and his Companions THe Souldan coming near to Duke Alfiron he dismounted and went to kiss his hands but he was raised and welcomed by the Souldan as was also Don Bellianis and his Companions and then the Sophy praising his Vallor to the highest desired a boon of him which he courteously granted but when he told him that it was for him and his Companions to pull off their Helmets and tell him their Names and Qualityes as also that of the Ladyes he was somewhat troubled however he obeyed the Souldan and told him that his Name was the Knight of the Golden Image the other pâ—inting to Don Brianel the Venturous Knight and the other Arsileo Prince and sole Heir of the Kingdom of Rasia and that the Lady was the King of Carcasias Daughter whom they were attending home and then he and his Companions did unâ—ace and pull off their Helmets whereby Don Bellianis did discover one of the loveliest but withall the most magnanimous Countenance that ever was beheld the Souldan embracing him with great affection and now they having joyned Companies they travelled together towards the City of Persepolis Don Gallaneo out of Courtesie and respect leading the Palfrey of the Princess Aurora by the Reins which Don Brianel séeing he performed the same Office for the Princess Persiana and thus did they Travel spending their time in pleasant and familiar conversation till they arrived at the City of Persepolis where they attended the Sophy to his Pallace but although he requested Don Bellianis and his Companions to remain there with him â—et they made their excuses resolving during their stay in that place to continue with Duke Alfiron who retiring to his Pallace gladly received and welcomed them and then Don Bellianis Wounds being dressed and he laid in bed Supper was served to them all with as great magnificence as if they had been entertained at home in the City of Constantinople Don Bellianis being weak with the loss of blood and Wounds he had received against the Knights and Gyants at the Bridge the next day kept his Bed where he was not only visited by Duke Alfiron and his friends but also by the Sophy and Princess Persiana and most of the principal of the Court except Don Gallaneo who was otherwise employed as you shall know by and by Don Bellianis being resolved to serve the Duke Alfiron against Don Gallaneo after the Duke had acquainted him with his Love to the Princess and other private affairs Don Bellianis told him that if he would be ruled by him he would find a Way to destroy his Rival Don Gallaneo and put him in possession of the Princess the Duke joyfully received the proposition and thereupon Don Bellianis advised the manner to be thus That it should be given out that he being sorely Wounded could not be the next day at the Iousts and Tournaments that were to be held at the intended Wedding of Gillaneo and the Princess but that he would kéep his Bed but that however he was resolved to be there to kill Don Gallaneo and to bring the Princess to such place as the Duke should appoint and to the end they might accomplish their design the better the Duke should cause a party of his Knights to advance before on â—he Way whether they intended that they might be freshly ready to assist them upon occasion Although the Duke doubted much to come off well in this attempt yet he was resolved to try his fortune and in all things to obey Don Bellianis whilst they were in this conference the Sophy and his Daughter entred who kindly saluted the wounded Prince and there the Duke had the opportunity to confer with the Princess Persiana and receive fresh assurances of her good Will and affection she giving him a Scarf of her own making as a favour and wishing that the day of her Nuptials had béen with him he finding her so flexible acquainted her with the design of himself and Don Bellianis for gaining her which she well approved of and having the conveniency of speaking with Don Bellianis alone she discovered her mind to him and he also acquainted her with his intention and resolution to serve her but she séeing him so Wounded doubted of his performance however he assured her that he was able enough and would not be wanting in excuting what he had promised and in this assurance she left him to attend the Sophy her Father who now having performed his visits to all departed Whilst this design was contriving and concluding on at the Pallace of the Duke against Don Gallaneo he was not idle but was also contriving mischief against Don Bellianis for consulting with his Cousin Don Galfeo the unknown and believing that the Knight of the Golden Image was one of those that fought against him at Constantinople they therefore concluded him to be their Enemy and that he came thither for their harm and damage wherefore it was agréed that Don Bellianis being sick of his Wounds Don Galfeo should the next day when all the Dukes Knights were at the Iousts and he left in Bed alone with five hundred Knights search the Dukes Pallace and kill him whilst that Don Gallaneo himself should in the time of the Iousts destroy and kill his Companions and thus they resolved to rid themselves of their supposed Enemies and to this purpose they that Night put things in order to execute their intention the next day CHAP VI. How the Tourney being begun of the danger the Adventurous Knight and Arsileo were in by Don Gallaneo's Knights how Don Bellianis defended himself in the Dukes Pallace from Galfeo and slew him there and how he going out of Persepolis relieved two Damsels from certain Knights und how he slew the Dragon of the Riphean Wood. THe next day which was the appointed time for the solemnizing the Nuptials between Don Gallaneo and the Princess Persiana being come all these great and Royal Personages dressed themselves in their richest habiliments but the Princess excéeded them all not only in gorgeous and Rich apparel but in the multitude of Iewels that adorned her which were although very rich and numerous yet did her fair beautiful eyes exceed them all in brightness and lustre and being attended by many Kings and Queens Dukes and Dutchesses and other Royal Personages she was conducted to the Temple where according to the custome of her Countrey she was married to Don Gallaneo The good Duke Alfiron was much troubled hereat but he was in great hopes before that day was spent by the assistance of his good friends Don Bellianis and his Companions to have her in his Possession and to that end he had put all things in the best order he could being accompanied with the two Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty who were his Friends and were attended by twenty five thousand Knights yet were these and all his own but a small number in comparison of those that were of the Souldans Court and
without a Head but I am to render you infinite thanks for your so resolute answer to his Ambassadors not questioning but some considerations of me the meanest of your servants occasioned you to return that answer Sir said she I never had any inclination for that Prince for his person does not please me and besides that there is such an antipathy in my nature to any one of the Family of Trebizond though never so well accomplish'd that I should have refused him but were there presented to me the most accomplish'd person for vertues and magnanimity and were he likewise sole Potentate of the whole Earth set in competition to you Sir and were you but a bare Knight-errant my choice should quickly testifie that the love I have promised to you is not counterfeir but absolutely real He hearing her in these tearms fell down on his knées and strictly embracing hers exped out Ah Madam how do you undo your creature with heaping so much blessings upon him which in all his life although spent in your service can never merit The Princess Mattarosa séeing them in these terms commanded him to arise and leave off these impertinent precestations for faith she I am consident you are both so well satisfied of each others affections that these words are impertinent and must néeds give you both some sensible trouble They very well knowing that she spake a great deal of reason fell from this discourse to some other as what order he intended to take in his Expedition To which he replyed That he intended the next day to be upon the march with those Forces that were already raised and go méet the Enemy if possible in his own Quarters and so hinder him from hurting the Countrey To which the Princess was somewhat unwilling to give him leave to depart so soon but he telling her that the sooner he went it was most probable he should return the sooner and that during his absence he would send his trusty Dwarf with Letters to the Princess Mattarosa to be delivered to her and under that pretence Answers might be sent without any suspition These things being concluded of and he taking his hearty Fare wel both of her and her Cousin after many amorous Salutes he departed to his own Lodging and so he went to take his ordinary repose The next day he was up early in the morning and the two Knights Of Hope and The Flaming Sword desired that they might be admitted to wait on him in this Expedition to which request he being sufficiently satisfied of their Valor assented and gave them doth sufficient Commands tinder him which when he had done he sent for the Prince of Numidia and they after some Conference together resolved immediately to master all the Forces that was then in the City which they having done found that there was eighty thousand men And Don Bellianis resolving to be gone divided the Forces into two parts and took under his Command fifty thousand men knowing that the Forces of his Companion would increase dayly and therefore commanding them all to be in readiness that Afternoon he repaired to the Souldan and desir'd his leave to depart telling him that old Maxim in War That the least delay Spreads Palms and scatters Roses in Rebellions way The Souldan after he had heard his reasons gave consent giving him a large Commission to raise Forces all the way he should go and promising to send him more Aid with all the expedition that might he Thus this brave Martialist taking his leave of the Souldan and Ladies departed from that great City and that evening marching ten miles to a little Town where for that might he took up his Quarters CHAP. XXIII How Don Bellianis marching towards Trebizond and increasing his Army arrived at last near to his Enemies Camp EArly the next morning did Don Bellianis arise and caused the Drums Trumpets and all other Warlike Instruments to sound a March which Command being accordingly obeyed they advanced forwards but he was much hindred in his Marches by reason of the great quantity of Forces that still came in to him so that before he had marched one hundred and fifty miles his Army was one hundred thousand men compleat at which he was very joyful and therefore he made all the expedition possible to méet the Enemy before be should be come cut of his own Kingdom But the Emperor of Trebizond having carried on his business with great privary had gotten his Forces together and mustring two hundred thousand men besides many fierce and strong Gyants he was advanced with his Army very far and was come into part of the Dominions of the Souldan of Babylon before he heard the News of the Souldans being returned which did somewhat trouble him but however he resolved to go on and not leave his Enterprize unattempted Wherefore hearing of the approaches of his Enemies Forces he sent to sée what number they were and who had the commanding of them The Messenger returning to him told him that the Souldans Forces consisted of one hundred thousand men and that they were conduced by a famous Knight called The Knight of the Golden Image Hearing this news he was somewhat discontented thereat for he had béen in the Wars betwéen the Souldan of Persia and the Duke Alfiron and there he had both heard and séen the valiant Aas of the Knight of the Golden Image but however he resolved to persist in his Enterpriâ—e and like a good and hardy Knight to go forward and endeavor to give his Enemy battel before he should increase his Forces not questioning but thorow the magnanimity of his own Valor and that of his Knights and Gyants under his Command he should be able to encounter his Enemy with good advantage and considering he had double his number he might vanquish and overcome his Forces before Aid came to him wherefore he hearing that he was within a days march of his Enemy caused his Army the next morning to march forwards intending that if his Enemy continued his march to joyn Battel with him Don Bellianis likewise hearing that his Enemy came forward advanced apace being resolved as well as he to give him Battel that day if it were possible but when they approached near to one another their men were so wearied with that days travel that before they could put them in any good order bring up the Rear of their Armies the evening came on so that they were both forced to alter their resolutions and therefore they both encamped themselves in sight of one another and all that night both Armies made great Fires so that it was an artificial day now and then running into one anothers Camp in small parties and doing some barm but the morning approaching they let the Fires go out and Don Bellianis caused them all to prepare themselves for the Battel and so they did encouraging one another in the best sort that might be resolving to lose all their lives ere
