Minea aduertised Gautier and thother christians cha 33 The most ancient famous mother of Histories the exquisite Historie of Prince MERVINE the sonne of OGER the Dane who conquered Ierusalem Babylon and diuers other Cities from the Pagans with many memorable accidents of wondrous consequence CHAP. I. ¶ The famous History of the noble and valiant knight Meruine 1 and first of his birth 2 and the giftes giuen him by the Fairies YOu may reade in the historie making meÌ„tion of Oger duke of Denmarke a country neare adioyning vnto France how that after by his prowesse he had conquerd from the Turks Pagans and Infidels Babylon Ierusalem and many other townes countries impâ—gning our holy Christian faith hee the same 〈…〉 discourse much too long and finish vp may book onely with descriptions But many tedious nights nor daies had not runne out the labouring circuit of their minutes before the beautiful Morgue sister to king Artus became all inuirâ—ned with his loue and by the excellencie of her subtill skill intangled him as much or more with her affection in so vehement sort that the Lady who was passing wise prophet like knowing what in after time should beâ—all them two purchased so much her own blessednes that she was carnally accompanied of the good duke Oger that in so good an houre that by the prouidence of the Highest she became with child the very sight wherof added an vnspeakable ioy to the heart of Oger and all the fairies of princely estimation holding a counsell amongst themselues said one to an other Now and not too soone is it sufficiently apparant that the Fairie Morgue hath not euer in vnprofitable â—lumber consumed her time with Oger because by her waking déed she hath giuen testimony to vs all that now she hath conceiued and is great with childe If it prooue a sonne it is reason that for his chiualrie hee be more estéemed than any liuing in his time because his brith is more honorable than any of former age hath bin Thus argued the Fairies about Morgue their companion who naturally bare her fruit nine moneths and in the extreme end of the last with great trauell she was deliuered of a beautifull sonne such and so faire as vntill then had not any eye beheld To his birth came many haughty and excelling Fairie dames who beholding the eie-inchanting beauty of the Babe blessed it and gaue it to the mother who with an ouerflowing heart tide-full of most deare affection seeing his incomparablâ— features wherein true beautie had onely sworne to hold his habitation kissed and rekissed it as if numberlesse salutes should make his happy fortunes numberlesse in account and then lifting her eies to heauen thus or in this maner prayed True God of glory quoth she I humbly implore and require thée that of thy holy bountie thou wilt bestow such or so much more diuine spirite puissance and true magnanimitie on this Babe happily begotten on me as thou didst inspire in my deare loue Oger his princely lord and father and that he may alonely resemble or excéed him in the glorious actions of euerliuing knighthoode So swéetly spake Morgue these swéet orizons that the God of heauen exhaled her prayers and registred in the 〈◊〉 of the skie that he should become the most redoubted in the world After came king Artus into the chamber of the Lady with him Oger and many other barons to sée the new child at whose approach came to Oger a fairie Lady who being of a glorious and renowned spirite was famous for her vertues thorow the Fairie land her name was Meruina and she said vnto him Good duke of Denmarke honour me in giuing my name vnto thy sonne and make me eternally happy by being his happy godmother â—aâ—y qd Oger I consent After these speaches was the infant carried to be baptised and was named Meruin Artus and Orient two mighty kings being his godfathers who after the Sacrament performed gaue him rich gifts 2 Which so soone as Meruina perceiued she said vnto them My Lords you haue inriched this infant with the treasure of this world but I will make him wealthy with the â—â—wels of Heauen Your gifts handmaids to Fortune by â—ischance may 〈◊〉 from him my gift the controller of 〈◊〉 â—hall for no decrée forsake him I will therefore 〈◊〉 will is my gift for I giue my will that he be euer 〈◊〉 the eies of all creatures and especially amongst Ladies who during his life shall hâ—ld him dearer than their owne liues At these speaches the Fairie Gratiana who all the while leaned on the fountaine grew wroth as well for enuy of the giftes giuen to the little Meruine as for a priuate indignation that she bare vnto Morgue in that she had not enioyed some of those â—ient night-pleasing delights which she enioyed with her excellent Oger and therfore answering an vntuned thought with an high â—aâ—ring voyce saide And I from that great God which created the vniuerse and man to his owne image giue him this gift that Meruine shalâ— faile in the assault of one battell and be taken prisoner with such endaâ—agement that no fortitude shall euer release him till a man whose mother died in her childbirth be his deliuerer Such words as these vtterd the false fairy Gratiana which effected according to her wish because he was deliuered as saieth the Historie from Minor with whom he was fiue yéeres prisoner by Robastus as shal hâ—â—eafter appeare in processe of the story Meruina hearing Gratianaes hate-vomiting words she grew excéeding sorrowfull till sorrow comming to rage made her with her fist giue Gratiana such a blowe on her face that the blood which should haue made hir chéeks blush for her immodesty now sought to drown th earth for sustaininâ— her This â—â—mâ—lt bred 〈◊〉 among the Fairies 〈◊〉 with a world of euills on the noble Christians Dispitefully sad was Gratiana for the blow receiued but in regard at that instant she could not do what she would tutored by patience she would not what she wished yet in her soule made a solemne protestation solemnely to reuenge her iniurie as indéed she did After a fairiâ— named Galiana deâ—â—rous to moliâ—â—e the angry Meruina came to her saying Swéet sister why should fury haue such furious superioritie in thy faire selfe as to bathe they hand in a blâ—â—dy ocean Belieue me dâ—are creature thou oughtest rather to haue washâ— with patience in white lillies but be milde appeaâ—â— thine anger and I will giue to thy little sonne a gift shall 〈◊〉 all thy iâ—ies and this it is what priâ—cesse lady or woman in the world he shall daine to kisse that and the selfe same ioy shal she possesse by that outward imbracement as if he had consumed whole nights in those pleasures which to nature is only priuate and sith I am ascertained he shal be furnisht with incomparable valure I giue him this gift that he shal neuer be slaine or vanquisht in prinate or publike battell
or trust in my counsel your Maiestie shal vndoubtedly send for him sith his presence is an assured conquest the gods alone haue sworne he shall commaund control victorie whose like for mightinesse of shape couragious resolution hath not bene seene in all our former ages The king to these words would returne no answer but as one desinoâ—s to forget his own desires talked of other matters to expel the thoughts of these proceedings 3 But Berea who made precious euery time with the precisenesse of her regarde now finding opportunitie a kinde agent to her hopes drew Iacob aside into a priuate corner greedy to know an end of that which in her could atteine to no end said vnto him Iacob by that excellent creator which created me thou hast maried my delight to a delight beyond delight in thy loues prayses of that delicat yong man whom we cal Meruin because I haue knowen him euen from the infancie of his infaÌ„cie to these riper yeres of youth that haue infraâ—chised him from the â—â—â—â—etnesse of schoole rudiments yet in all that time nor in my time haue I séene a creature more admirably compact or in whom valure and aduenture haue held more preheminence Beléeue mée and by my soules god Mahomet I protest it is a pitie deseruing more theÌ„ a pitiful regard that he wanteth lands and reuenues worthy to enricâ— him with honour but most of all grieuous that he is no gentleman in whom al the condicions of gentrie chalengeth such a wonderous prerogatiue Ha diuine lady sayd Iacob Meruine hath all whatsoeuer Nature or heauen can infuse into a mortal creature or man or woman can bestow of a blessed infant As for land it is as fruitelesse as tastlesse if labour giue it not a sweet relish velure is the mistris of his deuotion and hee is excâ—llently valiant the heauen climbing conceit wherof doubtlesse will mount him on the highest steppe of honor If I may well say what in my conceit portendeth to a well meaning intent were I king of Hungaria Calabria Polonia and for a blessing of those hie dignities had but one sole daughter twise faiâ—er then the fairest euer Mahomet created I would giue her and it only to Meruin yea and imagin it a dowrie much too little for the vertue force and true magnamitie with which he is so gloriously adorned When the paragon of al perfections the most beutiful Berea heard theâ—e words first she blusht as afrayd lest his eyes had stâ—ept theâ—r sight in her inward desires and then driue away the blusht with a pale mantle of shamefast reioycing to heare him so admired exchanging white red so often in her counterance that the behâ—lders might wel grow inchanted with those coâ—lours and yet hâ—ld them neuer more excellent yet the most excellent when equally mâ—xt they bare like soueraigneâ—â—e in her angel-exâ—â—lling face After this contending superioritie of lookes she turned asâ—de whispered thus to her selfe Ha Merâ—â—â— Merâ—illc the many praises of thy renoune aâ—e the 〈…〉 my hart leauing no restraint to my desires but the palle of vertue yet thou knowest it not it is now more then sixe yéeres since first loue tooke flight from thine eies to harbour in my heart yet thou knowest it not onely haue my vowes aspired to heauen for thée yet thou kâ—ewest it not neither dare I alas for the basenesse of thy linage take away this ignorant mischiefe of my blisse Alas thou knowst it not Yet shuld I liue an exile fro my fathers countrey so a diuine vnion cald mariage had made vs one soule I had rather endure a tormenting euill with thy presence theÌ„ al the gorgeous aduancement heauen or mine own wishes could giue or desire with the greatest pagan emperour of the world Thus spake Berea the glory of Nature who when Iacob perceiued so passionat fearing leâ—â— the too great liberalitie of his words had offended in this maner began to excuse them Deare lady sayd he be not offended that the height of my praises haue attained no higher a subiect then Meruine who is higher in my thoughts then heauen in the eie of any man neither impute error to my speches fith by heauen I haue not lied in any thing neither spoken to flatter the priuate conceit of any peculiar nor the publique auditorie of so gracious an assembly but what I haue said euen the wings of euery wind will whistle Then gracious madam bowe not your countenance from me neither be displeased with my rude reportings Ha no quickly answered Berea who was willinger to increase volums then abridge a letter thy words moue me no amasement of dislike therefore I beséech thée faile not but come and speake with me in my chamber before thy departure from the court At this the lady and Iacob discouered themselues and Iacob went againe vnto the king who euen then was roially set at dinner and commanded Iacob to attend him the Queene Then began the king to discourse the hie malice of Baucamont of his warlike expedition towards Montment with all the occurrencs of that intended warfare as a troublesom theam whereof only his mind noted After diâ—â—â—r was ended and the king risen Iacob humbly took his leaue to depart yet ere he went he inquired the way to the yong princesse Bereas lodgings and thither he went but she poore loue-torne lady was laid on alitle couch couerd with rich tissue tormenting her heart with her thoughts and her thoughts with loue so excéedingly that the abundance of her sorow gaue lâ—berty to her tongue to vtter and in vttering to double her languor ay me qd she dearer then the dearest of my selfe to me O only absolute Meruine thy absence is my death and thy remembrance the continuall obsequies for my deceased happines yet is my death blameles sith I die for the most wise most beautifull most valiant and most accomplisht creature in the world whose renowne is spread through Galile and all the corners of th earth Ha Meruine Meruine when shal I behold the day of thy arriuall when shall I bathe my eies in thy eies whisper in thy eare and hang on thy bosome O excellent loue vnknowne to thée thou hast my loue my vertuous loue gouerne me then as thy captiue and dispose me as thy seruant At these wordes beating the pallace of her breast she turned and tossed as if the motion of her bodie could remoue her passion but it was impossible Then calling an eunuch to her commanding him to marry his voice to his lute she bade him sing some canzonet that might rather kil than increase passion the eunuch sung as followâ—â— I doe not now complaine of my disgrace Though neuer soule of greater griefes could bost Nor of the houre season time nor place Nor of my foile for any freedome lost Nor of my liues ioy by misfortune danted Nor of my wit with ouerweening strooke Nor of my sence with any sound inchanted Nor of the
