in this place that therby I might not haue béene so vnfortunate as to be a meanes of her care and your disquiet for that I sée the King is likewise displeased with you As for that take no care quoth Marcellus nor be so much gréeued for my sister for these troubles will be soone calmed which to effect let me alone In the mean time whatsoeuer inward thoughts you conceiue yet smother your discontent and shew your selfe chearefull as héeretofore you haue bin for I perceiue that some of enuie hath incensed my father the truth whereof I will soone find out Marcellus hauing ended these spéeches left the Knight of Fame walking in the garden and presently without any shew or signe of discontent went into the presence where he found the King in company of Camillus according to his woonted manner doing his reuerence and taking his vsuall place The King maruelling how hée durst so boldly presume into his presence without reconcilement thoght that either want of duety had procured the same or else he did not perceiue hée was displeased with him to ease himselfe of which doubt hee said as followeth Marcellus I had thought your care would haue béene greater to regard my good then any mans else considering you know the depth of my secrets as concerning Angelica on whose beautie my life doeth depend and not so negligently and disobediently not onely to suffer that straunge Knight to proffer loue to her but also to bee a meanes to bring him into her sight and helpe him to her speech wherein you haue shewen your selfe vndutifull which maketh me rather to suspect you as one readie to séeke my life then carefull to preserue the same My Lord and Father reâ—lied Marcellus I trust your Maiestie do conceiue no such 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 deserued the same much less◠〈◊〉 in thought 〈…〉 â—utie to your 〈◊〉 besides my Lord I do alluredly beleeue you 〈…〉 straunge knights meaning whose intent is both honorable and from the least thought of loue to my Sister but there are some in credit with your Highnesse who disquiet you too much with their flatteries and will rather reioyce to sée all things fall out according to their reportes then bée any way sorrie to sée the same whose speeches and false informations I trust shall not alter your good opinion of my loyaltie whose constant loue duety and obedience shall continue firme when theyr treacheries shall be reuealed and they found traytors therefore I beséeche your Highnesse both alter your conceyued displeasure against mée and the knight of Fame of whom so honourable report hath bene spred in most places for it will bee accounted an acte of great discourtesie to vse him vnkindely Maximus hearing his sonnes spéeches in accusation of them hée moste fauoured and in defence of the knight of Fame against whom hée was mightily incenst was turned into such collor that he gaue him this rebuke Darest thou both enuiously accuse my friends and disloyally pleade for my enemie hencefoorth presume no more into my sight without my licence for I wil rather estéeme thée as a priuie enemie then as my naturall sonne Which when hee had said turning aside Marcellus departed maruelling who it should bee that had incensed the King against him being so inwardly gréeued in his minde that he thought to leaue no means vnassayed to learne the truth therof Angelica as before is saide being conueyed by Collimus to safe custodie beganne to conceiue such sorrow for her fathers dsipleasure taken against the Knight of Fame vnto whom shée bâ—gannâ— to beare an excéeding loue such effect had his perswasiue speeches wrought in her gentle heart that she entred into exceeding sorrowes coniecturing diuersly what disquiet that discontent might breede by reason of her fathers iealous suspect already begunne and how the Knight of Fame might be abused in that straunge place hauing no friend to take his part which thought strooke a suddaine pensiuenesse to her heart Contrarily she thought that would be a meanes to trye his loyaltie which somewhat would haue eased her heart so that no other danger would haue â—usued thereon At last hauing no other meanes of comfort nor friend to impart her minde vnto shâ—â—â—lled Anna vnto her and willed 〈…〉 â—ow the 〈…〉 so discrâ—â—â—â—â— that 〈…〉 presently went about thâ— businesse Angelâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 we leaue them all in diuers cogitations CHAP. XVIII How the Knight of Libia hearing that the Knight of Fame was in Natolia by Flauias false accusation sent messengers to Maximus to intreate him to put him to death How Maximus threw him into the Lyons den AFter that the Knight of Fame was departed from Libia and Venola had knowledge thereof by Flauia she continued many daies in great sorrow but afterwards by tract of time calming her gréeâ—e but no whither affection by Flauias perswasions who was priuie to all her actions turned her former good will that was grounded vpon vertue to lust and mad destre that séeing shée could not by faire meanes winne him to her loue she thought to leaue no meanes vnassayed either by force to compell him thereto or else in some measure to be reuenged on him for his discourtesie The minde béeing alwaies readie by euery perswasion to yeelde to worke any meanes for to procure desired content euen so she casting about many deuises with Flauia one day finding fit opportunitie when the King was in his dumps for Venolas sickenesse came vnto him and tolde him that the cause of his Daughters sicknesse was procured by an excéeding flight shee had taken by the discourteous vsage of the knight of Fame who for that cause was lately fledde from the Court which vntill that day shée had concealed from her neither should shee euer recouer her selse vntill shée were in some hope to be reuenged of him The King willed her to declare the same vnto him Flauia then beganne as followeth My Lord this Knight presuming oâ—ten into my Mistresse presence by reason of the kindenesse shee shewed him for working her release in Brandamors Castle which hee well deserued beganne oftentimes to make loue to her whom shee answered in good
owne auaile Marcellus séeing him falne into that heauâ—e dumpe reuiued him from the same with this comfortable spéech My deare friend abandon this habit of care and reuiue your drouping hart with hopeful comfort for my selfe will worke a meanes how you shall haue the custodie of Angelica which I will effect very spéedily if you will stay here but while I can bring the same about Parismenos being comforted with his curteous promise gaue him thankes in these spéeches Most noble Knight how may I expresse sufficient thankes to you for becomming so kinde and faithfull a friend to me vnwoorthie or which way may I recompence the least of your good deeds that haue in all abundance tasted of your honourable bouatie for which I render you thanks as all the recompence I am able to make vowing if euer you neede my helpe in any thing neuer to desist to hazard my life for your sake And since you haue of your own vertuous disposition voluntarily neither drawne by intreatie nor hope of recompence promised me your assistance which onely may be the meane to worke my euerlasting felicity I beseech you goe forwards therein that I may thereby bee much more indebted as well for that as for infinite other your Princely courtesies which though they passe vnrewarded yet they shall neuer rest vngrâ—tified in my duâ—ifull deuotions which by good right are eternally bound to requite your good will Worthy friend quoth Marcellus leaue off so to vse such thankes to mée that request nothing at your hands but loue and friendeship which am vnable to merit any such recompence as you kindly yeelde but I pray be you merrie yet in my absence with this kinde olde Ladie whilest I put my purpose in practise which so soone as I haue brought to perfection I will returne and not before till when I take my leaue committing you to your owne hearts desire which I wish Which words being ended with many courteous farewels he deparâ—ed the chamber and comming to Panora who before had beene his Nurse and loued him most dearely whom he requested in most earnest sort to vse his friend as kindly as she would vse himselfe who promised so to do and likewise performed it in euer vsing Parismenâ—s so kindly that hée could not chuse but greatly to ettoll and commend her courtesie Now let my muse returne to speake somewhat of Angelica who after she sawe that she was frustrated of her desire which was to depart with the King according as himselfe had giuen out spéeches and not to be any longer inthralled as she had of long time before béen and now perceiuing that her father had both deceiued her in that taken away all her damzels chaunged her guard and appointed her to bée guarded by such â—ealous sâ—aues as would neuer scarce day nor night suffer her to be out of their sight thought her selfe not onely in as bad case as before but rather in a thousand times worâ—e being depriued of many pleasures which she enioyed but neuer estéemed of them vntil now she was restrained missing the comfortable presence and sweet conference she was woont to enioy with Marcâ—llus and especially fearing neuer to sée the Knight of Fame again she wholly gaue her mind to sorrowe spending all her time commonly in teares and bewailing her sad estate that had not Anna in some measure comforted her shée would haue ouerwhelmed her tender heart with those cares and haue shortned the date of her precious life thinking euery houre a day and euery day a yeare till she were released from that bondage in which carefull estate she continually remained CHAP. XXIII How the Knight of Fame carried Angelica fâ—om the golden Tower to labines Chappell AS soone as Maximus was come to the Court hée presently got himselfe to his chamber and there began to studie how to compasse that which hee had vndertaken to effect at last he bethought himselfe that if he could deuise any meanes to get his fathers Signet hée would write a letter vnto the kéepers of the Maiden Tower in the behalfe of Parismenos that they should admit him as one of the Gardiants which presently he contriued in this sort THis trustie knight on whose fidelitie I repose my confidence I haue chosen and appointed to be one of your fellowes and to that effect I haue sent him to you with this letter signed by my selfe whom I require you to admit without any deniall and keepe this as your warrant to doe the same Maximus When Marcellus had wrote this letter and immitated therein so neare as he could his fathers hand which hée knewe they were not greatly acquainted withall he wrought such meanes that hee gate Maximus sâ—gnet and sealed the same which when he had signed the next morning he went to Parismenos and told him what he had done who liked thereof very well and quoth he if I may once be admitted amongst them let me alone with the Eunuches to come to Angelica neither will I be denied since I haue this good meanes that presently he armed himâ—elf for that he