whole vnto your beauty prowesse and valour which hath brought me into such a taking that no reason beeing able to preuaile ouer the flaming desire of my heart which you infused into mee when I gaue you mine I am constrayned to abandon mine honour vnto you Wherein I cannot but merualle to finde my selfe so quicklie ouer taken with your loue regarding the small time I feele this burning passion in my breast for to make you knowe the waight you sée presently howe I haue feared nothing which may staine the reputation of a Lady Illustrious and of great renowne The Duchesse perseuering in these her curteous Ceremonies the Damosell beganne to cut her off thus Maddame it is nowe time to bring into some harbour the two Barkes so tossed with the amorous storme and tempest So that to preache is not nowe required in this place rather let the Pilots thereof alone to doe the deuoire of their office By this meanes Tirendos hauing well vnderstoode the watch worde set vp the Mast with one hande and lifted vp the Sayles with the other then laying downe his Armes of steele required in mortall battells hee helped himselfe with those which are more esteemed betweene two Courtaines couching himselfe neere the Duchesse side where tooke some end the anguish of two Louers who remayned in that manner vntill they thought it high time to giue order for the rest of their Nauigation a Chamber was appointed for the Knight in a secret corner There hee soiourned nine or tenne dayes in the greatest pleasure and contentment that as yet hee euer tasted in his life for the Duchesse who loued him as dearelye as her own life was faire and gratious in perfection in such sorte that the departure and discontinuing of this felicitie and pleasure was a most grieuous thing to both these vassals of Loue. For fearing lest at length this secrete misterie would bee discouered the Knight must néedes go out of his swéet and voluntarie Prison albeit the Duchesse did not much feare her old and gray-headed Husband who may bée an example to all other that euery one should séeke his match lest the other inconuenient happen But Tyrendos in taking leaue of his Lady promised vndoubtedly to sée her againe which comforted her a little and afterward in going out of the Garden hee was met by Dirdan who louing the Ladie as you haue before vnderstood could by no meanes rest or sléepe but walking all night long about her lodging to bee within sent of his Paramour in meane while to allay as he thought the restles fit of his burning feuer Hee séeing Tyrendos sally foorth of the Orchard was vexed to the gall as euerie one who hath tasted the bitter fruite of iealousse may presume insomuch that to knowe who hee might be he drew neare raging and grumming betwéene his teeth these wordes Ah a cursed death maist thou die who commest nowe from the place the issue from whence hath wounded peirced my heart in twaine wish that he would haue laide hande on his choller to stay him but Tyrendos who had at the instant set hand to his sworde reached him a blow vpon his coxcombe which cleft him downe to the shoulders continuing his purpose thus Now shal the martyrdome end which hath hetherto tormented thée for her whose shoo-sole thou wast vnworthie to kisse Then making hast to the place where Velican attended him hee mounted strait and without any other company but this Knight who would neuer leaue him went directlye to Constantinople where they arriued in good time for the Turney On the morrow morning was Dirdan found dead hard at the Garden dore whereat was great murmuring the people saying hee was slaine for loue of the Duchesse which brought her into some suspition of her honour As soone as shee knewe thereof shee quicklie déemed who was the author of this Homicide Tyrendos her louer whom she neuer saw afterward albeit all the rest of her life he was the chiefest Darling of her destres The Duke who was old and loued his Ladie aboue measure neuer enquired farther of Dirdans death nor cared hee much what the worlde might thinke But misdéemed the Duchesse had caused him to bee dispacht to banish him for euer her presence for which déede hee estéemed her the more and had better opinion of her than before and so we will let them liue the one ioyfull of this perswation and the other passing sorrie to depart from her swéet louer whome wee shall finde hereafter in Constantinople at the Tourney to behaue himselfe better in other Combats CHAP. XI How the King Florendos arriuing with his Queene Griana his wife in Constantinople were most honourably receaued by the Emperour Palmerin their Sonne who met them with a great traine a dayes iourney from the Cittie And howe Primaleon Abenuncq and Arnasin receaued the order of Knighthood THe King Florendos and his Quéene Griana being departed from Macedon in the companie of the principall Barcons of their Kingdome tooke by their way all the pastimes they could deuise But beeing entred within the bounds of the Empire they were ioyfullie receaued by the Emperours commandement who had giuen order to his Subiects for the same effect as also for that the Queene Griana his Mother was their naturall and Soueraigne Princesse All this Troupe beeing arriued within a dayes iourney of Constantinople hee came to méete them accompanied with the greatest part of the Nobles of his Court with all the honour and most kinde entertainment as a Sonne so well brought vp as hee might shew towards his Father and Mother who hauing first grâ—eted him receaued and chearished Primaleon and Palmendos his Children who did vnto them all the reuerence possible to be thought of The like curtosie vsed Arnedos towardes them whome they reputed as their Sonne and in like manner all the rest both Kings and Princes who accompanied the Emperour So that these interchaungeable gréetings and welcomes were so long a dooing that they could not reach Constantinople but tooke vp their rest for that night in a most pleasant place foure miles distant from the Cittie where the Quéene could not fill her eies with beholding her sonne To bée breefe on the morrow they entred the Cittie with the greatest ioy that was euer heard of the Empresse Quéene Arismene the thrée Infantes and manie Ladies of high renowne who kept them companie béeing at the first Gate of the Pallace to receaue them more Honourablie who entertayning first the King and the Quéene after them came the thrée Infants to kisse their hands and then all the other Princes one after another These welcomming Ceremonies of the Ladies accomplished all this Royall companie mounted into the principall Hall of the Serraglia where the Emperour sate downe next to the King his Father and the Empresse bringing her thrée Daughters with her next the Quéene who could not faciate her selfe furuaying with an vnspeaâ—eable ioye so Heroicall and Illustrious a â—rue In so much that in
seeing him in so good disposition and Melissa his Wife so sage be autifull and vertuous So at the first Fatherly embraced them both and after that hée had welcommed them with a thousand welcomes hee ledde them both into his lodgings purposing quicklie to solenmize the marriage in his Court Which he did and after warces liâ—erally bestowed many presentes vpon the Greekes and Hungarians which came to accompany Melissa who returned all verie well pleased from him towards King Frisoll their Soueraigne But the Princesse Philocrista was receaued with no lesse sumptuoslâ—y by the King of France and all other Dukes Marquesses Carles and Barrons of that Kingdome where they helde manye Ioustes and Tournyes for her newe and ioyfull entrance wherein purchased great honour Arnasin Duke Tolomus Sonne and Peynedin hee who reseued so brauelye the French Prince when Lecheâ—â— slewe the Hermite in combatting him as you may yet verie well remember Yet did hee nothing in comparison of Tyrendos who would néedes go along with this new married couple to conducte them into Gaule For that falling there in loue with a verie faire and beautifull Princesse neere Cosen to Prince Aruedes and shee likewise beeing inaâ—â—â—red of him did meruallous thinges in Annes to get her further fauour In somuch that the King and the Prince his Sonne perceauing their Loues married them together soone after and gaue them so great Treasure for a dowrie that the feaste beeing ended they returned all to Constantinople feeling the liberalitie and bountie of the King of Fraunce But to returne to the order of our Historie the Emperour remayned almost alone by reason of the departure of the new married Princes