been by her she would have appear'd like Cynthia before the rays of the Sun When she was come into the midst the Dukes returned her Hands then she kissed her Father's Hand and her Father took hers and gave it to Olivaires who kneeling kissed it and spoke very high Expressions to her yet not Complements which were not ungrateful only because he said them So the one was fetter'd and fast Prisoner in Venus's Tramels and the other was deep smitten with the Darts of Cupid CHAP. XXXII Olivaires has the first place by the King for the love he bore him for his Combating according to the judgment of the King and the Overseers of the Turnament THE King taking Helena with the one hand and Olivaires with the other made them sit down placing himself betwixt them immediately the Musick struck up and a brisk and gallant Dancing there was but not long After which lo the Judges of the Turnament coming to know of the King if they must give Sentence and the reward to him most merited it to whom he gave order to do so then they retired and went for the honourable Prize of the Tilting The mean while the King turning to his Daughter Helena spoke plainly enough to her Who dear Child appeared to you the most Valorous in this Combat Helena reply'd I minded them Sir all alike and every one seemed to perform well Understand Governess of my Soul said the King that the Present will quickly be brought and given to him whom the Judges shall sentence the most deserving and that he is also to be your Husband and the Heir of the Kingdom Wherefore I desire to know how your Inclications are Him whom your Majesty shall think of and whom your Royal Judgment shall most approve and him in short whom you shall name and recommend to me I shall willing accept of for my Spouse Lord and Guardian of my Life If the Black Red and White Cavalier subjoin'd the King we should make choice of for his Merits would you be so satisfy'd although we yet be ignorant who he is If my Sovereign and Father the Judges shall think him worthy of the Prize to defraud him of it would be high injustice however your Majesty's Will and Pleasure shall intirely be mine CHAP. XXXIII Of the words the King spoke and the Reward that was given to Olivaires THE King of Ireland of Scotland and of other Dominions with the Dukes Princes and Barons of their Realms were set down when the King order'd silence and then thus said Signories High Empires States and Kingdoms presently will the Judges and Lords be here with the Reward of the Turnament and to whom my small Present shall be given the same also shall espouse my Daughter and only Child and have all England for her Dowry but I will that that Prince Lord or King remain some time in my Court that I may have experience of his Valour in all Exploits and after understand his Lineage and Descent and then may he enjoy the Crown Let now then the Prize be brought and adjudged to him who got the greatest Honour and was Victor of the Turnament First came 30 Pages with lighted Torches in their hands and after 30 most noble Cavaliers then followed 10 Pages in gold Embroidery with Torches also in midst of which were 6 Knights clad in Cloth of Gold and in the midst of them a Duke all in Armour who carried a golden Bason and in it a Neck-chain of Gold interwoven with Jewels and so wonderfully wrought that the very sight of it alone was a transport for all Humane kind and it might be said to have been one of the Wonders of the World nor could the value of those Jewels be estimated and after followed the Judges with an infinite number of Knights and Gentlemen and being so placed that every one might conveniently be a Spectator they came before the King speaking to this effect CHAP. XXXIV The rich Neck-chain is given to the Valiant Olivaires at which many of the Kings are filled with disdain it appearing to them that an unknown Knight was not worthy of such a Present MAY it please your Majesty Dread Sovereign we were appointed by your Majesty to be Judges for the Victor at Tilting and at the Combats on Horseback and on foot which Province we willingly accepted of and have diligently observed according to our skill the Blows the Hardiness the Valour and Force of every King Duke Prince and Lord and we freely give witness that every one of them has made honourable proof of right Chivalry but to our thinking the Flower of all and he who has merited your Majesty's peculiar Favour and Present is that Cavalier who was clad the first day in Black the second in Red and the third in White which valorous Knight is the same that sits by your Majesty the deservedly designed Heir of your Kingdom and although we be ignorant of his Country and Name yet we are ascertain'd he is come of a Royal Race and has Illustrious Blood in his Veins because such kind of Valour does not lodge in any other Personages save those who by such Extraction can appear thus worthy of a Crown wherefore with your Majesty's leave and good liking we will present the Gift to him The King being well contented made sign to them to do so the Duke then turning to Olivaires took the Chain and put it about his Neck saying unto him Your Valour which has conquered so many Couragious Knights adorns you with this Gift a Testimony of the King of England's Kindness and when his Majesty shall think convenient time you are to espouse Helena his only Daughter and be crown'd King of the Realm Believe me reply'd Olivaires I do not seem to my self to have done any thing to merit this but since it is the King's Bounty I am very well pleased So he accepted of the Present and Promise and bowing low to the King and Helena in a most eloquent Speech he returned them large thanks for their Liberality And to the Judges and to the whole Hall he also gave infinite Thanks and 't was judged by all that heard him that he was the finest Courtier of the World and every one considering his comely Regal Aspect his Martial Valour Boon Grace Deportment Mein and Eloquence even wept for very joy the King taking him by the Hand and kissing his Forehead set him in his place again then a thousand Instruments began again to play making infinite delight and festivity CHAP. XXXV The Cavalier who was Olivaires so great Friend and furnished him with Arms at the Justing appears in a Dream to Helena and of a Vision the King had THE morning after about break of day the King had this Vision He dream'd he saw Olivaires crown'd King of his Realm and that he had given him his Daughter then he beheld another Crown come over his Head and settle upon that much greater than the former he had given him
and it doubled his Court Retinue and Riches and it appeared to him so August that he himself bow'd to it Therefore seeing Fortune had been so extraordinary kind unto him to send him such a Cavalier for his Son he was mightily overjoy'd and the transport awak'd him and revolving this Vision in his mind he was imagining with himself what it might signify And musing earnestly he fell asleep again and other Kings appeared to come upon him with design to take that Crown from off his head saying It was not fit he should wear two Crowns but he being moved at their Presumption seemed by force to bind their Hands behind them and to take the Crown off the Head of every one of them to whom after they had humbled themselves unto him Olivaires gave every one their own again and at this he awaken'd The King did admire at the Vision and assur'd himself 't was a Divine one and no natural play of Fancy and happy Mystery in it so he treasur'd it up in his memory and was fill'd with great joy When the Morning was further advanc'd he went to visit his Daughter Helena whom he found more than ordinary pleasant and delighted and inquiring the occasion of it she said she had had about break of day a most pleasing Dream which was That she seemed to be walking in a Garden of fine Flowers whence were many gay delightful and odoriferous ones cast as if they had flown into her Bosom and Lap and that a Cavalier whom she knew not clad all in white pluck'd one and gave it into her Hand that smelling to it she thought she never scented a more ravishing flavour and having a mind to put it into her Bosom it turn'd to a Ring the most curious one that ever she beheld and the Cavalier vanish'd with telling her that was the Spanish King 's Whereupon she awak'd out of her sleep and found the Ring in truth in her hand and