request remedie for his wounds These tidings were so ioyfull to them all especiallie Aliart that intending presentlie to succour Dramusiande hée entred where the Princes aliue were who though they spake not yet in their traunce could they vnderstand what was said or done to them My Lordes quoth Aliart take comfort for one of your louing friends who hath hartilie bemoned the dead liueth and hopeth yet to restore them that you may reioyce in their liues so déerelie loued of you But hee would not name Dramusiande fearing least the weake bodies of the princes by such matter of so great and suddaine ioy should bee the more shaken and endangered As he was going to medicine Dramusiande some of the other persons turned backe crying Sir Aliart succour the liues of these Princes whom we suspect for dead that wée loose not all hope which this good aduenture hath perswaded Aliart hauing about him all necessaries that are required in such an vrgent néede went to Argentaos ship wherein béeing entred he found Dramusiande Almaroll Francian prince of Thessaly Dragonalte king of Nauarre Don Rosuell with Dirdan sonne to Maiortes in whom appeared verie little shew of life Then beginning to annoynt theÌ„ with a certaine vnguent thought powerfull enough to reuiue their weakened forces Dramusiande and two of the Princes séemed somwhat restored But Almaroll whose heade was in a manner cleft as one not to be hoped of by any outward testimony the other holding him déere in friendship could not but shew themselues highly contented to sée him raised from death the want of whose companie might be a hinderance to their health These businesses thus proceeding as in like cases of miserie somewhat prosperouslie the ships béeing vnder full saile attained néere to the Perillous Isle where none else coulde discerne them but the sage Aliart who had couered theÌ„ with a cloude that they might not be séene by anie other because the Pagans remaining victâ—s as they thought might haue no power to violate this royall Signorie neither that they might extinguish all hope yet remaining of preseruing the memorie of so many wounded Princes Wherefore causing the shypps thus to enter the Isle in this cloude he commaunded that Dramusiande with the Princes Francian and Dragonalte should be brought into the shippe where Primaleon and the rest aliue were but seperated them from the other because as yet no expresse signe appeared in theÌ„ whether they should escape the danger or no and the rather that the extreame affliction of the one might raise no discomfort in the other Afterward he appointed that the shippe which brought the dead should enter the néerest Bay to the Fountaine where the beasts of mettall were like them which Palmerin slew when he conquered that Isle and thence they were caried into a faire Pallace where they remained til he could giue them sufficient buriall All which he did to the end the Ladies whose husbands were dead should not offend the liuing with theyr dolorous complaints intending by little and little to make them forget theyr losses and with patience to beare their ouer-hard fortune The shyppe béeing thus come into the Bay immediatly the newes of theyr arriuall was knowne to the Ladies where-upon accompanied with the men of the Isle they came in great fury running thetherward each of them thinking to finde her husband aliue not déeming how soone they should rue theyr mishaps When they were come to the shippe Aliart who best knew the estate of the wounded Princes with chéerefull countenaunce met them and béeing round enuironed with them taking Gridonia and Flerida each by the hand said Ladies I am glad of a deceite happening to me in mine owne arte which vntruly tolde me that all the defenders of the Grecian Empire should perrish and the Cittie of Constantinople be in the enemies possession but praysed be the diuine bounty the Pagans are discomfited all your Lords in good hope of life But thus I would aduise that without any noyse or your disturbance they might be brought foorth of the Shippe and each one quietly carried to his Ladies lodging For thys I must tell yée there is another Shyppe at hand wherein commeth Argentao with many other among whom are they that died before you were conueyed to this Island All the Ladies betwéene hope dread departed thence each to her Cabinet because they would not contrary what Aliart had appointed Then caused he to be caried Primaleon to Gridonia Florendos to Miragarda Platir to Sidelia Don Edward to Flerida Palmerin to Polinarda Florian to Leonarda Berolde Gracian and Dragonalte seuerallie to their wiues Floraman to a Pallace hard by and Blandidon to his mother And one thing most notable happened when Palmerin was brought to his Lady the loue which betwéene them had euer beene equall wrought now a contrary effect For Polinarda seeing her husband not able to stand on his féete in great amazement was depriued of her speech And hée that had not the power to speake a worde while hee was in the Shyp when hée beheld his loue thus ouer-gone with gréefe suddainly said Feare not swéete Lady for I shall soone be well Aliart gaue order to the Princesses how they should dresse and regard their wounded husbands then taking with him Cardigea Bernarda and Arlencea hee conducted them to the Shyp where they might looke to their Lords because as yet they were not in case to be brought out of the Shippe Ioy intermedled with feare made these Ladies diligent carefull each of her charge but they whose husbands were not there present neither dead nor aliue were wondrously afflicted with gréefe and had not y e place béene so enchaunted that thence they could not depart many of them would haue aduentured by land and sea to haue found them But Aliart by faire promises still gaue them hope that shortlie they would be there all which auailed not For when they sawe so many Princes which were the verie flower of all the Christian Knights so dangerously wounded in such perill they had little hope of their husbands liues And this was partlie occasioned by one of the prince Beroldes seruants who comming in the Shippe with Argentao where the dead were happened to steppe in at the same instant when Aliart laboured to continue the hope of the widdowed Ladies said that Argentao had brought back the Knights dead These wordes did so dampe and vtterly dismay theyr mindes that beeing nowe more then certaine of theyr seuerall losse in rage they would presentlie haue runne to séeke their dead bodies But Aliart who by the skilfulnes of his Arte sought to quallifie their discontentment caused certaine spirits spéedily to appeare before them resembling in shape and proportion the knowne seruants to theyr Husbands and they to each Lady deliuered such â—nde Embassages as they then verilie beléeued theyr Knights were liuing Thus pacified he this impatient furie of the Ladies and attended to the curing of the other Princes who with the helpe
their seuerall iourneyes Leonato dooing all things hee could best deuise to please his Mother who trauailed still with feareful and distracted thoughts by the time hee had ridden about the space of two leagues happened on a small Foist whereof Almaroll was Captaine the sonne to Almaroll who hearing great report of the Iland belonging to Dorina would needes saile thether to seeke the Knight of Fortune as desirous with him to vndergoe some great enterprise and in regard of the intire affection he bare him Leonato riding without his Helmet on was the easier knowne a farre off by Almaroll who was walking vp and downe vpon the shoares side and gotten vp at last vppon a little rising bancke to see what occasion might befall him from the Land or any accident which might be offered froÌ„ the Sea The young Giant not a little glad of his presence went met him with very chéerefull countenance but when he beheld the Princesse Polinarda hee could not be much more iocond then before he was because all hope was lost in Constantinople of euer séeing her againe Almaroll made them a banquet sufficiently of such prouision as he had aboard in his Foiste and hauing with foode and sléepe that night well refreshed themselues the next day they fell in some discoursing together Polynarda earnestly entreating Almaroll that with his vessell he would bring her to Constantinople The Giant desirous onely to méete with the Knight of Fortune and hearing howe lately they had parted from him stoode a while pondering with himselfe and but that he had respect to the Ladies great degrée and his Fathers Castle béeing likewise in some subiection