miserable plight as I think she would have been in the like case had not Rozalmond suddenly arrived who said unto her Now Madam is this the Knight you mean Yes yes replyed she but so changed as I can hardly know him for he is now so unlike himself that if love had not well engraven his image in my heart I should never beleeve that this were my Alcidamant but what is that I say my Alcidamant Alas I doubt I shall never see him alive again Alcidamant speak to me your Trasiclea asketh you forgivenesse open your eyes to her that opens her heart to you O comfort me with one word if you will have me to live for you What will you not speak to me Ay me I am undone his body is as cold as yce there is no hope of life in him one Tombe shall hold us both Dear Sir continued she turning her eyes to Rozalmond see it performed I beseech you even for that pittie which you cannot choose but have of two such unfortunate lovers Saying so she laid her lips to Alcidamants and overcome with excesse of grief she fell down by him without pulse or breath wherat Rozalmond being exceedingly moved to compassion ran again to the brook and with the water thereof which was marvellous fresh the brought them in little space to themselves again Opening their eyes then almost both at one instant they beheld one another without saying a word but Trasiclea thinking it 〈◊〉 part to 〈◊〉 first sate down on the grasse and laying her arme about his â—eck she made such pittifull moan as would have moved a very rock Will you not pardon me said she and will you see me dye repenting my cruelty unto you and not be sensible of my tears Remember not my dearest Knight what you have suffered by my fault I will repaire the wroâ—â— I have done you and you shall never desire any thing of me which I will refuse you Most excellent Lady answer this Lover transported with the excesse of a content which he never hoped for you have no wayes failed against me that request you make unto me I ought to make unto you and if I receive any grace from you I hold it meerely from your pitty A new life you give me I will receive it for to employ it in your service and forgetting all my passed paines since I have the happinesse to see you again I will imagine that I have been all this while in a Paradise of delight and being lifted up from an abisme of miseries to an heaven of felicite I wil think that you did make me suffer for to render my glory the greater But it was time my dear Princesse to come for if the remedy had been never so little more retarded I had been uncapable of receiving it Well Madam said Rozalmond then wonderfully well contented with that which he saw did not I tell you true that this adventure would never be brought to passe till the bravest Warriour of the earth and the most valorous and most beautifull Princesse of the world were assembled togither I brought you hither on purpose to behold the misery of this Knight little thinking that you were so well inclined to relieve him but thanks be to heaven for the good successe of my designe Hereupon Alcidamant rysing up went and in a most kind manner saluted and caressed our Prince of Greece giving him a million of thanks for the care he had had of his life and content That done they returned all three to the Grot from whence Rozalmonds Squire was sent to the next Village to provide them meat for that night the next day they went to Armelant one of the fairest Towns of the Kingdome of Clariana where they resolved to stay three or foure weeks for to restore and cherish up Alcidamant who during that time having caused his Arms to be new furbished caused the Palmes to be taken out of his Shield and a burning rock upon an Hermitage to be painted in stead therof for which cause he was alwayes afterwards called the Knight of the burning Rock CHAP. XXX Rozalmonds 〈…〉 of Armazia's 〈◊〉 He 〈…〉 Gorgophoâ—s 〈…〉 there very strangely 〈◊〉 being in 〈◊〉 of his life _ 〈◊〉 having with time good keeping and the care of his beautious Mistris recovered new strength grâ—w to bein so good plight as it could hâ—â—dly be 〈◊〉 that dispair and neglect had ever brought 〈◊〉 so neer â—is â—nd whereupon they departâ—d all three from Armelant with a purpose to goeunto Tarsipolis for to render Alcidamant happy in his long desired mariage with the excellent Trasiclea but fortune that meant otherwise to dispose of them put them upon a clean contrary course for as they travelled along they met with a Dâ—â—osel who in a most lamentable manner thus complayned Alas what greater misery could befall this infortunate Princesse then to be captived under the power of so cruell a man whose brutish nature will not be stayed by aâ—y consideration of her greatnesse from offering violence to her chastâ—y O valiâ—nt Knight of the Roses if so strange a misfortune were come to thy knowledge surely thou wouldest employ a thousand lives for to revenge the outrage which is done to thy Armazia At these words Rozalmond being infinitly perpleâ—ed observed the Damosel very narrowly and found that it was Armazia's woman wherupon he said unto her Dear Ormelinda what ayls you thus to complain Ay me answered she looking up and knowing Rozalmond by the three â—oses in his shield how â—uckily have I met with you my Lord you are undone if the gods doe not prevent it by some strange miracle Gorgophon Colonel of the Gyants of the cruell Iland hath lately carried away your Armazia with her consin Agritlea Ah Heaven said Rozalmond is Armazia the fairest Princesse of the world in the power of an inhumane Gyant and must serve for the satisfying of his abhominable lust Dye wretched Knight since there is nothing now left for which thou shouldest desire to live Dye doe I say nay rather desire to live yet a while to take some horrible revenge for so unsufferable a wrong Audacious Gyant thy death shall precede mine and were all the Ministers of hell assembled together for to succour thee thou shalt not escape the â—ury of my sword Saying so he spurred away over the fields and never regarding whither he went he ran all the rest of the day with such extream rage that his horse dying under him just as it was night left him in a very desperate case Ingratefull fortune said he tearing his 〈◊〉 for very madnesse thou shalt not tryumph over me for al this thou thinkest by aâ—resting me thus here to make me subject to the worst of thy malice but thou â—â—â—lt not be able for thou shalt see that in despight of â—â—ee I will notwithstanding goe on Running along then in the dark as if he had had no armour on he continued so till mid-night when quite out of breath he
captivity and alwaies blesse thy enterprises The Princesse being thus resolved for death expected but the next day which came on with much contentment to the Count of Clina who believing that he should not find any opposit caused himself to be armed with rich arms and mounted upon a mighty horse came into the field with such arrogance as there was not one of the assistants that did not curse him in his heart seeing with what boldnes he marched in the midst of his three Giants as soon as he was entred the field the Queen was sent for but she not expecting any help would have gone straight to the place of execution and not to the lists but in that instant the Giant Grandimore presented himself to her armd at all pieces to desire her leave that he might undertake the combat for her Madam said he it is with much grief that I see your fair eies drenched in tears and that the Knights of your Court are so base as not to assist you in this necessity I am the Knight Ardants friend and will with his quarrell which now is in dispute maintain against your enemies that you are innocent of the crime is imputed unto you be pleased then to give me power so to do and distrust not the mercy of the Gods who never leave the afflicted in their miseries These couragious words giving Clairangia some hope she replied in this maner Vertuous Knight this good will of yours to me doth so oblige me as I am most willing to put all my right into your hands you go alone to fight with fowr redoubted enemies nevertheles I hope you will be victorious For they are traitors and the Godâ— will fight on my side giving you as much courage as they have malice But let us know with what conditions this combat is to begin Then calling for the Iudges she sent to the King to beseech him that Grandimore might be permitted to encounter his enemies one by one and not altogether since the lawes of Chivalry did not permit a combat upon advantage wherunto the King answered that the busines was not in his power to dispose of but depended wholly upon the pleasure of his adversaries howbeit he would no way hinder him from being seconded by any Knight that should happen to arrive whilest the combat lasted Since it is in the choice of our enemies said Grandimore incensed with this answer let us Madam go and see if there be more curtesie in them then in the King wherupon entring within the lists he set himself just against the Count of Clina and his Giants one of whom desired the first course remonstrating to his companions that it were a basenes for fowr of them to join in the defeature of one single Knight But the Count of Clina would none of that knowing the abilities of Grandimore and the importance of the victory Those which are wicked said he desiring to cloke his malice with some shew of reason do not deserve to be intreated like persons of honour we therfore may lawfully make use of our fortune that is presented unto us Saying so he furiously elapt spurs to his horse and the others by his example did the like But Grandimore disdaining the Count directed his lance against one of the Giants and that so luckily as he ran him clean thorow laying him upon the ground yet being unable to sit the shock of fowr lances which had at one and the same instant incountred him he was unhorsed spite of his heart and fell with a slight wound in his arm nevertheles being more active then the greatnes of his body did seem to permit he very lightly got up and was remounted on his horse by that time the others had ended their course Having then no feeling of his hurt he couragiously drew out his sword wherwith he gave the Count such a blow as cutting his arm sheer off he sent him without sence to the ground That done he made head to the Giants who battered him more rudely then he desired and began one of the cruellest fights in the world sometimes striking sometimes foining and then again with an admirable dexterity avoiding their blows In brief he so carried himself that it was not perceived to whom the victory did incline when as the first Giant whom he had overthrown then having recovered his spirits came to charge him with strange fury his coming in making him dispair of his life he graspt his sword fast in his hand and determining to sell his skin as dear as he could he let it fall with such rage upon him that first came within his distance as he gave him a dangerous wound in his head And not therwith satisfied he was raising his sword again to dispatch him but at that very instant he received two such blows one on the head and the other on the arm that letting his sword fall he remained in his saddle deprived of all sence his horse carrying him about the field so as the Giants could not come to fasten the least blow upon him Things being at this passe every one accounted the victory sure for the Count of Clina who now began to move when as a damsell was seen to enter the field accompanied with a Knight who understanding the state of the combat and the conditions whereunto it was begun approached to the Giants that pursued Grandimore and charged them in such sort as they were glad to turn head to defend themselves Grandimore coming to himself then at the noise of their blows was as much astonished to see himself brought to that estate as pleased with that assistance wherof meaning to make use he took hold of his sword that hung at his arm and renewed the combat with so much fury as every body wondred at the courage he shewed in this fight which having indured about an howr without advantage was ready to end with the death of Grandimore and his fellow if in the instant there had not appeared in the field a Knight in azur'd armor powdred with little starrs of gold so brave and carrying himself so handsomly in his seat that every body was delighted with the view of him his coming in was pleasing to all the spectators for as soon as he was entred the lists and that falling to work they saw him light upon one of the Giants with a blow that divided his helmet and head in two pieces they all presently assured themselves that the victory would fall on the Queens side who then began to hope well and attentively beholding him she believed that it was her Fulgoran whom she had so long wished for The more she eied him and considered the force of his blows the more she setled her self in that opinion But he that obserued her alteration immediately imagined that she knew him which did so fire his courage as not enduring that two men alone should so long dispute with him the honour of a combat upon the successe wherof depended
for to revenge the injury I have received from the Knight of the Palms and I want nothing at this present but my own horse and another for thee Go therefore to the Stables and find out some device to bring me out two unto the well gate that we may travel abroad to see the world a little Now verily answered the Squire this is as I desired and all the favours that possibly might be done me could not be comparable to so sweet a commandement as this Arm your self my Lord and beleeve it you shall not want horses Whereupon going to the Stables he took two extraordinary horses and went presently with them to the place appointed where Rozalmond straightway met him wonderfully well satisfied to see himself at liberty Getting to horse then he rode all night and made such haste that he was ten leagues from Constantinople when as every body thought him to be still asleep I will not stand heer to declare the grief the Princes of Greece were in when he was missing in his chamber much lesse speak of the adventures which befell Persides Lucibel of France Russian of Media Esquilan of Poland and others that put themselves in quest of him but referring this discourse to some other time I wil assure you that having taken a little rest in a shepherds cottage whilest his horses grased he travelled on choosing the most unusuall waies because he would not be sound if peâ— adventure he was followed and sought after Where fore being gotten into a forrest the way which he took brought him by that time it was night into a place so obscured by the thicknes of the trees that he could not see a whit whereby he was constrained for fear of falling into some precipice to alight to unbridle his horses and to lay him down upon the grasse in expectation of the next day Armazia comming then into his mind his passion carried him to complain in this maner Unhappy Knight why dost thou absent thee from so fair a sun to live thus in darknes The desire of glory deprives thee of a sovereign felicity in the mean time thou dost nothing that can excuse thy absence one Knight arrests thy ambition opposes thy conquests and takes the lawrell from thy head to appropriate it to his valour It is true indeed that the grief heerof ought to kill thee but thou must live to be revenged and thou art to undertake nothing till that be decided to thy contentment since so to do thou hast abandoned all thy friends Whereupon his anger increasing with the hatred that he bore to the Knight of the Palms he wished for day that he might go seek him out howbeit as he turned him on the other side the better to rest himself he perceived a little glimps of light to shoot thorow the trees at first he was somewhat amazed as unable to imagin from whence it should proceed nevertheles he presently start up and listned attentively but meeting with nothing but silence he went very softly towards certain trees which Nature had planted in maner of a round so neer together that they even touched one another except one place which seemed to be reserved for to give an entrance to this cabinet and saw by the light of a torch two damsels the one laid upon the grasse leaning with her cheek on her left hand which was bedewed with the tears that trickled from her eies and the other reading of a letter the noise which he made treading on some leaves having easily been overheard by her that was reading she suddenly demanded who goes there Gentlewoman answered Rozalmond It is a Knight arrested in this wood by the night and that would willingly do you service if it lay in his power Come in saies she no whit abashed and let us see what you are Rozalmond advancing then saluted her very curteously receiving the like entertainment from the damsell who seeing him carry so brave a presence said unto him Sir let me intreat you to fit â—eer down by me on the grasse with as little noise as you may for fear of waking this gentlewoman whose grief doth seldome permit her to â—â—ke such good rest Your fair demeanour doth oblige me to render the tediousnes of the night lesse irksom to you by some pleasing discourse the occasion I will draw from this paper in my hand sent to this Gentlewoman by the most ingratefull man of the world you shall hear the contents and then I will acquaint you with the particulars whereupon she read thus Clerastes Letter to Carinda I Held it no little glory to be beloved of you nor did I think any delight on the earth comparable to that which I found in your caresses but since you deride them and that the ambition triumph â—ver a King hath made you false to my affection I must tell you Carinda that I will sigh no longer for you but will for ever quit you and live for some other that will be more faithfull Men often seek excuses for their malice and they will take hold of the least occasions to serve their turns as you may perceive by this traitor called Clerastes who seigning some jealousie hath made this Gentlewoman whom you behold heer the miserablest creature in the World He is the King of Florertans favourite and in his grace hath found more wealth and dignity then he hath deserved she was neer unto the Queen cherished by her out of the consideration of her merits and was likely to have 〈◊〉 with some good fortune had not this man undone her Her beauty wherof you may judge still though it be much 〈◊〉 by her affliction having made a deep impression in the heart of this gallant she was adored by him for a time with exceeding respect his actions wâ—re full of love his woâ—â—s assured his captivity his sighes testifiâ—d a violent passion nor was there any day seen to passe without some proof rendred of his affection these devoirs joined to the place he held in Court at length forced Carinda so is she named to entertain some liking to him which by little and little converting into Love left her no poâ—er over her self If Cleraster heart were all â—ire hers was notices iâ— he suffered she was not at rest if â—e adore her she idolatâ—ized him if he gave her kisses she was not back ward to render him the like What should I say more â—â—â—othing was wanting to their desires but opporâ—â—nity whereupon she haâ—h â—ecourse to that affection which I have â—lwaies born her opens hâ—r heart 〈◊〉 me and â—â—lling me that Clerastes wouâ—â— marry her prâ—â—â—s me to â—aciliâ—aâ—â— the means that they might meet without suspition 〈◊〉 nothing more then her good I â—â—rreated her to consider well what she did and not lightly to cast her self away I put her in mind of 〈◊〉 inconstancy of the dissimulation they commonly use to bring their desires to passe but seeing her resolved I suffered Clerastes to come who cleared
have armed my self By my faith said Mascarin you shall have my company then though 〈…〉 you had râ—â—â—er be without iâ— for the beauty of those â—â—eldâ— would be odioâ—â— to me were the fun of it once gone Herewith all that were present fell a laughing our Miralinda excepted who thinking more of the Iourney she had promised then of the fooleries of â—â—is little Lover was much perplexed because she knew not what might befall her in this Enterprise neverthelesse passing by all kind of considerations since she should not part from her Clarisel in whose affection she had placed all her hopes she willingly got to Horse as soon as she saw him arrive This small Troop then taking the way that led to the Sea to the 〈◊〉 grief of all the people of Bellomore but much more of certain Knights then present whose liberty had been captivated by the beauty of this Shepherdesse â—â—avelled ten or eleven miles and were in sight of the Sea when as Miralinda looking back perceived four Knights come gallopping after theâ— which by their demeanour seemed not to follow them for any good wherat being somewhat troubled she shewed them to Don Clarisel who â—â—king his 〈◊〉 from Mascarin that served him as his Squire sâ—â—tdown his Beaver and stayed for them much against Cardoran's mind that was mightily vext for that he was not in case to assist him As soon as they had overtaken them one of those Knights went strait â—o Miralinda and in a jolly manner said unto her Faire Shepherdesse whither go you why would you know answered Clarisel or how is she obliged to you that she should render you an account of her actions what is that to you good-man Cockscomb said another So much as I will knock his paâ—e answered Clarisel and make you know how to rule your tongue better wherupon he struck him that held Miralinda's bridle with his sist Ganâ—let and all so rudely on the head that his brains flew aboâ—â— and drawing out his Sword after he had thrown away his Launce that did but hinder him â—e began to charge the others with such valour that at the second blow he clove one down to the teeth whose death possessing those that remained more with fury then fear they let drive at him both at once and striking both on his Helmet made him knock his chin against his brest wherwith he was so enraged that grasping his sword fast in his hand he let iâ— fall on him that was next him with such horrible violence that he divided his body in twain to the great astonishment of Lindorenna and her husband who marvailed exceedingly at so sudden an execution which had been accompanied with the death of the fourth had he not by setting spurs to his Horse found safety in his flight Clarisel seeing no more enemies alive suddenly cast his eyes on his Shepherdesse and perceiving some tears on her cheeks blamed her for her unnecessary fear considering whâ—â— proofes he had formerly given her of his valour and so shortly after with the rest of the company they entred into a Bark and put themselves to Sea CHAP. XVII Clarisel narrowly escaping shipwrack lands in great Brittâ—in 〈◊〉 Florimond of Canabea combats a Gyant rescâ—er Claristea and marries her to Florimond CLarisel and his company being bound for the countie of Garaman sayled with a prosperous gale for two or three days at the end whereof the Sea that in nothing is more constant then in its â—nconstancie began so to rage with a contrary wind that the Vessel was carried sometimes as high as the clouds and by and by thrown down so low that they beheld mountains of water over their heads the Marriners who little regard dangers and that trust in their experience seeing such sudden and violentmotions bestirred themselves but unable to resist the fury of the storm they laboured in vain for the Sayls being rent to pieces the Tackle torn and the Mast broken over board all were out of hope of escaping ship wrack were they not speedily succoured by some particular grace from Heaven which was so deafe to the cryes of these poor wretches that it powred down such abundance of rain and hayl upon them and thundred and lightned so fearfully as every thing seemed to be the Image of a dreadfull and cruel death the horror of the danger augmenting by such prodigious accidents Miralinda more dead then alive was in her Shepherds arms that nothing moved with his own bewayled the casting away of so fair a creature Alas said he kissing her eyes what a losse will the world make of these two Suns and why should so divine a beauty perish with humane things O God! if my offences have begot this effect of thy displeasure let it fall but upon me and let not this Innocent which makes thee to be admired in the world suffer a death she hath not deserved Herewith beleeving that the Bark was sinking under water he took his Mistris in his arms either to escape or drown with her howbeit perceiving that the Sea grew calmer and that the wind drove them gently towards a Port he began to take heart again and comforting his Shepherdesse he led her up to the Deck a little after approaching to land he lept a shore with infinit content to see that which he loved so much no longer subject to the fury of a pittilesse Element the rest landing in like manner Clarisel caused his Horse and Arms to be brought him and beholding no habitation and the night at hand he made Lindorenna's Gentlewoman carry along some provisions and taking a little path entred into a Wood where it growing dark he and his train alighted and free from the fear of a troubled Sea fell to that which the Gentlewoman had provided with a very good appetite This little repast finished they layd them all down at the feet of a tree and began to 〈…〉 who 〈◊〉 with his passâ—â—◠〈…〉 fortuâ—â— wherein he continued not long for hearing the voyce of one lameâ—ting hearose and going softly to know who it was he câ—â—e to five or six trees planted in such sort that their branches 〈…〉 they made a little Cabinet from whence the â—ight and complaints that he heard procâ—â—ded Alas said a man for the tone of his voyce declared him to be so What lover was ever so unhappy as I and how just cause have I to complaine of my dâ—stiniâ— that forceth me to love an ingratefull Woman who is insensible of the 〈◊〉 she hath done me and that takes delight in my ruine my services are despised she laughs at my suffâ—rings and which is worse her retyrement leaves me no hope of ever seeing an end of my miseries but by death Ah cruell resolution why did it not prâ—cede the acquisiâ—ion she madeof my heart or stay till I was dead so should I now have beeâ— without 〈◊〉 or happy in my Grave but I must needs lose my freedome for 〈◊〉 end my dayes wretchedly and the
earnestnesse of affection that having bestowed certaine yeares therein he became so perfect an Artist as he surpassed all those that had travelled in those studies before him aswell as those that came after him yet was it not his purpose to make use thereof as many doe to the hurt or ruine of any but for the glory of Christendome which he so tooke to heart that all his actions had no other ayme but the preservation of those whose worth was able to mayntayne it at the due heigth as you may well judge by the sequele of this History Seeing then that Don Belianis a Prince as vertuous and valiant as could be named was somewhat enfeebled by the battell that he had fought before Constantinople with Perineo Soldan of Persia the most valiant of all the Pagans that then lived the Empresse of Almayne Claristea who might also bee termed the mirrour of Armes and Ariobarcan Emperour of Tartary he wrought so powerfully upon the mindes of that brave Pagan and of that valorous Lady as admiring the vertue of so gallant a man they determined to turne Christians and become his friends upon condition that the Persian should marry the Infanta of Greece named Sirenna which was accomplished presently after his Baptisme In which holy Sacrament he was accompanied with Salinterne without Farre his sonne and the bastard of Don Belianis Polistor of Nubia and Polistea de la Selva whom he had by the Queene of the Garamantes and had followed the Pagan colours before they knew Don Belianis for their Father This peace and this marriage cheered all Greece and particularly our Alcander who then thought it well and sufficiently supported But being continually carefull for the quiet of these Princes he had one day a curious desire to understand what good fortune was to attend their designes and life withdrawing therefore himselfe from all resort of company hee began to make his ordinary invocations and found onely by the motion and aspect of the starres that the house of Greece was to suffer a totall ruine and that these Princes were threatned with an eminent death The knowledge heereof did mightily afflict him but carrying a greater minde then to yeeld to this calamity hee made new conjurations the spirits were invoked and all the powers of Hell were summoned to appeare neverthelesse he saw nothing but signes of death and presages of misfortune Let the starres sayd hee bee froward let all the Divels in Hell conspire together to subvert the Empire of the Christians yet will I change their influences and overturne their designes For having sometimes restored life to those which breathed no more I may be permitted to preserve such as are yet in the world Thus speaking hee enfolded himselfe in a cloud and transported himselfe into the dangerous forrests of the great kingdom of Martan neere to the Empire of Mexico where long before he had built a Castle of wondrous workmanship But doubting that the charms which he had set upon it were not powerfull enough for the great purpose he had in hand hee emploied all his skill which surpassed that of all other men layd such strong enchantments upon three divisions of lodgings that hee had built in a triangular forme as those which should be inclosed therein should not grow old or bee impayred in any sort whatsoever yet not desiring that this his worke should last till the end of the world for hee well foresaw that the necessity of Christendome would one day oblige him to suffer it to be dissolved ordayned that the enchantment should be defeated by the valour of sixe the bravest Knights accompanied with as many the fayrest Ladyes of the world Thinking then that he had done enough hee presently transported himselfe to Constantinople and having talked a while in private with Don Belianis hee desired him to goe into his Chariot and with him his Sonne Belforan Fortiman of Greece his grandchilde Polistor of Nubia Polistea de la Selva Policentes sonne to Perineo Don Clarinell Don Astrides his sonne Perineo Furibond the brave Giant Salintern without feare Hermiliana the Amazon wife to Don Clarinel Florisbella wife to Don Belâ—anis the Princesse Belianisa wife to Belforan Sirenna wife to Perineo and the fayre Bergeline her daughter This done having touched the Griffons with a rod that he had in his hand they cut the ayre with incredible swiftnesse and carried him to the house which hee would have called by the name of the Castle of Treasure Where with some teares hee enclosed these Princes in one quarter of the Lodgings assuring them that they should bee enlarged after certayne ages and at such time as Christendome should have extreame need of their assistance These things being done his minde might wel have beene contented but the exceeding care that he had to effect his designes not suffering him to be quiet hee againe turned over his bookes And finding that before the time these Princes should be disinchanted certayne most excellent Knights should be borne which yet should not arrive to the perfection necessary for the putting an end to his enchantments hee resolved also to preserve them in the same Castle with the Emperour Don Belianis For which cause therefore as soone as the incomparable warriour the Knight of the Sun was borne he was infinitely carefull of his safety assisted him with his Arte without his privity and knowing that after certayne yeeres hee was threatned with a disastrous end by the practise of some traytors who should murther him one night in his bed he carried him also away as he had done Don Belianis and with him all the principall Knights of his Court who were to run no lesse hazard and placing them in the second division of the lodgings hee reserved them for that furious encounter wherein the glory of all Christendome or the ruine of the Pagans was to be disputed The names of those enchanted with him were his sonne Claridiano of the Spheare Rosiclere Claramant Poliphebo Don Eleno of Dacia Rosabell sonne to Rosiclere Clarabel bastard to Rosabel and Leobant his brother Besson Bramidor the brave Giant the Empresse Claridiana and the Princesse Olivia wife to Rosicleere Their life was pleasant and the contentment of Alcander infinite For as often as hee considered that Christendome should one day triumph over her enemies by his assistance he esteemed himselfe blessed to be so favoured by heaven and determining not to neglect such grace hee persevered in his good desire whence it came that after certayne ages were past being in the castle of Treasure he understood the lamentable losse which the Christians were to sustayne and the death of those great Monarchs Amadis of Gaule and of Greece with many others of their blood Which for the reasons before alledged being desirous to remedy hee transported himselfe the same night as that great battell was fought in the fields of the Soldan of Aleppo to the place where so many bodies lay extended gave an honourable sepulture to those
