of this stately Pallace stoode a gallant building in forme of a Temple seeming to the view of such as beheld the same to be made of the most purest and burnisht gold on the toppe whereof stoode the forme of a most goodly Lady with a Crowne of gold vpon her head whose liuely proportion forme of exceeding beautie would haue detained a most constant mind in a wandring delight to beholde the same Barzillus beholding the exceeding be autie of the Pallace and the stately forme of the pictured Lady was desirous to know who inhabited there and to that intent drawing nigh thereto at the entrance thereof he beheld a tent with these verses written thereon Passe not this Bridge before thou knocke Least thou too late repent thy pride Leaue not obtained thou mayst goe baâ—ke For entrance is to all denide A Knight within must knowe thy name Thy boldnesse else will turne to shame Barzillus reading the superscription smote the Tent with his launce when presently issued out a knight in euery poynt readie armed to whome Barzillus saide as followeth Knight I reading the superscription ouer the entrance into the Tent according to the direction thereof haue called thée foorth demanding thy meaning thereby and what goodly Pallace this is the like whereof I neuer beheld for beautie Knight aunswered hée againe this Pallace is called the Golden Tower belonging to Maximus the most mightie and famous king of Natolia wherein is his onely daughter Angelica for beautie without compare for wit forme and vertuous ornaments excelling all the Ladies in the world whose equall was neuer heard of nor can be found within the spatious continent of the earth The King hath placed her in his most rich and gorgeous Pallace whose walles are of Brasse and framed of such inuincible strength that no power of man is able to subdue the same she hath to attend her a hundreth Ladies of great dignitie and a thousand of the most valiant Knights in all the world The occasion why he guardeth her person is this At her birth an old Inchauntresse prophecied that her beautie should set Kings at discord and be the cause of her fathers death A childe is borne whose beautie bright Shall passe each forme of other faire As doth the Sunne in perfect light Each little starre sixt in the ayre For whom great Kings shall enter stâ—ife And warre shall shed Natolians blood Whose Ire shall spill Maximus life Yet wisdome oft hath harme withstood A mightie Prince her loue shall gaine Though vice do seeke to crosse their blisse He shall her râ—inne with restlesse paines And she of sorrowe shall not misse Much barbrous blood reuenge shall spill And all of warre shall haue their fill All this sholl happen by degree Before this child shall weaded bee And because hée will match her according to her dignitie hée hath likewise made a vowe that none but the greatest Potentate in the world shall be her husband Which said the knight went into this Tent and brought out a most gallant picture this quoth he is the Ladies forme wherein the Artsman hath shewed some prettie skill but so farre is this picture vncomfortable to the perfect description of her celestiall perfections and as farre different in delicacie as is blacke from white or beautie from deformitie whose view would change the affections of the truest knight liuing from his former constant resolue to adore her beautie and forsake his former vowes onely to attend her person for so diuine are her liniaments and so rare her perfections that her â—ame is euen spred throgh all the regions of the world Barzillus hearing him enter into a newe discourse of her beautie and that in such affectionate sort hauing before in his fancie said ynough beganne to laugh at him saying Knight mée thinkest thou dotest or else art madde to enter into such commendation of this Ladies beautie hauing peraduenture neuer seene other faire Ladie or else for that thy selfe art affectionately deuoted to loue none but her for I haue séene a Ladie that as farre excéedeth this picture as thou reportest she doth all other which words Barzsllus spake onely to sée whether his valour and bostings were agréeable wherewith the knight that kept the Tent was so vexed that he vttered these spéeches What ill nurtured creature art thou quoth he that deridest the beautie that is rather to be admired haste thou no more maners then to make so litle estimation of that which all the world adores thou shalt dearely abide this discourtesie with that hée mounted himselfe and charged a speare at Barzillus who aunswered him with such courage that at two courses he ouerthrew him from his horse By which time a number of Knights were vpon the barâ—lements viewing their combat and séeing the knight that kept the Tent foyled burst into an excéeding laughter and so departed Barzillus hauing foyled the knight for that the night drewe nigh withdrew himself from the Golden Tower into a pleasant valley and there stayed that night The Knight that kept the Tent was belonging to the King of Candie who came with perswasion to win Angelicas loue with his prowesse and with much adoe had obtained leaue of the Gardiants to kéepe the passage but hée not contented with his foyle intending to reuenge his disgrace followed him to the valley where Tellamor found them combatting as is aforesaide who knowing Barzillus stepping betwixt them parted the fray Barzillus likewise knowing Tellamor with great kindnesse embraced him and vpon his request declared the cause of their combat Tellamor then speaking to the knight of the Tent gaue him this farewel Knight returne to your charge for your combat here is at an ende for businesse which I haue yéelded into your handes and when you are amongst your friendes in Bohemia be not vnmindfull of poore Clarinas loue who hath committed her life honour and chastitie into your gentle custodie Most deare Clarina quoth Tellamor my returne shall be as spéedie as may be for like as you my self shall neuer enioy one minutes respite of content without