to her hee could hardly haue béene diswaded from his former purpose but perceiuing it was in vaine to denie her foorth-with they set saile with intent to kéepe off farre from the Land least they should méet with any accident to be their hinderance but matters hapned beyond their expectation as shal be declared in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVII Of the fight that chaunced at Sea betweene these guydes to the Princesse and an vnknowne Knight POlinarda was nowe not a little contented seeing her-selfe in so faire likely-hood to reuisite Constantinople but giddy vnconstant Fortune who will permit no confidence in any worldly blisse of what apparant securitie soeuer it seeme troubled the Sea with such furious and tempestious windes as the Foist beeing in no safetie if it should saile néere the shoare they were inforced to launch out into the height of the Sea where tossing vp downe till by a storme of raine the rough windes began to be more calme they were at last carried toward Turkie and farre off they might discerne a Turkish Shippe which mainly made toward them with ful spredde sayles whereupon they prepared themselues for the fight and the Ships béeing ioyned they encountred together Leonato doubting least feare might be hurtfull to his Mother especially if the Turkes should happen to boorde the Foiste leapt into the enemies Shippe where killing euery one that durst stand against him at last he chaunced to meete with the Captaine who boldly comming forth against him there chaunced a very sharpe conflict betweene them The Turkes seeing with what valour their Captaine defended himselfe hauing another Captaine in companie among them they would néedes goe fight with them in the Foiste which Almaroll perceiuing came forward to withstand them and to kéepe them from entring into his Foiste he likewise leapt foorth into their Ship The Captaine that led the way to fight with the Foiste doubting least his fellow Captaine should be slaine by Leonato forsaking his owne Ship got into the Foiste where setting sayle quickly and the winde aptly seruing they were twentie leagues off from the other in a verie short space The Marriners beeing but few in number he menaced them with present death to tell him of whence their Foiste was and what other passengers they had aboorde whereupon they told him that they were Christians and that Polinarda the Emperour Primaleons daughter was there aboord The Knight right glad to meete with so great a Ladie putting off his Helmet bad one of them goe and comfort the Princesse telling her that he was Dragonalte King of Nauara and in the other shippe where Leonato and Almaroll were was King Platir her brother they by commission of the Princes that remained at Tubante were sent to require ayde of the Emperour in fauour of Blandidon The Princesse doubtfull of euer seeing Constantinople againe or enioying the long desired presence of Palmerin her husband lifted vp her head at these tydings and taking truce a little with her disturbed cogitations came forth to the Knight who curteously taking her by the hand said Reioyce faire Princesse that from suggestion of feare so great hope is thus deriued mistrust not danger of your sonnes life for there can no such sinister chaunce happen but one signe or other will disclose him to the King of Lacedemonia So breaking off conference they turned back againe to recouer the Shippe wherein they left Platir and Leonato fighting Almaâ—oll hauing put all the slaues and Mariners vnder custodie because they yeelded themselues for safety of their liues stoode to behold the successe of this combate and looking aduisedly on the Knight of the Ship vnder his Creast he discerned a little golden Crosse which giuing him cause to thinke he was a Christian made him steppe betwéene theÌ„ vsing these words Stay your weapons a little gentle Knights and heare me but speake then turning to the Knight of the Ship he thus proceeded Woorthy Sir I know not whence or what you are but the Crosse that I haue espied in your Helmet perswades me you cannot but be a Christian as we are Platir hearing these wordes and thinking the Giant might be Franardo or Almaroll lifted vp his Beuer and before he spake they knew him Leonato perceiuing how he had iniured his vnckle threw his sword at his féete and falling on his knée to kisse his hand was staied vp by Platir who smiling thus spake I would neuer desire better proofe of your valour then in this tryall you haue made on mée and now I sée the Empire of Constantinople may hope of long continuance when her young Knights deliuer such assurance of theyr man-hood and chiualry Leonato blushed to heare himselfe so praised but returning then no aunswere because gréefe had surprized his thoughts for the losse of his Mother at last hee demaunded what Knight it was y t had departed thence with the Foist but when he heard it was Dragonalte he became greatlie comforted knowing him to be a man of no meane valour So they set saile for Constantinople and hauing a prosperous winde for their purpose within two dayes both the Foiste and they arriued there together where Polynarda béeing gone first on lande to passe to the Citty looking backe by chaunce shée saw her brother followe after accompanied with her Sonne and Almoroll You may
and carrying him about without any prouident respect they fell both together beside the Bridge into the Riuer where Leonato getting loose from him suffered him to be carried into the Iland and hee returned againe swimming to Land where hardly had hee gotte on shoare but Oliuanto gréeuing that his father was surprized by the enchauntment with his sword sette vppon Leonato where now happened as firce a battaile between them two as euer had beene séene before And although it appeared to Oliuantos iudgement that euery stroke of his enemy right sharply wounded him yet resolute courage made him carelesse thereof because he felt not his breath to faile him but earnestnes swaying him more then heedfulnes and his aduersary still driuing him toward the I le no sooner set he footing vpon the Bridge but the wonted violent winde seazed vppon him and quicklie conueied him into the Iland where seeing himselfe among so many good Knights together hee coulde not deuise what was best for him to thinke of it albeit this was the general supposition and doubt among them that this imprisonment of theyrs would prooue the ruine of the whole Grecian Empire The Squires that attended on Florendos and Oliuanto noating such successe as others before in theyr Maisters had séene returned to Constantinople where they declared the mishaps befalne to theyr Lords which caused such disquiet thorow the whole Court that the Emperour Primaleon was readie to die with conceite of griefe séeing he had so lost his Sonne and his two Nephewes But thys sad storme was indifferently ouer-blowne when the Armie from Turkie arriued there with Floraman and Dragonalte who first of all aduertised the Emperour of the warres successe at the siedge of Niquea the death of Dirdan and pacification of all troubles in Turkie letting him vnderstande withall the departure of Florendos Florian and Berolde for regaining of Miragarda Victoria and Argentina who were strangely shewne to them by an Enchauntresse called Drusa Velonna according as the wise Aliarte before had told them Then did the Emperour requite their sad discourse with report of his Nephewe Primaleons reputed death as also such Knights as were before imprisoned there among whom Florendos and Oliuanto now holpe to make vp the number Oltrando of India was brought to the Emperour and kissing his hand sware loyall alleagiance to the Empire of Constantinople During the time of these so little pleasing reports there arriued from the Perrillous I le a Sonne of Argentaoes named Sarasto and hee gaue addition of the heauie tydings howe the wizzard Aliarte was by a Witch shutte vp in an yron Cage and fastened to a Mountaine hanging ouer the Sea whereas no other Land could be discerned and when any Shyppe came to succour him if they drew within lesse then halfe a miles distance of him suddainly hee would be snatcht away in such strange manner as no way could be imagined howe to come at him These newes toucht neerer then all the other and made his Maiestie readie to droope downe dead nor could the Empresse and the Ladies conceale theyr passions hauing lost the onely anchor-hold of their comfort and doubtlesse some strange inconuenience had happened in y e Court but that at thys very instant as good happe would haue it a