sword to defend the windowes where the first that scaled them be sent with a blow dead to th earth Which Butor beholding and grieuing to behold commanded to fetch faggots and to burne the house chusing rather losse of wealth than will the which was performed in an instant the sight whereof brought the wittes of Bertran to astonishment 3 But ere the flâ—me tooke any effect Singlay fell at her fathers fâ—ete and besought the obtaining of a reasonable petition whereto the king consenting she said Then my Lord spare this noble Christian and it to me hee will submit his person let mee be his gardian and I doubt not but easily make him adore Mahomet Daughter said the king thou art gratious in my sight and thy suite is graunted and if it be possible bring him to honour the shrine of our Prophet Ioy would not let the virgin stay to be ceremonious in thankes but she went to Betrran and perswaded him to lay away his armes and yield to her who had vndertaken for his safety shewing the daunger otherwise of his fortune and the pittilesse regard of fire when it preuailed adding to her wordes priuate teares the witnesses of her secret good meaning When as Bertran had beheld Singlay and surueied her beauty vertue and maiesticall carriage when he had noted the gratious aspects of her eies and the loue-inticing pitie of her countenance immediatly he was inamoured with her perfections and wiâ—h honourable swéetenesse returned her this aunswers Madame so sacred is the beautie of thine heauenly eyes that euen me and my heart thou hast taken prisoner well maiest thou commaund me whom thou hast inthralled and would God were the time so gracious that not here but in France I might doe you seruice but sacred Madame though my case be desperate yet doe me a fauour for charitie tell me whether my companion be dead or breathing with the liuing Faire prince quoth she he liues without hurt though without fréedome and is in my prison where your selfe in peace shall liue if you submit to my mercie Bertran at this conquered with Beauties Oratorie gaue vp his sword into hir siluer hand protesting that no feare of death made him yield but onely the commaundement of beauty to which beautie and her pittie he surrendered his life and fortunes Bertran now vnlaced his helmet and put it off whose former labour had raised so chearefull a blood in his face that Singlay esteemed him singuler in euery perfection and Loud ready at her elbow doubled her wounds and redoubled her affection wherefore she saide Come yong prince and follow me but I pray you speake to my father grauely and humbly so shall your thraldome be lesse streight and I more able to doe you seruice Hee consented to do what euer she would commaund him and thus they came before Butor whose first salutation was that immediately hee should loose his head if hee fell not downe and adored Mahomet and Bertran inraged gaue a reply contrary to his promise saying The threates of the damnedst diuelish pagan in the world should not make him forsake his God nor thinkâ— one reuerend thought oâ— their false man-deceiuing and diuelish protector When Singlay heard him speake with this spléene of malice she wept bitterly fearing lest her father who was subiect to passion should subscribe his will to her Loues funerall which to preuent she came and desired her father to leaue argument and to referre him to her whom she doubted not but quickely to change from his puritie and make him a religious Sarazen Daughter said the king I agrée but be you watchfull lest hee escape for wee haue had toon extreame trial of his valure With virgin reuerence she thanked his Maiestie and forthwith carried Bertran vnto her prison whâ—re Drohes was hugely perplexed with tormentings and bound hand and foote with fetters but toone she tooke them off and hauing them both in her custody like a bondslaue to her thrall swéetened their seruitude with her seruice But letting them passe we will speake of Gautier who all this while was before Minor continuing a siege against it the space of itj. yeares but all was to bootelesse purpose for hee lost many and gained nothing the city was so impregnable Wherefore holding a Councell it was thought expedient to raise theyr siege and returne backe vnto Montment which they did burning with fire before they went the foure straight passages of Minor and that was all the reuenge they had for itj. yeares trouble Great was the hast Gautier made to come to Montment where he had left his vertuous wife Claretta and Mathaburna but when he came hee found all his hopes ouerturned for in his absence the cruel king Gorbant had bin there taken the towne put Claretta to death and Mathaburna too had not faint womanish feare made her forsake her God and fall once againe brfore Mahomet Beside she did one other déede of great ilnes that after was a torment to her and that was by the means of Mordant she trode vppon the Crucifire and the Image of the virgin Mary for which with this curse she was punished That she would commit high treason against her son Orient which she did for when his wife was deliuered of seuen sons she made them away and perswaded her son she had brought forth seuen dogges for which the Ladies life was hazarded till God the reuealer of trueth making the trueth knowne Mathaburna was burned deseruingly as you may reade in the historie of Godfrey of Bullen But leauing those latter déedes we will againe returne to our purpose CHAP. IIII. 1 How Gautier raised his siege from Minor and came to Nubia where he repaired his army 2 how from thence hee came to Luternia where hee found Iacob who discoursed the fortunes of Montment 3 How Gautier went before Montment and retooke it againe by meanes of Iacob GAutier and his Armie went before Minor and marched to Nubia where he selected out ten thousand choyce men to repayre his losses At which time with great humblenesse Huon of Burdeaux tooke his leaue of the King and departed to the great griefe of all the companie and of him wee will speake nothing more at this instant 2 The King at that same time departed from Nubia and came to Luternia where he reposed himselfe the space of foure dayes during which time Iacob the Marchaunt came vnto him and saluting him with a most piteous and fearefull countenaunce saide Sacred Lord of a holie Linage what shall become of vs most miserable creatures sith the valiant Meruine is nnot home returned Alas alas my Lord Fortune hath doubled her fortunes vpon vs for in these last two yeares of your absence the fatall King Gorbant of Samaria who was ouerthrowne before Damascus and Bandus came and layde Siege before Montment haue taken the Cittie put your Highnesse Wife to â—eath and conuerted fearefull Mathaburna to her former religâ—on When Gautier felt there thunderboltes strike vpon his
