of this stately Pallace stoode a gallant building in forme of a Temple seeming to the view of such as beheld the same to be made of the most purest and burnisht gold on the toppe whereof stoode the forme of a most goodly Lady with a Crowne of gold vpon her head whose liuely proportion forme of exceeding beautie would haue detained a most constant mind in a wandring delight to beholde the same Barzillus beholding the exceeding be autie of the Pallace and the stately forme of the pictured Lady was desirous to know who inhabited there and to that intent drawing nigh thereto at the entrance thereof he beheld a tent with these verses written thereon Passe not this Bridge before thou knocke Least thou too late repent thy pride Leaue not obtained thou mayst goe baâ—ke For entrance is to all denide A Knight within must knowe thy name Thy boldnesse else will turne to shame Barzillus reading the superscription smote the Tent with his launce when presently issued out a knight in euery poynt readie armed to whome Barzillus saide as followeth Knight I reading the superscription ouer the entrance into the Tent according to the direction thereof haue called thée foorth demanding thy meaning thereby and what goodly Pallace this is the like whereof I neuer beheld for beautie Knight aunswered hée againe this Pallace is called the Golden Tower belonging to Maximus the most mightie and famous king of Natolia wherein is his onely daughter Angelica for beautie without compare for wit forme and vertuous ornaments excelling all the Ladies in the world whose equall was neuer heard of nor can be found within the spatious continent of the earth The King hath placed her in his most rich and gorgeous Pallace whose walles are of Brasse and framed of such inuincible strength that no power of man is able to subdue the same she hath to attend her a hundreth Ladies of great dignitie and a thousand of the most valiant Knights in all the world The occasion why he guardeth her person is this At her birth an old Inchauntresse prophecied that her beautie should set Kings at discord and be the cause of her fathers death A childe is borne whose beautie bright Shall passe each forme of other faire As doth the Sunne in perfect light Each little starre sixt in the ayre For whom great Kings shall enter stâ—ife And warre shall shed Natolians blood Whose Ire shall spill Maximus life Yet wisdome oft hath harme withstood A mightie Prince her loue shall gaine Though vice do seeke to crosse their blisse He shall her râ—inne with restlesse paines And she of sorrowe shall not misse Much barbrous blood reuenge shall spill And all of warre shall haue their fill All this sholl happen by degree Before this child shall weaded bee And because hée will match her according to her dignitie hée hath likewise made a vowe that none but the greatest Potentate in the world shall be her husband Which said the knight went into this Tent and brought out a most gallant picture this quoth he is the Ladies forme wherein the Artsman hath shewed some prettie skill but so farre is this picture vncomfortable to the perfect description of her celestiall perfections and as farre different in delicacie as is blacke from white or beautie from deformitie whose view would change the affections of the truest knight liuing from his former constant resolue to adore her beautie and forsake his former vowes onely to attend her person for so diuine are her liniaments and so rare her perfections that her â—ame is euen spred throgh all the regions of the world Barzillus hearing him enter into a newe discourse of her beautie and that in such affectionate sort hauing before in his fancie said ynough beganne to laugh at him saying Knight mée thinkest thou dotest or else art madde to enter into such commendation of this Ladies beautie hauing peraduenture neuer seene other faire Ladie or else for that thy selfe art affectionately deuoted to loue none but her for I haue séene a Ladie that as farre excéedeth this picture as thou reportest she doth all other which words Barzsllus spake onely to sée whether his valour and bostings were agréeable wherewith the knight that kept the Tent was so vexed that he vttered these spéeches What ill nurtured creature art thou quoth he that deridest the beautie that is rather to be admired haste thou no more maners then to make so litle estimation of that which all the world adores thou shalt dearely abide this discourtesie with that hée mounted himselfe and charged a speare at Barzillus who aunswered him with such courage that at two courses he ouerthrew him from his horse By which time a number of Knights were vpon the barâ—lements viewing their combat and séeing the knight that kept the Tent foyled burst into an excéeding laughter and so departed Barzillus hauing foyled the knight for that the night drewe nigh withdrew himself from the Golden Tower into a pleasant valley and there stayed that night The Knight that kept the Tent was belonging to the King of Candie who came with perswasion to win Angelicas loue with his prowesse and with much adoe had obtained leaue of the