the Fight continued so long gave the Emperor so mighty a blow on the arm that he wounded him so mightily that his sword fell out of his hand which Don Bellianis seeing and intending to redouble his blow was prevented for many valiant Knights who had till then stood still séeing their Prince in so great danger went and succored him and in despight of Don Bellianis carried him away to his Tent where when his woâ—â—ds were dressed he would have entred the Fight again but his Chirurgeons would not in any wise permit it Thus the absence of the Emperor caused Don Bellianis and his party to prevail but although he behaved himself with great valor and killed many Knights and Giants yet their great numbers still freshly coming on in the end tired him so that when the night approached he having continued the Battel all that day he withdrew his men and contented himself with what he had done for the next morning having taken an account of the numbers that he had lost he found that he wanted but fiftéen thousand men when on the enemies part were slain at least fifty thousand men That day the Knights of Hope and of the Flaming Sword did perform bravely and not having ever béen in any Battel before they by the example of their General performed excellently both in commanding and executing and the Prince of Mesopotamia though a most valiant Knight and much against his will this day performed nothing for he remained where his General had commanded him and there was no occasion to use that force that was under his command till it was night and then they retreated in good order to the place where he was placed and there taking up their quarters expected the aproach of the next mornings sun to renew their fight News was soon carried every where of the good fortune of the Knight of the Golden Image and the forces under his command and how that in single Combate he had so wounded the Emperor of Trezibond in the arm that he was forced to leave the fight and of those other advantages that he had gotten which caused many more of the Souldan of Babylons Subjects to come in unto him and the next day there arrived a fresh supply of fifty thousand men from the Prince of Numidia with promise and assurance that he himâ—elf would within few days be with him in the head of one hundred thousand men and then they did not question but they should be able to expel their enemies out of the Countrey But Don Bellianis believing that he had Forces enough already to perform that withouâ— any new Additions resolved to try the fortune of another day with his whole Army resolving to die or drive his enemies out of the field In this resolution he continued and therefore gave order that all should be in readiness to fall upon their enemies whensoever he should command them On the other side the Emperor of Trebizond was much discontented at the wound he had receiv'd but resolv'd that should not hinder him from fighting in his own person in the next Battel which he intended should be within two days for by that time he expected a recruit of fifty thousand men which were already raised and onely staid behind to expect his Command for them to advance which Forces he sent for with this resolution that as soon as they were come to him he would again hazard another Field-battel but he was hindered of â—is purpose for Don Bellianis according to his resolution he had already taken did engage him and all his Forces in another Field battel before the arrival of his other Forces as shall be she wed you at large in the Chapter following CHAP. XXV How Don Bellianis fought another Battel with the Emperor of Trebizond and how he forced him to leave the Field and how he followed him into his own Countrey TWo hours before day the next morning did Don Bellianis without any noise of Trumpets or other warlike Instruments leave his own Camp and with his whole Forces marched to assault his Enemies who having kept a strict Watch took the Alarm but before they could put themselves in a readiness Don Bellianis and his Forces had sacrificed the lives of above twenty thousand men The Emperor of Trebizond being enraged at this supprisal soon called for his Armor and having arm'd himself therewith and being mounted on a lusty Courser soon revenged himself of some of his Enemies for before he brake his Lance he dismounted above twenty Knights and being accompanied with twenty fierce Gyants who were appointed for his Guard by reason of the last days misfortune they with their broad and sharp cutting Cymetars and Battel ares made a woful destruction to what place soever they came present death followed to those that resisted them at length they met with the Prince of Mesaporamia who having bin idle all the last battel was resolved to make amends in this days combate and went with a Guard of a hundred Knights killing and forcing their ways throw their enemies Camp him and his Knights did the Emperor and his Gyants assail and betwéen them hapned a bloody Conflict for the Gyants being of the best in the whole Army had presently slain above twenty of his Knights which so enraged the Mesapotamian that maugre all their resistance he sent two of their black souls immediately to accompany his Knights and fiercely breaking through the midst of them he ran against the Emperor with great advantage for be well night dismounted him from his horse for he not being provided for the encounter was forced to catch hold of his horse neck to save himself from falling At which assault he recovering himself and being enraged with his sword gave his adversary so mighty a blow on the Helmet that he bent his head to the horses neck and would have soon dispatched him of his life but that the Knight of Hope came timely enough to prevent him and so received the blow and returned it so fiercely on the Emperor that he was wounded on the Thigh and by this time the Prince of Mesapotamia had recoveerd his senses and finding the danger he was delivered from was first thankful to the heavens and then revenged himself on one of the Giants who was next him whose arm he cut off and wounded him so in the side that his life was sacrificed to his revenge Thus the Battel was in this part of the field but the Knight of the Golden Image and the Knight of the Flaming Sword kéeping company with one another made very great havock of their enemies and being followed by a great party of valiant Knights gave the enemy so terrible an On set that after two hours contention they fled and left the field having first left it thickly strewed with the dead bodies of the Emperors Forces Don Bellianis pursued him so long that in the end they came to a great River and séeing that death was both before and
behind them they made a stand and bravely resisted him and all his Forces where they fought so desperately that the streams of the River which were wont to be of a christal hue were now by means of the great slaughter was there made become of a sâ—arlet dy All this while the Emperor and his Giants with great part of his Forces were engaged as I told you with the Prince of Mesapotamia and the Knight of Hope where though they on both sides performed miracles yet in the end in despight of all the resistance he could make after the death of many of his Giants and a very great slaughter of his men was likewise forced to retreat which he did with a great deal of sobriety hoping that the other part of his Army was in better case than that which he commanded But he was not long without the knowledge of what had hapned to them and hearing that they were engaged at the River side he then commanded some of the most valiant of the Giants to make good the Retreat with the best advantage and the least loss they could while he himself went in all haste to his Forces hoping by his presence to put new courage into their brests When he came to them he found that they had made a mighty resistance and that the Fight was very bloody wherefore that he might exercise the part of a discréet General and bring them off with the least loss he knowing that there was a Bridge not far off sent to possess it which when he had done he commanded his Army to retire thither as fast as they could he himself with the most valiant Knights of his whole Army making good the Rear as well as they could but notwithstanding all the diligence and valor that they could use Don Bellianis and the Knights with him plied their business so well that ere they got over the River many of them lost their lives At length they got to the other side of the River and in despight of Don Bellianis and all his Forces they cut down the Bridge so that there was no way for him and his forces to follow them This being done he left a strong Guard at the Rivers side and then return'd to the place where the Emperor had encamped where they found great Treafure for so great was their haste in their retreat that they had not timeto take any thing with them All the Booty of the Emperors Camp he gave to the Souldiers which gave them a great satisfaction and caused them ever to have a great estéem of him This being done he dispatched Messengers to inform the Souldan of what he had done not forgetting to write to his Dear Princess the remembrance of whom made him the more desirous to put an end to these wars that he might solace his spirits in her company The Emperor of Trebizond being thus forced to leave the field and séeing that Fortune was a little contrary to him yet being of an extraordinary courage resolved still to persevere in his enterprise and not to leave off basely hoping in the end to attain his desires and in order to the strengthning and recruiting his forces he sent tommands to those Forces that were be hind to await his coming to a City called Pharez which was the first City in his Empire which being accordingly done one evening leaving some horsemen at the Rivers side he raised his Camp and departed to Pharez and the next day those that he had left behind at the water followed him He thus being arrived at the City fortifi'd it both within and without and sent throughout his Empire to all places for help resolving to make that place the seat of war for else he knew that the Souldans Forces would follow him further The next day after their departure Don Bellianis was informed thereof by those be had left at the water side wherfore he marched down thither but do what he could it was two days before he could mend the Bridge which the Emperor of Trebizond had caused to be broken which when he had done he passed over with his whole Army resolving to pursue his enemy which he did accordingly and thus in good order he marched till he arriâ—ed near the City of Pharez where he saw that the Enemy had made strong entrenchments without the Town so that all he did at present was to encamp himself near them which when he had done he prepared to give them an assault which he did as shall be shewed you in the Chapter following CHAP. XXVI How the Emperor of Trebizond being besieged in the City of Pharez sent Ambassadors to Albania Georgia Muscovia and several other Kings his Allies to help him in his Wars with the Souldan of Babylon and how Don Bellianis assaulted his Forces that were encamped without the City DOn Bellianis being very desirous to do all that might be possible for the overcoming of his enemy before any other help came to him that he might acquire the more honor thereby resolved to set upon his enemies Camp that was without the City and if possible force them to retire into the City that he might lay a close Siege thereto and so hinder them from going abroad for provisions In order to which resolution after his men had rested themselves he commanded them to provide to assault their enemies On the other side the Emperor resolving to abide him there fook care for fresh supplies for he not onely sent through all his own Dominions for more help but likewise sent Ambassadors to those Kings that were either his Friends or of his Alliance such as were the Kings of Albania Georgia and the Emperor of Musoovia desiring them not to fail him in this occasion and the Ambassadors who went made such expedition and had such good success in their Embassies that the Emperor had great assistance as you shall hear herafter In the mean time knowing that he had not onely a valiant but a politick enemy to deal with he kept strict Guards hoth within and without the City lest he should be surprized Don Bellianis notwithstanding all the diligence he took did surprize him for having drawn out a Squadron of sifty thousand Knights the most accomplish'd in the whole army caused them to put a piece of white silk or cloth in their Helmets that then might know one another though in the dark and in the middle of the night when his enemies expected no such matter he came to the Camp and killing the Centinels fell in among the Emperors Forces and slew many of them before they could arm themselves and such was their confusion in the dark that they without knowltdge slew one another not knowing their enemies from their friends by reason of the darkness of the night and their not being acquainted with his stratagem In this manner he run through the Camy and being followed by the best of his Army came to the walls of the City desiring them to
he fell into my hands at such a time that I could not in point of Honor kill him wherefore he shall come and receive his Doom from your own mouth and I am indifferent whether you give him life or death so you will pronounce so favourable a Sentence for me that I may enjoy that with your good will which he would have compelled you to Madam I hope and partly expect your performance of this not for any merit or desert of my own but out of the excess of goodness and mercy the Gods have so plentifully endued you withal Madam I shall now cease writing till I come to your presence but be confident of this that I shall never cease to be The humblest of your Servants Don Bellianis The Princess was sufficiently satisfied in the receipt of this Letter but she hoped for a further satisfaction in that of his presence which she expected in a few days and was glad she had used the late discourse with her Mother Thus was both Court and City in great content and the Souldan the next day went out of the City accompanied by his Nobility and many others to méet the Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions CHAP. XXV How the Souldan of Babylon met the Prince Don Bellianis and his Companions and how they all arrived at the City of Babylon WIth great content and pleasure did the Souldan and all his Company ride to méet Don Bellianis and all his Companions who were all merry and jocund for the good fortune they had in vanquishing their Enemies but he who was best pleased was Don Bellianis himself in that now he was so near the presence of his Honorable Lady at whose hands he hoped to receive so much favor as would sufficiently satisfie him for all his pains and travel Thus did they all ride on when coming within half a days Iourney of Babylon a Messenger came to them to inform them that the Souldan himself in person and several of his Grandâ—es and Nobility were in the way coming to méet them At which Nâ—ws they all put themselves in order to receive him and so in very good order they marched forwards Don Bellianis being mounted on a stately Horse came in the Front riding betwéen his two Princely Brothers Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore next to them came the four valiant Knights Contumeliano of Pheâ—icia Florispiano of Swevia Peter of Ireland and Trion Knight of the Wolf and all the rest of the other Knights and great Personages in good order In this equipage and order did they march when the Souldan and his Followers met them At the sight of whom Don Bellianis lightly leaping from his Horse marched on foot to the Souldan who séeing him dismaunted did likewise alight and Don Bellianis falling on his knée humbly desired the Souldan to permit him to kiss his hands but the Souldan refusing that caused him to arise and then the other Knights being come together the Souldan having embraced Don Bellianis with much affection in the sight of all those many worthy Personages then in the hearing of them all he said as followeth Most Mighty Prince We have great Cause to be thankful to the Gods for the Mercy they have shewed us in sending you into this Countrey at a time when we were in so great distress for without your presence we had all e're this time bin in so great a strait that our fortunes nay our very lives had been in very great hazard there is none of us here but if he enjoys Wife Children or Estate or Liberty is obliged to you for the protection thereof so that this whole Empire is of right belonging to you it having been so marvellously protected and miraculously defended by your invincible Valor Therefore most noble Prince as all We have or enjoy is absolutely your Right to possess so let us know what or how We shall make you some satisfaction As for our own part Our Self Our Empress and Our Daughter shall be wholly at your dispose and we shall all joyfully obey your just Desires or Commands knowing that the Gods who have endowed you with so much Valor have certainly bestowed on you the like quantity of Vertue and therefore most Noble Prince I beseech you let us know your desires and they shall be absolutely performed and obeyed Don Bellianis held his peace with very much difficulty being very unwilling to hear the Souldan go on in such Commendations of him but withâ—l he was unwilling to disturb him till he had done but so soon as he saw he had ended his Discourse he thus replyed Most redoubted Souldan I am very sorry that I should give your Highness so much trouble as to come thus far to meet your poor Servants but much more discontented and ashamed that you should here before this Noble Company heap so many commendations on me who have acted the least of all this Company but if I had done any thing worthy of note it is no more than I am bound by the Order of Knighthood and the Bonds of Civility and true Vertue to do for what I have done bath been to relieve the oppressed and nothing but Justice with which Actions the Heavens are pleased we should exercise our selves and for that end are we created one bare acknowledgment is a sufficient recompense but what I have performed has been by vertue of the Commands of that Incomparable Princess your Daughter who hath made me so happy as to admit me to be her Servant and in whose just quarrel I shall dare to do any thing that she shall further command me not questioning but her goodness will give me a reward sufficient and if you please to let me continue her Servant and give me freedom in that I shall esteem my self in the greatest height of happiness To this the Souldan replied Prince of Greece I am so far satisfied in my Daughters minde that she has not onely a great esteem of your Vertues but also an affection for your Person and if you are pleased with her and think the enjoyment of her Person will be any recompence for your great Labors be confident that you may have a free possession thereof and we shal think our selves happy that we can have so brave a Prince for our Son in Law by whose power and magnanimity we question not but we shall be able to defend this Empire Don Bellianis having heard this immediately fell on his knées and notwithstanding all the resistance of the Souldan kissed his hand and straitly embracing him in most humble manner Ah Mighty Sir What Thanks or Rerurns am I able to make for this so immense and most desirable Favour were I possessed of the whole Worlds Empire I should yet esteem my self too mean a person to enjoy so great a happiness as that of the Person of your most Incomparable Daughter whose rare Perfections command all the Potentates in the whole World to be at her dispose And Sir assure your self that