not without some trouble bear the little delay which she was forced to endure before she could be set aboord the ship into the which she was with her company no sooner entred but the Giants reassumed their former shapes which did so amaze them that with grief to find themselves so wofully abused they fell down more then half dead upon the deck Argenea seeing that which she so much desired in her power immediatly covered the ship with a cloud took her way back again with the same speed she had made thither and landed at the same port from whence she had weighed ancor not above five daies before But her house being ten leagues from thence she presently caused a Chariot to appear drawn by six horses of a monstrous greatnesse and having found by her last incantations she was threatned with a terrible mischief she willed her Giants to passe on and to bestow the Ladies in safe custody whilest she went to consult with a great Magician with whom she had formerly been very conversant to the end that by the help of his skill she might divert the storm which was ready to fall upon her yet all her devices were to no purpose for Alcander to whose knowledge all other mortall mens gave place having foreseen the mischievous intentions of this Hagg had first turned the Chariot somwhat out of the right way to make it come within the view of Spheramond to whom also he gave the same day those excellent arms by means wherof he escaped death which was otherwise inevitable being to fight with three or fowr of the most able Giants in the world all at one instant assembled all those Princes who had been separated from the Army into that one place being assured that Spheramond would at length be unable to resist so many Knights as were to combat him together These then were the Princesses which he saw passe by when overtaken with the night he was sleeping under the trees and the very same that were brought to the Castle of the twelve Towrs by the Giants when as those Princes sallied foorth to second the fair Savage who having met the Chariot followed the Giants to fight with them being mooved with pity at the lamentations of those Ladies But it is time to return to our former Discourse of Parmenian of Cyprus and Ladazan finding these Princesses under a tree who trembled with fear alighted from their horses and putting off their helmets that the Ladies might by seeing who they were be the better assured they kneeled down to kisse their hands but they were so amazed with the encounter of them as they were not able to speak a word which Parmenian observing to restore them to themselves he said I cannot but much wonder excellent Ladies to meet you in these uninhabited parts and so far remooved from your own Countries But you will be no lesse amazed when I tell you that the Emperour Spheramond is at the Castle which you see yonder accompanied with certain Princes of Greece who are merrier then the losse they have endured might seem to permit not knowing as yet of your being in these quarters Do not then I beseech you afflict your selves any further those that brought you hither are dead nor shall you find in that house any but such as were born to do you service At these words the Princesses recovered a little courage yet fearing such another treacherous trick as had been plaid them before they made but little shew of resenting that news and rested as it were in an extasie when Ladazan who marvailed at that coldnesse of theirs thus pursued his discourse Why how now Ladies are not these newes pleasing unto you and will you not return with us to glad the Emperour Verily this cariage of yours doth amaze me nor can I imagine from whence it should proceed since all feare of danger is past Let us go I beseech you without any more delay Well let us go said the Empresse Richarda who was somwhat the heartier of the three since you will have it so at the worst we can be but once more abused with that they advanced toward the Castle before the gate whereof stood Spheramond with Dorigell and the rest He at the first sight knowing them was strangely amazed at so unexpected an encounter O God! said he can I imagin or believe that my fair mistrisse is heer or can any man perswade me that I am not in a dream Tell me Madam am I in the Parthian Empire or is it possible that I should meet you in these desert plains which are not neer it by three hundred leagues Certainly I am so confounded and besides my self as I dare not embrace you fearing that you are heer through some enchantment I should have replied she my dear heart a great deal more cause to be astonished beholding you heer seeing it is not above six daies since you were with me in Parthia but you did so suddenly change your aspect that the pleasure of your sight was instantly followed with an infinit grief for not finding you any more like unto your self yet I do not now wonder any longer at it for by the way I learned that a Sorceres our enemy had plotted this treason against us anâ— that she had framed that enchantment for to surprise us She threatned me with death and to destroy with me the fruit that you left with me at your departure But since I see you heer with me I do no more fear her charms and care as little for her menaces speaking thus she gave him a million of kisses and did so hang upon his lips as he could hardly have leisure to answer the Infanta Rosaliana who came to entertain him and enquired for some news of her Husband I would said he gladly satisfie you if I knew how to do it with assurance but not being able to say any thing certainly I beseech you seek not to be informed but with as little curiosity as your love will permit In the mean time comfort your self in his absence and beleeve that heaven will not be so much an enemy to your quiet as not to render him unto you ere it be long with more content then ever you had These words were extreamly sensible unto her for she imagined that he was dead among so many other Princes and did therefore bewail him in her mind but unwilling to disturb her sisters contentment or make it appear that she distrusted the words of Spheramond she restrained her tears to return the salutes which she received from Silvan Dorigell and Amanio d' Astre who presented their service unto her having before tendred the same respect to the Empresse Richarda Some time then being spent amidst these complements the Empresse would needs visit the fair Savagesse who was in her bed with three wounds being much troubled that she could meet with no body that could dresse them But as they were consulting about finding out some Chyrurgion they
saw the little Doctor come in that had cured them the night before who commanding them all out applied such sovereign salves to her wounds as after eight howrs sleep she waked without any pain and as able to bear arms as ever she was in her life The wonder therof being no lesse then their content they passed on that night without any fear of Argenaes power But in the morning upon consultation they resolved that this place being in the midst of the enemies Countrey was with much diffiâ—ulty to be kept so that Spheramond determing to quit it returned towards his Empire accompanied with the beautuous Empresse his wife her sister and her maid as also with Parmenian Ladazan and thirty Christian Knights which would needs attend him the rest took such other waies as fortune pleased to guide them CHAP. VIII The arrivall of the Princes of Greece in their Countries and the conveying away of little Amadis of Trebisond FLorisell of Niquea being arrived at Constantinople Alastraxeree in Trebisond Don Rogel in Persiâ— Spheramond with the Empresse Richarda in the Empire of Parthia and the other Christian Princes in their severall Countreys tears of joy and grief were mingled together Sidonia with all kindnes welcommed her Husband and the Empresse of Persia shewed no lesse content for the return of hers But seeing that their Courts in former time so flourishing by the presence of such a number of excellent Princes now seemed forlorn by their deaths and the absence of so many Princesses as were partly deceased and partly carried away they were not able to master their sorrow howbeit time the common Physitian of miseries and the consolations they continually received from those brave Princes having somwhat sweetned the bitternes of their anguish they began to restrain their tears and asswage their grief seeing that necessity enforced them to so couragious a resolution When as fortune that was not yet weary of vexing them prepared them a new occasion of sorrow you have seen how the Empresse Niquea before she was enchanted in the Castle of Treasure was delivered of a yong son whom she called by his fathers name for that he much resembled him in face and that at his birth there appeared in the air certain signs which seemed to presage the excellency of that child It remains now to tell you what became of him after the transporting of his mother away The Chronicle of Alquif reports that in those daies lived a great Magician of the Pagan sect who though he came short of Alcanders perfection yet was master of many admirable secrets unknown to those of his profession This man named Dorion holding nothing in higher esteem then the propagation of his law took the same care for the preservation of the Pagans as our Alcander did for the welfare of Christendome so that one night bestowing himself in the invocation of his spirits he learned of them the birth of the little Amadis of Trebisond knew by his art that he would surpasse his father in valour and that he should one day be the second pillar of the Empire of the faithfull as also the subverter of Paganism This infinitely afflicted him and from thencefoorth he vowed his death protesting to employ all the secrets of his art rather then fail of his purpose But he continued not long in this mind for turning over his books to find by what means he might best bring his desire to passe he found that he whose destruction he sought should one day shed his bloud for to save him from an extream danger changing then his mischievous intention he became more carefull of his life then he had before been eager of his death yet having the love of his Religion deeply rooted in his heart and being unwilling for the respect of his own preservation to see the ruine of it he took a middle way between the fear of seeing the glory of the Pagans defaced and his desire to live This infant said he may one day indeed relieve me for the influence of the celestiall bodies are never fall but yet I will keep him from destroying those which professe the same law that I do I will therfore go and take him out of his mothers bosom bring him into these deserts where I reside draw out of him the service that he is predestined to do me and then will set such strong enchantments upon him as he shall never be seen by any man but my self Having thus spoken he inclosed himself in a cloud and went directly to Constantinople where the little Amadis was brought up As soon as he came there the Sun began to lose his light the daies brightnes was turned into darknes and from the cloud wherin he was such claps of thunder roareâ— foorth that every man feared to be grownd into powder Whilest all these wonders strook the world with astonishment Dorion descended entred the chamber of little Amadis who then was but three months old took him in his arms and in the presence of Florisel that with excessive grâ—ef saw him go out and was not able to hinder it returned into the midst of his cloud which immediatly rising up in the air carried him to the monstrous Island his own habitation where being setled he presently caused a woman to nurse him commanding her with his milk to infuse into him the directions of their Law so soon as she found him capable of any impression of it howbeit his design there sorted not to his desire For Alcander who was not able to hinder the carrying of him away for that the decrees of heaven are not to be crossed made him understand by certain secret impressions that one only God was by him to be worshipped When the cloud was gone the Sun resumed his former splendor and the air became as calm as before but with exceeding grief to Sidonio who seeing the new losse she had sustained so exceedingly renewed her sighes and tears that if Prince Florisell which was better able to undergo such crosses had not fallen again to his former reasons for to comfort her she would undoubtedly have buried her self with her grief Whilest the people lamented this misfortune Florisell to seek some diversion from these sorrows resolved to go on hunting and to that end departing out of the palace for to take horse a maid presented herself and kissing a paper which she had in her hand delivered it to him telling him withall that it came from the wise Vrganda with that word he trembled for not having heard of her since the losse of his friends he thought she had not been living but had accompanied them in death whom so faithfully she had served during their lives But this his perturbation being of no long continuance he opened the paper and therin read these words Vrganda to the Greek Princes SOvereign Princes If you had not learned by so many crosses as you have met withall in the World what men of coâ—rage ought to know I
gladly would I be so far obliged to your favour as to be pleased with my alliance which will not be of mean importance to you For the consideration of my self and my brothers will make you to be so redoubted that all your neighbours will tremble at the very rumour of your arms and from my self you shall still receive so many and so agreeable services that you shall never have cause to repent of affording me that honour This discourse did extreamly perplex Dardanor for the bad conditions of this Giant made us so to loath him as we resolved to run any hazard rather then yield my sister unto him whom by no means she could affect howbeit not to make him utterly despair he answered him that being a King who desired to do nothing but that which was good and just he could not absolutely determine of a matter of such consequence without the consent of my sister and his people and that therfore he would first propound the busines to the Counsell of his Estates and that in the mean time it would be fit for him to go and communicate the matter with his brothers to the end he might not render them his enemies by neglecting their authority Bracandor being heerby perswaded that all went according to his desire was easily carried to take his leave of us nothing dreaming of the Kings secret intentions who not to lose time did presently after his departure send foorth commissions for the raising of soldiers fortified his ports and frontier Towns and with all diligence prepared himself for a war Our Amoroso being heerof advertised was extreamly amazed and instantly perceived to what end the King had perswaded him to remove which did so inrage him that he vowed to die or be revenged of us all But seeing the carefull order that Dardanor had taken thorowout his Kingdome and that it would be impossible for him to bring his designs to passe he made as if he had quite forgotten Alixea so as he suffered six months to passe without declaring himself any way sensible of my husbands proceeding with him who in the mean while not thinking any more of him determined about twelve daies since to go a progresse to all the good Towns in his â—â—ngdome and taking his journey with the Princesse my sister and my self under the guard of two hundred Knights he visited some places of most importance and finding upon his way a very plâ—asing forrest he resolved to spend some daies in hunting in it This while Bracandor was not sleeping for being advertised by some which he intertained in our Court of all these passages as you know that palaces are never unfurnished of such traitors he came thither accompanied with his brothers where finding us attended only by thirty Knights of our guard they put us into this Chariot and after they had massacred our people hurrying us away they threatned us with no lesse then ravishment and death Some of our servants that had escaped from the fury of their swords having given notice of our misfortune to the King he presently drew together as many of his Knights as possibly he might and following us with all diligence he overtook us to his certain ruine without the happy assistance which you Sir so luckily brought him See heer my Lord the true narration of our disaster which I conclude with a protestation that I shall never be sparing of any thing in my power whatsoever your service shall command in since you have hazarded your life so nobly for my preservation While Clairangia was thus discoursing to him Fulgoran who never had beheld such beauty before observed her with a strange and unusuall motion and in his heart said thus to himself Good gods how blessed a man is Dardanor to be possest of a creature so full of perfections and how much to my prejudice am I to fear the incountring and seeing of her at this time I cannot chuse but love her though she be dedicated to the contentment of another and spite of my teeth I must yeeld to the impulsions of that proud deity which triumphs over all men Mighty Love do not I beseech thee refuse me thy aid and since it is thy pleasure to be acknowledged by me grant that the heart of this Lady may prove as pliant as the glances of her eies are pleasing I will then with a liberall hand present sacrifice to thy altars and proclaim to all the world that thou art of more power then all the gods that we adore On the other side Clairangia finding him wonderfully agreeable to her did insensibly passe from a due acknowledgement of his assistance to an heigth of liking him being unable with all her modesty to keep her self from dearly loving him and wishing that she might in that manes possesse him as she might one day receive the contentments which Love doth give us in the fruition of our desires Neverthelesse not being willing to leave a bad impression in him of her weaknesse she concealed her mind and kept him well enough from discerning her affection Thus shortning the length of the way with the sweet entertainment of their thoughts they arrived at a village where the King had a mind to rest and cause his wounds to be carefully looked unto But having intelligence that some kinsmen of the Giants had a design to surprize him in that place and so to be revenged on him he presently dislodged being much troubled that he had no more of his people about him to assist him if the enemy should charge him but he was quickly freed of that care by the comming in of the Knights that he had left in the forrest who incountred him on the way an howr after much rejoicing to find him alive whom they had given for dead as soon as they heard he was gone to set upon the Giants When he saw them he commanded his tent to be pitched that he might repose himself being then out of all fear of danger since he had in his company the burning Knight to whom he did all the honour that possibly he could devise The night past sweetly away with every one but these two hearts so lately wounded for fixing their imaginations she upon the consideration of what she ought to her honour he upon the fear of not being intertained with favour and the danger that his enterprise might draw upon him they were both of them kept waking till day amidst the perplexity of a world of thoughts but if they were tormented that night the next was so them much more full of torture For their conversing familiarly together all that day having added no little fuell to their fire made them feel their desires much more violent and so rendred their pains more insupportable Shamefastnesse sealed up the lips of Clairangia and a due respect brideled Fulgoran but remembring that lovers are commonly fortunate when they are adventrous he desired to trie whether boldnesse would acquire him that which his faintnesse
this mischance but either to be forcibly bereâ—â— of that which we ought to hold most dear or to bee reduced into the misery of a long captivity Wherfore said she to her attendants prepare your selves to fight and shew in what esteem you hold my safety Reward shall wait on the valiant and punishment on those that are cowards and that prefer their lives before their honors At these words every one made him ready to do his duty but the Giant making no account of this troop first of all addrest himself to the Coachman whose brains he presently knockt out with a blow of his armed fist then drawing out his Cymitar the first that presented himself to him had his head cloven in sunder after that falling in amongst the rest he dealt his blows in such maner as from one he cut off an head from another an arm cleft a third down to the middle so that within lesse then half an howr he had laid fowrteen at his feet and amongst them the Count of Clina so far from himself as he remembred not that he was in the world The six that survived hoping for no better entertainment then their companions had received fled into the wood leaving their Queen a prisoner when as two Giants by much far greater then the first came to the place where this fight had been one of the which having beheld the excellent beauty of Clairangia was so far in love wiâ—â— her as he resolved either to die or make her his own Wherfore adâ—ressing himself to the Conquerour who was going to play the Coachman and had the whip already in his hand he said Do not think Knight that a treasure of such value as you think to have is to be purchased with so little labour you have in your opinion made it yours by the slaughter of these men the defeature of whom can give you no true glory but if you mean to possesse it without doubt of a competitor it is my death that must give you assurance therfore you must resolve to fight for it with me or acknowledging your self unworthy of such a happinesse give over any further claim to it and suffer me to carry it whither I please The advantage you have answered he of a second makes you speak with so much arrogance for if you were alone you would rather think of defending your self then offer to brave a man of my fashion howsoever do not perswade your self that I will so easily yield you the fruit of my labours neither hope to be the conducter of these Ladies to whom I have so just a title for I intend not to make way to you for it but upon very strict conditions At these words enraged like two Bulls that were ready to fight for an heyfer they at one instant discharged two such heavy blows each upon the other as they both staggered ready to fall had not the shame of being overcome in the presence of her whom they loved transported them This beginning but incensing them the more they laid upon one another with such fury as by the noise they made one would have thought there had been fifty Knight together by the ears If the one gave a blow the other was not asleep In In brief they were so eager that their bloud running down on every side did nothing at all a bate their courage He that came first not enduring to be disputed with about a thing he had gotten struck so furious a blow upon his enemies shield that having divided it in two the sword descended upon his casque which it entred giving him a slight wound in the head but well offered was as well returned he being paid at the same instant with so rude a thrust that pierced through his armour a good way into the flesh which put him into such a rage as grinding his teeth he took his Cymitar in both his hands and gave his enemy so horrible a blow upon the head that without doubt he had determined the combat if he had made it home Neverthelesse it served not only to give him a slash in the face but the point passing on with an incredible violence opened his cuirace and wounded him dangerously in his breast This blow somwhat amazing the other who yet had not drawn his sword but was with the Ladies intreating them not to be troubled with their meeting them caused him to lay hand on his Curtelax wherwith very rudely he intertained his enemy who little caring for this assistance redoubled his strokes with more fury then before In the mean time Clairangia was more liker a dead then a living woman for well perceiving that which side soever fortune should favour her danger was inevitable she afflicted her self in such extremity as would have moved any the most insensible heart to have pitied her but her sorrow lasted not long for a while after she perceived the brave Knight ardant come galloping in who seeing so many dead bodies scattered on the ground his Lady all drenched in tears and stretching out her hands as imploring his aid he became so enraged that drawing forth his sword he let it fall with such force upon the head of the last Giant that he clove him to the teeth overthrowing him dead to the earth This brave blow having reinforced his courage he made so smart a thrust at the breast of his companion as meeting just with the wound which the first Giant had given him there the point of his sword came out at his back together with his life and that little bloud he had lest howbeit not contented to see himself delivered from those two he turned him to the first comer for to serve him with the same sawce but he retiring a little back said unto him I cannot worthy Knight with reason imploy my arms against you for having given me my life which was undoubtedly far engaged by the force of these two Knights whom you have slain it were base in me to defend it against you and in you a cruelty to deprive me of it after you have so generously preserved it if you have any interest in this fair Lady I will no longer pretend to any part in her but will rest conteâ—nted with the honour of your service Fulgoran admiring the humility of this Giant for he could not doubt his courage having before his eies such apparant proofs of his valour let down his sword which was advanced to strike him and very gently answered I did not look Sir to be vanquisht by your curtesie as I doubted to have been by your arms wherwith having made two of the terriblest Giants in the World to tremble I might very well fear a bad successe of our combat But since you will have this glory over me I willingly grant it you and shall be well contâ—nted to accept of this obligation in hope one day to find a means to requite it let us then I pray you be friends since you will have it
