of her beautie but there appeared a hande as pointing to her and vnder it was written this motto Proude beautie Thus rode the Knight on his minde still hammering on loue and desire of glory and then he espied Dorina comming toward who before had stoode inuisible by and shee causing him to goe on board againe set sayle immediatlie for Constantinople CHAP. XX. How the young Princes arriued at Constantinople where they receiued their order of Knight-hoode and how preparation was made for a Tournament THe Shyp that was embowelled with the gallant young Princes casting Anchor in the Port at Constantinople they were by the Emperour Empresse verie louingly entertained and vnderstanding by Aliarts Letters the cause of their comming it was appointed that they should be Knighted the Sunday folowing and each one hauing watched in his Armor the night before accoring to the custome in such cases prouided there appeared certaine signes vnto them which gaue notice of important matters to diuers of them Leonato the sonne of Palmerin beeing deuoutly at prayer he beheld an aged Emperour enter the Chappell who laying his hand vpon his breast said Behold I take all feare from thee that may be iniurious or hurt thee in any perrillous enterprise make thee Knight of the Sword which deuise he bare while he liued atchiuing manifold honours thereby and it was imagined that this old man was the shadow of the Emperour Palmerin d' Oliua These spéeches were plainly heard by diuers of the rest and others entring the Chappell founde him both armed and girt with a Sword which made them suppose that hee should neede no doubt of arming by the Emperour To Arguto who was at his deuotions in another place by himselfe appeared a King with a Shielde which had figured in it a goodly Sunne and taking him by the hand said I know that thy fortune will heereafter cause thee to offende one whoÌ„ thou rather oughtest to honour but because thou shalt not be the meanest in those seruices which thou art to vndertake I giue thée my shield of the Sunne which shal be impenetrable part therefore from hence after thou hast thy title of Knighthoode No other hearde what this King had sayde to Arguto but sawe howe hee armed him as a Knight To Tarnaes the sonne of Platir came an old man in verie short garments who wanted one eye and in breefe termes he spake thus to him I giue thee this Armor which once belonged to King Phillip of Macedon which shall make thee famous in all thine enterprises and arming him therewith presently departed Many that saw him at his departure iudged him to be Lycurgus the Law-maker of Lacedemonia In the morning the Emperour not a little wondering at these strange accidents gaue the other Knights theyr degrees whereat Oliuanto the second sonne of Florendos was much discontented because the Emperour had not in like manner knighted him though indeed his young yéeres was his onely hinderance The feasting was very pompous and the Emperour shewed himselfe exceeding ioyfull as beholding his Court now begin to flourish againe which had béene before very sad and solitarie in regard of the mighty losses sustained and the case of Prince Florian caused some discontentment albeit a little glimmering of good hap appeared in that so many Knights was departed in quest of him and doubtlesse would defend him from any perrill of life The new created Knights to giue some presage of their hopefull valour concluded a Tournament among themselues at the Launce onely and it was free for all commers what soeuer onely it was in this manner ordained because if any Pagan Princes should chaunce to be there no treason or villainie could then be offered The fame of this Iousting flew through diuers parts of the world yea euen into Turkie where the Christian Knights were in great ioy and feasting for the happy deliuerance of the Prince Florian. And Targiana omitted no gracious kindnesse what soeuer that might auaile for his delight or contentment so that the Turkes thought shee had made him her husband whereat they grewe sad and much displeased expecting euery howre when they should be forced to deny their fayth and be subiected to a Christian Prince the thought wherof to them was worse then death Very gladlie would these Christian Lordes be present at Constantinople as well to see the behauior of their Sonnes as to make proofe of them by their owne experience for at these yeres men ought endeuour to make themselues glorious and in imitation of their Fathers contend who should be most famous But they could not as yet get away from that Country because Ristorano hauing mustered together many Persian Knights collected from diuers parts of the Prouinces that came not in time for the ayde of Sucusano were reputed to be a very great Armie and they were making speedilie to Tubante hauing foure crowned Kings in their companie who were to be knowne by these descriptions Carino King of Illium was y e first who had with him two huge Giants and thirty thousand armed Souldiours Drago King of Memphis the second who had a Monster in humane shape the very strangest that euer was séene before It went both on two feete and likewise on foure the heade like a Goate with foure long bending hornes two turning toward the face and two forward with the first hée wounded when hee stoode on his two féete and with the other when he went vpon his foure His armes were hairie bristled and more long then they that bore his bodie hauing nayles or talents so sharpe piercing as they woulde enter through any Shielde in all the rest hee resembled a man except his feete and in stature greatly he excéeded any Giant whatsoeuer Vlderino King of Tanais was the third a man very valiant of himselfe hauing twentie thousand followers and two Sonnes of a Giantlike stature The fourth was Stupendo the most cruell King of Scithia with fiftéene thousand of his armed people according as theyr custome is to goe onely with Launce and bow mounted on horsebacke but without any bridle All these ioyned their forces with Ristorano who likewise had an hundred thousand men what with his Persians and those of Turkie who marching disordredly cumbred much ground and were greatly feared all the way they went for now no other newes ranne any where abroade but that their Princesse Targiana was married to Florian King of Thrace and thereby they doubted subiection to the Grecian Empire which was very yrkesome to them but to heare When the Christian Knights heard what a power was comming against them and that so many Kings had ioyned their strength with Ristorano fearing least theyr supporting this present occasion in Turkie might abridge them from euer beholding their owne Countries they dispatched thence certaine Turkes to perswade the Kings that the Christians had no other busines there but onely to seate Targiana their naturall borne Lady in her Kingdome And thâ—s perswasion had past
saw that he had men sufficient there to kill vs all for I was the tallest in stature in all our Country beeing a cubit and a halfe in height and euery one feared me in regard of my greatnes he laboured to haue mee home to his owne kingdome whether God knowes I went with no little willingnes little suspecting any trecherie towarde me and this he hastened with the more spéede because hée had gotten intelligence that my Father by these armed troupes growne suspitious of his sonne in law had helde conference with a neighbour Nation confining vppon vs requesting assistance if occasion should vrge it Our departure was celebrated with all possible ioy and triumphs and béeing come to his kingdome I was receiued with exceeding honour and all maiesticall dignities beséeming a Quéene But eyght daies were not fully past till I beheld my husbands countenaunce strangely changed which pierced my hart with such inward affliction that in his lookes I might reade the presage of my ruine Within some fewe dayes following I sitting alone with him in his Chamber and doubtfull of some imminent ill fortune he suddainly caught mee by the haire of the head and pulling me from my seate after he had shaken tugde me as himselfe pleased he threw me against the grounde giuing me so many spurnes with his féete as the breath was readie to flie out of my body When hee sawe mee in such an affrighted distracted estate as hee iudged I durst not denie what soeuer he demaunded with wordes full of furie and bitter despight he spake to me in manner following Isota for so am I called looke what I enioyne thee performe vpon thy life as thou will auoyde worse torture then I haue yet inflicted on thée Write to thy Father after thine accustomed course of