Gardiants to kéepe the passage but hée not contented with his foyle intending to reuenge his disgrace followed him to the valley where Tellamor found them combatting as is aforesaide who knowing Barzillus stepping betwixt them parted the fray Barzillus likewise knowing Tellamor with great kindnesse embraced him and vpon his request declared the cause of their combat Tellamor then speaking to the knight of the Tent gaue him this farewel Knight returne to your charge for your combat here is at an ende for businesse which I haue yéelded into your handes and when you are amongst your friendes in Bohemia be not vnmindfull of poore Clarinas loue who hath committed her life honour and chastitie into your gentle custodie Most deare Clarina quoth Tellamor my returne shall be as spéedie as may be for like as you my self shall neuer enioy one minutes respite of content without your heauenly company whereon my chiefest felicitie dependeth and as you haue yéelded all that I can desire or you grant into my vnworthy kéeping I will as carefully labour to preserue the same from all spot of dishonour hoping at my returne to enioy the possession of your loue as well by generall consent of your friendes as by your courtesie I haue attained their diuine fruition in priuate Then I beséech you let no disquiet disturbe your peace let no doubt trouble your fancie nor any suspence of my loyaltie take roote in your heart for sooner shall the Sea become drie land the Sunne and Moone loose their cleare light and all things turne to their contrary before Tellamor will any way falsifie his faith In these and such lyke speeches entermingled with many delights they spent that night taking their leaue each of other with many a ceremonious farewell and parting with many a heauy
thou shalt neuer escape my hands The knight maruelling to heare him speake whom he thought had béene a ghost made this reply Pardon me good sir for I tooke you to bée another then I see you are but if I may know what you will commaund me I will doe it Quoth he tell me how fareth Marcellus Sir quoth he at this instant he lyeth very weake by reason of many grieuous wounds he receiued not long since where hée declared the whole trueth of that which had happened by Maximus meanes since which time quoth hée the King hath set such secrete watch about the Tower that none goeth in nor out without his priuitie The Knight of Fame hauing heard his spéeches departed backe to Iabine to whom he declared the trueth of all that he had heard béeing very sorry for Marcellus hurt and well wâ—ying euery circumstance of that report thought that when Marcellus was gotten with Angelica out of the Parke so slightly atâ—ended it was to come to him which added some comfort to his heart being fully assured thereby that Angelica had not forsaken him By this time the Natolian that escaped from the Knight of Fame was come to the Golden Tower and comming before the King told him that hee had met the knight of Fame whereat hee beganne to laugh but presently came the other who iustâ—fied the same words alleadging that it was the knight of Fame and that hee had both talked with him and knew him affirming the same most constantly Maximus woondring thereat was almost astonisht at their words that hée determined to send all his knights to search for him and the occasion now must fitly serueâ— for the Nobles had according to his commaund gathered a number of forces together which Camillus swing béeing vnprouided to withstand such force but comming for another intent immediately returned with his souldiers towards his countrie and Maximus now séeing the coast cleare of enemies presently sent foorth Knights euery way to finde the Knight of Fame Thus newes was soone come to Marcellus and Angelicas hearing which filled their hearts with excéeding care and feare leaste hée should bee apprehended this bredde new sorrowes in theyr troubled thoughts buâ— principally in Angelicas whose loue was growen to such perfection that it was impossible for to remooue the same that getting to her chamber shee â—ntred into many heauy complaints able â—o haue rent the stoniest harts of the cruellest tyrants whom Anna comforted by all means she could deuise to whom Angelica said Oh Anna quoth shee little doest thou know the forments my heart doth indure for wert thou so much inthralled as I am to so worthy a knight as hee is thou mightest then haue some insight into my sorrowes but bring ignorant therin how caâ—st thou giue me counsell haue I not cause to sorrow nay rather to runne mad with sorrow to sée the danger that woorthie knight is now in hauing so lately escaped a most miserable death by my Fathers censure and without cause who not contented therewith nor satisfied in his minde hath now sent out many knights to search for him who if they finde him will bring him back oâ— by violence destroy him whose death shall bee the end of my life for I haue vowed if my Father séeke his ruine hée shall also sée my death for I will not liue one houre after him in which complaintes shée still continued without intermission It fortuned most