would not vâ—e any not the least which oftentimes bringeth things well begunne to an vntoward end and taking his leaue of Marcellus and the Lady â—anora with abundance of heartie thankes he departed with a merrie heart towards the maiden Tower hoping now to enioy the swéet sight of his beloued which hee neuer beheld but twise in all the time he had sought her loue Marcellus he departed backe againe to the court very sadde for the absence of Parismenos and Angelica being likewise much gréeued that Maximus hiâ— father should withhold any of his secrets from him which did both disgrace him to such as were strangers and especially to those Ladies that were Dulcias attendaâ—ts which thogh he knew wel â—â—ough yet that tooke away no part of his conceit of vnkindnesse but most of all he was troubled with grieâ—e to bâ— restrained from Dulcias company on whom his thoughts had continually run euer since he had bin last with her for her bewâ—ie excelled all the Ladies of the court Angelica excepted of her vertue he had good conceit by that which he had found in her good dispositions when shée refused to thrust her selfe into the knowledge of his secrets but rather committed all that the King had commaunded her to his secrecie which if Maximus should know of would be as much as her life were worth These cogitations so much altered his countenance that whereas before hée was of a pleasant disposition â—e now began to giue his minde wholely to melancholy sadnesse often shunning the company of those he was wont to deâ—ight in which Maximus noted especially the Quéene both maruelled and was gréeued thereat and finding him out when hée was in that heauie vaine she earnestly demaunded his cause of sadnesse to whom he made this aâ—nswere My father I know not vpon what occasion accounteâ—h me I thinke rather as one that would betray him then as his sonne
agreeth with modestie but I will performe the same Speake you from your heart quoth Marcellus I do my Lord quoth she Then saiâ— hee I commâ—und you to loue me and if that be too harsh a word I intreate and desire you yéeâ—â— me loue for that true loue I beare you being such as is grounded vpon vertue and without spot or blemish of dishonours staine entending nothing that may disagrée wâ—th your modestie but to make you my equall my companion and my dearely espoused wife therefore do but yéeld to loue me and thou shalt thereby expell many cares from my heart which otherwise will increase to my euerlasting torment Oh my Lord quoth Dulcia I beséech you account me one that will indâ—uour in all dutie to deserue that honour you entend me which I sâ—e so many impossibilities to hinder that it quite discouragâ—th meâ— from the least hope of that felicitie So you will loue me I care not for impossibilities neyther shall anie miserie alter my constant resolution With that hée embraced her in his armes who gaue a silent consent intermingled with teares proceeding from her tender heart with whom Marcellus staied some time spending the time in many friendly conferences that Dulcia was constrained by his entreaties and her owne yéelding heart to giue her consent both theyr intents being grounded vpon no other purpose but that which is vertuous and chaste Parâ—smenos beeing departed from Marcellus soone arriued at the Maiden Tower where hée alighted and comming to the gardiants thet kept the gate hee saluted them with a courteous behauiour tolde them that hee was sent by Maximus theyr King to be one of the gardiants whom at the first they denyed him then he deliuered his Letter which they hauing read accepted him for one of theyr fellowes without any doubt or mistrust When hée had obtained his desire in this with such prosperous successe he began to comfort himselfe with hope of turther good fortune continuing all that night amongst the râ—st of the gardiants not once offering any behauiour which might bréed suspition but behaued himselfe most carefully both in all his words and déeds as hée had a good reason for that they were very â—ircumspect and almost by reason of the strickt charge the King had giuen them ready to suspect each other All the next day continued hée in that sorte without anie méeting of the Eunuches but on the third day hée met two of them tdgether in a place most conuenient and saluted them most kindely who maruelling what he should bée for that he was a stranger began prosently to be iealous of him but he perceyuing the same told them that hee had a secret message vnto them from the king and withall a letter vnder his hand and signet to the gardiants which he shewed them But to you quoth hée the King hath sent me with this message that you shall admit mée at all times to Angelicas presence whome you haue the custodie off though vnknowne to any but your selues which hée told me likewise hée gaue you a speciall charge to conceale from the rest of the gardiants and hath vppon the trust hée hath reposed in mée giuen mée authoritie with you to haue her custodie The Eunuches hauing heard his message and withall the kings priuie seale to the Letter written in his behalfe could not chuse but giue credence so the same supposing that none was priuie to Angelicas béeing there but the king that they made no doubt but that hée was sent by him but would not trust him vntâ—il they had consulted with the rest of their fellowes to whom they delared the truth of all he had told them who in generall admitted him to their societie Parismenos thought himselfe most happie to haue â—attained this felicitie where likewise he behaued himself most carefully telling them that hee had a message of secrecie to declare to her from the King which they made no doubt of nor neuer denied When he spied his fittest opportunitie which was when Angelica was walking alone in a priuate garden béeing all the libertie she had and the Eunuches were gone to disport themselues and had put him alone in trust with the key that conducted to her chamber he vnlocked the doore and shutting the same againe he came to her chamber where he durst not be so bolde as enter before he had knockt Anna being alone in the chamber hearing one knocke came to the doore and espying Parismenos in Armor with his sword girt to his side which he neuer left off being in euery poynt armed but his head maruelled what he shuld be to whom he said Faire Damozel maruel not to see me in Armor which shal neuer offend you but still be imployed in your defence I haue knockt presuming no further without licence the cause of my comming is to deliuer a message vnto the Lady Angelica from Marcellus All this time Anna had diligently beheld him perswading her selfe she had séene him before that she made him this answere Sir knight if you come from Marcellus you shall bée welcome to my Lady therefore I pray you come in and I will conduct you to the place where she is Then she brought him down a paire of stayres into the garden where Angelica was who sate at the farther end thereof in a most heauie and discomfortable sort séeming to be quite giuen ouer to sorrowe leaning her elbowe vpon her knées and her head vpon her hand with her backe towards them and hearing them comming behind her with a suddaine start raised her selfe from her seate wherewith her heart panted within her and Parismenos humbling himselfe vpon his knée said â—use not diuine Lady to behold the mappe of sorrow created to eâ—â—â—â—e euerlasting miserie the most worthie knight Marcellus hath senâ—â—e hither whose fauour hath caused me to be thus bold who hartily saluteth himselfe to you by me Angelica all this while diligently behâ—â—d him oft changing her countenance being procured by the diuersitie of thoughts for she supposed it should be the Knight of Famâ— for that â—ée came from Marcellus but he was so mightily altered that she was in doubt thereof Assoone as he had ended those fewe words she saide Are you not the knight of Fame I am the same most deare Lady quoth he with that her heart leâ—pt for ioy and shée tooke him most louingly by the hande desiring him to arise saying I am glad to sée you againe which I feared I should neuer haue done Then presently procured by ioy for his sight and griefe to thinke of her owne bondage a sâ—ood of Christall teares issued from her eyes which attainted his heart with extreame grief that he stood like a man senselesse and coÌ„founded in his thoughts and such passions opprest her heart that she was scarce able to vphold her selfe from falling which caused the water with violence drawne from his manly heart stand in his eyes which neuer before by no accident were assent and séeing her
shee might againe méete the furious beast and to go further she thought it vaine for shée sawe no likelyhood hee was come out of the wood and there what with griefe and wearinesse she sate downe vpon a banque encombred and ouerwhelmed with a thousand cares and giuing her mind some respit to ponder on her miserable estate for feare of her most deare Knights danger shée entered into such heauy plaints and lamentations that euen the very woods and medowes wherinto she was wandred seemed to impart her sorrowes yéeld pitie to her cries scorching sighes At which very instant I know not by what vnluckie destinie Archas the cruel so called for his cruell tyrannie came to yâ— hearing of her lamentations and draâ—â—ing nigh to her demaunded her cause of sorrow Sir knight quoth shée I am a stranger that lately came froÌ„ Thessalie with the Prince of this country and this day coÌ„ming into these woods with my Lord husband Pollipus a mightie beare encouÌ„tred vs whom he pursuing I haue lost am wandred hither not knowing which way to retire Archas all this while well noting her excéeding beautie and swéete deliuery of spéech the gracious mouing disposition of her eyes which had power to pearce millions of harts felt such an inward effect of transitory confusion in himselfe that he resolued hauing so fit oportunitie offered him to trie his wita to win her loue or exercise by that meanes some reuenge against Parismus whom he mortally hated vttering these spéeches Most swéet Lady my heart is much tormented to see the sorrow you néedlesly make for no doubt your knight is in safetie pleaseth you to accept of my seruice my seruaÌ„â—s shal guard you to the Bohemian court where you shall find him and my self wil search the woodde to giue him knowledge of your returne Violetta kindly thanked him for his curtesie who presently mounted her behinde one of his seruants giuing them secret warning to conuey her to his owne castle which was scituate in the mountaines himselfe tooke her scarffe which he said he wold deliuer vnto Pollipus as a tâ—ken that she was in safetie wherewith he departed backe into the wood and tare the same into many péeces here scattering one and there confusedly casting another withall hast rode an other way to his Castle All soule could not eate one bit but all things séemed to bée hatefull their swéete musicke harshe their curteous entertainment rude and barbarous and that well