last they fell on a heape together when either being carefull of his best aduantage recouered footing quickly againe and fell to the combate as freshly as before making the fielde to ecchoe with the clanching of their weapons and both of them were wounded very dangerously sorting néere to Velonnaes damnable intent that they should haue bereft each other of life but that by good hap it came to passe when they were able to welde their swords no longer a friend came and kindly parted them Dramufiande beeing the man who after his departure from Tubante to goe for the aduenture of Carderiaes Iland where he heard so many famous Knights were imprisoned Franardo his sonne being one among them hearing the noise of this fight a farre off followed the weapons sound till hee came to the place where hee found the Knights at handie gripes together vsing all their skill and strength to ouerthrow each other and seeing in eythers Shéelde the deuise of Fortune albeit with the blowes they were pittifullie mangled hee presently knew Palmerin but hauing no guesse or apprehension of the other he spake thus aloude to him Beleeue me Sir Knight you may well presume on Fortunes kinde inclination toward ye that ye haue outstoode the valour of noble Palmerin of England Primaleon who could not denie within his own thoughts but that he knew his Vnckle well enough hearing the Giant thus to name him let fall his sword and offering to kneele humbly desired pardon for his ouer-bolde transgression but Palmerin sustayned him in his armes and as they grew lauish in complement and courtesie they felt themselues so faint and weake by the ouer-prodigall expence of their blood that they were constrayned to sit downe together Palmerin falling into a straunge swound or traunce Dramufiande with his owne Squire and the other twaine belonging to the Knights had quickly got ready two comlie Beeres whereon very softly they laide the wounded Knights and hauing bound vp their hurts so well as they could guided them to the neerest hospitable part of Macedon where they remayned aboue twenty dayes before they could be able to beare Armes againe CHAP. LXI How Florendos with Oliuato returned to Constantinople where hee found remedy for his lamenesse And how the other Knights betooke them selues to seuerall parts finishing diuers strange and memorable aduentures among vvhich is expressed vvhat happened to Arguto in his trauaile AFter Primaleon was departed from the I le of Carderia his Father Florendos hauing heard by him of the soueraigne oyle or vnguent would néedes returne to Constantinople to recouer his â—amenes Oliuanto was desirous to beare him company not altogether so much for his sake but rather to see faire Auriana to tell her the successefull aduenture of the King and the Lady whereby he should be the more welcome to her Franardo with Forzato and Almaroll would néedes iourney toward the bottomlesse Lake to conquer that Iland because his father Dramufiande could not compasse it being interrupted by Palmerin of England who made an end of the aduenture Don Rosuell Florian and the rest went whether themselues pleased and Dramufiande after he had accompanied the Knights foure dayes together in which time he sawe the dread of perill to be past he iourneyed thence to see his sonne and kéepe him company along in this conquest because his desires were thereto inuited Thus so many Knights strayed after aduentures encountring with diuers Ladies and Knights that endured wrongs in many seuerall kindes and were by their prowesse right happily deliuered But as the thrée Giants rode thorow a Forrest they held an earnest discourse to each other about a noyse of hammers which they heard and laboured by separating themselues to finde out the reason thereof but all their endeuour was to no purpose because this aduenture appertained to neither of them Franardo not knowing whether he went turned directly backe the same way he came and meeting with his Father the sudden ioy in either at their encounter smothered spéech a while in dumbe embraces and riding to meet their other companions to take the course before concluded on they chaunced to heare the voyce of Almaroll and so in short while met altogether But speake we now of Florendos againe who méeting by the way with no notable aduenture arriued in a morning with his sonne Oliuanto at Constantinople where the Emperour Don Edward and diuers Knights being in company welcomd them with no meane ioy and feasting Florendos perceiuing the Emperour his Father and Don Edward of England to be both in sound estate was exceeding glad in regard of the loue he bare to them good hope he had of his owne recouery Passing on along the Pallace his Mother Grydonia the Empresse Miragarda his wife and fayre Polynarda his sister came all and embraced him each contending who shoulde expresse most affection in theyr kinde embraces These curtesies being growne to a milder kindnes Florendos entreated the Empresse his Mother that shee would vouchsafe to annoint the place where the nerues of his leg were contracted numly together which was no sooner bathed with the oyntment but his legge became as nimble as euer each one reioycing at so pleasing an accident After that Oliuanto had tasted the kindnes of his grandmother and the other Quéenes hee went and fell on his knee before Auriana who nothing ashamed of the honest loue she bare him made the lesse outward spare of her inward affection When he had tolde her his mighty labour at the enchaunted Pallace she fetched a déepe inward sigh as knowing that such an enchauntment was neuer begun the King beeing a Magitian of so great experience and able still to renew it at his owne pleasure but that hee purposed seuere reuenge vpon Oliuanto Nowe come we to Arguto who was ready to die with very enuie because so many famous occasions fell to Primaleon and stil were concluded by his princely valour hée happened into the Woode so soone as the thrée before named Giants were departed thence on theyr iourney and hearing what a noyse the hammers made drew directly toward the place but euer as he attained neerer and néerer so much the louder and more violent he heard the noise making the very earth to tremble vnder him yet his bold courage could not be dismaied but still guided him onward til hee came where hee might beholde a goodly Sepulcher or Tombe which appeared by the principall image or figure made in the midst thereof to be prepared for some King there to enioy his royall enterment Now by reason the hammers noise exceeded in violence his horse by no meanes would endure it whereby he was constrained to allight and going néerer found the place hemd in with a wall thrée pearches high but not any doore to be discerned as he stoode musing heereon a while to himselfe vppon a suddaine a great gate opened in the Wall whence issued foorth a Knight armed from heade to foote in blacke Armour
of their kinde wiues companie began to be indifferentlie recouered and now all spake chéerefully one to another CHAP. II. VVhat Targiana did after the Campe was dissolued and the Soldane Albayzar her husband dead TArgiana the Princesse of Armenia when the third daies fight began considering y t in so many battailes not any of the Christians most famous for armes were dead began to perswade themselues that y e Pagan part woulde be ouerthrowne and discomforted where-vppon they with-drew theÌ„selues into a ship which from her Father was thether sent well prouided and wherein likewise were manie of her friendes where hearing the successe of the battaile and the death of Albayzar they lanched out into the maine attended on by some other ships that prepared themselues to returne with her towards Babylon But her vnkinde starres not satis-fied first with her scorning by Prince Florian then to sée her husband baselie led prisoner by Florendos to present him before faire Miragarda as is declared in the second part of this historie and now lastly that he was slaine by the same Florian of whom shee had béene so greatly despised but that nowe a new disgrace â—as prepared for her Wherefore contending inwardlie with her pride of minde where-with her former conceits had alwaies béene ledde when she beheld her selfe to be his widdow who by so many Trophies had renowned her beautie shée nowe sate amazedly mourning at her wonderfull mis-fortunes Hauing sailed on tenne leagues and more they were met with an Armie of twentie shippes guided by Ristorano her Cosin who after the decease of his vnckle the great Turke imagined how hee might signorize ouer that state and taking this to bee his best way prouided himselfe of the afore-said Nauie when comming within an hundred miles of Constantinople hee made stay awayting from time to time what newes hee could heare of Albayzar and his power When he vnderstood of the Pagans discomfiture he set on towards their Campe to disclose some secrets to the vnaduised Albayzar holding for certaintie that if hee were aliue hee was conquered and in great distresse thus with a gentle gale he sailed onward Targianas Nauie béeing surprised that little expected any such fierce encounter and therefore rode on at pleasure were all boorded and seazed on ere they had any libertie to prepare themselues for fight When the prisoners were brought before him and that he behelde Targiana among them he was so ioyfull that he could not dissemble his déep contentment Then began he to scorne the Lady casting in her teeth what she had doone in fauour of the Christians how greeuously shée tooke it when Polendos and the rest were her Fathers prisoners how she fled vnrequested with Florian of the Forrest The Lady who was of a great spirite dismaied not a iote albeit shee was his prisoner of whose intent before hand shée could easilie diuine Wherefore shee aunswered him sternly as one dreadlesse of death for life among so manie losses was not by her regarded Heare me quoth she Ristorano I confesse I haue fauoured the Christians in repaiment of infinite curtesies froÌ„ them receiued while I remained in Constantinople not that I did negligently carie my selfe in any thing that might or did displease my husband But for I am assured that in vaine I doe excuse my selfe to thee were all true where-with thou couldest charge me dispose of me as thou wilt but looke for warre from the Christians in regard of the loue they beare mée And though I haue béene absent from my hereditarie kingdome which thou vniustlie séekest to vsurpe yet haue I a childe as is well knowne through all Babylon and those people who for their loue to Albayzar desire to haue his sonne their Soueraigne will chastise thee as thou well deseruest Ristorano who willinglie would haue slaine her the easier to compasse what hee desired considering on her spéeches thought it better to deferre her death till with more security he might effect it and séeming to shew no outward signe of feare with angry lookes thus he replied Thy offences merrite more then a common kinde of death wherfore so lightlie will I not kill thée as I sée thou wishest I would Héere-vpon hee commaunded her with the Armenian Princesse into a priuate roome of the shippe and hee was in a thousand opinions whether he should land and take the Cittie of Constantinople or turne backe into Turkie and rule that kingdome For it was the Citties good hap that Ristorano not hearing what had happened to the principal Knights who had defended the Cittie as the wise Aliart so procured who likewise knewe of this Armies making thitherward but beléeuing that the Christians were conquerers and therefore doubtful of his owne fortune durst not goe on shoare the rather because his owne men were more willing to be gone then tarry So contenting himselfe that Fortune had deliuered Targiana into his hand and hearing by his spials that Brundo sonne to Don Rosiran de la Bronde with foure thousande horse lay before Constantinople expecting if they durst land or no fearing to be taken with all spéede possible he made hast to be gone from thence When Targiana behelde her selfe in his power whom vndoubtedly she knew intended her death albeit her mind was inuincible yet sate shée very pensiue not giuing a word to the Armenian Princesse who likewise gréeued to see her selfe a prisoner neuerthelesse because she expected not death shee laboured her thoughts the better for her escape and turning to Targiana said I remember good Princesse that when I was to depart from Persia a wise Enchauntresse named Drusa Velona gaue me a Ring of such vertue that being sent in a Letter to any Knight whom I should make choyse of for my defence he would presently come to helpe me Thinke then what Knight may be most conuenient for your purpose and I will write the Letter for the Ring is of such force as to wound the hart of any Knight and make him loue ye although before he hated ye neuer so much Targiana right ioyfull to heare Drusa Velonas name whose Art had before auailed her when she conducted her away and enchaunted the Princesse Leonarda began to thinke with her selfe what Knight she should determine on to deliuer her from the hands of Ristorano But among so many opinions not knowing how to resolue the Nauie entred Turkie where Ristorano secretly conuayed her to a Castle accompanying her with certaine Matrones who had charge that she should send no Letters abroade For he feared that if the Turkes should vnderstand howe their Lady Targiana was imprisoned in her owne Kingdome they would stirre in her behalfe This hindered their former desseignment of sending the Letter with the Ring and which by reason of the companie appointed to attend them could not be performed CHAP. III. VVhat they did in Constantinople after the departure of the sage Aliart VEry sorrowfull remained all the Cittizens of Constantinople for the departure of the sage