Letter was séene come floating on the Sea into the Port which béeing directed to the Emperour was by the finder of it brought straite to his Maiestie who knowing it to be the wise Aliartes hande writing right ioyfully opened it the contents whereof in order followeth The Letter that came floating on the Sea from the wise Aliarte into the Port of Constantinople THE DIRECTION To the high and mightie Monarch Primaleon Emperour of Constantinople †The Contents TRouble not your Princely thoughts most powerfull Emperour for mine imprisonment which can last no longer then the expiation of certaine maleuolent aspects which a while will ecclipse the faces of my fayrer-shining starres Your Nephew Primaleon liues and is he that shall enritch you with future ioyes and felicities But as for the Ladies their recouerie cannot so expeditiously be performed because my assistaunce will greatly be wanting hauing heare such a powerfull spell set vpon me as no humaine might can preuaile against it without enforcing Drusa Velonna her selfe first to vndoo it or awayting her more serious imployment all which will be accomplished in time The aduenture of Carderiaes Ile is full of perill but he onely must finish it for whom it is reserued So humbly kissing your royall hand I take my leaue Yours euer Aliarte This Letter caused such a generall comfort through the Court that all gréefe and melanchollie was quite abandoned euen as if the promises in writing had béene already performed when the Armie being for a respite discharged they had leasure nowe to meditate on good happes ensuing Floraman being greatly enamoured of Clariana the beautifull widdowe so deceased Dramian was ouer-swayed by the extreamest folly which lightly hath beene séene equalling his cariage 〈◊〉 this new affection as when hee despised all loue and 〈…〉 vpon his dead Altea which you may reade 〈◊〉 at large in the first part of this Historie â—agonalte also grewe as affectionate 〈◊〉 his faâ—re Arnalte 〈◊〉 ten dayes being now already past his owne thoughts 〈◊〉 his honour in question taâ—ing it with losse of time and slothfull negligence in omitting his vtmost imployment for their release that were detained in the I le of Carâ— or at least to suffer imprisonment with them â—â—aâ—ing licence together of the Emperour likewise of the Empresse the other Princesses their harts-deuoted Ladies they purposed their iourney toward Macedonia But when Floraman tooke his farewell of Clariana entreating that she would terme him her Knight he was publiquely by her so scornfully reiected that casting by all hope of euer compassing her loue he departed with this resolution to seeke some such way of death for his fruitlesse loue as his memorie thereby might neuer be forgotten But come we now againe vnto Primaleon whom we left at the Tower of the Caniballs CHAP. LVII How Primâ—leon otherwise called the Knight of â—ortune accomplished in two dayes the aduenture of the Tower SCarse was the morning wedded to the worlde when Primaleon heard such a barking and howling from the Tower as would quite haue dismayed any heart but his notwithstanding he whose courage was altogether enclind to conquest began to meditate with his thoughts by what meanes hee might vanquish so many Monsters and gaine his entrance into the Tower As thus he stoode pondering on the likeliest perswasions the Knight how the Wood came to him againe vnto him saying Prepare your selfe Sir in regard you are forth-with to be assayled and because your life is not to miscarie in this enterprise take this direction from me these Caniballs defence consists onlie of their faces therefore make thereat your marke and ayme and so be assured to part with victorie Primaleon presently armed him selfe taking his
he would more gladly haue parted with his life then vse any base meanes for safetie thereof yet séeing his head in this sort disarmed it coulde not but make him the more warie of himselfe wherefore auoyding the blood-houndes so well as he could and the Knights assaults which grew troublesome to him hee found that he had no loytering worke in hand For such was the agilitie both of the houndes and the Knight as they got aduantage still on him but he could not fasten a blow vppon them yet grew they at length to retire from his strokes and hee shunning a dangerous proffer of the Axe followed the houndes as they tooke toward the Pallace intending to accomplish some noble act or else to die in the height of his presumption And as the Knight came vppon him with the Axe with a full intent to haue cleft his head the hounds caught holde on the lappets of his Armour and hald him forward so confusedly as at last he was drawne within y e Pallace wherof the Knight beeing very ioyfull that he had him within compasse of the enchauntment hee came to Arguto with these speeches Be not offended Sir Knight that thou art thus brought into this Pallace for héere thou shalt sée the richest beauty of the world and it may be thy good happe to be possessor thereof Arguto perswading himselfe that he meant the beautifull Victoria tooke this as a happy welcome to him and answered To me Sir can come no greater good fortune then so rare a beautie as you haue spoken of which I am the more desirous to behold to know whether it be shée or no that is the onely cause of my trauaile Euen shee it is replied the Knight and for your better assurance héerein goe along with me and you shall sée her So walking onward into a Chamber hee there beheld the faire Victoria and as he offered amourous parlance and seruice to her she vanished from him leauing him so full of passionate tormentings that now hee wisht himselfe hand to hand with Primaleon to try which of them could best deserue her In that very instant came Floraman to him who by meanes of the enchauntment had no knowledge of him neither Arguto had any of him and thus wrought Velonna because they should not combate together by reason the nature of the enchauntment was such that so soone as any mans blood was spilt in the Pallace immediatly the enchauntment ceassed So fell they into kinde communication each of them so déepely affected to the Ladie that they thought each houre a yeere till some errant Knight came to contend with them for so rich a Iewell eyther of them accounting her absolutely his owne in this oppinion there let vs leaue them CHAP. LXVI Howe Florian still pursuing in quest of his daughter was vnwittingly brought to the pallace of Queene Melia. AFter Florian was departed among the rest from the I le of Carderia in search of his Daughter he came one morning earlie to the Sea-coast where hée espied a great Fish halfe way vppon the grauell and drawing néerer to beholde it more perfectly hee was suddenly caught vp betwéen a griping paire of tallants which in the water serued the Fishe as finnes to swim withall and on Land for legges and feete to goe vppon This strange Fishe casting Florian vppon his broade backe ranne swiftlie with him into the Sea to his no little amazement at the first but when hee saw the Fishe to beare him aboue the water hee grewe the lesse doubtfull but expected what might be the end of this aduenture The Fish floating on with the swiftest speed that euer was séen hee beheld a Griffon come flying from a Mountaine that houered aboue him a little while and snatching him vp at last in her tallants carried and sette him vppon the firme land Walking on musing alone by himselfe at last he came in fight of the Marble Pallace which yet was perfect in his remembrance and shaping his course toward it Arguto was the first that espyed him who beeing wondrous ioyfull to see his Ladies Father went foorth to meete him hoping by his meanes to compasse his earnest desire Being come together Florian demaunded of him what he did there whereto Arguto returning no aunswere conducted him onward to the Pallace telling him that the Lady Victoria was there which reuiued Florians spirits so cheerfully that he mended his pace to come where shee was and entring into a Chamber did there behold her but when as a Father he would haue embraced her the enchauntment altered his minde in such manner that hee would permit no man to come thether to carry his Daughter from that place Passing the time in this determination with much entercourse of kindnes betwixt him Arguto and Florian at last Oliuanto hapned thether who albeit he was not enamoured of Victoria yet to finish an aduenture of so high estéeme his forwarde desires had drawne him into those parts But here you must remember the aged King where he vndertooke his painfull