first perceiuing them cried to his companions this day is better then a Sabboth to my desires for I discouer a ship laden with christian gallants if it be rich be yours the profit of their wealth vouchsafe me no bootie but prowesse and honor to my sword which is al I desire to deserue And at these words a courageous fire of valiant fury inuironed his heart Now if the zealous minded christians when they beheld the pagans were ouerrun wieh a doubtfull feare of their successe wonder not for they were but thirtieâ— and those il appointed both for armour and munition so that if the eie of heauen behold them not with a pitying aspect their liues and honours are all in ieopardy by the valiancy of Meruin Cosin Gallien said Drohes behold how these pagans draw néere to assault vs if Iehouah looke not from heauen heâ—e shal our liues pay their last forfâ—t Feare not cosine replied Gallien for by that faith I owe to thâ—lmightie so long as I can hold my battel ax in my hand so long wil I maintain my liberty and doubt not but to send thousands of them to hell Ha coâ—ine against the foes of religion we ought to be eternaly valiaÌ„t yet if God in his great booke of destinie haue set downe our tragedies in this coÌ„flict let vs receiue with ioyfulnes what we cannot repel with vnwillingnes Yet I protest to you by the greatest protestation of a christian soule that before I be taken I le infranchise so many paganâ— soules from their cursed bodies that the crâ—mosin curâ—ents of their blood shall vouchsafe my hands a perpetuall couerture While Gallien was speaking this Meruine and his companions being already prepard for the battel boorded Gallien to whom Meruine haâ—led demanded whence and what they were whose white crosâ—es were said he the signes of christianity which he had vowed to root from the face of all nations Scarcely was his last wordended but the pagan mariners assaulted the christians whom Meruine the rest with their swords in their fists violently seconded making almost the beginning and ending one moment There might the eie of man behold a lamentable spectacle for of xxx Christian soules in a trice were xxvj breathlesse only iiij suruiuing which were Gallien Drohes and ij others which breathed scarse a breath before their breaths vanished but Drohes turning aloft his stéelehewing sword which the counte of Meulant had giuen him when he fought against Sodonas slew an infinit number of the valiantest Sarazens but Gallien caried himselfe so couragiously that he neuer stroke blow with his axe but he disseuered the life from the body When Croisant sawe the prowesse of Gallien he cried vnto his people that they should not for a world kil him bicause he would present him as a great estimate to king Mermont but that word of lifes safety cost him more by much than he desired to tender for Gallien smote so thicke with his axe that the Pagans in aboundance tumbled into the sea Gallien still crying S. George and me and withall crying Thou holy Lamb of Iuda comfort thy people All this while the valiant acts of Meruine the son of Oger did were wonders beyond wonder and more than words haue power to deliuer yet what he did he ill did sith it was to exalt Mahomet shew himselfe an inuincible pagan yet ought he not be hated for his misbeliefe but curse with immortall malediction that false fairy Gratiana who stealing him told not the trueth of his birth and being Gallien and Drohes made great resistance against the Pagans but the highest valure is profitlesse against an higher resolution Wherefore cosin Drohes said Gallien let me kisse thee and bid thée farewell for here shal our bodies vnsundered sunder their acquaintance but our soule I hope imbrace in the highest pallace of heauen Well dost thou know O that we had such cause to know how Ganelon the traitor by his treason deliuered vnto the king Marcillius my father Oliuer and the famous Orlando who died at Ronceualli O Oliuer my father thou scourge of Sâ—razens turne back into heauen Thus spake the wise Gallien whom Meruine beholding with the eies of perfite anger and séeing that none of his people durst approach him cried retire thou valurelesse amated nation whose earthy spirits are consumd with the fire of this christian to me belongs the conflict to me the repâ—tation Approaching to Gallien he said Traitor all thy defences are but mists that vanish from thy safety great hath bin thy conquest greater thy fault for such conquest and greatest now shall be thy ouerthrow Yet for thy valure sake I will contradict my iudgement yield and thy life is saued Were it not for charitie said Gallien I should hate thy soule but thy body be assured I detest yet my selfe much more should I haue but halfe a thought of submission neuer was there pagan borne to whom I will be obedient and at that word he strucke a pagan that approched him with such furie that he fell dead before Mernin Merâ—in beholding this true magnanimity had not euen at that instant wrath thrust pittie from her soueraignty he had both saued and loued him but being blinded with emulation he rusht vpon Gallien and strucke him vpon the head that he claue him euen vnto the girdle Wo alas Gallien the sonne of Oliuer as memorable for his vertues as famous for his victories is now slaine forgiue him great Ioue that slew him and yet it was a wound that wounded all christendome 2 Now is Drohes alone and yet not alone for séeing Gallien dead he was consorted with infinite perplexities and as t were armed with their inuisible tumults he sware that before he died he would reuenge his death then flew he amongst the proudest Sarazins sending infinites to attend him whom he loued but alas their courses were contrary for Gallien ascending they descended So like a carelesse mad man only discréetly wise in the waies of prowesses did Drohes behaue himselfe that leauing his own he boorded the ship where the Pagans were inhaused and there defended and offended with such vnspeakable corage that not any but started backe and refused to assaile him Iesus said Drohes that madest the crosse glorious by thy passion shall I O must I die here and thus vnreuenged with that word he leapt into a litle boate that was behind at the stâ—rn of the ship and swore by holy Mary that who so entred there he would be his deaths man for sithence he was alone he would sell his owne his fellowes liues at the rate of a bloody tribute Then came Meruin all amazed saying Christian for pure loue only of thy vertue if thou wilt yield and trust mine honorable reputation by Mahomet and him thou callest thy redéemer thou shalt haue no harme only the title of my prisoner and for the renowne of thy valiancie shalt goe whither fortune shall conduct mée this do and so do otherwise by Alcaron my
let downe the portâ—ullis when the King and other were gone by Bertran and Drohes alone entred and then the yron gates were closed which bred smal contentment in Bertran who drawing his sword gaue the porter such a blow that hâ—e claue him downe to the teeth 2 Those aloft seeing their companion slaine they said not a worde but fortified the Gates with all that was in their power so that Bertran and Drohes now were lockt vp in the towne for whom the christians sorrowed excéedingly but they most valiant in the most extremitie trotted vp the stréetes most couragiously Bertran saying to Drohes come let vs to the Kings pallace if none gaine stand vs if any doe be our swordes his bâ—â—â—all for so shall wâ—e either saue our honours or escape daunger This saide with their swordes naked in their handes they passed towardes the pallace sending all they met either to hell or heauen which séene was poyson to King Butor who now commaunded all his men at armes to assayle them which they did with an entire furie but Bertran and Drohes turning their backes to a wall adioyning to the pallace gates incouraged one an oâ—her to embrace no mercie but their death and that to be bought at an infinite valew and withal so defended themselues by offending their enemies that the proudest stood in awe and durst not approch them in this skirmish Bertran slue Berabem after him the chamberlaine to Butor in like manner a third a fourth till the number infinitely multiplied Drohes was not short but euery way equalles his actions whilst Mermont in wonder saide Ha Mahomet this is not the king Nubia for Nature hath not lent him so almightie a spirite rather they are some diâ—â—ls or diuellish enemies At this came Butor amongst his men and saide Princes and my countrymen here shall my loue die neither will I henceforth count of you if you deliuer me not these two dead or imprisoned Scarse were these wordes fled from his lippes Gontor with a launce in his hand ranne against Bertran but missing him â—lue his horse vnder him so that falling to the ground hée immediately arose againe with his sword in his hand and stroke a pagan dead vnder him â—y this time the Sarazins so multiplied that Drohes horse was killed also and then standing against the wall they maintained a fearefull foote combate like two foaming boares against a kennell of houndes long hunted Cruell was the fight beyond measure so that the pagans stoode amazed yet had not God in piâ—tie beheld them the two princes had there ended theyr liâ—es not praises So hideous was the noyse the pagans made about them that the Quéene and her faire daughter Singlay came to behold it who seâ—ing the not to be conquered resolution of the two christians spirites most highly esteâ—med them the Quéene saide Faire daughter beholde two incomparable creatures woorthy this day to be immortally renowmed was euer séene so â—ew preuaile against so many Madam replied Singlay it is the King of Nubia 〈◊〉 actes these wonders of knighthood T is true sayde the Quéene for which I am ashamed that thy father his hoast should thus pâ—â—tiles assaile him would God he were in my chamber to the end hée might deferre his euill fortune and renew his peace thus vnhappily broken Thus discoursed the Ladies of the Christians who had now slain so manie pagaâ—s that not any could come nere them for the dead bodies till Mermont tried Fie cowards fiâ— how long shall two thus mightily preuaile against vs and then with his sword in his hand comming to assayle them Bertran incountred him with such a blowe that â—â—bent him