The famous History of PALMENDOS SON to the most Renowned Palmerin D' Oliva EMPEROUR of CONSTANTINOPLE And the Heroick Queen of THARSUS Wherein is likewise A most pleasant Discourse of Prince Rifarano the Son of Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda Sister to the Soldane of Persia With their Knightly Deeds and Acts of Chivalry Their Famous Adventures and most Worthy Resolutions Newly Corrected and Amended and most Profitable and Delightfull for all sorts of People LONDON Printed by E. Alsop and are to be sold at her house in Grubstreet near the Upper Pump 1653. The Epistle to the Reader THere is no doubt but among those who shal peruse this History some there are that wil esteem it worthy a more advantagious title then that of Letters as wel in regard of those things therein frequently handled as in respect of the exactnesse of the Dialect whereof it is composed which sufficiently commends it self and the ability of the Author whose works whereof this is but a part can hardly be paralell'd by any for the gracefulnesse of discourse or the sublimity of conceits Here are no long and tedious Apologies but at the first dash you wil find matter of substance and delight the Reasons go altogether along without assistance and their ornament allowed them with freedome of conceptions the fecundity of language and yet that is not passed promiscuously But as concerning the several subjects whereon this History is grounded they are sufficient to draw and allure the inclination of the mind and the scope of the matter equally incident and naturally delightful to all sorts of people of both sexes and it were an errour to imagine there are some things so particular to the one that the other cannot touch upon the same without some injury thereunto briefly whatsoever may fal into discourse and under reason are the objects the Author aims at All the wisdome of the Pagans is contained in those Epistles and Orations of Seneca and we are beholding to the Author of this History for the very Quintaessence of Romancy wherein we shal yet stand amazed at the perfection of those things here treated on and to say that any hath joyned Art to abundance and mingled mildnesse with Majesty or hath raised his stile without either losing himself or straying from his subject that is it which in truth we find no where better performed then in this History And if any little defects be found herein which hath hapned in the Presse I hold they ought to be born with they being but literals in regard the matter it self is ful of variety It is altogether impertinent to insist further in the praise and commendations of this work but I shall leave it to all those that are delighted and desire to edifie themselves by History first to read and then to judge and in so doing I doubt not but when they have weighed the matter and the phrase in the ballance of their own reason they will acknowledge that it is both pleasing and profitable and if in this kind it find the like vitility in these times as it hath done heretofore then hath he his desire who is Thine c. A M. THE HISTORY OF PALMENDOS Son to the famous Palmerin d'Oliva Emperour of Constantinople and the Queen of Tharsus Discoursing likewise of the Prince Rifarano son to Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda sister to the Soldan of Persia their Knightly deeds of Chivalry famous Adventures and worthy RESOLUTIONS CHAP. I. How Belcar and Tyrendos being in the Court of the Emperor Palmerin received their Order of Knighthood and how Belcar departed secretly from Constantinople And of the Combat he fought in the Realm of Macedon against the three Sons of a Knight that lodged him NOt long after the destruction of the magnificent Monarchie of the Romans was erected a new Empire in Greece which the incomprehensible bounty divine favoured with continual happiness placing the good Prince Palmerin d' Oliva in the Crown and lawfull Government thereof as well in respect of his great prowesse high and Knightly paradoxes which with vigilant care he used for the defence of such an estate the onely renown whereof brake the designs of many that by hostility sought to disquiet him as also in regard of the notable linage and posterity discending from him of whose vertues and heroical perfections this present History of Palmendos his son is contrived and therefore to be placed at the end of his fathers travels In which discourse already extant gentle Readers you have understood how the Emperor Palmerin so loved and honoured Knights errand that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Court because yearly he continued a sumptuous spectacle in form of a Tourney for the exercise of Knightly and military discipline And with such religious zeal was this worthy practise followed that the Court might well be called the School of Arms and Nurse of civility For this cause many Kings Princes and great Lords sent their sons to be there educated among whom the good Knight Frysol King of Hungaria sent one of his named Belcar and the Duke Eustace of Mecaena another called Tirendos that they might deserve their Knighthood at the hand of the Emperour the true mirror and Idea of manhood and so consequently they to participate some part of his bounty and prowesse The time then being come that Belcar son to King Frysol should receive his order of Knighthood he humbly intreated the Emperour that he might enjoy it at his hand and Tirendos son to Duke Eustace of Mecaena desirous of the self same honour made the like request unto his Majesty Whereto the good