enditing and tell him thou lyest sickly at the very poynt of death in regarde whereof this is thy desire that accompanied with thy eyght Brethren and foure Sisters he would come and sée thée before thy death And because thine owne attending Dwarffe who in respect of his credite with the King thy father shal carry the Letter may the better assure him by worde of mouth likewise that he saw thée very sick when thou hast written and sealed the Letter thou shalt betake thee to thy bed feigning and dissembling extreame sicknesse indéed I perceiuing at what marke Saboco made his leuell though I was shrewdly shaken and very sore with stripes tolde him that the vnnaturall dealing he had vsed toward mee might well enough suffise his vnkind inclination without making mee the meanes to betray mine owne kinred and Father Then like a mad man he flew into a more violent fury excéeding the former crueltie extended to me and haled me by the hayre along the ground so outragiously treading on me and beating me so vnreasonably as hee brake diuers vaines in my body and armes and bringing mee in his armes to a great bay window proffered to cast mee headlong out thereat saying Thus diest thou if thou yéeld not to what I haue enioyned thee So much preuailed with me the feare of death y t I cryed out to him saying Deere Lord saue my life and I will performe what soeuer you would haue me Héereuppon setting me on my feete againe he shewed himselfe to be highly contented and with a countenaunce pleasing and words most perswasiue he brought mee pen and incke then on such a leafe as the Indians vse to write I set downe the purpose of what soeuer he willed mée and the Letter beeing closed vp I was conuaied to my bedde where I needed not to counterfet or dissemble sicknes his rough vsage had brought mee into extreame sufficiencie both in bodies debilitie affliction of minde Then bringing the Dwarffe to me in whom I reposed no meane confidence I gaue him the Letter with speeches sutable to my present estate and his appointment desiring him beside to be very earnest with my Father to delay no time least I dyed before his comming The King my Father beléeuing the Letter and the messengers testimonie that brought the same within ten dayes space was come vnto mee and finding mee in that weake estate expressed a kinde Fathers true sorrowe for his childe Saboco dissemblingly entertained him with great honour till so many dayes were out-worne as his furie could allow in which time diuers Lords that came in company with my Father by his direction were returned to theyr owne houses because my Father would attende my death or recouery and the Lordes fayled not to report theyr royall vsage by Saboco which made euery one free from mistrusting his trecherous intention When hee sawe time fitting with his long expectation he caused my Father with sixe of my brothers to be layde hold on and likewise my foure sisters but these two forewarned by me at that instant to respect themselues and labouring to aduertise the other but coulde not compasse it whereupon they fledde with all possible spéede not a little gréeued to leaue theyr Father brethren in a tyrants curtesie Saboco bringing my Father and Bretheren to my beds side with menaces torments did enforce them that my Father should write to the chiefest in his kingdome to deliuer the Castels of defence treasuries and what soeuer else him pleased to such as Saboco should send to demaund them Now because the Indians neuer vsed to contradict anie thing theyr King commaunded all that the Letter imported was forthwith performed and those Princes who before were our confederates by this meanes remained desperate of theyr owne iurisdictions Newes being brought to Saboco that euery thing sorted to his owne direction hée brought my Father and his sixe sonnes into my Chamber where before my face he first murdered the aged King and afterward his sonnes without any compassion then causing my Sisters to be seuerally brought thether likewise he deflowred them one after another in my fight and my selfe which had deliuered such a wealthy Kingdome into his hands he deliuered ouer to y e rascalitie of his Court to dishonour me first with abhorred luxurie and afterward with wilde beasts to be torne in peeces But heauen beholding my intollerable iniuries exceeding the abilitie of any liuing creature to endure raised me vp one friende among so many monstrous inhumaine villaines a Gentleman of his Chamber who séeing mée left to violent prostitution pittying a Kings daughter shoulde be so brutishly disgraced considering my beautie pleaded for farre better respect deuised this shift in hope to doo mée good that to auoyde contention who shoulde enioy mee fortune should be descided by lotterie and lots beeing cast his was the honour first to possesse me which hee crauing that the eye of day might not looke on an act so detestable purposed to performe me as he said the night ensuing but indeede he promised me to conuay me thence and sette me safe with some tryed friende in my Fathers kingdome But Fortune yet not satis-fied with my
enioyed his full fréedome and libertie in lesse then foure houres shee conuayed herselfe to the Perillous I le where shée beheld him to be newly arriued with Primaleon who hauing put off his Armour because his hurts were greatly offensiue to him by Aliarte hée was layd in a sumptuous Litter and so carried along toward the Citty Velonna to crosse them in theyr course and to kéepe Aliarte from comming where his bookes were wrought a very strange stratageme for shee slung a certaine powder among the people which droue them into an immediat error of oppinion that Aliarte and Primaleon were two huge fierce Giants and came trechorously to take seazure on the Iland which made them fall to furious resistance there they had béene murthered among them but that Serasto the Sonne of Argentao who with diuers other that had felt none of this hellish powder and therefore were frée from so grosse a conceit came and appeased theyr violence shutting vp many of them in a new erected Tower and safelie conuaying the other from them When Drusa Velonna sawe her last hope thus frustrated fearing least Aliarte should seaze vpon her shée speedily fledde thence to Paraz where shée attended for the Childes creation in the Kingdome shee béeing thus gone thence the enchauntment of the powder ceassed and the people plainly perceiuing theyr errour humbly desired pardon of theyr Lord who well vnderstanding what had béene done could not but hold them iustly excused Primaleon béeing brought to the Cittie such soueraigne medicines were applyed to his woundes as within tenne dayes he was perfectly cured in all which time Aliarte intreated him right nobly and kindly knowing how helpfull his valour would prooue to all Christendome During these dayes of theyr repose Aliarte perusing his Bookes of arte vsed a little more circumspection then before hée had doone and perceiuing that Primaleon desired nothing more then his help in the fréedome of his faire loue Victoria hee resolued to assist him but hée did not remember that the time yet was contrary to such an attempt which should with greater care haue béene respected But leaue we them awhile and come nowe to Floraman who intending to worke wonders for the loue of Clariana became on a sudden quite changed and altered CHAP. LXIIII. Howe Floraman seeing himselfe but slenderly regarded by Clariana became enamoured of the fayre Princesse Victoria concluding to goe deliuer her out of the enchaunted Pallace FLoraman hauing recouered at one instant both his hurts receiued in the fore-remembred battailes and also forgetfulnes of his fruitlesse loue to Altea perceiuing him-selfe to be despised by Clariana who was alreadie married to Guarino became as a man méerly desperate and suddenly departed with Dragonalte from Constantinople but vsed not one word all the way as he rode whereat Dragonalte meruailing not a little and wearie of so vnsociable a companion letting him alone for the first day in this sullen humour the next morning he began with him in this manner Lord Floraman what the reason may be of your mindes molestation I can neither gesse nor doo couet to knowe onely this I am certaine of that if any amourous passion haue surprizde yée another mans company will scarce be pleasing to yee therefore when it shall seeme good to you to trauaile alone I will shape my course some other way as lothe to impeach your amourous priuacies Floraman because he would not be offensiue to his friend hauing vnwillingly endured the King of Nauaraes companie so long returned him this