had a great loss by it for several believing that now they should be again inclosed within the City walls chose rather to flée away or fall into their Enemies hands and so they did and also the Camp of the Numidian was much inriched by the plunder of the Field Thus was the fortune of the Wars altered and what this valiant Princess had béen some moneths in gathering together was in one day separated or vanqâ—ished The next day upon a view of the Field there were an hundred thousand Men slain on both sides but it was supposed two thirds of them were of the Princesses party but she who began with less Forces then now she had was not so much discouraged as to despair but hoped for a better day and in expectation thereof was content with her present fortune In order to the management of her Affairs she sent out to raise Forces not only in all the Dominions of her Brother but she also sent to all her Allies which were so many and they so forward in her assistance that she questioned not but in short time she should be in condition to take the Field again till when she made several excursions and notwithstanding all that the Prince of Numidia could do to hinder her yet she several times got in some Recruits with all necessary provision and he indéed was so concerned for her ever since that fatal day whereon he disarmed her head that he knew not what to think of it but in the end he discovered that the little god Cupid had wounded him so déeply that he must be conquered and yield to those whom he had conquered But the relation of that and other transactions that happened upon that account being many and various I shall here conclude referring the prosecution of them to a new Chapter CHAP. III. How the Prince of Numidia being enamoured of the Princess Floreza sends her a Letter to acquaint her therewith which she civilly answereth She and the City of Pharez is relieved by the arrival of Perisano Knight of the Panther with sixty thousand men and he is reinforced by the arrival of the Knight of Hope and an hundred thousand men The Knight of the Panther being her former Lover now endeavors to gain her by fair or foul means He promises to perform wonders but attempting the Army of the Prince of Numidia is beat back with loss The Princess Florisbella is brought to bed of a Son named Meridian and a Daughter named Clarinda who are threatned by a Prophecy The arrival of the young Princesses Aurora of Antioch and Belliana of Shyraz to be bred up with the two young Princes who being brought out on a solemnity are carried away by a strange inchantment ALthough the Prince of Numidia had gained great advantage over the Princess Floreza in the precedent Battle yet he could not much brag of his conquests he himself being wounded by the eyes of Floreza more déeply then she had wounded him in the body but the wound on his body was sooner cured then that he had received at his heart for at an instant her beauty was so powerful that it pierced his Armor and gave him an incurable wound He being sensible of his ill fortune complained to the great god Mars that he had permitted him who was his absolute Votary to be overcome by that little god Cupid But considering the all-powerful charms of Venus who oftentimes inforced Mars himself to submit to her was resolved to be content and since he was wounded to indeavor a remedy There was none capable to cure him but she alone that wounded him and he know her to be his enemy but however believing her to be as generous as she was fair and couragious he took pen ink and paper and writ these lines to her The Letter of the Prince of Numidia to the Princess of Trebizond Madam ALthough fortune declared her self to be somewhat on our side by giving us somewhat the better against you on the last day of Battle yet you have made the greater Conquest and indeed how could it be otherwise since you come so doubly armed not only with Sword and Lance but also with what is more powerful then either and is indeed more conquering then all the weapons in the World your Fair Eyes whose rayes are so subtilly penetrating that they pierce the choieest Armor the truth of this I have experienced by the effects and must confess my self your Captive Indeed we have the honour of keeping the Field which you quitted and found some Trophies there which were considerable but all to me is inconsiderable in respect of that glorious Scarf which I obtained of you and which I prize above all else I could have purchased I hope Madam since I won it in the Field you will give me leave to wear it as a glorious Trophy and not to take it as other people may do that I wear it in sign of victory over you when as all my ambition in having the honour of wearing it is to signifie that I fight under your colours although this may seem to be a paradox yet assure your self of the truth of it and setting aside the trust I have of commanding the Forces of my Uncle I should come immediately and present my Person to be commanded by you Madam consider my condition with you and consider my quality with my Uncle and command me any thing which you think is generously fit to be done and assure your self you shall command Baltazano of Numidia This Letter was conveyed to the Princess who received it of the Messenger with much civility and being told from whence it come and expecting that there was some State matters in it she directed the Messenger to stay till the next morning and then she would return him an answer He waited accordingly and the morning being come and he receiving a Letter went presently to his Tent where breaking open the seal he found these lines The Letter of the Princess Floreza to the Prince Baltazano Sir Knight YOur Letter hath very much surprized me for I expected somewhat in it in order to the prosecution of the old War and you propose a new one it were necessary that the first were finished before any treaty of the second for how can I think you to be my Friend when you are in arms in my own Country against our Subjects and have already sacrificed so many of their lives to your ambition of Empire You may answer that the War was begun by my Brother and prosecuted by you as an Enemy to him but I cannot take him to be my Friend who is his Enemy As for your generosity in offering your service to me I thank you and found you friendly when in arms I took you for an Enemy If you are obliged to serve and be true to your Uncle who hath intrusted you with his Army I have a double obligation on the same account for I am not only intrusted by the
THE Famous and Delectable HISTORY OF Don Bellianis of Greece OR THE HONOUR OF CHIVALRY Containing His Valiant Exploits strange and dangerous Adventures with his admirable love to the Princesses FLORISBELLA Daughter to the SOULDAN of BABILOND Now newly writen by Francis Kirkman LONDON Printed for Francis Kirkman and are to be Sold by most Book-sellers 1673. To the READER READER THou hast now in thy hand a History both Ancient Famous Pleasant and Delightful and in one Word it is equal too if not exceeds all or any of the Books of this Nature that were ever Written in the English Tongue It being properly called The Honour of Chivalry As indeed it is an Honour to all the other Books of this Quality and now you have it Compleat in three Parts without any expectation of any Alteration or Addition I my self have been so great a Lover of Books of this Nature that I have long since read them all and therefore shall give thee some Account of my experience that may be both Pleasant and Profitable to thee As first I tell thee be thou of what Age or Sex soever it is convenient for thee to read these sorts of Historyes if thou art Young begin now or else when thou comest to be Old and hast any leisure and if one of these Books chances into thy hand thou wilt be so pleased with it that read them thou must and be in danger to be laughed at by those of the Younger sort who having already read them and bâ—â—â— past that Knowledge Laugh at thy Ignorance For I have known several grave Citizens who having formerly minded the many matters of the World hath not only forborn reading themselves but forbid their Children so to do as being a vain and Idle matter and loss of time yet these very men in their latter dayes having met with a Part of this History or that of the Famous Parismus have fallen so much in love with them that they have become conceitedly Young and Amorous and so highly pleased that they have run through all the Books of this Nature and Quality This is a certain Truth therefore I say begin to Read and that presently and to the end thou mayest Read with the more Profit and Delight I will set down some of my Observations and give thee some Order and Method that thou mayest proceed in First I recommend to thee a Book called The Seven Wise Masters which is a very pleasant Collection of variety of that Witty History and for the more Pleasure of the Young Reader there is Pictures fitted to every particular History This Book is of so great esteem in Ireland that next to the Horn-Book and Knowledge of Letters Children are in general put to Read in this and I know that only by this Book several have learned to Read well so great is the pleasure that Young and Old take in Reading thereof Next to that I recommend an other Book called Fortunatus which is one entire Story both Pleasant and Profitable and also well fitted with Pictures after thou hast read these proceed to this Famous History of Don Bellianis of Greece which I am sure will highly content thee for I have purposely fitted the second and third Parts with Storyes acted and done in England and Ireland Next to this Read the Historyes of Parismus and Parismenos Mountelion Knight of the Oracle And Ornatus and Artesia these I place together being all three written originally in English by one Person who indeed composed them very Ingeniously After these proceed to Valentine and Orson which is a Famous History Of the Famous King Pippin of France and his twelve Peers and of the Emperor of Constantinople his Brother and their Children who were Renowned Knights of their times Next read the Seven Champions of Christendome which tells you who those Famous Champions St. George St. David St. Andrew and St. Patrick and the rest of them were and much of their lives Renowned Actions and Deaths Then read the History of the Destruction of Troy which acquaints you with the Original nature of all the Heathen Gods Goddesses as Saturn Jupiter Pluto Mars Neptune Ceres Juno Proserpine Venus and the Renowed Heroes Hercules Hector and the rest With an Account of the Building ten years Siege and Destruction of the ever Famous City of Troy and by reading of this Book you will be enabled to understand any peece of Poetry wherein all sorts of Poets so often name the old Gods and Goddesses and their numerous off-Spring There are not many more Books of this nature Written originally English therefore you may for varietyes sake read them also as Fragosa and his three Sons Bevis of Southampton Tom of Lincolne with the Red Rose Knight Dorastus and Fawnia and a few others There are more of these sorts of Historyes which I also advise you to read as The Mirrour of Knight hood in nine Parts Many having read these are so well pleased that they are desirous of more and importunate to have them but I can assure them and you that there are no more in English nor any other Language as I could ever see or hear off although I have been curious in my search and enquiry Besides these there are Palmerin D' Oliva in three Parts Primaleon of Greece in three Parts Palmerin of England in three Parts Palmendos in one All these are one continued History of an Emperor of Constantinople Palmerin D' Oliva his Son Primaleon and Grandson Palmerin of England and others and therefore to be read in this order I have named them Then you may read the Famous History of Amadis de Gaule which is in six Parts in English a History so Famous and in its time so well accepted off that I have seen about thirty Parts thereof in French Spanish Italian Dutch and other Languages we have but six Parts in English and you are beholding to me for one of them with the sixth which I above twenty years since translated out of French meerly out of my love to that History but I hereby gained the knowledge of the French Tongue which I learned only by that means All these with The Mirrour of Knight hood Palmenus and Amadis's and several others as the four Sons of Aymon Arthur of Great Brittain Arthur of Little Brittain and the History of Mervine are translations and are now grown so scarce that you can hardly purchase them and yet they are not worth the Printing agen being now out of use and esteem by an other sort of Historyes which are called Romances some whereof are written originally in English as namely that Incomparable Book of its time called The Countess of Pembrokes Arcadia Gods Revenge against Murther Beutevolio and Vrania The Princesse Clavia Parthenissa and a few others the rest which indeed are both many in number and exceed all but the last named Parthenissa in worth and quality are translations out of French and other Languages as namely Astrea Polexander Eromena