enterprise by him indeed he was guided to this Iland for if you remember hee then foretold him that hee should suffer diuers disastrous chaunces by him before he could compasse his faire Auriana He being entred into the Pallace mâ—t first with Floraman who knowing Oliuanto to be no riuall of his right curteouslie welcomd him and brought him where he beheld Victoria but by reason his affection was elswhere setled he made no ceremonious regard of her only the enchauntment restrained him from parting thence with this perswasion that there he should accomplish some weightie enterprise Not many houres had past through Times sandie glasse but Tarnaes of Lacedemonia chaunced thether he being likewise frée from any affection to Victoria And because Drusa Velonna verily intended the vtter ruine of the Grecian Monarchie in short while shee drewe thether all the gallant young Knights and would haue preuailed in like manner vppon Florendos the Emperour Primaleon Don Edwarde and the rest but that the wizzard Aliarte finding the heauens now more auspicious to him and his arte to apprehend directer course then before thwarted her disseignes by interposing the young and hardie Primaleon whom in despight of all that euer shee could doo hee directed to that course Which the Witch perceiuing and that he onely would finish the aduenture shee stroue to send him into the remotest parts of the world till she had gotten into her custodie the chiefe warriours defenders of Christendome which then might fall the easier into the Pagans possession And shee grounded this purpose of her on the sonne of Albayzar who as you haue heard before was closely carried away from the Princesse Targiana and béeing nowe growne a good hardie Knight was created and enstalled Soldane of Babilon and youthfull courage daily prouokte him to compasse reuenge for his Fathers death with mighty hatred to his Mother for marrying him that slew her husband and confidently he builded on Velonnaes
the bounds of reason CHAP. XXXVI How the Christian Armie before they could take landing in Turkie were constrained to deliuer Oliuanto to a Dwarffe that came and demaunded him at theyr hands ON sayled y e Christian Armie with a prosperous winde and those that belonged to Tamerco in their cōpanie when entring into the Turkish Seas a strange vnlookt for tempest suddainly arose which most of all wrought vpon the Admirall Ship wherein the Lordes and chiefest princes were bearing it so farre off from the rest that a little more it had quite lost the sight of all the Nauie there were they in danger euery minute to be lost for the Shyp ranne twise or thrise against a Rocke and still they feared to be bruised in péeces Béeing in this perrill there suddainly ioyned with them a little Barque wherein was the most ill shapen Dwarffe that euer had béene séene who stepping aboord the Christian Ship closely put a Letter into Oliuantos hand saying he must performe what therein was cōtained the contents of the Letter was as followeth The Letter which was brought by the Dwarffe to the young aduenturous Knight Oliuanto The Superscription ¶ To the onely and faire flower of Chiualrie YOung bud of honour a namelesse friend is bold to salute thee and beleeue it as infallible that in vaine thou thinkest to enioy the Lady whom thou hast elected as patronesse of thine affections till first thou hazard thy life in an honourable aduenture which renewes his owne worth wheresoeuer it is noysed Aduertising thee moreouer withall that he which loues the Lady with as endeared regard will make like war against thee at all times And so fare-well Thy friend the vnknowne Platir who had promised Miragarda to bring backe her Sonne with him by no meanes would consent y t he should leaue them but the Dwarffe vrging important spéeches and threatning their present miscarying except they consented made Oliuanto to arme himselfe and entreating licence of his vnckle without more adoe leapt into y e Barque with the Dwarffe who immediatly vanished the tempest ceassed about the Christian Shippe but continued still violent with the little Barque so that Oliuanto séeing no other likelihood but imminent death knew not how to behaue himselfe and so mainely was hee carried along the Ocean as he thought he should be borne to the Antipodes Platir was so full of griefe to sée him carried thus away as oftentimes hee woulde haue throwne himselfe into the Sea but béeing comforted and perswaded by Dragonalte they shaped their course to their intended Turkish voyage and gathering the dispersed fleete together without any other hinderance they came to the Port of Tubant where they landed to the great contentment of the Knights that daily expected the cōming of this supply for their speedie departure to the conquest of Niquea but especially Blandidon as well in hope of regaining his kingdome as for the great esteeme he apparantly perceiued which the Emperor Primaleon made of him whereupon he made prouision for the warre where now a while we meane to leaue them Oliuanto perceiuing he suffered no other disaduantage but onely that he was carried he knew not whether began to be of the better comfort and before night drewe on hee saw himselfe in the view of an Iland which séemed to him in shape of a Theater thrusting two armes forth into the Sea with such an admirable constructure and building as the like was neuer séene before The Barque put it selfe into this Iland béeing fastned to the shoare the Dwarffe who all this while had béene inuisible in the Ship appeared in his former likenes saying Nowe is to be manifested the reason of the name that was giuen you at the instant when you receiued your Knight-hood which though then perhaps you tooke no notice of yet now vnderstand it for your further benefite You are entiteled the Knight of the Lyon and must now oppose your selfe to such an enterprise which if you preuaile in you shall haue your desire but failing in it neuer shall further tydings bee hearde of you goe then accompanied with your owne vallour and I if Fortune so much fauour you shall be better knowne to you Oliuanto dreadlesse of any perrill whatsoeuer which by the hand of man was to be vndertaken when hée sawe himselfe so well on Land and freed from the blustering hazards on the Seas began to climbe vp the bancke where the way of passage béeing very steepie and narrow before hee could come to the sight of any house hee was enforced oftentimes to sit downe and rest himselfe Hauing recouered the height of all he saw himselfe encompassed with so many faire Pallaces as humane eye had neuer beheld any comparable to them and the more did he admire them because he discerned no inhabitants in them yet heard he peoples whisperings and saw the tract of their footing euen as in a frequented and populous Cittie was to be noted Beside he heard y e knocking at doores as if some were inclosed that would bee at liberty and was diuers times shouldered as he went along as if the stréete had béene full of people to hinder his way yet could he not sée any liuing creature Passing thus on thorow the very chéefe stréete he came to a sumptuous Pallace which stoode very solitarie to his eye yet heard he much muttering whispering of people and some that were indifferent plaine to bee vnderstoode Standing still awhile to listen what he could heare he saw the Pallace gate open before which was a long payre of stayres and a huge Lyon came foorth as high in stature as a great tall Cammell the beast grumming and grinning at the Knight began to menace him with his pawe Oliuanto remembring the Dwarffes wordes that the reason of his knighted name was now to be manifested imagined that he was to combate with this Lyon wherefore mounting vp the stepps and béeing vnskild in the nature of the enchauntment neuer stayed to try whether the Lyon would assaile him or no but hauing his sword drawne in his hand stept by the beast and entred the gate where in the midst of a goodly Hall hee beheld a bright shining Piller with a faire Idoll on the top thereof holding an engrauen labell in his hand containing this inscription Such as seeke honour heere are sure of death And another whereon was written thus Vertue may conquer mee but force will faile The Knight making no account at all of these two inscriptions passed on further and sawe in a high mounted chaire of estate a very aged King who seemed as if hee sate and slept and the Knight not knowing of whō to demaund the qualitie of the place meant to awake him for further resolution But as hee aduaunced his foote vppon the first step suddainly rushed foorth at a doore standing halfe open by the King the Lyon and caught hold of him so vnprouided for resistance that at one thrust hee ouerthrewe him a long on
