the liquor and finding the same pleasant being perswaded that it was conueied by some diuine operation to procure content he dranke it quite off and presently went to his bedde which when Flauia saw with a ioyfull heart she went to Venola and declared vnto her what she had done and afterwards leauing Venola to her selfe she came to an old acquaintance of hers who at her request wrote a letter to Parismus in the name of the Knight of Fame which the next morning shee deliuered to him the contents whereof were these Most noble Prince of Bohemia my full intent was for the vndeserued kindnesse I haue found in you to haue attended you toward Bohemia but a contrary occasion hath withdrawne me therefore I desire your honour both to pardon mee and make no enquirie after me for I will assoone as I haue ènded my businesse repaire to shew my duty to you in the Bohemian Court so in all reuerence I commit your worthinesse to all good fortunes A poore Knight vnknowne Parismus reading the Letter maruelled what occasion had withdrawne him but being therewith contented and trusting accordingly to see him in Bohemia he made no other speech of him but taking his leaue of the King and Queene hauing in his campany Pollipus and Violetta with some 40. Knights of Lybia he departed towards Bohemia Tellamor all this while remained in the Forrest of Arde in company of his deare M. Clarina so cunningly handling his businesse that none could perceiue but that he was very sicke indeed in which time Clarina was his Physitian carefully tending him and vsing a most extraordinary diligence whose company was more pleasant to him then any thing else that therewith and other sweet fauours he receiued from her kindenes he forgot his sicknes and prosecuted his loue which in time of his sicknesse had that good issue that Clarina was no lesse tyed in the bandes oâ—… Loue then hee was And vpon a time when Clarina was in her chamber vnaccompanied by any he amongst other kindnesses vttered these speeches My swéete M. quoth hee how much is your poore seruant beholding vnto you that haue so tenderly regarded me and taken such infinite paines about me which maketh me so much bound vnto you that my life is and shall beforeuer dedicated to deserue this kindnesse besides the affection which I beare to your diuine excellencies maketh mee presume to prosecute my sute vnto you thereby to bring my selfe further into your debt desiring you to yeelde pitty to my distresse and ease to my restlesse passions procured by your beautie which if you withhold soone will care consume my wearie life neither can my heart attaine to any quiet or content without your loue which I more esteeme then either life or other thing that Ienioy therefore sweet M. deferre my sute no longer but now extend your fauour to my distresse and grant me loue for my loue whereon my chiefest felicity dependeth Good seruant quoth Clariana were I assured of thy constancie soone shouldst thou know my mind but some crosse or misfortue will soone alter they affection and so thou wilt leaue me in distresse then what miserie may I incurre by granting to thy sute Sweet M. quoth Tellamor if euer Knight were true then will your poore seruant prooue trustie if euer heart harboured constancie then be you assured that constant loue possesseth my heart for so intire are my deuotions to remaine immooueable that no misfortune calamitie c. shall cause me falsifie my faith but rather let all plagues and vnfortunate miseries light vpon my head Clarina hearing his spéeches made this reply Well deare seruant since I see thy faithfullnesse and how diligent thou hast beene to winne my fauour I yeelde both my loue and my selfe into thy possession which heereafter account as thine own to dispose of and bee thou assured notwithstanding my strangenesse my loue hath euery way equalled thy affections and with so free a heart I giue my life and loue into thy hands as willingly as thou desirest to haue the same Tellamor hauing receiued this assurance of her loialty to reuiue his sences withall entertained that comfort and her sweet presence with great delight leauing off his sute and spending the time in impracings Many daies continued these true louers in great pleasure being growne to that familiaritie that often times such kind fauours past betwixt them that Clarina ouercome vp his intreaties yéelded vp her fortres of virginity vnto him oftentimes frequenting each others companie in that kinde sort 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 pleasure with great delight vntill the newes of Parismus returne came to their knowledge and Tellamor bound thereto by oath 〈◊〉 needes depart which strooke an extreame saddenesse to both their hearts But especially Clarina tooke the same so heauily that no perswasion could adde comâ—…ort to her heart The remembrance of whose departure ouercâ—…e her with such passions of griefe that being in her Chamber alone shee vttered many mournefull plaints and withall such aboundance of teares that a heart of the hardest Adamant would haue resolued at her lamentations to ease which griefe she deuiâ—…ed how to enioy his company if it were possible to the last houre of his departure and by the counsell of one of her Daâ—…zels named Ancilla shee wrought such meanes that she enioyed his company that night Tellamor beeing a Knight of honourable conditions laboured all that hee could to leaue her contented and performe his faithfull promise to Parismus then before his departure taking his leaue oâ—… Madera and Panuamus who so well liked his company that they were vnwilling to leaue the same After which he went to bedde thinking to take his â—…rewell of Clarina beâ—…imes in the morning when none but themselues should bee priuie thereto but shee poore Lady being 〈◊〉 fettered in the snares of loue hauing contriued euery thing for her security when hee was in his dead sleepe approached to his bed side with a cleare burning Taper in her hand where shee stood a great while beeing vnwilling to interrupt his quiet sleepe reuoluing many thoughts in her troubled head At last shee could not choose but touch his manly hand which hung ouer the beddes side wherewith shee awaked him who being scarcelie out of his droâ—…e sleepe espying his beloued standing by his beddes side could not of a sudden conceit her beeing there but at length hauing reuiued his senses by rubbing his eies hee tooke her by the hand and wanne her consent to come into the bedde where hee entertained her with many sweete embracings and pleasant conference who tooke no small delight in his company after much time which they thought too short spent in kindsse Clarina demanded when he would returne for quoth shee my selfe is nothing without your presence neither shall I attaine the least quiet in your absence therefore I beseech you haue regard of my honour Which I haue yéelded into your handes and when you are amongst your Friends in Bohemia be not vnmindefull
to put him to death And how Maximus threwe him into the Lyons denne AFter that the Knight of Fame was departed front Lybia and Venola had knowledge thereof by Flauia she continued many dayes in great sorrow but afterwards by tract of time calming her griefe but no whit her affection by Flauiaes perswasions who was priuie to all her Actions Turned her former good Will that was grounded vpon Uertue to lust and mad desire That séeing she could not by fayre meanes winne him to loue her shee thought to leaue no meanes vnafsayed eyther by force to compell him thereto or else in some measure to be reuenged on him for his discourtesie The minde being alwayes readie by euery perswasion to yéelde to worke any meanes for to procure desired content euen so casting about many deuises with Flauia one day finding fit opportunitie when the King was in his dumpes for Venolas sickenesse came vnto him and told him that the cause of his Daughters sickenesse was procured by an exceeding flight she had taken by the discourteous vsage of the Knight of Fame who for that cause was lately fled from the Court which vntill that day she had concealed from her neither should she euer recouer her selfe vntill she were in some hope to be reuenged of him The King willed her to declare the same vnto him Flauia then began as followeth My Lord this Knight presuming often into my Mistresse presence by reason of the kindenesse she shewed him for working her relase in Brandemors Castle which hee well deserued began oftentimes to make loue to her whom sheé answered in good sort being vnwilling to make choise of any but by your appointment but in the end his sute grew to that importancy that he would haue no deniall but comming into her Chamber chusing his fittest opportunity when my Mistres was in her bed and surprising her vnawares offred her excéeding shame and villany but being by her striuing and out-crie disappointed of his full intent he presently fled away The King hearing Flauias speeches was exceedingly enraged with furie commanding his Knights to poste euery way to learne where he made his abode This newes being spread at last came to a Knight of Natolia who by occasion was then in the Lybian Court who presently came to the King and told him that he needed not to make inquirie for the Knight of Fame for that he was at the Golden Tower The King hearing that newes was exceedinglie glad thereof commanding his Knights to stay their iourney writing a Letter to Maximus to this effect MOst mighty King I salute you requesting you to worke reuenge in my behalfe vpon a traitor who now remaineth with you who hath dishonoured my Daughter hee is called the Knight of Fame assuming that name to colour his wicked practises who no doubt will soone deuise some mischiefe against your persoÌ„n let him not escape your hands but rather send him to mee that I may reuenge that monstrous iniury he hath done me by his life which onely shall satisfie me Thus remembring my loue to you and desiring your secrecie I cease Your brother of Libia Hauing written this letter and sealed it with his signet he presently sent the same by certaine of knights to the Golden Tower who as effectually dispatched their iourney as he had giuen them straight charge and arriuing at the Golden Tower deliuered the Letter to Maximus who hauing read the same and well considered the circumstance which augmented his hatred and suspition already begunne against the Knight of Fame presently comming to the place where hee was in talke with Marcellus he caused him to bee apprehended and without any other iudgement caused him presentely to be cast into a denne of Lions to be deuoured The Knight of Fame was no sooner put into the denne but the Lyons made an exceeding roaring that those without assuredly iudged him deuoured and himselfe expected nothing but that terrible and fearefull death but the Lyons who by nature will not harme those of Roiall bloud spared his life and not so much as offered to touch him but were rather terrified with his presence He being glad of this happy escape began to assure himselfe that he was sprung of kingly race which greatly comforted his heart and added a perswasiue hope to comfort himselfe withall that by that occasion hee should attaine to Anglicaes loue if he could worke meanes for his releasement out of that place most of all he wondred why Maximus had offered him that outrage In these and such like cogitations he spent the rest of the day Marcellus séeing the knight whom he most dearely loued destroied without iudgement equity or cause was so inwardly inraged that he was in minde oftentimes to work himselfe iniurie and seek meanes of reuenge if he knew who had been the causer therof and not knowing what to doe nor in whose company to spend his time he presently thought to goe to Angelica whom he thought bare some good will to the knight of Fame with her to bemoane his vntimely death but comming to the place where she was he would haue entred therin but Collimus according to Maximus command denâ—… him and that the more obstinately for that he knew none fauoures the knight of Fame so much as he whâ—… he mortally hated Marcellus beeing before sufficiently inraged was now so much more vexed that hee drewe his dagger and with a violent blow stabbed the same to Collimus heart and withall going to Angelica hee found her very sad little thinking of these mischances who seeing him in that rage which shee soone perceiued by his behauiour she came vnto him hauing seated himselfe downe in a chaire and desired to know the cause of his wrath O Sister quoth he this place is the harbour of cruelty tyrannie and dishonour which in times past hath beene famous and a receipt of honour but shortly will be hated and shunned as odious and ominous and all procured by the foolish Diuining of a wicked Harlot that hath filled my Fathers head with such fancies that hee forgetteth himselfe his Honour and Kingly behauiour and giueth credit to none but flatterers and parasites imprisoning his children murthering his friends and séeking the subuersion of honour and honourable knights Oh Angelica what should I say or to whom should I complaine he hath slaine Uertue he hath destroied Honour he hath murthered my deere Friend that kinde and courteous knight he hath cast the vnknowne most honourable though vnknowne Knight of Fame into the Lions denne without iudgement iustice right or triall Angelica hearing his words was readie to swound with griefe but that feare to discouer her loue withheld her but beeing not able to refraine from teares shee withdrew her selfe aside to conceale the same which Marcellus espying caught her in his armes and said Nay deare Sister doe not conceale your griefe for his death from me that loue you so much the better and if you euer conceiued any good liking of him
I shall honour you for the same for he was worthy to be beloued of the best Ladie in the world for in him shined all points and parts of true knighthood and honour I cannot quoth Angelica denie but that I liked â—…d loued him too neither shall I euer doe otherwise whilest I liue though he knew not so much for whose death my heart shall neuer harbour quiet nor neuer shall thought of other loue sinke into my breast for him had I vowed to loue and that vow will I keepe inuiolable whilest life doth last Oh Angelica quoth Marcellus had I knowne you had loued him so well I would haue died with him but I would haue saued his life which was so suddenly acted and so vnexpected that before I could recouer my sences from amazement hee was past my reache What cause had my Father thinke you to seeke his destruction but because he saw him in speech with you Aye me quoth Angelica was I the cause of his death I will then goe to him with that such griefe opprest her heart that she fell downe in his armes Marcellus called to her Maides who presently came thronging about her maruelling at her suddaine sickenesse and especially Anna who was priuy to her thoughts and hearing Marcellus spéeches made great lamentation This newes was soone come to the Queenes hearing who presently came running vnto the place and hauing by her labour recouered her entred into these speeches Why how now Angelica what meanest thou to doe thy selfe this wrong What mischance or sudden passion hath caused this disquiet Then turning to Marcellus Or can you tell Marcellus quoth shee for you were by I know not quoth he but I am sure wee haue all cause of little ioye when we that are the Kings children shall be imprisoned vpon the flattering report of euery dissembling Sycophant Why quoth shee who hath abused you That did Colimus quoth hee and him haue I rewarded Besides my Lord and Father hath destroied that honourable strange knight because I loued him who neuer deserued the least cause of such cruelty but was alwaies honourablie esteemed in euery Kings Court vntill it was his ill happe to arriue in this vnfortunate place to end his life by Tyranny not by Iustice. Take heede Marcellus Scandalize not your Fathers honour which may bring you in danger for that he hath done nothing but right and with good consideration for behold that Letter and thou shalt soone see what a counterfet that Knight of Fame was Marcellus hauing read this Letter was at the first suddenly amazed thereat but yet notwithstanding he said vpon my life this accusaticusation is most false and vntrue Angelica taking the letter and reâ—… ding the same was exceedingly astonisht thereat to whom Marcellus said Angelica beleeue it not for if you doe you shall too much wrong that honourable Knight that is too much abused already who if hee were liuing would soone reprooue these accusations but hee good Knight is now dead and past recalling whose death will bring more dishonour to the Natolians then euer will be recouered Why quoth the Quéen what maketh thée Marcellus thus inconsiderate by taking a strangers part to indanger thy owne life which knowest the Kings humor Loue quoth he to that stranger maketh mee bewaile his vntimely death whom I would that I had excused The Queene seeing Angelica somewhat well recouered departed vnto Maximus who by that time had knowledge of Collimus death and was meditating how to chastise Marcellus for that presumption But the Queene vpon her knees intreated him to pardon him alleaging that Collimus had greatly abused him that with much adoe the King was pacified Marcellus hauing somewhat comforted Angelica in a heauie and sadde estate departed to his chamber and left her with her Damzell Anna rather ready to yeelde vp the Ghoast then otherwise likely to suruiue and night being come the refusing meat went to her bed not to sleepe but to bewaile the Knight of Fames vntimely death The knight of Fame all this time remained in the Lions denne carefully deuising which way to get out of that place tyring his senses but finding no meanes of release One while accusing his hard fortune and then Maximus for his cruelty Sometimes fearing to be famished in that place and then comforting himselfe with perswasions of impossible deliueries Now dispairing to be vtterly exempt from the swéet sight of Angelica whose absense and restraint of liberty procured as he thought by his boldnesse pinched his heart with extreame feare In this sort he continued so long vntill he was ready to be starued and constrained to eate such vnsauory foode as was daily cast to the Lions Angelica likwise no whit mittigated her griefe but rather augmented the same being much comforted by Marcellus whose minde was not yet satisfied with sufficient consideration of these mischances both hee and Angelica continued as it were in a further hope in their fancies of the Knight of Fames safty though when they beganne to comfort themselues with any perswasions they were quite past hope Maximus likewise hauing considered with what seueritie hee had vsed the Knight and that he had condemned him without any triall of the accusation that had been vsed by his Knights euer since his death beganne to tell a remorse in his conscience of vniustice but by the setled opinion that was stirred in his heart by those false Prophesies hee soone shooke the same off Camillus all this time likewise noted what iealous suspition the King heard of him and hauing heard the report why he kept his daughter so strongly guarded and of set purpose withheld her from his sighâ—… and noting how suddenly the Knight of Fame was made away without any cause of offence giuen he began to feare himselfe and bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes durst not shew any signe of desire to sée Angelica â—…st bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes hee should seeke some occasiâ—… of quarrell with him and â—…se him like the stanger within a while departed from the Golden Tower â—â—â—tending notwithstanding either with force or faite meanes to attaine her possession CHAP. XIX Of the Knight of Fames preseruation How he got out of the denne and departed the Tower THe next day after Camillus departure which Maximus perceiued was with a discontented minde the kéeper of the Lyons denne came to make cleane the same and vsed his wonted manner which was to set open those places that were cleane into which the Lions would soone enter and hauing fast bolted the dores and beeing owner of the Lyons ertred into the denne where the knight of Fame was who suddenly caught hold on him hauing before secertly shrowded himselfe from his sight and beeing carefull to prouide for his owne safty snatcht from his side a hanging Sword the Keeper knowing him maruelling to see him aliue and exceedingly astonished at his sight held vp his hands for mercy to whom the Knight of Fame saide My freinde I séeke not thy life but mine owne safety
protestations procéeding from his vnfained affection that Laurana being wounded with his intreaties could not chuse but accept of his loue vttering these speeches My Lord for that I am perswaded of the constancy of your loue and for that you vouchsafe to profer such kindnesse to me that haue not deserued the same I will manifest that which rather I should conceale for that you may suppose my yéelding so soone might proceed of light bred affection but my Lord I assure you that at such time as I sawe you comming first into this Court my heart was then suprised procured as I thinke by the Destinies that euer since I haue vowed to rest yours assured to commaund so that you way pretend my wrong and therefore committing all that is mine to giue into your handes I here giue you affurance of truth and true constant loue Thus they spent the night in kinde salutations and curteous imbracings to the vnspeakeable ioy and comfort of them both Leda all this while walking about the gardens and carefully looking about her espied a light in Oliuiaes Chamber whereof shee gaue those two Louers intelligence Parismus thought that newes vnwelcome whereby being compelled to depart which was done with much heauinesse Parismus desired to know when shee would vouchsafe him her presence againe which shee told him should be at his appointment for that she now was his to dispose of so with many a sweet embracing they parted Laurana going into her chamber said in that she had so soone lost his companie and could not tell what misfortune might befall him and glad in heart to recount and think of his passed promise Parismus quickly got ouer the wal and was soone safely come to his chamber where he recounted to Oristus his happy successe in loue asking his counsell how hee might procure Dionisius good liking to effect the mariage betwixt them which first he thought to motion himselfe then he thought that Dionisius would not like thereof without the consent of his father first had and also might blame Laurana of vndutifulnesse if he knew it were with her priuity Againe he thought it best to send Oristus into Bohemia to giue his father knowledge thereof and to entreat him to send Embassadors to that effect Contrarily he thought that in the meane time some other of greater birth then himselfe might demand her in marriage of the King and so haue the first grant though he were sufficiently assured that Laurana should neuer yeelde her consent Being in this perplexity he could not resolue vpon any thing but walking in the garden to ease his heart with some recreation he met the King with him were the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and Sicanus sonne to the King of Persia though vnknown The King for the more honourable entertainment of his guests made one most royall banquet for all in general the Quéen a gallant traine of beautifull Ladies were there likewise which was not a custome amongst the rest it fell so out that Parismus was seated right opposite to the Princesse Laurana which agreed to his hearts desire wherby he had meanes to satisfie himselfe with beholding that inestimable Iewell which as farre excelled all the rest of the Ladies as the Sunne doth the Moone or white his contrary who with such comely modesty behaued her self that her looke did rightly resemble a countenance ful of mild vertuous pitty able to rauish a multitude being also not a little glad that she had occasion to bestowe a kind looke on her Parismus Sicanus more narrowly marked Lauranaes behauiour then any other because his comming was onely to request her in marriage of her father and though both the young Princes were very circumspect yet Sicanus curious eye found or at lest suspected that there was some loue betwixt them which they full little thought of hauing their hearts busied with more pleasant meditations and euer after that Sicanus inwardly malised Parismus in his heart Dinner being ended the Knights spent some part of the afternoone in dauncing when being ended euery man betooke himselfe to what exercise liked him best Dionisius and Lord Remus accompanied the Princesse Laurana and the Lady Isabella to their lodgings which made Sicanus to fret inwardly to thinke that Parismus his onely enemy as he thought had gotten such possession in Lauranaes loue which might debarre him of his wished hope Parismus séeing Lord Remus talking to Isabella saluted Laurana with these speeches My deare Lady although I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy that kindnesse you haue already granted me yet I humbly request one farther fauour at your hands which is that you would vouchsafe to meet me tomorrow night in that happy place where I receiued the first assurance of your comfortable kindnesse for my passions are so extreame that my life would perish were it not onely maintained by enioying your loue where I would impart a secret to you that now I haue no time to vtter My Lord said Laurana you need not vse such intreaties to her that is not vnwilling neither hath she power to deny your request The Queen comming into the place where they were caused Parismus with a heauy sigh to depart and Lord Remus with him betwixt whom there began a firme league of friendship Now Lord Remus beare great affection to the Lady Isabella and had oftentimes solicited his suit vnto her which she in a manner yeelded vnto which made Parismus the rather chuse him for his companion by kéeping him company to haue the oftner accesse vnto Laurana The King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and Sicanus were walked into the Garden where they were encountred by the king vnto whom the king of Hungaria began to declare how that the Prince of Sparta and himselfe had a matter to treate with his Maiestie if hee would vouchsafe them audience from the mighty King of Persia who hauing a great desire to be allyed to him and hauing hard manifold reports of the vertuous Laurana had sent them to intreat a marriage betwixt her and Sicanus his sonne and heire of Persia who was there present with them though vntill this time vnwilling to make himselfe known Dionisius most kindly embraced him telling him that he thought himselfe much honoured with his company and that since it pleased his father to treat of alliance betwixt them he would giue his consent willingly so that he would first get his daughters good will whom he would not willingly match contrary to her liking promising to vse his commandement vnto her for performance thereof For which Sicanus thanked him Thus hauing spent the day in this and such like talke supper was ready which being ended they betooke themselues to their lodgings CHAP. V. How Dionisius sent for Laurana and declared to her the cause of Sicanus comming which she sought occasion to make knowne to Parismus and how she gaue him assurance of her loue EArely in the morning Dionisius sent a messenger to will Laurana to come to him
who hauing knowledge thereof immediately went vnto the Prince who vsed such intreaty that although very vnwillingly he yéelded to his request and comming backe told his daughter to what effect he was sent for which shee was glad of though outwardly shee made a shew of vnwillingnesse Pollipus hauing vnderstood the cause why Parismus sent for her Father Parismus louing him so dearely that he would not conceale any thing from him reuealed vnto Parismus the loue that he bare to Violetta who promised to further him in what he could by this time the banquet was ended and the King departed to the Pallace with great ioy and excéeing triumph and soone tooke order to haue Violetta sent for but her father séeing the messenges come began to take such sorrow for their departure that it would haue melted a heart of stéele into teares to heare his complaints that the messengers pittying the sorrowes olde Andrugio made returned without her which draue Pollipus to such an extasie of desperate sorrow that he seemed altogether impatient to endure want but seeing on another furtherāce to his loue he oftē repaired to old Andrugios house and manifested his sute vnto her who vsed him most kindly but still delayed his sute with such excuses that hee was thereby further intrapped in the snares of loue and yet nothing the neerer of obtaining his sute At last it was concluded betwixt Parismus and him that Parismus should accompany him in some disguise and make himselfe knowne to none but Violetta thereby the sooner to procure her good liking to Pollipus which shee was the more willing to doe for that he thought vpon manifesting himselfe vnto her she would not denie Pollipus request and therefore finding a conuenient time they went to olde Andrugeos house where they were kindely vsed of Andrugio and his Daughter Violetta who welcommed these more kindly then euer shee had done Pollipus comming alone beeing thereunto drawne by an inward forwardnesse which she felt contrary to her former disposition where they had not long continued but Parismus found opportunity to greet Violetta in this sort Faire damosell quoth he I am come vnto you an humble petitioner in the behalfe of my friend Pollipus whose loue is such and so feruent towards your selfe that vnlesse you pitty him yeeld some comsort to his care you will be the death of the worthiest knight liuing therefore I desire you that I may be the happy Oracle to declare vnto him his happy Fortune pronounced from your sacred lips Violetta all this while stood as one amazed feeling such an excéeding throbbing at her heart that shee could not well tell what to answer at last being touched with remembring of his loue that had reapt the fruits of her virginitie she replied in this sort Gentle knight quoth she I would not willingly be any mans death if I could otherwise choose but to grant to this sute I cannot without doing another as great wrong as might be for so it is I haue already placed my affections and haue already vowed neuer to alter them whilst life doth last in me Which sodaine and resolute reply of hers Parismus much commended yet vsed many perswasions in the behalfe of Pollipus and began to demaund of her to whom she had vowed her loue vsing many intreaties that at last she said it was but a folly to aske the question for that she was resolutely determined not to declare who it was Said Parismus what would you say if I name the man wherewith Violetta blushed exceedingly and Parismus puld out of his bosome the scarfe which she had before giuen him Quoth he behold in this scarfe your self haue set down a description of your loues first comming vnto you which was the Prince of Bohemia himselfe vnto whom you presented this who leaping downe the Pallace wall slew your Fathers dogges and what kindnesse he receiued at your hands your selfe know best and since it is impossible to obtaine any recompence at his hands being wedded to the Princesse Laurana let Pollipus who in Chiualry is inferiour to none be the man that shal possesse the second roome in your good liking Violetta hearing him make so true a rehearsall of her aduenture so affirme by many reasons that it was Parismus was strooken with such a sudden feare and shame to sée her secrets disclosed that she was ready to swound with grief and knéeling down with the teares standing in her eies began to intreate him not to reueale the same to any for she was fully resolued not to loue any but him although it were Parismus and although it were impossible to attaine any fauouror recōpence at his hands I wil not quoth he reueale it to any for none but Parismus knoweth thereof who is heere present with thee wherewith hee most louingly tooke her in his armes and kissed her shee yet beeing in some doubt that it was not he vntill at the last Parismus made himselfe knowne vnto her and by such priuate tokens as she both certainely and assuredly knew that it was hee which so reioyced her heart that she most humbly vpon her knees intreated him to pardon her boldnesse and vowed neuer to loue any but himselfe which protestation so grieued him that he began to perswade her not to wrong her selfe so much for that hee was no way to breake his Wedlocke vowes to pleasure her My déere Lord quoth she if I had a thousand liues and euery life tenne thousand times dearer then this my life I would most willingly spend them in meditating on the first fruits of your kind nesse towards me Hee séeing her firme resolue could not tell what other meanes or perswasions to vse to alter her stedfast resolution but passing some time with her in that priuat talk till he saw Pollipus expected with heauie sighes his happy or vnhappy newes therefore he departed and came vnto him telling him that there was some hope of obtaining her loue vpon which comfortable spéech Pollipus still earnestly proscecuted his sute vnto Violetta who hearing that Parismus was departing towards his owne Countrey determined to aduenture her life credit to goe with him and therefore fitted her selfe in Pages Apparell which so well became her that she seemed to be the most excellentest workmanship that euer Nature had framed her sute being gréen Satten her buskings of the finest Spanish Lether fastned to her dainty legge with Christal buttons her haire wreathed with a carnation Ribbin and all things else so neate and decent vpon her delicate body that she was most comely to view and behold and so in this changeable sort apparalled shee secretly stole away from her Fathers house and soone gate to the Pallace where although there were a generall search made by Andrugios means who soone mist her and the report of her losse came to Parismus hearing yet she was not in that habite any way suspected where she continued many daies together in which time she laboured by al meanes to be
to glose with her and therefore answered Most worthy Ladie this request of yours is dangerous for me to performe for if the Lord of this Castle should any way heare thereof then would hee inflict a miserable death vpon mee as hée might well doo and also my heart is oppressed with a heauie passion of feare least these your kinde speeches should proceede of no good will but onely to trye me withall and thereby bring me in daunger being already surprised with loue of your Uertues which are such as might content a farre better man then my selfe Bellona hearing his kinde speeches and hauing priuily receiued a sweet kisse of him neither Parismus nor Adonius seeing the same was now indeede fettered in the snares of loue whereas before she intended nothing but lust and therefore resolued to obaine his loue and to worke the downefall of Druball thereby to possesse the same without any let or impediment and therefore with oathes protestations teares and vnfained vowes shee gaue him assurance of her loue which was so kindled in her adulterous breast that she would 〈◊〉 hazarded a thousand liues to possesse the same and taking her leaue of Pollipus shee went out of the Prison by a priuate Key which shee had alwaies about her promising him to returne thither about midnight when hee should haue full assurance of her loue Parismus maruelled what communication had passed betweene Bellona and Pollipus but séeing him vnwilling to vnfolde the same would demande no further of him Violetta likewise wondred why hee would not reueale the same that her heart was oppressed with such a suddaine doubt that she could not refraine from teares and getting into a corner secretly by her selfe beganne to study what might bee the cause of her long talke fearing least Pollipus heart might bee drawne by her inchauntments to some inconuenience or altered by some diuellish deuise which shee might vse likewise she beganne to call his loyalty in question which she thought was the truth indeede because hee would not reueale it for that shee thought some amorous conference had passed betweene them which thought could by no meanes passe from her minde but continued still in her carefull breast wherewith shee was much grieued and so continued all that night but when shee saw that Bellona came about the appointed time to Pollipus shee poore Soule lay in her vnquiet bed tormented with infinite cares and griefes that shee all bewette the place where shee lay with salt teares Bellona and Pollipus departed together out of the roome for she had made Druball sleep with a somniferous spel she had infused vpon his body that a mighty volly of canon shot could not haue awaked him and she being greedy of the sweet delights of Uenery hasted to the lodging where Pollipus was who expected her comming and tooke him by the hand fast locking the doore and conducted him with amorous speeches into a most goodly garden where Flora in her summer weedes was comely dect and from thence vnto a most gallaÌ„t summer house so richly adorned with precious â—…eÌ„ts that it made Pollipus admire had his paramour so wel liked him as that delightsome arbour he would haue wisht no other felicity where they were no sooner come but kindly though far from any good intent he embraced Belona in his armes who was therewith so greatly pleased that she vsed many thousand protestatioÌ„s of the loue she bore him and that it was such as she had yet neuer professed to any vowing that in requital of his kindnes she wold do any thing yea though it were to destroy Drubal and the Castle which consisted in her power Which words of hers well pleased Pollipus who hearing her say the power of that Castle wholly consisted in her had that he would haue and hauing his full liberty framed an embracement of kindnes and with all his might caught her by the cursed head and with maine force wrong a two her necke wherewith she gaue many a grieuous grone and there arose such a mighty tempest in the Garden as though legions of internall spirits had arriued there which hideous noise almost amazed the valiant knight that with all the haste he could gat out of the garden and by that time Phaebus began to â—…eautifie the earth with his splendor he was safely come vnto the place where Parismus was and by the key Bellona had which he had taken vp as being carefull thereof he entred in and lockt the doore again but the noble minded Parismus marking his gastly looks being somewhat affrighted would not question with him and poore Adonius was somewhat comforted with his presence but otherwise wonderfully perplexed in thought As soone as he was in hee walked vp and downe sadly a good space by which time came the Iaylor with their breakefast whom Pollipus presently caught hold oâ—… and with many threats compelled the villaine to vnloose all the letters from Parismus and Adonius which when hee had done hee tooke vp a bolt of Iron and beate out his braines and locking fast the doore came to Parismus and told him the whole truth that had passed between him and Bellona which when hee had declared Parismus with a thousand kind imbracings extolled that worthy acte and poore Adonius was so inwardly vexed with griefe to thinke of the iniâ—…rie she had done him by her iealous thoughts that she began to wéepe afresh and renew her former kind of sorrow which she vsed against him in accusation of her selfe These two knights thought it not good in this time of need to vse delay but finding the bunche of keies the Iailor carried about him and fitting themselues with such weapons as the place yeelded being the longest bolt of iron issued out of that place into the Court where they saw no creature stiring at length they espied two or three of Drubals seruants who no sooner saw these two knights but with open exclamations they ranne towards Drubal and they with all the haste they could followed them and at the very entrance in at a doore slew two of them and the third yeelded himselfe promising if they would saue his life he would diâ—…ect them to the place where Druball was and also helpe them to Armour Upon which condition he brought them into a mighty large roome where they beheld many braue and rich Armours being the Armour of such Knights as were imprisond and destroyed in that Castle and befitted themselues with the best they could choose for they knew they should haue occasion to vse the same and by that time they were armed they heard a great noise and muttering of people for Druballs somniferous spell was ended and hee missing Bellona and hearing the cries of his seruants fearing some treason caused his Larumme Bell to be rung and presently they were gathered to him a hundred of his seruants With which noise these knights well armed came out into the Court whom Druball no sooner espied but he caused his men to assâ—…ult
Antiochus is liuing and in good health for since our comming into this countrey we haue bin preserued from famishment by his courteous meanes and to morrow so please it you my deare friend Pollipus and my selfe wil conduct you vnto the place of his aboad At which words the Queen her daughter two Sons were so reuiued with exceeding ioy assuredly beleeuing his words that with many thanks courtesies they prostrated themselus before these worthy knights that had euery way brought them happy newes where many other spéeches passed betwixt them till by the nights approach they all betooke themselues to their rest within those Tents where all things were orderly prouided by Drubals seruants and they quietly rested vntill the next morning Adonius stil being Pollipus bedfellow who was now grown into such admiration of the splendor of his splendant Uertues that the resolued rather to die a thousand deaths then to lose one iote of his loue which by many infallible tokens she knew to be so loyall that no thought of chance could take roote in his constant heart and indeed so it was For Pollipus was so feruently affectioned â—…o her loue that although hee knewe not what was become of her and at her last being in her Fathers house had from her selfe receiued a flatte deniall yet hee determined after that Parismus had againe recouered Laurana to spend the rest of his daies search of her who was more priuie to his actions then he was aware off The next morning Parismus early came to visit the Queene where after some salutations they departed towards the caue where olde Antiochus was who hearing no newes of these Knights was fully perswaded that they were imprisoned by Druball as many had beene before and therefore was now out of al hope of hearing any good newes by their returne and gaue himselfe to his former austere kinde of life and being in the midst of a sorrowfull meditation he suddainly beheld Parismus Pollipus within his Caue comming towards him whom at the first he knew not By reason whereof hee was attainted with such a deadly feare as if had beene attached by his enemie Druball but with a more attentiue aspect beholding these Knigâ—…ts he knew them and with great ioy reioiced at their prosperous returne My Lord quoth Parismus we haue by the Diuine prouidence and the vertue of the worthy Pollipus destroied that wicked Drubal and the Inchantresse Bellona whilest they continued this talke the Queene and her Children being guided by Adonius entred the Caue who no sooner saw her Lord Antiochus but presently she knew the forme of his countenance though much altered by age and vpon her knee saluted him who kindly tooke her vp requiring to know why shee vsed such reuerence to him Parismus séeing that he knew her not told him that shee was his Quéene children came to visit him Wherewith Antiochus with thousand kisses and embracings welcommed them that it delighted the Knights to behold their exceeding ioy in which salutation they continued to their mutuall comforts a good space and at last departed towards their tents In which iourney Parismus vnfolded the whole manner of their aduenture and how by the wisdome of Pollipus they attained the coÌ„quest of that Hellish Castle where they continued some daies spending the time in great ioy After their troubles in the Inchaunted Castle were ended Parismus began to renue the remembrance of his lost Laurana by seeing the ioy these parted friends enioyed by their happie meeting that he could not be quiet but began to cenfâ—…rre with Pollipus how to get shipping to goe in search of his beloued Princesse Therefore they came both vnto old Antiochus to aske his deuise therein who tolde them that since it was their desire to depart he would vse all the meanes he could to purchase their content and therefore went toward the sea side where stood a goodly Towne being sometimes the chiefest of that Countrey and there determined to make his abode and to séeke traffique amongst other Nations as in times past where the King dwelt many daies hauing some two hundred to inhabite the same Citie being such as were seruants to Druball and prisoners in the Castle where he caused his flagges of truce to be hung out which was a token vnto such as passed by that there they might safely arriue without daunger In this place Parismus and Pollipus remained in good hope to get passage many daies Where wee will for a season leaue them to declare what happened to Laurana CHAP. XXII How Andramart finding no hope of Lauranaes fauour committed her to the custodie of Adamasia his sister How Laurana was deliuered of a goodly Boye and named him Parismenos The miserable life Laurana indured and how Parismenos Nurse saued him from death which was intended by Adamasia LAurana all this while remained in the Iland of Rocks kindely intreated as is before rehearsed by Andramart who was surprised with such desire to obtaine her fauour that it was a griefe to him at any time to sée her sadde and on a time he came vnto her being in her Chamber accompanied by Leda her Maide and hauing obtained her consent vttered these spéeches Most beautifull Lady said hée I beseech you shew some fauour vpon poore Andramart who languisheth with desire of your loue you sée that now you are in my power it were but folly for you to séeme so scornefull and so slightly to regard my profered loue wheras I might if I pleased inflict some gréeuous punishment vpon you thereby to compell your consent but you likewise sée that my minde is not bent to any cruelty but I haue euer since your arriuall humbly sued and intreated your friendship which I estéeme more déere then my life Here shal you abide in great quiet and pleasure not subiect vnto any but shall be chiefe Gouernour of this Castle my self and all that is mine Diuine Lady if you wil graunt me loue I le haue you clad in costly robes and Damask vestures imbost with diamonds and the richest burnisht golde perfumed with Camsire Bisse and Syrian swéete perfumes a hundreth Uirgins clad in purple shal daily attend thy person as many swéete recording Instruments shall bring thy sences to their quiet sléepe Thy foode shall be the precious delicates of the world they drinke more costly then Nectar and Ambrosia my selfe will be obedient at thy call and all my seruants shall bow at thy command If all this will not purchase thy sweet content I will prepare a sumptuous Chariot made of the purest gold wherein thou shalt be drawn by kings along the pleasant fields of this Countrey whereas the euening aire shall breath a coolenesse farre more sweeter then Ambergreece vpon thy crimson cheeks and make thy splendant beauty shine like the purple Pallace of Hyperion when hee leaues Aurora blushing in her bedde whereby all creatures shall admire thy excellency All this and ten thousand times more will I performe to delight your
