Most noble Lord and my dread soueraigne pardon thy humble seruant who by my ouerboldnesse desirous to gaine your gracious loue so farre aduentured in pursuit of thy enemies That béeing past rescew and the enemies number lesse my strength fayling mée with the losse of much bloud issuing from my woundes I was in haplesse time taken Prysoner where I haue there euer since remayned vntill this time I then slaying my kéeper taking his apparell and furniture I thus escaped theyr furye who for my harsh spéeches vsed in defending your noble reputation was doomed to bée shot to death by the souldiours The Duke glad to sée his safe returne with life for whome he had great care giuing him heartie thankes for his good loue and daungerous aduenturing for him and in his seruice gaue him a chayne of golde from his necke commanding his Maister of the wardrop to sute him presentlye in a rich sute which hee appointed which done seating him by his side accompanied with â—he chéefest of his men at Armes and nobilitie hee discoursed vnto him much matter to theyr lyking touching the miserie of the towne assuring them on his life before manye daies were ended the coÌ„mons in despite of the Gouernor wold yéelde themselues if in time he and his accomplices sought not his highnesse fauour With these pleasing speeches often carrowsing betwéene theÌ„ at finishing of each storie the night was well spent Philippo for his welcome was lodged on a Pallet in the Dukes Tent which done and euery man at his quiet the Court of guarde about the Tent being halfe a sléepe as one that reguarded his honour with the gouernor séeing all sound serched the Dukes pocket where finding the signet he issued out the Tent commaunding the Captaine of his guard to send him the word for that disguised hee would walke that night about the Campe. The Captaines séeing the Dukes signet gaue him the word which obtained about his other businesse he goeth effecting all things as he wished The Duke being fast thrusting out his torche at the Tent dore as though the Duke intended to visit the Ferrara Duke which lay not farre off he fained spéeche with the guarde vntill he thought the Gouernors espyalls had séene the signe When making no longer stay with a Holbart on his neck taking his way towards the Citie he past with the word without any molesting The Gouernor which had hope in his champion slept not his time but with his horse and many other a foote attended the comming of Philippo to direct them which made all possible haste and in good time to all their comforts met the Gouernour Vnto whom he briefly deliuered what was done beséeching him to let his footemen passe by small companies to a place by him assigned whither he would conduct them and at the allarome giuen to make hast with his horsemen to their reschew The Gouernour hauing good hope of successe commending his pollicie and resolution appointed his men by him to be led straightly charging them to be gouerned by him who giuing them the worde marched on to a side of a small hill close on the backe side the Dukes tent where they stayed vntill theyr guide Philippo had appointed them what to doo Philippo applying his businesses bringing the companye close to the Tent hauing the Duke fast bound wrapped him in his night gowne accompanied with two or thrée good followes more of his crewe with theyr weapons drawne drewe him from his naked bed with which awaking and perceiuing them straungers which were about him he would haue cryed out for helpe which Philippo perceiuing thrust his gloues into his mouth swearing by all holinesse that if hée spake anye worde he should presently haue his pasport to hell which was the habitation of such vsurpers Therefore willed him as hée tendered his life to bee silent and his bodye should haue no harme which to doo hée was enforced Taking what they woulde with patience hauing him within theyr power they cutte the coardes of the Tent and pulled him out vnderneath bestowing him at theyr owne pleasures that done leauing him in safe kéeping they gaue the allarome killing and slaying without mercie To whose ayde came the watchfull Gouernour who with his power did such feates of Armes that the whole Armie was discomfited some fledde but most â—laine The Dukes with the principall were taken Prisoners with many others which were deliuered presently But the Duke with his complices hée sent vnto the Cittie to take better assurance of his loyaltie Thus the pollitie of Philippo preuayling and those Lordes of theyr riches and prouision which they hoped to haue made theyr Captiues the Gouernour sent vnto the Towne the happie successe of theyr seruices marching himselfe by easie paces dooing Philippo all the honour hée coulde Who being mounted on a beautifull Ienet of Spaine led the two Dukes his prisoners The happie tydings of this honourable victorye suddainlye spread throughout the Cittie great was the tryumphing they made where no solemnitie was left there vneffected for honour of the same euery one lauding the pollicie of Philippo and dooing him all the honour that might bee deuised To the excéeding gréefe and heartes discontent of the Dukes who blaming theyr light credence of a straunger whome they neuer sawe before in their liues woulde on his wordes vttered of purpose to serue his owne turne admitte him to such fauour and trust but after warnings comes too late They are nowe to bee vsed at the pleasure of the Gouernour vnto whom Philippo became an earnest sutor for theyr courteous entertainement and honorable vsage The Gouernour whose honour was increased by the industry of Philippo imbrasing him in his Armes committed the whole estate of those Princes and Nobles vnto his direction by whom he solemnely vowed to be gouerned for which as one that could demeane himselfe to all estates like himselfe hée returned many heartie thankes and accepted his kind proffer CHAP. XXIX How Philippo gaue thesentence on the vsurping dukes and the honour done at his departure PHilipo praysing God for his prosperous successe reioyseth nowe to bee wâ—â—h her Alinda whome shée greatly feared might encurre some daunger by her long absence to auoide which shee besought the gouernour of lysence to departe pretending businesses of great importaunce To whose sute although willingly he would haue condiscended yet with earnest intreatiâ— and loue hee bare him he besought him to staye with him promising on the fayth and honour of a Gentleman as himselfe hee shoulde participate in all liuing Land and goods which hee had or should euer haue For which Philippo rendered many heartie thankes but might not bee intreated for which the gouernor as well as many other his followers and fréendes were heartily sorie surceasing theyr bootelesse sutes least theyr importunitie might bréed offence yet they besought him to accept the raunsome of the prisoners which were to bée disposed by him When Philippo saw the honorable minds of those his friends which
his owne frée will to offende you that is altogether vnknowne To shew our innocencie herein behold his sonne that lately commanded vs him before your eies will we with all crueltie intreate thereby to find the occasion if we can And then taking the boy they stripped him and tying him to the breech of a péece with cords whipped him to make him confesse what the cause was of the wrong offered by his father to the knight But for any crueltie they could shewe he would not confesse neither his fathers intent in the action or where the Marchants letters were bestowed wherewith the knight was satisfied and commanded them to rest satisfied but they which were well vsed to the boyes subtiltie threatned him with death without hee confessed what they had required which obstinately he euer refused vntill a bold and mercilesse villaine which in despight of the boy more then of trust to the knight heating oyle boyloing hot bedropped his naked skinne therewith which torment the poore boy no longer able to endure kneeling cryed out for mercie to the knight and hée would not onely deliuer the letters but his armour and weapons so that his life might be saued At which words y e knight commanded them to cease their crueltie promising on his word of honour that no man should doo him wrong but hee would protect him so that he performed what he had promised and thereon ceasing their punishment at the knights commandement they expected now to be satisfied from him what should cleare them from all iealous doubts wherein the knight helde them for his harsh and bad entertainement which made them hasten the boy to his businesse vrging him to that taske which he was verie loth to be drawne vnto but