happily that Iabine was gone foorth of S. Austines Chappell left the Knight of Fame in his Cell méeting with many of the Natolian knights who demaÌ„ded if hée saw not such a K. describing so well as they could the knight of Fame whom he answered al after one sort that he had not séen any such but maruelling at their earnest inquirie hee demaunded what that knight might bée One of them tolde him that he was called the knight of Fame who lately arriued in that countrie and was kindly entertained by Maximus but especially of Marcellus and hauing in some sort offended the King was by him afterwards thrown into the Lyons den by reason of a letter the king of Libia sent wherein he accused him to haue dishonoured Venola his onely daughter whom that day was seene and spoken withall Iabine hearing his speeches wondred thereat yet notwithstanding was carefull least the knight of Fame should be â—ound abroad whom hee now beganne greatly to estéeme both that he déemed him to bee sprung of royall blood and also for that Marcelius made estimation of him who he thought knew him cleare of those accusations or else he would not haue fauoured him so mâ—â—â—h that with all speed he hasted to his Cell where being entred he â—ound the Knight of Fame very sadde and fast bolting the Chappell doore he came to him saying Worthie Knight I am glad that I haue found you heere for were you abroad there are such a number of Knights in search of you that it were impossible to escape them For me quoth he I thinke you are deceiued Yea quoth he if you are called the Knight of Fame and lately escaped out of the Lyons denne With that his colour changed Nay quoth â—abine feare not for you shall be héere as safe as your heart can wish for this place is no way suspected therfore thinke your selfe secure then Iabine declared vnto him all that had happened and what hée had heard Wherevpon the knight of Fame likewise finding him faithfull and secret declared vnto him the whole discourse of his trauels onely leauing out the vision which appeared to him in Thrace Asking his counsell what to do and entring into many sadde discourses how hée was still crossed in his expectation and withall tolde him that he knew not which way to trauel in search of his Parents which if he could attaine then he would not doubt but to reuenge those iniurious wrongs done him Sir Knight quoth Iabine I thinke it best that you trauell in search of them and that presently in the meane time these troubles by forgetfulnesse will be well ouer blowne and then you may haue the better opportunitie to go forwards with any intent you shal afterward put in practise for if you stay heere you may vnfortunately be descried for the Kings iealousie is such that he will leaue no means vnattempted to worke your death Father quoth he your counsell is good which I will put in practise not voluntarily but forced thereto in regarde of mine owne preseruation requesting this one fauour at your handes that you woulde by some meanes remember my humble duetie to that honourable knight Marcellus and tell him that it shall not be long ere I returne desiring him in the meane time according to his former courtesie which hath bin extended farre beyond my desert to remaine my friend and remember mée to Angelica I will quoth Iabine fulfiâ—l your request in euerie respect But first quoth hee I thinke it most conuenient you change your armor for that
depart with this dead knight and if you please to goe thither you may easily finde it Pollipus séeing her so vnwilling left her and rode towardes the Castle which he found fast shut whereto was one passing by a bridge ouer a mightie huge déepe lake the Castle it selfe being scituated vpon a loftie rocke so well fenced by nature and strengthened by the art of man that it was vnconquerable and not to be subdued by force and comming to the bridge he found the same drawn up by meanes wherof he thought it vaine to account of any thing that night but contented himselfe to take the cold earth for his bed and the large Forrest for his Chamber where hée could take no rest béeing troubled with many thoughts hauing likewise some hope to finde Violetta in that place which added though it were verie vnlikelie great courage to his resolution That viewing she inuincible strength of the Castle and well considering how he might disaduantage the Gyant if he could get him to single fight in these and such like thoughts hée spent most part of the night vntil at last he laid him downe and gaue a little slumber to his eyes Early in the morning he buckled on his armour and mounting his stéede shrowded himselfe vnder the shadow of an oake not farre from the Castle where he might easily sée who went out and in thereat The first that came out that morning was Argalte mounted vpon a goodly Courser and armed in very rich Armour whom Pollipus thought had béene the Gyant that the Damzel had tolde him of whom he thus gréetes Traitor art thou the Gyant of this Castle which hast stolne the Ladie Venola Argalt hearing his peremptorie demaund made this answere I haue the Ladie Venola in my custodie whom I