his so successful first Attempt was brought to Olivaires and Hâ—â—ena which wonderfully pleased them and rejoyced the whole Kingdom CHAP. LXXIV Arthur 's Entry into England and of the Feasts Triumphs and other Justings made for the Nuptials and of a Rebellion of the Kingdom WHEN King Arthur made his Entry into England a thousand Lances and a thousand Men on Horseback all clad in Silk came to meet him Cavaliers Counts Marquesses and an infinite number of Knights and Gentlemen received and attended on him with his Consort Clarisia and they admired her for being the Daughter of so beautiful a Lady the Daughter of one of their Kings and fancied they had got Helena again so much she resembled her Thither to the Nuptials was concourse of all the most valiant Knights that were in the whole Kingdom and infinite Turney and Justing they made and many days the Court was abroad After that Arthur was publickly inaugurated and with the assistance of Excellent Counsellors he put in good order his whole state and disposed every thing for the best it pleased God that Clarisia conceived and at the due time brought forth a lovely Boy and they gave him the name of the late King of England Now the fame of this Foreign Heir of the Kingdom beginning to spread wide certain Princes were moved with envy at his great Felicity and inviting the Irish Kings to their assistance they caused a part of the State to rise in rebellion Wherefore Arthur was forced upon a new Adventure who thought he enjoy'd the Kingdom in perfect peace Fitting then as many Forces as he judged sufficient to repress the insolence of his Subjects he went on the Design The Duke of Glocester headed the Rebels for being Cousin to the old King he imagin'd he had so some Title to the Crown Arthur engaging Battel with him in few days space destroyed the whole Army and taking the Duke Prisoner he would have slain him but he begging of him for the Lineage sake of which he was descended he gave him his Life and set him at liberty and he renounced all his Pretences to the Realm of England but within a few days died of grief Arthur returning after lived in peace and quietness and was blessed with a Daughter who prov'd an occasion of an Illustrious Alliance for maintaining the Tranquillity of the State CHAP. LXXV The Alliance Arthur made with his Daughter by the Counsel of Olivaires and of his Son Henry OLivaires having understood of Arthur's Journey proffered him supply of Men and Horses but Arthur had no need of any Hearing afterward of his Victory he made great Rejoicing And having knowledge of the Nativity of his Daughter he writ to him to seek to contract Alliance with some potent Prince that his State might not be in fear of War or Rebellion any more Wherefore calling together his Council he read to them Olivaires's Letter who all approved of his Advice and so designed to make trial on the King of Portugal And when some Months had passed Ambassadors were sent to treat of the Match and it was concluded that Arthur's Daughter should be given to the King of Portugal's Eldest Son who was a few Years elder than her and the Dowry was referred to Olivaires's Determining Now Arthur's Son being dead who governed for him the State of Dalgarve Olivaires Arbitrated that the Kingdom of Dalgarve should be given in Dowry to the King of Portugal Wherefore that State hath ever since continued under the Jurisdiction of the Portuguese Crown Arthur was much troubled for the loss of his Son but bore it the better for that his Legitimate Daughter succeeded him So in fit time according as Histories write she went to her Husband Arthur's Son growing up imitated his Father's Valour and all his Vertues which gave mighty Content and Satisfaction to Olivaires also who was continually inquiring after him Henry Olivaires's Son gave also consent to this Alliance to whom Messengers were ordered who found him in his Camp before a strongly fortified City and he had already conquered and taken many and he kindly received them and they returned satisfied Arthur understanding the great Soul and Prowess of Henry was infinitely delighted and did by Letters much Congratulate on his account his Brother Olivaires who lived in great Pleasure by continual hearing of his Son 's brave and honourable Exploits CHAP. LXXVI Of an infirmity happening to Olivaires and of Henry who was assaulted and almost slain whom Arthur goes to recover OLivaires by reason of uninterrupted Harrassings and Fatigues in his Youth and also his so many Months Imprisonment in Ireland in Age became more sensible of his before better supported Mishaps and Afflictions and their sculking Effects and waiting an Advantage proved over-match for his infirm Years and so he must truckle under their severe Pressure His Stomach then is become so infeebled that nothing that he eats will Digest with him and he is tormented with continual and intolerable pain in his Head and unto his Malady and to increase his Grief an unlucky Accident was added which was That his Son Henry pushing forward with some Cavaliers more couragiously than their Strength and Ability to come off well could second was thrust into the throng and main of his Enemies from whence it was impossible without great difficulty and hazard to save himself and get back to his Army again so that as was thought he was mortally Wounded When Olivaires heard this ill News he writ to Arthur to desire him to go and relieve his Nephew who did not stand to make much Preparation but with a Choice and Valiant Detachment march'd away This gave some satisfaction to Olivaires reckoning himself was there in Person if Arthur were When Arthur arrived he found Henry very bad however he gave notice to Olivaires that it was much better with him and taking extraordinary care of him he in a few days see him well again In the mean time the Enemy-Army felt the Forces of Arthur who oft vigorously assaulted them and with a vast Destruction made Mountains of the slain When Henry was recovered Arthur returned and went speedily to give his Olivaires a Visit who was much afflicted with his infirmity Helena was mightily overjoy'd at his coming and she perceived that Arthur's presence did somewhat recruit Olivaires Arthur discoursed to him the whole Matter concerning Henry spoke of the Beauty of his Daughter and by degrees gave him an account of his Son how as he grew up he imitated Olivaires in all Noble and Virtuous Indowments of Mind And having rested for some Days with his honourable Cavaliers he return'd into England to enjoy his Rich and Beautiful State and Nation CHAP. LXXVII What is Recorded by English Historians Spanish and others concerning these Kings HEnry conquered many and many Countries and at last died Fighting for Holy Mother Church a true doubly Militant Son and Member thereof The same foresaid infirmity after a long Life brought Olivaires to his Grave When he died Helena took on so sadly that she also Expired on Olivaires's Face and they were both Buried together Arthur was Crowned King of Castile and his Son Married and had Children and so likewise had his Daughter So for many Years flourished the Fame of all these mighty Kings But the Heavens which give an end to every thing not to the Grandees only but to us who have writ this present History and also shall to all the Readers thereof bring our destined Periods about that after the Fatigue of a miserable Pilgrimage we may find some Quietude and that leaving behind them for a time but not long the yet mortal Garments Nature accommodated them with our Spirits may return into the Hands of the Lord who gave them of him to receive Good or Evil Rewards or Punishments according as we have deserved and behaved our selves Let us therefore make humble request unto the Almighty with sincere and cordial Affections that he would please to look on his Mercy not our Merit his Grace not our Works and that for those he would bring us unto and make us Partakers of his Kingdom that which is not Transitory that which no Tyrant how potent soever can usurp or molest that wherein no Vice dwells which none can enter or approach wherein no wicked Persons have share place or residence which they may not unless to increase their Torment behold but where have their Source and Origin where for ever are Nourished where for evermore Inhabit are Secure and Established Goodness Vertue Wisdom Peace and Felicity through him who is all these Supreamly and Essentially And that he would bestow these also upon us whilst in this World to the end that washed and purified from the pollution of Sin we may joyfully go hence to enjoy revere and adore Him and Face to Face eternally gaze on the Beatifick Vision Amen FINIS