she shewed it to her Father the King being stupify'd at so amazing a thing said Certainly some grand Effect will follow upon our new Alliance and taking it into his hand he was more astonished still knowing it to be of inestimable value and said that a more precious thing he never saw She subjoin'd The Cavalier who gave it me said that it was a King's but I cannot remember the rest I was so over-master'd with transport that moment the King with her leave put it on his Finger and injoin'd her to speak nothing at all of it and parted from her CHAP. XXXVI How Olivaires seeing the Ring on the King's Finger knew it to be his Father's and marvelled extreamly but for that it was not known he made as if he saw it not and was ignorant of the Matter THE King being at Table and having the Ring on his Finger every one cast their Eyes upon it for that from the Stone was in it issued out Rays so bright that they resembled a Flame so that the sight could not long sustain the dazzle When Olivaries saw it he quickly knew it to be his Fathers and often dubious in his Mind and revolving things to and fro he at last concluded to be silent The King enter'd into various Discourses with Olivaires and in inoffensive manner enquired after his Name and Blood who replied my Name is Olivaires and for my Blood it is as noble as your Majesty shall please to make it The King proceeded no further for that time and was well satisfy'd and so likewise was Helena The King sought not after his Nation for his Speech manifestly enough declared that After Dinner the King of Ireland the King of Scotland's Son and other Dukes Lords Counts and Knights came to take leave of the King And kindly embracing every one of them he made them many Royal Presents and doing them the Honour to accompany them a little way he dismiss'd them When these Potentates were gone they enter'd into a Combination by Oath to bring a vast Army against England to destroy it thinking the King had put an affront on their Crowns in preferring before them an unknown Knight Also they further discours'd among themselves whence Olivaires might have such honorable Attendance with Cloaths Arms Horses and Pages One said he was the King of England in disguise other that he was a Spanish Cavalier whom Love had drawn thither which they judg'd by his Speech and for that his Dress and Garb were after the Fashion of that Province other that the King by Art Magic had made him prostrate and kill without any their ill Management Wherefore they were all unanimously resolved to have Revenge taking to Heart the Death of so many of their Cavaliers And with this Disposition they returned to their Cantons States and Kingdoms CHAP. XXXVII The King of England sends secretly into diverse parts of his Kingdom for the interpretation of his Dream and he has it THE Dream was interpreted after this manner That the King that should by him be Crown'd King of the Realm should also be King of another and wear a greater Crown than his and that he should pay him Reverence Then the Second Dream signify'd That those other Kings would attempt to extort from him the Realm of England that the Second Crown would take away their State and Kingdom and after courteously restore them again His Daughter's Dream was likewise expounded That she should be espous'd to a King the Son as it were among other Princes as that Ring intimated and if she could tell from what part the Ring came the King of that State should be her Husband By the White Cavalier who gave the Ring could be understood no other than that Cavalier who was Victor at the Turnament was clad the third Day in White and who would give her again the Ring The King was pleased with the interpretation and kept it secret in his Breast and the rather because the Effects of all would quickly appear as he was assured by those who opened to him the Vision CHAP. XXXVIII A sad Accident befalling Olivaires who was brought to himself only by the means of Helena OLivaires having remained some time in the Court and being in continual expectation of the King's Promise that he would give him the fair Helena to Wife pass'd Nights and Days in imagining to himself the Hour the Moment the Manner the Joy and his intire Happiness But yet for all his ruminating he could not see any effect answer his Thoughts nor could perceive any act or sign of Love express'd to him so that on the other hand he was afflicted and tormented incessantly and could get no rest nor comfort At length a violent amorous Accident befel him For being in a deep and fixed Musing in Presence of the King with many Nobles he fainted and fell down as dead Whereupon he was immediately carried to his Chamber and the Physicians were brought and many Remedies prepared but they could not with any recover him out of
his Swoon This dire Accident of Olivaires came to Helena's Ear and she as knowing his Malady and who secretly loved him with various contrivances and great caution convey'd her self where her Olivaires lay in this Deliquium and calling loud to him for she would try all means she approached near unto him and laid her hand upon his Forehead which he begun to be sensible of and look'd up as one awak'd out of sleep And truly I think he would never have come to himself and life again had not Helena's Spirits revived his whose very touch did emit enough to cure him Wherefore being recover'd of this Accident he was very thankful to the King and Helena for the care they had taken of him And leaving him to rest the King and Helena departed At Night in the beginning of her sleep the White Cavalier appeared to Helena and begg'd of her to tamper with the King to give her to Olivaires for his Consort in as much as she would have for a Husband the bravest Hero in the World telling her that for this cause he had given her the Ring which quickly she should see on Olivaires Hand And so vanish'd Helena keeping the Vision in her Mind in the Morning deck'd her self in the richest Cloaths and Dresses that she had and design'd to reveal the Matter to the King her Father in the presence of Olivaires So she procured of the King to go and dine with Olivaires in his Chamber who after invited him to come and eat with him Thus having got her End as they were at Table many pleasant Discourses passed between them At length in the height of the King's Mirth two Couriers came to interrupt it accompanying some Ambassadors from the Kings of Ireland and Scotland with the following Speech CHAP. XXXIX The Challenge made by the Irish Kings to the King of England and the King's Answer and that of Olivaires AFter they had pay'd their due Obeisance to the King they made a surprising Oration of the Motives their Sovereigns had to wage War against his Majesty And after this manner was their Speech That Great Sovereign of Sovereigns the all Wise Creator of Heaven and Earth protect and prosper the Potent Kings of Ireland who challenge to battel the sacred Crown of England and say you are not worthy of it wherefore they are prepared to take from you your State and Kingdom and will come with Arms to shed your Blood and with Fire to destroy your Palaces And thus much I am Commissioned to say of my Sovereigns the Kings of Ireland worthy of all Power and Empire When the King of England had heard these proud Words conscious of his Innocency and the good will he always bore their Royal Majesties he took it in so high disdain that it stopt his Speech that he could not get a word out And suddenly he call'd to mind his Dream and the interpretation of it and turning his Eyes this way and that way on his Nobles Dukes and Knights and seeing none answer any thing or say a word nor himself being able to speak as he had a desire he rises on his Feet with intention to commit the task to Olivaires and at the same time make him espouse his Daughter Upon which Olivaires rising from his Seat spoke these words Puissant Prince with all Reverence and Humility I beg of your sacred Majesty to do me the favour to let me be the Man who shall return answer to the Ambassadors of the unworthy Kings of Ireland At this the King spies his Ring on Olivaire's Finger and much marvelled Wherefore the answer the King gave him was Thou art my Son And taking Helena's hand and his and joyning 'em together he said This is your Consort and in token thereof he kiss'd them both and made him kiss Helena which fill'd all the Court with