assurance of his Sisters safety and his owne happy Fortune to haue so fit an occasion to rid himselfe from bondage hee euer after indeuoured by all dutifull means to grow further into his good fauour Parismus and Laurana remaining in happie and peaceable contentednesse by meanes of theyr good successe hauing respite to viewe others griefes began to note the sadde countenance of Pollipus which before they did not marke which caused Parismus suspect that his olde Sore was not cured which was his Loue to Violetta wherein hee aymed aright for Pollipus seeing his trauells for Laurana were at an ende beganne to desire to heare some newes of Violetta And though there was no likelyhood fore him to attaine her Loue yet the extreamitie of his affections were such that hee thought he could no way content himselfe better then to spend the rest of his life in her seruice still purposing according to a most noble and constant Resolution neuer to desist from shewing the true zeale he bare to purchase her fauour Oftentimes hee could spend many houres in secrete complaintes and Protestations of his true and loyall Loue wherin according to the humours of Loue-sicke people hée thought hee did in some measure ease his heart Which behauiour of his Violetta well noting as beeing infected with the selfe-same disease would oftentimes interrept him in his sadde Lamentations with such conceytes that Pollipus woondered to sée such wisdome in a Boy but by reason that shee was taken to be no other then a Boy he entred into no déeper consideration of her actions In the silent Night time Violetta did with such kindnesse affect his complaintes that when hée sighed shée likewise sighed and if hée chanced at any time to complaine of his hard Fortune Violetta would as often blesse the happie time and houre when shee first saw him and that shee was so happie to be beloued of so honourable a Knight The variable difference of whose Ioyes were contrarie For Pollipus little thinking his Violetta had bene so néere him continually spent his time in heauinesse not being any way able to comfort himselfe with any hope of attayning his wished desire being eftsoones terrified with the remembrance of her last doome and deniall to his sute as also the manifolde mischaunces that might befall her or that shee hadde so wilfully thrust herselfe into with a thousand other displeasant thoughtes sufficient enough to discourage anie from presuming vpon any good successe By meanes whereof hee continually remained in most heauie and sadde Estate still deuising how to ease his heart of that care it endured wherein hee greatly excelled in constancie the fickle and wandring thoughtes of diuerse which are discouraged from persisting in theyr first Resolutions for euery small discomâ—…ture Violettaes Ioyes were as excéeding as his sorrowes were extreame For â—…hee behelde continually behelde the constancie that raigned in his heart to her wards the noble gifts wherewith his minde was indued the comlines of his goodly proportion which might well please a curious Ladyes eye his vnconquered Ualour and prowesse whereby hee atchieued incredible victories with great Fame the friendship and courteous behauiour that abundantly flowed from his gentle hart wherby it was apparant that hee did not disdaine the meanest persons Besides hearing the continuall complaints hée made of her hard sentence and the constancie of his Resolution for that he determined to spend his life in her seruice and all the pleasure shée tooke in his company being neuer from him in the day time and his Bedfellow in the night that she was priuy to all his actions vsing many kindnesses which he full little thought procéeded from such affection And nothing déeming Violetta had bene so priuie to all his Cogitations though shée poore soule neuer touched his bodie but with a trembling feare remembring her owne Nakednes still vsing such a Modest kinde of bashfulnesse in her actions as if many Eyes had beene priuie to her Disguise and watchfully noted her behauiour wherewith her ioyes continued in such a secrete content as is not to be expressed And one night when she hadde shrowded her selfe within the Bed as Pollipus lay tossing and tumbling by reason of the restlesse thoughtes hee endured In the midst of his heauinesse Violetta pittying his sorrowes and to drawe him from remembring them vttered these spéeches Syr knight qd she I maruell what passion that is which so distempereth your quiet Sleepes and if my talke be not offensiue vnto you I beseeche you make mee acquainted with the same for in all my life time I neuer beheld the like in anie man Poore Boy qd Pollippus it were but follie for mee to expresse that to thée whereof thou canst not iudge for that thy yeares are not of sufficiencie to entertaine such diuine cogitations Diuine qd shee Can diuine cogitations so distemper mens wits Yea quoth Pollipus for Loue is a diuine and heauenly gift and Loue it is that so tormenteth mee Not that I Loue but that I am not beloued againe For in Thessalie I loued a Damsell named Violetta whose excellent Beautie and vertuous gifts haue so inthralled my Senses that I feare me Boy it will be to mée a cause of perpetuall heauinesse Whose absence is cause of my griefe and not onely that she is absent but that I knowe not where to beholde her Attractiue beautie for euen at my comming from Thessalie she was I know not by what misaduenture missing to my great sorrowe in whose continuall search I am determined to spende the rest of these my wearysome dayes It is very much mee thinkes quoth shée that you will so much regarde her good that hath showne her selfe so discourteous towards you and surely you are not of my minde in that you will take such paines to finde her out and in the ende peraduenture reape nothing but disdaine for your good will For it is likely shee hath made choyce of some other Knight not so worthy to be beloued as your selfe with whom shee is departed Then why will you hazarde your person in the daungers incident to trauell and spend your time in purchasing nothing but your owne discontent Well replyed Pollipus howsoeuer I am rewarded a thousand more perills then I can imagine shall not discourage me For were I but so happie as once to finde her then would I commit the rest to my good Fortune which shal be sufficient if I can but once againe make my Loue knowne to her that shée may haue some further triall of my seruice If shée should not regard you qd she according to your hearts content I should account her the most discourteous Lady liuing and were I in her case I would indure a thousand deaths rather then shewe my selfe ingratefull to so honourable and kind a friend and because I would see the issue of your loue I desire you that I may be partaker with you in your Trauells For though I am altogether vnworthie to be estéemed of you yet if you
would vouchsafe mee that kindenesse I would both shewe my selfe dutifull and diligent and also rest continually bound vnto you for the same And thus farre I presume though my wordes may séeme ridiculous that if euer you méeto Violetta she will yeelde vnto your iust sute for I know Violetta well and haue bene better acquainted with her thoughts then I was worthy of though shee now hath forsaken her Fathers house and hath absented her selfe I know not for what occasion Pollipus hearing the Pages wordes smiled to thinke how farre it was from his power and yet how kinde he was to put him in such comfort Gramercies qd hee for thy good will and if euer I méete Violetta I shall be willing to yéeld thée recompence for thy kindnesse Then qd she set your hart at rest and trouble not your selfe with those cares but liue in hope of some better successe for my minde perswadeth mee that you shall find Violetta safely returned at your arriuall in Thessaly and if you find it not so then neuer hereafter credit my words for I haue already hadde triall of the euent of my presaging thoughts that I haue oftentimes found things fall out euen according as I haue before déemed Pollipus hearing the boyes speeches at the first tooke them as spoken of course but being drawne into a déeper consideration of all his former qualities beganne to make a doubt whether he should repose any credite in them or no that his heart euen with those speeches yet in his fancie bearing no shewe of likelyhood was somewhat reuiued and therefore determined to make tryall of the boyes diuination such vertue had Violettas speeches that they wrought an expected euent of perswasion in the heart of the Loue-sicke Pollipus who was easily drawne to yeelde conceit of any comfort because hee thought Violetta might be still in Thessalie and so the Pages wordes prooued true The rest of that night they past in slumbring Sleepe The next morning Pollipus came to Parismus Chamber with a far more cheerefull countenance then hee was woont which caused them maruell at his sudden alteration and afterwards they spent some few dayes in great pleasure and in the meane time made prouision for theyr departure towardes Thessalie committing the gouernment of the Castle vnto two of Andramarts Seruants taking their oath to yéelde the same to Parismus againe vpon his demaunds leauing all the rest likewise so highly contented as that they account his arriuall the best good fortune that euer befell them The rest that had bene Prisoners there departed euery one that way that liked them best Parismus finding the wind lye conuenient for their passage hoysed saile himselfe being in Barzillus ship with Pollipus and Laurana hauing in his companie thrée other ships laden with excéeding riches and treasure such as Andramarts Pyrates had taken at sea and made towardes the desolate Iland according to the promise past to Antiochus where within fewe dayes the winde and weather fauouring them they safely arriued where they were most honourable and louingly welcommed by the king and Quéene especially by the kings two sonnes and daughter who admired the wonderfull beautie of Laurana accounting the trauailes those knights indured worthily spent to redéeme such and so vertuous a Lady CHAP. XXII How Freneta was exceedingly in loue with Pollipus who remembring his loue to Violletta shunned her companie and how Freneta after his departure desperately ended her life PArismus Pollipus and Laurana soiourned many daies in the Desolate Iland in great ioy and myrth till their heartes began to desire the sight of their natiue countries wherefore they appointed their time of departure within one moneth which greeued Freneta to heare off for that she was farre in loue with Pollipus vnto whome shee vsed many kinde kindnesses thereby to giue him knowledge of her affections but so farre was his heart from thinking of any other loue then Violetta that hée neuer noteâ—… the extraordinarie kindnesse she vsed to him which on the other side caused Freneta to encrease the heate of her affections more and more But in the end séeing him so little to regarde her nor scarce at all to entertaine her courtesie with good lookes shée determined though it might be some blemish to her modestie to manifest her affection to him which shée presently effected for finding him walking alone attended onely by Adonius shée came into the Gallerie where hée was kindely saluting him as though shée would passe by But Pollipus finding himselfe idle thought to entertaine the time a while in some conference with her and as kindely saluting her said Faire Lady may I bée so bolde as to stay your iourney or if your bustnesse be not great vouchsafe me your companie that am alone Sir replied she my businesse is not ouer great therefore I am the willingler to stay especially to beare you companie vnto whom I am much bound and a greater fauour then my companie would I graunt so that it stood with my honour to fulfill therefore this liberall proffer I make vnto you whome I knowe will request nothing but that which is vertuous that if in any conuenient sort I may doe the thing which may pleasure you it shall bee your fault if you haue not the same I thanke you hartily quoth Pollipus and if I should be vngratefull vnto you for this your kindenesse I should doo much amisse And for such desert in me as you speake of I knowe none at all but it is your aboundant Courtesie that vouchsafeth me such fauour which I knowe not how to requite neither can I be so bolde as to bring my selfe further into your debt vntill I haue by my indeuours laboured to shew my selfe thankefull for that which you haue alreadie graunted Manie other spéeches past betwixt them which if Pollipus had diligently marked he might easile haue séene the loue Frenetta bare him but he hauing his deuotions vowed to another saint perceiued it not which none else but himself would easily haue discerned Which stil increased her burning affection that at last fearing to misse the fit meanes was offered by so sweete oportunitie taking him by the hand withdrawing to a window that lookt into a pleasant garden with a blushing countenance she vttered these spéeches Sir knight contrarie to the maner of modest maideÌ„s I am compelled to hazard the reuealing of the which may turn to my disshonor vnles it please your vertuous wisdom to giue a fauorable censure of my good meaning which I am constrained to do as procured thereto by the short abode you determine to make in my fathers Court as also for that I sée your mind caÌ„not conceiue thereof without I my selfe make demonstration of the same Wherefore most noble knight relying vpoÌ„ your vnderstaÌ„ding that loue hath seized my heart with a desire to be loued of you againe which maketh me manifest the thing that modestie wils me to conceale Therfore I desire you to vse that charitable opinion of me as
that my honor may no way be misconceited and my gréefe relieued which I would neuer haue vttered but that I shall for euer heareafter be banisht your heauenly company the affection I beare you being such that vnlesse you pittie my estate your deparâ—…re will bée the shortening of my dayes and my restlesse sorrow thereby augmented in such sort that I shall for euer remaine in heauinesse Pollipus hearing her spéeches was halfe astonied and now calling to mind her former behauiour well vnderstood that her kindnesse procéeded from the affection she had vttered that of a sodain he could not tell what answere to make her that might in some measure quiet her minde and ridde himselfe from discourtesie Uertuous Lady quoth hée I sée that I am more beholding vnto you then I either expected or haue deserued being sorry that you haue placed your affectioÌ„ on him that had not recompenst your kindnes by any merit one that is altogether vnworthy to be so higly esteemed at your hands but lady as I am now in no measure able to yéeld you the thankes that I would so I trust hereafter my vngratefulnesse shal not cause you repent your kindnes At which instant Laurana by occasion entred the gallerie by means whereof they left off their speeches to salute her of whose comming Pollipus was glad and a while companied them in such communication as occasion offered Violetta all this while had well noted Frenetas behauior towards Pollipus and listned to their talke which strooke a sodaine feare into her minde least her spéeches might mooue Pollipus to yéelde to her desire for that shée was very beautifull besides that the daughter of a king that euer after she grewe into an extreame ielousie of her that Pollipus could neuer in all the time of his abode there be in any place but shée would still attend him that he wondred at the pages diligent attendance which procéeded not from the lawfull dutie of a seruant as he supposed but from the faithful loue of a friend Pollipus hauing left Freneta with Laurana in the gallerie got to his lodging to meditate of Frenetas rash motions and distemperate loue and the manifolde inconueniences that might arise thereby as well to call his honour in questions for that it would bée thought it was procured by his perswasions as also for that it seemed shée was growne to that desperatenes in loue that vnlesse shée might inioy the thing shée desired it would much indanger her selfe and rather then hée would thinke a thought to violate his vowed loyaltie to Violetta himselfe would indure death For Violetta though she were no Kings daughter yet by reason of her excéeding beautie she was much spoken of in Thebes and nothing inferiour to Freneta in gifts of minde the remembrance of whose perfections together with his loue hadde so much bounde him in the inuiolable bonds of true friendship to his first beloued that for euer after hée eschued all occasions to come in Frenetaes sight but still kept company with Parismus vnto whom hée vnfolded the whole circumstance of that which had passed betwéene him and Freneta which when Parismus vnderstood he told him that she was an honourable Lady and that in his opinion he should do her wrong to reiect her loue which should proceede from a vertuous inclination vsing manie perswasions to that effect Which when Pollipus heard hee saide My Lord I cannot so much wrong my deere Violetta as so soone to yeelde ouer my fancy to loue another and forget her perfections in whose seruice I haue vowed to spend the rest of my life Then good my Lord do not so much iniurie that vertuous maiden who in Thessalie hath so much honored you for I will neuer yeeld to loue any but her most worthie selfe so long as my life both last Parismus then answered frend Pollipus I would not any way wrong Violetta nor your selfe if I saw any likelihood that you should euer see her againe and yet so much I commende your resolution as that I shall euer extoll those honourable parts that rule your heart where by I my selfe haue beene preserued and obtaine the height of all felicitie neither do I vtter any worde to alter your affection from Violetta but to make triall of your vertues which still continue perfect And since our abode in this place may againe turne to our disparagement and hinderance I will by all meanes possible hasten our departure towardes Thessalie whereby by good happe you may finde the partie that withholdeth your happie ioyes vnto whom I will vse all the perswasions I can to purchase your content And also during our staying here I will labour all that I can to stay the rash increase of Frenetaes loue Adonius standing and hearing their spéeches and much a doo to refraine from teares which melted in his tender heart to see the kindnesse of these two friends and the care they tooke to finde her in Thessalie who was continually in their presence Pollipus euer after shunned all occasions that Frenetta most earnestly sought to haue some further conference with him but when she plainly saw that he nothing regarded her loue but still eschewed her companie she fell into such heauinesse and set the greefe therof so neere her heart that in short time she grew so weake that she kept her Chamber not once vttering to any the cause of her sadnesse though her parents earnestly laboured to know the same which turned their ioy into care and their former pleasure into he aninesse Pollipus hauing knowledge thereof would neuer come at her vntill the verie day of their departure and choosing a conuenieÌ„t time when she was alone onely attended by a damosell hee entred her Chamber she no sooner espied him but her poore heart began to leape for ioy expecting some kindnesse but Pollipus taking her by the hands saide Courteous Lady I am at length come to your presence to satisfie your mind for that which I would haue you to know Your loue to me that am vnworthy thereof and the little account I seeme to make of the same hath brought you to that weakenesse you remaine in which if so it be I am most heartily sorrie but for that I am now departing this countrey I would now satifie you in any thing I could therefore I intreate you to mitigate the extremity of your passions which I cannot salue for that long since I vowed my seruice vnto a Lady in Thessalie vnto whom I am bound by many inuiolable bonds of passed promises neither can I be disloyal to her without impeachment of mine honour which is the only Iewell I most estéeme then let me perswade you to abstaine from louing him that cannot shew himselfe so kind as he would and you deserue but banish from your minde all good conceit or opinion of me that must against my will be ingrateful and if in any other sort I may do the thing with hazard of my life that may content you I
before her that with as much spéede as shee could shee ranne quite out of the Woodde but yet not setting eye on him the night approaching shée was drawne into an exdéeding feare of his welfare and her owne daunger For to goe backe by the Wood she durst not fearing least shée might againe méete the Furious Beast and to goe further shée thought it in vaine for she saw no likelyhood hée was come out of the Woodde and there what with griefe and wearinesse shée sate downe vpon a banque encombred and ouerwhelmed with a thousand cares and giuing her minte some respit to ponder on her miserable estate for feare of her most déere Knights daunger she entered into such heauie plaints and lamentations that euen the very woods and meddowes whereinto she was wandred seemed to impart her sorrowes yéeld pittie to her cries scorching fighes At which very instant I knowe not by what vnluckie destinie Archas the cruel so called for his cruell tiranny came to the hearing of her lamentations and drwing nigh to her demaunded her cause or sorrow Sir knight quoth shée I am a stranger that lately came â—…om Thessalie with the Prince of this Countrie and this day comming into these woods with my Lord husband Pollipus a mighty Beare encountred vs whom he pursuing I haue â—…ost and am wandred hither not knowing whâ—…h way to retire Archas all this while well noting her excéeding beautie and swéet deliuery of spéech the gratious moouing and disposition of her eyes which had power to pierce millions of hearts felt such an inward effect of transitorie confusion in himselfe that he resolued hauing so fit oportunitie offered him to trie his wittes to win her loue or exercise by that meanes some reuenge against Parismus whom he mortally hated vttering these spéeches Most swéete Ladie my heart is so much tormented to sée the sorrow you néedlesly make for no doubt your Knight is in safetie pleaseth it you to accept of my seruice my seruants shall guard you to the Bohemian Court where you shall find him and my selfe will searche the Wood to giue him knowledge of your returne Violetta kindly thanked him for his courtesie who presently mounted her behinde one of his seruants giuing them â—…ete warning to conuey her to his owne Castle which was scituate in the mountaine himselfe tooke her Scarffe which he said he wold deliuer vnto Pollipus as a token that shée was in safetie wherewith he departed back into the Wood and tare the same into many peeces heere scattering one and there confusedly casting an other with all hast rode an other way to his Castle All which was effected before any of the Bohemian Knightes were come by which meanes their diligent search was al in vaine which draue Pollipus to such an extacie of sorrow that he was almost mad whom Parismus comforted with many perswasions vntill Pollipus vttered these spéeches My louing L. neuer shall quiet possesse this brest rest giue case to my body nor sléepe refresh my sences vntill I haue found my beloued whose loue is my life whose safetie is my welfare whose quiet is my chiefest content At which very instant came Tellamor bringing the torne scarffe which Archas hadde strewed which when Pollipus beheld a chill colde dispearst through all his vaines and his vitall breath began to leaue his troubled brest and all his fences forgat their wonted vse Which when Parismus behelde hée caught him in his armes saying Most noble knifiht where is now your patieÌ„ce wherewith you wontedly endured extremities no doubt for all this Violetta is in health onely wandred out of the way gotten â—…o some house where we shall heare of her to morrow then comfort your selfe and be not thus ouercome with griefe for be you assured nâ—… harme hath betide her O my Lord quoth hee my vertuous Violetta my constant friend the most truest loue that euer wretch inioyed is perished What comfort what quiet what rest what content what respit or what ease can I giue to my troubled minde since she is fallen into decay shee most purest most sweetest most kindest and truest Lady that euer liued how can I recouer this lesse how can I plague my selfe sufficiently for my misdeeds these woods condemne me her ghost accuseth mée and all the world will hate mée miserie wayteth my steps sorrow pincheth my heart griefe compelleth me and care inforceth mée to be thus impatient Whilest I stand here she may be in danger whilest I am negligent the wilde beasts may deuoure her body then stay me me not for I am resolued eyther to finde her or loose my selfe and therewith in a great furie flung into the Woodde Parismus séeing his sorrowe and this mishap stoode like one in a traunce not knowing how or which way to remedie the least of these euils and in that most sad and heauie estate returned to the Court with his heauie newes which turned all their ioy into heauinesse especially Laurana and all in generall that had knowledge of Violettas vertues made great lamentation for her losse CHAP. II. How Violetta arriued at Archas Castle and what befell to Pollipus afterwards ARchas seruants with great spéede hasted towards their Maisters Castle and soone arriued there before whose comming their Maister had caused all thinges to bée prepared in good order for Violettaes entertainment who béeing entred the perceiued her selfe to bée in a strange place which draue her into an extreame feare and enquiring of them why they had not conueyed her to the Bohemian court they told her being instructed before that they had mistaken their Maisters meaning and withal intreated her to pardon them also to be a meanes to pacifie his wrath whom they were assured would bée greately offended with them Which words of theirs altered that feare and added some little comfort to her minde Presently two Gentlewomen welcommed her with great courtesie comforting perswading and intising her to remit all care vntill Archas returne whom they assured was so honourable and vertuous a knight as shee needed not any way doubt of his diligence There was great store of â—…licates prouided for her which seemed more loathsome then gall to her sight Long they séemed to stay for Archas returne who absented himselfe to colour his treacherie but when in a great while hée came not they intreated her to taste of that meate which was prouided they saide for his supper But she poore soule could not eate one bit but all things séemed to be hatefull their sweete Musicke harsh their courteous entertainment rude and barbarous and that well adorned place more lochsom then a prison nothing but care and griefe could take place in her vnquiet brest After supper they brought her to a most pleasant chamber where all things were most neatly prouided comforting her with many perswasions that Archas was at the Bohemian Court to expect her comming and by reason of the nights approach could not come back that night but should early
short time expelled that roncor and they that before were his enemies began to make good estimation of him his fame began to spread it selfe in most parts of Thrace and all that euer behelde him grew into admiration of his strength accōpanied with such bewtie as his youth yéelded that had they not knowne the contrarie by his prowesse they would haue taken him for some disguised La-Ly Whilest the knight of Fame remained in Amasenus court the King of Thrace appointed a generall triumph to be heldfor certaine daies the occasion whereof is this He had one onely daughter named Phylena whose beautie was inferiour to none and her gifts of nature were such as made her much spoken of in many countries insomuch that many knightes came as sutors to obtaine her loue but she had secretly betrothed her selfe to Remulus one of the knights of her fathers court without her parents consent by meanes of whose beautie the Court of Thrace was full of gallant knights that sought her lone that the King was much troubled in minde how to bestow her and séeing that she did not fancie one more than another he appointed a general triumph to be held for seuen daies and whosoeuer bare away the prize the last day shuld marry his daughter Intending thereby to ende his doubt and care that way thinking that though his daughter had not a rich and Princely husband yet shee should haue a valiant Champion to defend the price of her beautie Amongst the rest of the Knights there was Guido who had long time sued to obtayne her Loue who now reioyced at this Decrée hoping by his valor to beare away the Bride There was Trudamor of Candie who thought none equall to him in strength and therefore none more forward against the time of the appointed triumph There was Drio of Scicil who had sayled from his owne Countrey thither who likewise by his strength at seuerall times slue thrée Lyons who came with resolution to winne Phylena for his Wife And many other Knightes of high account The report of this great Triumph came to to the knowledge of the Knight of Fame whose minde was kindled with an earnest desire to goe thither that he requested Amasenus consent who being desirous any way to pleasure him gaue him sufficient Coyne to furnish him of all things fit for such an attempt Who caused a most rich Armour of gréene to be made shadowed with Trées of golde presenting a Forrest In his shielde he bare this deuise A naked man leading a Lyon with this Motto vnderneath Ouergone with Discontent Wherein the expert Artsman had so cunningly imitated his Fancie that a man by his Armour and shielde might easily vnderstand his meaning The appointed time of Triumphe drawing nigh Amasenus with a gallant troupe of Knightes amongst whome the Knight of Fame was chiefe came to the Thracian Court whome the King honourably receiued Amasenus hauing don homage to che King pitched his Tent without the Court-Gates vpon a little hill hard by the appointed place for Triumph where likewise hard by him were the Tents of Guido Trudamor Drio and the three valiant knightes of Candie Tristramus Tennulus and Babulus in whose companie were a number of valiant knights that came thither Some to make tryall of theyr valour and some of purpose to winne the faire Phylena Likewise there were the Tents of the young King of Arragon who came accompanied with a number of valiant knights hoping to beare away the Prize that all the Plains were filled with Tents There might you see knights breaking staues practising themselues against the day of Triumph Here might you see others recreating themselues in Martiall exercises there might you heare the Neighing of Horses clattering of Armour cracking of staues and such companies of Knights assembled as if the richest prize had bene appointed for reward Whilest these things were acting Phylena was in great care for Remulus whome she loued so dearely that rather then shee would part with him she would endure any misery whatsoeuer who likewise addressed himself to trie his Fortune amongst the test And the day before the Triumphe Phylena secretly getting opportunitie to speake with him gaue him this assurance of her constancie My deare Loue qd shee since my Father hath decréed this publicke Triumph for the bestowing of mee in Marriage because amongst so many Knightes as haue sought my Loue I haue Affianced my selfe to none of them but haue chosen you as the chiefest Load-starre of my life and Loue be you yet assured that though Fortune may allot me to be anothers by Conquest yet none but your selfe shall enioy my Loue and though another may challenge mee by right of my Fathers decree yet none but your selfe shall haue true interest in mee And rather then I will yeelde to like of any Knights loue but yours I will endure either death or any other torment shall be inflicted vpon mee for you are the Knight that shall conquer my Loue you haue by courtesie woonne my Loue and you shall weare it Nor King nor Knight shall robbe me of that which I haue giuen to you Then be not you discomforted or any way disquieted but trye your Fortune amongst the rest and Fate may happily allot you the Conquest as well as any other Remulus hearing his Ladyes constant Resolution was ouercome with exceeding ioy resoluing to aduenture as much as any to attayne the desired Conquest and Solacing himselfe so long as theyr stolne time would permitte in her companie beeing by necessitie compelled they parted The next Morning the King of Thrace accompanyed by a number of Personages of Estate brought foorth the beautifull and faire Ladie Phylena most richly adorned with costly Ornamentes wearing vpon her head a Crowne of golde attended by an hundreth Damzells clad in white and seated her on a Scaffolde in the open view of all the Knights there assembled whose harts were enamoured with the sweet attainte of her shining Beautie and theyr courages reuiued with the hope of so rich and precious a Prize Amongst the rest there was the Lorde Remulus whose heart was opprest with distrustfull care to see the Ladie hee most estemed and his secret protested loue set as a Prize to wring him from his possession yet comforted by her faithfull promise he tooke great felicitie to see that Beautie made famous which he made account to enioy The Knight of Thrace beganne the Triumph and the first that entred the Listes was Andreas who was at two Courses vnhorsed by Cleanthea who continued Conquerour by the ouerthrowe of manie Knightes vntill Bubulus one of the thrée Brethren of Candie with violence draue him from his horse and burst one of his ribbes Bubulus vnhorsed many Knightes afterwardes both of Thrace and other straunge Countreys and in the ende was vnhorsed himselfe by Remulus who behaued himselfe so valiantly in the sight of the Princes that by the foyle of many knights he ended that dayes Triumph to his exceeding honour resting
content to beholde the same Which ended Pollipus with great kindenesse saluted Clarina and hauing not yet satisfied his Fancie with ioy of Violettaes Welcome Sight and sweete presence he led her aside delighting in each others company with inexplicable content Which sorted to Tellamors desire Whose heart was inflamed with Louesburning fire that comming to Clarina with a submisse gesture tooke her by the precious bande saying Most vertuous Ladye How happie are those that enioy such content as these two louers embrace Which maketh mée estée me my selfe vnfortunate that haue not yet tasted those delights but haue bene tormented with Louers restles desire neither could I euer settle my Fancie to entertaine that diuine Deitie vntill I behelde your Beauty which hath tyed my heart in the strickt bands of Loues obseruance which hath seized my hart with vnwoonted Passions procured by the entire affections of my earnest deuotion to your perfections that I humblie sue to your courtesie for pittie to my cares beseeching you to conceiue aright of my meaning and to moderate my grifes with the sweet salue of your clemency I presume thus boldly to commit my passions to your remembrance procured by my restlesse desire to be acceptable in your sight I cannot beast of loyalty because hitherto you haue had no triall of my truth nor any cause to commend my desert because the want of meanes to be imploied hath kept me from performing any such duties but I protest and promise as much as any true heart dare affirme or the constantest friend may performe therefore I beseech you sweet Mistresse grant your seruant some fauour wherewith to comfort his poore heart which hath deuoted it selfe euerlastingly to your obedience Clarina hearing his speeches hauing before growne into some good liking of them and hauing some sparkes of infant loue kindled in her breast and beeing somewhat willing to yeeld to loues assault yet doubting his constancy made this answer Good seruant what further fauour doe you require then that which I haue already granted For such passions as you speake of I know not what they are and withall I thinke such sudden loue cannot proceed from any firme foundation neither could I wish you to make any such protestations or promises to mee that am neither worthy thereof nor expect any such beeing the ordinary speeches of light Louers with which I pray trouble not my quiet sences for it cannot pleasure you to disturbe my cogitation with loues vanities when you your selfe are farthest off from the least respect of loyalty therefore as I haue vouchsafed you the fauour which with modesty I can afford I pray râ—…st contented therewith I but deare Mistresse quoth hee loue which you terme vanity is of such power that it bringeth the free mindes subiects to her obedience who hath taken such full possession of my heart that no misery or torment can remoue the same then I beseech you impute not me to be one of them that entertaine loue of custome but let your clemencie conceiue a better opinion of my sute which is grounded vpon the firmest foundation of perfect loialty and though I confesse the fauour which you haue alrearie granted me is more then I haue deserued or euer shall be able to requite yet extend your courtesie so farre as to consider of my Affection that it may mooue your gentle heart to yéelde me Loue Foor otherwise I assure you my life without that will be but grieuous and my sorrowes so excéeding that in the ende you will repent the crueltie you vsed but I trust your Uertues will not containe such rigour but according to the courteous Pietie that aboundeth in your gentle heart you will yéelde my humble Request Which shall both shewe your pittie and binde mee to you in all bondes of perfect Constancie Clarina thus Answered him againe Well Seruant your requests pierce so déepe into my breast that I promise you this further fauour that according as I â—…de your deserts I will giue credite to your speeches and in the meane time take this comfort that none shall remgue my good liking from you vntill my selfe finde you false Tellamor hearing the sweete content of those Nectar-breathing Wordes ended the rest of his spéech vppen her Lippes Which Pollipus nor Violetta had no time to take notice of being themselues euery way delighted with as swéete content And afterwardes comming all together they went into the Castle delighting eache in others swéete companie especially Clarina began to conceiue such good liking of her seruant Tellamor that she tooke no other felicitie but onely in his sight Where Pollipus declared to Clarina their happy victory and how that it was Maderaes will she should depart with them to Brandamors Castle Which shee willingly yéelded vnto the rather thereby to enioy Tellamors companie and so the Night approching Pollipus and his sweet Violetta betooke themselues to their rest and Tellamor and Clarina to theyr seuerall lodgings Whose heartes wisht themselues the like happy content they knewe the other two should enioy iâ—… their Honour would haue permitted them Early the next Morning the departed towards the Forrest of Arde being accompanyed by twenty trustie Seruants belonging to Clarina passing away the time in many delightfull speeches Two of Clarinas Seruants by occasion stayd behinde the rest of their companie and as they were newly entred the Forrest they espyed the Gyant Brandamor crossing the way Which draue them into such feare that like men beâ—…traught of their Wits they fledde from him Brandamor séeing that pursued them vntill hee ouertooke one of them and slue him the other making the more haste ouertooke his Companie being so affrighted that for a good space he could not vtter his minde Which draue them all into an admiration Afterwards breathing he said that the Gyant Brandamor was aliue and had slaine one of his fellowes Pollipus hearing his spéeches Wondred whence they should procéede for that hée and all the rest thought the Gyant had beene drowned wherein they were deceyued for hee hauing receiued the Fall by the Kinght of Fame with much adoo scrambled out of the water which was not déepe enough to drench his huge bodie but giuing some credite to the Fellowes spéeches Pollipus and fiue or sixe of the seruants went backe with him and presently espied Brandamor bearing in his hand a strong young plant which he had pluckt vp by the root for his Weapon Who séeing Pollipus and his company knowing him would haue fledde but Pollipus ouertaking him beset him with such strickt besiege that notwithstanding he layd about him with his mighty staffe hée soone brought him to his subiection causing his Armes to be fast bound with cordes And in that sort they draue him before them vntil they arriued at his Castle Whither they were kindely welcommed by Parismus who reioiced to see Pollipus and Violetta so happily met againe And séeing Brandamor they all both maruelled how hée had escaped death and were glad they had him
in solitarinesse vnlesse it were in his company The time of Parismus departure beeing come which was appointed the next morning Venola was drawne into an exceeding feare least that the knight of Fame would goe with him that shee began to deuise what meanes to vse to stay him which she could by no meanes of her selfe inuent which draue her to her wits ende and in great heauinesse complaining in her Chamber casting her selfe vpon her bedde she vttered these complaints What misery may be compared to the torments I endure procured by loue which hath entangled me in her snares and setled my liking on a stranger that as carelesly regardeth my good will as I earnestly affect his perfections What extremity is this that my vnlucky destinies haue allotted me to refuse the offer of many Kings that haue humbly sued for my loue and to make choise of one that maketh least account of my kindnesse For it cannot be but he perceiueth my loue which being so how discourteous is he that in all this time will not yeelde mee any recompence for the same Peraduenture he seeth nothing in me worth the liking or else my beauty is not such as many flatteringly haue perswaded me it is Am not I a Kings daughter and he peraduenture borne of meane parentage and what dignity might he come to by my loue but all this he regardeth nat but being rudely brought vp according to that rudenesse cannot conceiue of my liking But what meane I â—…o disgrase the Knight whose courteâ—… maketh him beloued of all whose comelinesse maketh him liked of all and whose vaiour maketh him honoured of all who hath no doubt already placed his affections on some beautifull Lady and that is the cause of his strangenesse yea that is the thing that hindreth my ioyes for without his loue I can attaine no quiet which now I am likewise like to lose by his departure which I feare me will be too soone which words being ended such passions ouerwhelmed her heart that her eies burst into â—…eares and there she lay vpon her bedde tumbling with torment of those restlesse passions Whilest shee continued her sorrowes in comes Flauia her nurse who by espying her cheekes besâ—…eered with teares and her sad counteuance maruelling what should procure the same said My sweete Mistresse how hapneth it that you weepe thus Who hath done you wrong Or why doe you torment your sweet selfe with this sadnesse Deare Lady tell me O Nurse quoth Venola my owne folly hath procured me this disquiet and my selfe being the cause whom should I blame but my selfe Why Lady quoth shee what haue you done What is the matter Haue you done your selfe any harme Why should you conceale any thing from me that haue all your life long loued you as dearely as my owne heart My sweete daughter hide nothing from me but tell me why you marre those your prettie eies with such sorrow Why quoth Venola what should it auaile my to tell you when I know you cannot helpe me if I should declare it to you and by that meanes come to my fathers knowledge it would be more grieuous to me then death then good Flauia doe not seeke to know my cause of care but let me consume my selfe in silence when I haue no other meanes of remedy Flauia hearing her words was the more desirous to know what the matter was sometimes weeping sometimes intreating her to tell to her and sometimes protesting that shee would rather endure any torment then reueale the same that Venola wonne with her perswasions teares and protestations and withall desirous of comfort imparted her whole minde vnto her desiring her to be both secret and trusty and withall asked her counsell how she might stay him from departing wich the Prince of Bohemia Lady quoth Flauia since you haue imparted your minde to me I will both secretly keepe your counsell and diligently labour to stay his iourney at this time I but quoth Venola I pray thee doe it so that he may no way perceiue that it was by my procurement Let mee alone for that said shee and in the meane time cast you off those cloudy cares and get you downe amongst the rest of those Ladies with a merrie countenance and commit the care to me which I will effect to your liking Venola beeing somewhat reuiued with Flauias promise with a merrie heart forsooke her Chamber Flauia went about her businesse going into the Citie with all haste where dwelt an ancient Apothecary a very friend of hers to whom she durst commit any secret whom shee desired to compound certaine of his drugges together and to make a somniferous Potion which would cause him sleepe for foure and twenty houres in such sort that the party might by no meanes be awakened promising if he could make a confection to reward him richlie The Apothecary hearing her words tolde her that if shee would stay he would compound such a drinke as should euery way worke the same effect shee desired Flauia hauing attained her desire that way came to a Goldsmith and bought a most curious wrought bottell of golde whereon shee caused him to ingraue these Letters My pleasant taske doth doubts appease I banish care and griefe vnkinde Things yet vnknowne I doe reueale Vnknowne he is that shall me finde A friend vnknowne hath thee this sent Be bold and taste incontinent And hauing gotten euery thing according to her desire returneth to the Court and the time of rest drawing nigh she wrought such meanes that she had the appointment of the knight of Fames lodging where she laide the bottle in which time she had put the somniferous potion so right in his way that he could not chuse but finde the same intending that if she failed of her purpose yet she would worke such meanes that she would giue it him in the morning The Knight of Fame all that day kept company with Parismus vnto whom his heart bare an inward loue determining to bring him towards Bohemia and after to trauell in search of his Parents Parismus likewise was growne into such loue of his qualities and â—â—ch a hidden desire to pleasure him was stirred in his heart towards him that hee vsed him with such an extraordinary kindenesse as the friendship that past betwixt them seemed vnseparable Thus the day being spent euery one betook them to their lodgings the Knight of Fame comming to his lodging walking by and downe lighted on the bottle and noting the same tooke it vp and espying the verses read the contents which draue him into many cogitations how the same should come there at last among many other thoughts he déemed by the contents of the verses he was the man that should taste thereof Then he beganne to feare lest it might be some poison laid on purpose to betray his life but that suspition was soone extinguished the deâ—…e he had to finde ease to his doubts which the contents of the superscription promised that tasting a little of