what businesse Baucamont should haue with him but taking the letter and breaking opne the seale he read the tenure thereof which instantly sent a displeasing sorrow to his heart because the King of Damas in prowâ— wordes commaunded his daughter the faire Berea in marriage But Mermont calling the messenger saide By Mahomet thy maister is much too sawâ—y and arrogant to commaund me to giue him my daughter the which notwithstanding her yong yeares I had doone but that in despite he hath sent so meane an embassade for hir Wherefore be wel ascertained he shall neuer possesse her though it câ—st me a hundred thousand of my choisest subiects Is there any colourable shewe in thy maister to marry my daughter when he sendeth no greater a peere of his countrey then thy selfe to demaund her But what he hath done is but an index of the pride with which his heart is furnished say so to him for if thou so saist it not what besides else I haue said by Mahomet in despite or thy King I will make thy head poore in taking away thine ears two dulauditors Mighty King answered the messenger whose feare-shaken heart made all his body tremble be well assured I will deliuer all that you haue spoken or what else your maiestie shall please to commaund me Be gone then quoth the King and bid thy maister seeke him a wife in some other climate for Berea soareth higher then the sunne hath power to carry his eielight Thus parted the messenger on whom no rest either by night or day dared to aduenture till he came before Baucamont his Lord and Soueraigne to whom he saide By Apollo great King of Damas and my liege Lorde in vaine is thy care to entertaine loue when thou hast lost Berea whose eies onely create loue in briefe her must thou neuer enioy for so her father hath sworne nor I in despight of thée mine eares vnlesse I tell thée that so he hath sworne More would not Baucamont endure to heare but all inraged with fury swore by Mahomet Alcheron and the shrine of Meca hée would enioy Berea yea though shée were the sole paramor to Iupiter or garded with an Herculean army all which to performe hee instantly sent foorth summons to muster all his people and to commaund all his tributaries to serue him protesting with force of armes to finde that ioy which by force of words he could not enioy But only to desteny are the decrées of heauen knowen for he erred in his conceits sith into the world was borne a creature excellent enough to defend Berea I meane rarely accomplished Meruine the sonne of Oger supposed the sonne of Barbin who at that instant was growne mighty in body more in minde most in beauty Barbin who tendered him excéedingly shewed him the trade of marchandise and how to exchange for the greatest profite but the bent of his mind was contrary to that course for his minde wholly was addicted to ride horses tosse pikes plant battels and other feates of famous chiualrie to which a while we will leaue him and will speake of the king Mermont CHAP. V. 1 Mermont the king proclaimeth a great Iust for triall of his Knights 2 Meruiue doth great wonders WHen the King of Damas Embassadour was departed the mighty King Mermont not without cause fearing that Baucamont would make warre vpon him proclaimed a solemne tourneament to be held within the citie of Montment for triall of all his knights whiâ—her assembled an innumerable company of kings princes barons and knights all subiects vnto him amongest the rest came a wealthy Prince named Clarissa much more beholden to Fortune for his riches then to Nature for his valure for though he was not reputed a coward yet those which knew him knew he durst not fight This Clarissa lodged in the house of Barbin And when the first day of triumphes came which by decrée were to continue thrée dayes and a massie cuppe of golde proposed for a prize to the Uictor euery one armed himselfe and Clarissa also armed himselfe outwardly more rich then any though inwardly his heart was tattered with a trustlesse resolution When Meruine beheld him armed he humbly intreated the Pagan that hée might attend his person to the Tilt-yard Clarissa when he beheld through the reflexion of the yong mans beuty an vnmatchable splendor of concealed valure he exchanged his feare to hopefull audacitie and condescended to his intreaty desâ—ring the youth that if he sawe as doubtlesse he should any colde streames of fountaines engirdle his temple that he would sâ—eke with the fire of his infant vertue to drie vp those vndoing ouerflowes Meruine coragiously bade him take courage for there was no doubt of hard measure onely saide he it is conuenient that I haue a horse to runne after you by which I may sustaine you in the greatest danger sweete are thy words and reasonable answered Clarissa and forthwith commaunded and a horse was deliuered to Meruine on which hee mounted and attended Clarissa oâ— whome spurres were not spared till he came to the tilt-yard When the Lady virgin Berea who was enuironed with her mother and the other Ladies beheld the gallant yong Meruine enter into the listes her heart daunced in her cristall bosome