on his knâ—es and had withall slaine him had hée not retyred backward The battaile alreadie had continued an hower and a halfe which vexed Butor who swore he neuer saw so much magnanimitie in an hoast of 20000. as in those two single persons and then calling Mermont hée said My Lord these two will destroy my Citie if I finde not remedie counsaile me for my care excâ—edeth Your Maiestie saide Mermont must assemble together an Armie of your men who laying weapons aside must rush desperately vppon them aâ—d euen with the confusion of force ouerthrow excellencie for otherwise as you haue well sâ—ene they are inuincible This instantly was put in practise and compassing Drohes about like the ouer-flowe of manie waters they boare him to the earth and tooke away fâ—om him all meanes of resistance But Bertran so couragiously withstood them that whoso toucht him neuer after had sence of touching Infinites hee slew and wounded at length retiring by degrées he recouered a payre of stayres that ascended vp into a chamber vp which hee went and entering into the chamber protested to kéepe it and whosoeuer entred should pay a liues forfaite There remained Bertran peaceably for a little time the whilest that Drohes was brought to the Pallace where he was disarmed whom Mermont at the first â—ight knew excéeding well and said Drohes now thou beholdest thy mischiefe and life hath no longer indurance yet we intreate thée tell vs what Knight is hée that beareth the Armes of Nubia for whatsoeuer he bee his life is forfaite for his euill dooings Trayterous King Mermont said Drohes thou hast adiudged what best to thy selfe appertaineth who hauing receiued holy Baptisme in the house of the Diuinest falsly forswore thy owne Royaltie baser than the besest abiect vnder heauen At those reuilings Mermont cried away with him and cut off his head vnles he make knowne his confederate in this mischiefe When Drohes saw there was no meane left him but either to acknowledge Bertran or denie himselfe hee said Stay and I will name him vnto you Then raising his voyce that euery one might vnderstand him hee said Princes it is the most wise and absolute valiant Bertran the sonne of Gautier whose conquests stretch far beyond these Clymates and whose death the infants vnborne hereafter shall bewaile if he miscarrie When Butor had heard his words hee commaunded him to bee strongly imprisoned which was done Then the Kings consulting together Mermont saide My Lord of Minor now remaineth vnder your arrest Prince Bertran so famous for his valure and renowmed for the discent of his royall pedegree it behooues your maiestie to be most circumspect because at this instant you haue in thrall the triumuirate of vertue the itj. famous floures of Knighthood meaning Meruine Bertran and Drohes These words when the beautifull Singlay heard shee whispered vnto her owne thouhgts and swore by Mohomet that if her power were powerful there should no euill befall prince Bertran more than the burden of her best loue because his valure was more than euer her eyes had seene before that instant time Whilst thus she was talking to her thoughts all the princes and Barons went out of the pallace gathering all the force that they could together to assaile Bertran who hauing barrocadoed and fortified the doores of the Chamber went with his
my â—rength And here do I solemnely protest that if I can incounter him whose proud arme hatgh dained you this indignitie to do mine vttermost indeuour to humble him a low or lower then the earth After Clarissa with astonishment had heard the yong princes desire he willingly accorded to his wish yet so that Meruine should not accuse him but when the Iusts were ended if Fortune made him conquerour he should leaue the honour not to himselfe but to Clarissa Meruine to all most willingly agréed saying further Beléeue mée prince I will do my best to gaine the wealthy cup of the King which also you shall haue for my desire is knowledge no honour At this Clarissa commaunded his chamberlaine to arme Meruine with his owne armes which hée so secretly did that the squiers of Clarissa knew it not When he was armed they brought him a most puissant and fierce courser on which he mounted and so departed attended on by many squiers who fully imagined him to be their Lord Clarissa who slept in his chamber like a dromedary with his cowardise Meruine whose spurres were Honour and Desire rode so speedily that in the end hee entred the lists where valiantly hée meant to winne or conquere his fortune 2 In the end charging his launce he ran like a whirlewind against him who had hurt Clarissa to whom he gaue a requitall blow with such puissance that he cast horse and man to the ground so furiously as for fiftéene dayes after he lay without motion Then another Pagan of his consort turned towardes Meruine on whom he brake his launce but Meruine who tooke pleasure in that martiall excercise behaued himselfe with such vertue that with the trunchion which remained in his hand hée gaue him such a counterbuffe that breaking his heart in his bosome the Pagan died instantly in the place What shall I néede to make a tedious discourse of a hastie conflict In briefe Meruine so couragiously behaued himselfe that ere his thoughts could bée capable of rest with his broken launce he threw tenne to the ground of which not one euer rose againe to the wondrous amazement of all the beholders Then began the crie of the multitude to exalt him thinking it had bin Clarissa euery one exclaiming aloude Clarissa of Affrike is he who ought onely to be estéemed At this exclamation a Pagan on whose helme all the day before Honour sate twining her golden tresses now enuious that Clarissa had courted his mistresse swore by Mahomet he should neuer enioy her fauour and forthwith pricked towardes Meruine who had newly recouered a launce from one of his squires and turning his horse either incountred other with such a violent incounter that their staues flying into small pieces straue which piece should first flie into heauen to report neuer like séene vigour But for all the Pagans force it was impossible to mooue Meruine in his saddle who sate like a tower against a tempest or a rocke against the rage of the seas furie But Meruins assault of a cleane contrary nature lift the Pagan vppe into the aire with his launce and thence let him fall with such violence that he brake his right arme and yet Meruine brake not his staffe but with the same ouerthrew foure more dead to the ground At this began a greater crie amongst the knights then before saying Clarissa of Affrike is onely inuincible and Conquest herselfe is to him a handmaid Then the king caused a retreat and the triumphes to cease for so a king intreted and euery one departed to his pauilion and Meruine to his fathers house with the squires of Clarissa in whom ioy shewed the excéedingnesse of ioy because their lord had gained the honour of the day But Meruine made great haste to come to the chamber which he ascended in all secret maner for he had an excéeding great care that Barbin should not know any thing When hée was come there Clarissa lay solely accompanied with the chamberlaine who before had deliuered to Clarissa all what Meruine had done he tooke him kindely about the necke and kissing him sayde Mine honours crowne and my liues garland liue euer in this circle of mine armes as thou shalt euer be in the compasse of my heart for by thée am I renowmed in the court of king Mermont and exalted for most valiant thorow thâ— Pagan prouinces Many other spéeches he vsed of kindnes all which Meruine either excused or requited To stand longer on accomplements were tedious and tediousnesse wearinesse therefore in a word all the honour of the thrée dayes triumphes and the cup of golde the reward of the victor were by the valour of Meruine giuen to Clarissa as most wise most valiant And he was receiued by the king Mermont to beare in battell if any assailed him the masters banner of Mahomet So had vnknowen resolution exalted well knowen cowardise and though Meruine in nothing was more carefull then in secret kéeping this secret yet the most excellent virgin Berea afterwards attained the knowledge thereof by Clarissas chamberlaine which alter serued Meruine who as you haue heard knightly beganne and against Bauâ—mont continued with greater marueiles for he recouered king Mermount from his enemies But let vs leaue those high actions till they fall more fitly for our historie and let vs a little speake of Barbin who sent Meruine to traffâ—que with another marchant named Iacob and with Tyrus his sonne to whom he gaue great meanes for trade and foure thousand poundes which he ought another marchant in exchange of warâ—s he had before bought WheÌ„ Iacob and the other marchant knewe Meruine should goe with them they were vnwoontedly reioyced for hée was dearely beloued of all men and sayd if Mahomet would but grant them safe conduct they doubted not but now to attaine the full perfection of wealth Then they departed Meruine his brother Tyrus and the good marchant Iacob to whom Barbin committed his children for he had auowed to them his best endeuours and at length came to the port where being imbarkt they found the windes so agreeable to their course that in short space they all arriued at the port of Brandis and went to lodge at the signe of the Harts horne where Iacob was accustomed to inne and found the hostesse sitting sadde and alone at the doore whom Iacob saluted and inquired if hée might there be lodged The hostesse whose name was Minea answered you may and then sighed for great was the inward trouble of her heart Then the tables being couered they fate downe and the hostesse with regardfull eyes beheld Meruine rarely surprised with the incomparable beautie and wondrous furnisht lineaments of his body which she beheld in him But leaue wee them with their accates and let vs speake of another matter CHAP. VI. 1 The great treason of Brohars agaiust Basina sister to Minea the great danger of Basina MInea the Ladie of the house where Iacob Meruine his brother Tirus and the