how immoderaâ—…ely doe you gouerne your selfe to fall into 〈◊〉 extreames I 〈◊〉 my heart if I doe not repeâ—… that euer I â—…ke in hand to be an Aâ—…tor herein What haue you no more wisdome but so fondly to dote on a stragling Knight that cannot or at the least will not vnderstand your meaning taking a delight to see your torment for it is impossible but that hee should perceiue your loue towards him then be not so affectionate towards such a one as neither regardeth loue nor knoweth what belongeth to Courtly ciuility Peace peace quoth Venola either fill my eares with the sound of better words orelse hold thy tongue or I tell thee it is more odions vnto me then death to heare thee so much disgrace the Prince of courtesie for in him remaine all honourable parts whose presence is more deare vnto me then all the proffered seruices of the knights in the world and if thou canst comfort me no better then by these speeches keeps secret what thou knowest and hereafter thou shalt know no more of my minde For I imparted the same to thee thinking to haue comfort by thy counsell but thou contrarily addest care to my griefe Sweet Mistresse quoth shee I beseech you doe not conceiue so hardly of my meaning for I speake nothing but with intent to procure your good and rather will I teare my accursed tongue from foorth of my head then it shall vtter a word to displease you Then qd Venola 〈◊〉 againe counsell me what do too for thou séest how farre I am tyed in thâ—…nds of Loue to that worthy Knight that without some hope of comfort my 〈◊〉 wâ—…the excéeding and more then my poore heart will be able to iâ—…e This I thinke qd Flauia is the best to be done eyther doo it your selfe or let mee giue him knowledge of your loue and then you shall soone sée whether he will accept thereof or no. Doo so then qd Venola I commit all to thy discretion The Knight of Fame being departed to Venolaes chamber was as farre from conceiuing the cause of her Passion as hee was from the knowledge of all things and being walkt into a Garden alone by him selfe Flauia came to him 〈◊〉 hee kindely gréeted asking her how her Mistresse did Syr Knight quoth shée in the same case you left her and yet rather Worse the cause of whose disquiet is procured by no disease but by an extraordinarie 〈◊〉 which none but one can remedie Which I would willingly giue the partie knowledge of but that I knowe not whether hee will take the same kindely or no Else â—…ere hée much too blame q. he â—…or hâ—… 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 that would not pittie the distresse of so diuine a creature Gentle sir quoth she thus it is My Lady hath euer since the first sight of your person beene greatly tormented with loues passions which is the cause of her sicknesse which resteth onely in your power to salue The Knight of Fame hearing her speeches was so suddenly aâ—…nisht and therewith drawne into such cogitations that he stood a good while like one in a trance at last he said the harder is her happe and the worse my misfortue for I am vnworthy of such kindnesse and vnable to yeeld her recompence which words being spoken he turned himselfe from her being drawne into such a deepe meditation that hee regarded not nor scarce heard some words Flauia spake to him afterwards who thinking that he had of purpose contemned her departed in a monstrous rage and being alone by himselfe cogitating vpon these euents perceiued that her former kindnesse had proceeded from the same roote of affection greatly condemning himselfe of dulnes that could not before that conceiue the same wishing that he had departed with the Prince of Bohemia for that his fancy could by no meanes be drawne to the least good conceit of her loue for his heart was wholly imployed another way Then he beganne to call to remembrance the somniferous potion he had tasted by which meanes he was disappointed of Parismus companie reuoluing euery consideration and circumstance of the same and these Euents was in the ende fully perswaded that it was purposely done by Venola or some by her appointment to stay him there which thought was so fully grounded in his fancie that he assuredly perswaded himselfe that was the very truth and none else Which draue him into many studies how to rid himselfe from thence At last he determined to depart in secret and vnknowne to anie And with this resolution all that day he accompanied the rest of the Knights thereby to shun all occasions of hearing any further spéech of Venola Who hearing how scornefully he receiued Flauiaes Message Which Flauia had told her entred into such extream complaints against her hard fortune and shed such abundance of teares that the Bed whereon she lay was Watered therewith In which estate shee continued tormenting her selfe with extreame cares Early the next morning the knight without the knowledge of any departed clogged with such a chaos of confused cares as that he wisht the date of his wearie life subiect to so many crosses were expyred intending neuer to returne thithâ—…r whom Flauia soone mist The newes whereof shee conueyed to the hearing of Venola Who tooke the same se heauily so that many dayes shee continued as one likelyer to entertaine death then to suruiue Which draue her Parents into an extreame sadnesse From whome she still concealed the cause of her griefe In which estate for a while we will leaue her and the Knight of Fame onwards on his Iourney and Clarina in great carâ—… for the absence of Tellamor in the Forrest of Arde. CHAP. XV. I How the Knight of Fame arriued in Natolia And by what meanes hee found the Ladie he sawe in the Uision And of the Combat he fought with Collimus AFter the Knight of Fame was departed the King of Lybiaes Court to andyde the Loue of Venola hee trauelled many daies without any aduenture tyred with extreame care and desire to come to the knowledge of his Parents and to finde his deuoted â—…adie that when the Sunne was at the highâ—…t and by that meanes the season very hote hee alighted from his horse in a pleasant valley Where sitting vnder the shadow of a Chestnut-Tree he entred into this communication to himselfe What varieties of crosses do still prosecute my stéppes that I can in no place bee at quiet but am still troubled with that which I would not but cannot finds the thing I desire My Byrth-day was the beginning of my sorrowes Since which time nothing but Care and â—…ration hath befallen to my share Whereas I sée other Knights enioy theyr hearts content c. As â—…cerning my Parents they are so hidden from my knowledge as thaâ—… my selfe Trauelling to finde them Peraduanture goe rather a great waâ—…from them then to them For the Iland of Rockes from wâ—…nce I came and where I was brought vppe is very farre distant
vsed him whose acquaintance and friendship might be a meanes both of his stay in that place and also of obtaining Angelicaes loue Then againe considering how strange it was that hee would stay in the very place where his Lady should see him and how luckily he had left the Court of the king of Lybia and thereby he was ridde from Venolas rash loue which might haue both endangered his honour and person that with the remembrance of all these happy concurrences his minde was exceedingly contented and he seemed to haue attained more happy successe then hee would haue wisht that in that Sunne-path of sweete delight accompanied with quiet sleepe he spent that night Angelica was likewise no whitte inferiour to him in contrariety of passions but hauing likewise spent the day in company of her mother when the time of rest drew nigh shee soone gat from out of all company which she thought troublesome being much disquieted in her thoughts feeling a kinde alteration to her former liberty of of minde being desirous to be alone shee gatte to her Chamber where was none but her Damzell Anna that was her bedfellow to whom she said I pray thee good Anna leaue me alone for a while for my thoughts are possest with such disquiet that I desire by solitarinesse to ease my passonate heart Anna hearing her speeches maruelling what might bee the cause thereof and being in all respect dutifull departed She was no sooner gone but Angelica sitting downe vpon the rushes leauing her head vpon the beddes side beganne to study whence the occasion of that suddaine alteration she felt in her selfe should proceede sometimes deeming this and then that but still shee could not certainely what to iudge thereof that her minde was drawne to an extreame torment which so opprest her sences that presently she called Anna againe who maruelling at her strangâ—… 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 at her sadnesse knéeling downe by her vttered these speeches My deare Mistresse I beseech you conceale not from me the occasion of your disquiet to whose secrecy you neede not 〈◊〉 to commit the â—…ame for I hope you are sufficiently perswaded of my truth that doe esteeme my duty to you more deare then my life which I would most wiâ—…ingly spend for your sake 〈◊〉 if you will vouchsafe to 〈◊〉 me any way or in what sort so 〈◊〉 so it please you to command I will hee most willing to vse my vttermost endeauours as 〈◊〉 as euer did seruant to purchase your content Aâ—… mee wretched creature quoth Angelica it is not mistrust of thy secresie nor doubt of thy aide nor ought else that I misdoubt in thee that maketh me withhold any part of my counsell from thee for if I would shew it thee I cannot for this passion is so newly begunne that I cannot rightly coniecture what the cause thereof should be or why my thoughts should be thus suddenly disquieted and such assured confidence doe I retaine in thy fidelity that I would conceale no part of my thoughts from thee Anna hearing her Mistresse speeches began presently to suspect that she had enâ—…rtained some good conceit of some of the knights that were arrined that day whom she thought to be the yong Prince Camillus which caused her make this answer Deare Mistresse quoth she I beleeue the approach of some of the gallant Knights that came with the King is the cause of your alteration Why quoth Angelica doest thou thinke their approach should disquiet me Marry quoth Anna because many Ladies haue been suddenly ouertaken with loue wherâ—… with Angelica blusht saying Doest thou thinke my affection so light to looke of euery one I see Pardon me deare Madame quoth shee I doe not thinke so Well quoth Angelica suppose thou hast iumpt vpon the right which of those knights doest thou suppose it is Will you pardon me said Anna if I giue my opinion I will said shee I thinke quoth Anna it is the braue Prince Camillus Camillus quoth she it is rather the stranger Indeed quoth Anna that strange Knight farre surmounteth all the knights that euer I beheld for comlinesse courtesie and prowesse I am assured said Angelica breathing forth a sadde sigh thou spakkest this rather to flatter me then according to that thou thinkest for otherwise why didst thou speake of Camillus Faith Mistresse quoth shee I named Camillus not for any thing I see in him comparable with the strange Kinght but for that I would therby know your mind which now that I vnderstand if you would follow my cousell you should not onely like him but also loue him for therâ—… is no doubt but the cause of his comming hither was onely for your sake who in my rash opinion will proue both constant and loyall for his very countenance bewraieth the vnited essence of true Nobilitie and vertue to be placed in him O Anna quoth shee thou woundest we to the heart before I had 〈◊〉 a suspition of loue but by thy speeches I beginne to be inthralled therein Do not I pray thée seeke to augment that which is impossible to come to perfection which if I should entertaine as I shall I feare me against my will thou knowest how many impossibities doe threaten my euerlasting torment thereby therefore I pray thee doe not once name him to me againe for if thou doest I shall bee more intralled to that very name then to all the humble sutes of the most noblest knight in the world Diddest thou not heare my brother Marcellus report how prodigally hee gaue away the Kings daughter of Thrace and what paines he tooke to redeeme Venola that beautifull Lany from Andramarts Castle I know thou didst but likewise I know thou didst not heare what he said to me to refell these doubts that he was long since enioyned to my seruice and was the thing hee had long time sought to attaine Didst thou not sée how I found him a sleepe and yet notwithstanding all the Knights that guarded me how resolutely yet with humilitie he approched my presence where he told me that no want of regard had bredde that rudenesse but feare of missing that fit occasion considering how straightly I am kept and pried into by my Fathers decree Didst thou not see how brauely and valiantly he ouerthrewe three stout Knights together that would haue taken my gloue from him Doest thou not see how dearely my brother Marcellus loued him and all in generall are well affected towards him These I thinke are occasions sufficient to refell all suspect of his good intent and meaning Quoth Anna Truely most gracious Madame I thinke verily all things considered hee hath not his equall neither for valour nor for Uertue you may doe as you please whome I will not so much as once speake of heereafter since I shall offende you thereby Yes I pray thee speake of him quoth Angelica for nothing can please me better though I feare mee nothing will doe mee more harme And well maiest thou thinke me ouerâ—…ond so soone
to be intangled in the bondes of loue with a stranger that I neither knewâ—… of whence nor what he is of whom we haue said inough at this time therfore I pray let vs deferre any further commendation of him vntill we haue made better proofe of his worthinesse which saide they betooke themselues to their rest Earely the next morning the knight of Fame was vp to whom Mercellus was soone gotten who tooke no other delight but onely in his company vsing him so kindely and so honourably that the knight of Fame maruelled thereat wondring whence such kindenesse should grow that he likwise beganne greatly to affect his company and being both come into the kings presence who was accompanied by Camillus they spent the forenoone in seuerall discourses likewise Angelica spent her time against the Ladies of great account in such sort as agreed in their fancy Dinner time beeing come a most costly and sumptuous feast was prepared whereunto Maximus inuited all his Nobles and Camillus and the Knight of Fame amongst the rest as his chiefest where they were most honourably entertained sumptuously feasted and kindely welcommed Camillus seeing that the Quéene and Angelica were wanting was suddenly fallen into a sadde dumpe because the Lady of his delight was absent which the King noted more specially then all the rest who supposing that Camillus came as a Suter to his daughter had of purpose giuen order to the Quéene that shee should banquet the Ladies by themselues which was so done that neither Camillus nor any else perceiued his drift therein which made Camillus extreame angry with himselfe that he had not the day before when he enioyed both her sight and full liberty of speech in some measure giuen her knowledge of his loue The Knight of Fame on the contrary side gouerned himselfe with more moderation for he hauing attained such good successe as his heart did wish was therewith for the present contented hoping that fortune that had beene so fauourable to him would not suddenly alter her countenance but still continue her aide to his furtherance whome Maximus likewise diligently noted hauing suspition that hee likewise came for Angelicas loue though he dissembled the contrary of which he could perceiue no likelihood by his merry countenance which caused him onely to suspect Camillus and not him The Feast beeing ended with great Royaltie euery one after some Courtly pastime past betooke themselues to what exercise liked them best Camillus still accompanyed the King shewing for griefe of Angelicaes absence such a kinde of behauiour as though his sences were bewitched with carelesse passions which he noted diligently thereby bréeding in his minde an assurance of his suspition The Knight of Fame hadde withdrawne himselfe into a Garden and seeking the solitaryest place hee could finde beganne to recall the sweete remembrance of Angelicaes Beautie into his minde whereunto he was more firmely inthralled then he was before he had seene her though euen then his Loue was firme hauing but seene her in a Uision That hee was now not onely contented with that fauour shee had already shewen him but also deuised and studyed how to become more gratious in her sight and attaine some better hope of her Loue Which as yet hee had no likelyhood to attayne Whilest hee was in the depth of these cogitations Marcellus missing him and séeing him before enter into the Garden neuer left vntill he had found him out to whom he said Syr Knight I am somewhat bold to interrupt your quiet Meditations by my approach being desirous of your companie Therefore if I may without intrusion accompany you I will stay Otherwise I would be loath to bréede your disquiet Most Noble Marcellus qo the Knight of Fame I am not troubled with your presence but euen thinke my selfe most happie to enioy the same as farre vnwoorthie such kindnesse being a straunger heere thinke my selfe so highly honoured by your fauour that I shall account my selfe for euer bound vnto you for the same thinking my selfe more happie thereby then I could haue wisht being before subiect to all euill Fortune account my selfe excéedingly fortunate by your kindnesse and friendship I could wish it were in my power quoth Marcellus to deserue so well of you Being more willinger then able to pleasure you for the report of your honourable guifts hath made mee long since desirous of your Acquaintance that if you please to stay with me in my Fathers Court I will endeuour to shew my good Will towardes you And if you will accept of my plaine meaning without further tryall I will hereafter prooue your faithfull Friend Most courteous Knight quoth hée I can yéelde no other recompence but most hearty thankes for your great kindnesse which hath extended it selfe farre beyond my desert with so willing a heart accepting your kinde proffers that before I prooue disloyall I will teare my heart from out my brest Then quoth Marcellus let vs conclude this sudden consent of good-Will which for my part shall neuer while life doth last be dissolued Desiring you from hence forwards to make such account of mée that wherein soeuer I may in any degrée pleasure you I will as assuredly doo my best as in my power consisteth With that they embraced each other Betwixt whome such good-Will began to grow as was both constant and indissoluable CHAP. XVII I How Angelica was imprisoned and how Maximus rebuked his Sonne for suffering the Knight of Fame to speake to Angelica MArcellus hauing a while Walked with him in the Garden desired him to accompanie him into the Court to visite the Ladies who quoth hee are this day Feasting by themselues The Knight of Fame glad thereof willingly gaue his consent being the onely thing that contented his minde and being come into the Presence where the Quéene was and hauing done his Reuerence shee most kindely Welcommed the Knight of Fame telling Marcellus that his comming was to sée the young Ladyes Whereat Marcellus smiling departed into a Gallerie where were a multitude of swéete Beauties exercising theÌ„selues at seuerall pastimes Some at Chesse some at cards and some in pleasant communication Whom Marcellus kindely embraced but the Knight of Fame by reason he was a stranger was not so bolde but hauing his minde dedicated to serue no other Saint but Angelica looked for her whome hee espyed at the further ende of the Gallery in a heauy dumpe leaning on her elbow Who hearing Marcellus voyce looked back and cast her Eye first on the Knight of Fame on whome shée fastned a stedfast eye a good space But remembring her selfe with an excéeding blush she withdrew the same because she saw his eye setled on her Marcellus by this time came towards Angelica and perceyuing her Blushing countenaunce caused him to note how Melancholly shée was alone saying to her How now Sister What sollitarie studie is that which hath so withdrawne you from yonder pleasaunt Companie My minde quoth shée is better exercised by being sometimes alone then
towards the maiden Tower hoping now to enioy the sweete sight of his beloued which he neuer beheld but twise in all the time he had sought her loue Marcellus he departed backe againe to the court very sadde for the absence of Parismenos and Angelica being likewise much gréeued that Maximus his father should with hold any of his secrets from him which did both disgrace him to such as were strangers and specially to those Ladies that were Dulcias attendants which thogh he knew well inough yet that tooke away no part of his conceit of vnkindenesse but most of all he was troubled with griefe to be restrained from Dulcias company on whom his thoughts had continually run euer since he had bin last with her for her beautie excelled all the Ladies of the court Angelica excepted of her vertue he had good conceit by that which he had found in her good dispositions when she refused to thrust her selfe into the knowledge of the secrets but rather commited all that the king had commaunded her to his secrets which if Maximus should know of would be as much as her life were worth These cogitations so much altered his countenance that wheras before hée was of a pleasant disposition he now began to giue-his minde wholely so meancholy sadnesse often shunning the company of those he was wont to delight in which Maximus noted especially the Quéene both maruelled and was grieued thereat and finding him out when hée was in that heauy vaine she earnestly demaunded his cause of sadnesse to whom he made this aunswere My father I knowe not vpon what occasion accounteth me I thinke rather as one that would betray him then as his sonne that he refraineth me Angelicas presence and kéepeth his counsels from me to intrude my selfe into his counsels I will not presume onely my desire is that I may but be admitted to the fight of my sister Angelica Marcellus quoth the Quéene I pray thée be contented for a time for thou féest thy fathers minde which will impart his secrets to none who if hée should knowe that your sadnesse were for that cause would be the more fearefull to impart them to you which can no way pleasure you but rather fill your minde with greater cares which now is more happy then it would be then for Angelica so long as shee is in health what néede you be so carefull for her then good Marcellus rest your selfe contented and desire not that which will rather adde more trouble to your head The Quéene hauing ended these spéeches departed and left Marcellus where she found him Assone as the Quéene was gone hée began againe to ponder these things not knowing why his head shuld be thus troubled for he knew all that hée desired and yet his minde was troubled therewith that at last with more aduised consideration hée weighed euery conceit of his thoughts found that neyther his Fathers vnkindnesse Angelicaes absence nor his feare of disgrace was that that troubled him but only a good conceyt of Dulcias kindnesse which caused him to enter into a viewe of her perfections which his fancie began so much to coâ—…mend her that hée thought her worthy to be beloued withall thought why he might not loue her which very thoghts drew to such insight into his owne Fancies that he perceiued that Loue had already taken possession in his heart then he began to consider what displeasure it might procure him if he should set his fancie on one so farre his inferiour and not rather séeke the loue of some Kings Daughter that might adde honour to his Title and not diminish the same Which thought was no sooner begun but it ended being dasht by another conceyt that Dulcia was as beautifull as any as vertuous any as courteous as any and therefore as worthy to be beloued as any that if he should marrie with his equall shee might rather marrie him for his dignite and of a haughtie minde to kéepe her owne high dignitie still then for any true loue and if shee were his equall hee should rather be subiect to her Will then shée any way obedient to him that Dulcia would bee a louing kinde and duetifull wife that she would honour him rather then desire to be his equall and that she would refuse no peâ—…ll daunger nor hazarde for his sake that hauing spent some time in these cogitations hae resolued to loue Dulcia whatsoeuer ensued thereon though hee incurred his Parents displeasure or anie other hazard of his honour whatsoeuer and with resolution hee went immediately vnto the place where she was guarded in stéed of Angelica and by the Damzells meanes who before had done him the like sauour he came to her chamber where he found Dulcia all alone very sad to whom he said How now Angelica what are you sadde can I neuer come but that I must alwayes finde you in this mel ancholy disposition what are you sory to be thus pend from a husband My Lord quoth Dulica though I am otherwise sadde it doth me good to see you merrie You are deceiued Dulcia I am not merrie My Lord quoth shee if I should giue credit to your words they shewe that you are merrie that call me Angelica yet knowe the contrarie Oh Dulcia quoth he neither doth wordes nor countenance alwayes bewray the inward thoughts for this which you take to bee myrth in mee is but a forced habite which I haue taken vppon me euen now but knew you the thoughts of my heart you would say I were sadde My Lord quoth shee I beséech you pardon my boldnesse which I presumed séeing your pleasant disposition wherein if I was deceyued I hope you will not be offended with for indéed oftentimes the heart meditaes of many things the minde cannot vtter So doth mine Dulcia quoth hée for I with thee more good then I am able to vtter and the cause that my hart is sadde is because I am not able to do thée so much good as my heart doth with and cannot vtter I most humbly thanke you quoth Dulcia acknowledging my selfe farre vnworthie such fauour and vnable to deserue such good which maketh me thinke you still continue in that forced habit which maketh you vtter those spéeches Indéede well replyed Dulcia quoth he but as I suddainly tooke that habit vpon me it was gone again before I had vttered the words therefore you may be assured now that my words procéede from a true heart and not from a forced habit My Lord quoth she againe where there is such often change of disposition there can be no constant resolution Yes quoth hée that which is of purpose taken to shew myrth is forced but the naturall disposition still continueth firme Indéede in fewe quoth she but not in all Then quoth hée thinke me one of those fewe My Lord quoth she I be seech you pardon me if I do not for it is giuen to all by nature to be more confideÌ„t then prouident
And I aunswere I haue receyued more fauour at your hands in suffering me to be thus familiar with you then I am worthy or euer haue deserued Therefore I craue pardon hoping that you shill beare with my rudenesse Dulcia quoth he doe not aske pardon when you haue not misdone but beleeue my Words without any question only to proceed from the depth of my true hart Which entendeth and wisheâ—…h you no lesse good then I haue vâ—…ered For I haue found such vertue in you that I am inâ—…hralled to that vertue and desire to bee partaker and possesse that beautie which hath made mee your affectionate Friend and intreate your Loue then that which I desire nothing more My Lord replyed Dulcia my Loue and dutie is such that I will not refuse any commaund you shall impose vpon me Dulcia qd hee it is not such Loue as is commanded by dutie nor such Friendship as ariseth from feare but such kinde Loue as procéedeth betwixt faithfull Friendes from the yeelding consent of a true heart and such a loue as hath a further respect then that common duty for if you knewe with what feruencie I desired your sweete consent to this Loue you would pittie my torments My Lord replyed shee I beseech your Honour doe not séeke to captiuate or enthrall me in Loues bands that am free and am assured your Fancie cannot like of one farre vnworthy that high fauour you speake of but suffer me rather to continue in my peacefull estate that esteeme my selfe tarre from euer enioying such Happinesse as to bee beloued of my superiour being already so farre bound vnto you in all humblenes that you shall not commaund mee any thing that agreeth with Modestie but I will performe the same Speake you from your heart qâ—… Marcellus I doe my my Lorde quoth she Then saide he I commaund you to Loue me and if that bee too harsh a Word I intrease and desire you yéeld me loue for that true loue I beare you being such as is grounded vpon vertue and without spot or blemish of hishonours staine entending nothing that may disagree with your Modesty but so make you my equall my companion and my dearely espoused Wife Therefore doe but yeeld to loue me and thou shalt thereby expell many cares from my heart Which otherwise will increase to my euerlasting torment Oh my Lord quoth Dulcia I beséech you account mee one that will indeuour in all dutie to deserue that honour you entend me which I see so many impossibilities to hinder that it quite discourageth me from the least hope of that felicitie So you will loue me I care not for impossibilities neyther shall anie miserie alter my constant resolution With that he embraced her in his arms who gaue a silent consent intermingled with teares procéeding from her tender heart With whom Marcellus stayed some time spending the time in many friendly conferences so that Dulcia was constrained by his intreaties and her owne yéelding heart to giue her consent both their intents being grounded vpon no other purpose but that which is vertuous and chaste Parismenos being departed from Marcellus soone arriued at the Maiden Tower where hee alighted and comming to the Gardiants that kept the Gate hee saluted them with a courteous behauiour and tolde them that hee was sent by Maximus theyr King to be one of the Gardiants Whome at the first they denied him then he deliuered his Letter which they hauing read accepted him for one of theyr fellowes without any doubt or mistrust When hee had obtained his desire in this with such a prosperous beginning hee began to comfort himselfe with hope of further good Fortune continuing all that Night amongst the rest of the Gardiants and not once offering any behauiour which might bréed suspition but behaued himselfe most carefully both in all his words and déedes as he had good reason For that they were very circumspect and almost by reason of the strict charge the King had giuen them ready to suspect each other All the next day continued hée in that sort without any méeting of the Eunuches But on the third day he met two of them together in a place most conuenient and faluted them most kindely Who maruelling what he should be for that he was a stranger began presently to be iealous of him but he perceiuing the same told them that he had a secret message vnto them from the King and withall a letter vnder his hand and signet to the Gardiants which he shewed them But to you qd hâ—… the King hath sent me with this message that you shall admit mée at all times to Angelicaes presence whome you haue the custodie of though vnknowne to any but your selues which he told me likewise he gaue you a speciall charge to conceale from the rest of the Gardiants and hath vppon the trust hee hath reposed in mee giuen me authoritie with you to haue her custody The Eunuches hauing heard his message and with all the Kings priuy seale to the Letter written in his behalfe could not chuse but giue credence to the same supposing that none was priuie to Angelicaes being there but the King that they made no doubt but that he was sent by him but would not trust him vntill they had consulted with the rest of their fellowes vnto whome they declared the truth of all hee had tolde them who in generall they admitted him to their societie Parismenos thought himselfe most happie to haue attayned this selicitie Where likewise hee behaued himselfe most carefully selling them that hee had a message of secrecie to declare to her from the King which they made no doubt of nor neuer denyed When he spied his fittest opportunitie which was when Angelica was walking alone in a priuate Garden being all the libertie she hadde and the Eunuches were gone to disporte themselues and had put him alone in trust with the Key that conducted to her Chamber he vnlocked the doore and shutting the same againe he came to her Chamber Where hee durst not be so bolde as enter before he had knockt Anna being alone in the Chamber hearing one knocke came to the doore and espying Parismenos in Armor with his sword gyrt to his side which he neuer left off being in euery point armed but his head maruelled what he shuld be to whom he saide Faire Damzell maruell not to sée mee in Armor which shall neuer offend you but still be imployed in your defence I haue knockt presuming no further without licence the cause of my comming is to deliuer a message vnto the Ladie Angelica from Marcellus All this time Anna had diligently behelde him perswading her selfe shee had séene him before that she made him this answere Syr Knight if you come from Marcellus you shall be welcome to my Ladie therefore I pray you come in and I will conduct you to the place where shée is Then she brought him downe a paire of staires into a Garden where Angelica was
was by her kind and modest answere so much comforted that hee resolued no miserie or calamitie whatsoeuer should alter his affection Laurana on the other side whose minde was neuer before in thraldome began now to bee so farre lied in the bonds of friendship good liking to Parismus that she was altogether vnwilling to leaue his coÌ„pany by this time the rest of the maskers hauing ended their speeches the sound of the musick made them remember their third measure which being ended Parismus kissing the Princesse hand with a heauy sigh left her in the place where he found her and being ready to depart Dionisius comming vnto them said Most courteous Knights I know not what entertainement to giue you for that you are to me vnknown but request this at your hands that you take a banquet my daughter hath prouided which words caused Parismus to bee willing vnto because it was the Princesse doing whose presence was the sweet preseruatiue of his life Your Maiestie answered Parismus maketh vs so kinde a proffer that wee cannot beeing bound at your command deny your request so vnmasking himselfe hee came with great reuerence to Dionisius who knowing him imbracing him said hee was glad he had no worse sicknesse then that and that he was much indebted vnto him for honouring his Courts with his pastime So saluting all the company the Knight that concealed himselfe suddenly departed the presence vpon occasion as shall heereafter bee declared All the assembly greatly commended Parismus being much delighted to behold his vertuous behauiour and was indeed worthy to be accounted the Prince of curtesie The Queene then told him she had beene his secret counsell keeper and he humbly kissing her hand thanked her and being come to the place where the banket was prouided Dionisius told them he would leaue them to be welcommed by the Queene and Laurana whilest â—…ent to accompany his other guests which Parismus was very glad of Laurania both who al this while had so furfeited with beholding his comly person that the deep impression of lone was now fully setled in her heart But Parismus not forgetting to salute that saint he serued with reuereÌ„ce kiss her thanking her that shee vouchsafed to take such paines to prepare entertainement for such vndeseruing guests vsing many others speeches which delighted her to heare and him to vtter that they were so farre delighted one in anothers company that it was death for them to part she not knowing that his loue was grounded vpon such firme resolue nor he thinking she would so kindely accept his proffred seruice During the time of the banquet a simple iudging eie might discerne their loue by their lookes that all the company began to déeme that which afterwards proued true Euery one with kinde salutations being parted to their seuerall lodgings Parismus told Oristus what kind and vndeserued fauour hee had receiued at Lauranaes hands which Oristus was very glad of the very recitall whereof affected the Princes heart with an exceeding ioy Laurana making all the haste she could to be rid from the company of Isabella and other Ladies that accompanied her because her heart was desirous to meditate of her loue went into her chamber where being alone much troubled in her thoughts she votered these speeches How happy am I to bee thus disquieted with the sight of Parismus not knowing whether his words proceed of custome or affection I that was earst at liberty am now become captiue to mine owne affections and inthralled to a stranger What of that peraduenture he is in the same mind I am neither haue I any cause to doubt but that his words proceed from the good will he beareth me and that the intent of his comming to my Fathers court was onely for my sake as he saith might I be happily assured of the truth of these doubts then would my disquiet mind rest highly contented and vntill that time I shall but spend my time in endles care and heauines if these words proceeded from the depth of true meaning then will he stil prosecute the suit heee hath begun neither haue I any cause to suspect his honorable meaning Well I will content my selfe so well as I can and séeke some meanes whereby to be assured and rid my pensiue heart of these doubts Earely the next morning she called Leda vnto her saying that she had a secret to impart vnto her that did concerue her life and honour and therefore willed her to be secret telling her all that had passed betwixt Parismus and her and how that vnlesse she might be certaine of his intent she should but consume her selfe with care CHAP. IIII. How Parismus by meanes of Leda Laurananes waiting-maide came to the speech of the princesse and how they met in an Arbour in the garden And how Sicanus described the loue betwixt Parismus and the princesse Laurana and fearing to be disappointed declared the cause of his comming to the King and what ensued thereon DIonisius was earely vp as his custome was to visit his guestes and busie in entertaining them with all roialty that might bee Parismus being as busie in his minde more then any knewe got himselfe into the Garden vnder the windowe of Lauranaes lodging beeing frustrated of all other hope to see his beloued where he had not long walked but was soone espied of Laurana who beeing delighted with his sight called Leda and willed her to make some excuse into the Garden where hee was walking to see it his comming into that place were for her sake or no. Leda therefore taking a faire cloath in her hand went into the Garden as if shee entended to gather some hearbes and had not seene him When shee came neere the place where hee was sitting vnder an open Arbour in deepe study hauing a sight of her hee suddenly started and knowing her to bee the seruant to Laurana kindly saluted her saying faire Damosell quoth hee if I bee not deceiued you are attendant on the Princesse Laurana Sir answered Leda I am I pray you saith hee how fareth your Mistris for I am in doubt our last nights â—…cise disquieted her which if I knew I wold not hereafter attempt such boldnesse Indeed quoth Leda I know not but I heard my Lady much commend the Prince of Bohemia to be a gallant Knight and that she was much beholding vnto him and vsed many gracious words in his commendation Do you not quoth he know Parismus if you saw him no sir said Leda I am the man said he and thou bringest me that comfort by reporting that my mistris thinketh well of mee as if thou hadst saued my life I am to entreat a fauour at thy hands which if thou grant I shal rest bound vnto thee for the same My Lord said Leda I humbly desire you to command me and I will both faithfully and secretly accomplish your request Then this is my request quoth he that thou wouldest commend me vnto thy Lady and deliuer
vnto her this paper certifying her that I haue thus holdly presumed to â—…rouble her being therto compelled by her commanding courtesie on which hope I fully rely for pardon withall giuing her a rich Iewell shee departed towards her mistris telling him that she would returne with an answer the next morning Parismus being much quieted in minde with this hope of comfort went into the great Hall where he found the King and the rest of the Nobles and hauing saluted them he espied Sicanus sonne to the king of Persia betweene whom and his father the king of Bohemia had been long time in continual wars but now lately a peace was concluded This Sicanus was the knight that concealed himselfe who the night before seeing Parismus so much honoured and beloued could not indure to stay any longer for that he enuied him still as an enemy Parismus séeing him and noting his last nights sudden departure dissembling as though hee had not known him speÌ„t the rest of that day in company of Dionisius Leda likewise being returned vnto her mistris Laurana told her all the speaches that Parismus had with her and deliuered the letter he had sent which when she had receiued shee went into her closet and with great ioy opened the same and found the contents to be these To the most Vertuous Princesse Laurana Parismus wisheth hearts content MOst Honourable Princesse I presume thus boldly to write vnto your vertuous selfe thereby to ease my heart of the care wherewith it is perplexed onely procured by your heauenly excellencies that I here prostrate my selfe your thrall desiring you of pittie to mittigate my martyrdome by your clemencie I desire your gentle acceptance of my loue which haue vowed constanly to continue perfect to your selfe which being grounded vpon the truest foundation of sincere affection is not to be blemished with any dishonour I cannot protest but performe the part of a faithfull seruant my true heart shal not harbour vntrouth but I rest yours to preserue or destroy If your excellency would admit that I might come to speake with you then would I giue you farther assurance of my fidelitie which if you vouchsafe to graunt it shall be no way to your disparagement and as from your selfe I first receiued my wounde of disquiet so let your clemencie saue my perplexed miserie And thus committing with this poore paper my life into your custodie I cease Yours euer or his owne neuer P. When Laurana had read the Letter shee began to meditate with her selfe how shee should accomplish his request in such sort that it might no way blemish her honour nor giue him cause to suspect that she were light to be so easily perswaded for shee esteemed her credit more then her life and his loue more then both At last shee resolued to answer his Letter and giue directions to Leda how he should come to talke with her and no man priuy thereto but themselues and calling Leda told her that shee should deliuer the answer to the Princes Letter and withall this message That if hee would take the paines the next night he should finde her in the Arbour at the farther end of the Garden that was vnder the window about midnight vpon condition that her maide Leda might be with her and that hee should bring no man with him for that he might easily come thither without danger Leda being vp earely hyed her with all speed to Parismus Chamber where being come shee deliuered the message Laurana gaue her in charge which reioiced Parismus to heare and withall the answer to this Letter which when hee had receiued at the first he was vnwilling to teare the Seale that her sweet hand had impressed oft viewing the superscription but hoping the contents within would bring more ease to his heart then the outward view he opened the same and read as followeth Laurana saluteth the Prince Parismus MY Lord blame not a maidens rash reply neither doe you impute any fault to my doubtfull care I was vnwilling to answer your Letter yet the credit I repose in your vertue makes mee thus much to digresse from my former resolution that I colud not chuse but congratulate your kindnesse I yeeld to your request to speake with mee presuming that your princely minde cannot harbour any ill meaning and the rather for that I finde my heart yeelding without my consent therefore I commit my selfe into your curtesie my honour being vnblemisht which I trust you will not any way violate So relying vpon your vertuous disposition and good opinion of my rash attempt I cease Yours as she may Laurana Parismus was so rauisht with this curteous reply that hee estéemed himself the fortunatest man liuing a thousand times kissing reading those sweet lines that in his fancy â—…e neuer felt any ioy comparable to this his sweet meditation shewing Oristus the sacred lines swéet message Laurana had sent willing him to be ready to go with him to the place appointed but vnseene lest that the Princesse should blame him for not fulfilling her command Thus spending the day which he thought to be longer then three daies he againe returned to his chaÌ„ber esteeming the time too long and a thousand times wishing the approach of the appointed houre Laurana in the meane time being not vnmindfull of her promise only with Leda was gon down into the gardeÌ„ by a doore that opened out of her lodging where being come Scinthias was proud to giue light vnto her maiesticall presence and by the cleerenesse of her splendor had any beheld her she might haue beene esteemed to surpasse the comelinesse of Diana walking in her chaste conceits Parismus somewhat before the houre was likewise gone forth in his night gowne with his sword vnder his arme and comming to the gate hee was wont to goe in at into the Gardeine found it shut and hauing no others meanes hee gotte ouer the wall and was gotten into a secret place to entertaine loue with a surfetting delight but when hee beheld his diuine Goddesse enter into the Arbour his heart was so surprised with ioy with her presence that at his comming to her he could not vtter a word but with great reuerence taking her tenderly by the soft hand which he was afraid to touch without her leaue at last he said Most vertuous Lady since it hath pleased you to grant me this excéedsng fauour I here vowe that I will not speake a word nor do any thing that shall not accord with your minde My Lord said Laurana had I not presumed vpon your vertue I would not thus haue come hither Which kinde spéech so much imboldned Parismus that he imbraced her in his armes and kist her and sitting downe together folded each in the others armes Parismus began to recount vnto her his loue and how that his comming to Thessaly was onely to doo her seruice vowing neuer to depart if she would not accept him for her poore seruant with many other kind
