reason for his valour good gouernment for that was it which most aduanced him aboue all others All this was nothing neither the assurance which shée saw of her paine to cause Felina to giue ouer her determination but rather increase it attempting one of the boldest most presumptuous enterprises of the world from whence could ensue no other thing but that which followed for vnable to endure to sée her self so little respected she adueÌ„tured to say vnto the prince Daristeo that the princesse would expect him that night in the garden to confer with him of matter of importaÌ„ce There could nothing happeÌ„ more pleasing to the infortunate prince then such a message for as it was a thing vnlooked for now holding him selfe assured thereof he held himself the most happy maÌ„ in the world he held the day for as loÌ„g as a mans life he thought the night fled froÌ„ him euery minute he held for a yere such was his desire to meet the lady princesse The subtil Felina séeing her plot to take effect took a sute of Celibellas which did best set out her beauty clad her self therwith as yâ— heauens would not frustrate what she had exployted so could not the gallant sée whether it were the Princesse or shée But hee comming into the garden lesse armed theÌ„ was néedfull went to the window so passionate that he knew her not The cruell damsell couÌ„terfeyted her speach and sayd I haue hitherto Oh prince of Podolia dissembled how much I haue loued you for some respects which haue forced me thereto but seeing your great deserts I could not forbeare holding it vniust but to impart my faith vnto you and to say that you are more beloued then all the men in the world As he should haue made an answere in an alley among â—ose trées priuily armed came Rosaner for as hee was wise so would hee not come into so suspicious a place carelesly and in danger of his person he had beforetime there spokeÌ„ with the Princesse and séeing a Knight there and that shée stood talking with him well may a man iudge what he felt who held him selfe beloued and with so great affection hee was come somewhat néere when the vnlucky Daristeo said My deare Lady I could neuer imagine that the loue which I haue euer borne you could haue bene so highly rewarded neither can it yet sinke into my head that I could euer deserue so great a good as thus to sée you to bestow such and so particular fauours which wholy is to be attributed to your generositie more then to my loue or desert although the I might hope much for I beléeue that no man euer loued with greater affection then I. The cause hereof is the little confideÌ„ce which I repose in my owne deserts and worthinesse to attayne to so great a good as to bee beloued by your beauty neyther can I leaue to coÌ„sider the high estate you hold without vnderstanding who he was or imagining any thing of his brother for now Fortune would néeds shewe her mutability against these two Louers with the greatest suddennesse of the world the beloued Rosaner ranne vpon his deare brother not knowing who hee was Neuer Eagle turned with greater liuelynesse then did Daristeo against his brother and as they were very valiant so began there betwéene them a most cruell battaile but the elder had the worser not through want of force but of armes fortune Although the other had receiued some hurts yet they were but small The furious louer would néeds close with Daristeo but therein he sought his owne death for the desperate yong man being deadly woundeâ— before hee gaue vp the ghost reuenged himselfe by bereauing life from his mâ—â—t deare brother Rosaner for stumbling forwardes by reason of his wounds he thrust out his sword arme and by chance hit him right in the face The elder brother had not yet so much lost his memorie but that he followed the blow vntil the point of the sword pierced through his brothers braines These faithfull louers came to fall iust together losing with one onely blow their liues ielousies and loue and the greatest good of the world which was the fayre Lady The vnhappy Felina stood beholding this battaile vntill that she sawe them fall then sorrowing their death with her outcryes shée disqueted all the Palace and falling downe in the euill which shee had done without dissembling it neither had she strength to auoid the punishment she her selfe being her owne executioner for euen in the same attyre as shee stood she cast her selfe headlong out at the window falling vpon her head betwéene theâ— and in their death kept them company The greatest part of the people in the Palace ran into the garden and the king with the furious Furâ—ander who when he saw the cruell happe of his two brothers was likely to haue lost his wits which was the cause of altering his condition imagining with himselfe that they were dead through Celibellas occasion Some others did suspect it to sée the brotherly death betweene two louers It caused extréeme sorrow in all the court for the king shewed himselfe very sorrowfull as was reason to sée so pitifull a chance What the Princesse did in her chaÌ„ber I would rather that some other body would report it then I which saw it A thousand times would she haue ended with one death yâ— many deaths which she should endure through â—he absence of her Rosaner which shée beganne presently to shew for the company of her damsels was displeasing vnto her wherein she was woont chiefly to delight the fight of knights and gallants was loathsome and their discourses yrksome so as her whole delight was to be solitarie receiuing some pleasure in me discoursing of the cruelty which fortune had shewed her There was nothing but did put her in minde of her knight and to remember him it was death to her and hauing no more comfort but what shee reaped from her teares which were so many which shee shed for that lamentable mischance that it bereaued her of a great part of her beauty All the Court was in an vproare the king in making search for the murderers could take no rest so as in the citie there was nothing but suspition and mourning The most valiant Furiander disturbed all forgetting what he had promised when he took the order of knighthood that hee should neuer take part against any Lady for as ech of his brothers had discouered vnto him part of his loue and séeing how much they were tormented and how carelesse she was thereof which was not for want of affection but rather of discretion he fully perswaded himselfe that to be rid of their importunities she had procured their deaths he conceiued it with such apprehension that nothing could disswade him neither to see the sorrowfull signes which the princesse gaue for the death of the two brothers for this furious yong man had determined what he would do
of this matter fortune was her friend desiring to doe that Princesse some new fauour and there being no fit companie to stay with the Prince if hee would haue anie thing shee offered her selfe to stay for that purpose which the young man much esteemed and more would haue done if hee had knowne the occasion thereof And seeing her selfe alone with him shee came to his beddes side saying I would valorous Knight that you could impart your paine to her who feeleth the same as much as your selfe Your visiting me faire Damsell answered the yong man is a sufficient ease for all that I feele being from my Ladie the Princesse Eufronisa which in conclusion doth that which is annexed to her valour which is to remember them which are in need as I am And to remedie it with losse of her owne contentment answered the Damsell I doe beleeue that shee gladly would doe it And for my part I should take it for much fauour to know what marke that is vpon your brest which I saw when you were a dressing I know not the cause thereof answered the young man but that I was borne with this face and my brother Claribel with an heart crossed and hitherto we knew no other but that we were the sonnes of the discreet Sergio for hee brought vs vp but within these two dayes hee hath put vs out of doubt telling vs that we be not his children but that in Silepsia néere vnto the Citie of Golbergt he found vs newly borne and his mother brought vs vp in stead of her owne children wherein as I say we haue continued vntill now that hee hath otherwise assured vs. The pleasure which this Damsell conceiued was such that shée presently taking her leaue of him went into her Ladies Chamber and without speaking one word shee imbraced her The Princesse maruailing at the newes asked her the cause thereof which should not be little So great answered the the Damsell is the good which the heauens deare Ladie this day haue done you that you may liue merrie and contented all the dayes of your life for know that the two famous youthes are your two lost sonnes The Princesse could giue no answere shée was so surprised with suddaine ioy which was then the greatest that could happen vnto her Ah my Selia I cannot beléeue that so great a good as this can happen vnto so vnluckie a woman no way deseruing it and therefore it cannot be possibly Without doubt it is as I tel you for I haue seene the verie markes wherewith they were borne and that which Cleobulo hath I saw this night when hee was a dressing and then shée told her what had passed betwéene the Prince and her whereof the Princesse was not able to containe the pleasure and being vnable to make an end of renewing her delight she said It behooueth me to see it to the end to make me liue cōtented That shal be an easie matter to doe answered the Damsell for now euerie body being at rest I wil leade you thither without discouerie but why will you not beléeue that I haue told you of him She presently came forth with her for the hope to sée him did encourage her in such sort that she would aduenture to come to the Princes lodging to whome at her comming she said My Damsell Sir Knight hath told me so many and so rare things of you and your brother that being somewhat hard of beléefe although it may be noted for lightnesse that I in exchange to see it haue put my selfe in danger to be noted It is to me Soueraigne Princesse a great fauour that which you doe and the cause being manifest bringeth therewith the defence as for the rest seeing it is your pleasure there is no more to be done but to sée it with your eies and so putting his shirt a little by he shewed that faire face The Princesse had so imprinted it in her heart that shee presently knew it She had almost discouered her selfe but considering what might ensue thereof and to publish her contentment shee tooke her leaue of him the most ioyfull of any woman in the world Well did shee deserue it hauing recouered two such sonnes as shee had being in all so accomplished Shee was now of opinion that fortune could doe her no greater pleasure then that which shee had receyued with the sight of her two sonnes They withdrew them to their lodging with determination neuer to marry seeing she had two such children neyther to make them knowne to the Greeke their father for feare that they would stay with him in Greece Heerewith they passed the seuen dayes which remayned shee in one campe and be in another vntill that that wished day did come wherein should be the generall death of him or of his enemies It seemed that Apollo this day hastened his course to the end that there should want no time for this bloudie warre he appeared of a bloudie colour and Mars with his armed Trident appeared low wherewith he touched Vulcans Shield There was neither Faune Satyre nor god in the woods which came not to the top of the Mountaines to sée the battell In the Campe before the Captaine Bemboes Tent was pitcht vp a blacke standard the sides being of colours a signe that the warres should be made with fire and sword and bloud and that he should die for it which tooke a prisoner he drue forth his Infanterie which was innumerable making thereof his maine battell lyning it with the fierce Parthians which were aboue a hundred thousand men al Archers with their bowes and quiuers wherewith they did notable harme for being on horsebacke before they came to charge their Launces they wrought great hurt in the head of the Cauallerie which were diuided into twelue mightie squadrons Foorth came those two mightie Princes the Soldan of Niquea and the Emperour of the Romanes whose persons compassed with huge Giants were garded with no lesse care then Achilles was with the Mirmidons With the rest of the people he made 2. Battaliōs one of which he tooke for himself leading them to the right hand At one side of him went those two braue competitors Brauorante and Brufaldoro with the most principal troups of Achaia In the Arrere gard with the Africanes came those thrée mightie young men he with the starres Claribel and Leobello whose comly personages were pleasing to al. The Duke Ferrer bare the Standard royall with all the fierce Almaines hauing twentie foure Giants for his gard On the other side went the mightie Soldan of Egypt bearing downe towards the valley of willowes in whose companie went the fiue of the faire wood with the flowre of Giant land which séemed as high as Pine-trées The King of Fenicia and the mightie Assyrian had in charge the gard of the Campe the charge of battering the Citie with all the Chariots with Sithes and the strong Castles vpon the mightie Elephants wherewith they thought it an easie matter to