adorned place more loathsome then a prison nothing but care and gréefe could take place in her vnquiet brest After supper they brought her to a most pleasant chamber where all things were most neatly prouided comforting her with many perswasione that Archas was at the Bohemian Court to expect her comming and by reason of the nights approach could not come backe that night but would early in the morning bring her newes intreating her to betake her selfe to her rest which she did the rather to be rid from their company that being alone she might enter into consideration of her estate and being by her selfe she began to reuolue in her minde her miscrable condition Pollipus perill and Archas intent for her selfe shée careâ— not if Pollipus were in safetie neither feared shee what Archas entended if her Knight were in health that so many cares concurring togither so many doubts clogged her mind and such feare possest her hart that her words burst into a sloud of teares and the warme blood seemed to issue from euery vaine of her body that with their abundance she bedeawed the bed where she laie When she had wept her fountaines drie she then began to accuss her selfe of folly that would not stay in the place where he left her then a certaine perswasion entred her heart that he was dead which tooke such déepe roote that of a long time no other thought would take place which made her thinke the Tapers which gaue her light burnt blew which likewise added a further setled resolue in her fancie that it was so indéed In this carefull estate she lay tumbling and tossing her selfe giuing no quiâ—t to her minde no rest to her cares no ease to her pensiue heart no respit to her sences nor sléepe to her head but being ouercome with sorrowe shée continually rather augmented then diminished the same In this sad and heauie estate she sâ—ent the night not suffring her eyes once to slumber In the morning the two gentlâ—women came to her again offring her al dutiâ—ul seruice which she kindly accepted And shortly after came Archas counterfaiting a sad countenance with his eyes cast downe to the earth whom when Violetta beheld a suddaine feare infused it selfe into euery part of her bodie and she stood shakiâ—g and quaking like one transformed to heare the news he had brought which shee thought to be but bad by his looke who with a shamelesse face and impudent dissimulation tolde her that Pollipus was not yet returned to the Court nor heard of but all supposed him to bee dead Which words strooke such griefe to her heart that there shée fell downe at his feete in a traunce but when by their industry she came to her selfe againe her amazed countenance and lamentable grones made the teares trickle downe her chéekes and séeing her in that daungerous estate conueyed her to her bedde whose vitall sences were so abated and extinguished that for a long time notwithstanding their vttermost indeuours shee seemed no otherwise then as one quite bereft of sense and in that lamentable estate shée continued many dayes Pollipus all that night raunged vp and downe the woodde in euery corner searching eache thicket and vnfrequented place calling Violetta by name and tearing both his flesh and apparell with the bushes and brambles that encountred his madde steppes sometimes making haste this way then returning backe with perswasion that hee heard her shrike behinde him being so fully possest with feare and desire to finde her that euery fancie that rose in his braine altered his former thoughts that whereas in other mens afflictions hée séemed most patient and prouident by his owne hée was quite bereft of reason In this vnquiet sort hée spent the most part of the night vntill towardes morning what with wearinesse and care that opprest his heart he laide him downe leaning vppon his elbowe neither vttering word nor teare but inwardly stuft with extreame vexation séeming no other then the forme and picture of discontent But when he sawe Phoebus â—isplay his brightnesse he againe betooke himselfe to his earnest seaâ—ch vttering such inward grones as would haue melted a rockâ—e heart into liquid teares Parismus bâ—ing early vp that morning gaue commaundement to all the Bohemian knights to arme themselues and to post throughout alâ— Bohemia in her search and to make proclamations with great promises of reward to them that could bring any newes of Violetta that by time the Sun was vp there were a great number of knights
departed dowing to search all places to finde her that all the whole country was filled with report of her losse Parismus Tellamor Barzillus presently rode to the wood to Pollipus whom they found in suche heauie plight as it made their manlike hearts to melt with griefe But Pollipus espying them would haue fled from their â—â—ght that loued him most dearely vntill Parismus ouertooke him and said Most deare friend how can you bée so vnkinde as to shun my companie whose care is no lesse then yours and who tendeth your welfare as much as mine owne haue you forgotten manhood knighthood and curtesie where is that vertue now become that was wont to rule your affections good Pollipus for my sake for all the friendship by all the curtesâ—es promises and good will that euer past betwixt vs leaue off this desperate follie and listen to my counsaile â—â— not for all this yet for Violettaes sake pittie your selfe and recal your former sences and let vs determine how to recouer her that is but straied out of the way many hundred knights are already posted into most places of this countrey and will coast all Germanie throughout but they will finde her then do not you increasâ— our further care by this desperate sorrow but according to your wonted wisedome wherewith you haue counsailed me in my afflictions let vs study how to recouer this miserie Oh my Lord quoth Pollipus my Violetta is dead at which word extreame hearts sorrowe and inward griefe stopt the passage of his spéech and was restrained with heart-swelling sighes which being a little asswaged he againe said If I were sure shée were not dead then would I willingly immitate your direction or were I but sure death had seized vpon her tender heart then would I neuer part from this place though millions of diuels should séeke to driue me hence Why quoth Parismus how can you thinke shée is dead when there is no likehood signe nor mention to bée seene thereof neither her apparell nor any part of her body torne or any other circumstance to perswade vs to any such conceit then why will you suffer any such perswasions to possesse your fancie Quoth Pollipus how then came the scarffe so torne it may be the wilde beasts haue some secret dens whereinto they haue drawne her body and many other mischaunces befallen her that shee was subiect vnto and yet still bee hidden from our knowledge neither let that trouble you quoth Parismus but rest contented and your care that way shall soone bée cased but â—epart with mée to the Court to comfort your selfe with some foode and I will presently giue order to haue this woodde so throughly searcht that you shall plainely finde shée hath not miscaried Pollipus with his perswasions though vnwillingly went backe with them mounting on Tellamors horse for that he was sore trauailed and wearie of that disquiet nights trouble Thus for a time wée wil leaue Pollipus returned to the Court with Parismus Violetta very sicke and weake in Archas Castle and many of the Bohemian and Thessalian Knights in her search to turne my sences to write of an other Subiect long time buried in forgetfulnesse the chiefest subiect of whereon this Historie dependeth CHAP. III. How Parismenos was brought vp in the Iland of Rockes in Tartaria How his nurse was slaine by a Lyon How he liued many yeares like a wilde man and afterwards arriued at Andramarts Castle AT such time as Laurana was imprisoned in the Iland of Rocks vnder the gouernment of Adamasia Andramarts sister as is declared in the first part of this Historie the nurse vnto whose custody the young child Parismenos was committed fearing his vntimely death which Adamasia threaned because his mother would not consent to Andramarts lust secretly to saue the child from her crueltie fled by fight into a desolate wood where she carefully educated him according to the condition of the place which was with such wild fruite as she gathered making many a hard shift to stanch her hunger and defend the swéete babe from famine vntill at length hearing of Andramarts death she determined to returne to the Castle and there present him to his mother and to that intent forsaking her poore habitation she went as she thought thitherwards but most vnfortunately wandred into a desolate and vnfrequented Wildernesse where she had not long stayed but met a fierce and cruell Lyon who slew her which when Parismenos beheld notwithstanding his infancie hée laboured with his weake resistance to preserue her but the Lyon refusing to hurt him withdrew himselfe to his denne whither Parismenos boldly pursued him and being entred therein the Lyon began to wag his taile and fawne vpon him gently which made him maruaile why he had slaine his nurse and would not hurt him and made him the more bolde that béeing wearie with trauell he laide himselfe downe to sléepe and when he awooke being very hungrie he gathered wilde fruite whereof there was plentie which was his foode and the cleare water his drinke This was his habitation a long time taking great pleasure to hunt and chase the wilde beasts from whose furie he was still preserued by the Lyon Afterwards when he was growen to riper age in his sléepe he drempt that his nurse appeared vnto him willing him to forsake that vnfrequented place and to seeke out Andramarts Castle where he should finde people in whose companie he should bée brought vp When he awaked he could not tel what to thinke of his dreame nor what she ment by Andramarts Castle nor which way to goe thither being therewith drawne into a deepe studie but suddainly hée espied a young Beare whose sight made him quite forget his dreame and taking excéeding delight to chase such beastes he caught vp his stafie and followed her and pursued her so fiercely that at length hee slewe her wherewith he was wandred so farre that getting to the top of a mountaine and looking round about him he espied the Castle thinking that was the place his nurse had tolde him of in his dreame that hee went thitherwardes It chanced one of the knights that Parismus had left to kéepe the Castle espied him and béeing of a sadde disposition séeing Parismenos begin to withdraw himselfr ranne to him and offered to lay hands on him But Parismenos being afraid of his behauior strook at him with his staffe so fiercely that had he not quickly auoyded his blowe he had beaten out his braines The Tartarian beeing angrie drewe his sword and therewith wounded Parismenos in the thigh the smart whereof so inraged him that notwithstanding all his resistance he left him for dead Afterwards entring the Castle his winde was drawne into an excéeding delight to behold the goodly buildings and beautie thereof The Tartarians beholding one in such straunge disguise for he was clad in the skinnes of such beasts as he had slaine and his hayre growne to a great length much maruelled how hee came into that countriâ— withall noting