aunswere Royall Lord my hard fortune is such as I cannot kéepe euen quarter of kindnesse with my friendes onely through an inward secrete vexation therefore not to be burdenous to you or my selfe you may at your pleasure dispose of your owne trauaile and let me and melancholly wander alone together Dragonalte being of good apprehension quickly conceaued the intent of Floraman where-vpon turning his Horse and bidding him very kindly adiewe he rode away from him crossing many Countries and Prouinces without any accident worthy rehearsall till at length he came home to his owne Kingdome of Nauara Floraman seeing him selfe left thus alone alighted from his Horse and sitting downe vnder a faire spreading Oake commaunding his Squire to walke aloofe off he began to meditate with him selfe by what meanes he might soonest compasse his owne death but with some high and apparant example that his fatall hap grewe onely by loue Among infinite various discoursings with him selfe at last his capricious humour thus resolued to become enamoured of the faire young Lady Victoria not with any hope of euer compassing his affection but to hasten the spéedier occasion of his death For right well he knew how déerely the second Primaleon loued her and Arguto likewise as vehement in his choise both of which beeing so famous for Armes hee might the sooner be slaine by one of them Vpon this determination he returned secretly to Constantinople where in the Garden belonging to the Princesse Flerida hung the liuely counterfeite of Victoria which he earnestly gazing vpon grew so déepely enamoured of as his former intent of death was quite abandoned and his loue to her so addicted that now in hope of enioying her he more especially desired to liue Thus turmoyld in loues labourinth he closely departed the Citty againe and riding along through vnfrequented Plaines and Forrests at last he came to the Sea side where he espied a small Barque dauncing on the billowes as if it purposely stayed there in expectation of him His melancholly thoughts still guiding him on hee sawe a Lady standing on the Ships beake head whose lookes much resembled his Altea but hee hauing nowe let passe her remembrance séeing her wafting him toward her with her hand made what hast he could thether which shée beholding immediatlie vanished Floraman somewhat abashed at this strange augurie began to imagine that he was called thether to die but his amorous passions transporting him with desire to finde out Victoria quickly rid his braine of this suspition Where vpon aduauncing him selfe néerer to the Barque he stept into it when presently it launched off from the shoare with an easie gentle gale of winde and so struck vp into the maine Sea Then suddainely happened a violent tempest which made him euery minute in daunger of perishing but his minde despising all perill whatsoeuer cheared his hope in the very sharpest agony and the Barque ioyned at length close to a vast mountaine Where stepping forth armed as he was he went on foote vp such an high ascending hill that slipping oftentimes vpon the smooth stones hee slid downe often backward made very slender riddance of his way This kind of labour lasted him all that day with much vexation but to little purpose as séeming that he should neuer attaine the height of the hill so night ouer-taking him he made a better supper of sad conceites then any other viands which could content him his mind still ayming at nothing
Fortresse THe Knights that had the charge of Targiana not suspecting anie thing rode on disorderly iesting among themselues to delight the Ladie But Dorina who knew the successe of all that had happened qualified her course of nauigation in such sort as she made choyce of time for deliuerance of Targiana And this she did to the end Sucusano might not prooue the marriage by her testimonie that she had taken Florian to her husband for the Persian by this accusation might lawfully depriue her of her kingdome and put Florian to death as he had determined though the Turkes knew nothing what he was before his taking Afterward when they vnderstood more of him in regard of the seruice hee had doone their Soueraigne they would not consent that hee should bee slaine but rather instantly desired he might safely be sent into Christendome because they had receiued certaine tydings from Constantinople that the Emperour Primaleon with all the most famous men at Armes were aliue and recouered But when it was tolde that Targiana their Quéene had made thys Knight her husband with promise likewise to refuse her fayth they would presently haue both him and her torne in a thousand peeces Dorina then that Florian might not perrish by this occasion bethought her on these Knights suspecting what danger was like to ensue brought them as you haue heard from the Perilous I le conducting them on to the rest of the enterprise And hauing particulerlie conferred with Dramusiande knowing the especiall loue he bare to Florian who had aduentured many perrills for him shee would not disclose that he had married Targiana but laboured him with earnest perswasions that nowe hee would stand her louer in some steede euen as hee had anie pittie of her shewing him likewise the wounde shee gaue her selfe when Florian so vngentlie departed from her Castell Dramusiande who well knew how intirely she affected the Prince had compassion on her and promised his vttermost on her behalfe but in his opinion it would very little auaile her such was his conceit for losse of the Princesse Leonarda after whose death desperatly hee left the Perilous I le So bringing her Barque on shoare shee mounted all the Knights disguising them after the Turkish manner to the end they might without suspition fall in companie of Targiana From midnight rode on these fiue Knights till morning appeared and then they ouertooke the Persians as they were entring at a secrete gate of the Castell that Targiana might not publiquely be seene of the Turkes Dramusiande getting neere Targiana lifting vp his beuer spake to her in the Greeke tongue which shée very well vnderstoode by meanes of her aboade in the Emperours Court Feare not Lady for héere is come in your defence Dramusiande with these foure Knights of Constantinople Court so taking her by the arme set her before him on his saddle The Persians seeing onely fiue Knights take the Ladie from them ranne all to assaile Dramusiande on whom they had bestowed manie Launces but that they feared to kill Targiana whom they had speciall charge to bring backe aliue yet receiued shée a little hurt on her backe Floraman Pompides Dragonalte and Dirdan circkling her about defended her all the way toward the Castel killing with forcible strokes many Persians The croude was so great that very hardly coulde they get onward yet getting neerer the Castell side one of the Guarde who sometime had beene Page to Targiana knew her by her habite and crying Behold our Princesse without longer stay let downe the Bridge when Dramusiande and his foure companions though well neere wearied with vsing their weapons got themselues vppon it and Dorina by her arte hauing the gate readie open permitted them entrance but aboue an hundred Persians entred with them who standing in feare of theyr Lord Sucusano if they did not bring back Targiana with them cōcluded to regaine her aliue or dead for ere long an infinite number more would come to assist them because all the Persian Campe was hereon in an vproare Dramusiande hauing gotten in the Princesse returned on the Bridge with a mightie Mace in his hand which hée found by chaunce at the entrance of the gate and dealing his blowes about him so many hee sent headlong into the Ditch that the rest beholding their manifest perrill were gladde to giue backe so the Bridge was drawne vp euen as Sucusano hearing of these newes came thether with the flower of all his Armie Dirdan and the other Knights with the men of the Castell gaue such entertainement to the Persians which got in with them as they dispatcht them all not leauing one aliue Targiana when shee had considered with herselfe that thorowe want of victuals shee could not keepe long in that Castell shee went to the gate next to the Cittie where causing a Trumpet to be sounded great concourse of people was immediatly assembled and shee comming herselfe vpon the Porte spake to them in thys manner You see my faythfull friendes and louing Countrimen howe Sucusano vrging false slaunders against mee hath sought to inflict sharpe torments on mee to make mée confesse what neuer entred into my thoughts and afterward by that excuse vniustlie to