sée innumerable vertues conioyned in â—…ne body I beséech yée hasten your speaking with him and let not the happye houre miscarrie through your default which the fatall destinies haue so graciously appointed hys loouely spéeches shall acquaint yee with his endowments which you may beholde so correspondent in euery point as you can wish for nothing but is to be found in him Now should I speake with him saied Iffida without impeach to mine â—…onor which hithertoo I haue carefullyregarded vnlâ—…sse it be by thy meanes in some secret place free from the hurt of suspected persons wherewith the worlde is nowe mightily stored I shall tell ye how Madame replied the Page you know my Lord your father willed yée the other â—…ay that yée should returne home to him with all possible spéed which will serue as a fit occasion to take your honest sure well of this company if then you will depart hence to morrowe towarde euening you may lodge by the way at my mothers house whether I will go before with the two Knights and cause her to say they be both her Nephewes who now are friendly come to visite her so may ye confer togeather at your pleasure The inuention is good aunswered Iffida yet must ye be very circumspect herein that the drift of our intent be not discouered The complot thus concluded the Page went in the morning to Palmendos and making him not a little glad with these neweâ—… caused both the frends to mount on horsbacke and set forward with him to his mothers house seated in a pleasant place betwéene Tubant and the Castell of Albayzo When the Gentlewoman saw the two knights she was much abashed but her Sonne soone resolued her in euery point and that shee might boldlye call them her Nephewes her selfe being a straunger borne far from that Countrey The mother béeing thoroughly enstructed by her Sonne desired their intent might take good successe wherevpon the Page returned to his Mistresse who had in this while so well ordered her departure as the new married nor any other coulâ—… gather suspicion then forwarde she sets for her iourney had hast so surely had Loue seazed â—…n â—…er hart hauing no other company with her then her foure waiting Damosels and two Squiers of her fathers Nowe is she come to the long desired place where being very graciously entertayned both by Palmendos and Ozalio as also the Pages mother Iffida beeing not to learne her lesson desires to know what Knights they were that so friendly saluted her They are quoth the Pages mother my two Nephewes who hauing not séene mee of long time are come to know if they may stand me in anie stéede as also to offer their seruice to my Lord your father if in any thing it shall please him to imploy them Right hartily welcome are they aunswered Iffida and of dutye I must néeds thanke them for the good will they beare my Lorde and Father for which cause as also their néere alliaunce to you I loue them as they were my proper Bretheren Palmendos comming to her with great reuerence gaue her humble thanks for her honourable kindnes and while they spent the time about other familiar conferences sâ—…pper was set on the table in a pleasant Arbour where Iffida cold digest no meat her eies were so busted in beholding her Champion afterwarde they walked vp and downe the Garden and shee séeing the Pages mother was deepâ—… in talke with Ozalio as one loth to loose so good an eportunity she beginneth with Palmendos in this manner I cannot but marâ—…aile at my selfe Sir Knight that being nothing touched with the loue of sundry gentlemen which heretofore haue diuers times offered mee theyr seruice my heart should by you whcme I neuer saw before these two daies past so vehcmently be prouoked to loue so that I cannot heare or think on any thing but it is broken or râ—…ted by the remembraunce of you let mee then intreat yée not to repute me as carelesse of my chastitye or forgetfull of the modestie beséeming a Uirgin For the worthy behauior I sée couched in your incomparable personage hath fatally depriued mee of my former libertye and yéeldâ—…d me wholie your Captiue not doubting but you wil so esteeme of your conquest as not to impeach the same by any vnhonorable attâ—…mpt considering my noble birth and parcntage And to satisfie my earnest longing desire onelie adicted to haue further knowledge of your estate acquaint me with the secret consideration of your heart and what you wil commaund me in gâ—…erdon of the paines you haue taken for my sake wherein mine honour defended I will yéeld that willingly to you which none els but you can haue of me Madame aunswered Palmendos I cannot expresse my high good fortune finding such grace and courtesâ—…e at your hands béeing on my part no way as yet deserued but tyme may yéeld the due to euery gentle minde and make mee able to requite such extraordinary fauour And thinke not swéet Goddesse of my heart that in pittying the insupportable burthen of mine oppressions you shall any waye encurre the detection of lightnes but rather of honorable and wel gouerned care when you shal beholde the place wherto I â—…ope safely to bring you for Madam setting aside my simple out ward appearance I am a King borne Gouerner of sundry famous Prouinces and this attempt proceeded onely of religious zeale to make you Lady of mee and mine as your woonderful fame at first tooke the soueraigntie of my heart How can I woorthy Lord quoth Iffida but stand amâ—…zed that you being a King and a man of so rare fortune in mannaging arms shold come hither for so simple a Damosel as my selfe not woorâ—…hy to cast mine eies to such preferment yet not to dissemble with yée as concerning my resolution without my fathers consent I neither may or will goe hence with yée because it were both disobedience and iniurie to nature Not withstanding one thing I will doo for yée which neuer heretosore I offered to any Knight I will bring you to my Father and tell him you are one of this Gentle womans Nephâ—…wes she being my nursse in the time of mine inâ—…nice to him must yée offer your seruice and no sooner shall he beholde your Knightly chiualrie but he will gladly accept yée as his Sonne So with my Parents consent you may conuaie mee hence and in meane while I shall kéepe secret your estate alâ—…eit it were good you tolde him the trueth Palmendos who desired nothing but to get into the Castel and to compasse the same by any way he could thus replied Madame such is the extreamitie of my vehement passions as no one can recure them but shee from whome they tooke their originall nor doo my vitall spirites receiue aniâ—… force to execute their office but from your gracious and gentle disposition therefore I will go with you when you please to your Father and say what you can best imagine for
bestowed on me such grace and fauour as I shoulde issue from â—…ch an excellent personage I must endeuour my selfe to resem ble him and by some thing declare that I am his Sonne for though nowe I goe against the Knightes of his Court I hope hee shall haue small cause to mislike of mee when he knowes my forwardnes in other matters on his Maiesties behalfe Then beholding a Knight readie to encounter him he brake off his musings and gaue him so braue a welcome as he tombled hedlong downe to the ground Like succcsse had diuers other Knights of the Courte which Arnedes angerlie séeking to reuenge accompanied the other in misfortune and after him Pernedin Sonne to the Duke of Pera one of the best estéemed Knights in Greece Risarano next ranne against Palmendos and thrée courses they past brauelie with the breake of the Launce but at the fourth Rifarano was dismounted whereupon Recinde came to reuenge his Cozin Arnedes foyle whose fortune was as bad as any of the other and Lecefin had his disgrace likewise for companie The Eâ—…perour mooued to admire this Chiualrie ignoraunt who this gallant should be affirmed that hee neuer sawe his equall in prowesse the like did Primaleon being very desirous to know his name to whom Abenunco aunswered that he imagined him to be Palmendos because hee much resembled him in braue constitution of bodie At these speeches the Emperor was excéeding ioyful requesting Abenunco to goe vnderstand the trueth thereof but Palmendos had so thrust himselfe in the thickest of the crowde which now went foorth of the Lystes because the sports were ended for that day as Abenunco could by no meanes come neere him and therefore was fayne to return vnresolued So went Palmendos closely to his lodging againe wherâ—… béeing vnarmed he found he had receiued thrée woundes that day in y â— â—…oust the greatest wherof he took by Recinde the Prince of Spayne but when heâ—… saâ—…e Ozalio in good disposition he was right ioyfull commending him for his woorthy behauiour And for hee was wounded he stayed there two dayes without returning to Constantinople least if he went againe his intent might be preuented afterwarde he rode to the Realme of Macedon in the selfe same Armes he wore at the Tourney continually hauing Francelina in his minde CHAP. XVI VVhat conference Arnedes had with thâ—… Princesse Philocrista after Supper whereupon he sent a messenger to the King his Father and howe after Recinde Rifarano and other had wonne the pryze of the seconde Tourney they intended to follow in searche of the Prince Palmendos VErye much ashamed were â—…he vanquished Knights of y â— harde entertainment they had receiued by Palmendos and moste of all the Prince Arnedes because hee was vnhorssed before hys Mistresse Philocrista wherfore he vowed to be reuenged or hee woulde die the death and so diuers other Knightes that murâ—…ured against the Conquerer did the like But the Emperour perceiuing this discontentment came to Arnedes Recinde and Rifarano and to put them from these melancholie conceits hee shewed them verie pleasaunt countenaunce saying they ought not to mislike with what had happened in that themselues shewed very sufficient Chiualrie and desired them at the next Tourney to compasse the knowledge of the strange Knight If hee come againe aunswered Arnedes it may bee happilie to his disaâ—…auntage for he hauing alreadie disgraced so manie the sportâ—… will hardlie ende without his foyle By this time was Abenunco come backe to the Emperour declaring howe hee could not speede of his intent wherwith his Maiesty somwhat offended said Nor will