perforce compelled vnto it he caused the knight to defende the holde of the ship where inclosed in a huge drifat he found his armor all other his abiliments and furniture for his bodies defence in which a packet of letters was inclosed directed to an honourable person neare alyed to the Spaniard slaine long before and master to this Guydo his last hatefull enemie The sight of al which so mooued the Knight to pleasure that forgetting all other occasions or minding his Packet he ioyed onely in possessing his armes causing the boy to be fréed from his bondes and with good store of crownes rewarded him Now Gentles is to bee remembred the carefull loue of the Knights Page who séeing his maisters small regard of those Letters closely conueyed them into his Pocket without acquainting any man with them longing to knowe the contents yet loath to make theyr secretes knowen to anie man In this Laborinth of discontent rested the Page two dayes and more being verie desirous to knowe the effect of those lines At last fit oportunitie béeing offered by one of the companie who in the watch singling the Page which was euer wakefull for his Knights welfare he besought the Page of fauour in commending an earnest suite hee had to his maister which himselfe durst not vtter To which the Page willingly agréed on such conditions as hée bound him vnto One of the Articles of which was that hée should faythfullie reade and interprete vnto him truely either in Italian or French which the boy best vnderstoode the true effect of those Letters And hauing read them faithfullie with great secrecie to conceale them without reuealing the least worde sillable or letter therein contained This done and his solemne oath for performaunce made by all holy rites that Spaniards vse to sweare hée brake the seales and read the contents of the chiefest touching our matter and the knights occasion of further trouble To the mightie and most honoured Knight Don Philiberto Duke of Medina Lord high commaunder of the forces of the most Catholike King of Spaine in all his warres kingdomes Ilands and al other his territories and one of the knights of the holie Citie of Rhodes MOst mightie Prince carrying a longing desire to doo your highnesse seruice and many waies bending my studious affairs for some matter of acceptance to your excellencie It happened in this citie of Alexandria to arriue this English homicide a fugitiue from his Country who making no conscience of murther killed that most renowmed Generall your Nephew at Rome after the last warres of the Christian Princes against the Souldan Don Whose death to my harts great gâ—iefe I write I haue often seene your highnesse with teares to lament and our most famous king bewaile of whose blood none could euer yet sufficiently be reuenged albeit there hath sundry attempts bin giuen whereof with aduice and good regard considreing finding him in the Cirte of the Turks where I now remaine as well to requite the wrongs done to that noble Prince by him slaine as to shewe my duetie to your excellencie I first practised with large expence of crownes to accuse him of treason to the state here and by suborning two periured Ianesaries maintained the actions for which hee had iudgement of death by their lawes yet by the Bashaw and other chiefe ministers he had grant of combat against the Ianesaries in triall of his innocencie wherein the Ianesaries quailed in courage though I offered great summes for their performance but they dreading the euent or stricken with feare of his puissance who shewed himselfe at the time of his apprehension more like a diuell then a man dooing manie to death would not by anie offers of Crownes be woonne to continie what they had begunne but enforced mee with threates in such manner that fearing mine owne life if my pretence should haue beene knowne I faigned a shewe of most kinde Christian loue vnto the English churle and woonne him by my protestations to become a sutor to the Bashaw for raunsome to redeeme him aduising him as a friend that wished him well how deepely so euer in my heart for the causes aboue remembred I hated him deadly all which my faigned friendships he accepted for currant and I gained his good liking to compound for his ransome which I haue paid amounting to the sum of ten thousand crownes And for proofe of my loialtie to your excellencie and dutie to your noble house make him my present vnto your highnesse with his page and other associates his armor weapons and what he else here had not doubting but your excellency will acquit your roiall blood by him traitor like shed or sa isfie you and them by his death in most extremitie or in his wretched endlesse slauerie which all the race of your noble house heartily required And so resting a faithfull suppliant to your familie and whole alie and a hatefull ememie to all of that diuelish nation of which he is discended I coÌ„mit your excellencie to your honorable wil and cruel torment of this hatefull English wretch From Alexandria in Assyria Your highnesse in all truth and loyaltie Guydo Fredericano The Page whose heart burned with extreame griefe to heare these conspiracies against his
To the Courteus Readers LIke as the Load-stone pointeth at the immoueable poles of Heauen and will not lye still otherwise so true generous and noble mindes euer ayme at vertue and esteeme their noble houses by them halfe stayned vnlesse in valorous prowesse wise policies and kinde courtesies they equal themselues to if not surpasse the most famous of their Progenitors yea of all whereof memoriall is extant by which their worthie endeuors they liue in most great honourable reputation in this world and after do liue by fame euerlastingly Among which famous worthies this Edward of Lancaster here meÌ„tioned deserueth not the least praise or prise And if any will alleage that in this Poeticall praising of him there be many fictions as Poetis et pictoribus permagna conceditur licentia let such learne to reade these manner of bookes as Socrates wished women to vse their looking glasses namely fairewomen to look on their glasses to beware that their good maners may shine as well as their beautie and ill-fauoured women to indeuour that their inward vertues might make gratious theyr outward deformities So let Gentlemen by reading these bookes obserue therein onelye those things the practise whereof may innoble them more and more and the baser and cowardly sort here learne onely what may promote them And thus wishing the ende of all thy reading to bee to attaine true vertue I wish thee an eternall reward of glorie Farewell H. R. THE MOST DElectable and pleasant Hystorie of the Illusturous and most puissant Prince Edward Knight of the holie Crosse of Ierusalem The first Chapter IT hath béene sayde courteous Gentlemen in the first part of this Hystorie that this most famous Prince our home born Countriman hauing finished with great solemnitie his marriage to the good content of himselfe and more encrease of ioy to his Ladie Valia making small stay as desirous to see the holie place where our Sauiour was aliue and dead giuing the Thracian King most honourable thanks for their great intertainment honor done him and his Princes at their mariage embarked first his Ladie in a small Sattia which came from Marceelas which of purpose he fraighted for Ceneto Vecha committing the care of her her seruant Alinda to the good regard of the Frier who married them Which done hauing well intreated the maister marriners and marchants for their more fauour in their voyage the winde blowing a fresâ— leuant thâ—y weighed their Anchors set saile and betooke themselues to the mercies of the raging Billowes What sorrowfull parting was betwéene them I omit leauing that to their iudgement which on the like suddennâ—sse depart with their sweete loues To recount vnto you the trauaile of our beloued Knight to the holy lande of which hée had great care hauing embarqued his Ladie with her followers taking a most reuerend farewell of the King the Queene and the Princesse Argentino with all the Péeres of their Countrey who both honoured and loued him hée betooke himsâ—lfe to trauaile not vnlamented of all the Court whose loue was so vnited vnto him that it séemed theyr spirits to part with their bodiâ—s at his bidding farewell But as all things must haue ende so had the Knight made an ende of giuing the kinde Adieu to that Countrey and onely accompanied with his Page well mounted hée tooke his iourney first for Peloponensee an auncient Cittie of Greece which after many a wearie iourney passing the dangerous mountaines and vncouth places vnhabited but of rauening and most