Emperour who loved them both with singular affection knowing how well Chivalry would be imployed by them right willingly condescended Hereupon after they had performed the accustomed vigil he knighted these two Princes with great royalty desiring God to bestow such favour on them as at no time they might degenerate from their famous predecessors And to Belcar embracing him in his arms he said My good Nephew heaven accomplish in you such perfections of manhood as each one may know you to be the son of the worthy Knight Sir Frysol a Prince so hardy and valiant as any that ever followed Arms. The ceremonies being ended they all returned to the Pallace where the new Knights being unarmed rich Robes and Mantles were brought them for the greater honour of the feast which in the Court at this time excéeded But Belcar took little pleasure in beholding the divers occurrences at this Assembly because his mind mas more busied with expectation of future glorie which made him thus to commune with himself Belcar thou hast now no longer time to rest séeing thou hast received the honourable order of Knighthood and that at the hands of the Emperour thine Vncle whom the divine providence hath indued with so many laudable vertues nor doth any thing want in the King thy father that is required in
in and out the Court were greatly amazed hereat and moved to pity her case very much so that Palmendos came himself to behold her and seeing she would use no speeches to him went in again and sate down to dinner Afterward comming forth to walk abroad for his delight he found her sitting there still in the same place wherefore he called his Cousin Ozalio to him who was son to his Vncle and Tutor saying Can we not understand what this poor old woman would have Ozalio as desirous as the Prince came to the old woman demanding of whence she was and if she stood in need of any thing But she without answering one word gave him a very frowning countenance and afterward scornfully turned her back towards him wherewith Ozalio somewhat offended did give her such a spurn with his foot as she tumbled quite beside her seat whereat Palmendos and his Lords merrily laughed But their pastime was quickly altered into admiration for after the woman arose again she séemed of such huge deformed stature as each one was amazed that had beheld her before and turning her self angerly towards the Prince she used these spéeches Ah Palmendos little regardest thou to resemble the Emperour of Constantinople thy father whose gentlenesse and swéetnesse stretcheth as well to the meanest persons as them that are Lords and of great account What gainest thou in rejoycing at the injury done me by thy Knight I pray that the great imperious Monarch Cupid quoth she with lifting up her eys and hands to heaven may so cruelly wound thy heart with the love of fair Francelina and cause thee to conceive such gracious thoughts of her as thou mayest leave this idle and delicious life thou leadest to win the honour that is gotten with pain and travel So did thy father heretofore for the fair Princess Polynarda whom he loved so religiously as with the dexterity and strength of his body he assayed to gain the reward which Fortune provideth for her chiefest favourites whereon imperially he is now mounted accompanied with the greatest felicity that can happen to any one under this Hemisphere Leave then these wanton and Courtly surfettings wherein thy mother laboureth to contain thée and now begin to manage Arms which may make thy name perpetual and yéeld the reward of immortal glory for it will redound to thy great shame being son to so rare and so invincible a Knight not this way to imitate his laborious déeds And when I shall sée thee throughly wrapped in the passions of love I wil think my self satisfied with revenge of the dishonour which thou hast suffered to be done to me in thy presence The old Woman so breaking off immediately vanished away to the great terrour of all the beholders especially of the young Prince Palmendos whose sences were for a while estranged and walking up and down musing on the old Womans words his heart was so enflamed with the love of her he knew not as he was enforced thus to cōmune with himself What may the Lady be with whom at the report of this woman I find my self so distraughted Doubtless if her words be no fables but that I am son to the Emperor of Constantinople it behooves me to enterprize such actions as I may be judged somewhat to resemble him While his spirit was thus busied with diversity of these thoughts and no one daring to interrupt him Ozalio went into the Quéens chamber and telling what had happened she was therewith greatly displeased Immediately she came down into the great Hall and finding her son thus perplexed took him by the hand causing him to sit down by her and then begun to him in this manner I know not my son what follies it should séem the old Hag hath troubled your mind withal but refrain from giving credit to them and I shall tell you the very truth of all Madam answered Palmendos I am certain you will not dally with me notwithstanding I cannot but marvel that you would all this while conceal the original of my birth for the Emperour Palmerin being such a worthy accomplished Knight as he is estéemed of every one little occasion have I of disdain to be his son and you much lesse to kéep it from me Wherefore I humbly intreat your Majesty to resolve me faithfully of this present doubt to the end if it be so I may shew my self forward in duty in causing the bud to flourish that came from