his comely personage and stately countenance were suddainly drawn into a great affection towards him that they saluted him most kindly demaunding the cause of his arriuall in that place and of whence he was who séeing their behauiour to be more gentle then the others with whom he had encountred before made answere so wel as he could yâ— he knew not which blunt answere of his made them muse Withall noting his attire they tooke him either to be a mad-man or that he had bene Sauagely brought vp which they were the rather perswaded vnto for that he was very young Notwithstanding they entertained him and vsed him most kindly But his countenance calling to remembrance the noble Knight Parismus whome hée so much resembled that they were halfe perswaded he was his sonne that the nurse fled withal One amongst the rest named Tyresus vsed him most kindly apparelled him decently and instructed him in all points belonging to crueltie teaching him to manage a horse and vse armor whereunto he was so apt and tooke therein such delight that in short space he grew to such perfection that he excelled his instructor in all warlike behauiours And was so generally beloued that nothing they had oâ— could deuise was too deare for him Many daies remained Parismenos amongst the Tartarians increasing in many excellent qualities not finding occasions inough amongst them to make triall of his manhood Vpon a time certaine Pyrates returning from sea in his hearing made report of their battailes skirmishes and the huge slaughters they had made reporting how tragically they murdred some of the resistance and how valiantly some withstood them and with what trauell they indured the â—â—ght Making particular rehearsall of one Captaine amongst the rest who so valiaâ—â—ly withstood them that before they could vanquish him hée had slaine aboue twentie of them but in the ende séeing that by reason of their multitude hée must néedes either be taken prisoner or die hée rather chose an honourable death then to become their captiue and indured the fight vntill with faintnesse he fell downe dead euen as hee was aduancing his sword to resist them Which report of theirs kindled such honourable sparks in Parismenos brest that hee extreamely thirsted to see those braue skirmishes accounting it dishonourable for him to spend his dayes in that obscure plate his thoughts still ayming at higher matters and his fancie perswading him that he should rather so and his time in heroicall exercises in Kings courts then in that vnfrequented place where no pleasing attempt of martiall déedes was exercised which thoughts took such effect that he presently determined to seeke aduentures abroad and comming to Tyresus who loued him deately â—he told him his whole intent asking his aduise therein Tyresus séeing such resolued valour in him tolde him that he was both ready and willing to doe any thing that might agrée to his fancie or purchase his content that if he desired to trauaile and hazard himselfe by sea he was readie to goe with him or if he were determined to séek strange aduentures by land he would likewise trauaile with him and forsake no peril for his sake Parismenos hearing his curteous reply could not chuse but embrace him yeelding him many thankes Tyresius effected all things with such speede and so well ordered his affaires to further his intent that within fewe dayes they departed into a shippe well manned and victualled hoâ—sing their sailes with a mery gale committed themselues to the mercies of the seas They sayled many dayes without any aduenture which inwardly fretted Parismenos for his minde longed to performe some exployt At last they kenned a sayle a farre off and towards it they stirred amaine and comming nigh the ship laide her aboord which was of Barbaria well manner with stout Moores who seeing the Pyrates and knowing that either they must resolutely fight it out or become captiues valiantly resisted them betwéene whom began a most fierce cruel fight where Parismenos had means inough to exercise his valour who behaued himselfe with such courage that many Moores that day lost their liued by his infant blowes Egradam Captain of the Moores being a man of excéeding courage séeing the cruell slaughter Parismenos made came to him and vttered these spéeches Proude Pyrate thou shalt dearely buye these Moores liues for I am determined to bring thy cursed life to an end that thinkest by robbery to enrich thy selfe Wherewith hée assayled him so fiercely that he wounded him in many places notwithstanding such was his valour that with great force he likewise so valiantly defended himselfe and â—ffending Egradam that it was doubtfull which of them wold haue the conquest In middest of this cruâ—l fight a mightie storme began suddainly to arise and the windes began to blow with violence that their Cables burst and both light of day and Sunne was shadowed by thicke Cloudes the seas began to rage and swell that they were inforced to giue ouer their fight the thunders rored and the lightnings flasht about their eares and their ship with violence of the surging seas was so test that there was none but expected present death The Northerne blast rent their sayles one way goeth their Helme an other way swimmeth their mast with violence torne from their ship waue vpon waue rusht in readie to ouerturne the ship who now tossing vpon the seas at libertie was driuen vppon a flintie rocke and split in sunder Then beganne a hideous crie amongst the souldiers some cursing Parismenos the causer of that iourney some exclaiming on Tyresus and some banning their owne destinies Some whelmed vnder the gaping water yeeld vp their ghostes here thrée at once are cast vppon the rockes and againe deuoured by the waues there others â—unke in the quicke sands and dawne fals the Maister headlong then might you behold men swim in their armour here and there striuing to make their death tedious there might you sée one seated vpon a planke ouerthrown with a wane here another tumbling with his héeles vpward Parismenos by good fortune was gotten vp to the maste whose length had some power to indure the waues with his swoord still drawne in his hand Tyresus he was gotten on to a chest wherewith a while hée applied himself froÌ„ drowning but in the end the raging waues dreÌ„ched him déep in their spations gulfes Within a while the raging seas begaÌ„ to cease and ware calme the sunne beganne to shine and the cloudes to vanish that darkened the skies and the maste whereon Parismenos sate beganne to slide along with the calme tide when hée looked about him and espied all his fellowes drowned an exceeding sorrow ouerwhelmed his heart especially for his louing friend Tyresus that had not the feare he was in reuiued his sences hée would haue waxt carelesse of his owne life But the remembrance of his peril made him recall his better sences to their former vse and to studie for his owne safetie to whom the seas were so
comfort left for him euer to sée her againe neither knowing nor any way supposing what shuld be become of her his heart was so inwardly ouercome with troublesome cogitations and doubtfull cares that he could neither resolue to seeke her nor take any course to ease his minde but rested like one vtterly giuen ouer to forlorne and carelesse miserie daylie frequenting those sollitary walkes where he left her and hourely renewing his sorrowes by the sad remembrance of her absence vttering such mournfull plaints and sad lamentations that the birds that haunted those vnfrequented places séemed to mourn and lament with him Sometimes accusing himselfe of negligence to leaue her to pursue the Beare blaming her that would not stay his returne and then againe fretting his heart for accusing her Sometimes thinking she was dead and then againe perswading himselfe shée was aliue then musing why she did not returne to him if she were aliue that by contrarieties of doubts he could adde no ease to his cares nor rest to his heart at last hée determined to search throughout all Germanie and Greece but hée would find her for he assuredly thought she was not dead being therto induced for that he could not finde no likelihood thereof being perswaded by Parismus that some discurteous knight had met with her and so withheld her returne that within fewe dayes arming himselfe in a gréene armour which he made of purpose bearing this deuice A knight pursuing a wilde Beare he left the Bohemian Court making none priuie to his departure but Parismus who determined not to stay long behinde him whom we wil leaue onwards of his iourney and speake of Violetta whom we left weake in Archas Castle Assoone as the two gentlewomen had conueyed her to her bed with the comfortable meanes they vsed she began to be somewhat reuiued and calling her sences to their wonted vses began to make such dolefull lamentations that no hart was able to indure to heare them without effusion of teares oftentimes offering to do her selfe violence but that she was hindred by the two gentlewomen especially one of them named Sorana was so carefull ouer her that she left not so much as a pinne about her wherewith she might do her selfe harme but when some thrée dayes were past and the extremitie of her desperate passion somewhat calmed she began to dâ—sire that Archas would conuey her to the Bohemian Court if not to finde Pollipus yet to enioy the comfortable presence of Parismus and Laurana but notwithstanding her manifold intreaties they vsed some excuses or other to frustrate her expectation telling her that it was dangerous for her to trauell yet by reason of her late sicknesse and that since it was certaine Pollipus was no more to be enioyed she might stay with them some few daies vntill shée were better able to endure so long a iourney for that the Bohemian Court was not so neare as she thought Which excuses rather increased her desire and the more she séemed desirous to goe thither the more they defrauded her by excuses many dayes In which time shée being endued with an extraordinary wisedome hauing well weighed each circumstance of her bringing thither and their friuolous excuses to detaine her there and withall noting their behauiours and spéeches began to suspect Archas dissimulation to finde out the truth thereof she beganne contrary to her inward thoughts to frame a chéerfuller countenance and comfortabler disposition thereby to féele their intents which wrought such effect that within a while Archas would oâ—ten frequent her company and in the end profered loue to her vsing her most kindly câ—refully and tenderly seeming aboue all things to regard her quiet and content whose speeches shée endured quietly and tooke in good part as he thought that vpon a time amongst