other marchants lay had a sister named Basina whose comely features well graced fauor had not without desert purchased hir the title of a Faire creature besids to those beauties was wed so much wisedom discretion and modest gouernement that one without error might well commend her for most perfect This Basina had to husband a pagan passing wise in their Lawe and very expert in the Art of Horsmanship who altogither frequented the warres tourneis and schooles of chiualry his name was Croisant and he imbraced as the onely iewell of his life one onely friend Brohars whom he loued excéedingly because he imagined the other loued him as vehemently which in troth was but falshood and dissimulation For Brohars became mortally inamored with Basina the wife of Croisant insomuch as he made a vow to his owne sâ—ule that vnlesse Destiny it selfe preuented him he would that forbidden fruit which Nature and the custome of diuine Lawes most vehemently prohibiteth To further which irreligious Oath a day happened wherein Croisant went from his house in the citie Montesteur to a certaine tower himselfe had newly erected and the traiterous Brohars taking aduantage of his absence entred his house where he found the Lady Basina who receiued him kindly because she shewed her husband loued him dearely and setting his lust-inflamed selfe close by her as then accompanied with vertuous imaginations he with witty if witty may be imputed to an act so vnwitty and violent arguments laied open the monstrous desire of his vncontrolled will which when the Lady vnderstood a sooth in the meaning of so bad a meaning she answered him it was against the lawes of hospitalitie to offer so hard amends for so great a merit his spéeches being as vnfit and his desires frantike and for herowne part rather would she be diâ—membred piece-meale then think that her thoughâ—s should thinke of any but her husband Wherefore in conclusion she told him if euer againe his lips gaue leaue to his tongue to tell her the like villanie she would giue notice vnto her husband who thenceforth should not him for most inhumane Whilest they were thus discoursing stood by them one of the gentlewomen of the Lady called Ysea who not seeming to regard their parlée wel vnderstood and heard all they had vttered as well his monstrous assault as her modest defiance all which was to her a notable safegard as hereafter shall appeare When Brohars had receiued this cold comfort to his accuâ—sed desire hee left the Lady mightâ—ly perplexed in heart and sware by Mahomet to bring to ruine both her renowne and vertue As the traitor went he sommoned all the damned parliament of his senses together to bethinke some notable treason against her whilest the good Lady innocent of all euill wept to thinke that men should be so wicked The story reports that this Brohars had a seruant named Brison whom one day when Croisant was at Montesteur hée called vnto him and sayde Brison come hither long haue I nourisht thee better then a seruant and doe loue thee as deare as my sonne tell mee to worke reuenge of my greatest enemie wouldest thou not aduenture one fortune say yea Brison sayd yea and I will heape so much treasure to thy store that Turkie shall not boast of oue more wealthie Sir quoth Brison I will performe all your will let your will will what it will therefore â—peake for there resâ—eth nothing but that you commaund me Well doeth thine answere please me replied Brohars then this it is Basina the wife of my companion Croisant hath done mee that iniurie which poiseth mine heart downe to death with sorrow neither shall my soule take rest till reuenge rocke me asleepe The meane I haue thus deuised thou in the euening shalt goe to Montesteur and in the chamber of Croisant if possiblie with all secrecie hide thy selfe till midnight at what time I will vndoubtedly call vpon him who not for a world will faile my will then so soone as hée is issued out thou like stealing Salmacis shalt lay thée downe in his plaâ—e with all the â—ilent secresie thou canst deuise to the end that the false Basina whose hate to mée is now infinite may without suspect suffer thée Long shalt thou not there remaine but Croisant and I will returne to whom I will tell that of a long time his wife hath liued disloyall with thée with many other arguments of her inchastitie Thus did he set abroach his treasons to Brison who accorded in euery point to his masters villanie and for execution thereof they parted and went to Montesteur where Brohars found Croisant who did entertaine him as kindly as hee loued him dearely and in discourse they wasted the day till night with yron scepter arrested all creatures to rest at what time Brohars tooke leaue of Croisant and tolde him that very eareâ—y in the morning he was to vse his presence in an vrgent affaire to which Croisant said he was euer ready to performe the office of a friend and his will Thus the false thinking traitour departed and left â—rison Croisant and his wife who when the houre of bed-time came betooke them to their rest thinking of nothing lesse than that which they neuer knew to wit euill Basina at that instant was great with childe of a sonne who in after-time highly exalted the Christian faith Brison in whom treason had taken root and now beganne to blossome according to his masters directions was so close hid in the innocents chamber that the cunningest searching eie could neuer perceiue him euery minute protesting to himselfe to accomplish the treason for which he aduentured Anon the night as halfe ashamed to beholde such intollerable shame whippt her misty waggon with such haste thorow the heauens that in the eies of all creatures she had lost hir preheminence and yet had day in the skie no preregatiue so as of waking eies it was then called twy-light In this fatall houre arose Brohars and comming to the pallace of Croisant sent a squire to tell him he stayed for him at which first sommons by the help of the same squire Croisant attired himselfe and so departed without disturbing Basina who as then slept soundly for her innocency kept hir from care-taking Scarcely was the good Croisant without the limits of the Chamber but Brison the varlet of Brohars profaning so holy a receptacle entred into the bed and lay by Basina By this was Croisant and his false fairs-séeming friend mounted vpon their horses and gotten without the walls of the city when Brohars thus began to discourse Long time is it since my déerest second selfe I made thâ— disloyalty of thy wife apparant to thy weake vnretaining eares yet armed with flinty dulnesse thou hast denied thy heart leaue to belieue me and now therefore if thou wilt prooue by that proofe a more auailing Oratour And for the inseparable loue and holie marriage rites of our long â—onioyned friendship I will aduise thée
the next morning went aboord their ships and sallied with so fauorable a gust that in short space they aymed at the port of Luternia where they anchored their vessels and from thence marched to Montment The Historie saieth that this Iacob the marchant altogether frequented the court of king Meurmont who for sundry vertues he sawe shine in his honest simplicitie loued him exceedingly and tooke and intimate delight in his company Now is Iacob entred into his owne gates where his wife with all obseruances of true duety kindly entertained him and Tyrus the house of Barbin his father who séeing him vnaccompanied of any but his owne presence blusht as highly amazed and asked him Faire sonne where is Meruine thy brother that he is vnreturned with thée to make happy my desires Deare father replied Tyrus he is taken prisoner at Brandis which is a strong citie seated vpon the sea Prisoner said his father tell me quickely for what cause Sir said he with a fearefull trembling Meruine whom you call my brother is too fierce proude and of an ambitious aspiring spirite me hath he altogether neglected and bent his thoughts onely on impossible indeuours The cause of his imprisonment is for that he hath slaine seuen renowned knights at one instant with his sword And from thence Tirus discoursed to his father all the déeds of Meruine his promise to Minea to resuccor her sister his danger in Brandis her deliuering him by meane of hostage his going to Monteâ—â—eur his combat with Brohars his backe returne to Brandis his deliuering Basina his being there surprised and lastly his deliuery after six yeares imprisonment with perpetuall banishment till when there was no expecting his returne When Barbin with a grieuing ioy had heard him recount all these famous exploits of Meruiue he askt Tyrus in all these dangers what aid or help he had done for Meruine and Tyrus tolde him not any at all Then the blood of anger started into the face of Barbin and he said to Tyrus False Pagan boy recreant to trus nobilitie whie didst thou faile him who would haue failed life for thy loues cause Where was thy sleepy sword that vnsheathing it thou didst not hazard to die in his rescue By Mahomet deare father said he I dare not fight my weapons are only the words of an honest marchant let Meruine on whom the goddesse of warre is inamoured fight for vs both whilst I in a peacefull climate winne honor by my traffike Thus disputed Tyrus with his father to whom Chiualry was nothing beholding but Barbin most sadly sorrowfull for the troubles of Meruine flung away with great furie making a solemne vow to Mahomet either spéedily to purchase his deliuery or in the pursuiteto spend his life and treasure CHAP X. 1 Iacobs report to king Meurmont of the acts of Meruine 2 Bereaes ioy 3 The priuate confeâ—ence betweene Berea and Iacob AFter Iacob was returned home and had by a little rest giuen ease to his sore trauelled limbs he demanded of his wife if not any from the court had made inquirie of his returne and hâ—s wife told him yes a squire whom as she imagined belonged to the beautifull princesse Berea therfore she persuaded him as a thing not vnnecessary forthwith to goe thither to take with him from her to thâ— princesse a most curiously wrought purse which of selfe purpose she had made for her Smal persuasion preuailed So Iacob tooke the purse and went to the Court where being entred within the hall he found the mighty king Meurmont who was glad to sée him most gratiously demaunding of his welfare to whom Iacob with humble reuerence answerd as became a loial subiect By Mahomet qd the king I feared greatly left Baucamont the proud king of Damas had met with thée who is now comming to besiege me with so innumerable an host of men as to our séeming they double the stars of heauen Credite me redoubted soueraigne said Iacob if it pleased Mahomet or your gratious starres were so fortunate that you had but to aide you xxx such knights euery way as excellent as Meruine the sonne of Barbin the marchant not Baucamonts power nor the worlds infinits were able to wrong you by sword or violence for why Meruine is euen Uictory itselfe as fortunate as couragious and both admirable that Wonder it selfe alone sits wondring at his actions his valure instruâ—teth valure his equal in euery vertue hath not issued from the wombe of a liuing mother insomuch that my thoughts rather bind me to adore him as a god then estéeme him as the son of Barbin my friend a marchant Berea from whose eies loue borrowed a light to illuminate al the lampes of heauen hearing Meruin thus highly eralted by the speech of Iacob found a ioy excéeding al ioy as much beyond compare as her beauty aboue equalitie triumphantly dominering through her royal veines inriching her heart with the treasure deliuered to hir parts wherefore like babes gréedy of sweete meates till they euen surfet with delight shee further demaunded of Iacob where hee had beheld Meruin in that warlike sort which made him estemd so rare a Martialist Diuine Lady qd Iacob by that religious faith I owe our great god Mahomet I haue séen him in so dangerous fight and in such vnspeakeable trouble that neuer knight hath indured or performed so mightie a warfare with such vnspeakeable vertue And there hée in selfe maner discoursed al the enploits done by Mernin as Tyrus before had reported to his father which not onely bred an amazement in the King but an inward intire loue insomuch that from the boundlesse humor of his affection he heartily wished he were his sonne And withal said incomparable Meruine might but thy valure ingirdle my fortunes excellently wouldest thou reuenge me of these ouerdaring Kings who come to assailâ— me but woe is me base is the desert of thy linage that should I hold thée as my supporter dishonour would attach me with indignitie yet I am assured should I send to thée Count Brandis he would not for a world deny his deliuery Thus reasoned the King in himselfe diuersly hâ—lde with the diuers arguments of feare and desire 2 But Berea in whome the extremitie of pleasure challenged an intrest of 〈◊〉 gaue ioy the possession of her heart and suâ—rendered al her spirits to the dispose of loue and her happie fortune Yet as a corrector of passion when hée he grew too great a Libertine she would sometimes sigh and chide her forgetfull conceits saying Care to purchase his returne ought to busie them from their delight then would she create a thousand thoghts how to bring him backe wohse absence diuorst her from her happy longings Whilest thus shée and the king were both musing she of his vertues hee how he became so vertuous Iacob who perceiued in them both a dumbe wishing saide to the king Trust me my soueraigne if either affâ—aÌ„ce may be had in my true intent