and of somany other Knights which did accompany them Likewise the King of Thessalie tooke his leaue of him to the end to goe visite a little his Kingdome where Palmendos and Francheline were most Honourably receaued with great signes of ioy and gladnesse And the King liued three yeares there onelie after his returne After whose death immediatelie was the Knight Palmendos Crowned who by meanes of his valour and prowesse 〈…〉 greatly the consines and demaynes of his Kingdome waging continuall war against the Turkes hauing conquest in manye battails skirmishes and assaults of Citties Like hostilitie receaued that nation by Belcar who incontinent after the Tourney and all their Feastes were finished in Constantinople departed thence to returne to Dâ—uace where as soone as hee had solemnely celebrated his Nuptiais hée set forth on foote a numerous and bloud Host to goe against these Infidels and to reuenge himselfe for faire Laurena In like maner euery one of the other great Princes which came to Constantinople tooke their way homeward towards their Countries Especially King Frisol and the King of Sparta and very willingly would the King Florendos haue returned into Macedon had it not béene for the Emperour who be sought him humbly to tarry a little longer with him Neuerthelesse many dayes were not come and gone before the good old Prince found himselfe cast downe with a grieuous sickenes wherewith by reason hee was already drooping and decrepit he died within one month afterward The Quéene Griana saing him abandoned by the Phisitions and out of all hope euer to recouer againe fell also sicke with the sorrow and griefe shée tooke for him And a maruelous thing it was that these two both rendring their tribute vnto nature left on one day this mortall and transitory life The Emperour and the Empresse conceiued such inwarde griefe and anguish at this occurrence that thorough the continuall teares wherewith they bewayled them or through the abundance of melancholicke humours which stufft their braines they made account to goe kéepe them company in the other world Yet for all that afterward recomforting themselues as well as they might they caused them to be both buried in a rich and most stately Tombe with great funerall Pompe and Ceremonies And if this Court had a long time before continued in sollace and gladnes yet was it nowe as farre in mourning and griefe after this death without any token of ioy or myrth at all So that Primaleon all this time of tribulation and heauy chears gaue himselfe to nothing but hunting hauking retayning many braue Knights with him who alwaies kept him company which way soeuer he went CHAP. XV. How after that the Duchesse of Ormeda had knowledge of Perrequins death her Daughter Gridonia made anoath neuer to marry with any man if first he did not reuenge her vpon Primaleon of Greece and for what occasion the Castel of the Coc-fendu was builded whereinto the old Duchesse with Gridonia retiring themselues how as they rested themselues hard by a faire Fountaine there issued out of a Forrest a Lion which put all their traine to slight and the Princesses in great feare PErrequin being slaine the greatest parte of the Knightes who behelde him in this lamentable taking being alwaies at his side alighted strait complaining greatly for his so great disaster but knowing his life irreuocable blamed him without any dread who had seperated it from his body the which they tooke vp and conuayed out of the field And after long lamentation and shedding of many teares ouer it they did most honourably bury it in an Abbey that stoode in the suburbes of the Citty Soone after without any long soâ—ourning there they embarqued themselues againe and set sayle to the first Port of Ormeda not daring to returne into Polland so that the Duchesse and her Daughter had the first newes of this mishâ—p At the comming whereof it were impossible to recount the sorrow and wayling that they made but especially Gridonia who loued Perrequin with a most perfect lone Bymeanes whereof shée vowed and sware an oath in presence of many neuer to accept of any other man for her husband but him onely who shoulde giue her for an earnest of her marriage Primaleons heade And if shée and her mother made great mourning for the death of Perrequin their kinsman it was nothing in respect of that of the King his father and of all the Kingdome of Polland hauing knowledge of this mischance It fortuned that many Princes afterward sending to the Duchesse to demaund Gridonia in marriage when they vnderstoode the conditions they doubted greatly whether they might euer be able to accomplish it or no Albeit some surceased not for all that to prosecute their demaunde menacing the Mother that if she would not giue them her Daughter with a good will they would ere long take her away by force And the principall who vsed these threatninges was the Prince of Clarence a most prowd and arrogant knight Insomuch that the good Lady fearing left for this effect he wold come to make warre vpon her sent both her Daughter and the old Duchesse her Mother vnto one of her Castels called the Roc-fendu which the great Grandfather of Gridonia had caused to bee builded informe of a Fortresse for this occasion This auntient Duke had an
THE FIRST BOOKE OF PRIMALEON of Greece Describing the knightly deeds of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former Historie of Palmendos brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon LONDON Printed for Cuthbert Burby and are to be solde at his shop by the Roiall Exchange 1595. The first Booke of Primaleon of Greece Describing his Knightly deedes of Armes as also the memorable aduentures of Prince Edward of England And continuing the former History of Palmendos Brother to the fortunate Prince Primaleon c. CHAP. I. How the Ambassadours of Fraunce came to Constantinople where they were Honourablie receaued by the Emperour who hauing heard the effect of their Ambassage and conserred theron with the Prince Arnedes affianced him immediatlie to his Daughter Philocrista by whose hand the Ambassadours presented the Letters of credence from the King their Maister IN the Historie of Palmendos after which this Booke of Primaleon followeth you haue hearde of the Loue betweene the Prince Arnedes 〈…〉 Philocrista Daughter 〈…〉 Emperour Palmerin and 〈◊〉 a Courtier was sent to aduertise the â—ing his Father thereof That hee might â—nâ—ay the like good fortune â—s Palmendos had done with his mistresse Francelina and thereby confirme a generall reioysing The messenger béeing carefull to dispatch this businesse made such haste in his iourney as in short time be arriued at the famous Cittie of Paris where the King vnderstanding the will of his Sonne quicklie resolued to conclude these assures Electing as chiefe in this Ambassage the Duke of Orleaunce a verie wise prudent Lord commanding also that the Marquesse of Oliuet the Countie Peter one of the bost knightes in his Court should be are him companie with manie other Barrons so sumptuouslie accoustred as euidentli declared how far the French excéeded al other Nations in magnificence and good partes whereof at this time wee haue no leysure to speake The King hauing giuen them his Letters of credence and instructions concerning the summe of their charge he deliuered them sundry precious gifts which he sent to Philochrista and the Prince Arnedes But before their departure there came a Knight to the Court from the King of Castile to aduertise Recinde howe his Brother béeing deceased without issue all the people verse much reioyced that the Scepter of the Kingdome should fall to a Prince so valiant When the King of Fraunce heard these newes by the gentleman of Spaine named Pinedo be made answere how Recinde was gone with his Son Arnedes to Constantinople where as hee heard by credible intelligence hee daylie wonne great honour and renowne Hereupon Pinedo determined to passe into Greece with the Ambassadors and comming to Tolloain Prouence they embarqued them selues on the Mediteranean Sea where sayling with winde at will it was not long before they arriued at Constantinople euen at such time as Arnedes was in his wonted passions of loue No sooner were they entred the Porte and bad cast Anker but the Duke of Orleaunce commaunded a generall iouysance in applauding heauen for their happie nanigation whereof the Emperour béeing aduertised he sent to know the cause of this reioysing When he heard the arriuall of the French Ambassadors he was right glad thereof hoping Arnedes