exceeding Joy and they were much delighted to hear the News of a War Now said the King to Olivaires Take upon you to give answer and to fight for and defend your Kingdom Olivaires after he had apply'd himself to the King and spoke what he thought suitable on such an occasion turn'd to the Ambassadors and said Tell your Masters that Olivaires of Castile the humblest of the King of England's Servants and legitimate King of Spain and the Crown'd Successor of the Realm of England will come and make them sensible of the Error they are in and give them cause to repent of their Insolence When the King and Helena understood that Olivaires was the King of Spain they were so filled with Amazement and Joy as the like was never heard or can be conceiv'd Wherefore they began to entertain for him a vast respect and the whole Court for this great News was transported triumphed and looked big CHAP. XL. The departure of the Ambassadors and what Olivaires said to them OLivaires did much Compliment and Caress the Ambassadors and retain'd them a Day longer than they design'd to stay Then spoke thus to them at their departure Our most Christian Sovereign and Virtuous Father has been pleased of his bounteous Goodness to accomplish his Promise upon me Therefore acquaint your Masters how I have sworn not to return back from this Enterprize to my Father's Court until I have taken from them all their Cities and made every one of them Prisoners to manifest to the World what Tyrants they are and Usurpers of their undeserved Thrones So having presented 'em with fine Horses he dismissed them Olivaires had made plain discovery of himself to the King and Helena had understood a great part of his Secrets and had seen the Visions were come to pass and that the matter of the Ring was clearly apparent Wherefore the King judging by what had already happened also of that which was to come and hopefully foreseeing all would prosperously succeed ordered a mighty Army to be made ready of more than Ten thousand well armed Horsemen and bravely mounted and Infantry innumerable with Pikes Javelins and other Weapons suitable to those times and made Olivaires Generalissimo of all Who having accepted of so honourable Preferment and Command said I do not intend till I return again to make Helena may Wife till by my Valour in Exploits at Arms I may in some degree have shown my self not altogether unworthy of her Favour The Affection Helena bore Olivaires was so great that his departure was death to her the separation of him the Soul from her the Body But being well assured of his Courage she bore her Grief moderately through good hopes of Conquest and comforted her self with the Visions In few Days he with his well-armed Forces were on their march And the Kings were arrived for the overthrow of England with a vast Army Valorous and Strong so they went on ruinating and burning the Villages and ravaging the Countrey At Olivaire's departure his Spouse Helena put a rich Necklace about his Arm which she had always worn about her Neck and for his Neck
Most Noble Cavaliers Valiant Combatants my Brethren and Friends I think my self very happy for having been Spectator of your Valours and that the Enemy has felt your hands how rough they are and for this acknowledge kind Stars have shed their benign influence on me But ah what have we done in banishing them out of our Territories We must expel them their own if it be a right Victory there will be seen our Puissance in such an enterprize there will your Hardiness Valour and Vertue appear Are you pleased Brethren and dear Friends that we pursue them and banish them out of their own Dominions Are you pleased that we should revenge our selves on so great an Affront their presumption to have driven us from our State will it not be a just recompence to expel them theirs to take from them their Kingdoms their Cities and Life Whom would you have to take vengeance for this Insolence offer'd if we our selves have not resentment enough to do it how can you imagine our Posterity should have a warmth for it Our Sovereign the King seeing our brave and victorious Courage will know how much we are the loving Children of the Father of our Country and will be very grateful to and abundantly reward us Which of you my Lords Knights and Brethren will follow me in this Enterprize for gaining that which indeed hitherto we have not obtained Then all with one voice answer'd they would follow him and would lay down a thousand lives for the Crown of their Sovereign Olivaires seeing their willingness gave them many thanks and told them that by this Adventure they should surprize and come upon the Kings unawares and that he feared not by their Fortitude and Valour â—o acquire a glorious Conquest CHAP. XLIII Olivaires leaves England and enters the Dominions of the Kings of Ireland and lays siege to a strong City and of his other Sieges and Fights THE Ships and every thing being fitted and all things whatever were needful in readiness carrying Tents and Pavilions for the Camp the next morning Olivaires departed and imbarqu'd his whole Army wherefore with a prosperous Gale he arrived in few days at an Irish Port and got on Land sooner than he could have expected A fair Town stood upon the Haven compassed with Walls and when the Inhabitants perceived that such an Armado was coming upon them they shut and barr'd their Gates and put themselves in posture of defence but quickly was the Town taken and they put to the Sword the same did Olivaires to two more as also to a third all large Towns so that he struck fear into the hearts of all the Country and many Cities surrendered themselves without resistance and many of the Kingdom beholding the brave Valour of Olivaires and contracting a love for him went over to his side and fought against their own Sovereigns Olivaires in his march came unto a strongly fortifi'd Pass where 't was necessary for him to take a strong and well-garrison'd City in which was the Son of the King who was kill'd at the Turnament therefore he lay siege round it and gave it a brisk Assault but could not conquer it and many were slain on both sides Mean while News flew all over the Kingdom and came to the Ear of the Kings that Olivaires was come to the great damage of their Crowns and that he had taken many places that he would also take this City Therefore giving order instantly for refitting the Soldiery Foot and Horse and marching away with those they had in readiness the Kings went to relieve the City and engage with the Enemy Olivaires having put his Army in good posture and ordered his Battalions in his Campaign expected the Adversary's Assault being well prepared in right method and full of courage 't was in the morning when the Kings came upon them and now the Armies confront each other so the Drums beat and to Arms. Olivaires confiding in God's Assistance and also in derived Valour thought fit to present himself before them and to challenge the Kings to single Combat one after another judging it most certain that after he had defeated their Chiefs 't would be easie to give a great blow to their vast Army with his little One. So he commanded 'em to leave off pitching their Tents and when he had fought one or two of the Kings the Army moved to engage the Enemy and taking a strong Launce and flourishing it he exposed himself to publick view One of the Kings more fool-hardy than truly valorous yet in his own Conceit stouter than the rest hastily mounted his Horse and with his Launce on his Thigh went to meet Olivaires turning about and in the strokes they gave each other the King received a sharp blow whereby both Man and Horse were cast to the ground so he was quickly taken Prisoner Then a second King suddenly assaulted Olivaires and he was laid wounded on the ground And now a cruel Battel was joyn'd and for divers Hours the mad contest lasted Olivaires's Captains seemed so many Thunderbolts which terrifi'd and struck down the Enemy And Olivaires by his mighty strength made a wide lane before him infusing Courage into his Soldiers reducing them into Order and running about here and there as was need The Noon time of Day being past and the Armies being wearied the Kings betook themselves to flight seeing Olivaires making a large Shammels of their Army So they gave their Horses the Reins and Routed and Conquered and with all speed fled away All the Field