anie quiet sléepe enter my head vntill I know the name of that worthy Knight and were it not I shold be esteemed ouer fonde I woulde my sâ—…lfe trauaile tyll I founde him All the Knights meruailing at these spéeches concluded when the Tryumphes were ended if so bee the strange Knight returned not againe to aduenture themselues in the searche of him and they who were most forward heereto were Arnedes Recinde Rifarano Lecefin and Pernedin Sonne to the Duke of Pera these gallantâ—… without any further conference together constantly vowed to die or bring backe the Knight again to the Emperor if they might méete with him in anie place Supper being ended Primaleon and Ditreus tooke Arnedes Recinde with them going to sitte and deuise with the Ladies wheÌ„ Arnedes got the meane to courte Philocrista and Recinde his chosen Mistresse Melicia what contentment they receiued by this good opportunitie I referre to such as are desirous to breake the Ise of their amorous passions to them that hold them in so seuere seruitude Diuers familiare spéeches tossed vp and downe as of the Tourney and their vnhappy disgrace Philocrista pittying that Arnedes should take it so discontentedly thus spake Me thinks Sir you shoulde not be offended at so small a matter for oftentimes â—…he best Knights haue no better successe and we haue so well beheld your valiancie that y â— Conquerâ—…rs haue cause to complaine of your comming as the banquished haue of the Knight departed who as yet is vnknown to any in this Court Arnedes hearing the gentle spéeches of Philocrista bashfull modestie with-helde him a while from maâ—…ng anie aunswere yet at length looue vnlocked his liâ—… in this manner Madame quoth he the rare ornaments wherwith nature hath accompanied your diuine perfection causeth you to speake so fauourablie on my behalfe although no desert in me can apprehende the least part of this kindnesse but were I possessed with anie such abâ—…litie the very glaunce of her eye who hâ—…th â—…ower to commaunde me would increase my strength and make me inuincible wherfore my desâ—…res cannot be satisâ—…ed till I recouer my libertie lost in this Tourney the conceite whereof is more intollerable to me then the labor to Sisiphus in rolling the restlesse stone The heauens will further your attempt heerein answered Philocrista and I hartilie desire it may so come to passe because it were against reason that you comming so farre to see my Lorde the Emperour should receiue so vnkind a rewarde for your labour This swéete reply redoâ—…bled the French Princes ioy for which he humbly thanked Philocrista with so manie courtesses amorous shewes as she well perceiued the effect of his greefe procéeded froÌ„ the passions of a louers spirit Recinde on the othersâ—…de had â—…o communed with Melicia as she perceiuing howe manie offers he made to bee her Knight fauourably gaue him entertainment more then any thing elâ—… it pleased him to note her beautie wisdome and good grace which sette his eyes and all his sences to worke And if they that are in such delight wyth their Ladies giue some refrigeration to their harts enflamed with the fire of loue how could Lecefin but be in extreame iealouzie seeing his ryuall thus to parle with Philocrista gladlie could he haue wished him without raunsome in the strongest prysonne of Persia. But nowe is the howre of rest come when the
minde I mâ—… giue ouer the exercise of Armes which Fortune I see â—…ies I should follow Longer would he haue continued in these pensiue mones but the Hermit interrupted him in this manner My Soâ—…e giue thankes to him that deliuered thee out of the Knights hands and hath not suffered both bodie and soule to perrish let idle and vndecent thoughtes bee nowe abandoned and â—…ft thy minde to the place of eternall comfort With these wordes he bound vp his wounds â—…o well as he could minding to lead him to his Hermitage but as one mischaunce happenâ—…th not alone so â—…ell it out at this instant for hee was no sooner gotten â—…n foote but Lecefin his mortall enemie arriued and knowing him to be his riual in loue drawing his Sword thus spake Now shall I teache thee my capitall 〈◊〉 what it is to looâ—… her whom thâ—… aâ—…t â—…t wâ—…thy to serue and that shall I make thee presently 〈◊〉 or bâ—…y thy 〈◊〉 with the price of thy bloode for a Ladie of so rare perfections standeth too farre out of a Frenclomans reaâ—…e Héer with he violentlie strooke at Arnedes whom the good olde Hermit seeing in â—…ch daungerous case tooke 〈◊〉 in his Armes desiring Leceâ—…n not to seeke his death that had of late escaped it so néere But Lecefin beeing a Moore and therefore the more inexorable wold giue no eare to his words but cruelly gaue the olde man such a stroke on the head as therewith he fell downe dead to the grounde Ah dogged and distoyall Traytour said Arnedes when he beheld this tragicall act why hast thou 〈◊〉 this religious Father that neuer offended thee the heauens I hope will not let thee passe vnpunished but plague thee as such a damnable déede requireth So taking his Sword as well as he might by reason of his former hurtes he séekes to defende himselfe and reuenge the Hermits death but all was in vaine for with out a meruailous chaunce Arnedes death was nowe ordayned In a happy howre arriued there Pernedin sonne to the Duke of Pera one of them that departed in y â— search of Palmendos who knowing both the Combatants stepped betweene them saying Why how now Gentlemen are courtly freendes become enemies in Field Arnedes who was no longer able to holde out falling downe to the earth sayd Ah Pernedin reuenge my wrong on this inhumaine wretche who seeing mee cruellie wounded before by the Knight that bare away the honour of the Tourney without any cause sette violently vpon me and this villainous Moore not content to wronge mee alone hath â—…layne this holie Hermit because he disswaded him from dealing with me that had béene so hardlie intreated before What tyrannie is thiâ—… in a â—…night aunswered Pernedin by my Sworde did not my 〈◊〉 to Rifarano ouer-tule mce the gentle Prince that brought thee to y â— Court heere I wolâ—… make thee to breathe thy last but I shall declare thiâ—… treason before the Emperor his Barons what manhood thou hast vsed to a wounded man whom y â— durst not deale with had he béenâ—… in health wherefore gette thee gone I â—…duise thee or I shall sende thine accursed soule to hel At these worâ—… Lecefin was so ashameâ—… of himselfe as moun ting presentlie on Arnedes Horse he rode away not speaking to eyther of them knowing hee haâ—… notoriously blemished his honour wherefore he went to a Monasterie of Nunnes neere at hande to haue his woundes bounde vp that he had receined by Arnedes When the Sisâ—…ers knewe that hee was of the Emperours Court they entertayned him very courteously anâ—… one of them beeing a cunning Chirurgion vndertooke in shorte time to heale his woundes Nowe was Pernedin both offended and greeued to see the olde Hermitte slaine and Arnedes in such daunger wherefore calling the Noâ—…ice that alwaies attended on the olde Father they leadâ—… the wounded Prince into the Hermitage and after warde â—…etching the dead bodie buryed it as they coulde conuenientlie applying soueraigne salues whereof the good olde man was neuer vnprouided to Arnedes woundes But Pernedin seeing there was no more helpe and they likewise ignorant in those kind of vnguents thought it more meete they should goe straite to the Cittie of Constantinople There may ye quoth he sooner recouer your health because men of skill and knowledge shall take special care of you and for my parte I will willinglie accompany you thether albeit I haue not sped in y â— cause of my departure It will be to my shame answered Arnedes that the â—…perour should seâ—… me in this daungerous plight notwithstanding I will at this present be councelled by you beâ—…ing neuer able to recompence thys honourable kindnes CHAP. XVIII How Pernedin brought Arnedes to Constantinople where the Emperour the Empresse with theyr Daughters Philocrista and Melicia came to visite him and what talke the two Dwarffes had together Pâ—…esently after that Arnedes was brought by the meanes of Pernedin to Constantinople in a Litter because he could not endure to sit on horsebacke newes of this mischance was brought to the Emperour who growing into extreme anger against the Moore said Well may Lecefin resemble the Solâ—…ane his Father a man full of trecherous and ignoble practises but he must not thus thinke to wrong a Prince of Fraunce So stepping frowninglie from his Chayre hee went to the Princes Chamber to see him charging his Phisâ—…tions and Chirurgions to tende him so well as if they had his owne person in cure Then Arnedes reuealed the whole discourse of that which happened between Palmendos and him at the end whereof the Emperour thus aunswered I wonder that the â—…night should be so desirous to doo me seruice and yet dooth flye in this sort from mee doubtlesse hee is gone to prooue the aduenture of Francelina if hee rode that way you say he did and it may be his fortune to ende it I hopâ—… except our Nephewe Belcar excéede him in valour that I can 〈◊〉 beleene he will When the Emperor departed hâ—… commaunded that the Empresse and hâ—…r Daughters should goe visite the Prince which shee accordinglie did taking Philocrista and Melicia with her shee beeing greatly offended at the iniurie doone to Arnedes And Philocrista very much bemoned his mishappe yet wiselie and discreetlie as became a sober â—…irgin for the looue shee bare him was deriued from gentlenes and vertue which shee noted him to preferre in all his actions and nothing hadde 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 re especiall account then to conferue her chastitie pure and vnspâ—…tted Arnedes was ioyfull to sée hâ—…r hee loued so deerelie how she sorowed his hard fortune and blamed Lecefin as a diâ—…oyall Traytor which gentle spéeches did more comfort his hart then all the phisâ—…ck or cunning in the world could doo While the Empresse and her Daughters beguiled the time with him Amenada a woman Dwarffe that attended on Philocrista Risdeno her Nephewe came to Bruquell Arnedes Dwarffe who vsed sundry lamentations for the great mishappe had befallen
