could not get the least intelligence of him wherefore at their return they put the Court into second Mourning But Arthur upon it fell into a Sickness and likewise the King the Lamentation was renewed through the Realm and among the Lords But let us leave the Kingdom to its sorrow and turn our Discourse to Olivaires whom we shall find quickly toss'd in a Tempest at Sea CHAP. XVI The Ship which stood for Constantinople by a great misfortune perishes in the Main and all are cast away save Olivaires and his Friend the Cavaliers YOU have heard how the Ship spread her Sails before the Wind. Oh Board of which was a great Lord who admitted of by means of his Knight the Honourable Olivaires Now you must understand that being arrived within three days Sail of their designed Haven a greâ—â— Tempest arose to thwart them whereby the Sea became turbuleâ— about a Month's space so that the knew not which way to steer 〈◊〉 which time the Tempest Waves and Wind tore the Sails broke thâ— Ropes threw down the Masts a 〈…〉 Sail-Yards the Rudder was lost the Anchors were cast away and thâ— Pilot through his ill fortune wâ—â— tired out and no longer able to govern therefore the Ship deprived 〈◊〉 her Tackling was left at random anâ— exposed to the guidance of the en 〈…〉 ged Ocean whereby she was ca 〈…〉 upon a Rock and from the hind De 〈…〉 to the fore split in two Now tâ—â— Sailers by this mishap being redâ—ced to extream peril of their lives betook them to Swimming and thoâ— that could not necessity taught some on Boards others on Tableâ— and whatever light matter they couâ—â— lay hold of to help them Olivair 〈…〉 at the first seized on a large Plank 〈◊〉 his support and taking the Cavalier whom he loved on it in company with him they fastened themselves thereto nor was he disheartened to put his Mail betwixt them binding it fast so to provide himself for whatever streights he might be brought to and to make all the provision for life was possible and after recommendation to the God of Mercy they exposed themselves a prey to the Waves Swimming as long as their strengths would endure which was but for a small time for it being no warm Season and the Water frigid their Arms and Legs were benumm'd and made insensible by the Cold. So that if they had not been as close fastened as the Ivy to the Oak the sporting Billows had many a time dismounted them from their Wooden Horse So a whole Night and the following Morning they remained in this unparallell'd danger Olivaires who was endued with greater stoutness of mind and also strength of body than the other Cavalier bid him Courage but he was so dismayed that he could scarce get out a word and begun to faint then Olivaires lifting up his eyes and thoughts to Heaven and also a sincere heart said O Lord who prepared'st a way for the Sons of Israel thorough the Red Sea and delivered'st the Three Children from out of the blazing Furnace who even in thy Flesh could'st walk upon the Waters and saved'st St. Peter when he began to sink only by thy word I beseech thee that as thou extendedst thy pity and favour unto them so thou would now also be pleased to succour and save us Lo this short Prayer pierced the Heaven and two Harts appeared upon the Water which running Miraculously there came up to salute these distressed Companions Give speedy Glory to God cry'd Olivaires and having leap'd upon the one and helped the Cavalier to mount the other they Swom with that Swistness as if in chace they had run on the land and set the half dead couple a shore and left them there and took their way to the Woody Mountains the warmth of the Sun now having thaw'd and cherish'd their congeal'd Limbs and having taken some heart being got out of danger in the first place they returned thanks unto God and then with slow pace Olivaires supporting the Cavalier who was full of Water and sore shatter'd by the Waves they arrived at a little Cabin and poor Lodging where with a good fire and other necessaries they were forc'd to send far for he cheer'd up his Companion and having got him to bed he after took care of himself as also was needful and there they recruited themselves some days CHAP. XVII How Olivaires the Cavalier growing worse orders him to be carried to the place of his Nativity where he dies and of various Accidents that be fell HAving rested a while at this small Cottage and the Cavalier's Malady increasing upon him there chanced to come there a Noble Man of those Parts with whom Olivaires enter'd into much discourse finding him a Person had been conversant iâ— the world and was able to talk of the various occurrences and risques oâ— fortune that happen in and attend it So as they discoursed now of onâ— thing now of another the sicâ— Knight could gather that they were oâ— English ground in which Kingdom he breathed his first Air being borâ— in the City of Canterbury and quicklâ— inquir'd after the place of his Nativity and understood he was but threescore miles distant from it then he turned toward him to question him further If he knew such a Cavalier naming himself The Nobleman replied No but he had heard him well spoken of for a brave and worthy Gentleman and that he was highly esteemed of in that City and having so said he departed and left Olivaires to pursue his own Journey I am Master John Talhot 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 〈◊〉 distrain in his House and would noâ— suffer his Body to be interr'd till hâ— was paid of which he could maintain by Writings and he had stood excommunicate many years This ba 〈…〉 News