culuerine striking the one halfe thereof into the hard ground leauing the rest shaking in the fresh winde which did so much amaze all those that were present as the ouercomming of the prince of Campania with a soft pace hée came to the Knight There was no body there but did note the honour which the Gréeke did vnto him he was very neere vnto the prince wheÌ„ he put his hand vnto his sword more to defend himself theÌ„ to offend the other as he made it to be plainely séene for the Prince of Lucania assailing him with his whole force smote him so great a blow vpon the top of the helmet that it made him beÌ„d downe his head so low as his brest he came againe with another which the Gréeke tooke so ill that had not Florisiano bene present he had forgotteÌ„ his generous determination With all this not with the valour that he could but to put him froÌ„ him he smote him euery where where he could This is gallant noble Ladyes no ill will said the sayre Troyla that my Knight hath shewed to his enemy seeing how carelesly he procéedeth in a matter that so much coÌ„cerneth him but I beléeue that the iustice of his cause detaineth him which he seeth in the behalfe of his aduersary They could not answere her for the great noise which was in the place which was for that that the Greeke imagining that the time was now expired had closed with the prince clasping his body within his brawny armes he did not plucke him so soone froÌ„ his horse as he would for that that the valiancy of the louer séeing what he had lost did animaie him so as he did somewhat detaine him but it was but for a small time for with a strong pluck he dismounted him desiring him that he would not be ouercome but that he might hold him for his friend I desire no more answered the prince then mine eyes haue séene that by so many wayes you haue won the palme of the battaile but séeing the heauens wil haue it so all is yours so wil I be as long as I liue Many thanks did the Gréeke giue him for his offer so he mounted on horsebacke the valour of the knight of Crueltie being admired There was none in that place notwithstaÌ„ding that it was against their prince but did extell with high praises the knight in the yellow The coÌ„ming of the most valiant Asternio stayed their procéedings whom shew more mightie theÌ„ Mars himself came mouÌ„ted vpoÌ„ a most â—urious flea-bitteÌ„ coloured horse al his furnitures being of rich greene cloth of gold soweÌ„ ouer with hearts which made a very faire shew for the defence of his horse vnder this furniture there was excellent fine mayle in his crest hee waâ—e a most faire plume all spangled with gold his armor was of the colour of his furniture sauing that in the midst of his shield in a field azure he bare a Lady so fayre and well made as it gaue delight to al the beholders before her was a Knight knéeling shewing her a burning heart enflamed with a strange fire in the border this Mot. Well may this Sacrifice Giue hope assurance Of great confidence Much did the fayre Laydes extoll the deuice of this gallant louer But to the fayre Polinarda who remembred her Florisiano all this was a death for shée had yéelded her self to loue who loueth faithfully is not forgetull but absence rather reuiueth the memorie of those which loue perfectly preseruing the touch of their faith The gentle disposition of this Moore did well please the Greeke but séeing that without his death hee could not accomplish his promise made to the prince of Apulia without further pausing on the matter he turned about and went to the place where the lances were where with his owne hands he made choise of one of the greatest and most stiffe and tough among them I am of opinion sayd the fayre Troila séeing what hee did that the affection is not alike which my Knight shewed to the prince of Lucania to that which hee beareth to him which is now before him The occasion should not be smal sayd the fayre Solersia who in her soule was grieued that Asternio should by so many meanes procure Polinarda to be his wife Let vs see quoth shée what will become of this enmitie I am perswaded this battaile will bee worth the seeing Now were these 2. famous warrious confronting the one the other when the Gréeke with a soft pace came towards him saying You already know Sir Knight the conditions of my demaund which are that you tel me your name and the name of the Lady whom you serue for to be assured that her beautie doth excell hers which is Lady of my life without any battayle I will yéeld the prize I would not that wee should haue made so long delay sayd the furious yong man to make so long a discourse for I am perswaded to resolue you sooner with the battaile then to shew you in fight the Lady whom I serue Yet vnderstand that I am called Asternio prince of Calabria and the Lady whom the heauens haue ordeined for my Soueraigne is the kings daughter of this land To haue a good foundation said the valorous Gréeke for you to haue presumed to lift your affection to so high degrée it were without question no great matter to giue you the palme of this battaile and so I will haue it not in regard of the beauty which the heauens haue adorned the Lady withall but to let you know how presumptuous you haue beene to make shew to loue her These discourteous spéeches said the warlike Moore deserue the fury of the braue Asternio being as red in the face as a burning coale without regard of what to a knight did appertaine séeing him so neere vnto him stung with that which he had sayd with more force then discretion hee hurled his well pointed lance onely the excellence of Claridiano his shield saued his life for beeing vnable to pierce it the lance flew backe againe whole but not in such sort but that it was likely to haue made the Gréeke to haue lost his Saddle for it made him strike his head vpon his horse buttocks which stood him in no lesse stead then the earth did Anteus for redoubling his courage hee setled himselfe with such wrath that nothing could be more cruell there was neuer séene so angry countenance in any Knights it made aboue foure of the most valiant to lose all the colour in their faces to sée their furious encounters a good palme he raised himselfe vpon his stirrops whorling his lance about his head with greater agilitie then Mars himselfe hée hurled it at the Pagan who was about to draw his sword The thunder maketh not so great noyse in renting the clouds as the Gréeke made hitting in the middest of the Pagans shield It preuailed not that it had more folds of well tempered stéele in
happened in the Iuste against the Ladies for he would not of all that day speake to his Cousin but the next day hee came to him saying I know not Knight who would presume to returne againe into my presence coÌ„ming ouercome by a woman I know no reason why you should call your selfe my nephew seeing thou hast so much shamed the royall bloud of Gibia Oh cowardly knight is it possible that I should haue the pacience to forbeare to put thee to death But I leaue it to her to doe which hath bereaued thée so much of thy fame and were it not for that I would teare thée in a thousand péeces with my owne hands for the spot wherewith thou hast stained our worthie linage At the loud spéeches which he vsed in came the Emperour of Rome and the Prince of Almaine who sought to appease the furious Pagan whose eyes séemed burning coles they had much adoe to get him from thence leauing the proud Coriandro so ashamed that a thousand times he would haue killed himselfe and but that hee was in hope to be reuenged at his pleasure no man could haue saued his life But that vaine hope did serue but to prolong his life comming againe to lose in the same place where he had béene before ouercome The wizard with all possible care cured them making them whole and sound the fourth day because that on the fifth they were to marshall their troâ—pes to take the way towards Grecia There were sundrie opinions among the Romanes about the admitting of Bembo for Captaine generall for BruÌ„dusio being a chiefe dealer in the maâ—ter would not yéeld thereto But séeing that all the high Soldanes and the Califa with the great Assirian were contented he was the man They chose for Captaine generall the braue King of Fenicia and for his companion the expert King of Zarssa with the King of Armenia who vndertooke a heauie burthen They began to dispose of the Nauie which was so great that they had néede of Bemboes helpe who diuided it into three squadrons neither of the wizards doth set downe the certaine number but Lupertio saith that it was nothing to couer the Greeke sea There was no disagréement among them although it be seldome séen among so many strange nations as there were assembled for Bembo prouided for all with so good gouernment that euerie man knew to what Colours to repaire and what captaine to obey of the Almaines séeing them so proud and well armed their Captaine had a great opinion purposing with them and the Achaians to make the greatest part of the warre And comming to bee of the mind that it may bee possible to cure the wounds of the soule there is little néed of our presence except to ioy at the sight of so high Cheualâ—y for when this valorous Prince and I arriued in my conceit the victorie was certaine as all others will be in the world which shall be purchased by so victorious hands as these which haue ended this whereto all owe dutie as of right All came warlike Knight said the faire Archisilora which without offence to Claridiano was much affected for his valour to this vnknowne gallant séeing what he had done through the hope that we were in to haue you for Iudges of our battell a thing which might haue assured the greatest difficultie in the victorie which wee attempted And I these Ladies do much desire to know your name and of what countrey you are if it bee no offence to you Greater would it be to me to fall into your disgrace by not discouering it said Claridiano then that which I should receiue by vttering it In this maner it will be to your aduantage quoth the Quéene in stead of not offending vs and at the point to demaund it of you by battell to make vs beholding vnto you for your courtesie It is so long since answered the Gréeke glad to sée himselfe so sought vnto by such Princesses which were so and the same in beautie that I haue béene without any will for that I sacrificed it to Ladies that it is not meritorious to yéeld new obedience seeing that so long since I haue giuen my selfe in sacrifice My Countrey is in the confines of Scithia Liuia for it were not conuenient that a Knight of any other countrey should be entertained with such crueltie sometimes I haue béene called the Knight of Crueltie but now wherein they haue hit right the Ladies Knight for the pictures which I beare in the middest of my shield enduring onely the crueltie which so much tormenteth my soule which hath béene of such power that the Ladies haue had a desire onely to helpe me and my heart herewith endureth new torments You haue plainely told vs Sir Knight quoth the beautiful Quéene that which these Ladies did desire to know and making shew of your obedience you haue told vs more then wee did aske Let not your beautie wonder hereat quoth Rosamundi for no man is wounded by Cupids hand which doth not presently publish it to qualifie their faith which the Gallants now adayes take for a cusionâ—e when their Mistresses vse them a little vnkindly there is no reason why they should complaine of them for if they be adored their disfauour were liâ—e to the Gallant to whom sheâ— yéeldeth but in their complaints they shâ—w themselues excessiuely grieued that of all the world they desire ease of their wounds But because this Knight shall not say that in Greece such crueltie is vsed as in his Countrey I here offer my person to vse all meanes to take away that sorrowfull deuice for it is not expedient to beare it in Greece for it is here offensiue to the Ladies which delight in pitie and so would they that those should be whome they loue And in hope to see him well said the faire Aâ—chisilâ—ra euery eche onâ— of vs that haue mette him shall do her best to comfort him It is very reasonable said Claridiana that hee comming to our succours should be by vs eased of his griefe in requitall of his good will His griefe from henceforth said the faire Sarmatia shall be very little if it please you to remoue it for if you be of power to cause it you may farre better ease it It is so conioyned with my life saiâ— the excellenâ— Prince that the taking away of the one would bereaue me of the other and iustly to estéeme such a fauour as this is with lesse then my life it cannot be requited So as excellent Ladies in my griefe remaineth my life for the faithfull louer in middest thereof is encouraged making his torment easie with the onely naming of the cause thereof I would not for any thing in the world said the faire Archisilora that you should so lightly regard so great good will as that which these Ladies and I haue offred you Faire Queene said the secure Louer I confesse my errour and to haue deserued your disgrace but I came to