often bring his life to very perrillous exigents notwithstanding so did the heauens fauour Pâ—…lmendos and despise the manifold tyrannies of the Gyant as after a long cruell bloodie fight Baledon had receiued so many woundes as hee was constrained to fall at the Princes merâ—…ie for which Palmendos humblie 〈◊〉 heauen boldlie sette hys foote vpon the Gyant saying Coâ—…fesse thy selfe Baledon vanquished by me and let mee enâ—…y the prysoners which thou vniustlie detainest in thy Castell for the remainder of thy life hangeth on the â—…oynt of my Sword When the Gyant behelde his great pompe so ouerthrowne and hee had no meane nowe left wherewith to defende himselfe he breathed forth these sorrowfull speeches Ah angry Gods howe strange and diuers are your iudgments in suffering â—…othe mee and my Sonne to bee foyled by one Knight Now see I well that myne infinite and wicked offences committed against men without desert hath throwne this wreakefull sentence on me Then calling his Seruaâ—…nts hee commaunded them to conduct the Prince into the Castell and to deliuer all his prysoners to him with any thing els hee shoulde commaunde them So went the Prince with his Cozin Ozalio and two of the Gyants Seruaunts to the Castell the rest remayned to bring theyr Maisters deade bodie and when they were entred the â—…ase Courte they met the Gyantesse heaâ—…ilie lamenting and curssing the Knight who was cause thereof But Palmendos made no account of her wordes commaunding all the prysoners to bee presently brought before him which in sooth were very many both Knights Merchaunts and other trauayling Strangers who had long time beene kept tâ—…ere in captiuitie and nowe séeing they were so generallie called they verilie thought to die or endure some cruell torment but finding the contrarie I leaue their â—…oy to the Readers iudgment Then Palmendos called for the Knights Armour that eache one knowing his owne Armour might bee armed therewith for this their happie deliueraâ—…nce they all â—…ell downe at the Princes feete desiring God to reward his honourable paynes But among the prisoners there were two young Knights of comelie staturâ—… béeing both Moores who had not long time béene held in that seruitude and witnessing by their countenaunces that they were discended of royal parentage The one of them was Rifarano Son to Trineus Emperor of Allemaigne and Aurecinda the Soldans Sister as you may reade in the History of Palmerin d'Oliua the other was named Lecefin Son to the Soldane of Persia béeing the youngest of thrée which he had by the Princesse Zephira These two young Lords were nourished together by the Soldane because hee behelde the towarde inclination of Rifarano whom hee euer imagined would prooue a worthie Knight and for he was Sonne to his Sister â—…nd the Emperour Trineus his great fréende he looued him as Lecefin his owne Childe Rifarano comming to the age of tenne or twelue yeres wexed very forward in all commendable exercises and one day reasoning with his Mother desired her to tell him the cause why she went so continually clad in mourning the truth wherof she discoursed to him and how his Father was the Emperour Trineus of Allemaigne When Rifarano vnderstoode that he was Sonne to one of the chéefest Princes in Christendome hee made greater account of himselfe then he did before and dysposed himselfe to matters of higher quallitie so that béeing of yeeres to receiue his Knighthoode he requested the Soldane to honour him therwith which he with right good will performed causing Ioustes and Tournaments to sollemnize that time withall wherin Rifarano still bare awaie the pryze Following Armes and Chiualrie he still continued and with good successe wunne such fame through all Persia as y â— Soldane thought to ioyne him in marriage with the King Maulerinos eldest Daughter But he would neuer harken to such matters for that hee had secretlie vowed first to sée the Emperour his Father whereto his Mother whose dayes long sicknes had new shortened euermore prouoked him that Trineus beholding the fruite of her loue might thinke the better of his acquaintaunce with her After the obsequies and royall funerall as wel beséemed a Princesse of so great regarde and Rifarano lothe to stay his Mother beeing dead hee desired y â— Soldane that he might trauaile to Constantinople to sée thâ—… Courte of the Emperour Palmerin and thence he wouldâ—… goe to his Father in Allemaigne Albeit very vnwilling yet y e Soldane condiscended whereat the young Prince Lecefin who loued Rifarano as himselfe beganne to conceiue great sorrowe wherefore he intreated his Father that â—…ee might trauaile with him in companie perswading him that it would be a cause of his Cozins more speedie returnâ—… The Soldane liked heereof very well and although he was yet verie young he gaue him his knighthoode and so with â—…iuers presents from his Father Zephira as also Letters to both the Emperours accompanied with thirtie hardie Knights they tooke shypping and by meanes of an excéeding rough tempest on the Sea they were driuen perforce into this Isle of Delphos where béeing hemâ—…e in with the chayne and â—…lattered by the Gyant to come on shore without suspecting anie treason they went to his Castell and finding outward freendlie entertainement they were fetched foorth of their beddes and thrust into pryson twentie of the Knights that came with them cruelly murthered the rest were brought into the Dungion to their Maisters and afterward the Gyant tooke the spoyle of y â— Ship at his pleasure But to come to ouâ—… pâ—…rpose Rifarano and Lecefin seeing themselues deliuered frâ—…m this dâ—…llorous liâ—…e much worse then thâ—…t of the slaues in the â—…allies they spaâ—…e to PalmeÌ„dos in this maner Tel vs in courtesâ—…e good Knight by what meanes haue you obtained our libertie for wee meruaile that we 〈◊〉 not the Gyant who brought vs hether by 〈◊〉 â—…reason Gentlemen quoth the Prince I am a Knight borne farre hence and béeing by the angrie Seas cast vpon this Island I determined to come on shore where beeing no waie able to escape the death present before mine eyes I was constrained to Combat with the Gyant you talke of who to allure me the sooner to the battaile promised me securitie from any saue himself But heauen giuing me strength to erect a mortall Trophe of his slaughtered bodie hath thereby giuen you all freedome againe Might we not saide Rifarano knowe your name to whom wee are so much indebted for our deliueraunce as for vs it is necessarie you should knowe of whence what we are that if we should growe heereafter ingratefull for this kindnes the meanest in the worlde might iustlie condemne vs. This young Prince quoth hee is named Lecefin â—…onne to the noble Soldane of Persia and I his vnworthie Nephew issued from Trineus Emperour of Allemaigne brother by mariage to the incomparable Prince Palmerin d'Oliua heereto hee added the whole discourse of their trouble which you haue heard alreadie In happie time came I hether aunswered
you are onely by fantasieâ—… represented to your eyes dâ—… intreate you not to disable your heroycall and noble courage at the sight of vaine and fantasticall visions for it beseemeth not so good and accomplished Knights as you are in such sort to passe thorow strange aduentures Be of good cheere then and repute this houre of your renowne to surpasse all the braâ—…est men in the worlde beâ—…ause since the essence of thys enchauntment no Knight coulde enter this Temple but you alone â—…herefore by good reason ought the treasure to be yours which hath so long time béene concealed here take hence then the Golden Idoll on the Altare with all the other rich and precious Iewels and send them to the vertuous Emperour your Father And for your sake shall this Temple héerafter be frequent and accessable for any which you shal consecrate to the name of Christ and of the Treasure you shall yet â—…nde you shall erect a Monasterie of Uirgins in honor of that incontaminate mayden that brought the Sauiour of all man kind into the worlde who hath giuen you strength to runne thorowe these actionâ—… that this place may bee reuerently deâ—…utly vsed which â—…eertofore hath béen blasphemed with Idolatrie contrâ—…rie to the bountie inexpuisable making to sinful men voweâ—… offeringâ—… and sacrifices And albeit you are not as yet a Christian yet for my sake enter that vnspotted faith for the time will come when you shall sundry times say happie was that howre wherein you found me Hauing taken good order for all that I haue said contayne your selfe no longer in these Countries because in other clymats is reserued a tryumphall Scepter for you enriched with honor and eternall praises In vaine it were to aske if Palmeâ—…dos was filled with great meruaile hearing the Damosels voyce who camâ—… to comfort him in this austere calamitie and could so well discipher hiâ—… affayreâ—… for the extasie rauishment of hyâ—… spirite which euidently appeared in his couâ—…tenaunce deliuered ample testimonie thereof Nor werâ—… these wordâ—… anie thing els but fuell to eâ—…crease loues â—…re already burning neuertheles seeing himselfe in a place so commodious where freelie hee might holde chat with this Damosell he called vp his spirits and boldly made this answer Madame for the reuerend hoâ—…our you beare to your God conceale not who you are that knowe mee so well intreating ye to pardon my presumptuous request because your rare and perfect beautie which is the onely spurre to my demaund hath confounded mee with greater admiration then all the strange sightes I haue yet beheld all which in respect of your excellence I holde as diabolicall â—…riuolous for you seeme celestiall and sent by the Gods into these nether Regions where hauing discouered the futurâ—… euent of my Destinies my hart hath thereby receiued incredible ioy and contentment Bee not abashed courteous Knight quoth she at any thing I haue said for it is long since I knewe what I haue vttered and in regard of your worthy valour I loue and esteeme yee aboue all other in the world so that I haue left the Countries of my originall onely to see and tell yée what I haue doone desiring you to excuse me in the rest as concealing of whence and what I am because at this time you cannot be satis-â—…ed therewith yet ere it be long we will mâ—…ete againe and then shall you vnderstande more of mee by one request I must make to ye