run with Blood and all the Victor's Soldiers were smeared with humane Gore So the one Party fled and the other withdrew and Night coming on the Battel ceased Olivaires before he would sleep caused the Wounded to be taken care of and put in Order the remainder of his Soldiers and made them refresh themselves and take some repose After having bid the Trumpet sound he said Invincible Cavaliers now is the time to compleat the Victory and pursue the Foe who unexpectedly flies before us Therefore whoever among you either loveth Me or is solicitous of his own Honour let him follow Me. And so early in the Morning he came upon the timerous Enemy and having dexterously drawn his to a head he entered among 'em ever as he went on encouraging his Forces Whereupon the Kings and their Army being surprised at the sudden sounding of the Trumpet were mightily afraid And those fighting Manfully and these defending themselves Cowardly they were almost all slain and discomfited But the Kings being made Prisoners and some principal Persons besides remained alive Thus they became Masters of their State and Kingdom wherein much Treasure was found but all was distributed among the Soldiers for Olivaires like a noble General kept nothing to himself CHAP. XLIV The other King being in a strong City the same is besieged by Olivaires and surrenders to his Favor and Mercy THE Army having taken some repose and being refresh'd and enliven'd
Olivaires gave Order to pitch their Tents and Pavilions round the City wherein was that other King with many Guards So putting fire to the Gates scaling the Walls making Engines of portable Wood to annoy those which were within they made assault against it for two Days and on the third took it putting all to the Sword that had not yielded themselves up to them Olivaires suddenly commanded a Proclamation That the Churches and the Ladies they should not violate or disorder which accordingly was obey'd The King when he saw the City taken and his Captains slain and Soldiers retired into a strongly fortify'd Castle and seemingly inexpugnable But the indefatigable diligence of Olivaires and couragiousness of his Soldiers gave many Batteries against it which wearied out the King who finding no way for escape yielded himself to Olivaires craving his Pardon for his refractoriness Olivaires received him kindly embraced him gave him his Life and him he made Prisoner together with the other Kings under strong and well-armed Guards However Olivaires ordered those Royal Captives to be more waited and attended on than his own Person and he continually entertained them with Feasts honorably and at his own Table The City being spoiled and every poor Soldier enriched with the Prey they rested and refresh'd themselves until Olivaires bid Edward his Captain refit the Fleet and repair the Ships whereever there was need After when they were well Victualled he caused him to dispose the Army into good order for transport to their own Kingdom So in a short time all things being in a readiness he is now for departing with his Captive Kings to the great Gladness and Rejoycing of all his Noble and Valiant Crew that had attended and gone along with him CHAP. XLV Olivaires parts from Ireland for England and of the honour was shown him THE English loaden with rich Spoils with many Carriages and Horses burthened with things of great value now marched with their Sovereign Olivaires on their way and the Kings rode on most beautiful Mules without Spurs and so travailed before the Valiant Olivaires and arrived at the Port they found the Ships prepared for them and all things necessary provided in abundance for them by the prudent care of Captain Edward Having enter'd the Ships with all their Trophies in few days with a fair wind they touch'd at the Port whence they parted when they came from England And Olivaires having come a-land and taken Lodgings dispatch'd Edward away to the King and order'd him to inform him of the whole Success of the War Edward being gone Post with some other Knights came to Court and having kissed the King's hand and paid low respects unto Helena for it happened that they were at Table together begun after the Ceremonies of Salutation to relate the Success of the War and to give account in order of the Valour Strength Activity Wit and great Vertues that so eminently appear'd in Olivaires whereat the King dropt tears for joy and Helena kept a Jubilee in her Breast and her heart melted with pleasure The Valiant Captain assur'd the King that Olivaires was the finest Knight that ever bore Lance and he told him with what courage he had taken the King 's of Ireland Prisoners and how with a handful in comparison he had foil'd and conquer'd them and that he had brought them Captives with him to his Majesty Then the King caused to be given to Edward a Present of Gold and Helena another of Jewels for the good News he had brought Mean time Olivaires made great days Journies and being arrived near the Royal City the King with three hundred Knights with golden Spurs Dukes Counts and Marquesses and the whole City with all sorts of Musick and Feastings made the Heavens to re-eccho again the Applauses of the Victory The King rid a white Nag habited in rich Tissue and had the Royal Crown on his head and when he came near Olivaires Olivaires hastily alighted from his Horse and so likewise the King and embracing him with Paternal kindness he kissed him many times The Kings of Ireland stood aside for they were not worthy to look on the sacred Crown of England and every one paid their reverence to Olivaires the Archbishops the Bishops and Prelates and they followed them on their way toward the City The King gave thanks unto and praised God and thanked Olivaires and expressed how much he was obliged to him both for the defence of his Kingdom and for having acquired a-new so great a State And Olivaires attributing the honour to God and to his Knights desired the King that he would be grateful to them for their Valour and also to the other Soldiers forasmuch as they all had behaved themselves gallantly When they were arrived at the City all with loud Voices Bonefires and Instruments of all sorts expressed their Joys and when they were come into the Palace Helena like a descended Sun came toward Olivaires who bowing himself low was supported by the King and Helena gave him a Kiss which struck an ineffable sweetness and delight on Olivaires's Heart-strings and all the Evening till time for rest was spent in extraordinary demonstrations of Mirth and Joyfulness CHAP. XLVI The Captive Kings and other Princes are presented to the King IN the morning the Kings and Prisoners were conducted to the Palace Olivaires gladly beheld them and a while after when he thought it convenient he brought them before the King and Helena who was well enough pleased to see their condition for the love she bore her Olivaires Then all the Prisoners bended the knee to the King and Olivaires made a Present of them to his Majesty but he delivered them over into Olivaires's power to dispose of them as he thought good Olivaires then generously gave them their Lives and ordering a Table to be placed over-against that of the King Helena and Olivaires he caused them to be as honourably attended and waited on as his own Person the Kings were transported with this Courtesy and it well pleased the Court also After Dinner great Merriment began and the Kings had fair liberty given them under Guards and other things that were convenient These afterward accompanying them to their Apartments they left the King of England and Olivaires together to treat of the Marriage and what related to it CHAP. XLVII The King's Discourse and what he bestow'd on Olivaires BEing left then to discourse by themselves alone the King asked Olivaires if he might be worthy of and so happy to have his constant presence and stay in England Or if he designed to return to his Kingdom of Spain to whom he made answer he would never leave England without a King and this he promised him on his Royal Word The same night after Supper they had Musick and a great Ball. After a little Dancing the King said to his Nobles who were present My Son Olivaires intends to morrow to take my Daughter to wife and she him