their small valour although it followed a most cruell nauall warre as that which passed betwéene them and the Soldan of Egypt which would giue them notice that they were daily to expect them Herewith was there made a most proud defyance signed by xii kings which were ioyned in that confederacie with the mightie Romane who of himselfe and of his adherents had leuied aboue foure hundred thousand most ready and expert Souldiers for amongst them went the fierce Almaines a people through all the world held for valiant Commandement was giueÌ„ for the making of many engines for the waâ—res and prouiding of munitions because they would not euery day lend for prouisions In such sort was the Romane furnished that not of Grecia but of all the world he made smal reckoning promising his daughter to crown her Eâ—presse of Constantinople in despite of all the Grecians And with this preparation they spéedily sent foâ—re Gyants in company with a cousin germane of Brundusio called Coriando a most valiant Knight held in the second degrée after his strong cousin with a Damsell called Sabina which knew Don Heleno for that she had invited him to the Iusts who caried the defyance signed and sealed knowing what she had to say as shee which was one of the most discrat women of the world The messengers were about to depart when in the great Palace entred those which were sent by the Soldan of Niquea aduertised by Lupercio of that which the infernall Furies had gayned vpon the Romane Prince There came the brother of the Prince of the Garamants subiect to the Soldan and two other Princes which were of Media and of Armenia who although they had beene in disgrace with the Soldan about the stealing of Lâ—riana as is said in the first booke the trueth being knowne that they had not beâ—n the cause nor acquainted therewith he receyued them into his friendship binding them by new fauours which was to send them for his Ambassadours to the Court of Rome They went with such company as was fit for so great Princes as they were The King knowing of their comming with the most principal that were with him went forth to receyue them taking the King of the Garamants by the hand to do him the greater honour they al let them down to heare the Ambassade of so mightie a Monarch as the Soldan of Niquea As they all expected the Ambassade of the Soldan the valiant King of the Garamants making a little reuerence drew out a sealed Letter of credence and giuing it to the great Emperour of Rome Constantius looke it and with a loude voyce a king of Armes read it which said thus was therein The valorous Coriandro who went in company with the foure Gyants the Damsell answered him that therein went certaine Knights of Rome into Grecia to defie the Gréekes Much were they pleased with the answere of those Princes and séeing they held that course hauing so good occasion they said they would accompany them for no lesser displeasures had they also receiued of the Gréeks It appeared what they were by their Armes and so those of Rome also reioyced in their soules to haue so valiant Knights as they séemed to be in their company not seeing the houre to méet theÌ„ in Grecia where we wil leaue them vntill their time for they will bring in matter inough to talke of CHAP. II. Of that which happened vnto the Prince Poliphebus of Tinacria with the Damsell which caried him into the kingdome of Samogacia ALl those which haue weighed the great trauell of Imagination with such sound consideration and so aduisedly as is requisite most noble Prince haue iudged it very great and not without much reason for he who will please many must seeke out matter different for that which to one is loathsome another holdeth for pleasant and swéet and to hit right to please many is impossible for euen betwéene thrée that are inuited there is great difference in tasts as he said who had wel experimented the same Horace I say so because it is not possible in so large an historie as this which I now haue in hand but to bee tedious with the diuersitie of Chapters although that if men impassionate should be Iudges therein this is the most certaine meane to entertaine that can be But of force séeing I take this way I must haue recourse to pardon and to treat somewhat leauing so many defiances of the noble Tinacrian who with some amorous griefe tooke his leaue of Rosabel both woondring at what they saw the one in the other but it made it the lighter to sée the valorous kinsemen which he had and what it behooued him to doe to be called brother to so great Princes and Unkle to such a Knight for yet to Claridiano he was vnknowne With this conceit he retyred to embarke him where his Damsel attended his comming feareful that his long staying might be the occasion that he should not come in time with his succours for the most accomplished Lady in all Samogacia had grounded her hopes vpon him At his coÌ„ming she told him what paine she endured and the cause thereof Great griefe would it be to me faire Damsel said the resolute yong man if my staying should giue occasion of any defect and I should be very glad if you would shew me your necessitie for since our comming out of Gréece we haue had no place for it and séeing that now the Seas and fortune haue giuen it I should bee very glad thereof All shall be perfourmed valorous Prince of Tinacria séeing the life of her which sent me to séeke resteth in your hands and because you shall be the more willing to procure her remedie harken and you shall heare the greatest and most vnreasonable that euer was vsed to Lady for if you be sworne to the lawes of loue you shall vnderstand how vniustly my Lady is condemned to an infamous death and vnderstand that in the great and populous kingdome of Samogacia there is a King who for his valour and person is worthie to be King of the vniuersall world it pleased the Heauens to giue him sonnes and daughters which is the greatest pleasure in the world and fortune willing to try his valour with taking them all away from him leauing him one onely daughter of whom it is said that the summe and ful perfection of beautie and accomplishment of qualities is included in her shape and goodly proportion for in her beautie is no hinderance to her discretion with both which graces she is adorned in the highest degrée that may be and so haue they giuen her a name conformable to her constitution calling her Celibella for her beautie séemeth rather heauenly then of the earth where if ought be excellent yet it bringeth with it some ill-fauoured abatement With this Lady the Princes of Podolia fell in loue Knights to whom nature had shewed her selfe very bountifull endowing them with what is most desired she
would draw his comfort for the lesse of the two princes brothers from the death of a lady whom to be hold I know not who but would haue veÌ„tured his life for her It hapned most valiant prince that one day the king being despised for that he could not be certified concerning the death of these princes as he had newly dined the fierce Furâ—ander armed at al pieces in blacke of bright and shining stéele armour without any deuice sauing onely in the midst of his shielde hee bare reuenge most liuely painted Being thus furnished his comming into the Hall made al those which beheld him change countenances who with the fiercenesse wherewith nature had endowed him making a little reuerence and a litle lifting vp his visor said with a hoarse voyce for yet I haue not forgotten what feare I was in to heare him Mightie king of Samogacia not withstanding that I am of opinion that my comming in this maner will not a little offend you the great griefe which I endure to sée the most dearely beloued princes of the world slaine in the palace doth enforce me a thing euen the heauens should lament for so vniust a death that gods doe know how much it grieueth me to come in this maner considering howe much my deare brothers were boundeÌ„ vnto thée but the feare that I am in to returne again to Pâ—dolia to the king my father who sent me to séeke theÌ„ hath forced me séeing that nothing can be done against that which the heauens haue decréed and to the end that the common people shall not say that they dyed and that no man would reuenge their death and séeing the many certaine signes which in their life and since I haue perceiued I say that I will maintaine against any one two thrée or foure knights together with my horse and armes that they were slaine by order from your daughter the princesse Celibella which from this day to the end of 4. moneths I will maintaine because the princesse shall vnderstand that I desire not to preuaile by reason of the shortnes of the time but that she may haue time to send whither for whom she wil to defend her honour so as shee may not be accounted murtheresse of princes The diuilish knight held his peace and there was no man so valiant that durst so much as moue The king stood some what in a doubt pondering on the waight of the case and at length resolued and I beléeue hee was forced â—eeing how much Furiander was feared to admit the challenge and so he caused the princesse to be called which God knowes was sorowfull ynough for their deaths shée imagined straight what the matter was and so halfe amazed foorth she came The king propounded vnto her the Pagans occasion she could not answere for I thinke no body could vntill the qualme was past which had almost bereaued her of her life and then she answered with so great stomake as made mee wonder it was the equitie of the cause and the great wrong that was done her did thus animate her thereto saying that it was a lye that she would take such order as should be requisite to recouer the honor whereof she was thus robbed with so great trechery she being innocent of the death of those Princes but séeing the one failed she was to séeke who might giue account of her honour Her father the king commanded her presently to be committed to prison because he would shew himself a Iuâ—â—icer notwithstanding it was against his owne daughter whom he so dearely loued and of whose life depeÌ„ded his own for it was yâ— kings law held inuiolably although very rigorous that whatsoeuer person were accused of an offence coÌ„mitted within the palace that doeth not either of himself or some knight for him answere the challenge within the time lymitted in the challenge shall be condemned to be burnt the most cruell thing that euer was heard Then came your fame valorous prince flying through Samogacia with the highest pitch that euer knight enioyed The poore distressed Lady was of opinion as in deed it is true that she could not repaire with more reason and assurance vnto any then to you and so shee sent mee to seeke you I came from the citie with that care which a matier of such importance as this is doeth require and vnderstanding of the great feasts which were in Grecia I was of opinion to finde you there among