which as yet may not bee manifested Wonderful will that consolation be quoth the Prince to me that you will commaunde anie thing wherein I may expresse my forces and in that deuotion I haue vowed euermore faithfully to continue your freende offering in witnes of this obeysaunce to serue hencefoorth as your Knight with promise not to preiudice y â— least of your commaundements so long as my staâ—…es giue mee leaue to breathe Nor will I further presse ye to tell me what yee are séeing your will standeth not thereto but till y â— graciâ—… howre oâ—… coâ—…undement come I will accomplyshe your appointment â—…ecting heere a Monasterie of vyrgins for the serâ—…ice of your God and your words haue made me thirst with vnâ—…enchable desire till I bee resolued as concerning that â—…ayth While she returned him many thanks for his freendly offers the old woman arriued who made him enamoured with the loue of Francelina in his Realm she taking the Damosell by the hand said Goe wyth mee faire Daughter and leaue this most discourteous Knight who suffered me to be misused before him in Tharsus wher of I hope to take sufficient reuenge by the extreame passions his hart shall endure heereafter No sooner had she ended these wordes but immediatlie they bothe vanished away wherewith the Prince greatly admiring was driuen into such a profounde conceit of her rare beautie as he thought euen there to yéelde vppe his ghost because hee imagined neuer to haue seene her like Heerein his iudgment was no whit beguiled for he did as many young Louers doo shewe themsâ—…lues fauourable Iudges in their own causes Now enters he into conceit because the olde woman had taken her away that this Damosell was Francelina she whom he had so liuelie imprinted in his hart as for her loue he had left his natiue Countrey Thus câ—…mpassed with greefe on euery side hee entred into these termes Alas olde Woman I know not what thou maist be yet very true doo I find thy wordes but small to my auaile did Ozalio smite thee in my presence that I must requite with so long yrkesome and lingerâ—…ng penaunce Ah cruell enemie why didst thou robbe mine eyes so soone of their vnspeakeable content thou sufferedst me to see that my loue might growe the more immesurable but thy wordes were such daggers to my hart as neuer can I taste a sharper corasiue And if this were the obiect of Francelina for fayrer creature did the Sunne neuer shine vpon at no tume shall my soule enioy rest till once more I haue seene her againe Thus entercoursing a thousand opinions he stoode a long time as driuen to the Antipodes accusing himselfe with base pusillanimitie and blaming the olde woman who had so robbed him of his forces as he could not stay the Lady with him by whose presence and gracious speeches he supposed himselfe in an eternall beatitude But now is the clowdie night chased toward the Occident when hee determined to effect whâ—… the Damosell had commaunded him and going to the Altare hee tooke the golden Basons and the other sumptuous thinges making them readie to be caryed thence dispoyling likewise the Idoll of the Crowne Scepter and Booke But as hee would haue lifted the Image foorth of y â— Chayre he found it so heauie as he was not able to stirre it wherewith he béeing offended said And I shall â—…oo thée more honor then thou hast yet receiued of me so lifting vppe his Mace hâ—… made it fall in peeâ—…s to the grounde From out the
〈◊〉 y ◠〈◊〉 but she departed frâ—…m Thessâ—…ie and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Carderia where shee nor 〈◊〉 of hers coâ—…ld 〈◊〉 â—…urther then the Bridge wherfore they ereâ—…ed Tents and Pauâ—…llions in the Fielde attenâ—… there the enâ—… of the 〈◊〉 when shee â—…eing that Tyrendos was 〈◊〉 wished such successe to y â— newâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as hee might happilie finish the â—…chauntment Palinendos perceiuing how his first aduersarie would trouble him no further approched to the Gates of the fiâ—…st Tower where he behelde the great Knight ready to offer him battâ—…e wherefore hee alighted from his Horse and drawing hiâ—… Sworde 〈◊〉 If the preuideâ—…e of the heauâ—…ns haue desteniâ—…me to câ—…nquer this enterprise fâ—…r 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉 and cowardise frâ—…m me till I haue deliuered the gentle Princesse heere enclosed forbeare then mine eyes as yet to couet the sight of Francelina albeit yée burne in desire to beholde her and I will keepe promise with â—…ee so soone as Fortune pleaseth After these words hee closely buckled with the Knight of the Bridge coâ—…tinuing a lâ—…ng daungerous and â—…full combatte with him the Dwarâ—…fe in the Lauthorne sundry times with his Horne renewing his 〈◊〉 forces yet by the man of 〈◊〉 courage who â—…dained to be his Conquerer hee was confounded mauget all his deuillish helps So forwarde hee marched to the seconde Tower and as the Gates were clapping together according as they did to the Prince Belcar hee thruste hys Sworde betwéene the Gates when immediatly the thunder ceased and they fell backe wide open as they were before At this good happe the beholders greatly reioyced especially the Queene of Thessalie who followed on styll accompanied with Ozalio and to him she highly 〈◊〉 ded the worthy behauiour of this Knight Ozalio anâ—…wering her that she had good cause to applaude her stars hauing sent thether a Knight of such royal discent as his 〈◊〉 was not to bee founde thorowe all Christian kingdomes Tirendos in this while was caryed into his Tent by hys Squires where he so greeued for his disgrace as hee was readie to die in despight thereof Now is Palmendos come to the last Tower which was defended by thrée Knights armed cap a pe and they with thrée sharpe Lâ—…ces stood readie to receiue him at the poynt wherewith hee beeing somwhat amazed said to himselfe Wheron thinkest thou Palmendos what beginuest thou now to dismay tushe man be of good cheere thou labourest for her with whose beautie none in the worlde may compare if by comming so farre theu hast doone more then anie Knight before thée could performe commit thy selfe to God and Fortune for the rest and followe thine intent though thou die therein Nowe begins he couragiously to aduenture on them who ioyning altogether aâ—…ainst him ouerthrewe him that hee could hardly arise 〈◊〉 notwithstanding reccuering his feete hee pursuâ—…d with such vnconquerable hope as at length he droue thâ—…m before him ouer the Bridge when bothe they and the first Knight of the Tower vanished away together and in like manner did the Dwarffe that sate in the Lanthorne with a horriâ—…le shaking of the earth and the whole Fortresse The Quéene Ozalio the rest fell downe and honoured heauen for this victorie perswading theÌ„selues that the worst of the aduenture was past as for the Prince himselfe hee followed the matter with such alacritie coÌ„sidering faire Francelina was the reward of his trauaile as nothing séemed to him nowe impossible So paâ—…ing on he found the posterne that guided the waie to the Garden which was garded by two furious enchauÌ„ted dogges there through the wickette he beheld a Fountainc with sundry gootly Daâ—…oselles about it and in the middest in a carious Chayre of clothe of Golde sate Francelina the sweete Goddesse of beautie so wonderfull gorâ—… decked in rich ornaments as it would haue made any hart enamoured to beholde her Palmendos rauished with the sight of her stept in at the doore not dreading any perrill when presentlie the enchaunted dogs ranne vpon him as though they woulde haue rent him in peeces and long time very daungerously they did assayle him tearing his Armour cruelly in peeces that he was now dryuen to dispaire of his life yet in the ende with much a doo he preâ—…ailed against them albeit they brought him into exceeding great perplexitie as â—…ee neuer felt the like in all his life before CHAP. XXI VVhat gentle speeches and gracious deuises Palmendos had with faire Francelina in the Garden wher they supped together and howe after hee had tolde her what he was he gaue her the Ring which he receiued of the Queene his mother at his departure from Tharsus FRancelina alreadie had felte the flames of loouâ—… in as vehement manner as the Prince Palmendos because the Fairies knowing the end of y â— enchauntment was at hand told her that ere long shee should be conquered and deliuered from that Castel by one of y â— best Knights in the world shee beeing at her byrth appointed his Wife in recompence of his avuenturous trauayles And this discoruse shee sealed with so many rare commendations of the Knight as her hart was surprised with loue in such sort y â— shee longed euery howre to sée the man appointed for her Husbande And as the Pilot long perplexed with outragious tempests mounts to the toppe to sée if any Hauâ—…n for reske we is at hande so this Lady tossed to and fro in the roughe â—…illowes of looue oftentimes left her Dungion and came vpon the walles erpeâ—…ting the comming of this promised Knight By good hap she espyed when Palmendos came to the Bridge beside the trembling of the Castell at the departure of the Knights touched her hart with a signe of present comfort wherâ—…upon in this brauâ—…y sheâ—… went with her Damoselles into the Garden expecting the issue of the Knights fortune that presaged so much before hand In breefe he béeing entred the Garden as you haue â—…eard already she béeing dirâ—…ted by â—…he Fairâ—…es what she shoulde doo when shee perceiued the dogâ—…es ouercome arose with her Damoselles went towards the Knight shewing many gracious 〈◊〉 for his welcome but Palmendos seeing her approche so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…el on his knee offering to kiâ—…e her hand wherat Francelina 〈◊〉 â—…shing offered him the like saying It is my duetie Sir Knight to vse such humilitie albeit your courteâ—…e hath preuented me for this wonderfull aduenture finished by you declares your rare 〈◊〉 in Chiualrie â—…eeing second to none that at this day beareth Armes Yet ere you take me hence I woulde request one fauour at your handes not any thing to make you doubt the losse of her who fréely giueth herselfe as your owne â—…ut for you haue deliuered me from the enchauntment my request graunted you may disâ—…ose of me as your loyall spouse and Wife Madame answered Palmendos I now thinke my selfe no lâ—…sse belooued of heauen then fauourâ—…d by fortune hearing you say that I am yours and