the Duke but he would not hear of any such matters resolving to kéep the Duke Prisoner till the return of his Son Perianeo whom he daily expected and then to put him to death so that he would not yield to his delivery The Princess Aurora being in readiness to depart would however take leave of the Souldan and therefore going to his Palace and being in his presence she holdly told him That instead of Courtesies which she expected from so mighty a Prince she had received injuries He answered her very courteously but withal as obstinately as before refusing tâ— do any thing but what was his own will which Don Arselio who was present hearing he could not forbear some threatning Language but she Souldan replyed he nothing estéemed him nor his Companions nor their power but commanded him to speak no more but instantly to be gone cut of his Dominions He would have replyed but the Princess would not permit and so taking leave they left the City being accompanyed six Miles of their way by the chiefest Nobility of the place who then returned and that Evening the Prince Arselio did so likewise where he put things in a posture to be executed the next Evening commanding all the men for the more commodious execution of their design to kéep their Rondezvous at the King of Armenias Palace The Souldan though he was thus resolute yet was he not-without his great care fear and troubles hardly trusting any person with his Watch and Centinels whom he in person often disited His Daughter the Princesse was likewise much troubled at her Fathers willfulness but she was in hopes to be redéemed out of his Power by the Kinght of the Golden Image and his Companiens The next day was all the Knights Mustered by Arselio Don Brianel and the two Kings who caused them all to be mounted expecting further Order Don Billianis his Armor was by his Dwarf carried to the place where the Princess Aurora stayed And now these Troops having the word Phoenicâ—â— given to them marched to the Palace there they began their assault most resolutely but were by the Souldan's Forces resisted as stoutly it was the beginning of the night and they could not sée one another but they had also their Word whereby they distinguished one another The entrance into the Palace was so strongly Guarded that although Don Brianel Arselio did their best yet could not they force their passage Don Billianis in the mean time was not idle for he having heard the Alarum only armed with his good Sword descended the stairs to go out but he was set upon by the Guard the Captain intendod him a great blow but he received it on his Sword and cut off one of the Captains Legs and pulled his Shield from his Arm which he having fastned to his own now was so hold with his Enemies that he can upon them and in short time had killed thirty of the boldest The rest running away he them plucking the Armour of one of the dead Knights Armed himself therewith and issuing out of the Prison entred the Palace where he saw the Souldan by the light of many Torches who with a Troop of Knights was going to defend the entrance of the Palace Don Billianis séeing him made up towards him and with a lous cry cryed out Behold false Souldan your greatest Enemy it is I The Knight of the Golden Image who am come to take Vengeance on you for your injustice towards me Great was the amazements and fear of the Souldan and his Knights who put themselves in order to defend their Lord But Don Billianis maugure their multitudes flew amongst them like a Wolfe amongst a flock of Shéep and made them flée away as fast and the Souldan himself dreading the danger made his escape out at a Window into a back Garden but he was much bruised with the fall as also were the rest that followed him Don Billianis lest them to sée how his Companions fared but that the Souldans men defended the staires he therefore assaulted them behind with such violence that they thinking themselves encompassed on both sides with numerous Enemies some fled and others lost their lives in their defence Don Billianis and Arselio went to the Princess Persiana's Quarters and seized on her and some of her Damosels forcing them away with them but they were met by Don Brianel and Duke Alfrian who had béen delivered by him and was now come to sée the Princess who was very joyful at his fight and now all being finished that was intended the Retreat was sounded but they could hardly be oblieged the Souldiers being engaged in plundering the Palace but they were drawn off and by Don Billianis's Command Marched away towards the Duke's Country he and all the rest of the Company marching the next day to the place where they were stayed for by the Princess Aurora And now great was the joy of the two Princess Persiana and Aurora and of Duke Alfrian and indéed all the rest that their project had so well taken and that they were so far out of the Souldans power and many thanks was returned to Don Billianis for the great service he had done them the two Kings were also with him and resolved to continue their assistance in all things If the Knights and Ladies were pleased with their Victory the Souldan was as much displeased at his loss and his grief was increased when he understood that Duke Alfrian was released and that his Daughter the Princess Persiana was taken away He was carried out of the Garden into his Bed where he was almost distracted with grief and anger He called for a Conzen of his who was named Caroliano and who indéed was a very valiant Knight him he commanded to raise all the Forces he could in the City and pursue his enemies and bring back his Daughter Caroliano in obedience to his Commands did all that he could upon so sudden a warning and soon Mustered together forty thousand men who being armed he led out of the City They kept no Order in their Marcht but made all possible haste to overtake their enemies before they should get into their own City and there vs Fortified and Relieved They made a half at one City by the way and intended to stay there all night but being informed that the Duke and his party intended by the next day at Noon to be within his own City of Bollera they altered their intention and Marched on all night hoping to prevent them and by break of day he espyed them at which sight he caused Trumpets to be sounded Don Billianis hearing this and looking behind séeing so great a Company supposed them to be what they were Enemies and although their Troop was far less yet he resolved to oppose them In an inâ—â—ant the Princess's were set apart with a Guard of five hundred valiant Knights and he having encouraged his men went in Company of Duke Alfiron the two Kings and his two
sorry that he could not at present obey her Commands but that he would in short time when he could be frée to dispose of himself return and attend her and desired that in the mean time she would accept of a Ring which he presented to her which was that of the Emperor Brandezars which he said cost him much Blood in purchasing it only for her sake as knowing that it would be of excellent use having the Vertue to preserve and kéep her from the power of all Enchantments and thereupon drawing off his Gaunlet he presented it to her but she being unwilling to receive any such presents from any Knight whatsoever did not at first accept it till she was desired by the Infanta Matarosa so to do and commanded by her Father and withal her own inclination prompting her thereto she took it of him and told him that she would receive it as a Pledge of his sudden return to receive satisfaction from her Father for the service he had done them She also desired him to acquaint her with the circumstances of the late Adventure but he referred that Relation to the Sage Bellona who having finished her Naration took her leave to depart but in this time the Princess Matarosa séeing the reserved silence of Don Bellianis was resolved to venture a question with him and thereupon she said Sir Knight I believe the Sage Bellona is so great a Mistress over you that without her leave you dare not let your Tongue walk Therefore I intend to ask her to give you your spéech that we may understand somewhat more from you Ah dear Madam said he I hope you will excuse and pardon me and not attribute my silence to rudeness or neglect but to an other passion that at this time so overpowers my heart that the Organs of my spéech are wholly stopped thereby But Madam I hope ere long at my return to do you some service that may be some part of amends for my unhamsom departure at this time well replyed the Infanta so let it be then and make hast that I may understand what you mean And now the Sage Bellona being on her departure having finished her Salutations to the Emperor and the two Princess's he nimbly leapt on his Horse and bowing his Head to the Pomel of his Saddle in token of Reverence departed on his journey where we shall for some time leave him The Sudden departure of the Knight of the Basilisks had so distempered the Princess Florisbella that she hardly observed the motion of the Souldan and her Mother who were returning to the City for her eyes were so déeply engaged in looking after the Knight that she beheld no other object The Infanta Matarosa séeing this called on her and entered into discourse with her about him until they arrived at the Court but being arrived there she went to her Chamber and casting her self on her bed she began to complain of her hard fortune that had given her so much trouble for the sight of one whom she knew not and it may be was but a poor extravagant Knight and that the sage Bellona as she had done her one kindness in bringing one to relief and help her so she had done her a greater discourtesie in bringing him to captivate her liberty and disturb her mind she complained of the Gods that they had permitted her to be so overcome and then again thinâ—â—â—g that he might be himself one of them for by the actions she had séen him perform she could not judge him humane These were her complaints and her thoughts were so troubled that she could not express them The Infanta Matarosa observing her actions and suddain retirement and judging that she was love stricken had followed her and hearkened at her Chamber door to hear her complaints but they were so disordered that she could not understand them but in short time after the Princess Florisbella gave her a true account of the passions of her heart and she received some consolation from her who continually talked of and expected the return of the Knight of the Basilisks The Souldan did also expect him and much doubted that it was the Prince Perianeo of Persia because he refused to discover himself but some of his Nobility who had séen and observed them both alledged the contrary and that this became his Armour more compleatly this were their thoughts and maginations wherein we shall at present leave them We have already told you that Don Brianel was dispatched away for Antioch to take the best order he could in the affairs of the Princess Aurora and be made such expedition in his Iourney not being hindred by any considerable Adventure that in short time he arrived in that Kingdom and coming to a City called Miâ—iana which was within twelve miles of Antioch he there took up his quarters at the house of one of the best Knights in the Countrey who although he was but poor in regard of the distractions of his Countrey yet he was a good Knight and Loyal to his Soveraign as you shall understand by the sequel Don Brianel having supped with his Host enquired what news that Countrey afforded and who was their King at this the Knight replyed that they had in few years had several but that their last true Soveraign Prince had béen named Pompeiano who was despised and slain by the Prince of Persia and the Kingdâ—m bestowed upon one Don Gallaneo who also was lately slain and since him another who was named Tramolcano and Brother to the King of Pâ—â—â—gia had seized on the Kingdom as pretending to be nearest of Kin to the late Don Gallaneo he at that time Reigned and kéep us all in hard and cruel Bondage having imprisoned several of the Nobility but especially one Damartino who had béen sometimes Governour of our Countrey under our King But continued Don Brianel had your King Pompeiano any Children he had said the Host one Daughter named Aurora but we know nâ—t whither she be alive or dead but if she be alive and should come hither said the Prince would the Countrey receive her and restore her to her Kingdom That they would with all their hearts replyed the Knight but that they are at present so kept under by the Tyrant Tramolcano but if there were any person to appear in her behalf and to encourage the people much might be done on her behalf These were the discourses betwéen the Prince and the Knight who further added that the onely fittest person to serve her would be Governour Damartino if he were at liberty but that he was strickly guarded in a Castle near the City and that there was a Mine from the Castle to the City even to the Palace and that although the Guard of the Castle was but ten Knights and a Gyant yet they could quickly through that Mine go to the Palace and raise 30000. men in arms Don Brianel having heard all these particulars and knowing that the
Prince but they soon received their deaths at their hands and they being dead they searched about for more enemies but could find none and now séeing the Keys at the Porters girdle they took them from thence and opened the Prison door where they found Damartino the late Governour but so pale weak and féeble that he was hardly to be known He supposed they had béen Knights that were come from the Tyrant King to dispatch him of his life but when he was informed the contrary and that he was frée he was very glad rendring thanks unto Palineo whom he knew but Palineo told him that all thanks for that was onely due to Don Brianel without whose assistance there had béen nothing done nor attempted Don Brianel was unwilling to receave this praises but rendred them to Palineo But now the Governour Damartino being at liberty he told them that it was necessary to deliver several others that were there Prisoners and were his servants to this they agréed and séeking about found and delivered them this done the Prince and Palineo were laid in two Beds to have their wounds dressed by one belonging to Damartino who was skilful in that Art and there they continuel several days till they were well ordering that if any came from the King to admit them and Don Brianel being very curious of his Horse and careful to have him he was hardly to be equalled sent one of their servants to fetch them both which they did in the dark of the evening and now all things being in good state and condition with them Don Brianel being now at leisure and in company with Damartino and Palineo told Damartino that although he had done thus much for his deliverance yet he had other business to dispatch having a Letter from their Princess Aurora directed to Damartino which he gave him and he opening it found these Lines Aurora the disinherited Queen of Antioch Princess of Miriana to her Loyal Knight and Subject Danartino greeting It is not unknow to you and all the World of the strange disasters of our Family of late years and how that I have lost a Father and you a King and have my self been forced for safeguard of my person from the power of my enemies to banish my self from my own Countrey and flee to strangers for aid and succour The Gods I hope have now looked on my suffering and are willing to put an end to them by my acquaintance with this vallerous Knight and several of his Alliance who have promised to assist me in the recovery of my Kingdom And to the end it may be done with the more ease and facility I have desired him to take the trouble to travel to you and advise with you of what is most needful to be done as what forces I ought to have for the accomplishing of my designs and when and where to order them Of these matters I have given him Commission to treat with you of whose Loyalty I make no question therefore I pray take such order herein as may best conduce to the service of your distressed Princess Aurora Damartino was so joyed at the recept of this Letter that he embraced the Prince Don Brianel with very great affection and so did the valiant Knight Palineo and they both promised their utmost assistance and that they would spend their lives to the very last drop of blood that was in their bodies but considering the great strength and policy of the Vsurper they did believe the attempt would be very difficult however being resolved to procéed in it they purposed the next day to leave the Castle in the custody of