renue his age and to shew himselfe in his lustiest youth doubling the deaths and wounds of the both sides pursuing pagans Anone Baucamont being maunted on his steed Marcheuall which sometimes belongd to the euer renowned duke Oger the father of Meruine he peceiued where Mermont rode triumphing in the conquest of his sword whom he pursued with a valiant emulation till Mermont beholding him turned to encounter him and sayd Now Baucamont receiue from my sword the loue salute of Berea whom before thou shalt enioy this earth the commoÌ„ receptacle of the dead shal be mine instant haâ—itation Then with their wounding héeles spurring their horses they encountred either other so furiously that both flew from their horses to the ground 4 Assoone as Clarissa beheld the king his master ouerthrowen as if his coward heart had a sympâ—thie of euery mans afflictions he betooke himselfe to flight but far had not the wings his woe borne him but a pagan who all the day had obserued his faint hartednes came upon him and gaue him such a blow with his sword that he fell soone dead from his horse yéelding to a shamefull life a sodaine death But al this while Mermont Baucamont assailed ech other with such kingly magnificence that al the army stood in an amaze to behold them In the end Mermont by the helpe of many handes was remounted after which he assailed Baucamont with inestimable cruelty yet he by the miraculous aide of his powers which were infinite defended himselfe despight of spight got on the backe of Marchâ—ual Then began the battel as if til then it had not begun during which lamentable effusion the king Sallames perceiuing Eclamard who had flaine a countlesse number of his host came running against him gaue him such a well wishing blowe that if the pagan had not spéedily turnd he had neuer turnd more than the last turne which turneth to life eternall notwithstanding the blowe was sent from so willing a spirit of anger that glancing downe it disseuerd his hand from his arme which when Eclamard felt he spurred his horse and betooke his flight to his tent whilest the whole armie which then were sadly discomforted aduised him to returne and inclose Mermont which Sallames vnderstanding foorthwith gaue counsell to retrait lest that a sodaine inclosure should defeit their gotten happinesse which they did most honorably retiring pace by pace to the towne their faces still fixt on their enemies but in this retraite Mermont lost much because Baucamont folowed excéeding close yet neuerthelesse the other side lost much more who returned to their tents discontented because vnreuenged Now was Mermont brought to his pallace where his Quéene and daughter roially receiued him demaunding both his health and successe in battell which he reported in doubtfull maner saying both sides had lost yet assuring them that Baucamont should neuer liue to enioy Berea to which words Berea gaue humble thanks with princely reuerence Then demanded Berea what was become of Clarissa to whom the king sayd If thou louest me daughter name not the base traitor whose cowardise would neuer giue him leaue to strike one blowe either with sword or lance till he was slayne by the hands of a common souldier Many other discourses the king and his barons held til supper being serued they sate downe which no sooner finished but Berea went to the chamber of Clarissas chamberlain to whom shée reported his masters death Lady sayd he griene not for his destinie for why his merite was of al men least deseruing he altogether vnméete either for skirmish or battell And there he discoursed vnto her all his stolne glory how the prize he had before wonne was not his but the prowesse of young Meruine and that he himselfe had bene many times armed in his name And lastly of the vngentlemanly blow he gaue him because he refused to weare his armour beare the standard of Mermon in that last battell CHAP XII 1 The arriual of Iacob and Barbin at Brandis 2 The presenting of the letter to the Counte 3 Meruine is deliuered to them 4 Mineae perswaded Croisant to accompany Meruine which he did with 400. horsemen WHen all the worlds beauteous eie beautifull Berea vnderstood that Clarissa had got the honour of the Ioust and the prized cup not by himselfe but by the diuine valiant hand of her best beloued Meruine modestly her heart capred in her bosome and shee vnable to containe her thoughts departed to her chamber where first throwing her selfe vpon her bed and then taking a well speaking lute she apparelled her voice to the sounding strings and sung in this maner Eyes with your teares blind if you bee Why haue those teares such eyes to see Poore eyes if your teares can mooue My teares eyes then must moane my loue Then eyes since you haue lost your sight Weepe still and teares shall lend you light Till both dissolue and both want night No no cleare eyes you are not blind But in your teares discerne my mind Teares is the language which you speake Which my heart counting it must breake Then cease ill tongue to tâ—ll my wrongs My sighes shall get them better tongs To tell what heauen to loue belongs After she had sung this as if the lute doubled her imaginations she threw it from her with erected hands beteared eyes she sayd Thou onely honour to beautie exellent Meruine be gratious to my thrall and retorte my miserie you gentle windes quickly and with easie murmure conuey my passions into his eares whereas yet neuer entred my lamentations be spéedie honourable Iacob and assure the honor of my affections else shall my deâ—ires be my death and loue my burial thus lamented she in whom woe was louely because adorned with her loue but Meruin altogether skillesse of her complaint led in Brandis a most pleasant and delectable life for why the Countesse thereof did loue him with a most perfit and sincere loue so likewise did Minea whose careful intimacie so regarded him that it was more laborsome for him to wish then to attaine the end of his wish but the absolutely vertuous Meruine neuer had vnchast thought nor euer accompanied woman but Berea whom he married and begate of her Orient the father of the seauen signes as is written in the holy historiâ— of Godfrey of Bullein But I will leaue them and returne to Iacob and Barbin who arâ—iuing at Brandis and comâ—ing to the house of Minea were solemnely receiued of her and all her attendants Then Barbin inquired of the health of Meruine and was assured by her that he was excellently well for that she had supped with him the last night Then he told her that his occasions importuned him to goe to the earles court to deliuer him a letter for the reâ—ease of Meruine The musike of this newes entred harshly into hereares for that she wisht nothing lesse then the departure of Meruine yet she couered it vnder a
dissolued and in that hope set forward to fortune our conquest At those words Baucamont mounted on Marcheuall which somtimes was Ogers whose damme Meruin conquered when he slew the traitour Brohars as you haue before heard and when Baucamont was mounted he caused a charge to be sounded his foes on the other side answerd with like musick O how gallant a thing it was to heare the reuiuing clamors to sée the ioyning of the hostes to behold the shot of one and other side in such abundance that it seemed like a snow descending from heauen when the shot ceased then began they to fight hand to hand Mermont crying Montment and Baucamont Damas. There might you sée a fierce skirmish as well of the â—laine pagans as the dying wounded there ran the horses vp and downe trailing their reines in contempt after them that but ere while ruled them There might you sée a hand holding a sword but wanting a body to rule it a man that but now fought to keepe away death now lamenting for nothing but that he could not haue death all things confused all things tumultuous for such and no other is warres beauty Mermont being valiant prickt amongst his enimies exclaiming against Baucamont and threatning reuenge for the wrongs both to come perfited And in this furie he smote a pagan named Malcuidant that he tumbled dead before him thence he passed and incounâ—red Affricant whom he slew likewise Why shall I make laboursome my discourse Mermont before he ceased slew fiue then cryed on his standard â—earer whom he brought to the strength of his battell Then Artifalt of Luterne and Murgaffier his brother folowed him on the other side Baucamont cried to his armie come on gallants if any haue courage let him follow me and he shal not onely win gold but kingdoms With Baucamonts speaches his souâ—diers tooke such courage that in despight of fortune Mermont and his hoste were compelled to retire During the blacke sunne-shine of this contagions day Berea was at Turgon standing on a tower from whence shee beheld the battell when she saw her fathers army retire with a pitying sigh shée sayd Ah Mahomet that ouâ— men had new strengths or better fortunes with that with entered the thoughts of Meruine into her memorie for whom she excéedingly lamented saying Deare loue most excellent because onely worthy to be excellent O how tardie are thy plumes that conuey thée with no more spéed to our afflictioÌ„ thou staiest too long O thou staiest too long come spéedily my loue or these iron blowes of our enemies will confound vs O blesse mine eyes once againe with the sight of thy â—alure els shall my soule leaue my body because my body shal be compelled to forsake thée Thus and with these teares of lamentation complained she for her absent loue who staied in the village where we left him euen vntill morning at which time he arose armed himselfe and gorgeously adorned the top of his helmet by fastning thereon the gloues sent him from Berea Thus armed he mounted on Mordant and pacing foorth found all his troupe ready attending his comming and so in warlike maner they all departed but in their marching Meruine called Drohes to him aâ—d sayd Christian if by that faith which so much thou holdest inuiolate thou wilt this day aide vs in the battell to which we are marching I will both doe thée honour command thee armes and reuerence thy reputation In faith replyed he or what els thou canst imagine I estéeme déerer I will neither doubt mee for disloialtie sith if all thine army should renounce thée Drohes would die faithfully by thee At those wordes Meruine commanded him armes and when Drohes was armed he made a vow that if that day he encountred the pagans then the Discipline and Iustice issuing from his sword should testifie that the death of Gallien Rothorus should not sleepe vnreuenged Now had they ridden so farre that by the giantbegotten cloudes and the murmuring rumor of the troubled aire they might see they were not farre from the battell anone they might heare the noise the cries and the incounters all which assured their former imaginations 2 Then pricking more eagerly forward they hasted to bâ— made parties in the conâ—â—ict yet ere they could approch by ill chance Mermont was ouerthrown by Baucamont in despight of his followers taken prisoner to whom Baucamont with reuiling words sayd Uassale to my fortune this day is the last of thy lifes date and thy death shall be shamefull thy daughter in spight will I teare from thy possession yet wil I lie with her but one sole night for after I will bestow her on Pimon mine embassador to whoÌ„ thou threatnedst death for bringing my message such shame will I heap on thy crown such scandal to thy fortune This said Baucamont calld Antifer and commanded him to conuey Mermont to his tent til he had vtterly discomfited the rest of his army Then took they Mermont and bound him with strong cords and muffling his eies lest he shuld see any alteration in that base maner haled him to their tents 3 But as Merâ—ine rid aside discoursing with Iacob the good merchant Iacob perceiued how pittilesly his king was martired with his tormentors wherefore as if his eies had wounded his heart he cried to Meruine O saue him saue him behold king Mermont taken dishonored tormented Meruin as if awaked from a slumber at such exclaiming looking about and seeing him smote the mare with his spurs who like a whirlewind carried him against Antifer He approaching so neare that the sound of his words might be retained he cried Mermont my king feare not thy ill fortune for in despite of these villaines I will recarry thée into Montment at that word he encountred a pagan called Esclardy nephew to Baucamont and with such commanding violence that no stéele durst withstand it but the head of his lance made a passage both through his hart and body he dead Meruine chéered his followers chiefly Drohes to whom he said Absolutely valiant Christian I challenge thée make good the couenant betwixt vs spare neither king nor prince commander nor follower then spurred they two in amongst the pagans in such sort that as the ripe corne before the shearers so fell they before them Then Meruin approching to Mermont whom a Turk holding Meruine gaue him a blow that claue him to the girdle After vâ—loosing the kings bonds and giuing him liberty to sée his redemption said vnto him famous king and my loues soueraigne my work is but the work of duty command my life for thy ransome As Mermont was about to reply and imbrace him Meruine stayd him saying what I do I ought do hereafter shall write mine allegeance hold lace on your helmet and I will prouide you a horse to mount on 4 With that he beheld Antifer who was princely mounted came thus to him Pagan of necessity you must present me your horse
