Brohars who had then lost a leg took his axe into both his hands saying Boy braggard and worse than a boyish braggard stand but before me and thou shalt sée this losse the gaine of my better courage for I shall neuer aspire my end or orethrow til I haue cut thée péece-meale into a thousand pieces Meruine smiling at this vâ—nt stooped to take him by the other foot thinking to traâ—le him into the midst of the field but improuidence guided his action for the traitour clasping him about his helmet drew him to him with such maine strength as he fellouer and ouer Great God of heauen haue mercy vpon him for if thy pitty be not his sauiour death must be his redéemer Brohars was mighty and strong and so was Meruine insomuch that betwéene them was â—hewed al the triumph and perfection of strength and agilitie But in the end Brohars through the riuer-like effusion of his blood was so excéedingly weakned that in a happy time and in despite of Fortunes worst Meruin arose taking from him his battle axe then houering ouer him like an vngorged eagle he said Traitor now behold the last date of thine affliction confesse therfore the treason thou hast done against the good lady Basina or by Mahomet thy own weapon immediatly shall diâ—orce thine accuâ—sed head from thy shoulders But he whom villanâ—e had taught nothing but villainous replies answerd Thou son of a diffamed â—urtesan coward recreant I was neuer traitor nor did treason euer lodge in my affinity As he was about to say more Meruine impaâ—â—ent to sée such audacious impieâ—ie with the axe gaue him such a blow on thother thigh thaâ— he cut it quite from his body leauing him as leglesse as he was gracelesse the paine whereof together with the laboring of his lifes departure made him belâ—ow out such lamentatioÌ„s that all the mountains and plaines were priuy to his miserable fortunes Then called he to Meruine and said Euâ—n now I find my soule contending for her deliuery wherfore if thou hast as much pitty in thy heart as force in thy hand deferâ—e alittle my iudgement and call Croisant and Basina to behold my departure Meruine forthwith called them who willingly came thither And being come Meruine said Brohars behold Croisant and the Lady are present say what thou hast to say vnto them Ah Croisant Croisant saide he euen for Mahomets sake that pardons all pardon me and haue mercy on my miserie thy wife the vertuous Basina is most loyall most true and most vndefiled not any betwéene the Poles more honorable T is true t is true I haue importuned her long more than a yeare but neuer could obtaine it T is trâ—e t is true I only for that haue hated her T is true that this 〈◊〉 was mine owne inuention I brought Brison to hâ—â—bed I suggested her disloyaltie and I alone deseruâ— this miserable infortune Then he called the lady to him and said Diuine Basina and excellent Lady for â—oues sake who created all things create me anew with thy pardon and from the white veile of thine innocency let my misdeed find a shadowing forgiuenes for I confesse with a â—â—â—ting soule my monstrous imparted treasons against tâ—ee and will maintaine whilest vanishing breath maintains power to maintaine any thing my selfe the most falsest traâ—tor that euer was recorded amongest the Pagans Neuer spakest thou more true than now answered Meruine therefore shalt thou indure the Law and I onely will be thine executioner and with that lifting vp the axe he strucke the Pagan betwéene the helmet and the coller with such forcible vigor that he compelled his head to flie from his shoulders So died the traitour by the hands of Meruine the sonnâ— of Oger in whom the excellencie of prowesse was onely excellent CHAP. IX 1 Of the honours done to Meruine for his victorie 2 How Minea brought him backe againe to Brandâ—s 3 His imprisonment and other aduentures AFter the death of Brohars whose death was as a festiual to the beholders chiefly to Minea and Basina who comming to Meruine did him great adoration and worship Croisant caused the body of the traitor to be drawne to a paire of gallowes where it was hanged â—or a spectacle of monstrous villanie But Meruine whose minde was still making loue to honor regardlesse of other accomplishments went to the goodly mare Mordant and hauing caught her as his prize and honors right he mounted vpon her backe spurred her ranne her leapt her and so thundred about the fields finding in her all the rarest perfections could possibly be wisht for in such an incomparable creature that his ioy reached beyond the bounds of extreamest pleasure in this sort made him giue praise to Mahomet Ah Mahomet qd he behold here a beast of inuincible puissance I honor thée for the gift and by her valure will exalt thy name in forren nations she is my harts wish I prize her morâ— then her weight of the finest gold Thus spake Meruine then rode on with the pagans who honored him as a demy-god â—uen to the gates of MoÌ„testeur where he was receiued with triumphant ioy solemnity After he was ascended the castle and had disarmed himselfe his wounds were found sleight and of small importance yet not withstanding there was an excellent Surgion appointed him whose skill in thrée dayes would haue cured much greater woundings After hee was â—ressed had giuen his mind a little recreation with ease hunger in that he had fasted all the day began to seize vpon his stomack so that he desired the Barons to make hast with his supper assuring them he had not felt so good an appetite before in his life time One of the barons told him all thinge were prepared for his repafâ— there wanted nothing but his presence TheÌ„ sate Meruine and the other marchants down who were serued with all pompous magnificence nothing wanting that wit wealth or wish could accomplish When they had supped they fell to discourse of diuers ocâ—urrents according to the time or humor of their opinions but Minea taking Croisant vnto her said Brother this princely yoÌ„g man hath done thée great honour and to my sister an eternall neuer to be requited fauour euen as much as her soules redemption True Madame replied he I acknowledge as much or more from his valure wherefore if he please to imploy me I am all onely at his seruice and from this day do I reckon my new natiuitiâ— binding my life to his dispose and glorying in nothing more then in that I am his subiect Brother sayd Minea thy spéeches are woorthy of thy vertues therefore now prepare thy people and goe with vs to Brandis for there haue we actions of hiâ— importaunce with the Earle thereof where you must be aidant and agent to performe vnto him the weight of our businesse Ladie quoth hée as willingly is mine agréement as your wish is redy and I am proud of sâ— happy