estéeme aboue all the world but no traitor as thou termest mée Yes quoth Polâ—lipus thou art a trator and worse then a villaine that disloyally offerest outrage to resistlesse Ladies that hast not so much valour as to shewe thy selfe before an armed Knigh but since my destinies haue allotted me to méete thée thus conueniently I will abate thy pride and correct thy tyrannie and make thée repent the outrages thou hast commited Argalt hearing his spéeches was so inraged that suddainly hée drew foorth his mightie Fawchion and as suddainly strooke a violent â—lowe therewith at Pollipus which by the vnexpected opproach being vnresisted glaunced on his thigh and pierced the Armour that the blood appeared Pollipus séeing how treacherously hée had smitten him drewe his sword and reuenged that blowe beginng a braue and faire combat which continued for a good space vntill they had giuen each other many déepe woundes Argalte maruelling at his enemies valour béeing neuer before so roughly handled laid on his blowes with mightie force but Pollipus sometime nimbly auoyding one and cunningly warding another kept himselfe from any great harme and in the end tired Argalt who séeing that all his strength little auailed to his enemies disaduantage and withall féeling himselfe almost wearied beganne to abate his blowes which Pollipus perceiuing gaue him so many blows and withall such déepe wounds that he was in great daunger of his life and turning his backe fled towards the Castle whom Pollipus pursuing gaue so many wounds that he beganne to rore and crie excéedingly yelling forth such a hideous noyse that all the Castle rung therewith Brandamor hearing the same presently hasted to his rescue and lifting vp his mightie mace vnawars strooke so forcibly therewith vpâ—n Pollipus Crest that it made him stagger withall saying Why offerest thou this outrage to my brother Pollipus séeing his mightie proportion béeing somewhat dazeled with the blowe retired a little backe and béeing recouered made this answere I neede not tell thee wherefore for that thy guiltie conscience replâ—te with vice can bear witnesse of thy degenerate crueltie offered to al that come within thy power but especiâ—lly to the faire Ladie Venola whom thou or thy brother haste brought to this Castle whom I am come to rebeeme Brandamor hearing his spéeches most towardly assailed him being before almost wearied and gréeuously wounded who not withstanding resisted him so valiantly that Brandamor in short time had receiued many gréeuous woundes yet staying himselfe said I pittie thy estate and therefore I wish thée to yéelde thy selfe before I chastise thy boldnesse any further for I sée thou art alreadie wounded and vnable to withstand my strength besides I scorne to cope with one alreadie vanquished then take my offer of mercie or else I wil soone giue that weake bodie of thine to be deuoured of wilde beastes Vaine boasting monster quoth Pollipus know that I disdaine thy friendship and disclaime thy proffer desiring rather to die by thy cursed hand then yéeld to thy courtesie therefore do thy worst Brandamor hearing this resolute reply being inraged with collor strooke at him most violently but Pollipus auoyding his blowe thrust at him and wounded him so deepe that the blood ranne downe vpon his white steede Argalt seeing this Knight so valiantly withstand his brother called foorth a great sort of seruants in Armour who rushing all at once vppon him with their throng beate him â—â—om his horse and carried him â—nto the Castle where hée was vnarmed and for that night put into a close prison hauing an olde woman to dresse his wounds Early the next morning hée was brought into the Hall before Brandamor who had Maiestically feated himselfe in a chaire with â—â—â—ie â—â—dâ—e eyes swolne with rage vttering these spéeches Presumptous and ouerâ—aâ—ing Knight what freâ—zie hath caused thée to commit thâ—â— vnaduised folly whereby thou hast intâ—ust my wrâ—th against thee anâ— brought say selâ—e in daunger Wherein haue I wronged thée that thou shouldest â—ffer in molest me 〈◊〉 â—â—â—daining to be so peremptorily examined made this reply I list not tell my name because thou knowest me not the cause of my comming hither is in search of a Lady that I suppose thou vniustly detainest making thy infamous name so ignominious by thy outrages that both heauen and earth will shortly hate thée Doest thou séeke a Ladie quoth he come with me and thou shall see all the Ladies I haue Then hée brought him into a goodly Hall hung with auncient clothes of Tâ—pâ—stâ—ie out of which he went into a most pleasant Gallerie furnished with al sorts of most beautiful pictures of excellent workmanship from hence he came into a chamber of great largenesse so rarely furnished as Pollipus maruelled at the richneste thereof at the end whereof sate the most beautifull and faire Ladie Fenola with her golden hayre hanging about her shoulders her â—â—ch and costly ornaments all betorne her crimzen chéekes sprinckled with olde dryed teares and fresh droppeâ— flowing from her pure eyes heauily leaning her carefull head vpon a cushion with her handes hanging downe fâ—ldâ—â— one in another seemed so sadde and heauie a spectâ—â—le of a distressed Ladie as neuer eye beheld who séeing Brandamor and Pollipus