woulde now recouer health by some good tidinges and therefore sent spéedily to acquainte him therewith intreating him to bee of good courage séeing the Lordes of his Countrie were come so happilie It were needlesse to demaund if Arnedes were wel pleased with these tydinges considering the present cure hee found in one moment hée reby which shewed that herein consisted the onelie medicine for his malladie this made him leaue his bed and goe with Primaleon to the Emperour who séeing him come so 〈…〉 was not a little glad of his good recouerie and said Me thinks Sir Arnedes that the arriuall of these French Gentlemen hath reuiued and verie well strengthened you Well haue you saide my Lorde answered Arnedes because it is the onlie meanes of my restoring Philocrista who knew full well the depth of his amorous desiers reioyced maruellouslie at this fortunate occurrence so that by outward view of her countenance might easilie bee discerned the inward content of her bart and whence procéeded this alteration wherein by silence shee bewrayed to the French Prince what boldlie she durst not vtter in spéech and whereof he néeded no interpreter but with like signes returned thankfull requitall minding to goe presentlie to the Porte to sée by whome the King his Father had sent this long expected message The Emperour commaunded manie of his Barrons with him for more Honourable accompanying the Ambassadors to the Pallace and in signe of greater fauour Primaleon himselfe went with Arnedes who sent his divarse before to let them vnderstand his comming to the Porte Whereupon the Duke of Orleaunce with his company immediatly laÌ„ded where first beholding their yong Prince they ran hare-headed to kisse his hand when he haning seuerallie embrased the thus spake to the Duke of Orleaunce My noble Cosen how many pleasures hath your art shall héere inriched me withall in sooth farre more than you can easlie thinke on But tell mee I pray yée ere we passe any further how sares the King my Noble Lorde and Father So well as your heart can desire my Lord answered the Duke and as one wounderfull longing spéedilie to sée you wherefore his will is that making so little stay héere as possible you can you vse some hast in returning to your Countrie of Fraunce Herein shall I most gladlie obey him replyed Arnedes ere many dayes after this hée expired in meane space giue honour to Primaleon here the Emperours Sonne who hath vouchsafed to come in person to welcome yée Primaleon maruelled that these French Lords and Knights so humbled themselues to Arnedes which made him imagine that he was Sonne to their King in regard whereof vsing the greater kindnes to the Duke of Orleaunce and the other Ambassadours he desired theÌ„ to resolue him concerning the estate of Arnedes who hitherto had not disclosed himselfe to anie one My Lord said the Duke this yong Prince is out Soueraignes Sonne who in respect of his earnest desire to be seruice to the Emperour your Father thought it méetest for him to come vnknowne to this Court and héere to remayne so concealed till hee should perceiue his priuate deseignes fall out to his owne contentment Concerning which the present message committed to our trust by the King his Father I hope will sort to good and successefull end with the help of him whome I pray so spéed vs as herein our enterprise may not be disappointed In good faith said Primaleon turning himselfe to the French Prince I haue very great reason to complaine of you Arnedes that you would thus long hide yourself from me for although you resolued in comming hither that no one should know ye yet you might haue exempted me from that vniuersall number considering the
triumph day which was appointed for the Nuptialles of his Sister And for the more magnificent gracing thereof the Emperour grently desired to see the king his Father and the Queene his Mother there present which made him send a pest in this behalfe to request them The like did hee to the king of Sparta and Arismena his Aunt whome hee had not seene since their espousalls hee sent for King Frisoll also with the residue of his chiefest friendes that they would honour him with their presence at his Daughters wedding because soone after she was to depart for Fraunce The Horseman which the Emperour sent for Macedon found king Florendos in exceeding pleasure in that hee had married Belcar with Alderina Daughter to the Duke of Pontus and as yet the feast endured where Recinde was enforced to abide at the earnest intreatie of Belcar who promised afterward to accompanie him to Constantinople So that when the Poste arriued there they were prouiding to set forward on the way Now were the king and Quéene not a little ioyfull when they vnderstood that Palmendos was their Nephew Philocrista should marrie with so great a Prince as was the son to the king of Fraunce Hereupon they concluded not to frustrate the Emperours desire which hee had to see them at this solemnitie Then the messenger recounted to them how Arnedes had remayned vnknowen in the Court without any intent to make him selfe knowen untill the Ambassadours of Fraunce arriued there With whome quoth hee there came a knight of Spaine that enquired after Recinde Son to the Castile king because his eldest brother being deceassed the Subiectes of the Realme desire him for their king Recinde hearing these newes beeing vnable longer to endure deliuered forth meruaylous sorrowe for the death of his Brother saying that hee more desired his life than all the Kingdomes in the world Sundrie other mournefull spéeches hee procéeded in when the king and Balcar wundring that two such knights had so long concealed themselues reioysed not a little thinking themselues happie that they had done such honors to Recinde with whome they vsed many reasons and sweet perswasions to comfort and put him from his sorrowfull dumpes The messenger being likewise glad because hee had found the end of the Spanish Knights perigrination thus spake My Lord Recinde cease these teares which serue to no purpose for recouering the thing that is out of all hope of men but rather to hinder the Castillians who desire shortly to see yee as their Lorde and King Soueraigne For which me thinkes ye haue greater occasion to thanke God than thus to torment your selfe against all reason considering that the Scepter of Castile is one of the most rich and honourable in all Europe And if yee meane shortly to see the Prince Arnedes in Constantinople who is not a little pensiue for your cause of heauines yee will procure great ioy both in him and the whole Court of the Emperour because each one doth wish your presence there especially vpon so good occasion as is now offered When Recinde heard the Gentleman vse such spéeches he began to remember himselfe that nowe hee was to deliuer some Heroicall spectacle for better attayning his Lady Melicia whome by the sad and certaine newes of his Brothers death he thought the sooner to recouer as his owne Wherefore he determined to make one in this Tourney and as hee resolued on this honourable purpose many secret discourses combatted with his spirite which he generally imparting to Belcar receiued this answere from him My Lord and Brother although I durst not enterprise to goe so soone to Constantinople yet would I gladly beare you companie as well to grateste yée herein as any thing els I am able to deuise because you are the man to whom I would haue my nearest thoughtes knowen throughout my whole life with this assurance beside that yée shall not find any man lesse sparing of him selfe in such matters as may be déemed agreable to yée Seigneur Belcar answered Recinde I may well say that if Fortune heretofore hath slenderly fauored mee entertayning me often with verie rigorous tearmes yet might it bée interpreted but as a presage of vnspeakeable content in future prosperitie for the ioy I take in being of so good account with you surmounteth all the mishaps that haue befallen mee So knitting vp these courteous entercourses they purposed to take order for their voyage each one according to his owne best contriuing desiring the King not to make ouer much haste because they minded to trauaile together For Belcar Recinde and Tirendos required to go thither before meaning to perfourme some matter at honour and worthie commendation in the sight of the Emperour who had neuer seene anye deedes of Belcar and Tirendos whereto King Florendos agréed verie willingly who notwithstanding hee was aboue thréescore yéeres old yet was hee neuerthelesse of strong nature