the allarum to lighten in the eares of ech army a resolued pagan named Turquant was the first that charged whoÌ„ Bertran separating himselfe incountred with such violence that his lance making way through both his sides caried him to the ground his first and last mother at this the battelâ—es ioyned like the outrageous méeting of many confused waters where the Christians bare themselues most valiantly and in the first shocke ouerthrew a thousand Pagans dead to the ground Bertran who as yet had not broken his launce méeting with Mâ—rbrom 〈◊〉 him to the heart and brake his launce with the incounter Then drew he his sword with which he excellently knew whâ—n to aide when to defâ—nd and when to assaile and with it did wonders Guion his brother strake Acquilant but not he of Lucerne but an other whom at the first blowe he diuided to the girdle and then câ—ied Forward in the name of â—od you christiâ—n nations the day is oâ—â—s Thus said Guion whilest Thyerie who held his sword in both his hanâ—s was with his brother Florion in the middest of the army making an admirable slaughter Now â—eganne the â—â—ttell to be strong and fearefull in which the Pagans died innumerably and the christians increased so highly in their resolutions that the Sarazeâ—s began from a little recoyling to betake themselues to a maine flight in which Baucamontâ—as â—as slaine by Bertran and Mermont taken prisâ—ner and with him diuers oâ—hers of the greatest estimation who were carried to the tents to accompany Esclamart that had runne the way of dishonour before them â—ut now beholde the exchange of immortall fortune our thrice renowned christians in whom Conquest seemed to be prowd because shée liued and who râ—turned victors from euery battell shall vnluckily bee vanquished and ouerthrowne by the hand of their néearest cohsine most absolute Meruine You haue heard before how Meruine staied behind with twenty thousand according to the commandement of Mermont to whom as soone as a Pagan had declared the mightie oâ—erthrowe that was befallen them with a smiling anger he said â—he King and his Princes imagined to subdue the christians without Mernine in despight of Meruine but it is happened otherwise and themselues are forsaken for forsaking Meruine Well now shal they know my power and the woorth oâ— my seruice for before the euening shall call foorth the Mooâ—e to appeare in the great Starre-chamber I wil reuenge them on their enemies and restore their liberty This saide he broached his renowmed beast and with his army gaue a hote charge on the christians who when they beheld Meruine though not discoraged yet were they woâ—derously amazed and not without good cause for his men were fresh and Meruine the best knight that in the worlde then liued and they both ouertoâ—de and weary Which when Bertran sawe hée saide Courage immortal spirites and be not dismayed to beholde these Pagans as I beare faith to my Sauiour they are no more to be esteâ—med then the withered grasse in a medoâ— or the stalkes of corne in the hand of a shearer By my life saide Huon I thinke those we haue slaine haue purchased a new resuâ—rection Not so saide Guion beholde how they lie in heepes one vpon an other After this talke they prepared themselues and incountred their enemies whome they assailed with vnspeakeable resolution but to too little profit for their wearinesse had so much weakened them that the Pagans slewe them most pâ—teously and Meruine so victoriously trâ—â—mphed where he went that not any escaped with life on whâ—me the weight of his arme descended He slew Reignier Guyons young knight and after him another and another and al whosoeuer was within the reach of his â—urie Our barons were astonished to behold his resolution and yet more great incombrances immediately fell vpon them for why the citizens issued againe and the rather at the â—â—reaty of Guyda wâ—o besought them to ayde her to takâ— him aliue who had slaine her father to whome Pimon declared that Bertran was he that slew him in the great battell whome Guyda mightily desired and inwardly loued imagining her selfe happy if shee might but behold him The Pagans assured her her wish and so sallied out vpon the christians on whom Meruin had raigned lamentable misfortunes â— Now were the gallants of christendome inclosed on euery side they of the citie behinde them and Meruine before them who alone was the planet of their destruction for why no force was proofe against his magnanimitie When Florion sawe that he alone held in his hand their destinies he prest vnto him and gaue him such a blow thwart the helme that he closed his eyes from the day light But Meruine recouering himselfe payed him backe so heauy a requitall that hée strake the infant from his horse to the ground backeward who was no sooner downe but Sarazens eagerly leâ—pt vpon him to whome Meruine saide Kill him not souldiours on your liues for he that wounds him woundeth my soule also Thus was one of the foure brethren taken for whome was made piteous lamentations There was at this instant left of the Christians but ten thousand who with one voyce cryed on God to be their ayder and Bertran sayd follow mée my hearts one God one honour and one graue and then like a tempest of thunder he cast himselfe into the bosome of his enemies confounding and killing all betwéene him and the goale of Honour Meruine this while chased the Christians to the gates of desolation at the which Guion grew madde thorough anger and setting himselfe against Meruin gaue him such a blowe that he made him bowe his head to the creast of the great mare Mordant But Meruine vnaccustomed to haue any such manner of regréetings stroke Thyerrie who then had thrust himselfe betwéene them so mightiâ— a blowe that hée â—ell to the earth and was instantly taken prisoner by the common souldiours After that Meruine had thus ouerthrowne Thyerrie there came a Pagan vnto him and tolde him there werâ— two Christians yet suruiuing whom it was impossible to take without great effusion for on whomsoeuer their hands fall death followeth And then hee brought Meruine where he found Bertran and Huon of Burdeaux who hauing ioyned backe to backe shewed such discipline in armes as might well haue remained a myracle to all ages When Meruine viewed their couragious resolutions he grew inamoured with their vertues yet for all that with Entrant his good sword he strake so manfully at Bertran that albeit he neuer bended but to heauen yet now he was forced to bow one of his knées to the earth Then leauing him he charged Huon who seeing the blow by recoiling backward escaped the violence but the Pagans came swarming so fast behinde him that he was able no longer to defend himselfe against Meruine Now were all the noble christians taken except Guion who alone with fiue hundred did defend himselfe and they were all that surâ—ued Like a wilde Bore against a
in al things if it be pleasâ—ng in thy sight henceforth become thy subiect By Iupiter said Meruine thou hast spoken in a happy houre Rise father and rise king of Montment mine anger shal breake if my wrongs be amended Then turning to the christians he sayd Princes returne into the hal for a tâ—uce shal be concluded my wil no more neglected No sooner had he spoken but Charles his peers returâ—ed into the pallace and Meruine with an angry looke sayd to the pagans Princes imagine mée not satisfied though I shew a relenting for by my right hand my seruants death shall not be dismissed till the proudest of you all vpon your knées come cry me mercy At this all the pagans cast themselues on their faces before him and with one voyâ—e cried haue mercy vpoÌ„ vs inuincible prince Meruine and thy will shall be the law to rule vs and our nations Here pitie tooke place in the eyes of Meruine and raising them from the earth gaue to them new peace and comfort Which done he bade them arme themselues to guard those christians to the castle on Furgon which is scituate within Montment where he intended to detaine them till his returne from France her neighbor countreis where he ment to ruinate their abbeys and burne the monasteries of ancient foundation this done they ran kissed his féete in signe of their subiection glorying that by him they and their lawes should be so highly exalted Thus triumphed they with proud hearts but I fear me within short space they will haue other resolutions for euen now almost is the sacred â—â—nger of the diall vpon the hower in which Meruine shall know who is his truâ— father and the royall descent of his glorious pedegrée a history more delectable to heare then those iarring tumults already â—uâ—r passed CHAP. XXVIII 1 How Meruine departing from Babylon brought Charlemaine and the other Christians to the castle of Turgon 2 Of the apparition of the angel to Charles 3 How Meruine knew himselfe to be the sonne of Oger and the fairy Morgue THe history reporteth that during the time that Meruine was in Babylon where he brought the pagans and Sarazens to such subiâ—ction that his very lookes commanded them to all humblenes the good king Charles who many times with zealous admiration beheld Meruine at last imagined him so liuely to present the image of Oger that he could not chuse but one day sayd vnto him prince Meruine I know not thy descent nor generation but of what or whence soeuer thou art beléeue me thou doest so liuely resemble the most victorious duke of Denmarke prince Oger that were but haire discouered vpon thy youthfull châ—nne I would haue sayd thou hadst bene no likelyhood but the self-same most excellent creature for of my soule there is not the greatest master painter in the world that can so vereâ—y 〈◊〉 his perâ—raâ—t as thine owne lookes neither disâ—aine 〈◊〉 to him thou art compared for that neuer yet in any battell 〈◊〉 there pagan 〈◊〉 or Sarazen that by manhood was able to resist him T is most true sayd duke Naimes and the twelue péeres also When Meruin heard theÌ„ he sayd I know noâ— wel my 〈◊〉 what my selfe am but many as well Sarazeâ—s as christians who haue séene the duke Oger haue euer compared me vnto him so that my selfe am in loue with him to whom my selfe am so often compared After diuers other such like discourses Meruine coÌ„manded the Christians to mount them selues on horsebacke and then comming to Mermont and