Caverns Recesses and Valleys and o're all the high Mountains for Olivaires One time fearing he might be fallen into a swoon another lest some wild Beast might have devoured him sometime thinking that Highway-men might have lighted on him and slain him At length not getting any news of him they gave themselves up wholly to Grief and Lamentations and those that had seen Helena would rather have thought her a wild Beast than a Woman whilst she pluck'd off her Hair scratch'd her Face rent her Garments screek'd out aloud and would not take either any Meat or Rest The King was astonished and struck almost dead with this Accident and all Fashion and good Order neglected the Court became a melancholy heedless and confused Crew for every one much feared the life both of Helena and the King so excessive was their Affliction and the dolors and sighs that proceeded from their breasts did so affect and trouble the Lords and Knights as almost to break their hearts He who had heard the praises Olivaires had given him of the King and seen what a blow of discontent this Accident had given the Crown would have been very sensible his Majesty had felt both the utmost extremities of happiness and misery But leaving Helena the King and the whole Court to their Sorrows let us now proceed to look for Arthur who so long saw the water clear but of a sudden beheld it turn'd cloudy and understanding what it meant hastily sets forward in search after Olivaires being fully resolved to find him out and on the one hand hurried away with a violent desire of seeing him and on the other stimulated with grief knowing some great peril had behapned him he as it were flew with Wings CHAP. LIII Arthur prepares to go in search after Olivaires by signal of the Water which shews his Calamity I Related before the manner of Olivaires's departure from Castile and the grief that it caused his Father the Court and the Queen the principal occasion of so great an Evil But the King's Affliction was the heaviest and in a short time cost him his life Upon his death then Arthur was made Ruler of the Kingdom by those Dukes Barons and Knights and had the Government until they should hear of King Olivaires And Arthur willingly accepted of it for the love he bore to his Brother and every day he looked on the Vial of Water At length One morning a while after he had rise he was for going out a Hunting but would before see the Water which he found troubled and of a bloudy colour Whereupon he cry'd out O noble and virtuous Cavalier my faithful Brother where shall I find thee to free me from so great dangers Whither shall I go which way must I steer to succour thee O that I knew the Province the Kingdom the City nay that Heaven that could inform me of thee And instead of going a Hunting unless in another kind he appointed his Vicegerent and on a brisk Courser with a Sum of Money and Jewels with all possible dispatch he is mounted for his Journey Having to all his Barons deliver'd up the Government and beseeched them to administer all things for the best in as much as he hoped that they might shortly have Olivaires with them and desir'd them they would not marvail at his departure since it was of great importance for the good of the whole State Accompanied then with those few he had a mind to he first takes his way thorough his own Kingdom and so orders the Affairs of the Government declaring all along he was going about a matter of grand concern as indeed it was Arthur's going away was a great trouble to the Lords of Castile first and after to those of Dalgarve for his behaviour and carriage to them were such that every one was in love with his noble and generous Temper and his Vertues made him the Darling of Mankind So all lamented his departure CHAP. LIV. Arthur 's Voyage through divers Countries in search of Olivaires ARrthur being got out of his Kingdom recommends himself unto God and his good Providence And first he makes search through all the Kingdom of Portugal in all the Cities and in all places of the Realm nor desists his inquest till he goes into the remotest Woods Now in his busy inquiry that way he hears tell that not far off a fierce Lyon haunted a Mountain and whoever went into those places was sure either to be kill'd or at least be wofully shatter'd by the savage and that many Knights for proof of their Prowess and to oblige the Country with a publick benefit had made attempts upon him but with the loss of their lives Arthur hearing this deliberated with himself whether Olivaires might not perhaps have gone on this enterprize And having fitted his Armour he makes for the Mountain and when he had got half way he meets the Lion who had come far was lean humble and by chance lame of a Paw Arthur seeing him wondered he was so gentle thinking with himself it was easy to kill him and for that end without fear goes toward him The Lion reaches out himself a length as Dogs are wont to do and with a lamentable Roine expressed that he recommended himself to his favour and shew'd him his Paw which was swell'd and had rotted because a piece of the Splinter of a Spear remained in it Arthur then drew him the Shiver out and forth run a great deal of corrupt matter Whereupon the Lion perceiving it to be better with him with many more Caresses and wantoner play than a Dog can make gratefully fawns upon him Arthur goes for the Mountain and the Lion follows him and having sought but not found any humane footsteps he returns to his own Road accompanied by the Lion all the Country fled before them beholding the Animal But Arthur put them out of fear making 'em to see how tame the Lion was and he gave him a piece of fat Veal and it refreshed him and in a short time by attending on him the Animal became sound and hearty and went continually at Arthur's Stirrup as a Page when he rode and when he slept a-nights lay Centinel at his Chamber-door like a Mastiff Arthur accompanied of this Lion made search thorough many and many Realms Catalonia Languedoc Spain Normandy France Piccardy Burgundy and spent many a day in travail yet could never hear any news at all of Olivaires One night melancholly and fatigu'd with his Journy having arrived at the Port of Cales he argued to himself and having no other in company with him in his Chamber but the Lion only he thus complained Oh! why may not my dolors have an end as well as thine most loving Animal Ah! that at the least I could inform thee how excelling a Knight he is I wander in quest of how noble how admirable and how he bears away and easily deserves the Palm of all the valiant Knights of Chivalry The Lion
out agreeably to what he had said to him in a Vision And so he was ascertained that this was some Divine Spirit CHAP. LXII How Arthur returns by the same way and when he finds his Cavaliers they stand amazed not knowing which of the two is Olivaires and the great delight this produces THE valiant Brothers being arrived where the Cavaliers were ordered to stay those could not tell at the sight of them unto which they should pay their Obeisance even although the Lion was ever by Arthur's side and knew his Therefore paying Reverence to them both for that they were continually together and gave mutual Respect they also attended on them both and honoured them equally alike And one of 'em said to these Noble Knights I am Olivaires who brought you such a way and said and did so and so And the other said in English the same thing and how he did it So they both made every one marvel and it was referred to Helena to determine which was the true Olivaires And they staied some Days in that City for the making of Feasts and Triumphs being detained of the People to express their Joyfulness for having regained their Sovereign They dispatched Messengers up and down with the News so Feastings were every where prepared and as they passed from City to City all honoured their Sovereign and every one took a great pleasure in saying For one Sovereign which we have lost we have gained two And the Fame hereof had got to Court and it was so confidently affirmed that many Lords went many Days Journey to meet them out of curiosity of seeing such a Rarity and were still more eager of it for that 't was said they were equals and alike in Turnament at Justing at managing Horses at Arms at Dexterity in Age Size Speech Tone and that to please their Fancy they dressed alike and wore the same Habit and loved so intirely that they seemed one Soul animating two Bodies CHAP. LXIII Olivaires and Arthur arrive at the Court and