ouglie beastes he recouered that Citie of fame where he had of the Viceroy most honourable entertainment with all shewes of loue and kindnesse that hee could require where resting himselfe after his wearie trauailes we leaue him for a time to recount vnto you the successe of the Princesse Vallia in her iourney by sea CHAP. II. How Argentino consorting with a Knight of her Countrey to make the Ladie Vallia away who assailed her at Sea and what chaunced her THe prince whose loue Argentino daughter to the Thracian King by all meanes sought to obtaine burned in such iealousie and hate wanting her desire that all her mind and studie was by some death or other to quite her of her ryuall the louelie Ladie Vallia thinking thereby to gaine the loue of her knight which we more desired then the worldes goods and sifting her womans wit which was apt inough to manie diuelish deuises and finding none so perfect which shée duâ—st to practise flaming with reuenge to finish her intended euill bethought her of a knight in her fathers Court whose countenance and shewes of kindnesse perswaded her he intended some singular affection vnto her Of this knight her thoughts assured her wherefore casting from her all regarde of honour required in such of so highestéeme she sent for the knight commanding her messenger to hast him vnto her presence In which no time was delaied of either part For the Messenger no sooner had deliuered the princes pleasure but the knight whose affections was somwhat bent to her loue as one new riseÌ„ from a dreame â—mazed to behold such visions as often in sléep appeareth râ—wsing himselfe without any questions demaunding hasteneth with such spéed as he could best vse to her presence whom with great fauour and vnwonted courtesies she kindly entertained vsing manie pleasing spéeches to inchaunt him to effect her diuelish will Of all which when he had with such kinde thankes requited her and that shee felt the toole had taken some conceit of her lyking cunningly to sée howe this potion would worke shee sayeth Siegniur Gualintie for that I haue noted the weake conditions of men and sée by experience the small account they haue of their words and faithfull promise I dare not say what I would wherefore I am enforced to conceale in secret that which to the death consumeth mée And therefore withall feigning a womanish kinde of heauinesse powring forth a fewe dissembling teares like the Crocadill to effect her intended euill she ceaseth her speach Gualintie which sawe these vnexpected motions amazed thereat could not suddenly conceiue what these motions might intend yet ayming at her passion which he imagined was some discontent he saith Honoured Princesse what occasions your grace hath to carrie so hard opinions of mens constancie it were too déâ—â—e a matter for me to question yet wold your good thoughts mâ—ght be such of your humble seruant as I desire it should and as my will is at your excellent hands to deserue I doubt not then but my loyaltie should recouer those loose opinions you haue of mens constancie for performance whereof in all faythfull dutie I humbly offer the faith of a knight The Princesse Argentino glad to find the Gentleman in so good a humor was easily drawne to beléeue what he promised And therefore without standing on tearmes of light beléefe she sayde Gentle knight whose worde I hold so firme as the surest bands I accept your kinde proffer of courtesie for which by
greatest power the souldiers and commaunders of the Towne with whom she was best pleased for that her loue and honourable Lord was a man of Armes and honour This discurtesie the Cardinall and his company tooke in such ill part that they cursed all the Towne and Towne inhabiters suspending them from the holy Church for euer But they whose care was small at that time for any their doings cared but litle The Lady they cheared who wanted nothing that was fit for her honour and welfare where let her repose her selfe a time with iollitie the Fryers sweating in their own grease and the Cardinall and Abbot chafing like men frantike to shewe you what after happened CHAP. VIII How the Gouernour aduertised the Emperour of the arriuall of the Ladie Vallia and what after chaunced her THe broyle ended a great sturre was in all the Religious houses amongst themselues debating of the wrong offered by the people of the Towne the Church doores were all sealed vp and no man vpon paine of their curse to enter them This was considered of the Gouernours who tooke aduise in the matter knowing the authoritie they haue in all places where their religion taketh place Besought the Ladie for her Letters of fauour to the Emperour to the end this begun enmitie might be appâ—â—â—ed vnto which she was easily perswaded though 〈◊〉 against the minde of her Protector the Fryâ—r The Ladies Letters signed which imported her message from the Knight of the holy Crosse and the messenger appointed there was no detracting of time but with all spéed that Horse could make he applied his businesse vntil he came vnto Rome where comming before the Emperour he deliuered his Letters which were very welcome taking great pleasure in the comming of the Lady into those confines being Lady and wife vnto the Knight which of all men liuing he holde in most regard Whilest the Emperour was discoursing with the Messenger a Cardinall came to summon him before the prefence of the Pope presently to appeare to answere those wronges done by his Gouernours to the Church and Patrons thereof of all which the Cardinall had signified his holinesse which was held a matter most hainous The Cardinall gone the Emperour called againe for the Messenger and with him questioned of all those troubles begunne whereof he did aduertise him in each particular and withall deliuered the Gouernours Letters which he had written to that ende doubting such a chaunce would happen and that the Cardinall would séeke reuenge with all extremitie he could When the Emperour was aduertised hereof making no stay he came before the Pope vnto whom as the maner was doing reuerence he requireth the cause of his spéedie sending for him The Pope whose fury was not yet ouerpast incensed to more choler by perswasions of the rest who hung al in a string doubting least giuing héed to these it might incurre a farther damage vnto them all in their seuerall gouernment began in loude and most harsh termes to reuile the Emperour calling him hereticke and subborner of heretickes vttering against him spéech of most dishonour and disgrace All which the Emperour like himselfe as he was a most graue and well gouerned Magistrate knowing by his owne perfections other mens humors forbare to answere what he in choller offered but mildly leauing his presence returned to his Pallace very highly discontent yet gouerning his passions betaking himselfe to his studie he gan with great wisedome to consider of each accident and finding his Gouernours offence to touch his reputation albeit he had done all for his honour and credit yet the Church carrying a hand ouer all of what estate so euer knowing by experience their insolencie thought it best to reconcile himselfe without farther mouing of trouble and thereon resoluing sent presently for the Cardinall his Confessor vnto whom he faineth what heauinesse and griefe he conceiueth at those vnkinde dealings of his Gouernours against his holinesse the Church and state thereof beséeching him of those loues he alwayes proffered vnto him to finde some meane to accord his holinesse and him so that a league and peace being obtained all wrongs might be forgotten and his Townes men restored to the Church againe All which his Confessour promised most faithfully to follow And so taking leaue of the Emperour spéedeth him to his holinesse Presence where forgetting nothing that he had promised omitting nothing for his better successe declareth at large the heauinesse of the Emperour for his abuse offered against his will and knowledge so earnestly applyeth his sute vnto the Pope and his honorable friends that though with much adoo yet at last an attonement was graunted but the Emperour and the Towne fined at ten thousand Florence for the offence wheron concluded a peace was made and vnitie betwéene them and they all restored to the Church This brawle ended the Emperour not forgetting his friends Lady bent his studies for her royall entertainment for which taking order with all his Officers he appointed a day to set forward to her place of abode Till which time we leaue them to recount vnto you the Knightes troubles and what chaunceth him in his trauailes CHAP. IX How the Knight of the holy Crosse by