for her Husband and the Kingdom for her Dowry which I desire Olivaires to accept of as part of the reward of his Valour and I think my self and us all happy in bestowing my Realm upon him who is the bravest Cavalier of the World and the chief King that sways a Scepter Olivaires making humble reverence to so honourable Age with great expressions of gratitude said that he did not deserve such a Reward and that he should ever have reason to thank Heaven and his Majesty for promoting him to and thinking him worthy of so great honour and begged of God to prosper him and prolong his days and fill him with all content and satisfaction On account of this Munificence and the Espousals Olivaires gave all the Prisoners and the Kings their Liberty who receiving such a favour made their Acknowledgment after this manner CHAP. XLVIII The Kings are made Tributaries of the Crown of England and promise Fealty THE next day the Irish Kings came to the Palace and delivered their mind to an Ancient Nobleman who was a famous Cavalier and he engaged and gave his faith for them and they confirmed it with their own Promises that their Crowns should for ever pay homage to his Majesty's Royal State So in the King's presence they made themselves Tributary and gave vow once a year to present themselves before him and in Peace and War to be always ready to serve and obey the King and his Son Olivaires then they kissed the King's Hand After that they were presented with Horses of all sorts Pages Vestments and all things they had occasion for and liberty to go or stay as they had a mind the Kings with low reverence thanked his Majesty and desired of Olivaires they might tarry to see the Solemnity and reiterated that their Crowns should be ever subservient to so illustrious Worth and Vertue and as to this also they had their satisfaction so they prepared for Feasts Justs and other Combats to honour the Espousals but for the present all went to rest CHAP. XLIX Olivaires gives the Ring to Helena and espouses her with great pomp and feasting THE King's Sergeants prepared New Vestments Liveries Ornaments of Gold and of Jewels and all the Palace was hung with Tissue smooth Velvet and other rich Hangings for celebrating and solemnizing the Marriage they ordered twelve Bishops and one Archbishop for performing the sacred Ceremonies All the Kings had their Royal Robes on and the Dukes Knights Counts and all the Barons were in their proper habits so they made a show with their rich and splendid Pomp and Attire that stupify'd the Spectators two Kings were elected to lead Helena to the Altar and the rest attended on Olivaires The King was admirably attired with all his Court and so Helena with all her Ladies and Olivaires also flourished in much grandezza The Musick was of infinite and most rare and admirable kinds The day appointed being come every one was ready to perform his Office and they went with the King to get Olivaires up and conduct him to the Chappel and with him were four Bishops and other four with Helena and all were to meet those other with the Archbishop who took the Ring which was brought invisibly to Helena and giving it to Olivaires the previous Ceremonies being duly performed made him espouse her at which the rejoycings of the People the gladness of the Court the noise of the Military Musick and the sweet Melody of the Sacred and Civil with a thousand other things that conduced to the celebrabing and great pomp of this Divine Solemnity cannot be expressed Afterward the Host was administer'd by the hand of the Archbishop and when Mass was done they went into the Hall where such a choice and sumptuous Dinner attended them that I think Jove himself with all his Divine Retinue would not have disdain'd to have been invited to and have been present to grace these Nuptials And all the Dishes being placed on the Table new Liveries appeared and new Instruments sounded and it was amazing to see sit at one Table seven Kings and one Queen After Dinner orders were given for Dancing and after that for a noble Tilting where the Kings for the honour of the Espousals clad in choice Habit and Armour and on their best Horses justed against each other with laudable demonstrations of their Prowess but it was not agreeable for Olivaires to just that time When the Tilting was ended the two Kings received a most rich Present from the hands of Helena and she thanked them for so great a favour and they also bowed themselves to her and humbly thanked her for her Gift And now the time for Supper approached wherefore after a little respite they sat down to rich sumptuous and splendid Tables He who could penetrate into the secret thoughts of Lovers and as it were see Olivaires mind and desires and the ardent love Helena bore her new Spouse might safely say that that Day seemed to them both a very long one and even every hour a Year Supper being ended and the Dancing over the King rises from his Seat and embracing Helena and kissing her recommended her to her Husband then every one retired with much content to their several Apartments and the happy licens'd Couple went to taste that free bliss which nothing but Youth and Beauty and deeply inamour'd hearts is capable of or has any possibility to conceive It pleased Almighty God that the fair Helena conceived that night and blessed shall her Travail be for that of her shall be born a grand Champion for and Pillar of the Christian Religion as the English Chronicles fully and faithfully relate CHAP. L. The King goes in the morning to visit Olivaires and the Irish Kings take their leave and of other things OLivaires and Helena turn'd night into day and day into night the custom of all new married Couples especially such passionate Lovers as they so that after Dinner the King went into their Chamber and was very glad to find his Son in Bed and used some pleasant raillery to him for a while After Olivaires had got up and was drest the Irish Kings came before them and they took their leaves of them all and by Olivaires and the King they were presented with Horses for all uses and other things suitable to such a joyful time and such a Crown and Royal Majesty The Archbishop came and blessed that Fruit which was hoped to spring from them and all the Bishops gave them their benediction and the Feastings and Rejoycings being renewed they past many days in ease and jollity and the Kings of Ireland at their departure did assure them they would never forget such respect shewn and such Presents receiv'd After a just time Helena was delivered of a Boy and baptizing it with infinite pomp and splendor they gave it the name of Henry which as he advanc'd in years so did he in vertue and goodness supporting and diffusing the Catholick Faith