such a noble and vertuous stalk And fear not that for his sake I will abandon you because it is impossible for me to leave the Law wherein I have hitherto lived for a strange opinion which I am ignorant in Ah my son quoth the Quéen the Gods so inspire and direct your designs that you may perfectly accomplish what you have promised for the onely fear to lose your company hath caused me to conceal the thing you are so desirous to know But séeing you have heard what I can no longer dissemble assure your self my son that the old woman hath told nothing but truth Hereupon she recounted the whole History how to have issue by such a péerlesse Prince imitating Thalestris Queen of the Amazons who for the like cause acquainted her self with the valiant king Alexander she by the counsel of a wise Magician amourously beguiled the Emperour Palmerin Lastly she intreated him not to forsake her while she lived because her life was onely prolonged by his presence Great matters have you told me answered the young Prince the Emperour then knows not that he hath any child by you No verily replied the Quéen nor would I he should know it for the whole world Nor can he I think understand it by any said the Prince yet in mine opinion I count it necessary that one day I should go see my father But trust me Madam it shall not be without speedy return because I am determined not to leave you or give over with my will the Countrey and Kingdome which the heavens have appointed me to rule and govern Thus reasoned the mother and her son on divers matters and henceforth the Prince shewed himself more chearfully disposed intending very shortly to be armed Knight and to be called the Knight of Cupid bearing for his Devise an Heart wounded with an Arrow For himself he provided an Armour as red as bloud and for Ozalio whom he loved as his brother a fair white Armour and were both Knighted by Ozalio his father who was one of the best Knights in all those parts Having thus received their order a very solemn feast was made in honour thereof during which time Palmendos gave away sundry sumptuous gifts Yet could he not be unmindfull of Francelina or forget one jot of the old Womans words because he had lodged them so near his heart as they were in manner a martyrdom to him For ease whereof he determined to see Greece as also to visite the Emperour his father and learn some tidings
Idol of the Crown Scepter and Book But as he would have lifted the Image forth of the chair he found it so heavy as he was not able to stir it wherewith he being offended said And I shall do thée more honour then thou hast yet received of me so lifting up his Mace he made it fall in pieces to the ground From out the body of the Image flew a very strange bird all black giving such fearfull shrikes and cries as the Prince was thereat amazed and following her out of the Temple he beheld a great many more such like birds with her they flying altogether with that noise the same way where Ozalio and his Knights attended whereat they likewise marvailing were certified by the men of the Island that this prodigie signified Palmendos entrance into the Temple for they had heard before by sundry learned Nigromancers that these were certain infernal spirits which should be chased forth of the Countrey when the adventure of the Temple was finished Rifarano Ozalio and all the Knights glad of this news went where they beheld the monstrous wild Bore and thence to the Temple where Ozalio first found the Prince opening a great chest which contained the Priests principal treasure consisting of such rare and inestimable Iewels as it was thought the like was never séen before Palmendos beholding his friend Ozalio ran and embraced him marvellous kindly the like did he to Rifarano Lecefin and the rest all of them extolling the happy star that guided the Prince and he acquainted them with all things since his departure from them saving his conference with the Damosel because none of them should suspect his love Then intreated he Guillador to send for some skilful man who might undertake to devise and build the Monastery in short time the greater part of the Clergy was sent for and among them to a virtuous man of special knowledge he gave the charge and superintendance of the work as also bountiful store of Gold and Silver which was taken out of the Priests wealthy Chest All things he committed to the trust of Guillador that the Temple Monastery and ways thereto should be done in decent order but he whose heart was onely dedicated to the Ladies beauty which appeared unto him under form of a bodily illusion took small delight in any thing else but in her gracious and divine remembrance Now did he hasten the day of his departure desiring Rifarano and Lecefin to make spéed to the Emperour and present the Gyantesse her Daughter and the other prisoners to him as also all the Treasure was found in the Temple from a strange Gentleman religiously vowed to his service who in respect of great affairs that called him elsewhere could not come to kisse his Majesties hand which he will no with all spéed possible Rifarano and Lecefin were loth to leave Palmendos but séeing it must néeds be so they soon after conveyed the Gyantesse and her Daughter on shipboard they making great mone to be carried from the Island In the same Ship was the Crown Scepter Image Basons and all the other Treasure carried and in another ship the prisoners found in the Castle on the promontory with all things else expedient for the voyage then Rifarano and Lecefin taking their leave of Palmendos