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 〈◊〉 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 goâ—ng away was a great trouble to the Lords of Castile first and after to those of Dalgarve for his behaviour and â—arriage to them were such that eveâ—y one was in love with his noble and generous Temper and his Vertues â—ade him the Darling of Mankind So all lamented his departure CHAP. LIV. â—rthur's Voyage through divers Countries in search of Olivaires ARrthur being got out of his Kingdom recommends himself unto 〈◊〉 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 came 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 was sensible of Arthur's meaning and wept And next morning the Animal took the way before him and went to the Port and enter'd into a Ship but the Mariners were affrighted and cry'd out aloud and Arthur also entering let them see how tame and gentle he was so they hois'd Sail and Arthur took good Augury from the Lion and made no enquiry what Coast the Ship was bound for CHAP. LV. Of an horrible Monster which Arthur kill'd in the Kingdom of Ireland and of a Vision that he had THE Wind swelling the Sails the Mariners with a prosperous Voyage pursued their Navigation and Arthur was ever asking where about they were and being on the Coasts of Ireland and in the Evening having touched at the Shore in a Port the Lion went out of the Ship nor would return into it again any more Wherefore Arthur was obliged to stay in that Land and searching about all the Country he could not get any intelligence of Olivaires so he was resolved to make search in a vast Wood The Lion never forsook him and entering into the thick of lofty Trees whose leafy Boughs excluded the light of the Noon-day's Sun the Cavalier began
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 Olivairer's Daughter breathe a Vein and that she sprinkling some of the Blood isused 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 Olivaires 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 rejoyc'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 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 Helenâ— 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 yoing 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 orisice said to her you shall give this to Arthur to drink and bathe also his Face with it In the morning the thing being understood the King and they all render'd thanks unto God and published the Miracle and Solemn Sacrifice was appointed The Damsel in the morning accompanied of her Mother and also her Father with all the Ladies went unto Arthur and bathed him with that same blood and gave him thereof to drink whereby in a moment he was seen to admiration to recover and in a short time was perfectly cured CHAP. LXVII After the restoring of Arthur to his health Cavaliers came out of Spain to compliment Olivaires as their Sovereign WHen Arthur was well again the rejoicing was no less than if he had strictly risen from the dead and the world kept a Jubilee his Subjects of Ireland came to compliment him upon and with great joy congratulate his recovery The same time also many Embassadors arrived from the Kingdom of Spain to make demonstration of their mighty gladness for having found again their King but withal expressing sorrow for the Queen's death so that there was a necessity of declarations of sadness for Arthur's sake but when the Court was out of mourning there came many Dukes Lords and Knights and begged of their Sovereign King Olivaires that he would be pleased to make happy with his presence his own Dominions wherefore they all supplicated the King of England to give consent that Olivaires Helena and Arthur might go for some days to their Realm The King was pleased and proffer'd to accompany them also himself and having order'd the Carriages Attendance Treasure and all other things to be in readiness they took their progress for Spain He who could relate the number of the Guards those three Kings had the Pages Knights and infinite Train that attended them and also the Ladies would be able to make the most stupendious Narrative that was ever heard Only the Queen and her Daughter had two Courts of Knights and Ladies that equall'd the Stars of Heaven both for their number and their brightness Castile having notice of the coming of so belov'd a Sovereign and of his People so much desired made great Jubilee and Exultation and the more for that they understood they had for their Queen the Daughter of England and that she had also a Son and Daughter The Feasts the Pomps the Rejoicings the Triumphs the Justings and Turnaments were infinite every where as they passed were such great Feasts and Entertainments made for them as was possible to be prepared among such hurry of joy and rapture CHAP. LXVIII Olivaires and Helena having enter'd Castile are crowned THese potent Princes were receiv'd in Castile with Pomp and Expences inestimable