many spéeches taking her by the hand he said Most beautifull Lady I haue euer since the first viewe of those excellent bewties béene tormented with the passions of entire loue that I could take no quiet but in the sweete remembrance of your perfections which haue bounde my deuotions to your seruice in such firme and constant leagues that my resolution is to spend my life if it were a thousand times dearer to mée then it is onely to procure your content therefore thus boldlie I presume to reueale my affections trusting your clemencie will adde some ease to my carefull heart by shewing some curteous signe of your fauourable acceptance of my humble suite and though my merit hath no way deserued such fauour yet I beséech you make tryall of my loyaltie and you shall finde I will be inferior to none in good will nor violate myprotested loyaltie in any vndutifull respect I haue the boldlier presumed to detaine you here because with your absence my life would depart then consture not amisse of that true loue and sincere affection which hath caused me to offend in but no offence at all if you vouchsafe not to take it so here shall you inioy you fill of content in as ample sort as any other place can yeelde then I beseech you graunt some ease to my troubled heart and by your clemencie release mée of those cares that possesse my brest onely procured by the piercing dart of your sacred beautie Which wordes beeing ended hée offered to haue kist her but shée gentlie refusing the same made this replie Syr knight my sorrows will not suffer me to beléeue your spéeches nor my late losse permit me to entertaine your loue for then might you estéeme me light and so lightly wonne as little regard mee but to put you out of suspence my resolution is neuer to loue any but my deare Pollipus wherewith the Christall teares with a violent passage fell from her griefe swollen eye-balls That griefe quoth he is remedilesse therefore banish the sad remembrance thereof from your heart and entertaine a perswasion of my constancie and true affection which shal euerlastingly remaine inuiolable without intermission How can I quoth she in conscience and without euerlasting staine to my honour when I haue neither performed his funerall nor shewed any token of dutie to his dead corpes who loued me most dearely in his life time But shew me this fauour as to let me but returne to the Court to bewaile his death and a while enioy my deare friendes company and I promise and protest next Pollipus to loue none but your selfe Archas hearing her reasonable demaund stoode like one amazed not knowing what aunswere to make her thinking that if hee shoulde denie her that request béeing so small shee might thinke his loue but slender and if hee should promise her and not performe it that might bee a meanes to breede a suspition in her that his reports to her were false that he stoode musing a great while confounded in his thoughts what to deuise for a readie aunwere Nay studie not so for that quoth Violetta but answere me another time Which said she withdrew her selfe vnto her chamber where she
began to meditate of his spéeches and how he was astonisht when she requested him to conuey her to the court which draue her into many cogitations when presently one of the gentlewomen came to her whom she vsed most kindiy and of purpose to féelâ— her minde grew into familiar coÌ„ference with her amongst many other spéeches quoth she I pray tell me what Archas hath reported vnto you concerning Pollipus for he séemeth vnwilling to vâ—ter his mind vnto me He told me nothing quoth she Which words came from her with such stuttering and change of countenance that Violetta began to suspect that Archas had all that while dissembled with her and that Pollipus contrary to his report was yet liuing And wheÌ„ Sorana came she likewise felt her minde of whom she gathered some probabilitie and likewise when shée next came into Archas company shée asked him so many questions that shée found many contrarieties in his spéeches which setled such a perswasiue opinion in her minde that Archas report of Pollipus was vntrue that she rested greatly comforted that way but yet in great care cogitating what he wold suppose was become of her how she shuld get out of that place or giue him knowledge of her being there and auoyde Archas odious loue which séemed as deadly to her heart as infectious venome Archas still prosecuted his sute with great earnestnesse making many friuolous excuses to withhold her from the Bohemian court growing into such boldnesse that oftentimes when she refused his offered embracings and impudent behauiours he would by force kisse her and sold her in his armes which rudenesse he so often vsed that she began so extreamely to abhorre him that his sight was most odious vnto her Oftentimes Violetta did walke into a pleasant Orchard adioyning to the Castle as well to recreate her dulled sences in those pleasant shades as in solitarinesse to recount her miseries and ease her carefull heart by inuenting meanes how to ridde her selfe from forth that labyrinth of sorrow and also to auoyd Archas odious sight who inwardly lusted to satisfie his inordinate appetite by obtaining the fruition of her dilicate body and though he knew Pollipus were liuing and heard the mones and sorrowfull complaints Violetta made able to extenuate any tyrannous dispositioÌ„ yet he persisted in his diuellish resolution with such impudency that neither regarding her complaints nor the lawes of nature he stil sought all disloyal opportunities to dishonour her And on a time marking wheÌ„ she went into the Orchard as she was wont in middest of her silent cogitations he came to the place where she sate whose hart began to pant with a kind of feare when she beheld him and comming vnto her seating himselfe close by her swéet side he vttered these spéeches You know deare Lady how long I haue sued to obtaine your loue being thereto compelled by the extremities of loues euerlasting flame which boileth in my troubled brest but hitherto you haue obdurated your heart against me and not vouchsafed to yéelde any pitty to my distresse but contrary to the kinde nature that should abound in you séeme not at all to regard my passions which hath added sorrow to my torment Now swéete Lady séeing with what denotions I haue attended your pleasure defer me no longer but let me obtaine that faoour which with such care I haue expected and you so vnkindly withheld which wold both ease my comfortlesse heart and adde no small content to the remedilesse sorrowes you so impatiently endure Violetta hearing his spéeches made this replie Sir I haue long since told you my resolution which might be a sufficient answer to any reasonable creature besides my vowes passed to my deare knight Pollipus haue bound me from yéelding my spotlesse honour to bee stained with the blot of infamie Then I pray leaue off to prosecute your sute which you ground vpon loues foundation béeing indéede nothing but the insatiate desire of filthy concupisence the remembrance whereof addeth new care to my carefull heart and euery way affrighteth mée with discontent and if you so much regard my content as you protest desist to trouble me with your loue and giue me leaue to depart from hence that I may spend the rest of my dayes in sorrowe for his losse that was more deare vnto me then all the worlds treasure I but Lady quoth Archas calme this discontent with remembrance of an impossibilitie in obtaining ought at his hands and goe not about to coÌ„sume those heauenly perfections with sorrow séeme not stranger then reason requireth to him that loueth you as well as Pollipus euer did and now that occasion hath so fitly offered the swéet opportunitie of time and place let vs spend this time in loue and not in these contentions these vnfrequented pathes adde meanes to further our ioies here are no eyes to behold vs nor any to bewray our secrets but the silent trées swéet smelling flowers that which is vnknown is in a maner vncommitted and in requital of your kindnesse I wil performe whatsoeuer you shall command me were it to run through thousands of deathes to procure your content theÌ„ swéet loue be not so vnkind but yeeld some pittie to my restlesse cares and detaine not from mée that pleasant delight which will extinguish my bitter griefes When he had ended his spéeches he stricktly caught her tender body in his arms imprinting a compelled kisse vpoÌ„ her tender lips twining her curled locks about his grosse fingers and beldly fingring her tender brests offering other forced behauiour whilest she striued to vntwine her body off his armes which when shée had obtained casting a disdainfull countenance vpon him like as Diana cast vpon the wofull Acteon with her chéekes as red as scarlet she vttered these spéeches Most discourteous villaine hath my lenitie inforced thée to offer me this abuse or is thy minde so far from pietie as not to desist from prosecuting thy detested lust knowe this that rather then I will yéelde my honour to bée blemished by thy appetite I will teare these eyes from forth my head and ende my woful life which thou soughtest to spill Is this the friendship thou hast protested was it thy pollicie to traine mée hither to dishonour mée hadst thou left me in the place where I lost my beloued then had I béene happie if some wilde beast had ended my life I now perceiue thy protestations are but filthy actors of thy intended villanie and all which thou hast told me of Pollipus death to be most false and vntrue for no doubt hée is yet liuing whom thou séekest to dishonour by dispoyling me of that which I reserued for him Accursed wretch that I was to fal into thy odious haÌ„ds which art void of knightly behauiour Archas hearing himself thus reuiled abandoned shame and pitty violently pulling her to him tolde her that she should submit her selfe to his will offering by force to attaine the fruition of her spotlesse body