to procure your good and rather will I teare my accursed tongue from foorth of my head then it shall hereafter vtter a word to displease you Then quoth Venola once againe counsell me what to do for thou séest how farre I am tied in the bonds of loue to that woorthie knight that without some hope of comfort my cares will bee excéeding and more then my poore heart will be able to indure This I thinke quoth Flauia is the best to be done either do it your selfe or let me giue him knowledge of your loue and then you shall soone see whether hee will accept thereof or no. Do so then quoth Venola I commit all to thy discretion The knight of Fame being departed to Venolas chamber was as farre from conceiuing the cause of her passion as he was from the knowledge of all things and being walkt into a Garden alone by himselfe Flauia came to him whom he kindly greeted asking her how her Mistresse did Sir knight quoth shée in the same case you left her and rather woorse the cause of whose disquiet is procured by no disease but by an extraordinarie occasion which none but one can remedie which I would willingly giue the partie knowledge of but that I knowe not whether he wil take the same kindly or no Else wer he much to blame quoth he for hard were his heart that would not pittie the distresse of so diuine a creature Gentle sir quoth she thus it is My Lady hath euer since the first sight of your person béene greatly tormented with loues passions which is the cause of her sicknesse which resteth onely in your power to salue The Knight of Fame hearing her spéeches was so suddainly astonisht and therewith drawne into such cogitations that he stood a good while like one in a trance at last he said The harder is her happe and the worse my misfortune for I am vnworthy of such kindnesse and vnable to yéeld her recompence which words being spoken he turned himselfe from her being drawne into such a déepe meditation that hée regarded not nor scarce heard some words Flauia spake to him afterwards who thinking that he had of purpose contemned her departed in a monstrous rage and being alone by himselfe cagitating vpon these euents perceiued that her former kindnesse had procéeded from the same roote of affection greatly condemning himselfe of dulnesse that could not before that perceiue the same wishing that he had departed with the Prince of Bohemia for that his fancie could by no meanes be drawne to the least good conceit of her loue for his heart was wholly imployed an other way Then he beganne to call to remembrance the somniferous pâ—â—â—on he had tasted by which means he was disappointed of Parismus company reuoluing euery consideration and circumstance of the same and these euents was in the ende fully perswaded that it was purposely done by Venola or some by her appointment to stay him there which thought was so fully grounded in his fancie that he assuredly perswaded himselfe that was the very truth and none else which draue him into many studies how to rid himselfe from thence at last he determined to depart in secret and vnknowne to any And with this resolution all that day he accompanied the rest of the Knights thereby to shun all occasions of hearing any further spéech of Venola Who hearing how scornfully hée had receiued Flauias message which Flauia had told her entred into such extream complaints against her hard fortune and shed such abundance of teares that the bed whereon shée lay was watered therewith in which estate she continued tormenting her selfe with extreame cares Early the next morning the knight without the knowledge of any departed clogged with such a chaos of confused cares as that he wisht the date of his wearie life subiect to so many crosses were expired intending neuer to returne thither whom Flauia soone mist the newes whereof she conueyed to the hearing of Venola who tooke the same so heauily that many dayes she continued as one likelier to entertaine death then to suruiue which draue her Parents into an extreame sadnesse from whom she still concealed the cause of her griefe In which estate for a while we will leaue her and the knight of Fame onwards on his iourney and Clarina in great care for the absence of Tellamor in the forrest of Arde. CHAP. XV. How the Knight of Fame arriued in Natolia and by what meanes hee found the Lady hee sawe in the vision and the combat hee fought with Collimus AFter the Knight of Fame was departed the King of Libias Court to avoyde the loue of Venola hee trauelled many dayes without any aduenture tired with extreame care and desire to come to the knowledge of his Parents and to finde his deuoted Lady that when the Sunne was at the highest and by that meanes the season very hotte hée alighted from his horse in a pleasant valley where sitting vnder the shadowe of a Chestnut-trée hee entered into this communication to himselfe What crosses still prosecute my steppes that I can in no place bée