your brothers for by the way I vnderstood that you are sonne to the great Emperour Trebatius with whose fame the whole world is replenished seing it was my hap to méet you in so good coÌ„pany I am the gladdest womaÌ„ in the world assuring my self that bringing you I bring life to the princesse although that we haue bin hindred in our sayling with tempests yet the wind being fauourable wee shall I doubt not come in time to Samogatia for there yet remaine twentie daies before the challenge bée expired and this is Sir Knight the cause that hath mooued me to take the paines to seeke you and I beléeue it shal not bee in vaine for seeing the wrong that is done to the Princes you will not suffer it to proceede for the fame of your valour importeth no lesse but that you imploy it in fauour of those which are distressed as is this Ladie The lady hauing ended her story with some teares which fell from her eyes remembring how much it would grieue the Princesse seeing her long stay that valorous Tinacria was verie pittifull especially in the behalfe of women holding it for no honour which was gotten against them and so he answered I would that the heauens had giuen me farre greater force faire damsell to the end that your businesse might be the better assured although hauing so much equitie on her behalfe I hope that it shall suffice to yéeld that contentment as such an excellent Ladie as shée is doth deserue against any that without reason shall procure her griefe and I refuse not the houre to méete that Knight of so little discretion Great comfort did those couragious spéeches yéeld to the Damsell which the Prince vsed the weather was fauourable vnto them for foure daies before the time was expired they landed néere the Citie of Adibia for so is it called with great pleasure to them both to sée themselues so neere shée to her soueraigne Ladie bringing so good a returne and he which much desired to shew all his valour in defence of the Princesse and but that it was onely his it had neuer béene accomplished with that good hap for the Pagan was one of the most strong men in the world One day and a halfe did they spend in comming to the Citie which was full of strangers although neuer a one so valorous as to answere the challenge notwithstanding that Furiander came daily to the lists They passed the night in a groue of poplar trées where what happened vnto them
in his determination he saw néere at hand the certaine death of his déerely beloued daughter for hee continued so obstinate in his vniust challenge that nothing could withdraw him from his damned resolution The two Princes came in whose presence gaue no small ioy to all that were in the hall principally the Tinacrian for no man had a greater grace in his countenance In ouer-looking the hall with iudiciall eyes the sonne of great Trebatius doing some reuerence said God saue the great King of Samogacia and graunt thée that peace which thy personage deserueth this Knight and I come from farre countries onely to defend the wrong as we haue vnderstood which is done by a certaine Knight vnto thy Daughter and casting lots whether of vs should first enter into battell for her it fell to me which gaue mee no small content to doe thy daughter this seruice and performe that whereto by the law of Knighthood I am bounden and therefore you may commaund her to be called and wee shall sée whether shee will commit the equitie of her cause into my hands The Gods requite thée the band Sir Knight wherein you haue bound me with offring your person to such danger as this present which is one of the greatest that you haue séene which might be ended by some other meanes if this Knight would who is the defendâ—nt to the challenge but séeing it must goe as fortune will appoint there is no more to be done but to come to the battell which the Gods graunt may end according to the equitie of the cause To be of the Princesses part mightie King hath compelled me to come answered the Tinacrian The fierce Pagan being somewhat moued rose vp saying I would not Sir Knight that you should haue so great confidence in the Ladies innocencie but that you should come so well furnished with forces as are needfull for the battel and so you may take this Knight to helpe you for my challenge doth extend to foure It shall not néed said the sonne of Trebacius to haue any more companie theÌ„ the equity of my cause doth giue me for if I be in the right my person will sufâ—ice for a greater matter if in the wrong little will great forces preuaile against iustice and I much desire that such a Knight which is so famous as you are before so many people should not make shew to trust more in the strength of your arme then in the equitie of your cause which most commonly fayling valour is of little effect The furious Pagan beeing there with â—ffended answered saying I thought not Knight that my curtesie had animated thee to be so proud but because thou maist know that I will not passe the time in words being more fit to vse deeds we wil no longer deferre the battell As he had ended his answere came the most faire Celibella all clad in mourning attire which did greatly encrease her beautie The Tinacrian had neuer séene greater beautie for there were few in the world that did excell her Her father told her at her comming how that Knight vndertooke the battell for her The faire Princesse knew him straight by his deuice of a bough which he bare in his shield that hee was the man for whom she had sent She presently gaue him authoritie with greater contentment then can be spokeÌ„ although that when she remeÌ„bred the infortunate Princes her most pleasing thoughts were watred with teares These two valiant Warriours made no delay for the fierce TinacriaÌ„ taking his leaue of the King went into the lists taking with him the Prince of Prussia who stood to looke on On the other side of the lists presently came in the valorous Furiander much people accompanying him although there was no bodie that would he should winne the palme or weare those armes wherein hee had accused the Princesse who was set vpon a scaffold with a sufficient gard where she prayed to her false Gods that her Knight might obtaine the victorie séeing the in so iust a cause he vndertooke the battell Face to face stood these two warriours whose lookes and gestures were such that he which stood farthest off did scarcely account himselfe in safetie at the giuing of the fearefull signe they drew with more swiftnesse then an arrow flieth In the middest of the place was appointed the course of their Carriere making a greater sound in their meeting then if two hils had runne together they bowed not in their â—addles with the force of the lances which brake like Kâ—xes whose splinters flew so high that they were out of sight These two rare men in valour turned their horses with their swords in their hands approching the one iust to the other they gaue so fearefull blowes as would haue beaten a rocke in pieces eche of them could testifie his aduersaries force they redoubled the second with greater courage then dexteritie either of them féeling his owne blood in his mouth they began to make benefite of the nymblenesse wherewith they were endued closing and beating by the blowes in such exquisite maner that Mars himselfe could not haue done the like The valiant Moore spurring his horse thinking by swiftnesse to get aduantage charged carrying his sword firme with the point forwardes The great Tinacrian was well aware thereof there was neuer seene any Eagle more swift then hee in giuing blowes and making his horse to giue a bound hée passed before the Moore and turned him so sodainly that hee wondred at the Sonne of Trebacio they came to ioyne and the Moore would giue the first blow hee did it which was more swift then the wind and strake him vpon the rich Helmet whose finenesse warranted his life for otherwise hee had clouen him to the saddle it sounded like a bell and therein the Tinacrian saw a thousand starres in the skies he fell vpon his horse necke and the Moore doubled his blow but if hee had giuen the third the battell had béen ended for it came with such force that he was quite senselesse he had closed with him if he had not séene that more furious then a Basiliske hee returned with his sword aloft There was no man in that place that yeelded not the victorie for the Pagan the Ladies fainting confirmed the same for losing her Rosiall colour it became like snow séeing the blowes which her Knight had receyued who was nothing discouraged therewith but casting his shielde at his backe grinding his téeth against the other he assayled the Moore giuing him so mightie a blow vpon his helme that he left him al that part vnarmed charging him so vehemently that there mist but little to haue laid him in the dust hee tooke hold of his horse necke The Tinacrian ioyned with him accounting the victorie for his owne and with both his handes gaue him another blow which imprinted his sword in his flesh wounding him in the shoulder as the Moore setled him selfe losing no occasion he gaue him two thrusts one
Barbarian accepteth no such fained excuses as these which you make vnto me And séeing the heauens beare record how much I desire your content there is no prolonging of time séeing my fortune hath ordained it Hee had scarcely ended his spéeches when one of the Giantâ— drawing néere stretched out his arme to seize on her which being dismaied giuing a great 〈◊〉 cast her selfe to the ground which 〈◊〉 the cause that the Giant could take no hold of her But he had no néâ—d to doe it for the fierce young gallant sonne of Garrofilea brandishing his reuengeful Launce raiâ—â—ng himselfe vpon his Stiâ—râ—ps hurled it with such forâ—e that Mars himselfe did malice to sée how great a 〈◊〉 he gaue for hitting him right 〈◊〉 vnawares in the middeâ—â— of his spacious brest the well stéeled Trenchant made so great a â—â—ud-gate that the hâ—rd plates of Stéele were not sufficient to sâ—ay it from appearing out at his backe coloured with his fresh bloud There néedeth not any great question to bee made whether the Ladie were glad thereat or no séeing it gaue her courage to raise vp her selfe to sée with what force the frée Tinacrianâ—urned â—urned heat against his two enemies the which little remembred what to Knightâ— did appertaine both at once charged their â—aunces in the midest of his â—rée brest they made him vilely to bend in his Saddle striking his head against his horse buttocke and it was no maruaile for these two valiant men charged him in great furie to sée their friend slaine The valorous Tinacrian recouering againe his seate and ward returned vpon them the Giant he found alone who with a waightie Maâ—e of stéele came towards him giuing place and time to the Prince to seize on the Ladie who lifting her voice to heauen cried to the Tinacrian for helpe The Giant gaue him so much to doe that the Prince had time to depart in safetie with his praie which so much despited the sonne of Trebacius that he was readie to burst with anger calling himself coward that one Knight should bee able to withhold him from helping that faire Ladie so vniustly taken hee doubled herewith â—o thicke and furious blowes as would haue rent the most hard rock But he had before him one who held himselfe to haue no equall in the world the faire Poliphebus desired to hazard the fortune of the battell at one blow and so approching to the Pagan made shew to stay for him he lifted vp his fearefull Mace and had not fully done it when the Youth flew within him and with a blow strake it out of his hands and helde the victorie for his and séeing that delayes might bréed danger redoubling his force hee strake him on the head the blow was so terrible that it made him sencelesse The Tinacrian was not a yong man which would let slippe oportunitie particularly in a matter of such importance which concerned no lesse then the Ladies libertie and so the Moore beeing in this trance hee with the greatest care of the worlde with his sword in both his hands with all his power strake him vpon the crowne of the head the helmet could yéeld no defence for he claue it so as it fell at his horse féete and dispatched him suddenly He turned about as swift as thought following the trace of the bold aduenturous Prince and fortune was fauourable vnto him for without any let within one mile where the battell began hee saw the Prince with his pray flying swifter then the winde