the trechery of his guide was robbed of his Horse and Armour and what happened AFter the departure of the Knight with she Marchants on the Mountaines of y e Tartars comming to a place called Sylo where he was to imbarque himselfe he discharged his guide and sayled with other company to Misath where being landed presented himselfe with the rest of the passengers to the Bashaw who came in person to sée the passengers bounde for Ierusalem This Bashaw being of a proud and insolent coÌ„dition expected great reuerence which of the common company was giuen him But our Cauylier scorning such base fashions could not stoupe in such maner wherefore the Bashawe began in vile spéech to taunt him which he better vnderstanding then the rest though he had not his language so perfit in Italian answered his spéeches whereat great excepttions were taken yet by reason of his safeconduit he durst no quarrell or make stay of him but amongst the rest without fauour had vittailes and a guide and so mounting his horse departed leauing the company to the common guard of the souldiers as is the custome The Bashawe whom spite had moued to choller against the Knight vnderstanding he left the ordinary passage entended to cry quittance with him by trechery or as he best might to fulfill his diuellish minde And that night armed a hundreth of his best Iannisaries whom he hyred to slay him appoynting them the way to follow the Knight whom they very hardly pursued in such maner hasâ—ning that they had sight of him following by easie pace a long time till night growing vppon them they caused a naked Moore to ouertake him and to keepe him company appoynting him to take such order with his guide that where he should rest to robbe him both
custodie of their Villaines who with more villanie haue menaced mée to obtaine theyr pleasures from whome hauing escaped by flight I intreate you that sheweth to be of gentle image if thou bee no worse then thou séemest eyther to preserue my chastitie from theyr rape by flaying mee or like thy selfe defende my innocencie by auenging me on those accursed villaines that pursue me The Knight which during her long talke had noted her gesture and modest demeanour vttering her sadde lament pittying her distresse sayde Gentle Ladie thy distresse my heart pittyeth séeing thée in this vnfrequented place so hardly besette with companions of base conditions of whome feare not for my selfe by the power of him that sent mée for thy comfort will so reuenge thy iust cause as well on these as on theyr maisters as they shall neuer take pleasure in wronging a Ladie anie more and thereon assure you as I am a Knight and a Christian And without taking longer pawse willing the Ladie to staye her there without dread of any man he mounted his horse and with his Sworde pursued the villaines who fearing him flâ—dde as fast as they coulde but in an vnhappie time for his legges beâ—ing of more swiftnesse hee easily ouertooke them paying them theyr due recompence for a fact so odious wâ—th death Which finished cutting off theyr heades hee brought them with him to the Ladie who thanking God for her deliueraunce rendered the like to the noble knight vnto whome prostrating her selfe shee submitted the care of her safetie beséeching him as hee was a knight at armes not to dishonour her nor to leaue her vntill hée came where Christians inhabited Vnto which gaging his honour by many solemne oathes hee tooke her from the grounde comforting her with all kindnesse protesting withall that he would not leaue those desarts vnsought vntill hee founde the dead bodie of her Lorde to interre him with Christian rites and reuenge his death on the robbers The Ladie which â—ounde such vnexpected comfort in her distresse after shée hadde with many kinde requitalles of friendshippe and shewes of loue gratified the knight breaking her from her protestations hée caused her to mount his horse conducting her to his Tentes where theyr dinner by those that helde him in more regarde then thier owne liues was prepared vnto whome the Ladie was welcome wanting nothing of theyr store which was needfull nor such honours as to her estate required In this better content wée leaue them a while with sundrie discourses to beguile the time to lette you knowe of theyr further aduentures CHAP. XVII Howe the Knight of the Holy Crosse in search of the dead body of Mathatias gouernour of Roades found him aliue with other aduentures THe remaine of that day and the night following they spent in reposing themselues the knight after he had taken such directions for his course in search of the Gouernour her husband as she could giue puruaying them of victuals for two dayes prouision accompanied with two of the Porttugall marchants taking leaue of the Ladie and commending the trust of her safetie vnto the rest of his followers he left them posting from mountaine to mountain prying and vewing where hee could discerne any Tent or shew of any So long rid he in this manner that in the euening about the going downe of the Sunne hee might discrie a troupe of Camilles laden guarded with thrée or foure naked mountenaries to these the knight spedde him in all the haste making such way that hée soone ouertooke them whome encountring hée sayde Tell me villaines of whence yee are yea and where had yée these Camilles with those marchandize in your kéeping The villaine mounteners hearing the knight vse these spéeches vttered with a hoarse voyce and a looke threatning death trembling as though they were readie to receiue their iudgement and present execution of life kissing first the grounde and after his féete besought him to take compassion of them relating in what sort they hadde the Camilles which they hadde taken from others which hadde them in charge belonging to those Theeues which hadde spoyled the Lady of her husband The knight vnderstanding by theyr talke that they could giue him notice of the spoyled bodyes questioned them further commaunding them on paine of theyr liues to tell him where the Christians were that were lately maisters of those Camilles in dooing which theyr liues should goo vntouched or otherwise they should there finish their daies The villaines which would more willingly haue béene further off when they sawe their liues was to bee saued for a matter of such small importaunce with them sayde The sunne hath not yet two times declined his power since certaine Christians trauailing these mountaines were encountred by robbers that haue their continuall béeing not farre off who slaying the people left these Camilles and goods in possession of their slaues to conduct them to theyr caue which wee haue slaine and humbly beséech thée of pardon Recreants quoth the knight you shall not so escape me but you shall likewise die if you bring me not presently to the place where those slaughtered bodyes lie wherefore I aduise you doo this and liue or denying it receiue your deaths The villaines which sawe howe bootelesse it was to perswade yéelded theyr consentes and hastned with so good speede that they shortly arriued at the place where they founde the mangled carcases of the flaine Christians weltering in their gore This pittifull sight mooued the knight of the Crosse to much ruth and sorrow for their deaths yet knowing howe bootelesse teares are to call againe the dead dismounting himselfe hee suruayed the bodyes turning and so often tossing to search the body of the dead gouernour that with often remouing hee founde it and viewing his personage noting each linament with his countenaunce shewing a man of prowesse bedewing his bloudie face with his warme teares hee might perceiue a panting breath to possesse him vnto which taking good héede washing his face and clearing it from the congealed bloud hee opened his iawes powring into his mouth of that wine which he brought for his prouision and after rubbing chafing his vytall powers hee recouered his life so comforting him with the heat of his hands rubbing and other carefull handling that his spirit waxing strong his tongue had some vse when looking gastly vp as one reuiued from a new world hée called for his Ladie and missing her taking good notice of the Knight which was a straunger vnto him he thus said Noble Gentlemen and my fréendes what you are I know not neither can I remember that euer I haue had any friendship with you yet as you are Gentlemen tell me of my Ladie what is becâ—me of her whether aliue or dead next what you are whether fréendes or those that brought me to this miserie The Knight whose heart was ouercome with suddain ioy beholding the supposed dead to liue and speak answered worthie and noble Gouernor of that most honoured