or trust in my counsel your Maiestie shal vndoubtedly send for him sith his presence is an assured conquest the gods alone haue sworne he shall commaund control victorie whose like for mightinesse of shape couragious resolution hath not bene seene in all our former ages The king to these words would returne no answer but as one desinoâ—s to forget his own desires talked of other matters to expel the thoughts of these proceedings 3 But Berea who made precious euery time with the precisenesse of her regarde now finding opportunitie a kinde agent to her hopes drew Iacob aside into a priuate corner greedy to know an end of that which in her could atteine to no end said vnto him Iacob by that excellent creator which created me thou hast maried my delight to a delight beyond delight in thy loues prayses of that delicat yong man whom we cal Meruin because I haue knowen him euen from the infancie of his infaÌ„cie to these riper yeres of youth that haue infraâ—chised him from the â—â—â—â—etnesse of schoole rudiments yet in all that time nor in my time haue I séene a creature more admirably compact or in whom valure and aduenture haue held more preheminence Beléeue mée and by my soules god Mahomet I protest it is a pitie deseruing more theÌ„ a pitiful regard that he wanteth lands and reuenues worthy to enricâ— him with honour but most of all grieuous that he is no gentleman in whom al the condicions of gentrie chalengeth such a wonderous prerogatiue Ha diuine lady sayd Iacob Meruine hath all whatsoeuer Nature or heauen can infuse into a mortal creature or man or woman can bestow of a blessed infant As for land it is as fruitelesse as tastlesse if labour giue it not a sweet relish velure is the mistris of his deuotion and hee is excâ—llently valiant the heauen climbing conceit wherof doubtlesse will mount him on the highest steppe of honor If I may well say what in my conceit portendeth to a well meaning intent were I king of Hungaria Calabria Polonia and for a blessing of those hie dignities had but one sole daughter twise faiâ—er then the fairest euer Mahomet created I would giue her and it only to Meruin yea and imagin it a dowrie much too little for the vertue force and true magnamitie with which he is so gloriously adorned When the paragon of al perfections the most beutiful Berea heard theâ—e words first she blusht as afrayd lest his eyes had stâ—ept theâ—r sight in her inward desires and then driue away the blusht with a pale mantle of shamefast reioycing to heare him so admired exchanging white red so often in her counterance that the behâ—lders might wel grow inchanted with those coâ—lours and yet hâ—ld them neuer more excellent yet the most excellent when equally mâ—xt they bare like soueraigneâ—â—e in her angel-exâ—â—lling face After this contending superioritie of lookes she turned asâ—de whispered thus to her selfe Ha Merâ—â—â— Merâ—illc the many praises of thy renoune aâ—e the 〈…〉 my hart leauing no restraint to my desires but the palle of vertue yet thou knowest it not it is now more then sixe yéeres since first loue tooke flight from thine eies to harbour in my heart yet thou knowest it not onely haue my vowes aspired to heauen for thée yet thou kâ—ewest it not neither dare I alas for the basenesse of thy linage take away this ignorant mischiefe of my blisse Alas thou knowst it not Yet shuld I liue an exile fro my fathers countrey so a diuine vnion cald mariage had made vs one soule I had rather endure a tormenting euill with thy presence theÌ„ al the gorgeous aduancement heauen or mine own wishes could giue or desire with the greatest pagan emperour of the world Thus spake Berea the glory of Nature who when Iacob perceiued so passionat fearing leâ—â— the too great liberalitie of his words had offended in this maner began to excuse them Deare lady sayd he be not offended that the height of my praises haue attained no higher a subiect then Meruine who is higher in my thoughts then heauen in the eie of any man neither impute error to my speches fith by heauen I haue not lied in any thing neither spoken to flatter the priuate conceit of any peculiar nor the publique auditorie of so gracious an assembly but what I haue said euen the wings of euery wind will whistle Then gracious madam bowe not your countenance from me neither be displeased with my rude reportings Ha no quickly answered Berea who was willinger to increase volums then abridge a letter thy words moue me no amasement of dislike therefore I beséech thée faile not but come and speake with me in my chamber before thy departure from the court At this the lady and Iacob discouered themselues and Iacob went againe vnto the king who euen then was roially set at dinner and commanded Iacob to attend him the Queene Then began the king to discourse the hie malice of Baucamont of his warlike expedition towards Montment with all the occurrencs of that intended warfare as a troublesom theam whereof only his mind noted After diâ—â—â—r was ended and the king risen Iacob humbly took his leaue to depart yet ere he went he inquired the way to the yong princesse Bereas lodgings and