almightie God in that he did know her to be his soueraigne Ladie and sister Then the good Troyan Oristedes went and offered to kisse her handes and yéelded himselfe wholie vnto her grace The Princesse did surrender vnto him thankes and receiued great contentment to haue in her companie so high and valiant knights For with iust reason might be sayd that there was ioyned together all the bountie and prowesse of the whole world So all together with great ioy and pleasure they commanded their shippes to be made in a readinesse and sayled together towardes the Empire of Grecia And being at sea they met with a great and mightie shippe wherein came the worthie and valiant Prince Clauerindo who with the company of his vnkle Flamides brought with them the faire Princesse Lindaraza And when they knew the one the other there was great reioycing of all theyr partes buâ— in especiallie béeing giuen to vnderstand by what strange aduenture the Prince did bring her and of the good will which he had for to marrie with her at such time as they should ariue at the mightie Citie of Constantinople in the presence of the Emperour the ioy of the brethren was the more and they receiued Lindaraxa with great loue vnto whom she séemed to be in all points of great valour and she lykewise with more ioy and pleasure than euer she receiued before in all her life went along with them and gaue great thankes vnto God for that good fortune she had to meete them Then she embraced with great loue the Princesse Oliuia who with great ioy dyd receiue her being either of them verie much amazed at the strange beautie the one of the other and verie gladde that they should enter together into Grecia So with great ioye and delight they sailed on their voiage and had so gallant conuersation amongst themselues that they neuer felt the trauaile of the sea There dyd the Princes Zoylo Bargandel and Lyriamandro vnderstand of Rosicleer all his aduentures and what he had passed in them after that he departed out of England who receiued great pleasure to heare him although to the contrarie they did complaine much of him for that they taking so great paines in séeking of him with great desire of his companie he woulde not discouer himselfe vnto them So passing the time with these and other such like sports they sailed towardes Grecia and in few daies with prosperous windes they ariued at the port of Constanstinople and thinking it great reason before that they did disâ—mbarke theÌ„selues to giue the Emperour Trebatio vnderstanding of their ariuall it was concluded and agréed amongst them that the king Sacridoro should goe vnto Constantinople for that he knew the whole discourse of Rosicleer and sawe by experience the most part of his valiant worthinesse that hée might declare the same vnto the Emperour and Empresse and in what sort he doth bring with him the Princesse Oliuia and Clauerindo Lindaraza and how they are all together in the port of that Citie readie for to come a shore and by reason that the daie was farre spent and the night drew on they dyd inferre it till the next morning when that the king Sacridoro went a land and did his message How the knight of the Sunne Rosicleer and the other Princes and knigâ—tes with the Princesses Oliuia Lindaraza went a land and were meruailouslie receiued by the Emperour Trebatio and the Empresse Briana Chap. 7. WHen the next morning was come the good King Sacridoro went a land beeing armed with his whole armour verie richlie alonely with one Squire and entered into Constantinople who finding the Emperour Trebatio and the Empresse Briana in the great hall together without anie dolour he came in whereas they were who when they sawe him receiued him with great ioy and pleasure as well for that he was so great a friend vnto their sonne Rosicleer as also because they hoped to heare some newes from him the which they longed verie much for for of long time they had not heard from him Then the king went to kisse the hands of the Emperour who did embrace him with great loue and said King Sacridoro my verie good friend you are heartelie welcome into this Countrie for with your comming I doe receiue great ioy and pleasure Therefore tel me what is become of your greatest friend Rosicleer for that I meruaile greatlie that he is not come in your companie I am fullie perswaded that it is a great thing that should depart you a sunder Then the king after that he had done his due reuerence answered him and said Mightie Emperour I came in the companie of Rosicleer and God forbidde that so long as I liue I shoulde separate my selfe out of his companie for therewith I receive more honour and contentment than with all the whole kingdome of Antiochia the which I holde by his valyant worthinesse And héere I giue you to vnderstand most high renowmed princes that your mightie valiant most worthie sonnes the knight of the Sunne and Rosicleer are in the port of this Citie accompanied with worthie valiant princes and knights and doe bring in their companie the most excelent and faire princesse Oliuia daughter vnto the puisant king Oliuerio whome Rosicleer falling in loue with did by force of his strong arme take out of the court of the king her father and with one alone shippe in the which we are come made his defence at the sea against more theÌ„ sire thousand knights there did he shew vnto him a great part of all that had passed in that enterprise and of the great sorow which he receued for the worthie knight of the Sunne and of Oristedes his friend as also how by fortune at the sea they met with the prince Clauerindo who brought in his companie the faire Lindaraza with her vnckle Flaâ—nides with the whole discourse how he brought her out of the castle in such sort as he tolde them at the sea But wheÌ„ the Emperour and the Empresse heard these newes they receued great ioy and comfort thereat as those who haue great experience in cases of loue did not greatly meruaile at that which Rosicleer did for the loue of Oliuia likewise they receued content for that he had accomplished his desire being fullie certified that the princesse should inherit the kingdome of great Britaine after the deceace of the king her father and how that Rosicleer could not marrie with a damsell in all the world of more higher estate Also theyr ioy did encreace at the newes of the comming of the knight of the Sunne Then the Emperour and the Empresse dyd render vnto the king Sacridoro great thankes for that he would come to bring them so ioyfull newes And the Emperour did straight waies commaund his nobles and worthie princes knights that were then present in his court to be in a redinesse for to goe and receue them who in companie with them all with great pomp
onely sonne and heire of his kingdome and then his daughter to be stolen and caried away requesting of them all fauour possible to helpe him to take reuengement for the same 〈◊〉 that to conclude some there were that for verie friendâ—â—ip and loue did ayde him And other some for the ill will they bare vnto the Gréekes of very enuie of their prosperiâ—iâ—es dyd ayde and help hâ—m and not onely with their people but with their owne proper persons 〈◊〉 vnto the King Oliuerio and there was so great hast and diligence made in the executing thereof that many daies was not past whan that in great Britaine there was ioyned together more then â—ne hundred and fiftie thousand knights where as the Historie doth leaâ—e them putting all things in good order as appertained vnto so valiant an enterprise for to tell you of other things that happened in the meane time How that the Princesse Lindabrides did craue of her father the Emperour Alicandro reuengement of the knight of the Sunne and how the Emperour at her request did call a Parliament and what happened in the same Chap. 9. IN great confusion and alteration remained the whole Court of the Emperour Alicandro for so sodaine departure of the knight of the Sunne but aboue all the rest was the fayre Princes Lindabrides whose lyfe was so full of sorow and griefe that manie times she was at the point of death And there was nothing that could comfort her in séeing that y â— knight of the Sunne was departed and returned to his owne countrie and was verie certaine that if once he came into the presence of the princes Claridiana it were past all remedie for him to haue her any more in his remembraunce so that she might vâ—rie well abandon her selfe of all hope euer to sée him any more the which was more bitter grieuous vnto her then death And coÌ„sidering with her selfe by reason of the great loue she bare vnto him that it should be great comfort vnto her and remedie for her griefe if that she did once againe returne inâ—â— Grecia by what maner of meanes so euer it was she cared not thinking by that meanes for to disturbe the knight of the Sunne that he shoulde not haue aâ—ie time nor space for to serue the Princesse Claridiana neither for to marrie with her for the which to put in effect the 〈◊〉 nothing so good as for to craue reuengement of the Emperour her â—ather for the iniurie done by the knight of the Sunne which might be the occasion that he with all his power should passe into Grecia and to tarrie her with him thether to be crowned Empres of Grecia séeming by those meanes the knight of the Sunne shall be constrained to doe perforce y â— before he wold not by his frée will the which she put in vre according vnto her thought And as many times the Emperour her father came into her closet to visit comfort her whereas she continuallie remained and neuer went abroâ—e vpon a daie when that hée was fullest of griefe comforting her whose sorrow pricked him to the verie heart for the greate loue hée bare vnto her The Princesse shedding many teares from her christaline eies said It is lost labour my Lord and Father for to comfort or giue anie consolation vnto this vnhappie and vnfortunate Damsell your Daughter for that thers is nothing that can remedie nor helpe mée but onelie the death the which if the high Gods were so pleased were so high â—ee that I could not make an end of this my speaking for that death were a great deale better vnto mee than to liue for to feele and suffer so great an iniurie as thaâ— which the â—nighâ— of the Sunne hath done against you and mee for if you my Lord would consider thereof as is right and reason you woulde leaue off comâ—orting of your Daughter and 〈◊〉 by all meanes that this our reproch may bée 〈◊〉 wherewith if pâ—esencâ—ie I should depart out of this world I should gâ—e with comfort but of the 〈…〉 that from their high Throâ—e they â—ill yeelâ—e 〈…〉 seeing that you doe so little esteâ—me it 〈◊〉 should other Damselles of base birth looke for 〈◊〉 that a Damsell of so high estate as I am 〈◊〉 oweth participate with the diuine 〈◊〉 of the hâ—gh Gods and being 〈◊〉 by one alone 〈…〉 griefe of her great wrong nor anie that will take vpon him to aunswere the quarrell With great reason therefore from this daie forwardes may your vassalles and subiectes take heart at grasse and bée bolde to rise vp against you seeing that you will put vp such an iniurie and euill proffer done against you by one alone Knight and an enimie vnto your lawe and will suffer mée that am your Daughter to liue without reuengement My Lord and Father I praie you beholde and consider your high estate which is such that all the kinges and Lordes of the Orient are obedient at your commandement and seruice and doeth honour and reuerence you as a parent and kinsman vnto the immortall Gods and if now you doe dissemble this great iniurie which vnto you and mée hath béene committed without making cruell reuengement you shall neither bée feared nor estéemed but had in lesse reputation than héeretofore you haue béene and your honour ouerthrowne from the throne which your predecessours vntill this present daie hath maintained and vpholden And that which séemeth to bée worst of all is that the diuine prouidence will féele and acknowledge part of this great iniurie the which I do most earnestlie praie and desire that they doe not execute against you their wrath in that you haue neglected to take reuengement For this cause onelie hath the diuine Gods giuen vnto you this high estate exalting and placing you aboue all other that are in the world because you should execute iustlie héere vpon the earth as they haue ordained in their diuine Consistorie This faire Damsell had not so soone concluded these her wordes when that the Emperour her Father vnderstanding the effect of her â—omplaint with great griefe and sorrowe vnto his heart béeing full of anger and wrath arose vp and laide his hand vpon his head as vpon a precious relike and said these wordes following Héere I doe sweare vnto thée by this sacred head and by the diuine Deitie that I doe participate of the immortall Gods for to goe with all my power into Grecia and in reuengement of this great iniurie to mée done I will destroie the Emperour Trebatio and giue a cruell and dishonoured death vnto his wife and children and crowne thée my daughter for Empresse of that Empire So with this conclusion without speaking anie moe words hee went forth of her Closet and calling together certaine of his counsaile he concluded that a Parliament shoulde bée proclaimed throughout all his kingdomes and dominions commaunding all Kinges Princes and Nobles of the same to come vnto the sayd Parliament in paine of death Lykewise hée