at quiet but am still troubled with that which I would not but cannot finde the thing I desire My birth day was the beginning of my sorrowes since which time nothing but care hath fallen to my share whereas I sée other Knightes enioye their hearts content My Parents hidden from my knowledge my selfe trauelling to finde them peraduenture goe rather a great way from them then to them for the Iland of Rockes from whence I came and where I was brought vppe is farre distant from this place and I thinke if I woulde come to their knowledge it is my best course to returne thither againe Was I not ouer-foolish to refuse the marriage of Phylena the Kings daughter of Thrace vpon vaine confidence of a dreame vpon whose certaintie I can no way builde which might be procured by some Sorcerie of Remulus to make me refuse that honour to the intent hée might install himselfe therein and cause mée to doate on the beautie of a Lady that is no where to be found for the whole worlde containes not such an essence of perfect beautie as that which I beheld Then what shall I do or which way shall I shape my best course shall I giue ouer her search since dreames are so vncertaine I but this was more then a dreame it was a Vision for I behelde the Goddesse Venus who enioyned mée this talke holding that swéete Lady in her hand whose forme so perfectly is printed in my remembrance that I cannot forget the same which assuredly is liuing and to bee founde and therefore I will neuer desist till I haue founde her though I spende the whole race of my life in that quest which if it were ordained for my endlesse forment then how should I auoyde the same neither care I what paine to endure if I may after all my trauels finde her In this sort he spent much
Then turning to Marceâ—lus Or can you tell Marcellus quoth shee for you were by I know not quoth hée but I am sure wée haue all cause of little ioye when wee that are the Kings children shall be imprisoned vpon the flattering report of euery dissembling Sâ—cophant Why quoth shee who hath abused you That did Collimus qd hee him I haue rewarded Besides my Lorde and Father hath destroyed that honorable straunge knight because I loued him who neuer deserued the least cause of such crueltie but was alwayes honourablie estéemed in euery Kings Court vntill it was his ill happe to arriue in this vnfortunate place to ende his life by Tiranny not by Iustice Take heede Marcellus scandalize not your Fathers honour which may bring you in daunger for that hée hath done nothing but right and with good consideration for beholde that letter and thou shalt soone see what a counterfait that Knight of Fame was Marcellus hauing redde the letter was at the first suddainlie amazed thereat but yet notwithstanding he sâ—id vpon my life this accusation is most false and vntrue Angelica taking the letter and â—â—ating the same was excéedingly astonished thereat to whome Marcellus saide Angelica beléeue it not for if you doo you shall too much wrong that honourable Knight that is too much abused alreadie who if hée were liuing would soone prooue these accusations false but hée good Knight is now dead and past recalling whose death will bring more dishonour to the Natolians then euer will be recouered Why quoth the Quéene what maketh thée Marcellus so inconsiderate by taking a strangers part to indaunger thy owne life which knowest the kings humour Loue quoth hee to that straunger maketh mee bewaile his vnâ—imely death whom I would that I had excused The Queene séeing Angelica somewhat well recouered departed vnto Maximus who by that time had knowledge of Collimus death was meditating how to chastise Marcel for thâ—t presumption But the Quéene vppon her knées intreated him to pardon him alleaging that Collimus had greatly abused him with much a doo the King was pacified Marcellus hauing somewhat comforted Angelica in a heauie and sadde estate departed to his chamber and left her with her Damozell Anna rather readie to yéelde vppe the Ghoast then otherwise likelie to suruiue and night beeing come shee refusing meat went to her bedde not to sleepe but to bewaile the kâ—ight of Fames vntimely death The knight of Fame all this time remained in the Lyons denne carefully deuising which way to gette out of that place â—yring his sences but finding no meanes of releâ—se Our while accusing his harde fortune and then Maximus for his crueltie Sometimes fearing to bee famished in that place and then comforting himselfe with perswasions of impossible deliueries Now dispairing to bee vtterly exempt from the sweete sight of Angelica whose absence and restrainte of libertie procured as hée thought by his boldnesse pinched his heart with extreame forture In this sort hée continued so long vntill that hée was ready to be starned and constrained to eate such vnsauory â—oode as was daily cast to the Lyons Angelica likewise no whit mittigated her greefe but rather augmented the same being much comforted by Marcellus whose minde was not yet satisfied with sâ—fficient consideration of these mischaunces but both hée and Angelica continued as it were in