of Niquea because a bastard sister of his by the fauour of some Barrons confederating with her one whereof expected her to be his wife were practising how to enioy it And this vision was not a dreame by reason these affaires were there in good forwardnes but the young Lady named Tirena would not consent to any Barron of that Kingdome because she was déepely enamoured on Dirdan sonne to Maiortes the great Cane and meant to deny her faith so lately receaued thereby to make him Soldane of Niquea Nor was this hidden from Dirdan who because he was young and amorous likewise looked not so much at the friendship of a Christian Princesse for satisfying her loue as perhaps he did to the ioyning of so great a neighbouring Signorie to his owne Kingdome Blandidon giuing credite to his dreame and perceauing if hee slackt the redresse héereof hee might remayne still a priuate man as he was began to consider aduisedly thereon for he knew right well that albeit he was sonne to noble Don Edward yet coulde hee expect no gouernment in England therefore he tooke truce with his thoughts and attended his health CHAP. IX How the Knight of the Sauage man following aduentures there happened to his hand a Letter with a Ring TArgiana and the Armenian Princesse who attended no other oportunity but howe to write concluded to put in trust therewith a young mayden daughter to one of her néerest kindred who at this time should serue insted of a Squire she hauing good knowledge of Targiana yet fained not to know her for feare of Ristorano But on a day following when the Matrones were busily bathing themselues they called her a-side and Targiana at full disclosed herselfe and what shee sought to compasse by her promising her no meane aduauncement if by her meanes she might recouer her liberty and Kingdome The Mayden who was discréete and so loued her Lady as for her helpe shee would make venture of her life made ready one euening such a kinde of wine that distributing it frankly amongst the Matrones they all went to sléepe and not one of them boudged till the next morning Targiana setting her selfe to write among many other made choyse of sending her Letter to Florian because shee loued him before Albayzar and bestowing the flower of her honour on him it could not be that in this her great mishap he would forsake her albeit the vertue of the Ring shold faile her Beside she conceited another helping hope that Leonarda might be dead because Drusa Velona when she enchaunted her into the Serpent said withall that Florian should not long time enioy his faire Leonarda according as the constellation gouerning at her birth declared that she should liue but a little while and when that happened she might promise her selfe Prince Florian to her husband in that she could not beléeue that her curtesies vsed toward him were vtterly forgotten On this conceite she framed the Letter and folding the Ring therein the Princesse of Armenia commaunded it to flie to the hand of Florian of the Forrest and opening the window the Letter with the Ring mounted in the ayre betaking it selfe as it was directed Florian as you haue heard being parted from the Iland with intent to come in no place of humane resort sought with his Shippe to kéepe aloofe from land where he might discerne either Citty or Castle and holding on a solitary course of Nauigation he came to a desolate and ruined Hauen so vnfrequented in his owne opinion as he imagined himselfe highly beholding to Fortune for bringing him to a place so fitting his desire Héere going on shoare he left the Ship and because he coueted to be alone walked on into a Wood where ouer-taken by the night weary troubled and burdened with many thoughts he lay downe vnder a trée to repose himselfe Héere redoubling gréefe on gréefe because he had so soone lost his faire Leonarda at length toward morning his eyes ouer-charged with watching began to folde downe their lids yet still dreaming on his conceites waking but pausing a while he felt him selfe lifted from the ground and inwardly touched somewhat amourously This was by a Néece of Eutropa Aunt to Dramusiande who when Florian combated with her brother became so enamoured of his valour as euer afterward she laboured to get hold of him and make him tractable to her desires She being som-what skilfull in Magicall sciences knowing thereby that Florian after the death of Leonarda was in desperate humours departed from the Perillous I le by her cunning conducted him to this vast Desert meaning thence to guide him to a Pallace of hers which stoode somwhat further within the Land Florian féeling himselfe lifted vp in such manner as hath béene declared said what mayst thou be that thus troublest my quietnes thinke not that any amorous thought hath power to enter my breast Then Dorina for so was the mayden called that burned thus in loue forgetting to helpe her selfe any more by Art came in person to be séene and said Sir Knight take pitty on the loue of a young Damosell who not able to repaire the hurt by thine eyes and her owne committed desires to bestow her selfe on thée not as a Louer but to be thy Seruant At these swéete spéeches which auaile very much in generous minds and could not be quite extinct in Florian who was by nature to women enclined he began some-what to yéeld not as one disposed to graunt what she requested but with an intent to hold her in some hope till he could better compasse to be rid of her whereon hée thus replied Such are my fortunes faire creature as my heart can hardly yéeld to loue any woman neuerthelesse your passions haue vrged me to some pitty and makes me willing to depart hence with you hoping that when your selfe shall behold me in like manner afflicted and with such amorous torments as I now behold in you you will the sooner desist from this ouer-fond humour The Damosell being wise was highly contented to haue him with her perswading her selfe that hardly could hote young blood defend it selfe from the swéete enticements of an amorous Lady So taking him by the hand shee conducted him to her Castle where he was so gallantly entertayned by light of Torches as scant could he imagine how to deny loue to so gentle a creature Being entred a goodly hall he was seated at a table right against Dorina who séeing him so often looke babies in her eyes supposed him thorowly vanquished by her loue making the lesse account to vse any more enchauntments The houre being come of going to rest a chamber most sumptuously adorned was prepared for Florian where by reason the night was very far spent he laid him downe and slept right soundly Dorina eyther weary with so long watching that night or making her selfe certainly assured to be beloued where she thought her selfe neuer enough pleased would not then goe sée him in bed because she imagined not that
belonging to this enterprise Neuerthelesse turning againe to the beast he was caught within the deuided taile and throwne thrée times about so furiously as his memory failing him he fell to the ground greatly astonied But hée beeing of a very valiant spirit quickly recouered footing againe and offered once more to make proofe of himselfe but the old Woman thus preuented him No more Sir Knight because if well yee vnderstand mée the condition by mée propounded was thus that if anie Knight were ouer-throwne by the Monster hee should be admitted to fight no longer The Emperour perceiuing the olde Womans intent gaue a signe to Dirdan that hee should with-draw himselfe and Don Edward caused Pompides to present himselfe who very boldly assailed y e Monster with his sworde reaching him such a thrust in the flanke as wel neere had made him to tumble ouer But the beast gaue him such a blow on the breast with his foote as made him fall downe backward Whereat each one both greeued and meruailed séeing two so good Knights so soone disabled Dragonalte by Don Edwards licence was the next that assayled the Monster and hee beeing very nimble at all aduantages gaue the beast diuers hurts which by reason of his slothfulnesse hée coulde not shunne But catching at length the sworde betweene his teeth snatcht it out of his hand and made at him so furiously that striking him rudelie against the ground very hardly could hee arise to withdrawe himselfe Floraman hauing receiued his signe from Don Edward deliuered many rough strokes to the Monster but coulde not by anie meanes wounde him and trauersing about to kéepe him foorth of danger still vsing his sword for his best aduantage at length hee was caught betweene the monsters taile which cast him vp the height of a Launce when falling downe he lay as if he had béene dead to the great griefe of euery one who doubted least this strange aduenture would serue as a shame to the Grecian Court. Don Edward fearing this monster would sley some of the Knights called for Palmerin who staying a little to gird on his sword was preuented by Dramusiande who though he stoode before as one amazed meruailing at these strange encounters pricked forward by valour hee sette himselfe against the beast and not séeking how to hurt him otherwise caught fast holde on his great tayle which hee held so strongly as the beast could not recouer it from him for such was the Giants greatnes as hee could neither lift him vp nor cast him downe During this contention to the great paines of Dramusiande who woulde not let goe the tayle neither could haue other kinde of victorie euery one was very pensiue not knowing what issue of these affaires to hope for Dramusiande endeuouring with all his strength to cast the monster became so wearied as he was not able to striue any longer whereupon entring into better aduise with a leape hee threwe himselfe vppon the beasts backe and holding him with his hande at the vauntage of the chaine gaue him such prouokings with his legs as the monster to be disburdened of so great a weight ran to the shoare side at one skip mounted into the Sea where Dramusiande not terrified with feare though hee beheld himselfe but dead as it were kept still his holde vppon the beast as if afterward he should chaunce to leape on shoare againe Arlencea when shée beheld her husband in this danger for whom she had shed so many teares when he was reputed dead fell on her knees at the olde womans féete thus bespake her Sweet Lady if euer thou didst vouchsafe loue to any one I pray thée suffer not my husband to be drowned The olde woman hearing herselfe coniured in thys manner beeing herselfe as you shall heare deeply enamored made a signe and the monster mounted backe with Dramusiande into the Barque which stood ready for purpose at the Land-side Afterward by her arte shee caused the other foure Knights that receiued the foyle to be therein likewise conuayed then entring the Barque herselfe shée launched so far into the Sea as shee could be but heard to speake in this manner My Lord I must haue these Knights with me because I may by good reason claime them and Dramusiande shall beare them company likewise for I am Dorina his Coosin that preserued him as now your selues haue beheld him haue I great occasions to employ in and shortly shall hee returne againe in the same estate as when hee was young and eyghteene yéeres old Then causing him to come vpon the decke with her they were hearde conferre together verie familiarlie to the great liking of all the beholders though loth to haue them thus caried thence Arlencea aboue the rest séeing her husband with such a light Damosell as nowe shée shewed herselfe was almost dead with iealousie but that shee had heard Dramusiande often sweare shée was his Coosin and therefore she had the lesse cause of feare Dorina bidding them adiewe sette sayle and departed The cause of her comming thus and carrying away the Knights with her the sequell of the historie shall make manifest for now we must returne againe to Targiana at Tubante CHAP. XIIII How Sucusano became enamoured of Targiana and knowing Florian to be Nephewe to the Emperour Primaleon layde hold on him suspecting likewise euill betweene him and Targiana ON the next morning when Sucusano was entred Tubante as yee heard before declared Targiana with the Armenian Princesse entred the great Hall shee likewise leading Florian by the hand and so sumptuously was she attyred as the Persian giuen more by nature to martial affaires thē loues wanton allurements seeing her such a princely and beautifull creature became foorth-with enamoured and so much the rather did hee promise successe to his loue in that the supposed Turke which came to him to wit the Prince Florian had by his strength freed her and was nowe in her companie Therefore at the first to make knowne his loue he tooke her by the hand and placing her in her Fathers seate there pronounced her to bee rightfull Queene of which fauour before she had but little hope when it was generally suspected y t Sucusano sought to signorize ouer all Turkie himselfe The Persian made many amourous semblances to Targiana but yet so simply as none of the beholders tooke anie heede thereof except Florian who diligently noted all and ruminating with himselfe what successe was likely to ensue vpon this newe loue grew in some sort fearefull of violence that might be offered him by this Pagan Another while he was surprized with doubts least Targiana mooued by so great a state as the Persian should alter her mind So floting on this varietie of opinions Sucusano embraced his Sister who knowing that Florian was married to Targiana whereby herselfe was disappointed of all hope shee began to conuert her loue into hatred and séeing howe her Brother was likely to growe franticke for Targiana shee imagined this the