forward boldly to buckle with him and there they two were at it alone by themselues Dramusiande whose onely desire was Prince Florians fréedome fought with such furie and earnestnes together as within a small while Alfiero was brought into such estate that falling downe ouer-laboured among the horse féete there the huge Giant was troden to death The Persians did what they could to resist this hote assault but what with the suddennes frighted amazement neither could they arme one part of their people nor endure in any degrée against the Christians And which most dismayed them Sucusano who supposed so slender a strength of his enemies durst not thus so haue persued and assailed him could now determine on nothing but flight so causing Florian forthwith to bee horsed with about two thousand of his trustiest followers away both he and they fledde toward a Castell This was not doone with such cunning or secrecie but it was discerned by his owne Souldiers who falling into the like affright as their Lord before had doone and imagining the number of their foes to be more then they coulde possibly withstand began likewise to leaue the field and so the Christians remained victors But when they came to Sucusanos Pauillion founde that hee was escaped and gone they grew very desperate and fearing least they should loose his track pursued immediatly with all possible spéede But to no purpose had thys labour sorted had not Dramusiande by good hap light on a Dwarffe by the way falne into a Ditch whom hee helping out and taking vp before him on his saddle bowe vnderstood by him whether Sucusano was fled Hee aduertising Floraman and the rest heereof without taking any prouision or great part of the Campe with them they spurrd speedily after and came thether at the instant when Sucusano was comming foorth of the Castell with intent to post toward Persia presently But séeing his enemies thus come vpon him hee returned in againe where nowe hee meant to make himselfe strong and send for fresh supply to be his deliuerance But by reason of the Countries barrennes not affording victuall or other prouision they grew to articles of agréement which were that Florian should be rendered safe sound and he passe without molestation into Persia vpon promise neuer to mooue more warre against the Christians nor against the royall Lady Targiana Thus was Prince Florian deliuered and Sucusano departed thence after hee had assembled his scattered forces together CHAP. XIX How Dorina left of her loue to the Prince Florian with intent to aduaunce the honour of Primaleon the second sonne to Florendos not because she bare any immodest affection to him but onely to make him famous through the world DOrina after her departure from the cittie of Tubante for demaund of further helpe when shée was alone within her Barque began to thinke with herselfe that all her labour was but in vaine in séeking to gaine any grace from Prince Florian because beside her beeing farre lesse faire then the Princesse Targiana shee was likewise but poore In thys regard herselfe helde it as a matter most vnreasonable that shée should labour him to anie such indignitie considering his strict bond of affection to the Turkish Ladie wherefore béeing ashamed of what shée had already doone to him and much reprehending her former wanton desires shée altered her thoughts nowe to doo somewhat woorthy good repute without any more subiecting her minde to carnall inclinations And entring into consideration with herselfe vpon what person shee might imploy this industrious purpose immediatly she apprehended that Primaleon the sonne of Florendos was an apt subiect to worke matter of worth vpon Then looking aduisedlie into his natiuitie she saw that hee was borne to finish manie high aduentures and shoulde likewise suffer verie sharpe trauailes for a Ladies loue wherefore being now come to the yéeres of fifteene and the wise Aliart hauing so ordered all matters that all the young Princes should be sent to their seuerall estates Dorina caused a young beautifull Damosell to appeare to young Primaleon in his sléepe and shée taking him by the hand spake in this manner vnto him My beautie if any is onely dedicated to be thine nor can I otherwise choose but loue thée neuerthelesse I haue very many great perrils to passe which because thy valour must be the onely meanes of they shall make thée glorious For proofe héereof thou shalt sée a young Virgine which héereafter shal bring a Monster into this Iland and when thou séest thy selfe crowned with the conquest thereof goe whether shée shall guide thee for my beauties sake and according as thou findest thy desires enflamed with my loue This dreame so delighted the young Princes minde that hee found himselfe presently to be enamoured but knewe not of whom for the Damosell that thus saluted him in his sléepe he could not now discerne waking therefore could not deuise howe to be further satis-fied heerein Heereupon his thoughts became much altered and daily would hee walke downe to the Sea shoare to try if he might gaine a sight of her that should be his conduct to so woorthy an enterprise Not many dayes were past but as he stoode alone vpon the strond hee saw a farre off a little Barque making thetherward whereon imagining that this might be it which should bring the Monster he stayed in further expectation within an howre or little more Dorina put in her Barque to Land and stepping foorth on shoare went vp directlie to the Pallace where was Aliart and all the other young Princes who beholding her there arriued in such sort troopt together to vnderstand of whence she was The Lady falling on her knee before Aliart spake in this maner Mighty most discreet Lord once more am I come hether with my Monster to try if I can conclude an enterprise of mine but nowe I partly repent my comming hether because turning and looking about her I sée none heere likely to conquer the Monster for he that could performe it is to goe with me to a greater and much more honorable aduenture Aliart who was not now accompanied with any Knights likely to vntertake a matter of such moment thus aunswered Good Lady the aduenture of your Monster could not haue failed héere when we had such Knights as your selfe haue made proofe of but nowe you come at a very vnapt time for heere are none now but youthes onely and such as yet haue neuer beene knighted Dorina interrupting Aliarts aunswere said My Lord I am not come hether by chaunce but directed by a vehement desire which I haue to make famous this gallant Infantrie whom Fortune may fauour with vanquishing the Monster And albeit they are not knighted as yet that may very easily be prouided for let them but be had to Constantinople where the Emperour is readie to knight any woorthy deseruer and there they may be ready for all good haps whatsoeuer Aliart who could not wel gaine-say her
Heere-hence it happened that betwéene Candida and Victoria grew a long dissention each iniuring other as their aptest occasions serued The Knight of Fortune after hee had doone his dutie to the Emperour and the other Princes there present descended downe the stayres and béeing mounted on horsebacke left Victoriaes thoughts cumbred with a little iealousie for it seemed to her a matter disagréeing with reason that Dorina who indeede was a woman sufficient enough to be liked should fixe her desire onely vpon her louer and carry him away with her whether she pleased but heerin shee apparantly expressed her ignorance that she knew not how déerely the Knight affected her and the firme resolution of the Lady whose affection could not be chained to any man whatsoeuer since shée fayled in her choyce election of Florian and lost the fruite of her hopes in her younger dayes But let vs leaue Dorina gone with the Knight speake now of Tamerco the Indian King who sayling in the high Seas with Polynarda thought himselfe happy by his beautifull purchase and hauing brought her into his Cabinet began to embrace and kindly entreate her but she that rather desired death then to consent to his vnchast desire considering her distressed estate that violence might wrong her beyond compasse of sufferance thought better to dissemble a little with him then hazard neglectly the vnrecouerable losse of honour whereuppon she vsed these speeches vnto him My Lord I am not to learne that misery is made