mind and all his actions being full of jollity made men judge that joy was more predominant in his heart then fadnes so that every man wondered at this strange alteration in him The Count of Clina observing him more narrowly then the rest because he had a particular design upon him soon discovered the secret and was confident seeing the Queen so often to eye him that the metamorphosis proceeded from some speciall familiarity that was between them which made him infinitely discontented For being somewhat in love with the Queen wherof nevertheles he never durst make any shew it madded him to see another more happy then himself What said he all enraged shall a stranger gather the roses whilest I feel the prick of the thorns It is unreasonable I must at leastwise have a share in her favours since I cannot wholly possesse them and she cannot refuse me that seeing she gives her self to another but say she should be so vain as to slight my affection I have the means to be revenged of her and make her fâ—el the effects of an incensâ—d spirit Being carried then by this heady resolution he went directly to the Quâ—ens Chamber where by chance she was alone and with a low reverence said unto her I am come Madam to put my life into your hands and to acquaint you wtth a secret which I scarse dare trust my self withall I am over-rash it is true but who would not be so when so great a reward is proposed I love you Madam and the consideration of your greatnes or my duty could ever divert me from it though in so doing I have as it were foreseen my ruine but who would be loth to die for so excellent a cause No I will fear no punishments that it may appear I am not insensible of the force of your beauty my sighes do testifie rather your power then my insolence and from my passion can nothing redound but your glory Consider me Madam I beseech you as this great light of the world beholds all creatures and remember that the least and meanest of them is as much obliged to him as the mightiest Monarks The Gods that have made you so fair for the contentment of a King have never forbidden you the conferring of a like grace on such as have not scepters but yet many vertues so that it lies in your power to make one happy think me then worthy of that favour and let my vow of an eternall fidelity give me a place in your good opinion I will never passe by the respect that I ow to your greatnes and the humility of my services shall so content you that you shall more esteem the possessing of me then regard the satisfaction of another though greater yet lesse vertuous then I. So kneeling down before her as if he would have demanded some further grace he attended not the answer which he hoped for but that which in all reason he was to fear What â—n insolence said the offended Princesse is this And how shall I ever endure to look on thee again after so enormous a crime Get thee gone wicked man and do not force me to shew thee how much I am displeaâ—â—â— my cariage I am sure could never put this boldnesse into thee and thy duty should have restrained this affrontednesse If you must needs have passion let it be for one of your own rank they that resemble me cannot behold such as you are but with contempt howbeit I will excuse the love which you say forceth you in this sort provided my gentlenes do not puffe you up and that I may see you reduced within the tearms of your duty I shall then forget your folly and forbearing to question you for it will say that you have erred after the ordinary custome of other men withdraw your self then with this testimony of my clemency and never abuse my patience again if you mean not to feel the punishments which use to be inflicted on those that remember not their own condition With these words shutting her self into her cabinet she left him mightily grieved to see himself despised which he resolved either to revenge or lose his life Retiring therefore to his lodging he began to plot the villany wherwith I will acquaint you in the Chapter following CHAP. XI Clairangia and Fulgâ—ran are betraid by the Count of Clina The Queen iâ— imprisoned Fulgâ—rans adventures after he had left Celibana THE Count of Clina's spite being greater then his love he went away full of infinit discontent I am said he all transported with choler slighted for a stranger and my boldnes in discovering my self is threatned with punishment but I will make it appear that I am sensible of affronts The Queen abusing the easines of the King doth give her self over to the Knight ardant and refusing to let me share in her caresses gives me just cause to resent it and discover this secret I will do it then but with so much safety for my self that without any hazard I will tast the pleasure of a sweet revenge I will accuse these adulterers and putting them in the Kings hand will not give this Knight leisure who trusts in his valor to make use of his courage his arms for the Law doth not allow any man the combat in his own quarrell And if the remembrance which the King owes to his precedent services or the respect of the Queen do draw him to dispense with the Law and permit him to combat himself I will confront him with the redoubtable brothers of the two Giants that he last slew who will be right glad to meet such an occasion to be revenged of their enemy They are three and able alone to defeat a whole army I do therefore perswade my self that he will not stand long before them what companion soever he gets to assist him His choler then keeping him from considering how dangerous the issue of his enterprise might be he instantly sent a messenger to Bracandors three brothers giving them notice of his design wherewith they were so pleased as without further delay they came presently to meet him in the wood where their conspiracy being contrived and agreed upon the Count returned to the Castle to write a letter to the King the tenor wherof was as followeth The Count of Clina's Letter to King Dardanor SIR It much grieves me that in performing the office of a good subject I must give you occasion to afflict your self but since I cannot fail in this duty without being a traitor I have resolved to passe by all considerations whatsoever rather then have that spot stuck upon me The Knight Ardant whom you have so graced beyond his merits not being so sensible aâ— he should be of your favours changes the respect which he owes you into ingratitude and forgetting how much he stands indebted to your goodnesse hath ingaged the Queen to love him with all the most agreeable services he is able to do her which have
seemed furies in summe nothing appeared but bloud and slaughter The King of Calican meeting with Alastraxerea and Fulgoran with Florizell began a furious combat but it lasted not long for they were divided by a troop of Pagans which invironing this valiant Prince and his sister reduced them into very great danger of their lives had not Spheramond and the gallant Amanio d'Astre come in just at the time when as their horses were killed under them these two Princes knowing Florizell and his sister slew in suddenly amidst their enemies and so wonderfully behaved themselves as they gave their friends leave to breathe a while howbeit their succour had little prevailed against so great a multitude amongst the which were three Giants if the brave Russian of Media together with the five white Knights had not put himself in the head of fifty Knights wherewith he charged the enemy so furiously that after they had slain above two hundred of them even before Fulgorans face they re-mounted Florizell and the valorous Alastraxerea who renewing the fight with more rage then before seemed not be wearied at all with their former toil Whilst matters past thus in this part Don Rogell with Esquilan Florerian Dardanio Quedragant and Florizart arrested the fury of the Cariffes Giants and Florimond whereby their people were so heartened as they were no whit dismayed with the sight of so many corpes as lay dead before them The slaughter having continued all the day with the Combattants incredible pain the night came on which parted them without knowing unto whom fortune was most favourable the Pagans retired to their Camp and the Christians to their tents not a little glad to see the principall Knights preserved from the fury of this best debated battell that ever was fought The number of the dead being calculated on both sides it was found that the Pagans had lost ninety two thousand men with seven Giants and the Princes Bruzanges Florimond and the Cariffe sore wounded the Christians for their part having fifty seven thousand men slain Florizell and Alastraxerea both hurt the one in the shoulder the other in the arm The retreat thus made the Christian Princes after they had caressed the new Knights which were Florian and Tristor of Sobradiza Agrian of Scotland Fulurtin and Melfort met in counsell about their affairs where every one agreeing to Don Rogells advice who perswaded the renewing of the fight by break of day to let the enemy see that neither losse nor labour could affright them word was brought that an Ambassadour was come from the Knight Ardant Let him said Don Rogell come in his presence will not scare us The Ambassadour then being admitted spake to them all in this manner Princes of Greece the King of Canabea beleeving that you have need of rest as well as himself and that you will be as willing to do all fair offices to those which have lost their lives on your side as well as he would be to such as died on his he hath sent me hither to require a trâ—ce for eight dayes to the end every man may bestow 〈…〉 upon his friends that time expired he will let you understand the designe he hath resolved on for to give an end to this war Don Rogell that was chiâ—â—e in the counsell by reason of the absence of Florizel of Niquea his father who was retired into the citie by reason of his hurt would have had the advice of the other Princes upon this demand but they all protesting to be wholly gâ—ided by him he thus answered the Embassadour We had resolved before your comming to have seen to morrow morning what the issue of our warre would have been and to that end had commanded our men to be ready by break of day but now we will let your master know that the Princes of Greece will never be wanting in courtesie no more then in courage The truce then which in his name you require we are content to grant you and will be glad to understand what his designe is that we may contribute thereunto all that is necessarie on our part This answer being returned to Fulgoran very much contented his army and the Christians retired into their tents to refresh themselves at leasure CHAP. XXI Vpon the point of a combat between Fulgoran the Cariffe Florimond and the unknown Knight with Spheramond Amanio d'Astre Russian and Esquilan two Damsels interrupting them carried them away THe field being cleared of the dead bodies Fulgoran who had no greater desire then to be victor in that war incessantly studied how to bring that to passe one while he was inclined to put his army once more to the hazzard of a battle but straight remembring the horrible slaughter which had been made of his men he had compassion of so many innocent people and desired to triumph with lesse effusion of bloud but not knowing which way to iattain thereunto he passed the most part of his time in these meditations without drawing any resolution out of an infinity of thoughts At the last returning one day from the forrest where he often used to walk with a determination to raise his siege and afterwards to dispute by a combat of two to two not the Empire which now he durst not hope for but the glory of the victory he heard the voyce of one that complained wherewith his heart being moved to pitty he suddenly turned his horse that way and approaching to certain trees which Nature had set very close together he saw thorow the branches a Knight laid upon the grasse armed at all peeces except his handâ— and head his eyes were full of tears his face pale yet did not that hinder him from appearing very handsome The sadnesse of this object not leaving him without resenting the griefe which he saw him endure moved him to alight for to present his best assistance unto him when as he saw him rise from the ground and take a Lute that hung upon the boughes of one of the trees whereunto he sung a very mournfull ditty which being ended he returned his Lute to the former place and throwing himselfe upon the grasse he said Is it possible to finde a more unhappy man then my selfe in the world and who can say that I am not the worst required of any that ever sighed for love Hope mitigates the torments of lovers and if they suffer it is with a certain opinion that time will change their misfortune and that patience will render the end of their desires happy but alas my misery is not of that quality I languish without possibility of hope and the death of Arthemisa deprives me of all the blisse that man can expect I love her as much in the grave as when she lived and foolishly imagining that she will one day revive to set me at rest I cannot resolve to entertain any affection for another Mistresse Good Gods is not my destiny very deplorable herein Have I not cause to complain
of my hard fortune And is it not with reason that I hold my selfe the most wretched creature breathing Yes doubtlesse I may well blame mine own weaknesse and accuse you of injustice you ought to force this humour that renders me repugnant to my selfe work miracles on me not permit me to be obstinate in mine owne ruine or restore me that which you unjustly detain from me But I wrongfully complain of you it is Death to whom I should addresse these reproaches she hath ravished my treasure and left me nothing but the remembrance of my Arthemisa she she it is that is capable of my sorrow of my tears and sighs It is through her that fury overcomes my reason briefly she alone is the cause of my uâ—doing This speech ending with an alas he remained a good while silent leaving Fâ—gâ—ran extreamly grieved to see a Knight of so brave a presence reduced to such extremity howbeit his silence lasted not long Fairest Arthemisa continued he what tears have you cost me you have but one tomb one sepulchre and my griefe prepares for me every day an infinity you partake of the glory of the Gods I am amongst the miseries oâ— the world you are happy in your death and I unhappy in my life what inequality do we now suffer that have heretofore been so comfortable in all things You are in pleasure I am in pain I sigh you are contented verily I am much amazâ—d at this change and cannot comprehend how we should live so at this present whereas our love would not permit us to do so in times past It is true O Arthemisa that I should be much amazed at it if I did not call to minde your merit which doubtlesse hath with reason acquired all these advantages wherefore I ought not to envie your glory but contrarily rejoyce to see you with the Gods and to offer the same sacrifices to you as we do daily to them which this Desart place will not suffer me to do neverthelesse I will at the least offer something untill such time as my valour may lay the bravest Knights of the earth upon your tomb Saying so he rose up brake the branches of the neerest trees which hee piled one upon another and falling down on his knees he was again going to complain anew had not Fulgoran grieving to see him lose himselfe in that manner advanced towards him just at the instant Knight said he unto him I wish that you could so relish my speech as it might bring you that consolation which is necessary for your griefe and then you would see how great a fault you commit to love an insensible thing and that complaints are not fit for you you may well retain the memory of a beauty that you have so long adored but to fancie to your selfe a returning of it for your satisfaction is that which with reason should never enter into your thoughts and besides do not beleeve that it is a glory to you to be thus opinionate in your passion not that it can purchase to you the reputation of a perfect lover the way to merit that commendation lies in those things where our judgement doth not erre and you shall never meet with any that will approve of this course of yours and that will not freely tell you how it is a kinde of madnesse Follow the first motions of your reason let it not be lost in your afflâ—ction and re-entring into the exercise of Arms divert your sorrows by the undertaking of generous enterprises Now it may be your passion will not brook the liberty of this discourse but if I fail therein it is out of the compassion which I have of your sufferings so that if you have any power yet left over your self you will embrace my counsel and go along with me to refresh you in my tents where I shall endevour to free you from these fancies Verily answered he somewhat coldly were my sorrow lesse I should willingly make use of your offer but what should I do in the world since I am too well assured that I shall never meet Arthemisa there Sir I should see nothing that could please me all objects would renew my grief and the advertisements you speak of would be torments to me when I should consider that I did not carry arms for the service of my Mistrisse you say that I should have a better heart after this losse but alas it too neerly concerns my life nor may I without basenesse resolve to live more contentedly then now you see me howbeit were I able to do you any service in recompence of your courtesie I would follow you and let you one day see that I am not insensible of a benefit But what can you hope from the weaknesse of these arms which an extream sorrow hath deprived of all vigour Truly nothing and your good will would be unprofitably imployed wherefore be pleased to leave me heer in a continuall martyrdome and goe you away with the glory of having exceedingly obliged me though I entertain not your assistance Fulgoran that attentively observed him during this discourse which seemed not to proceed from a man besides himselfe seeing him of a very goodly presence was more desiroâ—â— then before â—o prevent the mischief that menaced him so as persisting in his perswasions he laid so many reasons before him that at length he promised not to afflict himselfe so excessively but with patience to attend how the Gods would dispose of his life This brave resolution was so pleasing to our Pagan as embracing him he protested to love him eternally and making him get on horseback they together â—ode on towards his tents but whilst they were upon the way Fulgoran observed his carriage and seeing how gallantly he sate his horse he could not forbeâ—re saying thus unto him Truly it would be a great losse to see â— man of your parts passe the best of his dayes in Desarts not do I little oblige the world by restoring so brave a knight unto it your behaviour contents me much and makes me desire to know you better then yet I do you shall then if you please do me the favour to tell me more particularly who you are It is answered he that which at this present I cannot do without breaking an oath I have made but not to be so ingrateful as to refuse you the information of what I may lawfully relate I will tell you that I am every where called the Vnknowen a name indeed that very well befits me who have not given men occasion to speake of mee and that having a long tiâ—e travelâ—ed thorow the world for the execution of enterprises that may crown with glory Knights erranâ— I arrived some months since in the land of Moâ—cassiâ— which was then all covered over with the forces of enemies My first encounter was a very lovely maid who not without confidence presented her selfe before me and that in so gracefull a manner as begat in me an extream
Princesse freed by the hand of some one of those which render your Court the most glorious and the most redoubted in the world But if it be your pleasure that the triall of this adventure shall be made in your presence then I humbly desire that you will permit that I may obtain a Boon of your Knights which notwithstanding shall not oblige any but him that shall undo this inchantment That shall not hinder you said Florisell from finding that contentment heer you desire and with all my heart I wish that this fair Princesse may in this place meet with an ease of all her pains to the furtherance wherof I promise you in the name of all mine that you shall not be denied your request so as it be in our power to perform Hereupon all those Knights who desired nothing but occasions of winning honor were to arm themselves for to begin the triall The first that presented himselfe was the gentile Perion of Turkie who knocking at the Marble gate with his sword they saw a Knight come forth all armed not so great as most Giants but much exceeding the stature of most men that setting hand to a rich sword advanced his shield against the fury of a blow which Perion delivered at his head and at the same instant charging him made him perceive that his valour was extream so that the combat began to be both dangerous and delightfull for if the one shewed a rare agility in avoiding his adversaries blows the other demonstrated an excessive force Having battered one another then above an hour in that fashion Perion determined to see the game upon a cast and with his sword in both hands to lay upon his enemies helmet but he was prevented for the Giant having discharged an horrible blow on his head laid him all along upon the floor and was going to return into his prison when as Florian of Sopradisa advanced who to be short had no better fortune no more had Tristor Florestan Quedragant and all these new Knights which were all served in the same manner after they had stood a fight more or lesse according to the proportion of their strengths The valiant Esquilon of Polonia would needs succed his companions in their misfortunes but not till after two hours fight and with some hope of the assistants that he would carry away the honour of the adventure His fall having possessed the gallant Russian with more choller then fear he drew to Fulgoson with his sword drawn whereupon they began to charge one another with such mighty blows that the room shook under them pieces of armour flew about their shields were hewen in pieces and the pavement sprinkled with bloud testified the valour of the combatants who bravely disputing for their lives and the victory made all the spectators amazed at it especially the Greek Princes who judging Russians manner of fight both more furious and more pleasing then any of the former exceedingly desired to know him Three howrs being past away since the beginning of the combat Russian grew inraged and chusing rather to die then not to overcome in the presence of so many excellent Princes he delivered a full blow upon the Giant with such violence that it divided his body in twain to the infinite contentment of the Gentlewoman and of the fair Infanta Agriclea who instantly recovering her spirits and a great clap of thunder breaking forth just as Fulgoson fell the Pyramid was found in a thousand pieces and Agriclea in the arms of her woman who comming to Russian Brave warrior said she to him you have this day gained so much honour as we will speak eternally of your valour but you know withall to what your word doth oblige you I do said he ravished with the singular beauty of Agriclea I know that I am ingaged to you for a boon and am ready to grant it presently The time for it said she is not yet come but you shall if you please one day make good your promise either at my intreaty or at the command of this Princesse with that a new clap of thunder being heard they saw Agriclea and her woman together with the body of the Giant and the fragments of the Pyramid taken away in a cloud nothing remaining of them in the room but the bloud that Fulgoson shed upon the last blow he received In which as it had been in a table of brasse or marble were written these words Russian of Media the son of Rogell of Greece and of the fair Queen Grianda O me said Spheramond who had noted the Gentlewomans discourse and therefore was come to look upon that bloud imagining that it was not left there without some mysterie What a wonder is this And by what a strange adventure are we acquainted with a secret of such importance Come hither brother said he offering to embrace Russian and give me the first caresses that are due to our neernesse in bloud you can no longer conceal your self for your descent is written here and my Lord my Father hath just cause to rejoyce to see one of his race with so much good fortune Russian thus suddenly surprised kneeled down before his father and kissing his hands confessed that he had determined not to reveal that he was his son supposing that his valour had not as yet rendered him worthy of that glory but since the heavens had thus discovered him he thought himself most happy in this adventure and would endeavour to honour the name that he carried I should never have done if I should go about to particularize the caresses which Russian received from Florisel from those Princes his kinsmen from the Queens of Guindaya France and Lydia and from all the Court wherefore I will not stand upon it but following my discourse will tell you that Russian was not more contented with the honour which he had gained in this adventure and with the notice that his kindred had taken of him then he was grieved for the departure of Agriclea whose incomparable beauty had made a deep impression in his heart but hoping that time would furnish him with occasions to see her again he comforted himself as well as he might and laboured to finde out reasons to quiet his minde CHAP. XXVII The Princes of Greece consult of the war the mustering of Fulgorans and Prigmaleons armies a Damsell carries Russian of Media from Constantinople WIse men forestall the time and their prudent foresight doth often times free them from dangers Our Princes more intentive to what concerned them in honour then to continue their pleasures assembled one day together and calling to minde Fulgorans and Prigmaleons threats they consulted of the means they had to oppose the violence of their forces Our Empires said Florisel as the principall person in that counsell are not unfurnished of good souldiers we have a number of brave Princes still alive and our Courts are full of gallant Knights wherefore we have no great cause to be
desires then not permitting him to think of his return he expected the issue of the businesse when as Fulgoran who amidst his excesse of joy could not forget him turning most kindly to him thus spake My worthy Lord and Companion I am extreamly afraid that the knowledge of my parents obliging me to be baptised wil make me lose the honour of your love and cause you to hate me as much as ever you affected me That is a thing answered Prigmaleon which you are not to doubt for your vertue onely having given birth to our friendship I cannot beleeve it can be so easily broken by any difference of religion on the contrary I think it good reason that you imitate your parents and that it is just in you to testifie the content you take in knowing them for these being the prime Princes in the world no man can descend from them without glory we have troubled them very much and our arms have caused great disorder in their States but we may amend that fault you shall serve them out of duty as I will out of affection for from henceforth I vow to hold a firm peace with them if they be pleased with it and am very willing to be their friend provided they judge me worthy of that favour Now on my soul said Fulgoran embracing him again this is that which most I could wish for in the world and your freenesse so obligeth me that not to be ingratefull I most heartily offer you all that lies in my power but come and let us go to these my Lords who for that they know you not have not rendered you that which your birth and valour deserve Repairing to Don Florisel he briefly acquainted him with the quality of Prigmaleon whereupon Florisel excusing himself on his ignorance caressed him in such manner as he held himself much indebted to his câ—â—tesie These ceremonies having lasted a good while the Princes would needs look into the inchanted Fountain and wondered at the secrets which it revealed to them but he that seemed to receive most satisfaction from it was Prigmaleon for seeing in it the fair Polixena with a smiling and cheerfulnesse countenance he conceived that his affection would not be paid with ingratitude and that this fair one had already harboured a good opinion of him which so delighted him that going with Florisel who would needs give him the upper hand to the palace where he was magnificently entertained he continued in all the contentment that might be desired till it was bed time when as he was by the greatest part of the young Knights conducted to a chamber that was prepared for him CHAP. XXXVI The Pagan Kings understanding that Prigmaleon and Fulgoran were become friends to the Greek Princes conspire to massacre their troops they are prevented and their Army defeated FVlgoran and Prigmaleon not suffering themselves to be so transported with pleasure the one by seeing his kinred of a quality so eminent and the other with those delights which his new fancies begat in him as not to think of that so much concerned them they arose early in the morning and with the approbation of the Greek Princes returned to their quarter where when they had called together all the principall Commanders of the Army Fulgoran began this discourse to them There is not My Lords any one heer so little experienced in affairs as by the revolution of things in the world hath not learned that often times our wills and our desires do not depend upon our selves and that the heavens and fortune have reserved a power to dispose of them either for our good or for a chastisement of our offences It is not long since that intending to arm for the glory of our Altars and to gain my self a reputation in the world I laboured to procure your assistance with a purpose that you should share with me in the honour as well as in the labour of my enterprise but now you see me heer with other inclinations my speech no longer demands bloud and revenge nor my heart wishes for the ruine of this Empire and lesse for the destruction of the Princes of Greece this makes you wonder and by your faces I see that you would willingly know from whence this change doth proceed My Lords it is most reasonable that I reveal it to you and that I now deliver you the cause of my amity as well as heertofore I did that of my hate Yesterday the Prince of Aethiopia and my self carried with a strong desire to see the rarities of a Fountain which the day before passed thorow our Army required that we might be admitted to the triall thereof which our enemies who are full of curtefie and truly generous freely granted not desiring to know us or otherwise to be informed of our condition so that we entered into Constantinople where in few words to come to the point we began a very dangerous combat with the Knight of the Fountain which having lasted eight howrs was ended by the greatest wonder in the world My sword flying in pieces by the violence of a blow which I gave my adversary on the helmet which also therewith fel from his head leaving him discovered I presently laid hold on a sword that hung upon the Arch and my enemy seeing himself without a head-peece took one that was fastened to the other Arch so being furnished with new arms we were about to renew our fight with more fury then before when as a clap of thunder laid us both on the ground deprived of all sense and with us the other two that then were still â—ighting together whereof one was the valiant Prince of Aethiopia heer present a thick mist so covering us for a while as none that were present could discern us but ere long we were seen all four without our helmets and these arms which I now have on me did in an instant re-assume their former colour whereat I confesse I was exceedingly amazed for not knowing how our combat ended I beleeved I was a prisoner but beholding certain Magicians whom I have long time known come toward me I was somewhat better assured and saluting them intreated them to tell me at what rate I should be quit for the folly I had committed in so rashly abandoning our trenches Oh how happy a fault said an old Wise-man to me is this you have done for you shall presently see the benefit that will arise to you out of it Requiring me then to deliver him this sword that you see heer laying his hand upon the hilt he shewed me these words which you also if you please may read upon the blade Fulgoran son of Regel of Greece and of Florella Queen of Canabea Seeing such good evidence of my extraction which may also be confirmed by the Prince Bruzinges heer my uncle and having consulted with the water of the Fountain that fains not remembring withall the words that a great Magician and my friend had spoken