as if not there but in him was her onely paradise Wo alas she loued him dearely who neglected her wholly and often whispered to her soule so Mahomet would I would Meruine to whom onely I am a prisoner whose beautie onely hath surprised mine affection were the sonne of some pagan potentate then would I follow him then would I be his handmaide then would I serue him then would I go with him but if hee would espouse me O my soule how happy were my loue in such a happy requitall other then himselfe no goddesse would wish for for pouerty with him is richer then the pallace of the greatest Emperor in Turkie Thus would the excellent Berea often dispute with her selfe imagining Meruine still the sonne of Barbin the marchant Anone the tourney beganne wherâ— staues flew in the aire like dust and dust like smoakie â—â—aues threatned the element at length a pagan fierce and strong ranne with his launce in his rest against Clarissa to whom he gaue such an vnkind blow that had not yoong Meruine bin he had tumbled to the ground but the princely youthes vertue sustained him yet so heauy was the incounter that Clarissa as much or more scared than wounded returned to his lodging where being disarmed hee laied that heauie complaint on Fortune which iustly should haue bin intituled to his owne weakens Meruine seeing him disarmed his heart tickled and his blood fiered with an emulation of honour which set an insatiate longing on his thoughts to giue some blowes and to prooue his bodie wherefore hee fell vppon his knées to Clarissa and saide I beséech you faire prince for the honor of Mahomet bestow your armes vpon me to the end I may goe to the triumph and approoue
supper they went to rest till the flight of birds gaue assurance of the sunnes presence and told them it was morning then arose Croisant causing the lists to be prepared and 200. horsemen to gard it in the midst whereof a stake was set vp at which his wife should be burned if Meruine failed in the conflict Then arose Meruine and armed him selfe with all the royall accomplements his soule desired and being at al pieces furnisht he caused Morbon to be sadled and couerd al ouer with a costly barb on whom he leapt and though Morbon for strength among horses was onely excelling yet his chine bended with the weight of the yongling Then demaunded Meruine his helmet which Croisant deliuerd him and withall a mighty launce strong and till then vntaught to skirmish Meruine thus sate like a second Mars or an excelling Perseus he made a solemne and religious vow to Mahomet euer after that to be so and in such maner and neuer more to vse or inherite the trade or name of a Marchant for qd he that trade abaseth an honorable disposition and brings slander to the sword and lance which euer should be adored Now was Brohars who before ye heard to be imprisoned infranchised and set at liberty immediatly causing his attendants to arme him whilst his thoghts expostulated with feare his soule holding argument with doubtfulnes yet was he an vnmatchable knight for valure onely treason the impoisoner of vertue hauing got habitation began to staine resolution Yet the story saith that this Brohars was brother to Geffray whom Karahew slue in the battel before the wals of Babilon as is written in the history of Oger the father of Meruiue But in no pagan court durst Karahew euer after meet with Brohars as well for feare of his fortitude as for a generall hate conceiued agenst him for offring to haue forced Rabions wife the son of Antifer But that which giues Brohars the greatest title of dignity and maketh all men feare to incounter him in combat is for that he hath fought xiiij-fields all with the sword and preuaild which euer after made him so fierce and proud of his fortune that he held himselfe altogether inuincible as if by a parliament of the gods he alone were deified Now was brought to him to mount vpon a mare of his owne which was damme to the good stéed Marcheuall which Oger lost vpon the sea her colour was not black but blackish 〈◊〉 he got her of Baucamont king of Damas and she was 〈◊〉 and made ready for the warres to go assaile Mermont in his city of Monâ—ment thence to win the faire princely virgin Berea whom Mermont had denied in mariage This mare which was brought Brohars was called Mordant fiery and couragious one qualitie of crueltie she had which was that no horse how strong or violent soeâ—er but she would instantly strangle if there weâ—e not a more than vâ—uall regard had to hir manner of fighting Brohars won her in an honorable combat and being mounted thereon he took his target and hanged it before his breast fasâ—ned a battle ax to his saddle poâ—ell griped in his strong arme a mighty lance thus accoutred he paced towâ—rds the field where Meruin attended his comming Croisant stil inuironed with ielousie and reuenge had now fasâ—ned Basina to the stake her executioners garding her with fire ready so assaile the wood so soone as Meruine should be ouerthrowne By this time was Brohars entred into the lists on whom when Meruine had fixed his eies and saw the portly maiesty of the princely beast that â—ore him I meane Mordant that gallant mare he fell mightily in loue with her and tooke a vow in his owne soule neuer againe to estéeme him selfe if that dayes conquest made him not true possessor of so highly to be estéemed treasure Now the time sommoning an end to these great deuoires a herald entred the lists after a solemne warning giuen by the sound of trumpets he pronounced this charge Lords and Knights belonging to the noble lord Croisant I straitly charge and command you vpon paine of death not to speak any word til the combat be fully ended and further vpon the foresaid paine I charge that none of what estate or conditioÌ„ soeuer do either assist resist impugne or deliuer either by signe or actioÌ„ any of the combaâ—ants but râ—â—er the triall of their truths to fortune valure and their swords At these