and Ozalio went on board where the Gyantesse and the treasure was commanding their anchors to be weighed their sails hoised the wind then serving fit and favourable and so are they sailing toward Constantinople As yet above Palmendos in the Isle of Delphos to sée what Guilladors workmen would compasse in so great a work as he had given them charge of CHAP. X. How Rifarano and Lecefin with all their train arrived in Constantinople where they were honourably received by the Emperour and them of the Court greatly marvelling at the news he heard of Palmendos and what afterward followed AT what time Rifarano and Lecefin should arrive at Constantinople there were assembled many great Lords and Barons in honour of a solemn feast which the Emperour made for the marriage of the Hungarian Prince Ditreus son to King Frysol and twin brother to Belcar Ditreus so soon as he was armed Knight went to the Emperours Court where he was worthily welcommed and albeit he was his Majesties Nephew yet he loved him with a particular affection his courteous and civill manners joined with his forwardnesse in arms gave hope that he would prove a valiant Knight hereafter He had not béen long in the Emperours Court and throughly acquainted with every one but he grew enamoured with the beauty of Esquivela daughter to the Soldan of Babylon and Alchidiana so that being one day in the Chamber of his cousin Philocrista eldest daughter to the Emperour devising with her and her sister Melicia he got such apt time and occasion as he made his intent known to Esquivela she modestly answering that if he faithfully meant to make her his wife she would settle her choice upon him onely Ditreus who was thereon resolved desired the Emperour and Empresse to grant that marriage they being willing to gratifie their Nephew as also to prefer the young Princesse with the consent of King Frysol affianced them together and Ditreus fearing the marriage would be deferred too long solicited the Emperour in such sort as he sent with all spéed to make the same known to the Soldan In mean while his Majesty summoned the chiefest Lords of the Empire to prepare a Triumph in honour of this feast for the accomplishment whereof nothing wanted save onely the Embassadours return that went to the Soldan But now are Rifarano and Lecefin entred the Haven of Constantinople intending to land before the Emperour should know any thing of them because they came not in such equipage as happily he would expect Being then all Armed except with their Helmets they rode through the City but with two Squires onely that brought their Lances and Helmets they being wonderfully noted of every one and reputed for some strange Lords of great birth and in this sort they came to the Pallace where very boldly they would have entred but the guard stayed them to understand the cause of their comming We are quoth they two Knights of Countries far hence distant and hither we come to sée and serve the Emperour Palmerin You must then leave these offensive Arms answered the Guard if you mean to go where his Highnesse is or else declare your proper names to us that we may go sée if it be his pleasure you shall come in this sort before him Our Arms we will not leave said Rifarano because it ill beséems an honest Knight so to do but you may go certifie his Majesty that here is Lecefin son to the Soldan of Persia and the Princesse Zephira in whose company is Rifarano Son to the Emperour Trineus of Almaign who humbly desire to kisse his Highnesse hand His Majesty had no sooner notice of their names but in excéeding contentation
them great store of riches by their youngest son who had not yet received his order of Knighthood This young Prince was named Abenunco a gentle youth and very well given who earnestly intreated his mother to obtain so much of the Soldan his father that after his sisters marriage he might stay a while at Constantinople which sute at her request the Soldan granted and therefore sent him by sea well accompanied with Knights Abenunco sailing along the coast of Thrace met with Ocurites King of Culaquin who was son in law to the great Turk and reputed the hardiest Knight among al the Turkish Nobility his Majesty having given his daughter in marriage to this Barbarian she being one of the most accomplished Ladies in all Heathenesse Ocurites knowing the inveterate malice betwéen the Emperour and his father in law the more to please him provided himself of good strength by sea and daily came upon the coasts of Greece sending vauntcurriers with strong Brigandines before him to discover what Christians stirred abroad and sundry times took many of them captives as now he intended to do by the Soldans son When Ocurites by the streamers and banderolls heard of the Babylonian Prince and knew withall that his father was a chief friend to the Emperour in great fury with his ships he set upon him Abenunco with his Knights defended themselves so well as they could During this conflict Palmendos approached very near them and of a Galley filled with Christian slaves he demanded the cause of this fierce incounter Sir answered one of the slaves he to whom this great train of shipping appertaineth is Ocurites King of Culaquin and son to the great Turk that with divers of his league and faction daily coasts on Greece to endamage the Emperour Palmerin enemy to his Father and those he hath now met withall belong to the Soldan of Babylon they sailing as we understand toward Constantinople When the Prince heard what the Christian had said he bravely incouraged his