fortunes of locasta whose misfortunes were such as was not in the whole worlde to be compared yet may it not be compared vnto mine Oh fortunate Eucuba and soueraigne Quéene who alonely remained for to sée the sorowfull sight of the destruction of Troy and the death of thy husband and valiant sonnes and faiâ—e daughters and after for the same cause thou wert of thy enimies stoned to death Comfort thy selfe with my misfortune for that it is not lesse dolorous then thine Oh Sophonis be Queene of Numidia who being with thy husbande prisoners in the power of thy enimie and being comforted to marrie with him first before that thy marriage was selebrated thou wert slaine by poision I consider with great griefe thine not to be equall vnto mine for that thou diddest lack time to acknowledge thy hurt in me it remaines for to suffer so great griefe Oh Cornelia wise vnto Crasso of that mightie Pompey of Rome banished with thy husband lette our sorowes be ioyned together when that with great hope for to sée thy Pompey thou wert lost and wert comforted by Cato Vticense Happie werte thou Cleopatâ—a Quéene of Aegipt séeing that thou werte forgotten by Caesar in so short space thou diddest quench so great a fire thy faire breasts béeing drawen or sucked by Snakes till such time as they sucked thy bloud which made an ende of thée Oh how pleasant should thy death be vnto mée if that in the seruice of God so great crueltie might be permitted I should thinke my selfe happie if that the bloud of my brestes with those cruell Snakes were drawen out so that ioyntly therewith the furious anguish of my heart should be expelled Oh pittifull tears of Licurgus for thy Arquimoro and those of Atalante for her Partenopio how farre doe mine excéede yours and with much more iust cause I doe shedde them Oh falce and disloyall knight what reason coulde constraine thée to falsifie and break thy worde promise giuen to be whollie mine It appeareth that thou dost follow the law Gentilica of the god Mercurio that doth not obserue kéepe their woord they say that it is more polesie then disceit Oh how I doe know now to be true that there is nothing so difficil to be vnderstoode as the humaine heart Who would euer haue thought that so great crueltie and disloyaltie might be compreheÌ„ded in a knight that doth surpas all other knights in the worlde What man hath bene in the world so cruell and peruerst as thou traitour hast bene vnto mée of truth none no not Iupiter god of y â— Gentiles whome thou dost worship that banished out of his kingdome his Father the king Saturno Neither that Ptolomeo king of Egipt that slewe his owne father brother and in the ende his wife Euridice onely for the loue of his friendes Orestes was not so cruel that slew his mother Clitemnestra nor Nero for Agripina nor Antipater for Thesalonica nor Theseus for Hipolito nor Phelipo for Demetrius nor Constantine Emperour of y â— Romances for his son Chrisippo nor Marco Caâ—taginense that did crucifie his sonne Cartalon neither that Phaces king of Parcia the most peruerst of all kings who slew Herodes his olde and afflicted father with thirtie of his bretheren and his onely sonne nor any whatsoeuer that hath bene cruell in the world so cruel as y â— knight of the Sunne hath bene vnto Claridiana for vnto them was giuen the death and afterward they felt nothing so that their crueltie was but in slaying of them but this is more crueltie vnto mée then the death for that from hence forth I shall wish to die because I deserue not to liue for to féele so cruell griefe and paine How can I liuing suffer one moment so great dolour to sée the knight of the Sunne in the power of an other Ladie Oh that he were now in this countrie surely I would be slaine in battaile with him or else his great disloyaltie should be reuenged by mée In saying these words the Empresse Claridiana her sorow was so great that she receued that many times she fell in a sound in the armes of Arcaâ—sia and all the comfortable wordes which she spoke vnto her were not sufficient in anie point to appease her great griefe and certaintie guish dolour was so great that it cannot be imagined that the griefe of anie woman whom she haue named might be compared vnto hers for as in wisedome reason and discretion with soueraigne bountie and highnesse she doth exceede all other in the world euen so is her griefe the more and the greater reason she hath to complaine for that she knowing to be without comparison in beautie estate with all other excellent gifts that should be in a noble Ladie and hauing set her minde vpon the knight of the Sun as one that alonlie did deserue her and now to sée her selfe forgotten changed for another not leauing in all the worlde anie conformable vnto her highnesse with whom she might marrie so that she desired no other thing but to die the death for to euitate the suffering of so great euill and from that daie forwards her life was cleane changed ouer that it was before neither did she exercise her selfe in armour nor 〈◊〉 hunâ—ing as at other times but as one that was past all hope euer to be marrried and as a widowe she spent her time in her closet all alone occupying her selfe alwaies in praier leading the lyfe more of a religious woman than of so high a Ladie as shée was alwaies waiting the comming of the knight of the Sun for to be reuenged on him Whereas the Historie doth leaue her for to tell you of Rosicleer that was sailing by sea with the Princesse Oliuia How Rosicleer carried the Princesse Oliuia by sea whereas they met with a great storme wherewith they were in 〈◊〉 how meruailouslie they were succoured Chap. 6. THe Historie hath declared vnto you how in what sort Rosicleâ—r in companie with his good friend Sacridoro did carrie the Princes Oliuia but of England how that they sailed on the sea with prosperous winde in the 〈…〉 in béeing so much before the other Fléete All the diligence of the Marriners nor the greate desire of the Prince was sufficient for to ouertake them for that they were a great waie before which was the occasion that with great anger be cursed the windes because they did blow stiffer lifting vp his eies vnto heaven shedding many teares he sayd Oh diuine maiestie how doe you permit that so greate force and iniurie shuld be done vnto me and that my louing spouse should bée carried awaie from me in this sort How is it that thou dost not execute thy iustice and let thy wrath to fall vpon this robberâ— Oh that thy diuine maiestie were so pleased that the same ship might strike vpon some rocke or else that that little 〈◊〉 called Remora in climbing vnto the ship might stay the furie of
coulour and the earth shal séeme as though it had rained much bloud The huge and mightie riuers shall burst out of their course and the wide and broade seas shall chaunge the coulour of their profound waters shewing the great earthquake that shall come Then afterward the daie shall come that the Sunne at noone tide shal be 〈◊〉 loosing the greater part of his light and brightnesse aâ— which verie instant the migâ—tie shepheard shall be in great care and perplexitie and all his slock dispearsed abroade and at the point to be lost but straight waies the San shal 〈◊〉 his whole brightnes the Lion brought by the stout Lions by her immortat déeds shall recouer his lost name and by his comming the mightie shopheard shall gather together his good â—locke and with â—o great courage shall returne vpon those hungrie Waluâ—s 〈◊〉 Tygers that they 〈◊〉 kil the most part of them and those withshall remaine shall slie and leauâ— the Countrie desolate And héere the Griffins that came 〈◊〉 the new world against the mightie shepheard shal lose their furious wrath and betwixt them and those of his â—lock shal be made great friendship and very profitable The she beare with the mightie he beare shal be taken prisoners by new enimies being deliuered by the stout Lion shal be made friends with the mightie shepheard And at the request of the Lyon and Lionesse they shall come together and of that societie shall proceede one that the deedes past shall make all mortalitie â—e forgotten Beare this in your minde for as I haue saide so it shall come to passe This Prophesie béeing written by the wise Artemidoro the Emperour and all those worthie Princes and Knights did behold it And as they vnderstoode verie little what it did signifie they were greatly amazed at the great vnderstanding of the wise man and desired him to declare somewhat the meaning thereof but he excused himselfe saying that it was not giuen vnto him for to declare that which was to come but to make manifest vnto them by figures for that if it should fall out to proue to the contrarie it would be the occasion of great daunger harme perill But yet notwithstanding all shal come to passe in such sort that the time shal declare it and make it most manifest These many other things did this wise Artemidoro declare vnto them that if they had not bene of noble courage his prophesies had put them in great wonder feare So they being in great ioye pastimes and pleasures in the mightie Citie of Constantinople although to the contrarie great sorow griefe vnto the knight of the Sunne for that the Empresse Claridiana his mistresse was not there present this Historie doth leaue them till time doe serue for to tell you what Don Siluerio dyd that returned vnto great Britaine How the Prince Don Siluerio without all hope of the recouery of the Princes Oliuia her returne vnto great Britaine and of all that was determined in the court of the King Oliuerio Chap. 8. THE wrath and anger was very great that Don Siluerio receued in that he was past all hope of recouerie of the princesse Oliuia by reason that the most part of his knights were slaine and she remaining in the power of Rosicleer the thing that he most loued in all the world without any hope of recouerie And againe séeing that the princes his friends with the king Alamades that went in his companie became his enimies and likewise remembring the great furie and stoutnesse of them with whome he had the battaile with great complaints wepings and lamentations he bewayled his misfortune which was vnto him so contrarie and so fauourable vnto his enimies So in the ende of certaine daies after his departure he ariued in great Britaine and going a land he sent the king word of his ariuall appareling himselfe and all such knights as came with him in black and mourning apparell and so entered into the mightie Citie of London whereas the king did receue him to whome with great sorow and griefe he gaue the King to vnderstande of all that had happened vnto him at the sea And because at that present the rancour and mallice which he had against the Emperour Trebatio was great in him for the death of prince Edward his sonne he was very glad that he had so good occasion and oportunitie to arme himselfe against him therefore did not onely comfort y â— prince Don Siluerio to folow his poysoned enterprise to take reuengement against him but did rather procure to kindle his wrath the more in saying that vnto them both it should be a perpetuall dishonour if they did not procure the reuengement the iniurie offered was so great and that it were better for them to dye in the quarrell then to liue in so great dishonour for euer Then the Prince who desired no other thing but verie ioyfull to see that the king was wholly of his minde and determination made a great Othe that he would neuer take to him wife in marriage till such time as that great iniurie done by Rosicleer were reuenged So that straight 〈◊〉 it was agréed betwixt them both that it should be 〈◊〉 praâ—â—ise to take reuengement The King commaunded all the nobles of his Court to come together to a parle being come together he put them in remembraunce of the death of his sonne prince Edward how he was slaine by the Emperour Trebaâ—â—o and then of the spoyling and carying away of the Princesse Oliuia donâ— by his sonne Rosicleer shewing and perswading them by many reasons how much they were bound to procure reuengement of that great iniurie And although that there were some to whome the determination of the king semed nothing good yet in the ende they all concluded and agréed that all should be done as he thought best and that out of hand they should begin to muster and procure souldiers and men of war to be made in a readinesse for to passe the seas and to enter into Grecia And although Don Siluerio had there with him manie knights of Lusitania yet did he promise to retourne into his countrie and to bring from that kingedome and also oâ—t of Spaine a great number for that he that was Kingâ— of Spaine at that present was a verie great friend vnto his father and he was verie certaine that he would not denie to helpe and ayde him with all the force and strength he could possible He béeing willing to put all things in effect tooke his leaue of the King and departed straightwaies from great Britaine and put himselfe vnto the rough and boysterous Seas taking his voyage towards Lusitania In the meane time King Oliuerio did ordaine and made in a redinesse all the people that possible he could and writ his letters vnto all kinges that were his friends as well Christians as Pagans geuing them to vnderstande of the great iniurie and wrong done vnto him in murthering his