words the whole assemblie of infinites silent and then the Herauld departed Then enâ—ered Croisant to the Champions and first spake in this manner to Brohars by all the allegeance thou owest to thy earths soueraigne by thy faith to Mahomet thy hope of coÌ„quest thy spirits redemption I charge thée â—elme whether all thine assextâ—on and accusation auowed against this lady Basina my wife be trâ—e I or no. Noble Croisant answered Brohars all is true by Iupiter I sweare and this day shalt thou see that trueth glorious by my conquest Meruine hearing him so obstinat desired Croisant to desist froÌ„ further speach for said he it is more then time the tâ—aitour had made his new reâ—antation Knights sayd Croisant begin at your pleasures and this day let trueth preuaile 2 So departed he the lists and the two combatants putting downe their beauers departed either from other a good distance to adde more violences to their courses and Basina with a more then speaking heart for feare had bound her lips to silence cried vpon Mahomet to guard her champion and confound the false confounder of her honour Now were they farre enough asunder when turning their 〈◊〉 and couching their launces they ranne against â—ch other with such swiftnesse that they ouerran the windes which ouerrun all other mouing creatures but in the shoâ—k when their launces felt honors seales vpoÌ„ their curats Meruin stroke Brohars so hard worthy a better name then that by which force is intituled that he tumbled him from the back of his good mare to the ground on the other part he likewise assailed Meruine so couragiously that both horse man equally kist the earth together but Meruine being quicke nimble and neuer more quicke then in the quicknesse of extremity quickly gate vp vnamazed But Brohars astonished with falling from a beast so hie and loftie arose thâ—ugh not so well yet as wel as he coâ—ld and drawing his â—word came to assault Meruin who cried vnâ—o him Traitor this deede this day shall make thee acte a sory tragedie Brohars enuiously angry at these words of Meruin strake at him with almost a more then diuine courage but he perceiuing the blowe retired a little and tooke it vpon his target yet it came from so violent an arme that it claue it downe to the ground cuâ—ting withal the spur from his right foot and the sword vnsatiâ—fied entred into the ground more then afoote and a halfe whose greedines to conquere hindred his conquering for hee could not recouer it againe but
his incounter When Baucamont sawe death and destiny lie in Meruins sword like a man made desperat bicause his estate was desperate he ioyned himselfe to Meruine striking so violent a blowe as he claue insunder the crest of his helmet but to his head did no harme but amazement Meruin displeased at his entertainement drew Entrant his sword and without oâ—her salutation stroke at Baucamont withal his puissance The pagan king fearing the blow retired alittle yet had hee neuer breathed anie more malice if the sword had not turned in the hand of Meruine which like a thunderbolt fell on the arme of Baucamont and that in such heauy maner that the armor shoulder all were cut asunder When Meruine saw him thus spoiled of his defender in iesting maner he sayd king Baucamont it is time now the world excuse you from these martiall occurrents sith the fittest for you is a monasticall function say hencefoorth for the loue of Mahomet you will abiure your folly hauing paied to this good king your right arme for a ransome Thus hauing sayd he returned to Mermont remounted him the second time but Mermont in whom was ingrafted a strong beliefe that Merâ—ine was Mahomet with prostrate humblenesse sayd vnto him great and almighty God of most excellent authoirtie this day hath thy goodnesse newly created me and made my life more happy then the liues of my forefathers hencefoorth be gratious to my proceedings great lord of our religion and I wil make thy name be rung through all natious thy temple I wil multiply all thine ornaments shall be of purest siluer Meruin séeing the blindnesse of his amazement raised him from his prostracie saying no but you are deceiued you are deceiued I honor him you and with that he rusht agayne into the battel Thus while Drohes and the other behaued themselues valiantly effecting such feates of knightly chiualrie that force perforce they draue to retraite the hoste of Baucamont many flying none abiding till the mightie king Esclamart caused all his troupes which came for the succour of Baucamont being 10000 Sarazens all fresh and vnfoiled hauing as yet not striken one blowe to turne vpon their enemies like a storme begotten by a storme in the moneth of Aprill When Mermont perceiued them and considering his people and horses were wearie vnable to withstand them being fresh caused a retraite to be sounded and in honorable sâ—rt retired into the ciâ—ie but when he came to enter Esclamart and his men being swift and nimble had gained the port had not Meruine Drohes withstood them who marched behind and Meruine in that last incounter slew the nephew of Esclamart with many other pagans and they so well defended themselues that king Mermont and his host entered into the cittie Meruine and Drohes after them to the confusion and dishonor of Esclamart who returned sorrowfull for his nephewes slaughter whom hée caused to bée brought with great solemnitie into his tent vowing to Mahomet his god reuenge for his misfortune CHAP. XV. 1 Of the honours Mermont did to Meruine 2 Meâ—uine made chamberlaine of the Court. 