bounde by oath to the Church as well as the figniorie to maintaine After some other spéech he caused the Millaine herauld to be brought before them to whom he saith Herauld thy message from thy Lord so peremptorily sent and by thée deliuered with graue aduise of the whole state of our Prouince we haue aduisedly considered And finding by lawe or natures right hee hath no right nor iust interest in the same wee haue determined to denie his demaunde and with our déerest bloud will maintaine the lawfull issue of our late deceassed Duke Philip whose honourable deserts can not bee so suddainlie worne out Thou knowest what wee intende if thy Lord bee friend to vs and our state wee will requite his loue with the like againe if a foe hee shall find that Philippes rightfull inheritour shall not bée wronged so long as wee shall liue And so finishing his spéech the Heraulde thus replied Nobles of Genoway whose grauitie is spoken of in all places deceyue not your selues by presumption My Lord is puissant and mightie and not to bee dared by them of farre greater and more force then you wherefore weighing your owne goodes and welfare of your Countrey and state consider with whome you are to deale his honour state power and what is to bee requyred in Maiestie bethinking what a friend hee is to his friendes and what a terrour to his enemies In weighing all which I doubt not but your grauitie and wisedome will alter these fonde resolutions before you prouoke him to furie least when you woulde submitte your selues hee bee as farre of from hearing you as you at peremptorie in refusing him In your aunswere consider your welfare or subuersion Therefore let not ouerboldnesse leade you to mischiefe I speake as I wish that you might preuent your owne mischiefes The Gouernour hearing the Herauld speake so much of submission as though his Lordes countenaunce might terrifie and affright them euen as Bugbeares do children thus sayde Heraulde what weenest thou wee of the state of Genoway are that thus thou menacest vs with thy maisters high actions power and friends Is Albert become such a Bugge to feare his bordering neighbours No let him dare children and fooles with his threates If hee come as a friend as hee did when our good Philip liued he shall bee welcome if otherwise it is neither power friendes nor his valour wee estéeme Our honour wee will maintaine in despite of his Bearde maugre all the friendes Spaine or Italie can affoorde him And so thou hast thy aunswere replie no more for what wee say we will performe on our honours as thy Lorde shall finde when hee dares make triall The Heraulde hauing his aunswere like a Male-content dooing his dutie deprated The Noble and states of Genoway taking carefull order for the mustering of theyr souldiers and making force that there enemie might not take them sléeping but alwaies in readinesse when occasion shoulde serue to defende themselues and offende the enemie CHAP. XXI How the Herald returning his answer from the Ienowaies Albert puruaied his armies THe Millaine Duke expecting his Heralds return with the Genowaies offer of obedience after long looking arriued at the Court to whom the Duke gaue honorable welcomes enquiring the answere to his Ambassage To whom the Herald at large recounted the honourable resolution of the gouernour who would not deliuer their tytle of gouernment to any stranger whatsoeuer willing him to rest content or abide what chance warre will alot him The Millaine Duke raging with furie at this vnexpected answere vowed by no simple oathes to reuenge him on the gouernour whom he threatned with great afflictions if hee preuailed And hasting to sée the euent of his determinations presently dispatcheth his Ambassage to Florence the prowesse of Marcellus and Telone and other his fréendes for theyr ayd in this exployt willing them to be readie by a day prefixed at some port of his to them best beséeming good and most easie for their conuay With these letters the messengers being gon great was the preparation made in his owne territories of men victualls and munition whereof there wanted none such as the Countrey yéeldeth Such was the hast and care of those vnto whom the charge of those affaires were committed that in short time althings were prouidedin such good order as could be besired their onely stay was for their expected power which accordingly was puruaide some marching by lande others with theyr prouision by Sea so that in short time they are all well met at Millaine where they made no long staye but euery man receiuing his charge The companies appointed for the land marched forwards in thrée battailes the foremost of which was led by the Duke of Florence the vauward by the gouernour of Marcellus and the Rereward by the Duke of Millaine who hadde vnder his conduct all the horsemen with the carriage and prouision For the Sea seruice was appointed for to bee Admirall Alfonce Earle of Pyemont hauing vnder his charge of Gallyes Bregandines and Foystes one hundred and fiftie sayles warlike and well appoynted with all néedefull prouision hauing also vnder his charge a number apprdoued and Noble Captaines trayned to the Sea all carrying mindes of resolution to inuest theyr Noble Fréende the Duke of Millaine in his challenged Dukedome The Genowayes whose prouident care was to prouide for their Countries safetie was not ydle in all these times but making readye what power they coulde both of theyrowne and such other Fréendes as they could procure relying on the Iustice of their cause and nought at all fearing the multitudes of theyr enemies of whose numbers they were all aduertised by theyr owne Espyalls The carefull regarde of the Gouernour hadde so wrought that all things were ordered to his content his Fréendes the Neapolitan Duke with his powers béeing come and all others that they expect theyr Gallies and shippes furnished the conduct of each seuerall companie was appoynted to men of woorth and honourable resolution who encamped themselues with wonderfull great pollycye without the Cittie euen in the enemies chéefe passage Their power of shippes and gallies likewise appoynted at poynt deuice a Councell was called and the Admirall sworne in the open assemblie not to yeeld nor in any sort to discontinue the fight but taking all aduantage to doo his best for theyr defence and discomfiting of the enemie This doone and the shippes halled foorth they harboured euery man being aboord that they hadde charge of They chéered theyr companie exhorting them to valour and courage not omitting often to recounte the right cause of defence with the enemies entrucion with all other perswasions that might tend to their encouragement to the great comfort of al the companie who with one voyce yéelded signes of great ioy vowing euerie one to the other to liue conquerours or die tenne thousande deaths rather then incurre the odious name of coward Thus chéering themselues with hope of victorie with a ringing peale of cannons that made
personages assembled themselues to the Tryumph the Emperor in person being Godfather to both the sonnes of the Knight of the holy Crosse vnto whome many rich presents were giuen by sundry Princes that honoured and loued theyr Father At these bankets amoÌ„g many others which harkned of forrain nouelties Alinda busying her self to heare ouerheare straÌ„ge tidings heard two noble gentlemeÌ„ discourse of the state of Genowaye recounting at large the honorable demeanor of y e Gouernor thereof his successe in their sea aduentures with each particular chance happening in these warres which waited of Alynda that néeded no oratour to tell her tale her tongue carrying a heauie waight vntill shée had opportunitie to reueale the same vnto her Ladie which shée sought yet could not obtaine it vntill late in the euening when euerye Guest had withdrawne themselues to rest when hauing time fit to her desire shée beganne first in pleasant motions to féele the humour of her Ladye whether pleasantly or melancholie disposed and finding her pleasant humour shée saide Madame since the heauie tydings from Genoway I haue not séene one pleasant motion possesse you lette mée your olde seruant intreat this fauour at your hands to saye what you coulde well frame your féeble and vnable handes to doo in defence of your owne rightfull inheritance of Genoway Alinda quoth the Princes thy fond prattle will neuer bée left what mooueth these suddaine motions and recounting Genoway say what occasions are offered in those parts I pray thée say Madame quoth Alinda your Ladiship alwaies is pleased to mistake me and my simple meaning what I intende héerein is