your heauenly company whereon my chiefest felicitie dependeth and as you haue yéelded all that I can desire or you grant into my vnworthy kéeping I will as carefully labour to preserue the same from all spot of dishonour hoping at my returne to enioy the possession of your loue as well by generall consent of your friendes as by your courtesie I haue attained their diuine fruition in priuate Then I beséech you let no disquiet disturbe your peace let no doubt trouble your fancie nor any suspence of my loyaltie take roote in your heart for sooner shall the Sea become drie land the Sunne and Moone loose their cleare light and all things turne to their contrary before Tellamor will any way falsifie his faith In these and such lyke speeches entermingled with many delights they spent that night taking their leaue each of other with many a ceremonious farewell and parting with many a heauy
number of gallant Knights who hearing oâ— the eâ—ceeding beautie of Angelica was lately come into the countrie as a suter to whom Maximus saide beholding the braue course betwéene the two Knightes What Knight is yonder that hath ouerthrowne his aduersarie with such agillitie A comely Knight he is quoth Camillus but it séemes he is a straunger With that another knight of Angelicas attendants vpon the former quarrell incountred the knight of Fame who tasted of his valoâ—r as his predecessor Coâ—limus had done and after him another which when Maximus beheld he called a Gentleman to him willing him to request the straunge knight to come and speake with him which fell out well for the knight of Fames quiet for had not the king béen present the knights of Angelicas guard had taken such a secret indignation against him that they by violence would haue sought his death The messenger Maximus sent told the knight of Fame that the king did request to speake with him Sir quoth he I am readie at his commaund to whom Maximus said as followeth Sir knight you are it séemeth to me a stranger in this place but notwithstanding somewhat bolde with my knights both whose quarrell against you and your cause of arriuall I desire to know Most renowmed king quoth he I am a straunger in this place or in any else in my trauels méeting with this gallant troupe to any of whom I haue as yet giuen no cause of offence which should make them trouble mee Sir quoth Maximus they haue reapt shame for their discontent buâ— I pray let vs without offence know your name of whence you are neither feare to disarme your selfe for vpon my promise you shalâ— haue no wrong offâ—red you which said the knight of Fame pulled off his hesmec making this answere By name most noble king I am called the Knight of Fame my byrth to my selfe vnknowne by no ill intent drawne into this countrey but onely to finde out my Parents which are likewise vnknowne my selfe subiect to miserie by the want of knowledge of my selfe Marcellus sonne to Maximus a knight of excéeding courteous and honourable parts hearing his speeches humbling himselfe vppon his knée before his Father said I humbly craue your Maiesties fauour to entertaine this knight honourably for that I haue some knowledge of him which I will declare to your Highnesse hereafter Maximus hearing his sonnes spéeches said Rise vp Marcellus for thy sake and for his owne too hée shal be welcome whom do thou vse according as shall séeme good and bée agreable to his honourable deserts The Knight of Fame hearing his spéeches most humblie thanked him and Marcellus presently embraced him shewing many tokens of hartie good will Angelica all this while noted euery circumstance of this knights arriuall as first how she found him a sleepe and next of his spéeches to her then how valiantly he had ouerthrwne three knights then her brothers spéeches and lastly his gallant yotuh and comely person which altogether wrought such a kinde of admyration in her that shée beganne with a curious eye to marke all his actions and to affect his companie more then shee had done any mannes oftentimes casting a looke vpon him shée perceiued his eye was stil vpon her which made a ruddie blush beautifie her chéekes In which time the king intreated him to stay sometime with him if his important businesse did not withdrawe him which offer he willingly and kindly accepted which fell out according to his owne hearts content CHAP. XVI How the Knight of Fame was entertained at the Golden Tower and what speeches past betwixt Anna and Angelica AFter these spéeches past the King Camillus the Quéene Angelica and all the rest departed towards the Golden Tower and by the way Marcellus beganne to declare in hearing of them all what her had heard of the Knight of Fame of his valiant exployts in Thrace and afterwardes how in the Forrest of Arde hee slewe the Gyant Brandamor which hee vttered in such ample manner and with such commendations that it made them all admyre his noble gifts especially Angelica aboue all the rest noted euery circumstance thereof with such regarde that shée séemed to take great delight therein The Knight of Fame hearing therof entertaining his Mistresse perfections with such pleasure and admyring her beautie with such surfetting delight that hée rode like one in a traunce hauing all his sences bent vppon her By this time they were commen to the Golden Tower where was excéeding preparation made for the King who speaking to Camillus and the Knight of Fame tolde them they were most hartilie welcome thither likewise the Quéene welcommed them with great kindenesse especiallie Marcellus care for the Knight of Fames entertainement was verie great who caused him to bee lodged in a moste stately lodging where euerie thing was readily prepared for him in the best manner Euerie one béeing departed to their seuerall lodgings the knight of Fame meditating on his good fortune and the kinde entertainement hée found in that straunge place waying on the one side howe late hee was plunged in care and howe suddainely hee was possest with