are equally received of the King and of Helena and how Olivaires is known and Helena well satisfies her self by seeing the Moles on his Arm. BEING arrived at London they were received of the King and Helena with unspeakable Joy and they were amaz'd not knowing which to take for Olivaires But Arthur revealed the Secret And Helena beholding Olivaires's Moles which she had seen before embraced him and printed a Kiss on his Lips And after having rested a while Arthur began to relate all that had happened and Olivaires to tell what Misery he had undergone And as they made relation of one thing after another from greater to less they caused the King's Heart-strings to tremble and his Pulse beat in great disorder and his main Vexation was for the present that he could not take revenge of such execrable Injuriousness for that Olivaires had pardoned the King of Ireland But lo just now Couriers come over who bring Letters that give Olivaires Intelligence how the King had rebelled Arthur was glad to hear oâ— such Insolence since it would give him occasion to revenge the old as well as this new Affront He having Courage and Ability enough with the help only of his Lion to lay wast a thousand Realms much more Ireland alone The King having heard of the Prowess of Arthur and the Fateague he had undergone gave order for his being Honoured and Attended on as his own Person And he was presented by Helena with rich Ornaments and precious Stones and by the King with a large sum of Gold and he remained in the Court loved and respected of all and every Day they Justed Feasted and went to the Chace And Olivaires remembring the Day on which he was taken said to Arthur It seems to me to be full time that your ungrateful King should be made know his Error wherefore let us go and reduce the revolted Realm No said Arthur Let that alone to me and remain in your Kingdom for you have been enough in Ireland And being returned from the Chace they ordered a vast Army to be made ready and then they began their March for Ireland The King having made him his General gave him his Blessing and so he took his leave Arthur having got into Ireland and the King Intelligence of his arrival he goes against him with his Army to give him Battel and he sent a Trumpet to him to put him in mind thinking it was Olivaires that his old Prison waited for him and to tell him he hoped to take him Arthur laughed and said Go and tell your King that 't would be too great an Honour for him to make my Lion devour him but that I will give him for Food to the Crows and other Fowls of the Air. And dispersing his Army he burnt ruinated and slew every where and without all pity and compassion destroy'd and laid wast the whole Countrey so inraged was he at the King's Insolence And he soon arriv'd to where the King had posted himself who hearing of his exorbitant Fury fled into a strong City nor would expect him at his Campaign CHAP. LXIV The Assault that Arthur gave to the City and took it in which Battery the King dies IN the Evening Arthur put his Army in order made his Squadrons and placed them in their first second and third ranks to give assault to the Gates and sent to the Walls those who should scale them and he gave them fierce battel when night came on with the one part and at midnight be caused the other to make an Assault and early in the morning with the remainder who had taken repose he did great execution whence those within were overcome through want of sleep and weariness then Arthur divided all his Camp into three places and begun a sharp Fight and bursting ope a Gate he enter'd in with Lance upon his Thigh and those who came upon him he run thorough passing their Armour as if it had been of Wax and his Lion enter'd into the Battel and made in the City that havock and Massacre among the Men as if they had been Herds of Cattle They remembred Arthur And the King seeing him would have made resistance but Arthur kill'd him upon which the People were all terrify'd dispers'd and fled away Some threw themselves down to the ground from tops of Houses rather than they would fall into the hands of the Enemy and others drowned themselves in Pools So he cours'd about the City as his own and constituted Governors of and put a Garison in the place a part of his own Army and with the rest he returned victoriously to London having placed Garisons where ever else was thought needful to keep the Kingdom in subjection to the Crown of his great Majesty of England The King of England having understanding of the Victory caused universal Rejoycing to be made and when he came Olivaires went with great triumph and exultation to meet him and the King gave him
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
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
That after the Valiant Emperour Charlemain King of France returned from Spain into his own Kingdom within a short while Heaven put an end to his days at which time a Prince rul'd in Castile who for his excellent Virtues and winning Behaviour both of his Nobles and Commonalty was much Beloved and Rever'd He Married the King of Galitia's Daughter a Virtuous and Beautiful Lady But having no Issue by her this made her very Melancholy and the whole Kingdom was much Discontented seeing one Realm remain destitute of an Heir and other deprived of their Lawful Sovereign which must needs in time produce many Troubles Disorders and Wars The Queen therefore hearing oft of these things and by some words which fell from the King perceiving that he was much dissatisfi'd made her Application by Prayer unto God who never fails those who rightly put confidence in him And beginning with Alms Endowing of Orphan Maids Redemption of Slaves and other good Christian offices she implor'd Mercy and Favour of our Lord and his Virgin Mother intreating them to grant her a Son for the preservation of the Kingdom And for that her request was equitable and her Prayers issued from a sincere heart it pleased God in pity to hear their Cry and she conceived and brought forth a most beautiful Boy which caused great Exultation Triumph and Festivity throughout the whole Kingdom But she had not lived four days when 't was the Will of the Almighty that she should render up her devout Soul unto him that gave it which caused a Lamentation as general as had been the Joy But the King was the principal Mourner who bore an extream affection to her knowing so well her Beauty Prudence Chastity Compassionateness unto men Piety towards God and how in all things to his will and pleasure she was conform and agreeable CHAP. II. Of the Baptism of Olivaires and the Obsequies of the Queen his Mother and some procedures toward the King 's Marrying again for the Kingdoms Welfare AFter all things were prepared for the Funeral they carried the deceased Queen to her Burial and it was ordered that her Child should at the same time be brought to his Baptism so both were in the Church together The Queen was lamented with floods of Tears and the young Infant was Baptized with fitting Solemnities and to him they gave the Name of Olivaires As soon as the Funeral and Baptism were over the King returned to his Palace and every one to their own homes This so sudden Death caused the King extremely to lament and so infinite was his sorrow that his Life begun to be much despaired of Wherefore his Nobles used all endeavours to divert his Melancholy by whatever they conceived might be most likely to give him any pleasing Entertainment And for this end among others they brought unto him his little Son Olivaires whom taking and Embracing in his Arms with heavy Sighs he mixed these Words bearing a kind of delight even in their dolorousness O my little Son all my remaining Comfort and the Crown of my Kingdom thy Birth hath raised me to Heaven and sunk me to Hell for by giving me an Heir it has lifted me up on high but by robbing me of my Queen it has cast me down as low again And addressing himself unto God he begged of him that he would assume into Heaven the Mother's happy Soul And on the little Babe looking in his Face said he may it please him to bestow such Grace that thou mayest live in constant Obedience to all his Holy Commandments After this manner the Afflicted King spent his time day by day and would receive no Consolation Therefore the chief Lords of his Court seeing his Griefs rather increase than abate met together