defeate mee of my lawful right and kingdome and to enioy it himselfe I am certaine that you would not willingly be vnder the Persian gouernment and my selfe doubting you shoulde bee in subiection to forraine rule will rather yeeld the kingdome to Ristorano who is of the royall progenie of your owne Princes Now seeing in what estate I am if you respect my life haue care of me and of these Knights who haue aduentured themselues for defence of my libertie and because ye are likewise beholding to Florian who onely mooued by his owne gentle nature put himselfe into so many perrils to deliuer me from imprisonment goe therefore with your power to the Pallace so soone as ye shall be conducted the way and frée him from prison that enfranchised your Quéene By chaunce there was then present in hearing heereof a great Signior of Antioch beeing subiect to the Crowne of Turkie who bearing some affection to Targiana and imagining by accomplishing a seruice of such import it was the readiest way to attaine her loue forth-with hee called together a very sufficient troope and to the Pallace they went where they could not finde Florian because the Persians doubtful of maintaining themselues in the Citty had secretly led him with them to their Campe. Which tidings greatly displeased Targiana and the Knights but especially Dramusiande who was ready to die with conceit of greefe Now because the Persians had forsaken the Cittie they issued foorth of the Castell leauing Targiana Floraman still to keepe it so running to the Pallace they gaue order for defence of the walls intending likewise to aduertise the Emperour of these affaires thus happening in Turkie but by reason of the multitude of Persian horesemen as yet they knew not how to compasse the meanes
eyght dayes tenne great Ships with as many Foystes were prepared whereinto entred fifteene thousand hardie spirits with Platir Dragonalte Oliuanto and Almaroll the younger with his Father who seeing his sonne of so honourable towardlines would needs beare him companie that he might the better learne by him with what discretion to guide himselfe in any dangerous battaile The Shyps put off from the shoare but scantly with the good liking of Auriana who hauing thus long conuersed among the Christian Princesses and learned the misteries of our fayth beholding no likelihood of her returne to India Tamerco her brother hauing committed such an errour as the rape of Polinarda was the willinger to be baptized and so was presented at the holy Font Platir and Miragarda being her sureties Shée béeing thus become a Christian sought how to haue a husband aunswerable to her quality and noting Oliuanto with the piercing eye of iudgement what high and especiall hope was held of him and how in all fayre parts he resembled his mother shee grewe verie much enamoured of him neuer manifesting her loue but now at his departing when the young Knight taking his leaue of her as before he had doone of the other Princesses and Infantries seeming very gracious as hee was on his knee before her the Lady tooke the spirit to speake in thys manner Although I am a stranger yet I may challenge one of this royall assembly whom I may boldly entitle by the name of my Knight Oliuanto remembring howe many times Auriana had affably eyed him and suspecting that loue might be the speciall reason thereof repented hee had béene so slacke in exchange of kindnesse according as such a beauty in dutie deserued wherefore taking her softly by the hand and sealing his affection with a sweet kisse said There is nothing faire Lady by mee more desired then to be called the Knight to so great a Princesse that all my enterprises beeing performed vnder the name of your beauty might proue the more successefull and fortunate So after he had expressed what loue in time might be equally entertained hee arose with a Diamond in his hand which shee had giuen him as a remembrance of her affection but because it was now vpon the very instant of departing and Miragarda had gathered some suspition of this new commenced loue shee pleasantly brake this iest vpon him Alas Sonne you must first make your vertue cleare in Armes and thereby become famous before you learne the idle offices of loue of which frumpe Oliuanto was so ashamed as to cut off further entrance into such imaginations of him hee mounted on his horse and so rode downe with the rest towards the Shippes CHAP. XXVIII How Franardo found Belcar Fortenbracio Forcino hand to hand with three Giants that dwelt at the foote of the Mountaine Arteferia in Macedonia and hauing slaine two of them they went toward the Iland of Carderia ALl the young Knights as wée haue alreadie declared beeing departed from the Emperours Court by deedes of woorth so make themselues famous and amongst them Franardo whose fierie heate could not endure the search of meane aduentures or any slender occasion that might befall him on the way So posting on in hast at last hee came to the Kingdome of Macedon very neere vnto the Mountaine Arteferia musing seriously in his thoughts in what place hee might light on some aduenture which might beseeme his valour he suddainly heard a great clattering of weapons and following directly to the place by his eare he sawe three Knights combatting with three Giants who had with them twenty armed men beside and all they together had set vppon those thrée and doubtlesse had there slaine them but that this Giant by so good hap chaunced to come thether who although hee knewe them not yet seeing they were so villainously intreated hée stept in to assist them and drawing his sword spake thus aloud Knights be of good courage for I purpose to ayde you Fortenbracio béeing neerest him knewe him by the imprese of a Castell which hee bare in his Shield and therevpon said Welcome is my Lord the woorthy Franardo which words cheered the other to haue so good helpe One of the Giants making at Franardo with a great yron mace was so encountred againe by him with his Sword as hee cut off the Mace in the very midst and gaue him a dangerous wound in the breast whereat the Giant beganne to stagger and not knowing which way to betake himselfe made offer of escape away but foure of his Knights rushing in to defend him hee was the willinger to abide by it where the fight continued very sharply for more then halfe an howre and the young Knights who had fought there foure whole howres together were growne very wearie and Forcino hurt to his great disaduantage But Franardo béeing fresh and lustie when he sawe the battaile endure so long said within himselfe If I doe no greater good then hetherto I haue doone I may accompanie these Knights in death Héereon he buckled to y e wounded Giant and making a larger entrance where hee had before opened his Cuirasse at his first hurt he made such a window in his body that his hart might be seene panting for life But minding him no more hee smote off the head of one of his Knights smit two other dead to the ground When the two Giants saw their third companion slaine they stroue to get behind Franardo and there they had slain him ere he could be aware of them if Belcar and Fortenbracio had not runne quickly to resist them for now hee was very narrowly beset and had receiued two blowes beside which did astonish him in such sort as if Forcino had not lightly leapt to him hee could not chuse but must needes there haue falne But hauing well recouered himselfe againe hée looked about him and sawe Fortenbracio runne another Giant thorow the shoulder and afterwarde cleaue him downe to the left flancke which made the third seeing both his companions dead throw downe his sword and gauntlet on the ground desiring truce and mercie at their hands as in like manner did such of his Knights as were left aliue whereon they were afforded grace and fauour The Giant béeing named Forzato humbly embraced Franardo saying Sir Knight so highly hath your vertue pleased me as I meane to leaue a little Castell which I hold in yonder vally pointing to it with his finger and attend vpon you to a very strange enchauntment which I am verily perswaded will be concluded onely by your valour Franardo would gladly haue gone vp the Mountaine Arteferia thinking there to make proofe of himselfe in some hardy aduenture because the place was very famous by high déedes of great honour there doone by noble Palmerin but hearing now of this other aduenture by consent of the other thrée Knights he thus determined that the Giant should first conduct them to his Castell where they meant that their wounds