pleasure howe from miserie hee was aduaunced to the highest degrée of his felicitie howe hee was latelie in dispaire of finding his deuoted and howe prosperously hée had nowe mette with her and had in some part manifested his affection how the occasion of his quarrell for his Ladies Gloue was the cause of his kinde entertainement how fortunately in that strange place his déeds were extolde and how kindly Marcellus vsed him whose acquaintance and friendship might be a meanes both of his stay in that place and also of obtaining Angelicas loue Then againe considering howe straunge it was that hee should staye in the verie place where his Lady should sée him and how suckily hee had left the Court of the king of Lybia and thereby hée was rid from Venolas rash loue which might both hauâ— indaungered his honour and person that with the remembrance of all these happy concurrences his minde was excéedingly contented â—ee seâ—med to haue attained more happy successe then hee would haue wisht that in that sun-path of swéete delight accompanied with quiet sléepe hée spent that night Angelica was likewise no whitte inferiour to him in centrarietie of passions but hauing likewise spent the day in companie of her mother when the time of rest drew nigh shée soone gâ—t from out of all companie which shée thought troublesome being much disquieted in her thoughts feeling a kinde alteration to her former liberty of minde being desirous to be alone shee gat to her chamber where was none but her Damzel Anna that was her bed-fellow to whom shée said I pray thee good Anna leaue â—ee alone for a while for my thoughts are possest with such disquiet that I desire by solitarinesse to ease my passionate heart Anna hearing her spéeches meruelling what might be the cause therof and béeing in all respects
call you be not disquieted with my fathers dispeasure who giueth too much credite to vntrue reports and that causeth him both to be offended with any that speaketh to my sister and also suspitious of all that come into his owne company wherby he dishonoureth his owne name liueth a troublesome life and also kéepeth her as it were in prison which I am sure can bréed no litle care in her brest whose hard hap I much pittie and would any way ease if it lay in my power Most honourable knight quoth he I am most hartily sorrie that my ouer boldnes hath causeth your fathers displeasure that diuine Ladies disquiet which is more gréeuous vnto me then death which it was my accursed misfortune to procure being drawn to that presumption by attractiue beautie wishing that I had some way ended this my accursed life before my approach in this place that therby I might not haue béene so vnfortunate as to be a meanes of her care and your disquiet for that I sée the King is likewise displeased with you As for that take no care quoth Marcellus nor be so much gréeued for my sister for these troubles will be soone calmed which to effect let me alone In the mean time whatsoeuer inward thoughts you conceiue yet smother your discontent and shew your selfe chearefull as héeretofore you haue bin for I perceiue that some of enuie hath incensed my father the truth whereof I will soone find out Marcellus hauing ended these spéeches left the Knight of Fame walking in the garden and presently without any shew or signe of discontent went into the presence where he found the King in company of Camillus according to his woonted manner doing his reuerence and taking his vsuall place The King maruelling how hée durst so boldly presume into his presence without reconcilement thoght that either want of duety had procured the same or else he did not perceiue hée was displeased with him to ease himselfe of which doubt hee said as followeth Marcellus I had thought your care would haue béene greater to regard my good then any mans else considering you know the depth of my secrets as concerning Angelica on whose beautie my life doeth depend and not so negligently and disobediently not onely to suffer that straunge Knight to proffer loue to her but also to bee a meanes to bring him into her sight and helpe him to her speech wherein you haue shewen your selfe vndutifull which maketh me rather to suspect you as one readie to séeke my life then carefull to preserue the same My Lord and Father reâ—lied Marcellus I trust your Maiestie do conceiue no such 〈◊〉 of 〈…〉 deserued the same much less◠〈◊〉 in thought 〈…〉 â—utie to your 〈◊〉 besides my Lord I do alluredly beleeue you 〈…〉 straunge knights meaning whose intent is both honorable and from the least thought of loue to my Sister but there are some in credit with your Highnesse who disquiet you too much with their flatteries and will rather reioyce to sée all things fall out according to their reportes then bée any way sorrie to sée the same whose speeches and false informations I trust shall not alter your good opinion of my loyaltie whose constant loue duety and obedience shall continue firme when theyr treacheries shall be reuealed and they found traytors therefore I beséeche your Highnesse both alter your conceyued displeasure against mée and the knight of Fame of whom so honourable report hath bene spred in most places for it will bee accounted an acte of great discourtesie to vse him vnkindely Maximus hearing his sonnes spéeches in accusation of them hée moste fauoured and in defence of the knight of Fame against whom hée was mightily incenst was turned into such collor that he gaue him this rebuke Darest thou both enuiously accuse my friends and disloyally pleade for my enemie hencefoorth presume no more into my sight without my licence for I wil rather estéeme thée as a priuie enemie then as my naturall sonne Which when hee had said turning aside Marcellus departed maruelling who it should bee that had incensed the King against him being so inwardly gréeued in his minde that he thought to leaue no means vnassayed to learne the truth therof Angelica as before is saide being conueyed by Collimus to safe