3 Gratiana for his sake made lady of the chamber of Berea with other accidents KIng Mermont and all his knights being entred into Montment were most roially receiued both of the quéene his wife and the most beautifull lady Berea his daughter to whom he said thou golden planet of mine age my dearest daughter I beseech thée honor with all the excellencies thou canst imagine this admirable creature who sits armed and mounted on this mightie mare I once imagined him to be our great god Mahomet so godlike was he in mine vnderstanding and so impossible it was for the force of man to enterprise what he hath effected When Iacob came and heard the kings spéeches pleasantly he replied My gracious soueraigne it is a common saying that a fooles bolt sometimes as wel hits the marke as the wise mans arrowe True said the king but I pray thée to what ende doest thou cite this adage to this my liege lord answered he I who am basely vnworthy to counsell kings yet anciently experienced in warres doubtfulnesse went in your maiesties name to Brandis and thence brought this Meruin the sonne of Barbin who this day by his most celestiall prowesse hath twise preserued you from death aud the dangerous hand of your enemies Now if the actor be worthy his honour is not the agent for the acte worthy to be rewarded els let my fortune refuse me said the king Iacob I will heape wealth vpon thy wealth and on Meruine I will double a thousand honours of knighthood for by Mahomet I imagined him to haue bene Mahomet so farre excelled he all creatures yea euen Bruhier and Iustament his valiant brother who were slaine by that renowned Oger the scourge of our religion O Meruine if Mahomet continue gratious to thy procéedings our law shall be by thee exalted as much aboue christianitie as the first moouer is resident aboue the earths center Woe alas this prohesie was too true for with the eyes of infants shall be watered with teares as hereafter shall be declared Now Mermont looking vpon Drohes asked Iacob what he was and Iacob in euery point described him both their méeting conflict and conquest and how he was a christian whose name was Drohes adding withall that if any myracle could make him renounce his religion that then the law of paganisme by him more then by any christian but Oger would be raised admired but this wisedom is so great that no will can remooue him Then Mermont asked Iacob from whence by what meane Meruin had gotten that band of men which he had brought to the battel Then Iacob shewed the king Croisant who then was busie in talke with Meruine from point to point declared his fortunes both how â—a was accused Meruin ingaged Brohars flaine and Croisant restored from his vnbeléeuing the king hearing all this his heart danced for ioy and he solemnly vowd to raise Meruine higher in authoritie then the conceite of man could aspire vnto Whereupon calling the gallant yong knight before him who came with all the reuerence belonging to so great a maiestie the king with a dumb but speaking countenance amazedly as if in a maner skared at his beauty and with his long looking and intimate searching in euery lineament of his proportion he suddenly apprehended in his memory the diuine features of Oger Wherefore he sayd beléeue me Meruine by that Alcheron in which I trust thou resemblest both in body figure and beautie the famousest of all christians renoumed Oger the duke of Denmarke whose fortunes if thou counteruaile the pennes of all men shall write thée most happy By this time the day had exchanged the coulour of his garment and put on the nightes vesture wherefore al the tables being roially apparelled and supper set on the boorde water was brought for the king he sate downe to eate but because all
doubt whether it were better he should preuaile or they perish At this he descended from his mare and embraced king Charles to whom he saide Thou excellent wonder of Knighthood alas thy defence is bootlesse I die to thinke thy fortune should perish yield to him whose pity thou haâ—â— taken prisoner in beholding thy vertue Charls hearing this and such honor in his enemy said Thou glorious Almighty that for their sinne exiled Adam and Eue from paradise comfort and counâ—ell me and with that he yielded himselfe to Meruine only desiring him to ballance his honor not by the foile of his ouerthrow Sacred emperor qd Meruine feare no misfortune thy thraldome shall be but thine owne pleasure then receiuing his sword and taking off his helmet deliuered him to a band of the noblest Pagans to whom he gaue so speciall charge of adoration reuerence that like a demie-god he was deified Duke Naymes séeing Charlemaine taken deliuerd his sword to Meruine Thus was the emperor Charles duke Naimes the xij péeres and xxxiiij noble christians taken prisoners and all bound one to another except the emperour who had ingaged his royall word tâ— Meruine not to depart without his licence This being done and that there was not left a christian which was not slain or taken Meruin went instantly and gaue an assault to Babilon but the citizens knowing it folly to withstand when their chiefe commanders were imprisoned came forth and deliuered the towne to their mercie bowing their neekes to the yoke of slauerie renouncing the only true God became misbelieuing miscreants As soone as Mermont was entred into the towne he imprisoned Charlemaine and the other Chrâ—stians in a tower where they were safely garded as prizes of inestimableâ— value but king Charles spent all his time in teares and such like lamentations Alas thou maiden mother of the worlds saluations ought I alone to be the subiect of all misfortune must my long admired honor die in so shameful a graue of disparagement and must my rule that stretcht beyond Europe Asia be her selfe contained in a square of this little compasse If so it must be it is my sinne happie I if it alone be chastised for my transgressions thus spake king Charles whose bird flourished like a white palme tree Meruine hauing now alittle repasted himselfe called together the pagan kings and princes saying My lords this place we must make no place of repast or banquetting because sâ—uggardise is hatefull to the honour whereto we couet to aspire wherefore prepare your selues presently to depart for I will not rest till I haue taken Mesques and Ierusalem and brought