the Falcon neuer slew so swift after the fearefull Hearon as this valorous Tinacrian who giuing the spurres to his horse made him to run swifter then the stéeds of golden Apollo And thus riding he called to the Prince to stay whose voyce caused this gallant louer whose haste to himselfe séemed slow still to spur his horse for it sufficed him not to sée and hold his Ladie in his armes but with her to escape the armes of that yong man who as a furious Lyon his sword died in bloud approached and in his flight strooke him vpon the rich Helmet and if it had hit right it had ended the warre with that blow But it was not to any small purpose séeing it made him for his owne defence to set her to the ground being wholly sencelesse The sonne of Trebacius returned saying Ill it beséemeth him who reckoneth himselfe a worthie Knight to doe â—o vile a thing as that which you haue committed and against such a Lady as is this he came not so little offended as to stay for an answere but that with the well stéeled point hee smote him in the brest with such force that hee made him to féele his sword within his flesh The Moore was most nymble and skilfull and if hee had gone away with this blow he might haue prolonged his life but to his greater harme he would néeds close with the valorous Tinacrian where al happened acrosse vnto him and the Moore well perceiuing his strength gathered new forces from his most mortal wounds considering with himselfe how much he lost in losing that battell and so he suffered him to enter and with his sword in both his handes hee smote him vpon the rich helmet and had reuenged the death of his two companions and recouered the Ladie had not the well tempered fine mettall béene betweene the which although it gaue the yong man his life yet it could not defend him but that it brought his head as low as the pommell of the saddle casting out blood both at his nose and mouth he reached him yet another which made him almost forget himselfe Neuer was Eagle more furious in defending her nest then the Tinacrian shewed himselfe turning towards the furious Pagan and hitting him vpon the helme it sounded like a bell and made him tremble like an Aspen leafe being shaken with the fresh winde in Autumne he smote off his crest leauing him mortally wounded and séeing him stagger he claspt him in his well brawned armes whose betters the world contained not and pulling him from his saddle hée bare him in his armes to the place where the Ladie was being perfectly come to her selfe who ioyed to sée how well he had reuenged her quarrell Hee leapt with him from his horse and with his ponyard ended his life and loue in the sight of the Ladie whom hee best loued in the world the which ioyfull and secure rose from the place where she sate and with a countenance which would haue made loue it selfe in loue shee went to the frée young man casting her armes about his necke which I know not who would haue refused and with a cloth wiping his armour sparkled with blood said Well hath my friendly fortune ordayned valorous man at armes that although that your first offer serued not for a medicine to cure the wounds of my soule yet with the second restoring my life and honour you haue wholy bound me vnto you and so I entreat you in the
what the Princes said but seeing them to come hand in hand out of the hall they well knew that the aduenture was ended Let vs goe most noble Emperour said Lirgandeo to receiue these Princes for you and my Lady the Empresse are those which get most therein séeing that you holding Claramante for lost who was stolne away in the Forest the Heauens haue pleased to bring him againe to your sight with the extremities which you haue séene This is he whose name in the most remote and strange Countries shall be feared and he who among the greatest Monarchs shall be and that with great reason renowmed The Emperour was surprised with this new and sudden ioy being hardly able to beleeue it for so great a good as this with much reason may be suspected There was no Knight nor Lord which came not downe accompanying the Ladies who by any meanes would bee absent at this entertainement At the descending downe the Tower staires at the top thereof were foure Nymphes farre more faire then the God Apollo which with their Instruments made the most heauenly harmony that euer was heard and with their voyces extolled the praises of the two Louers saying in this maner Content and pleased may you be Siâ—h Ioue so much your friend you see Your wish effecting in euery thing And constant loue without wauering All griefe from heart you may remoue Sith Claramante is your loue What greater good can be desired Then herein plainely is deciphred Valorous Fortune seek'th your ease And with delights your minde to please Linking you in loue most constant With the valiant louely Claramant The Heauens you grant in blessed state Long to enioy your louing Mate Without suspect or ielousie Caus'd by the angrie Deitie Nothing can disliking moue Claramant being your loue Valorous Prince whose fame doth flie From heere beneath euen to the skie Enâ—oying beautie and the comeliest feature That euer Nature wrought on creature Confirme this good and wauer not Let faithfull loue ne're be forgot This swéete harmonie of the Nimphes did so amaze the hearers that they thought themselues taken vp into the quires of the inhabitants of the heauens only the â—aire Archisilora was in greatest care seeing the whole companie reioycing and her selfe wanting the cause thereof yet with the hopes which the wizard had giuen her shée shewed a most faire pleasant countenance which serued to no small effect to maintaine the opinion which was held of her beautie And the Tower giuing a great cracke vanished away the Princes remaining hand in hand in the place the common people beganne to extoll her beautie aboue all the Ladies in Grecia and I marueile not for according as shee came Venus would haue seemed ougly The valorous Greeke led her by the left arme without his Helmet which one of the Ladies caried and another Theseus his battel-axe the Ladies traine bore the discreete Quéene Iulia. Gualtenor doth not describe the Princes countenance but he saith enough in saying that he resembled his brother when in Gréece he ouercame the great Meridian This most faire Ladie came clad all in white in a gowne with foure sleeues cut vpon cloth of gold set with Gold-smithes worke which shewed like Carbuncles interlaced with certaine knots her yellow haires were sufficient to darken the Sun-beames which she ware after the Egyptian fashion made vp in tresses whereon hang many precious stones of sundrie colours neuer was Phoebus so curious in guiding his chariot as at that time for seeing her beautie it was feared that faster then with a good pace he would haue come downe to the earth but for all that he kept his course beholding the beautie of the Princesse of the Scythians I know not worthie Ladies how I am entred into this déepe sea which here presenteth it selfe to me for if I should describe all those Ladies which came to salute the faire Lindabrides there would be no end thereof They did all malice her not somuch for her beautie as to sée her matched with Claramant Some receiue the prince glad to renew their old acquaintance others reioycing at the happie estate whereâ—o Loue had brought him Those which hee knew hee entertained with the grace wherewith the heauens had endued him and as for the rest with such countenance as was requisite hee not knowing what they were Who is able to set downe what these two felt béeing competitours in all when they came to embrace one another Clandiana being secure holding her selfe assured of Alphebo and shee with her new Loue contented with her change This is a passage worthy Ladies which without your fauour I know not how I shall get out of it Worthy Empresse said the frée Princesse I would the heauens would haue graunted vnto me in time past to doe that with as little care as now I doe séeing how little this Knight hath had of me Mine was neuer so much answered the Emperour Alphebus supreme Princesse of the Scithes as the care which your comelinesse put mee to so as to defend my selfe from the force thereof I was enforced to shield me with the beautie of my Ladie the Empresse The rest of the Ladies left not to come forwards which came to entertaine her some to know her and others to behold her brauerie They wholly valorous Prince caried away both my wit and penne after them and it is no great maruaile for where Ladies are there Knights are not to be spoken of for that were to doe them wrong and were it not for Claramante I would not returne to whom his mother holding him in her armes vttered a thousand pittifull spéeches But leauing at last most glad to sée him before her dissembling the ioy of her heart there came his seuere Father who embracing him said No man vpon earth hath more reason to be glad then I séeing that when I thought least thereof it hath pleased the high heauens to cherish our old age with your faire presence The Princes and Knights which were there tooke him out of the Emperours armes saying Let vs in part enioy this Knight séeing hee hath béene as much desired and wished for by vs as you which are his parents These were those which tolde him what all those Knights were which came to speake with him he receiued al with so great grace and discretion that they al loued him I should spend more time then were reasonable if I should particularly set down the whole entertainment onely this I say that with such contentment as is requisite in such a case they went into the Emperours hall where each Ladie called to her her gallant entertaining with them the rest of the time which remained with great desire to know Don Heleno and the Princesse Rosamundi and no lesse to know Rosabel and his beloued Liriana In the middest were the gallant Claramante Lindabrides in all things answered him I would not Knight that thy comming as an Ambassadour should haue emboldned thee to speake without any good maners
each the other vpon the top of their Helmets and bowed downe their heads downe to their brests The Moore was most nimble and knowing that therein he had some aduantage spurring his horse hee ioyned with the Gréeke who stoode not at his defence when the Moore gaue him two such thrusts the one after the other that if they had not lighted on Theseus his armes either of them had parted the soule from the bodie and made him sore against his will to fall backe on the arson of his Saddle The Achaian knight was not a man which would lose the benefit of any occasion for before that he could come vpon him againe with all his whole power hee smote him on the middest of the visor and made him starke blind and yet Lirgandeo saith that he made him readie to fall All these blowes gaue occasion to put the young man in choler there was no defence in the Moores armes against the strong arme and good temper of his sword but that hee hurled the one halfe of his Helmet to the ground hee had scarcely done this when with another blow no lesse furious then the last with his sword hee smote a great péece of his shield to the ground and the sword lighting on his shoulder smote away the one halfe of his Poldron All this was nothing to that which passed betwéene his nephew and the valorous Brauorante which encountring with a greater noyse then the thunder maketh betwéene the cloudes they smote their Launces into little splinters which flying in the ayre gaue signe of the fortitude of these warriours The Pagan lost one of his Stirrops but he recouered it so soone againe that no body perceiued the fault That serued but to enflame him like a Uiper against the Christian they both together encountred with their swordes aloft there were no better Armes in the world then those which they two did weare but they were not of force sufficient to kéepe their Masters being tormented with blowes from bowing downe their heads to their angrie brests they seconded them with such force as set them on their Saddles pummels the Greeke was better in breath and therefore he first recouered with such quicknesse as is requisite in such a case hee gaue him on the side of the Helmet such a terrible blow that made him make a foule bending backwards in his Saddle hee was so gréedie to giue him another that hee came more néere vnto him then was requisite and for that cause being vnable to strike they were constrained to