custodie beganne to conceiue such sorrow for her fathers dsipleasure taken against the Knight of Fame vnto whom shée bâ—gannâ— to beare an excéeding loue such effect had his perswasiue speeches wrought in her gentle heart that she entred into exceeding sorrowes coniecturing diuersly what disquiet that discontent might breede by reason of her fathers iealous suspect already begunne and how the Knight of Fame might be abused in that straunge place hauing no friend to take his part which thought strooke a suddaine pensiuenesse to her heart Contrarily she thought that would be a meanes to trye his loyaltie which somewhat would haue eased her heart so that no other danger would haue â—usued thereon At last hauing no other meanes of comfort nor friend to impart her minde vnto shâ—â—â—lled Anna vnto her and willed 〈…〉 â—ow the 〈…〉 so discrâ—â—â—â—â— that 〈…〉 presently went about thâ— businesse Angelâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 we leaue them all in diuers cogitations CHAP. XVIII How the Knight of Libia hearing that the Knight of Fame was in Natolia by Flauias false accusation sent messengers to Maximus to intreate him to put him to death How Maximus threw him into the Lyons den AFter that the Knight of Fame was departed from Libia and Venola had knowledge thereof by Flauia she continued many daies in great sorrow but afterwards by tract of time calming her gréeâ—e but no whither affection by Flauias perswasions who was priuie to all her actions turned her former good will that was grounded vpon vertue to lust and mad destre that séeing shée could not by faire meanes winne him to her loue she thought to leaue no meanes vnassayed either by force to compell him thereto or else in some measure to be reuenged on him for his discourtesie The minde béeing alwaies readie by euery perswasion to yeelde to worke any meanes for to procure desired content euen so she casting about many deuises with Flauia one day finding fit opportunitie when the King was in his dumps for Venolas sickenesse came vnto him and tolde him that the cause of his Daughters sicknesse was procured by an excéeding flight shee had taken by the discourteous vsage of the knight of Fame who for that cause was lately fledde from the Court which vntill that day shée had concealed from her neither should shee euer recouer her selse vntill shée were in some hope to be reuenged of him The King willed her to declare the same vnto him Flauia then beganne as followeth My Lord this Knight presuming oâ—ten into my Mistresse presence by reason of the kindenesse shee shewed him for working her release in Brandamors Castle which hee well deserued beganne oftentimes to make loue to her whom shee answered in good
Then turning to Marceâ—lus Or can you tell Marcellus quoth shee for you were by I know not quoth hée but I am sure wée haue all cause of little ioye when wee that are the Kings children shall be imprisoned vpon the flattering report of euery dissembling Sâ—cophant Why quoth shee who hath abused you That did Collimus qd hee him I haue rewarded Besides my Lorde and Father hath destroyed that honorable straunge knight because I loued him who neuer deserued the least cause of such crueltie but was alwayes honourablie estéemed in euery Kings Court vntill it was his ill happe to arriue in this vnfortunate place to ende his life by Tiranny not by Iustice Take heede Marcellus scandalize not your Fathers honour which may bring you in daunger for that hée hath done nothing but right and with good consideration for beholde that letter and thou shalt soone see what a counterfait that Knight of Fame was Marcellus hauing redde the letter was at the first suddainlie amazed thereat but yet notwithstanding he sâ—id vpon my life this accusation is most false and vntrue Angelica taking the letter and â—â—ating the same was excéedingly astonished thereat to whome Marcellus saide Angelica beléeue it not for if you doo you shall too much wrong that honourable Knight that is too much abused alreadie who if hée were liuing would soone prooue these accusations false but hée good Knight is now dead and past recalling whose death will bring more dishonour to the Natolians then euer will be recouered Why quoth the Quéene what maketh thée Marcellus so inconsiderate by taking a strangers part to indaunger thy owne life which knowest the kings humour Loue quoth hee to that straunger maketh mee bewaile his vnâ—imely death whom I would that I had excused The Queene séeing Angelica somewhat well recouered departed vnto Maximus who by that time had knowledge of Collimus death was meditating how to chastise Marcel for thâ—t presumption But the Quéene vppon her knées intreated him to pardon him alleaging that Collimus had greatly abused him with much a doo the King was pacified Marcellus hauing somewhat comforted Angelica in a heauie and sadde estate departed to his chamber and left her with her Damozell Anna rather readie to yéelde vppe the Ghoast then otherwise likelie to suruiue and night beeing come shee refusing meat went to her bedde not to sleepe but to bewaile the kâ—ight of Fames vntimely death The knight of Fame all this time remained in the Lyons denne carefully deuising which way to gette out of that place â—yring his sences but finding no meanes of releâ—se Our while accusing his harde fortune and then Maximus for his crueltie Sometimes fearing to bee famished in that place and then comforting himselfe with perswasions of impossible deliueries Now dispairing to bee vtterly exempt from the sweete sight of Angelica whose absence and restrainte of libertie procured as hée thought by his boldnesse pinched his heart with extreame forture In this sort hée continued so long vntill that hée was ready to be starned and constrained to eate such vnsauory â—oode as was daily cast to the Lyons Angelica likewise no whit mittigated her greefe but rather augmented the same being much comforted by Marcellus whose minde was not yet satisfied