Fortresse THe Knights that had the charge of Targiana not suspecting anie thing rode on disorderly iesting among themselues to delight the Ladie But Dorina who knew the successe of all that had happened qualified her course of nauigation in such sort as she made choyce of time for deliuerance of Targiana And this she did to the end Sucusano might not prooue the marriage by her testimonie that she had taken Florian to her husband for the Persian by this accusation might lawfully depriue her of her kingdome and put Florian to death as he had determined though the Turkes knew nothing what he was before his taking Afterward when they vnderstood more of him in regard of the seruice hee had doone their Soueraigne they would not consent that hee should bee slaine but rather instantly desired he might safely be sent into Christendome because they had receiued certaine tydings from Constantinople that the Emperour Primaleon with all the most famous men at Armes were aliue and recouered But when it was tolde that Targiana their Quéene had made thys Knight her husband with promise likewise to refuse her fayth they would presently haue both him and her torne in a thousand peeces Dorina then that Florian might not perrish by this occasion bethought her on these Knights suspecting what danger was like to ensue brought them as you haue heard from the Perilous I le conducting them on to the rest of the enterprise And hauing particulerlie conferred with Dramusiande knowing the especiall loue he bare to Florian who had aduentured many perrills for him shee would not disclose that he had married Targiana but laboured him with earnest perswasions that nowe hee would stand her louer in some steede euen as hee had anie pittie of her shewing him likewise the wounde shee gaue her selfe when Florian so vngentlie departed from her Castell Dramusiande who well knew how intirely she affected the Prince had compassion on her and promised his vttermost on her behalfe but in his opinion it would very little auaile her such was his conceit for losse of the Princesse Leonarda after whose death desperatly hee left the Perilous I le So bringing her Barque on shoare shee mounted all the Knights disguising them after the Turkish manner to the end they might without suspition fall in companie of Targiana From midnight rode on these fiue Knights till morning appeared and then they ouertooke the Persians as they were entring at a secrete gate of the Castell that Targiana might not publiquely be seene of the Turkes Dramusiande getting neere Targiana lifting vp his beuer spake to her in the Greeke tongue which shée very well vnderstoode by meanes of her aboade in the Emperours Court Feare not Lady for héere is come in your defence Dramusiande with these foure Knights of Constantinople Court so taking her by the arme set her before him on his saddle The Persians seeing onely fiue Knights take the Ladie from them ranne all to assaile Dramusiande on whom they had bestowed manie Launces but that they feared to kill Targiana whom they had speciall charge to bring backe aliue yet receiued shée a little hurt on her backe Floraman Pompides Dragonalte and Dirdan circkling her about defended her all the way toward the Castel killing with forcible strokes many Persians The croude was so great that very hardly coulde they get onward yet getting neerer the Castell side one of the Guarde who sometime had beene Page to Targiana knew her by her habite and crying Behold our Princesse without longer stay let downe the Bridge when Dramusiande and his foure companions though well neere wearied with vsing their weapons got themselues vppon it and Dorina by her arte hauing the gate readie open permitted them entrance but aboue an hundred Persians entred with them who standing in feare of theyr Lord Sucusano if they did not bring back Targiana with them cōcluded to regaine her aliue or dead for ere long an infinite number more would come to assist them because all the Persian Campe was hereon in an vproare Dramusiande hauing gotten in the Princesse returned on the Bridge with a mightie Mace in his hand which hée found by chaunce at the entrance of the gate and dealing his blowes about him so many hee sent headlong into the Ditch that the rest beholding their manifest perrill were gladde to giue backe so the Bridge was drawne vp euen as Sucusano hearing of these newes came thether with the flower of all his Armie Dirdan and the other Knights with the men of the Castell gaue such entertainement to the Persians which got in with them as they dispatcht them all not leauing one aliue Targiana when shee had considered with herselfe that thorowe want of victuals shee could not keepe long in that Castell shee went to the gate next to the Cittie where causing a Trumpet to be sounded great concourse of people was immediatly assembled and shee comming herselfe vpon the Porte spake to them in thys manner You see my faythfull friendes and louing Countrimen howe Sucusano vrging false slaunders against mee hath sought to inflict sharpe torments on mee to make mée confesse what neuer entred into my thoughts and afterward by that excuse vniustlie to defeate mee of my lawful right and kingdome and to enioy it himselfe I am certaine that you would not willingly be vnder the Persian gouernment and my selfe doubting you shoulde bee in subiection to forraine rule will rather yeeld the kingdome to Ristorano who is of the royall progenie of your owne Princes Now seeing in what estate I am if you respect my life haue care of me and of these Knights who haue aduentured themselues for defence of my libertie and because ye are likewise beholding to Florian who onely mooued by his owne gentle nature put himselfe into so many perrils to deliuer me from imprisonment goe therefore with your power to the Pallace so soone as ye shall be conducted the way and frée him from prison that enfranchised your Quéene By chaunce there was then present in hearing heereof a great Signior of Antioch beeing subiect to the Crowne of Turkie who bearing some affection to Targiana and imagining by accomplishing a seruice of such import it was the readiest way to attaine her loue forth-with hee called together a very sufficient troope and to the Pallace they went where they could not finde Florian because the Persians doubtful of maintaining themselues in the Citty had secretly led him with them to their Campe. Which tidings greatly displeased Targiana and the Knights but especially Dramusiande who was ready to die with conceit of greefe Now because the Persians had forsaken the Cittie they issued foorth of the Castell leauing Targiana Floraman still to keepe it so running to the Pallace they gaue order for defence of the walls intending likewise to aduertise the Emperour of these affaires thus happening in Turkie but by reason of the multitude of Persian horesemen as yet they knew not how to compasse the meanes
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
his own tongue must confirme her marriage to another whom hee beyond all women in y e world most déerely affected when his turne came to speake hee stoode awhile silent as inwardly confounded with extremity of passion Neuerthelesse after some better suruay of his cogitations to witnes y t hee more estéemed his fidelitie to the Emperour then any care or respect of his owne life he answered that a more honourable match in marriage could not be made then that those two Knights should enioy Victoria and Concordia and so it past on in generall oppinion which his Maiestie fully ratified and appointed to be sollemnized so soone as y e Knights were thorowly cured Floraman hearing the dismall sentence against his ioyes for euer stepping forth before them in the midst of the hall thus began Most mighty Emperour I haue found by true experience that to be a louer hath béen the onely infelicity awayting on my life First I loued Altea and by her death my loue proued fruitlesse after which long time I liued disconsolate till vainly dreaming that better happe might betide me I became enamoured of Clariana who reiected me with a scornfull disdaine as iustly my breach of faith deserued vowed to the ghost of my deceased Altea But then a worse affliction befell me and a third amourous humour enthralled my sences namely to the faire Lady Victoria whose mariage now being likewise agréed vpon giues me yet this benefit that I may liue heereafter among poore despised Louers performing some rare and memorable acte that may register the fame of her beautie to all posterities No sooner had he thus spoken but setting the pommell of his sword against the ground hee fell suddenly vppon the poynt thereof which past quite thorow his body before any Knight could lay hand vpon him albeit they ranne to stay him as spéedily as they could This desperate mishappe of Floraman was generally lamented and the Emperor him selfe tooke it very grieuously because Floraman had béene a Knight of good estéeme and euer-more faithfull to the Emperour notwithstanding seeing sadnesse and sorrow could not nowe redresse it they concluded to honour him with a royall buriall CHAP. LXXIII How as they were consulting in the Court about the marriages of Primaleon and Arguto with the faire young Ladies Victoria Concordia the two Knights were summoned thence to a very strange aduenture SOone after the sadde funerall of loue-forsaken Floraman the Emperour beeing very respectiue of his passed promise sending for the Empresse and Miragarda imparted to them his priuate thoughts about the marriages before concluded on and found them thereto very tractable sauing y t Miragarda expressed some vnwillingnesse to haue Concordia wedded so young she hauing as yet scarce attained to fourteene yéeres of age neuerthelesse she yéelded to the order agréed vpon and then they determined that the next day they should acquaint the young Ladies there-with to the end that vpon the feast day of Pentecost which was within lesse then a moneth ensuing the marriages might be publiquely sollemnized So departed the Empresse and Miragarda to their chambers where the day following they conferred with the two young Ladies telling them how the Emperour had intended and their Fathers likewise thereto consented Victoria expecting daily to heare these tydings could not dissemble the matter so cunningly but that the quicke-conceited Empresse plainly perceiued shee no way misliked so gracious an offer but as for Concordia she rather desired sportfull societie with such young Damosels as were her play-mates and equalls then as yet to be burdened with the cares of marriage whereof her gréene yéeres were yet so vncapable as she knew not how to shape an aunswere But when her Mother at large declared the honourable worth valour of Arguto as also what a perpetuall league of amitie by this meanes would be lincked betwéene him and her brother she was the easier won to consent Thus were the mariages fully concluded on and the day of Pentecost absolutely appointed for the publique solemnization of them both wherof the two Knights hauing likewise intelligence how ioyfully they tooke it I refer to your iudgement Vpon the Sonday following as the Knights sate pleasantly disposed in the Hall after dinner entercoursing such deuises as themselues thought meetest they heard a great noyse in the ayre ouer the Pallace and starting vp to be further resolued thereof they sawe an armed Knight enter at one of y e windowes with a huge crooked bill in his hand which clapping to the ground before the Emperour and them all he thus began Inuinsible Monarche I am the most vnfortunate Knight which liues at this day in the world but not to make sad this mirthfull Court with my mishaps I wil conceale my disgraces acquaint ye onely with the cause of my cōming hether Briefely then dread Lord to finde some ease for my insupportable miserie I néede the ayde of some valiant Knight héere in your Court hauing thus spoken he stoode silent as expecting an aunswere The Emperour although hee desired that his Court might be famous yet in regarde so many gallant bloods were there present he stoode in doubt whom he should elect for this enterprise without giuing offence to all the rest and indéede a great murmuring arose in the Hall because euery man exprest himselfe ready and it was doubtful least some discord would arise among them which nothing but the Emperours presence did hinder for Florendos and his sonne Primaleon fell to thwarting spéeches either scorning to giue the other place in matter of honour While the Court continued in this spléenefull humour the Knight well perceiuing it and fearing if any disorder ensued he might depart thence without any assistance requesting to be heard he thus procéeded Great Emperour let me intreate this gracious fauour that I may my selfe make choise of the Knight whom I shal imagine as méetest for my purpose With all my hart replied the Emperour as iudging this the likeliest way to auoyde all partialitie and qualifie the discord among his Knights First quoth the Knight I desire to knowe the Emperours Nephew named Primaleon and because not farre from the place of my torments there liues in the like misery a noble Ladie the onely woman that euer made proofe of her loyaltie I would likewise haue another Knight called Arguto who I am assured will as honourably end this aduenture as he effected that of the enchaunted Sepulcher These two young gallants who had almost renewed their auncient enmitie as couetous of this honourable imployment when they saw this election made of thē twaine before all the other great spirits of the Court they were highly pleased and because the Knight was vppon his departure they craued licence of the Emperour and all the other Princes then knéeling before their affianced Ladies they desired to kisse their hands and bare the title of theyr Knights Victoria knowing how long time Primaleon had loued her most kindly embraced him saying Seeing