a further hope in their fancies of the knight of Fames safetie though when they beganne to comfort themselues with any perswasions they were quite past hope Maximus likewise hauing considered with what seueritie hée had vsed the knight and that hee had condemned him without any triall of the accusatiâ—n that had bene vsed by his knights euer since his death beganne to tell a remorse in his conscience of vniustice but by the setled opinion that was stirred in his heart by those false Prophesies hée soone shooke the same off Camillus all this time likewise noted what iealous suspition the king heard of him and hauing heard the report why he kept his daughter so stronglie guarded and of set purpose withheld her from his sight and noting how suddainly the knight of Fame was made away without anie cause of offence giuen he began to feare himselfe and by that meanes duâ—st not shewe anie signe of desire to see Angelica least by that meanes hée should séeke some occasion of quarrell with him and vse him like the straunger within a while departed from the Golden Tower intending notwithstanding either with force or faire meanes to attaine her possession CHAP. XIX Of the Knight of Fames preseruation How hee gat out of the denne and departed the Tower THe next day after Camillus departure which Maximus perceiued was with a discontented mind the kéeper of the Lyons denne came to make cleane the same and vsed his woonted manner which was to set open those places that were cleane into which the Lyons would soone enter and hauing fast bolted the doores and being owner of the Lyons entered into the den where the Knight of Fame was who suddainly caught holde on him hauing before secretly shrowded himselfe from his sight and being carefull to prouide for his owne safetie snatcht from his side a hanging sword the kéeper knowing him maruailing to see him aliue and excéedingly astonished at his sight held vp his hands for mercie to whome the knight of Fame said My friend I séeke not thy life but mine owne safetie being as thou séeest preserued by Diuine prouidence from the Kings crueltie by him vniustly cast into this place without any cause of offence but wrongfullie as thou mayest perceiue by my preseruation for if my fact had deserued punishment no doubt I could not haue escaped the crueltie of these executioners hauing endured great daunger of famishment Now my request vnto thee is that thou wouldest but suffer mee to departe from hence without discrying mée for I haue no reason to trust to Maximus curtesie hauing alreadie eâ—bured this miserie by his Crueltie which thou mayest well doo without endaungering thy selfe anie kinde of waye for there is none but dooth assuredly thinke I am dead The kéeper hearing his spéeches and withall séeing how admyrably hée was preserued and also fearing his owne death assured him by many vowes and protestations not onely to doo that which hée had desired but also would most faithfully execute what other thing soeuer hée should commaund to his vttermost power Wilt thou then quoth hée doo this for mée giue me the keyes and make fast the doore so that thou canst not goe from mée and then call downe thy boye and sende him to Marcellus to request him to come to thee but in such sorte that the boy may not sée mée and also to do his message secretly which the kéeper tolde him he would most willingly performe Then dyrecting the Knight of Fame how to locke the doore that hée could not escape he called downe his boy who presently came to him whom hée commanded to séeke out Marcellus secretlie
that he restraineth me Angelicas presence and kéepeth his counsels from me to intrude my selfe into his counsels I will not presume onely my desire is that I may but be admitted to the sight of my sister Angelica Marcellus quoth the Quéene I pray thée bée contented for a time for thou seest thy fathers minde which will impart his secrets to none who if hee should knowe that your sadnesse were for that cause would be the more fearefull to imparte tâ—em to you which can no way pleasure you but rather fill your minde with greater â—ares which now is more happy then it would be then for Angelica so long as shâ—e is â—n health what neede you be so carefull for her then good Marcellus rest your selfe contented and desire not that which will rather adde more trouble to your head The Quéene hauing ended these spéeches departed and lest Marcellus where shâ—e found him Assoone as the Quéene was gone hâ—e â—egaâ— againe to ponder these things not knowing why his head shâ—ld be thus troubled for he knâ—w all that hee desired and yet his minde was troubled therewith that at last with more aduised consideration hee weighed euery conceit of his thoughts and found that neyther his Fathers vnkindnesse Angelicaâ—s absence nor his feare of disgrace was theâ— that troubled him but only a good conceyt of Dulcias kindenesse which caused him to enter into a viewe of her perfections which his fancie began so much to commend her that hée thought her worthy to bée beloued withall thought why he might not loue her which very thoghts â—rew to