hee lustily ascended the staires but before he was halfe way vp he was met by a man in the likenes of death who caught hold on the Piller behind and held it so strongly as had hee not béene endued with extraordinarie vallour hee had béene tumbled ouer backward with it But because hee would conquer all impediments whatsoeuer hee layd about him cheerefullie with his sword that the fleshlesse bones flew all in squanders diuers wayes and beeing so ridde of that disturbance he went vp the staires where iust at the doore as he would haue entred he met with a furious dog of wondrous hugenesse which snarled at his legs tore and rent his armour and would not let him set a foote forward all this beeing doone to make him let fall the Piller which when he could not compasse he leapt vpon his shoulder and got vpon the Piller where standing vpon the head of the Image hee counterpoizde it in such sort as himselfe could hold no longer footing Then ranne he to the base where the Collomne should be set where when all his labour prooued to no purpose the dogge leapt out at a window of the Pallace and fell downe broken all in péeces So set he vp the Piller and so ended the enchauntment whereat the Knight receiued such excéeding contentment as it seemed to him that he had endured not trauaile at all The Lady very ioyfully came running to embrace him but he not vnmindfull of the former wrong he had offered his owne Mistresse repulsed her so disdainfully that shee who was in hope before to enioy him as her husband began to conceiue such hatred against him as her vehement affection toward him was now quite forgotten and changed to a plotted peece of treason to haue him murdered by the Tyrant Garnides for women loath extreamely where they loued extraordinarily especially when no more fruite followes their amourous purposes CHAP. XL. How as the Christian Knights at Tubante were setting forward to the conquest of Niquea Florendos despayring because hee coulde haue no cure for his lamenes departed away with a Damosell and what he vnderstoode by her FLoraman beeing confirmed Generall of the whole Army which should goe to the conquest of Niquea prepared all his forces in readines that were to accompanie him thether appointing euerie Officer his charge and limitation according as he thought it most conuenient But Florendos to whoÌ„ his impediment of lamenes séemed very offensiue could giue no patience to his disturbed thoughts because whensoeuer he ran at y e Launce hee founde his right knée so to faile and deceiue him that withdrawing himselfe from the others company as intending to vnder-goe no charge at all hee purposed priuately to depart and leaue them But euen in the heate of his determination there suddainly entred the Pallace gate a Damosell Dwarffe hauing two men Dwarffes with her that were her Bretheren and dooing a duteous reuerence to all there present thus shee began I a poore and wretched Lady doo bring hether no tydings of any aduenture to be accomplished but séek means to be reuenged on the very strangest iniurie that euer was offered to any Lady The Knights beholding her to be of most admirable beautie although in stature so low little had the more compassion of her cause and Oliuanto béeing the youngest Knight of all made tender of his seruice on her behalfe but his father deliuering a discontented countenaunce thereat caused him to sit downe againe and returned this aunswere to the Lady I take it as most agréeable with reason that my selfe béeing the onely vnfortunate man in this assembly should bee your companion in this cause either that wée may both remaine in equall misery together or both be fréed at once of so insupportable a burthen The other Knights who had long noted the discontented state of Florendos thought it ill-beseeming courtship to crosse and disswade him whereuppon the Knight arming himselfe immediatly tooke leaue of them all hauing first in secrete aduised Oliuanto to sette his eye on the admired chiualrie of Palmerin and Don Florian his brother whereby they had attained to such a height of reputation The Lady not a litle pleased that she had such a Knight of worth in her company embarqued her selfe with him and his attendants and sayled thence with such swiftnes as in short while they which stayed had lost the sight of theÌ„ And floating on the billowes of the maine Sea the Lady imagined in her owne thoughts that the Knight could not chuse but be very desirous to know whether she intended to conduct him whereupon sitting downe very modestly by him she began to deliuer her minde in this manner Sir Knight that you may vnderstand the iniurious disgrace doone to me first let me tell you that I am daughter to a King of India and that part of the country which is vnder his gouernment is peopled with none other then Dwarffes such as we are Long time did peace liue and florish among vs without any wrong offered to a nation of such weakenes till another Indian King of great stature descended as he vaunts himselfe to be from that king Porus which was conquered in battaile by great Alexander hearing some fame spred abroade of my beautie made meanes to enioy me in marriage promising to make mee Queene of his Land The King my Father diuining before hand what might ensue heereon and perceiuing more perrill therein then my shallow discretion could reach vnto in silence shewed himselfe vnwilling of such an alliance yet was hee loth to withstand what-soeuer pleased me because I as all women are wont to doo could not coÌ„tent my selfe with one of mine owne condition but thirsting after change contrarie kinde and noueltie thought euery howre a yéere till I was with him Oh how can mens golden promises beguile weake women My poore selfe crediting too much his liberall protestations in no place could enioy any quiet of minde vntill the match were thorowly concluded then sollemnelie hee came with thirtie of his chéefe attendants to espouse me a thing vnlikely in my simple opinion that with so fewe people he aymed at vsurpation of a kingdome which hee shadowed with all smooth semblances that might be and had continually twentie of them about him armed after their custome in platted coates of shells The wedding was sollemnized and hee so full of humanitie and curtesie that my Father began to repent his former hard coÌ„â—ecture and thought it a happy and fortunate marriage no way to be doubted or feared afterward After wee had spent some two monthes in feasting and delights to generall contentment but especiallie mine fiue hundred of his people armed after the same manner as the other were entred my Fathers kingdome pretending that they came to waite on him home because some dissention had hapned among his subiects during his absence and could hardly be pacified but by his presence Saboco for so was this Indian King my husband named when hee
so many iniuries crost vs againe in this determination for by the way as we rode with all circumspection wee could deuise wee met with certaine of Sabocos friendes returning from taking possession of my fathers Realme in his behalfe They knowing me and out-facing mee that I laciuiously fledde from my husband with the Gentleman of his Chamber who for my defence had brought twentie friendes along with him fell to such discention with vs that in the fight few on either part were left aliue and I beeing mounted on a tame Hart according as the Queenes vse to ride in those Countries doubtfull how the issue of the fight would prooue fled into a wood not farre distant for I had no reason to expect good of Sabocos followers As I rode on still looking where I might most conueniently hide my selfe it was my good happe to meete with these my two brethren that by my meanes had escaped with safetie of life they espying me a faâ—re off knowing mée to be their poore distressed Sister met mee with the greatest ioy that among so many miseries coulde be expressed especially by my wretched and despised selfe who neuer thought after our parting to see them any more and the like oppinion held they of mee imagining I coulde no way escape with life They mounting vpon the Hart behind mee because in such neede no time was to be lost wee gallopped away amaine thorow the wood and came at length to a certaine Cittie of my Fathers kingdome where Sabocos people as yet had taken no possession There wee assured our selues of some securitie for when wee had aduertised the people what had happened to the King and his sonnes we founde them so loyall ready and diligent that they made liberall offer of theyr owne liues for preseruation of ours The newes of our arriuall there was soone spred thorow the kingdome which was extreamely ruined by Sabocos followers