thither he went but she poore loue-torne lady was laid on alitle couch couerd with rich tissue tormenting her heart with her thoughts and her thoughts with loue so excéedingly that the abundance of her sorow gaue lâ—berty to her tongue to vtter and in vttering to double her languor ay me qd she dearer then the dearest of my selfe to me O only absolute Meruine thy absence is my death and thy remembrance the continuall obsequies for my deceased happines yet is my death blameles sith I die for the most wise most beautifull most valiant and most accomplisht creature in the world whose renowne is spread through Galile and all the corners of th earth Ha Meruine Meruine when shal I behold the day of thy arriuall when shall I bathe my eies in thy eies whisper in thy eare and hang on thy bosome O excellent loue vnknowne to thée thou hast my loue my vertuous loue gouerne me then as thy captiue and dispose me as thy seruant At these wordes beating the pallace of her breast she turned and tossed as if the motion of her bodie could remoue her passion but it was impossible Then calling an eunuch to her commanding him to marry his voice to his lute she bade him sing some canzonet that might rather kil than increase passion the eunuch sung as followâ—â— I doe not now complaine of my disgrace Though neuer soule of greater griefes could bost Nor of the houre season time nor place Nor of my foile for any freedome lost Nor of my liues ioy by misfortune danted Nor of my wit with ouerweening strooke Nor of my sence with any sound inchanted Nor of the
first perceiuing them cried to his companions this day is better then a Sabboth to my desires for I discouer a ship laden with christian gallants if it be rich be yours the profit of their wealth vouchsafe me no bootie but prowesse and honor to my sword which is al I desire to deserue And at these words a courageous fire of valiant fury inuironed his heart Now if the zealous minded christians when they beheld the pagans were ouerrun wieh a doubtfull feare of their successe wonder not for they were but thirtieâ— and those il appointed both for armour and munition so that if the eie of heauen behold them not with a pitying aspect their liues and honours are all in ieopardy by the valiancy of Meruin Cosin Gallien said Drohes behold how these pagans draw néere to assault vs if Iehouah looke not from heauen heâ—e shal our liues pay their last forfâ—t Feare not cosine replied Gallien for by that faith I owe to thâ—lmightie so long as I can hold my battel ax in my hand so long wil I maintain my liberty and doubt not but to send thousands of them to hell Ha coâ—ine against the foes of religion we ought to be eternaly valiaÌ„t yet if God in his great booke of destinie haue set downe our tragedies in this coÌ„flict let vs receiue with ioyfulnes what we cannot repel with vnwillingnes Yet I protest to you by the greatest protestation of a christian soule that before I be taken I le infranchise so many paganâ— soules from their cursed bodies that the crâ—mosin curâ—ents of their blood shall vouchsafe my hands a perpetuall couerture While Gallien was speaking this Meruine and his companions being already prepard for the battel boorded Gallien to whom Meruine haâ—led demanded whence and what they were whose white crosâ—es were said he the signes of christianity which he had vowed to root from the face of all nations Scarcely was his last wordended but the pagan mariners assaulted the christians whom Meruine the rest with their swords in their fists violently seconded making almost the beginning and ending one moment There might the eie of man behold a lamentable spectacle for of xxx Christian soules in a trice were xxvj breathlesse only iiij suruiuing which were Gallien Drohes and ij others which breathed scarse a breath before their breaths vanished but Drohes turning aloft his stéelehewing sword which the counte of Meulant had giuen him when he fought against Sodonas slew an infinit number of the valiantest Sarazens but Gallien caried himselfe so couragiously that he neuer stroke blow with his axe but he disseuered the life from the body When Croisant sawe the prowesse of Gallien he cried vnto his people that they should not for a world kil him bicause he would present him as a great estimate to king Mermont but that word of lifes safety cost him more by much than he desired to tender for Gallien smote so thicke with his axe that the Pagans in aboundance tumbled into the sea Gallien still crying S. George and me and withall crying Thou holy Lamb of Iuda comfort thy people All this while the valiant acts of Meruine the son of Oger did were wonders beyond wonder and more than words haue power to deliuer yet what he did he ill did sith it was to exalt Mahomet shew himselfe an inuincible pagan yet ought he not be hated for his misbeliefe but curse with immortall malediction that false fairy Gratiana who stealing him told not the trueth of his birth and being Gallien and Drohes made great resistance against the Pagans but the highest valure is profitlesse against an higher resolution Wherefore cosin Drohes said Gallien let me kisse thee and bid thée farewell for here shal our bodies vnsundered sunder their acquaintance but our soule I hope imbrace in the highest pallace of heauen Well dost thou know O that we had such cause to know how Ganelon the traitor by his treason deliuered vnto the king Marcillius my father Oliuer and the famous Orlando who died at Ronceualli O Oliuer my father thou scourge of Sâ—razens turne back into heauen Thus spake the wise Gallien whom Meruine beholding with the eies of perfite anger and séeing that none of his people durst approach him cried retire thou valurelesse amated nation whose earthy spirits are consumd with the fire of this christian to me belongs the conflict to me the repâ—tation Approaching to Gallien he said Traitor all thy defences are but mists that vanish