Damartino's servants who had directions how to answer all that came and secure it till their return and that they would visit the Duke of Silviana who was a man of great power and from whose assistance they had great expectation in order to this design they having changed their Armour departed about midnight It was near morning when these thrée Knights accompanied only by two Pages issued out of the Castle and advanced on their way they had not travelled above six miles before they met with two Knights compleatly armed in Rose coloured Armour with many Crowned Lyons they being as courteous as they séemed to be valliant one of them advancing asked if any of our thrée Knights were lately come from Antioch yes replyed our Knights and desired to know the cause of their enquiry we séek for a Knight said they that wears a Tawny Armour and the Picture of a fair Lady in his Shield Don Brianel knowing that they enquired for Don Bellianis replyed thus let me know your name and quality I shall give you a true account of your demand I am said the other called the Knight of Lyons I am no wiser with that answer said Don Brianel then I was before I can resolve you no more said the Knight then I shall not perform promise with you said the Prince I wonder said Palineo Sir Knight of the Lyons how we should know you since I believe your déeds of Arms have not yet â—lazoned forth your worth your arms séeming as if it had hitherto béen engaged in few mortal fights you were best try my courage replyed the Knight of the Lyons content said Palineo and if I am vanquished my friend shall acquaint you with what you desire and if not your fair Armour shall be mine content said the Knight and to this Don Brianel also â—gréed and thereupon they began their encounter which was performed with such fierceness that the Knight of the Lyons lost his stirrop but Palineo was dismounted yet would not yeild himself vanquished nor suffer Don Bâ—ianel to acâ—uaint the Knight of the Lyons with his demand whereupon the other Knight of the Lyons and Don Brianel began 〈◊〉 Combat wherein Don Brianel received such a blow on the Helmet that breaking the Laces it flew from his Head â—eaving it wholly uncovered Great was the anger and â—age of Don Brianel for this misfortune which he was reâ—olved to revenge and thereupon drawing his Sword approached his enemy with marvelous fury the Knight of â—he Lyons was as valiant as he and resolved to prosecute â—he Combat but approaching near Don Brianel and knowâ—ng him he cried out in the Gréek Tongue It is enough Prince of Macedon I must not fight with you Don Brianel â—earing that and wondering who should know him in so â—trange a place asked who he was the Knight of the Lyons without any reply unlaced his Helmet and Don Briâ—nel soon knew him to be Don Lucidamore Brother to Don Bellianis and asking who was his Companion he was answered that it was his Brother Don Clarineo of Spayn â—hey all embraced with much joy to the great wonder of Damartino and Palineo and now nothing passed but loving Spéeches the two Princes acquainting Don Brianel that â—hey came out of Constantinople with the Emperor their Father and 100000. Men which were not far off intendâ—ng
Victory they sought out the Knight of the Basilisks who had given them so great Ayde and he was mounted on horse-back to depart but at the earnest request of the Princes unlaced his Helmet and discovered himself to be the valiant Don Bellianis Never was greater amazement and joy then these Princes had at his wished for sight they all ran to embrace him and so did the other Knights to give him thanks for his asistance And now they returned to the Palace and care being taken for the cure of their Wounds Don Bellianis and Damartino went into the City and having caused the Citizens to assemble he acquainted them that he came from their true Princesse Aurora and that he would acquaint her of their Loyalty which he promised should be rewarded he shewed them her Letter to Damartino at which they were so satisfied that they undertook that in few days the whole Kingdom should be at her dispose and all their Enemies turned out To which purpose they sent Messengers to all places of Importance in that Kingdome It was not long ere Messengers came from most places of the Kingdome to ensure them of the utter subversion of their Enemies and that all places had quietly submitted iâ— the Government of their Princess Don Bellianis supposing all affairs were finished called all the other Princes's and considerable Nobility to Counsel where he ordained the old Governour Damartino to be Governour and Vice Roy till the Quéens return he would have excused it pretending his great age but he was so well approved of by all that he accepted the Government Don Bellianis being well acquainted with the great pains and merits of the Knight Palineo and being resolved to reward him gave unto him all the Lands and Revenues of the late Count Garino promising that the Princess Aurora should not only confirm his Gift but also consider of somewhat further as a Reward for his Loyal Actions this was also alowed off confirmed by all so that Palineo who was now cal'd Count Garino gave many thanks to Don Bellianis promising that not only the estate but his person should always be ready to be sacrificed for the service of his Princess The Assembly being broken up and all things thus orderly setled he thought of his departure and having acquainted his Brothers and Couzen where he had left his Father and that it was necessary for them all to go to him they agréed to send the Army before by Sea to the City of Persepolis in Persia there to attend his or the orders of the Emperor his Father They being thus dispatched away he and his Brothers Don Brianel stayed eighth dayes longer in the City of Antioch to sée all things put into quiet and order And every thing being as they wished for they desired to depart but the Governour Damartino and Count Garino had so importuned them to know who they really were that they in the end told them however oblieging them to kéep their knowledge thereof private They rested amazed and contented that their Kingdome was setled in such quiet by the asistance of such great Princes And ordering Guides to wait on them and direct them out of that Countrey the nearest way to Persia they departed and in this Iourney we shall leave them and withal here Conclude this First Part of this Honourable HISTORY FINIS THE HONOUR OF CHIVALRY Or The Famous and Delectable HISTORY OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE CONTINUING As well the valiant Exploits of that Magnanimous and Heroick Prince Son to the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece as also the Wars between him and the Souldan of PERSIA Wherein is likewise described the strange and dangerous Adventures that befel him in the prosecution of his love towards the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon His Releasing of her Father the Souldan from a strange Enchantment and vanquishing the Emperor of Trebizond The Second Part. Now newly Written in English by F. K. Licensed and Entred according to Order LONDON Printed by Tho. Johnson for Fran. Kirkman and are to be sold at his Shop in Thames-Street over against the Custom-House 1671. To the Reader THis Second Part having already received a very favourable acceptation in a former Impression I shall not need to enlarge my self in an Epistle and therefore I onely tell you that I have now prosecuted the Story in a third and last Part and hope it will be to your content and that is the utmost ambition of Your Friend and Servant Fran. Kirkman THE SECOND PART OF DON BELLIANIS of GREECE OR The Honor of Chivalry Continuing the valiant Expliots of that Heroick Prince Son unto the Emperor Don Bellaneo of Greece CHAP. I. How the City of Bollera being straitly besieged by the Souldan was well near taken but that it was rescued by Gorino Brother to the Duke Alfiron and the Knight of the Basilisks and his Companions IT is now full time to return to the City of Bollera where we left the thrice renowned and most magnificent Emperor Don Bellaneo in company of so many valiant and renowned Knights and great Personages who were straitly besieged by the Souldan of Persia and his son Perianeo Knight of the Images After the last Battel was ended which is largely described in the 59th Chapter of the First Part of this excellent History the Emperor commanded that a strict and just account should be taken of how many Fighting men were left in the City and Trenches which command being put in execution by Duke Alfiron and Sabian of Trebanto who were very vigilant and careful therein and after they had taken a just account thereof they delivered it to Don Bellaneo whereby they found that there was not above fifty thousand men both in the City and Trenches and that they had lost ten thousand men for the Duke brought twenty thousand men with him from Persepolis and there was â—ithin the City besides forty thousand fighting men when as on the other side the Souldan had at least four hundred thousand fighting men besides above fifty thousand which were slain in the last Battel and the Souldans men daily increased and many good and hardy Knights and Giants from all parts of the Empire of Persia came in daily to them at the brute of these Wars and for the love that they bore to their magnanimous and redoubted Prince Perianeo Knight of the Images for whose return there was great Ioy throughout all those Countreys On the other side great was the grief and sorrow of the most péerless Princess Persiana who was married to the Duke Alfiron as is before recounted and for whose sake alone all these Wars were begun and in whose Quarrel many redoubted Knights had lost their lives As much troubled was the beauteous Princess Aurora for the absence of Don Bellâ—anis the Knight of The Golden Image and Don Brianel whose success in the winning of her kingdom and other strange Adventures she had not yet heard of But
all these sorrows were somewhat mitigated in that the City was so well guarded by Don Bellaneo Knight of The Imperial Crowns and the rest of those invincible Princes and Knights The Prince Perianeo being greatly desirous to put an end â—o these Wars and being vexed that one City manned with so â—â—w Knights should be able to withstand so mighty an Army as he had under his command desired of his Father to give him leave to assault the Place and in order thereunto one morning very early two hours before the Sun-rising he being before provided of all things necessary for so great an Attempt took part of the Army which he devided into four parts one Squadron of fifty thousand men he gave to be commanded by Caroliano another oâ— fifty thousand men was commanded by Boraldo the third of fifty thousand men by Don Fermosel and the last he commanded himself being fifty thousand well resolved Knights and forty Giants In this manner with the greatest silence that could be they approached the Out-works of the Enemy which was near half a league from the City The defendants who kept an excellent order in their Camp were ready in short time to receive them being commanded by the Kings of Armenia and Tesifante who hearing of the approaches of the Enemies presently caused the Clarions and Trumpets to be sounded and buckling on their Armor went to receive them Caroliano approaching the Tents of the Defendants couched his Lance and furiously unhorsed twenty or thirty Knights before he met with any that could withstand him but the King of Armenia séeing him do so much mischief and had so weak resistance without any Lance drew his sword and cut the Lance of his enemy in two pieces and then redoubling his blow made him bow his body to his horse neck but he soon recollecting his spirits drew his sword and began a terrible Fight By this time they in the City having taken the Alarum issued out under the Conduct of the Emperor and the Duke Alfiron leaving onely a Guard of five thousand men to defend the City and the Ladies that were therein but when they came near to the Camp they met their own Soldiers flyinâ— for safety into the City with all the spéed they could being pursued by heir enemies who came so powerfully upon them whereupon the Emperor Duke Alfiron and the rest were much dismayed however encouraging them in the best manner they could they caused them to return and face their enemies and then the fight began to be very hot and bloody Don Bellaneo couching his Lance unhorsed twenty Knights before he brake it and then taking another ran so fiercely on into his enemies rancks that they all made way untill he met with Boraldo with whom he encountred so fiercely that breaking his Lance into shivers he caused him to measure his length on the earth and so passed on drawing his sword and killing many of his enemies thus was the fight again renewed and his forces séeing the undauntedness of his courage followed him so vigorously that like a torrent he bore down all before him till at length he met with Perianeo who then came up with all his Force to renew the Battel then did the good Emperor bestir himself and indéed he had great néed for he was encompassed with six Giants besides the Knight of the Images all which did their uttermost endeavors to assail him some of their blows he received on his shield and others were delivered with such puissance on his helmet that he was enforced to hold about his horses neck to kéep him from falling but he soon revenged himself of them for like a raged Lion he cut off the arm of one of the Giants and another he cut off one side of his face so that now he was delivered from two of his enemies but the Prince Perianeo knowing him by his Arms to be the only considerable Adversary he had desired the other four Giants to leave him alone with him thinking himself to to overcome him that he might gain the more honor then began one of the most terrible Fights betwéen these two undaunted Warriers that was ever heard of both of them resolving to do their utmost devoirs and they behaved themselves so fiertely that as well many other Knights as the four Giants stood still to behold that incomparable Combate During this time in all other places the Fight was continued with much vigor and the brave Knights Alfiron Contumeliano and Florispiano performed wonders the valiant King Armenia was all this while ingaged in Combate with Caroliano where he gave and received many wounds and their Fight continued so long that both their horses were slain and the King of Armenia was in a great jeopardy for many of the Knights of Caroliano's Squadron séeing their Commander likely to be overcome by the King of Armenia did violently assault him and brought him to great extremity having wounded him in many places he had very nigh fainted with his great loss of blood when the King of Tesifante accompanied with 500 Kts. came to his rescue again mounted him on the horse of one of the knights that he had slain Thus the Battel continued indifferent on both sides till Boraldo and Don Fermosel arrived with their several Squadrons of fifty thoâ—â—and men a prece brake through theÌ„ rancks of their enemies and attempted to force their way into the City which they endeavored by all means possible to effect for they brought Scaling Ladders and all other instruments of War fitting to assault it which when Duke Alfiron and the rest of the Knights heard they immediately retreated into the City knowing that it was but weakly manned and not able long to resist the furious assaults that would be made Thus the Emperor who as I told you before was ingaged in a bloody Fight with the Knight of the Images was forced to leave the Combate unfinished to retire to the City to rescue it which he heard was well nigh taken being come near the gates of the City he saw that the enemy had gotten possession of part of the wall and likewise he saw the Knight of the Images coming behind him with all his Forces wherefore he séeing the extreamity of the business hasted into the City and stood in the réer of all his Forces and was the last man that entred holding a continual Fight with his enemies till he saw all his own Forces were within the walls and then he himself entred not permitting any of his enemies Forces to enter with him which they by all means attempted to do so soon as he was entred and the gate strongly fastned he repaired to that part of the wall which he saw was possessed by the enemy and mounting thereon being followed by several valiant Knights soon tumbled the enemies from the wall and kept the possession thereof but all this and what ever else they could do did not hinder the enemy from getting the