the whole countries thereabout to our subiection and taught the people to adore no god but Mahomet Lord Meruine said Mermont thy will shal be our guide and thy courses shall direct vs Then sending their drummes and trumpets about and sommoning their bands together triumphantly they departed from Babylon and so restlesse continued in their marchings that they shortly appeared before the walles of Meâ—ques to which they laid so fearefull a siege and gaue such maruelous assaults as in few dayes they tooke the towne putting man woman and child to the sword except those that willingly fell downe and adored Mahomet Thus Meruine made himselfe lord and master of Mesques dor he had a desire to rule in that citty yet he would néedes forward to Ierusalem So he made a Pagan his lieutenant to rule only in his name and with the greatest pomp that might be before his departure crowned himselfe king of Mesques CHAP. XXVI 1 How Meruine and the Pagan host came before Ierusalem 2 How the citizens rendred vp the towne 3 How Meruine refused to enter into the citie but returnd to Babilon at which many of the pagans murmured AFter Mesques was conuerted to the damnable beliefe of Mahomet and Meruine had established it for his owne gouernment he would not sléep anie occasion but charged all his army to be in readinesse for that forthwith he would march to Ierusalem to make himselfe lord of that mighty towne and the countrey thereto adioyning When Mermont heard him and saw the desire he had to spread their law through all nations he said O Mahomet how great are thy workes that from the loines of the poore merchant Barbin hast â—aised a glorious branth to exalt thine honour and to bring all Christendome to subuersion This spake Mermont in the hearing of Meruine to whom he did all the reuerend honours might be deuised but in soule both he and all the Pagan princes extreamely hated him because the honors wherewith they shined were but borrowed from his splendor And for that their labours could neuer attaine to a perfite end yet they durst not but obey him feare not loue being their ruler All things being now prepared they departed from Mesques and marched with such prospeâ—ous expedition that they came before the noble and â—acred towne where the Lamâ—e of 〈◊〉 all glorie suffred his death and passion for the worlds redemption 2 As soone as Meruine behold it he practised it and immâ—diatly prepared for so strong and dreadfull assault so that the poore Christians beholding their imminent danger held a counsell and concluded to deliuer vp the keyes of the citie wherefore comming forth and casting themselues prostrate before Meruine they said Dread Lord of our liues and beings behold we the chiefe rulers of this haples towne render ourselues to thy gratious mercy deliuering to thée as to our liege lord all our possessions promising to serue thée loially and to hold thy faith lawe and religion Meruine hearing them replied Citizens stand vp and be courageous for your peace is concluded in an happy houre Assure your selues from the honour of my reputation neyther man woman nor child of this towne shall be damnified so returne in all peace and be loyall for not a souldier shall come within your gates but we will all returne vnto Babilon then turning to the hoste he commanded them to take vp their pauillions and march towards Babilâ—n 3 At this all the Sarazens were mischieuously agrâ—eued and with priuate murmuring railed vpon Meruine who to their troubles would allot no ending but notwithstanding all they set forward and by the restlesse labour of many dayes and nights at last they arriued at Babylon where they banqueted and reposed themselues the space of 〈◊〉 dayes After it hapned vpon a day that Iacob the merchant came to Meruine and said How now my lord how walks loue in your thoughts what is he vtterly exiled is there nâ— remnant of memory left to preserue the perfectioÌ„s of beutifull Berea Ha Iacob said he more then thy blunt sences are able to measure but why dost thou now examine me vpon this holy article For this said Iacob that if absented time haue not shut excellencie in doubtfulnesse then would I haue you that you may by it binde her loue in a more eternall band of affection Take Charles his twelue
the meanes of Mathaburna 2 The deliuery of Drohes out of prison and other accidents chap. 19 Barant challenged combat of Charles himselfe alone against three or fiue 2 how he ouâ—rcame all the fiâ— chap. 20 Meruine in countred Baham the sonne of Belmarine with 10000. pagans who were forraging who were all conquered except three 2 how Baham renounced Mahomet 3 how the three that escaped reported the action vnto Barant who slue one of them for bringing such euill newes chap. 21 Barants hundred thousand were ouerthrowne by Merâ—inâ— 2 how Bertran then came with all his hoast except threâ— hundred and marched against the Christians chap. 22 The single Combat betwixt Meruine and Barant and of Charles and the other Christians and the ouerthrow of the pagans chap. 23 Meruine married Mathaburna 2 And of the great solemnitie at Maiance for ioy thereof chap. 24 Mutaâ—ier deceiued the Fairie Gratiana and begotte of her a monster named Orke who had three heads 2 And of other accidents chap. 25. The king Turniquant of Oriam assembled a great number of his people and went in ayde of the Orke 2 how hee destroyed all Normandie and Brittaine 3 and of other occurents chap. 26. King Charles had intelligence of the King of Englands comming 2 of their assault on both sides 3 how Meruine came who had reconquered againe all that the Orke had wonne 4 how Mathaburna gaue charge that no man should speake of the warres before Paris 5 how an Angell appeared to Meruine chap. 27. Meruin vndertooke Combat against the Orke 2 of the Fight and the Orkes death which brought rest to the Christians chap. 28. Meruine tooke leaue of Charles and departed 2 how he went to Ierusalem and thence was