you are mine which makes mee thinke all my labours nothing in respect of you therefore demaunâ—… what you please for I beeing your professed seruaâ—…nt muâ—… with all reuerence obey your commaunde A thousande thankes good Knight quoth shée albeit such spéeches agree not with your calling I béeing onely in your subiection and ready to attend as your â—…and-mayden but me thinkes it were necessarie you should take a little rest béeing good to regard the ende and periode of all thinges let me therfore humbly intreatâ—… yee to come refreshe your selfe for the better conseruation of your health So went they both together to the Fountaine where Palmendos was vnarmed by y â— Princesse Francelina and her Damoselles and a costly Mantle was brought to wrap about him then sate he down by hys Ladie in another Chayre couered all ouer with Gold and as if Herâ—…bus had sent his Daughter to hide the day light spreading darke night all ouer the Hemisphere so were great store of Torches and Tapers alighted There was â—…elt the odoriâ—…ferous smell of Roses Uiolets al the swéet flowers of the Garden beâ—…de the incomparable beauty of Francelina her Maydens beguiled the time with 〈◊〉 sorts of Inâ—…umentes and thereto sung many dainty canzâ—…nets as if Apollo Orpheus Arion aâ—…d all the other fathers of heauenly Musiquâ—… had béene present which so attracted the sences of the Prince as his memory began to wexe drowâ—…e and forgetful imagining himselfe in a very beatitude where he séemed to sée not onely y â— perfect beautie of a Goddesse but a diuine shadow which caried 〈◊〉 both his hart and eyes in contemplation Of like opinion was the young Princesse meruailing at the braue constitution of her Knight and estéeming her selfe beyond all other in happines that Fortune had sorted her out such a Husbande and in sooth these Louers were the fayrest couple that euer were ioyned in mâ—…riage together not vnâ—…tly compared â—…s Leander and Hero the two goodliest starres that were in their times In this surpasâ—…ng contentation they continued till a Damosell vnderstanding that supper was prepared there set before them a Table readie couered the wood whereof was very precious deliuering a sauour much like to Balme and theron was sette all sorts of costly viands hard by stood a Cupboorde richlie adorned with Basons and Cups of Golde which were embellished with such precious stones as thâ—… value of them was reputed inestimable But these louerâ—… coulde eate verie little because they had worke enough to regard eche other for there is nothing in the worlde morâ—… agréeable to one enamoured then to contemplate the obiect of his thoughts because loue making a breach into the bodie and planting his siege against y â— very soule â—…nders the passage of nourishing mâ—…ates and makes them â—…éed on his louely deuises which are such as euery one of you that haue tasted thereof can distinguish whether they be bitter or swéet Hence procéedeth the pleasure conceiued by behol ding when the eye takes his course to the hart carrying with it the liuelie draught and effigies of the thing séene making so sound impression therof in the spirit as nothing els may be represented therto in y â— end this Idea passing through the penetrailes secret râ—…yons of the stomack engraues on the hart the perfect portrait of y â— thing beloued And what morsel more delicious what wine more plesant or licquor more ambrosius can one find wher with to satisfie the soule esprised with the brandon of Venus then the exact contemplation and secret discourse which the spirit maketh to his onlie choise when he beholdeth himselfe riciprocally bèloued of her whom hee loueth doubtles none at al happily some other might be spoken of which séeme to yéeld more content but then they are transitory of no continuaunce In this sort supped Palmendos Francelina when the Damosels withdrawing the Table went to take their own refection leauing these twaine to deuise together then approching the Knight to the Mistres of hys hart said Madame how happy may I name the howre of my natiuity séeing the celestiall bodies appointed me such a planet as made me gaine y â— honor of your loue now find I that for truth which you told me in the Temple at Delphos y â— in short time I should sée you at mine own pleasure Comâ—…aund then I beséech you what you would heue niee dâ—… and â—…ew me the way to gather some fruit by the perpetual sernice I haue vowed to your diuine beauty that I â—…ay giue some cooling to the vnquenchable flame wher in â—…y hart is more more tormented And if the artificiall â—…re which we receiue froÌ„ betwéen two stones for our vse is lesse then nothing in respecte of the naturall as naâ—…clie the most noble of the foure elements lodged néere the celestial region I dare and by experience can affirme that the violence of the diuine surpasseth the action of y â— other two because if they light on any body they may quickly be extinguished but much more contrary is the other the vehemence wherof euery way increaseth paine without lymitting the life of the sufferer as the very least of y â— other doth My Lord answered Francelina in regarde of the fire which happily you now féele estéeme the same to procéede from the spark that equally hath taken hold on me wherof I make no such admiration considering the disposition of the destentes as to heare you say y â— you haue séene mee in an other place in sooth at y â— age of thrée yeeres I was fatally enclosed in this Castell where neuer snâ—…e entred Knight or anie other straunger but onely you As for my request whereto you haue promised thus it is that you attempt not against my chastitie vntill our mariage be sollemnly performed which may not be til you first haue rescued the king of Thessalie my father from the long imprysonment wherein the Turke hath kept him This aduenture you must néedes vndertake which doubtles yee shall worthilie effect and so be Lorde of me and the Realme of Thessalie wherto I am lawful heire after my Fathers decease for performaunce whereof I commit my selfe into â—… your custody prouided you kéepe your former promise Pal mendos attentiuely noted her words and afterwarde remained a while silent imagining whether he should sendâ—… or accoÌ„panie his Ladie to the Emperor or in meane space kéepe himselfe vnknowne to anie till he had ended the aduenture in Turkie bringing at his returne the King of Thessalie with him if the heauens fauoured him in his deliueraunce at length breaking off this silent determination he answered in this sort Madame so feruent and in expuisable is the loue I â—…eare ye as to gaine the Monarchie of the whole world I woulde not offende the very least of your vertuous thoughtes and albeit I had not promisâ—…d what you required mine own regard shoulde haue taught me better gouernment For I account my selfe
him but all was in vaine shee was so resolutly grounded in her wickednes as shee accounted it pleasure to be selfe-willed therein Wherupon the Quéene hartily sorie to sée Belcar so sore wounded vnderstanding the obstinate refusall of the Damosell she accompanied with the Duchesse of Pontus and the Princesse Alderina her Daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Quâ—…ene would entertaine her among the Ladies of honour in her Court But these prayers and requests nothing auailed to mooue any pittie in this inexorable Damosell which the Quéene perceiuing and that she continned so obstinate in crueltie she made a sollemne othe that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and flaunderous that her selfe should die a most shamefull death The Damosel séeing the Queene so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she greeued to beholde the teares of faire Alderina wherfore she alighted from her Palfray and falling at the Quéenes féete desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to y â— King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Maiesties sake shée was coÌ„tent to pardon both y â— Knights The Queene embraced her in signe of thankâ—…s sâ—…nding word to Recinde that hee shoulde proceede no further in battaile so the Damosell went with the Quéene and her Ladies to the Pallace and bothe the Champiâ—…ns acccmpanied the King who bringing them to their Chambers commaunded that his cheâ—…fe Physitions and Chirurgions should giue dilligent attendaunce to sée their wounds healed Dailie woulde the Queene accompanied wyth the Duchesse of Pontus and the fayre Princesse Alderina her Daughter come to visite them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amitie and shortly after the Queene in regarde of her promise caused the Damosell to bee very honourablie married when Belcar made her openly confesse that her accusations were mâ—…st false and vntrue in respect that hee neuer sawe any of her Bretheren before that night wherein hee was intreated by her Father to lodge at his Castell But leaue we these and let vs nowe returne againe to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio were embarqued for Turkie they landed at a port neere the Cast ell of Albayzo where the King of Thessalie was kept prisoner and howe Palmendos intended to bee at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captaines sonne and what was his successe AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Quéene of Thessalie her daughter Francelina they posted with al spéed to theyr Ship the Marriners hauing in the time of their abode there happened on a Turke left therein the Hauen by reason of extreame sâ—…cknes wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to bée a Moore tooke him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arriuall he had verie wâ—…ll recouered his health He vnderstanding that Palmendos woulde saile into Turkie desired to graunt him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenes hee would direct him whether hee pleased because hee knewe all the portes and créekes of the 〈◊〉 and most of the Citties and Townes on the land Palmendos ioyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patrone and without concluding to what place they would first saile hee wylled them to make toward the neerest port to the Citie of Tubant demaunding of the