till now they had been the greatest enemies in all the World yet the Souldan and the Emperor embraced one another with much fréedom and amity and thus the Souldan received all the rest of the Principal Knights and so conducted them into the great Hall of the Pallace where all things were provided for Dinner in most sumptions manner which being ended the Souldan and Emperor ratifyed and confirmed the Peace which had béen before concluded on And to signifie his love to Duke Alfiron and gave him the Kingdom of Shyraz which was a place under his subjection and belonged to his Empire and then the Duke Alfiron and the Princess Persiana his wife were immediately owned by all for King and Queen of Shyraz nothing was now wanting in the Court of Persia to give it its full lustre but the presence of the Prince Perianeo whose absence much discâ—ted the Souldan All things being thus fortunately concluded the Souldan disbanded his Army and the Emperor sent his away by Sea under the command of Sâ—bian of Trebanto who accordingly embarqued himself and within ten days departed here was nothing now wanting but to put the two Princesses in possession of their Kingdoms the Princess Aurora into her Kingdom of Antioch and the Princess Persiana and her husband into possession of the Kingdom of Shyraz for which purpose he writ Letters to the present Governor to give them possession thereof the Princess Aurora desired the Company of some Knights to go with her the first that offered his service was Don Brianel and then Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly because they had formerly béen there desired to attend her and so did Contumeliano Prince of Phenicia and Florispiano of Swevia his Cousin these all chose to attend the Princess Aurora On the other side Don Bellianis desired his Father to permit him to attend the Princess Persiana and her husband to Shyraz and he chose rather to go thither because it was neerest to Babylon where his beloved Princess did remain and to which place he intended to go His Father intending to carry him home with him hardly consented to this separation but at length at the intreaty of the Princess and her Husband he was content provided his Son engaged to return home again in six months which he consented to do They that accompanied the Princess besides were the Kings of Armenia and Tessifanty so that there was not any left to accompany the Emperor home but Arsileo Prince of Hungary and Don Gorino vvas sent back to the City of Bollera to signifie the conclusion of the Peace Thus all were appointed to travel only Boraldo Don Fermosel and Crisalaneo who stayed with the Souldan Things being thus concluded every person after they had taken leave of the Souldan within two days after departed CHAP IX How the Princess Aurora and Don Brianel with the rest of their Company arrived at Antioch and what happined to them there SO long travelled the Princess Aurora and the Princes and Knights that accompanied her that at last they arrived in the Kingdome of Antioch without happening on any considerable Adventure and when they were come néer the City Damartino the Govenor and Count Garino with several others of the Nobility being advertised of their coming went out to méet them So soon as they approached néer to the Princess they dismounted from their horses and on their knées bid her wellcome but she likewise dismounted and entred a Tent that was prepared and set up for that purpose where she permitted her hands to be kissed by several of the Nobility Great thanks was returned to Don Brianel and his companions not only for the good they had done them in recovering the kingdom and in that restoring their Liberties which were formerly lost by the usurpation of the late Tyrants but also for their making them so happy in the sight of their dear Princess whom they had now brought home to them After a short repast which was provided in the Tent was ended they all mounted again with a resolution to enter the City the place where they had stayed was a league from the City yet all the fields and places during their passage was beset with multitudes of people who cryed with continual noise The Gods preserve our Royal Quéen Aurora Being thus accompanied they entred the City and in good order arrived at the Pallace where by reason it was night the Princess dismissed the multitude with thanks and so every one being much wearied with this days journy went to take their ordinary repose The next day they were no séener up but the cry continued and great was the acclamations that were made by the multitude That which the Quéen took first into her consideration was the ordering of her houshold and the firsh Officer she made was the Controller thereof which Office she gave to Don Brianel intending ere long to make him Controller of her Person This joy continued many days and many were the Iousts and Tournaments that were exercised to delight the Quéen in which exercise the Knights that accompanied her thither still bore away the prize however the Count Gariano demeaned himself like a valliant and hardy Knight maintaining the Iousts for one day against all Knights-adventurers in which time he dismounted above twenty Knights The Quéen understanding one day that Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore Don Contumeliano and Florispiano intended to leave her Court and to go séek out adventures elswhere resolved before their departure to consumate her marriage with Don Brianel to whom she communicated the matter and he had demeaned himself so courteously that he questioned not but that it would be to the general satisfaction of her Nobility and therefore knowing the mind of the Princess he discovered it to Damartino and Gariano and several others of the Nobility and the next day the Quéen being in Counsel one of her Nobility propounded a husband to her which proposition was no sooner made but the general debate of the Counsel was of that matter and after several propositions Don Brianel was by several of his Friends propunded and indéed for the restoration of the Princess was so far had into consideration that he was by common consent propounded for a fit Husband for their Quéen who no sooner had the proposition made her but she willingly assented thereto and presently orders were given for the solemnization of the Marriage which was intended to be kept within a fortnight after This news gave great satisfaction and content to Don Clarineo and Don Lucidamore that their Cousin had so great good fortune to be wedded to so vertuons a Princess and therefore notwithstanding their former resolutions to depart they and Contumeliano and Fliorispianio resolved to stay and assist at the Solemnization of those Ceremonies where we vvill leave them in great content to treat of other matters CHAP. X. How the Princes Perianeo of Persia and Gramalis of Thrace were carried into the Desart of
accompanied with Baltasano Prince of Numidia THe satisfaction the two Lovers received in the Evenings Conference occasioned them to take but little rest that night never was Don Bellianis so contented as now all his Travels Combates Conflicts and bloody Fights he accounted as nothing and that they were all more than fully recompensed by the kinde and loving Discourse he had receivod that evening from his Princess These thoughts accompanied him all night so that he slept not at all but still ruminated in his minde how he should contrive his good fortune and how he shoould give so good a satisfaction to the Souldan that he might be willing to accept of him for his Son in Law These thoughts took up all the night so that morning coming the Prince of Numidia came to his Chamber to give him the Good Morrow whereupon he presently arose and very lovingly received him After he had apparelled himself he left his Chamber and waâ—â—rd with the Prince in the Garden where the Prince told him that he had one Boon to beg of him therefore prayed that he might not be denyed Don Bellianis answered that he might fréely ask any thing of him for he took it as an honor if he could pleasure him in any thing Then the Numidian Prince told him that the Request he was to make was this That he would be pleased to permit him to have the bonor to attend him in this intended Expedition for saith he I cannot but acanice much honor and renown in being in the presence and company of so brave and worthy a Knight Don Bellianis who had already promised his Sister that he would permit him to go with him told him that he could not acquire any fame in his company but however if he would give himself that trouble he should be glad of his good company The Numidian being very glad that he had granted his Request gave him many thanks and cold him he should estéem his life happy so long as he had the enjoyment of his good society and said he hoped that having so good a Pattern both of Chivalty and Vertue he did not question but he should profit himself very much thereby In these Discourses they continued some time till all the Cour was risen but it was somewhat late before the two Princesses arose they having sate try to late the night before that it was Noon before they came into the Presence Chamber being come the Tables were covered and every one sate down to dinner Don Bellianis could eat but little for observing the rare Perfections of his Divine Princess who was seated just against him who attired her self in most sumptuons manner that her Clothes might give some luster to her Beauty but although she was habited in an extraordinary manner yet her face and person appeared like the Sun and they like clouds that obscured her other beauties She often cast amorous glances at her Knight and séeing his eye still fixed on her she was often moved to blush Dinner being ended and every one risen the Empress taking Don Bellianis by the hand said to him Sir Knight I am very sorry that so unfortunate occasion hath happened that will suddenly cause us to loose your good company but I hope that with the Assistance of the Gods your incomparable Walor and the continual good fortune that still accompanies you will put an end to all our troubles and therefore that you may go provided with all things necessary for so hazardous an Expedition I have ordered the Council to sit this Afternoon to know of you what you shall think necessary that it may be provided accordingly To which he replyed All that I desire Madam is onely the company of the Prince of Numidia and I question not but my good fortune will soon bring me to the place where I shall be enabled to serve you But â—he desired to confer with the Council of this matter in order to which that Afternoon he went to them and they propounding to raise a great Army and a Navy of Ships proportionable to receive them and so with this power under his Command to search all the Caspian Sea but he utterly refused that Offer and only desired that one ship might be ready at the Sea-side to receive him against his coming and he told them he intended to be going within thrée days They not willing to contradict his reasons and much less to offend him answered that his will should in every thing be performed and so they took order accordingly Thus did he spend two days in the greatest content and satisfaction in the World still accompanyed by the Prince of Numidia and by that means he had the opportunity with him of courting the Princess his Cousin with the greater fréedom sometimes they walked in the pleasant Walks and Gardens of the Pallace and at other times they went abroad in the Fields to divert themselves in all which time he endeavoured by his most ordinary actions to let her see the estéem he had of her Vertues The night before he was to depart he took the opportunity to speak to the Princess Mattarosa humbly desiring her that since his time was so short that he was to depart the next day she would do him the favor to speak to the Princess Florisbella to give him the happiness of her Company in the Chamber that he might take his farewel of her to which his request she soon consented So Evening being come and every one retired to their several Lodgings he attended not long before one of the Princesses Damsels came to his Chamber to advertise him that the two Princesses were together and expected him He thereupon very joyfully went to the Chamber where they were and prostrating himself on his knée he humbly kissed her hand but she not permitting it caused him to arise and seating her self by him said unto him Worthy Sir Since it hath pleased the Heavens to put so great a cross upon us as so soon to part us I beseech you by the friendship and love that you have so zealously professed to me that you will not only make all the expedition you can in returning back from this Adventure but also do the best you can to secure your person not thrusting your self into any unnecessary hazard for know Sir that since you are become my Knight I resolve to keep such a strict power over you that I shall not be won to consent that you shall do any thing to endanger your person and were it not on so necessary an occasion I should not give you leave to depart Having said thus she hung down her head and fetched a déep sigh expressing by that the sorrow she took for his departure wherefore he thus replyed to her Gratious Madam Since it hath pleased you to give your self so much trouble to have some care of my unworthy person I shall endeavour in this as well as in all other things to obey your commands assuring you