from thy safety great hath bin thy conquest greater thy fault for such conquest and greatest now shall be thy ouerthrow Yet for thy valure sake I will contradict my iudgement yield and thy life is saued Were it not for charitie said Gallien I should hate thy soule but thy body be assured I detest yet my selfe much more should I haue but halfe a thought of submission neuer was there pagan borne to whom I will be obedient and at that word he strucke a pagan that approched him with such furie that he fell dead before Mernin Merâ—in beholding this true magnanimity had not euen at that instant wrath thrust pittie from her soueraignty he had both saued and loued him but being blinded with emulation he rusht vpon Gallien and strucke him vpon the head that he claue him euen vnto the girdle Wo alas Gallien the sonne of Oliuer as memorable for his vertues as famous for his victories is now slaine forgiue him great Ioue that slew him and yet it was a wound that wounded all christendome 2 Now is Drohes alone and yet not alone for séeing Gallien dead he was consorted with infinite perplexities and as t were armed with their inuisible tumults he sware that before he died he would reuenge his death then flew he amongst the proudest Sarazins sending infinites to attend him whom he loued but alas their courses were contrary for Gallien ascending they descended So like a carelesse mad man only discréetly wise in the waies of prowesses did Drohes behaue himselfe that leauing his own he boorded the ship where the Pagans were inhaused and there defended and offended with such vnspeakable corage that not any but started backe and refused to assaile him Iesus said Drohes that madest the crosse glorious by thy passion shall I O must I die here and thus vnreuenged with that word he leapt into a litle boate that was behind at the stâ—rn of the ship and swore by holy Mary that who so entred there he would be his deaths man for sithence he was alone he would sell his owne his fellowes liues at the rate of a bloody tribute Then came Meruin all amazed saying Christian for pure loue only of thy vertue if thou wilt yield and trust mine honorable reputation by Mahomet and him thou callest thy redéemer thou shalt haue no harme only the title of my prisoner and for the renowne of thy valiancie shalt goe whither fortune shall conduct mée this do and so do otherwise by Alcaron my
this angry discharge Gratiana depaâ—ted with dying sorrow from the presence of Meruine and as the history reporteth fled to a wast and vnfrequented wildernesse which bordereth vpon Damatam where the remâ—ined and where we wil leaue her till som better occurrent reuoke her and we will proceede with renowmed Meruine who espoused Berea on whom he begate Orient the father of Helias that begate Idain that bore Godfrey of Bullen as it is written in the holy Legend of the same Godfrey ⸪ CHAP. XXIX 1 How Drohes instructed Meruine in religion 2 How Meruine deliuerd Charlemaine and the twelue peers 3 How Berea was baptized with the rest of the cittie and was named Mathaburna other accidents IMmortally valiant Meruine when as you haue heard he was assured of his genealogy which bred in him no little comfort and the rather because he was a Christian and the sonne of so famous a champion yet he not a little grieued that by him the Christians were surprised and brought to so streight a doore of misfortune wherefore his sorrow strangely increased which Berea seeing she grew troubled seeking albeit in vaine many wayes to recomfort him which seeing they auailed not she went to Drohes and discoursed all that had chaunced a liuely cordiall that inspird with an inexpressable gladnes so as without any tarriance he went with hir to the aâ—bour where Meruine lay prostrate on the ground beating himselfe with extreame languor Drohes beholding the furie of his passion though at first amazed yet ran to him with true zeale oâ— euer-liuing intimacie thus kindely chid him Ha qd he thou glorie of mankind and flower of chiualrie whither is the virtue of thy resolution fled that thâ—u lendst conquest to a weeping passion What wilt thou in teares drowne thy body consume thy soule Arise arise thou excellentest of all creatures and with a liuely faith in the liuing God of Abraham aske pardon for thy sinnes and the lambe of peace that redéemed the world wil wipe out thy trangressions sith vnder the face of heauen there is not so boundlesse an offender as God in his mercy is an almightie parâ—â—ner When Meruine had heard Drohes he rose vp kissing his hand sayd thou balm of mine afflictions health to my sicke soule O pardon mée I beséech thée the vnlucky slaughter which on the sea I coÌ„mitted where I slew Galien thy déere companion the famous sonne of renowmed Oliuer the other christiaÌ„s otherwise I wil sauefist that hand which sauefisted them in duty I should haue adored Thrice deare frieÌ„d replied Drohes my inward soule hath forgiuen thée and then Drohes sate downe and expounded to him many places of holy scripture instructed him in all the points of christian religion he declared how our sauiour had a diuine resideÌ„ce in the sacred womb of the virgin Mary and how from thence hee was deliuered shee being both a mother and a mayd Then how at the age of three and thirtie yeâ—res he suffered death and passion to deliuet mankind from the gates of hell and destruction and the third day arising from the graue mounted into the doores of the highest heauen from whence hee sent downe the holy spirite to inspire and recomfort his apostles To be briefe there was no point appertaining to saluation which Drohes did not explane with most heauenly eloquence Berea that sate by as soone as she had heard discouered the misteries comforts of our religion with a constant and maiesticall modestie rose vp and sayd beare witnesse princes that here I renounce Mahomet Tauergant and their Alcheron and desire to be baptized