space he grew so wearie as nothing was to be expected but death if enamored Dorina who had no power to kill him had not at his departure intended especiall care of him And albeit by her arte shée vnderstoode what effect the Letter and Ring had wrought as also that Florian afresh sollicited by his former loue borne to Targiana endeuoured greatly for her deliuerance notwithstanding all hope of euer enioying him the more resolued and soundly grewe her affection to loue him Now seeing in what perrill he was to loose his life by rescuing the Armenian Princesse from the Turkes handes shee changed her selfe into the shape of Palmerin of England his brother prouided of horse and armour accordingly and aloude shée cryed to Florian saying Feare not Brother I am come hether for thy defence so placing herselfe by him performed such deedes of valour as the Turkes began to retyre as resolued that thys Knight would be the death of them all But because Florian had lost much blood she gaue helpe to mount himselfe vpon his horse that he sate behind toward the crupper and so the Armenian Princesse was placed before him and she was so suddainly carried thence into a wood as the Turkish Knights stoode in amazement thereat Dorina when shée had Florian safe from his enemies shewed her selfe to him what she was and perceiuing that hée affected not the Armenian Princesse without any regard of her shee thus spake to him Most gentle Knight loue that hath made mee altogether yours enforceth an opinion contrary to all hope of ioy when no likelihood is that euer it will be for I knowe yee to be enamoured of a Ladie who strictly by enchauntment bindes ye to loue her when perhaps her beautie might faile in other meanes of preuailing all which makes me the more desirous of yee and to witnesse my inward inflamed loue sée heere the wound I gaue on this breast with my knife as willing to haue slaine my selfe vpon your vnkinde departure The Lady was young and beautifull her wordes likewise vttered so effectually as Florian woulde haue yeelded her loue if the other enchauntment had béene no let thereto But he vnable to vse any mercie to her and the Ladie béeing wise considering all this was occasioned by the Ring determined to awaite fitter opportunitie till Florian should be released from that enchauntment and taking order that one of her Damosels should cure his wounds shée thus beganne againe Thou canst not let me from louing thee for euer albeit thou takest no pitty on mine affliction and so she departed Florian without regarding her speeches suffered what soeuer was applyed for his recouerie and by reason Dorina holpe him by her arte in foure daies he was able to sitte his horse againe Then conferring with the Armenian princesse he excused what had béene done in hindering her from her brother Sucusano disclosing likewise what he was as also to what end this iniurie was offered her as not able by any meanes else to redéeme Targiana It displeased the Princesse that thus her returne into Persia was fore-stalled but when shee knew him to be the Prince Florian so farre famed and noted withall his gentle behauiour she accounted her selfe indebted to Fortune for letting her fal thus into his hands with whose loue she felt herselfe suddenly amated Then remembring that she sent the ring in Targianaes name she had little hope of winning him to her loue so long as that enchantment lasted wherfore she pacified herselfe and Florian desirous to returne toward Tubante had newe Armour and horses for conduct of the Princesse all right after the Tartarian manner And this was doone by Dorina that Florian might goe backe to Tubante and was not knowne to be he that fought with the Turkes in rescue of the Princesse whose habite was likewise in such sort trans-formed as none in all the cittie could know her Thus béeing in Tubante often times hee shewed himselfe to Targiana by meanes of his greene plume but hee could no further preuaile because of the watchfull guard appointed by Ristorano for which good Lady shée was euen ready to die And the Armenian princesse so curbd in her gréefe that she might not enioy the benefit of Florians loue as day and night she offered to sléepe by him yet would hee mooue towards her no more then a stone CHAP. XII VVhat Sucusano did when he heard that the Armenian Princesse was forcibly rescued from them that had charge of conducting her to him And further concerning the Prince Florian. THe Turkes that had fought in this manner with the Knight of the Sauage man seeing they had gotten them-selues so farre onward as they needed not to stande in feare of their enemie because they had lost y e Armenian Princesse they made no hast of returning to Ristorano but intended their iourney to Sucusano to let him vnderstand what had happened them in pursuite so to excuse their Lorde who had sent him his Sister Béeing come to his Armie and newes spread that the princesse came not with them it was expected that they should all presently die but yet on more deliberation they were admitted to his royall Pauillion Sucusano séeing them without his Sister with sterne countenaunce demaunded from whom they came They fearefully falling on theyr knees reported their whole successe and in what sort shée was taken from them But it seemed so disagréeing with truth that one Knight alone shoulde performe so much in taking the Lady frō them though néedlesse another came at length to helpe him as it was méerely scoft at but for better assurance héerein he sent many of his owne men to the place where the Turkes declared that their Captaine lay slaine Dorina who marked all these procéedings to binde her louer to her so much as might bee hoping one day the enchauntment should be dissolued and then hee woulde take compassion on her by her arte conuaied all the dead bodies thence yea all signes that any fighting had béene there at all Where-vpon the Persians returned to Sucusano saying they found no shew of any such matter as the Turkes had told him when hee starting vp furiously without admitting any more wordes commaunded them all immediatlie to be hanged and raysing his Campe consisting of an hundred thousand braue Souldiers beside a most gallant troupe of Infanterie went and assailed Tubante so suddenly as they could not prouide themselues of victuals to withstand the siedge though otherwise the Citty of it selfe was strong enough When Florian saw what he desired to take such effect he earnestly intreated the Princesse of Armenia that faining her selfe to be escaped from the Knight who tooke her from the Turkes shee would get into the Castle where Targiana was so might she be out of danger of her owne life and a meane likewise of Targianas libertie The Princesse séeing her brother so neere to deliuer her and louing Florian so earnestly as she did was well contented to performe his request so slipping
best way to trouble this marriage alreadie celebrated with such loue But like one very subtile she dissembled her intent and shewing nothing but chéerefull disposition offered to sitte downe by Targiana who not dreaming at all on her fond affection cōmitted to her trust her neerest secrets A supper of great pompe was prepared whereat Sucusano would sit right before Targiana where-with Florian was so highly offended as many times he thought to haue slaine him and he had doone it but that he knewe not how to defend the Citty from so great an Armie and Targiana béeing so lately seated had no people in readinesse to backe such an enterprise Sucusano not minding Florian reputing him a Turke but of meane quality set downe his rest to enioy Turkie and the Souldanesse of Babylon considering withall that when he was become Lord of such a strength he might be reuenged on the Christians for the death of his Brother Tenne dayes together the feastes and banquetting endured in which time Sucusano courted Targiana to y e proofe as making himselfe assured that shee shoulde be his wife and among other amourous ceremonies placing his rude hand vpon her delicate breast sayd I loue thée and yet am silent The Lady y t abhorred him more then death shewed herselfe so disdainfull as the Persian beganne to perswade himselfe that the Ladies thoughts were else-where addicted Betwéene this loue and disdaine stept in the Armenian Princesse who séeing Targiana so scornful toward her brother knowing also what had past betweene her and Florian her thoughts labouring twixt loue and hatred would and yet she would not declare to Sucusano what Florian was whom hee imagined to be a Turke Continuing in these imaginations a matter hapned that made her enemie with Targiana and thus it was Targiana one day busied about affaires concerning the estate the Armenian Princesse finding Florian alone and pensiue reputing herselfe no way inferiour to Targiana in beautie she came and sate downe by him entring into these speeches Knewe I not that your selfe hath made proofe of loues soueraigne forces I should forbeare to reason with you in amourous discourse but your gentlenes and my hard fortune constrayneth that albeit I know your thoughts are deuoted to Targiana yet must I intreat one graunt of loue yéelding my selfe wholie to your power And as shee deliuered these words a sea of teares streamed from her eyes her hart stil trembling expecting his aunswers Florian ouercome with gréefe for the loue he sawe Sucusano vse toward Targiana made her no reply and shee by his silence conceiuing some hope that hee would loue her threw her armes about his neck when it hapned that Targiana hauing ended her busines suddainly stept in and séeing in her such vnseemely behauiour thus spake Ah shamelesse Damosell whether hath thy luxurious appetite transported thus to insult vppon anothers right And into worser termes would she haue growne but that the Ladie as one confounded without returning any answere stept forth of the Chamber leauing both them so astonished as neither of them well knew what to say especially Florian who considering the great perrill and doubt wherein Targiana stoode at this instant had not the power to comfort her himselfe being oppressed with what he most feared The Princesse of Armenia conceiuing déepe disdaine at Targianas wordes and seeing herselfe despised by Florian went directly to her Brother and there declared that the dissembled Turke who had doone so much for Targiana was Prince Florian of the Forrest termed the Knight of the Sauage man who was maried to Targiana not withstanding y t by his hand her former husband Albayzar was slaine yet had she made a lasciuious choyse of him Sucusano perceiuing within his power the very greatest enemie that Heathenesse had reputed himselfe most happie saying Since Targiana had committed an offence so vnpardonable hee thought her vnwoorthy to be his wife But because he would not loose so rich a bootie hee caused the chamber to be round engirt where Florian was whence Targiana but little before was angerly departed and was busilie talking with certaine of her chiefest Barons howe Sucusano intended to take away her Kingdome from her The Persians beeing entring the Chamber assailed Florian finding him vnarmed but onely with his Rapier nor sought they to kill him but thronged round about him to take him aliue so in the end he was bound carried forcibly to Sucusano Targiana hearing the rumour and noyse ranne to the Chamber and diuers with her whom shee had made to arme themselues but ouer-late was her comming for they had thence conueied her louer and doubting nowe what might become of him attyring herselfe like a man and accompanied with an auncient Knight shee got presently foorth of the Citty Sucusano hauing thus gotten Florian intended a sollemne reuenge for all the iniuries before receiued but yet hee was much offended that he had not Targiana wherefore hée sent to search the Pallace and not finding her hee vnderstood by a Damosell committed to torment that two howres before shee was departed in habite of a man giuing diuers other signes beside whereby she might be soonest knowne Nowe was not the Persian slacke in sending foorth his Knights by sundry wayes to pursue her that they might bring her backe againe vnto him and perceiuing howe the Turkes were addicted in loue to her hee mindid as yet no violence toward her till first hee were fully possesse of her Kingdome then hee concluded to satis-fie his lust with her and afterward to despight her the more to giue her as a spoyle to his very worst boy The Knights posting about euery way toward Sun-setting they found her by a Fountaine where being wearied with riding shée stept aside to refresh herselfe minding to haue ridden all that night When shee beheld herselfe ouertaken by the Persians without any on her behalfe to make resistance shée was so strangly distracted with gréefe as the Knights setting her on horse-backe had carried her more then a mile before shée made any signe of reuiuing but béeing come to herselfe shee vttered y e wofulst lamentations that euer was heard from any Lady The Knights who little knew her case vsed some comfortable spéeches that Sucusano the great Lord of Persia earnestly desired to make her his Wife so that shee had more cause to reioyce then to offende her selfe with greefe and wéeping These reasons little auailed with her afflicted thoughts in that shee well knewe to what end Sucusano sent to take her so recommending all the Christians to God in whose faith shee had firmely promised to continue shée rode on quietly remembring she had often heard some of her Christian slaues say that Christians calling onelie to their God in time of their tribulation receiued helpe by him as likewise she did as shal be declared in the Chapter following CHAP. XV. How Dorina with the foure Knights and Dramusiande arriued at the Cittie of Tubante and deliuered Targiana with whom they entred the