yet in mightie troopes abandoning theyr goods and houses they flocked to vs daily with mindes resolued to maintaine vs in the iustice of our cause Certaine Lords belonging to Saboco who held the royall Citty and forces thereto belonging in short time gaue intelligence to their King heereof and he falling to his wonted mad furie slew thrée of my Sisters vpon report of the newes but the fourth beeing the fayrest he kept still with him as his Concubine and leuied tenne thousand of his subiects to get vs againe once more into his possession All which notwithstanding our people continued theyr faythfull resolution desiring rather a thousand times their vndooing and deaths then that we should fall againe into the Tyrants hands Yet we perceiuing our strength to be small and doubtfull beside least any treason might bee wrought in conference with y e chiefest of the Cittie where we were wee thought it most conuenient for vs to escape thence so might they finde grace and fauour of Saboco but detayning vs and fighting for vs endanger both the Citties ruine and their owne destruction Vpon this consultation the next night ensuing disguising our selues in garments for our purpose and mounted all three vpon my Hart wée tooke our leaue departing whether good fortune might guide vs. The Hart who naturally shunnes the haunt of men especially those of great stature because hée had béene bred and made tame among our little race brought vs safely through whole Armies of our owne Nation but auoided all resort of greater people In this manner we escaped safely and comming to y e Sea-side turned off our Hart into a wood adioyning and hitting by good hap on this little Barke directed our course thether where we fouÌ„d you vnderstanding that the flower of the Grecian Knights were then in Turkie This most dishonourable iniurâ—e kindled such a desire in Florendos to reuenge y e Ladies wrongs that he thought he should neuer get soone enough into India but after they had sailed diuers dayes together at last they put to shoare where shée with her brethren first tooke shipping and looking awhile about them they sawe the Hart to come againe to them out of the wood which they taking as an argument of some good successe to ensue mounted on the beastes backe as before they had doone and so set forward with the Knight on their iourney CHAP. XLI Howe Florendos met with a strange enchauntment and afterward ouer-came Saboco with great perrill of his owne life SAboco hauing doone diuers odious and barbarous trecheries to the Indians grewe to be so generally hated of euery one that for getting an others kingdome in such bloody manner hee was now in good forwardnes to loose his owne Wherefore hearing how the Lady was so secretly departed to prouide her selfe of some Knight that might punish his villanies growing suspitious withall of the Grecian Caualierie whose fame was dispersed quite thorow the world fearing to enter combate in so vniust a cause hée went to a Magitian of an hundred and foure-score yeeres old liuing there in his kingdome with good estéeme and fauour and held with y e best as a man of great experience to him he imparted his minde setting this downe as a full rest and conclusion that who soeuer should come to combat in the Ladies defence must by his skill be kept backe and impeached The olde Wizard who knewe that no enchauntment could continually endure but that iustice will preuaile against all sorcery whatsoeuer aduised Saboco to restore the Lady to her kingdome and flie all occasion of resisting against right but hee more respecting worldly authoritie and pompe then the punishment due to deedes of iniustice with a sterne countenaunce returned him this aunswere I come not to demaunde any counsell of thée but helpe therefore spéedily determine with thy selfe that least anie Knight should come to check my hopes that thou hinder his passage by some powerfull incantations and because I see thee scant willing to pleasure mée I will not let thée depart vntill I see my selfe free from all dread of danger The old Magitian séeing himselfe in power of the Tyrant performed such an enchauntment as shall héereafter bée declared but with small hope of life because he knewe it by sound experience that against the progenie of worthie Palmerin the greatest enchauntment would prooue of no force thus much as an inducement to that which followeth Florendos béeing mounted armed vppon his Courser and the Lady with her Brethren vppon the Hart which they found by chaunce there attending for them rode directly toward the kingdome of Saboco and scarely had they ridden the length of two leagues but they beheld before them a farre off a Mountaine so shining as if it had beene of the purest siluer whereat the Lady not a little meruailing because shée sawe none such in the time of her flight desired the Knights oppinion thereon who béeing well acquainted with Magicall illusions immediatly gessed what it should be and said Faire not Lady Knights haue many times met with such
of some benefite or other which by meanes of her intercessions they had before receiued Hauing thus the full state in their owne power and béeing entred into the cheefe royall Citty y e night they lodged in the Pallace where Primaleon lying that night with the Countie Trasino none béeing neere but themselues alone he thus spake I haue daily labored in my thoughts which way to requite so honourable loue and kindnes as to me a poore vnknowne Knight you haue extended wherein yet at length the heauens haue fauoured mee and though it reach not to your woorthy deseruings yet accept it as an earnest of a greater good will You sée how Madame Laurea is beloued of these people who notwithstanding can neuer rule them well without a husband therefore will I bestow her on you in marriage and the kingdome likewise with her as her dowrie Trasino hearing such an offer made him whereof hee neuer had hope or expectation suddenly fell on his knee and kissing his hand said Nowe is it seene for an euident truth that the famous race of Palmerin d'Oliua is not only powerfull in gaining kingdoms but euen as prompt in giuing them it were dishonour in mee to refuse the gyft comming from so royall a hand enioying thereby so fayre a Lady and a kingdome so wealthy and populous Primaleon béeing well pleased with this aunswere the next morning wrought so with Laurea that shee caused to assemble there many armed Knights those in whose trust shée might best relye least the people should enter into any commotion and in two dayes they had gathered in one cōpanie aboue two thousand who ioyning with them belonging to Trasino cast themselues in a Ring about a Scaffold erected before the Pallace whereon Primaleon soone after shewed himselfe hauing the Ladie Laurea and Trasino in his company with more then twenty of the chiefest Lords in the kingdome who were well contented to haue such a King beeing familiarly acquainted with his fayth and honourable disposition as also that he was descended of the progenie royall The people there in this manner assembled and Primaleon commaunding silence by a signe made with his hand he thus began You haue already found by very good proofe what difference is betwéene a good King a Tyrant and albeit I could acquaint yée with the benefits ensuing by the one and sad desasters attending on the other yet doo I not now hold it so necessary because your owne last tryal of eyther is sufficient It is enough for mee to tell yée that the Tyrant is chased hence and shée to whom the Kingdome in right appertained turning Traytresse to her owne iust title and her defenders damage stands likewise depriued of her prerogatiue and that you néede make no doubt of Filenias treason héere is the Letter written to Garnides vnder her owne hand which whosoeuer shall make any scrupulous question of at any time the sight thereof shall more at large resolue him Nowe in regard I would not leaue you subiected to anie other Kingdoms emperie though partly by desert but most of all by iustice the disposing of this estate consisteth in mee I commit both it and you to the noble Countie Trasino whom you all know to be a man of especiall merrit fauoured and estéemed by this Lady wel loued of you all and these doo I appoynt to be your King and Quéene No sooner had he thus spoken but the Crowne of leaues and flowers vsed of long antiquitie in those part was brought vnto him where-with hauing first dignified the King he afterward placed it on the Lady Laureas head to the no little contentment of all the people right glad to sée themselues so freed from the Tyrant and likely now to enioy much