her knées but he raising her up kindly saluted her Don Bellianis was now on his knées before the Empress humbly desiring to kiss her hand but she knowing how much she was engaged to him would not permit that but she raising him from the ground most lovingly sainted him giving him many thanks for the great pains he had taken for he calling him the Restorer of Babylon and bestowed many thanks upon him when he had received his welcome from the Empress he went to the Princess her Daughter and falling on his knées humbly kissed her hands but she soon raised him from the ground reitterating all the thanks that her Mother had already given him To which discourse he replyed and said That since she had béen pleased to admit him to the honor of being her Sarvant he questioned not but he should be able to overcome any Enterprize how difficult soever and since thera was an decasion given him of expressing hin duteous service to her he was resolved to do such acts as might render him worthy of the estéem she had of him or in the prosecut of them lose his life as testemony of the duty he owed her Thus he discoursed with her and then he went to the Princess Mattarosa to receive those Welcomes that she had prepared for him which were in affect the same he had received before of the Empress and her Daughter and thus taking her by the hand the Souldan doing the same to the Empress and the Numidian Prince to the Princess Florisbella they walked into the great Hall of the Pallace where being come the Ladies hesped to disarm them which when they had done and had clothed themselves in rich Mantles they sat them down to repose themselves many of the Nobility came into the Presence to congratulate the return of their Soveraign and to kiss his hands and thank the Knight of the Golden Image for the great good he had done them in restoring their Prince to them in such time when they most stood in néed of his presence But Don Bellianis returning them thanks told them that without the assistance of the Prince of Numidia he had not béen able to have performed that Enterprize but however what power he had he should willingly at all times employ in defence of the Souldan and his Countrey they were glad to hear these expressions pressions from him doubting that now he had performed this adventure he would depart but understanding that he was resolved to stay and assist them in the Wars they humbly supplicated the Souldan that he would be pleased to order Don Bellianis to be General of such Forces as should be raised to go against Trebizond To which the Souldan soon consented but he would not accept of so great a charge except the Prince of Numidia might be joyned in Commission with him To which they at last consented and it was ordered as soon as a sufficient Force should be ready he should advance towards the Enemies countries and the Numidian Prince should stay at the Court to guard the City and obey such further orders as should be necessary In these consultations they continued most of that evening till it was time for every one to go to rest at which time he commanded his Dwarf to give him notice of the departure of the Princesses to their Lodging because he vvas very desirous to have some conference vvith them vvhich the Dwarf did so effectually that he brought Word that the Princesses vvere both together in the Lodging of the Princess Florisbella vvherefore he sent him to the Princess Mattarosa to knovv vvhither he should give them a trouble of a visit in that place she acquainting the Princess her Cousin therevvith they so ordered it that she dismissed all her Damsels but one vvho was acquainted vvith her Love and so telling the Dwarf that his Master might come when he pleased the Dwarf returned with this answer to his Master who being glad thereof departed out of his ovvn Lodging roâ—â—â—o into that of the Princess vvhich he accordingly did as shall be declared to you in the next Chapter CHAP. XII How Don Bellianis went to the Chamber of the Princess Florisbella and of the discourse they had there and how the next day he departed towards Trebizond with fifty thousand men THe Dwarf had no sooner delivered his Message but Don Bellianis repaired to the Chamber of the Princess Florisbella whither when he was come he kindly saluted her and the Princess Mattarosa her Cousin which having done they all seated themselves and the Princess his Mistress thus began to him Six Knight since I have admitted you to be mine it is necessary that you give me ordinary satisfaction of telling me the order of your procéedings in this Adventure and since I have not yet heard the particulars thereof I pray let me have the knowledge of them from your own mouth Madam reply'd Don Bellianis the actions that I have done in this occasion are so inconsiderable that it is not fit that your ears should be troubled with matters of so small moment but since it is your desire to give your self so much trouble I shall give you a small relation of them Then did he begin to tell her all the passages of that Adventure beginning from the time that they took shipping the happy méeting with the Sage Bellonas Damsel the rescuing her from the Gyants his desperate attempt in throwing himself into the Sea to get to shore his killing of those Monsters his descending the Cave fighting with the Serpents and Dragons and all those other Actions which he and the Numidian Prince performed for the Releasing of the Souldan At which recital she was so sensibly afficted when he related any thing wherein he was in any peril that the crystaline tears ran from her fair Epes down her Chéeks in great abundance which made him leave off his discourse and say to her Madam the trouble that I thought I should put you to in recounting these Adventures made me desire to be excused in discoursing them to you but if I had thought they would have given you so sensible a displeasure I should for once have so far disobeyed your Commands as not to have given you an account of these past Actions She hearing that he had done wiping her fair face said Sir Knight the many difficulties that you have run thorough for my sake could not chuse but make me accompany you in rears but praised be the Gods who have delivered you from these dangers and I hope these wars once ended there will be no further occasion for you to endanger your person Ah Madam said he if my discourse hath given you any sense of sorrow assure your self I was much more afflicted when I had first the relation of your misfortunes about the Emperor of Trebizond and although I did not question your Loyalty yet I knew not what you might be compelled unto by a fearful Mother and a Nobility
assistance and then they concluded to rest their Forces for two days and by that time the Emperor told them he was confident he should not only have aid from the Emperor of Russia but likewise more of his own and so soon as they were arrived he intended to take the Field not questioning but he should quickly force the Enemy to leave his Countrey Don Bellianis and the Prince of Numidia retired up to their Camp and resolved very suddenly to give them a general Assault but the next day the Forces of the Emperor of Russia arrived and in despight of Don Bellianis entrenched themselves and kept the Field The Emperor being thus well relieved resolved now to take the Field and give a Field-battel to his Enemies which he concluded to do the next day and in order thereunto early the next morning he with one hundred thousand men under his own Conduct issued out of the City one hundred thousand men under the Conduct of the two Kings of Albania and Georgia and fifty thousand men under the Command of the Knight of the Tyger Kinsman to the Emperor of Russia who had brought those Forces thither In this equipage the Emperor was in the Field and on the other side the two Generals Don Bellianis and Baltasano divided their Forces onely into two parts and resolving on all sides to fight valiantly and conquer their Enemies they bravely assailed each other Bloody was the Fight in all places so that soon was the Fields gréen Apparel turned into purple The Generals on all sides performed wonders the Emperor on his part did very valiantly resolving to get the Field or never return to the City and Don Bellianis being resolved this day to shew the invincibleness of his Courage he being accompanied by five hundred Knights as his Guard in despight of all opposition forced his way into the Camp of his Enemies where with his own Arm he soon killed fifty Knights and those who followded him imitating his Example slew many of their Enemies The Prince of Numidia had likewise in another place forced his way into his Enemies Camp and there he encountred the Knight of the Tyger who was encompassed with ten strong Gyants but maugre all their opposition he furiously forced his way through them and assaulted the Knight of the Tyger with so mighty a blow on the head so that he was not onely astonished but the Sword falling on the horse his head cleved him down right and he fell down dead under his Master The Gyants who were near him soon assisted him and mounted him on another horse but it cost two of them their lives the one being slain by the Prince of Numidia and the other by the Knight of Hope who was now arrived with some Forces to the place where Baltasano was and then they all joyned Forces and the Knight of the Tyger being very valiant revenged himself by the loss of the lives of many of his Enemies Don Bellianis having run through his Enemies Camp with great fury returned and rode up and down to finde out his Rival the Emperor whom at length he found out and encountred and many fierce strokes were given to one another the Emperor resolving to revenge himself on Don Bellianis shewed the utmost of his skill and courage and gave him a blow on the Thigh so that the blood issued out thereat through the Ioynts of his Armor he was greatly enraged hereat and gave the Emperor another wound on the side thus they continued fighting together till at length the multitudes of both Parties came to assault each other parted them and then they ranged about the Field killing and destroying many Knights It was now the Noon day and the Fight had continued eight hours and yet there was not much advantage on either side till they heard the sound of Trumpets and at some distance they might perceive fresh Forces enter the Field but to which they belonged it was yet unknown at length they arrived in sight and then by their Colours they were known to belong to the Emperor and indéed they were forty thousand men under the Conduct of the Knight of Fame Nephew to the Emperor who hearing of the Fight made haste thither thinking to get Honor in the Battel but he fared not so well as he expected as we shall declare to you anon Don Bellianis séeing this quickly drew out forty thousand of his men and went to méet him and taking a new Lance couched the same and ran fvriously against his Enemy who did the like but not with the same advantage for Don Bellianis onely lost one of his stirrops but his Enemy came horse and man to the ground He soon recovered himself and being angry at his misfortune revenged himself by the death of six Knights whom he soon killed or overthrew thus was these two Battels joyned but Don Bellianis soon abated some of the vigor of his Enemies by the puissant and mighty strokes he gave them killing ten Knights ere he brake his Lance and then drawing his Sword he soon after sent twenty Knights more to accompany their Companions so that now they were not so furious to assault him as they had béen He quickly made his way through all his Squadron and having testified to them his strength and valor returned and went to assault the Knight of Fame who was now engaged with his Enemies but at the arrival of Don Bellianis they soon gave way to him and he trached him a mighty blow on the head so that his Helmet flew from his head and he was likewise wounded and Don Bellianis intending to give him a second blow was prevented for two furious Gyants opposed themselves to him but he who was used to deal well enough with these sort of people soon let them know his valor by the cutting off one of their legs In the mean time the Knight of Fame had recovered another Helmet and came to revenge himself on Don Bellianis so that now he was engaged both by a Gyant and the Knight of Fame but he did will enough to maintain the fight with them both In the mean time the two Kings of Albania and Georgia had engaged themselves among their Enemies and at last they arrived where the Emperor was engaged but they brought him such Aid that he caused the Souldans Forces to retire and many of them lost their lives so that they being without any valiant Commander did in a manner fly this gave great encouragement to the Emperor and the two Kings and they pursued them some way till they saw a Body of men afar off who came on a great pace and the nearer they approached the more they appeared and at length they were likewise known to be Forces of the Souldans This caused the Emperor and those that were with him to make a stand much wondring at this business and not daring to go any further They made up towards them a great pace and méeting with some of those
for the future it shall be my endeavors to conquer Kingdoms and vanquish-Kings that I may lay their Crowns at her feet as a just Tribute to her Vertues Having thus spoken he arose from the ground and retiring back a few steps he permitted his Brothers and Companions to go forwards and be received by the Souldan and then he himself went forwards and kindly saluted the Nobility of Babylon Thus having done they all remounted their Horses and in good order marched towards Babylon but it grew so late that the Souldan resolved not to enter the City that night but to stay at a Pallace of his a league from the City at which place they being arrived took up their Quarters for that night and prepared for their entrance into the City the next morning which being come they all again mounted their horses and set forwards This day the Prince Don Bellianis and the Souldan rode on together and then his two Brethren and so the rest of the Princes and Knights in order When they came near the City the Magistrates thereof came and presented themselves in their richest Habiliment and made a Congratulory Oration to Don Bellianis and so all the way that they rode he had several Orations and Presents made him for which he gave them many thanks The two Prisoners the Emperor of Trebizond and the King of Georgia came in the midst of the Army being placed in two Chariots with Chains and Ferters of Gold and a great Guard about them and thus did arrive at the Pallace where they were met by the Emperess and her Ladias The Princes and Knights soon left their horses and on foot advanced forwards where Don Bellianis falling on his knées was kindly and lovingly embraced by the Emperess but when he came before the presence of his Princess he knéeled on the ground not daring to cast one glance of his eyes upon her divine countenance She was this day dressed in a Gown of Sky-coloured Sattin embroidered with Gold and richly beset with Diamonds and Rubies represeneing Stars in the Heavens but her Face appeared to be more glorious that the Sun when he is in his greatest lustre her Bosom fitly represented the Milky whey and in all her parts there was so much excellency and divinity that it dazléd the eyes of the Beholders Our poor Prince was all this while on the ground not daring either to look up or speak but having her by one of her hands more white than the driven Snow he most amorously kissed that and fetching many sighs bathed it in tears She well knowing that he was surprized said to him What most Noble Prince after having conquered many enemies have you not confidence to behold a Lady your Friend He then recovering himself and looking on her Face said Dear Princess so much transcendent light procéeds from your divine Countenance that I am not holy enough to look up lest for my presumption I be strucken blinde But considering with himself that he was observed by many in that passion he again saluting her hand arose and making an obeysance passed on towards the Princess Mattarosa who kindly received him and so the rest of the Knights having performed their duties to the Ladies he went to his Princess and séeing the Souldan was leading the Emperess amay he likewise took the Princess by the hand and went after them after he was come into the great Hall they disarmed themselves and a costly banquet being prepared they all sate down which being done the Souldan did then declare to his Emperess and Daughter what he had promised to Don Bellianis wherewith they were so well satisfied that he intended forthwith to have them married and therefore not onely caused all those Princes that were there present to continue in the Court till the Ceremony should be performed but he likewise sent into all the adjacent Countreys to summon all the Knights to come at that time which he intended to be within fourtéen days CHAP. XXXVI How the most Renowned Prince Don Bellianis of Greece Son to the Emperor of Constantinople was married to the Princess Florisbella Daughter to the Souldan of Babylon