able to endure the paine of trauaile Nowe when hee had appointed euerie thing in equipage with a goodly companie he set on towarde Constantinople whither the Duke of Pontus could not come so soone as hee for certaine businesse of importaunce that had befallen him to the great griefe of the Princesse Alderina that shee should so long be absent from her deare spouse Belcar So leaue we them voyaging as time fauoured to speake of such things as happened in the Emperours Court in meane while CHAP. III. How Ozalio intreated Palmendos to accomplish the promise he made him and he vnwilling to deny him any thing gaue him Marencida to wise as also the Kingdome of Tharsus And howe they both embarqued themselues with a gallant companie of Knights to goe thither And what hapned the Queene Mother to Palmendos at their arriuall WHile the Horsemen and messengers were thus busied about their charge the Emperour commaunded preparation for the great triumph feasting his Sonne Palmendos and the French Lords entertayning them with all pastimes his hart could deuise so that the whole Court exercised themselues in nothing els than in such things as might yéeld greatest pleasure to this honorable assemblie Among them all that were thus contented Ozalio had little minde of pleasaunce séeing his Cosen altered from the Law of Mahomet wherefore he intreated him according to his promise that he would giue him the Princesse Marencida to wife with leaue to returne againe to Tharsus which motion highly pleased Palmendos knowing that by these meanes the Queene his Mother should heare certaine tydinges of him Marencida on the other side was in no lesse paine than Ozalio and albeit the Princesse Philocrista euermore comforted her with such honorable meanes as became her calling yet could she not fasten vpon any thought of pleasure but continuing daylie solitarie like solitude it selfe would not come forth of her Chamber but there all the day streamed foorth fountaines of teares complayning without ceasing of her aduersitie Of one thing she might iustly make vaunt that her eyes were
become sources dishlling foorth water more cleare than Christall and if she tooke any finall pleasure or recreation it was only with Ozalio who euerie hower fayled not to visite her At length Palmendos went one day to conferre with her concerning the former determination of ioyning her in matriage with Ozalio but so soone as he entred the Chamber shee began to renewher wonted griefes and passions saying Alas Sir Knight wherfore come yée to renue my sorrowe so extreame and insupportable as death it selfe is readie to seaze on me in this place I intreat yée séeing the destinies haue fatallie appointed me to this endlesse torment that yée woulde not vrge it the more by the meanes of your presence Madame answered Palmendos if heretofore I haue procured yee any iniurie or griefe of minde I hope at this instant to make a final end thereof by the meanes of an inestimable gift which I meane to bestow vpon yée giuing yée the Knight to your husband who estéemes and loues yée aboue al thinges in the world Nor could the King Ocurites compare with him for valour and vertue the heauens bearing witnes of his prowesse and dexteritie in Armes as I know no Gentleman of the Turkish Nation séeing him once manage déedes of Chiualrie that dare méete him in Tourney or field-battaile without repenting it dearely afterward Neyther could King Ocurites equall him in riches and possessionâ— enuoying the kingdome of Tharsus which hereafter shall be his a state more wealthie than the Prouince of Culaquin For this cause Madame appease the violence of your passions consider that your comming into this Countrie will bring ye great honour and felicitie if yee please to accept as your lawfull husband the Prince Ozalio my Cosen whose affectionate dilligence yée behold in your seruice But should yée be so vnmercifull as to refuse him yée may easly hill both life soule together a matter too irregular and differing from Ladies reputation in that by nature they are rather benigne pittiful than bloodie and cruell though verie often ouer firme in peruerse obstinacie Lord Palmendos quoth Marencida how is it possible to condiscend vnto the matter you propound mee but by forces well may you guesse by the small delight I take in béeing in this Countrie I will neuer doe this with my good will asâ—â—â—t Sergnent Ozalio seemeth vnto me such a one as I could not better bestow my loue vpon any who meriteth more sauour at my hand than he doth but alas my fortune hath reduced me into so pittifull tearmes that I cannot accommodate my selfe to any thing which delighteth my spirits Notwithstanding if so it bee that against the good will of your handmaide and captiue you haue determined to effect this businesse I pray you before I espouse the Prince Ozalio your Ecseâ— that I may see the king Ocurites my â—â—st husband to the end I may aduertise him of my disaster 〈◊〉 of that which I am now forced to doe being not able by my reasons any way to resist Thereunto do I accord most willingly answered Palmendos and addressing his speech to Philocrista thus hee procéeded Madame I humble beseech you after dinner to take her with you into the Emperours great chamber to gratifie her in that which she hath presently requested So sell it out after the Infant had constraynedly made her to 〈◊〉 on her richest habillunenis in which it was a godlye sight to behold her for she was both faire and of the best grace Being come into the presence where the Emperor was conferring with the king of Theslalie with manie other Princes and great Saigneurs Palmendos commanded by and by to send for the king of Culaquin who seene after was brought thither looking so leane chaunged and meager of countenance that Marencida did not know him and had not Palmendos shewed him to her she could not will haue guest it to be he Then she rising vp from a chaire where shee sate went to embrace him the teares standing in her eyes when she cried out Alas king Ocurites which of the Planneds haue wee prouoked that doth submit vs both to this sinister fortune and inexplicable mischaunce euen by the meanes of one onely knight the same who vanquished and tooke you prisoner in the Leuant-seats hath brought me away by force out of my Countrey from my Father and friendes into this place where not contented to held me as his slaue but will moreouer in my despite giue me to another husband And that which I haue receiued of him as great sauour is this that he hath onely permitted me to let you vnderstand hereof to the end I hauing once tolde you you may not blame mee hereafter knowing not for my part howe to remedie it otherwise Ah I wish the fatal Goddesses would quickly shread a two the thrid of my life before I consent by my will to any such occasion Ah! If it might so will befall me I should repute my selfe happie as receiuing the onely contentment which I desire is to saue mee from contaminating the excéeding loue I bare you But infortunate and miserable woman that I am séeing death sheweth himselfe herein inexorable I must spend in extreame sorrow the rest of my dayes Alas poore King Ocurites who was wont to be so much esteemed off among the Princes and Kings of Turkye whose prowesse and haughtie courage did farre surpasse all the brauest and hardiest Knights of Asia where are now become thy riches and great estates who hath dimmed the so signall and samous renowne of thy Heroicall gestes captiuing both thée and thy loyall spouse How did fortune vngently abandon thée in this manner O it was ambition and desire of winning he nor which hath put this slauish chaine about thy necke placing thée among Gallie-slaues where it shalbe vest for thee to die immediatly séeing the Emperour is our mortall and capitall enemie O diuine prouidenes how hast thou permittet fortune to rebell thus and to execute against vs so enorme and woful a mischiefe's Assuredly I can well vaunt that the celestiall bodies haue more fauored vs than thou hast béene friendlie and gentle towards vs. She vttered manie other lamentable discourses still detesting her accursed life When the King Ocurites who had giuen attentiue eare to her knowing that she was Marencida felt him selfe so confounded and out of his wits that he could not pronounce aboue fiue or sixe such like wordes Alas Mahomet did it not suffise thée to haue so austerely afflicted me but thou must reduce into so pittifull and base extreamity the soule which did not merrite the least of all these sorrowes which doth so much the more agrauate my torment Ah the most outraged King that euer was borne of his mother sée alloweth downe patiently the potion mixtured with bitternes which thou haste prepared for him Speaking these wordes hee fell his height to the ground and Marencida fell downe heard by him where they vsed such strange gestures that