as doe procure to haue a fame in al the world with equal courage ought to offer their persons in doubtfull attempts as well as in prosperous affaires with like constancie to harden themselues against afflictions as vnto delights pleasures Of our owne part we doe saie y â— although our yéeres doth require more to take rest â—ase in our owne Countrie than to trauaile into another yet if it so be concluded that we shall take this iourney vpon vs so farre off and so costlie wée will that you doe no more therein than you sée vs to doe as trauailing by the waie nauigating by Sea cléering our passage assaulting our enimies in all these wée will bée the first and not the last To conclude our verie good friends are desirous to be reuenged of this great iniurie done vnto vs by the knight of the Sun that you wold not thinke agreeing héereto with vs that these our white haires shall lacke good wil for to passe into Grecia for that if once wée come thether wée hope in the immortall Gods not alonelie to bee reuenged of this iniury done vnto vs but also to make subiect vnto our consecrated estate that whole Empire And wée are fullie perswaded that the diuine prouidence hath permitted this offence to be done that we should haue occasion for to destroie the whole power of the Christians We do not meane héereby to bring vnto your remembrance how oftentimes it happened in times past in this Countrie the Emperors Captaines of Rome came not onlie to make reuengement of the iniuries offences done vnto themselues but also for them that were their friends subiects vnto y â— Empire of Rome in executing whereof they did neither respect the largenesse of their iourney expenses of their treasures neither the trauaile of their persons so y â— their camps armies were as coÌ„mon in Asia as in Italie or Rome so that in consideration if those onelie for the honor of their friends did little estéemâ— their long trauailes into those Countries wherefore should we thinke it much in reuenging of our owne iniuries to passe into Grecia Wée desire the high Gods y â— no such cowardnesse may be found in your noble minds neither so many mightie kings Princes as be here present to consent to the contrarie but y â— this great iniurie should be reuenged Now séeing that we haue declared vnto you the occasion of calling you together vnto this our court of Parliament we do desire you so let vs haue your iudgements vpon this that we haue proponed hoping to haue it in so ample sort as alwaies wée haue receiued at your hands When all those that were present with the Emperour had well heard the words that were spoken and that concerning the same he had asked their counsailes yet his determined purpose was for to passe into Grecia so that ther was amongst them some that were verie glad and ioyfull for the same and other some that did not like of the iourney as it is a naturall thing amongst men in like affaires to be of contrarie opinions The Emperour at that time did looke for their answere but nothing was supplied til such time as they did all together desire the old king of Gedrosia in the name of them all to answere vnto the Emperours proposition for that he was estéemed in all those kingdomes to be wise and one that was well séene in the warres and as it hath béene told you in this Hystorie he was well seene in Astrologie who being by them verie much importuned arose vp and spake as followeth The speech which the olde king of Gedrosia made vnto the Emperor Alicandro before all those high kings nobles concerning the passage of their armie into Grecia MOst high and mightie Emperour our Lord I would verie faine excuse my selfe to giue my iudgement considering this grieuous case which you haue declared vnto vs for that you haue it for custome to aske counsaile of your nobles in causes of importaunce and things requisite And yet in the end saie they what they can yéelding their iudgements according vnto reason all things must be done according vnto your desire will whether it be good or bad giuing to vnderstand that the counsaile which you doe aske of your nobles subiects is more to complie with them than anie good will you haue to be counsailed But yet for all this although I doe know that my iudgement in this case will bée as much as nothing and will bée conceiued to another intent purpose contrarie vnto my meaning yet will I declare it for that héereafter you shall not complaine at anie time of the olde king of Gedrosia in that he did not aduise you in time that you might proue your fortune And héere I protest before the immortall Gods that this which I doe pretend to saie vnto you is not so much for the feare dread the which I haue of the Gréekes as it is for the great loue good wil which I do beare vnto you and to al our Countrie I would not most mightie Lord that you shuld put so great confidence trust in this your puisant high estate thinking therewith to be verie firme and sure voide of the subiection of vncertaine and immutable fortune and neuer to slide or fall from the high throne in which you are exalted if you do beléeue this to be true There are many things past in this world long since of mightie Princes that if you will enter into iudgement of them rightlie as you ought for to doe you shall plainlie sée and perceiue that it is all false and contrarie as a spectacle of many Caesars Romanes in which time past were Lords and rulers ouer all the world as Iulius Caesar Caio Caligula Nero Claudio Galba Oton Vitelio Domiciano Comodo Pertinax Basiano Macrino Heliogabilo Belusiano Valeriano Galiego Probo Iuliano Bauio Constantio Valente Graciano Valentiniano and an infinit number more which hath béene ouerthrowen from the imperiall throne in the which Fortune did exalt them and no other occasion to the same but that all humane things hath no securitie nor firmnesse and hée that is exalted and set in the highest of the whéele of mooueable Fortune the same is most apt and readiest to fall And in this thing you may beléeue me that looke how much the humane power doth surmount so much is the Empire or what estate so euer it be subiect vnto fortune and all the great fire laden with wood is charged with the mightie windes in the highest partes euen so likewise most mightie Emperour this estate is not so high but it hath with it great perill so that you néede not to goe and séeke other daungers in strange Countries so farre from this that when it shal fall out all thing to succéede and bée prosperous vnto you yet shall it bée greate meruaile if you doe returne backe againe aliue into your owne countrie how
the which as one that hath atchiued by his wisedome the acknowledging of things for to come doth giue thée aduisement oâ— some that is requisite and doth accomplish verie much thy honour as shall appeare by the same And in saying these wordes the gentlewoman knéeled downe before the Emperour and kissing his hands she deliuered vnto him the letters Then the Emperour with great loue did cause her to arise and tooke the letters and gaue them vnto his sonne Rosicleer for to reade them who did open them and reade them that all that were present might heare it the contents were as followeth HIgh and mightie Emperour of Grecia although these my letters be strange and new vnto thée yet is it no new thing in the good wil which I haue to serue thée for that aboue all Princes in the world thou doest deserue the same as also for the great dutie and seruice in which we are bound vnto thy sonne doeth constraine vs to acknowledge thée to be our Lord and to giue the counsell as vnto our vâ—rie good friend The hearts of valiant and stout barons there is nothing suffiâ—ient to disturbe them and thereâ—ore in few words I will shew thée the cause wherefore I doe write vnto thée Thou shalt vnderstande good Emperour that all the Pagans of the 〈…〉 against thée and in a short time there will 〈◊〉 together so great an armie that those of Darins Xerxes altogether were not so manie and the chiefe Captaine and generall of them all is the Emperour Alicandro father vnto the Princesse Lindabrides Emperour of the 〈◊〉 king of the Scitas and Lord ouer the orientall region who as thy 〈…〉 will passe into Grecia with determination and good will for â—o destroy thâ—e He hath in his companie so manie 〈◊〉 and valiant knightes other of mightie stature that it shall be requisite thy great power and valiant courage with the ayde and helpe of all thy friends On the other side doth arise the 〈◊〉 regions who with great and mightie armies shall 〈◊〉 all the Grocian fieldes against thée but haue a good heart iâ— all things and make thy selfe readieâ— for that these mightie things are not ordained for hase stomacks but for the mightie and generous as thou art Neither doth the valiantnesse of the heart shew it selfe so much as it doth in receiuing the 〈◊〉 blowes of Fortune who alwaies showeth it selfe most contrarie at such time as he is exalted vnto the highest of her whole And for that all that euer I can declare vnto thée in this matter is spoken of in a Prophesie which the wise Artemidoro writ vpoÌ„ y â— fore front of this palace I wil inlarge no 〈◊〉 but saye that all shall come to passe as it is ther written Also my nephew king 〈◊〉 and I wil be shortly in Grecia with so much people as possible we 〈◊〉 and take you no sorow and griefâ— for the 〈◊〉 of the knight of the 〈◊〉 for although manie daieâ— shaâ—â— passe before you sée him yet the time will come that his sight shal be more acceptable vnto thy royall person then at this present wherewith I conclude in kissing thy Emperiall hands This Letter being read by Rosicleer it caused in them some alteration saue onelie in the Emperour Trebatio and in him that did reade it for the which they 〈◊〉 moued semblance neither did appeare in their faces that they receiued anie trouble thereat although the Letter did import much matter of great importance because in equal sort they could suffer both aduersitie and prosperitie This béeing done the Gentlewoman did straight waies open the coffer that the sauage brought in tooke out thereof a sute of armour all red of so fine a coulour and glittering stéele that all the péeces thereof séemed as though they had béene made of fine Rubies and vpon the â—réast of the 〈◊〉 there a crowne of verie 〈◊〉 and rich sâ—ones that 〈◊〉 them verie wel to vnderstand for whom it was And when she had taken it all out shée turned her selfe vnto the Emperour and saide This armour the wise Lyrgandeo doth send vnto thée for that considering the great daungers and perilles that are ordained against thée hée hath nothing at this present to send thée that shall bée more profitable and hée doth desire thée that thou wilt put on no other armour but this for that hée hath made it with his owne handes and vsed therein all his knowledge onelie for the safegard of thy person The Emperour Trebatio was verie gladde and ioyfull of that armour the which the Gentlewoman brought him but much more of the good aduise and warning the which the wise Lyrgandeo dyd write him as from his good and perfect friend and knew not how to gratifie so great friendship good wil as the wise man did shew vnto him Then those mightie Princes worthie knights which were there present sayde vnto the Emperour that it was good he should vnderstand in putting remedie to preuent that which the wise man did giue him warning of to put all the people of his Empire in a readâ—nesse that he bée not taken tardie and also to write vnto his friendes for their aiâ—e and helpe all that was possible So amongest them all â—he first that arose vppe was the Prince Clauerindo and offered himselfe to departe out of hande into the kingdome of Fraunce and to bring from thence all the people that euer he could make Then straightwaies arose vp the good king Sacridoro and said as much and after him Bargandel of Bohemia and the two princes Rodomarte and Rodofeo and many other mo that were there present and subiect vnto the Emperour whome altogether did offer vnto him ayde with their owne persons and with all the people that they might well bring out of their countries Here the valiant Tartarian Zoylo could not offer anie ayde or helpe vnto the Emperour for that he was certaine and sure that the king his father and all his people would not be against the Emperour Alicandro neither could not that worthy Oristedes for that the people of that destroyed Troy were verie fewe neither could not the king Alamades for that hiâ— kingdome of Cornewall was in great Britaine Likewise the Prince Liriamandro for that he was fullie certified that his Father the King of Hungaria came in the fauour of the king Oliuerio against the Emperour Trebatio but yet all foure of them did offer to ayde him with their persons promising neuer to faile him so long as life did last At which friendly offer the Emperour Trebatio receiued so great ioye pleasure to sée with what good will they did offer themselues that his ioye did much more surmount the anger that he receued when he heard the newes sent him by the wise Lirgandeo and gaue vnto his sonne Rosicleer the charge in aunswering of the wise man gratifying him very much for his good aduice as also for the ayde of his person and people as
she had left y â— knight of the Sunne this thought was not 〈◊〉 considered of but straight waies she put it in vre and departed from thence and tooke her iourney towards â—ropisionda comming 〈…〉 sea side she with her Damsells embarked themselues in a good shippe and made saile towards her owne Empire not without great sorrow and griefe to sée that her knight was departed fâ—om the court of the Emperour Trebatio there was no newes heard of him since the time that he made the battaile with her which gaue her to vnderstande that that should be the â—ust occasion of his departing as one desperate for that vnknowne he made that combat he would departe thether whereas they should neuer thâ—re heare any newes of him at this time was abated y â— great anger that she had against him and her selfe was determined to goe and séeke him if that her damsell Arcania did not fullie satisfie her of that confused hope that she had With these other like thoughts they sayled foure daies with faire winde and wether in the ende whereof there arose a gâ—eat and furious tempest by 〈◊〉 whereof the good ship was put in great hazard to be lost if God for his infinit mercie and goodnesse had not deliuered theiâ— and hauing no gouernement in the shippe by forâ—e of that great tempest they were driuen to sea a great 〈◊〉 distant from the place whereas they desired to goe and the storme endured thrée daies and thrée nights without any 〈◊〉 but caùsed the seas to arise vp in so furious sort that the marriners could doe no good therein but yéelded themselues and the shippe vnto the mercie of the wyndes seas and fortune who in the ende séemed to shew her selfe fauourable The fourth day théy were launched into the great and sure port of the kingedome of 〈◊〉 wherein they saw other two shippes y â— were driuon thâ—ther by force on the same storme and by the 〈◊〉 of the sanguine water she saw the conclusion of a great battaile that was béetwixt the people of the saide two shippes likewise she sawe in the shippes that there was dead knights and heard the shrikes and 〈…〉 of Ladies and Damsels the which being heard by Claridiana she commaunded her ship to be grapled vnto those two where by she might be fullie certified what it should be and she found that there was a knight of a verie bigge bodie and well armed and in his companie other tenne which séemed to be his vassalls subiects that came in one of the two shippes and by force made a conquest of the other shippe slew diuers that came therin and toke