willingly permit any to talk to them of love for fear of being deceived and infortunate by trusting the oaths of a lover of three daies standing If I receive a command to looke on you with these conditions you have merrit enough in you of power to make me willing to obey it otherwise doe not expect any kinder language from me In the meane time live with lesse disquiet and out of this my answer extract reasons to procure your ease Therewith she passed on leaving him much perplexed for he found both bitter and sweet equally mixed in her words and durst not hope without fear Neverthelesse being somwhat pleased that he had revealed his thoughts he retired quietly to his chamber and remembring that townes doe ordinarily endure the first assault that yet will afterwards yeeld to a persisting beleager he tooke paper and in it wrote these lines Prigmaleons Letter to Polixena THink it not strange if I shew more love then obedience I am brought to that extremity that all considerations in the world must give way to the violence of my suffering I write this because you have forbidden me to speak to you and do crave the same pitty of you which you would wish for if you were in the pain you have seen me If you judge rightly of my passion you will not be offended at this request Honour doth guide it nor do I desire any felicity but according to the ordinance of heaven that may legitimate it Let not your refusall then make me desperate but permitting me from hence forward to call my selfe your Knight give me leave to expect the return of those upon whom you so absolutely depend This Letter written and sealed he committed to the fidelity of a Dwarf who certainly had a greater spirit then a body and that could so well chuse his time as the next morning he found Polixena in her chamber unto whom kneeling down he said If it were fit for me Madam to relate to you what one of the most completest Princes of the earth doth suffer for you I would recount to you his sighes his griefs his transports and his disquiets and letting you know the miserable estate whereinto despair hath reduced him since you forbad him to complain to you I should perhaps possesse you with as much pity as he hath love but perswading my self that his passion hath found reasons enough to let you see it I will content my self with presenting this paper to you from him Be pleased Madam to view it with a gentle eye and return him so favourable an answer as may cause him to live contented you shall tye the world to you in no mean obligation by preserving in it so brave a Knight who I assure you desires nothing so much as the honour of doing you service I will not answered she be so farre an enemy to his content as not to be willing to read what occasion he takes to complain of me wherefore give me the paper with that she took and opened it and having well considered it said to the Dwarfe My friend the answer that I must returne to thy master consists of so few words as I need not take a pen in hand to let him know my minde onely bid him hope that time bring him content and that fidelity alone can procure him that which with so much impatience he wishes for It is enough answered the Dwarfe I will go tell him that he is happy and that he is not to complain any more So going out with a curtsie that made the Princesse laugh he went to Prigmaleon who expected his returne with a panting heart and returning him that answer he rendred him so contented that not remembring himselfe to be Emperour of Aethiopia he imbrâ—ced him three or foure times ever and anon enquiring of him if he had observed any coldnesse in her actions or rather love in her words What said the Dwarfe coldnesse Beleeve it you may be happy if you will if you be not happy already me thinkes I see you in the midst of those delights which will bring you to a very paradise For having seen that faire hand which touched mine when she tooke the letter from me and imagining that her cloathes concealed wonders I was almost transported with her And if the respect of your passions had not staid me I had assuredly besought her with some favour to quench that flame which already began to scorch my heart But not intending to be a traytor nor to seek my contentment with the losse of your quiet I surmounted those unruly passions and quickly withdrew my selfe for feare that the violence of my desires should make us commit some errour See said Prigmaleon laughing heartily at the grace wherewith this little thing vented his fooleries See my Mussardin assured proofs of thy fidelity which I have also observed in other things But be confident that thou obligest not an ingratefull man and that I will one day recompense the labour thou tookest in mastering thine own appetite for my sake I know well said the Dwarfe that my affection doth highly oblige you howbeit withall I extreamly feare that you will not give me the reward for it that I desire But I will upon the faith of a Knight said Prigmaleon so that I may do it without prejudice to my love and that it be in my power Nay I will quickly ease you of that fear said the Darfe nor shall you find any friend more faithfull to endeavour the bringing of your wishes to their desired part then my self if you will assist me for as for Polixena I will wholly quit her to you but I would fain have a place in the good grace of Castibella daughter to that peerlesse Diana who once filled the world with such wonders of her beauty It is a rising Sunne that promises great things in her course and that to be briefe hath struck me dead in the eye Perswade her to love me and setling a good impression on her of my courage for you know I would rather dye then be wanting to my occasion of honour tell her that my alliance with her will be for her glory and that she shall finde herselfe most happy in my services So will I never complaine of my pains in furthering your satisfaction and you shall see how faithfully I will serve you This is said Prigmaleon almost burst with laughter the happâ—est passage that may be for now I shall not be jealous of thee do thou but labour secretly to purchase the favour of Polixena for me and I will do the like to thee to Castibella who truly would accommodate thee excellent wel if she were not a little too young Make not that your excuse said the Dwarf true love never stands upon time I will stay till yeers have better ripened her judgement and in the mean space will finde a thousand wayes to make my intentions not unpleasing to her This discourse finishing with certain frisks that the
you the wonder when I have enformed you of some occurrents that did precede it CHAP. XL. A Damsell comming to Constantinople carries away Prigmaleon to combat with Griolaniâ— surnamed the faâ—e Knight The successe thereof ALL these Princes being assembled together to consult of the order that was to be kept for the reception of these enchanted Princes who as Cassandra assured them were to be freed within two dayes they saw a strange Dâ—msell come in who pausing upon the view of so many brave Knights considered them a while without speaking a word But observing that they all had their eyes fixt on her and that they were silent as it were to give her leave to speak she said Now on my faith I never saw so gallant nor fo well shap'd men in all my life nor do I wonder that this Court is so eâ—told through the world But I would gladly know which is the most amorous amongst you There is not any here said Prigmaleon to whom the Damsell seemed especially to addresse her selfe that would not appeare to be a lover and that in regard thereof would not willingly draw his sword against his companion if it were to be justified by Armes But unable to tell assuredly how farre another mans suffâ—ring extends I may confidently affirme that I am he who perhaps endureth most that loves with most passion as he that hath devoted himselfe to one who kindles no ordinary â—â—ames and that to save a thousand lives would not let any thing passe to the prejudice of my Lady the most beautifull that treads upon the earth Follow me then answered the Damsel to do her service For yesterday passing by a crosse way some three leagues from hence I saw two pavillions set up a number of shields hanging upon the next trees and lances enough to maintaine a passage for three moneths space which made me draw neerer to heare what all this preparation intended and seeing a Squire issue forth of one of the pavillions I made a signe to him that he should come and speak with me which in a very civill fashion he did and told me that his Mistris whom he would by no meanes name though I divers times intreated him unto it being passionately in love with one that was called the fair Knight had engaged him to maintain a Iust in her favour to which end she was come neer unto Constantinople in hope that the Greek Princes hearing of it would come to a triâ—ll with her Knight whom she held to be the most valorous in the world as without question he is the most lovely of all that this day lives whereby this warriour should gain immortall praise and that she should have a shâ—re in the glory which he acquired by his valour as being the principall cause thereof These words begetting a desire in me to see this Knight I freely went into his tent where seeing him with his head unarmed I indeed observed in him so pleasing an eye a beauty so lovely and so goodly a presence as I may with truth averre that I had never beheld any thing more amiâ—ble But that which exeedingly vexed me was to see that the Lady in whose favour he had taken up armes had not any one of those perfections Her face was pale and lean no charmes were in her eyes no grace in her actions her stature was defectâ—ve her smiles unbecoming and her voice harsh and unpleasant In briefe observing all this in her I could not forbeare laughing and withall told that gallant Knight how his valour was ill employed how he should never gain much glory by his labour having undertaken it upon an occasion that could not deserve it and that being sensible of the injury which he did to all the faire ones that passed by rendring them subject to acknowledge the preheminence of a creature so little advantaged by nature I would go to the Court of Greece to require reason for this injustice And indeed I am now here for no other cause but onely to carry you with me to revenge the wrong of those that have merits in them and particularly of the fair one whom you adore with so much respect and love I was never more willing to put on Armes said Prigmaleon then now that my Ladies beauty is in question Let us go then Gentlewoman and we shall know ere it be long if this Knight be as valiant and strong as you thinke him lovely Whereupon having called for a horse he mounted on him departed with the Damsell and travelled till night which constrained him to rest under certaine trees and to sup with the provision which his squire had brought When it grew dark the damsell whom the good grace and conversâ—tion of the Knight had made very much in love with him seeing him withdraw apart from her to sleepe and not approving that reservednesse which in her heart she called simplicity she followed him and lying down by him said In faith I must complain of your neglect of me and not forbear telling you that you want judgement in not making use of time occasion and of the good will of a wâ—nch that loves you with pâ—ssion what sence were it to passe the night in languishing when we may make it full of content Entertaine the good fortune that presents it self to you and do not foolishly imagine as the most part of our Greek Princes do who are more gloriously proud of their loialty in love then of all the great things which they have done in armes that to afford any part of your affection to more then one is in any kind of fault It is an errour at which those of little judgement doe stumble and which the more discreet doe laugh at I will mingle so much sweetnesse with my kisses and such dalliance with my caresses as you shâ—ll with reason think your self happy in so favourable an incounter Suffer then our lips to meet receive my embraces and doe not disdain a love because it is freely profered you Doe not beleeve answered Prigmaleon extreamly amazed to see himself thus assaulted Do not I say beleeve if I answer not your desire that it is out of the consideration of the liberty which you take in discovering your passions I know how weake men are when love hath resolved to master them and that it is not in their power to govern their passions if once they have submitted them to the tyranny of so great a power and yet lesse then that would I have you beleeve that I entend to follow any man for a patern of my actions for they shall ever depend onely upon my owne humour but to tell you freely what is in my heart I cannot make vse of your good will because I doe infinitely love a Lady that permits me not so to dispose of my will as you without doubt neither could now love the first that should present himselfe to you Let this reason serve for my excuse and do not I pray you
I will deal freely with you and confesse that the merits of this Knight have wounded me with love and desire you to be very mindfull of the promise you have made me to take care of our affections and of his return in the hope whereof not opposing my self to the decrees of heaven which govern all things with an admirable prudence I will permit him to depart when you will provided that I have to morrow for to see him heer after dinner and draw from him the vows which I desire for my assurance at which time you shal bring him hither if you please and you shall oblige me not to let him know that it is with my privity to the end he may not take advantage of my weaknesse Madam answered Cassandra he hath too much love and judgement to make so vain a use of that favour and my self too much devotion unto your service to disobey the commandment you have laid upon me we will be heer presently after dinner and in the mean time I wish that may be alwayes propitious to your desires Saying so night being come she withdrew and getting to bed betook her to her rest This while Rozalmond having slept six hours awaked and feeling no pain from his wounds was much abashed at the first but conceiving that this powerfull operation proceeded from Cassandra's salves he fell to think of his Lady and his imagination representing unto him the charms of her eyes the lovely feature of her face and the delicacie of her complexion he said Mighty Love that disposest the hearts of men as thou pleasest leave me not now without succour and make this fair one as sensible of my passion as my soul is of her beauty then will I proclaim thy praises amidst my content and acknowledge no power to be greater then thine I will publish to every one that thou art justly stiled the Master of the Gods Entertaining himself thus with such pleasing fancies he never observed that it was far day and had continued longer in his bed if Cassandra had not come in but her arrivall took him from his thoughts for to tell her that all his wounds were cured save onely that of his heart I do beleeve it said she unto him but think you that I cannot cure that of your heart as well as those of your body I conceive that you are perswaded so and that my power doth not extend so far but I will make it good to your experience in the presence of Armazia who assuring you anon that she loves you will make it appear that I have power over all things then setting her self down at his beds feet she declared unto him the encounter which she had had with his Mistris the discourse that past between them and briefly the commandment she had received to bring him into the orchard which gave him such content that all his speech seemed too little to give her thanks for her assistance he imbraced her protested that he would never forget this favour and not being able to contain himself in the excesse of his joy he called for his clothes in all haste to run unto the place which should be the witnesse of his glory but Cassandra wisely delivering that he ought not to be so transported by his passion which might overthrow all his future happinesse staied him and said Consider better of your own good go not on so precipitiously and remember that honourable loves are preserved and made perfect by direction Armazia affects you it is true but she would not have it known and she might justly be offended if your passion should discover her secret wherefore you see how you are to carry your self with more judgement I hold your counsell to be very good answered he but alas I cannot command my self and my joy is such that thereby my reason is lost howbeit I will be more advised since it concerns me so much and by my government hereafter you shall known the greatnesse of my affection Entertaining themselves thus with a world of pleasing discourses they past away the time with much content till Rozalmond went into the great Hall where the Emperour received him with so much demonstration of kindnesse that he was even ashamed of his favours Behold said he kissing him on the forehead one of my chiefest wishes are accomplished for seeing you in good health after I had doubted of your life me thinks I have nothing else to desire but the means how to recompence you worthily But whilst the Gods shall be pleased to grant it me make use Sir freely of the authority which I enjoy in my Empire I give you the same power over it which I my self have and be assured I hold you every way as dear as I do my Armazia I will not ask you who you are time and my fair respect will perswade you to acquaint me with it Yes Sir answered Rozalmond and at this instant I would give you that satisfaction if I could do it without the breach of the vow which I have made not to discover my self untill I return from a voiage I had undertaken for the damsell whom you see accompanying me at which time Sir I promise you not onely to tell you who I am but to serve you as long as I live if you will be pleased to do me so much honour as to admit me into the number of your Knights How said the Emperour will you leave me so soon My word obligeth me answered Rozalmond and I beseech you be pleased that I depart to morrow about an affair of consequence and if Fortune favour my arms it shall not be long before I return again to wait on your Majestie I should have been very glad said the Emperour to have kept you longer heer howbeit I will not interrupt your designes but will rest contented with your promise howsoever will you not take leave of the Ladies My duty bindes me to that said Rozalmond and the rather because you are pleased to permit me So making a very low reverence unto him he went unto the Emperesses chamber who received him no lesse graciously and would likewise have perswaded his longer stay but making the same excuses which he had used to the Emperour he walked forth attending the time that he was to see Armazia who having withdrawn her self presently after dinner entred into the orchard with the attendance onely of one woman and came to Rozalnond who with impatience expected her and seeing her approach kneeled down for to kisse her hand I will not permit you to use such humility said she for desiring to live freely and plainly with you I hold these ceremonies unfit arise then and tell me whether you desire any thing of me I desire answered he with a trembling that thorowly witnessed his love Madam I desire that passing by the excellency of your merits you will be pleased to make me your Knight and receive all the glory which shall arrive to me by my
in your person Mighty Love divert both the one and the other of these accidents and suffer not humanity to be of more power then thy selfe These complaints infinitely displeased me and I would fain have retired if my new passion would have permitted me but being no longer Mistris of my will I came inconsiderately to mine owne ruine neverthelesse knowing that modesty is a powerfull charm to win mens affections I would not seem impudent but withdrew my self under some trees fast by and began to sing hoping that he would repair to the voice as he did for not giving me so much leasure as to sing out fowr verses he arose and creeping from oak to oak he came very neer unto me I marked him well but making as though I did not I continued my song at the end whereof he shewed himself and saluting me with an excellent grace demanded of me whether I would accept of his company Another would have been affraid at the sudden approach of a man unknown but not desiring to make use of any such cunning I answered him with a smile which might very well have testified my thoghts that it were simplicity to refuse a Knight of so fair a presence as his To what end should I relate the discourse we had then and how I applied all my allurements and charms for to render our disease common Without doubt it would but adde unto my misery wherefore I will only let you know that taking occasion to discover unto him what I thought of certain sighs he had fetched I told him that his good parts had possest me with a great desire to love him and that I intreated him to consider what good he had gotten without any labour at all My speech ending with a mighty blush he looked upon me and answering me with a sigh Alas Madam said he unto me what a world of cause have I now to complain of my ill fortune which having ingaged my affection in another place will not suffer me to receive the favours you would confer upon me These eies wherein you yet see tears do witnes but too well that my heart is not at quiet and that a woman possesseth it be pleased then not to accuse me if I doe not dispose of it according to your desire seeing I have not the power so to do but if in any other thing you can think me fit for your service Madam command I will recompence the honour of your love with my bloud and will gladly die to assure you that I am much obliged by your favour Imagine I pray you whether I took any pleasure in this answer whereby the death of all my hopes was concluded No questionles for I was almost ready to swound with grief at it but my anger preserved my judgement for to complain of him and I began to tearm him cruell when I saw a woman appear who knowing him alighted at that very instant and presenting him a letter said that Clitia so was my rivall called remembred her service unto him At these words I perceived him grow pale and his legs became so feeble that he had fallen down had not that woman upheld him I was almost as sensible of his indisposition as himself but desiring to make use of the opportunity it gave me I took the letter out of his hand and knew by the contents thereof that Clitia being ready to be delivered of a child derived from their stollen pleasures desired him to return in all haste both for to legitimate the birth of it as also by that way to deserve the favour which her mother had alwaies denied them protesting in case he were disloiall not to survive her delivery but to poison her self I was violently in love with him I must confesse but when I considered the reason that he had to affect this woman who upon his faith had made no difficulty to give him that which ought of all things to be most dear unto us I set by mine own interest and shewing more pity then love I counselled him to depart instantly away since it so much concerned his Mistris life and honor This is to love nobly said he being come to himself again but Madam my misfortune will not suffer me to expedite my journey my horse being slain in a combat which I had yesterday just without this wood That shall not hinder you replied I for I that would give you my self cannot refuse you an horse Then bringing him to my stable I bestowed one of the best Coursers of the Kingdome on him and so letting him go I returned to my chamber for to complain of my destiny that had made me to love a man who had not the power to recompence my affection and for to seek out reasons to divert me from these fancies in the continuance whereof I saw my assured ruine but to speak truth I could not resolve so much as to say that I would never love him proceeding then in my former passion I presently dispatched away a Squire and charged him expresly to enquire what became of Alcidas so is that worthy Knight named which he performed with so much care that about six daies after he reported unto me the death of Clitia who had poisoned her self thinking that the retardment of her lover was a sign of his disloialty and further which much perplexed me he delivered that the mother of this Lady had caused Alcidas to be apprehended as he was shedding an ocean of tears on his Mistrisses tombe and imprisoning him had condemned him shamefully to lose his head if within three moneths he did not finde a Knight that would combat Farnabazan a terrible and mighty Giant who came not long since to inhabit upon this womans lands no man knowing wherefore If the death of Clitia was pleasing to me because it opened a door to my hopes you may as well beleeve that the captivity of Alcidas afflicted me howbeit loving him too much onely to bestow tears on him I put my self to sea two daies after with a purpose to go unto Constantinople to demand the assistance of some one of those brave Princes which seek the like occasions of glory but I am sufficiently satisfied for all my travell having incountred you in the strangest manner that ever was and applauding my good fortune I will hope that ere long you will restore me to the supremest degree of my felicity seeing justice accompanies your arms Madam assure your self answered Clarisel that I will gladly fight for his preservation and your contentment but if you would oblige me make truce with your complaints and restrain these tears a little that so our voiage may seem the lesse tedious It is fit said she that having found a remedy for my grief I should shew a merrier countenance I will no longer complain then but apply my self to make the time if I can more pleasing unto you Whilest they discoursed in this manner Rozalmond and the Knight of the Desert being