nothing you knowe I am none of those that séeke common wealthes benifit but say good Madam that I were as I am neuer like to bée the rightfull heyre to the Dukedome of Millaine and should by violence séeke to vsurpe your right in your Dukedome by force what duest you doo for defence of your selfe and your people Alinda quoth the Princesse séeing thou sayest thy talke begunne is in ieast I will as héedlesly answere thy demands Suppose Alinda to be my enemie and in Armes in my Countrey spoyling my commons and ruinating my Countrey thou mightest well accuse mee of cowardise if in Armes I should not méete thée reuenging my iust cause on my enemie for thus and in this manner would I chastice the Millaine Duke laying good stroakes on the backe of her mayden with a cudgell which shée easily found Which chaftisment that she could well demeane her self turned in this maner Madam if to be Duke of Millaine be so painefull and that to a vsurper there belong such punishment lette them bee Dukes that list Alinda will be her self as long as she can TheÌ„ good Duke of Millaine aunswered the Princesse I am verye sorye that I shoulde so suddainlye vntytle your grace but vppon some conditions I will make your Maiestie recompence Madame quoth Alynda promotion I féele is heauie the name of Duke is imprinted I feare me in blacke and blew on my shoulders But since they be badges of your Ladiships colours and your gift in hope of better I must accept these But may it please you to let me know your conditions that liking thereof I may deserue your reward I marie Alinda quoth the Princesse but first sweare vnto me to answer iustly my demands and then aske thy reward Alynda hearing the Princesse so pleasant was loath to hinder her begnune myrth but féeding her vaine of put her from those dampes said Madame since it is your Ladiships pleasure to bring mée from a zealous prophesier vsing no oath but yea yea and nay nay cock and pye such like to rend those creatures that God hath made say by what you will haue me sweare and I will parforme it How now Alinda quoth the Princesse where blowes the winde now the Moone I dare gage my life is in some merrie corner that hath brought thée to this conceited pleasures but leauing all tell me as thou tenderest my loue What mooued thée to name the Duke of Millaine my minde presageth some vnexpected chance hath happened my people by his meanes if they haue and thou therewith acquainted I sweare by that loue I beare my Lord Edward neuer to forgiue it thée vnlesse thou reueale thy meaning therein and tel me the truth of what thou hast heard The maiden hearing her iest prooue so contrarie loath to offend her which she honoured aboue all the creatures on the earth thus said Madame I haue often heard it amongst the learned obserued for a principle not to ieast with superiours dreading the mistaking of any simple meaning whereof I might haue taken héede but séeing my tongue hath béene so long hanged to vtter the hearts secrets pardon what I haue to say and I will hide nothing to satisfie your desire Then procéede quoth the Princesse and whatsoeuer thou sayest I fréely forgiue it thée Alynda whom all intreaties might not pardon from telling her minde saide This day my gracious Ladie the banquet béeing now furnished with many an honourable Guest two gallaunt youthes whose names I knowe not questioning one with the other of the state of Genowaye and of the Prouince thereof comming lately from those confines a tale of ioye and much lamentations hee deliuered which wroong manye teares from my heart at hearing thereof it caused manye excéeding ioyes to possesse mée Yet disposed to crosse me quoth the Princesse leaue off I saye these fond delusions and saye how both ioye and care at one entir time assayled thée Madame quoth Alynda when he deliuered the pride and incolencye of the Millaine Duke seeking first by intreatie to obtaine your right in the Dukedome by winning the regent to his will whose trust when he could not abuse he raised a mightie power by sea and another huge hoast by 〈◊〉 ioyning with other Princes néere adioyning to accomplish his will The â—auy discomfited by your Captaines and they obtaining a most honourable victorie the Duke himselfe forageth your confines and hath fought a most honourable battell each side dooing theyr deuoyre in such wise as it was doubtfull whether hadde the best and thus they left them and this hath bredde both my care and great ioye The Princes who tendered her natiue Countrey as her owne life premeditating on her maidens spéech and recounting each seuerall accident many times wished her Lord present to chastice those vsurpers vowing to reueÌ„ge those wrongs on Millaine and all partakers yet this in her womanish furie reasonable meanes shée had none to make without acquainting the Emperour therewith which shée was verye loath to doo Yet beating her Braines to finde outsome shift to behold the manner of their dooings shée was euer crossed by some other contrarie accident which made her sollitarie to abandon the companie of all people onely her trustie seruant excepted who séeing her heauinesse lamented her rashnesse in reuealing those tydings which yet renewed her sorrowes CHAP. XXV Howe the henourable
to intrappe him and finding no cause or meane to accuse him of any ill whereby to procure his trouble hee consorted with his Ianesaries who were appointed to wait on him by some pollicie to do him to death promising great rewardes for his paines Thy fact being committed these hell-hounds whom no conscience mooued to remorse in hope of gaine vndertooke the action And vnder shewe of kindnesse and zeale to him that was a knight at Armes intruded themselues into his companie admitting him to many bankets the better to worke their willes on him séeking opportunitie to slay him taking their occasion to quarrell for pledging a carrous which the Knight refusing a sturre began betwéene them where he receiued many iniuries and some woundes before hee offered any offence when the multitude growing about him and he vnarmed winding his Mantle about his arme he reft from one of the Turks his semitarie with which he made such way that they helde themselues most happiest that were farthest off The rumour of which broyle was noysed thorow the Citie that thither they came from al parts to take parts and to be beholders of the fight In which after many déepe wounds giuen and many of the vngouerned Ianesaries sent to hell when he could make no more resistance compelled by the heat of the place and wearinesse of the fight he yéelded himselfe vnto the handes of the Iwae chiefe Iudge of the Citie who promised him to bee his warrant from all men that no daunger should betide him on which promise he deliuerd his weapon The Spanish Marchant whom they called Guido standing on his house top to beholde this tumult hoped well that the Knight had bin slaine but it proued contrarie at which he stormed greatly but more gréeued to pay his promised summes which for his life hee durst not denie fearing the Ianesaries should haue slaine himselfe Which seconde gréefe caused the traiterous Spaniard to séeke his further trouble vrging these Ienesaries to lay vnto the Knights charge matters of treason in the state of the Cittie thereby to cut him off by lawe which hee nor the best Cauileres of his Countrey durst out looke in the face in anie sort to attempt ought against him of force These Ianesaries suborned by large gifts wrought others to take part with them who were néere the Viceroy and the Gawr which vppon their reports summoned the Knight to their iudgement hall from the prison where hee lay chayned vnto whome matter of great vntruth was obiected concerning the state which hee stoutlie denied But those Curres which had solde his life for money storming that hee had fauour to speake offered to sweare by theyr holie Alcaron that he with the rest of his confederates viewing the Citie in theyr secrete walkes had taken notice of theyr forces inquyring by circumstaunces of such as they accompanied wich what numbers of men they had and howe with vittailes they were relieued These accusations so vehemently vttered agaynst him the Viceroy coulde not but examine and finding him guiltie of the same by theyr false iudgement sentence of death shoulde with all seueritie passe agaynst him The Knight séeing his cause daungerous putting his hope on him that neuer left him comfortlesse with a bolde vndaunted spirite and as one that feared not their threates knowing death was the woorst thus sayd Reuerend fathers Iudges of mens causes you haue here by your lawes condemned an innocent man to death for no cause