in private to consult which might be the best means to bring their Sovereign out of his heavy Melancholy for that if he persisted in this condition he must of necessity very shortly put an end to his days which would prove a grand publick detriment and therefore they concluded on what would be every way better than that he should do so viz. the Matching him with Queen Dalgarve Dowager agreeable enough for years Fair and of good and gentle Disposition wherefore if he were so inclin'd it might turn to good effect So they were determined to make the Proposal to him Coming then into his presence and having first paid those respects due to Sovereignty they communicated unto him the issue of their Consultation shewing him what good would follow and how much to their own and the general satisfaction and advantage his Marrying would be and particularly displayed before him the excellent Qualities and rare Virtues of Queen Dalgarve so that this Match as was said before would be fortunate and happy for himself content to them and cause the publick rejoycing of the whole Kingdom The King giving ear to them and remaining a little in suspence and considering withal the reasonableness of the thing and that it was his Subjects Affection to him that urged them so to speak returns them answer after this manner My own Temper and Inclination for certain is not to marry any more nor ever to know Woman again Notwithstanding I shall declare unto you that since in what you move you seek the publick welfare and yours and mine and do so tenderly and affectionately request this of me I am willing to forsake the Path I had with resolution made choice of and follow the duct of your Desires and Counsels and yield unto you to pitch upon what will be for the best and may tend to your happiness the Kingdom 's and my own When the Lords saw such generosity in their Prince and had received so gracious an Answer from him they were much pleased and gave him infinite Thanks for such Goodness And now Honourable Ambassadors were quickly dispatch'd away to make their Complements to Queen Dalgarve who upon their Arrival were entertain'd with great kindness and respect although the Occasion of their Embassy was not at all known The next day they made their Ascent into her Palace where they delivered unto her the Mind and Inclinations of their King And their Discourse did not offend her Majesty's Ear and so by her Courtiers were honourably accompanied to their Apartments CHAP. III. The Treaty about the Marriage of Queen Dalgarve to the King of Castile THE Day following about Three the Queen sent to convene all the Grandees Sages and most Noble Barons of her Kingdom with whom she discoursed and declar'd the King of Castile's mind And as for her Answer and the whole Affair she referr'd it to them yielding up her self intirely to what they should advise and to their disposal That whether they thought it fit she should marry or no she would wholly be at their devoire and most willingly comply with their Resolutions The matter being discuss'd they determin'd to speak in short that she should not reject the motion telling her That she could not
match into a nobler or better State and that her Son Arthur was too young for Government Thus they counsell'd her to accept of the King of Castile for her Husband To which she repli'd I told you before and now repeat it That your pleasure shall be mine And therefore to you I leave it to form an Answer to the Ambassadors in what manner you shall best approve of After then they had returned the Queen thanks Six Barons were appointed to go and inform the King's Ambassadors their Pleasure and that it was also their Queen's who had Authoriz'd them so to say and these also told them That they questioned not but from such an Auspicious Conjunction happy Effects and universal good Influences and Advantages would proceed So the Affinity was lest to the Liberty of the King of Castile for his Proposal she was not altogether averse from Go then and tell your Master to order the Marriage as shall please him and in this Point we only request one Favour of him That he would please to come himself for her since all the Coasts are clear and safe for this will look more decent and come also with as little Retinue and Pomp as an Affair of that kind and quality may possibly allow CHAP. IV. The Espousals of the King of Castile and Queen Dalgarve and how he conducted her into his Kingdom with her little Son Arthur THE Ambassadors having dispatch'd their Business and received noble Presents from the Queen and Court returned back to their own Country where the King with great impatience was expecting them and Answer Who having heard it and how she was inclin'd prepared for his Journey and gave his Courtiers a Month's space for fitting themselves to attend him And when that was expired he with his Court departed and in a little time finished their Journey and upon their arrival were received with great civility and respect and then they ordered all things for the Marriage which with great dispatch was nobly consummated So they passed many days in feasting and then prepared for a departure The King could never have his Eye off Arthur who bore so extream resemblance to his Son Olivaires that many were mistaken in thinking him the same After the Feasting was over the King appointed his Deputy to whom he committed the care of the Kingdom and within few days returned with the Queen to his own Dominions with her little Son Arthur who was equally loved and caressed as Olivaires Now when they were arrived at the Kingdom and come to the City of their Residence the Feastings were renewed with all expressions of Joy and Merriment and the two young Sons immediately contracted extream affection and kindness one for the other and were never asunder who were so perfectly alike that not any difference could be perceived as we shall find in the sequel CHAP. V. Olivaires and Arthur were taught the Art of and exercised in Arms by a Valiant Cavalier and had noble Discipline and Education WHEN Olivaires and Arthur were come to years which they arrived at sooner than ordinary that fitted them to bear Arms they were by the King committed to the Education and management of a Noble and Valorous Knight who instructed them in Virtue and exercised them in Arms So that as they advanced in stature their love likewise to each other increased and as much as was possible every way grew greater insomuch that besides the tye of Alliance they enter'd into an Obligation That nothing but Death if even that had a power to do it should separate their Affection and Friendship The sight of which mutual kindness betwixt them caused wonderful satisfaction and joy in the Breasts of the King and Queen and of the whole Court especially as they beheld them diligent in accomplishing themselves in every laudable Acquirement Nor did any shine with any sort of Vertues and Excellencies whose lustre they did not transmit on themselves by imitation if not improve to a greater splendor by exceeding and out-acting those whom first they made their Examples Whether these were intellectual or moral Indowments or Feats of activity of Body as the playing of Tennis Dancing Justing Throwing the Bar Wrestling and such like Exercises in which they never came behind any but often outstript others The King and Queen having observed and being well assured of their Valour and Stoutheartedness as well as Skill at Arms had a mind to appoint a publick Turnament and try them thereat though but Youths Wherefore they proclaimed a Feast unto which at the day assigned repaired many Knights and Barons from divers places all of honourable Repute and famous for Chivalry many Scaffolds and Balconies were made about the Piazza and Seats for the Judges well scituated for fair view that they might justly bestow the Prize In Eminent Stations were also made Triumphal Seats for the King and Queen And now the appointed day being come they took their Places as also the Ladies and Nobility to behold so brave and valorous Combat Then the Trumpets begun to sound at which appeared forth three Knights Errant with their Targets of Scarlet Sable and Purple Colour and having enter'd the Lists they stood in expectation of any would come to oppose them And combating couragiously they broke many Lances to their great honour until Olivaires and Arthur shewed themselves