rests nothing but the consideration of our persons wherof you may be judge So finishing this discourse they both kneeled down before Miralinda who kindly turning to Don Clarisel smiled and said unto him Shepherd I will not make the Oracle a liar I will presently heal these sick Lovers but know you how my friends By commanding you both never to appear again before me nor hope that ever I will love you O cruell said he that had not yet spoken you heal us indeed but alas it is with extream remedies for our love not permitting us to disobey you we will retire our selves for to die instantly Saying thus they rose up and taking severall paths went away and were never seen more at Bellombre These shepherds being dispatched in this maner Miralinda sate down again in the shadow and began to talk with Celidon that was come to the Elms to seek her out for to complain of her rigor when she perceived two armed men making directly to her the sight of them much amazing her she cast her eies upon Don Clarisel who remembring his dream presently laid hold of a great bat that lay on the bank of the river and approaching to his shepherdesse told her that it was expedient for her to turn back to Bellombre Miralinda very much troubled was running away but the two Knights comming in the one intercepted her passage whilest the other taking her by the arm would have set her upon his horse nevertheles she resisted and cried out for help which put Clarisel into such a rage that advancing his bat he discharged it so strongly on him which held his shepherdesse that he overthrew him dead to the ground This greatly animating him he instantly seazed on the dead Knights sword ran after the other cut off one of his arms and with the second blow cleaving his head in twain he thought that he had freed his shepherdesse when he discerned six other Knights come galloping towards him from whom he could expect nothing but death I must said he then make use of new counsell upon new occasions if I expose my self to the fury of these traitors which are comming Miralinda would be lost and my death would but add to her sorrow I will therefore preserve my self if I can for to succor her to some purpose and not rashly Wherupon taking his course towards Bellombre he entred speedily into his lodging suddenly armed himself mounted upon his horse which he found ready and getting out of the back gate he galloped after these villains who this while had forcibly conveied away Miralinda and were â—led as fast as their horses could run Clarisel sollowed them close and carried with extream rage thought of nothing save how to catch them but his ill fortune making him take somewhat a different way he was six howrs before he could overtake them and questionles he had never met with them if being in the midst of the wood he had not resolved to stand still a little for to listen if he could hear any noise they might make letting his horse then take a little breath though it were with much impatience he remained a pretty while with very great attention but hearing the wood resound with the violence of some blows which seemed to be stricken upon armor he spurred away through the trees and came into a great way in the midst whereof he saw a Knight that was valiantly combatting with fowr of those whom he sought By heaven said he you rakehels ye shall pay deerly for it now I have met with you so drawing his sword he smot one of them with such fury on the helmet that he clove him to the very shoulders and instantly redoubling a back blow on another he cut his armor as if it had been single paper and divided his body in twain therewith giving another a thrust in the belly he ran him quite through the guts sending him dead to the other two Not satified with this execution he raised his sword again to have dispatched the fourth when as the Knight intreated him to leave him that small part of the glory and follow a shepherdesse which three other theeves had carried away At this word of shepherdesse he turned about and keeping the same way as fast as his horse could carry him within half an howr he perceived his fair mistris in the arms of a Knight who seemed invincible amidst two others which so enraged him that with the first blow he sent the sword and arm of one of them to the ground and fearing to strike the other because he held Miralinda he discharged upon the crupper of his horse which he cut in two peeces by that means staying him the third seeing so sudden an execution slunk presently into the wood to avoid pursuing but Clarisel who thought of nothing but his shepherdesse alighted instantly and approaching to the Knight that having left Miralinda had drawn his sword for to defend himself he discharged so terrible a blow upon his head that his brains flying about he tumbled dead in the place This done he looked round about to see if there were any more enemies to fight withall but no body appearing before him save Miralinda who seemed more dead then alive he went presently unto her and lifting up his bever that she might know him he said unto her What sâ—y you now my beauteous shepherdesse to dreams Without doubt we had been lost if I had not thought upon my arms but thanks be to God we are now out of danger I my Lord said she imbracing him as it were the better to assure her self I have no cause to fear now that I am so neer you and that you know so well how to chastise those that offend you but alas you are to fight yet for the half of our enemies are behind I think said Clarisel they will never trouble you more for they have beaten the way to their Captain and having encountred them first I cut them first in peeces one thing only grieves me that I do not know the author of this villany The author said she was Cesander he that held me and that was the last which past by the edge of your sword This wretch made me suffer strangely for all his discourse was nothing but reproaches of my ingratitude and threâ—â—ning to be revenged at leasure of my neglect of him and giving you the better part of my heart As I live said Clarisel I am wonderfull glad that he is in the case I behold him more for to see you freed from his importunities then for any fear I had that he could ever have obtained place in your favour for you have too much judgement to love a man so ill disposed but let us leave of this discourse and think of getting out of this wood that we be not nighted in it at leastwise we will go and render the thanks which we ow to the assistance of a good Knight whom we shall find hard by
behold him so young so fair and indued with such extraordinary forces in so much that every day one or other arrived for to visit him the fame of this warlike act running from Province to Province with such infinite applause that nothing was talked of but the marvellous valour of this Knight CHAP. XXI Alcidamant visits Claristea in the night obtains his desire and by a strange adventure is constrained to depart from her CErtain dayes being but sadly past away for these lovers who in regard of the multitude of those which every minute came in and out had not the leisure to discourse of their passions much lesse the liberty to be so private together as they extreamly desired Alcidamant very much discontented finding Claristea busie one night in entertaining certain companies went forth into the garden to take the air and walking along the alleys he was a devising how he might avoid those which continually importuned him with their visitations and so get some time to content himself with his Mistris but fortune that seemed to watch more for his good then he expected made him incounter Claristea's chambermaid who espying him went softly to him and taking him by the arm said unto him Knight you are surprised and you can hardly deny but that you are now thinking of love In good faith said he I should wrong my self if I did for my carriage then would give me the lie and much more to disguise my self to you upon whose assistance I resolve to place all my hope Melita so was she called you beleeve that I am infinitely in love it is true But alas it may be I am so unhappy that I am not beloved again for I fear left the excellencie of my Lady and my little merit should restrain her from giving remedy to my sufferings Dear friend it lies in you to oblige me as much as my life comes unto And how said this wench who seemed to understand him By being my advocate to Claristea answered he and desiring that favour for me which may mitigate my pain and render my love everlasting I did not think said Mileta that my Mistrisles beauty had wounded you and that you had sighed for her but I will no longer doubt it now that I have such testimony of it from your self You crave my assistance you shall have it and I promise to contribute as much to your satisfaction as possibly I may being perswaded that I am obliged thereunto by the good office I received from your valour when as you delivered me with my Mistris out of the power of these dreadfull Giants where we were sure to have lost both honour and life But what shall I demand for you That she will do me the favour to receive me into her chamber said he at such time as all the world is at rest that I may represent the greatnesse of my affection unto her seeing that the arrivall of so many persons that continually come to visit her will not permit me to talk freely with her You demand very much said Melita for the knowledge of this action could not but redound to the prejudice of her honour neverthelesse I will labour to satisfie you and shewing her how she oweth all that she hath to your succour I will oblige her if I can not to refuse you such a grace live then in this hope and in the mean time be patient Beleeve me Melita said he kissing her more affectionately then she expected your services shall not be without recompence go and make good your promise whilst I comfort my self with my thoughts Saying so he entered into an arbour of Iasemines ravished with the apprehension of a happinesse which he hoped to injoy ere long and Melita went directly to Claristea's chamber who withdrawing thither a little after made her unready to go to bed whereupon Melita said unto her being assured that she should please her extreamly in talking to her of her Knight Madam the honour you have done me by freely imparting your secrets unto me obliges me not to conceal my thoughts from you walking but now in the garden I found your Lover in a case that made me exceedingly to pity him his arms acrosse his hat over his eies wherein I espied some tears to stand his pace full of stops which with a thousand sighes testified a marvellous distemper of minde I approached to him guessing well enough what might be the cause of this his behaviour but making as though I understood it not I demanded from whence it was derived from my fear not to be loved as I love answered he and if I do not the sooner finde relief in my passions my life will quickly be at an end Then he declared unto me that his grief proceeded from the want of liberty to discover unto you what lay upon his heart as he wonderfully desired and finishing his discourse with a sigh he conjured me to be a suiter for him that you would be pleased to let him come and see you this evening to the end he may have the felicity of contemplating your beauty at the full as likewise be free from all interruption in his talk now it is for you to resolve whether you have love enough to grant him this favour Melita answered she a little troubled thou knowest too well that I love him infinitely but how can we bring him hither without fear of incountering some body that might discover our secrets I see no likelihood thereof and lesse yet when I consider that he hath not bought so much grace with the price it ought to be rated at me thinks it were â—itter that difficulties should make it more precious to him Heer be reasons indeed said Melita a little moved with choler Madam these fond humours which would make things seem otherwise then they be are seldom approved of you love him passionately you would have him in your arms and if he sued not to you it may be you would do that office for him notwithstanding you will defer him this happinesse out of such weak considerations that I am ashamed of it is no time to dissemble when our purposes are discovered and those Artificers serve for nothing but to make us oftentimes to be otherwise judged of then we ought let him be fetcht hither the opportunity fits for all the house are at rest and if your love obliges you refuse him not the recompence which is due to his valour I am contented he shall come and see me said she wherefore thou mâ—yest go for him when thou wilt but beleeve that I will not be carried so easily as thou sayest and that I am resolved to vanquish my self for to triumph over him In good faith said Melita if I were in his room I would not return with empty hands but would well consider the time the places and the persons Whereupon going out she left Claristea strangely troubled sometimes resolving to conserve her self and then by and by not to lose
so favourable an occasion which is not to be recovered when it is once past This while Melita entertained Alcidamant and leading him by the hand she said unto him Sir I am carrying you to Claristea but remâ—mber that modestie is a reproach to lovers that it renders them unworthy of any favour whatsoever and that to be happy one must be somewhat bold this speech ended at the door she entered first and approaching to Claristea's bed she said unto her This prisoner demands grace Madam please you to grant it him whilst I go and draw up his pardon saying so she got her into the ward robe it may be with some grief for that she had not also a second and left our Knight upon his knees who holding one of his Mistrisses hands kissed it not being able to speak a word on the other side she was no lesse moved for seeing him so handsome with humility by the beds side and calling to minde how much she was obliged to him she felt her self provoked with mighty desire and was even upon the point to have joined her lips to his for to let him know her minde but desiring to appear more contained she forbare howbeit having too much love to leave him in that posture she said unto him Knight I pray arise for I am resolved not to hear you till you be at ease That shall I never be answered he but by the fruition of so many beauties as I behold Ah Madam take pity of my suffering opportunity speaks for me and seems to say that you are not to deny me this favour whereupon laying his mouth to hers he was fastned there for a while with such extream delight that he could not forbear putting his hand on her delicate breast with the exceeding smooth whitenesse whereof he was marvellously taken and finding himself in case not to stay there he slipt off a night-gown that he had on and getting into bed he made her feel incredible pleasures in loosing the name of maid The first course being finished she began to sigh and said Alas I was resolved to defend my self better but Sir accuse your merits for this weaknesse and take not occasion thereupon to make the lesse esteem of me I have given you that which was most dear to me preserve it I beseech you with as much love as discretion Assure your self Madam said he redoubling his courses that you shall never see me disobey so sweet a commandment and that I will never lose the memory of so powerfull an obligation but in the mean time permit me I pray you to visit you thus every night You shall alwaies have as much power of this chamber as my self answered she nor shall it be at any time shut against you onely remember to carry your self advisedly Continuing their kisses thus they perceived the day to appear whereat they were grieved but hoping to meet again ere long Alcidamant returned to his chamber and left Claristea who finding her self weary slept till dinner time when as she was wakened by her chamber maid who bidding her good morrow fell a laughing and said Madam is this Knight as couragious with women as he is valiant amongst Giants Come you are jeering now said she whereas you are guilty of that fault for if you had staid heer I should have had no cause to complain of his boldnesse That is no answer to my question replied Melita for you desired to be forced I know but do you hold him worthy of your favours Never seek to be so curiously informed I pray said she but give me my cloths since it is so late another time we will talk of that at â—easure Thereupon having quickly made her self ready she appeared in the dining room where her Knight was alone she blusht at first but seeing that the matter was past remedy she fell into discourse with him whilest meat was serving to the table which being taken away they withdrew into a cabinet where their kisses and caresses were renewed with a world of content Living thus in all the pleasure which can be enjoied by Lovers nineteen or twenty daies past sweetly away at the end wherof fortune that delights in change would needs separate them for being one evening at supper together and thinking of nothing lesse then any crosse that might arrive to their desires a lacky came in and told them that the Marchionesse of Monteclare was at the gate desiring accesse to Claristea At these woâ—ds Alcidamant changed colour which she perceiving asked him whether he were not well Yes said he but Madam this news displeases me for it concerns us much and if you will oblige me charge all your house that a word be not spoken of my being heer in the mean time so please it you I will reâ—iâ—e and shut my self up in my chamber You will be betâ—eâ— in my Cabinet said she for I will know the cause of such fear in you and beleeve me I should be jealous did not the age of the Marchionesse whose neer kinswoman I am retain me from imagining that you can have any affâ—ction for her Whereupon Alcidamant being past into his Ladies Cabinet and Arnides into his masters chamber Claristea went to receive her kinswoman giving her a thousand thanks for the pains she had taken to come and visit her and commanding the table to be covered again she gave her all the best entertainment she could Whilest she was at supper Claristea calling to mind her Lovers behaviour very attentively observed the Marchionesse and seeing some remains of beauty yet abiding in her she was not without some unquietnes insensibly suffering her self to be perswaded that she had some interest in her Knight and that the only cause of her journey thither was to see him so she wisht her far enough off and was vexed in her mind to hear her say that she would stay nine or ten daies in that plâ—ce but not to appear incivill she made no shew of it hoping to learn the truth from her Lovers own mouth desiring then to free her self of so weighty a care she conducted the Marchionesse to the chamber which she had caused to be made ready for her and telling her that the consideration of her health invited her to bid her good night she left her and went to find out her Knight whom she presently kift but in such a manner as testified some discontent which very much troubled Alcidamant who not induring to see her melancholy demanded of her why she was so sad Because I cannot wholly enjoy you answered she for the fear you are in to appear before the Marchionesse of Monteclare who makes shew of visiting me that she may the better without suspition see you hath to speak the truth much distasted me I love you too well for to let any other share with me I love you too well dear heart to possesse you by halfs seeing I am entirely yours If you will remember my caresses and call to
great gate of the house as these Squires have advised you for otherwise all the world shall not be able to deliver you out of captivity enter in at a little wicket you see on the left hand leave the shield you bear and make use of this at my saddle bow be sure you part not from the same Ring which was given you when you fought the first combat for Melania yeeld not to the intreaty tears nor sighes of any woman whatsoever and above all things make much of the new sword which shall come to your hand for it is the best on the earth and without it you should never see an end to the adventures which are to befall you This said Alcidamant having curteously thanked the damsell took the shield which she gave him whereupon there was no figure presented and alighting from his horse with his sword in his hand he drew towards the wicket which he saw stood open when as a damsel issuing out of the Castle said unto him Knight whether run you so and why do you use your arms where you shall be gladly entertained with all respect Sheath up your sword for heer is none that means to oppose you and not to disaccommodate your self with stooping at the wicket take the way that leadeth to the great gate where you may enter at pleasure Yes no doubt said Alcidamant if I would make you sport with a leap I am too well informed of your villany and if you get you not packing the sooner I will quicly take your head from your shoulders to revenge an infinite number of good Knights which you have betrayed under colour of giving them fair entertainment What said she stepping in again do you threaten me in mine own house Come come my masters cut me this rascall in pieces and revenge me of his insolence Herewith Alcidamant being in the Castle yard heard a great noise and saw thirty armed men come forth who suddenly incompassed him about and endeavoured to smite him to the ground but this incomparable warrior nothing amazed set upon them so furiously that at three strokes he laid three of them stretch'd along upon the earth and pressing in amongst the rest he cut off the arm of one and the leg of another cleft the third to the teeth divided the body of the fourth in two pieces and made so great a slaughter that his very enemies wondered at it and came no more neer him but in fear which so incensed the Mistris of the house that opening an iron door she let forth two Serpents of twenty foot in length and twelve in heighth and of such an horrible shape that they would have daunted the most assured courage of the world These Monsters being at liberty began to run up and down the Court and meeting with those Knights crush'd some of them between their teeth and tore the rest with their claws In the mean time the Knight of the Palms who could hope for no better usage making towards one of them whilst the other was sucking the bloud of those he had slain by good fortune gave him such a thrust in the flank that he sheathed half of his sword within his body which made him so mad that lifting up his tail of ten foot in length he let it flie at the Knight with such violence that he laid him on the ground three strices off and opening his fearfull jaws was like to have swallowed him if retaining his judgement amidst the danger he had not thrust his sword into his throat wherewith he gave him a wound as great as the former and overthrew him dead in the place This blow coming in season the Knight got suddenly up and taking his good sword in hand again which the Serpent in the pangs of death had made him let go he ran presently towards the other and discharged so weighty a blow upon his head that he made him sink to the ground but the scales being hard the blade rebounded in the air as if he had struck upon an anvill with this the Serpent shewing his bloudy teeth came fiercely upon him and put him in such distresse that he was about half an hour shifting sometimes on the one side and then on the other to shun the fury of the beast but thinking that he must either die or instantly vanquish and remembering that he had not found the belly of the other so hard as the scales of this he thrust him into the flank with such fury that his guts came forth with the sword which put him into such a rage that making a number of horrible leaps he filled the air with a most dreadfull noise The Knight judging this to be the stroak of death withdrew aside to prevent further inconvenience and wiping his sword in the grasse thought to have rested himself when it came into his mind that glory is not to be acquired but in the finishing of an enterprise wherfore seeing a great pair of stairs he ran couragiously up and finding a door open entred into a great Hâ—ll where six furious Savages who seemed to uphold the building on their shoulders assaulted him with each of them a massie club in his hand It was then that he was most amazed not imagining that ever he should be able to overcome so many monsters at once but assuming new courage he opposed his left arm and his shield against the fury of some blows of the clubs which they discharged at his head and clasping his sword fast in his hand he gave the first so dangerous a stroak that he opened him even to thâ— very wast This happy blow reviving his forces he began to lay about him on all sides and bare himself so generously that in three howrs he put them all to the sword howbeit so wearied that if the night had not come to give him leave to breath a little he could not have passed on to undertake any further combat Remaining then somewhat amazed in the dark he stood leaning a while upon the pomell of his sword but hearing no stir in the Hall he sate him down upon the pavement where the pains he had taken would have invited him to sleep but thinking it not safe to rest in so dangerous a place he continued as a man that looks every minute to be assailed by his enemy Having been three howrs and more in this estate he beheld five or six damsels come in with each of them a torch in her hand whereof one which seemed to be Claristea said unto him How now dear heart can you be so neer me and never desire to see me truly I have great cause to complain of you and to say that all my caresses have been very ill imploid Pardon me Madam said he rising up Ignorance must excuse my fault for to tell you true I thought you to be rather in France then heer We have been taken said she by a Magician and are so restrained that we shall never get hence if
death and my self more particularly who had by this time lost my honour or my life if you had been lesse strong and valiant I am exceeding glad said Rozalmond that I have diverted so great a mischief But how fell you into it By my disdain of this traitors affections answered she whom I would never suffer to visit me being perswaded that so il-favoured loath some and vicious a man was uncapâ—ble of love and most unworthy the affection of a woman of my quality He was indeed said Rozalmond too ugly and you too fair to have any part in your good grace Wherefore I was resolved to die said she and would hâ—ve câ—st my sâ—lf out of the window headlong before he should havâ— satisfied his beastly appetite upon me for having been advertised that he had surprised my house I suddenly fled into these chambers upon the confidence of three doors fast locked barred upon me with a purpose neverthelesse if it came to the worft to break mine own neck and by an honourable death prevent the grief of enduring the approaches and violence of so mishapen a monster who hath met with the justice of the Gods in his crime and his defeat having rendered me mistris again of my house I assure you Sir that you may absolutely command it Whereupon taking him by the hand she led him into a goodly chamber where Artander having unarmed him she caused him to put on a rich cloak which became him so well that this Gentlewoman named Basiliana could not behold him without the feeling of a secret fire that began to consume her heart Good Gods said she to her self how happy were I if this gallant Knight would love me as much as Dramant did I should soon change my minde and would not forbid him to represent his passions unto me I must incourage him unto it then and by my carriage let him know that I will be more facile to his desires then I was to his whom he hath slain which I may do without shame for covering my boldnesse with the resentment I ow to his assistance I may make him beleeve that my caresses are without artifice and so carry him insensibly to crave some more particular favours This resolution seeming proper to her for her contentment and having presented him with confects she drew him to walk in the garden whilst preparation was made for supper and buriall for the dead bodies Seeing her self alone with him and in the liberty to speak she would fain have begun and discovered her thoughts but bashfulnesse stopt her wouth as often as she opened it for that purpose ever and anon she changed colour and remaining silent she left her eyes to perform that office whereby Rozalmond judged easily of her pain but remembering his Armazia and not permitting his heart to conceive a thought to the prejudice of his love he made as though he understood not the mysterie of so great a silence and entertained her with ordinary discourse wherewithall not being contented it made her at last resolve to break the ice and begin this language to him with a sigh I have reason to rejoyce at your arrivall in these parts whereby your valour hath preserved me but withall I am much afraid Sir that it hath drawn me out of one danger to plunge me into another far greater for loving you more passionately then the small time of my acquaintance with you will seem to permit and doubting to finde your affections ingaged to some happier beauty I can expect no other then a wretched death from the refusall you will make me of corresponding to my desires I have discovered this secret unto you being unable to conceal it not with an opinion that you will despise what is so freely offered you but to oâ—lige you to be acknowledging for it Weigh this well Sir for my life and death is in your hands and upon your answer depends all that I can hope for or fear in this world This discourse ending with tears whereby she thought to move him unto pity she would have fallen on her knees before him but Rozalmond not permitting it sâ—id unto her Madam the truth is your speech doth not only amaze but much perplexe me for knowing how far the power of love doth extend I would gladly both give you some reliefe and yet not offend against mine own duty but considering to what I am obliged I may not for many reasons satisfie your desire The first is that I am forbidden by the religion which I hold to love any other woman but her whom heaven hath lawfully legitimated me especially Idolaters as you are the second is that I am not permitted as a Knight to spoyle a woman of her honour after I have nobly preserved it since our order is chiefely instituted for the preservation of Ladyes the third and most important of all is that my heart being ingaged under the power of another that loves me I may not to please you deceive her unlesse I will become a disloyall traitor thus have I dealt as frely with you as you have done with me and letting you see what cause I have to deny you it must oblige you to clear me from all ingratitude the meeknesse of men I confesse is great but we are to doe all things with reason and never so to subject our selves as not to be our owne masters still What glory should I gaine by the succour I have given you if I should now undo you and what were you the better for escaping Dramants violence if under the colour of my services I should do you the like wrong Not a whit Madam nor could your beauty that might seeme to excuse me before the world leave me without blame before heaven I must be then more constant and you more generous to the end that the victory obtained over our own desires may settle a quiet peace in our consciences You have given me reasons answered she with a sad countenance which are but so many shifts for to excuse your self upon the difference of our religions is nothing men are generally borne for the satisfaction of one another and a single opinion ought not to be denied them in that point to say also that it were a dishonour for you to cast me away after you have saved me from shipwrack is but a poore obligation for it is not to ruine but to preserve what is frely given you that only that alone which you may insist upon is that you will not betray a Lady that truly loves you but thereunto likewise I answer how you shall do her no wrong in loving me at at this time since my intention is not to deprive her absolutely of the power which her merit hath assuredly given her over you neverthelesse I will not presse you further but leaving you to the liberty either of contenting me or making me to dye I will only beseech you to read in my eies that which I shall suffer in