the old man had heat water and hearbes for to bath her ouertrauelled féete in which shée kindly accepted perceiuing thaâ— it came as willingly from the old mans heart as euer good déed came from any therwith bathed her féete This done Violetta desired the olde man to seat himself down by her who taking a stoole lâ—t down right against her fixing his eyes vpon her face whilst she began so 〈◊〉 as followeth Good Father quoth she the kindnesse I finde in your entertainment sheweth the vertues that rule your heart which maketh me no whit doubt to commit the dangerous report of my tragical misfortune to your secrecie neither néed I require any stricter assurance then your promise alreadie past to extend your ayde to my distresse Therefore thus it is I was borne in Thessalie and there wedded to the noble and courteous knight Pollipus who came lately to Bohemia with the most noble and famous Prince Parismus who hath brought hither the kings daughter of Thessalie the vertuous Princesse Laurana we had not stayed long in the Bobemian Court in great ioy but thus our felicitie was crost my Lord and I one day intised by the heate of the sunne to seeke some coole shadow wandred from the Court into a pleasant grâ—ue where haunted a wilde Beare whome my louing knight espying pursued and I fearing least some harme might beâ—ide him compelled by desire of his welfare thought to haue followed him but wandred a quite contrarie way and beeing gotten out of the wood fearing to returne backe was by Archas to mée before vnknowne by cunning deceit conueyed to his Castle his promise being to carry mee backe to the Bohemian Court where when hee had remained some two daies he certified me falsly which I afterwards perceiued that Pollipus was dead which I beléeuing tooke so heauily that I was often in daunger of my life thereby but in small time I plainly found his falsehood and vnderstood his intent which was to detaine mee in his keeping to satiate his lust which grew to such furie that surprising me vnawares in his Garden he would haue forced me had not a Gentlewoman by my cries repaired to the place where I was and thereby preuented him Whom I made priuie to all my secrets by whose meanes late yesternight I stole from the Castle now good father quoth she counsell me how to escape his hands who I know maketh all diligent search for me and vnlesse you helpe me I am like to fall into his hands againe which rather then I will do I will endure a thousand deaths The old man had all this while diligently noted euery circumstance of her discourse making this answer Lady I perceiue by your spéech what miseries you haue vndergone by Archas treacherie whose infamous déeds hath made his name famous being the chiefe Gouernour of thesâ— mountaines indéede extreamly and generally hated who delighteth in no vertuous action but continually addicts his minde to villanie and vnknightly déedes out of whoâ—â— hands you are most 〈◊〉 to haue escaped neither are you in the coâ—ntrey of Boâ—â—mia aâ— you suppose but far distant from thence and the best meanes for you to gâ—t thither is to change your habit whither my selfe so pleaseth you wil be your weake yet trustie guide Violettaes heart leapt within her for ioy to heare his spéeches which the presently put in practise giuing him a Iewell which â—e at thâ— next towne exchanged for such homely â—â—eedes as they deuised to â—ée fittest to shrowd her from being discried Wherewith hauing apparelled her selfe shée departed with the olde man who left his Cell to the kéeping of his sonne who was seruant to a wealthie Boore dwelling thereby The first dayes iourney they ouerpast with ease shortning the tediousnesse of the way with the olde mans discourses and at night rested themselues as conueniently as they might vpon the colde earth and in this sort they iournied on some thrée dayes vntill their prouision began to decay and they were without hope of getting any more to supply their want for that they were entered into a desolate Wildernesse which they could not ouerpasse in thrée or foure of their short dayes iourney Violetta of the twaine was the best teaueller for the old man by reason of his withered age was soone tyred hauing no such inward conceit to driue him forwards as shée had procured by a longing desire to see her deare knight Pollipus that she wisht a thousand times that her guide had beene young and of better strength to indure their iourney But thus contrary it fell out the olde mans time of death then approched who hauing taken a surâ—et with lying on the colde earth began to be sickly and in the ende so weake that he could indure no further trauell but sitting downe vpon a banke side feeling an extreame faintnesse possesse his heart hee vttered these spéeches Vnfortunate wretch that I am that am not able to performe my promise made to you most curteous Lady but must héere leaue you in asstresse and without comfort would that my desteny had not suffered me to liue vntil this instant for that your good fortunâ— had bin so fauourable to haue lighted vpon a safer guide that you might haue escaped the desolation I am most vnhappily like to leaue you in this vnfrequented wildernesse affordeth no â—elease â—o your cares but after my death your trauels are to begin a fresh being without a guide which may chance to bring your vertuous perfections into some further dâ—nger onely this comfort remaineth to my carefull dying heart that your habit may be a meane to bring you safe from all dangers This vnfrequented place is so full of vncertaine wayes that I know not almost which of them to counsell you to follow onely this kéepe the Sunne at his setting right before you for that way lyeth the Bohemian Court and so sweete Lady I commit you to all good fortune for I see the date of my wretched life is at an ende wishing all prosperous successe to your iourney all happie escape out of daunger and your owne sweete hearts content desiring you to make no tarriance to prouide my Funerall but leaue me in this place for little account do I make of my aged bodie And so againe I wish you all happie felicitie with a blessed and ioyfull ende of your cares which words being ended he gaue vp the ghost Violetta séeing the good olde man dead was ouercome with such infinite multitudes of cares that shée had much adoo to keepe her selfe from following him that she sate there sheading abundance of teares and what with the remembrance of the desolatenesse of the place the dead bodie of the olde man which was a fearefull coarse to looke vpon her sences were drawne into such amazed terror that shée was halfe beside her selfe therewith and béeing agast with the sight of the olde man hasted with all the speede shee coulde onwards her iourney but darke night approaching her minde
sâ—gh and sad teare thinking that with each others sight each others life had parted Tellamor according to his promise arriued in Libia euen at the time of Parismus departure whome we will leaue onwardes of his iourney towardes Bohemia The Knight of Fame hauing slept his fill and longer a great deale then he determined awaked within two daies after Parismus departure little thinking the Prince had béene gone but beginning to arme himselfe Flauia comming to him said as followeth Worthie Knight quoth she I am glad to sée that you are well which vntill now I doubted The knight of Fame wondring at her speeches saide Gentlewoman as yet I haue not bene sicke then why do you make any question of my health Indeed sir quoth she I sée now you haue not béene sicke but you haue slept very long for I haue bene your kéeper heere this two dayes euer since the Prince of Bohemia departed who thought to haue had your company some part of the way but séeing your sleepe from which you could not be wakened hée imparted his minde to the Ladie Venola who hath giuen me especiall charge to attend you diligently Hée hearing her spéeches was amazed in his thoughts to thinke of them entring into many cogitations what should be the cause of his sléepinesse which hée perceiued was the potion which hée had tasted that he was excéedingly inraged with himself that he thereby was disappoynted of Parismus company whom hée estéemed aboue all the knights that euer he had met withall and making a vertue of necessitid blaming himselfe for his sléepinesse he went downe into the company of other knights making the best excuse he could thereof Flauia in the meane time went to Venola and tolde her all that had happened and what she had told him of Parismus departure wishing her to deuise what she thought best to satisfie his minde The Knight of Fame being desirous to know what message Parismus had left with Venola méeting with Flauia desired her to certifie her Mistresse that he attended her pleasure to know what the Prince of Bohemia had tolde her as concerning him Flauia hearing his spéeches brought him into a gallerie where shée desired him to stay and she would go bring him answere presently so comming to Venola she tolde her thereof Venola then hauing ridde her chamber of all company willed her to bring him in whom shee welcommed with vnwoonted kindnesse and taking him by the hand desired him to sit downe by her vppon the beddes side to whom shée said as followeth Most courteous knight the Prince of Bohemia willed me to certifie you that he would within foure daies returne to this place to desire your company in executing a secret of importance desiring me that I would intreate you to stay here some fewe daies and at his returne hée will requite that kindnesse therefore I pray quoth shée bée my guest for so long time for I haue receiued such benefits by your courtesie as I would willingly if it lay in my power requite the same I thanke your excellencie quoth hée for proffering mee such kindnesse acknowledging my self both vnwoorthie thereof and vnable to requitâ— the same being so much the more willing to stay Parismus returne thereby to shewâ— my dutie to your request and séeing you vouchsafe mée to bée your Guest hauing yet deserued no suche kindnesse pleaseth you to commaunde or imploy mée any way and I will most willingly vndertake any trauell to procure your content which wordes hee spake little knowing what passions had possest her heart whome shee vsed so kindely and entertained with such louing glaunces that hee beganne greatlie to commende her courtesse and maruailed why shee vsed him with such kindenesse that would haue pearced the heart of any other Knight but onelie himselfe whose affections were setteled on his inward deuoted Ladie that Venolaes loue was but bestowed in vaine and shee spent her sighes and her good will in a barraine soile where she s wept in hope of recompence which draue her to such extreamitie of griefe that shee was often in minde hauing him so fittely in her companie and fearing to loose so swéete opportunitie to reueale her loue to him of her selfe but that purpose was suddainely altered by contrary thoughts that shee satte rackt with so manie and so extreame cogitations that the gréefe on the one side that hee could not conceyue of her good liking by so manie euident tokens as shee hadde shewen thereof and her owne passions ouerwhelmed her heart with such care that shee suddainly burst into aboundance of teares and so rose from the bedde and went to a window The Knight of Fame maruailing what should bee the cause of her saddenesse thinking that his companie could but disquiet her departed her chamber which shee perceiuing was ouercome with such passion that shee fell downe dead wherewith Flauia gaue such shriekes that the knight of Fame hearing her outcrie suddainely returned and finding Venola in that estate did the best hee could with the Nurse to recouer her sences which at last beganne to turne to their woonted vses Venola lifting vp her eyes and espying the knight of Fame holding her in his armes wisht that shee might for euer haue continued in that trance who carrying her to the bedde there laid her downe and Flauia and other Damzelles by that time tooke her into their custodie which caused him to depart againe after whome Venola cast such a gréedie looke accompanied with such scalding sighes that Flauia feared shée would haue fallen into the like trance againe After that shée was well recouered and all her attendants departed Flania saide as followeth Why deare Mistresse quoth shée how immoderately doo you gouern your selfe to fall into these extreames I beshrew my heart if I doe not repent that euer I vndertooke to bée an acter héerein What haue you no more wisedome but so fondly to dâ—aâ—e on a stragling knight that cannot or at the least will not vnderstand your meaning taking a delight to sée your torment for it is impossible but that hee should perceiue your loue towards him then be not so affectionate towards such a one as neither regardeth loue nor knoweth what belongeth to courtly ciuiltie Peace peace quoth Venola either fill my eares with the sound of better words or else hold thy tongue for I tell thee it is more odious vnto me then death to heare thée so much disgrace the Prince of courtesie for in him remaine all honourable parts whose presence is more pleasant vnto me then al the proffered seruices of the knights in the world and if thou canst comfort me no better then by these spéeches kéepe secret what thou knowest and hereafter thou shalt know no more of my minde For I imparted the same to thée thinking to haue comfort by thy counsell but thou contrarily addest care â—o my griefe Sweet Mistresse quoth shée I beséech you do not conceiue so hardly of my meaning for I speake nothing but with intent