peace and tranquilitie so with loud shoutes they celebrated the names of their King and Quéene This was as pleasing to Primaleon because his minde ranne still on the aduenture of Fortune which Dorina was to conduct him vnto wherefore he would needs haue them immediatly married and passing on royally to the cheefe Church after a solemne Masse sung by an Arch-bishoppe of very holy life the marriage was performed with greater content of the King then the Quéene who with much better will would haue had Primaleon But after better consideration that she could not enioy him whom she so deerelie affected Trasino béeing the very noblest and most estéemed Knight of the Kingdome she beganne to respect him with a more regardfull eye and in their returne backe to the Pallace she shewed him such gracious and delightsome lookes that Trasino doubtfull before of her grace and fauour beholding an alteration so strange yet pleasing accounted his happines beyond comparison The feasting was sollemnly performed at the expence of the treasure royall euen that which Garnides had with mighty taxations gotten together for hee beeing still doubtfull what should befall him made prouision of treasure to carry with him when neede shold require euermore thinking to escape thence by flight but it sorted not to his expectation The feast continued for eyght dayes together and longer the King would haue had it in the honour of Primaleon but he whose minde was labouring else where ful of heate and hastie expectation that he might the sooner sée his Victoria first made the King and Queene swear to execute iustice and that Garnides nor Filenia should raise any more commotions but iustly and truly performe theyr homage likewise all the people vowing to doo their loyall allegeance he prepared to depart on his iourney Many meanes were made for his longer detayning yet all would not serue to hinder his determination but y e next morning following taking the King by the hand and kissing the Quéenes fore-head as the custome there is shee shewed herselfe much displeased for his departure Which she perceiuing the King to noate turned backe to him with these speeches Be not suspitious my Lorde if at the departure of thys Knight whom indeede I once loued farre better then you I expresse some outward discōtentment because I thought to haue enioyed him as my husband but my fortune therein failing me by reason of his loue else where addicted giue me leaue a while to grow forgetful of him which by little and little I shall easily attaine vnto then let this be your setled perswasion that I shall affect you as intirely as I doted on him fondly These words were deliuered with such gesture and maiestie that the King both admired and highly commended her so after some small discourse concerning state affaires he descended with Primaleon downe the stayres where after an honourable kinde embracing hee mounted on horsebacke and so departed CHAP. LXIIII. Of that which Florendos did with Saboco Isota and how after he had subdued a Serpent hee returned to Tubante euen as the Christian Army was preparing to depart FLorendos and Saboco had theyr wounds well looked vnto and the danger of life on neither side now to be doubted whereuppon
stepping backe from him sayd Goe and if thou canst saue thy brothers life doe thou shalt not say but thy foe can affoorde thée that honest curtesie This kinde aunswere did Broco as kindly commend in his hart and kneeling downe by his Brother founde hée was dead whereupon knowing that was no place for fruitlesse lamentation hee returned backe againe to Dramusiande thus spake to him I féele not my selfe to spent or wearied but that I can stand boldly breast to breast with thée and hard it is to gesse which of vs two shall be victor notwithstanding so highly doe I prize thy kindnes shewne mee that I am enforced to loue and honour thée offering thée my company and very best abilitie of seruice so that my brothers dead body may be no further mangled At these spéeches Dramusiande threw by his sword and catching him fast in his armes accepted him as his louing Brother agreeing thence-forward to holde constant amitie together By this time was Palmerin face to face with Gargante betwéene whom grewe such a fierce battaile as the like was neuer séene and Leouino after he forsooke the wall towards Blandidons quarter came and met with Dramusiande against whom a while hée bare himselfe valiantlie but in the end hee was so ouer-laboured with the Giants sturdie blowes and so faint with long continuaunce of the fight beeing also wounded vnder the short ribbes that hee fell to the earth when Dramusiande quickly vnlacing his Helmet had smitten off his head but that hee cryed out Sir Knight for Gods sake spare my life and kill me not doe with mee otherwise whatsoeuer séemeth good in your owne liking The Giant tooke from him his sword and Shielde ordaining that hée should be carried thence to Broco and then afterward they went together to the place where Oliuanto and Pompides were detained as prisoners where the doore of the Chamber béeing opened vnto them they were both foorth-with armed as before So returning backe againe to the fight making passage with theyr swordes along as they went the already dishartened enemie beholding Lanfranco lie there slaine and Broco with Leouino yéelded to the Christians held vp theyr vnarmed handes in signe of submission so ceased the battaile onely Palmerin and Gargante excepted For Palmerin hauing fought from Sunne-rising til now the néere approch of the euening and so wearied withall that he could hardly regard the Giants blowes his Horse and he falling downe backward one of his hind legs by mishap trode vpon him whereof Gargante taking the aduantage deliuered a very fierce stroke at him thinking to make him sure from rising any more but Oliuanto perceauing such a discourteous part receaued the blow vpon his Shield saying Well doost thou shewe thy selfe to be a bastard and a vnâ—â—ine that wouldst harme so good a Knight at so apt an aduantage leaue him and turne to me and thou shalt finde that I am not faint or wearie Gargante returned no aunswere but fetching a furious reuerse stroke had feasted Oliuanto but little to his liking had not the Knights knowledge in Armes right héedefully preuented it and turning with a chéerefull spirit on his aduersarie requited his offer with so sound a gréeting on the helmet that hee batterd it close vnto his head But Gargante being altogether gouerned by his great valour without any sight or iudgement in euident perrill continued his fierce rage of laying about him till in deede he was so farre ouer-gone with trauaile that whatsoeuer blowes he smote could doo no more domage Oliuanto all this while making vse of the others fury and knowing assuredly what it would sort to at last spared his owne labour till occasion better serued and then his blowes like thunder fell on his enemie that making him to réele and stagger round about the place at last hee fell backward when Oliuanto taking off his helmet and demaunding whether he would yeelde or no perceauing no aunswere was returned presently he parted his head from his body And thus was the battaile fully concluded with absolute possession taken of the Citty which being performed with the nights arriuall each man as néede required betooke him selfe to rest Floraman hauing first visited the wounded Princes and tooke good order for their quick recouerie CHAP. LIII Howe Tarnaes combatted with Leonato and remained there prisoner and how many other Knights were taken and of a disgrace which happened to the wise Aliarte THe next day following Floraman created Blandidon King of Niquea in name of the Emperour Primaleon but bound him not to pay anie homage because the Emperours of Constantinople desired not to haue Princes to be as theyr vassailes but rather their louing friendes and familiars binding them rather by gifts and kindnesses to all kingly entercourse of league and amitie All things being ordered to the benefit of the Kingdom and Blandidon seated in quiet possession the rest returned thence to Tubante where they found that Dragonalte had reduced the state of Turkie vnder the quiet obeysance of Targiana with pardon and fauour to such former enemies as had béene drawne to rise with Ristorano When Gracian saw the warrs were thus ended he tooke his farewell of the other Knights saying he would nowe returne home to Fraunce and so parted thence with a Foist which was giuen him there by Tarneus Pompides would likewise set thence for Scotland and so would Francian Palmerin and Dramusiande euen whether their