prisoner the principal that was amongst them with a very faire damsell other thrée ladies that were in her companie whome they had in their armes for to put them into their owne shippe And these ladies séeing themselues to be carryed in that forcible sort began to giue great shrikes and cryes lamenting in such sort shedding manie teares that it moued the Princesse Claridiana vnto great compassion And as she would haue demanded of that bigge knight who séemed to be the chiefest amongst them what should be the occasion of that their great lamentation he straight waies came against her putting him to the shippes side and willed her to yelde her selfe prisoner soft said the we are not yet come vnto that but tell mée wherefore dost thou apprehend them as thy prisoners Then the great knight aunswered with great wrath and anger the mightie Cleonidas should séeme to haue great space leasure if that at euery ones demaund he should staye for to giue him an accompt wherefore he doth apprehend and take his pray Thou shalt vnderstand that I am a sea â—ouer and I neuer as yet met with shippe that I could ouercome but I did take it and dyd apprehend all that were therein and if they be Christians I doe sell them vnto the Pagans and make them slaues and if they be Pagans I doe sell them vnto the Christians make them likewise slaues so that I am friend to none of them both and in all the ports and hauens of the Mediterraneo sea they are in confederasie league and friendship with mée and doe suffer mée in great quietnesse to make sale and the best of my marchandise And I doe tell thée that I doe more exteme and haue in greater price this damsell which this daye I haue taken then any prise that euer I made in all the dayes of my life for that I hope to make a present of her vnto a mightie pagan Lord who will giue me for her all that euer I wil demaund And now séeing I haue told thée that which thou diddest request to know doe now out of hand that which is my pleasure for that the ritchnesse of thy armour and thy gentle disposition doth giue mée to vnderstande that thou wilt be vnto mée as precious a prisoner as euer came to mée since I vsed the sea You shal vnderstand that all was trueth which in this Historie hath bene declared for that this â—ouer was called Cleonidas and with great reason he tooke to himselfe this name for that he was no lesse a rouer then that famous Cleonidas which was in the time of king Tolomeo who did take the king and commaunded him to be glystred or boxed with bagges of scalding oyle for that he dyd the lyke vnto all such as he dyd take This was called the second Cleonidas he continued more then fiftene yéeres vpon the Seas and neuer went a land but tooke and robbed all that euer he met with all and vsed no other office but as afore is declared He went not alone with one shippe as he was at that present but alwaies had with him more then twentie that were verie good and fortified with all necessaries and people but by fortune of a great tempest they were scattered abroade and seperated the one from the other into diuers parts and his ship alone chaunced into that porte whereas he met with the other shippe and made his prise as before hath bene tolde vnto you Then Claridiana when she heard of the euill lyfe of this rouer and how without all shame he did boast and aduance him selfe of his ill doing she was very glad and ioyfull for that it was her fortune to come thether at that time and drawing out her sword she sayde these words following CALL to remembraunce Cleonides that an other of thy name and aunswerable vnto thy conditions who had a greater power at the Sea then thou hast with a cruell and desperate death he receiued his paiment a lande for all his euill déedes done likewise that Dionides who was also a rouer in the Leuant seas of great power in the time of Alexander and Darius yet in the ende was taken prisoner and punished for his euill deedes by Alexander Also Eâ—tilcon was a famous rouer yet was he taken and put to death by king Demetrius But
dyd ioyne in battaile with vs and hauing slaine the most part of those that came with vs this knight béeing so sore oppressed with them in the end was taken prisoner with mée and these women that came with mée according as you Sir knight dyd finde vs. This is all that I can declare for aunswere vnto your demaund and the occasion wherefore wée departed out of our Countrie The Empresse Claridiana reioyced verie much at the good discourse of the damsell and meruailed not a little of that which she heard told of the caue of Artidon and as one that desired no other thing to the intent she might bée fullie certefied of her knight shée requested the Ladie once agayne to certefie her of that caue and to giue her to vnderstande what is the reason that they that entered in shoulde knowe all that they demaunded Then Elisea for so the Damsell was called who knew verie well the whole aduenture of that caue declared it vnto her peticularlie in such order as it was and passed saying that the sayde Artidon was thâ— wisest that was in all his time and hetherto could neuer bée found the like he did inchaunt that caue in such sort that all persons may knowe what they will desire and this was of a verie truth for that shée hath béene certefied by them that haue béene at the same place and there made the proofe When that Claridiana vnderstoode verie well the aduenture of the caue she straight waies had a great desire to goe thether as well to sée a thing of so greate meruaile as also for that it séemed that by that meanes she might come vnto the knowledge of that she desired so much to knowe of the knight of the Sunne And so she said vnto the damsell and vnto the knight that she would goe and beare them companie onelie for to sée that meruailous caue of Artidon wherat they were verie gladde and ioyfull thinking their iourney to bée made with more securitie And therewith they all went a shoare together and beganne to trauayle by lande and passing by the skirt of the kingdome of Balachia they entered into Russia and trauailing towardes the caue of Artidon the Hystorie doeth leaue them for to tell you of the Pagans that in all this time were mustering and gathering together of their people for to goe towards Grecia How the great and mightie armie of the Emperour Alicandro were ioyned together in the port of Tenedon and of diuerse varieties of people that there were ioyned to go into Grecia Chap. 17. IN all this time was not idle the great and mightie Emperour Alycandro for that after he had concluded vpon the voâ—age into Grecia he made so great spéed in the ioyning and gathering together of his people that in a short time all his Captaines had in a readinesse what hée shoulde haue on his charge Likewise such kinges as were his subiectes hauing the charge for to ioyne and gather together in their kingdomes all the people that possible they coulde so that they obserued the time appointed and met in the kingdome of Phrigia whereas is the great and mightie Port of Tenedon The number of people were infinit that were therâ— ioyned together of diuerse nations so contrarie the one to the other that it séemed all the people in the whole world to be there assembled and if euerie Nation had not ben diuided and separated the one from the other in verie good order they should not the one haue vnderstoode the other which would haue bene the occasion of a great confusion amongest them by reason of the diuerâ—â—tie of their spéeches And for that the wise Lyrgandeo would declare some of the Nations that were héere met in this mightie armie which was the greatest that euer was made in all the world as he that knew it verie wel he hath named some of them in this Hystorie and faith that there came first thether the Emperour Alycandro King Lorde ouer theÌ„ all who brought with him fiftie thousand knights of Tartaria and thirtie thousand knightes of the Scitâ—s and twentie thousand of the Orientall Indias he brought in his companie the faire Princesse Lyndabrides for to crowne her Empresse of Grecia who came with no small contentment for that it séemed vnto her by that order shée might with great facilitie haue in her companie the knight of the Sunne There came also the mightie and worthie Gyant Bradaman Campeon Lord of the Orientall Ilandes who brought in his companie that most valiant and proud youth Bramarant with two thousand of his Gyants all mounted vpon Elephants for that in those Countries they doe vse them for their necessities as in other places they doe horses Also the king of Seras with twentie thousand on horseback all warlike people and gallant souldiers Also the Prince of Cambray and in his companie other fâ—ue kings of the Medias with an infinite number of people Also the King of the Palibotos who as it is affirmed by many authors and writers that at all times when he pleaseth he bringeth into the field one hundred thousand foote men of warre and thirtie thousand on horsebacke eight thousand Elephants Also the stout Rodaran king of Arabia and with him the Quéene Carmania with each of them fiue thousand knights Thether came the king of Media the king of the Paâ—tos the king of the Arrianos the king of the Sandaros the king of the Pariâ—anos the king of the Bastros the king of the Sugianos the king of the Suspios the king of the Masagetas the king of the Corsitas the king of the Paristeos the king of the Rifaces y â— king of y â— Mardos Also the king of Arcania the king of Yuoria the king of Armenia and all the Nations of the riuer â—anges and of the mount Tauro Also the king of Trapabona and the king of Aegypt and the king of Aethiopia and the Prince of Candoria and the olde king of Gedrosia onelie for to sée himselfe reuenged on the Emperour Alycandio who did not estéeme but set at naught his counsaile and also of Bramarant who slew the good knight Graco his sonne To conclude there came these many other nations mâ— which he let passe for to auold â—ediousnessâ— but yet one thing in all this great armie is as greatly to be lamented as noted and that is y â— being there ioyned together more than the third part of all the world yet was there not amongst so many thousands of people not one that dyd beléeue in God nor obserued his lawes for that they were all Gentiles some worshipped Estatuas other some the stars and there were many amongst them that did worship verie foule beasts and for their principall Gods Oxen and dogs a very lamentable thing yet God did permit suffer it for the great and abhominable sinnes of man Thus when that all these people were in a readinesse the great Nauie wherein they shoulde be imbarked was assembled altogether
the which fléet was so great y â— it couered from the port Tenedon a great part of the Egean sea and all the Hellesponto vnto the Proponte and it was not to bée meruailed that so great and mightie a fléete of shippes should be ioyned together for that many dayes before the Emperour Alicandro caused all the maisters and shipping that was to bée found in all the coastes of Asia to bée brought thether so that in a short space after that they were ioyned together this mightie Fléete was furnished with all kindes of victualls and other necessaries abiding winde and weather for to depart the which when that it came they hoysed their sailes and began to take their iourney towardes Grecia with so great a noise of diuerse kindes and sortes of instruments that euerie Nation brought that it was a wonder to heare So in this their iourney the Hystorie doth leaue them till time doth serue How the Emperour Trebatio had newes of the comming of the Pagans and how he made all things in readinesse to receiue them Chap. 18. AS the Emperour Trebatio was aduertised of the comming of the Pagans before they deuarted out of their Countrie euen so had hâ— intelligence by certaine scouts messengers at such time as they were ioyned together and imbarked in the Port of the Tenedon and how that they were all at the Sea at which time the Emperour was readie and had all things in good order although there were not come vnto him the aide and helpâ— that hee looked for from many other places but yet of his owne Countries and other kingdomes subiect vnto his Empire he had ioyned together one hundreth and twentie thousands of verie good knightes and chosen men for besides al Grecia ther was subiect vnto his Empire the kingdome of Macedonia and the kingdome of Epiro and the Kingdome of Arcadia all Ciâ—ilia was his and Italia Pannonia Dalmasia Dardania Hungaria Bitania Sueuia Saxonia the Ilandes Ciclades Creta and Rhodas and many other Ilandes which I leaue in the Tirreno Sea whose gouernment is by mightie Princes all subiectes vnto the Empire and are at the commaundement of the Emperour at all times when that hée will call them vnto the warres So that the Emperour Trebatio was in a readinesse as well with all these people as also with those valiant and worthie Knightes which were at that time in the Court and others which hée looked for euerie daie and although hée receiued greate sorrowe and griefe for the absence of his sonne the knight of the Sunne in the time of so great necessitie and for that it was long since his departure and neuer to that houre hée coulde heare anie newes of him his heart gaue him that he should not heare of him so quicklie for the which hée was verie sadde and heauie although his valiant heart and courage was of so great force that hée dissembled his sorrowe and shewed so pleasâ—nt and ioyfull a countenaunce vnto all people that of none it was perceiued And in all this time that they were awaiting the comming of the Pagans hée nor his sonne Rosicleer were not idle but alwayes procured to fortifie and strenthen the Citie with armour armes and victualles in amending the walles and trimming the gates causing the fieldes to bee made cleane for disturbing of themselues So that this good Emperour was alwaies occupied and readiâ— at all pointes as he who looked for against him the greatest power and mightiest armie that euer was séene Héere the Hystorie doth leaue to speake of him and returne to speake of the greate and puisaunt