and imbraced for a perfite thristian At this they all clapt their hands for ioy kissed the skirts of her clothing in token of reuerence 2 Then sayd Meruine who through Drohes instructions was both resolued and comforted let vs waste no more time but go and deliuer Charles the emperor Forthwith they went and comming into the castle they found all our Barons heauy and sadde but the emperor recomforting them with kingly resolutions Meruine no sooner came in his sight but falling vpon his knées he said Royall king of Fraunce and all you right noble knights of Christendom pardon me I beseech you both mine errour and mine offences to you I will be a liege man and a subiect to these a neuer failing friend in the hardest aduentures whom in signe of euer liuing amitie I desire to kisse Then arose he vp and kissed both the emperor and the rest and after he declared how hee was a Christian borne and the sonne of Oger the Duke of Denmarke Many other discourses they had and infinite reioycings crying the sonne of Oger is become a Christian woe to the Pagans and their false god Mahomet Then issued Charles and the rest out of the Castle protesting solemnely the sacke of paganisme By my redeemer said Charles I will not rest till I see the Sarazens tremble vnder Ioyous my good sword As I am prowd of my birth and progenie said Meruine there is not liuing a pagan how redoubâ—ed soeuer but if he refuse baptisme he shall also refuse his life and being This said they went into a chamber and armed themselues Meruine caused a cornet to be winded at the soâ—nd whereof the 4000. Pagans Meruine had brought with him assembled themselues in the base court of the pallace vnto whom Meruine made this briefe speach Fellow souldiers admire not my speach but be reaâ—y in your resolues My will is that euery one of you be baptized become a christian and he that refuseth to die the death chuse either eternall life or destruction The wonder was not little that these words cast amongst them yet what through fâ—are of his prowesse and terror to behold the christians at euerie point armed they agreed to obey him both in the course of life and religion Meruine commended them and forth with gaue them charge to range through the citie and to put all to the sword that refused to receiue baptisme The christian peeres of France were their fore-leaders that spared neither man woman nor child that would â—ot be baptized so that in lesse than in an houres space all Montment was wholy conuerted These things ended Charles called Meruine vnto him and asked if he would accept at his hands the honor of knighthood My lord qd he it is the onely thing to which my thoughts haue a longing then kneeling downe Charles drew Ioyous his sword and laying it on his shoulder bade him rise vp the most renowmed knight vnder the firmament only be thou stedfast in thy faith and raise high thy god and religion Thou earthly god of Europe said Meruine in the maiesty of heauen and before thy royall presence I make a vow there shall not a pagan moue his foote vpon the earth if he renounce not Mahomet and put his trust in the liuing God And what he vowed he effected for his conquests against the pagans doubled his ouerthrowes
against the Christians as 〈◊〉 shall heare hereafter Now had the emperor Charls Meruine and the pâ—â—res of France so well managed euery occurrent that the whole citie of Mâ—â—tment was now wholy in their subiection 3 Then was there a vessell filled with water which the Archbishop of Rheimes hauing 〈…〉 they of the â—â—tie were baptized therein and the foure thousand But before all and aboue all the most virtuâ—us princesse Berea was baptized not by her auncient name but by the name of Mathaburna And when all the cereâ—â—nies belonging to that most blessed sacrament was finished Meruine with king Charlemaine his peeres made a progresse through the realme conuerting all to chrâ—â—â—ianitie for not any durst gainstaÌ„d Meruin whose valure in those parts was almightily â—adord so as euen to the wals of Brandis was not left a breathing pagan After this Meruin returned again to MoÌ„tment where he was godlike receiued of Mathaburna who amongst other of their priuate conferences demanded when he would 〈◊〉 pouse her who returned this answer Lady goddesse and ruler of my thoughts and wishes I haue made a solemne oath in the high parliament of heauen not to marry any creature till I haue reconquered backe all that I haue spoiled from the christians haue set at absolute libertie againe the foure famous brethren and sonnes to the good king Gaultier My lord replied she be all thy decrees as immoueable as desteny and I will attend the effects of thy extremst desire Thus wil we leaue them king Charlemaine and the christians returne to Bertran Guion Thierrie and Florion Gaultiers 4. sonnes who as you remember were prisoners at Damascus CHAP. XXX 1 How by meanes of Guida the daughter of Baucamont Bertran and his brothers escaped imprisonment 2 How king Bandus daungerously assailed them and how they maruelousty defended themselues YOu haue heard in the storie before how the foure gallant sonnes of Gualtier were by Meruine taken and imprisoned in Damascus now further in the same discourse he saieth that Baucamont had one faire daughter named Guyda who with a most perfite affection was inamoured vpon Bertran and for his sake often did repaire to the prison to doe them honour and seruice making the dayes of their induraunce like the houres of a happy festiuall insomuch thaâ— on a time as the brothers were in consultation they said one to another that if they were but well armed they would soone haue the castell at their commaundement and doubted not but the God of hâ—â—uen would so protect them that themselues would make themselues lords of their owne libertie and in this they fâ—â—nd no impossibilitie sith the Princesse Guyda smiled on them with good fortune My lordes said Huon