from whence she took her way directly to the Court where finding Merodiana in her chamber she fell on her knees before her and beseeching her to be of good chear desired her hands to kisse for the good news she brought her Alas Cistenia said she with a sorrowfull countenance I know not what thou wilt say but the state whereunto I am reduced will not permit me to hope for much howsoever tell me I prethee wherein consist these good news In the arrivall of two Knights answered Cistenia the bravest and most valiant in my opinion upon the earth and that taking pitty of the wrong which this tyrant does you are come with a resolution to sucâ—our you How knowest thou that they are valiant said Merodiana since thou never sawst them fight I judge so by their brave carriage answered she and I may well say that you never beheld Knights of so gallant a disposition especially one of them that bears three Palms on his Shield He hath a marvelous good face an excellent shape and a brave warlicke countenance These are parts indeed common to many men said Merodiana and if the effect be answerable to the commendations thou givest him it may be I shall find some consolation in his presence But where hast thou left them Cistenia Fast by the enemies Camp answered she resolved to make way through it with their swords and give you some proof of their valour before they enter the towne and therefore do desire you to favour their retreat by sending forth four hundred Knights when the alarm shall begin among the the enemies Good gods said she make way through the enemies camp why thou amazest me Cistenia either they are mad men or valiant beyond expression Do not think answered she that this resolution of theirs proceeds from any rashnesse among all the qualities which recommend the Knight of the Palmes I have alwayes found him to be very discreet and advised wherefore I imagine that he hath undertaken this onely out of greatnesse of courage which makes him despise all common and inglorious designes I know not what will become of this enterprise said Merodiana but I will be most carefull to secure their retreat wherefore cause some of my Commanders to come hither Whereupon five or six of the chief of her Court presenting themselves before her she related unto them how two stranger Knights purposed to assail the enemies camp and therefore having commanded them to sally forth with the number they had required and to charge the enemy at such time as they should perceive any uprore in their camp she retired into her cabinet where she began to think of the speech which Cistenia had used concerning the Knight of the Palms Sometimes shâ— figured unto herselfe the beauty of his person and then again presently imagined that she saw him thundring amidst a squadron of armed forces and found herself possessed with I know not what kinde of good will towards him which converting into love made her infinitely desire the presence of this gallant Knight If he be worthy of me said she I am ready resolved to love him and his services are to attend their recompence in my favours But what if the eminence of his race should be responsible to my condition without doubt I would marry him and say he should be poor of means his vertue would supply that great default of fortune Well he must be seene and then time shall advise Saying thus she called Cistenia to help her to bed when as news was brought her that the enemies camp was all in a tumult She trembled at this report for she feared that her Knight would not bring his enterprizes to passe howbeit taking better heart she commanded her Câ—ptains to fally forth and put her head out of the window to see whether the Moon would discover her lover amongst a world of fighting men The noyse increased the camp was up in Arms the souldiers ran confusedly up and down Some asked what quarter it was that the enemy had assailed and with what numbers but no man could return any answer they knew not from whence their destruction came and their terrour was no lesse then if twenty thousand men had fallen upon their trenches The most part notwithstanding being advertised that two Knights only were the cause of this hurly-burly they returned into their tents laughing at their own fear and thinking themselves dishonoured for having been frighted by the temerity of two men In the mean time the two invincible Knights bestowed their blows with such fury that all passed under the edge of their blades they overthrew as many enemies as presented themselves before them cut off the arms of some divided the heads of others in pieces made so great a havock amongst them that every one feared their swords as if they had been thunderbolts the wayes were free none opposed their rage and if any one durst stand before them he was sure to be slain but with one blow Alcidamant many times observed that great Knight of the Lions so was Troilus named and seeing with what grace he massacred his enemies put the most confident to flight commended him as one of the valiantâ—st Gentlemen on the earth but the other wondred at Alcidamants dreadfull blows and thinking no mortall man was capable of so much force beheld him as a prodigie and worthy of all marvell The slaughter having endured above two howrs Merodiana's Knights appeared and gave so furiously on the enemy that with the feare they were in they layd above three hundred on the earth But the Gyant who would not stir forth upon the first bruit arriving thereupon Alcidamant and the Knight of the Lions put themselves in the Rear and causing a retreat to be sounded sustained the brunt of his troops untill such time as they had gotten to the walls from whence a thousand Crosse-bows discharged such a multitude of shot upon the enemy that he was constrained to retire extreamly vexed to have been so beaten by two Knights who seeing themselves within the gates demanded whether Merodiana were withdrawn to bed No answered Cistenia that came forth to receive them amidst the troops she attends you in her chamber for to begin the thankes which she owes to your valour So taking them by the hand she conducted them to the Court where Alcidamant finding Merodiana much fairer then Cistenia had described her would have saluted her upon his knees but she that through this warlicke countenance was strucken with the flashes of an unresistable beauty stayed him from doing so and said Valiant Knight in all right I ow that respect unto you if you would receive it from me for being come to the succour of an Orphan maid which expected nothing but death to avoid the violence of a wicked man I cannot use too much submission for to honour you but being fully resolved to shew my self more sensible of benefits then officious in my complements I will leave it to
as much content as my self glory and be assured that I will never give you cause to complain of me Neither will I give you any answered she for to deny me your services Whereupon Alcidamant taking her hands kissed them a thousand times with incredible delight and had suffered himself to be transported with the excesse of his joy if she had not on a sudden retired for to take away all occasion of suspect After that they met often sometimes publikely sometimes in the walks where our Frenchman discovering his passion by his looks and sighs begot an exceeding desire in her to relieve him had she not been retained by that bashfulnesse which ordinarily accompâ—nies maidens Madam said he ever and anon I languish away my heart is compassed with a fire that consumes it strange â—ancies intercept my sleep my grief grows greater and greater and I die a thousand times a day yet you are not sensible of my sufferings and harder then the rock you leave me in my torment not affording me the remedy I so much want Could you be content to see me lost or to hear it said another day that your rigour was the cause of my death No Madam it would be a grief to you and when you should call to minde that the world could not give you a servant more faithfully yours you would lament to no purpose attend not this repentance I beseech you let me receive your grace before time or sorrow make me uncapable of it conferring more particular favours on me then hitherto you have done make â—e sâ—y that I am the happiest Knight living Sweet heart answered she with a smile it troubles me exceedingly to hear you complain thus of me without a cause and would it were fitting for me to let you know that I love you no lesse then my self But what can I do for you and what would you hope for from me Do I refuse to hear the assurances which continually you give me of your affections Do I intreat you neglectfully or can you think that my actions are governed more by cruelty then honour Questionlesse if you be not blinded with passion you cannot chuse but see that I â—o not want love and you shall never finde my disposition guilty of ingratituâ—e be pacified then I pray you live better satisfied for my sake and â—â—teâ—rupt not my content with your unquietnesse I desire said he to appear before you more contained But alas Madam my grief will not permit it and spite of my teeth my looks must shew you what is in my heart You say I have no cause to complain have I not think you when I may not see you but in fear You are alwayes in the midst of your Captains how can I tell you then before them that my soul is all of a flame Your minde is continually carried away with the care of affairs that every minute are presented unto you what place can there be left then for a thought of me No Madam you scarce think of me at any time and that is it which makes me despair of all remedy I acknowledge with you that I never deserved the grace which I demand but you are the onely cause of it and the little power which you have left me hath not permitted me to have cut your enemies Camp already in pieces if that be it you look for Madam keep me no longer heer I will soon rid them away and deliver you though every souldier were converted into a Giant What a misery is this answered she I thought I had obliged you to live wiâ—â— more content by the assurance I have given you of my affection but it â—â—â—ms your impatience is thereby the more increased and that the care which I take to have you alwayes in my sight proves a trouble unto you You say that it is alwayes in the presence of my Commanders Do you hold it fit that I should deny them accesse when they come to speak with me about my affairs For my part I do not but am perswaded that giving them occasion to talk to my disadvantage I should ruine that which I am raising for your glory we are to carry our selves more advisedly and with better discretion neverthelesse I am resolved to commit an errour rather then discontent you What is it you require of me That you would be pleased said he to grant me admittance into your chamber when all the house is at rest to the end I may discover my sufferings with that liberty which a lover ought to have That were too much answered she if I loved you lesse but relying on your vertue I will be contented to grant it you so as you will presently swear unto me to attempt nothing but with leave That respect you alwayes bear about you said Alcidamant wherefore Madam I protest unto you by the faith of a Knight no way to offend you Be ready then for to morrow night said Merodiana and follow Cistenia when she comes for you Madam said Alcidamant kissing her hands this is the happiest promise that ever was made howbeit I must beseech you to add yet something more to my felicitie That I will said she provided that it do no way contravenne the protestation you have made to be contain'd No Madam answered he for my request is that you will render me worthy of this grace by the defeat of some of your enemies and that you will not hinder me from waking them to morrow morning I speak not this without reason we came hither for your service we have enterprised nothing these three weeks that we have been heer your people begin to lose the good opinion which they had of us and some stick not to say that this course of ours is not correspondent to our great words Moreover I should not find so much pleasure in the favour you purpose to do me if I should not appeare before you like a generous and valiant Knight Sweet Madam be carried by these considerations to yeeld unto this intreaty of mine whereby you shall infinitly oblige me and testifie that you repose confidence in me I will not hinder you said she seeing my word is past howbeit tempt not Fortune nor hazzard your self too far if you love me but carefully preserve your life whereupon depends all the happinesse of my dayes This discourse finishing with our Frenchmans infinite content he assembled the Captains communicated to them his designe and finding them well disposed to his mind he chose out two thousand of the most resolute men and commanded them to be ready an howr before day and so retiring with Troilus he went to take a little rest This designe running in his mind he slept not long but arose armed himselfe put Troilus in the head of a thousand horse caused him to sally forth at one gate and making a shorter cut went and charged the enemies with such fury that being surprised he made an horrible slaughter of them before they had
the leasure to put themselves in array The first that he encountred being dispatched all the Camp was in an uprore every place rang with crying Arm arm Heer ran the souldiers to their Colours there the Knights call'd out for their horses briefly all was in confusion In the mean time Alcidamant gained ground killed massacred cut off legs and arms and making large way to his Knights overthrew tents and pavilions putting the whole Camp in such fear that it was thought all had been lost Time necessitie having quickly ranged the enemy into order the most part of the armie conducted by Fangomadan went to fall upon Alcidamant when a new uprore began on the north side the troops felt themselves charged in flank and the slaughter grew so great that the formost squadrons betook them to flight Fangomadan amazed with this surprisall know not which way to turn himself finding the danger to be no lesse on the one side then on the other But being a man of courage and experience he presently drew out eight thousand men and sending them away under the leading of some of his most expert Commanders against the last commers he marched with the rest to arrest the fury of our Knight when as he being every way as wise as valiant caused the retreat to be sounded thinking it not fit to attend the shock of this Squadron and retired into the town maugre all that Fangomadan could do who cursing Heaven and Nature carried himselfe so furiously that not one of his favourits durst come neer him He would have turned head for to be revenged of the others whom he saw yet in the field but word being brought him that they also were retired he entred into his tent with a protestation to overthrow all his Gods and never to suffer his enemies to be at rest causing all things to be prepared then that seemed necessary for an assault he called his Captains before him and commanded them to die or take the Town vowing with strange menaces to cut them in pieces which should recoile but a step back and to give extraordinary recompences to such as should be valiant and couragious whereupon every man put himself in readinesse to fight But the Gyant thinking it fit to surprise his adversaries as he had been surprized by them forbore all preparations till night to the end the enemies should not be advertised of his designe who in the mean time little regarding his rage made Bonfires for joy of so glorious a victory which having cost them but threescore and five Knights had laid two thousand and six hundred of the contrary part dead in the place with infinite contentment to the beautifull Merodiana who received these gallants with so much kindnesse that they were almost ashamed of it CHAP. XXXIX Alcidamant amidst Merodiana's embraces is drawn away by Fangomadan who assaulted the Citie He sallies forth and with Troilus his assistance puts all the enemies Camp into disorder THE day being spent in feasting and bonfires to the generall satisfaction of all but Alcidamant who thought every minute to be a tedious year Merodiana retired herself and remembring the promise she had made her lover dismissed all her Ladies save onely Cistenia on whose fidelitie she altogether relied and seeing herself alone said unto her Cistenia being confident of thy faith I will discover a secret unto thee which very much concerns me The Knight of the Palms importuned me yesterday with such a grace that he made me promise to receive him this night into my chamber that so he might have the liberty to deliver his passions more freely wherefore I would have thee go and see whether every body be at rest that thou maist fetch him hither It were fit then said Cistenia that you went to bed That were a seemly thing indeed replied Merodiana for me to entertain his discourse in bed I le but give him the hearing for an howr or two at the most for a man may say enough in that time neither shalt thou stir out of the chamber the while O Madam said Cistenia how you deceive your self to think that a lover will be satisfied with words and let slip a favourable opportunity you must make your account otherwise and resolve upon some freeâ— course I think him to be vertuous but would I might not live if he should be such a dastard as to proceed no further then you speak of I would never look upon him with a good eye again Let me not be tâ—usted for any thing I shall say answered Merodiana if my promise be not limited with the condition that he shall not attempt any thing upon me without leave I veâ—â—ly think so said Cistenia neverthelesse I will not beleeve that â—ver he wil observe that respect unto you which if he should you would not be very well pleased with it Never blush for the matter I pray you nor â—issemble to no purpose place and occasion will be favourable to you make use of them as love shall advise you and think that once lost they are not so easily recovered again as also that neglect makes mâ—n oftentimes repent Go go said Merodiana laughing I shall find him so modest that it will never come to that passe By my faith answered Cistenia â—â— would be then to your grief howsoever let us leave off this discouâ—se and get you to bed that I may go about my businesse I think said Merodiana it will be best for me to do so for being at case I shall not be so troubleâ— with a pain that I feel in my head already Heer is the beginning of my prophâ—siâ— â—â—â—d Cistenia let me not live if the rest do not follow Whereupon uâ—dressing her Mistresse she put her hand upon her breâ—sts and in a waggâ—sh manner said O fortunate Knight of the Palms how should I envie thy happinesse were I a man What a content to feele these two delitious worlds What blisse to kisse so delicate a mouth And what infinite felicity to be united to this body the abstract of all the beauties of the earth The delights Madam which are prepared for him are preferrable to Empires and were it in my power to change sex I would never do it but onely to enjoy for one day such incomparable pleasures Merodiana not being able to forbeare laughing many times held her hand before 〈…〉 as if she were ashamed to hear her talk so but Cistenia knowing her mind well enough left her in her bed and went to Alcidamant who eâ—bracing her promised never to be ingratefull for so many services Their chambers not being far asunder he was instantly in that of Merodiana who seeing him come with such a grace was so moved that one might easily perceive by her face what her heart desired Mine honour said she unto him forbad me to see you at this time of night thus alone but your vertue hath prevailed with me wherefore sit down in this chair and then we will talk with
you at leasure Madam answered he kneeling down by her beds side and beholding her with an amorous eye your command may alwayes dispose of me and I shall think my selfe most happy to see you in any sort whatsoever But O God! if you would be pleased to vouchsafe me a better place more neer unto you I should esteem my glory to be far greater then the felicities of a Paradise Do you remember your promise Knight said she unto him Yes Madam said he I have sworn to attempt nothing upon you but you have not forbidden me from intreating you Consider me I beseech you in torment neer my happinesse and cannot enjoy it between hope and fear and expecting either life or death from your answer Rise Knight said she you have no lesse grace in delivering your passions then valour in vanquishing them that encounter you and your parts have no lesse power over me then your arm hath over mine enemies I was resolved to have conserved my selfe but you have won me and I am constrained to tell you that you may dispose of my bed as you please I will not complain of the losse of that which I hold most dear so as your disloyaltie give me no cause to do Never fear said he casting his doublet on the table with an excesse of content No Madam never fear that you shall see me sigh for another you have too many charms in your eyes for to leave me that liberty and I too much sense of the favour you doe me Saying so he got in to bed to her where their embraces began with unspeakable delight kisses succeeded words feeling followed kisses and a thousand amorous wantonizing to stirre up their spirits that every minute furnished fresh pleasures Five howrs being spent in these delights they were about to have given themselves new testimonies of their loves when Fortune desiring to crosse their happinesse a little a great noyse was heard all over the Citie and the confusion of certain voyces that cried Arm arm amazed them Never beleeve me said Alcidâ—mant if our enemies be not upon some enterprise for to be quit with us But I swear by your love the most religious oâ—th I can make that I will so chastise their insolence and make them pay interest for the wrong they do me by ravishing me thus from out of your arms Whereupon having kâ—st her with a world of affection he went instantly out of her chamber with his clothes under his arm and entring into his own he met Cistenia in her smock comming out of her closet Whence commest thou Cistenia said he marvelling to see her in that fashion From seeking a second answered she for your Squires gentle carriage having made me as far in love with him as you are with my Lady I thought it not amisse to keep Sentinell with him In good faith said he laughing I like this humour well in thee but go in presently to thy Mistrâ—sse and desire her not to be moved at this noyse Then being ready he armed himself and causing three or four torches to be born before him in regard the night was very dark he marched to the Market place whither all the Knights repaired unto him and understanding the enemy was preparing to give an assault he manned the walls with good Souldiers exhorting them to fear nothing and commanding a thousand horse to be ready upon all occasions he presented himself the first upon the Battlements where perceiving that the enemy laboured to fill up the ditch the more commodiously to plant their ladders he caused the Archers to shoot wherewithall in a little time they slew so many that the earth was covered with them neverthelesse the Pioners doing their uttermost filled up the ditches and gave their Companies means to advance Whereupon a world of ladders were instantly reared against the walls and the Souldiers encouraged by the threatnings and promises of the Gyant strived who could soonest mount up beginning a most dangerous fight Fangomadan not able to accuse his men was almost distracted to see how fast they tumbled down one in the neck of another but desiring to bring them on again by his example he took a ladder mounted on it and presenting himself on the battlements grew dreadfull to the defendants who fearing his getting into the City gave present notice thereof to the valiant Knight of the Palms he forthwith making to the place where the Giant slew all that he met withall discharged so mighty a blow on his head that not able to abide the fury of it he was overthrown to the ground and there no doubt he had been killed had he not fallen upon five or six of his Captains who were getting up on the ladder after him and that were sâ—â—flâ—d under the weight of his body This fall of his might have discouraged him had he had lesse rage but rising up with a million of execrations against his Gods he re-mounted on the ladder resolving to die or enter into the City But Alcidamant leaving the Knight of the Lions to oppose him whilst Marâ—diana's Captains defended other places put himself in the head of the thousand horse which he had reserved for that purpose sallied forth at a back gate and giving furiously on the enemies back so disordered them that they began to betake themselves to flight with an horrible slaughter all the ladders being in the power of those of the City with such grief to Fangomadan that he would have held himself happy to have been rid of his life The assault ceasing then by this retreat Alcidamant returned glorious and was received with such applause that the people seemed to have no tongues but for to publish his valour and renown which gave infinite content to Merâ—diana who thought her self most fortunate in possâ—ssing so brave and valiant a Knight and never blushing at her fault received him when he came to the Court with most extraordinary testimonies of love which every one ascribed to the acknowledgement wherein she stood ingaged to his assistance and the valour he had shewn in the fight wherein there fell three thousand and three hundred Knights to the incredible terrour of the adverse troops who beleeved he was some God come down in favour of this Princesse right so that the brandishing of his sword was more dreadfull then the lightning which ordinarily precedes thunder She could have found in her heart to have kist him before all the Commanders that invironed him and would willingly have discharged him of his arms but referring that office to the night she contained her self till every body was gone to rest when as she received him into her bed where their pleasures were renewed with such delight that not able to expresse the thousandths part of it I must leave it to be imagined by those who at any time have injoyed so much happinesse CHAP. XL. Alcidamant combâ—ts the King of Licagena kills him and seconded by the succours of the Iland of Silvana gives
so furiously on the enemy that he obtains the victory with incredible slaughter THE fury of Fangomadan giving no further fear to Merodiana by reason of the assurance which she took in the arms of her lover her content was without care and heâ— joy without any doubt On the other side Alcidamant mingling a generous fire with the flâ—mes of love desired nothing more then occasion to fight that so he might equall his glory with the pleasures which he found in the imbraces of his Mistris Displeâ—sed then that Fangomadâ—n reigned so long and that his arms should imbroil the affairs of a people whom he could not chuse but love for his Ladies sake he resolved to coâ—bat him hand to hand and to that end going one day unto Merodiana for to undertake that businesse by her permission he was told that an Hâ—rauld was come to pâ—â—ley with the Princesse from Fangomadan Let him be admitted sâ—id Alcidamant it may he brings us good news Whereupon the Hâ—â—aâ—lâ— entring into the hall where Merodiana sat attended by the most part of her Captains without whose advice she would conclude nothing he said unto hâ—r Madam the mighty King of Licagena my Lord desiring to end this war which depends either on his life or on the lives of two strange Knights that are heer he defies them both togetâ—eâ— and will make triall of his person against them alledging that they are traitours that cunning is more familiar with them then force oâ— valour and that they fight not like good Knights further he desires that this combat may be performed under the walls of the City to the end you may judge whether he be not worthy of your love he permits them to make choice of the arms and protests that he will retiâ—e with his army if he be vanquished looking for no harder condition from you if he defeats them as he makes no doubt then that you are to expect from the sense which he saith he hath of your neglect or rather of the violence of his passion This speech wrought a strange confusion in the minde of Merodâ—ana who was not ignorant of Fangomadans forces and that for any thing in the world would not have exposed her lover to such danger so that she knew not what to answer when as Alcidamant kneeling down said unto her Madam if my services be of any consideration with you refuse me not I beseech you one boon the first that ever I have asked Knight said she exceedingly troubled and guessing at his designe I grant it you whatsoever it be howbeit think I pray you not onely of your own but of my peoples and particularly of my preservation That is the onely care I take answered he and there is nothing so dear to me as your safety Wherefore addressing his speech to the Herauld you may tell your Master that I was resolved to free this Countrey from his tyranny and that I am infinitly glad he hath furnished me with the means to do it I will encounter him to morrow under these walls with the arms common among good Knights namely the Lance and Sword not with a companion for generous and valiant men never fight with advantage but single and with courage enough to make him pay for the spoil which he hath made of this Princesse territories These words bravely pronounced no lesse amazed the enemy then the assistants who knowing how prodigious the strength of Fangomadan was could hardly beleeve that any one man durst threaten him much lesse present himselfe before him howbeit seeing with what assurance this valiant Knight spake and calling to mind what he had done in the passed encounters they beheld him as a wonder the most part with pitty as if his death had been fastned to the first blow he should receive from his enemy and others with some hope of good successe Merodiana being here with extreamly afflicted in her mind stood a good while beholding him with an eye that sufficiently testified the trouble she was in but doubting that thus she might offend him she set a good face on the matter and speaking to the Herault said unto him Friend this Knight hath given you your answer which I avow and to shew the confidence I have in him I am contented making no more account of my estate then his life that it be comprized within the hazzard of the combat and that this Iland be united to your Masters crown if he prove the victor reserving nothing but the power to dispose of my self according to mine own fancie if my Knight be flain The Herauld departing herewith Alcidamant kneeled down again and rendring a thousand thankes to Merodiana for her good opinion of him he promised her by Gods assistance not to deceive her hope Going then to his chamber for to visit his arms he â—aw a Damsell enter with a Dwarfe carrying a trunk on his shoulder who making him a very low reverence said Brave warriour the learned Nerea who loves you well knowing what is to betide you in your enterprises hath commanded me to give you this armour and to tell you that you should not be troubled for the losse of the Arms which she caused to be brought in to you in the wood where you were made Knight your former combats have made them in case to do you but small service in the businesse you have now in hand which hath induced her to furnish you with these new ones This is not the first favour she hath done me said Alcidamant having no way obliged her thereunto but you may assure her she may dispose of me when or however she pleaseth Whereupon having received from the Dwarfe a green cuirasse set all over with double hearts wherein appeared an A and a T an helmet of the same the richest that could be and a shield whereon were three Palms as in the other he was better pleased then if he had obtained a Kingdome howbeit he marvelled to see them so thin and light whereat the Damsell smiling said unto him Sir never wonder at that for my Mistresse hath caused them to be made so of purpose that you may fight with the lesse pain and more ease But if you dare not credit my words make triall of them your self and see if the strength of your arm and the goodnesse of your sword can open them Here with she vanished away leaving Merodiana no lesse amazed then contented who finding herself at night with her Knight could not forbear shedding of some tears at the remembrance of the danger wherein he was to be the next day Whereupon our Frenchman taking occasion to carresse her told her that she was not to afflict her self so nor consider the disproportion of his body and that of his enemy that vertue consisting in courage rather then in the largenesse of limbs she was not to doubt but that love would furnish him with new forces seeing her life and welfare were in question Comforting her thus with sufficient strong