frindged with gold and such were the hangings about the Chamber in signe of chéerefull ioy and gladnes Into the richest bedde was Florian layde and his wounds right carefully drest by the Lady who was strangely altered frō her former condition when at first shee fought against the Prince for she appeared now to be of incomparable beautie and also of right royall behauiour Soone after were the dog and Monster brought likewise into the same chamber where before theyr eyes they both suddenly changed the Monster to a man of forty yeres age and the dogge to a youthfull gallant about foure and twentie the one wounded in the throate the other in the breast and both so féeble that they began to lye downe The Lady expressed no pitty at all toward them albeit the olde man called her Daughter and the youth Louer but bending all her care to the cure of Florian cheered him kindly with hope of his health and made no account of the two other at all CHAP. LV. VVhat and who the Monster the dogge the wounded Knight and Lady were and how the enchauntment was fully concluded THE day ensuing Florian felt his hurts lesse painfull to him and the Lady with the Knight standing by his bed holding familiar discourse with him hee earnestly entreated them that they would tell him of whence they were and the reason of the strange estate wherein he found them The Lady béeing desirous to doo him any honourable seruice saide Stay my Lord a little And going to a corner of the Chamber opened there a little doore out of which came a Serpent some fiue foote long of a very fresh gréene colour and when it drew nere the bedde it leapt vpon it putting the head therof néere to Florians face thinking to terrifie affright him but hée who was neuer capable of feare mooued not at it but taking it to be some house Serpent began to stroke it with his hand and looke where his hand had toucht the Serpents skinne immediatly fell off and humane flesh beganne to appeare so that by passing all thorowe his hand the Serpent altered to a very beautifull Lady but younger then the other yet very like in countenaunce to her No sooner was this strange mutation made but the first Lady thus beganne Understand thou perfect mirrour of honour and Armes that I and this my Sister are daughters to the King of Carpatia which is the olde man that lieth there and by our guilty destenie it was appointed that we should both become enamoured my selfe of this Knight named Cauno and my Sister of him lying by my father called Spinalo folly loue and ignorance so farre preuailing with vs that to them wee were not sparing of our honour and persons Two yéeres together our practise continued but with such secrecie as no eye could blab our sweete felicity till Fortune the common enemie to happy quiet made Spinalo grow regardlesse of my Sister and with such fierie temper become affected to me that he sought all meanes possible to compasse his desires I who had dedicated my whole loue to Cauno and held it as woorse then abhorred sacriledge that one man should haue knowledge of two naturall Sisters with discontented lookes and thoughts as spléenfull thus aunswered him Thou shouldst Spinalo remember how furtherous I haue beene vnto thée in the silent possession of my Sisters loue of whom beyonde opinion thou didst séeme enamoured but now I see thée so farre different from thy selfe that contrary to all law of honour and respect thou labourest to make me turne traytour to mine owne déere-reckoned delight distast not thy reputed good iudgement with such inciuilitie nor suffer thy earst-moderate temper to be swayed by so base and vnmanlike behauiour but kéepe thy faith vnstaind to my Sister Silinga whose esteeme of thée is beyond my weake ability to expresse so shalt thou iustly performe the office of manhood we without impeach still enioy the benefits of that which Fortune priuately hath enriched vs withall These honest and effectuall perswasions might haue remooued him from so vile a sinne if but with discretion hee had ballaunced his owne woorth or ours but they rather spurd him on to a more violent prosecution exceeding the limits of any respect at all so that turning to me with an ill-appearing countenance he sayde Imagine not that thou canst escape me so or that my desseignes will brooke this anticipation rather will I aduenture the King thy fathers indignation by beeing the trumpet of our secret stolne pleasures to inflict the heauier punishment on thee and Cauno Now thinke gentle Knight what extreames assayled me eyther I must doo a déede of damnation or loose louer life and honour together héere-vpon I flung from him and went to acquaint Silingo with these vnwelcom newes appoynting time place and apt conuenience when her owne eares twixt him and me should drinke this balefull potion When shee too euidently perceaued howe farre Spinalo was become estraunged from her hauing hid her selfe in a litle thicket while thus the traytor assaild my cōstancie he gone she issued forth and came vnto me with a minde so shaken as very little differd she from the pale Image of death One conclusion was to aduertise Cauno thereof that hee might the better forestall his perill but this course of ours prooued as for the most part womens counsels doo woorse and woorse for Cauno who in his Loues priuation could cary no patience made his iustly-conceaued displeasure knowne to Spinalo charging him to desist from so vnhonourable a pursuite But he who aymed still at his purpose with me made no outward note of any such prohibitiō but goes and works with my Sister Silinga that she should labour me on his behalfe vowing neuer to forget so great a kindnesse protesting withall it was but a capricious humour that thus ouer-ruled him which if but for once onely hee might enioy he would neuer mooue it after any more where contrariwise if shee could not winne me to affoorde him this grace he would publish our stolne sports to the King our father The miserable young Mayden beset on each side with such weighty oppression promised to vndergoe so vnkinde an office and awayting fit opportunity prooued so preuayling an Oratour alleadging the vnauoydable perill wherin we both stoode that as heauen knowes with mighty vnwillingnes I yéelded to her importunate perswasions Behold into what state loose loue now brought me my Sister gaue intelligence to Spinalo that at her entreates I had condiscended and he not a little proud thereof thought euery minute a moneth till the time which was concluded to be the morning following when Cauno had appointed to ride on hunting The houre being come a most vnhappy houre for vs she brought Spinalo by an vnusuall passage being a priuate way thorowe my Garden and then Silinga whose loue I know not how iustly to tearme that for his sake would so highly thus offend her selfe hauing likewise accompanied me to the
right ioyfully met him onely Arguto excepted who had rather haue ended his life there in prison then to acknowledge any such benefite at the hand of his enemie therefore very sadly he kept behind the rest and while they were busie in their salutations and embraces hee slipt by ouer the Bridge and so departed thence These newes were highly displeasing to Primaleon and in all hast he would haue followed him but for his Father Florendos and his Brother Oliuanto who forcibly kept him backe with mightie perswasions Florian Forzato Franardo Almaroll and the rest could neuer enough expresse theyr kindnesse to him but béeing all conducted to a ready prepared Table Don Rosuell who was next in yeeres to Florendos desired the Enchauntresse to acquaint them with the originall of this enchauntment which had so distracted the Emperour Primaleons thoughts and left his Court emptie of so many gallants to which request she aunswered as followeth héereafter CHAP. LX. The reason why this enchauntment was first framed And how Primaleon going to set the VVizzard Aliarte at libertie entred the combate with Palmerin of England and howe they were parted by Dramusiande THE Enchauntresse hauing assumed her Fayerie shape againe abandoning nowe her spells and exorcismes turning to her knight who was Lorde of the Iland said Let it not séeme offensiue to you if I discouer the secretes of this soyle to this Knight whose honour and vertue so woorthily deserues it beyond all other that yet haue come hether so sitting downe with the two young Ladies shée commaunded the elder of them to tell y e whole storie whereto she obeying began in this manner Sir Knight the hard allotted destenie to this Damosell my Sister whom you deliuered out of the Temple hath beene the cause of your so late-passed trauaile to frée her frō the I le of Francelina which albeit in some sort it was wel procéeded in when Polendos gaue beginning to the enterprise yet neither did his worth extend so farre nor her fortune merrite so much happines as that all his paines could conclude a matter so important such was the weight of her transgression and such the penaltie thereon imposed For her ouer-fond transgression in neglect of her honour first gaue beginning to the enchauntment as briefely I wil tel you the manner how The Knight whom you beheld in the shape of a Beare became so deepely enamoured of her that in hope of friendlie aduise and furtherance he disclosed his affection to another Knight béeing the same with whom you lately combatted During the progresse of this amourous purpose wherto my Sister gaue kind cōsenting the second Knight that knew his friends election in loue neuer minding the faith and obliged dutie in such a case required became himselfe extreamely affected toward my Sister and because he was better practised in loues negotiations and could handle queint dalliances with more pregnancie then his friende he preuailed so farre that shée like a light-headed wench as for the most part young Damosells are no other wanting the experience in so dangerous a kind of traffique left off her first Louer and gaue entertainement to the second Héere now Sir is a little leysure admitted ye to spend some smal yet néedfull consideration in imagining the iust griefe of the Knight reiected hauing before receiued so manie faire promises and goodly instances of her loyall meaning that now the day of marriage beeing appointed for farre were his thoughts from any other base purpose to behold his hopes so apparantly abused his intire affect despised his true meaning bafled and his choyce now so readie at anothers commaund euen his in whose trust he had reposed his loue and life gesse I say but the sorrow of so highly a wrongd soule Yet neuerthelesse bearing all this with more then manly patience he dissembled his distemper and kept outward appearance of his loue as earnest as euer onely to sée what it would sort vnto The other false and periurd Knight his ayme was onely at base lubricitie contaminating the fayre and spotlesse chéeke of chastitie without regard of my Sisters honour or any due respect to his owne life Shee continuing in this haplesse kinde of course affecting earnestly the one and feigning cunningly with the other vppon a certaine day when the Enchauntresse had betooke herselfe to reposed thoughts after some former serious imployment my Sister went with her Louer into a little thicket where being set downe together and shee crowning his temples with a flourie chaplet they fell to amourous purposes pursuites and enterchange of faith beeing equally plighted action confirming theyr former arguing the first Knight chaunced to steale vpon them where seeing his simplicity so haynously iniuried in a violent fury he would haue slaine them both but the false Knight escaped with a hurt in his breast onely and she making away so fast as she could was narrowly pursued by him with his Rapier drawne The people knowing her to be their liedge Lords Daughter arose in her defence and while they layd hold on the Knight she got with safety into the Castell Now did the rude multitude so threaten the Knight with death y t he more ouer-come with true sence of his wrong then any terrour of theirs could any way else mooue him fell mad and franticke byting euery one that held hand vpon him and they likewise became mad by ranckling of his byting The rumour of my Sisters feare and the Knights madnes awaked the sléeping Sorceresse and she comming foorth at the gate of the Castell euen as my Sister was passing by commaunding her to stay woulde néedes know of her the cause why she fledde which she either could not or would not manifest as lothe to blabbe her owne shame or else ouer-poysed with so desperate an affrightment Whereupon the Enchauntresse going in with her caused the frantique Knight to be brought before her beeing strongly fettered with cordes manacles least any more should be bitten by him there did hee reueale his true loue to my Sister and how immodestly hee found her with the false Knight to whom hee had imparted his affection and said though not so sufficiently reuenged as he could haue wished himselfe yet had hee left him wounded to death in the Garden No sooner had hee thus spoken but the wounded false Knight was brought before the Sorceresse and to appease the confusion of iudgements in this case to three distinct seperate places the offenders were appointed vntil the morning of the next day ensuing which beeing come the Enchauntresse pronounced this sentence folowing First that my Sister for hauing no more respect to her female dignitie should be confined to burne in a quenchlesse fire as a iust punishment to the heate of her loosenes and her wounded false Louer should so continue without any cure As for the poore wronged and distracted Knight who mooued by the méere iustice of his loyaltie was falne into this miserable frenzie past any present recouerie because his