and the third day according as was before ordered Olivaires and Helena were crowned King and Queen of that Kingdom Olivaires was obliged to stay for some time in his Dominion and Arthur also to go to his of Dalgarve so the King of England was to return alone which was something melancholy to him especially he leaving also behind his Daughter He returned then for England however accompanied a good part of his way by many Dukes Counts Lords and Knights and some went thorow with him into England After that Arthur being gone to his Kingdom to redress and put in order what ever he found amiss Olivaires likewise gave great diligence to reâ—orm his State to reward his Subjects â—nd caress all and for the establishâ—ent of his Kingdom and to demonâ—â—rate his great affection to King Dalâ—â—rve he determin'd to make Alliance â—ith him and that so strict as the knot â—ight be Gordian and indissolvable â—o he and the Queen resolved to give â—im their Daughter Clarissia to Wife â—he only seeming Obstacle was
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 Couriers 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 thy Wrath showre down upon the sinful Dame and restore to the highest station of Honour her innocent Son O Olivaires how much better had it been that thou hadst taken away my Life that hour when I secretly enticed thee to rob both thy self and me of our Virtuous Fame and not to have suffer'd me by injuring both thee and the Publick to put both thy Life and theirs into so bitter hazard I repent from the shame which I conceive in my Breast I do repent I acknowledge my fault I see my error and apparent is the Ruin occasioned by my odious immodesty The offer waâ— very grating to thy delicate Ear thâ— I had not the power to govern my seâ—â— in a necessity Oh! how shall I eveâ— be able to endure the punishment oâ— my fault let Mirth be for ever banished from my heart and all the days of my life spent in Lamentation Great God the Sovereign Good and Righteous Lord be pleased to accept of my Prayers for I am purposed to treasure up all my wealth in the bosom of the poor and in holy uses for his sake whom I have so much offended for the sake of that best and most flourishing flower of Youth Preserve him O Lord in all dangers he may light into by the way of his Travel and of thy infinite pity pardon me my great Offence The King and Queen both comforting themselves with hopes of news of Olivaires but fortune crossed their intent who went in pursuit after him for they
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'twas 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
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 King to the King of England and tâ—â— King's Answer and that of Olivaires AFter they had pay'd their duâ— Obeisance to the King theâ— made a surprising Oration of the Motives their Sovereigns had to wagâ— War against his Majesty And aftâ—â— this manner was their Speech Thâ—â— Great Sovereign of Sovereigns thâ— all Wise Creator of Heaven and Eartâ— protect and prosper the Potent King of Ireland who challenge to bat 〈…〉 the sacred Crown of England a 〈…〉 say you are not worthy of it wheâ—â— fore they are prepared to take froâ— 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 Humulity 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 Kingdomâ— Olivaires after he had apply'd himselâ— to the King and spoke what hâ— thought suitable on such an occasion 〈◊〉 turn'd to the Ambassadors and said Tell your Masters that Olivaireâ— of Castile the humblest of the King of England's Servants and legitimatâ— 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 my 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 making also Ornaments She utter'd these Votes May he who delivered Jonas from out of the Deep of his Mercy and Goodness preserve my noble Spouse and worthy of universal Reign Olivaires in all Perils which may happen unto him and may he be pleased to give him Victory as he did to David against the Giant Goliah Then she embracing kissed him and also the King embraced him and with the blessing of God he left the Palace and went to his Army CHAP. XLI Of the Battel Olivaires had with the Kings of Ireland and of their Army THE Irish Kings were incamped round a City containing Ten thousand Families and in five Days journey Olivaires arrived within half a League of them and Marshalling his Army in right order he made them to understand he was come to give them Battel The Sight and Presence of Olivaires struck mighty Terror into the Kings nor did they think of so sudden Engagement Wherefore they raised the Siege from before the Town and drew out their Camp into more convenient Method for fight Olivaires had got good Intelligence of the Enemy's Forces was informed of their Number which a third part exceeded his knew the