Laurana maruelling at her Fathers suddaine sending for her suspected that hee had heard some newes of her loue to Parismus otherwise she could not tell what the cause might be but making her selfe ready presently came to him hauing reuerently done her duty he vsed these speeches vnto her Laurana my chiefest care is to sée thee married according to thy state which hath made me send for thee to know whether that thou hast already placed thy affection or no otherwise there is come into this Country a King of great estate and honourable parts sonne and heire to the King of Persia who concealed himself vntil yesterninght in whose behalfe the king of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta are come from his Father to craue thee in marriage Now if thou canst fancy him thou shalt highly honour thy self haue an honourable husband and reioice my heart to see thee so well matched before my death which will come very shortly I haue giuen my consent so it be with thy liking for so dearely I loue thee that I would as well haue thy fancy pleased as mine owne minde satisfied therefore let me know thy minde Laurana answered My deare Lord and Father I humbly thanke you for the manifold benefits receiued by your fauour being yet at libertie from all knowing it my dutie to haue your consent before I would presume to match my selfe trusting that I shall so place my affections as shall be agréeable to your pleasure Well do so then said her father and this was the cause I sent for you Laurana departed with a heauie heart wishing that the time of Parismus comming were at hand that she might impart this newes vnto him which grieâ—…d her and she knewe would not please him resoluing with her selfe neuer to giue consent After dinner Laurana by the commaundement of Oliuia the Quéene accompanied the Ladie Isabella by meanes whereof Sicanus had occasion to court her whome hée found of so milde behauiour and yet so farre differing from his minde that hée saw no likelihood of attaining her loue His importunate demaunds which he builded vpon her fathers promise and his owne hope of assurance she answered so wisely and curteously that his loue thereby encreased but his hope was no whit augmented that séeing such a vertuous resolution or in maner absolute deniall to his sute he was perswaded Parismus was the onely man that hindered his loue which the rather vexed him because hée sawe his vertues of euery man commended and himselfe by the beauty of his excelent gifts disgraced that euer after he sought all meanes he could to worke his harme And fearing that he should be frustrated of his expectation began very narrowly to prie into the behauiour of Laurana towards Parismus that they coulde at no time talke if hée were in companie but would still bée attentiue to their spéeches nor seldome were they at any time togither but hée would be in their companie dissembling a countenance of great frindship to Parismus hauing tha greater occasion to crosse their loues because of the motion hée had made to Dionisius and of the kings spéech to Laurana In this sort he continued his iealous behauiour yet farre from the least hope of procuring Lauranas fauour The wished time of these two Princesse appointed méeting being come Parismus secretly leaping the wall which parted him from his delight â—…ound Leda all alone attending his comming and asking her where her mistresse was she told him shée staied in her chamber for him which she thought to be the fittest place for their priuate conference for that she was now fully assured of his honourable meaning so directing him the way he quickely found Laurana who was come to the staites head to meete him whom he kindly saluted and she as louingly welcomed him spending their time in sweet gréetings but farre from any thought of vnchastenesse their imbracings beeing grounded vpon the most vertuous conditions that might be and sitting together vpon the beddes side Laurana taking Parismus by the hand the teares standing in her eies told him all the speeches her father had vsed vnto her and of Sicanus loue repeating to him all that had passed betwixt them which extreamely gréeued Parismus to heare not that hee doubted her change but for that hee was thereby disappointed of the first grant from Dionisius whom he was fully perswaded would haue giuen his consent Deare Lady said Parismus since these mischances are vnfortunately happened I know not how to remedy them but it resteth only in your power either by granting him loue and so to destroy me or still continue your sauorable kindnesse towards me and thereby purchase displeasure of your parents which would be more greeuous vnto me then death My Lord replied Laurana you néede not vse these speeches or any way trouble your mind for I promise and protest that the losse or displeasure of my friends nor any other misery or torment whatsoeuer shall make me any way infringe that promise I haue made to you for your loue is more dearer vnto me then my life but I desire you to tell me how I may any way worke your content and I will doe it More shee would haue spoken but the Christall teares that fell from her eies and extreame hearts sorrow to sée Parismus so sad stopt her speech who likewise was drawn into such admiratioÌ„ to think of her kindnesse that he could vse no words to comfort her but with his chéeke wiped away the wet teares that bedeawed her face and bestowed swéet kisses on her corall couloured lips At last he said Deare Laurana deare Laurana I would desire you not to thinke that I any way cal your loyalty in question but vsed those spéeches only to assure you that whatsoeuer pleaseth you I count my greatest blisse but since you vouchsafe to grant me that fauour to be content to endure your Parents displeasure for my sake that am vnworthy of that kindnesse I will heereafter so fully rest at your command to doe whatsoeuer lieth in my small power that you shall say Parismus is not vnwilling though vnable to be sufficiently thaÌ„kful Thus thinking too much of their stole time speÌ„t about those vnpleasant newes they began to vse words of more comfort which were such as porceeded from the kindest friendship that might be For so pleasantly swéet were their louely ioies and true hearted meanings that it far surpassed the admirable kindnes of Louers but might be tearmed the true substance of perfect pleasure wherein these two harmelesse soules continued the greatest part of the night with such ioy that had Sicanus who most enuied Parismus séene and beheld them he would neuer haue attempted to part such knide friendship Now the dismall houre of their parting being approached by reason of the light that the Sunne began to giue vnto the Chamber Parismus taking Laurana in his armes drawing sweete breath from her lippes told her that now to his griefe he most leaue her to be courted by
his enemy Sicanus relating vnto her the long wars that had passed betwixt their fathers and the late peace that was conciuded and how that he knew Sicanus at his first comming into Thessaly desiring her to let him vnderstand such newes from her as did concerne their loue which she promised him she would and withall that she would neuer yéeld to loue him that was an enemy to Parismus but would hate her owne heart if it should but thinke a thought to wrong him Thus a thousand times imbracing each other they parted he to his lodging and shee to her rest CHAP. VI. How Sicanus hired three Tartarians to murther Parismus and how he was taken vp by certaine outlawes and had his life preserued What sorrow Laurana made for his losse and what befell at Dionisius Court THe next morning Sicanus sought all the meanes he could to sollicit his loue againe but Lauranas vsed the matter in such sort that shee kept her chamber three or foure daies to the ende hee should haue no ocsion to speake to her which made him almost mad and seeing himselfe frustrated of his desire that way his minde being apt for any impression began to deuise how he might either finde out the cause of Lauranaes strangenesse or reuenge himselfe on Parismus whom he thought was the onely man that hindred him in his loue And studying how to bring that about hee began to weigh how greatly Parismus was estéemed of Dionisius and that his vertues made him so well beloued of all that to offer him abuse openly euery one would condemne him and thereby his honour shâ—…uld the more encrease and he himselfe be euill thought of by Dionisius and contemned by Laurana and yet nothing the nearer his purposed determination At length giuing his minde ouer vnto all wickednes and cruelty he thought the best course he had was to murther him by some trechery therefore calling vnto him three of his seruants being Taxtarians he vsed a long circumstance of kind speeches vnto them promising that if they would deuise some meanes how to reuenge him on an enemy that had done him great iniury hee would preferre them to great dignity when he returned into his owne Countrey and in the meane time he would giue them a thousand pounds amongst them for their maintenance These villaines being gréedie of gaine and preâ—…erment being poore and needy sware that they would performe whatsoeur he commanded them so they might know the man Sicanus therefore giuing them the many told them that it was Parismus who had laâ—…e done him a monstrous iniurie at whose name the villaines beganne to stare one vpon another as though they had repented them of their promise and that when as custome was he rode foorth on hawking they might wait opportunity vntill he was alone and then accomplish their intended murther without suspition These villaines being fully bent vpon their intended mischiefe beeing heathens therefore the more easily drawn with the hope of reward to any treachery awaited their conuenient time with vnmoueable resolution Parismus being all that day in company of the king other nobles hauing giuen his mind to quietnesse for that hee was fully assured of Lauranas fauour nothing doubting the reason of Sicanus told Dionisius that her intended to go on hawking desiring him to vouchsafe to sée his Falcon flie which Dionisius promised to do for that his hawk was estéemed the best of all other Likewise Sicanus the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta would beare him company The next morning very earely King Dionisius Parismus and the rest of the company addressed themselues to that pastime and hauing spent most part of the day towards the Euening Parismus lost his Hawke which hee loued exceeing well beeing procured by a tempest that suddenly arose and thereby beeing wandred from the rest of the company chanced to heare the noise of her Belles as he thought in the Wood heard by where he could not ride and therefore alighted from his horse and got in on foot where hee was not entered farre but those villaines that Sicanus had hired hauing followed him all that day and now thinking finding this the fittest opportunity to execute their purpose were come into the wood and hard at Parismus héeles who espying them looking with gastfull couÌ„tenances as he thought and with their weapons about them the villaines indéede being amazed with his very countenance began to cal to remembrance the late mischance that Osiris had receiued in the same place but that thought was soone extinct for that hée knewe them to be Sicanus seruants at last hée asked them if they had not séene his hawke they answered not a word but one of them staâ—…ed about as if hée heard her néere hand which caused Parismus to looke diligently the same way And in the meane time one of them drawing his sworde strooke Parismus so violently vpon the head that hée being beare-headed by reason of the heate the blow hauing nothing to mittigate the force thereof so grieuously wounded him that he fell to the earth and before he could recouer himselfe and withall being disfurnished of his weapon for otherwise those thrée could not haue withstood his force they had giuen him two or thrée mortall wounds and seing that hée was now not able to resist them they began to consult what they should doe with his body In the meane time Parismus hauing gotten breath began to intreate them to spare his life for threates in such a case would not auaile promising to reward them with great kindnesse if they would not murther him perswading them withall that this their déede would be knowne for that such wickednesse is commonly reuealed and alwaies grieuously punished and hée that had set them about that villanie would alwayes hate them in his heart although outwardly hée might pretend a shew of friendship telling them that hée was a Prince â—…nd able to preferre pleasure them promising them that they should not néede to feare Sicanus displeasure if they would saue his life and all men would hate them for destroying him on the otherside all men would commend them for being so pitifull as to spare his life that had neuer offended theÌ„ Al these perswasions could nothing preuail but without making him any answer thrust their swords into his body in diuers places that now thinking him dead they couered him with mosse and leaues thinking that some wild beast would come and deuour him his horse they found tied without the wood but him they vnbridled and let go to auoyd suspition their own weapons they sunke in the bottome of a déepe poole of water that was by the woods side and so departed While they were striuing with Parismus in this sort it chanced that there was a knightas he séemed in armour that heard the noice hasting by guesse so well as he could to the place at last he came to the place where Parismus lay couered and looking about hee could
thoughts vnawares in a heauie dumpe hee was suddenly arriued at the Caue where hee was kindly welcommed of the Out-lawes who vsed such commendation of the Court as it liked them to heare and tolde vnto them how the king was missing and no man could tell what was become of him and that he thought there was some preparation for warres by the mustring of souldiers that he saw before the Citie When he was alone he beganne to condemne himselfe of hard heartednesse that seeing the most vertuous Lady liuing to mourne for his losse yet he being safe and in her sight would not make himselfe knowne to her thereby to rid her from her griefe but yet his comfort was great on the other side that he sawe her loue so firme being past all hope of euer seeing him againe that hee accounted himselfe farre vnworthy the fauour she shewed him growing so farre in admiration of her constancie that no thought was pleasant but the remembrance of her loue Dionisius as before is saide hauing met with many of his Knightes that went in search of him was almost through remembrance of the sorrow he knew would arise by his absence altered from his former determination yet remembring Parismus murther which he knew could not chuse but come to the knowledge of his old friend the King of Bohemia whereby his honour might be called in question of which he was iealous he therefore resolutely determined to trauel thither and hauing iourneyed many dayes he arriued in Bohemia where lighting into company with anancient Palmer of that Countrey he enquired of him what were the newes at the Bohemians court who taking Dionisius to be but a Palmer tolde him that the newes was chiefely of the Prince Parismus who being in the Court of Dionisius King of Thessaly was there murthered or by some other treason destroyed but by whom or how it was not knowne by meanes whereof there was such heauy lamentation in that Countrey and especially in the Court that he thought the like had neuer bene heard of in any place Which report caused Dionisius to greeue excéedingly and was so much tormented in minde that hee resoulued there to bide vnknowne to any vntill he sawe how the King of Bohemia would digest this griefe and also to heare the generall report would be giuen of him for that he did not reuenge the death of the Prince on Sicanus when he had him in Thessaly as also to sée the entent of these stratagems hauing good store of money and Iewels he gate him a lodging in an auncient Burgomaisters house where for his money hée was kindly vsed His wanted costome was euery day to goe to the Kings house where he heard nothing to comfort him withall but sawe the King his olde friend in most heauy plight for his sonnes death all the ioy hée had was that he heard all men notwithstanding the death of their Prince report very honourably of him that hée continued as hée thought secure being not knowne or of any suspected to be the man hee was but at the last thus contrarily it happened The Burgomaster hauing diligently marked the behauiour of his guest found him farre differing from all other Palmers in person and quallities and besides séeing the dayly charge hée was at began to suspect him hauing such store of coyne to maintaine that charge that when Dionisius went to his lodging hee would listen at his Chamber doore to heare his spéeches and marke his behauiour where he oftentimes heard Dionisius bewayling his estate in most heauie plaints naming himselfe and oftentimes naming Parismus and on a time declared the same to a Noble man of the Kings Court who comming secretly to the Burgomaisters house and hauing marked the Palmers behauiour did suspect him to be some spye apprehended him and caused him to be cast in prison without any examination which made Dionisius to wonder fearing lest he should be known but yet he thought thâ—…t could not be therefore with patience he endured this imprisonment where hée continued in the most vildest place amongst roagues and rascals being exempt from the cleare light of the Sunne to comfort him withall by the space of some sixe daies by reason that the noble man which laide him there was gone about affairs of his owne but at his returne he certified the King of such a suspicious person that he had found Wherefore Dionisius was sent for who being examined told the king that the occasion of his comming into that Countrey was to no ill intent but if it liked him to heare him priuately he would declare vnto him the whole intent of his comming The King hearing his spéeches commaunded all to depart wherevppon Dionisius disclosed himselfe The King of Bohemia knowing him being amazed at his straunge disguise suddenly caught him in his armes and embraced him with great kindnesse Dionisius discouered vnto him the heauie lâ—…sse of Parismus and his owne sudden departure out of Thessalie requesting him that he would ioyne with him aganst Sicanus to reuenge the death of so noble a Prince which the Bohemian King most willingly yéelded vnto so with many other spéeches that passed betwixt them let vs leaue Dionisius to be entertained by the King of Bohemia CHAP. IX How the King of Persia at his sonnes intreatie brought a mighty army of Persians into Thessalie and how Lord Remus slew a multitude of them at their landing And how Parismus wanne Horse and armour from a Knight of Persia. AS sâ—…ne as Sicanus was returned into Persia hée fully resolued either to obtaine Laurana in marriage or waste Thessaly with continuall warre wherefore hée came vnto his Father and told him that being in Dionisius Court hée was accused by two periured villaines for the death of Parismus sonne to the King of Bohemia whereupon Dionisius hauing before promised him his daughter both denied her vnto him and also had he not escaped by flight he had bene slaine in the presence of Dionisius with thrée of his Knights that were slaine in his rescue and knéeling downe most humbly intreated his Father to grant him a bande of Persians to reuenge the disgrace and wrong hée had receiued The King of Persia by his countenance bewrayed the inward fire of the heart that without giuing any consideration to the truth of his sonnes report he presently vowed to redresse those wrongs or else bring perpetuall infamie to his posteritie and to that effect commaunded a mightie armie to be made in a readinesse which was so innumerable hauing called all his contributories together that it was the mightiest hoste that euer went out of Persia and also prouided a mightie nauie of ships which being soone in a readinesse they with all the haste that might be hauing winde and weather at will hoysed saile and made for the Countrey of Thessaly A poore Fisherman of Thessaly that was abroad at sea hauing espied such a mightie nauie of ships with al speed brought word to the Court to Oliuia the Queene
make you pertakers of our woe as also the death of that noble Prince your valiant sonne being vnfortunately acted in our Court hath so ouerwhelmed vs with care that you cannot expect ought from vs but sighs and mourning that all the entertainement we can giue is to bid you welcome to a feast of sorrow wherwith she and the vertuous Laurana shewing a countenance full of milde pittie stood wéeping lamenting that all the whole company were gréeued to sée their sorrow which strooke such a déepe impression of pitty into Dionisius heart that with the teares standing in his eies he vnbraced his helmet and comming suddainly to Oliuia said Deare Queene behold one salue to cure your sorrow the Quéen and Laurana were so amazed that they could not tell whether they might giue credit to their eies or no but at last with such vnspeakable ioy Oliuia imbraced him that it delighted all to behold their kind reioycings Laurana knéeling downe did her humble dutie and Dionisius séeing her kneeling with blubbred chéeks as he thought bewailing his absence most willingly tooke her vp and kissed her which hee had neuer before done since shee was a childe which so rauished Lauranaes passionate heart that her ioy for hie returne and griefe for Parismus want might be compared to two mighty forces striuing to ouer master each other The Lords of Thessaly were so renewed with the presence of their king that twenty thousand hosts of Persians could not daunt their vndaunted hearts such mirth reioycing was throughout the whole Citie that for euer after they continually kept that as a holy and festiuall day so excéeding was the Citizens ioy that the belles rung the Drumes and Trumpets sounded and they made boneâ—…res and tryumphes throughout the whole Citie the noise whereof made the Persians wonder and astonished to see them in such mirth so little to regard their forces which doubts were soone ended by the newes of Dionisius reurne whom we leaue now in his owne Court in great ioy welcomming the strangers and himselfe welcomed by his subiects Parismus the same day was come out of his Caue in Palmers wéedes because he knew he should not haue occasion to vse his Armes and comming to the City he found the Persians diâ—…odged and all the rest within the walles and hearing the ioy that was made he maruelled what should be the cause and easily got into the City because vnder that habite he was not mistrusted and soone had knowledge of Dionisius his returne which he had heard of before He began then to thinke with himselfe in this sort how vnkind am I that will not manifest my selfe vnto my deare and Uertuous Laurana whom I know endureth much sorrow for my sake shee will keepe mee being aliue secret from men and why then may I not comfort her and my selfe by hauing some priuate conference with her And with this resolution he went vnto the Pallace and there walked vp and downe not hauing a sight of Laurana nor Leda her maide all the day nor possibly knowing how to come to giue her knowledge of his being there without suspition Thus he stayed vntill it began to be darke and hauing no other meanes he lept ouer a mighty high stone wall into the Garden wherâ—… diuers times hee had enioyed the sweet presence of his beloued and there hid himselfe in a little groue that was by Art made for pleasure whereunto seldâ—…me any came in which groue he was constrained to stay most part of the night by reason that the King of Bohemia and the rest lodged in the Pallace it was very late before all were at rest Yet neuerthelesse when there was none to hinder him he was without any hope to see his Mistresse and all things being silent he spied a light burning in her window vnder which hee got himselfe so neere as hee could and to his comfort heard Laurana sing this song to her Luâ—…e Lauranaes Song What carefull breast ere bid such bitter throbbes As vexe my minde with sorrowes pinching smart Which waste my life with watrie eye-swolne sobbes And breed sadde cares that sticke full neere my heart Sorrow 's my food and griefe my whole delight Care fils my heart sad thoughts possesse my minde Each obiect sweet that counterviewes my sight Soone turnes to sower all pleasure prooues vnkinde The cheerfull day renewes my endlesse cries And Phoebus beames are shadowed with my teares The silent night that lendeth rest to eyes Yeeldes me no ease but hearts consuming care Thus am I rackt no rest to smart can finde The smallest time to paine yeelds no relife No fortune sweet will my ill rate vnbinde But worse to worse and care I adde to griefe My loue is lost by dismall lucklesse fate My chiefest ioy hath felt the sting of death The bad suruiue to worke me more debate And vertue sweet can draw no longer breath Fraude conquereth Fame and vertu's thrall to vice Faith stands exilde and reason rules in place The good prooues bad and trust as brittle yâ—…e In constant deedes doe constant loue deface My Sunne shines dim and darkened be despite Spite suckes my blood yet sueth for my loue Valour lies thrall dispoiled of his might Vaine flattery doth constancy remoue Base minded Lust hath Loialty betraide False Trecherie doth sue and seeke for grace Fraude by his force hath honesty dismaid And forced wrong doth right with might displace All this and more by proofe I finde to true By hard mischance and absence of my Knight Whose luckelesse death my sorrowing sobs renue Whose presence pure did breed my sweet delight He valour was whom fraude hath brought to death He honour was where vertue shin'd most cleare In his kind brest true loialty drew breath Fame in his lookes and glory did appeare Hope speakes me faire and telles me Fame doth liue Which addes more doubts vnto my troubled head The Iewell sweete the Palmer did mee giue Breeds firme beliefe that valour is not dead My friendly foe that sueth for my grace Hath hem'd mee in with strickt besiege of warre And seekes by force my vertue to deface And from my soule all comfort doth debarre Had I my Loue here folded in mine armes Or might I once enioye his pleasing â—…ight I would him guard from force of Persian harmes And loue should quell fraile fortunes canckred spight But dismall woes expell such blisfull ioyes My lucklesse Starres such pleasure doth detaine Carking distresse and sorrowes mee annoyes No ease to care nor end I finde in paine Thus am I â—…ost with endleâ—…e miserie Care is my bed exceeding paine my rest Sorrow 's my sleepe my ease aduersitie And thousand griefes still tumble in my head Affliction giues me foode dispaire reliefe Danger hems me in Death standeth still in â—…ight Each Day and Night each thing renues my griefe And grisly Warre my senses doth affright What resteth then for me to put in vre But welcome Cares in absence of my friende Who for
tyrannous that by his trechery in fight he had subdued many thousand knights in his trauels This Pollipus was desirous to trie his force against the Blacke knight and soone mounted himselfe being a most gallant proportioned and comely knight The blacke knight being still ready for any incounter met Polipus with such force that both their staues were shiuered in peeces the blacke knight not once moouing in Saddle but Pollipus with the focre of his blâ—…w lost one of his stirrops The blacke knight not once moouing in his saddle but Polippus with the force of the blow lost one of his stirrops the blacke Knight hauing drawne his sword ready to combat Pollipus espied vpon his Armour the deuise of three Falcons and suddainly put vp his sword againe which when Pollipus perceiuing he maruelled thereâ—…t and asked him the combate the black knight said pardon me worthy sir for I am bound not to combat any that weareth that Armor and without any more words departed Polippus wondring thereat at last remembred that when he was with the Persian king besieging Bohomia he made a couenant with Parismus neuer to combat any that had the deuise of the branch of roses vpon his armour which was Parismus armor Parismus likewise promised him the like therfore he thought that the blacke knight was either Parismus himselfe or some knight whom Parismus had bound by the like oath The occasion of which vow passed betwixt Parismus and Pollipus was growne through the excéeding loue and kindnes that had passed betwixt them from their youth being brought vp together in the vniuersity Wherefore Pollippus studying what he might be and reioycing that hee had so worthy a knight to his friend rode backe to the Persians tent who stood gazing to sée euent of this Combat but maruelled that they parted so friendly Pollipus beeing returned told the Kings of Persia and Natolia that hee refused the combat the reason was as hee thought the blacke Knight knewe him otherwise hee knewe not what might be the cause Adonius the King of Bohemia Oliuia Laurana and the rest all this while wondred at the blacke Knights behauiour but most of all to sée him part so friendly with the Phrigian Knight Whilest they were in this admiration they beheld the most valiant Zoylus ready to encounter the blacke knight the Persians now thinking to see the blacke Knights downefall for that Zoylus had vowed neuer to depart vntill hee had destroied him with whom the blacke Knight mette with such aduantage that maugre the force of Zoylus he ouerthrew him to the ground and himselfe had lost both his stirrups Zoylus soone recouered his Horse and with furious rage they both mette with their swords drawne when beganne a most terrible and cruell battell that all that behelde the same were amazed at the valour of both the knights in which cruel manner they contined for two houres space both being grieuously hurt but neuer weary nor willing to leaue off at last the blacke Knight séemed weary and only warded the furious strokes that Zoilus gaue him Zoylus thinking indeede that hee had fained laide on such blowes with such swiftnesse and force that all the whole company of the beholders déemed the black knight almost vanquished Zoylus still pursued him with forcible blowes and the blacke Knight still warded so long they continued in this manner that the Phrygian beganne to waxe wearie and also to suspect the blacke Knights pollicie therefore staying his hande he said Knight I giue thee leaue to aske pardon for thy life or else be sure thou art but dead The blacke Knight casting his eies towards the Tower where his beloued Laurana stoode beholding the combatte and wauing his sworde most couragiously about his heade answered No dastard Phrygian quoth hee I scorne thy proffer with which words he so freshly assaulted the Phrygian that in short space he draue him to deuise how to saue his life for hee had mangled and cut his body in many places that his Steede was all coloured with the bloud that ranne from his woundes which caused the Phrygian to thrust at the blacke Knight with such force and furie that hee wounded him most grieuously on the left side which wound and withall the remembrance the blacke Knight had who beheld the combatte caused him with both his handes to strike such a deadly blowe at the Phrygian that lighting full on his Beauer the force and vigour thereof both vnbuckled the same and his Sword cut off his right eare and wounded him so sore in the face that he fell on his Horse necks senselesse the blacke Knight strooke another blow at him with such a maine force that had not the Phrygians Horse started with the glimmering sight of his sword comming he had there parted his head from his shoulders and the Horse ranne loose about the fields at last the Phrygian beganne to recouer himselfe and looking about him hee espied Parismus with his sword put vp and himselfe without a weapon that what with shame and furie he was almost madde These Combattants were no sooner parted but the Thessalian horsemen by a priuie Watch-word from out the Citie rushed suddenly vpon the Persians at vnawares who expected no such matter and had their mindes otherwise busied so that before they could be in Armes to defende themselues the Thessalians had made a great slaughter amongst them which the black Knight perceiuing though he were gréeuously wounded made such hauock among the Persians that al men déemed him rather to be a Diuell then a mortall creature with whom Pollipus met but would not once offer to offend him Dionisius the Bohemian King the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta Lord Remus Osiris and Oristus likewise issued out vpon the Persian forces in seuerall Troupes which so amazed the Natolians Phrigians and the other Nations of the Army that they maruelled whence the Thessalians could haue such aide but their comming amongst them on such a suddaine made so cruell and mighty a slaughter that by that time the day was ended they had slaine of the Persians fifty thousand which caused them euer after to be more circumspect and wary All the Souldiers beeing retired into their places the blacke Knight likewise withdrewe himselfe towards the Wood Pollipus hauing al this day very diligeÌ„tly followed him being almost come to the Woods side set spurres to his horse and ouertooke the blacke Knight who espying him stayed his comming knowing him to be the knight with whom he had combatted that day by the thrée Faulcons on his Armor most kindly saluted him and demanded what might be the cause of his comming vnto him Who replyed thus Most worthy Knight quoth hee my humble suit vnto you is that you would vouchsafe me so much fauour as to let me vnderstand the cause you refused the Combat with me this day Gentle Knight quoth Parismus you must needs pardon me for that vntill I know whether you are the worthy Pollipus of Phrygia
ranne at this rustick Knight who notwithstanding his outward showe encountred Guido so valiantly that had hee not beene an approued good Knight hee had measured his length on the ground which so vexed the Thracian that hee ranne the second time thinking then verily to ouerthrowe him but it fell out contrary to his expectation for hee coulde not with all hiâ—… power mooue this countrey Champion in his saddle but at the third course he was himselfe vnhorsed with such violence that both horse and man lay tumbling on the grounde Cuido hauing receiued this exceeding foyle in a great rage departed the fielde and none of the contrary party encountred this Knight but they were all foyled and ouerthrowne that at last there was none would runne against him any more which hée perceiuing lighted from his Horse and went vp the Scaffolde whereas the Bride sate and rudely offered to haue kissed her but thée courteously reprooued his boldnesse with that all began to laugh at his rude behauiour and soâ—…e beganne to thrust him backe at last hée discouered himselfe and 〈◊〉 knowing him woondred to sée him armed Thus the whole honour of the triumph redouned to Parismus as most worthie of the same whose behauiour was so highly commended that all men much applanded this his last deuise and Guido knowing him was not greatly discontented to be foyled by so worthy a Knight By this time the nightes blacke mantell began to ouerspread the whole earth that Dionisius with the rest of the Kings conducting Laurana in triumphant manner hasted to the Pallace where after supper was ended they continued a good parte of the night in Dauncing and other Courtly pastimes their entertainment being so honourable that they admired the exceeding Royaltie of Dionisius Court where they afterwardes continued many dayes spending the time of many Martiall exercises CHAP. XVII Howe Parismus rewarded the Outlawes that preserued his life Howe Pollipus was in loue with Violetta and how Violetta forsooke her Fathers house in the disguise of a page and was entertained of Parismus of the care Pollipus tooke for her absence LOng time the Out-lawes continued in great pensiuenesse for the want of theyr Captaine much maruelling what should be become of him and the other two that went with him but at the last they were eased of that care for Parismus remembring the benefite hee hadde receiued by their meanes desired Dionisius to remitte their offenâ—…s who willingly graunted his request and therefore Parismus sent for them who hauing knowledge that he was the man whom they had preserued willingly came and at his handes receyued their pardon with large and bountifull rewardes The Damosell likewise came amongst them whom Parismus caused to be worthily vsed reporting very honourably of her vertues The Emperours and Kings of Persia and Natolia being present at the comming of these Outlawes greatly praised Parismus for the honourable care hee hadde of these poore people Amongst the number of Knights there assembled the Father of the Damosell chanced to be present who very diligently beheld his Daughter but knew her not for that shee was mighty allered but at last hearing Dionisius make recitall of her tragedy and how that Osiris was hurt in her resuâ—…s by circumstance comparing the time of her departure with the same knewe her to bee his owne Daughter and in the presence of them all with wéeping eies for ioy embraced her and shee with great delight was glad of his presence Parismus euer after vsed her father most kindely and much estéemed her fâ—…r that she had taken great paines to cure his woundes During the time of Parismus aboade in the Countrey of Thessaly after that the two Emperours of Constantinople and Greece were departed with the rest of the Knights that came to the selemnization of the Wedding and likewise the King of Persia and the rest of the famous Potentates on his party had solemnely taken their leaue Pollipus excepted the chiefe Gouernours of the City of Thebes inuited their King and Quéene the King of Bohemia the two new married Princes the Prince of Sparta and the king of Hungaria and his Quéene the Lady Isabella Lord Remus Pollipus and many other Knights vnto a selemene feast which they prepared in their great Hal called the Counselhouse whose gentle courtesie was kindely accepted and at the appointed day they all went thither in great Royaltie where they were so heartilie welcommed and so honourablie entertained by the Citizens as it were a tedious toyâ—…e to rehearse Such Pageants such delightfull shewessuch Musicke and such generall triumphing and reioycing such giftes and Commendations giuen to the two yoong Princes as the like was neuer presented to any Prince by his subiects before in those Regions Amongst the rest of the Citizenst he father of Violetta the Damosel whome Parismus had kindelie receyued as before is mentioned was one of the chiefest that had ordayned this banket with whome likewise was his daughter whom assoone as Parismus espied a ruddie blushe beganne to ouerspread his chéekes being touched with the remembrance of the iniurie hée hadde done her The Damosell Violetta behaued her selfe with such modesty in this Princely assemblie that she was generally nored and wel liked of al. Insomuch that Laurana hauing precisely viewed her comelinesse began greatly to commende her vnto the Quéene her Mother who espying occasion called Violetta vnto her demaunding of her whose daughter she was who humbly reuerencing her selfe vpon her knées answered that she was the daughter of Signior Andrugio a Citizen Whilest she kneeled before the Queene Pollipus tooke such view of her perfections that hee was sodainly stroken with Cupids fiery dart of Loue and beganne vehemently to affect her beauty and person that his heart was entangled in the intricate Labyrinth of her perfections but seing her depart he thought therewithall his vital spirits had begunne to decay and with a heauie sigh he breathed out his longing desire to be acquainted with her Parismus likewise stood in a studie 〈◊〉 how he might make some amends to Violetta and therefore séeing her talke with the Quéene and Lauarana hée came vnto them and asked what Damosell that was that talked with them My Lord quoth Laurana it is a Marchants Daughter whose behauiour so well pleaseth mee that I coulde wish her to spende her time in some honourable place to her preferment Quoth he if your lease I will speake to her Father that shee might attend your selfe wherewith he came to Pollipus who stood like one with a flea in his eare and desired him to enquire which was the Father of that Damsell and that he would request him to come to speake with him Pollipus being glad of such an opportunitâ—… soone found out Violetta and greeting her with a kind kisse told her that he was sent by the Prince Parismus to intreate her Father to come and speake with him Shee told him that her Father was hard by and that she would presently let him vnderstand his pleasure
bewitched their sences that immediately they fell into a dead and sound sléepe presently shee commaunded them to be conueyed into a strong prison and there fettered them wich Irons At such time as they awaled they were excéedingly amazed to see themselues in that manner imprisoned and Parismus was so enraged with extreame sorrowe that hée tare his haire reÌ„t his garments rayled on his misfortune cursed his destinies and vexed his owne hart with extreme passions of sorrowe that his spéech was returned into bitter sighes and his sences forgot their former vertue and he was so desperately sad that no griefe might be compared to that he endured Pollipus on the other side continued his wonted manner of enduring afflection which was presently to studie howe to ridde himselfe and his friend from the same which might be accounted the rarest vertue that euer was in knight he only studied for his release and neuer raged nor railed against himselfe nor otherwayes distempered his sences but ouercame his inwarde sorrowes which were excéeding with such patience that Parismus would highly extoll him for the same and poore Violetta woondered at his gouernment as a most rare vertue which shée neuer behelde in any but himselfe which made her oftentimes accuse her selfe of vnkindnesse that shée had so vngently refused so courteous a Knightes loue which very thoughts touched her so neare the quicke that shée was oftentimes in minde to yéelde to loue him and beganne afterwardes to affect his vertuous qualities excéedingly They continued in that darke Dungeon all that night so laden with Chaines and Irons that they could not one helpe the other without sustenance not able to take any rest with the care they endured at the pittifull grones and cries of a number of poore distressed people which were imprisoned hard by them that it séemed more terrible to Violletta then death it selfe But they were still comforted by Pollipus who hearing the sorrowe poore Adonius made and seeing the heauinesse of Parismus vttered these comfortable spéeches My Lord do not discomfort your selfe neyther be discouraged or so much as disquieted with their crosses for I doe not doubt but in shorte space wée shall frée our selues of these bandes and therefore beare the losse of Laurana with more patience then you haue done what though she be in the hands of Pirats and Uillaines Assure your selfe that there is none so barbarous or in humane as wil once offer to iniury her And were it not for the care she hath taken for your absence I durst assure my selfe shée is in good health and for your owne safety or ours you neede not greeue your selfe so extreamely as it seemeth to mee you doe for that is not so greatly to bée feared as wee neede any way to dispaire for doe but followe my counsaile in this to contemne these pittie miseries for a while and regard them as they were not and you shall soone sée by that meanes we shal come by our fréedome much rather then by our effeminate lamentation which will make our enemies reioyce at our affection and not pittie vs. Deare friende quoth Parismus your comfortable spéeches were of force to reuiue a dying hart but so great griefe attaineth my minde for the losse of the fayre Lady Laurana that felt you but the inwarde griefe of such a sweete Friendes absence and feare neuer to see her againe you would say that I did not greeue sufficienly My Lord replyed Pollipus I haue often made triall of your Uertues which maketh me the bolder to trie your patience I confesse that the losse of such a Friend as Laurana is cannot be sufficiently lamented for my selfe doe feele such sorrowe for the losse of my deere Violletta that my heart endureth that torment my tongâ—…e is not able to expresse which maketh me silent in my griefes for that I would not put you in remembrance of yours by mine for my Violetta is as deere to me as ten thousand liues if I had them and I doe not doubt but one day I shall see her vertuous beautie for whose sake my heart will neuer be at rest the remembrance whereof restraineth mee from many desperate attemptes that otherwise I would inflict vppon my selfe that haue not deserued the Loue of so vertuous a Damosell But why doe I vtter these speeches when shee is not by to heare them and little regardeth the torments I endure by her vnkindnesse But I beseeche you comfort your selfe in these afflictions for a comfortable heart is now necessarie wherewith the water appeared in his eyes and poore Violetta hearing his speeches so much pittied his sighes and sadnesse that for very kindnesse she wept for company and resoluted to graunt his sute which had well deserued to be beloued but the loue she bare to Parismus so altered and changed her thoughts that she could not determine what to do at last she began to consider that in louing Parismus she did wrong to Laurana in some degree and that she might no whitte alter her true friendshippe to him being onely vertuous and yet accept Pollipus offer and yeeld him loue for good will In these and a thousand such like thoughts she spent the night and the Knights continued busie bethinking themselues how to worke their deliuery Early the next morning fast bounde in Irons they were brought by a company of ragged hunger-starued fellowes into a goodly Hall most richly furnished with stately hangings at the vpper ende whereof sat Druball Belona before whom they wefe no sooner come but Druball with a tyrannous looke demaunded of whence they were and what was the cause they had so euill intreated and slaine his seruants Parismus so much disdained to be examined by so base a Uillaine that hee coulde not for extreame anguish of minde speake nor coulde he would hee haue answered him but Pollipus stepping forwards answered we are straungers that haue suffered shipwracke and were vnluckily cast vppon this hatefull Iland made so by thy treacheries where we haue bene often in daunger of Famishment and comming to this Castle thy seruants offered vs violence and we haue rewarded them and thou like a Tyrant hast vniustly imprisoned vs not vsing vs as all Knights should be vsed and not by valour but by Sorceries hast brought vs into thy subiection which if not our selues the Heauens will reuenge Which words hee vttered with such a disdainfull countenance that the Tyrant was amazed at his resolution and tolde him that hee would soone abate his haughtie minde commaunding them to Prison againe CHAP. XXI How Bellona the Inchauntresse fell in loue with Pollipus by which meanes hee released himselfe and Parismus out of prison and finished the inchauntment And how afterward Antiochus was restored to his kingdome And how Adonius the page fellsicke and was restored by Pollipus BEllona all this while tooke such viewe of their personages that shee thought them the goodliest men that euer she beheld and at that instant vowed eyther to obtaine their loues by