much worse by crueltie and sad greefe doubled by opposed extremitie my wretched estate the true mappe of the one your violent will firme instance of the other I coulde say that this course of yours is farre vnkingly that honour bindes you to better respect of a Ladie but that were for the prisoner to controule his Kéeper or the deiected slaue to checke his commaunder Héere am I in your power deseruing rather to be pittied then rigorously intreated and you may gaine that by force which otherwise you are assured to faile of yet violence to women is no badge of man-hoode for chastities spoyle is tyrannies tryumph But admit as men in their oppinion of women are soone perswaded that time may yeeld hope better successe in your séeking and that my minde may be altred from this strict course of seuerity I cannot tell I am no Saint to assure aboue mine owne power nor so certaine of my fortune in a case so desperate for as yet my blood is chill with the feare wherein you surprizde me and my thoughts as distracted as at that very instant but vpon further quiet I shall haue more abilitie of my selfe both to iudge of mine owne distresse and of anie gentlenes you shall bestow on me Tamerco who loued her very earnestly was so highlie pleased with her speeches that hée grewe halfe perswaded ere long to compasse his loue wherefore without any further molestation taking her by the hand he brought her vp vppon the decke againe vsing many amourous curtesies vnto her But the iust heauens neuer permitting violence to that faire body wherein so chaste a soule was enclosed suddainly raised such a turbulent tempest as diuers times they were in danger of perrishing and Polynarda seeing so good meanes for preseruation of her chastitie namely by imminent and still expected death lesse gréeuous to endure then Tamercoes prostitution to whom shee could haue no will to consent made this her ioy and onely comfort for death desired by any to escape a diaster is lesse feare then the extremitie of the others conflict The Gallie drawing neere to the shore of Thessalie at last put to shore Tamerco béeing not a little glad hee had so well escaped though some of his men were lost in the tempest but by the helpe of such as were there with him he brought Polinarda on land vpon a little table for which the Pagane looking shée should be thankfull to him finding no returne of gratitude at all hee fell into such an outragious furie as once he purposed there to haue slaine her but conuerting his intent to rauish her immediatly had euen then accomplished his wicked desire but y t the Knight of the Sunne chaunced to passe by at that instant who parted as you heard before in so desperate a case from Constantinople and hauing ridden many miles founde no aduenture worthy of remembrance which made him of thys oppinion that by Land he should light on nothing to make him famous therefore he would goe try his fortune on the Sea and spying a farre off the sayle of Tamerco made toward the poynt where hee landed and came thether at the very time when Tamerco villainously would haue deflowred Polinarda Where albeit he knew her not because the Sea had much altered her pure complexion yet he scorned that a Knight should so abuse a Ladie and therefore called to him but hee who little thought with whom hee was to deale said Foolish Knight if thou hast no better aduauntage then I sâ—e to combate with me let mee but lace on my Helmet and I shall soone shew thee howe much better it had béene for thée to haue held on thy way then thus to vndertake this womans defence I will suffer thee to arme thy selfe answered the Knight of the Sunne in which while Polinarda beholding either her immediate death or shame in teares thus spake Defend mine honour thou faire-séeming Knight for I am the wofull stolne wife to noble Palmerin of England Arguto knowing her very well by her voyce replied Feare not déere-estéemed Lady the sword of iustice is come to deliuer you So dismounting from his horse because Tamerco was on foote a very sharp battaile began betwéene them which because it séemed doubtfull on either side possessed the thoughts of Polinarda with such feare that standing in suspence of her Knights successe shee fledde into a wood thereto neere adioyning vnseene by either of the Combattants When Arguto had lost the sight of the Lady he feared least Tamercoes followers had carried her away which raising a more violent furie in his resolution made him reach Tamerco such a cruell stroke ouer the temples of his head as he fell downe amazed to the earth then mounting on horsbacke he fiercely assailed Tamercoes men hauing slaine one of them demaunded who had borne thence the Ladie Another of them béeing so wounded that hee could not flie shewed which way the Lady had taken whereupon Arguto leauing them gallopped amaine after her and before he had ridden the space of a mile hee espied her running with her haire disheueled about her shoulders calling to her shée looked back with some small ioy to behold it was he and not the other that had so misused her Arguto who conceiued some good hope that by the meanes of Polinarda he might gaine Victoria in mariage very kindly comforted her promising not to forsake her till hee had brought her backe to Constantinople So taking her vp behind him
very long and fearefull their horses béeing so wearie as they coulde scarce lift their legges whereupon they both dismounted to make euident proofe which was most valorous And albeit their Squires well knowing either by their impreses vsed spéeches sufficient to haue them giue ouer alleaging the Emperours deepe displeasure to them yet would not Arguto listen to any one word notwithstanding hee could not laugh at any great lucke he had in this difference for but that his Shield was impiercible hee had gotten little aduantage by this bargaine the strokes of Franardo were so waightie and dangerous While thys fight endured suddainly there appeared a bridge vppon the firme land and a Knight couered with blacke Armour hauing the image of death portraied on his Shielde hee comming vnto them said Foolish Knights what will yee kill one another in hope of that which neyther of you can make proofe of Come turne to mee and leane this follie Héereon Franardo first assailed him with such a strâ—ke as he thought he had seuerd him quite in the middle though indeede he toucht him not for this was but the illusion of the enchauntment and as he offerd againe to smite at the Knight he was layd hold on by his Helmet and griped in such sort as hee thought that his head had béene rift in sunder and béeing quite out of all sence was taken vp by the enchaunted Knight very lightly and carried as easilie away as it had béene a lambe yet was hee a Giant of great hugenes and the other séemed a Knight but of common stature No sooner had the Knight of the Iland fréed himselfe of Franardo but he presently returned againe to Arguto and without giuing him any word so griped him in the flanck that Arguto thought his very bowels were falne forth and hee stabd at the Knights Shielde but did no harme at all whereon the Knight grypt him vppon the other legge at which Arguto felt such paine as he imagined that it was quite smitten off and falling downe was taken vp by the Knight and carried into the Iland Forzato and the Squires would haue departed thence but they were immediatly turnd backe by a wheeling cloude and before they could gesse how or which way they were in the I le of Carderia with their Maisters who found no lacke of any thing but libertie onely nor could they tell to whoÌ„ they were prisoners but theyr imprisonment grew the more offensiue to them when they saw brought thether to them by the same Knight Belcar Forcino and Fortenbracio Then they called to minde that this might prooue the like case to them as hapned at the Castell of Dramusiande for there had béene other Knights held as prisoners and yet they could not know to whom But leaue we them héere in durance to speake awhile of the Knight of the Sword and the other Knights which had betaken themselues to trauaile CHAP. XXX How the Knight of the Sword vanquished a Sauage Monster and afterward found Caro and Estrellant combatting together likewise what hapned to them and diuers other Knights LEonato who as you haue heard tearmed himselfe the Knight of the Sword according to the nomination giuen when hée was knighted after hee had brought his mother to Constantinople departed without vsing speech to any enuying both Arguto the Knight of Fortune because hee imagined that they woulde