such insight into his owne fancies that he perceyued that loue had alreadie taken possession in his heart then hée began to consider what displeasure if might procure him if he should set his fancie on one so faâ—re his inferior and not rather seeke the loue of some Kings daughter that might adde honor to his title and not diminish the same which thought was no sooner begun but it ended being dasht by an other conceyt that Dulcia was as beautifull as any as vertuous as any as courtâ—â—us as any and therefore as worthy to be beloued as any that iâ— hee should marry with his equall she might rather marrâ—e him for his dignitie and of a haughtâ—e minde to keepe her owne high dignitie still then for any true loue and if she were his equall hée should rather be subiâ—ct to her will then shee any way obedient to him that Dulcia would bee a louing kinde and â—uetifull wife that shée would honour him rather then desire to bée his equall and that shée would refuse no perrill daunger nor hazardâ— for his sake that hauing spent some time in these cogitations hée resolued to loue Dulcia whatsoeuer ensued thereon though hee incurred his Parents displeasure or anie other hazard of his honour whatsoeuer and with resolution hée went immediately vnto the place where shee was guarded in steed of Angelica and by the Damzells meanes who before had done him the like fauour he came to her chamber where he found Dulcia all alone very sad to whom he said How now Angelica what are you sadde can I neuâ—r come but that I must alwayes finde you in this melancholy dispoâ—â—â—ion what are you sorry to be thus pend from a husband My Lorde quoth Dulcia though I am otherwise sadde it doth mee good to see you merrâ—e You are deceyued Dulcia I am not merrie My Lorde quoth shee if I should giue credite to your words they shewe that you are merrie that call me Angelica yet knowe the conâ—rarie Oh Dulcia quoth he neither doth wordes nor countenance alwayes bewray the inward thoughts for this which you take to bée myrth in mée is but a forced habite which I haue taken vppon mee euen now but knewe you the thoughtâ— of my heart you would say I were sadde My Lord quoth shée I beséech you pardon my boldenesse which I presumed séeing your pleasant disposâ—tion wherein if I was deceyued I hope you will not bee offended with for indéed oftentimes the heart meditates of many things the mind cannot vtter So doth mine Dulcia quoth hée for I wish thée more good then I am able â—e vtter and the cause that my heart is sadde is because I am not able to do â—hée so much good as my heart doth wish and cannot vtter I most humbly thanke you quoth Dulcia acknowledging my selfe farre vnwoorthie such faâ—our and vnable to deserue such good which maketh mee thinke you still continue in that forced habit which maketh you vtter those spéeches Indéede well replyed Dulcia quoth he but as I suddainly tooke that habit vpon me it was gone again before I had vttered the words therfore you may bée assured now that my words procéede from a true heart and not from a forced habit My Lord quoth she againe where there is such often change of disposition there can bee no constant resolution Yes quoth hée that which is of purpose taken to shew myrth is forced but the naturall disposition still continueth firme In déede in â—ewe quoth she but not in all Then quoth hee thinke mee one of those â—ewe My Lord quoth shée I beséech you pardon me if I do not for it is giuen to all by nature to be more confâ—dent then prouident And I aunswere I haue receyued more fauour at your hands in suffering mée to be thus familiar with you then I am worthy or euer haue deserued therefore I craue pardon hoping â—hat you will beare wish my rudenesse Dulcia quoth hée doe not aske pardon when you haue not misdone but beléeue my words without any question to proceede from the deapth of my true heart which entendeth and wisheth you no lesse good then I haue vtâ—ered for I haue found such vertue in you that I am inthralled to that vertue and desire to be partaker and possesse thy bewtie which hath made mée your affectionate friende and intreate your loue then that which I desire nothing more My Lord replyed Dulcia my loue and duetiâ— is such that I will not refuse any commaund you shall impose vpon mée Dulcia quoth hée it is not such loue as is commaunded by dutie nor such friendship as riseth from feare but such kinde loue as procéedeth betwixt faithfull friendes from the yéelding consent of a true heart and such a loue as hath a further respect then that common duâ—y for if you knewe with what feruencie I desired your swéete consent to this loue you would pittie my torments My Lord replyed shée I beséech your Honour do not séeke to en thrall mée in loues bands that am frée and am assured your fancie cannot like of one farre vnworthie that high fauour you speake of but suffer me rather to continue in my peacefull estate that estéeme my selfe farre from euer enioying such happinesse as to be belâ—ued of my superiour being alreadie so farre bound vnto you in all humblenesse that you shall not commaund me any thing that