Fléete that was ordaining in England Of the great and mightie armie the which the King Oliuerio ioyned together in great Britaine for to passe into Grecia Chap. 19. NOw saith the Hystorie forsomuch as the King Oliuerio had verie gréene in his memorie the death of his sonne the Prince Edward and also Don Siluerio the robbing and taking awaie of that precious and faire Princesse Oliuia the which hée hoped to haue to wiâ—e both the one and the other dyd procure to make reuenge with all diligence and spéede possible So that Don Siluerio was not contented with such 〈◊〉 as hée coulde take out of the Kingdome of Lusitania but also hée went vnto the king Zenodoro who was at that present king and Lorde ouer the Godos in 〈◊〉 who were the richest and mightyeâ—â— people that were to be founde in all Christendome who for that they were neighbours and friends he gaue vnto him twentie thousands knights all very good and well armed amongst them there were some young knights of the Godos who for to show foorth the worthinesse of their persons thought iâ— good to goe foorth in these warres and dyd vse themselues very valiaâ—tly as shall be declared vnto you in the processe of this Historie With these and other thirtie thousand more that Don Siluâ—rio brought out of his countrie which made to y â— number of fiftie thousand very good souldiers he went to great Britaine and at his ariuall theâ—her the king Oliuerio had in a redinesse other fiftie thousand chosen men out from amongst all other kingedomes that were subiect vnto him as Scotland Ireland Wales and Cornewall and other mightie Lordes of 〈◊〉 so that there was ioyned together in great Britaine one hundreth thousaÌ„d fighting men Likewise he receiued letters from the king of Hungaria that he had in a redinesse for his comming fortie thousand knights very good and chosen men and well armed in all points this he had besides others of great number which would méete him by the way the which did giue courage stomacke vnto king Oliuerio not alonely to assalt the Emperor Trebatio but also to conquer a great part of y â— world So making his fléetâ— in a redinesse and all other necessaries néedefull for such an enterprise the historie doth leue them and retourne vnto the Emperour Alicandio How the great and mightie fleet of the Emperor Alicandro came vnto the port of Constantinople and forcing to goe a land the Pagans had with the Christians great and rigorous encounters Chap. 20. THE time is come that the great and puisant fléete of the barbarous Nations did faile and nauigate with prosperous winde and wether to wards Grecia with so great 〈◊〉 and power that it séemed they were sufficient for to conquere the whole compasse of the world for that since the arte of Nauigation was firste inuented there was neuer so puisant and mightie a â—léete séene on the seas for the first onset of them did couer the greatest parte of the Proponto besides these that remained for to passe the straights into Egeo Upon a daye earely in the morning at such time as the Sunne began to spred abroade his beames vpon the earth this great and puisant fléete of shippes was so nighe vnto the lande that they were discouered by them of Constantinople that dyd abide their comming who were not a little amazed when that they saw
of other Nations The third battaile was lead 〈◊〉 gouerned by that most valiant Prince Meridian who carried in his companie that stout Brandimardo the Prince of Candaria with twelue Gyants verie bigge furious and terrible to beholde which went onelie with him for the safegard of his person hée carried also fortie thousand knightes of the Scitas This being done the Emperour would not ordaine anie more battailes for that those which were ordained serued sufficient for to maintaine the battaile all that daye and being in a readinesse they remained waiting till such time as they did appeare in sight with their Ensignes for to set vpon them thinking them to be their enimies Now lette vs declare what Rosicleer did in the meane time who was verie desirous to goe forwards with his pretence after that he had made the contencion with the king Antipatro he straight waies ascended vp againe that mountaine whereas he was before he had not bene long there when that he descouered to come from that great armie of the king Oliuerio foure knights in maner of postes who came before the rest for to discouer the enimie but when he saw them somewhat farre of from the armie and nigh vnto the place where as he was he descended from the mountaine and put himselfe in the high way and trauailed forwards til such time as he met with them who séeing him they went towards him and demaunded of him if he were of that countriâ— I am saide he but wherefore do you aske mée this question we doe aske thée this said one of them for to know how manie miles it is from hence vnto Constantinople and to know in what estate remaines the Emperour Trebatio where he hath aduise of our comming or not therefore knight aduertise vs the trueth thereof if thou wilt not be our prisoner To whome Rosicleer aunswered and saide as followeth Of trueth I am very well content to certifie you of this that you doe demaund of mée for that it is not a thing degressing from knighthood but that I may verie well do it without anie compulsion You shall vnderstand that from this place vnto Constantinople you haue two miles and touching the estate of the Emperour know of trueth that he is all in a redinesse and tarrying your comming in the field with no lesse mightie and puissant an armie then this which your Lord the King Oliuerio doth bring with him and be you assured of this that when you shall come nigh within a mile of the citie of Constantinople he will méete with you in the way with all his people and giue you a verie terrible and rigorous battaile The foure knights were verie much amazed at this which Rosicleer had told them for that they thought verely that the Emperour had not bene in so great readinesse and without any more wordes they left him and returned from whence they came for to giue aduice vnto the king how that his enimies were in a redinesse and would méete him in the way and giue him battaile So when they came before him and gaue him to vnderstand of all that had passed he straight waies commaunded to put all his owne armie in a redinesse for as they were gallant and well armed knights it was a iolie thing to behold he made then repetition of his armie and deuided them in foure parts the forefront he gaue vnto the gouernemeÌ„t of the two knights of Spaine being brâ—thren and were of the principall house of the Godos they were both very valiant the one of them was called Don Claros and the other Arcalus and there comming vnto these wars onely for to proue themselues and giue to vnderstand vnto the world their great valour These two carryed with them fortie thousand knights twentie thousand of them were of Spaine and the other twentie thousand of Don Siluerio and in their companie went to the number of twentie knights of the Godos who did not a little in this battaile The second battaile was giuen vnto the gouernement of Don Siluerio with other fortie thousand knights and with him went the Princes of England Ireland Scotland the third battaile had a principall knight of Hungaria with all y â— knights of that kingdome And the fourth and rereward the king had with all the high Princes of his kingdome and the rest of all the people that remained When that they were all diuided and seperated in foure battailes and in good order and readinesse they began to march forwards by little and little till such time as the scoutes as well of the one parte as of the other had discouered the armies which came to the battaile and hauing aduice of the same they marched on the faster till such time as the forewards of either part was within a cros bow shot the one from the other which might be about two of the clocke in the after none All this time was Rosicleer beholding what passed vpon a littell hill where at he receiued great contentment thinking the tyme long to sée them together by the eares in battaile his desire was not long delated for as those two â—urious Pagans Bradaman and Bramarant came before all the rest thinking the time long to sée themselues amongst their enimies they pressed forwards towards them with so great furie that it sâ—med the earth to shake And although their furious countenaunces was sufficient to put in feare anie good knight that did behold them yet those two valiant brothers Don Claros and Arcalus putting themselues before all their companie went forth to meete them and in the face of both armies they made their encounters verie strongly Bradaman who did encounter with Don Claros lost his stirrups and declined somewhat vpon his Elephant and Don Claros embrased himselfe with his horse necke and spurring forwards his horse he setled himselfe againe passed forwards without falling Bramarant was encountered by Arcalus vpon the vizar of his helme that the sperkes of fier flew out in great abundance and being halfe amazed with that blow it made him to lose his encounâ—er which he made with â—is aduersarie So in this sorte they passed all foure of them without any falling the two brethren were highlâ— coâ—â—ended by Rosicleer that dyd with great content ment beholie them and also of the Pagans that were there present for that they had made so strong and valiant resistance against the furie of those two Pagans the which fâ—ll out euell for a great number the little profit that they had by this encounter for being full of great courage and encenced with anger in a short space they furnished the wide and broade fieldes full of dead bodies of their enimies not sparing any degrée that they dyed all the grasse with bloud of the great destruction they made on their aduersaries and in such sort they besturred themselues amongst them that all that did sée them iudged them to be diuelles of hell for that they cut knights asunder in the wast
great griefe and innumerable euils that were looked for betwéene my father and you for séeing that the harme was committed there was no other meanes for to recouer and make friendship againe but onelie by this marriage betwixt vs by the which my father doth claime of you kindred and you may receiue mée as your owne naturall sonne and séeing that this hath ben ordained by the diuine prouidence who is he that shoulde grant me this inclination to haue so great a desire as I had for to goe into great Britaine being in such delightes ioye and pleasure vnder the wings of the Empresse my mother Consider with how much honour you nâ—t knowing mee I receiued the order of knighthood at your hands and how fauourable Fortune did alwaies shew her selfe vnto mee in your Court What force could be so great that did constraine my will and the will of this precious Princesse so perfectlie to loue the one other in such sort that there is nothing in all the world that may bee compared therevnto In what heart may be comprehended so great singularitie no that although there were heere present those three worthie and famous Captaines Iosue Dauid and Iudas Machabeus and with them thâ—se thrée Pagans Hector Iulius Caesar and Alexander if it doth not come of the diuine prouidence neither without it could there be anie such force comprehended in me and in my companion for to giue the enterprise of such an attempt with so great boldnesse for to take away ouâ— of your power the Princesse Oliuia and what wée passed at the sea to deliuer and defend her Heere is the Prince of Lusitania who found himselfe present at the sport and can saie that the resistance was not made by anie humane force and strength for that being but fiue knights we alone did defend our selues so long time against so great a fléete of ships and men Likewise hée can declare of the great miserie in the aide and succour that came vnto vs in that great extremitie I will not héere inlarge nor procéede anie farther in these matters neither wold I haue said so much but onelie because you shall vnderstand that all doth procéede from aboue and that it is Gods will that this marriage betwixt me and the Princesse shall be the occasion for to euitate and take awaie all these inconueniences which are looked for and likewise to remedie and make attonement for all that is past do you not thinke that this wil bée an euil meane for things past besides as now the doing thereof cannot be restrained and many times as héeretofore hath fallen out their sonnes in lawe to be as profitable to their Fathers in lawe as are their owne naturall sonnes As to aske the question of Caesar Augustus and hée will saie that there was neuer sonne to true and trustie vnto his Father as was vnto him Marcus Agrippa his sonne in law Likewise consider of Antonius Pius who had for his sonne in lawe Marcus Aurelius who vsed so great fidelitie with him all the daies of his life which was for the space of twentie and thrée yéeres that for his great fidelitie and continuall diligence hée did not alonelie deserue to bée beloued of him and to haue his Daughter but as his owne naturall sonne hée dyd succéede him in the Empire So that by these and many other examples that might bée declared you maye plainelie sée what a swéete spice of friendshippe and perfect kindred is that which commeth by the Sunne in lawe and in especiall this that from the beginning vnto the end it appeareth to bée goueâ—ned by the diuine prouidence so that thereby there is no other thing to be looked for but vnto you great good and â—â—rie profitable for all your kingdomâ— And that whic◠〈◊〉 I will desire of you is no other thing but your plesure 〈◊〉 â—â—â—sider how that al these things are ordained by him who â—ath the rule gouernment of al and being fullie perswaded therein for to ioyne confirme your will vnto his will and to procure doe no other thing but that which is agréeable vnto his pleasure which is to confirme a peace betwixt you and my Father for that you be both Christians and it is the thing that our sauiour Iesus Christ dyd leaue most in charge vnto his Disciples And if there séemeth vnto you anie fault to