conueyed into Fairiâ—â— chap. 29. The second part of The most ancient famous mo her of Histories the exquisite Historie of Prince Meruine the son of Oger the Dane who conquered Ierusalem Babylon and diuerse other Cities from the Pagans with many memorable accidents of wondrous consequence CHAP I. How Mermont Butor and the Pagans imagining to enter vnawares within Montment were inclosed by the Christians 2 Of their discomfiture and the great battell wherein Bertran did wonders GAutier hauing receued these tidings the happie armoâ—r by the which they were preserued from a shamefull death gaue the messenger in guerdon of his paines a cuppe of golde desiring him to recommend the perfection of his seruices to the most kind and louing Lady Minea whom hee would honour and adore and after other complements dispatched him and departed Butor and Mermont the waking Dragons of impietie by this time were departed from Brandis and now by sea were come to the port of Luternia two leagues from Montment the whâ—â—st the christians armed themselues to incounter them hauing intelligence by their espialles that passed to and fro of their neare arriuall and Bertran comming to his father besought his maiesty to deliuer him a regiment of the oldest 〈◊〉 whom with himself he would lay in ambushment in the woods Bontbras till the Pagans were passed by and then at such time as the maine aâ—my should charge them in the faces he behind would equall the incounter and not doubt but to put all to the sword in a moment his counsell was held currant and consented vnto Now came the pagans marching with silent carefulnes thinking halfe in a â—lâ—mber to surprize the citie but they were preuented for Gautier met them with a well ordered battell the proportion consisting of thrée batallions the first conducted by Guyon containing fiue thousand the second by Huon of Burdeaux being fiue thousand and the last by himselfe also fiue thousand so that the maine was fiftéen thousand besides ten thousand that lay obscured with Bertran As the Pagans passed by the wood Bertran took a perfit view of them and smiling he saide vnto Drohes who was his companion in that stratagem Behold with what hast these Pagans post to their misery sée sée Drohes doest thou sâ—e that gallant beast the formost is mounted on by him that gaue me life this day I will giue him thée for a present a seate worthier of thy seate than an infidelious miscreant At these words Drohes looking carefully sawe Butor mounted on the braue mare Mordant sometimes the delight of Meruine which with griefe made him stand as if he ahd béene thunder-strucke till rage appeasing sorrow he saide To armes to armes prince Bertran let me die if I doe stay any longer and sée a traitour in triumph ride on the gallant Mordant worthie none but her master inuincible Meruine This saide they mounted vppon theyr horses and sounding a Cornet which was a signall to Gautier of their comming issued out of the woodes and charged the rereward of the pagans thorow and thorow which Butor beholding commanded an alarum and saide Courage gallant resolutions and be not abashed for this handfull of christians whose pride not prowesse makes them desperate and at this they turned vpon their enemies where one might haue séene Bertran beare honour from euery other creature and comming to him that rode on the gallant horse he had promised Drohes with the first blowe be smote him dead from his saddle then taking the stéede deliuered him to Drohes saying My promise this day is performed and my word iustified at that Drohes with humble thanks dismounted and mounted on his new gift then they two thrust themselues among the pagans Death like a gentleman vsher passing before them giuing to the battell a feareful and miserable beginning 2 Gautier that on their faces shoulde now on their backes was inforst to charge them in which shocke Huon shewed his prowesse to be most inuincible in that Might it â—elfe wanted might to resist him he slew infinites and left innumerable wounded amongst the rest he slue the nephew to king Gautier whose death whilst his vncle pursued to reuenge he made forfait for his owne life Dreadfull and somewhat doubtfull was the battell a long time because the pagans were an hundred thousand and the christians but fiue and twentie thousand who notwithstanding by their wisedomes the best weapons in warefare in the end became conquerours Maruellous this day were the actes of Bertran making Conquest in loue with her selfe because hee loued her Guyon his brother was not short of infinit praises who in the hart of the battell shewed himselfe lord of alâ— heartes and incountring a kinsman of Butors he slew him at the fight whereof a whole band of Sarazens assailed him crying thou diest this day no valor shall release thée and then rushing all with one furie they bare him from his horse and tooke him prisoner but as they were intending to present him to king Butor Bertran that then was commen into the strength of the battell and by the tumults of the pagans suspecting they had tane some prisoner all inraged and grieued he turned to the prease making euery hinderer of his way a companion to his graue till hee