ingrosse vp all aduentures to themselues and none would remaine whereby he might be glorious As he rode thorowe woods vnknowne deserts he met a wilde Sauage man holding an angry Beare by the taile and wrastling with him so violently that the beast féeling himselfe ouer-maistred did what he could to get frée from him but when the Sauage man had espied the Knight hee left the Beare which ranne away mainely into the thickest wood and came running at him with a knotted young trée as his weapon The Knight made no regard of encountring this Monster because as we haue saide before no feare or terrour lodged within his bosome but experience now taught him that nimble agilitie was his best defence for the Sauage gaue him such a thrust with his trée in the flanck that his breath failing him hee fell backward into a shallow pit and the Sauage who sometime had béen a humaine creature and indifferently skild in managing a fight would not take him vp in his armes because béeing naked and vndefenced the Knight might stab or wound him beeing so neere him wherfore lifting vp his tree he purposed to beate out his braines and indeede had doone it but that y e Knight awaked from his traunce recouered footing and putting by the blowe reached him such a sounde salutation on the head that the Sauage reeling heere and there at the last fell flat on his backe Then thought the Knight surely to haue smitten off his head but by reason the stroke fel some-what short the hurt was the lesse and the Sauage starting vp auoyded another blow that came with much more furie So by reason of the Monsters strength and the Knights skilfull agilitie the fight continued without inequalitie for a long space nor could it easily be discerned to whether side the victory inclined for the Sauage deliuered such blowes with his tree that if by good hap it had not the sooner beene cut off in the midst the Knight questionlesse had perrished And albeit the Sauage had receiued some small hurts yet expressing himselfe carelesse of them hee layde about him with such rage and madnes as hee would not permit the Knight the very least breathing while This fell out very offensiue to Leonato and therefore to end life or winne victory at an instant he got neere the Sauage and giuing a full blow at his face wounded him so déepely in the fore-head that beeing no longer able to sée the light because the blood issued forth so aboundantlie into both his eyes he ranne about groaping for his way to flie The Knight of the Sword lifting vp his weapon with intent to kill him heard suddainly a voyce call to him from farre off and to his iudgement it seemed to be a womans spéech saying Oh holde thy hand faire Knight for it is against thy dutie to kill Heereupon he stept back imagining this Sauage might be some friend of y e Emperor of Constantinoples Court so enchaunted and looking a while about there came to him a Damosell with a very sorrowfull countenaunce but otherwise beautifull and gracious who beganne to him in this manner Vnderstand thou honourable and most famous warriour that this Monster was the sonne of the Giant Seluaggio and the comliest youth that euer was seene among Giants it was then my fortune being Neece to the wise Filesmena to become so earnestly enamoured of him as finding no other helpe for my curelesse malady I was coÌ„strained to mooue loues sute vnto him but he who made regard of any other saue me cast mee off with such scornefull and opprobrious disdaines as not
the noyse they made The Kings companie hearing the hounds at a bay made hast to the place where Primaleon couching his Launce against Garnides who knew not him pierced quite through his Armour into his shoulder and cast him quite beside his horse The King thus wounded and layd on the ground so amazed all his other followers that séeing Trasino come vppon them with his twentie Knights they betooke themselues to flight leauing their King behinde them who béeing taken by Trasino and bound vpon his owne horse they conducted him safely to his Castell where béeing committed to his daughters custodie for care and dressing of the hurt hee had receiued they would afterward determine what was to be done with him CHAP. XLIII Howe Primaleon caused Laurea to be married to Trasino making him King of the Morning Ilands gaue Filenia likewise to Garnides GArnides séeing hee should be detained as a prisoner in Trasinos Castell to whom he had doone innumerable iniuries thought verily nowe there was no way but death with him but when hee was committed to his daughters custodie hée conceiued the better hope of life importuning her verie often earnestlie to intreate the Knight for safetie of his life The Lady desirous to shielde her Father from death albeit he had most worthily deserued it at night first shewed Filenias Letter to Primaleon wherein was set downe all the treason deuised by her against him and afterward sollicited him very instantlie to spare the life of the King her Father This Letter was highly welcommed to Primaleon as béeing an especiall meanes to further his purpose and to quittance both the Traytors in theyr due kinde euen with such chastisement as hee déemed most conuenient Neuerthelesse hee caused Laurea to dissemble with her Father that he must suffer death according to his treasons deserts The next morning he wrote vnto Filenia that she shoulde come to Trasinos where he held Garnides as a Traytour these newes were nothing pleasing to the Ladie yet imagining that Primaleon knewe nothing of her plotted trecherie and hoping to repossesse her Kingdome againe shée iournied thether securing herselfe with her Lyons but they were no sooner out of y e Castel when presently the Lyons forsooke and left her in regard shee was become a traytresse and broken her princely faith and like entertainement found she there at her arriuall béeing shutte vp like an offendour in a close Chamber and vsed as if she had beene a prisoner Now in the time of ordering these occasions and the Ladies expectation for repossession of her kingdome when Garnides was indifferently recouered Primaleon taking Trasino with him and Laurea with Filenia who gaue the other many a scornfull and iealous looke in regarde of her former loue to the Knight of Fortune they all entred the Chamber of Garnides where suddenly he became so full of gréefe to beholde them in that all his cruell hopes were so crost and ouerthrowne as his sences failing him hee fell downe in a swoune Laurea beeing present at this gréeuous spectacle moued with naturall compassion of her Father went recouered him preuailing so well with diuersitie of good arguments as shée pacified his perturbations in very reasonable manner when Primaleon taking Garnides by the bosome and Filenia by the hand thus spake Let me now tell yee that like two Traytors you ought to be dismembred aliue which the rather I should consent vnto more for obseruation of iustice then any reuenge of mine owne iniuries but confessing my selfe in some sorte obliged to Filenia for her good aduise in the enchaunted Castell of Bernuccio makes me the more willing to saue her life and the debt I confesse as due to Laurea for so kind deliuering me from imprisonment commaunds that I likewise pardon her Fathers life Neuerthelesse because neither of the trecheries may passe without some punishment this is the sentence that I impose on Garnides heere doe I disgrade him of his title and kingdome because hee neuer held possession thereof by any iust claime or right and the like award set I downe for Filenia for in practising to destroy his life who with no meane perrill thereof laboured to regaine it for her shee hath made herselfe vtterly vnworthy of any such dignitie But because in her Letter which he then tooke foorth and openly read shee hath elected Garnides to be her husband shée shall haue her desire and both of them enioy the Castell which was enchaunted by Bernuccio paying yéerely homage to the King of the Morning Ilands Filenia was hardly contented with this deuision but séeing how her liues perrill stoode on vrging the contrarie she willingly condiscended the like did Garnides who thought his desperate aduenture had made a happy returne in gaining faire Filenia whom he déerely loued Héereupon they were immediatly espoused together and sent to the Castell which he had assigned them all which beeing finished hée called Laurea to him saying I will neuer deny but that my life is a due debter to you in any occurrences whatsoeuer but because I cannot satis-fie your harts desire which in plainer termes is to be