bée in the Emperour my Father or that I and the Princesse Oliuia haue offended your Maiestie in anie thing apart and put awaâ—e from your heart all anger and wrath for that you doe vnderstand that the most noblest manner of reuengement is to forgiue and how that there is nothing so inconuenient and hurtfull vnto man as is wrath and anger for that it doth properlie appertaine vnto furious beastes and not vnto men but vnto such as bée most cruell and furious and to the contrarie there is nothing more conuenient vnto man than is méeknesse and mercie and much better and more honour it is to forget iniuries than to reuenge them and there is not a more nobler and generous forgetting than is in the offence which was attributed vnto the prince of Captaines for that he did praise himselfe that hée did neuer forget anie thing but offences done The pleasure in taking reuengement doth passe awaie in a moment and the ioy pleasure in shewing mercie endureth for euer There is nothing so necessarie amongest men nor ought to bée more common than to forgiue for that there is none but hath néede of mercie séeing that the Sunne must shine vpon him the earth sustaine him and all creatures must bring forth The winde must haue his course the clowdes must poure out their waters the Sâ—ars must haue their influence the heauens must moue and the waues of the sea must bée in quiet and not to ouerwhelme the earth when they are in a rage and higher than it and to conclude all things of the gouernment of this worlde doth vse Mercie and be necessariâ— for the conseruation of humane life and mercie cannot be lacking in him or at least waies may not that cannot sustaine himselfe one iote without it and that which is more there is not one but that hée sinneth so that hée cannot but hée néedes must desire mercie for his sinnes and offences What is hée that can salue and make whole the wounded consciences of humane creatures if the wrath of God doth perseuer then shall you neuer haue end of contentions and troubles armour shall neuer cease on the land neither lightnings and thunders with cruell shaking of the heauens therefore it is necessarie most worthie King that you doe forgiue and refraine the ire of your heart for otherwise with iust reason you cannot aske of God pardon when that you will not vse pardon with your daughter and sonne in lawe Beware take héede and helpe your selfe from that which is written That man doth kéepe wrath and ire a-against man and both doth séeke vnto God for
himselfe and kept his furious wrath in his heart for to reuenge y â— same when that time would serue And although that many that were there had great dread to sée Bramarant so furious and angrie for his eyes lightened like burning torches yet the two valiant and worthie knights Meridian and Brandimardo made no rekoning thereof for that either of them were of as valiant a courage as he and as stoute Then straight waies ther arose vp many other knights that would be in the battaile fiftene to fiftene amongst all at the request of the Emperour although his will was to the contrarie was the gran Campion and the two worthie princes Meridian and Branbimaâ—do and the stout Rodaran the king of Media Zoroastes king of Taprobana the prince of Cambray the king of the Gandaros that was the messenger and the prince of Aegipt all these were verie stout valiant knights and for to make vp the number of fiftene the Emperour commaunded that sixe of the most strongest giants that were to be found in all the whole armie should goe with them they were all bretheren and Lords of the Ilandes Diamantinas and are so called because there are found in them more Diamonds then in any other part of all the whole worlde they were all sonnes vnto the gran Thition the most famous giant that was in all Asia and for the great friendship that their father hadde with the Emperour they came for to serue him in those warres with a great number of their owne knights When that it was fully ordained and concluded who should goe forth in this challenge the king of the Gandaros straight waies departed and went to carie the aunswere vnto the Emperor Trebatio whereas the Historie doth leaue them till time serueth for to tell you of the faire Empresse Claridiana who went in the demaund of the caue of the wise Artidon ¶ How the Empresse Claridiana came vnto the caue of Artidon and what happened there Chap. 27. WIth great desire to come vnto the Caue of Artidon trauiled the royall Empresse Claridiana through the mightie kingdome of Russia in the companie of Elizea and her knight thinking the time verie long till she came thether for to know the trueth of that which had brought her into so great care and heauinesse the Caâ—e was greatly mencioned in all those parts and by reason of the great hast that they made within few daies after that they had entred into the kingdome of Russia they attained to the caue but when they came vnto the entrie thereof they were greatly amazed to sée the wonderfull fire that came foorth thereat which séemed to be some infernall thing But when they had read those letters and vnderstoode the propertie of the fire they straight waies entred in thereat but gaue the preheminence of the first entrie vnto the royall Empresse so after that they had passed the narrow lane they came into a faire great court whereas they were strangely amazed as wel at the greatnesse the which séemed to be in that great work as also at the mightie force which the bull séemed to show being fastned vnto the piller who in that order as they saw him began to giue such terrible and wonderfull brayings that all that mightie worke séemed to shake thereat And if it had not bene for the Princes who dyd animate and comfort them Elizea and her knight had retourned backe againe with the great feare the which they receiued after a while that they had beholden the great fiercenesse of the Bull sodainly 〈◊〉 their eyes aside vpon an other wal almost right against the same the which was vnder the gallerie of the pallace they saw grauen in the same verie naturallie the whole historie of the mightie and perillous battailes there done by Rosicleer and of all that had happened vnto him in that Caue the which being well vnderstoode by the roâ—all Princes and greatly wondered at those worthie actes not without shedding of a few teares which trickled downe her rubicall chéekes sayde Oh high and happie Emperour â—rebatio in how much art thou bound vnto God that out of thy noble loynes hath come foorth those that hath â—â—lled all the whole worlde with the fame of their wonderfull and immortall déedes Oh that my destinie would permit and my fortune be so fauourable that our blouds might ioyne together that some part of those worthie deeds of thy posteritie might be allotted in mée Therefore come that come will for that I cannot perswade with my selfe that from the descent of so cléere and worthie a stock may be comprehended so blind a iudgement but that they doe vnderstand the great valour of my desert And in saying these words she went forwardes and Elizea and her knight followed her and went all to gether vp the staires into the gallâ—â—â—es whereas a new they began to meruale at the strangenesse of that worke as also at the delightfull gardaines and orchards which they sawe out at certaine windowes after a while that they had well perused the same they proceded forwards with the great desire which the Pâ—inces Claridiana had to sée her selfe with the wise man she neuer rested till she came vnto the dores of shining 〈◊〉 that were shutte which was the entrie into the inchaunted hall but so soone as she had layd hand on them for to open them they straight waies opened of themselues with so great a noyse that all mightie woorke séemed as though it woulde haue sonke when the royall Princes entred in thereat whereas she saw the high and rich throne and thereon the wise Artidon with his breast all open shewing forth his heart which was a verie pitifull and lamentable thing to behold at which time there chaunced a great meruaile â—â—e which was neuer séene béefore but at suche time as Rosicleer entred into that inchaunted quadran and it was that when the royall Princes béeganne to enter in at the hall doores there began so swéete and peaceable Musicke that it rauished all the hearers of their sences and they semed as though they had bene transported into an other world and Elizea and her knights who were without at the swéete melodie thereof were likewise rauished and it séemed vnto them to be some celestiall noyse they would not presume to enter into that inchaunted hall till such time as the princes came forth for that they might haue space for to aske and know that which was their desire After that the princes had a while beholden the great wonders and straunge things of that inchaunted quadran she straight waies conceiued that the swéete Musicke was made which was the occasion that from that time she had a better hope then she had before of a good resolution of that she so long desired for wheras with such Musicke she was receiued she hoped her answere at her departing forth could not be but verie good So with the great desire she hadde to talke with the wise Artidon after
those Pagans were saued for that there was 〈◊〉 that came out of Persia but turned all Christans Likewise the valiant and worthie Prince of Fraunce in this time did reioyce himselfe with his loue the faire Princesse Lindaraza as two that loued together exeéedinglie The like did all the other Princes that had their Mistresses there in the Court as the Prince Don Siluerio with his loue the Quéene Arquirosa and Rodomarte and Rodofeo with their Ladies and as all these receiued great delight so to the contrarie Bargandel Liriamandro the king Sacridoro and Brandizel were verie sorrowfull for the absence of their Ladies although the great good wil which they had for to serue the Emperor Trebatio in those warres did witigate the great griefe which otherwise they should haue receiued for their louers After this sorte they were all in sundrie and different thoughts although for to giue battaile against their enimies they were conformable in which time vpon a sodaine there was brought newes vnto the Emperour how that the king Liseo and the faire Quéene Radamira were come into the port they for whome the knight of the Sun made baâ—taile with the stout and doubtfull knight Raiartes restored vnto him the kingdome of Lidia the Quéene brought with her foure thousand knights the king sixe thousand all valiant and well armed who comming towards Grecia by fortune did méete together at sea and comming both in one demand they kept companie together vntill they came into the port Then so soone as the newes was knowen in Constantinople the Emperour Trebatio did so much that his sonnes and all that worthie crew did go forth to receiue them being together in the field they went vnto the sea side whereas they found at their comming thether that the king and the Quéene were landed a shore comming vnto them to giue them entertainment the knight of the Sunne said My good Lords from this daie forwards we may haue little feare of our enimies hauing your highnesse on our side This feare may we all put a part being in your companie sayd the Quéene Radamira for he that deliuered me from that furious and fierce Raiartes will deliuer me from all the knights of the world Well then said the king Liseo I am no lesse bound vnto this happie Prince than all the rest for that by him I haue my life all my whole kingdome and there withall they embraced one another with great loue all that were there reioyced of their comming for that the king was a verie good knight furnished with all good manners and conditions the Quéene Radamira was verie faire and gratious and receiued wonderful ioy and contentment to sée the knight of the Sun for there was nothing in all the world that she desired so much to see but when she sawe him so much growen as well in bignesse as in height more than he was at such time as hée was in Babylon she meruailed verie much When the knight of the Sun and those that came with him had giuen them their welcome they tooke their waie towards Constantinople passed by the camp of the Pagans in sight of them all who did behold them offered them no harme nor discurtesie for that there was a truce betwixt them When they came vnto the Citie the Emperour and the Empres and all those Ladies and Gentlewomen that were with her receiued great ioy loued their new guests grasifieng very much their comming And héere you shall vnderstand that at this present that worthie and valiant Tartarian Zoylo when he sawe the Quéene Radamira was taken in loue with her with great good will for to take her to he his wise and spouse if that she were so content therewith and from that daie forwardes he did procure by all meanes to giue her knowledge thereof and she when she was aduertised knew him to be so valiant a knight and high a Prince she tooke great pleasure in his seruice So by reason that the time drew nigh of the generall battaile with great diligence the Emperour and all those worthie knights minded no other thing but to visite their people commanding that they should be prouided of good armour of all other things necessarie for the battaile as they that made account that they had all that remained in the world against theÌ„ Likewise on the other part in the campe of the Pagans they did as much for in all the daies and time of their truce they vnderstoode no other thing but to make all things in a redinesse against the daie appointed being determinded amongest themselues to goe forth all the whole Campe vnto the battaile for that they would at that time make an end and destroie all the Gréekes and straight wayes enter into the mightie Citie of Constantinople and so remaine Lords ouer all the whole Empire Thus after this sorte they passed awaie the daies of the truce and afterwardes there happened many other things as shall be tolde you in this Chapter following Of the rigorous and bloudie battaile that was betweene the people of the Emperour Trebatio and those of the Emperour Alycandro and of such meruailous things as happened therein Chapter 38. I Had néed of an vnderstanding iudgement much more higher thanâ—that of Plato who was amongst the Philosophers had in reputation of a diuine vnderstanding more prompter than that of Epaminondas or of Cirus amongst the Gréekes and Persians who were accounted without comparison and also a memorie more greater than that which maye be giuen me by the Memoratiue art of Simonides eloquence more eminent than Homer or Demosthenes to declare here the worthie and incredible déedes and memorable acts of those heroicall famous knights that in the last battaile betwéene the Emperours were ioyned together in the field of Grecia in the sight of newe Rome founded by Constantine the Prince for that if with good affection you read the Historie before written you shall sée this pleasant Hystorie so intangled and the worthinesse of renowmed knights so exalted that for to declare perticularlie euerie one of their mightie acts you shall well perceiue that it were néedfull of the diuine fauour againe if you do remember the most parte of the names of those worthy knights and the varietie of Nations there ioyned together you had neede of a good memorie and to tell of them and euerie thing in order it is for to manifest all the whole world and all worthinesse therein So I séeing this worke to mount and ascend so high my small vnderstanding not able for to comprehend the same was determined for to 〈…〉 last Chapter and not to procéede anie farther but leaue this trauaile vnto some other that hath a more sharper vnderstanding than I haue and remayned certaine daies in this determination and occupied my wits in other diuerse and variable things béeing fullie perswaded that my vnderstanding was not sufficient for to declare and make