faire meanes or inflict such torments vppon them that they should yéeld by force to her lust wherefore she secretly commaunded her seruants to loade them with more Irons which they performed where these two worthie Knights laye by the space of a weeke in the most cruellest torment that might be their foode being bread and water their bedde the harde and cold earth in a most loathsome stinking prison Which paine they patiently endured but were both so gréeued for poore Adonius that their hearts were almost readie to burst with griefe who continuallie notwithstanding his weaknesse séemed to be of great comfort But being al his life time tenderly brought vp he began to wax very sick with ill sauour and hard fare in this loathsome prisoÌ„ that they thought hee would haue at that instantended his life but Pollipus what with deuices and forces wroong himselfe froÌ„ the place where he was fastened and made such meanes notwithstanding his heauy Irons that he came to poore Adonius and vnloosed many of his Boltes and Irons from his weake body and continually made him sit on his lappe being all the means he had to coÌ„fort him withall that he poore soule being almost dead with lying on the colde grounde felt great comfort by Pollipus warme body which kindnesse poore Violletta so kindly accepted that euer after shee began to loue him most entirely and remembring an impossible of enioying Parismus her affections was setled on the woorthy Pollipus thinking that since he was so kinde to her being taken as a Page hee would be much â—…ore kinde if hee knew her to bee Violetta Euery day they were serued by a rude vnciuill slaue in such sort that it would haue made daintie fare loathsome to be so handeled which Bellona did vpon pretence first to vse them hardly and then by better vsage to draw them to a good opinion of her gentlenesse for on a time shee came to visite these prisoners being no waies drawne thereto by a vertuous inclination but of a most vnchaste and beastlike disposition and colourably seemed to reprooue the Iaylor that he had vsed them so hardly commaunding him to remooue them into a more delightsome place where they had very softe bedding good aire and farre better diet which kindnesse of hers they both commended In which place they remained many daies during which time Pollipus and Adonius were bed-fellowes he full little knowing who it was hee so tenderly regarded for by reason that he was sickly Poilipus being drawne thereto by a vertuous inclination proceeding from milde pittie would oftentimes folde him in his armes and so kindely cherish him that by his meanes poore Violetta had recouered her former health which imbracements of Pollipus at the first séemed straunge to her but in continuance she tooke such vertuous delight in his swéete company that his presence was her whole delight and these kindnesses did so much reioyce her heart by the knowledge of her owne estate and remembrance that shee was vnknowne that she was a thousand times in minde to reueale her selfe to him when she lay soulded in his armes he hauing not the least thought that shée was a woman and a thousand times that determination was crossed by contrarie thoghts that kerioy seemed without compare had it not bin for remembrance of the estate they remained in but her hart was so chéered with these delights that by her pleasant deuices shée would driue many sadde thoughts from the vnchearfull hearts of these imprisoned Champions Which so greatly admyred their Pages vertues that they were both drâ—…wne into an exceeding loue of his qualities Bellona had all this while by remembring the comely proportions of her two new come prisoners kindled such sparkes of immodest loue within her loathsome breast that the burtheÌ„ thereof was intollerable to her to endure and therfore arming herselfe with an vnshamelaste countenance sheâ—… resolued eyther speedilie to worke her owne content by enioying one or both of their persons to satisfie her appetite or to worke their endlesse torment and her owne death which diuellish resolution tooke such deepe roole in her impure hearte that shee presently came vnto the place where these two Knightes were and with a fawning countenance saluted them beeing attired as she thought most gorgiously to delight their eyes but so vnséemely she became those rich attires that it would haue altered a deepe grounded affection to extreame disdaine to beholde rich attire on so vnseemly a carkasse Parismus nothing regarded her but Pollipus aduisedly marked her behauiour and his fancie iumpt rightly on her disease that at the very first he rightly conceited this her amorous passis Assoon as she was entred had saluted them she began to enquire of Pollipus for that he seemed to be the cheerfullest of what countrey they were how they arriued in that coast Pollipus tolde her that they were Knights of Phrygia that trauelled towards Tartaria but by a mightie tempest they were driuen vpâ—…n that Iland where their ship and men were all cast away but themselues and their little page being therby driuen to trauel by chance lighted on that Castle intending to trie if they could get passage into Tartaria for that the Country was no where else inhabited since our arriuall worthy Lady your selfe know what misery we haue indured being inflicted vpon vs for no offence that we haue giuen to the Lord of this castle therefore faire Ladie if there bee any vertuous pittie in you graunt our releasement from his bondage which can no way benefit you wee are such as neuer intended your harme any way but by necessitie were compelled by this place which hath prooued so miserable Bellona being tickled with this flattering spéech of Pollipus which séemed to agrée with her disposition made him this answere Worthy knight quoth she if it lye in my power to release you I will most willingly do it for such good will I beare you and such pitty I take for your hard vsage that I haue caused you to be remoued from the miserable prison wherein you were before and haue both bettered your lodging and your dyet and would doe all that you wish or venter my life in pursute thereof if you would condiscend to stay with me in this countrey for worthy knight though it ill beséemes my sere to begin the motion of loue and shew their beloued the depth of their affection yet for that paraduenture your inclination is not so bent I here but offer you fréedome and what else you will require so that you will yéeld to loue me For at the first view of your person my heart so surfetted with delight of beholding your perfection that euer since I haue enioyed no quiet but onely the hope to enioy my desired wish therefore gentle Knight resoule mée of my doubte and graunt this my sute and therby ease your selfe of further paine and set these your frendes at libertie Pollipus hearing her spéeches thought it the best course
vertuous selfe withall but if all this wil not suffice then shall I spend my daies in endlesse sorrow and your selfe purchase thereby your owne discontent Therefore sweet Lady let me receiue some comfortable answer to mittigate these my sorrowes Laurana hauing heard his spéeches was so surprised with a vertuous disdaine to heare his flattering that she was resolued not to answer him at all but at last she replied in this sort It is in vaine Tyrant quoth she for thee to think to purchase any loue at my hands by thy flatteries there fore desist thy sute which is as odious to me as thy selfe which thinkest because by trechery I am brought into thy cruel haÌ„ds I will yeeld to thy allurements no Tyrant no inflict what punishment thou canst vpon me I wil neuer yéeld to shew thee any fauour that deseruest to be hated of all men besides thou seest my estate vnfit to listen to the allurements of loue therfore if thou hast any vertue in thee as thou she west thy self to haue none shew that thou louest me by desisting to trouble me any more with the harsh sound of thy odious instrumeÌ„ts wherwith she turned from him and he in a monstrous rage departed the chamber Afterward comming vnto a sister which he had with him named Adamasia he began to vnfold vnto her the sum of his affection to Laurana how disdainfully she had vsed him requesting her counsel to further him therin who being an euil disposed creature and rather ready to intice him to euil then to dissawaded him frâ—… the same she promised him that if she might haue the custodie of Laurana shée would not doubt but soone to bring her to consent vnto his desire which Andramart was in som doubt to suffer for that he was loth any should haue the kéeping of her but himselfe But at last being intised by hope of obtaining her good will gaue his consent and the wicked Adamasia had the charge of the most vertuous Laurana vnto whoÌ„ shée vnfolded the cause of her comming vsing manie perswasions to Laurana to consent to loue Andramart telling her that shée was vnwise to refuse the good will of him that was so mighty a man Laurana séeing a worse plague then euer shée before endured to be now befallen her by being troubled with such an impudent solliciter was so ouercome with sorrow and griefe that this last vexation seemed more gréeuous then all that euer she endured would giue no answere vnto her impudent sollicitings by which meanes Adamasia was frustrated of al hope to obtaine her liking but many daies she vsed the vertuous Laurana very kindly and séemed so loth to offend her that she would not long time after motion any thing in the behalfe of her brother which the wicked hag did only to feele the disposition of the vertuous Laurana and also perceiuing that she was great with child told Andramart that it was to no effect to deale any further in their suit vntill she were deliuered Wherfore with all diligence they ministred all things necessarie and the time of her deliuery being come she was inriched with a goodly boy whom she named Parismenos whom Andramart caused to be nursed and to be most delicately brought vp many daies in that castle After a few daies Andramart grew so impatient in his loue that with many intreaties he requested Adamasia either speedily to work his content by obtaining Lauranaes liking or else he told her she should soon see his death for without the same it was impossible for him to liue Wherwith Adamasia beganne to settle her selfe to the taske she had vndertaken and finding as she thought a conuenient time when Laurana was alone she began to féele her minde in this sort Uertuous Lady quoth she I haue long diligently marked the doleful plaints you secretly vtter which maketh me muse that you hauing no cause at al shuld spend your daies in such heauie sort wheras you might if you plesed inioy such happy delights as many thousand ladies wold wish for You are here in a happie place in my opinion where nothing is wanting that might procure your content where no iniurie is offered you that vnlesse you indure some secret griefe I know not what to coniecture of your discontent and the loue of Andramart in my iudgement faire Lady should bring you that happie consent that yet you neuer enioyed the like who in all respects beareth such an intire affection to your selfe that whatsoeuer he hath or can coÌ„mand resteth wholly at your dispositioÌ„ But if it be so that you haue som friend already vnto whom you are any way tyed in the bands of loue for him you indure this pensiuenes that by some mischaunce is perished then let the famous Andramart possesse the second roome in your gentle heart and let me be the messenger to carrie these happie tidings to ease his torment Laurana hauing heard this cunning insinuation of Adamasia wel vnderstood her meaning therfore told her that her gréefes were best knowne to her selfe which she determined not to reueale and as for Andramart she told her she esteemed his loue worse then his hatred and that she had rather indure the greatest force of his malice then the loathsome profers of his loue and therfore willed her not to prosecute any further her vnwelcommed sute which should make her lesse welcome vnto her companie Adamasia hearing Lauranaes resolute answere was so kindled into anger with the same and being of a proude disposition could not refraine from vttering her inward rancor but replyed as followeth Proude Lady quoth she know that Andramarts more fauoring thée then thou deseruest hath appointed me to intreat thy fauor but thou disdainfully reiectest his profered courtesie and makest scorne of my speeches which I cannot indure for thou shalt well know that I am the better and I tell shee that thou shalt yeelde vnto his iust sute or repen the time that euer thou wert so coy therfore let me haue thy answere to morrow which is the vttermost respit that I will giue thée Auant foule Hag quoth Laurana my answere thou shalt now receiue that for thy detested sake I will neuer yeeld vnto his sute Which words so inraged the rude Adamasia that coÌ„ming to Laurana she strooke her such a blow on the face that the blood ran aboundantly froÌ„ her mouth wherwith she departed and left Laurana in that sort bléeding with her bloud mingling her Christall teares which in abundance ran from her eyes This hag was so inragde with the sharpe answere of Laurana that presently she came to Andramart and told him that there was no dealing with hir in gentle sort rehearsing how disdainfully she refused all the proffers and sutes she could make vsing such perswasions that Andramart consented to be wholly ordered by her nothing regarding what she intended so hée might haue his desire Adamasia therfore purposing to bring her businesse to effect first caused Leda to be prisoned and
vtter that dismall doome of her Sonne shee fell into a deadly swound in which sort she continued a good space in which time the nurse was departed with yong Parismenos which when Laurana perceiued she began to vtter many heauy plaints that the very walles seemed to pittie her distresse but being diuersly tormented with feare to thinke what was become of her yong sonne she got to the windowe and there beheld Adamasia with the nurse ready to strangle the Infant before her face but the nurse pittying the infant who lookt with such a smiling countenance that the cruell Tigers would haue spared his life vpon her knées with aboundance of teares intreated the hard hearted Adamasia to spare his life who was no way guiltie of his mothers offence but all the intreaties she could vse nothing auailed but she taking the infant from the nurse adressed her selfe to execute her cruell intent Which Laurana espying beeing therewith terrified called aloude from the window vnto her and desired her to heare her speake before shee spilt the innocent bloud of her yong sonne which caused Adamasia to stay but still shee continued like a furious Lionesse standing ready to deuour her pray and Laurana from foorth her window vttered these speeches If thou wert euer borne of a woman be not so inhumane as so destroy that harmelesse infant which is of no power to worke thy discontent wherein hath it offended thee or how hath it any way deserued such an vntimely death What will it profit thee at all to see his destruction It is I that haue offended thee it is I that may appease thy cruell minde it is my blood that may suffice thy deuouring appetite then inflict thy wrath on my head reuenge thy selfe on mee that héere offer my selfe willingly to destruction What mercilesse creature would be so tyrannous as to destroy an harmelesse innocent when they haue in their power a fitter subiect to appease their ire Cruell Adamasia or let mee call thee gentle cruell woman let my plaints mooue thy heart from acting that cruell déede let my humble teares and remembrance of a mothers loue to her childe reuoke thy cruell doome let my paines and intreaties so much pricke thy flinty breast as to cause thy heart relent and stay thy hand from that mercilesse déede heere I am that haue offended why wilt thou not then reuenge thy selfe on mee that may satisfie thy will and spare that tender babe whose death will make thée so odious that the very earth will refuse to beare thy hatefull body the Sun will send noysome vapours to poyson thy soule the ayre will infect thy intrailes and the very foules will worke thy downefall Remember that his life may bee a meanes to alter my minde but his death wiâ—…harden my heart so much that it will be foreuer impossible for thee to attaine the thing thou seekest at my hand Then bee not so cruell as to spill the blood of that silly Lambe that is not altogether as yet ready for the slaughter Adamasia hearing the conclusion of Lauranaes spéeches perceiuing that they shewed some likelihood that shee would change her inclination wherein she was deceiued deliuered Parismenos againe to his Nurse with many oathes protesting that if Laurana did not the next day grant her request he should surely die Laurana was somewhat comforted by this short time of Truce she had gotten for Parismenos liâ—…e but stil rested in such caâ—…e and perplexity of griefe that she was in the most woefullest estate of miserie that euer any Lady was in her Senses beeing so stuffed with aboundance of sorrow that shee could neither resolue what to doe nor once study how to auoide these intollerable mischiefes The Nurse hauing receiued the young Parismenos with great ioy departed to the place of her aboad where she was no sooner come but she then began presently to deuise how to saue the swéete Babe from death for although she was a stranger to Laurana a woman of a rude and barbarous Nation and altogether voide of Ciuilitie yet by the Diuine operation she was so farre in loue with that most sweet countenance of the yong Infant and therewith she tooke such delight to educate so gallant a Childe that she determined either to saue him from Adamasias cruelty or thereby worke her owne destruction therefore in the middest of the darke night when all things were at silence she stole away from the Castle with Parismenos and by that time it was day she was trauelled some twenty miles from the same wher she gate into a woode and there made such prouision that she carefully brought vp Parismenos as conueniently as was possible for her to doe in that vnfrequented place of whom wee will speake more heereafter The next morning Adamasia came again to Lauranas chaÌ„ber demanding the accomplishment of her request who by that time had sufficiently determined what to doe and weghing the distressed estate she was in considered that if shee should condiscend to loue Andramart shee should both disrobe her selfe of chastitie and doe a most monstrous iniurie to the noble Parismus shee resolued rather to sée the destruction of her Sonne and endure death And therefore tolde Adamasia if nothing but her dishonour would content her minde she might doe all as pleased her for she was resolued neuer to yeelde to violate her chastity but yet most humbly intreated the hard hearted hagge to spare her Sons life shewing such manifold reasons that it would haue pierced the heart of the cruellest Tyrant liuing but Adamasia was rather inflamed to furie then any way mollified with her gentle intreaties that in an extreame rage she departed with full intent to excute her vnsatiate reuenge on Parismenos but comming into the nurses Chamber and not finding him nor his nurse she could not tell what to thinke and making further enquirie being thereby assured that they were not to bee found shee was inraged with such madde and Diuellish frenzie that shee came vnto the two olde hagges that had executed her commandement before on Laurana stamping and staring and discouered vnto them all that had happened and how that the nurse was fled with the yong Infant who by her wicked commandement for many daies after continually tormented the vertuous Laurana with such extreame tortures that it was impossible for her long to endure that extreame misery wherewith shee was brought into a most dangerous estate of death being voide of all comfort and continually she spent her time in bemoning the losse of her Lord and the vntimely slaughter of Parismenos whom shee thought assuredly to be dead CHAP. XXIII How Aadramart vnderstanding how Adamasia had vsed Laurana and missing young Parismenos would haue slaine her but shee hasting to auoide his furie burst her necke downe a paire of staires ANdramart all this while continued in good hope of Lauranas fauour which hee was in some sort assured of by Adamasias perswasion who continually vsed all the delaies she could to hinder
there made such hauock that they disparing of victorie hoysed their sayles before Pollipus could againe recouer his owne ship were launched from the other a good way which Parismus espying desired Barzillus to make out after them Pollipus séeing himselfe in that sort betrayed laied about him with furie that none durst come to neere him at last the Generall noting his valour came vnto him with these spéeches Knight quoth he yeeld thy selâ—…e and doo not he pâ—…worse mischief vpoÌ„ thy head by procuring my further displeasure against thee for if thou wilt aske mercie at my hands I wil giue it thee otherwise know that I am of sufficencie to abate thy corrage bring thee in subiection in despite of the best resistaÌ„ce thou caÌ„st make Pirate quoth Pollipus I scorne thy proffered friendship and dare thee to vse the best skill thou canst to conquere me for I am resolued to trie thy valor Which words being ended they assailed each with such fury that it had bin a sight worth the beholding if any had bin by to see the brauerie of their fight but Pollipus assailed his enemie with such valour that hee had mangled and cut his body in manie places who being growne fainte with the effensioÌ„ of his blood fell downe at his feete dead which the mariners perceiuing all at once assailed Pollipus who so valiant withstood them that they could little or nothing at all indamage him One amongst the rest offered him a thrust which lighted on his lefte side at the skyrtes of his Armour which greeued him worse then all the woundes hée had receyued and so inraged him that he chased them vppe and downe with such furious blowes that manie of them in shunning his kéene sworde tumbled ouer-boorde manie of them were dismembred and the rest seeing themselues vnable to withstand his force got themselues vnder Hatches and Pollipus was left alone Who seeing none to trouble him and being sore wounded and wearie satte him downe as well to rest himselfe as to consider of the estate he was in Parismus hasted after the Pyrats shippe with all speade he might but doo what Barzillus could they had lost the sight therof which draue Parismus into such sorrowe as was strange and poore Adonius seeing the Knight she deerely loued fallen into such mishap gate her selfe into a secret place in the shippe and there vttered these plaintes How vnhappie am I that haue caused the losse of so woorthy a Knight as my deere Pollipus is who hath giuen himselfe to a carelesse desperatenesse for my losse who am not worthie for my vnthankfulnesse to be esteemed of him Now is he fallen into the handes of such as wil soone abridge his dayes it is impossible for him to withstand the force of such a multitude but fall into vtter ruine O that my vnworthy selfe had bene in his companie that I might haue taken part of the afflictions he is likely to endure and haue comforted him in his distresse Accursed and vncurteous that I was in so many fitte occasions as I had that would neuer manifest my selfe vnto him who continually sorrowed for my absence neuermore shall I enioye his sweete Companie neuer more shall I lie folded in his Manlie armes the touche of whose embracings were more pleasant then all the ioyes I shall euer heerafter endure What resteth now for me but to spend the rest of my accursed dayes in continuall sorrow for his absence Hauing ended these speeches she suddenly started vp and with abundance of teares came to the place wheras Parismus was who seeing the sorrowe hee made exceedingly woondered whence such kinde loue and affection and so many Uertues as he continually beheld in him should proceede By this time the night approched and they still made forwards till by the counsell of Parismus they cast ancker determining to stay there vntill the next morning Pollipus likewise seeing the ship wherein he was sailed so fast from the companie of his friends with his sworde cut asunder all the tackles and cordes that the Sailes fel ouerboorde and he all Night lay hulling vppon the Sea the weather being very calme determining the next morning to compell such as were remaning vnder Hatches to conduct him backe to the other ship whom he knew would not stray far from his companie The morning being come the ship was with the tide brought backe againe that the mariners of Barzillius ship gat a sight thereof with which newes they came to the Prince who was accompained by Adonius his page which newes so reuiued him that presently he came vp by which time they assuredly knew it was the pyrates ship and Pollipus séeing them stood wauing his sword aboue his head in signe of victorie being both met Parismus with great ioy embraced him commeÌ„ding his valour poore Adonius stood by being affected with such inward ioy as I altogether want the skil to expresse When Pollipus declared vnto theÌ„ the maner of his victorie and called vp such as were in the ship who expecting nothing but death were vnwilling to shew themselues but at last came like men agast being many of theÌ„ so greeuoÌ„usly wouÌ„ded that it pitied Parismus to see the estate they were in he demaunded of them of whence they were who tolde him that they had sworne not so reueale the truth therof to any But since it was so that they must needes they began in this sort We are seruants vnto Oswald the General of our coÌ„pany whoÌ„ this worthy knight hath slaine himselfe a seruant likewise vnto the migghtie Andramart Gouernor of the I le of rocks so termed for that the same is not to be entred but one way by reasoÌ„ of the mightie Rocks that incoÌ„passe the Iland My master coÌ„tinually brought vnto him such riches as he could get vpon the sea had you falne into his hands thither would he haue conueied you as prisoners froÌ„ whence you should neuer haue escaped we being subiects were compelled to take this kinde of life In which we haue continued a long time but being faleÌ„ into your hands we intreat you to saue our liues whose deaths wil nothing at all profit you The Prince hearing this report was wonderfully troubled in mind begaÌ„ to couiecture that the same pirats that had betrayed theÌ„ in the desolate Iland fled with his espoused Laurana were likewise of Andramarts seruants Which caused him to confer with Pollipus whs waa troubled with the very same thought and grounding their hopes theron they determined to make triall therof but first they questioned with Oswaldes Seruants to see if they could gather any comfortable report from them who told them that it was a great while since they were in the Iland and therefore they could no way informe them thereof But these noble Knights hearts were so reuiued with this report of Andramart that they assuredly perswaded theÌ„selues that they should heare some newes of Laurana and with that determination they chose
Laurana to see her friend caused them to break off and walke out to him who had quicklie mist Parismus and beganne earnestly to enquire for him in which time of his absence hee had sought in most places of the Castle but still mist the darke passage wherein hee was entred which draue him into a carefull woonder what should bée become of him Wherwith he began greatly to feare that he was by som treachery endangered but suddenly in the midst of this perplexity hée espied him with Laurana coming towards him which sight exceedingly reioyced his heart with an vnexplicable ioy When comming to Laurana hee reuerenced her with all humilitie and shee most kindely saluted him yeelding him many hearty thankes for his honourable Loue and kindenesse showne in the manifold paines hee had taken for her behoofe Likewise speaking to Adonius shee greatly commended and kindely thankt him for his diligent seruice to Parismus promising to reward him with all kindenesse So with exceedinâ—… ioy on al sides they spent the rest of that day in pleasant communications hauing all things necessarie readily prouided by Tellamor and diligently ministred by such prisoners as had receyued theyr libertie who had now so well refresht themselues with wholesome meates that they were of sufficient strength both for theyr owne defence and the safety of those that had set them at libertie whom they exceedingly tendred Parismus presently sent a messenger to Barzillus to certifie him of theyr happy successe who leauing the custodie of the Passage to his trustiest Souldiours came to be partaker with them in theyr reioycings But not withstanding when all thought there was no more cause of sadnesse theyr quiet and pleasures were darkned by the heauie countenance of Laurana who could not forget the death of her yong sonne Parismenos but still was purposed to conceale the same from Parismus which made them greatly to maruell And vppon a day when Pollipus by the intreatie of Parismus hadde rehearsed the whole discourse of all theyr Aduentures in the Desolate Iland and the occasion of theyr arriuall in that place Laurana with these sad remembrances was put in minde déepely to compare her owne miseries with theirs and found them to be greater for that they were all in safety but shee missed her young Sonne who was vntimely lost which strooke such a sadnesse into all her Sences that suddainely shee burst into aboundance of teares Which draue them all into an admiration that Adonius and Leda seeing her teares could not refraine from partaking with her in that sadnesse but as the custome of Women is wept for company Parismus maruelling what was the cause of her sorrowe and desirous to knowe the same for that his heart therewith was excéedingly tormented most earnestly intreated her to vnfolde the cause of her griefe that he might iâ—… it were possible comfort her therein Laurana beeing vnwilling in the least degrée to shewe her selfe vndutifull to his will began to declare the manner of her bringing to that place by the Pyrates after they had betrayed him on the coast of the Desolate Iland as also the kindnesse she had found at Andramarts handes and how that from time to time he had vsed her in most honourable sort But my Lorde quoth shee Andramart had a Sister named Adamasia who many times vrged mée to yeelde to Loue her Brother Which when shee could effect by no perswasions First shee imprisoned my Seruant Leda next shee withhelde from mee the cause of this my sadnesse my young Sonne that was borne in this vnluckie place whome I caused to be named Parismenos and with cruell torment afflicted my bodie and daylie caused two Olde-Women to whippe me in most cruell sort which I was contented to endure But when shee sawe that all this would not preuaile she caused the Nurse that kept Parismenos to come vnto mee with a Message in this sort That vnlesse I would in euery respect fulfill her demaunde â—…hée would before my face strangle that tender Babe And being about that cruell déede I intreated her to referre his punishment and vnnaturall Doome vntill the nexte day since which time I neuer saw my tender Babe nor is hée or his Nurse any where to be founde and afterwardes againe shee centinued her former manner of crueltie Nowe Andramart all this while by perswasions of his Sister absented himselfe from mée for that shée had promised him to obtaine my consent to his request nothing misdoubting the crueltie shée daylie vsed to mee But at length séeing his sute still frustrated and finding as well by mine owne report as by other manifest prooses her treacherie and my miserie hee would with his Sworde haue slaine her but shée running away to auoyde his rigour burst her necke downe a payre of stayres The two Olde-Women hée likewise slue with his owne hands my Seruants he sent vnto mee and euer after againe vsed me in most kinde and good sorte And the very day when you entered in fight in this Court he caused mee to be lodged in the place where you found mée The greatest cause of this my sadnesse is the losse of my young Sonne whose death was vntimely and whose presence would haue expelled such sadde thoughts as haue possessed my minde and disquieted the happie content I should receiue by your honourable presence Parismus hauing heard the summe of her Tragicall report could not chuse but grieue especially to think of the miserie she had indured and the death of his young Sonne whom he had neuer seene that what with his and Lauranaes sadnes all the whole company were growne into heauinesse But with the comfortable perswasions of pollipus the remembrance of these griefs were somwhat mittigated Many dayes after they stayd in this Castle in good and quiet estate vntill the longing desire Parismus had to returne into Thessalie caused him to make prouision for his Departure Tellamor hauing knowledge thereof desired that hée would vouchsafe hée might attend on him in his Trauells for that himselfe was of Salmatia who trauelling in the searche of a Sister that hee had lost was taken by those Pyrates rehearsing the whole trueth thereof whereby Parismus knewe him to bee brother vnto the Damosell in whose rescue Osiris was wounded as hath beene before declared which caused him make greater account of him then before he had done and enter into a deepe insight of his former courteous behauiour and with all the best kindenesse he could yeelded him thankes for the great Friendship hee had showen him and his friend Pollipus since theyr arriuall telling him that hee néeded not make any further search for his Sister for that shée was in the Court of Thessalie in good health repeating the whole circumstance of the Fauours hee had found aâ—… her handes and the manner how shee was taken by the Outlawes Which newes much gladded Tellamors heart as also that hée had liued to be so happie as to be esteemed oâ—… so worthie a Knight as Parismus was that hauing
delude me with fond spéeches for thou canst not performe any thing that can further mee heerein My Lord said shee doe but trie me once more and if I faile then let mee endure the most heauy doome of your euerlasting displeasure Adonius quoth hee if it bee to pleasure thée any way I will galdly do it for the friendship I haue found in thée then I pray thee as thou louest me and tendrest the sorrowes I indure do not delay me with thy spéeches for I know they proceed from kindnesse to make me forget my sadnes and not to do me any benefit in the thing thou speakest of for I shall neuer be so happie as to be beloued of her who I feare me left her fathers house to shun my company But notwithstanding the little hope of comfort I conceiue by thy meanes to pleasure thée before I depart tell me what it is thou demandest and if it bee in my power thou shalt obtaine it Violetta was ashamed to vtter her minde in that place but being sure he could not behold her blushing Chéekes said the request that I make is this that you will giue mee your faithfull promise that at such time as it is you hap to meete Violetta and obtaine her good will that the first night you will not offer to doe any thing that may tend to her dishonour Upon mine houour said Pollipus I will not doe any thing whatsoeuer disagreeable to her will for so deare doe I esteeme her that I would rather destroy my selfe then shee should be any way displeased with me Then know worthy knight quoth she I am that Violetta you so earnestly enquire after I am the party that haue so long time procured your discontent and I am shee whose absence you haue so oft bewailed and now I am constrained to manifest my selfe vnto you desiring you to pardon my hard hartednesse that haue so long concealed my selfe and thereby procured your disquiet Pollipus hearing her speeches could not tell what to say being halfe perswaded it was she by remembring her countenance and the behauior she had vsed in al their trauels as also calling to minde her kindnes now at length her owne speeches could not resolue what to do for that his fancy still perswaded him it was not Violetta And on the other side he had a mighty perswasion it might be she at last he said I know not what to coniecture nor how to behaue my selfe nor whether I should call you Adonius or Violetta considering how vnlikely it is she should be so kind to me and how certaine I am that Adonius hath done me manifold pleasures Then sweet Violetta if you are she resolue mee of this my doubt being thereby driuen to that hopefull despaire that I know not whether my fortune be better or worse then it was Violetta shrinking a little back said Pardon me déere Polipus for I am your vnworthy friend Violetta that haue in this disguise made triall of my fortune and your friendship Pollipus then tooke her most louingly in his armes not offering other then his former promise did permit Yet he was in a doubt still and could not be quiet vntill he had vsed such kind meanes yet farre from dishonour as thereby he found shee was a virgin and no Page and therefore assured himselfe it was Violetta and folding her delicate and tender body in his manlike armes which he had oftentimes before imbraced but not with such kindnesse banishing all sadnesse from his sorrowfull heart with sweet and delightfull tontent he embraced her with that kindnesse that long parted Louers enioy when they so pleasantly meete spending the rest of the night in pleasing and delightfull communication and remembrances of their former kindnesses which augmented their ioyes to an exceeding height Oftentimes Pollipus would haue exceeded the limits of his former promise but shee reserued that fauour for the more honourable delight of their Nuptiall Bedde but with many pleasures such as true and loyall kindnes yeeldes Thus these two kind friends spent the time Violetta accounting her selfe most happy so enioy so constaut a friende as shee had found him by certaineties in their trauell and hee esteemed himselfe as happie that hee was beloued of Violetta that had not refused to hazarde her selfe in many dangers for his sake At last their minds being both at quiet and satified with blisfull content these two faithfull louers fell fast a sleepe Parismus enduring much heauinesse for his friends departure could scarcely entertaine a minutes rest to his troubled head therefore he was earely vp with intent to perswade Pollipus if he could from vndertaking that iourney and presently after these louers were a sleepe hee entred his Chamber where contrarie to his premeditated expectation he found him fast a sleepe and Adonius in most louing sort laying one hand vnder Pollipus head and the other embracing his manly breast séeming in his conceit the delightfullest sight that euer he beheld the supposed page being so beautifull that had hee not knowne him hee would haue iudged Venus her selfe had been there to comfort Pollipus with her sweet embracings But seeing his deare friend in such quiet and sweet rest he withdrew himselfe to meditate how to worke his friends comfort and stay his iourney By which time the Sun had lightned all the Chamber with his golden brightnesse the clearenes of whose splendor shining full vpon these louers awaked Pollipus but Violetta still lay sweetly slumbring and Pollipus shadowing her with the curtaines arose and soone found Parismus walking at his chamber doore who seeing him said My deare friend Pollipus I had thought to haue found you ready armed to depart according to your resolution yesterday but I hope you are rather determined to alter that purpose and stay with vs who desire nothing more then your companie and were not Adonius well known to me I should thinke you had embraced some diuine Goddesse in that kinde sort but notwithstanding let me intreate you stay some longer time with vs which was the onely cause of my comming vnto you at this instant And I desire you for all the friendship that hath passed betwixt vs bring mee so much more in your debt by obtaining this fauour at your handes My Lord quoth Pollipus I must confesse I am too sluggish to bee found sléeping at this instant while my minde should bée busied with more weightie matters Indéede according to your saying my Lord I thinke I haue either imbraced some goodnesse or a more diuine creature for my former resolution to trauell is quite dissolued and my heart at more quiet then it hath bin for my deare Violetta hath bene so kind as to visite me this night shewing my heart that cause of ioy as for euer while I liue I shall account my selfe bound to her and because your honor hath both bin acquaintd with my loue and al my intents haue vouchsafed me that fauour that I shall neuer requite I wel shew yon the
I haue sued to obtaine your loue being thereto compelled by the extremities of Loues euerlasting â—…ame which boyleth in my troubled Brest but hitherto you haue obdurated your heart against mee and not vouchsafed to yeeld any pittie to my distresse but contrary to the kinde nature that shuld abound in you séeme not at all to regard my Passions which hath added sorrowe to my torment Now swéet Lady seeing with what deuotions I haue attended your pleasure deferre me no longer but let me obtain that fauor which with such care I haue expected and you so vnkindely withheld which would both ease my comfortlesse hart and adde no small content to the remedilesse sorrowes you so impatiently endure Violetta hearing his speeches made this replie Syr I haue long since told you my resolution which might be a sufficient answer to any reasonable crdature besides my vows passed to my déer Knight pollipus haue bound mee from yéelding my spotlesse Honour to be stained with the blot of infamy Then I pray leaue off to prosecute your sute which you ground vpon loues foundation being indeed nothing but the inâ—…tiable desire of filthy concupiscence the remembrance whereof addeth new care to my carefull heart and euery way affrighteth mee with discontent and if you so much regard my content as you protest desist to trouble mee with your Loue and giue mee leaue to depart from hence that I may spend the rest of my dayes in sorrow for his losse that was more dearer vnto me then all the worlds treasure I but Lady qd Archas calme this discontent with remembrance of an impossibilitie in obtaining ought at his hands and goe not 〈◊〉 tâ—… consume those heauenly perfections with sorrow seeme not 〈◊〉 then reason requireth to him that loueth you as well as Pollipus 〈◊〉 did And now that occasion hath so â—…tly offered the sweete opportunitie of time and place let vs spend this time in loue and not in these â—…ntentions these vnfrequented paths adde meanes to further our ioyes Here are no eyes to behold vs nor any to bewray our secrets but theâ—…lent trâ—…s sweet smelling flowers and that which is vnknown is in a manner vncommitted and in requitall of your kindenesse I will performe whatsoeuer you shal command me were it to run through thousands of deaths to procure your content then sweet loue be not so vnkinde but yéeld some pitty to my restles cares and detaine not from me that pleasant delight which will extinguish my bitter griefs When he had ended his spéeches he stricctly caught her tender body in his arms imprinting a compelled kisse vpon her tender lippes twining her curled locks about his grosse fingers and boldly fingring her tender brests offering other forced behauiour whilst she striued to vntwine her body of his armes which when shee had obtained casting a disdainfull countenance vpon him like as Diana cast vpon the wofull Acteon with her chéekes as red as scarlet she vttered these speeches Most discourteous villaine hath my lenity inforced thée to offerime this abuse or is thy minde so far from pietie as not to desist from prosecuting thy detested Lust Knowe this that rather then I will yéelde my honour to be blemished by thy appetite I wil teare these eyes from foorth my head and ende my wofull life which thou soughtest to spill Is this the friendship thou hast protested Was it thy pollicy to traine me hither to dishonor me Hadst thou left me in the place where I lost my beloued then had I bene happie if some wilde beast had ended my life I now perceiue thy Protestations are but filthy actors of thy intended villanie and all which thou hast told me of Pollipus death to be most false and vntrue for no doubt he is yet liuing whom thou seekest to dishonour by spoyling mee of that which I reserued for him Accursed wretch that I was to fall into thy odious hands which art voyd of Knightly behauiour Archas hearing himselfe thus reuiled abandoned shame and pitty violently pulling her to him told her that she shuld submit her selfe to his will offering by force to attaine the fruition of her spotlesse body When Violetta felt her selfe so handled shee laboured by all meanes to disappoint him of his will but in the ende séeling her selfe too weake long to withhold his force she yéelded foorth such shrikes as all the Castle roong with the noyse of her outerye that Sorana hearing the same knowing the place where she vsed came thitherwards Archas beholding her withdrue himself and Violetta rose from the place tyred with resistance and swolne with inward veration and disdain to be so vsed casting her countenance downe to the earth To whome Sorana said How now Lady What causeth your sorrow Hath Archas offered you violence Violetta with teares trickling downe her crimzen chéekes answered yea that villaine Archas would haue done me violence had not you so Fortunately come to my rescue But I thinke the Diuine prouidence hath sent you hither so happily to preserue me from his deuouring lust whose dishonorable minde is fraught with all villanies accursed be the day that first brought mee to this hatefull place to fall into his loathsome power that contrary to Nature hath done mee this outrage Swéete Sorana quoth she conuey mee secretly into the Castle that there I may in sorrow end my accursed life rather then again abide his loathsome sight which will be as pestilent as deadly Poyson to my heart Sorana taking her by the arme to support her weake bodie led her to her Chamber Archas likewise seeing himselfe so frustrated of his desire with an impudent and vnshamefaste Countenance went into the Castle vowing in his heart neuer to desist vntill he had accomplished his desire Violetta being come to her Chamber related to Sorana the whole manner of Archas vsage intreating her counsell which way to auoyde his sutes which shee knew hee would still prosecute who vttered her minde in this sort Lady I pitty your estate but I am so farre from adding release thereto as I know no meanes at all how to comfort you For Archas disposition I too well know is farre from any spark of honesty who hath in iike sort behaued himself to me at my first comming hither which was in the Prime of my youth neither giue any credite to his reports for he hath told me that Pollipus is yet liuing and long since I suspected hee would vse you in this sorte and escape from hence you cannot For this Castle is continually guarded hauing but one entrance therto whereby none can escape vndescried therefore I think it best for you to yeeld to his loue and then you may liue in quiet otherwise I know your life will be miserable enough Violetta was striken into a sudden amazement to heare her detested counsell thinking to haue found some comfort in her spéeches In somuch that with extremitie of Passions shee was readie to giue vp the ghost Which Sorana beholding