your husband and a reason of importance doth directly stand against it namely my bounden and dutiful seruice to a Lady long since engaged wherin though hetherto my deserts haue beene slender yet since my fortune is no better I must rest content there-with Notwithstanding because I would acknowledge in part though vtterly vnable to come néere your merrit my forward readines to doe you seruice let me intreat you to accept a person more worthy then my selfe the noble Countie Trasino discended of the royall progenie and for his loyall fayth kept to King Frisoll his Lorde farre better beseeming you then any other with him shall you enioy the faire kingdome of the Morning Ilands and holde me in dutious seruice euer as your Knight so farre as I offende not my gracious Lady and Mistresse Laurea who little expected such an aunswere with the teares in her eyes said My Lorde you haue such power and soueraigntie ouer mee as not daring to deny whatsoeuer you commaunde I rest satis-fied with your appoyntment and albeit your promise gaue me greater hope I will burie all in silence For I know by experience of my owne loues fire that you cannot easily giue ouer affection where the chaine of especiall liking hath intirely lincked you keepe this then in memory that héereafter I may boldly call you my Knight Primaleon was exceedingly contented hearing the Ladie so kindlie to accept his offer because he should now wel reward the Countie Trasino to whom as yet hee had not made this knowne for all the fauour and good wil he had found by him and hauing Garnides his Ring wherby all the Forts should bee surrendred vp they leuied two thousand men with whom they went from Iland to Iland hauing Laurea likewise in their company the people dooing great honours to her because there was neither Citty nor Castell but helde firme remembrance
two dayes together Dorina at last looking vppe into the ayre beheld it with some shew of admiration and vsed these speeches to Primaleon Young Prince now shalt thou discerne the strength of incantations for thrée great Ladies of royall parentage are by a Sorceresse shut vp in the strangest enchauntment that at any time hetherto hath euer been heard of and one of them shall be released by you but it will be long first therefore you must expect the helpe of the wizzard Aliarte which at this present you cannot haue These Ladies were they of whom we spake before that were carried away by Drusa Velonna but she would not impart so much to the Knight who so déerely affected the faire Infant Victoria that should he haue had knowledge of her imprisonment in such sort he would haue put off all hope of this enterprized aduenture and immediatly haue followed the recouerie of his loue wherefore being asked of him what Ladies they were shee was glad to aunswere him that she could not tell So sailed they on still with a prosperous wind and it happened one day euen in the very blush of the mornings arise the Ship closed with the Isle of Fortune which presently he knew and not a little â—ocond thereat leapt foorth vpon the land neuer dreaming what dangers were there prepared for him After they had likewise brought their Horses on shoare they mounted and rode on thorowe the wood vntill they came to the selfe same place where Primaleon first beheld the Trée changed into the forme of a Theater which as he nowe looked for to finde againe hee espied there a very fearefull grotte or vault for Fortune was departed from that place and had made this Cauerne before the track of her foote-steps to sée who durst be so bold as to follow her When he came to the mouth of this frightfull hollowe he felt himselfe suddainly dispoiled of his Armour left there in his doublet with his sword onely whereat he grew very highly offended and séeing no way to get thence againe he beheld a famished Lyon start out of the vaute the beast lifting vp his foote to a piller standing there by shewed him this briefe fixed there-vpon Seeke not thy death in this vnhaunted Wood. Primaleon knowing how easily he could conquer a Lyon because as he vsually hunted he euermore killed and ouercame them stepping boldly to the beast gaue him an angry stroke with his sword on the head which rebounded back againe as lightly to him as if he had smitten on a rock of marble whereat the Knight began to meruaile not a little The Lyon caught hold of him about the middle and caried him so swiftly into the vault that the Squire standing by fearing when the Lyon had deuoured his maister hee would returne againe and fetch him too foorth-with fled thence leading along with him his Lords horse and so rode he directly to Constantinople as in more méet place shall at large be declared Primaleon who for all this strange rapture of the beast failed not in the very least iote of his courage hauing drawn his dagger thought there-with to wound the Lyon in the throat but the beast like one possessed of a reasonable soule in the voyce of a man thus spake vnto him My death will be thy destruction because of my blood shall arise so many Lyons more as thou canst not defend thy selfe against them Permit me then to carry thee to the place where thy lost Armes shall be restored againe vnto thee It seemed a matter of no slender moment to the Knight to heare a Lyon speake in this manner but yet hee helde it much more strange that he should suffer himselfe to be carried away in this sort neuerthelesse not dreading the imputation of any vile esteeme either by neglect of courage or other behauiour best beseeming a man hee thus replyed Carrie me whether thou wilt for in all occasions whatsoeuer that may happen to me faire Fortune and mine own valour shall sufficiently defend me The Lyon holding him fast betwéene his fore-pawes bare him aboue a miles length through a mightie darknes vntill at last they came to a goodly large plaine so thicke beset with high spreading trées that they hindred y e sight of a round bright-shining Tower neere adioyning to which the Lyon brought him so neere that he wondred he had no sooner espied it there did the Lyon set him downe and suddenly departed The Knight not séeing any bodie by whom he might be informed what was there to doe for him stoode sadly pondering to himselfe and hauing so continued for a good halfe houres space yet neuer the neerer of his expectation hee coasted about to come to the Castell and more then an hundred paces had he spent about it yet could not discerne any gate for entrance but onely diuers high-built windowes out of which he seemed to heare a disordered noise of people resembling rather to be of Giants then such as were of his owne stature or proportion Standing doubtfull awhile what hee should doe two Siluane young men cirkled and wrethed with Iuie both alike came suddenly before him and one of them spake in manner following Indiscréete ouer-audacious Knight know that Fortune hath conducted thée hether to thy death This which thou seest is called the Dreadfull Tower for the faire Quéene Melia Sister to the King Armato who in his soule abhorred Christians and contended in the Magicall Sciences with the wise Vrgando erected this tower where thou séest it stand the place all solitary and vnfrequented and circkled with such a powerful enchauntment that whatsoeuer Christian dares to enter it immediatly he falls downe dead except hee first be possessed of the meanes to make voyde and of none account this incantation which wee estéeme to be impossible because many Knights haue alreadie come hether and suffered themselues to be carried into the Tower as annon thou shalt sée by vs the maner how and died so soone as they set foote within it whereof least thou shouldest make any doubting looke in that large ditch vpon thy left hand and see the bones of the dead that héere haue perrished No sooner had hee thus spoken but a strange kinde of Tunne or Dryfat descended downe the Tower whereon the two Siluanes presently mounted and in a trice were rapt vppe immediatly This meruaile made Primaleon to studie a little one it but yet fearelesse of it or any thing els whatsoeuer he walked on againe about the Tower to try if hee could finde any helpe for the finishing of this aduenture As thus he went on hee heard the treading of a man directly before him yet could discerne nothing at all but a great yron Sledge lying iust in his way which he helde to be very conuenient for his purpose either for compassing his entrance into the Tower or for expelling such as hee should finde within it So taking vp the hammer which séemed to him to be very weightie he beganne to