and of the Solemnity of the Wedding and the Tilts and Tournaments then holden in honor of the same GReat was the Preparations that were made for the Sâ—lemnity of the Wedding betwéen the Prince of Greece and the fair Princess of Babylon and many were the great Personages that came to Babylon to assist or attend at that Solemnity The King and Quéen of Antioch Don Brianel and Aurora with a Troop of five hundred gallant Knights came tither as they believed they were by duty bound to wait upon their Relations and the King and Quéen of Pharez Don Alfiron and Persiana with another Troop of five hundred Knights likewise came at this time to tender their love and service to the most accomplished Don Bellianis and great was the resort of several other Princes and Knights Princesses and Ladies from all parts to sée and assist at this great Ceremony so that not onely the City but all the adjacent Towns were filled with rich Tents and Companies of Ladies and Knights Don Bellianis and his Princess Florisbella spent much of their time in welcoming and treating these persons that came so far to honor them and the Souldan and his Emperess were excream joyful that they had béen so fortunate as to match their Daughter to so brave a Prince and one so well beloved not questioning but now their Empire would be more flourishing than ever and they should be out of all fear of the power of any of their Neighboring Enemies At length the day so much expected and desired came when all things being in readiness those great Personages set forwards to the Temple The Fair Princess Florisbella was led thither by the two Princes Don Clarineo of Spain and Don Lucidamore of Thessaly both Brothers to Don Bellianis and he was led thither by the Princess Mattarosa of Numidia and the fair Princess Cynthia Sister to the Prince of Mesapotamia the rest of the Princesses and Princes Ladies and Knights in great state and very good order attending Being come to the Temple and the usual Solemnities performed they returned back again to the Pallace where a most rich and gallant Dinner was provided The Tables being furnished with all manâ—er of Delicates which the Luxury of Asia could produce Afner Dinner was ended every one made haste to the place appointed for the Tournament the Princesses and Ladies seating themselves on a Scaffold erected on one side of the Tiltpard for that purpose in the middest of which Scaffold was placed two Thrones on the one was seated the Souldan of Babylon and his Emperess and on the other the Prince Don Bellianis and the Incomparable Flonisbella his Bride and the rest of the Kings and Quéens Princes and Princesses Knights and Ladies in several places appointed for that purpose No sooner were they all seated but silence was commanded and
make use of your Lance against me let me see what you can do vvith your Svvord for assure your self that I vvill do my utmost endeavor against you vvith mine and I hope to make you knovv that I have an arm as capable and strong to vvâ—ild a Svvord as it vvas to manage a Lance against you He heard her well enough but was intended to leave her as he had done the time before but he was hindred by those who attended her and thereby she had the means to come up to him when she was within reach of him she again commanded him to defend himself and advancing her Sword in the air she let it fall on his Shield with such violence that it forced him to bend his body and she again redoubled her blow in such manner that she wounded him on the shoulder the smart of the wound made him alter his resolution and séeing it was impossible to get from her without blows was resolved to give her one and so be gone whereupon he raised his Sword and intending to hit her cross the top of her Helmet to astonish her a little his blow fell with such force that the buckles of her Helmet breaking that fell off from her head and thereby she discovered the loveliest but withall the most majestick face that Nature ever produced all her long golden locks flew about her shoulders and the colour of her face was so rubified with the head of the fight and the anger to be thus used that it was much like that of Roses and indéed throughout all she séemed to present those two Goddesses Venus and Bellona the one in the face and the other in all the other parts of her body The Numidian Prince was so surprized with this unexpected but most pleasant sight that he stood with his Sword in his hand like a dead statue but she soon put life in him again for now her anger being raised to the highest pitch she likewise raised her Sword and saluted him with a powerful blow on the Helmet which although it for the present blinded his eyes yet his understanding was clear and he refused to take the advantage he had against her of assaulting her unarmed as she was but resolving to be gone he was likewise resolved to have some benefit of the combat for he seizing her in his arms catcht hold of that fair gréen Scarf that held her Sword-scabberd and lifting it over her head turned his Horse and in despight of all the resistance her Knights could make he made his way through them and so returned to his Army During the time of this combat all the Forces of both Armies had the leisure to ingage themselves and that with indifferent fortunes for as he possessed his Souldiers with a courage so did she those under her command and those Chiefs that they had appointed on both sides over their several Squadrons being Persons of great conduct and valour had worthily discharged their places But the Army of the Prince of Numidia having béen always used to conquer were resolved to do so now too and therefore they laid about them so valiantly that their Enemies were fored to withdraw The Princess Floreza séeing this and being enraged as well at the misfortune of her self as that of her Army she sene away immediately to the City to command those Forces there under the conduct of the Knight of the Tyger to advance and in the mean time she used all possible diligence to rally her scattered Forces she did so and had put them again in the best order that time and place would permit When she saw her fresh Forces issue out of the City as this caused an universal Joy to her and her People so it was as much cause of sorrow to the valiant Numidian who by this understood that the fight would be very bloody and that he must be forced to fight it out to the last man he was sorry to find it so but being resolved to do all things that might be done by a good General he sent away to his Camp to command those Forces that he had left there to quit the Camp and advance towards the place of Battle put not to make their approaches so near as to be discovered by either Army but to stay in some near convenient place and expect his Commands His Orders were obeyed but before they could arrive at him the Enemy was advancing with the recruit of fresh Forces He has in this time Marshalled his Army and was ready to receive them and so went on and joyned Battle he was still hoâ—eâ—ing at some small distance with a small party and as he saw occasion went and relieved those that stood in néed of his assistance and that done he again retired to the place from whence he came where he made his observations and in fine by this his good and prudent management he saw that his Army had received the first brunt of the on-set of his Enemies Forces with valour enough and had made a considerable resistance and that his Enemies having failed in their expectation were now wearied whilst his Men kept close to their ground and séeing that there was no advantage on the Enemies part he whéeled aboâ—t and went to those Forces he had ordered as a Reserve when he came to them he cried out Come Fellow-Souldiers there is only your assistance wanting to put an end to this days work and reap the advantage of Battle that hath been well fought do but now show your resolutions to continue what you have been Conquerors and we shall soon be so They answered him with such a shout as demonstrated their joy and willingness to follow him wherefore he being at the head of this Party flew like lightning and in a instant was up with his Enemies who were mightily surpized with this assault They bore it as couragiously as they could but these fresh Forces coming with fresh resolutions to die or conquer made their Enemies know that they were led by one who was no â—dvice in the Art of War The gallant Princess did all she could to hinder her Enemies from a Victory which she saw they were resolved to have but séeing it was in vain she like a prudent General caused the retreat to be sounded The Numidian Prince hearing of it was resolved not to disoblige her further but give her the satisfaction she desired but although he as well as she had caused the retreat to be sounded yet his Souldiers could not be easily brought off from the work they were ingaged in in killing and vanquishing their Enemies But now the night coming on did that for them both which they were so desirous of for it separated the two Armies and the valiant Princess found her loss so considerable that she thought it necessary to quit the Field to her Enemies and enter the City being the better place of security She put this her resolution into execution but not so well but that she
the Giants head that he was astonished at the blow and in the mean time seized on the Battle-ax The Giant soon came from his astonishment and now believing his Enemy to be quite weaponless advanced towards him but to his cost for he not doubting any such matter came so near that the Knight of Cupid hitting the Giant a blow with the mighty Battle-ax cut off one of his arms at which he roared like a baited Bull and the Knight again following his blows in two more laid him flat upon the earth and so coming to him and possessing himself of the Giant 's Sword he therewith smote off his head The Knight of Cupid having now to the joy and admiration of the whole Company killed his Enemy the Giant and cut off his head with his own Sword put it on the Swords point and presented it to the Countess saying Now Madam behold the effects of your Prayers and Tears have given me the Victory over your Enemy and if this be not enough let me know what is further to be done The Countess coming down from the Scaffold threw her self at the Knight's féet with many fears embracing him but he taking her up went to the King and the Iudges who told him The Conditions of the Combat should be performed whereupon the false Damsel was seized on and a pile of Faggots being in readiness she was carried thither to be burnt She séeing that the end of her life was at hand and being accompanied by some Religious Persons they so far wrought with her that she confessed That the Accusation she had made of the Countess was false and that she was hired thereto by the Countesses Brother in Law The King and the Iudges hearing of this commanded her to be burnt immediately as a punishment for her offence and withal banished the Countesses Brother in Law so that if after twenty days he should ever be séen in England he should be hanged And now justice being done on all sides the Quéen took the virtuous Countess and her Children into her company and the King desired the valiant Knight of Cupid to go with him the which he did and stayed there with him several days being all that time highly and honourably feasted and entertained by the King and all the Court. But some few days being passed and he hearing no news of what he searched for the Princess Magdalena in order to his resolutions he passed thorow the principallest places in England till he came to Westchester where méeting with his Ship he soon after embarqued leaving the fame of the Knight of Cupid spread abroad in all that Country Being now embarqued with his trusty Squire and Dwarf he sailed cross those Seas and landed near the Port of Dublin then called Ballicleagh or the Town of Hurdles it being as most of all that Country is built upon Hurdles laid upon a Bog The whole Country of Ireland was at that time governed by one Monarch who kept his chief residence at Dublin but it was divided into four small Kingdoms or Provinces called Lemster Munster Ulster and Conaught and over these there were several Kings Earls or Governors The principal King himself whose name was Owen Roe Oneale governed the Province of Lemster particularly the Governor of Munster who was his Brother and Father to Peter of Ireland was named Mac Guire the King or Governor of Ulster was named Owen O Coneele and the King or Governor of Conaught was named Owen Mac O Brian These were the several Governments and these were the several Governors of this Kingdom whose Monarchy was as antient as any in the World for it was first formed into a Monarchy by King Gaelus Son to Pharaoh King of Aegypt in the time of the Patriarch Abraham which was two thousand years before the Incarnation of our blessed Lord and Savior and it continues in the same way of Government to this day never admitting of any but a Kingly Government CHAP. VII How the Knight of Cupid being arrived in Ireland was set upon by four Knights whom he vanquished and afterwards more of their Companions but at length he being overpowered by the Multitude and refusing to yield to the King was well nigh slain How he submitted to the King who told him of Wars in his Kingdom about Honna Princess of Ulster who was beloved by the Prince of Conaught but could not be suffered to Marry him by reason of the Gyant Flusteron who would compel her to be Married to him against her will How the King with the Knight of Cupid went to the Wars and after many bloody Battels and the Destruction of many Cities the War was ended by the sole valour of the Knight of Cupid who in a single Combat slew the Giant Flusteron THe valiant Knight of Cupid had no sooner set footing on the Irish shore but he commanded his Horse to be disimbarqued and he mounting his lusty Courser armed at all points and attended on by his dear Squire Florello and his trusty Dwarf who were also mounted he advanced towards the City of Dublin but long had he not travelled but he was met by four Knights armed at all points who commanded him to stand he did so and asked their business They replied He must go with them to the King their Master and take such an Oath as he would impose on him or else leave his Horse and Arms behind him He hearing their terms and not being used to be compelled to any thing so unreasonable answered That he should not with his good will take any Oath much less leave his Arms. They told him That this he must do or else they would compel him and thereupon one of them drew near to seize on his Bridle but he who was so forward paid for his holdness for he gave him such a blow on the head with the great end of his Lance that he beat him breathless under his Horses féet His Companions séeing this went all thrée to seize on him but he turned his Horse to avoid them and thereby they passing on he had the leisurs to put his Lance in his Rest ready to receive them They séeing him thus provided for them all thrée ran against him and although all thrée did hit him together yet they moved him no more then if he had béen a Tower but they fared not so well for he encountred one with his Lance so that he was thrown over his Horses crupper and he seized on another in his arms as he passed by and drawing him out of his saddle threw him on violently against the ground and the third who at that time escaped was worser treated for at the next encounter he threw him to the ground and his Horse upon him and thus these four Knights being dismounted he passed on But they in short time recovering their Horses and mounting again pursued him but at some distance so that he was near the City Walls before they overtook him and then they rode up