and heard And againe I being in my glorie with the Dutches in the garden should chance to bée discouered and bewraied to haue your helpe and succour as of my verie perfect and good friends When the Duke had concluded this his fained protestation the thrée knightes who were so much his friendes dyd promise vnto him for to accomplish all his request Then when the night was come about twelue of the clock at midnight at such time as the Dutchesse and all the rest were in their found sléepe the Duke with the thrée knights went vnto the garden and although the walls were verie high yet by Ladders they went vp to the top thereof the wall was somewhat broade aboue and on the inside towards the garden hard vnto the wall dyd growe a great number of thickâ— and high Cypres trées which shadowed all the wall in such sort that the thrée knightes might remaine vppon the wall and heare and sée all that should passe in the garden and they not to be séene and discouered of anie In that place did the three knightes remaine and the Duke descended downe by those trées into the garden whereas he remained till within a little while after he heard a little posâ—erne to be opened whereat came forth that false damsell who by reason that the Moone did shine so bright yea nigh hand shée did seeme to bée the Dutchesse for that shee was faire and of her owne stature and was apparelled with a gowne of gréene veluet set full of brouches of golde wherein was set many fine presious stones shée also had her haire hanging about her shoulders which reached downe to the ground and vpon her head a garland set full of Diamonds and rubies of great price with the which garment and garland the thrée knightes dyd sée the Dutchesse the daie before in certaine bankets and feasts that were made and by reason that it was night although the Moone did shine verie cléere yet because shee was somewhat a farre of they coulde not discerne anie other but that she was the Dutchesse Likewise shee had in her hand a bunch of feathers wherewith this Damsell did dissemble and hide her face in such sorte that shée could not bee knowen Then so soone as the Duke had spied her to come forth he straight wayes went knéeled downe before her and sayd Oh my Ladie Polisena what Prince or knight in all the worlde was euer worthie to receiue so great curtesie and fauour as this is Giue mée these your faire and white handes that I may kisse them as one vnworthie to receiue so great honour and glorie and yet I cannot thinke but that it is a dreame My Lord sayde the Damsell giue thanks vnto almightie God who hath done so much for you that you do deserue this at my hands the which I haue done for your sake arise vp from the ground for that your state 〈…〉 courtesie vento any damsell in all the the whole world much lesse vnto the Dutches of Austria who is altogether yours and in saying these wordes she tooke him by the hand and caused him to arise from the ground and the Duke straight waies began to embrace and kisse her and tooke their wayâ— towards a fresh fountaine there at hand compassed rounde about with Iasmires and Muske Roses And before that they could come thether the Damsell sayde My Lord you doe well know that I doe not come hether for any other thing but to plight vnto you my faith and troth to be your wyfe and you my husband and spouse and that to the contrarie I would not come for all the world into this place so much against my honour My desire is that this should bée done out of hand and that we might depart for that I feare to be discouered My good Ladie Dutches sayd the Duke this is that the which I so long haue looked and hoped for And now séeing that we are both agréed and conformable in our good wills now I doe saye that I doe receiue my Ladie the Dutches Polisena for my welbeloued spouse and wife and that I doe renounce all other and cleaue my selfe onely vnto her so long as we shall liue Well then my good Lord sayd the Damsell Héere your true and faithfull Polisena doe receiue and take Roberto Duke of Saxonia for her spouse and will that no other shal be her husband but you alone All this that passed betwixt them was very well heard by the thrée knightes that were in secret and surely they were out of all doubt to the contrarie but that should be the Dutches of Austria For if they had knowen otherwise or had any other thing in their thoughts they were such knights that they would not haue affirmed that which they had sayd for all the kingedome of Hungaria When that this communicacion of matrimonie was concluded betwixt them two the Duke went with the Damsell towardes the Fountaine and at their coâ—ming thether she making the matter somewhat strange so that it might be heard by the thrée knights although they could not sée any thing by reason of the thicknesse of the trées whereas they were there the Duke did accomplish his wil with the Damsell And when it was houre and time for to withdraw themselues they went hand in hand together vnto the posterne where she came forth and there the duke with many imbracings and kissings did take his leaue of her and she entred in and went to sléepe leauing the apparaile of the Dutches in the place whereas she tooke them and was not séene by any And the Duke retourned vnto the thrée knights and departed from thence It fell out within a while after happened all that this Historie hath declared vnto you the which fell out to be vnto the Prince Lusiano great sorrow and griefe for that hée dyd loue the Dutches so entirely and was so fully certified of the good will loue she bare vnto him that it brought him into a great alteration of minde and almost from him selfe to sée the witnesse that was brought against the Dutches by those thrée knights whome he had in estimation to be loyall faithfull and of great credit and beleeued verely that they would not but tell the trueth in that behalfe if that to either of them should be giuen a whole kingdome And to the contrarie he had so great a confidence in his ladie and mistresse that he was fully determined first â—o bée sâ—aine then to consent that any such shame should be offered vnto her But his great bountie did little profit for to deliuer him from the death for that euerie one of the foure were so strong and valiant knights that in all Hungaria was not to be found one that could match any of them But yet for that aboue al things Iustice is of greater force God dyd permit for that Lusiano had Iustice on his part that he should be succoured in this his great extremttie as shal be told you
when they sawe his person presence to be so strange wonderfull for alonelie by his semblance and proportion they knew him for father of the two brethren the knight of the Sunne and Rosicleer aboue all other Princes that came in that worthie crew The king and the Emperour had not yet fullie concluded the louing words of their first méeting when that the Quéene Augusta came vnto them and with the selfe same loue wherewith she did embrace her sonne Liriamandro did embrace the good Emperor Then came the knight of the Sunne who aboue all the rest might be séene he was of so gallant and tall statuâ—e offered to kisse the kings hands but the king would not consent vnto it but embraced him and the king clasped him verie hard betwéene his armes saying Oh happie and fortunate kinsman I doe now finde my selfe in great securitie for that I am in the armes of him that alone did defend himselfe from all my power made my kingdome to tremble and quake tell me I praie you if that you haue forgotten that anger or not if you haue not then am I fullie perswaded that I haue no securitie in my owne Countrie of Hungaria much lesse in Grecia My good Lord and grandfather said the knight of the Sunne your highnesse in whatsoeuer place you are is in great securitie from my handes for although I would procure anie outrage yet am not I sufficient to doe you anie harme and if I were fortunate against your knights it was nothing else but the wil of God to saue and deliuer me for that afterwards when you should know me you should not haue so great reason to bée sorrowfull as now you shoulde bée if I had at that time béene slaine Then the king said Ah my sonne if that had happened my life could not haue endured so long but God who doth know the secret of all things that shuld happen vnto vs did guide and gouerne all things in such sort that it is come to this point and instant wherein I doe account my selfe the most fortunatest Prince in all the whole world not onelie in knowing thée to bée my sonne but in recouering you to bée my friend The king had scarce concluded these wordes when that the Quéene came to embrace the knight of the Sunne but he did offer to kisse her hands and there passed betwixt them many swéete and amorous wordes such as might passe betwéene the mother and the sonne at such time as of long time they had not séene the one the other The Quéene Augusta receiued so great ioy and contentment to haue him in her presence that she knew not almost where she was Then approched vnto them the king Oliuerio with the Emperour Alycandro and all those mightie Princes and Lords wheras passed betwixt them great curtesie with such dutie as appertained vnto so high and worthie estates In this noble méeting they spent a good while the which being finished the Emperour Trebatio accompanied himselfe with the king euerie one â—hose his companion as best liked him and began to returne towardes the mightie Citie of Constantinople The knight of the Sunne and Rosicleer did carrie betweene them the Quéene Augusta who went with so great ioy and pleasure that she knew not were she was to sée her selfe in the middest betwixt so worthie nephewes When the Emperour Trebatio had opportunitie he sayd vnto the king Now is my desire fullie accomplished in that I do sée your Hignesse in this Countrie for although all other thinges succâ—eded vnto me prosperous as I haue desired yet had I no conclusion of all this my victorie neither could I receiue anie glorie therein till now I haue your Highnesse in my presence and doe honour and obey you as dutifullie as your owne naturall sonne And if the great obligation in the which you were bound vnto the king of great Britaine had not béene betwixt vs I and the Empresse Briana many a time long ere this had come vnto you to haue craued pardon for that which is past with lisence and consentment for that which was to come For although the Empresse Briana séemed to receiue contentment to be with mée in Grecia yet receiued I great griefe for that I could not accomplish of my part the dutie which I owe vnto your highnesse When that the Emperor had concluded these words then the king who receiued great pleasure thereat sayd Soueraigne Emperour if that you haue receiued great ioy contentmeÌ„t and pleasure at my comming into Grecia how much more reason haue I to reioyce and receue pleasure to haue so glorious a sight of your person and presence being accompanied and honoured with the most highest mightiest Emperours and kings of all the world and mounted vnto the highest estate of honour that fortune may extend the which is apparaunt before my eyes also endued with such sonnes that there is not the lyke knightes in all the whole world And here I doe acknowledge that I am not worthie of so high a kinseman and in that you haue saide of my consentment it might haue bene excused for that I doe sée it cléerely before myne eies to be the will and permission of God by whome all thinges hath bene gouerned for the which neither I nor any of your aduersaries could withstand or resist And séeing my daughter hath brought vnto mée the highest and worthiest Prince of all the world to be my sonne in law and that this marriage was made by the diuine will and permission from whence hath procéeded so excelent 〈◊〉 what haue I to saye vnto it but giue vnto the soueraigne creator infinit thankes for his great goodnesse shewed vnto mée And doe most heartelie desire him to let you enioy for manie yéeres this high estate into the which you are exalted and also the high and worthie progenie that he hath giuen you With many swéete and courteous wordes the Emperour Trebatio did gratifie with thanks all that which the king had sayd So passing betwixt them these and many other things in communication which were to long here to rehearse they came vnto the 〈◊〉 of Constantinople whereas the king of Hungaria and the Quéene Augusta were wonderfullie amazed for to sée the great knighthood of that Court for that with great difficultie they might passe the wide stréetes the multitude was so great so that it was a good while before they could come vnto the mightie pallas but when they came thether they all alighted and entred into the mightie broad court whereas the Empresse Briana dyd receiue them with that ioy and pleasure as you may immagine and there passed betwixt them many louing and sweete words as betwixt Fathers and children the which I doe let passe to eschue tediousnesse And the royall Empresse Briana was so gallant faire that her Father did not know her she was so chaunged Yet they well perceiued in her the ioye and pleasure she receiued and the more to