Then turning to Marceâ—lus Or can you tell Marcellus quoth shee for you were by I know not quoth hée but I am sure wée haue all cause of little ioye when wee that are the Kings children shall be imprisoned vpon the flattering report of euery dissembling Sâ—cophant Why quoth shee who hath abused you That did Collimus qd hee him I haue rewarded Besides my Lorde and Father hath destroyed that honorable straunge knight because I loued him who neuer deserued the least cause of such crueltie but was alwayes honourablie estéemed in euery Kings Court vntill it was his ill happe to arriue in this vnfortunate place to ende his life by Tiranny not by Iustice Take heede Marcellus scandalize not your Fathers honour which may bring you in daunger for that hée hath done nothing but right and with good consideration for beholde that letter and thou shalt soone see what a counterfait that Knight of Fame was Marcellus hauing redde the letter was at the first suddainlie amazed thereat but yet notwithstanding he sâ—id vpon my life this accusation is most false and vntrue Angelica taking the letter and â—â—ating the same was excéedingly astonished thereat to whome Marcellus saide Angelica beléeue it not for if you doo you shall too much wrong that honourable Knight that is too much abused alreadie who if hée were liuing would soone prooue these accusations false but hée good Knight is now dead and past recalling whose death will bring more dishonour to the Natolians then euer will be recouered Why quoth the Quéene what maketh thée Marcellus so inconsiderate by taking a strangers part to indaunger thy owne life which knowest the kings humour Loue quoth hee to that straunger maketh mee bewaile his vnâ—imely death whom I would that I had excused The Queene séeing Angelica somewhat well recouered departed vnto Maximus who by that time had knowledge of Collimus death was meditating how to chastise Marcel for thâ—t presumption But the Quéene vppon her knées intreated him to pardon him alleaging that Collimus had greatly abused him with much a doo the King was pacified Marcellus hauing somewhat comforted Angelica in a heauie and sadde estate departed to his chamber and left her with her Damozell Anna rather readie to yéelde vppe the Ghoast then otherwise likelie to suruiue and night beeing come shee refusing meat went to her bedde not to sleepe but to bewaile the kâ—ight of Fames vntimely death The knight of Fame all this time remained in the Lyons denne carefully deuising which way to gette out of that place â—yring his sences but finding no meanes of releâ—se Our while accusing his harde fortune and then Maximus for his crueltie Sometimes fearing to bee famished in that place and then comforting himselfe with perswasions of impossible deliueries Now dispairing to bee vtterly exempt from the sweete sight of Angelica whose absence and restrainte of libertie procured as hée thought by his boldnesse pinched his heart with extreame forture In this sort hée continued so long vntill that hée was ready to be starned and constrained to eate such vnsauory â—oode as was daily cast to the Lyons Angelica likewise no whit mittigated her greefe but rather augmented the same being much comforted by Marcellus whose minde was not yet satisfied with sâ—fficient consideration of these mischaunces but both hée and Angelica continued as it were in a further hope in their fancies of the knight of Fames safetie though when they beganne to comfort themselues with any perswasions they were quite past hope Maximus likewise hauing considered with what seueritie hée had vsed the knight and that hee had condemned him without any triall of the accusatiâ—n that had bene vsed by his knights euer since his death beganne to tell a remorse in his conscience of vniustice but by the setled opinion that was stirred in his heart by those false Prophesies hée soone shooke the same off Camillus all this time likewise noted what iealous suspition the king heard of him and hauing heard the report why he kept his daughter so stronglie guarded and of set purpose withheld her from his sight and noting how suddainly the knight of Fame was made away without anie cause of offence giuen he began to feare himselfe and by that meanes duâ—st not shewe anie signe of desire to see Angelica least by that meanes hée should séeke some occasion of quarrell with him and vse him like the straunger within a while departed from the Golden Tower intending notwithstanding either with force or faire meanes to attaine her possession CHAP. XIX Of the Knight of Fames preseruation How hee gat out of the denne and departed the Tower THe next day after Camillus departure which Maximus perceiued was with a discontented mind the kéeper of the Lyons denne came to make cleane the same and vsed his woonted manner which was to set open those places that were cleane into which the Lyons would soone enter and hauing fast bolted the doores and being owner of the Lyons entered into the den where the Knight of Fame was who suddainly caught holde on him hauing before secretly shrowded himselfe from his sight and being carefull to prouide for his owne safetie snatcht from his side a hanging sword the kéeper knowing him maruailing to see him aliue and excéedingly astonished at his sight held vp his hands for mercie to whome the knight of Fame said My friend I séeke not thy life but mine owne safetie being as thou séeest preserued by Diuine prouidence from the Kings crueltie by him vniustly cast into this place without any cause of offence but wrongfullie as thou mayest perceiue by my preseruation for if my fact had deserued punishment no doubt I could not haue escaped the crueltie of these executioners hauing endured great daunger of famishment Now my request vnto thee is that thou wouldest but suffer mee to departe from hence without discrying mée for I haue no reason to trust to Maximus curtesie hauing alreadie eâ—bured this miserie by his Crueltie which thou mayest well doo without endaungering thy selfe anie kinde of waye for there is none but dooth assuredly thinke I am dead The kéeper hearing his spéeches and withall séeing how admyrably hée was preserued and also fearing his owne death assured him by many vowes and protestations not onely to doo that which hée had desired but also would most faithfully execute what other thing soeuer hée should commaund to his vttermost power Wilt thou then quoth hée doo this for mée giue me the keyes and make fast the doore so that thou canst not goe from mée and then call downe thy boye and sende him to Marcellus to request him to come to thee but in such sorte that the boy may not sée mée and also to do his message secretly which the kéeper tolde him he would most willingly performe Then dyrecting the Knight of Fame how to locke the doore that hée could not escape he called downe his boy who presently came to him whom hée commanded to séeke out Marcellus secretlie
and to desire him that hée would vouchsafe to come and speâ—ke with him about a matter of great importance The boy hauing receiued his message immediately hasted to execute the same and most fortunately met him in the outer court to whom he declared the cause of his comming Marcellus maruelling why the kéeper had sent for him presently began to remeÌ„ber the knight of Fame with which his heart began to throb but hasting downe to the den the keeper commanded his boy to depart humbling himselfe to Marcellus told him that the knight of Fame was still liuing Which said hée ran in vnto him who had shrowded himselfe from his sight and tolde him Marcellus was come then presentlie hee came foorth whom Marcellus espying with great reioycing caught him in his armes and most louingly embraced him seeming to be reuiued with ioye in respect of the care opprest his minde before hee hadde knowledge of his safetie Manie courteous gréetings past on eyther side Marcellus desired the kéeper not to reueale this secrete to any for if it should come to my fathers hearing it were impossible then to preuent his rigour and withall promised him that if he would let him lodge in his house but that night hée would reward him most beâ—utifully and withall promised him to higher dignitie and to such place of account as that hée should haue good cause to reioyce that euer the knight of Fame came within his house The kéeper both drawne by his owne good inclination and also by the hope of rewarde and preferment béeing but poore promised his vttermost ayde and assistance to pleasure him and withall to performe his full desire with such securitie that none should conceyue anie suspition thereof with that they all together departed vp into his Lodge where the Knight of Fame refreshed himselfe with comfortable meates being excéedingly glad as hee had good cause of this successe and rendring many thankes to Marcellus who well deserued the same Marcellus being yet somewhat troubled in his minde about the Letter the King of Lybia had sent and desirous to bre satisfied of the trueth therein taking the Knight of Fame aside from the hearing of the kéeper said as followeth Syr knight although I haue shewen you this fauour and friendship which my fancie often perswaded mée to refuse yet vrged by the good well I beare you and for other considerations which I will yet conceale from you I could not choose but reioyce at your safeite and worke what meanes I can for your preseruation yet there remaineth a grudging in my conscience against you vntill you assure me by your