enioyed his full fréedome and libertie in lesse then foure houres shee conuayed herselfe to the Perillous I le where shée beheld him to be newly arriued with Primaleon who hauing put off his Armour because his hurts were greatly offensiue to him by Aliarte hée was layd in a sumptuous Litter and so carried along toward the Citty Velonna to crosse them in theyr course and to kéepe Aliarte from comming where his bookes were wrought a very strange stratageme for shee slung a certaine powder among the people which droue them into an immediat error of oppinion that Aliarte and Primaleon were two huge fierce Giants and came trechorously to take seazure on the Iland which made them fall to furious resistance there they had béene murthered among them but that Serasto the Sonne of Argentao who with diuers other that had felt none of this hellish powder and therefore were frée from so grosse a conceit came and appeased theyr violence shutting vp many of them in a new erected Tower and safelie conuaying the other from them When Drusa Velonna sawe her last hope thus frustrated fearing least Aliarte should seaze vpon her shée speedily fledde thence to Paraz where shée attended for the Childes creation in the Kingdome shee béeing thus gone thence the enchauntment of the powder ceassed and the people plainly perceiuing theyr errour humbly desired pardon of theyr Lord who well vnderstanding what had béene done could not but hold them iustly excused Primaleon béeing brought to the Cittie such soueraigne medicines were applyed to his woundes as within tenne dayes he was perfectly cured in all which time Aliarte intreated him right nobly and kindly knowing how helpfull his valour would prooue to all Christendome During these dayes of theyr repose Aliarte perusing his Bookes of arte vsed a little more circumspection then before hée had doone and perceiuing that Primaleon desired nothing more then his help in the fréedome of his faire loue Victoria hee resolued to assist him but hée did not remember that the time yet was contrary to such an attempt which should with greater care haue béene respected But leaue we them awhile and come nowe to Floraman who intending to worke wonders for the loue of Clariana became on a sudden quite changed and altered CHAP. LXIIII. Howe Floraman seeing himselfe but slenderly regarded by Clariana became enamoured of the fayre Princesse Victoria concluding to goe deliuer her out of the enchaunted Pallace FLoraman hauing recouered at one instant both his hurts receiued in the fore-remembred battailes and also forgetfulnes of his fruitlesse loue to Altea perceiuing him-selfe to be despised by Clariana who was alreadie married to Guarino became as a man méerly desperate and suddenly departed with Dragonalte from Constantinople but vsed not one word all the way as he rode whereat Dragonalte meruailing not a little and wearie of so vnsociable a companion letting him alone for the first day in this sullen humour the next morning he began with him in this manner Lord Floraman what the reason may be of your mindes molestation I can neither gesse nor doo couet to knowe onely this I am certaine of that if any amourous passion haue surprizde yée another mans company will scarce be pleasing to yee therefore when it shall seeme good to you to trauaile alone I will shape my course some other way as lothe to impeach your amourous priuacies Floraman because he would not be offensiue to his friend hauing vnwillingly endured the King of Nauaraes companie so long returned him this aunswere Royall Lord my hard fortune is such as I cannot kéepe euen quarter of kindnesse with my friendes onely through an inward secrete vexation therefore not to be burdenous to you or my selfe you may at your pleasure dispose of your owne trauaile and let me and melancholly wander alone together Dragonalte being of good apprehension quickly conceaued the intent of Floraman where-vpon turning his Horse and bidding him very kindly adiewe he rode away from him crossing many Countries and Prouinces without any accident worthy rehearsall till at length he came home to his owne Kingdome of Nauara Floraman seeing him selfe left thus alone alighted from his Horse and sitting downe vnder a faire spreading Oake commaunding his Squire to walke aloofe off he began to meditate with him selfe by what meanes he might soonest compasse his owne death but with some high and apparant example that his fatall hap grewe onely by loue Among infinite various discoursings with him selfe at last his capricious humour thus resolued to become enamoured of the faire young Lady Victoria not with any hope of euer compassing his affection but to hasten the spéedier occasion of his death For right well he knew how déerely the second Primaleon loued her and Arguto likewise as vehement in his choise both of which beeing so famous for Armes hee might the sooner be slaine by one of them Vpon this determination he returned secretly to Constantinople where in the Garden belonging to the Princesse Flerida hung the liuely counterfeite of Victoria which he earnestly gazing vpon grew so déepely enamoured of as his former intent of death was quite abandoned and his loue to her so addicted that now in hope of enioying her he more especially desired to liue Thus turmoyld in loues labourinth he closely departed the Citty againe and riding along through vnfrequented Plaines and Forrests at last he came to the Sea side where he espied a small Barque dauncing on the billowes as if it purposely stayed there in expectation of him His melancholly thoughts still guiding him on hee sawe a Lady standing on the Ships beake head whose lookes much resembled his Altea but hee hauing nowe let passe her remembrance séeing her wafting him toward her with her hand made what hast he could thether which shée beholding immediatlie vanished Floraman somewhat abashed at this strange augurie began to imagine that he was called thether to die but his amorous passions transporting him with desire to finde out Victoria quickly rid his braine of this suspition Where vpon aduauncing him selfe néerer to the Barque he stept into it when presently it launched off from the shoare with an easie gentle gale of winde and so struck vp into the maine Sea Then suddainely happened a violent tempest which made him euery minute in daunger of perishing but his minde despising all perill whatsoeuer cheared his hope in the very sharpest agony and the Barque ioyned at length close to a vast mountaine Where stepping forth armed as he was he went on foote vp such an high ascending hill that slipping oftentimes vpon the smooth stones hee slid downe often backward made very slender riddance of his way This kind of labour lasted him all that day with much vexation but to little purpose as séeming that he should neuer attaine the height of the hill so night ouer-taking him he made a better supper of sad conceites then any other viands which could content him his mind still ayming at nothing
voice within it speaking vnto him after this manner Alas Sir Knight what meane you thus to disquiet my rest Depart hence I beseech you because all your labour will prooue but in vaine These words made such a wide breach in the former hopes of Primaleon as if he had not set downe his sword for spéedie stay to him he had suncke downe and falne on the ground but as hee stoode thus right sad and pensiue hee saw the wise Aliarte enter the Chamber who comming to him said Bee not dismaied faire Knight for the young Lady Victoria is not dead nor yet enclosed within this Tombe yet must this Tombe of necessitie be opened because you can neuer recouer her froÌ„ this enchauntment while her statue of Marble remaines héere enclosed but all the strength in the world auailes not to open the Tombe without mine Arte after some vse whereof performed by mee then must your vertue conclude the rest So he entring into a little studie wherein Prince Florian neuer came at such time as he deliuered the Princesse Leonarda there he found a little booke of strange written Carracters which some-time belonged to Quéene Melia and onely serued to finish the enchauntment Not long had he read vppon the booke but all the roome began to tremble and the ayre became so wondrous darke as they not séeing one another heard diuers horrid voyces which gaue a signe of very serious imployment And as it thus continued the space of halfe an houre from the roofe of the chamber fell downe a great stone which lighting vppon the couering of the Tombe brake it through the midst when presently the day wexing cleere againe they might see in the Tombe the faire young Lady Victorias statue whereupon Primaleon immediatly coniectured that the enchauntment now was fully accomplished But suddenly arose from vnderneath the Tombe a Centaure all armed holding in either hand a greate Mace where-with hee florished about him so swiftly and nimbly as it dazzeld the eyes of them to looke on him My Lord quoth Aliarte haue what care you can to this Centaures Maces for hee must and will smite you with them and if you meane to kill him it must be with your hand without any weapon which wordes were no sooner spoken but Aliarte vanished againe Primaleon séeing himselfe in the very procinct of recouering his Lady thought now if he were naked yet he was able to accomplish a far more difficult enterprise casting by his Gauntlets went toward the Centaure with his sword prepared onely to beare off the blowes of his Maces whereof at first hee failed and was shrewdly smitten with them both at once but he stepping back for a more ample opportunitie smote with such fiercenes at both the Maces that one of them presently fell to the ground and so did the other in short while after Now began the Centaure to be more violent and leaping vppon Primaleon had almost prest him to the earth with his heauie weight but hee catching him fast by the legge threw him mainly against the ground and then setting his foote vpon him quickly â—ntied his arming girdle purposing to binde fast his hands there-with but the Centaure was so quicke and readie with them that hee coulde lay no hold vpon them til at last he gaue him thrée or foure good buffets on the face which tamed him in such sort as first he bound the one arme and afterward y e other though with much adoe before hee could compasse it and as hee stroue to raise the Centaure vpon his feete he suddenly died and as suddenly did the whole Pallace vanish with whatsoeuer hee had beheld in it except the Images of the Pagane Princes the huge mettall Serpent and the faire Lady Victoria who stood as amazed at so strange an accident Then came Florian and the wise Aliarte to Primaleon who was nowe with Victoria to comfort her in her wandering oppinions and Aliarte spake 〈◊〉 him in this maner Braue Knight well maist thou be called the darling of Fortune in receiuing from her such inexpressable fauours but least we be further troubled by Velonna before our departure let mee aduise you to prepare presently for Constantinople So leaue we them to their intended iourney and nowe let vs speake of a dangerous combate which happened betweene Leonato and Tarnaes as they and the rest returned from this Iland CHAP. LXX How Leonato and Tarnaes came to combate together for the loue of faire Candida and vppon what condition they were parted by Palmerin of England HEeretofore hath béene tolde you how Leonato and Tarnaes were both enamoured of faire Candida y e daughter to noble Belyfart yet neither of them knowing the others affection and being both among others entred a Barque together Leonato dreadlesse of any danger whatsoeuer declared to Tarnaes that hee woulde nowe saile home to Constantinople onely to compasse his loue to faire Candida Tarnaes looking sternly vpon him saide Thou canst not goe thether for that occasion so long as this weapon will hold in my hand Leonato was as ready with his sword and presently they would there haue falne to the combate but Oliuanto and Floraman being in companie stept betweene them with these spéeches This is no place Gentlemen for quarrell contention forbeare then wée pray you till wee come to Land where either of you may maintaine his argument of loue and valour These reasonable spéeches pacified the Knights but for no longer time then they should be landed so the Barque sayling on as wind and weather pleased at last it brought them into Macedonia where Oliuanto and Floraman earnestly laboured to appease them but all was to no end for they had coniurd them to graunt them one request they not remembring their sterne resolution consented vnto it whatsoeuer it were The boone quoth Tarnaes which we vrge yée to grant is that now wee are héere landed you would folow your best intended courses and leaue vs to try the effect of our contention Greatly it displeased Oliuanto and Floraman that they had so rashly passed such a promise but because honour tyed them strictly to their word they left them and parted toward Constantinople Oliuanto to see his Auriana and Floraman to expect the wished arriuall of Victoria Leonato and Tarnaes thus left by themselues with their swords ready drawne and couered with theyr Shieldes they fought together with such arte skilfulnes as aboue two houres were spent and yet they had not wounded one another but when their Shields were sliced in péeces that they were faine to receiue the strokes vppon their armes and wheresoeuer els they lighted on their bodies then was true manhood indeed to be plainly discerned for after many breathings and reenforcements of the fight they stoode still so boldly against each other as either of them was resolued to die or be a conquerour This equalitie in courage so long continued that wound for wound was readily deliuered their bodies and Armour pittifully