Turke if he knew any harbour of suretie neere that place My Lord quoth the Turke I will conduct ye if you please into a straight of the Sea which is verie secret where oftentimes ride diuers great vessels and no other place of lodging is néere at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a daies iourney from Tubant and thâ—… like from the Castell of Albayzo where the great Turke at this present kéepeâ—… the king of Thessaâ—…e and all his treasure vnder the charge of a good â—…night who is the Captaine of the Castell and this plâ—…ce hee reputeth aâ—… the strongest holde in all the Countrey Moreouer this I â—…are 〈◊〉 Sir that there is no part so little in all that Coâ—…ntrey but I knowe it as well by night as by day â—…uen as perfectly as the porte whereof I tell ye there may you abide in 〈◊〉 and dâ—…e what best your selfe shall please vncontrouled by any this wyll I make good for â—…e gâ—…eat 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 found Palmendos seing how Fortune faâ—…oured him coâ—…mitted his conducting to the Turke who was named Orycano when at length they came to the porte neere Tuâ—…ant then Oricano went on shore with the Knightes to take some order for their good entertainement but â—…nding not his father at home entreated his mother 〈◊〉 two bréethren who were not a little glad of his â—…afe return to vse those Gentlemen so curteouâ—…y as might be expressing what kindenesse hee hád found at their hands Palmendos reioyced that they were in a place so sore and secret and â—…éere Albayzo Castell where the Kâ—…ng of Thâ—…ssalie was detained in captiuitie yet kept he on his rich black Armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castell of Carderia his good sworde likewise hee had by his side wherewith hee could enchaunt and bring asléepe anye one by drawing it foorth It was large and short as a woodknife or Fauchion most artiâ—…cially damasqued and garnished with three sortes of Diamonds the whoâ—… sheath béeing composâ—…d of one the mosse-barre and pomell of an other and the handle of the crost raâ—…e and pretious Calamite that euer was séene the blade of the finest tempered stéele that coulde bee in any sworde in bréefe the like weapon was hardly to be found through the worlde By this time Orycanos father was come home who reioycing to beholde his Sonne shewed very louing 〈◊〉 to the princeâ—… for his sake wheâ—… among other talke Palmendos requested to knowe of the olde man whence he came â—…o late whereto the poore man humblie 〈◊〉 answerâ—…d I come Sir from a Town not far hence whether I went in the morning to sell fish becauâ—…e greatâ—… number of Knightes are assembled there againâ—… thâ—… mariage of the Lordes daughter with the son to the Captaine of Albayzo Castell and I staied the longer â—…o sée the Bridegroome and his Sister who is reported to bee the fairest woman in the worlde By manie great Priâ—…ces she hath béene requâ—…sted in mâ—…riage but â—…he hath refused euery one saying she will neuer be marriâ—…d but with him that can winnâ—… her by Martiall prâ—…wcsse for which canse many braue and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third daye of the feast haue appointed a Tourney for her loue the resort being so great to sée this Ladie as iâ—… the great Turke with all his Bassaes aâ—…d 〈◊〉 kept Court there Palmendos attentiuely noting this tale conâ—…idered
with him selfe that if hée could by subtill traineâ—… entice this Ladie to louâ—… heâ—… might easily get into Albayzo Castell where he should thâ—… better compasse thâ—… stratageme to set the King of Thessalie at libertie for this cause he determined to be present at the Tourney and in bedde acquainted Ozalio with hiâ—… whole intent who thought it the onely waye to woorke their enterprise On the morrowe Palmendos tolde the Fisher that he would make one in the Ioust so giuing him good store of money prayed him to regarde his Ship and Marriners till hee returned and so hee set forwarde with Ozalio and Orycano who serued them faithfullye during all this busineâ—… Not farre had they rid but they met with a Page that attended on Iffida for so was the beautifull virgin named the Captains Daughter and occasâ—… of this triumphe Palmendos asketh him if the Tourney held the day following It doth Sir answered thâ—… Page by generall agréement and â—…o please yee to bee there you shall sée many valiant Knights enter the 〈◊〉 where I hope the pertakers of Ripole for so was the Bridegroome called shall beare away the honour of the day and sundrie braue champions will aduenture for the loue of Iffida my Mistres wherby they may gaine the better meane to offer her their seruice intending therfore to bee on her brothers side who is the chiefe man in this enterprise The Prince calling to minde the perfections of Francelina breathed foorth a â—…gh that came from his very soul on the other siâ—…e â—…e was marueilous glad that he had so fortunately met with the Ladies Page and desirous to gaine some acquaintaunce with her hee speaketh to the youth in this manner Gentleman I thinke the graces of your Mistresse to be so amiable as in one â—…nstant they are sufficient to captiuate al such as beholde 〈◊〉 and therfore I can assâ—…re ye that with the better wiâ—… more sincere affection is â—…e prouided to her seruice thâ—…t neuâ—…r saw â—…er which I speke on mine own behalfe whâ—… abandoning â—…he place of my original haue with insuppoâ—…table trauels crost many Countries onely to come let her vnderstande my extreame deuotion to be her perpetuall and faithfull seruant whereto the renown of her beautie induced me which I thinke is spread ouer the face of the whole earth And séeing my hap waâ—… so good to mâ—…ete with you albeit yoâ—… know mee not nor haue I yet deserued any thing at your hand yet let me intreat ye to do one fauour for me the issue wherof beside your aâ—…hieuement of notable reputation in â—…ebonaire courtesâ—…e which all of your young yéâ—…res ought to haue in singuler 〈◊〉 I hope shall let ye sufficiently perceiue that you deale not for an ingrateâ—…ull person nor wil ye misâ—…ike your trauaile in the cause What would you haue me do answered the Page in respect you séeme a man of vertue and quality if it bée a thing possible fâ—…r me and honourable I will with al my â—…eart accâ—…mplish it A thousand thankes for your â—…iendlinesse answered Palmendos and for nothing els is my sute but that you would say to your Ladie Mistresse how a strange Gentleman which came into this countrey onlie to see her graces and vertues most humbly commends him selfe to her fauourable opinion earnestlye desiring that she would accept him as her Knight in the Tourney where to morrow hee intends to shewe him selfe as one that will ouer ballance her most fauoured in weight of affection and will be accounted second to none in exploits of armes hauing no better meane whereby to acquaint her with the insupportable burthen of his heart and that she may well perceiue it I will not bee on her brothers side but against them that take his part hâ—…ping to send them â—…anquished out of the fielde or make them gladde to take their béels by the strength and hardines her diuine beautie shall giue mee so please her to graunt mee the aforesaid fauour and which will cause me to account my selfâ—… the happiest Knight on wâ—…om the planets haue breathed their celâ—…stiall influence The Page séeing Palmendos faire and so richly armed imagined him to be some great personage wherefore he modestly thus replied My Lord this dare I not doo for any man liuing without I knewe the partie to haue some familiaritie with my Mistresse neuerthelesse béeing a matter of so small consequence and that you deserue much more then this on my behalfe I shall deliuer â—…er this message for your sake who haue so importâ—…natly requested it Palmendos requited the Page with many thanks and to make him more forward in the matter hee tooke a bracelet of golde from his arme and gaue it him so begâ—…ling the time with other spâ—…eches at length they arriued at Prissa for so was the Town called where the Triumphes were appointed the field being couered all ouer with costly Pauilions wherefore Palmendos made choise of a conucnient place and there commanded his rich Tent to be presently erected Meane while the Page curteously tooke his leaue entering the town went straight to his Mistresse lodging where hauing â—…rst disnatched the answere sent from her Sister and séeing her so conuenientlie apart from her Damosels he rehearsed all that Palmendos had saied vnto him I woonder quoth she what the Knight should bee that durst send mee such a presumptuous message seeing he saieth he is a straunger and for my loue hath forsaken his Countrey Beléeue me Madame answered the page nor doo I know him but hee séemeth to bee discended of great parentage and is one of the goodliest personages that euer I saw as for his courtesâ—…e and liberalitie beholde Mistres what a costly Bracelet hee hath giuen mee that neâ—…er did anie thing for him in all my life Me thinks this is verie straunge replied Iffida that this Knight should come from farre Countries to sée me and verie ingratefull might I be reputed if I shoulde not thanke him for so great paines therefore faile not but shewe me him to morrow so soone as hee dooth enter the Listes that I may giue good héede to his behauiour Herein quoth the Page wil I accomplishe your commaund because right well I know him by his rich Armour as also the lustie Courser hee rode on yester day Thus made the Page a train for loue which afterward reached to the heart of his Mistresse where hauing kindled the fire her selfe shee felt the sparkes so to leape about her imaginations as all this night she could enioy no rest for thinking on the Knight that came from far Countries CHAP. XXVII How Palmendos came to the Tourney appointed for Iffida where he wonne her by his Knightly chiualry and by that occasion obtained her loue And how they spake together by the meanes of their Ambassadour so that Palmendos and Ozalio easilie entred the Castell of Albayzo ON the morrow which was the appointed day of the Triâ—…mph Iffida decked her selfe in moste