some supposed they were stricken with the falling sicknes insomuch that they mâ—â—ed all the standers by to compassion and the Emperour for his parte would willingly haue deliuered them had hee not perceaued Palmendos could not honestly frustrate Ozalio of the promise which he had made him By meanes whereof not to abide beholding them any longer in this pitteous Tragedie he commaunded incontinent to recarry Ocurites to his loâ—ging Marencida backe into her chamber where she would willingly haue done that for him to saue him from death which Alceste whilom Quéene of Thessalie would only haue enterprised for Admetus her husband after she vnderstood by the Oracle that any one of his friends who would die in his stead might saue his life which else in no wife might bee preserued So great was she heartes griefe Ocurites felt during his traunce that refusing to eat or drinke a long time afterwards he weakned so much his members and spent his naturall vigour so farre that his soule was constrained to take leaue of his body which was interred afterward by commaundement of the Emperour in a rich tombe whereof Marencida neuer knew any thing for they sought meanes expressâ—â—y to conceale from her this mischaunce fearing lest she should goe after to héepe him companie in the other world as might bee misdoubted by the coniectures gathered of the anguish she indured séeing him in so miserable estate when shee sounded in his presence as you haue read before And for that Ozalio did solicite at the length her departure with all dilligence Palmendos caused two shippes to be made readie with all things necessary graunting him fréely his departure albeit there was much griefe on both sides for that from their infancie they had béene both brought vp together they gaue each other their last adieu not without bedewing their faces with store of teares their mindes beeing touched inwardly with the strict and more than fraternall amitie betwéene them so that euerie one maruelled why he would not for this only respect renounce Paganisme as Palmendos had done which hee would surely haue done if the loue of Marencida had not so preuailed with him The Emperour gaue them many sumptuous presentes to carrie from him to the Queene of Tharsus which beeing bestowed in fit place on ship boorde hee commaunded to hoyse sailes and so incontinent launched into the maine sea which was so calme and still that within fewe dayes hee fell within the coast of Tharsus So soone as he was ariued in the haue it all the Cinso began to make bone fires and many other tokens of ioy thinking to recouer their true liege Soueraigne Palmendos But soone after chaunged their reioycing into sadnes when they knew certainly Palmendos was so farre from that plate where they thought him to be present all the people doing nothing els but curâ—â—e and ban the old Beldame who 〈…〉 the loste of so made and gentle a Prince At this time â—ay she Quéene very grieuously sicke in her bed for the absents of her sonne Palmendos so that seeing Ozalio 〈…〉 for into the chamber her heart felt present he such an 〈◊〉 anguish that she had neyther sinew veine artir nor miâ—scle which was not depriued of their vsuall functions So that without hearing the Ambassage which the Emperor 〈◊〉 to Ozalio to oster hir with his presents she died more 〈…〉 euer â—â—erre through 〈…〉 This honourable Lady hauing thus accomplished the last law of nature and yeelded before God her mortall homage Ozalio gaue the principals of the Kingdome to vnderstand of the ordenance of Palmendos his Cosen wherby vpon calling them together soone after the decease of the Quéene hée shewed them fast scaled and so subscribed as they ought to bee by which meanes they all knowing him to bee a most sage and valerous Prince accepted him gladly for their King Thus hauing peaceably inuested himselfe in the kingdome he married forthwith in great triumph and magnificence his deare Marencida who seeing the loue her husband bare her to increase more and more euery day conuerted her mourning and sorrow into thankfull gladnes so that within few daies she quite forgate all thinges past louing afterward so perfectly the good King Ozalio her second husband that shee had by him many goodlie children many whereof proued very braue and hardie Knights Thus feasting them whom he tooke from Constantinople for to accompanie him homeward at length he returned them backe againe with such newes and rich giftes which the king Ozalio sent to his Cosen Palmendos as hee in memoris hereof continued the same euery yeare following in like manner for tribute and homage of the high estate which he confessed onely to hold of him No sooner were the Knightes arriued in the Emperours Court but Palmendos was aduertized of the death of the Quéene his mother whereupon he grew into great mellancholle and made woefull lamentation seeming to him that his absence was the principall cause of her death but he loued Franchelinaso ardently that hee could not well busie his spirites in any other thing than in those which he knew might cause her delight and pleasure wherefore in time hee forgot the sorrow which these heauie newes caused especially féeling himselfe so comforted by his loue whom wee will now leaue to take the gratious pastimes wherwith those that are 〈…〉 affianced and wont to sollace one another attending the wished day of their Nuptials And now returne wee vnto Rifarano whome we shall finde yet in the house of the Countesse of Island CHAP. IIII. How Rifarano beeing departed from the Countesse of Island to go to the Tourney which was to be held in Constantinople met with his companion Ledefin with whome hee fought to reuenge a pore Damsell whose husband hee had slaine RIfarano who Combated Dioll the Earle of Islandâ— brother if you remember remayned sometime with the Countesse his widdowe as well to heale his woundes throughly especially that in the scull of his head which hee was faine to cauterise and haue throughly seâ—â—ched as also for the pleasure and graunt of amourous fauours which he receiued daylie of her by meanes where of he could not leaue her till hée was aduertised how the Emperour Palmerin would holds open Court in Constantinople and of the great Triumphes which were here in preparation to solemniâ—s the alliance Nuptials of the infant Philocrissa with Arnodes Sonne is the King of Fraunce likewise of the Princesse Franchelina with Palmendos But not to loose so good occasion to present himselfe in so honorable a companie which hee hoped would there mâ—ete at this solemne feast hee demaunded licence of the Countesse to goe see the Prince Palmendos at whose handes he had heretofore receaued so much fauour that vs though that held his life but of him and the immortall God who might end it when â—â— best pleased him Whereunto very loath and vnwilling she accorded doubting lest bee should not returne againe to her so
is the Prince Recindes whom yee see no lesse affectioned towards you with an intire loue than desirous to shew you the experience by meane whereof I pray you of all fauour betwéene you and me you will reciprocally loue him for that he deserueth it his vertues of themselues should inuite you thereunto and I promise you to employ my selfe so well for you both that with in few dayes your heartes shall finde some case and content The Damosell who was sage and as curteous as might he hasht a little at her Brothers spéeches and made him this answere You say true Brother that the Seigneue Recindes is vertuous valiant and a rich Prince I should 〈◊〉 my selfe to want manners and grace not to obay you in that which it pleaseth you to commaund mee séeing betwéene you two so perfect amitie is confirmed so that you and hee may he assured all my life I shall reuerence him in such sorte that you shall know with what sincerity shee speaketh who will remayne perpetually seruant to you both Now may I quoth Recindes repute my selfe truely happie about all these who thinke to haâ—â— attayned 〈…〉 of their felicitie seeing you so prompt Madame 〈…〉 which it pleaseth my Lord your Brother to preserue in my 〈◊〉 and if I reioyce in any good which God giueth me it is onlie but for the hope I haue to make you the Ladie and Mistresse