places of the Countrey the Enemy might fly to and save themselves Wherefore having accommodated and provided every thing and given all his Soldiers Arms and ranked 'em in fit posture for Combat he made unto them this short Oration Valorous Lords worthy Knights my Brethren and Companions I believe you are well satisfi'd of the good Nature of our Sovereign the King of England my Father and of the great Liberality he hath expressed toward you in Gifts Presents and fair Promises And I believe that you have a Courage lodged in your Breasts ready to requite as much as you are capable what he has deserved of you But this I am most sure of as a shining Truth that the Glory of an honourable Death is far rather to be elected than the living with more ease and perhaps not so even to the most faint-hearted under the brand of Cowardise and consequently the disgrace of Scorn and Affronts This Day therefore offers a fair Opportunity to make honourable Proof of our Valours and to dilate the Soul of our King to harbour still greater Kindness and Affection if it be possible for us all And I can plainly behold in all your looks Hardiness and a rising Courage and a longing after Battel and Fame and for the rendering more honourable and noble your Blood Summon up then all your Strength and Vigour and contract them into a stout Heart to expel out of your Dominions such arrogant haughty and proud Invaders and spread abroad their Infamy and Disgrace whilst you procure to your selves a happy Memory and leave the inheritance of a valorous Name upon your Families and whosoever is of another temper is a reproach and shame to his native Countrey Here they all with one consent cry'd aloud We are ready to undergo a thousand Deaths for our King for your Highness and for our own Honour and we will follow you wheresoever you shall lead and we will give such demonstrations both of our Fidelity and Courage as to make you plainly understand how much we think our selves engaged to our Sovereign and how mindful we are of our Allegiance Olivaires having drawn out his Men divided them into three Parts on the right Wing he set 3000 Horse and 4000 Foot under the Command of Edward the noble English Cavalier on the left he gave to Robert his Lieutenant the Command of 6000 Horse and 2000 Foot ordering him not to assault the Enemy's Army before Edward had joyn'd his Battalions In the Night with all the silence possible he approach'd the Camp and in the Morning he bid the Drums beat and the Trumpets sound and heading the main Body himself he gave the Adversary Battel The first that advanced to encounter Olivaires was a fierce Irish Captain Stout and Gallant and engaging with him two such grand Blows were given that the very Earth shook both their Horses fell and their thick Launces â—ere broken into a thousand splinters Olivaires quickly without any harm â—eceived rose up on his Feet But â—he dismay'd Captain with a piece â—f Launce sticking in his Breast reâ—ain'd on the ground half dead And â—â—ddenly did begin a sharp and terriâ—le Fight every one valiantly labourâ—ng his Sword and slashing round â—bout him mean time Edward on the â—ight Wing made but a bad Encounâ—er of it Whereupon he begun to â—quare his Ranks And they of the City beholding an Army favourable â—o 'em did great damage to their Reer â—utting them in mighty Confusion This Assault being made in little â—ime Robert during it was in the Flank and so violent was the Onset and so briskly did they bear up to them that the Enemy constrained by Olivaires's Valour who having remounted like a Lion made a vast Shammels and fresh Assistances coming in from all Parts being able to make small Opposition to their Fury fled Whereupon the Kings ran to catch their Bridles and having obtained a Port enter'd a Ship for sail Great was the Mortality of that day's Action about Four thousand English having been slain and we may venture to affirm it near Twenty thousand of the Irish King's Forces So Olivaires after Victory dispos'd himself to resettle the Army to take care of the Wounded to bury the Dead and to celebrate with Encomiums and Triumphs the valorous Deceased acknowledging himself eternally obliged to the Living for their admirable Fortitude and Courage and in a word for the Victory CHAP. XLII Of the News which the King receiv'd of the Victory and of Olivaires who resolves to pursue the Enemy COuriers were quickly dispatch'd away to Court with Olivaires's Letters signifying the Victory unto the King and having in a short time arrived at the Palace and the News presented the City and Kingdom were fill'd with great rejoycing and with Bonefires Feasts and Triumphs they gave mighty demonstrations of their gladness Helena was much comforted and a thousand times read over her dear Olivaires's Letter whom she lodged in her heart day and night And another thousand by day discours'd with her Father of him in that respectful and decent manner as was agreeable repeating to one another their Dreams and had great satisfaction betwixt themselves On the other part Olivaires seemed not to himself to have performed any thing in putting the Enemy to flight and was resolved to make a total destruction of and perfect conquest over them Wherefore considering the slaughter he had made among them he perceived they could not readily recruit their Army fortify their Cities act defensively and offensively and so he resolved to follow them His Soldiers therefore being refreshed he caus'd them with quick dispatch to make a great many Ships and having set his Army all in Order in a large Campaign he went on Horseback into the midst of 'em and thus spake 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