aloud he begins to vent himself in some words directed to the great Lords of his Court who stood astonished at so horrible and unexpected an Accident Help me to Lament you invincible Cavaliers let your hearts bear a share in my Affliction for my Dolour redounds to the whole Realm Lo my so much Beloved Olivaires is lost he is gone and a sad and hard Fate hath sent him away into Foreign Realms to deprive me both of my State and Life His Lord 's moved by their Sovereign's Misery and afflicted for so fresh and unvalued a loss felt within their own breasts so poignant a Dolour that the stoutest heart among them was overcome and sail'd so that instead of Consolating their Sovereign their Sorrow made them also imitate his frantick Actions in beating their Breasts making terrible Lamentations and tearing their Hair and even distracted through Love and Grief with their Cries they pierced the Heavens Oh! the Crown of my Kingdom said the King in what sadness hast thou left me was not enough the first stab of thy Nativity which Launced my heart with thy Mother's Death Surely that was enough without the addition of this which has transfixed my very Soul Where shall my old Age find repose which beholding thy Virtue was delighted and happy My Kingdom subject unto thee which was so well satisfied so much affected thee whither will it be reduc'd Under what hope hath it now to live One Arm of thy Virtue did lovingly embrace it the other with the Sword of thy daring Valour defended it But the hopes are become frustrate the imaginations vain and designs defeated bottom'd on thy admirable Soul Oh! my Olivaires How art thou lost Where wanderest thou O my Son Where art thou O the hope and end of all my thinking The Merciful Almighty grant by thy return to this so much-afflicted State Consolation and by thy appearing again clear up that darkness has overspread and put this honourable Court into deep Mourning But if in destiny it be not that thou must return that it would please him to gather up thy Spirit in Peace and at the same time set me at Liberty from the Prison of this wretched and dolorous Life CHAP. XV. Through all parts of the world Courters are dispatched in search of the King's Son and of the Queen's Lamentation THE King as distracted abandoning the whole Court attended of but by a few so afflicted was he and distressed runs to find out the Queen and crying out and beating his Bosom throws his Arms about her Neck who was surpriz'd and astonish'd not understanding the matter But when she heard proceed from the King's mouth these words The Victor at our Festivals and the Delight of the Kingdom is gone a pointed torment struck her to the heart let us lament pursued the King let us lament unfortunate Queen the great good we are deprived of our Consolation is vanished the remedy of our evils is stolen from us by Fortune you shall no more see that Valiant Son whom you so much commended the Victor Invincible well understood the Queen that the Afflicted King spoke of her Beloved Olivaires although he never mentioned his Name and she conceived to herself the cause of his departure and she assur'd herself of the loss of so Noble a Cavalier knowing she had given occasion of lament to the whole Court wherefore her heart was secretly prick'd with remorse she repented of her Error and what by one passion what the other fell into a Swoon in the King's Arms who was so infeebled that he could scarce sustain her Weight and the Queen's Affliction joining with the Grief for his Son made their conditions alike and moving to where he thought better to have supported himself he also Swooned to In this juncture the Court who followed him with his Son Arthur arrived being resolved in diligent search after Olivaires to send through the whole World and seeing the Royal Pair lye extended on the floor in a Swoon through Grief they did certainly conclude that the Souls of those Crowned Heads had taken their farewel flight and not without great complaints and infinite lamentation did approach to the King and Queen the Lords and chiefly Arthur seeing what necessity there was did boldly come close up to them saying with as loud a voice as he was able O King O Queen some helps being used to recover their Spirits this is not a time to die but withal endeavour to seek after my Royal Brother according as we have ordered The King a little come to himself hearing Arthur's words by stretching forth his Arms gave signs of his being better and the Queen the like who at the sight of her Son Arthur was a little comforted and the Ladies lifting her up lead her to her Chamber the King placed on a Seat heard all their Consultation which was resolutely to make enquiry after Olivaires and Arthur was the first who desired the King's Favour to be one of those who should go after him to whom the King returned answer Son if your presence was substracted from our sight there would need no other cause of Death for our Life would quickly have a period be it your charge to send away fit men and take you the management of this important Affair wherefore the sooner you dispatch Messengers over all the Provinces of the Earth the more you will study our Content and effect an alleviation of our Grief 'T is much my pleasure dread Sovereign to perform your Majesty's Commands and I am ready to Obey you in whatever you enjoyn although willingly I would be one of those should go in quest after him because no man can have a greater love for or desire of regaining him than myself Arthur provided Messengers and writ Letters and Authorized them with the Subscription of the King 's own Name and sent them into all parts according as was judged expedient In the time of this expedition the Queen finding herself deprived of her hearts desire caused her Ladies to withdraw and remained alone for some small time in which solitary opportunity she began to take revenge upon herself for the injury she had committed and with rude hands seizing on her Vail Vestments and Hair she imagined thereby she had pretty well punished herself accompanying that Cruelty with such Accents as these Cursed was the hour of my Nativity I am a Woman rightly accursed of Heaven because I have not been ashamed to be an Enemy to Virtue my Wickedness was the only occasion of the self-Banishment of him whose Body was the Temple of Goodness Say Unhappy Queen were thy Offence punished what punishment would be answerable to thy deserts O Olivaires the Idea and Mirrour of all our Nobility how shall I ever be able to render satisfaction for the injury I have done thee O Righteous God and just Judge how canst thou long permit that such sacred Blood should suffer Affliction for the Wickedness of so Criminal a Woman let