for Violettas sake Where we wâ—… leaue him to speake of Parismus Parismus heart was opprest with such griefe for the losse of the vertuous Violetta and the abâ—…ence of his deare friend Pollipus that day nor night he could neither by sleepe or other recreation giue any ease to his troubled head therefore he determined likewise to indure some trauell for their sakes that bâ—… suffered much miserie in his behalfe and when Laurana and hee were one night sweetly solacing themselues each in the others pleasant loue he tolde her his full intent desiring her not te be discontented therewith but to take his departure patiently Laurana hearing his spéeches was so ouercome with griefe that a flood of teares distilled from her precious eyes and twiâ—…ing her tender armes about his necks impressing a sweete kisse vpon his lips shee vttered these speeches Most noble Lord are you wearie of my company that you seeke to estraunge your selfe from mee by Trauell do you thinke I shal be able long to endure your absence well knowing how many dangers may hazard your person detaine your heauenly presence from my sight Thinke you that I can attaine anâ—… quiet without the fruition of your heauenly companie or euer suffer steepe to seize vpon my eyes while you are absent No sweet Lord with your departure all ioy and delight shall part from mee and neuer will I suffer any content to harbour in my brest Then most deare Loue which words shee vttered intermingled with a number of sweete kisses doe not leaue me in care doo not withhold my content doe not take away my sweetest delight but stay you still with mee and commaund your Knights to go in Violettas search who at the least beck will Post through the Worlde to doe you seruice and hazard not your person in strange Countreys nor amongst forâ—…aine enemies which may by somâ—… treachery worke your griefe my selfe wil here shrowd you from harm my armes shall inclose you from danger and my loue shall be the Forâ—… you shall conquer I will expell the sad remembrance of their losse with delightfull communication my selfe will rock your sences aseep with Musicke and my endeuours shall labor to purchase your content Then doo not séeke to leaue me comfortlesse to be waile your absence but makâ—… abode with me still and my loue shal shelter you from all perill Whicâ—… words being ended the ouerflowing of her Teares stopt the passage oâ—… her speech and sobbing foorth sighes she hung about his necke Parismus was exceedingly grieued to see her heauinesse that folding her precious bodie in his armes with a strict imbracing he laboured by delightfull Familiarities to expell her sadnesse which beeing somewhat mittigated he vttered these speeches Why deare Ladie what néede you make these complaintes considering you know nothing is so precious in my sight nor of so deere estimation with me as your sweet loue Or what neede you make spéech or take such feare of dangers when you see no cause of disquiet Why are you vnwilling that I shuld take a little paines for their sakes that wold haue haue many waies indangered their liues endured extream miserie for your sake How can I excuse my self of ingratitude to that courteous Knight Pollipus if whilest he passeth his time in sorrowfull care I should liue heere in ease not séeming to regard his miserie that would haue shunned no danger to procure my comfort How will all the Knights of the Cour esteeme of me but as of an ingratefull person if I shuld so much neglect the dutie of a Friend Then sweete Loue be not you the cause of my stay but let me obtaine your swéete consent and expell those confused cares that trouble your quiet for be you assured nothing can be more gréeuous vnto me then your discontent and nothing more pleasing then your accord the dangers accurrant to trauel are by wisedome easily auoided then be you assured that I will shun al hazard of mishap for your swéete sake and leaue you off to sorrow thus for that which you cannot with equitie contradict my stay shall not be long nor my iourney far then be you contented to vouchsafe your agréement and you shall thereby satisfie my content his speeches being ended with silence she gaue consent spending some time in sweet dalliance and in the ende â—…ell fast a sleepe Early in the morning Parismus with many swéet kisses took his leaue of Laurana who bedeawed her bed with a bundance of feares for his departure and falling into a déepe passion of feare she presently started vp arraying her selfe came downe into the court where Parismus was readie to take his horse running to him caught hold of him who maruelling thereat tooke her most louingly in his armes who was so far ouergon with griefe that shée could not speake a word but bestowing many swéete tear-wet kisses on her he left her amongst her maids and departed With him were Tellamor and Barzillus keeping company together some three dayes without aduenture at all at last they came to a goodly plaine whereinto a common beaten path conducted them vntill comming in the middest thereof there stooâ—… a brazen pillar from which parted three seuerall waies there they stayed deuising amongst themselues which of those wayes to take at last they concluded that each of them should take a seuerall way and solemnly taking theirleaues with kinde farewells they betooke each other to their good or bad fortunes CHAP. VII How Parismus called the knight of Fame woon the chiefe honor of the Tourney at the Court of the king of Thrace And hauing won Phylena the kings daughter was commaunded in a vision to giue her to Remulus PArismenos no otherwise known but by the name of the knight of Fame vnder which name he did passe till he came to the knowledge of his parents being as is before said in another Chapter coÌ„ueied by Amasenus to his castle sore wounded in the battel he had with Argalus and Thenudes was so carefully tended by the Dukes Phisitians that in a few daies they had brought him to his perfect remem brances and within short time after that to his perfect health which greatly reioyced the good old Duke who tooke great felicitie in his company for the many honourable parts he saw to abound in him And vpon a time in the presence of all his Court demaunded the cause of the combate betwéen him Argalus which he requested as well to knowe the truth thereof himselfe as to satisfie the suspitious mindes of many that inwardly maligned the discontented Knight vnto whom he declared the truth in manner as is before set downe saying This my lord is the truth of his misaduenture whom I neuer iniured but alwaies esteemed as my friends Amasenus was glad that no cause of discontent could be conceiued against him by any other of his Knights who enuied him because his noble gifts darkned their glories but yet his curteous and kind behauiour in
to your seruice and though by right of conquest I may iustly callenge you for my owne yet be you assured I will request nothing at your hands but what shall be granted with your frée consent but I rest yours to command and dispose of in all humble duty Which words being ended hée that neuer before kist Ladies lippes with a great reuerence tooke of her a swéet kisse and she with a heauy heart and milde behauiour yéelding her selfe as his to dispose of which she was constrained to do by her fathers promise and the knights worthie deserts though inwardly in her heart shée denoted all kinde loue and affection to Remulus on whom being by shée cast many a milde and modest looke inwardly wishing hée were the man might claime her by right of conquest as well as by the true affection shée bare him That night the Knight of Fame was honourably feasted by the King and afterwards conducted to a most Princely lodging And being now alone he began to meditate of his estate and to ponder how happily hée had escaped shipwracke and was preferred to such high dignitie as to marry the daughter and onely heaire of a king withall he beganne to call to minde euery particular thing hée could remember of his birth and bringing vp in the Iland of Rockes his fancy perswading him that hée was sonne vnto some greater personage then he yet knewe of withall well viewing a iewell which hée had kept euer since his nurse was slaine which she gaue him in charge to kéepe charilie which thoughts and withall a secret instinct of nature which hée felt in himself ayming at higher matters setled a perswasioÌ„ in his thoughts that hée was borne of royall race and therefore méete to match with a kings daughtee And calling to minde the excéeding beautie of Phylena imprinting in his fancy a perfect remembrance of her graces sweet countenance and milde behauiour he felt a secret stirring and throbbing at his heart which disturbed all his sences that he was as it were transformed into a kinde of pleasant delight wherewith hée fell into a dead slumber In the middest of his sléepe the Goddesse Venus pittying the troubled thoughts of her denoted subiect Phylena willing to extoll the fame of this knight appeared vnto him a vision standing by his beds side with a cleare burning taper in her one hand and holding a most beautifull Ladie in the other of such diuine perpfections that heauen nor earth could not in his fancie frame a more diuine essence of puritie the Lady Venus vttering these words Thou Knight of Fame Regard the words I speak Seeke not by force Loues constant bandes to breake Phylena fai The beautifull heyre of Thrace Her constant loue On Remulus doth place Desire not then Her liking to attaine But from her loue Thy fantasie refraine Thy conquest right Giue him that hath her loue And from their hearts The cares they bide remoue This Lady bright thy fansies shalt subdue Then to her loue be constant iust and true Frst seeke her out then to her pleasure tend To winne her loue thy whole affection bend Of Royall race thy selfe art rightly sprung Lost by thy friends when as thou werte but young Thy fathers fame hath sild the world with praise Thy mothers gifts her lasting honours raise Bend thy desires Their comfort to procure That for thy losse Sad sorrowes doe endure Whilest the Goddesse vttered these words the Knight of Fame diligently beheld the excéeding beautie of the Lady shée held in her hand and thinking to haue demaunded her name shée presently vanisht wherewith hée awaked The remembrance of this Uision draue him into a confusion multitude of thoughts one while perswading himselfe it was but a dreame and not to bee regarded and then againe assuring himselfe it was a Uision like to that which appeared to him in the Iland of Rocks but chiefly such a secret impression of the Ladies beautie was fixed in his remembrance that hee quite forsooke and forgot the least thought of Phylena whose beautie in his fancie was nothing comparable to her diuine perfections that calling to minde euery particular note hée had seene the perfect Idea of the Ladies countenance fauour and beautie was so deeply imprinted in his heart that no other thought could sinke in his braine but that she was the Lady he should honour that he vowed to search the world throughout to finde her and come to the knowledge of his parents In these cogitations hée spent the rest of that night Earely in the morning hée was honoured with all diuersities of curiefies and most royally feasted of the the King and by his appointment should be affianced to Phylena within sixe dayes The Knight of Fame remembring the Uision being most commonly in company of Phylena diligently noted which might be the knight Phylena loued and soone perceiued that it was Re mulus who amongst the knights of Thrace had sought most meanes to honour him Who little thought the knight of Fame hadde noted the kindnesse betwixt him and Phylena but he noting all circumstances perceiued that Phylena was déeply inthralled in the bands of constant love for though thée were in talke with him yet her eye was continually on Remulus glaunsing so many swéete lookes intermingled with sighes towards him that hée thought it a most discourtesie and inhumaine déede to part them And once taking occasion when Phylena was in a déepe studie he said Déere Lady may I be so bolde as breake off your sad studie wherewith you adde heauinesse to your minde and expell this carefull disposition and rather spend your time in mirth and pleasure I haue often noted your heauinesse which maketh me suppose my vnworthinesse to be the cause thereof but seeing my intrest is such as that I may claime you for my owne I beseech you doe not so much disgrace my trauailes as not to vouchsafe me that kindnesse belongeth to the condition of my conquest and your fathers decrée and if you estéeme me because vnknowne as yet not to haue deserued your loue impose mée any taske and I will vndertake it for your sake and not onely labour to winne your loue by desert as by the tryumphe I haue attained the interest of your person But I perceiue yourcares are such for some other great occasion that I am an vnwelcome guest to your company and an other hath alreadie attained your swéete loue which if it be so swéete Ladie hide not the same from mée but make me priuie thereto for I am not of that rude disposition to challenge any thing at your handes or inforce you to any thing but what shall stand with your likâ—…ng and though your vertues force you to yeelde consent to your fathers decrée yet considering that loue is not wonne with the swoorde but with a mutuall consent of the heart I yéeld my selfe to bee censured by you and giue my right of triall into your handes and the interest I attained by conquest I
shall not misse Much barbrous blood reuenge shall spill And all of warre shall haue their fill All this shall happen by degree Before this childe shall wedded be And because he will match her according to her dignitie hee hath likewise made a vow that none but the greatest Potentate in the world should be her husband Which said the Knight went into his Tent and brought out a most gallaÌ„t Picture this quoth he is the Ladies forme wherin the Artsman hath shewed some pretty skill but so facâ—…e is this picture vnconformable to the perfect description of her celestiall perfections and as farre different in delicaie as is blacke from white or beautie from deformitie whose view would change the aâ—…ons of the truest Knight liuing from his former constant resolue to adore her beautie and forsake his former vowes onely to attend her person for so diuine are her liniaments and so rare her perfections that her fame is euen spred through all the regions of the world Barzillus hearing him enter into a new discourse of her beautie and that in such affectionate sort hauing before in his fancy said enough beganne to laugh at him saying Knight me thinks thou dotest or else art madde to enter into such commendation of this Ladies beautie hauing peraduenture neuer séene other fayre Lady or else for that thy selfe art affectionately deuoted to loue none but her for I haue séene a Lady that as farre excéedeth this picture as thou reportest shee doth all other which words Barzillus spake onely to see whether his valour and boastings were agréeable wherewith the Knight that kept the Tent was so vexed that he vttered these speeches What ill nurtured creature art thou quoth hee that deâ—…idest the beautie that is rather to be admired hast thou no more manners then to make so little estimation of that which all the world adores thou shalt dearely abide this discourtesie with that hee mounted himselfe and charged a Speare at Barzillus who answered him with such a courage that at two courses he ouerthrew him from his horse By which time a number of Knights were vpon the Battlements viewing their combat and seeing the Knight that kept the Tent foyled burst into an exceeding laughter and so departed Barzillus hauing foyled the Knight for that the night drew nigh withdrew himself from the Golden Tower into a pleasant valley and there stayed that night The Knight that kept the Tent was belonging to the King of Candie who came with perswasion to winne Angelicas loue with his prowesse and with much ado had obtayned leaue of the Gardiants to keepe the passage but hee not contented with his foyle intending to reuenge his disgrace followed him into the valley where Tellamor found them combatting as is aforesaid who knowing Barzillus stepping betwixt them parted the fray Barzlilus likewise knowing Tellamor with great kindnesse embraced him and vpon his request declared the cause of their combat Tellamor then speaking to the knight of the Tent gaue him this farewell Knight returne to your charge for your combat here is at an end for businesse of more importance withdraweth this knight which may turne to thy good for likely thou wouldest haue perished by his prowesse You shall haue occasion enough to exercise your Armes against such as would steale your Lady which this Knight intendeth not therefore returne to your Tent defend her beautie there which none here gainsaieth Tellamor hauing ended his spéech intreated Barzillus to depart with him which the Knight of Candie séeing he returned towards the Golden Tower By the way as they were returning towards Panuamus Castle Tellamor delared to Barzillus how fortunately he came to knowledge of Violetta which exceedingly reioyced Barzillus heart but when hee vnderstood Pollipus misfortune hee was contrarily affected with as great desire to set him at libertie which communication shortned their iourney and in the end arriued at the Castle The newes of their approach soone came to Violettas hearing who knowing both Tellamor and Barzillus welcommed their presence with such effusion of teares that for a space she could not vtter a word but her floud being somewhat stinted saluting them most kindly shee vttered these spéeches Your presence worthy friends bringeth great comfort to my heart after my tedious toyle of misery what thanks my vndeseruing heart can yéeld I render you for the paines you haue taken for my sake for I know you vndertooke this trauell to finde me out that am not worthy to bee so well estéemed of you much lesse vnable to make you the least part of amends You may sée to what poore estate I am brought by the treachery of a disloyal Knight who hath caused my misery your trauell and Pollipus imprisonment intill I was succoured by this courteous Lady whose friendshippe hath succoured mee from famishment This homely attyre I vndertooke for my quiet passage but misfortunes still awayie my miserable steps which no disguise can preuent with that her teares burst into a floud againe Barzillus being mooued with her teares was ready to participate her griefe in the manner she did but at last he sayd I beséech you comfort your selfe in these extremities and let not such passions of sorrow oppresse your heart since the worst of your dangers are past we haue all the reward we expect for our trauels now we haue found you for so much are wee bound to that worthy Knight Pollipus and the most noble and gracious Prince Parismus who is likewise trauelled in your search that we account our liues well imployed to pleasure them and you Violetta hearing that Parismus was trauelled in her search was almost ouercome with passionate affection of his kindnes and remembring what sorrow Laurana would endure for his absence with sighs she said I of all most vnfortunate to be the cause of that noble knights trauell which many wayes hazard his safetie and bréede much disquiet in the Bohemian Court but especially to that most vertuous courteous and honourable Princesse Laurana whose sorrow I know will be most excéeding and all procured by my vnlucky destinie that am altogether vnworthy to be esteemed of them nor in any degrée to be so highly regarded Tellamor likewise grieuing to sée her sorrow comforted her with these words Dears Lady cast off these sad cares and let no disquiet thought trouble you for what is past cannot be recalled but all is now amended by your recouery whose death we all greatly feared By this time Panuamus had prepared their dinner which was serued in after the best sort to which hee and Clarina welcomed them with great kindnesse Clarinas heart being somewhat comforted by their company hoping by their meanes to sée the downefall of Brandamor and her Mothers release When they had well refresht themselues and heard Violletta relate the whole circumstance of her misfortunes they beganne to deuise what course to take to set Pollipus at libertie which they found impossible to doe by force because the strength
of the place was inuincible at last they determined the next morning to trauell to try if Fortune would any way fauour their attempts After they had spent some time in these spéeches and euery one fully resolued what to doe Bazillus saw a payre of Chesse standing on a side Table which hee went vnto and began to place the men in order which Panuamus espying came to him and saide That if hee pleased he would play a game with him wherewith Barzillus was contented Clarina séeing them busie at Chesse tooke Violetta by the hand and requested her to walke into the Garden Lady quoth Violetta so pleaseth you this knight may beare vs company Then taking Tellamor with them they thrée walked into the Garden together and a while recreated themselues with seuerall discourses of the vertue of the Herbs and faire Flowers they encountred And at last being weary with Walking and procured thereto by the heate of the Sunne they seated themselues together vnder the shadow of a Myrtle-â—…ee vpon a rising banke bedeckt with many sweete smelling flowers Tellamor seeing their sadnesse entred into many pleasaunt Discourses to expell the same if he could out of theyr mindes but no speeches he did vse could once reuiue their cast downe countenances But Violetta leaning her selfe vpon her elbow fell fast a sléepe and left Tellamor onely to comfort Clarina for shee heard not what he said Which hee perceiuing left off his Talke a while and in short space after fell into a deepe studie from which hée suddainely reuiued himselfe thinking Clarina has noted the same and casting his eye vpon her he saw how busie she was cropping the swéete Flowers and collecting diuers of them together beganne to frame a Nosegay Tellamor séeing her so busie was vnwilling to interrupt her quiet content Withall viewing her sweete beautie and prettie gestute his minde was Affected with great pleasure to be holde her and her carefull nipping the Flowers with her white hand exceedingly graced her perfections that his heart inwardly panted with a sudden motion of delight and his Fancie beganne so much to commende her sweete behauiour that euen then his affections entertained a secrete motion of loue Whilest he viewed her thus precisely she suddainely cast her eye vpon him thinking he had bene still in his dumps but perceiuing how stedfastly he beheld her a suddaine blush attainted her that therewith the sweete Rostate colour glowed in her cheekes Which hee likewise perceiuing came towardes her and with great Reuerence folding her precious hand in his saide Fayre Ladie I am sorry my presence hath interrupted your quiet Meditation and hindred your delightfull exercise Syr qd shee your presence hath done no harme my study being but idlenesse neither was my labour well bestowed therefore you might the better hinder it If qâ—… hee you make so little account thereof bestow those Flowers on â—…ée and I will become your debtor for them and your studie I thinke was not as you please to tearme the same Idlenesse For now I see you are fallen into it again Which maketh me maruell why you should spend your pleasant dayes in such cares and sadde cogitations Syr qd Clarina Howe can I doe otherwise when my sorrowes are past compare Sweete Lady qd hee Would you followe my aduise you should mittigate your Passions and bannish that Care which oppresseth your heart For things past remedie are not to be lamented and impossible to be recouered but I beseech you pardon my boldnesse that presume to enter into spéech of your thoghts which may contrary to my knowledge be procured by many other occasions more he would haue said but Violetta awaking broke off his talk that letting go Clarinas swéet hand which he had held in strict imprisoument he rose vp from the rosiate banke whereon he sate féeling a sudden Passion ouerwhelme his hart turning to a Rose-bush crept off a Rose which he smelt too and maruelling at that sudden dumpe pondering what might be the cause thereof hee felte Loues Inclinations to take possession of his Heart but suddenly reuiuing himselfe from that dumpe he turned to them againe Who were risen from their seate and attended them into the Castle where Panuamus and Barzillus were who euen then had ended theyr pastime whome afterwardes they accompanied till the Nightes approach broke vp their societie Early the next Morning these knights resoluing to follow theyr former purpose Armed themselues and came downe into the Hall to take their leaue of Clarina and Violetta Clarinas heart so melted with griefe by remembrance of her Fathers death her Mothers imprisonment and the danger these Knightes and her Brother might incurre that with drawing herselfe to a Windowe shee bedeawed her Cristall cheekes with Cristall teares Which Tellamor perceiuing hauing his deuotions vowed to her Seruice and hauing but lately entertayned Loue pittying her laments and desirous to shewe his affection to herwardes Whilest Barzillus and Panuamus were in conference with Violetta he came to her and saide Most vertuous Lady your sad laments affect my heart with griefe neither can I chuse but partake your Woe therefore I beseeth you tell mee what in the thing you most desire and which may adde any comfort to your heart and I will venture both my life and libertie to purchase the fame to your content Courteous Knight qd Clarina no other cause of Care troubleth mae but my Fathers death my Mothers imprisonment and the daunger my Brother and you are like to incurre by the Treacherie of that Gyant Brandamor for your proffered Friendship I yéeld you thanks being all the reward I am able to make you Wishing you not to hazard your selfe for my sake that am vnworthie of such kindenesse and vnable to make requtfall for the same Yes Lady qd Tellamor vourhsafe but to enshrine my Willingnes in your â—…embrance and giue me any commaund and but accept mee for your Preseruatiue and that is the onely reward I craue and you shall see that I will in all dutie indeuour to become more gracious in your sight For my heart desireth nothing more then to imploy it selfe in your seruice Clarina hearing his speeches could not chuse but take them kindely and marking with what affectionate deuotion they came from him made this answere Good Syr to withholde that small Fauour you demaund were discaurtesie Therefore because you proffer your friendship so kindely I giue you leaue to assume that Name vppon you Which is farre vnfitte for your dignitie and if hereafter you performe your words you shall finde me nothing vnmindefull to reward you Which words being ended Tellamor with Reuerence parted with a sweete kisse from her Corrall coloured lippes CHAP. X. How Tellamor Barzillus and Panuamus set the Lady Madera at libertie from Brandamors Castle How they mette with Parismus How the Knight of Fame arriued there and preserued Parismus life and ouercame the Gyant AFter many cerimonious Fare-wels past they parted the Ladies to their Chamber and the
doore which made him againe betake himselfe to his barre but when he beheld Parismus and the rest entring he ranne to him embracing him with such kindnesse as true and loyall friends might proffer hee did the like to the strange Knight and the rest Parismus séeing so beautifull a Lady in his company so gorgeously attired and attended by so many Damzels thought that was the Princesse Venola whom he most kindly saluted whose heart melted into teares of ioy for her deliuery and their victory after that such courteous gréetings past on euery side as would be tedious to describe but suppose them to bee such as proceeded from the depth of ioy Presently Parismus Tellamor and Panuamus were vnarmed to haue their wounds dreft which taske the Lady Madera vndertooke which when shee had performed dinner was brought vp by Brandamors seruants who had all submitted themselues to the Conquerours The strange Knight all this while was prouiding things necessarie with as much diligence as might be that allin generall wondred at his courtesie who would not vnarme himselfe vntill hee had well ordered matters for their securitie not trusting to the truth of Brandamors seruants And when they were ready to take their repast Parismus desired him to vnarme himselfe and not longer to conceale what he was from their knowledge For Parismus thought him to be some Knight that knew him Venola likewise thought him to be some Knight that sought her loue but both were deceiued Now this Knight was the Knight of Fame the occasion of whose comming thither shall be declared in the next Chapter who beeing drawne by naturall instinct so much reuerenced Parismus that he thought hee could not sufficiently expresse his loue towards him and though hee neuer saw him before yet such a secret impression of reuerence towards him was stirred in his heart that he desired nothing more then to be gracious in his sight and although he had not the least thought that Parismus was his father nor he one perswasion that the other might be his sonne yet both of their hearts were stirred with an earnest and deuoted expectation of friendship and neerenesse of acquaintance And the Knight of Fame noting the others behauiour that Parismus was some great personage hearing him to desire him to discouer himselfe made this answere Right noble Knight at your command I will vnarme my selfe being a farre borne stranger to this countrey neither haue I any acquaintance in this place but by misaduentures forced to wander through the world to seeke that which I haue not yet found nor scarce know if I meet withall being onely fortunate to arriue in this place to make some triall of my strength in your defence which said he presently vnarmed himselfe Parismus beholding his youth beganne withall the rest to admire his valour accompanied with such young yeeres that embraced him in his armes he could not by that courtesie expresse his good will towards him The Knight of Fame likewise reuerently kissing Venolas hand said Most noble Lady my comming to this place was to set you at liberty and also to reuenge the death of the courteous Knight Tyrides sonne to the good Duke Amasenus of Thrace vnto whom I am infinitly bound that had I thousand liues I would venture them all in his behalfe that now is dead And seeing by the danger and valour of these Knights you are set at liberty and released from bondage be of good comfort for the King your Father will soone be heere with thousands of knights to conduct you safely into Lybia who at my last being in this Court was made great preparation for this expectation Venola made this reply Courteous knight I yeeld to you and this Noble Prince all humble thankes for your kindenesse beeing all the reward my Mayden estate can affoord and for the newes you bring of my Fathers approache that can yéelde no such quiet to my heart as your happy victorie hath done Which hath expeld those infinite troubles wherewith I was on euery side compassed and in stead of care replenisht my heart with comfort When these cerimonious salutions were past they went to Dinner Pollipus diligently noted the Knight of Fame his countenance proportion and gesture thinking it his Fancie he neuer saw a Knight more like Parismus that his minde was inwardly styried with a great destre to knowe his Name and his byrth After Dinner was ended Parismus with Pollipus and Tellamor grewe into conference about Violetta Determining the next Morning eyther to goe to the place where shee was or else to fetch her thither Venola shee continued in conference with the Lady Madera entering into manie extéeding commendations of the valour of these thrée Knights Parismus Pollipus and the Knight of Fame but the Knight of Fame withdrawing himselfe into a priuate place reuolued his cares in these cogitations How vnfortunate am I of all Knightes liuing to be tormented in such restlesse cares as daily torment me and am subiect to so manie and innumerable Troubles as none but my selfe could indure First my byrth and Parents vnknowne next my troubles in Thrace and the taske imposed me by Venus to finde out the Ladie shee shewed me in the Uiston Whom I was in hope had bene the faire Laâ—… Venola but contrary to my expectation I am still allotted to endure more miseries in her search Tush qd he may not Venola be the Lady she meant is she not faire Noble vertuous May not I be deceiued by that vision and so driuen to consume my time in purchasing my owne torment Do not dreams often fall out false and vaine Tut Why doo I make these doubts Venola is faire yet nothing comparable to the same I serue Whose swéet Idea perfectly fixt in my remembrance Venola is both noble and beautifull yet the countenance of my beloued countermaundeth that noblenes And that vision caÌ„not prooue fallible neither can I account it my labour if I endure a thousand miseries in her search so that in the end I may obtain her heauenly sight How shuld I come to any knowledge of her abode Which way should I dyrect my steppes in her Search Shall I first seeke my Parents or shall I giue ouer my care for them and imploy all my endeuours to finde her Such a chaos of confused carres doe oppresse my senses that I knowe not what to determine whose counsell to follow or what aide to implore If I knew in what continent of the world she were harboured then would I with some comfort direct my steps thitherwards and shunne no danger though neuer so doubtfull to purchase her good liking Well I will pacifie my selfe with constrained countenance and patiently endure the hardest extremity In these and such like complaints he spent some time and afterwards came and accompanied Parismus and the rest who spent that night in quiet resoluing vpon other matters the next morning CHAP. XII In this Chapter is declared the cause why the Knight of Fame departed from
Thrace and how by the way he ariued in Libia and from thence came to Brandamors Castle AFter that the knight of Fame had wonne the chiefe honour of the triumph in the Court of the king of Thrace and had giuen away the Kings daughter to Remulus with her Fathers consent therto and the solemnization of the wedding past and performed with great royalty the king calling to minde the valour of the knight of Fame and how prodigally he gaue Phylena to another whose beauty might haue satisfied a mighty Potentates liking and withall how little he regarded his heire by which meanes afterwards hee might haue come to the highest type of dignity and to the high honour to bee King and Quéen of so mighty a nation wondred what might moue him to refuse those offers sometimes thinking it proceeded from want of wisdome then againe he supposed a Knight endued with such bountiful and rare gifts of prowesse could not chuse but likewise enioy sufficient wisdome to consider the valew of such gifts And entring into a further consideration thereof he began to coniecture that he was sprung of some great personage which might be the cause thereof and for that hee was vnknowne he thought that to be the very truth Then againe he called to remembrance what Amasenus had told him about his comming into that country that he was by these thoughts grown into such a desire to be satisfied therin that he sent for the Knight of Fame and in the presence of the Queen Amasenus Remulus Phylena and al the assembly of gallant knights that came to the triumph he said as followeth Worthy knight whom I so much affect that if it in my power lye to doe you any more honour then I haue heretofore proffered I would willingly do it for you valour deserueth euerlasting commendations I haue offered you my Daughter in marriage and withall intended to haue adopted you my Sonne and heire both which you haue refused yeelding your interest in my daughter to Remulus and therewith left the inheritage I adioyned to her marriage which were both worthy of regard for that such gifts are seldome giuen which maketh me send for you desiring to be satisfied for your comming in the one and also to knowe of whence and what you are if I can without offence to you obtaine the same The Knight of Fame made this reply Most high and mighty King I will vnfold the truth of all to satisfie your demand I confesse your Maiestie did so much honour me as my life shall bee alwaies ready at your command in quitall of the same and your Princely gifts are of such estimation as I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy to possesse them but that they might haue beene bestowed of the greatest Potentate in the world which I neither refused nor lightly esteemed but alwaies regarded as of precious and inestimable valew not drawne thereto by any want of consideration of their worthinesse but for the honourable respect I beare to loyalty For should I haue presumed to haue wed your Princely daughter I should haue done her great iniurie and thereby parted the vnited hearts of true and loial friends For pleaseth your Maiesty at the first I intended with a ioyfull heart to haue claymed my interest in that sweet Princesse loue but I was commanded the contrary by an vndoubted meane which if it so please you I will in priuate vnfold as also perceiuing the true friendship betwixt her and that noble knight Remulus past with consent of both their harts I should haue esteemed it either in my selfe or in any other an acte of great dishonour and impietie to part those firmed bands of friendship which if I had dissolued might haue turned their sweet intent into discontented miserie neither could I so rudelie presume to challenge interest in so sweet a Ladies loue without desert which is not attained by armes but by loyaltie which was the cause that I yeelded my interest vnto him that had taken possession in her gentle heart before my comming and for my birth I know not my Parents but the truth of all that is manifest to me the noble Duke Amasenus hath made you priuie vnto The King hearing his answer greatlie commended his honourable minde saying Thou worthy knight if there bee any meanes left wherein I may pleasure you doe but aske and you shall assuredly obtaine whatsoeuer it bée for which kinde and kingly proffer the knight of Fame with all humanitie gaue him thankes Whilest they were in this Communication there suddenly entred into the Hall foure Knightes in mourning Attyre carrying on theyr shoulders a Coffin couered with blacke by theyr countenances pretending the discouerie of some tragicall euent The King of Thrace seeing this sadde Spectacle greatly maruelled of whence they should bee and what heauie Newes they hadde brought And they being come to the place where the King was setting downe their Hearse spake as followeth Most High and Mightie King of Thrace Wee are Knightes belonging to the King of Lybia Who kindely gréeteth your Maiestie by vs requesting you to take no offence at our rude Message the occasion whereof is this It is not vnknowne that the King our Lorde hath but one onely Daughter named Venola Who on a day riding foorth on Hunting being by a Tempest seuered from her Traine beeing accompanied by many Knights amongst whome was Tyrides a Knight of Thrace vnto whose custodie the King committed her and was vnawares surprized by the Gyant Brandamor that dwelleth in a Castle in the Forrest of Arde and by him by violence carryed away Whome the Noble knight Tyrides pursued but the Gyant too mightie a Foe for him to cope withall slue him and so conueyed the Princesse into his Castle Whose corps wee haue according to our Kings commaund brought hether Amasenus hearing this sadde report ranne vnto the dead bodie of his Sonne breathing foorth such Lamentations that it would haue made the very Rockes to haue rent at his sorrowes Whom the king comforted by all possible meanes hee could but griefe for his Sonnes vntimely death ouer-whelmed and opprest his heart with such Passions of desperate care that hee fell into an extreame Sicknesse which his olde-Age not being able to out-weare within fewe dayes after ended his life Amasenus death who was generally beloued turned their myrth into sorrowe and theyr Ioy into sadde preparation for mournfull Funeralls for the two dead Knightes Which was afterwardes performed in most stately manner The Knight of Fame séeing his déerest Friende Amasenus dead hearing of Venolaes Imprisonment resolued in requitall of some parte of Amasenus his Friendship to reuenge Tyrides death on the Gyant besides his minde was affected with such a desire to sée the Ladie Venola that giuing no respite to delay hee presently after the right of Amasenus Funeralls was performed made his intent knowne to the King and with all Reuerence tooke his leaue of him Likewise diuers that came to the triumph and still remained
againe to be reuenged in more seuere maner for the outrages he had done them The Knight of Fame noting the excéeding ioy of Parismus and Pollipus for Violettaes safetie and of Panuamus with his Mother and Sister Clarina And noting Tellamors merrie conntenance procured by a great hope to attaine Clarinaes loue was drawne to a sadde remembrance of his owne misfortune that was enioyned to a Taske to finde his Parents and the Ladie to whose seruice he was Dedicated vnto whose beauty he was become so enthralled that his hart could harbour no conceyt of ioy but onely in meditating of her perfections Which by absence bred thousands of cares in his troubled head And withall hee noted the Princesse Venolaes pensiuenesse Whose affections hee thought should best agrée with his sadnesse that he accompanied her in many communications Word was brought them the Castle was round begyrt with Souldiers Which the Knight of Fame hearing desired that he might goe out to Parley with them to know whether they were Friends or foes Which they all gaue consent vnto Who arming himselfe went foorth gallantly mounted and found that it was the King of Lybia who before hauing some knowledge of the Knight of Fame knew him againe by his Armour maruelling to sée him contrarie to his expectation to issue out of his Castle The Knight of Fame comming towards him saide Most mightie King I as one of the Gardiants of this Castle hauing by the ouerthrow of the Gyant Brandamor Conquered the same yéelde the same into your handes The King hearing his spéeches most louingly embraced him saying Noble Knight the report I haue heard of your Knightly Prowesse are verified in this noble Attempte that haue subdued that hatefull contemner of honour Which none but your selfe could haue so valiantly performed Noble King qd hee heere is within this Castle the most famous Prince of Bohemia Whose hardinesse and vaiour before my approch had so much weaknened the Tyrants power that my Taske was easie to subdue him The King hearing that Wondred what occasion had drawne Parismus into those parts Of whom hee had had knowledge in Thessalie The King of Lybia accompanied by Archillachus with diuers of his knights was conducting by the Knight of Fame into the Castle to the exceeding ioy of Venola who with humble reuerence fell prostrate at his feet he comming to Parismus saluted him with great courtesie who likewise returned him the salutation and to the yong Archilachus and after that euery one in most kind and courteous manner saluted each other spending the rest of the day in such content as the place yeelded CHAP. XIIII Of Brandemors death and of the Kings departure backe into Lybia How Uenola was enamored with the Knight of Fame How shee deuised meanes to stay his departure with Parismus How Tellamor dissembled himselfe sicke to stay in Clarianas company And of other accidents that befell the Knight of Fame THE next morning Brandamor was brought into the Hall before the whole assembly of States to whom Parismus said Disturber of peace the the time of punishment draweth nigh therefore declare to whom thou art prisoner for but one was thy Conquerour at whose hands thou maist receiue reward according to thy desert Brandamor made this reply I yéelde my selfe thrall to that strange Knight by whose valour I was conquered otherwise not all the force the King of Lybia hath brought would haue preuailed against me The Knight of Fame hearing his words said Since thou hast yeelded thy selfe to me I surrender my interest vnto this Princesse Venola who may at her pleasure dispose of thee as she shal thinke good Venola hearing the Knight of Fames words yéelded him thanks desiring the King her Father to appoint his punishment who caused him that day in the presence of them all to bee drawne in peeces by horses which done the King of Lybia came to Parismus requesting him before his returne into Bohemia to soiourne some fewe daies with him which hee kindly accepted with whom Pollipus the Knight of Fame and Violetta likewise departed Panuamus staied still with his Mother in Brandamors Castle which by consent of all was giuen to him in recompence of the iniuries hee had sustained Tellamor seeing all things fall out contrary to his liking could not deuise what mâ—…nes to vse to stay behinde to enioy Clarinas company without the which it was impossible for to enioy anie quiet and casting in his minde all deuises he thought fittest at last he fained himselfe extreamely sicke which he performed so cunningly that although they had suspected his drifte yet they could hardly haue espied his pollicie by which meanes Parismus left him behinde vpon his faithfull promise to come to him at such time as he was to depart from Lybia The King of Lybia with great ioye hauing such noble and valiant knights in his company where hee was most ioyfully entertained by his Nobles who hearing that Venola was released by the valour of onely two Knights which was Parismus and the Knight of Fame applauded their victorie with great praises and deuised all the meanes they could to increase their honourable entertainement Likewise the Queene vsed many courtesies towards them in requitall of their kindenesse where were Feastings Banquetings Maskes and Triumphes performed by the Knights there assembled with exceeding pompe and pleasure the chiefest honour whereof redowned to the Knight of Fame whereby his Fame is spread into most places of the world Venola noting his exceeding valour and beautie and withall how much his splendant Fame was extold in euery mans meuth in recompence of the trauelles hee hadde endured to set her at liberty vsed such extraordinary kindenesse towards him as hee might well haue perceiued to proceede from an vniuersall liking and beholding the gifts of nature that abounded in him shee beganne to bee intangled in Loues bands offering exceeding kindenesse to demonstrate the affections to him to the intent hee should perceiue the same which when shee saw tooke no such effect as she desired it rather increased heâ—… desire then any way mittigated the same that shee that hadde before refused many Kings sutes was now enthralled by her owne choice and to such a one as made no shâ—…we or signe of such deuoted kindnesse as shee expected in him For not many daies after shee vsed that extraordinary behauiour which many beganne to note thinking the same had beene procured by his sute but hs contrarilie was nothing so affected but his senses were so benummâ—… with contemplating the perfections of his vnknowne Mistresse that Venolas kindenesse which many would haue taken as high â—…nours were bedewed in vaine which in time thee well perceiued maruelling that he could not vnderstand her meaning which agrrauated her desires that they grew as a burning flame which so melted her yeelding heart that nothing could â—…cke in her fancie but how to giue him knowledge of her good will that by the occurrence of these passions she beganne altogether to delight