the Palms and raised his valour to so high a pitch that the fâ—ir Silvana sister to Merodiana admiring him began to seek the same effects which they endure which are in love She made them describe unto her his stature the proportion of his body his countenance the colour of his hair and the beauty of his face and considering that Nature had made him every way compleat she her self kindled the fire which by little and little consumed her but passing to the desire for to know what marvells he had done for her sister she caused them to recount unto her the manner of his fight his courage his skill his blows how he had most valiantly slain the King of Licagena and put his armies to flight at the only sight of his arms which fully imprinted the character of love in her heart and made her care for nothing so much as to finde out some occasion to see him and render him enamoured of her O Gods said she how accomplished is this knight if he have all those parts which report confers upon him Have I not reason to wish I may enjoy him No question I have he is worthy of my favours and deserves to be made partaker of my bed if he will accept of it But alas I very much fear my sister hath already prevented me of that fortune and unable to resist what I suffer that she hath given her self to him bereaving me of the means so to do Yes yes I doubt it is but too true for this Knight being every way so compleat who could forbear loving him Questionlesse my sister doth enjoy him and I am out of hope to see the end of my desires successefull howbeit the dice are cast I am no longer mine own and this consideration must not stay my designes if my sister love him I may love him too injoy him as she doth and cover my desires with a pretended ignorance of their affections This amorous and jealous Princesse entertaining her self after this manner in the beginning of her passion lived with strange unquietnesse sometimes she resolved to send a damsell unto him to desire him not refuse her his succour for the delivering of her Iland from a dreadfull monster that rendered it almost inhabitable and then imagining that her sister would never permit him to undertake that voiage because she would not let him go out of her sight she was of another minde and purposed to have him by some other wile but not meeting with any that was not either too long for the impatience of her desires or too difficult for any good successe she could hope from it or too hazardous for to endanger all she could not draw any resolution out of such contrariety of thoughts At length having more affection then to undertake nothing she concluded to quit her Island and to see him at her sisters under colour of going to congratulate with her for the happy issue of so dangerous a war hoping there to finde out some invention or other for to bring her designe to passe Taking along with her then twelve Knights and six damsels for she had but an arm of the sea to crosse over she embarked her self and within four dayes after landed in her sisters Island whom she would not acquaint with her comming but mounting upon a delicate nag she rode along till she came to a forrest neer unto the which causing certain pavillions to be pitched she resolved to passe away the night there Walking then alone by her self in the evening and continually thinking on the means she might use for to bring her businesse wisely about she perceived a huntsman passe by of whom she demanded what news there was at Merodiana's Court. I can deliver you no better answered he then that which is reported of the excellencie of the Knight of the Palms whom it seems hath a purpose to become Lord of this Countrey whereunto our Princesse will not be much averse as every one probably conjectures for there is nothing at this instant in the world which she regards so much as the content of this Knight with whose conversation she is infinitely taken she leads him forth into the gardens and walks where most of the trees carry marks of their loves in a million of characters graven on their barks and when the heat of the day will not suffer them to walk they withdraw into her chamber where the time is insensibly spent in the assurances which they interchangably give of loving one another eternally These words were so many mortall wounds that renewed the grief and jealousie of Silvana who saw apparant proofs of that which she had alwayes feared she scratched her head changed her colour every minute many times bit her fingers for anger and testified if the huntsman had well observed her actions that this news touched her to the quick but he whose minde was altogether upon his discourse went on thus Briefly these so great familiarites induce us to beleeve that they are resolved to make a marriage in consideration whereof we honour him already as if he were our Master carrying no lesse respect to his commandements then to those which come from Merodiana And to witnesse the truth of that I say assure your self I would not walk thus with a purpose to lie all night in the wood if it were not to lodge him Deer which to morrow he means to hunt in this Forrest very early in the morning But Madam time calls me away wherefore you must excuse me if I break off thus abruptly Silvana being better satisfied with the conclusion of this discourse then with the beginning would not stay him any longer but returned to her pavillion where being arrived she called one of her Damsels whom she favoured most unto her and said Falerina so was she named out of the confidence which I repose in thee I come to impart a secret unto thee wherein without any confideration of the importance of the matter I would have thee to serve me not according to thy opinion or as reason shall counsell thee but according to my desire and fansie I am desperately in love with that brave Knight of the Palms of whom such wonders are reported of late and whereas I have undertaken this voyage it was not as I gave out to congratulate with my sister for her good successe but to see him and to dispose him to love me to effect the which a favourable occasion presents it self whereby it lies in thee to make me happy if thou wilt To morrow he is to hunt a Stag in this wood but let us make him take another way and find out some invention to draw him hither where I doubt not but I shall with little diffieultie obtaine what I desire for I have beauty enough to make the most invincible man in the world to affect me And this may easily be done for thou shalt encounter him at his beginning to hunt thou shalt humbly demand a boon of
your presenting of me unto him may produce These Knights embracing so safe an offer and leaving the dead bodies in the place went away with her to the Citie where arriving at the Court before the Emperour Corazinda with a sweet and modest look fell on her knees and making the same relation to him which shee had done before unto his Knights she besought him to have some compassion of her fortune not permitting her to be any way injured Pretty one said he very much wondring at her beauty and already feeling some secret flames that began to scorch him you shall not want my favour seeing the gods have been pleased to cast you on my territories and to shew that your arrivall here is acceptable unto me I will give order that you be lodged neer my daughters with whose company you may the better passe away the time Oh! how pleasing was this saying unto our Warriour and how easily might one have discerned the alteration of his soul by his change of colour if one had had the least suspicion of his sex verely his desire â—â—ew and hee thought it long till hâ—â— saw himself at the liberty to consider at leisure all the perfections of his Lady but remembring that discretion was more then necessary for his designes and that hee was to govern his actions if hee meant to assure his happinesse hee made little shew how much hee was transported by this speech contrarily bowing himself even to the ground with the best grace hee could use in acknowledgement of so much favour he kissed his hand and raising up himself again he very modestly followed him that was to conduct him to his Chamber wherein at first he fetched a thousand turns blessing the good hap which had so prospered his desires In the mean time the Emperour acquainted his daughters with the acquisition he had made of one of the fairest slaves in the world Her eyes said he hath so many winning charms that my heart frozen with a multitude of yeeres hath felt the violence of their beams her hair sweetly set forth under a strange Attire is not to be paraleld her form is goodly nothing can be desired more in a face most delicate in her skin briefly next to you who excell in all perfection shee may vaunt her self to bee one of the most beautifull creatures of the earth judge then whether I can think upon her without love and whether it be not an hard matter for him that shall converse with her to preserve his liberty without doubt said Palmirenna who had much adoe to forbear smiling at this her fathers rapture being such as you describe her shee may work great effects even upon the most insensible But Sir I marvell that you will let her bee a slave seeing shee so deserves to be served Thinke not said he that I wil commit so great â— fault whereby I should â—ffend the gods and my judgement which forbid mee to entreat her with rigour shee shall have as much liberty as you but I will call her the fair slave till such time as we better understand who shee is your discourse said Amplimira then hath possest mee with a great desire to see her will you be pleased Sir to grant us this contentment Very willingly answered he for I would have you acquainted with her and use her with the respect which I am perswaded shee deserves for her carriage assures me she is nobly derived Herewith Amadis being called forth came out of his Chamber strangely perplexed hee had resolved with himself not to be moved but as soone as hee appeared in the Hall and was fallen on his knees before his Mistresse who was exceedingly taken with the sight of such a comely person hee found himself to be so lost that hee was not able to utter a word howbeit shee that beheld him with a particular good will which shee could not call love and that was no lesse ravished then hee desiring to confirm him said unto him Fair stranger what ayl you will you not let us know who you are and from whence you came Madam answered he marvell not if I have not spoken till now to give you humble thanks for the honour you have done mee in receiving me thus I had no eyes but to admire the excellency of your beauty which certainly cannot bee humane you aske me who I am vvhy here is before you a poor Damosel of Greece the object of the mischances and misery of the vvorld yet not so unhappy but that she applauds that fortune vvhich hath brought her hither to enjoy the blessednesse of your presence Arise svveet heart said Palmireâ—â—a and you shall see that vve shall so cherish and caresse you as you shall have no cause to complain Saying so shee stooped and kissed him wherewith Amadis was so transported as he was ready to sound with extremity of pleasure but recollecting his spirits which were wandring in this extasie hee was going to render the like unto the two incomparable Infantaes when as they prevented him with their kisses after the example of their elder sister and not suffering him to kneele led him by the Emperours permission into Palmirennaes Chamber who began to affect him no lesse then shee did her sisters CHAP. V. The life that Amadis led with Palmirenna Floridans passions for Amplamira Amadis and he knowes one another AMadis his behaviour accompanied with most extraordinary sweetnesse made him to bee beloved of all Palmirenna and her sisters held nothing so dear as his company their women idolatrized him and as his habit beguiled every one the Gallants of the Court were as much enamoured of her as she was of her Mistresse Tarsander the Prince of Balivana Nephew to the Emperour sighed often at her feet howbeit so discreetly that the Emperour who notwithstanding his old yeeres was extreamly passionate for her could never perceive it Every one adored her but hee that shewed least feare and most affection was Bustrafard the Gyant whose cruell soul delighted more in blood then in the exercise of any Gentlenesse This Colossus having heard it often said that handsomnesse had as much power over the will of a woman as the continuance of services that were done her laboured to sweeten his look which was most dreadfull caused his horrible rough beard to be perfumed combed his hair that was harder then any horses Mane painted his swarthy face apparelled himself in the richest robes hee could get which made him more hideous and omitting no occasion to accost our Gentle-woman entertained her with the discourse of his valour of his wealth and of the antiquity of his race and propounded unto her incredible contentments in the possession of him Behaving himself thus in the sight of all the world it exceedingly vexed Tarsander who would willingly have been revenged on him had his forces been answerable to his courage but knowing full well that it would have been in vain for him to have attempted any thing against him
he concealed his mind hoping that Corazinda had more judgement then to suffer her self to be carried by such an ill favoured and ugly beast Whilst all these gallants dyed for the love of her she felt the same passions for the Lady and because shee durst not sigh but in secret shee spent much of her time alone in the Gardens where shee entertained her self in this manner To what end serves this borrowed disguise if I have not an heart to crave a remedy for the extremity of my grief I see Palmirenna it is true I kisse her hands and by an excesse of good fortune shee sometimes joynes her lips unto mine but what doth that avayl mee seeing she does it in regard of the habit that I were not of the love that I beaâ— her Nothing questionlesse but to increase my torment these are winds which in stead of extinguishing my flame make it burn with the more violence and if I take not a stronger resolution I have laboured in vain to get the possession of so invaluable a gâ—mme I must then either quit this habit or make another and better use of it then hitherto I have done womens hearts are not without pitty and when Palmirenna shall know that I am a Knight shee will not advance my death by manifesting it to another But what is this I say will shee not have just cause to blame this deceit and to banish me from her sight for a punishment of so hainous a crime yes no doubt and wheras the good will shee bore mee whilst she thought me to be of her sex might counsell her to do otherwise honour and decencie will fence her to it I do therfore ill to yield to my desires I am more happy then I deserve for the longer I suffer the greater will be my glory So resolving to be silent and leave her remedy untâ— time shee sate her down one day under a tree upon whose bark she had graven a thousand characters where shee began to renew her complaints when as Palmirenna arriving there by chance with three of her Ladies caught her by the arm and said What Corazinda are you still weeping cannot all our caresses make you forget our countrey Truly I have reason to complain of you and will never beleeve that you love mee so much as you say since you continue so sad here Think not answered she some what amazed to see her self so surprised that I bestow these tears on the remembrance of my countrey or friends their absence is the least of my cares but I grieve for that I cannot profit you by my service nor advance my self a whit in the honour of your savour for loving you farre more and that beyond all comparison as I may truly say then all the Knights of the world put together can possibly do I could wish that your eyes should rest no where but on mee as my thoughts have no other object then the excellencie of your beauty I wonder said Palmirenna that you should complain thus of me without a cause doth not my womens jealousie who are vexed for that they cannot be so free with mee as you are make it evidently appear how infinitly I love you clear your self of this sinister impression and be confident dear Corazinda that if your content depends on me you shall live as happily as your own heart can wish being resolved to give you and that most willingly all that you can desire of mee provided I may see you no more thus afflicted Now are all my sorrows at an end answered Corazinda for all the good of my future life is tyed to the effect of this promise which I hope you will never forget and to make my happinesse compleat there wants nothing but this that whereas herein the Court I am called the fair slave you will be pleased that hereafter I may bee called Palmirenna's fair slave Here at the Princesse fell a laughing and embracing her said that it pleased her very well Some houres being sweetly spent in such like discourse which testifying more and more an extream love that gave the Ladies great occasion to marvell from whence the heat of so powerfull an affection should proceed these two incomparable beauties retired into the Palace where the Emperour meeting with them began on a sudden to feel that fire burn which the first sight of our fair slâ—ve bad kindled in his brest Pretty one said hee â—nto her having withdrawn her to a window doe not you thinke is time yet to case my pain and shall the discretion which you have sound in my carriage leave you insensible of my sufferings consider that my love can make you the happiest Woman of the world and that your good fortuâ—e depends on the pitty which you shall have of me and that if you be inexorable you will give mee just occasion to accuse your in gretitude and to retrench you of those favours which you receivehere Sir answered she knowing full well that â—hee was to flatter his grief rather than incense his choller my judgement is not so weak as to make me neglect the contentment and advantages which the honour of your affection doth promise mee but do you think that having yet sighes in my mouth and tears in my eyes to be wayl my captivity my esloignment from my countrey and the losse of my friends I can resolve for any pleasure verely I cannot time the common Physician of our miseries may alter this peevish humour and furnish mee with other devises bee pleased I beseech you Sir to attend your remedy from thence your delight will be the greater when I shall give it you without grudging and not forcing my will you shall oblige mee to commâ—nd your gentlenesse in the mean while let mee obrain of you that you will not afflict yourself and giving mee leave to retyre from hence for to avoid the suspicion which may bee had of your intent leave me so to manage my sorrows with time as I may be ableere it be long to satisfie your hopes Go my dearest Cornkinds said be insinitly contented with this answer the gods which have made you to â—air make you as true Palmirennaes fair slave having got off in this manner went to find on her Lady but understanding that shee was laid down to sleep shee returned into the Garden where having made afewturns she peceiveda man lying on the grasse under the shadow of certain trees who thinking hee was not over-heand spake thus Wretched Knight what canst thou expect from thy enterprise but insuppottabletonments thou imaginest that time and thy services will beget a liking of thee in this Princesse but thou wilt be deceived shee will receive them from thee as from an ordinary Knight obliged by the liberality of her father what wilt thou doe then wilt thou discoverthy self for to serve her openly thou wilt not be believed but say thou wert difference of religion would serve for a cause to refuse thee now to
grand-children of that King Clarisel well observing this discourse resolved to goe to Windsor as well to be present at the Jousts as prevent the effect of so pernitious a design but concealing his determination he rode along with him aloof from the rest of the company when as the Gyant espying two women on horse-back that crossed the way gallopping after them and finding them to be marvellous beautifull he seized on her that liked him best purposing to take his pleasure on her instantly if Clarisel arrived thereupon had not intreated him to forbear so detestable an act By all my gods said he say what you will you shall never perswade me to quit so faire a prey I shall be constrained to fight with you then said Clarisel Fight with me answered the Gyant giving him a furious look Be sure I le chastise thy insolence for daring to say so whereupon he houghed those Gentlewomens horses who presently ran away to hide themselves amongst the bushes and thinking to divide his enemy with the first blow he discharged his courtlas with such furie at his head that making away thorow the shield the point of it lighted so rudely upon his Helmet that it made him knock his chin against his brest which put Clarisel into such a rage that he gave him a dangerous wound in the thigh The combat thus begun continued very cruelly for an houre and better at the end whereof Clarisel perceiving his shepheardesse to look with an eye of fear and pitty on the bloud that issued from an hurt the Gyant had given him in his arme grew so incensed that he advanced his sword and let it fall with such a tempest on his enemies Helmet as he cleft him down to the shoulders overthrowing him with a noyse like to that of an Oake rent up by the violence of the winds This horrible blow no less amazing Cardâ—ran and Lindoreâ—na then giving content to Miralinda they all came running in to unarme him but feeling little pain of his hurt bethâ—nâ—â—d them for their care of him and desiring them to goe and seek the Gentlewomen he stayed with Lindorenâ—â— and his Shepheardess who would not rest till she had got him to bare his arme that they might take a course to stanch the bloud that done they walked to the bushes for to see what was become of the Knights and the Gentlewoman but they had not gone far when as they found Florimond on his knees before her whom the Gyant would have ravished which spake to him in this manner Get you away imporunate man and doe not trouble me in this sort have I not told you a thousand times that my heart was ingaged under the Lawes of another far more pleasing to me then you why doe you force me then to say so again to you now I am not returned I tell you into the world for you I but you shall be said Clarisel who understood by her discourse that this was Claristea at leastwise if you will not shew your selfe the most ingratefull woman in the world this Gentleman wants nothing that is worthy of a fair mistresse why will you refuse him then after so many testimonies of his love and such powerfull obligations wherein you stand ingaged to his valour be not so hard hearted I pray you sweet Lady but doe that which his desert and your dutie requires Verely answered she perceiving it was he that vanquished the Gyant I must acknowledge that heaven hath had a speciall hand in this businesse for Sir the fame which you left behind you in France perswaded me that you were the Knight whose image is engraven in the bostome of my heart I forsook the Cloyster where I had resolved to have ended my dayes and followed you a long time with that opinion but now seeing my self deceived in my hope and thinking of nothing less then meeting with this Knight pointing to Florimond I must beleeve that our destinie hath brought us hither hee for to receive the recompence of his services from me and I to be assured that I shall never enjoy the valiant Knight of the Palmes whom hereafter I will utterly forget wherefore at your entreatie I will accept of him for my Husband as well for the satisfaction of the bond wherein I stand indebted to you for my present deliverance as for his own particular merit O from what an abisme am I mounted said Florimond and can it be that I which was this morning the most afflicted man on the earth should in a moment be the most fortunate Lover in the world Madam continued he kneeling down again before her you shall never repent this grace of yours to me wherefore defer not the accomplishment I beseech you if you tender my life You shall not languish long if I may answered she for as soon as we come to any Town I will marry you very willingly in the mean time let us see how we shall get from hence Madam said Clarisel wonderfull well satisfied of so good an accord so gracious a designe sure shall not be retarded for want of your horses you shall get up behind your servant the Damosel that accompanies you behind this Gentleman pointing to Cardoran and my little Squire shall walk after us faire and softly on foot Marry your favours are sweetly dispenced said Mâ—scarin but there is no remedie I must have patience I see and trust to my legs These words having made all the company to laugh they presently mounted on horse-back and rode to a Town not above a league from thence where resolving to pass the rest of the day Clarisel caused the Gyants body to be fetched and laying it in a Waggon sent it instantly away to Windsor there to be presented to the Prince of â—obradiza from him together with the relation of all that had past That dispatched Florimonds mariage with Claristea was propounded whereunto every one assenting they were espoused the fame evening to 〈◊〉 unspeakable 〈◊〉 who thâ—ough the 〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉 and Claristea's cunning never perceived that the 〈◊〉 had been entred before by Alcidâ—â—â—â— CHAP. XVIII The Massacre that was made by the dreadfull Gyant Zorobalan at the Ioâ—sts at Windser Clarisel aâ—â—iving thereupon after a dangerous Combat kils him THE Nuptials of Rozanel and the fairest Angelea of Tristor and the vertuous Alteria being celebrated all the Knights of great Britain were in the field the people filled the scaffolds Quedragant Abies and the gentle Agrian of Scotland were in the Lists and the Trumpets began to sound a charge when as a Gentlewoman with two Knights appeared before a Wagon wherein lay the body of a Gyant whose head was divided in two at the sight hereof every one came thronging to it and especially Garamaâ—â— Don Siâ—aldâ— Rozanel and Tristor who very much marvelled at the greatnesse of the blow which they beheld saying that the Knight from whose hand so violenta storm fell must needs have a strange and extraordinary force The