as Victor of the Field took his Stand before the fair Helena and ravish'd with the splendor of her beauteous Eyes as much as was sufficient to continue him Victor made a Challenge with motion of his Lance to combat whatever Champion would come against him Suddenly the Trumpet and Military Instruments began to sound which caused the highest Heavens to re-eccho King Maquenor would be the first to make proof of his Lance because he hated Olivaires for that he had got the better of him the day before and spurring on his Horse he came furiously up to smite him but Olivaires struck him into the Breast and having past his Armour stabb'd him to the Heart so that down he falls dead on the ground and also two other Cavaliers came to incounter him in polish'd shining Armour he dealt like hasty Death or laid them wounded flat on the Plain so the Fray was spread from one part to the other and Olivaires appeared like a Lion among so many Herds wounding and tearing Heads Limbs Bones Flesh and Nerves dismounting many and breaking the Horses Necks or dashing their Brains out against the ground by a rapid overthrowing them And when it came afresh into his mind that for a divine Lady he was acting all this it inspir'd double strength and gave increase to his daring hardiness His Sword was dy'd red with Blood and his Arm was bath to his Elbow and his Gantlet was full of and all steep'd in Blood his blows were more violent at the latter end than in the beginning of the Battel he cours'd about the Field from one side to the other smiting and laying prostrate all that offer'd to oppose him so he made such way before him by his Valour that he could easily gain the Standard without Blood all scampering away wherefore with great vigor and fierce aspect he spurs forward and press'd into the midst of the Sixty Knights alone without aid from any part and laying hold on the shaft wrests it out of the hand of the strongest man amongst them This brave Exploit did above all the rest please the Judges the King and Helena who was troubled at so much Blood being shed upon her account but with great difficulty he broke forth from the crowd of the Horses and Men holding fast the Standard in his Hand and well commanding his Horse and defending himself and repulsing the Knights came on him to redeem their Honour then not being able to make any defence and seeing the Standard born away all the Knights fled and the Combatants as worsted and overcome retired Now Olivaires's Knight came to salute him with all his Train and embrac'd him and gave him much joy and honour of his Conquest CHAP. XXVII After his Victory at the Turnament the Valiant Olivaires returns to the Hermit and of Helena 's compassion towards the slain and wounded Cavaliers OLivaires was the last went out of the Piazza for all the Cavaliers were gone to their Quarters as was said and the Dead were carried forth to be buried and Helena offering to go away with the Judges and Ladies Olivaires call'd for another Horse and having mounted him he perform'd such Feats that the Judges thought him some infernal Daemon and not a Man and every one admir'd how the Saddle could keep on much more the Rider Then said the King If the Turnament had continued three days longer he would have extinguished our whole State and also those of his Encounterers and he had a very peculiar kindness for him He staying his Horse with a reverend bow took leave and then went off and return'd to his Hermit and his Cavalier vanish'd and went to make provision for the next day At Evening Helena had a mind to sup with the King and at Table began to say to him after this manner My Soveraign and Father whom above all things I love stand in awe of and venerate I beseech you that you would put a period to so great Cruelty and no further give leave that such brave and honourable Cavaliers should be slain as we have seen to day wherefore if your Majesty has any affection for me be pleased to end the Turnament or so order it that the Combatants may not die for if I had imagined I should have occasion'd so much blood-shedding I would rather have made a most solemn Vow never to have married and if it lay in my power to hinder it I would not consent to any further Contest The King very kindly thus return'd answer Daughter the true Retainer and Upholder of my Blood do not think that I have past the time of this Festival with its Appendages without great trouble and that the death of so many Knights and Kings does not yet continue to afflict me but in such Encounters it cannot be help'd and it is customary and ordinary for them to be slain as in all other Combats 't is wont to happen However to morrow I will so order it that they shall not so easily hurt one another and a safer way and method shall be given them and this I do promise you upon my Royal Word Helena with this took leave the Repast ended and retir'd with her Ladies into her Chamber and would not stay the Ball being a little indispos'd and weary CHAP. XXVIII Olivaires is Victor at the Torney the third day and is conducted by the King's Order and by the Grandees of the Court is lookt upon as a wonder and prodigy THE King the next morning had a desire to know the number of the Slain and the Qualities and Ranks both of the Cavaliers and Kings and having known too much he was exceedingly grieved for on each side infinite numbers were kill'd Then he order'd some of his Kingdom and Court to succeed in the places of those Champions who were wounded and dead but if his Majesty had been rightly sensible what duty he put them upon he would rather have sent them on any other Adventure than this whither they would have gone with much greater alacrity and willingness for the dread of Olivaires Blows struck terror into the very gods much more into Mortal Compositions The hour being now come and the Combatants marching up in their Ranks as was the custom they order'd a Battel on foot and Olivaires appear'd all in White in his upper Vesture which was beautiful and amazing then suddenly procalamation was made That every one should alight from his Horse and lay down his Sword and arm himself defensively as he pleased and for offensive Weapons Arms were given to every one such as might not so easily kill and every one that broke his Weapon or chanc'd to fall was to have no advantage taken of him all this was so ordered for the Lady's sake and after that the Reward should be render'd to the Victor the Trumpets then sounding Flutes playing Drums beating the Combat begun Olivaires was quickly discover'd by his strewing the ground with men shattering of Helmets tearing Coats of Mail
crumbling Bracelets like broken Glass and his Weapon was so hard labour'd that it flew in pieces wherefore a Knight thirsting for revenge thought to have reach'd him a Blow not very soft but Olivaires nimbly slipt aside and the stroke hit upon the ground but when he had got arm'd again he quickly made a clear road through them all The King of Ireland with the other Kings and Barons seeing that the Black Red and White Knight got all the Victory five of them combin'd together and all of them with the utmost effort of their strength came up against him to kill him but Olivaires observing their Fury did with great hardiness await them and to the first he gave such a blow as made the rest fly back and him recoil as far as under the Scaffold where fair Helena sat The King seeing that Olivaires would have destroyed them every one so mightily was he enraged at their foul Play quickly threw down the Baston for concluding the Turnament and so the third Day 's Combat ended to the great honour and immortal fame of the White Knight CHAP. XXIX Olivaires the Turnament endēd is conducted into a Palace And of various Accidents all tending to his Advantage and Honour THE King order'd an hundred armed Lords to wait upon the Black Red and White Knight at his coming out of the Piazza who therefore were in expectation of Olivaires Now when the Turnament was ended he found himself alone without his Knight and without any Page or Horse which marvelously surprized him and looking up toward Heaven he said within himself What anvantage is my Valour unto me for what end do I expose my Life why was I born into this unhappy World why when on the pinnacle of my Honours am I so harrassed by and made the mark of spightful Fortune And being thus alone he was going away for the Hermitage but when he was near the Passage out from the Piazza he saw Knights who came toward him at which he was surprized and took it for the Irish King coming to assault him for the hatred he bore him for his mighty Prowess but he resolved not to die without revenge so laying hold on his Sword he boldly made up to them but their Chieftain dismounting threw his Arms away saying That by the King's Order they came to shew their respect and that his Majesty desired to reward him according to the merit of his Valour