did write Letters of greate loue vnto other Ilandes that were not subiect vnto him which were inhabited with Gyants and furious people requesting them to come vnto his Court of Parliament Among all hée wrote a Letter vnto Bradaman Campeon who was returned into his Countrie againe the effect thereof was as followeth GRan Campion Lorde of the Orientall Ilandes that are in the Octian Sea I doe beleeue that it is manifest vnto thée the iniurie done by the Gréeke Prince vnto our sacred estate and the great offence that hee did vnto thâ— immortall Gods therefore now thou shalt vnderstand that by the vertue of that part of the diuine deitie that is in vs it is concluded in our diuine Consistorie that order shoulde bée taken in such sorte that reuengement may be taken for the same in such ample wise that the whole Empire of Grecia may bée destroyed downe to the ground and not to leaue one stone vpon another as a iust punishment for the offendours and an example to all others howe they shall offende against the diuine maiestie For the 〈◊〉 end to the executing of the same wée doe desire 〈◊〉 in this enterprise thy fauour maye bée the first for that as the diuiâ—â— Gods haue created thee so strong and mightie ouer 〈…〉 all mortall creatures so lyâ—â—wise art thou 〈…〉 maintaine and defend their diuine honours 〈…〉 to make reuengement of this 〈…〉 Prince hath done vnto vs. Héerein I do inlarge no farther but abiding thy comming for to haue thy opinion what were best to be done héerein Written in our sacred Court c. When that Bradaman had receiued this Letter in all his life he was not so glad and ioyfull for that occasion dyd so â—erue that hée might execute that great anger and wrath that hée had conceiued against the knight of the Sunne because it was a great shame vnto him that hée was ouercome by him and hée could not forget that great iniarie receiued but had as much desire to bée reuenged for the same And you shall vnderstand that this Bradaman had at that time a sonne of twentie yéeres olde the most brauest and â—iercest creature that euer was séene by men of whome shall bee made more mencion in this Hystorie Bradaman had not this sonne by a faire Gentlewoman but of the cruellest and furious in condition amongest al women for that after y â— by the mightie power of his person he came to bée Lorde ouer the Orientall Ilands which was a kinde of people which for their fiercenesse neuer before could be brought in subiection he determined within himselfe for that he would not that that Segniorie should be lost after his death to procure to haue so valiant a sonne who for the worthinesse of his person should be sufficient to sustaine that estate as he did get it in his life time And with this determination and desire he made many sacrifices vnto the Gods desiring them to giue him such a sonne to bée his heire of no lesse force and strength than he was for the defence of those kingdomes At the same time there was in one of those Ilandes a woman of so stout and furious condition of so great strength that with her owne handes shée slew a great number of gyants and other terrible and dreadfull beasts Bradaman did know her in such sorte that nature working in her by the will of the high Gods shée was deliuered of that furious and fierce sonne and gaue him to name Bramarant At whose birth Bradaman his Father was verie ioyfull and caused him for to bée nourished with the milke of Lions and Tygers and other â—arious beasâ—es such as were to be found in those partes and would neuer consent that hée should proue of his mothers breasts for that he would his sonne should be the more fierce and strong In this sort hée was nourished so that afterward it appeareth that the double strength and fiercenesse of the Father and oâ— his mother was comprehended in him with the aide of the milke that he sucked which did worke such effect in him that when he came to twelue yéeres of age he would go alone into the deserts mountaines without anie armour more than certain sodden skins hardned in the Sun and would seeke out the strong Lions and fierce Tygers with other furious beasts and all that euer he could take he would teare them to peeces with his hands as though they had bene young and tender Kids He would eate no other meate in all the time of his hunting but the milke of those she wild beasts that he met withall and sometimes of the flesh of the most fuâ—ious beâ—st that he killed and that should be rawe But when that hée grew vnto more yeres he left of his hunting of wild beasts and fell to exercising himselfe in armour feates of armes in such sort that his great force and strength was verie déere vnto a great number for that he would neuer heare reason in the triall of his strength as did become good and curteous knightes but without anie occasion in the woâ—lde â—ee would haue contention with all them that he met withall béeing armed without anie feare if they were two twentie or thirtie with them all hée woulde contend and kill them tearing them in péeces with so great câ—ueltâ—e that hée was feared of all could finde none that was able to make râ—sistance against him although all the 〈◊〉 of those Ilands were verie stout and couragious and almost all Gyants And â—or that Nature dyd shew her selfe â—uch â—auourable vnto Bramarant the Hystorie sayth that hee was not in stature of his bodie so 〈…〉 but hee was as bigge as anie knight might 〈…〉 Gyant and of so mightie huge and great members that whatsoeuer hée lacked in his height hée 〈◊〉 it comprehended in his bignesse and was of so great force and strength that there was no equalitie in that of Milo of whom they saie that there was not his lyke in all the whole world for that he dyd things that séemed to bée incredible to all that dyd sée them and besides his great strength he was so swiâ—t and light that he would ouertake Lions and other wilde beasts in the plaine running after them This young Bramarant séeing himselfe to bée so puâ—sant and mightie aboue all others was so stout and proude that at such time as he came to twentie yéeres of age there was not one if hée were displeased with him that durst come into his presence so y â— in all those Oriental Ilands he was feared more estéemed thaÌ„ his Father and was not content that they had him for their Lord but also would bée worshipped of his as their principall God and said that al the Gods the which they did worshippe had no power ouer him neither were they equall in valour And Bradaman his Father séeing him so feared and reuerenced of all and how great and mightie his strength fiercenesse was was
thereof excéedinglie 〈◊〉 ioyfull beléeuing of a certaine that it was not possible for him to loose his kingdomes hauing so valiant and strong a sonne So at such time as the Letter of the Emperour Alicandro came vnto his hands there was present with him his sonne Bramarant who when that hee heard the Letter read he tooke a great desire for to goe with them into Grecia and thought the time long to sée himselfe on the iourney and requested his Father that hée might goe with him for that hée would that his mightie power were manifest vnto all the worlde Then Bradaman who desired no other thing did graunt him lisence and out of hand they entered their iourney towards the Court of the Emperour Alycandro Bramarant caused to bee made for himselfe armour all of little bones of small fishes that they finde in those seas of so great hardnesse that neither sword nor anie other weapon could cut or breake it it was of the same making that the Princes Meridian his armour was which afterward the knight of the Sunne â—ad yet this of Mâ—â—idian was more â—iâ—er and of greater â—orce Bramarant caused his armour to bée garnished with golde and precious stones wherwith after they were made hée was so proude and furious that hee had neitheâ— seare nor dreade of all the worlde Then Bradaman called before him twelue kings Captaines of his Ilandes who were as the Hystorie declareth great and mightie Gyants and in the companie of them and his sonne Bramarant tooke his iourney towards the Court of the Emperour Alycandio So when they came thether they were of the Emperour meruallouslie well receiued and entertained as of him that séemed to haue great néede of their helpe In the meane time y â— they there tarried till all the whole hoast were ioyned together Bramarant did many mightie feates of armes wherein he gaueâ—ful testimonie who he was putting so great wonder in all them that did behold him that with great admiration they sayd that the Gods did put vpon that knight all their powers and strengths for the punishment and destruction of the Christians Wherewith the Emperour was verie ioyfull and did them all great honour and it seemed vnto him that if they alone with their people should passe into Grecia they were sufficient to destroye the whole Empire and power of the Christians How the Emperour Alicandro did consult with the Nobles of his Court about their iourney into Grecia and what Bramarant did concerning the same Chap. 10. AFter that the Parliament was proclaimed by the commandement of 〈◊〉 Emperour Alicandro there were few 〈…〉 Lordes amongst the Pagans in Asia but came thether and bâ—eing all together in the greate Citie of Neptaya the Emperour entered into the Parliament house with all his whole assemblie of Kings Princes and other noble men wheâ—eas there was placed his Emperiall seate in his roome appointed hangâ—â— round about with cloth of golde and somewhat more below was the places for the rest made of verie fine and shining siluer whereas this mightie Emperour when he was set in his Emperiall seate which was all of fine gold and precious stones and all the other kings and Lords euerie one in his degrée which was to the number of more than one hundreth silence being commanded with great maiestie of his roiall person hée dyd pronounce vnto them these wordes following LOiall subiets true vassalls and my verie friendes immortal thanks I render vnto the high Goâ—s not onlie for that it hath pleased them to place me in this high and sacred estate in making mee Lorde ouer so many Countries and innumerable riches but also for that it hath pleased their ditâ—ne maiesties to consent which is a thing more to bee estéemed than all the rest that amongst so many mightie kings and noble Lordes that are héere present and subiect vnto this sacred Empire there is not one amongst you but hath béene and I suppose will bée loiall and faithfull which is the thing that Princes ought to haue in greatest price for that it is no lesse perillous and daungerous vnto a King that hath a peruerse and an vnreasonable subiect than for a man of meaner or baser sorte to haue a strong and mightie enimie So that now for that I am fullie perswaded and certefied of the great fidelitie truth that you haue alwaies vsed vnto me I haue requested you al to come vnto this assembly Court of Parliament for to communicate with you couching a matter whereof you are not ignorant not for that therein you should do ought to accomplish my will but that you should aide and helpe me with your good counsailes for that in great and profound matters one must propone and many must determine I thinke it is not néedfull to make much relating thereof because it is well knowen vnto you all how the knight of the Sunne and sonne vnto the Emperour of Grecia came into this land and was receiued entertained by vs with so great loue and good will as though it had bene the Prince Meridian our sonne Likewise how that it was our pleasure to marrie him vnto the Princesse Lindabrides our daughter the which was almost concluded and celebrated whether it was his euil hap or vnhappie fortune vpon a night he departed and left our daughter flouted vs astonied ashamed in recompence of the great honour that we did and shewed vnto him All the which doth not grieue vs so much for our parte for the euill sact done vnto vs as it doth for the great offence done therein vnto the immortall Gods beleeuing that a greater could not haue bene inuented vpon the earth nor a thing more contrarie against their diuine maiestie What Emperor King Prince or Knight amongst mortall men that durst be so bold as to refuse or take vnto his wife the Princes Lindabrides being successour descending from the diuine stocke but this onelie knight of the Sunne Of truth and with great reason may the diuine Gods execute their wrath vppon vs if so be that we doe not reuenge this great iniurie done vnto vs and offence vnto their diuine maiesties and with no lesse reason their diuine iustice may fall vpon you if that not onely with your subiects and goods but also your selues in person doe not procure to make this reuengemeÌ„t A man ought to haue a respect vnto the griefes offences done vnto themselues but much more the wrongs which are done against the high Gods We doe well vnderstand that for to take reuengement of the knight of the Sun it cannot be so easilie done but it will cost vs many people and much treasure yea and our owne persons in the performance thereof but yet considering your mightie power strength and valiant hearts we doe beleeue that it doth not astonish you neither do you feare to take vppon you this iourney for that greate delayes doth proceede of little prudence and feare of great cowardnesse but heroicall knightes such