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 of 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 he 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 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
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 his so successful first Attempt was brought to Olivaires and Helena 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
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 left 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
troubled his Parents for that would oblige them to sell their Goo◠and Estate neither could the price 〈◊〉 them reach it therefore they resolve 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 fencing 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 Essence is goodness it self reach forth unto me thy Right hand in this Wood Let thy Sun dispel my new darkness that surrounds me and laying his Face on the ground in a posture for dying after sobs and tears he was silent CHAP. XX. Of a Cavalier that appears to Olivaires and puts him into hope and of some Covenants betwixt them OLivaires being in so melancholly a Mood a Cavalier came unto him certainly a Messenger from God for his comfort and with a loud voice call'd to him O Olivaires of Castile rouse up and hate me not for terminating thy Doubts rouse up and sleep not whereupon he quickly raised his head being surpriz'd to be called on by name yet not resolved whether to sleep or awake thinking it might be some Phantasy which his Melancholy had presented to his Imagination but looking earnestly he was assured by his Aspect that it was some very honourable Knight and observing the black Vesture on his back he was the more astonished then signing himself with the Cross after the manner of the Christians he said I adjure thee by the Maker of the Heaven and the Earth and the Merits of his Son Jesus to tell me how thou camest by the knowledge of my Name and whether thou art a Man or a good Genius Be not afraid of me said the Black Knight for that I am a Christian and believe in God as thy self enquire not now why I have called on thee it is
made him the Promise as their Chief alights from his Horse and embraced Olivaires who remembring him was exceedingly transported with joy and was amazed at so pompous Preparation and gave him infinite thanks This Retinue that thou seest said thâ— Knight I have brought that thou â—ayst be well served and assure thy â—elf thou shalt want for nothing that 〈◊〉 any kind may be requisite for thee 〈…〉 beg of you that you will behave your â—elf bravely that we may not spend â—ur Service and Fatigue in vain and 〈◊〉 will accompany you at the Tilting â—ive you your Lances and spur on â—our Horse dear Sir reply'd Olivaires The kindness you shew me is not in â—he power of any Treasure to reward â—r make the least suitable correspondence to wherefore I look on my self â—s bound to you by an eternal obligaâ—ion for I have great confidence in â—hat Celestial Goodness who has deliâ—ered me from so many and so extraordinary dangers that he will grant â—s the favour to obtain the glory of â—his Turnament The Cavalier reply'd God give you all that assistance â—nd favour that I do heartily wish unâ—o you But continued he the hour â—s now come wherefore sit down at â—he Table I have prepared and take repast and after arm and go for thâ— Turnament The Hermit after hâ— had given Olivaires his Benedictioâ— left him and went to his Devotions and he being placed in a Golden Chaâ—â— at a sumptuous and Royal Table diâ— eat and after every hour seeminâ— a thousand years to him was deckeâ— in his wonderful Armour and mounâ—ing his Horse he marches a way 〈◊〉 the Court with his honourable anâ— comely Train Just at the very timâ— that Olivaires was eating and decking for the Turnament Helena the King Daughter was conducted out of thâ— City to the Piazza prepared for thâ— Tilting she was attended on by twâ— hundred most beautiful young Daâ— sels richly adorn'd with Gold and iâ— lustrious for Blood and with theâ— ascending a Scaffold covered all rou 〈…〉 about with the most rich and glorioâ—â— Tissue and Broccade the World couâ—â— afford with Ornaments of Crim 〈…〉 Velvet above and below her Beauâ—â— created stupor in all Eyes that beh 〈…〉 her Under the Canopy where her Seat was Steps jetted out behind all of Massy Gold and she sate on a Triumphal Chair of Elecorn garnished with Jewels and Carved Work of Gold amounting to the value of a thousand Cities And for the shelter of the young Ladies of quality numberless Pavillions were erected richly embroyder'd with great labour and art Then as to the upper part of the Scaffold or Canopy for a Heaven it was all of Azure Velvet full of such sparkling precious Stones that they out-brav'd the day and appear'd like so many bright Stars of the Firmament Over the King's Daughter hung a Stone about the bigness of one's Fist of such transcendant splendor that the most glorious Rays of the Sun could not drown its light or eclipse or diminish its lustre Wherefore the Canopy the Ornaments and Pavillions seemed to present one vast burning pure flame But above all the divine Eyes of the fair Daughter of England shot scorching