with sâ—fficient consideration of these mischaunces but both hée and Angelica continued as it were in a further hope in their fancies of the knight of Fames safetie though when they beganne to comfort themselues with any perswasions they were quite past hope Maximus likewise hauing considered with what seueritie hée had vsed the knight and that hee had condemned him without any triall of the accusatiâ—n that had bene vsed by his knights euer since his death beganne to tell a remorse in his conscience of vniustice but by the setled opinion that was stirred in his heart by those false Prophesies hée soone shooke the same off Camillus all this time likewise noted what iealous suspition the king heard of him and hauing heard the report why he kept his daughter so stronglie guarded and of set purpose withheld her from his sight and noting how suddainly the knight of Fame was made away without anie cause of offence giuen he began to feare himselfe and by that meanes duâ—st not shewe anie signe of desire to see Angelica least by that meanes hée should séeke some occasion of quarrell with him and vse him like the straunger within a while departed from the Golden Tower intending notwithstanding either with force or faire meanes to attaine her possession CHAP. XIX Of the Knight of Fames preseruation How hee gat out of the denne and departed the Tower THe next day after Camillus departure which Maximus perceiued was with a discontented mind the kéeper of the Lyons denne came to make cleane the same and vsed his woonted manner which was to set open those places that were cleane into which the Lyons would soone enter and hauing fast bolted the doores and being owner of the Lyons entered into the den where the Knight of Fame was who suddainly caught holde on him hauing before secretly shrowded himselfe from his sight and being carefull to prouide for his owne safetie snatcht from his side a hanging sword the kéeper knowing him maruailing to see him aliue and excéedingly astonished at his sight held vp his hands for mercie to whome the knight of Fame said My friend I séeke not thy life but mine owne safetie being as thou séeest preserued by Diuine prouidence from the Kings crueltie by him vniustly cast into this place without any cause of offence but wrongfullie as thou mayest perceiue by my preseruation for if my fact had deserued punishment no doubt I could not haue escaped the crueltie of these executioners hauing endured great daunger of famishment Now my request vnto thee is that thou wouldest but suffer mee to departe from hence without discrying mée for I haue no reason to trust to Maximus curtesie hauing alreadie eâ—bured this miserie by his Crueltie which thou mayest well doo without endaungering thy selfe anie kinde of waye for there is none but dooth assuredly thinke I am dead The kéeper hearing his spéeches and withall séeing how admyrably hée was preserued and also fearing his owne death assured him by many vowes and protestations not onely to doo that which hée had desired but also would most faithfully execute what other thing soeuer hée should commaund to his vttermost power Wilt thou then quoth hée doo this for mée giue me the keyes and make fast the doore so that thou canst not goe from mée and then call downe thy boye and sende him to Marcellus to request him to come to thee but in such sorte that the boy may not sée mée and also to do his message secretly which the kéeper tolde him he would most willingly performe Then dyrecting the Knight of Fame how to locke the doore that hée could not escape he called downe his boy who presently came to him whom hée commanded to séeke out Marcellus secretlie
and to desire him that hée would vouchsafe to come and speâ—ke with him about a matter of great importance The boy hauing receiued his message immediately hasted to execute the same and most fortunately met him in the outer court to whom he declared the cause of his comming Marcellus maruelling why the kéeper had sent for him presently began to remeÌ„ber the knight of Fame with which his heart began to throb but hasting downe to the den the keeper commanded his boy to depart humbling himselfe to Marcellus told him that the knight of Fame was still liuing Which said hée ran in vnto him who had shrowded himselfe from his sight and tolde him Marcellus was come then presentlie hee came foorth whom Marcellus espying with great reioycing caught him in his armes and most louingly embraced him seeming to be reuiued with ioye in respect of the care opprest his minde before hee hadde knowledge of his safetie Manie courteous gréetings past on eyther side Marcellus desired the kéeper not to reueale this secrete to any for if it should come to my fathers hearing it were impossible then to preuent his rigour and withall promised him that if he would let him lodge in his house but that night hée would reward him most beâ—utifully and withall promised him to higher dignitie and to such place of account as that hée should haue good cause to reioyce that euer the knight of Fame came within his house The kéeper both drawne by his owne good inclination and also by the hope of rewarde and preferment béeing but poore promised his vttermost ayde and assistance to pleasure him and withall to performe his full desire with such securitie that none should conceyue anie suspition thereof with that they all together departed vp into his Lodge where the Knight of Fame refreshed himselfe with comfortable meates being excéedingly glad as hee had good cause of this successe and rendring many thankes to Marcellus who well deserued the same Marcellus being yet somewhat troubled in his minde about the Letter the King of Lybia had sent and desirous to bre satisfied of the trueth therein taking the Knight of Fame aside from the hearing of the kéeper said as followeth Syr knight although I haue shewen you this fauour and friendship which my fancie often perswaded mée to refuse yet vrged by the good well I beare