of me and of the kingdomes of Spaine The Emperour who was a 〈…〉 and we 〈…〉 Prince casting his eye round about especially suruaying the qualitie of those who were in any conference with the young Princesse that it would be a verie sorteable match betweene Recindes and Melissa in so much that in time hee purposed to put it in effect Likewise he spied Abenuncq sitting nere Amandria Daughter to the King of Sparta his Vnkle whom hee permitted also to giue vnto him in mariage to the ende to recompence him there with because hee had forsaken his Mahometicall law and whilst the Emperour had this in his minde Abenuncq boorded her thus Onely Mistresse of my seruitude you might sée this morning the victorie which loue hath gotten ouer me making me renounce mine owne proper religion to take a new which is strange vnto me During which Combat the poore slaue of Cupid so fortefied himselfe with your liuely and rare beauty which hee shooting off at his eyes hath so imprinted it within his soule that no other thing were it neuer so highly estéemed can take that place from it Neuerthelesse if to make sufficient proofe of his Magnanimitie finding this precious treasure néere him it would please you to let him enter into the Courâ—â—ey as your Knight which is the most Soueraignety of his desiers you may well assure your selfe you neuer sawe so much hardinesse in a young and new made Knight as in him If for the loue of mee quoth Amandria then you haue renounced the Pagan lawe I am greatly bounden to blesse God and to thanke you for the good will you beare me albeit I merite not the least parcell of any such honour in recompence whereof I might he iudged ingratefull and too discurteous if I should refuse the honest request it pleased you to make mee béeing but newely Knighted and issued out of so Royall a house as you doe Wherefore I am content and thinke my selfe happie that in my name you will enter the â—istes wherein I hope you shall winne such Honour among the rest seeing you had so good knowledge and deuorsâ—â— of yourselfe to come to our faith Madame replyed he you onely haue béene the occasion in that to insinuate my selfe into your fauour I get the knowledge of the Soueraigne God For that regarde shall I loue you the more quoth shee smiling and will estéeme you euer more than any Knight which may offer himselfe to mine eyes in signe whereof there is a ring which shall serue you for a fauour in the â—ourney This ring replyed hée which nowe I haue by your gift shall giue me so much force and courage that when I should haue a thousand liues I would employ them all one after another séeling it fast vppon my little finger so that hauing it in my possession I shall prize it farre more than the fatall ring of Gyges This was the parlie these two newe louers had together that day which made Abenuncq in so great ioy hauing vnderstood thereby his Ladies will as hee past away merrily that night with the other Knights CHAP. XII How the Prince Arnedes was espoused with Philocrista and Palmendos with Franchâ—line and afterward laie all foure in two beddes which the Knight of the Isle-Close sent the Emperour with eight Musitians to make them all kinde of harmonious mellodie And howe the next day following they opened the great Triumph wherein Primaleon bore away the prize ON the morrowe which was the day when the Nuptials of Arnedes with Philocrista and of Palmendos with Francheline should be solemnized come euerie one foorth richly arrayed to accompanie them to the Church of Saint Marie the round but before they came thither they staire an houre by the way so full were the streetes and windowes stuffed with Knights who came thither to the â—ourney At the last they came thither and presently was there begun a high and solemne Masse by a Bishop who giuing his benediction to the new Epouses finished incontinent the Ceremonie which the Greekes had accustomed to vse in their Nuptials then returning to the Pallace in the same order they came it was past twelue before they came backe thither by meanes wherof these new married Princes sitting downâ— to cable with the King their Vnkle the Emperour their Father and the other Kings and Princes and great Seigneurs beganne presently a Consort of Musitions to sound on al kind of Instruments In briefe they so feasted all that day that it were impossible to recount it afterward bed time beeing come the Queene of Thessalie and many other Ladies of Honour brought Philocrista to her Chamber where they laid her in a rich and statelie Bed whose Curtaines and Canope were cloth of gold wrought with little figures of Birds spred cleane ouer a Couerture of fine crimson Veluet diapred euery where with great orientall Pearles The couch beset round with Imagerie of Pâ—rle in forme of Pomgranets holding two great braue Medailles of massiue gold had the soure principall pillers of the Mother of Emraude wrought infashion of bathes vnderpropped by foure Dragons of gréene marble planted vppon the bases of Caâ—cidonie and foote stalles of Iaâ—per and vpon the top of the pillers stood foure Sâ—hinges of â—â—ne â—gate comming soâ—ere the naturall creatures that you â—ould haue said there had bin nothing in theÌ„ wanting but the spéech The like did the Empresse to Francheline with manie other Ladies in her Chamber and in a Bed of no lesser 〈◊〉 arâ—â—fice thaÌ„ that of Philoorista as commâ—ng both out of the mans shop and
began Primaleon to take it in dudgeon finding him alwaies before him offering such fashion of Combat feeling rather a mortal bloudy fight than an excercise of ioy pastime wherefore he swore to be reuenged of him if hée encountred him any more in the Tourney which fell out euen so for that vpon the morrow séeing him with his Launce in his rest to come amaine vpon him snatcht another out of his Squiers hands quickly saying alowd in great indignation Discurteous Knight I know not who you are who filled with such a fury and mallice against mée will not suffer me to be one minute of an houre at quiet Neuerthelesse I will see now whether I can vncase this fellowe who thinkes to dispatch him who neuer as farre as bee knoweth offended him in his life Finishing these spéeches he went to charge him with his sword which he thrust so right into the middest of his breast that it ranne more than a foote and a halfe crosse thorough his shoulders and at that instant sent him as dead as a Dogge to the ground prosecuting his talke thus Now shall thou leaue mee manger thy mallice who hast dogde mee so these thrée dayes that I could neuer kéepe thée from behind or before mee Then in great hardiesse hurring into the thickest of the presse hée charged them so couragiously of all sides that ere long hée forced all his aduersaries to turne their backs To make a short abridgement hée got alwaies the honour of the victory as long as the Tourney lasted Whereof the Emperour and all the Nobles of Greece were passing ioyfull of his generosity valour and Chiualry But let vs nowe before wée conclude this first part of our History sée what good lucke befell the Spanish Prince who hath lately left the Iousts to Court his fayre Lady Melissa CHAP. XIIII Howe Recindes hauing espoused Melissa returned into Spatue Arnedes into Fraunce with Philacrista and all the other Kings and Princes into their Kingdomes Except King Florendes and Queene Griana who died in Constantineple to the great sorrow and mourning of the Emperour and all his Court. WHo might euer be able to recount the great magnificence and meruallous thinges which were done during the feast of Philocrista and Francheline Surely the sumptuositie thereof seemed so pompous and the feates of Armes so admirable that to describe them well they surpasse the cloquent tongues of Demosthenes or Cicero For there was present so great a number of braue and valiant Knights that you would haue iudged the whole assemblie to haue béene the choyce and flower of all the men at Armes in the whole world But aboue all Recindes made his valour well knowne there for the earnest desire which prouoked him to do his best endeuour in some thing which might the more recommend him to his deare and best beloued Melissa Therfore the Emperour who estéemed him highly told the King of Hungarie that he should get a good Sonne in law if hée purposed to giue him his Daughter in marriage King Frisoll answered hee would be very willing of this alliance and causing his Son Belcar Recindes great friend to be sent for demeunded him his aduise and what coniecture hee had concerning his will in this