Olivaires kindly received their Ambassage and courteously answered that he was intirely at their King's service so was conducted by them into a most stately and glorious Palace and by Noble Attendance was brought into a Chamber furnished and adorn'd for the entertainment of a King Olivaires finding himself alone was almost in despair and grieved sore on account of the Cavalier who had relinquished him in his greatest necessity What said he must I appear in this Garb before Helena Must I be presented to so August a Monarch in so mean and forlorn a Condition but no sooner had he spoke this within himself but his Cavalier came in with vast store of rich Vestures Ornaments Silver and Gold CHAP. XXX Of Olivaires rich Vestments his Cavalier gave him Horses Pages and other Attires of great Persons THE Airy Cavalier brought with him twenty Squires with Vestments for him all of Damask and white Silk and forty Pages with Silver Furniture and Gold Two Black Slaves carried a Mail on their Shoulders with ten thousand double Duckets of Silver and twenty thousand Duckets of Gold with Jewels of more value than two hundred Shields And the Knight said to him These are all your Servants and these Vestments are yours and I will further add to them forty men loaden with all sorts of Utensils requisite to furnish a sumptuous House and give these your Servants such Places and Offices as you shall think fit Olivaires remember your Promise said he and disappear'd great variety of Suits and Dresses he found which much delighted him and a wonderful Supper being prepared he dofft his Armour and refreshed himself in that juncture came the hundred Knights to cheer him and attend on him by the King's Commandment who after meat stayed in the Hall expecting the Victor of the Turnament Then Olivaires put on a Wastcoat all richly embroyder'd with Gold and Stockings of fine Scarlet curiously wrought by the hand of Art with Shooes of Crimson Velvet and then an upper Vesture of Cloth of Gold with a Bonnet of Red Velvet within which was a Jewel of the value of a Kingdom with a Plume according to the Royal fashion of Carnation Feathers and having buckled on his Sword he went down stairs for Court where he found a delicate white Steed with a Saddle of Cloth of Gold and Stirrops of Massy Gold and for every thing else richly furnished He had fifty Horses in his Court admirably adorn'd and he having mounted they went to the Palace and every Page bore two Torches wherefore the sight of such a beauteous approaching Court with all the gay Retinue seemed one of the bravest pieces of Grandeur that ever eye beheld CHAP. XXXI Olivaires being arrived at the Palace is honourably received of the King the Lords and Ladies GReat concourse there was to see Olivaires and when they had taken thorough notice of him they said Truly this Cavalier has all the Perfections and Graces can be desir'd in a Prince he was comely in Armour yet more comely without it in the one Dress he exhibited the air and mien of Valour in the other of Nobility his Aspect Deportment and Presence declared him of the highest Extraction and Lineage in the World The Ladies all hast'ned to Helena to tell her they had never beheld a more comely Cavalier and that they never expected to see a more lovely Youth Helena discreetly kept secret her flames neither could they discern by any discovery of her self whether this Character delighted her or no. Olivaires having enter'd the Royal Hall was with great complacency received by the King and all the Cavaliers paid him high respects and though many there were who had bore him hatred out of envy to his Valour yet when they look'd on his gracious Countenance and heard his wise Discourses became his sincere Friends as well as Admirers the King having taken him by the hand and made him sit down by himself talk'd of divers things with him and with all Olivaires's whether Questions or Answers was extremely satisfy'd Helena put on Claoths which had never been seen before and richly adorned and loaden'd with Precious Stones and Oriental Pearls according as the King had commanded she came into the Hall whose appearance shew'd like that of rising Aurora with an infinite number of Stars about her two hundred Ladies attended her and a hundred Knights with golden Spurs marched before her two Dutchesses bore up her Train and two Dukes led her on each side Surely if that Helena whose Beauty was so fatal to the Trojan State had
on Horse-back after he enter'd a Garden where was the King and all his Nobles who seeing the fierce Animal were affrighted then Arthur laid his hand on his Sword and said Wicked King thou shalt not escape the just vengeance of Heaven At this all those Cavaliers were dismai'd and in so great fear that they could scarce draw their Swords in this juncture the white Knight with a great Army seiz'd the Piazza and gallop'd about the City as his own wherefore the King being depriv'd of his reli'd-on succor was all in despair and confusion CHAP. LX. Arthur takes the King Prisoner and sets Olivaires at Liberty THE Lion ran to make havock among those Cavaliers and slew many And Arthur smiting and making a large shammels of them opened himself a wide Lane and run after the King who endeavoured to get into the Fortress but Arthur overtook him with a cleaving stroke on his Head which would certainly have divided it had it hit fair but it glanced and brought him only to the Ground where he begs of Arthur for God's sake to save his Life Ah! unfaithful Man said Arthur Is this the reward of that Mercy and Generosity thou hadst shown thee by Olivaires to detain him in Prison And making him rise he pricks him on with the point of his Sword to trip to the Castle and open to Olivaires then lets him go knowing that he could not get out of the Yard The Lion having glutted himself with Slaughter not finding now any remaining followed Arthur and Arthur could not keep him from killing the Governour and the Soldiers that were in the Fort. Lo Olivaires coming out of the Prison all pallid meager and miserably afflicted who throwing himself at Arthur's Feet not knowing him but thinking he was one of the King's Servants said these words Wherefore does the King suffer me to languish thus Why does he not kill me What better revenge than to take his Life away whom thou holdst for thine Enemy I beseech thee that thou wouldst kill me or make some endeavours for me that I may no longer have so hard and cruel Usage Arthur seeing and hearing him speak these piteous words was inwardly extreamly afflicted and his Wrath glowed hot against the King I am thy Brother Arthur said he O my Olivaires At which voice his Spirits revived which were sadly sunk and dead before and they ran together and embrac'd one another And searching about the place they found Meat and also wherewith to recruit every way help and Royally habit Olivaires The mean time that they rook some Refreshment Discoursed and provided for themselves every body in the City locked themselves up in their Houses And the King could not find any to make him help wherefore oppressed with Grief and in fear of his Life he said 'T is the best for me to yield my self up into Olivaires's Hands for I know he is so Pitiful Courteous Noble Good and Gentle that he will give me my Life And returning all besmeered with Blood into the Fortress he found on the Stairs and in the Halls and Chambers all his Vassals slain which troubled him infinitely At length being come before Arthur and Olivaires he falls down on his Knees wofully lamenting and begging of Olivaires that for the sake of God he would pardon him and craved Mercy with hideous Sighings Here Arthur would have made an end of him but Olivaires holds his Arm and says to him Take heart for for the