Gaudisse he said I wil my Lords that you stay here in Babilon till my reâ—urne whilst I conuey these christians to the â—astle of â—urgon where they shal be safely imprisoned and I will leaue the keyes with beautifull Berea whom vntill my returne I will make their Empresse Prince Meruine answered Mermont be all things as pleaseth thée for willingly we will stay to attend thy pleasure This spake hee with a seruile humblenesse rather inferd from feare then issuing from a certaine loue Thus Meruine and with him 4000. of the best estéemed Pagans tooke their iourney towards Turgon whither the heauens and all the gratious aspects of wel portending Planets happely guide him because he shal neuer returne to Babilon till he bee made a diuine and religious Christian rooting from the face of the earth both Mahomet and all other false gods and onely lifting vp in most hie exaltation the Name of the euer-liuing IESVS So prosperously they iourneyd that anon they came within the sight of Montment where Meruine calling Iacob sent him before taduertise Berea of his approching who with an entire zeale performed his coÌ„mandement And after he was entred to the towne he ascended the Pallais where he found the only starre of perfection Berea whom with low humblenesse he saluted and reported the comming of Meruine the bringing of â—ing Charles of France the twelue Péeres and diuers others whome his inuincible prowesse had made captiues before the walles of Babilon Berea hearing this had al her sâ—nces so suddenly ouergone with ioy that from her amazement issued nothing but great woÌ„â—er But Drohes whâ— sadly had giuen attention to his discourse dissolued his harts blood in water from his eyes and with extremitie of passion thus exclaimed O thou true God of glory how speedily shal the ruine of France fall vpon her bosome sith Charles and the twelue peers the columnes that sustaind her are broken by Meruin whose vnspeakable magnâ—niâ—itie nothing hath force to resistâ— Many other teares of sorrowfull meanings fell from good knight Drohes who for the loue of Charles seemed to pineâ— with lamenting Now the day being growne by many hourâ—s aged Meruin and his traine entred the city thence he went to the Palace where Berea most royally garded came down and met him between them was an incounter of hie delicacie their armes locking together their lippes and from their lippes interchangeably breathing their soâ—les into ech others bosome Many prettie questions they had of eche others safetie many oracles of their fortunes and many histories of their loues the legends wherof lasted till they were returned into the great hall of the Pallace Then were the Christians conueyed to the castel of Turgon and safely imprisoned all the Péeres being most disconsolate 2 Onely king Charles from whom no misfortune would take away the title of a royal spirit and whose faith in the liuing God was euer vnmoueable cast himselfe on both his knees to the ground and with lift vp hands and erected eyes thus prayed Glorious God that for our sinnes and for our saluation vouchsafedst thy life by thy death and passion thou that the third day rose againe ascendedst into heauen thou that deliueredst Adam the Prophets which had attended thy comming also as this is true on it my faith is grounded so I beseech thee be my deliuerer from these gates of ill chance and bondage When king Charles had made
Mathaburna heard this that her father was baptized she praised God but in that he had carried her loue to Minor â—hence issued doubts feare and suspitions and wo is me it was not without strong reason for the place was dreadful and impregnable the description wherof follows as is set downe in stories Minor as antient Chronicles do testiâ—â—e from whence this historie is deriued is very strongly situate It hath at the foure corners foure most high rockes or promontories of which one excéedeth all the other in height and hugenesse from whence descendeth a mightie riuer named Orbe most wonderfull déepe rough and contageons it is guarded vpon each side with a couple of rockes betweene which euery one must passe to the citie by a narrow way but fiue foote in breadth at the extreamest neither is there any way saue that onely the history saith that in the time of king Pharao these rocks and this riuer were made by Magike art and this city named Minor founded as a thing impregnable for it hath before the entraunce foure ports or passages strongly garded the first is Auster and it hath a Pagan named Auroufe fell powerfull continually to defend and kéepe it Oueragainst it is an other of the same strength defended by one euen as strong and sufficient The third is of a more terrible fashion than these for the gates are of yron and next it a tower whose height séems to touch the heauens After one hath passed that gate whose name is Tombare they enter into Minor a beautifull citie washed vpon euery side with the riuer Orbe Mermont and Meruine by this time were passed through the first port who was much abashed to behold so strange a passage and such workes of wonderfull resistance demanding diuers questions of their hugenesse in the end they incountred with Auroufe who knowing Mermont since the bringing of his sister into those parts let him passe in peace and Meruin also Thence they came to the second gate called Baucair which when Meruine saw he demaunded what diuell of diuelish waies that was and when they should come to the city Faire son qd Mermont you are abashed at theâ—e entrances yet be content and we shall easily ouerpasse them Then they went till they came to Tâ—mbar the last port whose ghastly proportion made Meruine wonder more than before and demaunded what fury of hell had exalted that Tower to threaten heauen sure it must néeds fall it cannot long indâ—re Yet said Meruine for that the masonary is both strong and exquisite and the rockes of each side as supporters do maintaine it By my soule said Meruine this is a vilainous situation for I see not any way to issue or enter but this only â—is true qd Mermont Neither is there any creature whatsoeuer that enters within this portcullis that can repasse without the leaue of king Butor or Gaiamy his sister This said they came to the yron gate thorow which they passed al the porters doing them great reuerence Thus farre hauing goâ—e they came into the fairest and honourable city which to behold Meruine mightily reioyced because till then he went in worse than starre-light A certaine pagan went before to king Butor telling him the approch of Mermont wherefore he arose tâ— go méet him but his son Marant would not but withdrawing himselfe into a priuate chamber sat musing what occasion should drawe thither his vncle one while he thought he was come to take vengeance vpon him for the treason he had committed against Meruine at Montment for which Drohes had slaine Calix in combat as was before written other-whiles he did imagine other occurrentes but the traitor Mermont as false as himselfe was faultie hadde not one thought so néere a kinne to honestie for only his comming wâ—s to doe endamagement to Meruine because he adored the true god and renounced their false prophet Mahomet 3 Now was Mermont come into the court euen to the kings pallace where he found Butor and diuers of his Barons that were come forth to greete him Kingly was their encounter on both sides and much ceremonious the largenesse of their accomplishings Then came the quéene being sister to Mermont betweene whom were straite déere embraces with her was also her daughter one oâ— beauties best superlatiues naâ—ed Singlay to her was Mermont kinde and full of obseruance Gratulations finished to the testâ—monie of welcome entred and the pallace rung with clamours of delightes and contentment Supper by this time was readie and royally serued where full bowles and rich accates adorned entertainement When supper was ended and musicke came in and the gallantes of the court betooke them to daâ—nsing amongest them Meruine tâ—king Singlay daunsed with her a stately measure during which heauenly motion Mermont Butor and the queene â—elâ— a solempne though damnable counsell about the ruine of the euer to be regarded Meruine Mermont auowing the occasion of his comming to be for nothing but to beholde his vtter destruction and thence he dilated his bringing vp and a duentures his conquestes triumphes and lastly his backslâ—ding fâ—oÌ„ Mahomet whom before he had adord withal affirming his valiance so boundles and not to be resisted that he would soone subâ—ert the whole estate of their religion Therefore good king aâ—d my brother said Mermont it not behoueth to whom Mahomet hath giuen power of controlement to imprison him and kâ—â—pe him safe from further defacing of his templâ—s But if by anie maanes he wil again be conuerted to our faction then assure thée so strange is his resolution that we shall be monarches both of Fraunce and all Christen dome with most easie aduentures All this while Meruin was dauncing without thought of infidilitâ—e courting most honourably the beautifull Singlay whose heart with his excellencie was euen then made a receptacle of loues brightest fire and she was inflamed with his loue so much preuailed the gift Galliana had giueÌ„ him at his first bearing Thus we will leaue to speake of them and pursue the discourse of Mermont and Butor CHAP. XXXIIII 1 Huon Meruin was most traiterously imprisoned and the description therof 2. How by the persuasion of Mermont Butor went with 100000. Pagans to Montment 3. How Minea aduertised Gautier and the other Christians WHen Butor had vnderstoode the vttermost of Mermonts intreaties hee replied my déere brother touching the actions of this vassall be you as guardlesse as I am fearelesse for this night when he is laide to his rest wâ—arinesse shall summon sleep vpon his eie-lids with a band of men he shal be strongly assailed bound and conueied into a care-kéepâ—â—g dungeon which sometime was founded by a â—oniurer diuell and diuels commander named Mutafier where he remained 200. yeares as I haue heard credibly reported because he sought to supplant the wise Merline and frame the world to his owne liking into this vast place of misery for vengeance Merlin damned him in which there is nothing but horror feare and desolation