matter Whereunto making answere that it was the most affectionate point of the Castilians honour beganne thus to set this busines abroach Lord Recindes your valour and chiualrie sheweth it selfe so Heroicall among this Illustrious Troupe that I loue you as much as my Sonne Primaleon so that to accquite my selfe in part of satisfaction of the good turnes I ow you hauing done mee this great Honour to come and visite mee in my house I am content to giue you for wife Melissa my néece Daughter to so Honourable a King as is my Brother of Hungarie As for the perfections of the Infante séeing you know and sée them euery day your selfe I will not labour to dilate further vppon her praise séeming to mee that the amitle betwéene you and my Sonne Belcar should bee farre more inseperable when the accomplishment of this alliance shoulde be consummate The Knight most attentiuely giuing eare to the Emperours talke bowed himselfe with a lowly reuerence to 〈◊〉 his hande and likewise King Frisols accepting him for his father and reputing himselfe for the happiest Spanish Knight that euer set saile toward the Fennes of Meotis for that he alone had compassed such a marriage the which was solemnized the morrow after with so much pompe and a newe supply of Tourneying Tilting that Primaleon had leysure inough to shew his singuler prowesse valour nor hapned there any thing during all these Triumphes which disquieted the Emperour in minde but the death of Perrequin knowing that he was not the least of his faction for otherwise he would not haue cared so much for it When all the feasts were finished the Emperour gaue many presents to many Knights sending them home most ioyfull men into their owne houses and countries And in the meane while he shewed good cheare countenance Arnedes solicited by his Ambassadors demaunded leaue to returne into Fraunce with his wife Philocrista and so likewise did Recindes with his The Greekish Daminator denied them not their sutes but bestowed great riches vppon his Daughter to the end she should goe most honourablie into Fraunce and in like manner to Melissa his néece Then he commaunded to rigge out a fleete of ships well equipped with al things necessary for such a voyage The King Florendos gaue moreèuer manie rich and pretious Iewels to his néeces the King of Hungarie not forgetting to doe the like to his Daughter with whom hee sent a certaine number of his Knightes to accompany and sauegard her home And if the Empresse became verie sad at the departure of her two Daughters no lesse was the griefe of the two Princesse But for that they went away gallantly married to their content they easily forget all sorrowes past Euerie one then taking their leaues they be tooke themselues to the salt water and so well were they fauoured by Zoylus Neptune that with a prosperous gale and a calme Sea they soone arriued in the Coasts of Prouence where Recindes bidding adew his cosens Arnedes Philocrista followed the roâ—t of his voyage with Melissa And commaunding to single towards the strait of Gibraltar which lieth betwéene the two mountaines Calpe and Abylas at this day called the pillers of Herculos because the one of them in Spaine and the other in Barbarie were long since by him seperated to nauigate from the Ocean Sea into the Mediterranian came to land in the cittie of Siuill where he was most Honourably receaued From thence hee tooke his iourney towardes his Cittie Toledo where the King his Fathersoiourned who was passing glad of his arriuall most of all when hée heard the reputation hee had gotten in feates of Armes In somuch that going from his Pallace to entertaine them louingly could not forbeare weeping
creature as he saw her painted coloured in that place that from thenceforth he fell into a more vehement alteration For that the little 〈…〉 who lay in ambush for him during this his contemplation shot off out of his Quâ—uer so sharpe and piercing an Arrowe against him that wounding him to the heart this wounde caused him so strange a Passion that for to finde remedy for it hee purposed to seeke all meanes which might take away his paine and to eschewe no trauell whatsoeuer in gaing to that place where he thought he might recouer her The Prince then considering that to purchase this Lady he must needes combat with Primaleon thought he should commit too sowle an ouersight seeing the amity so long continued betweene their Fathers Neuerthelesse for all that hee thought with himselfe he should not surcease Palmerin hauing heretofore taken away by force from his Grandfathers house the Princesse Agriola his Aunt and that vnder the pretext of reuenging that iniury after the example of the taire Troian who insteede of Hesione his Aunt stole away the wife of King Meuelaus in Greece hee had good occasion to goe to combat the Constantino Politane Uppon this conflict of opinions which came to trouble his minde hee cast himselfe vppon a bed where sighing without ceasing he thus complained to himselfe Alasse Gridonia how much had it beene better for the ease of mine afflicted heart neuer to haue heard thee named nor seene the Pourtrait of thy face before my eyes whose sight hath into small time penetrated so deepe into my breast and weakened my members in such sort that they cannot well preuaile to perfourme the onely of their office Wherein if by the onely obiect of thy 〈◊〉 I feele to exceeding torment what will it then doo when I shall indéede see the naturall and liuely composition of such a pierelesse Paragon of Nature Ah! it is expedient for all that that I put my selfe in search to finde thee out to the ende that in seeing thee in deed I may giue some refrigeration to this my burning and newe flame For if the sauage and inhumane creatures forgetting their fiercenes yeelde themselues so meeke and gentle in thy presence what shall hee doe who hath some knowledge of humane reason Certes albeit I were sure to end my life yet must I employ for thy sake my person with all the goods and estates that God hath giuenâ—nes seeing thou art so worthie a creature which I thinke the heauen hath reuealed vnto mee as it were by a fatall oracle to the end that thou shouldest bée mine and I shine perpetually To atchieue vnto which point I promise thee to refuse no aduenture nor perillons attempt which may present it selfe to make mee refuse it Considering that by how much more Knights are issued of noble blood and illusterous linage by somuch more it behooueth them to enterprsse more generous and heroicall actes And to this may inuite thee the example of Arnedes Prince of Fraunce who for the loue of Philocrista Daughter to the Emperour of Constantinople departed from his Fathers Kingdome and in like manner Recindes Prince of Spaine for Melissa the King of Hungaries Daughter I then beeing of no lesse house than the one or the other of these two Princes my neighbours it behooueth mee to followe their steppes in the like enterprise So long time was the spirite of this yong Knight so occupied in making such like discourses that beeing not able to forbeare hee lost not onelie all appetite to eate and desire to sleepe but also therewithall all pleasure of hunting wherin hee had so much delighted before In such sorte that hauing none occasion neyther to heare no to see any recreation hee shunned the companie of those whome hee knewe desierous to bee neare him to make him merrie and pleasant One onely content hee enioyed during these his anguishes which was to finde himselfe before the Image of Gridonia whose infinite beautie so rauished the vigilance of his eyes that it did constraine his tongue to reason with it euen as if he had beene hard by her proper person beeing otherwise neuer satisfied to deuise with the painter of the graces of this Princesse It chances vpon a day that being wearied with this storme and wauering of minde he went forth into a wood which ioyned hard vppon the ditches of his Pallace where hee passed the greatest parte of the time of his passion without taking with him any other weapons but his rapiâ—r by his side So that walking vp and downe he sate him downe vnder abroad and thicke beech trée to discourse as his fancie shewed him of some thinges which might giue him some contentment And after hee had long time mused with himselfe bethinking by what meanes hee might best goe see Gridonia bee fast vp his eyes which he had before fired on the ground as it falleth out manie times to a man that is perplexed irresolute in minde to doe Wherby he espied neare him a wood man who would binde a burden