owne affections best guided them but Dragonalte his minde was most to Constantinople to be in company of the faire Quéene Arnalte which made him the gladlier stay with Floraman who gréeued not a little that hee might not goe thether where as his thoughts diuined the others mindes were addicted Therefore he would haue sent home Oltrando to India promising him when the Emperour had conquered those Kingdomes he should be made chiefe Ruler of them but he eyther to see the maiestie of the Greekes Empire or else to free his Cosin Tamerco from imprisonment as afterward the successe manifestly witnessed would needes goe along to Constantinople so taking two thousand of his worthiest men with him he sent the rest back againe into India to those places which were vnder his iurisdiction and putting to Sea with the Armie they had so prosperous a wind as brought them within sight of Constantinople where Trineus suspecting that the Emperour would kéepe him in regard of the great loue he euer bare vnto him suddainlie turned his Galley toward Macedonia But leaue we them and come to other who haue béene somewhat ouer-long omitted namely Tarnaes who after he departed from Leonato passed by an aduenture of two villainous Knights that had taken a Horse well munited from a Damosell and dissembling as if they meant to restore it againe conducted Tarnaes to a fountaine where sitting downe and putting off their helmets they gaue such words of assurance to Tarnaes as he made no doubt of their formall promises So spending a little while in pleasant
for currant with them but that Ristorano hauing no meane care to keepe those Kinges firme vnto him got intelligence of this treatie from the Christians and causing the Turkes to be quickly apprehended commaunded them forth-with to be hewen in péeces This dissigne thus miscarrying the Christian Knights prouided for their best defence but they founde all thinges out of orâ—er that should auaile them for all the Turkes were in a mutinie about the marriage of Targiana and she beeing altogether transported with her affection to Florian made such outward appearance of but an inward supposition as the matter suspected grewe to be soundly assured so that not daring to build any trust vpon the Turkes and themselues prouided of very fewe people they stoode in an amazement not knowing what to say or doo for theyr owne aduantage Blandidon perceiuing he was not farre from his Kingdome of Niquea promised to write thether that so many armed men should be sent him as they could make and Dirdan the Graund Cane was vrged to the like that he would also send to his kingdome of Paraz But he that stoode rather disposed to make conquest of Niquea and take to wife the beautifull Lady Tirrena béeing thereto before sollicited by sundry inuitations alleaged such excuses which although they were slenderly credited yet none knew directlie how to obiect against them The messengers from Blandidon béeing come to Nequea there they vnderstoode by diuers good friendes of his howe matters stood already accorded coÌ„cerning Tirrena wherfore without deliuerance of their Embassage they returned backe againe and certified the Christian Lords of their ill successe This disastrous chaunce much troubled Palmerin and the rest but especially Blandidon beyond them all who remembring the dreame he had in the Perilous I le and telling the same to the Knights they all founde it not fit to contend with so mighty a puissaunce but to take the best course for the safetie of the Cittie which not beeing so intirely furnished with prouision they thought it best day by day to deale by single fights vntill they had made hauock of the Leaders and Captaines In these hopes and determinations they expected the enemies approch who founde as they came but small resistance by reason of the fault imputed to Targiana and the Turkes were very desirous and thirsty after newes because they heard that Targiana with Prince Florian was with-drawne into the Castell and daily they endeuoured to fortifie Tubante Héereupon Ristorano béeing come within a league of the Citty and there deuising on his best and aptest meanes in procéeding to besiedge it was the generall conclusion Palmerin to giue a beginning to their former intention armed himselfe and comming foorth of the Citty staying a place farre enough from the enemies Campe gaue them to vnderstand by an Heralde at Armes after what manner they demaunded battaile Ristorano who was wise and prouident found very readily the purpose of the Christians and knowing that these were the flower of all the Grecian Caualierie would not agrée vpon such single combate or fight alleadging that in regard they were but few they had no other way more expedient for their owne defence For they coulde not expect any further assistance because the Empire of Constantinople was so emptied of her Souldiours in the late battaile as thence could come no supply and therefore it was meetest to engirt the Citty with strong sledge which was the onely way to vanquish without any damage This indéede was the soundest counsell and aduise but the Kings beeing youthfull and gallant vnexperienced in the proofe of the Christian warriours would not allow of any thing but Combate and because they contended who should be formost to conclude all further iarring it was determined that Carino with one of his Gyants Drago King of Memphis and Stupendo King of Scithia shoulde combate with any foure Knights of the Citty This aunswere was returned to Palmerin that he and three other should prepare themselues to deale in Combate the day following neere to the Citty and in meane while shoulde no wayes by them be iniured These newes were not a little welcome to the Christians seeing theyr desseignment sort to so good effect heerevpon they made theyr preparation and because that all of them were willing to goe forth they were commaunded to be in readines according as afterward should more aptlie be concluded vpon So Palmerin who already had accepted the Combate Floraman remaining still as Captaine generall Florendos Dramusiande and Berolde were to be the other with him whereat the Prince Florian was greatly offended and this was a good helpe of preseruing the Cittie from losse as in the successe heereof shal be declared But leaue we them now in their former preparation and returne againe a while to Constantinople CHAP. XXI How they proceeded to the Tournament wherein Arguto would haue slaine an vnknowne Knight because he could not endure his company ALiart who trusted not a little to his arte sent diuers of his Magicall messengers to vnderstand by them how the affaires went in the enemies kingdome and when he was resolued that there was no Armie prepared to come against the Christians but onely that of Ristoranos who would much more willingly haue held his gouernment in quiet then hazard it by medling with the Christians whom he verily imagined to be inuincible he grew excéedingly desirous to send all the Princesses with their daughters into their owne iurisdictions And as they conferred héereon together they concluded to goe for Constantinople especially such as had lost their husbands because theyr sad mindes would not admit them to sée their natiue homes where they were assured to find nothing but greefe and desolation This their determination displeased not Aliart wherefore causing a Ship to be very well prouided they all went aboord and himselfe was the more willing to beare them company because no sinister chaunce should befall them by Sea which vsually was wont to be perrillous by reason of the enemies forces béeing abroade but nowe in better quiet by their late disabling Safely they sayled along to Constantinople where the newes of their arriuall ranne quickly through the Cittie and the Emperour coÌ„maunding the young Knights forthwith to Arme themselues accompanied with y e Empresse Grydonia and Basilia went to giue welcome vnto the Ladies The Quéenes Palitia Melissa Francellina Arnalte Miragarda and Polynarda were the first that went on Land the three formost in their widdowed attires but Arnalte more pompous and proude then euer before there followed them Alderina Leonida Bramaciana Denisa Sidelia Onistalda Clarissima Bernarda Clariana and Florenda who because shee was high minded would needes be the last and went alone by herselfe from all the rest Then followed the younger Ladies in such sumptuous ornaments as they drew all eyes to behold and admire them Victoria daughter to Prince Florian because she was eldest was admitted the priuiledge of landing first seconded by Argentina the Spanyard so excelling in