oâ— Burdeaux I will tell you what my soule thinkes had I but halfe the loue-sicke thoughts hanging vpon me which I know that Princesse powreth into the â—osome of Bertran or would she but as priuately conuerse with me as I know she secretly wéepeth her loue to him I would in one naturall day deliuer both my selfe and my companions yet without impeachment of my loue or touch to her honour Scarce was his last word ended but Guyda entred into the chamber who with a modest grauity the cloud of an impatient loue saluted them and demaunded of their welfare Madam said Bertran my health is in the hand of thy mercy and but thou giue end to my sickenesse there is no creature can preserue me from a sodaine dying When she heard these speeches with a frosty blush of a little wonder she answered Prince repose a while and immediately you shall know if helpe bee in my power Then she went forth and called the Gaoler vnto her whose name was Corbun and intreated him â—o bring vnto her into an other chamber the Prince Bertran who was a little sicke that she might giue physicke to his euill The not mistrusting Gaoler with lowe bowed reuerence tolde her he would performe her pleasure and foorthwith called Bertran telling him he must goe to the Princesse Guyda who attended for him The verie ioy of those wordes made him leape and caper through the chamber whilest Huon with like shew of iollitie followed him Then saide Bertran Huon stay here a little till I call thée Agréed said Huon Then went Bertran to Guyda and intreated that his friend Huon might participate of his phisicke for he is not wel also Prince Bertran said the Lady with all my heart so he be secret for feare of daunger Feare not excellent Madam said he for Huon is most loiall most constant and most religious Then shee commaunded Corbun to bring Huon vnto her Madam said Corbun I dare not lest I bring the life of king Bandus in question Your Ladyship is too bold in these rash aduentures and nurse mischiefe in gracing these christians I fear some euil wil succeed this hazard wherfore if Bertran returne not instantly I will reueale his being to the king and your kindred Lady and my déere loue saide Bertran if not he then I will performe thy pleasure and in so saying he drew néere to Corbun to whom with his fist he gaue so mortall a blow that he fell dead to the earth without anie word speaking When Guyda saw what hée had done she tare her haire and sorrowed without measure but Bertran embracing her in his armes whispered such reconcilement into her eares that hee appeased her passion and they slumbered in diuine contentment either from other taking the delight of long wishing heartes and most deere was their delightes to all Christendome for in that houre he begat on her a sonne whose name was called Barrant who was father of Dolifern Was there neuer creture more cruelâ— or tyrannicall for that he slewe both his father and his mother and brought vpon Christendome lamentable fortunes as you shall sée hereafter But to returne againe to Bertran who assoone as he had accomplished his will vpon Guyda hee returned to his brethren and saide Princes nowe followe mee if you will reuenge your selues as well vpon the Pagans as I haue done vpon him who in these walles hath restrained vs. At this they all pressed to follow him to whom Guyda said Ay me Lordes what madnesse is in your thought alas what will you do but ouerthrow you selues and my glory Madam said Huon content your selfe I know Prince Bertran so â—xcéedingly loueth you that no fortune can diuorce him from you so you will renounce Mahomet and become a Chrâ—stian Lord Huon said she there is nothing I more desire but it is past my capacitie how our happinesse shal be contriued Madamâ— said Huon I haue found out the meane let vs but haue armour and weapons prouided vs and there is not a Pagan liuing that shall dare to denie va passage at our pleasure As I am true to my Lord and â—oue said she that shal be effected and then she brought them into the castle armorie where was warre-like prouision So they armed themselues
the botomlesse riuer Orbe making his current ouer the roufe of the wofull mansion into this if once the vassall come there is no redemption nor hath any creature power of deliueraÌ„ce for so Merlin inchanted it who bound the diuelish Mutafier beyond the power of all other coniuration till such time that by bloudy vow and execrable protestation he sware euer to beat his hest and commandement not daring to wrong body or soule without his authoritie And then was Mutafier inlarged and euer after made frée from that dungeon Into this place shall this Meruine be conueyed neither will I rest till I sée it fullie brought to passe and finished After all reuels were enâ—ed torches wer brought to coÌ„uey the princes to their lodgings so euery one seuerally departed and Meruine was brought into a most sumptuous chamber where after he was laid and had lockt vp his eieâ—lids with a swéete slumber thirtie Sarazens entred his lodging and armed not so much with courage as the sleep death-like sprinkled vpon him at once assailed him and bound him hand and foot and blindfolded his eies At which Meruin awaking was mightily amazed but not knowing any remedie was patient forcibly Then began the vassals of shame to remile him saying Traytour thou shalt curse the time that euer thou renouÌ„ced Mahomet or bathed thy sword in the blood of a pagan for hence springs thy ruine and their delieuerie Then came Butor who caused him to bee cast into the fore-mentioned Dungeon where he was chained by the handes and féete and receiued his iudgemeÌ„t that he should neuer be frée from that calamitie till â—e renounced the eternall God of the Christians 〈◊〉 which he made answere Taritours and no kings my God will I neuer forsake for affliction neither shal my life indure to thinke wearisome these torments which I indâ—re for my Sauiour whose loue I will