of wood together in a little string so that beeing vexed with some thing els and to see him loose his time be said So God helpe me villaine I perceaue it procéedeth of thy great blockishnes or froward nature that thou dost labour in vaine after this impossibilitie whereuppon it séemeth to me that thou shouldest leaue the wood behinde or els if thou wilt carrie it away to haue a longer corde to binde it withall The pesant who heard himselfe miscalled turning himselfe and looking behinde him answered Prince Edward thou dost behold verie neare my follie who canst not take béede of thine owne which toucheth thee a little nearer I tell thee that euen as thou seest me looke my labour in binding this burden of stickes euen so iust shall it fall out with you in all the trauailes that you shall vndertake for her who reserueth her selfe for a better knight than you When the prince heard these spéeches setting hand to his sword he can incontinent after this wisard saying in a great cage In an euill houre for thy part great clowne caâ—â—st thou euer to publish so neare me so soule a lie For that in the circuite of the rounde world is there no Prince who doth deserue her better than myselfe who loue her so perfectly that no liuing creature is able to attaine to the height of my loue The woodman who heard him speake in such a rage ranye away as fast as hee could through the woods and Prince Edward after him with spéede Notwithstanding hee was not farre gone before an Armed knight came right vppon him being mounted vppon a verie lustie and braue Horse saying vnto him thus Gentleman let the villaine goe otherwise you are but a dead man Rather shall thou loose thy life answered the English man than I will not be reuenged of him who hath iniured mee thus villanouslie Now aduise thy selfe if thou wilt defend him Yes indéede replyed the Knight and yet
hands of any Knight who were issued out of that so noble and generous race of Palmerin de Oliua Notwithstanding séeing without doubt it is an inâ—uitable extremity I must patiently yéeld my selfe his humble captiue beséeching God I may finde so much curtesse in him as once did my mother in the like accident receaue of the so redoubted Prince Palmerin de Oliua Prince Edward afterwardes hauing vnderstoode by the More the interpretation which the Infant had accompanied with so heauy a sigh he would take the charge of her himselfe saying to the Master of the shippe that of all the booty they had taken he demanded nothing els for his share but this Damsell So Prince Edward lead away into his Chamber the Princesse Zerphira with fower of her principall Damsels onely who carryed with them theyr rings and iewels giuing the rest of the pillage to the Merchant and his companions then procéeding in theyr voyage the Knight called to minde how there were diuers Christians within his shippe who did him seruice with great reuerence whereupon mistrusting lest they should know him he tooke aside a little the Master of the Shippe saying thus vnto him my friend I perceaue you know who I am whereby men may thinke great simplicity in me to conceale my selfe hereafter Understand therefore that I departed out of the King my fathers Court with an vnspeakable desire to come to sée as well the good Knights which are in the Court of King Frisol as also in that of the Emperour of Constantinople therefore I must request you not to manifest mee to any one considering that what I doo now is but for some good respect And â—o the ende wee may auoyde the inconuenience which might ensue by the enquiry made of mée you shall doo mee hereafter the least honour you can reputing me but for a simple and poore wandring Knight whom you shall call the Knight of the Dogge and say I am of some farre Nation to you vnknowne who wandring thorough the world to séeke strange aduentures and arriuing at the King of Englands Court soiourned there a while with Prince Edward his sonne with whome I was so well acquainted that he would haue kept me there a long time with him whereby it procéedeth that I can better speake that language than any other yea than mine owne naturall tongue And if yee doo so and God giue mee grace to liue the age of a man I will reward you so that you shall thinke it a blessed hower wherein you first met me Syr replyed the Merchant you haue already done me more grace than I shall euer bee able hereafter to deserue at your hands which may well assure you I shall neuer dare disclose you seeing the great care and dilligence you your selfe vse not to bee descried of any whatsoeuer and whereas there is others beside in this vessell who knowe you as well as I doo I will make them all come before you to the ende they may promise not to make knowne your name but when and to whom you shall please So it fell out when they arriued afterward with great gladnesse at Arriace which was the place of the birth and dwelling of the chiefe Merchant who was owner of the ship Being a Cittie verie strong and of good defence situate in the Kingdome of Hungarie on the one side confining with the Countries of the Soloan of Nicea There came they into a Hauen and for the Merchant was rich and had a faire lodging hee tooke the Knight with him into his house who would néedes bring along Zerphira with him leading hir by the arme where they were Honourably entertained by the Merchants wife who at their arriuall vnderstood secretly by meanes of her husband the discourse of this Nauigation But all those of this ship hauing purchased by the helpe of the Knight of the Dogge great riches from the Instdels the brute thereof came quickly to the eares of this Ladie who found her selfe at that instant in a wofull case because King Frisoll went about by his Soueraignâ—ty to take from her this Cittie to fortesie it as beeing the next frontier to the Mores Country And also because her deceased husband had rebelled in his tune against Netrides his Father when after the conquest of this Kingdome hee sought to inuest himselfe with the principall Citties wherein no man gaintsaide him but he onely who died in this reuolte Under this pretexte then sent King Frisoll for this Lady to come vnto him so dispossesse her of the Cittie promising neuerthelesse to recompence her in good sort But shee who had but one only Sonne as yet a tender pupill vnder age would not exchange it for any other Cittie of his Kingdome as well by reason that hers was well seated for all kinde of commodities as also for that she saw all her subiects and inhabitance growne very rich and wealthy So that this Lady had no more but eight dayes of tearme remayning when she was to appeare before the King when also Prince Edward arriued at Arriace and hauing not as yet found out any that durst appeare to answere for her so that she wared very sad beeing in perplexety knowing not howe to resolue what was best to be 〈◊〉 in this cale when she vnderstoode of the prowesse and magnanimitie of the Knight of the Dogge bruted abroad in her Cittie Whereuppon it fortuned that shee sent incontinent for the principall Merchant to come to her Castell who arriued there soone after with two handmaides of Zerphira which fell to his share whereof he made a present vnto her and declared vnto her as much as yon haue read before wherewith thee had her minde so troubled that she lost almost both her sence and reason and therefore she prayed him to moue the Knight to haue some compassion of her woefull distresse Whereuppon he protesting vnto her of a troth the great curtesie and generousnes of Prince Edward shee made no farther enquirie but beeing accompanied with the Marchant with some one of her Damsels she went presently to him and falling downe prostrate before him thus she began Braue Knight if the affliction of any poore desolate widdow hath euer found place of pittie in your noble minde I beseech you most humbly you will now vouchsafe to regard mée in the necessitie wherein I am And after shee had vnfolded the whole matter vnto him the Prince made her this aunswere Madame I am verie sorie and sore displeased at your sadnesse and cause of melancholie on the other side I am verie glad that so good an occasion doth offer it selfe now to make you knowe the desire I haue had euer since mine Infancie to helpe and succour to my small power all Ladies who would employ mee and especially those who feele themselues oppressed and destitute of aids and counsell And for this cause will I willingly present my selfe before your King making him to vnderstand that corrupting the inuiolable lawes of Iustice he