make shew of friendship being brought to this streight as to claspe one the other with their armes there was neuer séene a more dreadfull strugling for although that they could not help themselues with their féete yet they did so tug with their hands that they were quite out of breath their horses knéeling on the ground gaue two furious cries They both came on foote where the one to shew the other the valor of his person with a suddaine hurled the one at the other with greater force then is in a bullet when it flieth the fire out of the mouth of the Cannon All the battels were renewed séeing these two on fâ—â—te for the valorous Ladies whose battel was cause sufficient to make all the battels in the world to be forgotten for as there was no defence against their weapons so were their enemies couered all ouer with their owne bloud especially Coriandro who fought with Rosamundi who séeing the Knight in the yellow in the ground much affected to the valour which he had shewne and assuring her selfe of the strength of her Tirian shée assailed Coriandro doing him greater fauour then he deserued for shée clasped her faire armes about his necks with such force that shée haled him out of his Saddle he fell on his féete where againe began the battell but with apparant aduantage for shée gaue him neuer a blow but that did cut his armour and his fâ—esh withall Shée which had the worst happe in this furious affray was the Empresse Claridiano for the great Bembo and Brauorante beeing come on â—ooâ—e thinking that they had faine with some aduantage to the Moore shée tooke her course with her horse against Bembo who slipping aside let her passe whose horse flumbled so on the trunchions of the Launces that comming to the ground hee gaue her a shrewd fall After her came a Giant who was the cause that Claramante shifting Bembo from him with a thrust at two skips he was with the Pagan making him lose his Saddle and then he charged Bembo who with a great pace went towards Claridiana who being sore brused with her fal was now risen The valorous Ladie had gotteÌ„ nothing by dealing with Bembo but the new louer approached doing wonders incredible to any mans iudgement The fierce Giant which had a fall on the ground seeing his sword broken with the fall ranne to Claramante his horse to get the Battel-axe But hee could not do it for the Quéen of Lira as fierce as a Serpent met him with her horse brest so as she tumbled him to the ground By that time was the braue Claridiano come and thinking that he should doe good with his Axe on foote he tooke it from the Saddle bow hee was not so nimble with this terrible weapon as his vnkle was for euery blow that hee gaue was mortall he put it in practise against the Giant which remained on horseback who with his monstrous sword had giuen the Quéen such a blow vpoÌ„ her rich helmet that being vnable to breake it the buckles thereof being loose hee smote it from her head leauing her amazed at the strangenesse of the blow The Pagan would haue seconded it and without all doubt had slaine her but that Claridiano came couered al ouer with a cold sweate to sée the mistresse of his soule in so notable a daunger he aduanced his Battel-axe with greater furie then discretion fortune was his good friend for hitting him vpon the top of the shoulder the edge of the Axe turning inwards it smote off his head so easily that Mars was amazed thereat hee came to the Quéene who yet had not put on her Helmet who presenting himselfe vnto her said Kéepe you aloofe valorous Ladie for although that you bee cruell to him which dooth most adore you yet it is not lawfull for me so long as I liue to permit any crueltie to be done against your worthinesse These words were so imprinted in the middest of the Quéenes heart that shée was of opinion that without any doubt that was hée whom shée best loued shée had taken him by the arme and asked him a thousand questions but that they were otherwise so much busied that notwithstanding yet shée said vnto him with a tendernesse of heart Follow worthie warriour the fortune which the heauens haue ordained for thy greater fame such a seruice as this is not requited with thankes but you haue made mee bounden vnto
wrestling should passe in obliuion without witnesses and these which came were no lesse theÌ„ the most mighty Alphebus the two pillers of fortitude brought him betwéene them Bramidoro and Brandafidel with the gentle Tirifeo of the other part came Torismundo the braue Lord of Spaine with his sonne and his valiant brother in law they mist not the venturous Zoilo with the beloued Lisart and the Prince of Argentaria so as a man may well say there was at that méeting the best and most tryed company that was in the vniuersall world All this comming could not cause them to giue ouer the battell for the Dacian séeing his Ladie in danger it made him draw new forces euen out of his wearines and to giue the aduersarie worke inough to doe who condemned himselfe of cowardise to suffer one Knight to vse him so in the presence of his father and other friends They were both out of breath and they could not continue and maintaine their obstinate fight but the one thrust the other a great way off from him the Gréeke fell downe hard by where Rosamundi stood and where hee had left his battell axe he tooke it vp and with a wonderfull readinesse hee made towardes the Dacian but before that he was come néere him Archisilora stept betwéene them saying Hold you out Knight in the yellow for the Prince of Dacia is not a Knight with whoÌ„ this battel may be suffred to be ended The Greeke stayed vpon his Ladies words and then knew the valorous Dacian for he had no desire to do ought but what might please his Queen But the noise of a most fierce blow which Bembo gaue the Lady suffred him neither to giue any answere neither to procéed forwards The fierce Claridiano turned about as malicious as a serpent to see his faire Ladie on the ground vpon her knées and had somewhat lost her senses and that the Pagan forgetting from whom hee came would haue closed with her There is no Pard that more lightly rampeth after his pray theÌ„ the Gréeke did to defend her he came in good time for before that his sword alighted on her he reacht him a blow on one side of the helmet with his axe and made him fall on his hands and his axe pierce his target smiting him with both his hands standing on his left foot againe smote him a full blow on the brest and made him with greater haste then he would withdraw himselfe three or foure paces from the Ladie the which free from danger hauing bene busied with him had not perceyued the people which shee there beheld vntill shee was about to assaile her aduersary her husband slept before her saying Shall I neuer deare Lady leaue to haue cause to complaine of your crueltie sith comming to so apparant danger you would not bée defeÌ„ded by him which was borne to loue youe These Ladies good Sir are in the fault which alone desired to take vengeance on the Romanes which is done in such sort that those which remaine shall haue whereof to talke of the Gréeke Ladies In fewe words shée told him what had past and how they had ouercome theÌ„ in the Iusâ—s and of the death of the two Giants and of the comming of Claramante with the other Knight more furious then a Lion and how they had waged battaile with those in that black to whose ayd came the rest which there remayned rouÌ„d about had that famous company compassed those famous warriours whole battaile seemed to Mars to be but new begun according to the dexterity wherewith they charged and the quicke retiring of them all foure The battaile-axe seemed somewhat trouble some to the Gréeke in a priuate battell chiefly because he had neuer bene vsed thereto wherefore pitching the blunt end thereof into the ground he left it for a testimony of the owners valour and so drawing out his good sword with his shield in his hand he assayled the mighty Bembo O Apollo I would thou wouldest recite this battaile which made all men to wonder for the dexteritie of them both was without comparison they were both wel breathed by reason of their long exercise in armes and for that cause hastening their mighty blowes so thicke that it séemed to them which saw them not that Vulcans Forge was thereabouts for according to the noyse it was to bee thought there had bene a great many of Knights to the close came these two most rare men at armes with their swords aloft But that warre lasted but little for both fell which was a meane much to prolong the battell in that maner and so againe entring with their left féete forwards and their swords in both hands they made hard Anuils of their Helmets There was neuer particular battaile in the world better fought for eche of them both was the flower of his Nation and exercised in the Arte as well of Loue as in this wherein no man excelled them no not loue it selfe nor Mars The Moore had the worse by reason of the Christians good Armes but supplied that with his strength giuing and taking blowes which would haue beateÌ„ a rock to péeces The Gréeke would play the fencer thinking with a thrust to haue striken his aduersarie in the face but hee had not well fastned his blow when the Moore soundly gaue him a knocke on the top of the Helmet he tooke him at vnawares and so the blow lighted so much the heauier made him set one of his knées to the ground and in that warde he stood to sée if he would second his blow which had lifted vp his sword but the young man would not attend the weight wherewith it came but with a iumpe standing on his féete he let slip the blow on one side leauing the Moore deceiued who gaue so fierce a blow that it turned him round about smote the one halfe of his sword into the hard floore Upon the armes the nephew of the great Trebatius gaue him a great blow he was much distressed being assured that hee should lose his sword breaking the little chaine with a skippe hee turned about for in agilitie no man excelled him and if the Gréeke had not the better looked vnto it the like had happened vnto himselfe But seeing the Pagan giue way he let slippe one hand to weaken the blow hee stayed but little herein but it was enough for the nimble Pagan who like an Eagle séeing his sword was lost he suddenly tooke vp the Axe wherewith he was a second Mars In many dayes before he had not receiued the like contentment as in séeing that in his hands assuring himselfe now of the victorie he now made roome in the spacious gréene field All men knew him to bee verie expert with that kind of weapon many were sorie for it but hee whome it touched euen at the verie soule was Archisiloraes louer who framed a thousand complaints against himselfe calling himselfe coward séeing that so retchlesly he had committed so