you and for other considerations which I will yet conceale from you I could not choose but reioyce at your safeite and worke what meanes I can for your preseruation yet there remaineth a grudging in my conscience against you vntill you assure me by your faithfull oath to satiâ—fie me of the truth of my doâ—bt without fraude for if that be true which is alleadged against you by the affirmation of a King you deserue the punishment my Father inflicted vpon you and rather to bée generally hated then beloued at all Most honourable knight quoth hée I know my selfe so cleare from all such villanie as that I sweare and protest by my life by Heauen and by all the good that euer I expect which I desire to turne to my destruction if I tell you not the very truth Then quoth Marcellus the same day that the King my Father caused you to be throwne into the Lions den the king of Lybia sent hither certaine of his Knights with a Letter wherein hee accused you to haue most shamefully deshonoured his Daughâ—er Venola desiring my Father to dispatch you out of the way for your liâ—e nothing else might appease his ire which was the cause of his crueltie My Lord quoth the knight of Fame vpon mine honour my former oath and by all other truth and fidelitie this accusation is most vniust false and vntrue which if I may by your sauor in whose hands life now resteth haue libertie to approoue I will maintaine the contrary euen in the gates of the king of Lybia and cause my accusers to confesse the contrarie neyther did I euer séeke loue at that Ladies hands by whose dishonourable meanes this false accusation is raised against mee Deare friend quoth Marcellus you haue said ynough and I rest assuredly satisfied of your loialty The knight of Fame was so inwardly vexed with this accusation that he was halfe madde wiâ—â—h gréet but chiefly for that hée thought it was come to Angelicas hearing might bee a meanes to cause her vtterlie to forsake him which appalled his sâ—nces with â—xtreame vexation that hee stood like one transformed Marcellus perceiuing his discontent desired him not so bee gréeued but to ouerpasse the same vntill hée hadde meanes to prooue the contrarie My Lord replyed hée how can I chuse but be sorrie when thereby I am dishonoured in euery mans opinion which I account more dearer then my life Besides with what impatiencie may I shew my selfe before any knight liuing but rather rid my hated selfe out of this miserable life which is the next way to salue this blemish But if you will vouchsafe to heare the true reporte of the miseries I haue indured euer since my byrth you would say that I am the onely mappe of sorrow and borne to perpetuall calamitie I desire nothing more quoth Marcellus with that hée rehearsed to him all that hée could of his bringing vp in the Iland of Rockes his departure from thence and shipwracke at Sea how he was entertained by D. Amasenus in Thrace and the treacherie that was intended against him there by Corus and Argalus then of his successe in the Kings Court of Thrace and the occasion why hée departed from thence to the Forest of Arde and how there he met the Prince of Bohemia and released Venola then how Venola sought his loue and how shée gaue him by subtiltie a somniferous potion to withholde his departure with Parismus which hee purposed and how afterwards perceyuing her intent departed from thence Withall hee declared the manner of the vision that appeared vnto him in Thrace and how that hee was thereby enioyned to seeke out the Lady that appeared to him and sue for her loue which was the cause that hée both refused Phylenas marriage and Venolas proffer of kindenesse and also hée declared how hee first arriued in that countrie and met Angelica which was the very same Lady that appeared vnto him in the vision and also told him that hee was likewise enioyned to séeke out his Parents which the vision told him were of great birth This quoth hee is the true discourse of my forepassed life which I neuer yet manifested to any but your selfe whose fauour hath farre surmounted my desert into whose hands I commit my life to bee disposed of desiring you not to conceyue amisse of mée for that false accusation being most vntrue Marcellus againe embracing him in his armes desired him likewise not to thinke that hée did any way conceiue the least euill opinion of him but that he did estéeme of him as of the dearest friend he had in the world and that
he did both loue and honour him as himselfe â—and would neuer forsake him whilest he liued but continue his faithfull friend for euer Hauing in this sort made a new league of amity Marcellus left the Knight of Fame to his priuate meditations promising to returne to him very shortly going directly to Angelica whom hee found continuing her woonted sadnesse for she could â—yâ—e meanes bee comforted but still augmented her loue by remembring the knight of Fames person to whom she bare such intire affâ—â—ctions that she resolued neuer to loue any other Knight but determined to spende the whole date of her life in single â—state Marcellus suddaine approach brake off her silent pensiuenesse by his countenance shewing a heart replenisht with ioy which he vttered in this sort Angelica quoth he cast off this sadde countenance for I bring you news of more comfort for the knight of Fame is liuing and preserued qy admirable meanes Oh brother quoth she this newe a cannot be true which will nip my heart with greefe to heare of and be disappoynted therein Sister quoth hee it is so neither maruell thereat for his innocencee in the fact laâ—d to his charge hath I thinke caused the Gods to pittie him besides thereby you may bee assured he is borne of royall blood who is now in the keepers house in safetie with whom I haue béene these two houres now cast â—ff those stormy discontents and cloudes of care for there is no further cause of disquiet for his supposed death Angelica then verily peléeuing his words said Good brother fell me how he doth