beams into the hearts of all that looked on her and her most beautiful Shape and Features and celestial Dress fetter'd up and stounded the Senses of those valiant Cavaliers who had prepared themselves for such a dazling Spectacle The divine Helena then having taken her place with all the Ladies four Judges of the Grandees of the Kingdom appeared forth and having kissed the ground where her Foot trod in a lower place they also sat down around on every side were Scaffolds and Stages all fill'd with Lords Gentlemen and Ladies ennobled both by Birth and Beauty who all gave out with one consent and as it were one mouth O thrice happy Cavalier who shalt by thy Valour gain for thy self such an inestimable Prize CHAP. XXIV Of the great Feats of Olivaires and how much he surpast all the Justers and Kings WHEN Olivaires had put on his Armour and was all ready for taking Horse he went to kiss the holy Hermit's hand beseeching him that he would supplicate our Lord that of his good favour he would grant him the Victory and he promised him as much Wherefore taking leave and lacing on his Helmit he begun his Journey which was very short Arrived then at the Piazza they found all the four hundred Knights prepared for the defence of the Turnament on one part on the other the King of Ireland the King of Scotland's Son and many more well adorned accouter'd and fitted to give demonstration of their great Valour and Prowess and at the sound of the Trumpets divers Lances were broken every one was amazed and stupify'd looking on the marvailous unknown Black Knight who exprest in his Actions unordinary courage of Mind and strength of Body who with mighty respect and most humble reverence bowed himself before that Heaven of Beauty and a lighted on to his Feet to contemplate her and being perfectly conquered by her Angelical Aspect he became almost forgetful of what he was about and had it not been an Affair thus nearly relating to her he had been intirely so And now there had been a Skirmish and the King of Ireland's Son had hitherto the better and stood with his Lance in Rest expecting an Adversary when Olivaires's Knight shaking a Lance cry'd Lo here depends the Victory and reaches him it The valiant and hardy Youth quickly took it and went toward where Maquenor of Ireland was turning about and he expected him and turn'd opposite to him whereupon they gave two brisk Encounters and the great Cry was for the Valour of the King of Ireland's Son but when they saw the movement and fierce blows of the Black Knight their shouts pierced the Sky in applause of such stupendious Courage Maquenor broke his Lance upon Olivaires who remain'd fixed as a Tower but the push which the other received was such that it brought his Horse to the ground and he as if he had flown was cast ten yards out of the Lists and presently the Black Knight had another Lance given him who run against a second that expected him with couched Lance a very stout and himble Champion but in Encounter Olivaires gave him such a push that the Cavalier's Horse's Girths Breast-plate and Reins all were burst so that by the blow he made the other Horse recede and in his flying back the valiant Olivaires Lance seated him on his Horses Crupper and quickly down he fell for dead on the ground whence great amazement seized all the Court on account of the fierceness of the Black Knight who never by any blow was put out of his Saddle being stable and firm like a Rock against the Billows Thus he acted in the whole Tilting all whoever came against him he lay on the ground and the last he combated with was the King of Scotland's Son whom in like manner he shatter'd
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 Orâ—ments 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 â—ew Liveries appeared and new Inâ—â—ruments 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 nâ—w 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 and the Lord was most gracious unto them so that from that time at other nine months end she was in travel again and brought forth a Daughter whom they named Claritia who when come to years was not her admired Mother's inferior either for corporeal shape and beauty or endowments of mind Olivaires enjoy'd a quiet state and liv'd in all manner of peace ever together with his fair vertuous Consort praising thanking and adoring the infinite Goodness of Almighty God for his so great and inestimable Benefits And his Recreation-hours he spent in the Chace Gunning Hawking and other Princely Diversions When one day Envious Fortune watch'd an opportunity to disturb his happiness and obtain'd it as you shall read in the sequel of our Story CHAP. LI. Helena Dreams a Melancholy Dream her Lord being out at the Chace and sends him notice of it WITH what kind eyes Olivaires was look'd on and how much beloved of the Court and the whole Kingdom tongue cannot utter And all his pass-time he spent in finding out wild Beasts in chacing and taking them Wherefore some of his Subjects neighbours to a rough and craggy Mountain about Two days Journey distant came to give him
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 some what 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 Beatisick Vision Amen FINIS