sumptuous ornaments and after dinner came with the Bride and diuers other Ladies to the Scaffoldes and Pauilions prepared for them in the field TheÌ„ assembled the Knightes on all sides and entered the Lists ech one to shewe his prowesse but because the greater part were on the Bridegroomes side therefore the contrarye went apace to wracke and the other were verily iudged to beare the Prize out of the fielde if Palmendos and Ozalio had not suddainlie arriued For they knew better how to handle their weapons then the Knightes of this Countrey did and that they made them verie well perceiue thieflie Palmendos who did marueilous exployts as Iffida without any instruction of her Page knew well inough the man that sent her the message whereat both she and al the beholders were amazed to sée him so play the Deuil among the Knights as no one dealt with him but was vnhorssed When they saw there was no more worke to doo they with-drewe themselues into their Tent and would not vnarme them selues least some treacherie should bee practised against them as oftentimes at such occasions it happeneth when the vanquished attempt vnhonourablie against the Conquerours When Ripole saw his Knights so discomfited he was excéedinglie agréeued therewith because he entirely loued his Sister Iffida and doubted shee would now conuict him of great dishonour but shee whose minde was no where elâ—… then on the Knight to whom the victorie was due extolled his admirable magnanimity to the heauens as the rest of her Historie will plainely discouer and knowing no better meane to worke by she called the Page aside whome the Prince had imploied as his Ambaâ—…adour and thus shee spake to him Unspeakable in mine owne opinion is the generositie of the Gentleman straâ—…nger who hath right well perfourmed the resolution whereof by thée he assured mee yester-day very necessarie is it thâ—…refore that thou goe thanke him on my behalfe for his long iourney and great paines taken for my sake beside as he hath sufficiently shewen me his fortune in déedes of armes so doo I desire secretly to sée his person in which request to satisfie me if he wil this night come to my brothers banquet which is prouided for the newe maried couple I shal not fail to estéeme him among my cheefest fauourites While euery one was busilie censuring on the conquerour the messenger from Iffida came to Palmendos Tent where bréeflie discharging what he was commaunded and the Prince marueilous glad of this good fortune thus answered â—…entleman I desire ye to tel your Lady that nothing shall make me disapoint her pleasure because the onely occasion of my long trauaile was extreame desire to offer her my seruice and right happye shall I account my selfe if she will imploy me in any thing to her content To bée at the Bridegroomes banquet me thinkes should argue oâ—…er much boldnesse in respect of the slender acquaintaunce and habitude which as yet I haue with him or any of hys company Notwithstanding I would willinglie bee there after the banquet to guide mine eies to the place where they might féede on the celestial and graciouâ—… countenance of your Mistresse yet with this entreatie before hand that I would not be knowen to any what I am And if it happen I may conferre a little with her in secret I wil tel her sucâ—… thinges as all the rest of her life-time shall yéelde her contentation wherâ—…in likewise if you will bee loyall and faâ—…ourable to me to compasse both her good and your own your guerdon happily will be such as you will a hundred a hundred times thinke the hower fortunate when by so good chance you met me on the way for though you see me here but in simplâ—… equipage and as a Knight errant I am the Lorde of many Prouinces great estates and wonderfull riches My Lord answered the Page right willingly will I aduenture my person in dooing you all the faithfâ—…ll seruice can be deuised the actions no way stretching to the dishâ—…nour of me and my Lady and such good order will I likewise take as you shal not be knowen to any but onely her that longeth to sée you Herevpon Palmendos vnarmed him selfe and putting on a Tâ—…rkish maÌ„tle taking his good sword vnder his arm hee and Ozalio went with the Pagâ—… into the great Hall wher the banquet was afterward they closely got to a conâ—…enient place where both Iffida and he might behold each other which he did but with faint and deluding looks onelie to adde some grace to his subtill determination which he had practised for the King of Thessalies deliuerance And while in this counterfeit contemâ—…lation he busiâ—…d his eies the Page cunninglye went to Iffida and wispering in her eare saied Sée Madame the conquering Knight of the Tourney who desires you very instantly to conceale hym onely to your selâ—…e in that his trauaile hither was to no other end but to sée if your gracious gifts and beauty were aunswerable to the renowne blazed thereof so far hence in his Countrey hoping to coâ—…passe the matter so for to me he hath opened the very secrets of his heart that when you haue fâ—…rther â—…nowledge of him you shall not onelye 〈◊〉 occasion to loâ—…e him but account your selfe likewise bâ—…holding to him in respect of the voluntary paine he hath suffâ—…red for your sake The rest of his spéeches I shall tel you â—…t better leasure in place more conuenient for suche discourse Iffida who was prudent and well aduised forbare to conferre longer with her newe solicitour least her looue shoâ—…ld be lightly espied by any then secretly shee glaunâ—…th on Palmendos whose thoughts were busie to coÌ„passe his intent and séeing him so pensiue she immediatly interpreted this Saturnine taciturnitie to her own aduantage thinking it procéeded from the rauishment of her beautie as her Ambassadour had before perswaded her herewith she iudged in him more elegancie of fourme and swéetnes of complection then in any other knight whatsoeuer which made her so esprized with his attracting regard as to allay the extreamitie of this heat she desired nothing more then to speake with him that she might bee resolued of whencâ—… and what he was Palmendos stirred not from his place nor thought be long of â—…is stay there because bee hoped to gather some frnite thereby but warily markes the amorous lookes of Iffida and how her eâ—…e was the messenger of her inward desire all which he couettly imparted to Ozalio who mooued not one foot from his deere friend They fearing least their long staye would canse suspicion went their way which made Iffida likewise repaire to her Chamber and calling the minister of her looâ—…e aside began in this maner Ah Page how 〈◊〉 â—…idst thou discouer the perfectiâ—…us of the 〈◊〉 Knight whose behauiour and discreâ—…t 〈◊〉 ioyned with his rare martiall prowesse makes mee repute himfor the chéefest man that euer came into this Countrey Madame answered the young Coâ—…celler if you would
the peaceable assuraunce and fruition of the good pretended These wordes hee vttered with very chéerefull countenaunce by reason of the hope wherewith his heart was encouraged seing the practise of his negâ—…tiation stand nowe on the tearmes himselfe desired the Labie on the other side was so rauished with his loue as she could not bee satisfied with beholding him or consent to forsake his companye till time of constraint came that they must to their lodgings where Iffida could not sléepe thorough the whole night her slumbers were so broken by the aboundance and plurality of amorous discourse which chased all other imaginations from her spirit In these extreames poore Iffida was tormented a disease cleane contrarye to that which troubled Palmendos who only sought by dissimulation to recouer the good king of Thessalie whereof he conferred in bed with Ozalio what stratagems and subtilties hee must compasse in the action intreating him most affectionatlie they hauing once gotten â—…nteraunce into the Castell to she we him selfe hardie and valiaunt putting euery one to the sword when the watch-word shold be giuen When the morning was come Isfida decked her selfe in her braue accoustrements and câ—…mming into the Garden found there the two Knightes armed except their helmets she praying them to go with her to the Castâ—…ll of Albayzo that she might haue the honour of presenting them to the Captaine her Father This matter being soone concluded they all mounted on horsebacke and about noone arriued at the fortresse the foundation and structure whereof caused Palmendos to woonder in that it was placed on a high and mightie rock and storred with such munition for war as it was thought impregnable Béeing come to the gate Iffida lighted from her haqueney and entred taking the Knights by the hand the Arches permitting them quietly to passe without any feare or further enqâ—…irie what they were séeing them so well acquainted with faire Iffida whome the Castilian loued so well as none might gaine-say what shee commaunded Afterward the Bridges were drawen and the gates strongly barred according as they were woont to bée so the Princes entering the great Hall Palmendos diligentlie looked about him thinking eche hower a yeare till the skirmishe were fought in this strong holde thanking the heanens that had so well guided them thither CHAP. XXVIII Howe Palmendos and Ozalio slewe the Captaine of Albayzo Castell and all the Guard that then kept it taking the King of Thessalie forth of the Tower where hee had remained captiue twentie yeeres and what happened to them in the meane while WHen the Captaine of Albayzo Castell who was an honourable olde man and put in chéefe trust with the great Turkes treasure saw his Daughter accompanied with â—…wo such â—…rane Knights hee was thereat exccedingly amazed as if this occurrence had alrâ—…adye presaged the conflicte and crâ—…ell slaughter which was immediatlie to followe in the Castell wherefore he said Why Daughter how chaunceth it that 〈◊〉 are come withâ—…ut your Brother My Lord quoth â—…ee 〈◊〉 desire I had yester-night to sée yée hastened my 〈◊〉 in company of your two Squires my soure waiting Damosels and these two knights who are both Nephews to my nursse where I found them as I passed by that way and héereof bée assured good father that this Knight peinting to Palmendos is one of the most hardie and curteous Gentlemen that euer ye knewe Whereof his victorie in the Tourney at my Brothers mariage hath giuen me euident example as also the honest spéeches he hath vsed to mée this morning declaring his earnest desire to offer