love of God a greater thing than this ought to be given and bidding him rise they caused some men they spied to come and help him who with great fear and trembling descended from high Places whither they had fled for refuge Here the King being made Prisoner and the fortifi'd Places taken he renounced the Kingdom to Olivaires who was by them acknowledged and accepted of for their Sovereign Words cannot express the Lamentations Olivaires and Arthur made betwixt each other the Moans and the Weeping also Rejoycings But to have told him the News of the Death of the King of Castile his Father and all the ill Accidents had happened those many Years they had been separated from one another would have been too too Melancholy a Theme and the hearing would almost have broke his Heart That Night the City was delivered up by means of the White Cavalier And many Days after they remained in the Town till Olivaires might recover more Cheerfulness and Strength he judging it equal Ballance either to return and see Helena the King and his Children or to have in his Sight and the Company of his Arthur alone CHAP. LXI The departure of Olivaires and Arthur from Ireland and how Olivaires would have slain Arthur IT appearing to Olivaires that he had done but small service for the sake of God therefore when he left the City he gave back and restored the Kingdom to the King telling him That he ought to become a Man more worthy of such a Crown and that he should learn to fear God so they departed with great Honour and Joy By the way Arthur began to tell of his Journey which he had undertaken for him he told him of his Lion's Malady of the danger he had scaped by the Monster 's Death and of all that Kindness shewed him of the White Cavalier for saving his Life by the Cure and how by his Counsel he went into England and was received as Olivaires and not as Arthur and that for Helena's Recovery and the saving her languishing Life he had slept together with her Here Olivaires as weak as he was suddenly drew out his Sword and smote Arthur on the Head hearing he had slept with Helena not expecting till he had told the remainder Whereupon he fell stounded to the Ground and he would have killed him out but that the White Cavalier appeared and restrained him Olivaires seeing his Knight of whom he had received so many Benefits cast himself from his Horse on the Ground and rever'd him as a Father and he told him all the Matter of Arthur and gave Olivaires a reprimand Wherefore grieving he begged Pardon of the swooning Arthur and desired of the Cavalier to forgive him who quickly applied his Hand for the Cure of Arthur and healed him And when he was come to himself he made them as good Friends as ever Then he took some certain Roots of Herbs and gave Olivaires them to feed upon by which means in a few Days he was recovered refreshed and brisk equal to and so like Arthur that every one believed that it was some design of Heaven that two should so strangely resemble each other The Knight after he had done all turning to Olivaires said Recollect your self I can no longer attend you and you will have no further need of me When will the time be for my Share according to your Promise and vanished Arthur hearing the Knight proceeded to tell Olivaires the whole Success and he found that every thing had fallen
many Caresses freely bestowing on him all he had got So the two Brothers continued together every day feasting making merry Hunting Justing and diverting themselves with other noble Exercises CHAP. LXV Of an Infirmity which hapned to Arthur and how by some Dreams they see the remedy for his Cure AMong these Sweets Fortune must needs be mixing her Bitters and so severe she was as to bring upon Arthur an incurable Disease and 't was after this sort Arthur's Body was all corrupted within whence proceeded out of all parts of it an infinity of Vermin and they would certainly have devoured him but that he ever hastened to kill them Not a Physician but disgusted the sight nor a Servant that could indure the stench He had half lost the sight of his Eyes and his Speech falter'd and he was become a perfect Skeleton Yet his Body was inwardly swell'd all the ligaments of his Joints were dissolved and lax like a Paralitick he could not raise his Head from his Pillow nor turn him in his Bed whatever he eat gave him no nourishment and in a word so strange was his Malady that the Doctors could not find any remedy for it None but Olivaires had courage to look on him and he continually attended him And when Arthur wish'd and begg'd for death a thousand times in an hour he comforted him and pray'd him to bear his condition patiently telling him He did not think it the least trouble to wait on him but did it freely and with great satisfaction One night Arthur dream'd he saw Olivaires's Daughter breathe a Vein and that she sprinkling some of the Blood issued from it on his Visage and giving him more to drink he was cured by the virtue of it Whereupon he waken'd for joy but then finding it only a Dream he said nothing of it to Olivatres The Virgin was of competent stature and she also dream'd the same night she saw Arthur drinking of Blood out of a Bowl and to be cur'd thereby and she told it to her Mother Olivaires one morning 'bout break of day see in a Dream a Lady drawing blood out of her Vein and with it bathing Arthur and also giving him of it to drink and that he was cur'd thereby The sight whereof wonderfully rejovc'd him and the same morning told the Vision to Arthur Helena from her Soul loving Arthur as if he had been her own Brother declareed also her Daughters Dream Arthur though secretly had made his Vision known to the Doctor who did assure him that Blood was his only remedy CHAP. LXVI The Consult of the King Olivaires Helena and the Physicians upon Arthur 's Infirmity WHen the King heard of every one's Dream he knew for certain that Clarisa's Blood was to be the Medicine whereby Arthur must have relief On the one hand he was dubious on the other he was resolv'd and having called Olivaires Helena and the Physicians desirous he should recover he enquired of them which was the most facil way to perform the Operation On the one part Olivaires consented to the doing of it for that he was his Brother but was afflicted on the other fearing it might endanger his Daughter's Life Helena lamented the mishap Arthur would rather have dy'd than any hand should spill the least drop of his Neece's Blood the Physicians knew not any way to take Blood from her without great hazard and fear of harm to the Damsel The King was sorry he could not shed his own to serve him Olivaires likewise would freely have bled and Helena was troubled extreamly Under these Difficulties his Royal Friends labour'd a whole day and earnestly recommended with Prayers themselves and their Case unto God At night when Helena was about going to bed she with all humility kneel'd down on the Floor and with a most sincere heart made her application unto God begging of him to instruct them how without danger or pain to extract Blood from her young Daughter inasmuch as they were resolved to free him of his Disease by that Remedy Lo in the night a Lady arrayed all in pure white Silk with a Crown of Gold upon her head appear'd to the Royal Damsel and with saying things that delighted her and with winning Smiles and sweetness made gentle application and lanced a vein of her right arm and having saved the blood in a bason of Alabaster and healed the little orifice said to her you shall give this to Arthur to drink and bathe also his Face with it In the morning the thing being understood the King and they all render'd thanks unto God and published the Miracle and Solemn Sacrifice was appointed The Damsel in the morning