not leaue for all the worlds triumphs my soule being deare for these deare oppressions At this Butor departed leauing Meruine accompanied with none but sorrowe onely with whome hée consorâ—ed the space of fiue yeeres in extreame miserie Now was the gift giuen by Gratiana at his birth fully accomplished and hee pent in that prison where teares were pittilesse though incessant after many bemonings he made his prayers vnto God besought him to haue mercy on his afâ—â—ictions Then came the deuill Mautafier and transforming himselfe into many likenesses tempted him wieh damnable protestations promising if he would renounce his baptisme to redeeme him from his wofulnesse But his faith resolued was euer immoueable so that Mautafierâ—eeing â—eeing his perseuerance left to expostulate with more temptation Heere we will leaue to speake more of him or his wretchednes and discourse a little of Morgua his mother of Meruina his godmother Galiana that princeliest Fairies that gouerned in Faeria whose griefe abounded for the imprisonment of Meruine inueying most mightily against Gratiana whose gift made him subiect to this infortune After many complaints Morgua sayd to the other ladies Princesses you vnderstand the wretchednes of my sonnes case euen for vertues sake consent to sweeten some hoâ—re of his bitternesse with delight which I haue deuised We three will take ech of vs an instrument of musicke and go into his dungeon the cloister of carefulnes euery day an houre at such time as Mautafier shal be absent and with some chanson of delicacie minister ioy among his sorrowes concealing our selues from his eies onely inriching his eares with melodie To this the Ladies gaue a frée consent so that doing accordingly they entred vnseene into the prison At whose approch a most strange light spred through the dungen in so ample maner as it there had bin an hundred torches burning At which diuine action Meruine was woonderfully amazed Amazed only to sée that he saw â—othing Iustantly after the light the Fairies began to play heauenly notes the moouing aire of celestiall musicke that it was impossible for sorrow to abiâ—e where such sacred tunes were recorded and he in whom languor pâ—otested to haue tenuâ—e of fee-simple prooued the â—lea â—alse and that at all he had in him no interest Afteâ— they had thus plaied and Meruine had shakt handes with extreâ—â—â—â—e they returned to their owne habitation not â—ayling 〈◊〉 day thâ—s inuisâ—bly to visite him to the high amazment of his sences 2 But againe to returne to the traiterous king Mermont Iâ— chaunced that he came to king Butor and in most earnest maner inâ—reated him to muster vp his people and with the greatest power he had to march with him to Montment for that there lay Gautier of Denmarke his foure sonnes and almost all the floure of Christendome in expectance of Meruine whom vnawares they might ouerâ—hrâ—w and bring â—o finall destruction â—o this Butor agreed for ill by ill is easily tempted and forthwith coÌ„maunded Commissions to be sent abroad for the gathering togither of his power When there was assembled to the number of an 100000 he armed them aâ—d departed from Minor trauelling so restlesly both by land and by sea that in twentie dayes he came to Brandis and by the will of God the authoâ—â— of happie fortune the two false meaning kinges lodged in the house of Minea where they held a solempne and tedious councell howe they might enter Montment and in despight of Meruine put to sword Gautier and the rest of the Christians All which disputations came to the eares of Mynea who drawing aside the Lord Chamberlaine of king Mermonts houshold in humble-maner intreated of his lordshippe to know where or what was become of the most famousâ— Meruine Madam sayd the noble man he is inclosed in a place from whence hee shall neuer finde deliuerance And then as if he were with child of those troubles he discoursed all the estate of infortunate Meruine both the reuocaâ—ion of his first religion his true parents and kingly pedegrée his conquests and vnluckie betraying and withall how the most principall of his aliance were gathered together at Montment expecting the espousals betweene him and Berea and how the king his maister and Butor meant to prenent them with a sudden and vnlookt for slaughter 3 When Minea not without sighes had heard him comment of these actions shee smiled least her lookes should be blabbes of her intentions and then taking leaue departed from him and went to her chamber where immediately she indited a letter that conteined what her eares had receiued and deliuering it to a most trustie messenger gaue him especiall charge to beare it to Montment vnto Barbin the marchant All which the messenger effected not ceasing till hée came vnto the kings pallace in Montment where finding Barbin hee sayd Reuerent sir to you I am sent from the vertuous Ladie Minea that so intirely loueth Meruine and from her present these lines to your iudgement When Mathaburna heard him name Meruin she started and inquired what tidings To whom Barbin made no replie but deliuered the letter to