faithfull oath to satiâ—fie me of the truth of my doâ—bt without fraude for if that be true which is alleadged against you by the affirmation of a King you deserue the punishment my Father inflicted vpon you and rather to bée generally hated then beloued at all Most honourable knight quoth hée I know my selfe so cleare from all such villanie as that I sweare and protest by my life by Heauen and by all the good that euer I expect which I desire to turne to my destruction if I tell you not the very truth Then quoth Marcellus the same day that the King my Father caused you to be throwne into the Lions den the king of Lybia sent hither certaine of his Knights with a Letter wherein hee accused you to haue most shamefully deshonoured his Daughâ—er Venola desiring my Father to dispatch you out of the way for your liâ—e nothing else might appease his ire which was the cause of his crueltie My Lord quoth the knight of Fame vpon mine honour my former oath and by all other truth and fidelitie this accusation is most vniust false and vntrue which if I may by your sauor in whose hands life now resteth haue libertie to approoue I will maintaine the contrary euen in the gates of the king of Lybia and cause my accusers to confesse the contrarie neyther did I euer séeke loue at that Ladies hands by whose dishonourable meanes this false accusation is raised against mee Deare friend quoth Marcellus you haue said ynough and I rest assuredly satisfied of your loialty The knight of Fame was so inwardly vexed with this accusation that he was halfe madde wiâ—â—h gréet but chiefly for that hée thought it was come to Angelicas hearing might bee a meanes to cause her vtterlie to forsake him which appalled his sâ—nces with â—xtreame vexation that hee stood like one transformed Marcellus perceiuing his discontent desired him not so bee gréeued but to ouerpasse the same vntill hée hadde meanes to prooue the contrarie My Lord replyed hée how can I chuse but be sorrie when thereby I am dishonoured in euery mans opinion which I account more dearer then my life Besides with what impatiencie may I shew my selfe before any knight liuing but rather rid my hated selfe out of this miserable life which is the next way to salue this blemish But if you will vouchsafe to heare the true reporte of the miseries I haue indured euer since my byrth you would say that I am the onely mappe of sorrow and borne to perpetuall calamitie I desire nothing more quoth Marcellus with that hée rehearsed to him all that hée could of his bringing vp in the Iland of Rockes his departure from thence and shipwracke at Sea how he was entertained by D. Amasenus in Thrace and the treacherie that was intended against him there by Corus and Argalus then of his successe in the Kings Court of Thrace and the occasion why hée departed from thence to the Forest of Arde and how there he met the Prince of Bohemia and released Venola then how Venola sought his loue and how shée gaue him by subtiltie a somniferous potion to withholde his departure with Parismus which hee purposed and how afterwards perceyuing her intent departed from thence Withall hee declared the manner of the vision that appeared vnto him in Thrace and how that hee was thereby enioyned to seeke out the Lady that appeared to him and sue for her loue which was the cause that hée both refused Phylenas marriage and Venolas proffer of kindenesse and also hée declared how hee first arriued in that countrie and met Angelica which was the very same Lady that appeared vnto him in the vision and also told him that hee was likewise enioyned to séeke out his Parents which the vision told him were of great birth This quoth hee is the true discourse of my forepassed life which I neuer yet manifested to any but your selfe whose fauour hath farre surmounted my desert into whose hands I commit my life to bee disposed of desiring you not to conceyue amisse of mée for that false accusation being most vntrue Marcellus againe embracing him in his armes desired him likewise not to thinke that hée did any way conceiue the least euill opinion of him but that he did estéeme of him as of the dearest friend he had in the world and that
currantly Then fastning a Roape about the Knight of Fames middle after that with many faire promises and protestations of perpetuall friendship they had taken their leaues the kéeper and Marcellus let him downe who was so heauie by reason of the waight of his owne body and his armour that they had much adoo from letting him fall and beeing in the vessel was like to sinke the same But with much adoo and great daunger of drowning by reason of the tottering and vnstayednesse of the vessell which with euery little waight more on one side then on the other wos ready to turne ouer hée got on to the banke which was so stéepe vpwards that hée had much adoo to clime vp the same but was oftentimes readie to fall downe backwards into the Lake vnder him which was of an exceeding great and huge depth but hauing happily escaped both those daungers he departed towards Saint Augustines Chappell according to such directions Marcellus hadde giuen him to finde the same Marcellus and the kéeper drew vp the Vessell and betooke themselues to their rest The Knight of Fame had not well remembred Marcellus spéeches and therefore hauing gone some halfe mile from the Golden Tower fearing to wander out of the way hée tooke vp his lodging vnder a Cipresse Trée spending the whole night in manifolde meditations of the successe of this businesse béeing oftentimes in great dispaire of euer seeing Angelica againe drawne to that feare by reason of Maximus iealousie and the diligent watche hée had set in euery corner of the Tower but especially at the entrance where none went out and in but the gardiants searched them that his minde was sometimes wrackt with dispaire and sometime animated to comforte by the assured trust hée had in Marcellus The night beeing by him in this sorte spent in the morning hée betooke himselfe againe to his iourney and with ease found out Saint Austins Chappell knocking at the Chappell doore it was long before any came but at last hée espyed olde Iabin standing behinde him who had bene abroade very early and then returned whom the Knight of Fame most kindely saluted Iabin maruelling to sée one in Armor demaunded what hée would haue Right reuerend Father quoth hée I am sent to you by Marcellus whose request is that you would for his sake vouchsafe my secrete abode with you vntill his comming which will bée this day if contrary occasion hinder him not Iabin noting his comely proportion and willing to doe anie thing for Marcellus sake brought him into his Cell adioyning to the Chappell and welcommend him so kindely as hée could CHAP. XX. How Marcellus entending to carrie Angelica to Saint Austins Chappell was preuented by Camillus And how the Knight of Fame departed to seeke his Parents MArcellus early in the morning came to Angelica who still continued pensiue to whome hée declared what had passed betwixt him and the Knight of Fame and withall of the promise hée had made him to bring her to Saint Austins Chappell Which when Angelica hearing she said Brother how can this be effected when you see so many impossibilities to hinder our intent that we shall but spend much labour to little effect and also rather bring my fathers heauy displeasure against vs then reape any comfort whose crueltie you see is such that he wil if he should finde out our drift punish vâ— with seueritie besides if it should come to that passe what excuse could you finde to pacifie his ire Thereforâ— I thinke it best that we neuer hazard our selues but rather be contented with this quiet estate lest a worse mischance light vpon vs thereby Sister quoth Marcellus your counsell is good but yet heare what I shall say the life you leade is but miserable being kept like a prisoner whereas it you could but win this libertie you should enioy your fill of hearts content and be a meanes to rid my father and vs all from the doubts we may now endure Besides if you loued that worthy knight whose constancie to you wards is without compare you wold for his sake refuse no peril Why brother quoth shee what néede you make any such doubt when I haue said sufficient alreadie vnlesse you thinke me to dissemble for such is my loue and good will that I will more willingly vndertake any meanes to attaine his company then he can desire not drawne by your perswasion but of my owne voluntary will which haue made some doubt of this attempt because I am fearefull of your ill and careful of your good but whatsoeuer you shall counsaile me vnto I wil execute Which said they began to studie and consult how to bring their businesse about but were so confounded in their thoughts that they thought it altogether impossible Now Maximus being ridde of Camillus company and assured of the knight of Fames death gaue his minde to more quiet then during the time of their being there he had done and being wearied with care thought to recreate himselfe by some exercise therefore he appointed the very same day to ride on hunting and to that intent he was early vp sending for Angelica to goe with the Queene euen at the instant when she was deuising with Marcellus which opportunitie fell out most conueniently to further their intent which Marcellus told her he would determine of Angelica immediately went downe with the messenger and with the King and Queene Marcellus and diuers others departed out of the tower Marcellus all that day kept diligent company with Angelica vntil the King being earnest in pursuite of the gâ—ine strayed from them the Quéene likewise was absent and moste of Angelicas gardiants sauing some sixe béeing indeede such as Marcellus had before made priuie to his intent who had firmely protested to kéepe his counsaâ—leâ— which opportunitie Marcellus tooke and presently conueyed Angelica towards Saint Austins Chappell being without the Parke when they thought themselues farre ynough from the King they were vnawares set vpon by a company of strange knights who offered by force to carrie away Angelica Marcellus being somewhat astonisht thereat drew his sword and being before well prouided withstood them Angelicas gardiants did the like that on a suddaine there began a cruell combat betwixt them vntill Marcellus was greeuously wounded one of his company slain and the rest in as great danger as might bee but being a knight of excéeding courage he defended himselfe most valiantly So long continued the fight that in the meane time some of the kings company hauing the charge of Angelica mist her which hee soone declared to the king who commaunded his knights to poste euery way by seuerall troupes himselfe and the Queene well guarded tooke the readiest way out of the Parke which was the same way Marcelius and Angelica had taken and hasting came to the place where they were in the hottest of their skyrmish The straunge knights espying the King presently fledde away with all possible spéede whome many of the