accompanied of her Mother and also her Father with all the Ladies went unto Arthur and bathed him with that same blood and gave him thereof to drink whereby in a moment he was seen to admiration to recover and in a short time was perfectly cured CHAP. LXVII After the restoring of Arthur to his health Cavaliers came out of Spain to compliment Olivaires as their Sovereign WHen Arthur was well again the rejoicing was no less than if he had strictly risen from the dead and the world kept a Jubilee his Subjects of Ireland came to compliment him upon and with great joy congratulate his recovery The same time also many Embassadors arrived from the Kingdom of Spain to make demonstration of their mighty gladness for having found again their King but withal expressing sorrow for the Queen's death so that there was a necessity of declarations of sadness for Arthur's sake but when the Court was out of mourning there came many Dukes Lords and Knights and begged of their Sovereign King Olivaires that he would be pleased to make happy with his presence his own Dominions wherefore they all supplicated the King of England to give consent that Olivaires Helena and Arthur might go for some days to their Realm The King was pleased and proffer'd to accompany them also himself and having order'd the Carriages Attendance Treasure and all other things to be in readiness they took their progress for Spain He who could relate the number of the Guards those three Kings had the Pages Knights and infinite Train that attended them and also the Ladies would be able to make the most stupendious Narrative that was ever heard Only the Queen and her Daughter had two Courts of Knights and Ladies that equall'd the Stars of Heaven both for their number and their brightness Castile having notice of the coming of so belov'd a Sovereign and of his People so much desired made great Jubilee and Exultation and the more for that they understood they had for their Queen the Daughter of England and that she had also a Son and Daughter The Feasts the Pomps the Rejoicings the Triumphs the Justings and Turnaments were infinite every where as they passed were such great Feasts and Entertainments made for them as was possible to be prepared among such hurry of joy and rapture
CHAP. LXVIII Olivaires and Helena having enter'd Castile are crowned THese potent Princes were receiv'd in Castile with Pomp and Expences inestimable and the third day according as was before ordered Olivaires and Helena were crowned King and Queen of that Kingdom Olivaires was obliged to stay for some time in his Dominion and Arthur also to go to his of Dalgarve so the King of England was to return alone which was something melancholy to him especially he leaving also behind his Daughter He returned then for England however accompanied a good part of his way by many Dukes Counts Lords and Knights and some went thorow with him into England After that Arthur being gone to his Kingdom to redress and put in order what ever he found amiss Olivaires likewise gave great diligence to reform his State to reward his Subjects and caress all and for the establishment of his Kingdom and to demonstrate his great affection to King Dalgarve he determin'd to make Alliance with him and that so strict as the knot might be Gordian and indissolvable so he and the Queen resolved to give him their Daughter Clarissia to Wife the only seeming Obstacle was that her years did not well suit his In that pleasing thought then and in other honourable Affairs and Diversions passing the time at length one morning Olivaires and Helena in their Chamber having bolted the door too begun to take a view of all the Treasure that they had brought and also that which they had found in the Kingdom so having laid the Jewels to one side and the Gold to another and having put the Vestments of great value that way and the to-be-admired heaps of Silver this upon this they heard a violent thumping at the door which on a sudden unbarr'd it and made it fly open and the White Knight who gave Olivaires the Victory at the Turnament and who had delivered him out of so many troubles and distresses appear'd in the middle of the Room in the twinkling of an eye Helena knew it to be him of whom she had received the Ring wherefore Olivaires and she most joyfully welcom'd him and ran to embrace him who then spoke in this manner CHAP. LXIX The Discourse of the White Cavalier and what Olivaires and Helena did MOST Invincible King Olivaires and you most Sacred Queen I am come for that which upon your Royal Word you promised me that is the full half of all your Gains through my aid and assistance and I came now because you are going to gather together all your separated Treasures Olivaires made answer It was but just and very reasonable it should be so Wherefore taking Cabinets of precious Stones Vessels of Gold Silver Raiment he said I acknowledge to have had this Treasure from you lo divide it as you please for your Deserts challenge as much The Cavalier setting some things apart said Of these I shall desire no more but of your remaining Acquisition I must Olivaires answered And what further is your pleasure dear Sir To have one of your Children answered he for to me appertains the half of whatever you have got Ah me said Helena Take all the Treasure before you for reward and leave me my Son I shall not do it subjoined the Knight Then said Olivaires I put so much confidence in this honourable Personage that my Son shall be his for he is able better to educate and gratify him than I could do though his own Father I do not know what I shall do said the Cavalier but let him come for he is mine Olivaires though his Heart swelled as was fit to break for having promised yet would not he recede from his Duty and causing his Henry to come he took him by the Hand and gave him as a Booty to the Cavalier When Helena beheld her self robbed of her Son she set up a loud Cry and a violent and extream Lamentation Then the Cavalier turning to Olivaires said I who have so faithfully served you have inriched you and saved your life Am I for this so discourteously rewarded with the share that according to compact belongs unto me But now go for I further require and will also have either for Love or by Force the half of the Queen and quickly take thy Sword and divide her and give me my Right for I shall demand of thee no other than just and reasonable Things otherwise thou shalt experience my Strength and Valour and what Ability and Prowess I can exert CHAP. LXX The Intreaties of Olivaires and the Answer the White Cavalier gives him THE big Words of the Cavalier created mighty dread in the Breast of Olivaires and Helena was ready to fall down in a swoon for Grief about her Son and greatly trembled also by reason of his threats for fear of Death Wherefore Olivaires turning to the Knight said Dear Sir It is true that I promised you the half of my Acquists but not so of what I should Procreate However for that I know you faithful I have not replied one word for the having my Son again But she whom the God of Heaven hath ordained for my Wife and hath joyned us together Ought she to be divided from me and her self too with the Sword Is it not written Whom God hath joined together let not man put asunder I tell thee Olivaires thou oughtest not to diminish my share For had not I made thee Conqueror by furnishing thee with Horses Men and Arms thou hadst never got the Lady I will have it so and make no more reply that I turn not thy happy state into a sad one quickly give me half Olivaires seeing his resolvedness turn'd to Helena and said Alas my dear Life how shall I be able to sustain such a sorrow how shall I wound her who is my very heart why hath Fortune brought me to this Dilemma On the other part Helena as if besides her self remain'd half dead nor heard Olivaires's words and she run thorough all the sad Accidents had happen'd in her life-time and with dolorous complaint gave most hideous sobbings Set me at liberty quickly said the Cavalier and detain me not in this place You should have considered of it before you promised and not now seek delays to augment your sorrow you give me nothing but what is my own Olivaires embracing and kissing his Lady nigh dead already purposing to observe his Word of a sudden draws forth his Sword and raises high his Arm for a terrible cleaving stroke over the Head of the fair and divine Helena the splendor of the World that innocent Blood and pure Soul But the Cavalier hastily held his Arm and cry'd out I have enough of thee my dearest Brother no more I am satisfi'd and would not indure he should slay the Flower and Queen of all Beauties of the World At which awful Cry Helena look'd up as from a Trance and seeing the Cavalier caressing Olivaires she took comfort What followed you shall hear in short and the