soule and the death of Claretta named both he and his Sonnes fell into a great agonie of discontentment vowing to God and their soules a déep reuengement for that monstrous murder and so forthwith marched towards Montment But Iacob staying behinde assembled together foure hundred Christians whom he conducted after Gautier with such hast that he ouertooke him before he had fully got sight of Montment which instantly they had entred without resistance had not a certayne Pagan espied them who running into the citie gaue king Gorbant warning of tâ—eir approach He vpon the first notice mustered all his barons together and issued out to méete the Christians who then were within a league of the towne walls 3 The Pagans being ordered in battell said amongst themselues Alas alas these Christians are come to theyr funeralles for sith Meruine is dead it is impossible for them euer againe to see a day of conquest They were to the number of an hundred thousand and thus quartered Griffoy bare the ensigne of Mahomet and had thirtie thousand King Bandus had other thirty thousand and Griffoner with a regiment to second him Gorbant with the rest went before The Christians had ordered themselues though not so huge yet full as strongly and thus Gautier after incouragements to his sonnes put spurres to his horse and gaue the first charge on the Pagans and the first he incountred he bare dead to the ground the second he cut off by the head after him an other and an other and desiâ—â—ing til x. fel by his sword before him At this began a clamorous noise greater than thunder from heauen and the battell was mightily confused Gorbant if his armes had béene excellently imployed his vertue in valure had inherited alittle better than excellent By letting his déed passe we will speake of Iacob who folowing Gautier with foure hundred Christians and séeing the fearefulnesse and hugenesse of the battell said vnto his souldiers Gentlemen this day it behooueth vs to be most circumspect what we take in hand you do sée the rare mightines of the battell and the equalitie of puissance let vs then aduise our selues what way is best for our generall profit which in my conceipt is this Whilest the two armies are thus equally busied we will assault the towne now vtterly vndefended and making our entrance therein put man woman and child to the sword that will not fall downe and adore the name of Christ Iesus To this with clamours they all agréed and forthwith entred the Towne which was left vngarded and beganne to put to â—he sword all with whom they incountred But the fearefull people soone rendred to mercie and accepted a second baptisme The Iacob went to the castle of Turgon with his followers where he found Guyda and Barrant her litle sonne surnamed the Cruell and Berea to whom Iacob said Madame great and infinite are the mischiefes that hang houering ouer thy head if so soone thou hast forgotten prince Meruine and renounced the Christian true lawe of saluation Ha Iacob said Mathaburna with a wéeping face chide me not for in my heart I adore nothing but that true God of my saluation what else I haue done this life which onely I loue but for his loue hath with carefulnesse drawne me hereto You make me prowd qd Iacob with these words know then I haue taken with these my followers both the towne and this castle wherefore I will leaue two hundred to gard you and with the rest returne to the great battell This said he tooke his leaue and after safe order taken for the Towne and Castle he returned to the tumult where he shewed himselfe to be a most resolued and courageous gentleman whose resolution when Gautier sawe he commended excéedingly with promise of great honors My Lord saide Iacob my beginning hath béene better than my procéeding for I haue taken both the citty and Turgon Wherefore if you doubt your successe you may make your retraite therein for it is your owne assured When Gautier heard this he daunced for ioy and in that place created him knight kissing his chéeke and praying for his endlesse good fortunes Iacob so prowd with these honours that the first pagan that he met he sent dead to the ground and then rushing into the heart of the army made wondrous destructions which king Gorbant beholding inraged he ranne against him and gaue him such a blow that he felled him to the earth by means whereof the good Iacob was taken prisoner and now came the battell to the extreamest hazard for the Pagans being an hundred thousand and the Christians but twelue thousand the greater number prenailed wherefore Gautier commaunded a retrait to be sounded and so retired into the citie at the sight whereof Gorbant tore his haire and was madly inraged not leauing to assault the towne on each side but in vaine for in his despight it was strongly maintained When as armes and fury was laid at rest Gautier went to the pallace where reposing himselfe he made inquirie for Iacob but not any could tell of him or his fortune Good God said he shall we loose that good knight is it possible that vertue should so soone vanish and with that hee shed teares for affection This while Guyon went to Guyda and taking her by the hand said Faire Lady how comes your fortune to hale you into this coast and whose is this infant you beare with you Ah Guyon said she it is my son but I pray you how doth your brother Bertran O he was mightily false to me at Damascus when leauing me along he estéemed more his sword than mine honour for hatefull reuenge whereof I instantly married king Gorbant his greatest enemy Thus she discoursed her aduentures to Guyon whilest her husband and Griffoy without the city stoode tearing their haires for their losses After some consultations held they sent for Iacob and tolde him that if he would go to Montment and persuade Gautier to send him forth of the city his wife and yong son he would deliuer all the christian prisoners that were that day taken Iacob glad of these words for he mightily feared death said willingly I will performe thy desire so I may haue sufficient pledge for the trueth of thy promise Then Gorbant called Bandus Griffoy and Grifoner and sent them for hostages of his word so they came into Montment and finding Gautier in the pallace Iacob deliuered the message oâ— Gorbant which was most welcome to Gautier who deliuered to Iacob Guyda and Barant and detaind the pledges for his returne who comming to Gorbant with a comely reuerence deliuered them to their lord who on thother part deliuâ—red vnto him all the Christians that were prisoners whom he brought triumphantly into the citie and enfranchised the hostages who solemynely swore by Mahomet neuer to raise their tents till they had once againe made themselues commaunders of the Cittie but their dowes were witnesses against them for Gautier night and day so souldier-like
bodies Then came Malabeon and said Princes now is the time to be gone therefore sheath your swords and retire why quoth Meruin or for what cause Because saide Malabeon Mutafier euen now is in comming and when he shall perceiue this slaughter he inraged will set all the city on fire with vnquenchable flames so that we nor any pagan shall escape the mischiefe Thus forward the Christians departed fighting all the way till they were without Minor and without the streight passage then retired the Pagans but were no sooner reentred but Mutafier came who when he missed Meruine he became madly inraged and with the frenziâ— of his anger set all the City on fire so that not a Pagan escaped from burning but onelie one who then was without the Citty and immediately bare those sadde tidings vnto Barant the Cruell who little or nothing esteemed the discourse Meruine and his companions being within â—ight maruelled at the hugenesse of the fire till Malabeon calling his son hade him conduct the princes and aid them in euery thing for of force he must passe into the Fairie land to heare a cause betwixt two of his aliance that then were at diâ—â—â—â—tion and so he departed and Meruine and the rest marched on their way CHAP. XVII 1 How Meruine Robaster and Drohes ariued in a wood amongest robbers 2 Of the dangers they were in 3 How Malabeon aided them 4 How they slew the theeues THe thrée Christians after the departure of Malabeon trauelled all the day without finding any house or place of harbor in the end they came into a thicke wood where they trauelled a long time till in the end sitting downe vnder a chesnut trée they saide to themselues that vnlesse some aduenture called them forth they would rest there all that night but their repose was very short before x. outlaws that liued by robbing came out and espied them so that one said to the rest behold yond itj. weary ones on my life they are full of gold wherefore let vs take them and carry them to our Castle where our master Barre will be prowd of them This saide they aduaunced themselues and saluted the Princes who stedfastly beheld till one of the theeues said Gentlemen you are wel found and gallants said Robaster who rose withall you are as well met what is your pleasures Our pleasures are said one outlaw that if you haue store of gold you diuide it amongst vs. We haue qd Robaster enough for our selues and for xx such as we be onely we lacke lodging which if you will be so kinde as help vs with then commaund our purses Gentlemen said the thiefe if you will follow me to a castle hard by you shall haue that and what besides ye will desire Thy words are swéet qd Robaster ride then before and we will follow thée Come said the thiefe who thought to take them prisoners And then they passed along with the ten Outlawes and the thrée Christians and as they rode Drohes perswaded them to be aduised for the Uillaines were not guilty of one good thought towards them T is true qd Robaster but it is no matter for we thrée being together were we in hell in despite of all the diuels in hell we would giue our selues fréedome they do thinke to haue gold and for mine owne part since I was borne I neuer bore one crosse about me In sadnesse said Meruine then I am thy companion for iust so well am I stored but it skilleth not for their imagination will giue vs entertainment By my soule quoth Drohes smiling as bare is the payment our host shall get at my hand Thus making sport at their wants they followed the théeues to the castle Malfeaus where alighting they ascended vp into the hall where hanged all the shieldes of those haplesse Knights whom in the house were murdered Belieue me qd Meruine this a right beautifull place what is hee that is lord thereof His name said one of the Outlawes is Barre a prince of great possessions Then came an other â—aying Gentlemen it is the custome of this house all lodgers here deliuer vp to me their weapons till their departure Friend qd Meruine not ours by any means for we loue them so deare that we lie with them eate with them walke with them and nothing but death can part vs and them It séemeth then saide the thiefe you suspect some mischiefe Mischiefe said Robaster looking about let me sée him that is so hardy as not to tremble if we frowne vpon him Why qd a villaine againe thinke you we are not enow to master you thrée Yes yes Then were the castle gates lockt vp for all the villains were entred in and Barre their captaine vsed the princes very kindly setting them by his side at the table where was store of all meats yet Robaster would neither eate nor drinke any thing wherefore Barre askt him if he did it for penance Yea sir qd one of the thieues it is for the good men he hath slain and for the robberies he hath done in his life time Robaster hearing him snatcht vp a knife and threw it at him but missing the villaine it strucke halfe a foot into a table which Barre seeing was much grieued and desired Robaster to be patient and amends should be made him Then came the vassaile and knéeling asked him forgiuenes which after some ceremonies was granted on condition he should loose one eie for calling him murderer Barre that then durst not deny aâ—y thing agréed so he lost an eie but vowd ere midnight to be reuenged Supperended and the time of rest come Barre broght them into a faire chamber with one bed in it saying to Robaster You shall lodge here and these other in another chamber not far off How qd Robaster shall we be diuided by heauen we are all one and will not be seperated Sir qd Barre I haue no chamber with thrée beds Fetch iij qâ— Robaster I willl said Barre who durst not denie any thing so two beds more were brought in 2 As soone as he was gone Meruine locked the doores and then beganne they to disarme themselues which the thieues perceiued through a â—hinke that was in the wall of the chamber When they were laide they fell soundly asléepe insomuch that they snoared Then retired all the thieues like vnto thieues indeede being wonderously agast and fearefull offering sometimes to turne backe againe imagining that the princes sléep was but fained and counterfet At the last perceiâ—ing they slept indeede they much the more boldely set forward hauing all resolued amongst themselues and each to other sworne the death of the Christians But the damned Captaine of this wicked crue bade them first seaze the Princes weapons for their more securenes which accordingly they did and then they went fiue to each beddes side with their naked swordes in their hands beeing readie to giue the dismall stroakes of their vnhappinesse had not God deliuered them strangely and thus it was