health of my soule said Bertran I le blocke vp that way and if I liue feast my selfe in his pallace at Minor Alas swéete sonne said Gautier how shall wee possibly be so happy when the entrance of our passage is but fiue foote broad and that most daungerous Deare father answered the Prince estéeme not fearefull descriptions for I haue inuented how and which way to make both our selues commanders of the towne and princes of their destructions and thus it is 3 I will arme myselfe in the armour of this dead king and mounted on his horse spread out his now infortunate colours and with such like company as he was attended with I le march towards the towne into which I know I shall enter easily because they will imagine me to be the king of Nubia which I will no sooner haue effected but I will gard the gates with such carefull resolution that famoused so that in all the haste it was put in practise and fiue hundred Christians of the best respect were armed both your Highnes and your army shal haue easie passage This stratagem was much commended and his wisedome with the Pagans armours amongst whom was Gautier Huon and Drohes When they were come within thrée leagues of Minor Gautier left the grose summe of his armie and with the fiue hundred marched till they were passed through the first port of the cittie which was gouerned by Aroufle who taking Bertran that marched on the head of the troope for the king of Nubia saide My Lord will your Maiestie returne againe And Bertran answered he would for he went but only to speake with the King Butor his kinsman promising him at his returne a gift should for euer make him rich the pagan gaue him humble thanks with doglike reuerence and so let him paâ—se And when his army was gone by he turned to Aroufle and drawing his sword said Traitour this is my treasurie and here comâ—s the reward I promised and with that 〈◊〉 stâ—ucke him with such vertue that well might haue cleft a rocke of Maâ—ble but to the pagan it 〈◊〉 no hurt at all because he was cloathed in the hide of a serpent which sometimes was the armour of inuincible Robaster who now liued a Hermit in the woods there adioyning where he continued euer since he forsooke the faire Guerin of Montglaiâ—e at such time as most famous Charlemaine came before Viennâ—a which by faire Guerins meanes he conquered for hate whereof Robaster would haue slaine him but that Guerin guarded him from mischiefe for griefe whereof he was so inraged against her that he swore neuer hereafter to doe her seruice and so led by discontentment came into those woods and there building an hermitage liued and was fostered by his father Malabeon casting away his serpents skinne â—s intending neuer more to be seene in battell yet he misconceiued for he must be the ayder of prince Meruine as you haue heard before when shal be the will of the heauens But letting these digressions passe we will returne to Bertran who after the first blowe she pagan tooke a bar of yron and with it gaue him such a requitall that he made him reele and almost fal from his heâ—se had not Drohes vpheld him to the no little staine of Bertrans remembrance who calling againe his strengths together gaue the Sarazin such a blow that he bowed one of his knées to the ground in submission yet his body vnwounded could no way be tainted Drohes beholding this charged the pagan and brake his lance but did not hurt him Huon did asmuch but as little preuailed to their wonder and his greater pride Bertran at this amazed dismounted himselfe and closed with the pagan whome by cleane strength he threw downe to the ground backeward then alighted Drohes and lifting vp the head of the serpent with his sword made a passage through his body by which his soul fled downward to eternal darknes CHAP. III. How Bertran passed all the gates and Drohes with him also 2 Of the prowesses they shewed against the Pagans 3 How they were taken prisoners and put to the keeping of the faire Singlay When the pagan Aroufle was slaine a charitable déede for Christendome Bertran threw him into the riuer Orbe and then marched on the narrow way till hee came to the second porte which he likewise passed killing the garde thereof and throwing them into the riuer but when Gautier saw with considerate eyes the straitenesse and daunger of those passages he perswaded the Princes to retire saying Honour lost his honour by daring beyond the conceite of power those waies in which none hardly coulde goe but indangered were tell tales of their destructions therefore whileâ—t time was wished them to vse the time of their deliuerance My gratious father saide Bertran I beséech you bee not so suspitioâ—s for if my selfe alone and but tenne with me passe of my life the Towne shall be surprized It is too great a masterie saide the king therefore be councelled and returne For shame my gratious father said he let vs not hauing gone thus farre returne scared with imagination the cittie will take mée for the King of Nubia and that â—hadowe will defend vs. At this both Drohes and the rest cried Forward young prince this day we will be thy followers and then they passed to the last gate at which Bertran knocked desiring entrance saying it was shame by day to kéepe their Cittie thus restrained and for his owne part ere his Cittie of Nubia should be feared he would hazard tenne thousand daungers When the Porter heard Bertran he went vp vnto a lowpe-hole and seeing the christians so well ordered saide to himselfe there shall no more enâ—er but the king of Nubia himselfe till I haue aduertised King Butor my lord and maister and then descending hée opened the Portall desiring Bertran to enter who saide Uillaine why dost thou not open thy gates for my traine to followe mée Noble king of Nubia saide the Porter be not displeased for my déede is my Kings commaundement which broken my life is forfaited neither may I suffer any to passe be he of his nearest linage but if it please your Maiestie I will aduertise his Highnesse and bring you answere Doe saide Bertran and tell his Mightinesse I am returned to discourse of some priuate things I forgate at our departure at this the porter closed the gates and went to the pallace where he found Mermont Gontor and Butor his soueraigne to whome he declared the backe returne of the King of Nubia and his traine and his desire of entrance Of my soule said Butor he hath incountred with Gautier amd is thus chasâ—d backe againe go let him enter but first sommon all my men at armes to be in readines to preuent pals destiny and 〈◊〉 but one besides himselfe onely haue passage in At this away 〈◊〉 the porâ—er told Bertran the Kings decrée neuertheles â—ffeâ—ing him to passe hauing before appoynted certaine souldiers aloft to