Conclusion according to Ancient Histories CHAP. LXXI The Gift the Cavalier gave Olivaires YOU have given me however happy Couple your Son and your Treasure lo I restore you him again For over-insupportable are the dolours which are felt for Children and the nine months grievings of a Mother while she bears her Infant in the Womb. I very well know what powerful influence Fidelity has on thy breast since thou hast not shunn'd to wound thy Soul to maintain thy faithful Promise O Olivaires the Deity prosper thee the Deity bless thee the Deity increase thy State thy Kingdom and propagate thy Seed eternally Surely thou art worthy of Universal Empire thou art full of all goodness and all noble indowments of mind do appear and are resplendant in all thy Actions Olivaires taking assurance by reason of the Gift receiv'd and Helena having recover'd her fainting Spirits seeing her Son before her face return'd to her desire they undertook to demand of the Cavalier that of love he would be pleased to manifest himself unto them And by that Power that created the Heavens and the Earth they begged of him he would permit them to know to whom they were so strangely obliged O Olivaires I am that Master John Talbot I am that Cavalier whom thou didst conduct to his Native Country that Gentleman I am whom being excommunicated for a large Debt thou didst at thy own Expences discharging the Sum cause to be re-blessed and have Christian burial God for such Charity Brotherly love and thy goodness did command me to do such kindnesses for the Possessor of so honest an heart He delivered thee in all thy Distresses he at length hath tried and fully known that precious Soul which he has given thee That Elemosinary Pity which thou shew'd unto me shall also prepare thee a Mansion in the Heavens My giving the Black Habit signify'd my being in the state of damnation the Red Livery intimated the ardent Fire of Purgatory which hath purged away my sins the White Vestment manifested the Celestial Country which was opened unto me I served thee therefore with Arms Horses and Men I directed Arthur to the place and made him take thee out of Prison At that instant I seized the City I gave the Lion for a Companion to Arthur who killed the Monster and who fought like an Army in the Campaign I healed his Wound I gave the Ring of the King thy Father to Helena and I begged of the Lady to act with hers for giving thee her to Wife Therefore thou hast had every thing through me but acknowledge all from God as the Author And let each of you render infinite thanks unto him who hath delivered you out of so great Afflictions and who for the future will fill your hearts with joy and gladness All these words spoke the Cavalier and at last being surrounded with a Divine Splendor said Peace be with you fare you well for I mount to Eternal Life and vanished CHAP. LXXII The King and Queen pay their gratitude unto God and of the coming of the King of Dalgarve with the Espousals of Clarisia THE King and Queen rendered infinite thanks to Almighty God ever amazed and admiring at so strange a matter and terrible Accident as had befall'n them and they ordered that a solemn Thanksgiving should be made throughout the whole Kingdom unto the Lord Jesus Christ Arthur having in this time setled his Realm of Dalgarve went to the Court of Olivaires his Brother-in-Law where he could never enough satisfy himself with looking on Clarisia both for her Beauty and Behaviour and in consideration that it was her Blood out of her own Veins that had cur'd him for which he every day gave thanks unto God One day Olivaires call'd to him and said My Brother who art ever in my heart and who hast done so much for me I much desire that you should marry if you fancy such a state I like your Majesty's Proposal very well reply'd Arthur but whom may you bestow upon me whom might it be convenient that you should give me my Clarisia who hath saved your life she shall be your right Eye your Soul and dear Companion for by your good deeds and carriages towards me you have deserved her And as they were designing to make this Alliance four Lords came post from England to signify to Olivaires that the King had been seiz'd with an Apoplexy whereof he died in a day's time which news made a melancholy Court and they all went into mourning The Funeral was ordered and the solemn Ceremonies duly performed After some time the Nuptials of Arthur and Clarisia were concluded on and all things prepared and fitted for the celebration and Arthur was crowned King of England by Olivaires The report whereof spread suddenly all over the Realm Whereupon Counts Knights and Barons came to the Feasts and Justs and all the Cities sent to make congratulation then after a convenient time's stay Arthur went to England and gave the Government of Dalgarve to his Natural Son and constituted him Vice-roy a person of a gentle virtuous valiant and admirable Genius CHAP. LXXIII Arthur King of England goes to London and Henry is made Commander of an Army against the Infidels HE who would have taken a true estimate of the love between Olivaires and Arthur should have been present to see their parting when he went from Spain For I believe his heart was well nigh burst with sorrow and Helena seeing her Daughter go away was fill'd with extream grief at last they took leave and departed with a great comely and honourable Train A few days after an Embassy from the King of Cyprus arrived to Olivaires to demand Aid of him against the Enemies of the Catholick Faith and Olivaires designed to go suddenly himself in person for such an Enterprize But his young Son Henry hearing of it begged of his Father to leave the conduct and management of his Forces to him for that he desired to get a name and honourable repute among famous Cavaliers which favour though with difficulty he obtained Having made him then General Royal he gave him Twenty five thousand well armed Men and when he had put them all in right order and had made ready their Ammunition and all things necessary for the War and their March he departed for Cyprus 'T was a grand affliction to Helena to see her self deprived of both her Children at once At his going away a great number of Spanish Cavaliers accompanied him and some went with him to Cyprus others joined with him in battel and assisted him When Prince Henry was arrived in the Kingdom of Cyprus he united his with the other Army and with mighty fury fell on the Enemy and got a glorious Victory Wherefore all following and adhering to him as a prudent and valorous Prince he resolved to give them a total rout and destroy them all and take many Countries before he made his return into Spain The news of this