iustly offered but falsely and vntrulie by enuie and of your owne imaginations wrought agaynst me First by force they pretending loue vnto mee in that place where they gaue mée vittailes they sought to take my life from mee Their intended purposes that way failing standing on mine one safetie and defence they haue here falsely accused mee of matter neuer thought on by me But say patrones of iustice and honour that I should haue viewed your forces what may one naked man do where are thousands of braue and gallant souldiours If your wisedome would but in iustice sift the cause you should then find the wrong offered mee that am here a straunger amongest you from whom I appeale to the Grand Seigniorie for iustice or being a souldiour and a man at Armes in your Citie which are most men at Armes let mée in combat trie mine innocencie If to neither of these my lawfull suites you do agrée the worlde which heares of your vniust dealing with mee will scorne your lawes and to your greate reproofe to report your wrongs done a gentleman and a souldier The King which was a Runnagatho an Easterling borne and was not to learne the Christian lawes and good nuriture hearing his resonable request saide hee spake reason and called before his accusers vnto whom he said Countrimen and fellowes you haue here on your wordes brought a Christian and souldier to iudgement whom our lawes hath condemned by your reports whether of truth or in reuenge of some of those who lost their liues in the broile begun by you a-amongst your selues we cannot say but as I am appointed your gouernour and expresly charged by his Emperiall maiestie whose authoritie I beare to vse iustice to all men without fauor in which I hope I haue hitherto borne an equall hande neither sparing my fâ—iends nor fauoring my enemies so in this case you must vse what law of Armes requireth Therfore this is my sentence which if you be souldiers and your cause iust you may not denie that you two his accusers shall in single combat according to the lawes of our land maintain your accusation by fight for which appoint your selues agaynst to morrow or reuoke your words before the whole assemblie The Ianesaries who least looked for this fauor to be shewed a Christian mooued some other of their friends to vrge against him the slaughter of those souldiers by him murthered iustice to procéed for breaking the peace in their citie being the principall fort of the land against the law of Armes which the knight thus answered Your grace hath heard y e malice of those people whose intent if they may haue their wils is my life of which if your grace consider that what I did was in mine own defence and safetie of my life hauing receiued sundry woundes which are yet to be seene before I offred any one a blow if a worme hauing no fence will turne being troden on worthy of blame may not that man be which will defende his life who once lost can neuer be recâ—lled The king interrupting his spéech turning him to the accusers said You are to maintaine your euidence attend your limited time or confesse your accusation false which saide hee committed the gard of the prisoner vnto a Captaine to sée him forth comming at the time appointed CHAP. XXXII How the Ianesaries loath to maintaine the fight laboured the Spaniard to buy his libertie THe faint-hearted Villaines who had séene the feates of Armes done by the Knight doubting their force which was
farre vnable to encounter a man of such woorth and experience in Armes fearing by theyr foyle euer to bee dishonoured perswaded the Spanish Guido in friendship to make offer of loue vnto the Knight who béeing a Christian for a summe of money might deliuer him threatning him if hée wrought not some meanes for to free them from the combatte they would discouer his pretended euill and cause him for his treason loose his heade The Spaniard vexed at the heart to sée his businesse take no better effect perswaded himselfe of two euils to choose the least without any more pause taking accompanied with others of his confederates in the action sléeping no time came to the Knight of the holy Crosse whom with great show of kindnesse and many curtesies he saluted feining great sorow for the wrong offered perswading him to patience for that there was no right to bee expected from them who sold their lawes liues and whatsoeuer for money And quoth the traiterous Spaniard where such gouernment is accursed is the land but more accursed the people wherefore quoth he if you will be ruled by me that am a Christian and bound in conscience to relieue euery man professing God much more a man of such estéeme as your self which with your life hath maintained his honour in many places doing good to all people in distresse Stand not on any thought of your being or what you haue bin but considering where you are rather yéeld your self vnto their fauour for money without further triall or danger I will vndertake to buy your libertie TheÌ„ noble English man prefer not mony before your life for being here if you preuaile against your accusers yet shall you euer go in danger of secret enemies which will not bee satisfied before they haue your life I speake as a friend whose welfare I estéeme Therefore with wisdome censure of your good by being counselled or your peril by being too headstrong if you accept of my profer I will take order for your libertie without any charge of yours which don you shal presently be transported to Valencia a famous citie of Spaine my ship being readie fraughted for that place attending but a fayre wind WheÌ„ the knight which during his long preambulation had considered oâ— his speech he was perswaded y t he spake but truth yet could not iudge his secret intent which made him that hee thought not of any euill to bee pretended by him that professed conscience and christianitie making this account that he were better howsoeuer to be with Christians then in the hands of such reprobates being but a money matter which by his friends wheresoeuer he became might shortly be prouided Wherfore with many kind courtesies returning hartie thanks to his traiterous friend he sayd Kind friend whose friendship offered I knowe not howe to merit albéeit my conscience perswadeth me I shall prosper well in the combatte assuring my selfe on God who protecteth his people yet in regarde of these my followers heere present as for my libertie I accept your offer which I will requite causing the mightiest Prince of Christendome to rewarde thee with thankes and my selfe with large summes to satisfie thy debt wherefore if you intende what you say spéede about it that I may know to what euent our friendship will sort The Spaniard glad to heare his purposed determination grow to so good a passe imbracing him like a seconde Iudas whom he sought to betray besought him not to dismay in any thing for all the goodes he had were at his disposing And so for that time taking his solemne farewell he left the Knight to manie conceited thoughts of his newe professed friend himselfe spéeding to finde the traiterous Ianesaries who were as faine of his good successe in his businesse longing to heare what would become of it whether the Knight cetermined to trie the cause by fight or otherwise by friendship ende it as the next Chapter shall shew you CHAP. XXXIII How the traiterous Spaniard Guido compounded with the Bashaw for the Knights libertie with his departure towards Spaine and what then chanced NEuer was the tidings of pardon more welcome to the condemned prisâ—ner expecting death then this good consent of Edward to Guido who trauailing in care as the painefull woman labouring with childe byrth was in a moment freed from that painfull extacie where with ioy neare ouercome his tongue bewraying his hearts content making small stay but Iudas like as a Spaniard practising treason taking his farewell hee looketh not behinde him vntill hee came to the lodging of the Ianesaries vnto whome he came not before he was long looked for who resting in a quandarie was as fearefull to trie their accusation by fight as the Spaniard to abide the hazarde thereof who noting Guidoes guilfull countenance their guiltie mindes gan presage some good euent Beeing mette as you heare imagine Gentiles whether there were anie questions left vndemaunded of the Spaniard touching his late accomplished businesse which might tend to their welfare or that the knight intended ought which might bréede their discredite Of all which when the Spaniard had at large resolued them recounting from poynt to poynt each seuerall accident chauncing betwéene the knight and him with what curtefie he offered peace and friendship