mangled but yet the hurts not déeply entring by reason their dexteritie and skill much holpe them which is a matter of great consequence in a combate triall where both parts are of equall valour and knowledge Til about mid-day thus lasted the difference their bloode in manie places altering the cullour of their Armour when at last Tarnaes thus spake to Leonato You see Sir in what estate we are both brought yet neither of vs certaine who shall haue the victory therefore so please you wée le pause awhile and putting off our Armour wee shall soone make proofe of the worthier person and let him be renowned according to his merrit Leonato who neuer was capable of any feare or dismay quickly replied that he was well contented with this motion so either of them stepping aside to his Squire in very short while they were both disarmed Then after they had walked and breathed a space they came againe together but in a contrary maner from their first kinde of fight for each opposing the right side of his bodie to his aduersary made defence of his left side breaking many desperate blowes thrusts according as they were diuers times dangerously offered When the Squires beheld their Lordes in so apparant perrill of their liues they intended to make out vnto the roade wayes in hope to find some Knight that might come to pacifie them and pursuing their purpose they were no sooner entred vpon the high-way but they sawe a Knight come riding toward them seeming answerable in courage to either of theyr Maisters to him thus spake one of the Squires Neuer was a Knight met in a more needfull time vouchsafe Sir to goe with vs helpe to saue the liues of two honourable Knights then whom there liues none better in the worlde The Knight who was Palmerin of England imagining that they belonged to the Court of Constantinople went hastily with them and beeing come to the Combattants lifting vp the â—euer of his Helmet hee stept betwéene them saying What fury faire Knights hath made you so cruell and vnkinde to one another let me intreate ye to hold awhile and answere me Leonato knowing it was his Father that spake retired backe and so did Tarnaes where-vpon Palmerin thus began againe Tell me Leonato the cause of your quarrell which I am much afrayde is grounded vpon loue if so or howsoeuer else it be so please you to referre it to my iudgement I doubt not but to satis-fie you both right nobly Leonato declared to his Father that their strife was for the loue they both bare to faire Candida and Tarnaes likewise confirmed the same whereto Palmerin thus presently replied Why my friends you knowe it is a matter meerelie impossible that the Lady should be wife to you both let me then so farre preuaile in your patience that I may nominate wiues for you both such as I dare warrant to eyther of your contentment Palmerin was of such honour estéeme among all such Knights as had knowledge of him as these young gallants could not well gain-say his noble offer but referring themselues to his discretion he thus procéeded My Lord Tarnaes if your thoughts were as agréeable as mine there is a Lady that I could wish to be your wife namely my daughter called Fior-nouelâ—a who although she be ouer-young as yet for marriage yet goes sheâ— beyond Miragarda in beautie the reason why I vse these spéeches is that I wish you a wife of greater degrée then shee iâ— whom my soâ—ee Leonato affects therefore because she is lesse worthy then your selfe let him enioy Candida of meanâ— qualitie repayring that want onely by your kinde brother-hoode Tarnaes perceiuing the honourable minde of Palmerin though it much displeased him to alter his affection yet coÌ„sidering hee impaired not but rather augmented his reputation especially in regard of Fior-nouellas beautie beside great hopes of further aduauncement accepted Palmerins gentle offer and so did Leonato who loued Candida with such intire zeale as her pouertie coulde not be any hinderance thereof her birth and faire vertues onely made his election of her Vpon this agreement Palmerin and they mounted presently on horsebacke and he conducted them to a neere adioyning village where their hurts â—ere well regarded and so soone as they were thorowly recouered they iournied all thrée to Constantinople CHAP. LXXI How Primaleon and Arguto fought together neere to Constantinople and how no man could part them but the Emperour Primaleon AFter that the learned Aliarte had prepared all things in readines hee called Primaleon aside and spake thus to him Thou truly valiant and worthily renowned Knight of Fortune right well I wote that your heart nowe trauailes with no other thoughts but onely how to espouse the faire Victoria whom you haue with such honour and déere paines deserued Yet fauour me to tell you that in respect you are Nephewe to my Lord the Emperour it is necessary that he should bestow so great a gift on you for neither dare her Father nor I deale in the matrimoniall contract before his highnes pleasure be first vnderstood Neuerthelesse assure your selfe that no Knight but you onely shall enioy her albeit she will cost you dearer then as yet she hath done in a matter which you can by no meanes escape wherefore let me perswade ye that hauing taken leaue of her and her father you trauaile alone to Constantinople where it shall not be long before we will méete you there performe your long desired nuptiall Primaleon though but young yet being wise discreete allowed the wizzards counsaile to be sound and good and therefore without dwelling vpon any other doubts he went to the Prince Florian who was reasoning with his daughter concerning Primaleons valour and vertues to tempt and try her disposition toward him because already he had determined in his owne minde frankly to bestow her vpon him in marriage Primaleon being come to him spake in this manner My Lord Florian I am desirous to followe some priuate intent of mine owne which happily may guide me I know not whether but gladly would I encounter some aduenture of woorth before I would be seene in the Emperours presence for hee in his youth ranne through many rare fortunes enough for me to admire at without any vaine opinion of equalling therefore I craue your fauour for my departure and commend all my highest hopes to the gracious regard of this beautifull Princesse When the Lady Victoria heard his kinde spéeches a crimson blush leapt vp into her chéekes and so well as shee could her affliction of mind held excused for his so suddaine departure she formed a pretty kind of wandring discourse intermedled with broken sighes and faint smiles the raine in her eyes being readier then her tongue yet forgot shee not to thanke him for deliuering her from that hellish enchauntment promising to be as mindfull therof as so great a benefit did iustly deserue So Primaleon leauing them went aboorde a
it pleaseth my Lord the Emperor and my noble Father that hereafter I must be yours in marriage I accept you not so much for my Knight as for my Lorde and chiefe Commaunder But Concordia béeing slenderly skild in loues affaires knew not what to answere but that she was contented and if her worth might make him glorious she told him plainly he should one day haue it Now because these young and amourous bloods thought time neuer long enough in these kind of purposes y e Knight with whom they were to depart clapping each of them vppon the shoulder said Young Lords so important is the busines which I must bring you to that it will put yée past the remembrance of these faire Ladies The Knights thus awaked from their louely traunce presently arose and taking their leaue went to put on their Armour returning in short while right gallantly appointed Then did y e Knight cause a Ship of Christall to floate about the Hall whereinto he conducted seuerally the Knights presently it mounted vp into the ayre fléeting away with such wonderfull swiftnes as all of them had quickly left the sight of it to the great admiration of the Emperour and extreame griefe of poore Victoria who rather could haue wished with al her hart that her Knight had staied to effect her marriage The Ship in two houres space was gone so farre that the Knights thought they were brought to the furthest part of the worlde when suddenly the Ship falling downe on a great stone séemed as if it was shiuerd all in peeces and they thought themselues likewise to be broken in the same manner whereat the strange Knight laughed hartilie because he knew it was but a vaine apparition So mightie was the fall of the Ship on the stone as if it had béen made of the hardest yron it had béen sufficient to haue broken it but the enchauntment beeing of greater power made it stand whole and sound vpright on the stone when they issuing foorth followed the Knight and he being theyr guide some small distance thence went downe into a Caue that séemed very darke beckning to Primaleon that he should follow him and Arguto to stay till he returned It was not long before he came backe againe and then went toward a huge thicke Wood whereinto hee wafted him with his hand to enter and so Arguto very resolutely did CHAP. LXXIIII Of a strange aduenture which hapned to Primaleon in the Caue vnder ground whereinto the strange Knight had conducted him PRimaleon being thus within the Caue went downward aboue a mile by estimation not discerning any light all the way hee had gone till at last hee came to certaine high windowes whereby some small glimmering entred into the Caue Still past he on along till at length hee espied a Wall which was built with the bones of dead men and beasts and therein was a gate made all with the heads of men serpents horses and Griffons in a cunning diuersitie mingled together whereby he gathered that it had béen the handy-worke of men Boldly stept Primaleon in at this gate but afterward he was sorry he had aduentured so farre for hee saw it was a spacious square plot being round about enclosed with that wall at the further side whereof hee sawe a higher gate where there stoode a beast greater then any Elephant putting his head directly toward him and feeding on diuers mangled bodies which were sliced into so many péeces that he could not gesse whether they were men or beastes No sooner had hee stept a little forward but this hideous beast as if he were extremely hunger-starued came mainly against him when Primaleon as loth to be deuoured by so rauenous a Monster hauing his sworde ready drawne gaue him a mightie blow vppon the head but the sword rebounded back againe vnto him as if he had smitten vppon a hard stone Then lifted y e beast vp suddenly one of his forefeete before Primaleon had sufficiently retired and fastning hold vpon his pouldron rent it quite away mist verie little of wresting the sword from forth of his hand This graspe of the Monster gaue him plainly to vnderstand that hee must not receiue such another gripe from him except hee meant to part with life and all wherefore keeping him off with his weapon so well as he could he gaue the Monster diuers wounds in the midst of his body and albeit the hurts were soundly giuen indeede yet was the beast of such a wonderful grossenes as they pierced not into any of the vitall parts While the battaile thus continued he noated a matter most admirable to be reported for of the blood which issued foorth of the Monsters woundes arose vp sundry strange mishapen beasts beeing some of them which he had before deuoured and they went aside into an angle of the roome menacing Primaleon with their lookes and howlings as if they intended some mischiefe toward him By this time was our Champion so ouer-toyled that being almost out of breath he was glad to shift from place to place yet with a héedfull eye to the Monster inuoking inwardly the helpe of heauen to strengthen him in so great an extreamitie in which meditation of minde hee beheld the Knight which had cōducted him thether enter in at the gate with the hooked Bill on his back and opposed himselfe against the Monster which presently left Primaleon as bearing deadly hatred to the Knight turned furiously vpon him So dexteriously did the Knight handle his bill that he wounded the Monster in many places therwith and stil as blood streamed from him arose sundry kindes of strange beasts all which at one loude groane giuen by y e Monster ran furiously vpon the Knight rent him in innumerable péeces which were al afterward suddenly swalowed by the monster himselfe the bil only left lying on the groūd This sudden death deuouring of the Knight droue Primaleon to some little amazement and perceiuing the monster now to make a fresh toward him bethought him of the bill wherewith the Knight had fought so nimbly and giuen diuers shrewd hurts to the beast that some vertue touching the enchauntment might remaine in it Quickly he caught it vp in his hand and although he had no great skill in the vse of such a weapon because it nothing appertained to Knighthoode yet hee made it to serue his turne in such sort as at euery blow he drew blood from the beast and happening at last to wounde him in the bellie he perceaued the hurt to open so wide that the Knight leapt foorth vpon his féete aliue and well and hee wresting again forcibly the Bill from Primaleon gaue a fresh charge vppon the Monster whose belly immediatly was become whole and sound The other beasts which still rose vp out of the Monsters blood as they had done before tore him againe in péeces and the Monster quickly swallowed him vp when Primaleon recouering the Bill once more defended him selfe there-with