her life discouer her ioyfullnes but fained her selfe sad as she was indéed because she durst not bée merrie when she was best pleased and sayd Brurant let vs bée carefull lest these damned Christians enter the cittie for this vilde Meruine is mercilesse therefore I beseech you let the keyes of the cittie be euerie night brought vp into my chamber Brurant agréed theretoo Then said Mathaburna I will Brurant that you issue out vpon the wretches that they may not vaunt that they lodged before our cittie and were not bidden one Skirmish To that motion he was willing wherefore arming 20000 he sallied out of the gates whom Meruine and his Armie couragiously encountred himselfe throwing ten dead to the ground before anie other Christian approached When the Pagans beheld his furie they were amazed and said one to another If all the Christians bée like to this it is in vaine wée striue against them During the Battaile Mathaburna stoode on the top of Turgon to behold her Lord whom she knew by his blows and death that followed them and also by an olde Fauor of hers which he did weare in his Helmet The Battaile continued verie strongly in which Meruine shewed wondrons Chiualrie Drohes Croysant and Fouchier not being short of anie Knightly resolution but on the other side Brurant who was on foote made mightie slaughter of the Christians at which Drohes was inraged and with a strong launce charged vpon the Turke but did him no hurt at which Drohes wondered but the Turke sent him backe such a token with his sword thaâ— he cut away one quarter of his shield and the head of his horse also insomuch that Drohes was faine to descend to the earth to begin a foote combate but the Turke who was of strange â—orâ—e tooke him vp in his armes and in despite of all men bore him into Montment deliuering him into she custodie of the Pagans and then returned againe where he sawe Meruine make a mightie slaughter of his souldiers that now were flying to seeke safetie whom as hée incountred hée said Cowards whither will you tourne or ere night you shall all repent you Sir said one of them death is worst and that wee are sure of if we turne to yond puissant mightie one Which sayd Brurant shew mee that Gallant I will doo that said one of his Souldiers so you will let mée come behinde you And then he shewed him where Meruine was to whom hee went and offering to strike him with his axe the horse Passant seeing the blow retyred and instantly turned againe whereby Meruine gaue the Turke such a mightie blowe that if his sword had not broken he had there fiâ—ished the Battaile then he tooke the pomell and hilts which he cast at him so vehemently that hee brought him on his knees and then taking his yron mace from him with it gaue hâ—â— such a blow that he felled him to the earth Then came an infinite number of pagans about him who raised him vp and as soone as he was come to himselfe hee cried Let vs flie souldiers let vs flie for it is impossible to indure these strange blowes Then ranne the Pagans amaine towardes the towne and the Christians pursued them of whom in the entraunce they â—â—ue abundance notwithstanding yet the Sarazens got into the towne closed vp their gates at which Meruine was displeased but would haue béene much more grieued had he knowne that Drohes had bin taken prisoner The christians went vnto their pauilionâ— hauing lost but seuen hundred and the pagans eight thousand 3 Brurant brought to Mathaburna the Knight Drohes with this spéech saying Madam behold here is one of the christians that hath beene our scourge this day pleaseth your Ladiship to keepe him and present him to prince Barant my Lord and Master your royall loue that will I not said Mathaburna but before to morrow in the morning dispatch him of his life I knowe his name to be Drohes and pleased it Mahomet that as I haue him I had that disloyall Meruine who against my soule made me be baptized I would present him to my royall loue Barant that hee might take of him a neuer to be eqâ—alled vengeance When the gentle Drohes heard her he answered What Madam are these speeches your owne or vnkindely borrowed I tell you Meruine for the world would not thus vnkindly forget you but loues you as his owne saluation Peace said Mathaburna speake not to me for thou shalt know that in despight of what thou hast spoken of Meruin thou shalt be hanged Then calling a pagan to hir she commaunded him to imprison Drohes and to bring the keys to her presently which immediatly was done and Drohes alone beganne to exclaime against women and to curse their sexe for the inconstancie of Mathaburna CHAP. XIX 1 How the cittie of Montment was taken by the meanes of Mathaburna 2 The deliuery of Drohes out of prison and other accidents SMall was â—he hope of life retained in Drohes after hee was imprisoned and the keyes carried to the Lady that swore in the morning he should bee carried to the gallows Madam said Brurant do your owne wil for my Lord Barant at his departure commaunded me to obey you in all things T is true replied she therefore see my commandemâ—nts be effected and to her selfe swore all the good possible for the christians Meruine by this time hauing missed Drohes made inquirie for him but no man could tell anie newes wherefore he caused diligent search to be made till a squire came and reported that Brurant had borne him prisoner into the cittie At which wordes Meruine tore his haires lamented and swowned till Croysant came and perswaded him to be appeased for Mathaburna beeing in the citie there could no mischance befal him for he knew that she was Lady and mistresse of the towne and the proudest Sarazin durst not disobey her This gaue some respite to his mones Yet he went and threw himselfe vpon his bed and would not be fully comforted In the end hee fell on his knees and made a vow to the God of heauen that if it would please him to restore his deare friend Drohes hee would neuer sleepe on bed exchange apparrell drinke wine nor eate flesh neither espouse wife till he had passed the seas and slaine that inauspitioâ—s stone of religion false Barant the ruine of christendome This spake Meruine so effectually that his desire was graunted as you shall heare The beautifull Mathaburna whose busie thoughts were vertues agents when all the Pagans were laid at rest she tooke the keyes and went to Drohes whom she no sooner sawe but shee imbraced and with Ioyes teares demaunded how Meruine did When Drohes had heard her he stoode amazed and said ah inconstant Lady thou hast slaine me with thy chaunge and art vnworthy to speake of him from whom thou art chaunged Suffice it I knowe thine intent and my death is wellcome Mistake mee not faire Knight said shee