you his seruice vnder hope whereof I haue béene his guide â—…ither estéeming the acqâ—…isition of such a man rare of great consequence and will chiefly helpe the strength of your charge He is the better welcome answered the Captaine and in recompence of his good will hee shall commaunde any courtesie at my hand For all these wordes he had other matters in his minde and because his Daughter praised him so much so much the more willinglye could hee haue spared his companyâ—… in the Castell for that his presence made him misâ—…ont and feare some what yet to dissemblâ—… the matter take away all occaston of contrary mistrust with a counterfeit merrie countenaunce he said Goe Daughter and salute thy motber meane while these Knights shal be vnarmed which he spakâ—… to bee assured of their Armour and weapons intending they shold not haue them againe till they were foorth of the Castell But Palmendos hearing these wordes began to misdoubt their interpretation and therefore thought best not to vse anye more spéeches but going with Iffidaes Page into a faire Chamber in stéede of vnarming them selues they clasped on their Helmets and taking their Shields with resolued courage came foorth hauing their good swordes readie drawen Palmendos intending to trie y â— vertue of his enchanted swoord or els to put both their liues in danger The Page séeing this sudden alteratioÌ„ driuen into as great a quandarie as if he had béene new metamorphised began to crie out very pitifully terming this act abhominable and sâ—…elerous distoyaltie where with he ran downe to aduertise the Guard thereof but they themselues were not farre behinde him because Palmendos knew this enterprise was not to bee deferred therefore â—…ee and Ozalio came into the Castell Câ—…urt where they found the Captaine threatning the Guarde that they had so lightly suffered the Knights to enter but they ercused them selueâ—… on Iffida who brought thâ—…m with her wherwith the Captaine turning about and séeing them come in such furie hee cried to the 〈◊〉 saying Take Armes my loyall and faithfull Knights anâ—… let vs mnrther these false villatnes wâ—…o haue beguiled vs sâ—… 〈◊〉 Palmendos hauing instructâ—…d Ozalio to kéepe sure the Gate that none might issue foorth or more reske we â—…ome in remembring his swéete Ladie Francelina determined to die or deliuer her father frem imprisonment Now makes he proofe of his Swoord charmed by the Fairies which as hee lifted about his head caused euerie one that came against them sléepelâ—… to stagger and when they offered to strike with their weapons they fell down as though they had béene in a sound sléepe béeing all in that case depriâ—…ed of their liues both the Captaine the Guard and the rest that could be found except the Turke who guided them by Sea and the Page that came wyth these newes to Iffida saying Alas Madame wee are all betraied by the false Knights that eâ—…tred the Castel with vs right worthy am I of a thousand deaths in that your Father and all the Guarde haue lost their liues by my meanes When Iffida and her mother heard these vncouth newes they came downe as women disâ—…raged of their wits and seeing this lamentable massacre she fell downe on her fathers dead bodie saying Ah my good Lorde and Father pardon mee that was the cause of this thy death and séeing innocently I haue béene so circumâ—…nted by
wife faire and softlie after but when he beheld this woful spectacle and what a butcherie Palmendos Sworde had made his Serâ—…aunts seared he woulde haue followed in this harde fortune Nor can I heare set downe the rufull mones which Ripole made ouer his Father Mother Sister no doubt they were aâ—… strange and yrkesome as this accident but when they had searched through the Castell and foundâ—… nothing wanting but the King of Thessalie they iudged the Authors of this tiranniâ—… to be Christians and that they likewise had caried awaie the Queene Marencida After he had taken order for interring the deade he rode immediatlie toward the great Turke hauing heard of Iffidaâ—…s Nursse all that had past betweene her the two Knights and beeing come before the Emperour he fell at his feete deliuering the signes of an afflicted spirite which onelie sought for grace and mercie At length he declared the subsâ—…aunce of this wreakfull occurrence as well that of Marencida his Maiesties Daughter as the other of hys Fathers death and deliueraunce of the King of Thessalie afâ—…rming his Sister Iffida as onely cause thereof by what traynes she had béene beguiled himselfe béeing altogether innocent of the treason notwithstanding hee freely offered himselfe at his gracious disposition to abide whatsoeâ—…er he would assigne him These wordes so wounded the Turke to the hart as hee remained silent a great while anger had so locked vp the passage of his speeche yet furiously at length starting from his Chayre hee rayled on the Gods starres deuils and all the infernall powers Aâ—… Mahomet quoth he doubtlesse thou art angry with mee or els dost take but little care of thy seruaunts that euermore haue extolled thee aâ—…oue all other Gods and Prophets but much I wonder thou woldest thus forget me vnleâ—…se thou wilt haue mee thinke thée extreamely offended or that the hope is vaine and frustrate which is reposed in thee You starres not inclined to fauour me but rather affecting my totâ—…ll ruine wherin haue I so haynouâ—…y â—…ffended that you shoulde take so sharpe and rigorous vengeaunce on me what may this presage to me héereafter but some great mis-fortune suddaine mutation in Asia yet will I so carefully foresée these affayres as the sedicious performers of this villainie shall not cary it away so lightlie Like sorrowes made this Infidell for his mishap when many of his Knights without attending other commaundement got ready Foystes Gallyes other vessels for warre to pursue the causers of this tragicall accident but their labour was spent in vayne albeit not long after they hearde the trueth of all which procured such hatred betweene the Turkes and the Grecians as they ceased not till with hostilitie they had inuaded Greece But it was not during the raigne of the Emperour Palmerin or anie of his race or next posteritie for while they liued y â— Turkes durst not stirre against them yet long time after when Ottoman a fierce and proude Prince gouerned inâ—…nite â—…uilles happened in Europe where he tooke and sacked many good Cities Townes Castels Now would the great Turke not suffer Ripole to bée further tormented because he was found altogether innocent in y â— action but sent him back to the Castel of Albayzo making him Captain therof as his father was before And long time continued he sad mellanchollie thinking hee had reciued wonderfull dishonour by the losse of his Daughter Marencida nor shold he euer recouer the same til Greece were beaten flat to the grounde and the Emperour Palmerin with all his kindred vtterly destroyed where in these ragings we wil leaue him and returne to our purpose CHAP. XXX Howe Palmendos with his company arriued at Constantinople where the Emperour came receiued them at the Porte VV hat speeches hee had with the Queene Marencida after they were come to the Pallace howe ioyfully likewise the Queene of Thessalie and Francelina her daughter welcommed home the King her father THe Marriners chéerefully hoysing their sailes left the coaste of Turkie and launched into the maine Sea hauing the winde and weather so fauourable as without anie impeachmeÌ„t they attained y â— Bosphor of Thrace where Palmendos sent his Cozin Ozalio before to the Emperour that the King of Thessaliâ—… might bee entertained with honour beséeming so great a Prince Ozalio making spéede in a swift little Pinnesse béeing landed went directly to the Pallace and finding the Emperour in the great Hall conferring with his Lordes â—…bout the enchaunted Birde which that morning had deliuered manie pleasant notes wherfore hee expected some comfortable newes when Ozalio falling on his knée began in this manner Dread Lord I am the seruaunt and freend to the noble Palmendos whose renowne hath héeretofore béen blazed in this Court and he humblie intreateth your highnes by mee that you woulde entertaine the King of Thessalie whom he hath brought from Turkie with such grace and honour as beséemeth his dignitie By this time I thinke they are entred the Hauen in that they were not farre off when I left them I beeing sent before to acquaint your Maiestie heerewith The Emperour excéeding ioyfull at these newes rose and embraced Ozalio very graciouâ—…i and causing all his Knights and Barons to prepare themselues said he would goe to the Port in person to welcom them Right soone were these tydings bruted through the Court wherwith the Empresse her Ladies were highly pleased especially the mourning Quéen of Thessalie for her Husbands returne and faire Francelina for her loouelie freende whose absence made her imagine euery howre a yeere wherfore in haste they got them before to y â— Porte attended on by their Ladies and Gentlewomen where Palmendos being new come on shore with the King thus spake to him Behold my good Lorde your Queene and Daughter who are ioyfullie come to salute your arriuall but when he looked on Francelina the whole quire of heauen was present in his thoughts The Queene verâ—…arnestlie beheld the King her husband when séeing his haire and beard so strangelie ouer-growne beside his skyn and complexion so wonderfully altered as doubtfull in minde she came to him with these wordes Are ye my Lord the king of Thessalie for whom my hart hath suffered excéeding greefe I praie ye resolue me presentlie without holding me in longer suspence in that your deformed estate hath greatlie peruerted my remembraunce Madame aunswered the King it is no meruel though you know me not considering the long time since ye sawe me last which the integrity of our loue hath made vs imagine of greater compasse although the accustomed reuolution of yéeres neither deminish or increase one moment in their naturall course notwithstanding I am the same King your Husband who haue felt more passions for your absence then anguish or torment in my miserable captiuitie But seeing the immortall bountie hath suffered mee once againe to sée you before my foule forsake this passible bodie which was my continuall desire