gathered together his martiall forces to reuenge the death of Albayzer his Father by meanes whereof he had the apter opportunitie to obtaine of my vnhappy childe Rosella euen what his loose desires best pleased him to vrge But yet her discretion gouernd her thus farre that before her maiden continence should forsake her an honourable promise of marriage past betweene them to be performed in a Woode verie neere adioyning where hee would loially combine the matrimoniall knot neuer to be dissolued but by death onelie And his alleaged reason why it should be there thus closely consumated was because his Parents Friendes should be no hinderance to his quiet enioying her in that sacred estate for in nobilitie and wealth he somewhat excéeded her and therefore as he said he was the more vnwilling to be iniured in this sollemne determination The sillie Damosell too full of credulitie stretched her well-meaning thoughts no further then his promises and therefore iumpt with Brunoro both for place and appointment without conceiting that an honourable mind which she till this mishap continually carried would euer giue entertainement to such degenerate basenes as his hollow hart right cunningly cloaked The next night following without coyne iewels or ought else of estéeme she secretly got foorth at the Garden-gate where Brunoro diligently awaited her comming and this was done with such warie héed and circumspection that not any in my Castell did so much as suspect it there did she louingly embrace her Brunoro and he the better to couller his vntruth expressed as kinde a welcome to her Away they went to the afore-said Wood where with kisses coyings and such like flatteries but no act at all performed of marriage he cropt y e fairest flower that beautified her bosome Then causing a Tent to be brought thether with all necessaries fit for his noble state and condition fifteene dayes they spent there in wanton iouissaunce and so pleasing séemed this to the poore beguiled Damosell that in her minde shée was more then halfe an Empresse perswading her selfe that hee as truly loued her as in her very soule shee intirely loued him But as the daintiest delights in time grow yrkesome so Brunoro wexing wearie of my Daughters company concluding the niâ—ht ensuing to leaue her caused Wine mingled with sléepie drugs to be closely brought thether and gaue her to drinke thereof she neuer dreaming on any such vile treason About two houres after supper the wine began to worke his effect and shée sitting leaning against a table slept so soundly that the loudest thunder coulde not awake her The deceitfull wretch to leaue no wicked acte vndoone that might bring the greater shame contempt to her who by ouer-much loue fell thus into his power caused her to be stript starke naked and then layd in a bedde where him selfe companying with her like a monster and no man glutted his libidinous and insatiate desire as almost it excéedeth modesty to report it Which being done he caused the bed and Tent to be caried away with whatsoeuer else he had brought thether not leauing her owne wearing garments behinde him no not her very néerest to couer nakednes but vnmanlike thus left there lying on the bare ground all which he did to this end that when in the morning shee should finde her selfe naked shee might die or destroy her selfe there in the Wood rather then for shame to let any one sée her I cannot tell yée the inward conceite of gréefe which poore despised soule surprized her at her waking séeing all thinges so altered from her last beholding them for they were but instances of her further woe and extremitie The next morning after this heauy accident it was my hap to come home againe where I found a strange and vncouth confusion because my Rosella was no where to be heard of Héere-vpon I betooke my selfe presently to mine Arte thereby to be resolued what was become of her but my ill hap chaunced to be such that a certaine wizzard among you Christians had gone beyond me in mine owne experience and taken the matter out of my hand so that this way I could learne nothing of her Then shaped I my course by another progression taking two Knights with me mounted forth-with on horse-backe purposing by diligent search to finde her againe riding directly toward Brunoroes Castell because that very day I vnderstoode how he had béen often séene passing to and fro from my dwelling and by diuers meanes had saluted my daughter declaring euident signes of loue to her at which report my hopes wexing more chéerefull I was halfe perswaded to finde her linckt with him in mariage As we rode along through that vnhappy Wood the close betrayer both of my daughters ioyes and mine by what chaunce I know not we mistooke our way and happened into the very thickest of all the Wood where gazing vp and downe for a more easie passage my daughter shunning all places where she might likeliest be séene had hid her selfe behind a thick leafie brake yet not with such skill but that her snow-white skinne shot a lightsome radiaunce through the twisted braunches Now albeit I little thought what this bright appearance might be yet the minde euermore the Augure and presager of harmes strooke this harsh diuination on the vntunde strings of my soule that this shadowed Alablaster brightnes was my daughter And making toward the place when she perceaued that shee could no longer conceale her selfe she came vnto me veyled before with an apron of thick-wrought leaues which the sight of her owne shame had instructed her to make and falling submissiuely vpon her knées spake in this manner Beholde deere Father thy vnfortunate daughter and kill me not though in iustice I haue deserued no lesse I inly toucht with the true sence both of shame gréefe was so furiously transported that neither pitty or patience preuailing against rage I tooke her by the long tresses of her haire lifting her thereby violently from the ground would with my dagger haue stabd her to the heart but the Knights in my company forcibly restrained me and counsailed me like friends to take her home with me to my Castell where vpon more deliberate consideration of the case I might further determine of her as I found occasion Verie thankfully I tooke their kinde aduise because I iudged it an ouer-light punishment to let her escape with so speedy a dispatch of life rather me thought the case might apprehend such merit that tenne thousand seuere castigations would séeme insufficient wherefore cloathing her in the garment of my Page because that was the neerest and readiest helpe I brought her to my Castell where imprisoning her in a remote chamber of my house for two dayes together I gaue her nothing to féede on The two Knights my friendly companions knowing for certainty that the death of her would be mine owne dispatch also right kindly comming to me tolde me in graue and sensible sort how highly it
now at some aduantage quickly conduct me into the Castell that I may sette the young Lady Argentina at libertie Velonna fearefullie trembling by teares and intreates laboured to haue him kisse her promising then to performe whatsoeuer hee commaunded but Dorina comming at the instant cryed out vnto him Kisse her not Knight for then she kills thee neyther trust any of the damned Witches promises beware beside thou goe not into the Castell for then thou canst neuer returne backe againe but commaund her that Argentina and some other Ladies enclosed with her may be brought foorth hether then take the chayne-girdle from about her and binde her hands strongly therewith that she be not able to get away from thée Florian commaunded her to haue Argentina and the other Ladies brought foorth which Velonna in very humble manner performed then issued faire Argentina out of the Castell and diuers other Ladies in company with her on whom she had wrought her damnable trecherie they beeing come before the Prince Dorina put her hand into Velonnas bosome and tooke out a booke which was the very deerest iewell for maintenaunce of her Arte wherat she was euen readie to die with sorrow And because this dangerous Castell might be guiltie of no more harme Florian entreated Dorina by helpe of the Booke she had taken from Velonna to confound it in such sort as no other Nigromancer euer after should be possessed thereof Which beeing doone accordingly hee desired Dorina that shee would goe and aduertise Targiana of his fortunate successe in gayning the libertie of faire Argentina and to certifie her withall that he was gone in companie of the young Lady to Constantinople so taking his leaue of her he went to a neere adioyning port of the Sea where finding a Shippe ready for his purpose both he Argentina and Velonna went presentlie aboord CHAP. LXXXII VVhat the Emperour Palmerin and the other Knights did when they founde that Candida was gone away with Leonato ON the next morrowe when Candida was not séene in the Court on whom the Emperor Palmerin hetherto had helde a strict eye now doubting some deceit and she being last séene in Leonatoes companie as also now generally noised abroade how déerely she affected Leonato they must needes gather that shee was gone away with him Hereat y e Emperour shewed himselfe to be highly offended and culloured this discontentment to be in regard of the true zeale he euer bare her Father and Mother and his passions grew to such extremitie as in all hast he called for his Armour and he would follow to recouer her againe But Palmerin no lesse fired with rage though more cunning in kéeping it from publique note being come into the Emperours presence said It is not méet dread Lord that you in person should pursue such an enterprise least giddie-headed censurers thereby coniecture that rather wanton follie induced you thereto then the awfull respect which ought to be in an Emperour This hee spake because himselfe intended to follow them and recouer the young Ladie from Leonato neuer remembring that a Father in such a case should be more mindfull both of his owne honor and his sonnes but it is no rare noueltie when the very wisest men are thus transported with amourous passions Tarnaes perceiuing Palmerin made no hast in giuing him his daughter Fior-nouella thought with himselfe that his best meanes for soonest obtayning her was to hinder Leonato from passing into England whether likewise if Palmerin and his daughter should post after then his loues hope might be vtterly frustrate wherefore very secretely he armed himselfe tooke the way that directed to England Palmerin also purposing to ride after his sonne went and put on his Armour but beeing prettily quipt and taunted by his wife for so manifest appearance of vnmanly behauiour not knowing with what modestie well to excuse it he was not ouer-hastie in arming himselfe Aliarte who likewise was enamoured of faire Candida but made no outward publication thereof beeing alone in the Emperours presence priuately told him that the Empresse Grydonia full well perceiued his fond loue to Candida in these decrepite yéeres when a shéete for the graue were more néedfull to be thought on then such ill-séeming young desires in so olde a body yet had shee borne it with more patience then a womans heated blood is commonlie capable of so that except shee were the sooner visited comforted y e danger of her life stood desperately vpon it These spéeches made the Emperor in a very strange taking whē he heard the weake estate of his Empresse and contrariwise his loue did mightilie torment him but because Aliarte should not repute him as a man quite reasonlesse hee went presently to her chamber and finding her in a verie contagious agonie hee spake to her meruailous kindly when she opening her eyes and looking right sadly vppon him said Goe goe my Lord to the young beautie that hath bewitched your age and leaue mee poore old Woman here drownde in mine owne teares yet you might remember some of your knightly deedes done for my sake when you made me fond credulous foole to beléeue that neuer could any other Lady haue power of your thoughts These words made such a deepe impression in his mind as he presently resolued to shake off this vnbeséeming humour and embraced the Empresse with such signes of true affection that her former dispayring thoughts were confidently reuocated with absolute perswasion that henceforth all such folly in him would be quite abandoned Nor did hee hold any longer spleene against Leonato but the very next day repealed his banishment vnder this promise that hee had doone no act of villanie to Candida When Aliart sawe the Emperours doating loue so well reclaimed he immediatly prouided that Palmerin should no further pursue Leonato and caused a Post to bring a Letter as if it had been written by Leonato himselfe the summe whereof in briefe thus followeth The Letter brought by the supposed Poast to Constantinople as written from Leonato to his Father Palmerin ¶ The superscription To his most noble Lord and Father Palmerin the right royall Prince of England at Constantinople or wheresoeuer GRacious Lord and Father your wonted kind and honorable fauour standing betweene me and my loue-fault committed in the true duty of a sonne I humbly salute you Giuing you to vnderstand that in a mutuall simpathy of our soules desires I haue espoused the beautiful Lady Candida whose loue before I leaue or can endure any riuall in I haue rated it at the deerest droppe of my blood I humbly craue pardon of my Lord the Emperour in my so bold neglect of his sacred worth and please his Highnesse but to remember that it was loues rash presumption and no vnciuill rudenes in Leonato his wrong will the easier be repayred and my trespasse pardoned I am now bound for England to visite my royall Grand-father King Edward and in his Court to celebrate my marriage So with my