for whose safetie I reioyce for of all the knights that euer I beheld I neuer liked nor loued any so well dâ—siring you withall to kéepe my counsell hauing bewrayed my secrets to none else and not to let him know so much as I haue tolde you Then should both you and I do him wrong quoth he for he hath well deserued loue and especially at your hands to whom by his owne report hee hath long ago dedicated himselfe and not onely of his owne inclination but of a high command for the trueth of which he hath vpon trust of my secrecie reuealed to me which you shall likeâ—ise heare then hee discourâ—ed the whole trueth euen as the Knight of Fame had before doneâ— which when she heard she said What a discourteous Lady is that Venola to séeke the ouerthrow of so woorthie a Knight and how may I estéeme him that before hee knewe mee was so constant in his loue without hope of my fauour and refused the proffered loue of two such Ladies for my sake besides the perill he hath indured in my search and peraduenture is sprung of greater birth then my selfe And now also by my Parent doome was put in that hazard of his life Good brother be you carefull of his good and whatsoeuer you shall counsell me too I will doo if my Father should know of his safetie then were there no meanes for him to escape death for such a hard conceit of suspect doth possessed his minde that hee hateth all those that beare mee any shewe of good will Well sister quoth Marcellus rest you contented and still continue your loue towards him to increase not diminish the same who is by destinie allotted to be your husband the care of whose welfare let be my charge for I so much loue and estéeme him both for his owne and your sake that I will leaue no meanes vnassayed whereby to doo you good which said hée againe departed to the knight of Fame By this time the dark night approched and Marcellus and the knight of Fame were deuising what meanes to vse for his safetie and to procure the desired content Angelica expected who before had giuen her consent to be ruled by her Brother that by the assurance he had of her hee put the knight of Fame in assured comfort of her loue by relating in some sort the contents of Angelicas conference before had with him which affected his heart with greater ioy then euer before he had indured gréefe that his escape from death did not comfort his heart so much as this happy news At last Marcellus said Noble knight you sée how stricktly my Father gardeth Angelica that ther is no means left to ease your gréefe or her care by tarrying here neither can you without great hazard of your life remaine within the circuit of this Tower for that my Father suspecteth euery one yea his own children wherby wée are tired with those troubles and would willingly woâ—ke any meanes to ease our selues especially Angelica hath bene mewed vp so closely that shée I am sure would vndertake any thing to enioy her liberâ—ie were it in neuer so poore estate wherein in my opinion is many thousands of swéete contents to bee found rather then in this troublesome Pompe which is repleat with infinit cares Therfore this is my censure that you shall this night as I will dyrect you depart from hence and go to S. Austins Chappell not far hence and there stay for mée vntâ—l to morrow morning where remaineth an olde religious Priest named Iabine who if you say you come from mée will giue you entertainment which when you haue done I will so worke with my Sister Angeâ—ica that he shall condiscend by such meanes as I will worke for her secret escape to come to you by which I hope I shall ende the doubts that possesse my fathers minde ridde their Country of the scandall it is likely to runne into and worke both mine owne yours and Angelicas content for so dearely do I loue her that had I many liues to loose I would hazard them all to worke her releasement for were shee once married then should the date of the foolish prophecie haue an ende The Knight of Fame hearing his speeches which onely tended to worke the content he aboue all things in the world sought could not well contain himselfe from expressing immeasurabâ—e ioy but yeelâ—ing many humble and hartie thankes to Marcelâ—us both commended his deuise and also intreated him to goe forward with the same Then Marcellus called the keeper asking his counsell if he knew any deuise whereby the Knight of Fame might get out of the Castle promising him a good reward and withall pulling from his neck a chaine of gold gaue him the same The kéeper being intised with this reward golde hauing that force to make things impossible come to effect presently tolde them he had a deuise that might goe for currant if the knight would vndertake the same I haue my Lord quoth he a vessell of great largenesse which sometimes sorted for other vses which if we could deuise to let downe into the Lake he might easily in that get ouer on to the other side which deuise Marcellus and the Knight of Fame both liked And about midnight when all things were at rest they put this same in practise and by a Rope let the vessel down which swam most