His beautie made thee infringe a Law which proved fatall to thet unhappy Prince Undergoe therfore joyntly a due and direfull vengeance for it Saying so she threw her Torch on the floore which presently filled the Hall with as dreadfull a flame as all the spectators astonished therewith betook them to their heels Griolanis only excepted who with his fair Mistresse standing fast and unmoved by vertue of the Charmes were forth with environed with a terrible fire and six horrible Serpents that seized on them began to gnaw and teare their faces and breasts with a crueltie no whit inferiour to that of the flames which made them break forth into such dolefull lamentations and cryes as was easily heard all over the Palace Ay me said Adelazia that such varietie of delights should be followed by so great a torment and that the glory I found in the fruition of such valour and beauty as was in Griolanis should now bee turned into griefe by the cruell usage of such Furies Envious fates what had I done or this courteous Knight committed worthy of such hard measure Ah I Griolanis the loveliest of man-kind the paines I suffer you see is great but far greater are yours to me then my own your miserie it is which I bewayl and not mine but since I cannot succour you be perswaded to patience Dearest Lady replyed Griolanis it is your martyrdome and not my torments that draw from me these complaints for how is it possible I should behold these wonders of nature perish before mine eyes and not accuse the heavens of injustice The Prince of Argilles fell by my sword it was most fit I alone should rue it yet are you made to partaâ—e in my sufferings as I did in your favours neither doth their crueltie rest here I am made the spectator of your miserie Hellish fâ—end thou oughtest to have powred out thy spite and malice on me and have spared that beautifull face those two little worlds of love that delicate skin and not to scorch those fair eyes the perfection of the whole world for mine own particular I could willingly endure thy revenge were it crueller and never complain but woe is me thou art insensible to my moans and are more merciless then the Tyger thou delightest in the horrour of a thing which might mollifie the very stones Thou thinkest to triumph over my valour and courage alas thou art deceived I will cut these Furies in a thousand pieces and then must thou look for no better usage at my hands With these words he layd hold on his Sword and whilest he thought to kill those Serpents he ran her thorow the body and layd her groveling as if she had been dead But she instantly getting up and plucking the Sword out of her bosome thrust it into Griolanis brest being led by the same desire to rid him of such troublesome creatures and preserve him from being devoured which rendred the spectacle most dolefull and worthy of all compassion But this divellish Witch took unspeakable delight in it and was so well pleased to see them two butcher each other in so cruell a manner that having remained there above half an houre she quitted that hell which she named THE MARTYRDOME OF GRIOLANIS AND ADELAZIA and meeting Falimond Crisander Armorand and Grinaldo who moved with the Lovers dolefull cryes were hastening to their succour she resolved to make use of them in the execution of her designes You shall serve said she to further my enterprize whefore I command you to defend the passage to these wretches against all such as would come to their rescue for which purpose striking them all with a wand that was in her hand she so inchanted them as they remained fixt with their Armour on like to four Towers before the gate of the Palace Court dreaming of nothing but to combat whomsoever should appear before them These Princes were a guard sufficient to have prolonged this Inchantment neverthelesse this old Hag desirous if possible to make it last eternally raysed up at the stayres foot a most hideous Serpent fifteen foot long with a most terriblâ— Monster as big as an Elephant having the head and breast of a dreadfull man the arms hairie and great as a tree with a very keen axe in his hand the back parts resembling a Beares his pawes were armâ—d with crooked clawes a cubit long and to render the enttry more difficult yet she caused Griolanis armes to be brought which she placed at the Hall dore with such powerfull Conjurations that shee made them have the same motions and adresse as if the Knight had been in them adding moreover all that ever she could devise to make the 〈◊〉 invincible the spectacle having somewhat satisfied her a Pillar appeared before the gate with a Table hanging thereon wherein these words weâ—e written Prophecie AProach not hither unless thou be the most valiant in the world for these Inchantments shall never cease untill the excellent Turtle and the dreadful Lyon issuing out of the same Prison incounter each other within the flames Then the strayed bloud shall be known beauty shall resume her former glory and the punishment of a Law violated shall be converted into pleasures and delights And so hyding her self in the midst of a cloud with her three attendants she became on the sudden invisible leaving behind her plenty of tears and lamentations and a Town full of dolefull and confused cryes but especially of Alarina's Elemina's Philoteas and Marselina's whose griefes for the losse of their Lovers no comfort could asswage Howbeit considering that tears were unprofitable and that other means of succour were to be sought out they returned to their Countreys with a resolution to send throughout the world in the search of the bravest Knights to anull this Inchantment which example was followed by Adelazia's Damosels whereby it came to passe that the fame of this inchantment being spread abroad there came from all parts a great number of Knights to Corolandaya for to undertake the deliverance of the said Lovers CHAP. XXVII The Gyant Gorgophon being sent Ambassadour to Gardacia from Moranteon Soldan of Circassia steales away the beauteous Armazia he is driven into the Isle of Corolandaya and proves the Adventure of the martyrdome of Adelazia THe renowmed beautie of Armazia Princesse of Gardacia having filled the whole world with admiration so inflamed the heart of Moranteon Soldan of Circassia that without the possession of so rare a creature he thought he should never passe his dayes in quietnesse willing he was to see her and become a suitor to her Father for her being perswaded that the consideration of his power and greatnesse above other Pagan Princes would soon procure him what he desired but fearing lest his extream deformitie might breed a contempt of him in the Princesse being of ill shape of a Salvage countenance flat-nosed bobber-lipt hollow-eyed corpulent and crooked he conceived it much better to treat the match by Ambassadours then to
found the means to fasten a blow with the flat of his sword full upon the body of one of them wherewith being overthrown she reassumed her former shape and so did the other not long after who abandoning her horrible figure took the form of Orestia again at which our Warriour very much rejoycing advanced to the Tower and with the pummell of his sword he knocked the Christall with such force as it brake into a thousand peices making so great and dreadfull a noyse that the Iland being covered over with a thick Fog shaked for two hours together at the end whereof the Sunne receiving its former light neither the christall Tower the Lovers nor the ship wherein Rozalmond came were to be seen only a Pillar appeared in the midst of the place upon which Rozalmond read this inscribed Vrganda to the Emperour of Martaria GReat Monarch wonder not if thy daughters destined to the Princes of Greece follow the way of their glory thou shalt one day goe and find them in Corolandaya whither now I conduct them for to have thy share in the contentment of their Nuptials and to bow after their example before unknown Altars Well Sir said Rozalmond did not I tell you that Heaven had taken the defence of these Knights in hand and that therefore you should not wish their destruction It hath miraculously delivered them from your power that they might not be subjected to your displeasure will you still persist then in opposing the ordinances thereof and not consider that they are your children which fly from you that they may not leave you the regret for having followed rather the motions of a Tyrant then a Father Without doubt answered the Emperour and caressing him as if he had been his Sonne your reasons are such as I am resolved to yeeld unto them but let me intreat you to stay and refresh your felfe here a while with me and withall to let me know who you are Sir replyed Rozalmond I have such important affairs as I may not well sojourn here above a day at the most yet to obey you I will make it up two and to testifie unto you how much I glory in the honour of your favour I will tell you that which for some particular reasons I would otherwise conceale from all the world and will freely confesse unto you that I am Rozalmond of Greece sonne unto Spheramond Emperour of Parthia and very neer of kin to those Princes whom I desire you to call your children Noble friend said the Emperour embracing him a new I am more contend with this incounter of you than with the acquisition of a Monarchy I am not ignorant of the glory your Fathers have gotten in the world and yet I am perswaded that you surpasse them far in valour wherefore I shall make a dear account of the honour of your alliance so that with all my heart I forgive my daughters and will goe into Corolandaya since they are to be there in assurance whereof you shall see during the two dayes which you promise to abide here what Bonfires I will cause to be made in Cardana for joy of their mariages which at their return shall be renewed all over my Empire Whereupon he returned to the Citie with Rozalmond who was entertayned there with a world of magnificense and tryumph In the mean time Amadis Floridan and Lucibel were sayling on the Sea so infinitly satisfied with the free enjoying of their Mistresses as they past away eleven dayes insensibly at the end whereof they arrived in Corolandaya where the marvellous inchantment of the Queen having arrested them they resolved to prove the adventure and accordingly Lucibel and Floridan having been after a long and dangerous combat vanquished by Gorgophon more by the advantage of an armour and shield which Diabolion the Inchanter had given him as to one that he held to be the firmest Pillar of Paganism Amadis putting on his good arms and presenting himselfe in the place ran against the Gyant with such force that incountring in the midst of the course they were both of them carried so rudely to the earth as they remayned a pretty while astonished neverthelesse indignation having raysed both with equall fury they drew out their swords wherwith they began so cruelly to cut one another that in a moment the ground was all strewed with peices of their armour Gorgophon who thought there was not a man in the world able to resist the fury of his Curtelas discharged most dreadfull blows but our Warriour knew so well how to decline them and to make him such sharpe returns that the combat became most terrible their arms were al dyed red with blood and as often as their weapons were in the ayr every one looked to see their heads thundred in peices Gorgophon beheld Armazia Amadis cast his eye on his Palmirenna wherewith they were so animated that the horrible effects of their rage drew pitty from all the assistants Four hours being past since the beginning of the combat Gorgophon enraged for that he had no advantage of his enemy took his Fauchion in both his hands and advancing it he let it descend with such violence on Amadis his shield as dividing it in two it opened his arm that sustayned it and forced him to set his knees to the ground which so incensed our Knight that rising up in a mighty chafe he discharged such a stroke on his Helmet as made a wound two fingers deep in his head and constrayned him withall to stagger in that sort as he had much 〈◊〉 keep himselfe from falâ—ing but being 〈…〉 by shame 〈…〉 the fight with such honour that caused all the Spectators to tremble In 〈…〉 of them possessed with equall fury after six hours 〈◊〉 and without taking of breath they 〈◊〉 their sword◠〈◊〉 in their hands and at one 〈◊〉 discharging upon each other with most strange force Gorgophon with the violence of the blow fell down backward from his 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 quite deprived of all sense and his casque so full of blood that 〈◊〉 he had been 〈◊〉 had not the Gyant his companion spâ—â—dily 〈◊〉 him on the other side Amadis not able to support the fury of that which he had received dropt presently after to the earth in like manner with so little appearance of 〈◊〉 that Palmirenna teaâ—ing her hayâ— began â—o 〈◊〉 his death but his Helmet being suddenly opened hee came straight-way to himselfe agaiâ—e and was carried to the Marquis of Beltâ—â—â—â—'s house where the Chyrurgions having found his wouâ—ds to be very dangerous promiâ—â—d notwithstanding to cure him in a moneth and Gorgophon in six weeks CHAP. XXIX Rozalmond 〈◊〉 with Trasiclea leads 〈◊〉 Alcidamants 〈◊〉 her regrets upon his arms their 〈◊〉 and Reconciliation Rozalmond having been three days in Cardana most magnificently honoured and entertayned departed with infinit discontent to the Emperour who to testifie the esteem he made of him conducted him in person to the port where with many
protestations of service and friendship out Knight embarquing himselfe put forth presently to sea and â—ayling with a prosperous gale towards Tramazond the remembrance of his Armazia of whom he had not heard any news since he left her representing itselfe unto his mind helped him to passe away the time with many sweet and pleasing thoughts Beautious Mistris said he to himselfe you have reason to forget my services and to ingage your selfe under the power of another since I have absented my selfe so long from you to follow the world and yet I am so confident of your vertue that in stead of fearing a change in you I will beleeve that you attend me with very great impatience and that you still conserve me that part in your heart which heretofore you have promised me in regard whereof I swearby that incomparable beauty of yours not to undertake any other adventure but to return instantly unto you as soon as I have drawn the excellent Knight of the Palâ—â— from that hermitage where the best of his days is so unbefâ—â—â—ingly 〈◊〉 Having past eleven or twelve days with a favourable wind 〈…〉 at length he arrived in the Kingdom of Claricana where the 〈◊〉 having assured him that his shortest way to Tarsipolis was to goâ— thither by land he caused himself with his Squite and horses to be set 〈◊〉 and travelling along in three days together he met with no advenâ—â—â—e but at the end thereof and at such time as the Sun was in the midst of his course he perceived a Knight comming out of a Forrest whereinto he was entring who bearing a Phenix with two heads in his shield sate with such a grace on his Steed and wore such brave and rich Arms being all covered over with azure and gold as he had a marvellous desire to know him and to try whether he were the same he seemed to be whereupon fair and softly advancing he desired him to break a Launce with him for the beauty of his Mistris but this Knight returning him no answer nor so much as taking any notice of him rode on as his horse pleased to cary him which at first somewhat netled Rozalmond thinking he ought to have been more courteous howbeit observing that he went hanging down his head and that may be he was in some deep muse wherby he was detayned from hearing him he followed on the faster for to speak once more unto him but understanding him break forth into speech he came up close to him and lending an attentive ear he heard him say thus Jealousie false jealousie how many tears wilt thou cost me and what pains doe I see prepared for the punishment of so great a fault Ah my Knight I should have been more temperate in mine anger I should have heard you before I had forbid you my presence and should have considered that I was too rashly displeased with that which proceded our acquaintance had I been more advised or lesse curious we should at this present have lived contented a thousand pleasures would have accompanied our delights and not caring much for this Princesses complaint I might have possest you without fear of being abandened for another These words finishing with sighes marvellously aâ—â—â—ed Rozalmond who could not comprehend the sense of them wherfore he watched if any new complaint would discover this secret unto him but perceiving him continue a good whil in silence he took herby the arm sâ—â—d unto hiâ— Knight it is time for you now to awake to tel me whither you wil break a launce for the honour of your Mistris Now in faith said he starting up you have done me so great a displeasure by interrupting me in my musing wherein I took incredible content that I will run most willingly against you rather to revenge me of your insolence then to oblige any Lady Saying so and taking the field he came to incounter our Warriour with such a furie that their Launces flew into a thousand shivers whilst they past on as unmoved as Rocks which scorn the violence of winds and waves Their course being finished he drew out his sword and returned with like rage to charge Rozalmond who greatly marvelling at his force and valour went â—rotting fair and softly towards him with a countenance that testified he had no purpose to combat with him whereupon the Knight made a stand and said unto him What Sir are you satisfied with so little and will you not doe more for your Mistris sake If there were question of her merit or beauty answered Rozalmond you should see that I would well conserve her that advantage which nature hath given her above all that I know but having desired to prove my selfe against you only out of the esteem I had of your valour which questionlesse is nothing lesse then I judged it to be by your gallant demeanour we will proceed no farther if you please for one ought asmuch to decline a Combat ill grounded as to seek out such where justice may get us glory You comâ—end me said he viewing him from head to foot for that which I admire in you and the force of your arme amazeth me no lesse then that martiall câ—riage of yours wherfore I consent with you that we sit down contented with the breaking of our staves and that having no just cause to fight we remain friends this being concluded I shall intreat you to grant me one booâ— which I very much desire of you I will not deny you replyed Rozalmond provided you accord me another With all my heart said the Knight Declare then unto me who you are replyed Rozalmond That is it answered the Knight which I desire to know of you Being first obliged by promise said ouâ— Warriour it is reason I should satisfie your demand before I obtain mine I am a Knight errant born in the Empire of the Parthians by all my friends called Rozalmond who in the adventures of the world seeks that which a noble mind is to expect from his travels Without doubt said the Knight you cannot chuse but acquire immortall same since honour is the sole ayme of your actions for being the strongest of all that ever I incountred next to one with whom you may compare I am perswaded you can find nothing on the earth but will do homage to your Armes Now wheras you desire to know me I will no longer conceale my self from you I am Trasiclea heiâ— apparant to the Empire of Tramozand O Madam said Rozalmond lighting presently from his Horse for to render her the greater respect how luckie is this chance which hath brought me hither to make tryall of your valour so redoubted of all the world I was going to seek you at Tarsipolis for to obtaine a suit of you but being assured that you will be as courteous here as any where els I will now make the same request to you which I intended to have done at your Palace wherfore beautious Princesse grant me one
finding it according to her desire trickt up her self with all the art she possibly could use to make her appear more beautifull and indeed she went forth so curiously drest that she seemed not to be the same she was the day before The sacrifices done the King after a short dinner was placed at a window with Rozalmond and the Queen hard by at another but unable to endure the esloignment of her Knight she turned to the King and with a grace that could give no suspition she said unto him Sir this Knight was not born for you alone lend him me a little that he may inform me which are the valiantest Knights amongst our Courtiers In good faith little one answered the King your request is so reasonable that I am willing to quit his company though I very much desire it for to give you satisfaction Wherefore go said he deer friend and content the curiosity of this woman Whereupon Rozalmond making a very low obeisance unto him went to the Queens window who seeing him so neer her could not chuse but change colour being much perplexed in that she knew not how to discover her thoughts unto him at length vanquished by her passion she said pointing to the comabttants Perceive you not Sir how our Courtiers blows are not delivered with so good a grace as they parted from your hand I considered yesterday your addresse the admirable strength of your arm and I wondred how the Gods could impart so much force to a mortall wight but I was no lesle displeased when I saw that insolent Giant arrive my bloud congealed in my veins and the fear I had of your danger left me neither colour nor motion beholding you resolved for the combat Madam answered he these were the effects of the goodnes of your sweet disposition which made you doubt the losse of that which is yours Mine said she O Gods that this speech were true I should then think my self far happier then I am Madam said he I cannot beleeve that ever you had any just cause hitherto to charge me with disobeing your commands I do not accuse you my Knight answered she but we will talk of this another time for this is not a place proper for it well what is your opinion of these Knights That they combat bravely said he but those that questionles will carry away the honour of the turnament are they which maintained the justs yesterday for see you not how their enemies are in disorder and that they had got on the better part of the field Their blows are stronger then the others their addresse greater and their fight more lively Heerwith Count Folsuc having overthrown the adverse chief the rest were chased out of the field and the turnament ended with exceeding content to the King who approaching the Queen said unto her Now Madam will you render me this Knight again It is equall said she that you should have him in your turn but let me not live I had taken no great pleasure in the sight if he had not let me understand the valour of these Knights more by discourse then by that which I observed The King laughing heerat took the Knight by the hand and led him to walk in a gallery where he intertained him till supper which was not long for the King feeling his old indisposition withdrew suddenly to the extream grief of some Courtiers and infinite content to the Queen who not to lose this opportunity sent Rozalmond word that she would speak with him This Knight knowing but too well by her former speeches whereto her purpose tended would not willingly have been present with her in a place which might favour her designe howbeit not daring to refuse he followed the damsell and beholding the Queen alone sitting on her beds feet he advanced very modestly and with a grace able to strike any heart in love he wished her a good night It will be the sweetest answered she so as you will correspond to my desire Knight I love you and all the resistance I could make was not able to preserve me from the charms of your so excellent parts I am compelled to blush but I finde so much excuse for my fault that I can speak this without shame you see an effect of your merit and not of my weaknesse as peradventure you may conceive Think of the favour is presented to you and be not precipitious in your answer but first consider that it is a Queen which intreats you a woman fair enough to enamour a God and one that it may be loves you more then all the world besides Madam said he with a confident countenance pardon me I beseech you if I answer otherwise then you desire I should commit many irreproveable faults in this action I should be a traitour and unworthy the favours which the King hath conferred on me I should incur assured death if ever it were known as well it might be by any the least accident I should wrong you in stead of honouring and serving you I should incense the Gods who are grievous punishers of adulteries and should lose that good opinion which your people have of me who cannot beleeve that I am capable of so great a wickednesse Madam make some other use of me and do not ruine me under colour of loving me the pleasure you desire is so soon past that we are not to offend for so momentany a delight let us shew our government then in commanding over our selves therein Madam I beseech you said he falling on his knees force your self so far as to desire the contrary of that which you demand and do not think that it is out of ingratitude that I give you this good counsell I had too much understanding not to acknowledge the honour you do me but you are also to consider that I have more respect and fidelity to your service then to undo you in stead of giving you content Your reasons said she with a countenance that testified her displeasure are so weak that not taking them in good paiment I will study how I may clear my self otherwise out of these toiles wherefore get you gone and remember how much you have neglected me to day Whereupon Rozalmond with a most humble obeisance departing retired to his chamber extreamly vext at that which had past and resolving not to stay long in that Court he got him to bed where after he had made a thousand turns with strange unquietnesse he slept till the next day when as he had such a good morrow as shall be related in the next Chapter CHAP. XXXV The Queen of Florertan incensed with Rozalmonds refusall would have caused him to be murdered the marvellous slaughter which he makes of his enemies and his departure from Court WHat will not the neglect of a womans affections do It ordinarily filleth her heart with anger her mind with rage and disposeth all her actions to murther whereof we have a world of examples in antiquity
and not to go so far we see our own times full of accidents which the madnes of women in that kind hath rendred most tragicall This incensed Queen seeing her Knight gone at first had recourse unto her tears but thinking that unprofitable and unfit for the resentment of an offence so great she wiped her eies and walking up and down very fast in her chamber she said Shall I be so simple as to afflict my self thus for one that is ingratefull Nay rather let me remember that his refusall obliges me to greater matters I must seek his death with more passion then ever I have done his caresses shew that it is not a Queen intreating but revenging a Lover languishing in expectation of her desire but a woman that receives not an affront without a home resentment of it and that will make it appear that dispite hath more power in her soul then all the flames of a childish God Whereupon causing one to be sent for whose wicked disposition she very well knew she gave him a round sum of money and enjoined him to surprise and stab the Knight of the Roses the next day wheresoever he could meet with him Madam said this cursed wretch I do not desire to know what cause of displeasure you have against him sufficeth it that I go upon your commandment his last howr is at hand and I assure your Majesty that you shall have the satisfaction you require I the glory of serving you faithfully and he the punishment which he hath deserved for I have those that will help to do the feat Heerwith he departed the chamber leaving the Queen ready to go to bed wherein she was no sooner laid but the Secretary of her affections who more advisedly considered the event of things went directly to Rozalmonds chamber where finding his Squire at the door she advertised him of the mischief was preparing for his Master Gentlewoman answered Artander softly my master is very much indebted to your pity and his condition is not so poor but that you may expect more good from him in a day then your mistris can do you in all your life but beleeve it if any man dare attempt him upon this occasion he shall not so easily escape as he imagins I shall acquaint him with the busines and take my word it shall never be known that you discovered it Saying so he went into his chamber after he had made the outter door sure and arising by break of day he laid his masters arms upon the table which observed by Rozalmond that slept not he asked him what he did Why preparing answered he for your departure because you cannot stay longer heer without apparant danger of your life Then he declared how the Queen would have him killed and that the Captain of her Guard had undertaken to do it Now by my life said Rozalmond I could never have beleeved that a woman could have been so â—urious and that neglect could have carried her to such tragicall actions but since it is so I must prevent it as I may Come help me up and then go and see my horses be ready against such time as I have taken my leave of the King Whereupon being wholly armed and descending into the Palace Court-yard for to bid Clerastes and his beautifull Carinda farewell he met with him that sought for him and seconded by threescore men assailed our Knight who having drawn his sword discharged his first blow upon the Captain knowing him to be the authour of the disorder and he struck him so dangerously that he divided his head in twain and from thence putting himself amongst the rest he scattered them in a strange manner The noise increasing the whole Court was in an uproar and every man rose to see what the matter was Clerastes whose lodging was not far off looked also out of his window and perceiving his friend in such danger he presently armed himself and went forth with diligence to his succour where finding this troop to be the Queens Guard he cryed to them Rogues how dare you assault this Knight By my life I le have you all hanged but they neither regarding him nor his words he joined himself to the valiant Knight of the Roses that seemed a thunderbolt amongst these rascals whereof he laid twenty three dead on the ground and seconding him with a marvellous courage three parts of this multitude was diminished when as the King being advertised of this hurly burly descended in his night-gown and commanded a surcease At his presence every one withdrew and he going to the Knight of the Roses demanded of him the cause of this quarrell Sir said he you may well imagine that I could not be the authour of it being a stranger who durst not be so hardy as foolishly to fight with your subjects had it not been to defend my life but the Law permitting us without any respect to kill such as endeavour to murder us I hope your majestie wil not be offended at their deaths I never saw them before to my knowledge so that having done them no displeasure I wonder what should move them to go about to take away my life I remembered the last night that I had ingaged my self for the execution of an adventure to the performance whereof being resolved to go and making account to depart assoon as your Majestie had been stirring and that I had received the honour of your commandments as I was to take my leave of Clerastes all these folks invironed me with their swords drawn charged me most furiously without saying wherefore Sir we bear arms for our own preservation and am sorry that I have made use of them against such as appertain unto you but your Highnesse knows as I said even now that it is lawfull to repell force with force in which regard I hope your Majestie will not take it ill that I have saved my self by their losse Not I said the King but by the faith of a Prince am well pleased with that you have done and to make this good to you I will hang up all those which your fury hath left alive for I will have your person as much respected heer as mine own nor hath Clerastes ever done me such service as now in succouring you though you had no great no need of it Sir said Clerastes being so infinitely obliged to this Knight and knowing that your Majestie loves him I armed my self in this sort for to run his fortune wherein if I have done any thing against the respect which I ow to your service by laying hands on such as belong to the Queen I humbly beseech your pardon No no said the King you have done me a singular pleasure in it but come let us go to my chamber in the mean time let these gallants be carried to prison for to teach them not to undertake any thing but by order Sir said Rozalmond I am ready to depart please it your Majestie to