of poore Clarinaes loue Who hath committed her Life Honour and Chastitie into your gentla custodie Most deare Clarina quoth Tellamor my returne shall be as spéedy as may bée For like as you my selfe shall neuer enioy one minuâ—…es respite of Content without your heauenly companie Whereon my chiefest Felicitie dependeth And as you haue yéelded all that I can desire or you graunt into my vnworthy kéeping I will as carefully labour to preserue the same from all spot of dishonour hoping at my returne to enioy the possession of your Loue as well by generall consent of your Friends as by your courtesie I haue attained their diuine fruition in priuate Then I beséeche you Let no disquiet disturbe your peace let no doubt trouble your Fancie nor any suspence of Loyaltie take roote to your heart For sooner shall the Sea become drie Land the Sunne and Moone loose their cleare light and all things turne to theyr contrary before Tellamor will any way falsifie his faith In these and such like spéeches entermingled with many delights they spent that Night taking theyr leaue eache of other With many a ceremonious Farewell and parting with many a heauy sigh and sad feare thinking that with each others sight each others life had parted Tellamor according to his promise arriued in Lybia euen at the time of Parismus departure Whome we will leaue onwardes of his iourney towards Bohemia The Knight of Fame hauing slept his fill and longer a great deale then hee determined awaked within two dayes after Parismus departure little thinking the Prince had bene gone but beginning to Arme himselfe Flauia comming to him said as followeth Woorthie Knight quâ—…th shee I am glad to see that you are well Which vntill now I doubted The Knight of Fame woondring at her spéeches said Gentlewoman as yet I haue not bene sicke then Why doo you make any question of my health Indéede Syr qd she I sée now you haue not bene sicke but you haue slept very long for I haue bene your keeper heere this two dayes euer since the Prince of Bohemia departed Who thought to haue had your company some part of the way but seeing you a sleepe from which you could not be awakened hée imparted his minde to the Ladie Venola Who hath giuen mée speciall charge to attend you diligently Her hearing her spéeches Was amazed in his thoughts to thinke of them entring into many cogitations what should bee the cause of his sleepinesse Which he perceiued was the poâ—…tion which he had tasted that hee was exceedingly inraged with himselfe that hée thereby was disappointed of Parismus company Whome he estéemed aboue all the Knights that euer he had met withall and making a vertue of necessitie blaming himselfe for his sleepinesse he went downe into the companie of other Knightes making the best excuse he could thereof Flauia in the meane time went to Venola and told her all that had happened and what she had tolde him of Parismus departure Wishing her to deâ—… what she thought best to satisfie his minde The Knight of Fame being desirous to know what message Parismus had left with Venola méeting with Flauia desiring her to certifie her Mistresse that he attended her pleasure to knowe what the Prince of Bohemia had tolde her as concerning him Flauia hearing his spéeches brought him into a Gallerie where she desired him to stay and she would goe bring him answere presently So comâ—…ng to Venola she tolde her thereof Venola then hauing rid her chamber of all company willed her to bring him in Whome shee Welcommed with vnwoonted kindnesse and taking him by the hand desired him to sit downe by her vppon the Beddes side to whome shee saide as followeth Most courteous Knight the Prince of Bohemia willed mee to certifie you that hee would within foure dayes returne to this place to desire your company in executing a secret of importance Desiring mee that I would intreate you to stay here some fewe dayes and at his returne he wâ—…ll require that kindenesse Therefore I pray quoth she be my Guest for so long time For I haue receiued such benefites by your courtesie as I would willingly if it lay in my power requâ—…te the same I thanke your excellencie quoth hee for proffering me such kindnesse acknowledging my selfe both vnworthie thereof and vnable to requite the same Being so much the more willing to stay Parismus returne thereby to shewe my dutie to your request and séeing you vouch safe me to be your Guest hauing yet deserued no such kindnesse pleaseth you to commaund or imploy mee any way and I will most willingly vndertake any trauell or industrie whatsoeuer to procure your content Which words he spake althâ—…ugh little knowing what Passions had possest her tender her heart Whome she vsed so kindely and entertained with such louing glaunces that hee began greatly to commend her courtesie And againe he maruelled much why she vsed him with such kindenesse as that it would haue pierced the heart of any other Knight but onely himselfe Whose affections were settled on his inward deuoted Ladie that Venolaes Loue was but bestowed in vaine and she spent her sighes and her good Will inâ—…a barren-soyle where she wept in hope of recompence Which draue her to such extremity of griefe that shee was often in minde hauing by good chaunce gotten him so fitly into her companie and fearing to loose so swéete an opportunitie to reueale her Loue to him of herselfe But yet that purpose was suddenly altered againe by quite conâ—…arie thoughts that she sate rackte with so manie and so extreame cogitations that the griefe on the one side that hee could not conceyue of her good liking by so many euident tokens as she hadde shewen thereof and her owne Passions ouer-whelmed her heart with such care that shee suddenly burst out into abundance of teares and so rose from the Bed and went to a Window The Knight of Fame maruelling what should be the cause of her sadnesse thinking that his companie could but disquiet her departed her chamber Which she perceiuing was ouercome with such Passion that shee fell downe in a traunce as shee were dead Wherewith Flauia gaue such shréekes that the Knight of Fame hearing her outcry suddenly returned and finding Venola in that estate did the best hee could with the â—…urse to recouer her sences Which at last beganne to turne to their woontes vses Venola lifting vp her Eyes and espying the Knight of Fame holding her in his armes Wisht that for euer shee might haue continued in that trance Who carrying her to the Bed there laid her downe and Flauia and other Damzells by that time tooke her into their custodie Which caused him to depart againe After whome Venola cast such a gréedie looke accompanied with such scalding sighes that Flauia feared she would haue fallen into the like trance againe 〈◊〉 that shee was well recouered and all her Attendants departed Flauia saide as followeth Why deere Mistresse quoth shee
in theyr companie But since your Presence hath broken my meditation I wil be content to forsake the same to enioy your good companie Which me thinkes is very rare I thanke you good Sister quoth hee assuring you that I take it wondrous kindely that you will thinke so well of mee Which hereafter you shall at your commaund enioy Withall I desire you for my sake to bid this Knight Welcome whome I estéeme as dearely as my selfe With that Angelica turned towards him and hée with humble reuererence kissed her hand to whom Augelica said Syr by my brothers command I bid you Welcom The Knight of Fame most humbly thanked her being so excéedingly rauisht in his minde with ioy that no ioy might be compared to that hée endured Angelica on the other side was euery way affected with as swéete content by that opportunitie to take a more precise view of his comelinesse entertaining the same with such surfetting delight that shee not onely augmented the heate of her former Affections but also was now fettered in the indissoluable bonds of Loue. Marcellus and shee continued sometime in conference together in which time Angelica cast many swéete lookes towards the Knight of Fame which hée well perceiued by reason his Eye was neuerâ—… her which she likewise noted striuing not to shew the like kindnes againe but notwithstanding contrarie to her purpose her harts inward affection constrained her to behold him which made her colour goe and come excéedingly oftentiâ—…es breaking off her speeches with such passionate studies somtimes breathing a silent sigh which Marcellus noted but yet séemed not to marke In the meane time in comes the Queene who calling Marcellus vnto her entred into coÌ„munication with him which when Angelica beheld her heart began to throh pant with a kinde of delight the Knight of Fame likewise was tormented with diuersitie of passion being desirous to speake to Angelica yet not daring to attempt such boldnesse in presence of the Queene hauing before heard of Maximus decrée Whilest she was in this cogitation Anna seeing her Mistresse alone the knight she so dearely loued hard by her came and vsed some speehes vnto her on him which he well noted at last the Queene departed againe Marcellus went to sport amongst the rest of the Ladies hauing before noted his Sisters passions which he was in some suspition was by reason of the knight of Fames being there The Knight of Fame séeing the Quéene departed and Marcellus amongst the Ladyes not rashly attempting such boldnesse but with a most submisse and comely behauiour drue towardes Angelica being surprized with such a feare to offend and care what to say that his hart shooke therewith and humbly kissing her hand with a trembling feare still helde the same in his palme and said My diuine Lady pardon my presumption that ouer-boldly and contrary to my desart presume to trouble your sacred eares with my spéeches Which if I did suppose would be offensiue I would burâ—… still in the closet of my troubled heart from whence they procéeded but if I may be so gratious in your sight as to gaine the swéet opportunity by your fauorable licence as to declare the depth of my deuotion and how and in what sort and how long since I was enioyned to become your deuoted seruant I shall rest so much more inthralled to your vertues as my poore hart shall for euer be vnable to yéeld sufficient thanks for which I dare not presume to do wtout your fauorable consent which I desire you to graunt Angelica all this while stoode as one tranformed into bashfulnnes being possest with delight yet vnwilling to make any shew thereof which caused an excéeding blush beautifie her chéekes which added some splendour to perfect beauty it self which at all times appeared most liuely in her swéet couÌ„tenance At last withdrawing her hand which now began to sweate with his strickt emâ—…race which he was vnwilling to let go yet fearfull to hold without her consent to whoÌ„ she made this answer Syr where no harme is meant there néedes no such entreatance for pardon for the actual offence I sée none but if any be intended it is more then I know and therefore without my power to forgiue neyther doth your spéech much please nor offend me but if spoken with good meaning I cannot blame nor will deny to heare another time withall wishing you not to thinke me tractable to euery perswasion but haue yéelded you that fauour neuer yet had any at my hands which peraduenture imboldneth you to vse your accustomed maner of flatteries wherunto most meÌ„ are addicted wherein you shall do greatly amisse for though I condiscend to heare you yet do not thinke my minde easily drawne to beleeue euery protestation Most vertuous Lady quoth he neither doe my words proceed frâ—… custome but my speaches proceed froÌ„ the debth of my true and humble heart that hath vowed neuer to start from the constant verity which hath long nurced many bitter torments proceeded by desire to find your vertuous selfe which hath bin the cause of my long trauel Then I most humbly beséech you estéeme of mée as one that can breath no longer then hée is in your fauour For sooner shall all things be dissolued then I faile in dutie to your seruice and constancie to continue deuoted to your command Which if I may be in any hope to attaine though it bee with the extreamest hazard that euer Knight indured I shall account my selfe the most happiest man liuing Therefore I beséech you let no suspected conceyt of my truth withdraw your vertues from pittying mee For without the fruition of your sweete fauour it is impossible for me to liue Beséeching your Excellencie likewise not to suppose my words to procéede from fained affection but from a heart that hath vowed to be perpetually Constant and will neuer start from truth whatsoeuer miseries or crosses may happen to trie my constancy Angelica hearing his spéeches Withall noting with what motions and alterations his heart was oppressed by the ofte change of his countenance and withall béeing herselfe euery way as much enthralled to Loue as himselfe hoping that his heart if it harboured true Loyaltie would not déeme amisse of her courtesie for the Noblest mindes are soonest drawne to pittie gaue him this kinde replie Syr Knight your earnest spéeches hath so much preuailed with me that gladly I would shewe you what kindnesse resteth in mée but that I still feare to be deceiued Therefore if hereafter I sée you constant make no doubt but I will be as kinde as you can wish and yeelde you what recompence I can in requitall of your good Will Withall wishing you to thinke that my heart hath yéelded you that fauour which yet neuer any had from me Angelica had not ended those words but in comes Maximus puffing with vexation to whom Collimus had declared that the Knight of Fame was some disguised counterfeit that came to seeke
Angelicas loue whereon his life depended and comming to him seeing him in talke with his daughter said Knight quoth he what maketh thee thus bold so farre to presume aboue thy desert to intrude thy selfe into my daughters company which thou knowest is contrarie to my decree Then taking Angelica by the arme hee thrust her from him commanding Collimus who was ready at hand to commit her to safe custody and vpon paine of death not to suffer any not so much as his Sonne Marcellus to come to her speech by whose meanes Collimus had tolde him the knight of Fame was brought into her companie Collimus hauing this charge which was his owne séeking immediately conueyed Angelica from their presence Who notwithstanding her Fathers presence and displeasure turned back and gaue the knight of Fame a kinde lâ—…ke at her departure Which he wel noted and therewith conceiued more ioy then he tooke griefe at Maximus vnkindnesse By this time Marcellus was come to his Father who cast such a displeasant countenance vppon him as that hee well perceyued hee was someway incenst against him Wherwith the King in a great rage departed not speaking a Word to him After he was gone Marcellus comming to the Knight of Fame whose hart was nipt with griefe and noting his sad countenance departed with him downe into the garden Where being come Marcellus saide as followeth Deare Friend qd hee for by other name I will neuer call you be not disquieted with my Fathers displeasure who giueth too much credite to vntrue reportes and that causeth him both to be offended with any that speaketh to my Sister and also suspicious of all that come into his owne company whereby he dishonoureth his owne name liueth a troublesom life and also kéepeth her as it were in Prison which I am sure can bréed no little tâ—…e care in brest Whose hard happe I hap much pittie and would any way ease if it lay in my power Most honourable Knight quoth he I am most heartely sorrie that my ouer-boldnes hath caused your fathers despleasure and that diuine Ladies disquiet which is more grieuous vnto me then death Which it was my accursed misfortune to procure beeing drawne to that presumption by attractiue beautie Wishing that I had some way ended this my accursed life before my approach in this place that thereby I might not haue beene so vnfortunate as to be a meanes of her care and your disquiet For that I see the King is displeased with you As for that take no care qd Marcellus nor be so much grieued for my Sister for these troubles will be soone calmed Which to effect let mee alone In the meane time whatsoeuer inward thoughtes you conceyue yet smoother your discontent and shew your self chéerfull as heretofore you haue bene for I perceiue that some of enuie hath incensed my Father the truth whereof I will finde out Marcellus hauing endured these spéeches left the Knight of Fame walking in the garden and presently without any shew or signe of discontent went into the presence where â—…ee found the King in companie of Camillus according to his woonted manner dooing his reuerence and taking his vsuall place The King maruelling how he durst so boldely presume into his presence without reconcilement thought that eyther want of duetie hadde procured the same or else hee did not perceiue hee was displeased with him to ease himselfe of which doubt he saide as followeth Marcellus I had thought your care would haue beene greater to regarde my good then any mans else considering you knowe the depth of my secrets as concerning Angelica on whose Beautie my life doeth depende and not so negligently and disobediently not onely to suffer that straunge Knight to proffer Loue to her but also bee a meanes to bring him into her sight and helpe him to her spéeche wherein you haue shewen your selfe vndutifull Which maketh me rather to suspect you as one ready to séeke my life then carefull to preserue the same My Lorde and Father replyed Marcellus I trust your Maiestie doe conceyue no such thought of mée Which haue in no degree deserued the same Much lesse euer in thought disagréed in the least poynt of dutie to your decrée Besides my Lord I doo assuredly belieue you are misinformed of the strange Knights meaning Whose intent is honorable and from the least thought of Loue to my Sister But there are some in credite with your Highnesse who disquiet you too much with their flatteries will rather reioyce to sée all things fall out according to their reports then be any way sorry to sée the same whose spéeches and false informations I trust shall not alter your good opinion of my loyaltie Whose constant loue duety obedience shall continue firme when their treacheries shal be reuealed and they found traytors therefore I beséeche your Highnes both alter your conceiued displeasure against me and the Knight of Fame of whom so honorable report hath bene spred in most places For it will be accounted an Acte of great discourtesie to vse him vnkindly Maximus hearing his Sonnes spéeches in accusation of them hee most fauoured and in defence of the Knight of Fame against whom he was heynouslie incenst was turned into such choller that he gaue him this rebuke Darest thou both enuiously accuse my Friends and disloyallie pleade for my enemie Hencefoorth presume no more into my sight without my licence for I will rather estéeme thée as a priuie enimie then as my naturall sonne Which when he had sayde turning aside Marcellus departed maruelling who it should be that had incensed the King against him being so inwardly grieued in his minde that hee thought to leaue no meanes vnassayed to learne the trueth thereof Angelica before saide being conueyed by Collimus to faâ—…e custodie began to conceiue such sorrow for her Fathers displeasure taken aganst the Knight of Fame vnto whome she beganne to beare an excéeding Loue Such effect had his perswasiue spéeches wrought in her gentle heart that she entred into excéeding sorrowes coniectururing diuersly what disquiet that discontent might bréede by reason of her Fathers iealous suspect alreadie begunne And how the Knight of Fame might be abused in that straunge place hauing no Friend to take his part Which thought strooke a sudden pensiuenesse to her heart Contrarily she thought that would be a meanes to trye his loyaltie which somewhat would haue eased her heart so that no other daunger would haue ensued thereon At last hauing no other meanes of comfort nor Friend to impart her minde vnto she called Anna vnto her and willed her to learne how the Knight of Fame had ouerpast her Fathers displeasure but so discréetly that none might perceiue the same Who presently went about the businesse Angelica had enioyned her Thus will wée leaue them all in diuers cogitations CHAP. XVIII ¶ How the King of Lybia hearing that the Knight of Fame was in Natolia by Flauias false accusation sent messengers to Maximus to intreate him
that was intended against him there by Corus and Argalus then of his successe in the Kings Court of Thrace and the occasion why he departed from thence to the Forrest of Arde and how there hee mette the Prince of Bohemia and released Venola Then how Venola songht his Loue and how she gaue him by subtiltie a somniferous Potion to withhold his departure with Parismus which he had purposed and how afterwards perceiuino her intent departed from theâ—…e Withall hee declared the manner of the Uision that appeared vnto him in Thrace and how hee was thereby enioyned to seeke out the faire â—…adie that had appeared vnto him and sue for her Loue which was the cause that he both refused Phylenas marriage and Venolaes proffer of kindnesse and also he declared how he first arriued in that Countrey and met Angelica which was the very same Lady that appeared vnto him in the vision and also told him that he was likewise enioyned to seeke out his PareÌ„ts which the vision told him were of great birth This quoth he is the true discourse of my forepassed life which I neuer yet manifested to any but your selfe whose fauour hath farre surmounted my desert into whose hands I commit my selfe to bee disposed of desiring you not to conceiue amisse of mee for that false accusation being most vntrue Marcellus againe embracing him in his armes desired him likewise not to thinke that hee did any way conceiue the least euill opinion of him but that he did esteeme of him as the dearest friend he had in the World and that he did both loue and honour him as himselfe and would neuer forsake him whilest hee liued but continue his faithfull friend for euer Hauing in this sort made a new league of amitie Marcellus left the Knight of Fame to his priuate meditations promising to returne to him very shortly going directly to Angelica whome hee found continuing her woonted sadnes For shee could by no meanes be comforted but still augmented her Loue by remembring the Knight of Fames person to whom she bare such intire affections that she resolued neuer to Loue any other Knight but determined to spende the whole date of her life in single estate Marcellus sudden Approach brake off her silent pensiuenesse by his countenance shewing a heart replenisht with ioy which hee vttered in this sort Angelica qd hee cast off this sadde countenance for I bring you newes of more comfort for the Knight of Fame is liuing and preserued by admirable meanes Oh Brother quoth she this newes cannot be true which will nip my heart with griefe to heare of and be disappointed therein Sister qd he it is so neither maruell thereat for his innocencie in the fact laide to his charge hath I thinke caused the Gods to pitty him besides thereby you may be assured hee is borne of royall blood who is now in the Kéepers house in safety with whome I haue bene these two hours Now cast off these discontents and clowds of care for there is no further cause of disquiet for his supposed death Angelica then verily belieuing his wordes saide Good brother tell me how he doeth for whose safetie I reioyce For of all the Knights that euer I behelde I neuer liked nor loued any so well desiring you withall to kéep my counsell hauing bewrayed my secrets to none else and not let him know so much as I haue tolde you Then should both you and I doo him wrong qd he for he hath well deserued loue and especially at your hands to whom by his owne report he hath long ago dedicated himselfe and not onely of his owne inclination but of a high command for the truth of which he hath vpon trust of my secrecie reuealed vnto me which you shall likewise heare then he discoursed the whole truth euen as the Knight of Fame had before done which when she heard she said What a discourteous Lady is that Venola to séeke the ouerthrow of so Woorthy a Knight and how may I estéeme him that before he knew mee was so constant in his Loue without hope of my fauour and refused the proffred loue of two such Ladies for my sake besides the perill he hath endured in my search and peraduenture is sprung of greater byrth then my selfe And now also by my Parents doome was put in that hazard of his life Good Brother be you carefulâ—… of his good and whatsoeuer you shall counsell me too I will doo If my Father should know of his safety then were there no means for him to escape death For such a hard conceit of suspect doth possesse his minde that he hateth all those that beare me any shewe of good Will Well quoth Marcellus rest you contented and still continue your louetowards him to increase and not diminish the same who is by destiny alloted to be your husband the care of whose welfare let be my charge for I so much loue and esteeme him both for his own and your sake that I will leaue no meanes vnassayed whereby to do you good which said hee againe departed to the Knight of Fame By this time the darke night approached and Marcellus and the knight of Fame were deuising what meanes to vse for his safetie and to procure the desired content Angelica expected who before had giuen herconsent to 〈◊〉 ruled by her Brother that by the assurance he had of her hee put the knight of Fame in assured comfort of her loue by relating in some sort the contents of Angelicas conference before had with him which affected his heart with greater ioy theÌ„ euer before he had endured griefe that his escape from death did not comfort his heart so much as this happy news At last Marcellus said Noble knight you see how strictly my father gardeth Angelica that there is no meanes lefâ—…t to ease your greefe or her care by tarrying here neither can you without great hazard of your life remaine within the circuit of this Tower for that my Father suspecteth euery one yea his owne children whereby we are tired with those troubles and would willingly worke any meanes to ease our selues especially Angelica hath ben mewed vp so closely that shee I am sure would vndertake any thing to enioy her libertie were it in neuer so poore estate wherein in my opinion is many thousand of sweete contents to bee found rather then in this troublesome Pompe which is repleat with infinit cares Therefore this is my censure that you shall this night as I will direct you depart from hence and go to Saint Austins Chappell not farre hence and there stay for mee vntill to morrow morning where remaineth an olde religious Priest named Iabine who if you say you come from mee wil assuredly giue you entertainement which when you haue done I will so worke with my Sister Angelica that hee shall condescend by such meanes as I will worke for her secret escape to come to you by which I hope I shall end the
Bohemian Court honourablie entertayned and highly estéemed of the Bohemian States Who grue into an excéeding loue towards him and was kindly beloued of the King and Quéene but especially of his Parents who thought themselues moste happie and blessed to haue such a Sonne Whose fame was spredde through most places of all the Worlde and that euery mans eares were filled with the report of his most honourable déedes Now that Parismenos had thus happily attained the knowledge of his Parents the want whereof had long time filled his minde with care no other thought but of Angelicas Loue could take place in his heart which though his cause of ioy otherwise was sufficient filled his sences with sadnesse and quite extinguisht those delights that they séemed to trouble his minde rather tedious then coÌ„fortable adding no ease to his cares which were augmented to an excéeding height by reason of Maximus cruelty which he saw was so much aggrauated against him that he knew it a thing impossible for him to attaine the least fauour at his hand Who likewise kept Angelica Guarded so strongly and so narrowly pryed into all her actions that it was impossible any way eyther to come to her spéech or send to her that with diuersitie of the cogitations his hart was tormented his countenance darkned and hée spent his time most commonly in sadnesse beeing séeldome drawne to any myrth Which was generally noted of all men but especiallie of Laurana who could neuer be quiet but onely in his company And one a day missing him shée rested not vntill she had found him out being gotten into the most solitariest place in the Garden leaning himselfe vpon his Elbow Who espying her raised himselfe from the ground blushing at her presence to whome she said Why how now Parismenos What sadnesse is that which possesseth your minde that maketh you so eâ—…range your selfe from company to delight in solitarinesse is there none so highly in your fauour that they may know the truth thereof or is your cause of care such as none can remedie or not counsell you for your ease I am sure there are many would not refuse to vse their endeuors to pleasure you especially myselfe would both willingly doo my best to comfort you and knowe the cause if it be not too secret Parismenos with humble reuerence made her this answer I beséeth you doo not thinke me so vndutifull nor my cause of care so secret that I would conceale the same from you but were it of much more importance I would willingly reueale it to satisfie your minde which I haue omitted as vnwilling to trouble you therwith and for no other respect Then I pray qd she let me know is it not Loue Yes most déere Mother qd he it is Loue and to that beautifull Ladie Angelica who beareth me the like affection but so farre am I from enioying her loue as that it attainteth my heart with care to thinke thereof which is the cause of my sadnes which will increase rather then diminish if I doe not shortly trauell thither being now assured of all other doubtes and hauing finished my trauell in search to finde you out Therfore I most humbly beseech you to procure my Lord and Fathers coÌ„sent to my spéedy departure For without the fruition of her heauenly sight my life wil be but wearisome Laurana hearing his spéeches perceiued indéede that his affection was great and therefore not to be remooued and well knowing by her owne former experience that Loue was incurable thee was the more ready to pitie his passions that shee promised to further him in what the could being now assured of the cause of his sadnesse CHAP. XXII ¶ How Parismenos after he came to the knowledge of his Parents deeparted towards Natolia Aow he met with Marcellus and what afterwards befell to him WIthin few dayes after Parismenos returned backe againe towards Natolia but with much sorrow in the Bohemian Court for his departure spending much time in trauell vntill hée arriued at S. Austins Chappell hauing gotten him other Armour because he would not be knowne and knocking at the Chappell doore presently olde Iabine came out to whome he discouered himselfe Who knowing him reioyced excéedingly at his Presence and safetie desiring him to come in for that hee had Newes of importance to tell him Parismenos comming to him for no other intent but to heare Newes from Angelica willingly went in with him And Iabine began as followeth Most noble Knight I will declare vnto you all that I haue learned of the estate of Marcellus so neere as I can After that you were departed from hence the Natolians hauing continued their diligent search some thrée dayes and in the end returned to the Court frustrated of their desire Wherby Maximus gaue no credit to that report but soone forgot the same remaining in great quiet Marcellus by this time had recouered his health letting passe no time came hither thinking to haue found you héere but yet hearing by my report of your Departure hee séemed to be quite ouer-come with griefe and declared vnto mée all that had happened to you in the Golden Tower which you had declared vnto me before and withall manifested what had happened vnto him and Angelica and how he was so grieuously Wounded then Iabine declared the same euen as Marcellus hadde tolde him in the very same manner as is before declared when he determined to haue conueyed Angelica to S. Austines Chappell the day his Father was on Hunting And quoth hée Marcellus hauing tolde me this withall shewed mee with what sorrow Angelica endured your absence Parismenos hauing heard his wordes which yéelded him full assurance of Marcellus friendship and Angelicas constant Loue was therewith excéedingly comforted rehearsing to him how fortunately he had found his Parents Iabin then began to vse him with more reuerence and more seruently to affect his company and good that at Parismenos request hee went towards the Golden-Tower to sée if hee could by any meanes speake with Marcellus which hee willingly at his Request did and brought newes backe that Maximus was departed with the Quéene Marcellus and Angelica towards the Citie of Ephesus which hee learned of such as were Gardiants at the Golden-Tower Parismenos hearing that immediately departed thitherwardes and entring the Citie rode presently vnto the Court where hee met a Knight Whome hee desired of courtesie to giue notice vnto Marcellus that there was a Knight who would speak with him Which at his request he presently went and performed and finding Marcellus in the Kings great Hall he sold him there was a strange knight at the Court Gate that was destrous to speake with him Marcellus maruelling who it should be immediately went out vnto him being a Knight of excéeding vertue that he would not refuse any courtesie and though hée were Sonne vnto a mightie King yet hée disdained not to fulfill his request though hée neither knewe him nor the cause of his comming Parismenos beholding him
went to make prouision for his Guests and by the way met with Portellus who was lately returned from Lybia and comming to the Court and not finding Marcellus whome he loued most déerely he had wandered in a sollitarie sadde and heauy disposition vp and downe all the last day and that night and now espying olde Iabin he came to him and knowing him he saide Iabine the time hath bene when Getulia excéeded in Roialty but now all things is turned vpside downe Marcellus was woont to vse your companie but now no man knoweth where he is Would I were but with him then my cares would be past Why quoth Iabin What might I call your name that know me and are desâ—…reus to 〈◊〉 Marcellus My Name quoth hee is Portellus Iabine hearing his Name well remembred that hee had often heard Marcellus desire that hee were with him saide Portellus Come along with mee and I will bring you to one that can tell you where Marcellus is With that they departed backe to the Chappell where Iabin entred and told Marcellus that Portellus was without Who hearing his speeches raâ—… vnto him and embraced and brought him in Whome Angelica likewise knew and Welcommed Then Parismenos Marcellus and Portellus giuing no delay to the necessitie of time and businesse they had in hand began to consult what to doo Where euery one gaue their seueral opinions but could agrée vpon nothing At last they called Iabine to their counsell whose Wisedome had much auailed them Who presently hauing such a determination in his minde before counselled them to send Portellus into Bohemia with Letters from Parismenos vnto his Father to request his Ayde and to send a Bande of Souldiers to defend him from Maximus crueltie This counsell was excéedingly well liked of all especially Portellus was excéedingly willing to goe about that businesse that presently furnishing himselfe with Horse and Armour hauing a Letter to that effect from Parismenos and the Iewell which Laurana knewe him by which hee desired Portellus to deliuer vnto his Mother as an assured token that he came from him Hee hasted with all spéede about his businesse and soone arriued in Bohemia and deliuered the Letter and the Iewell vnto Laurana The newes of Portellus comming was soone knowne in the Court and the cause why hee came Which when the Nobles and Commons heard Parismus néeded not Muster vp men For euery one were desirous to be employed and came voluntary and offred their seruice accounting it a dishonor to be refused and within a short space there were gathered together of Nobles Knightes and Gentlemen a great number and to them Parismus added so manie that there were twentie thousand Horsemen in a readinesse vnder the Conduct of Pollipus who was most desirous of that honour and had gotten Violettas consent Who with all haste marched towardes Getulia Parismus then gathered together an Armie of fiftie thousand expert Souldyers vnder his Conduct and Tellamors Who was but lately arriued at the Bohemian Court with Clarina CHAP. XXII ¶ How Maximus found out Angelica with the rest at Saint Austines Chappell and banisht Marcellus imprisoned Angelica and Dulcia and cast Parismenos into a deepe Dungeon condemning him to be burnt where he was ready to be famisht And afterwards he escaped out and met with Pollipus WHile these things were acting in Bohemia Parismenos with Angelica and Marcellus with his swéete Loue Dulcia remained in great safetie and content beeing voyde of feare to be now descried seeing they had remained there in safety in all thâ—…se Troubles and being pende within a little Roome were desirous of some Recreation and in an Euening when they thought none were styrring they went out of the Cell into a swéete Groue hard adioyning therevnto Where they walked vp and down and at last Parismenos taking Angelica aside vnto a pleasant Banke bedeckt with many swéet summer Flowers and Marcellus likewise Dulcia rested themselues not farre from them recreating themselues with sweete embracings Parismenos had no sooner seated himselfe but Angelica sate downe â—…n his left Knée clasping her right arme about his necke with a kinde and swéete gesture hiding her other in his manly Bosome which was vnbuttoned by reason of the heate First making many kisses a Prologue to her spéech she saide My louing Knight how happy should we be if wée were in Bohemia from the suspition of my Father and how great should our pleasure be if wee might enioy this happines without feare but since wee cannot attaine that blessednesse and are hindered from it by many daungers let vs yet reioyce each in others company which I account a ioy without compare and a felicitie excéeding all felicities Most vertuous kinde and déere Lady qd be how much fortunate am I to enioy such excéeding fauour as you vouchsafe me without the least merit that haue refused no danger for my sake that haue forsaken your Parents fauor to yéeld me comfort and most of all that are contented nay rather pleased with the fearfull and solitary estate of my vnworthie sake that haue neuer bene meritorious and that can neuer recompence such excéeding kindnesse Parismenos qd she miserie with your company is my pleasure solitarinesse when I enioy you is more pleasant then all the delightful pleasure in Kings Courts and without I account all pleasure pain all coÌ„pany tedious and all pompe excéeding penurie In these and many other such like spéeches sweet embracings and superabuÌ„dant euerflowing of swéet conteÌ„t they recreated theÌ„selues vntill old Iabin came to them and they deparced togither to their Cell Now it happened according to the vnfortunate resolution of harde Destinie that one of the Eunuches that before was Angelicaes kéeper being fled from the Mayden-Tower after Angelica was missing for feare of Maximus displeasure which hee knewe well could bee no lesse then death was hidden in that Woodde where he euer since his flight shrowded him liuing vppon such foode as the place yéelded which was Wild fruite and by most euill fortune lay close in a heape of thicke bushes and heard Parismenos and Angelicaes spéeches and knewe them and at theyr departure secretly followed them vnto S. Austines Chappell Where after he had seene them enter with all spéed that might be he hasted towards the Cittie and in the morning got thither where at the first hee was admitted to Maximus presence to whome hee declared how that Angelica was at Saint Austines Chappell where Iabin was Priest relating the whole truth of all that he had séene and heard Maximus by his speeches perceiued that it was the vnknown Knight that was with her which very thought kindled new sparks of ire in his brest which before he had calmed that in a monstrous rage hee â—…ed if euer hee caught that vnknowne Knight to be reuenged on him with seueritie Then presently he assembled all the Noble Péeâ—…es Knights together againe commaunding them with all spéede to be ready to goe with him not making the cause knowne to
found her wéeping he saide Faire Angelica I much maruell why you torment your selfe with these griefesâ—… when you sée your selfe in safetie and out of daunger Haue I yet deserued no better opinion at your hands that haue bene so carefull for your health and safety I beséeche you abandon this your sadnesse and entertayne some rest to your vnquiet breast Which I see is ready to be ouer-whelmed with griefe Iconius quoth shee What heart opprest with so many cares and vexations as I haue endured could refraine from griefe What eyes that haue beheld such Crueltie can abstaine from sheadding infinite floods of brinish salt teares Or what creature subiect to miserie could contayne her Sences within the boundes of reason And when all these are happened and so any occasions of discontent concurred togither yet in the middest one mischiefe greater then all the rest is befallen to mee Is not Irus that cruell King of Tunis within this Caue my great enemie my liuing Foe that hath brought mee to this miserie Who is your professed Friende To whose councell you will rather yéelde then any way conrfime your promise vnto mee past to conuey mée to the Getulian Court But if you remaine constant then I haue the lesse cause to feare Irus but if you condiscend to bee ruled by his wicked perswasions then I know my sorrowes will be euerlastingly lengthened Iconius hearing her spéeches thought it best to glose with her and therefore made her this answere Good Ladie cast aside all such feare for Irus shall not so much ouerrule mee as once to make me falsifie my Word Neyther doo I thinke hee is of any such disposition but if hee bée I care not For what I haue promised I will vndoubtedly performe and would haue done it before this time but that your health would not permit the same Many other spéeches past betwéene them till at last Iconius left her and going to Irus tolde him all the spéeches that had passed betwéene him and Angelica Who by Iconins counsell dissembled his affection and though he were often in Angelicaes company he made no shew of such earnest Loue yet carelesly made recitall of his former deuotions Which he so cunningly dissembled that Angelica began to rest in assurance of Iconius fidelitie and in a perswasion that Irus had also giuen ouer his hote Loue and by that meanes she began to gather more comfore to her abated spirits Which by reason of those great troubles she had past and her late Sicknesse were brought into a weake operation And manie dayes after it was before shee hadde recouered her health which Iconius still made his excuse to the frustrating of her desired departure Parismenos likewise all this time wandred vp and downe the Desart liuing poorely vpon hard and wilde fruite and lying vpon the earth in his armor that the haire which then begun to bud had with a carelesse groweth shadowed some parte of his face which was growne to a great length and his complexion so much altered by care that hée could hardly be knowne of those that were familiarlie acquainted with him before In which time of his continuance in that place hee had at seuerall times met with Iconius consorts and slaine them because they refused to yéelde to him and denied to declare what they were hauing taken an oath and made a firme vow with Iconius before not to reueale which they Religiouslie kept though in other matters they obserued no ciuilitie At last Parismenos met with another of their fellowes which hée set vpon and soone brought in hazard of his liâ—…e but hée being of a more cowardly disposition then the rest fled and with much adâ—… escaped from Parismenos And â—…omming to Iconius told him what he had séene and how hée was handled by a strange Knight or rather a Sauage man that hunted the Desart then Iconius willed him to declare what Armour he had on That can I not doo quoth he for the same is so ouerworne olde and battered that neyther the colour nor other deuice therein can be discerned Assuredly quoth Iconius it is this knight that hath slaine so many of our companie as wee haue found dead which maketh mee thinke that hee is some distressed knight or banished as my selfe is which maketh mee pittie his case and could wish hee were with vs which paraduenture might giue him some comfort Many other spéeches they had of him beeing yet of no minde to séeke him out which Iconius determined to doo afterwards And thus continued Iconius consulting with Irus howe to winne Angelicas fauour Angelica likewise rested in hope that Iconius would conuey her to the Court and Parismenos continuing his sollitary and austere life in the Desart CHAP. XXXIII How treacherouslie Irus vsed Angelica How he was murthered by Anna. And of Parismenos arriuall at Iconius Caue How hee rescued Anna from a most violent death and of other accidents that befell AFterwardes when Angelica had fullie recoured her health Irus thought the time now most fitlyest serued to insinuate himselfe into her fauour for the fierce flames of his restrained affections did furiouly boyle in his brest by Iconius counsell would hée oftentimes frequent her company but in such sort as that hée séemed to pittie her Passions and would oftentimes enter into discourses of great penitencie for his outrage commited against her but in such sorte that hée craued her good opinion of his good intent towards her This behauiour hée vsed so long that Angelica beganne to conceyue well of him and to remitte some parte of her conceiued displeasure and also her feare of his further crueltie And many times Iconius and all the rest of their company béeing out of the Caue left Irus alone with Angelica who behaued himselfe in such decent sort and with such kinde behauiour towards her that Angelica thought hée had vtterly abandoned his former rude and vnciuill behauiour Iconius afterwardes one day béeing in talke with Irus eespyed one of his associate come in gréeuouslie wounded who declared that hée had mette with a straunge Knight from whome hée had hardly escaped with his life Iconius hearing this his spéeches was much troubled in his minde to know what hee should bée that within some thrée dayes after making Irus priuie to his intent went out of the Caue accompanied by all the rest of his fellowes to him and left Irus alone in the Caue Who after Iconius departure seated himselfe downe in a melancholie studie thinking himselfe too foolish to liue so long in the sight of his beloued Angelica without any hope of her sauour and also began to perswade himselfe that Iconius had some other intent then he made shewe of which might disappoint him of obtaining her custodie and then beganne to recall to his secret viewe her diuine perfections which thought inflamed his heart with such desire that the loue and earnest affection which hée had by Iconius good counsell restrained burst out into an excéeding inflamed lust that hée presently