vnto him whose death he most desired cloking his villainie with such shewes of loue and friendship of Christianitie they all laughing for great ioy at the Knights simplicitie and the traitours knauerie spent the time froliking together vntill the next morning where in their quaffing drunken discourses a matter of more perill for the Knight was plotted betwéene them whose heart being frée from all guile had not the least suspect of what was intended agaynst him as you shall heare hereafter where the Historie recounteth it and returne nowe to the Ianesaries who drunke with delight of their glad tydings wished long for the sight of that ioyfull day to ende all their doubts which no sooner appeared but the Ianesaries loath to be preuented in what they intended spéedeth them first vnto their commander the Gaw and vnto him deliuered the Spaniards suite and the Bashaw which was for the deliuerance of the Knight for raunsome beguiling the simplicitie of the Gaw with the earnest suit of the Spaniard for him And offering their good consents so that therewith contented omitting nothing which might giue liking or gaine the good will of those they sought to theyr wish All which reportes of them made was so soothed by Gindo that the Gaw mooued partly with pitie of the knight and more with gaine of the Crownes offered for his fréedome and libertie calling for his companie speedeth vnto the Bashaw whome he found preparing himselfe with all his brauerie to beholde the euent of those Combatters who seeing the spéedie comming of the Gaw thought verily that they had béene alreadie attending for his presence and beganne earnestlie to enquire the cause of his suddaine comming so earlie The Gaw which
they which are bounde must obey The game was nowe vied and they must néedes sée it So long vied and reuied was it by the Knight that not one was left to count the stake The broyle ended and euerie act in this massacre performed the Knight beholding those brauing hell-houndes weltering in their blood first thanking God for his fauour in strengthening him in that distresse resting himselfe after his wearie trauaile hee disarmed himselfe refreshing his wearie bodie for a time which done he hasteneth him vnto the place where they Gouernour and his Ladie remained whom in the companie of his beloued wife was comforted where with great ioy he was welcomed to all his folowers who with the Ladie ceased not to pray for his good successe Thus leaue wee this frollicke companie ioying in the good fortunes of the Knight who reposed him selfe with those friendes vntill the Gouernour had recouered his full strength to trauaile when leauing the desartes they procéeded on theyr iourney to the Cittie of Ierusalem In which trauaile wee leaue them to shewe you the fortunes of the noble aâ—d vertuous Ladie Vallia remaining with the Emperour in Rome CHAP. XIX How the Lady Vallia sorowing for the death of her father trauelled with childe and what then chanced her NOwe the time and place of the Hystorie serueth vs to leaue the noble Edwarde and his companie to let you heare of the vertuous Ladie Vallia who trauailing with womens ordinarie griefe had not long to looke of her time wherein shee expected an heyre so the woorthie knight of the Crosse which caused the Emperour to detaine the heauie tidinges of her fathers death from her But as nouelties haue wings and flie with the light breath of euerie tatling tongue so this lamentable storie came vnto the eares of Vallia who for her recreation and pleasure walking in a Parke adioyning to the Pallace was encountred by a simple Souldiour who hauing lost his limmes in seruice awayted to impart his suite vnto the Emperour for reliefe With this Souldiour the Ladie questioning what seruices hée had séene as one that had knowledge of many honourable seruices done but especially glad to heare of her Lord and husband whose demaunds the Souldiour answered with much courage not letting for his owne good to vtter all in which his spéech declaring the woorthie conquest of Philip her father where he was a suddaine feare so possest him that his tongue with griefe denied further speech which of the Lady béeing perceiued mooued with pittie of his sorrow enquired diligently what mooued him on such a suddaine to stay his talke beginning now the most delight willing him to say on whatsoeuer he had for sure she was that nought but honourable should be said of her father or her loue who was with him in all those seruices This blunt companion recomforted by her honourable counsell and good encouragement séeing hee must vtter his hearts greefe albeit hee had no thought or knowledge to whom he spake it after some small pause he said Pardon me gracious Ladie for my heauie tidings and account me no dastard for daring to speake what is my hearts griefe to vtter the subiect of my tragicall swonding sorrow to all the hearers For the losse of our noble generall whose vntimely death hath caused such heauinesse and hearts discontent amongst all those of his gouernment that will neuer bee blotted from theyr mindes so long as any one breatheth that did know him The sorrowfull Ladie hearing these dolefull tidings of her fathers losse could not answere his talke nor had power to speake but as one readie to leaue this life presently fell in a traunce to the grounde whome her gréeued attendants Alynda and the rest by their carefull industrie reuiued againe though with much extremitie The poore souldiour which saw howe ill his talke was taken brooked no longer stay in that place doubting his Princes displeasure but got him from the Cittie with all spéed Vallia her suddaine gréefe vrged her paines that her Midwiues were sent for and with great perill of life was not long after deliuered of two goodly Sonnes whose sight and other comfortable perswasions of the Emperour and those Ladies that were about her remooued a little her heauinesse which shée most honourablie endured to all theyr ioyes for this good fortune of the Ladie solemne Processions were made Belles were rung and Bonefices were plentifull throughout the Citie with all other shewes and signes of gladnesse that might be deuised But to whom so euer these two newe borne Gentlemen was most welcome there coulde none take more pleasure in beholding them then the Emperour who woulde neuer haue anie time from his affayres of state but the Nurces were sure of his companie to their ioy and pleasures In this ofspring I leaue them to recount the accidenis happening in Genoway CHAP. XX. Howe Albert Duke of Millaine hearing of the death of Philip Duke of Genoway supposing his Daughter to bee dead made claime to the Segnorie and what chaunced WHen the high commander of men had by death taken from his Countrey the hope and comfort of this most louing and honourable Prince Philip Albert Duke of Millâ—ine swelling with ambition to 〈…〉 â—ouernement sâ—â—â—osing Vallia 〈…〉 heyre of Philip to be 〈…〉 first summoned the Vicegerent by his Heralde to 〈◊〉 and the little he had for their soueraigne or abide the chaunces of warres which with al the power both of him and his friends he would presently inflict vpon them This peremptorie message deliuered the Vicegerent hauing care to his oath and promise made summoned the Nobilitie and gouernours of each port within those confines vnto whom hee recounteth the message receiued from the Millaine Duke with all the large circumstances declaring his title to be but vsurped and desiring their aydes in the right of the Ladie Vallia heyre and lawfull inheritrix of their late deceased Lorde whome they should most highly wrong if dastardlie they should intitle another in her right Therefore my Lordes and louing friendes quoth the Gouernour shewe in mainteining the honour and right of this Ladie your loue to her father in which you gaine more loue and honour then to be inuested with title of great worth For no greater blemish can be to the Noble then to bee tearmed a cowarde especiallie in a cause of such honour as this Therefore if you will ioyne with mée in full consent estéeme his threates not woorth a pinne and prouide to giue him such a welcome as is fitte for an enemie The Nobles and all estates there assembled hearing the honourable resolution of the Gouernour with generall consent lawding his magnanimitie committed themselues vnto him promising on their honours to maintaine with their bodies goods liues and landes whatsoeuer he resolued on This willingnesse with generall consent when the Gouernor had seene and heard first giuing them all hearty thanks for their honourable loue to their Princesse and carefull regard of their common wealth which they were all