them that he made them retire a great way out of the plaine On that side where the Duke of Thebes was the Emperour of the Romanes charged with the Prince of the Almaines and the valorous Brundusio who desâ—rous to meete with some of the Greekes made the battels to ioyne together with such a noyse as if the skyes had fallen The mighty Epirabio tooke charge of the assaulting of the Citie and so with all the instruments and engines requisite for such an exployte with all the Assyrians the power of the Parthians they drew néere to the walls with many timber Castles with which they thought so enter the great Citie 3. clarions were souÌ„ded in the Castle of Venus froÌ„ wheÌ„ce the Ladies beheld the cruel warre All the Gréeke Princes knew what it meant The Emperour Trebatius was very sorry fearing some ill hap for he saw all the troupes of Niquea in aboue sixty rankes marching towards the fountaynes to charge at their backes He lifted vp his eyes to heauen saying Into thy hands O mightie God I commit my cause and the equitie of this persecuted Empire He turned to Rosacler saying I doe beléeue that this day will neuer be forgotten I beséech the Lord to looke vpon his people Hee offered to come to fight with the Moores but that was not their meaning for they deferred it for a better occasion but onely to crosse the fields to recouer a hill which was hard by the walles where they meant to fortifie It was wonderfull to sée for the Captaine Aristoldo had already taken it A better coÌ„maunder the world neuer knew and truly to haue gotten the hill had bene continually readie to enter the Citie The discréet Captayne returned within the valley with all the Spanyards and made such haste that they tooke it beforehand The Pagan brought much valiant people and hee was so of his person but he met with those which he thought not of which were the flower of Knighthood no lesse then Uncle and Nephew Claridiano and Claramante with the faire Archisilora These were sufficient to fight with their whole armie The Captaine of the Moores came to an ill market for he met with Lindabrides her louer who smote him sencelesse vpon his saddle bowe he was so quick with him that before that he could recouer himself he laid him on the hard ground with a knock with his axe Hee would not trouble himselfe any longer with him leauing him for dead but withdrew himselfe some what from his companions for not to be troubled with his battel-axe for therewith hee made more roome There was nothing better worth the séeing in all those warres There was neuer any hired labourer in the countrey which shaking the Chestnut trée threw down more Chestnuts then the sonne of Trebatius threw downe Knights with his terrible battell-axe Sometimes with thrée blowes hee felled fixe Knights and sometime with a strong thrust hee pluckt Knights out of their saddles filed vpon his axe as papers vpon a thred He neuer gaue blow which made not the noble company to looke about and wonder at the strength of his armes The vnknowne Louer gaue good account of himselfe for hee sought not out particular Knights but the grimme Giants among which hee rushed without any signe of feare Their comming to the rescue was to so great effect that they made the Moores to retire out of the field to Bembo his squadron who by this time was within sight for he had intelligence that there was a supply of men landed in the port of Antona He made hast in hope to ouercome for he saw that by their hastie going his people gat the aduantage of the field Wel did the strong Breton sée that for that he was on the left wing where he plaid the deuil as that ground was somwhat higher those which tooke land might well possesse it which ranging themselues into a strong Battalion he saw tooke their way towards the field Hee called the Prince of Argentaria and sayd vnto him Now is the time come valorous Knight to shew what hath bene hoped for at your hands and therefore if you will be my conuoy it behoueth me to passe by all these Tents to goe to know what people that is which is newly arryued for if they bee not enemy we shall get the field Doe herein valorous Prince sayd the noble Florisarte what shall please you which to effect with the losse of my life I shall be well content The valiant Rosabel for he had no time to stay casting his shield at his backe and in his hand his sword gaue his horse the reynes who as swift as a thunderbolt parted froÌ„ his squadron towards the sea side The Prince of Tharsis had inough to doe to followe him hee went with such fury and swiftnesse Both campes beheld him The Gréeks knew him by the blew scarfe which Liâ—iana had giuen him Some followed him the first whereof were Claramante Claridiano and the fayrâ— Archisilora because they saw that Aristoldo made all haste getting ground vpon his enemie for Epirabio being missing whom sore hurt they had carried out of the battell in a maner turning their backes they made towards their campe notwithstanding that the Moores in that place had the worst of the fight in most places else they cryed Uictorie for Bembo reinforcing his squadron had brought to his ayd a hundred thousand Assyrians with which hee gaue so fierce a charge on the squadron of the Thessalonians that hee made them retire aboue a bow shot The Gréekes were in better case on that side where Florisiano with the gentle Polidolpho with the people of Lira Apulia and Croatia had entred they were somewhat of kinne and for that cause they alwaies kept company They were of opinion that the Sargeant Maior generall had reserued them and their people fresh onely for that dayes seruice They were very confident in their valour through that occasion they vndertooke great enterprises and fell on that side from whence Rosabel went who with the strong Floriâ—arte being to go crosse the tents had put theÌ„ in disorder They came in good time for the people of that countrey beeing but a fewe left had retired to backe themselues with a little hill whither came the two famous Captaines with al the horsemen which gaue so sudden a charge vpon their enemies as did greatly annoy them but the best was to recouer the ground which they had lost They both did greatly encourage the people shewing them what honour they wanne that day seing it might well be sayd that they had restored Grecia being almost lost These couragious speaches wrought such effect that euerie one fought for two no man was afeard of danger so great was the hope of victory All was but neede for the Emperour of Rome did so busie the Duke of Thebes and the Souldan of Egypt charged on the right wing so as the Greekes had their hands full on euery side for with the
froÌ„ the Knight with the Eagle who knowing that thou hast granted truce to the Moores for 15. daies although that hée came from farre to serue thée as all men ought to doe he would in the meane time with thy leaue entertaine the louing gallants giuing them occasion to shew their valour for in the middest betwéene these two camps hee will maintaine after to morrow that the two Ladyes which are come in his companie are indéed the most faire of the world and this at all perils of battaile This is my demaund and if it please thee that he come he will doe it and if not he will stay vntill the truce be past to come to thy seruice This seemed to the Greeke Princes to bee a great presumption in a Knight and so they desired that the Emperour should giue him leaue to come The Gréeke Lord himselfe had beene so greatly enamored that hée would haue gone in person to answere the challenge but trusting in his sonnes he sayd Faire Damsell I thanke the Knight much for that which he wil do for me which deserueth that a greater request then this should bee granted and so you may tell him that hee may come in safetie for no man shall offer him violence excepting such as shal fight in combate with him which will not fayle to doe it The Damsell would haue kist his hands for the fauour saying Then Soueraigne Emperour with your leaue I will deliuer a message to the Ladyes which I haue brought for them Do all that you will answered the Emperour So she weÌ„t directly to the cloth of estate where they were which might be sayd to be a new Paradice of beautie for they were come forth to recreate themselues some to fauour their Gallants with their looks which sufficeth for I would be glad to take it of my Lady if it might be permitted to come to sée her In séeing the Damsell comming quoth the gallant Policena daughter to the faire Venus Polidolpho which stood hard by the secoÌ„d Helen daughter to the Prince of Babilon Persia Bransiniano with the fayre Aurelia daughter to the great Tartarian Zoylo and the Princesse Tigliafa thrée Ladyes which did darken the Sunne in the middest of his carriere they were those which being but children gaue hope to be most faire There was neuer a one there that passed Rosabela daughter of the fayre Oliuia although she were yonger All which foure sate hard by Rosamundi Quoth the young Girle I beleeue that this Knight will challenge vs too Your Ladiship néedeth not to feare it quoth the second Helen for where these Soueraigne Ladies are there may wee liue safe from any defiance It will end according to the equitie of the cause quoth Aurelia and not for our beauties Take no care for that quoth Rosamundi for there will want no Knights which will take pleasure so goe forth in our behalfe It is to be doubted quoth Policena séeing how vnpleasing wee are By this time was the Damsell come who knéelde downe before the Empresse of Trapisonda which stood close by her daughter shée deliuered the letter to her hands desiring her to be pleased to read it because shée was spéedily to returne to the knight who had sent her It is a great confidence that that Knight reposeth in those Ladies said the Empresse séeing that my Lord the Emperour hath giuen him leaue we confirme the same Rosiluera presently read the letter with great laughter of all the Ladies imagining that it came for her it would not haue grieued Rosamundi nor Archisilora to haue tried theÌ„selues against him with gratefull hearing the Ladies gaue eare to the letter which said thus The Letter THe Knight with the Eagle to the Greeke Princesses greeting It hath beene my fortune Soueraigne Lâ—dies so wholly to estrange my selfe that I am enforced to vndertake the most difficill thing that can bee imagined I acknowledge the great difficultie your beautie whose fame flieth ouer all the world I haue presumed to entreat your leaue to vphold the beautie of my Ladies in the midst of the field against the Pagan army wel knowing that my owne smal valour deserueth it not but therein shal your generosity appeare The gods haue you in his keeping This Knight said Rosiluera is in the right in making no questions against the Gréeke Ladies which may also returne without armes for his part séeing he hath such confidence in vs it séemeth good to me with leaue of my Ladie the Empresse Claridiana to send it him with all the fauour possible to the end that through our fault he lose not the assurance of those Ladies beauties which are in his companie We passe not for that said Aurelia for hauing no experieÌ„ce of this Knight it should bee ill done to graunt him so much fauour Rosabel came to the end that his vnkles businesse might be so handled as he did deserue and said If my being suretie for the Knight with the Eagle gallant Dames may be a meanes to procure this fauour to be done him I presently impawn my word There is no cause to stay from giuing it said the gracious young Rosabella séeing that my Lord and brother hath taken vpon him the charge of our fame They all laught at the girles spéeches which was not yet aboue twelue yeares old for so long time had the Pagans spent in leuying their troupes They all went to Rosamundies lodging where Rosiluera in all their names wrote to the Knight giuing it to the Damsel shée tooke her leaue with great contentment leauing them very desirous to sée the Knight I beléeue Soueraigne Prince quoth Policena that you doe better know this Knight then we doe séeing you haue forced vs to fauour him in such a matter as this His acquaintance and friendship answered the gentle Britanian hath cost me so much bloud that I stand bound to bee his friend so long as I liue And this Soueraigne Princesse Serinda being so much bound vnto his valour I maruaile that shée intreated not for him Presently at the intreatie of the Ladies hee told what happened when hee first knew him fighting with the most strong Astratio for the libertie of Serinda as in the third booke hath beene declared where they two fell acquainted concluding such friendship as was the greatest in the world besides they being so néere of kin Now I say quoth Liriana that the fauour hath béene verie small that hath béene done vnto him and séeing that there is Truce wee will encourage him with our presence And that wil be a meane quoth the faire Troyla wholy to vanquish the Moore Ladies for yet they had neuer carried her to her Father the King of Argel it was so for her pleasure The Tinacrian very ioyfully receiued the answere reading it in presence of his Ladies in this maner The Answere THe Princesses and Greeke Ladies to the Knight with the Eagle greeting Thy thankfulnesse valorous knight hath so bound vs