in the Field And now one of the Knights Errant had with a brisk push thrown out of the Saddle and cast to the ground a Courtier a very Valourous Knight and stood ready in expectation of a New Combatant The Valiant Young Olivaires seeing this takes a Massy Lance and turns his Horse opposite to the stout Cavalier who accepting the Challenge runs full against Olivaires and broke his Lance but so great was the blow that he received from the Valiant Youth Olivaires that it brought both himself and 's Horse to the ground And when he had got another Lance the second Knight Errant comes against him in revenge of bis foil'd Companion but with the touch of Olivaires Lance the Knight tumbles back out of his Saddle and in a woful condition lies stretched on the ground and he traverst about from place to place with such air and Gallantry that he seemed to be every-where in an instant The like proof of his Valour made Arthur also So that it was judged that these two Companions carried away the Honour of that day Going off then to rest themselves till the next they returned to the Feast and likewise on the following day as on the first they were much admired and the Third bore the whole Applause away And the Judges conferring together gave judgment of their Valour the two Brothers above all the rest were extoll'd yet to Olivaires as the Principal Victor the Prize was adjudged then with many forts of Musical Instruments they marched to the Palace and there Olivaires spent some time in talk with the King and Queen who also made him a Present which
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
pursue his own Journey I am Master John Talbot and this is my Country in that City I have a good Estate my admirable Friend and therefore be pleased to let me be carried thither since it is not far off and I will repay you whatever charges you shall be at for I perceive my strength to waste every day more and more and if it had not been for your virtue and goodness I had certainly perished in the Water or here on the Land if not before Olivaires comforted him up and told him he had hopes of his recovery however for the other he needed not trouble himself and he made him a promise but when he saw there were no hopes of his life he order'd him to be carried because he was too weak to sit on Horseback and having bought for himself an excellent good Palfrey he went along with him and Men bearing by turns from place to place brought him at length into his own City where the Cavalier being arrived and heartily receiv'd by his Friends and Acquaintance he suddenly became speechless and after a few days changed this life for a better It happened that a Citizen many years before was to have received a Sum of Monies of the Cavalier that was dead and he made a distrain in his House and would not suffer his Body to be interr'd till he was paid of which he could maintain by Writings and he had stood excommunicate many years This bad News troubled his Parents for that it would oblige them to sell their Goods and Estate neither could the price of them reach it therefore they resolved rather to let him remain excommunicate than satisfy the Debt but the generous Prince Olivaires would no less be his Friend in death than Brother in life as you shall hear CHAP. XVIII Olivaires causes the Cavalier to be buried and discharges the Debt and of some Justings proclaimed in the Court of the King of England OLivaires seeing the great Covetousness of the Knight's Parents was much offended at it and used all the endeavour he could to accord the matter betwixt the Parties At length being neither able to persuade the one nor bring the other to a composition-agreement he demanded of the Creditor how much the total Sum came to and when he was answer'd 2000 Nobles he like a Prince and Mirror of Princes paid with Gold and Jewels the Debt for his deceased Friend retaining their late friendship fresh in his memory and so procured for him Christian Burial After few days he heard a Report that the King of England had given command for proclaiming a Turnament to continue three days and that he who should get the victory should have for reward his Daughter to Wife and the Kingdom for her Dowry and this Royal Maid was the most beautiful and admirable young Creature that ever was born or ever appear'd on the Earth Nor would her Father bestow her in marriage on any King or any other unless he was the most valiant and bravest of the Age to the end that by Arms he might maintain her in her Dominions and the State in peace There were 400 Knights appointed to maintain the Justing and Combat against whatever Cavalier had a mind to present himself on the Field for Encounter and now Nine Months had passed since the Feast and Turnament were published and the allotted term was to expire within 15 days The Valiant Olivaires made it his business to understand well the Fashion and Customs there and by a very Experienc'd Cavalier got Instructions as to every thing and that which delighted him most he was credibly informed that the King's Daughter did much exceed the high Character and Fame that went abroad of her therefore Olivaires fell in love with the very Idea he had conceived from report thinking with himself that if he should come off Victor at such a Turnament the Prize would be an abundant reward of all his Fatigues and Affliction And now he is on his way for going to the Justing and London for the Court resided at that City and there was the place appointed for this famous Turnament CHAP. XIX What Fortune Olivaires has by the way leaving Canterbury to go for the Tilting THE time being now but short before the Feast was to begin the Valiant Knight is on his Journey ever having in his mind the delightful thoughts of Victory and of seeing so many Kings Dukes and great Lords make proof of their Valour thus thinking he went on till he came to a Wood not far from the City of London when lo from one corner of it sallied out 15 High-way men Assassinates of Travellers one whereof with Lance in hand advanced up putting himself in the front of the rest and with villanous words said Lay down your Arms Knight Errant if you desire to live Olivaires before he made answer put up a secret Prayer unto God and his Answer to the Assassinate was immediately to draw his Sword and sencing off the thrusts of his Spear and making his Horse give back he brings him down and kills him and taking his Lance he turns himself against the other Robbers who made very gallant defence but in little time the Valorous Olivaires slew the greater part of them whereupon the rest fled away wounded and as fast as they could recover'd the Wood amazed at the mighty valour they beheld in him and if they had been double or treble the number I truly believe he would have conquer'd and kill'd them all Olivaires having free'd himself of them paid his gratitude to God and riding forward he spies a Spring as clear as Chrystal to which he makes and alights from his Horse to refresh himself with its water being extream thirsty and hot and also to wash some Ripples he had got in the Assassinates Assault wherefore being intent upon these his Horse had step by step wandered a good way off and being now at liberty began to run and caper about before Olivaires was aware and with great haste he goes with design to catch him when out of the thick Wood came one of those villanous Highway-men and prevents him seizes on the Bridle mounts him and flies away with the Mail was fastned to the Saddle-bow What Mortal can imagine Olivaires's grief at this Accident finding himself deprived of his Horse and Jewels which were of great value but his chief trouble of all was that he could not go to the Tilting being void of all hope and means both for the Combat and Attire Whereupon he begins a Complaint able to rend the Rocks and soften them into tenderness and compassion O! was not my Mother's Death enough to satiate the spight of Fortune was not enough my Father's Grief was not enough the Affliction of my Kingdom Not content to have hurried me into infinite perils of life when in the height of my desire to recover my Losses she brings a Cloud over my little glimsing Joy and dawning Happiness But thou Lord whose
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
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
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