went into the place where Angelica was who expected no other preffer of behauiour but that which he had before vsed suffered him to sit downe by her and entered into communication with him as formerly she had done but he hauing his minde meditating how to satifie his desart behold her excéeding beautie with a greedie eye and deuoured the piercing power of her conquering beautie with such desire that it augmented his affections and set one fire his newe intended purpose to attaine the conquest of her loue and the possession of her person that bée seized his hand vpon hers grasping the same sometimes strictly and then againe playing with her dainty fingers selling his eyes vpon hers making a sad sigh a Prologue to his spéech he said Most diuine Ladie pardon me if I presume beyond the bounds of your fauourable license to touch your precious hand or if I enter into spéeches that may disagrée with your fancie or shewe the integritie of my deuotion but for that I relye vppon your benignitie and haue long time by feare to be offensiue rather indured inward and secret torment then vpon presumption to procure you any disquiet haue concealed my loue duty and affection to your perfections Now finding you at leasure and féeling my owne torments increase humblie beséech you pittie my long continued griefes and graunt mee some fauour to reuiue my heart with comfort for you knowe that I haue béene long time inthralled to your beautie and bound to applye my fancie to merit your fauour which loue hath euer since continued constant and immoueable and will still so continue whilest mylife doth last Which loue compelled mée to that boldnesse to bring you from the Natolian Court with intent to carrie you into my Countrie and there to make you the Gouernesse and ruler of me and mine And now that you haue had this tryall of my 〈◊〉 what neede you deny me your fauour considering there is no knight liuing hath attended your liking with more feruencie Angelica hearing his speeches would haue taken her hand from him but he still held the same whilest she answered I had thought you had forgotten your former desire would not haue troubled mee with the same but especially now when you see I am not to make any change of the choise I haue already made Therefore I should account it great wisedome in you to abstaine from desiring that which you haue bene so often denied and see so much vnlikelihood to obtaine for would I now yeelde my selfe to please your fancie I should dishononr my name my stocke and reape perpetuall ignominie and scandale to my selfe and you and besides by my disloyaltie breed euerlasting discord and war betwixt you and the noble Prince of Bohemia who is of such force and inuincible strength that hee would wast your countrey and neuer giue ouer vntill hee had wrested me out of your possession therefore I pray you giue ouer your sute which may it obteined bring so many adherent miseries and inconueniences as you will soone repent you I beseech you quoth he let not vaine suppose of Parismus strength or Parismus reuenge procreastinate my desires for I estéeme them as nothing in my Countrey beeing of sufficient strength to beate a mightier foe backe Therefore swéete Lady grant me your loue without the which I cannot liue and armed therewith I shall be of sufficient strength to refell any foe therefore deny me not Which said hauing her hand still in his he pulled her to him suddenly clasping her in his armes he by his strength tooke from her a swéete kisse with which she was so much vexed that with a suddaine start she sproong from forth his armes and fearing to be againe so surprised would haue departed out of the roome which he perceiuing hauing armed himselfe with impudencie ran after and caught her in his armes by force brought her backe whilest she strugled to get from him but he being too strong for her held her so fast that she could not stir but with chéekes as red as scarlet said If euer you expect fauour at my hands leaue off and do not seeke to attaine my loue by violence for if you do I sweare by heauen I will rather suffer you to teare my heart in pieces then yeelde you any fauour therefore if there be any vertue humanitie good nature or courtisie in you let me goe Irus was nothing disswaded with her spéeches but now that hée had begunne lust and immoderate desire vrged him on that he held her the more strictly and by constraint bereft her of manie kisses with that shee gaue such shrikes that the hollow vaults of the Caue rung therewith and Anna came running in before whose comming hée vsed her so vndecently that shée cryed out vnto Anna for helpe who vsed her vttermost endeuour to rescue her mistresse from foorth his power and shrouded her from dishonour which with most violent and vndecent behauior he proffered and ta last she gat from foorth hâ—…ands wearied with resistance and falling downe vpon her knées said Irus be not so inhumaine as to dispoyle me of my honor but desire from this shameâ—…esse impudencie which will make you odious in the sight of heauen What will my life do you good which with that is lost what pleasure can you reape by this violence Or what benifit can it be to you to spill my blood Séeke not my loue in this sort which will turne that good opinion I had of you to hatred and if you will néeds haue the fruition of my loue let it be in honourable sort and not with such vnreadinesse with that a flood of brinish teares ranne downe her chéekts whilest hée stoode ouer her like a furious Lyon ouer a silliy harmelesse Lambe readie to deuour the same Euen so Irus stood readie to seize vpon her againe his heart painting with striuing and his vaines swolne with desire no more mollified with her lamentations then the hardest Adamant with the fall of soft snowe And casting a most bitter countenance on Anna who stood not far off and only hindred his lust he sudenly caught his dagger in his hand and ranne after her to haue stabd her which caused her with an excéeding outcrie to runne out of the roome and he after her And Angelica calling after him stay good Irus stay and when he was returned she as fast flying from him And séeing Anna out of the roome he caught holde of her and pulled her to him holding his dagger in his hand whilest shee lay trembling at his féete said Angelica my resolution is to obtaine thy loue either by force or faire meanes therefore giue consent or I vowe I will neuer desist though it cost thy life Angelica hearing his spéeches said Irus good Irus let me alone and vse mée not thus shamfully and vndecently and I will tell thée my mindo for were it not for thy vsage and the vnciuill rudenesse beeing neuer in my life before
personages Which the Fisher-man soone gaue Parismenos knowledge of Who presently went out to méete Osirus and at the entrance of the doore he met him and with a courteous behauiour they saluted each other Osirus saying My Lord because I know you not I beséech you pardon me if I demand Whether you bée the Prince or no I am quoth hee the most vnfortunate Parismenos neuer made happie till this houre Then said Osirus In all dutie I bidde you most heartily Welcome into Thessalie Which will account it selfe thrice happie by your Arriuall Vdalla then came and Embraced him shewing by her courteous behauiour manifest tokens of ioy for his presence Then they thrée together went in vnto the Princesse Angelica Whome both Osirus and his Ladie saluted with most reuerend behauiour desiring her to leaue that place and soiourne in their Castle whither she should be as Welcome as hart could wish Whose kindnesse both shee and Parismenos accepted with many thankes and in most stately manner departed thitherwards The Ladies attending on Vdalla saluted the Princesse with great reuerence growing into such admiration of her Beautie the like whereof they neuer beheld in any but the Princesse Laurana Parismenos would by no meanes leaue the olde Fisherman and Dorella behinde him but tooke them along with him hauing a speciall regard to reward them kindely that had preserued his and Angelicaes life Angelica and Parismenos soone arriued at Osirus Castle Where they were so sumptuously and suddenly entertained as that they excéedingly admyred the Noblemans bountie and beeing entred the Hall they beheld many stately descriptions of the famous acts of the Princes of Greece and amongst the rest the whole historie of Parismus warres with the Persians so liuely portraited that it would haue helde them with great delight to beholde the same and comming into the inner roomes beheld them so richly furnished that they grew into admyration therof whither Osirus and Vdalla Welcommed them with such heartie kindenesse that they could not chuse but grow into an admirable conceyt of theyr honorable liberall and vertuous inclination to true honour There was a most costly Banquet furnished with all sortes of precious Delicates made ready Whither they were within shorte space inuited There they heard the sound of much swéete Musicke and behelde the hearts of the whole companie belonging to Osirus as it were reuiued with ioy for their presence Which filled their sences with an vnwoonted consent of delight which by reason of the former miserie they had endured séemed a Heauen of happinesse and a Paradice of pleasure And in this sorte they spent the Day and at Night were conducted to seuerall lodgings Parismenos by Osirus and diuers Knights that soiourned in his Castle and some that attended him Angelica by Vdalla and many other gallant Ladies and beautifull Damozels with excéeding statelinesse and courtesie And being alone by themselues sauing that Anna was Angelicaes bedfellow which roome shee was not to resigne till Parismenos should take possession of the same Hee on the one side meditated on his happy Fortune to arriue in that place and admired Osirus courtesie and was most of all affected with ioye that Angelica was so kindly Welcommed to that strange place being farre from her owne Friends and Countrey that he did not onely reioyce at their kindenesse for his owne parte but especially for hers Whose content hee wisht and desired more then his owne And withall being now in Thessalie his heart was so fully possest with desired content that hee séemed not to lacke any thing hee desired but onely to enioy Angelicaes swéete diuine and pure Loues possession Whith he was likewise in assurance to enioy within short space Angelica on the other side spent some parte of the Night in communication with Anna Which added a delight to her Sences relating her misfortunas past her happie preseruation the Courtesie and gentle good nature shee founde in the Fisherman ane his Wife Which caused her to conceyue a perswasion by the kinde and bountifull entertainment shée hadde found in Osirus that the Thessalians were people of an excéeding courteous disposition Whereas many other People both poore and Noble were rude and barbarous that she might thinke her selfe a thousand times blest that shee had made choyse of so Honourable a Knight as Parismenos was and one that was sprung from the Race of such noble Parents and such naturall kinde and louing subiects that her heart with these cogitations séemed to be absolutely happie and her Sences were filled with such delightfull content that in these heauenly Meditations shee fell into a quiet and easefull rest The next norning Osirus and Vdalla were vp readie to vse theyr best and vttermost indeuours to expresse theyr liberall good Will but the Princes kept theyr Beddes longer then vsuall For that on the one side they had spent much of the Night in the Meditations aforesaide and on the other side hauing bene so long time opprest with carefull cogitations theyr Sences being now at rest they slept with great quiet And at such time as they were awaked had all things in such Cerimonious kinde and stately manner ministred vnto them that they could not choose but admyre the same being loath to motion theyr departure to the Court least Osirus should thinke they did not accept of his kinde entertainment Whilest all remained in this great delight in Osirus Castle report had blazed into the hearing of diuers of the Nobles and knights of the Kings Court the Ioy and great Feasting was kept by Osirus Which was made knowne in such sort that they were assured some great Personages were arriued there but none knewe who they were that this newes was so open in the Court that it came to Dyonisius hearing Who most of all maruelling thereat and hauing now fully recouered his health determined for his Recreation after his long Sicknesse onely with Parismus and some fewe of his Knights to progresse secretly to Osirus Castle both to recreate himselfe to know what those should be he entertained and especially for that hee loued Osirus excéedingly well Which determination hee made Parismus acquainted with and the next day accordingly performed the same Which was the thirde day that Parismenos had bine with Osirus And being arriued at the castle euen about noone hee and Parismus entered whom the Porter well knewe and presently Donisius not suffering any of his seruants hee met to giue Osirus knowledge of his approach â—…ted the stayres into the great chamber where euen then Parismenos Angelica and all the rest were seated at a most costly dinner Parismus still stayed with the rest of the knights without the doore Osirus soone espyed Dionisius and suddainelie starting from his seate vppon his knee did his reuerence Vdalla and the rest that knewe him did the like Whilest Dionisius said Osirus you see a bolde guest comes without bidding but it you had beene kinde you would haue made mee pertaker of your mirth Parismenos was so
amazed that a good while he could not tell how to behaue himselfe but perceiuing that it was the King hée with Angelica drewe towards him and humblie prostrated themselues before him vppon their knées béeing vnable by the suddainnesse of their ioye to speake Dionisius not knowing them and maruelling to sée them knéele was halfe astonisht vntill Osirus to ridde him from that doubt saide My Lord this Knight is sonne to the Noble Prince Parismus Before hée could say any more or Dionisius once salute them Parismus was entered who at the first knewe Angelica and by her his sonne whom otherwise hée should not haue knowne hée was so much altered whose suddaine sight so vnexpected and so farre from his thought and so contrarie to his expectation and so impossible to his perswasion made him tansformed into a kinde of admiration whether it might be possible that it was they or that it was some elusion but Parismenos likewise espying him in such a studie immediately rose from the ground and vpon his knée did him reuerence and Parismus embraced him with a most kinde louing and ioyfull behauiour Angelica likewise knowing him bent her deuotions with all humble reuerence to shewe her loue and dutie whilest hee raised her from the ground and embraced her in his tenber armes beeing vnable to expresse his ioye to see them there Dionisius likewise embraced them with great kindenesse and Welcommed them with teares of ioy Oftentimes folding Parismenos in his armes with a louing behauiour and holding Angelica by the hand beeing loath to let the same goe and vnable to expresse his inward ioy that he Parismus and all the rest were possest with such content as would aske a skillfull penne to describe Their welcomes kinde embracings gentle speeches and other signes of contented ioy were such as passeth my vttermost skill to relate or decipher Dionisius then desired them to seate themselues againe at their banquet and hee and Parismus would beare them companie then they againe seated themselues and himselfe by Angelicas side vsing her so kindly so louingly and so familiarly and with such exceeding mirth pleasantnesse and merry countenance that Angelicas heart was possest with ioy thereat Parismus admired the same Parismenos reioyced thereat And Osirus and Vdalla tooke exceeding ioy thereat hauing not a long time seene him so pleasant They would haue wayted but he commaunded them to sit downe and be merie The Noble men that came with him which was Lord Remus and diuers others hee commaunded to sit downe vttering these speeches My Noble Children the great ioy I conceyue for your presence is such that it filles my sences with exceeding content and were Oliuia and Laurana here I would make account this were the best most pleasing most contented most royall and delightfull day that euer befell but since they are absent let vs be merrie Osirus bidde vs Welcome for we are all your Guests Parismenos and Angelica Welcome into Thessalie Welcome to your Grand-father and so exceedingly Welcom as your hearts can wish Parismus who would haue thought that these had bene with Osirus what fortunate Destinie hath brought them hither Or how are they so happily met to méete vs here Well did but Oliuia and Laurana knowe of theyr being heere they would not be absent He had no sooner ended that word but Oliuia the Queene and Laurana entred the Chamber the news of his secret departure from the Court and his intent being tolde to them they followed him to Osirus Castle To whom Osirus saide My Lord it reioyceth me to see your Highnes so merrie Dionisius hearing her spéeches suddenly started and séeing her and Laura na said No maruell though I bée merrie haning the faire Lady of the Golden Tower by the hand With that the whole company rose from the Table and Parismenos knowing his mother reuerenced himselfe before her vpon his knâ—… whilst she knowing him imbraced him most louingly not knowing how suddeÌ„ly to reioyce sufficieÌ„tly Angelica not knowing but supposing that was Laurana her heart being onely vowed to Parismenos thought it her duty to reuerence his parents so much as himselfe therefore with him shée did reuerence to the Quéene and Laurana And after many greetings salutations and welcomes past Dionisius againe vttered these spooches I knowe that all here present are excéedingly glad for the safetie of these two young Princes then laying apart all salutations which cannot suddenly be exprest let vs once againe and this third time seate our selues to this banquet and leaue all other ceremonies while afterwards for wâ—… are determined to bid them welcome and they shall know that we loue them But first let vs refresh our stomackes with Osirus costly cheare and afterwards we will desire to know the occasion and manner of their arriuall into the Country which was neuer absolutely happy before this time Then they all seated themselues againe in great content Dionisius not suffering Angelica to sit from him but close by his side betwixt them and the Queene euery one expressing exceeding ioy for their vnexpected safetie and arriuall in the Country After dinner was welnie ended which was ouerpast with pleasurable content on all sides and was performed by Osirus in great pompe Parismus desired Parismenos to declare what misaduenture had befallen him since his priuate departure from the Court at Ephesus and by what occasion they arriued in the atplace Then Parismenos declared the truth of all how he met with Angelica of Irus death Arenus and Theoretus treason and of their preseruation by the Fisherman which greatly delighted them all to heare Dionisius then said which is Iconius Then Parismus called for Iconius and he presently came whom Dionisius Parismus and the rest vsed most kindly And the Fisherman and his wife were by Dionisius highly rewarded and afterwards promoted to great dignitie Some two dayes they altogether stayed in Osirus Castle spending the time in exceeding mirth And at last with great Royaliie departed towards the Court at the Citie of Thoebes Where there were infinite numbers of people with ioyfull hearts gathered togither to welcome them expressing such ioy as is not to be described And afterwards Parismenos and Angelica in the presence and assemblie of Marceillus Remulus the King of Hungarie the King of Sparta and diuers other Noble personages were with most exceeding Royaltie affianced together And after Dionisius was dead Pairsmenos was Crowned King of Thessalie and liued all his life time in great quiet and blisful content with the faire Angelica Increasing the honourable fame and dignite of the Kings of Thessalie hauing one onely Sonne and a daughter Whose fortunes and aduentures filled the whole world with their Fame EINIS
my sake such torments doth endâ—…re As hath or will soone bring his life to 〈◊〉 Parismus hearing the contents of this heauenly Harmony and knowing the voice to be the vertuous Laueranes was so contentedly pleased with the same that his spirits were drawn into a diuine contemplation of her perfections wherein hee continued a great space at length when hee heard that swéet delighting Harmony to cease he cast vp his eye to the windowe to see if hee could haue a sight of his beloued through the Glasse weereof he was disappointed by reason the candle was suddainly extinct which draue him into sundry cogitations how hee might giue any instance vnto her of his being there but sawe no possible meanes being a thousand times in minde to knocke at the staires doore that came into that garden from which hee was discouraged by as many contrary doubtes least hee should putte herin some suddaine feare by such vnwoonted noyce Againe hee knewe not who might bee in her companie which might be a meanes to bring her name in question if hee should be seene there Whilest hee continued in these doubtfull thoughts the night was farre spent the cleere day beganne to appeare which draue him into another studie which way to get out of that place again for he was loth to linger there all the next day and so by misfortune be discouered At last being driuen to take any shifte for currant he got to the top of the backe wall which incompassed the Pallace and thought that was the best way to escape without suspition for if hée hadde attempted to haue gone backe by the same way hée came in hée could by no meanes haue escaped vnespyed so aduenturously leaping from the hight of the wall by great misfortune the same being farr heigher then he thought he had a most grieuous fall and by the noice thereof awaked two mightie fierce Mastyffes which were vsually kept for to defend that place wherein a Rich Cittizen continually layed great store of Warre and Marchâ—…dize which no sooner espyed him fallen downe but they ran vpon him with open mouth the Dogges in Thessalie being so strong and fierce by Nature that they feare not to encounter with the mightiest Lyons which draue Parismus to his vttermost shifts hauing no weapon to defend himselfe withall but a little pocket dagger drewe backe vnto the corner of the wall by which meanes the Dogge could not come behinde him that with ease hée slewe them both and hauing espied this daunger being bitten in diuers places before he could kill them he knocked at the marchants doore thinking to make some excuse to passe by that way through which hée must néedes goe for there was no other way for him to get out the Marchants Daughter hearing one knocke looked out at the windowe and taking Parismus for another came running downe to the doore and kindely taking him in locked the doore againe and being in the darke entrie clasping her tender armes about his necke Swéete Friende quoth shée how could you escape the danger of the Dogges that you aduentured to come in on this side of the House but as I wonder so I am gladde you haue escaped them and most louingly kissed him an hundreth times Parismus maruelled much at this great kindenesse and willingly dissembled as if hée had bene the man shee tooke him to be for her tender and kinde empracings were sufficient enticements to procure his consent That night shée had appointed a young Gentleman vnto whome she bore affection without the consent of her Parents to come vnto her and with the ioy of his comming she made no doubt how hee could come in on that side which caused him to vse the like kinde Salutation to her reioycing in his minde to sée how suddainely hee was fallen into such a sweete labyrinth of Loue hauing so lately escaped a mischiefe The Marchaunts Daughter thinking verilie it had bene her accustomed Louing Friende vsed all courteous and most kinde welcomes that might be with wonderfull protestations other Loue being such indeed as proceeded from deepe grounded affection which made Parismus vse the like courteous imbracings and thankfull gratulations finding by her speeches and by many other likelyhoods that shee was none of the â—…sest but might be of better parentage then he tooke her to be which somewhat inticed his minde to a wandring delight in her kindnesse that he determined with her to taste what loue was By that time they had continued their kindnesse a good space shée desired him to come vp into her Chamber whether shée ledde him in the darke the poore soule hauing no other intent but chast and vertuous and nothing suspecting him to be a stranger which Parismus well perceiued by her behauiour Assoone as they were come thither shée kindely desired him to sit down on the beddes side whilest shée went to light a candle as well to be delighted with beholding his person as otherwise Shée was no sooner gone but Parismus secretly stepped to the doore with purpuse to behold if her beautie and person were agréeable to her other conditions and sawe her to be a most gallant and beautifull Damosell which sight so inticed his mind that assoone as shée was comming to him with the candle hée blewe the same out and tolde her that a light fitted not at that time for it might be a meanes to bewray their secret méeting which shee allowed for a sufficient excuse wherewith Parismus béeganne to entertaine her with such kinde dalliance as earst hée neuer tasted she kindly reprouing his behauiour yet had no power to resist at which time to both their delights he depriued her of the Iewell she was vnwilling to losse but with his pithy perswasions yeelded vnto he vsing such a sweete attractiue vertue as was able to conquere the chastest Parismus reaped such sweete content from this Uirgins pure delightfull bodie that he was altogether vnwilling to leaue her pleasant imbracings but at last remembring his estate told her that he would work such meanes for sauegard of her honour as she should wel like of she poore soule with weeping eyes and heartie sighes badde him adiue Kindly kissing at the parting he gaue her a rich Iewell which he desired her to were for his sake and tooke from her finger a King which he promised he would euerlastingly weare as her fauour Assoone as he was forth of doores comes the appointed louer who hauing staied somewhat long feared some displeasure but yet knockt which made Violetta for so was she called open the doore againe maruelling that he should be so soone returned but hee at his comming saluted her with a fresh salutation and kissed her excusing himselfe for his long tariance which draue her into such a perplexitie that shee could not tel what to say nor what to think at last she said what need you vse such excuses when you were so lately with me Deare Loue quoth he account you it so lately when I protest
I thought these thrée dayes sithence I saw you to be longer then thrée yeares by which spéeches she perceiued that another had ouerheard their appointment and by that meanes deceiued her which made her growe so much in loathing of her present suter that euer after shee shunned his companie and â—…ent her mind wholly to meditate how to knowe him that had trapt her loue vowing neuer to loue any but him and resoluing neuer to enioy any quiet vntill she had knowledge what hee was Parismus was no sooner come forth of the Marchants doores reioycing at his last pleasant banquet but presently hee hasted to his Caue where he found the Out-lawes sadly respecting his returne of whom being kindly welcomed he betooke himselfe to his rest and the contented meditations of the Marchants daughter had not the remembrance of Lauranas Uertues somewhat restrained his affection hée had fallen to a loose and dissolute conceit But calling to minde her perfections and his vnconstant Acte he tormented himselfe with griefe that hee had doone her that wrong but yet it troubled his minde the lesse because hee knewe it was not reuealed to any but to himselfe onely and likewise somewhat it vrged his minde of ingratitude if he should altogether forsake Violetta froÌ„ whom he had taken the best Iewell she had in which diuersitie of thoughts he spent that mornings repose The king of Persia calling his contributaries altogether by the aduise of all concluded to send into Persia for more Forces as also to request diuers of his alliance to aide him in reuenge of such iniurious wrongs as he alledged he his sonne Sicanus had sustained at Adonius hands This message being so secetly dispatches that the The ssalians had no knowledge thereof by which meanes they coÌ„tinued in great security and ioy for the great victorie they with the aide of the blacke knight had made against the Persians yea so secure would they haue beene had not the remembrance of Parismus death somewhat calmed their exceeding ioy that the Persians might many times haue surprised them but the blacke Knight was still such a lette vnto them that their enemies could attempt nothing but he would discouer it by which meanes the Thessalians had knowledge thereof Many daies continued the Persians before the walles of Thebes neuer giuing any assault nor once comming foorth of their Trenches which caused the Thessalians to count them halfe vanquished During which time Parismus knowne by the name of the blacke knight did fight many braue combats with the Persians by which meanes the Court of Dionisius was filled with the resounding ecchoes of excéeding praises made in commendation of his prowes and vnconquered chiualry but most of all they wondred at his strangenesse to bee knowne and the rather for that none could learne where hee made his abode knowing that it could not bee farre from the Citie The Persian messenger made such expedition in performing his message that in short space there were gathered together of sundrie nations another mighty Army first came the king of Natolia being nearely allied to the Persian with a great army of Natolians the King of Libia with thirty thousand Libians and the King of Licia with forty thousand men at armes and of Phrigia twenty thousand and to repaire the decayed campe of the King of Persia came fifty thousand This last Armie soone landed in Thessaly and pitched their Tents on the plaine of Pharsalia of whose approach both the Persians and Thessalians had knowledge to the comfort of the one and to the discomfort and terror of the other by meanes whereof the Thessalians being before in mirth beganne to waxe carefull of their estate and therefore sent twenty thousand horsemen well armed out of the Citie to this ende that at al times they might succour them with a fresh supplie for that they knewe they should néede all the helpe they could possible make who béeing abroade soone tooke order that the Persians in their Roades could scarcely finde any cattell or other viâ—…tualls These newe Forces béeing all ioyned together with the Persians besette the Citie anewe with double Trenches and Fortifications round about so that there could none passe in or out which caused Dionisius and the Bohemian King hauing made suruey of their store to consider that there was not prouision enough within the Citie for such a number of Souldiers for one moneth making account that it was the onely course either vallantly to driue backe the enemie or ignominiously to abide their mercy and therfore determined the next day to issue out vppon them which they in pollicie did not with hope to vanquish such an Armie but to lette the Persians knowe that they were not discouraged with their huge multitudes which purpose of theyrs was thus furthered by the blacke Knight who early on the next morning hadde buckled on his Armour and was come before the Tentes of the Persians and espying such a huge and mightie multitude of newe come Souldiours that alreadie hadde vnited their Forces with the Persians and by enquyrie hée soone learned who they were and therefore resolued to vse his woonted manner of challenge which when the Persian King beheld hée made relation thereof vnto the King of Natolia and also what valiant actes the Blacke knight had doone entering so farre in commendation of him that the King of Lycia standing by being of a haughtie and proude disposition beganne to disdaine to heare him so highly commended thinking himselfe able to conquere and ouercome any for hée was estéemed to be one of the beâ—… Knightes in the Worlde which made him replie vnto the king of Persia in this sort that hée would soone prooue that there was no Knight in Thessaly able to combatte the King of Licia therefore aâ—…ming himselfe hée went forth to meete the blacke knight who no sooner 〈◊〉 him but hee set spurres to his horse and ran at him with such force that he ouerthrew both horse and man to the ground the King of Licia séeing himselfe thus foyled soone got vp and drewe his sworde but the blacke knight disdaining to cope any further with him whom hee had already conquered turned his horse and rode from him which so vexed the King of Licia being enraged to see his owne shame and with anguish of the bruisâ—… hee receiued in the fall that he would haue murthered himselfe but that his knights hindered him CHAP. XIII How Parismus met with Pollipus of Phrygia and knowing the deuise in is Armour refused to combate with him and how a peace with certaine conditions was concluded betwixt the kings of Persia and Thessalie PArismus beeing readie for the next encounter there was in the Tente of Phrigia two knights estéemed the onely men in the world for valour one whereof had before time serued the Persian king in his warres against Bohemia whose name was Pollipus the other named Zoylus whose match or equall in armes he had neuer met withall beeing withall so vnmercifull and
neare as she thought Which excuses rather increased her desire and the more shee seemed desirous to goe thither still the more they defrauded her by excuses many dayes In which time she being indued with an extraordinary Wisedom hauing well weyghed eache circumstance of her bringing thither and their friuolous excuses to detaine her there and withall noting theyr behauiours and spéeches beganne to suspect Archas dissimulation To finde out the truth therof she began contrary to her inward thoughts to frame a cheerfuller countenance and comfortable disposition thereâ—…y to féele theyr intents which wrought such effect that within a while Archas would often frequent her companie and in the ende proffered Loue to her vsing her most kindely carefully and tenderly seeming aboue all things to regard her quiet and content whose spéeches shee endured quietly and tooke in good part as he thought that vpon a time amongst many spéeches taking her by the hand he saide Most Beautifull Ladie I haue euer since the first viewe of those excellent Beauties bene tormented with the Passions of entire Loue so that I could take no quiet but in the sweete remembrance of your Perfections which haue bound my Deuotions to your seruire in such a kinde of firme and constant League that my onely resolution is to spâ—…nde my life if it were a thousand times dearer to mee then it is to procure your content Therefore thus boldely I presume to reueale my Affections trusting your Clemencie will adde some ease vnto my carefull heart by shewing some courteous signe of your fauourable acceptance of my humble Suite and though my merite hath no way deserued such fauour yet let mee beseech you to make triall of my loyaltie and you shall finde I will be inferiour to none in good will nor violate my Protested-loyaltie in any vndutifull respect I haue the boldlyer presumed to detaine you here because with your absence my life would depart Then construe not amisse that true loue and sincere Affection which hath caused me to offend in but no offence at all if you vouchfafe not to take it so Here shall you enioy your fill of content in as ample sort as any other place can yéelde Then I beseeche you graunt some ease to my troubled heart and by your clemencie release me of those cares that possesse my Breast onely procured by the piercing dart of your sacred Beautie Which words being ended he offered to haue kist her but shee gently refusing the same made this replie Syr Knight my Sorrowes will not suffer mee to belieue your spéeches nor my late losse permit mee to entertaine your Loue For then might you estéeme me light and so lightly wonne as little regard mee but to put you out of suspence my resolution is neuer to loue anie but my deare Pollipus wherewith the Cristall teares with a violent passage fell from her griefeswolne Eye-balls That griefe quothee is remedilesse Therefore banish the sadde remembrance thereof from your heart and entertaine a perswasion of my Constancie and true Affection which euerlastingly remaine inuiolable without intermission How can I quoth shee in Conscience and without euerlasting staine to wine Honour when I haue neither performed his Funerall nor shewed any token of dutie to his deade Cerps who loued mee most deerely in his life time But shew mee this fauour as to let mee but returne to the Courte to bewaile his death and a while enioy my deere Frendes companie and I promise and protest next pollipus to loue but your selfe Archas hearing her make such an indifferent and reasonable demaund stood like one amazed as not knowing what sudden Answer to make her Thinking that if hee should denye her that Request being so small shee might thinke his Loue to be but slender And if hee should promise her and not performe that might be a meanes to bréede a further suspition in her that all his reporte to her were false So that hee stoode musing a great while confounded in his thoughtes what to deuise for a ready Answere Nay studie not so for that quoth Violetta but answere me another â—…e Which said she withdrue herselfe vnto her Chamber where she â—…egan to meditate of his speeches and how he was astonisht when she â—…equested him to conuey her to the Court Which draue her into maâ—…y cogitations When presently one of the gentlewomen came to her Whom she vsed most kindely and of purpose to feele her minde grewe into familiar conference with her And amongst many other spéeches qd she I pray tell mee what Archas hath reported vnto you concerning Pollipus for he seemeth vnwilling to vtteâ—… his minde vnto mâ—… He told me nothing qd she Which words came from her with such â—…uttering and change of countenance that Violetta began to suspect that Archas had all this while disseâ—…led with her and that pollipus contrary to his report was yet liuing And when â—…orana came shee likewise felt her minde of whom she gathered some probability And likewise when she next came into Archas company she asked him so manie Questions that shee found many contraâ—…eries in his spâ—…ches which setled such a perswasiue opinion in her minde that Archas eâ—…orte of Pollipus was vntrue that shee rested greatly comforted that way but yet in great care cogâ—…ating what he would suppose was become of her How she should get out of that place or giue him knowledge of her being there and auoyde Archas odious Loue which séemed as deadly to her heart as infectious Uenome Archas still prosecuted his sute with great earnestnesse making many friuolous excuses to withhold her from the Bohemian Court growing into such boldâ—…es that oftentimes when she refused his offered embracings and impudent behauiors he would by force kisse her and fold her in his armes which rudenesse he so often vsed that she began so extreamly to abhorre him that his sight was odious vnto her Oftentimes Vloletta did walke into a pleasant Orchard adioyning to the Castle as well to recreate her dulled Sences in those pleasaunt Shâ—…des as in solitarinesse to recount her mâ—…eries and ease her carefull heart by inuenting meanes howe to ridde her â—…e from that Labyrinth of sorrow and also to auoyd Archas odious sight who inwardly â—…usted to satâ—…sfie his inordinate appetit by obtaining the fruition of her delicate bodie and though he knew pollipus were liuing and heard the mones and sorrowfull complaints Violetta mâ—…de able to exteâ—…ate any tirannous disposition yet he persisted in his diuelish resolution with such impudencie that neither regarding har complaints nor the lawes of Nature hee still sought all disloyall opportunities to dishonour her And on a time marking when she went into the Orchard as shee was 〈◊〉 in middest of her silent cogitations hee câ—…me to the place wherâ—… she saâ—…e whose heart began to pant with a kinde of feare when she behelde him and comming vnto her seating himselfe closr by her sweete side he vttered these spéeches You know deare Ladie how long
and withall to enter into such conference as would haue bewrayed all the secrets that euer had passed betwixt me Angelica and your selfe but the damozel bearing a vertuous minde and vnwilling as shee afterwards tolde mee to betray my secrets to her priuitie which could not proceede but from a maruellous good disposition suddainely brake off my spéeches saying My Lord I beséech you be aduised to whom you speake vnlesse you will commit your secrets to one that you woude not otherwise trust neither will I presume being vnworthie thereof to participate your counselles for I am not Angelica but your poore hand maide Duleia At which words I was halfe astonisht and viewing her indéed perfectly knew her which without shee had betrayed her selfe I should neuer haue done withall my fancie began inwardly to commend her courtesie or rather vertue that refused though she condisrended to my fathers will to betray me knowing the whole depth of my secrets and wondring how mine eyes were blinded that coulde before descrie her I requested her to tell me the occasion why she supplied Angelicas roome the truth thereof shee declared vnto mee in manner as I haue now tolde you withall requesting mee vppon her knées not to reueale that which shee hadde of dutie good will and affection tolde mee which I promised I would and meane faithfully to conceale from all but your selfe Now there resteth nothing but how to worke meanes that you may come to Angelica Parismenos hearing how stricktly his Lady was guarded was suddainely stricken with silent sadnesse to thinke of the impossibilities that hindred his content and his minde was so opprest with care that hée forgot how to studie for his owne a uaile Marcellus séeing him fallen into that heauy dumpe reuiued him from the same with this comfortable spéeche My deare friend abandon this habit of care and reuiue yuor drouping hart with hopeful comfort for my selfe will worke a meanes how you shall haue the custodie of Angelica which I will effect very spéedily if you will stay here but while I can bring the same about Parismenos being comforted with his courteous promise gaue him thankes in these spéeches Most noble Knight how may I expresse sufficient thankes to you for becomming so kind and faithfull a friend to me vnworthy or which way may I recompence the least of your good deeds that haue in all abundance tasted of your honourable bountie for which I render you thanks as all the recompence I am able to make vowing if euer you neede my helpe in any thing neuer to desist to hazard my life for your sake Fnd since you haue of your owne vertuous disposition uoluntarily neither drawne by entreatie nor hope of recompence promised mee your assistance which onely may be the meanes to worke my euerlasting felicitie I beseech you to go forwards therein that I may thereby bee much more indebted as well for that as for infinit other your Princely couresies which though they passe vnrewarded yet they shall neuer rest vngratified in my dutifull deuotions which by good right are eternally bound to requite your good will Worthie friend quoth Msrcellus leaue off to vse such thankes to mee that request nothing at your handes but loue and friendship which am vnable to merite any such recompence as you kindly yeelde but I pray you be merrie yet in my absence with this kinde olde Ladie whilest I put my purpose in practise which so soone as I haue brought to perfection I will returne and not before till when I take my leaue committing you to your owne hearts desire which I wish Which words being ended with many courteous farewels he departed the chamber and comming to Panora who before had bene his Nurse and loued him most dearely whome he requested in most earnest sort to vse his friend as kindly as shee would vse himselfe who promised so to doe and likewise performed it in euer vsing Parismenos so kindely that hee could not chuse but greatly to extoll and commend her courtesie Now let my muse returne to speake somewhat of Angelica who after shee sawe that shee was frustrated of her desire which was to depart with the King according as himselfe had giuen out speeches and not to be any longer inthralled as shee had of long time before bene and now perceiuing that her father had both deceiued her in that taken away all her damzels chaunged her guard and appointed her to bee guarded by such iealous slaues as would neuer scarce day nor night suffer her to be out of their sight thought her selfe not onely in as bad case as before but rather in a thousand times worse being depriued of many pleasures which she enioyed but neuer esteemed of them vntill now she was restrayned missing the comfortable presence and swéete conference she was wont to enioy with Marcellus and especiallie fearing neuer to sée the Knight of Fame again she wholy gaue her mind to sorrowe spending all her time commonly in teares and bewailing her sad estate that had not Anna in some measure comforted her shee would haue ouerwhelmed her tender heart with those cares and haue shortned the date of her precious life thinking euery houre a day and euery day a yeare till she were released from that bondage in which carefull estate she continually remained CHAP. XXIII How the Knight of Fame carried Angelica from the golden Tower to Iabins Chappell AS soone as Maximus was come to the Court hée presently got himselfe to his chamber and there began to studie how to compasse that which hée had vndertaken to effect at last he bethought himselfe that if hée could deuise any meanes to get his fathers Signet hee would write a Letter vnto the keepers of the Maiden Tower in the behalfe of Parismenos that they should admit him as one of the Gardiants which presently he contriued in this sort THis trustie knight on whose fidelitie I repose my confidence I haue chosen and appointed to be one of your fellowes and to that effect I haue sent him to you with this letter signed by my selfe whom I require you to admit without any diniall and keepe this as your warrant to do the same Maximus When Maximus had wrote this letter and immitated therein so neare as hee could his Fathers hand which hee knewe they were not greatly acquainted withall hee wrought such meanes that hee gate Maximus signet and sealed the same which when he had signed the next morning he went to Parismenos and told him what he had done who liked thereof very well and quoth he if I may once be admittâ—… amongst them let me alone with the Eunuches to come to Angelica neither will I be denied since I haue this good meanes that presently he armed himself for that he would not vse any not the least which oftentimes bringeth things well begunne to an vntoward end and taking his leaue of Marcellus and the Lady Panora with abundance of heartie thankes he departed with a merry heart