Knight I am of that opinion answered the sonne although I assure your Maiestie the courage which those thrée knights shewed which were that Knight with the Starres and the two new Knights made mee to wonder and I greatly desire to sée them tried with him That will quickly be seene answered the Father for as he layeth about him there are few within the Lists to resist his arme as it was true for turning againe to behold the battell the aduantage was apparant of Tinacrian his side although that the other by defending and offending himselfe so well deserued the name of valiant notwithstanding that hee should remaine ouercome for now they said it was no disgrace to be so by such a Knight as that was for the gods had not reserued to themselues any greater valour then they had infused into him It seemed vnto him that fighting with such deâ—teritie and skil hauing so much to doe it was to spend much time And so caring for nothing but to end the battell hee griped the Pagan so hard that he knew not where he was and would also with a blow haue ended the fight for taking his sword in both his hands hee made towards his enemie he made many afraid to sée him come with such furie assailing him at one side The Tinacrian would haue bettered it but it was like to haue béene to his owne dammage for the Moore was subtill and perceiuing that hee warded not his head he gaue him the greatest blow that euer he had smitten hitting him at one side hee beat his Helme round and made him to lose part of his sight casting out much bloud notwithstanding all which he was stil very heedfull which in such extremities was that which did assure him of yâ— battel forâ—losing with him with his dagger for therewith great adueÌ„tures were to be performed although not with the Tinacrian but by another yong maÌ„ as in the fourth part of this History he which ruleth the heaueÌ„s giuing me health shall be declared he gaue him two mortall wounds and left him although on horsebacke yet breathlesse and seeing him in such sort hee shouldred him and threw him to the ground There was no fault in this Prince but that in particular battailes hee was verie cruell vntill they were ended He caused him to be borne out of the field leauing his shield for a pawne All the Moores were mooued and Bembo would be the first but that Flora would haue him to be the last Into the Lists came the famous Thorisiano with his accustomed armes which were as good as any in the world He was not enamoured but yet was sent by the Ladyes And as he was knowne to the Gréekes and held for so valiant they were in doubt of the Tinacrian but not they which knâ—w what belonged to the wars and much lesâ—e Rosabel who was ouerioyed to see how wel his vncle had acquitted himselfe and he did the more reioyce to thinke what contentment his mighty Grandfather would conceiue when he should know him to be his sonne If your fauour were euer disagreeable faire Ladies sayd the Empresse Briania to the yong Ladyes in my opinion it is now for with this comming of the aduersarie all the companie doth mutter doubting of your Knight There is no cause of feare soueraigne Empresse sayd the faire Aurelia our warriour being so much loued and fauoured as he is They had not stept a foot from the place when they heard a great noyse in the field which was that the one ranne at the other with a greater swiftnes then an arrow flyeth out of a bow The Pagan was extreme strong but hee met with one which in fighting renewed his courage for comming to encounter in the cariere their Launces flew into small splinters and Thorisiano hardly escaped falling for he was driuen to seize on his horse neck without knowing what hee did Luzelaes gentle louer was somewhat troubled which was well perceiued by the assistants whereby they iudged of his enemies valour who drawing the braue Astrutio King of the Medes his good Sword made towards the Tinacrian At one instant they strake two mortall blowes which made them both to sée a thousand stars in the floore The Challenger had the best horse in the world for which cause his enemie could not meete him although hee returned with excellent swiftnes against him but rather carryed away with his furious blow gaue place to the Louer to giue a terrible blow behind vnder his righâ— shoulder which did so torment him that hee scarcely felt his sword arme The paine was soone gone which was an aduenture for the yong man for the Tinacrian was come with another with greater haste then good speede for he came so neere that Thorisiano might well strike him The Greeke neuer receiued a greater blow for hee smote him on the brimme of the Helmet and with a little more had stricken it from his head making him bow lower then he would haue done and before he could recouer himselfe he gaue him a sore thrust and hit him luckily in the ioynt of the vaunthrace and was the first that dyed his sword in the Tinacrians bloud The rest which remained freezed in his bodie and roring within himselfe more fiercely then a furious Tiger he ranne vpon Thorisiano Had Mars himselfe seene him come with that furie he would haue beene afraide of him There was no steeled shield nor plankes of fine steele but all was too little against the furie of the Tinacrian Hee strake away his shield and it was a great chance that hee had not done as much by his arme the blow passed to his Helmet with such force that it made it flye from his head breaking the buckles leauing all his face bloudie which came out at nose and eyes Wherewith was heard a great shout in the field crying The Moore Ladyes Champion is dead The Tinacrian séeing him so fayre and so amazed was mooued with compassion and to doe that which he neuer did which was to hold his hands for if he had striken him againe it had been the last battaile that euer that Prince had fought But he stayed to let him take breath when hee was fully recouered making himselfe readie for his defence he sayd vnto him I would not sir Knight that your great mind should bee any occasion of your disgrace for which I should bee sorie you are wounded and disarmed the best course will bee to giue euer the battaile without farther contention The vnknowne Thorisiano was of good behauiour and séeing his gentle offer hee sayd I am verie sorie sir Knight that by so many wayes you haue the victorie of mee but séeing the heauens haue so ordained it all is for the best and which best fitteth mee The Tinacrian tooke his answere verie kindly calling to his Squire for the Helmet which he gaue him saying I wil not that your Shield remaine with mee as a signe that you are ouercome but for a token that
the noyse which they heard in the Campe but it gaue them greater to see some which they loued better then themselues for Eufronisa with the sight of Rosabel was stricken speechlesse The faire fearefull Arbolinda accompanied her in delight The mightie Generall which was not acquainted with Loue became suddainely enamoured for seeing Clabela the daughter of the mightie Assyrian so faire and so young he gaue her his heart for a recompence they were some of those which deerely loued which endured much as shall be declared in the fourth part The first which spake was the beloued Tinacrian to the faire Eufronisa saying I haue trauailed with such paine most excellent Princesse seeing my selfe your detter and vpon my word that I haue sought all meanes to accomplish it to bring you to this Knight pointing to Rosabel to the end that you take such reuenge of him as your beautie deserueth With such hazard to these Ladies valorous Prince of Tinacria I would not that you should haue accomplished it although that therein you haue done me a fauour according to the hope conceiued of your valour There is no reuenge to be taken of this Prince my griefe sufficeth mee which shall serue for a punishment for his vnkindnesse I was neuer so worthie Princesse answered Rosabel the much which I owe you bindeth me to lose my life for your sake They could no longer continue their discourse for the greedie Spaniards made such a noyse and such shoutings as though the skies would haue fallen Let this satisfaction suffice said the most faire Quéene of Lira putting off her rich Helmet whose rare beautie made them all to wonder vntill you come to the Citie where shall want no meanes to fauour your cause And so I beseech you in behalfe of all these Knights and my selfe you wil be pleased to come with vs for so faire a prise is not to be left for any thing in the world and more I being the cause and onely instrument which hath ordained it To many of them it was no griefe to goe prisoners thither and although that others grieued yet perforce they dissembled it Loue tooke good order herein for the faire Arbolinda seeing her beloued Prince Florisarte of Argentaria was glad to goe in his Armes Clabela with Oristoldo which was life to the young man Eufronisa at length came to see her selfe in the Armes of her beloued Britanian as though that shee had neuer beene there before Claridiano tooke the Sophie his daughter Claramante the kings of Fenicia Poliphebus the Souldans of Egypt all the rest which I leaue out whose beautie was great the Spaniards tooke so as they departed with the most rich bootie of the world which were sixtéene daughters of the chiefest Princes in the armie with a sister of Bemboes verie young whose beautie in her time caused no small troubles There was much to doe to get the gréedie Spaniards out of the Campe vntill that they saw their Princes goe pestered and loaâ—en with rich spoyles vp the hill at which time rescue came from the Armie but it was too late for they had alreadie made their boote and put the same in safetie for hauing the hill at their backes they would haue defended themselues against all the armie These warriours descended at that point which leadeth downe into the valley on which 〈◊〉 the Citie was not battered for the strength thereof There they entred with their pray a better then which and without bloudshed Alexander neuer tooke with all his Monarchie neither the famous African much more victorious The newes was presently knowne in the Armie where the battell was fought of the taking of these Ladies which was an occasion to encourage the Pagans O who had séene the migâ—tie Bembo the redoubteâ— Brauorante with the brothers of the Wood with this â—n sickle newes They fought not like men it is not to be imagined what hurt they did fourtéene Knights of the Gréeke Emperours chamber by their hands lost their liues 〈◊〉 a number which were troden vnder foote and wounde â—â— but yet they had the worser and although that the Princes were absent that was no hindrance to the victorie which they had wholly ended had not the warlike Sarmatia and Bembo his mightie cousin come to their aide who séeing him fight so desperately came to him saying In such times valorous Captaine you are to take order not with your disliking but with fortune which declareth it selfe for your enemie for I see all the Armie at the point to bee lost The Campe is spoyled the Sea died in your bloud so as there is no remedie but to take this blow with patience and know that it commeth through the small equitie of your cause which was great to couet those spoyles which the heauens had prepared for the Brittish Prince Looke well to it for you ought to giue ouer a thousand battels whatsoeuer rather then to giue cause of offence to your Ladie whome you make shew to loue so much and seeing that shée is not able to doe you pleasure put mee in trust and I will so employ my selfe as shal be to the contentment of all The discreet Ladie had taken off her Helmet and thereby the Captaine knew her who wel considering that what shée had said was wrought by the Almightie hand and preserued for some great Christian hee put the matter in the Princesses hands willing her to doe as best pleased her although that being so many which hold themselues agrieued it will bee a hard matter to obtaine any peace in the middest of such a tempest I desire nothing but that some occasion may bee offered wherein I may bee able to doe Liriana any seruice Leaue this charge to me quoth the Ladie for I will obtaine it of those which can doe most in this warre Shée tooke so good order that shee perswaded the Souldan of Niquea to peace séeing how much it concerned him seeing he thereby should recouer such friends and kinsmen Shée obtained the like of the Emperour of the Romanes and all perceiued being of the losing side that it better fitted with their Nobilitie to offer them peace then when they had the better of the warre And as of these men depended the commaund of all the rest and the new enamoured Oristoldo agreeing herein for the loue of his Ladie with all haste the retreite was sounded betwéene both armies that valiant Ladie being the occasion of all that good they were parted at an instant for it behoued them that were ouercome séeing it was for their good and the others to please their Princes sheathed their swords The Pagans would not that night enter into the Citie because they would take order for their hurt men and to burie their dead which were so many as made all men amazed thereat from the Citie they sent many dainties to the Campe which were not a little estéemed for the want which there was thereof in both Campes There was as great ioy