him selfe vpon his elâ—ow who espying her raised himself from the ground blushing at hâ—r presence to whom she said Why how now Parismenos what sadnesse is that which possesseth your mind that maketh you estrange your selfe from company to delight in sollitarinesse is there none so highly in your fauour that they may know the truth thereof or is your cause of care such as none can remediâ— or not counsel you for your ease I am sure there are many would not refuse to vse their endeuours to pleasure you especially my self would both willingly do my best to comfort you and know the cause if it be not too secret Parâ—smenoâ— with humble reuerence made her this aunswere I beséech you do not thinke me so vndutifull nor my cause of care so secret that I would conceale the same from you but were it of much more importance I would willingly reueale it to satisfie your minde which I haue omitted as vnwilling to trouble you therwith and for no other respect Then I pray quoth she let me knowe is it not loue yes most deare mother quoth he it is loue and to that beautiful Lady Angelica who beareth me the like affection but so farre am I from enioying her loue as that iâ— attainteth my heart with care to thinke thereof which is the cause of my sadnesse which will encrease rather then diminish if I do not shortly trauel thither being now assured of all other doubts and hauing finished my trauell in search to finde you out Therefore I most humbly beseech you to procure my Lord and fathers consent to my spéedie departure for without the fruition of her heauenly sight my liâ—e will be but wearisome Laurana hearing his spéeches perceiued indeed that his affection was great and therefore not to be remooued and well knowing by her owne former experience that loue was incurable she was the more ready to pittie his passions that she promised to further him in what she could beeing now assured of the cause of his sadnesse CHAP. XXII How Parismenos after the knowledge of his parents departed towards Natolia How hee met with Marcellus and what afterwards befell to him WIthin fâ—we daies after Parismenos returned againe towards Natolia but with much sorrow in the Bohemian court for his departure spending much time in trauell vntill he arriued at S. Austins Chappell hauing gotten him other armour because he would not be knowne and knocking at the Chappell doore presently olde Iabin came out to whom he discouered himselfe who knowing him reioyced exceedingly at his presence and safetie desiring him â—o come in for that he had newes of importance to tell him Parismenos comming to him for no other intent but to heare newes from Angelica willingly went in with him And â—abin began as followeth Most noble knight I wil declare vnto you all that I haue â—arned of â—he estate oâ— Marcellus so â—â—are as I can After that you were departed from hence the Natolian hauing conâ—inued theyr deligent search some thrée dayâ—s in the end returned to the Court frâ—sâ—rated of their desire whereby Maximus gaue no credence to that report â—â—t soone forgot the same remaining in great quiet Marcelâ—es by this time had recâ—uered his health lettâ—â— passâ— no time came hither thinking to haue sonnâ— you â—éere but hearing by â—y report of your departure â—ee seemed to be quite ouâ—rcome with grâ—â—fe and declared vnto mee all that had happened to you in the Golden Tower which you had declared vnto mee before and withâ—ll manifested what had happened vnto him and Angelica and how hee was so greeuously wounded then â—aâ—in declared the same 〈◊〉 as Marcellus had tolde him in the very same manner as is before â—â—â—lared when hée determined to haue conueyed Angelica to S. Ausiens Chappell the day his Father was on hunting And quoth hée Marcelius hauing tolde mee this withall shewed mee with what sorrow Angelica endured your absence Parismenos hauing heard his wordes which yéelded him full assurance of Marcellus â—riendship and Angelicas constant loue was therewith excéedingly comforted rehearsing to him how fortunately hee had found his Parents Iabin then began to vse him with more reuerence and more feruently to affect his company and good that at Parismenos request hée went towardes the Golden Tower to sée if hee could by any meanes speake with Marcellus which hée willingly at his requesâ— did and brought newes backe that Maximus was departed with the Quéene Marcellus and Angelica towards the Gittie of Ephesus which he learned of such as were gardâ—ants at the Golden Tower Parssmenos hearing that immediateâ—y departed thitherwards and entring the Cittie rode presently vnto the Court where â—ée met a Knight whome hée desired of courtesie to câ—rtifie Marcellus that there was a Knight who would speake with him which at his request hée presently went and performed and finding Marcellus in the kâ—ngs great hall hée told him there was a sâ—range knight at the Court gatâ— that was desirous to speake with him Marcellus maruelling who it should bee immediately went out vnto him being a Knight of excéeding vertue that hée would not refuse any courtesâ—e and though hée were sonne vnto a mightie King yet hée disdained not to fulfiâ—l his request though hée neither knew him nor the cause of his comming Parismenos beholding him immediately allighted from his stéed and with a kinde behauiour said Most noble and courteous Prince I desire to haue some few words in priuate conference with you from the knight of Fame Marcellus hearing him name the knight of Fame desired him to say on for there were none then present but such as hee trusted My Lorde quoth Parismenos because I knowe not whether I may discouer my selfe or no with safetie I am the knight of Fame and now altered in name but not in good will to you Marcellius hearing his wordes had much adoo to refraine from embracing him but yet for that hée would not haue any note the same hée abstained but said Most noble knight nothing could haue brought that ioye to my heart your presence doth beeing a long â—ime seuered from you by Fortunes vnconstant mutabilitie who altereth the estate of things according to her variable disposition trusting you haue not misdoubted of my good will though I came not to S. Austins Chappell according to my promise which I was about to performe but that my intent was crost But séeing you are thus happily returned and haue as I hope attained the knowledge of your parents in whose search olde Iabine tolde mee you were departed I desire you repose that assured confidence in my trustinesse that I will labour to procure your content euery way to my vttermost power your safetie and returne will bring no little ioy to my Sister Angelica which is impossible to giue her knowledge of for my father hath now garded her more stricktly then euer before neither is shée héere in this Court as the common report goeth but still remaineth in the Golden Tower