cousin Ozalio in assisting the well-willers to the noble Emperour so coming to the Kings ship he thus spake Nor shalt thou Ocurites offend so good a Prince as is the Emperour of Constantinople herewith he began to lay about him valiantly and Ozalio not one inch behind him made the enemy well understand his invincible courage Palmendos knowing the King by his rich Armour gave him such a puissant stroke with the hills of his Sword on the Helmet as made him stagger and at length fall down when offering to rise again Palmendos caught him so strongly by the helmet as he puld it violently from off his head keeping him still under his sword in such subjection as at length he was carried prisoner into the Princes Cabin and there committed him to the charge of four trusty Knights In mean while Ozalio fought with the Kings brother who understanding that Ocurites was taken prisoner did what he could to recover him again but Ozalio stept between him and his purpose still labouring him with so many hardy strokes as at length he smote his head from his shoulders The rest beholding their King taken and his brother slain beside the great massacre made among them that they were not able to withstand their fortune a number fell headlong into the sea rather then they would die under the enemies sword Palmendos seeing no further resistance but that the Turks were utterly discomfited he caused such prisoners as were taken to be made sure the ships likewise to be seized on as his own then coming to Ozalio whose forwardness he commended he willed him to see all things disposed as beseemed such a victory afterward he imbraced the Soldans son and divers courteous ceremonies passing between them the one for his happy deliverance the other reported what he had done was for the Emperours sake at length Palmendos used these speeches My Lord willingly would I bear you company to Constantinople but that a voyage of great importance doth urgently call me to another place yet seeing you are delivered from the Tyrant Ocurites and all your Knights in sufficient safety let me obtain this favour at your hands to take the King with you to Constantinople and all the Christian prisoners delivered from captivity Them shall you present on my behalf to the Emperour Palmerin requesting that this ancient Christian enemy may be safely kept untill I come to see his Majesty which shall be with all the expedition I can Worthy Sir answered Abenunco it grieves me that your journy lies not presently to Constantinople because I should think my self happy in having your company being the man to whom I am continually bound for my life and liberty and hereof I am assured that over and above your gracious welcome you shall win the honour of the famous triumph ordained by the Emperour at the marriage of my sister with the Prince of Hungaria And heartily sorry I am answered Palmendos that I cannot be present in so worthy an assembly whereof at this time you may well excuse me not doubting but I shall come with some sufficient amends for my stay These spéeches he uttered his thoughts being far otherwise for so soon as he heard of the Iousts at Constantinople he determined to go thither secretly without making himself known to any but as a strange Knight to adventure his fortune among other wherefore he departed from Abenunco who offered him many rich presents for his great kindnesse yet would not he accept of any Abenunco returned him many thanks chiefly for his promise that he would in short time visite the Emperour in person so after many courteous spéeches and sundry familiar farewels Palmendos commanded his Pilot to lanch into the high Seas for that he intended another kind of course CHAP. XII How Abenunco arrived at Constantinople whose coming greatly rejoiced the Emperour but much more his Sister Esquivela And how Lynedes Lord of the Isle of Lique and the County of Pelada his cousin came to Just against the Knights of the Court attending the Tourney for the marriage of Ditreus GReatly did Abenunco commend his fortune in finding so good succour at a time of such necessity and all the Knights in his company held opinion that Palmendos was the onely flower of Chivalry but above all other the Christian slaves accounting their deliverance for a miracle imagined the author thereof was some great friend to the Emperour In this joy they sailed till they came to Constantinople where his Majesty being advertised that the Soldans son was arrived commanded Primaleon Ditreus and many of his best Barons to go and conduct him to the Court. In the mean while Abenunco cloathing himself most sumptuously caused the King Ocurites and the Christian prisoners to be carried on shore that he might not fail in the charge given him by Palmendos So the Babylonian Prince riding to the Court with all the prisoners going orderly before him he gave charge to one of his chiefest
Knights that he should present them to his Majesty and being come into the Emperours presence the Knight delivered these speeches High and mighty Monarch of the world behold here the King of Culaquin son to the great Turk who keeping the seas with a great power to endamage your Empire our Master the Prince Abenunco and we fell into his danger from which a worthy Knight named Palmendos by deeds of rare and haughty Chivalry delivered us in a time most needfull and therefore hath sent both us and him to your excellency desiring that Ocurites should be safely kept till he come himself These sundry good turns received from a Knight unknown drove the Emperour into a wonderfull admiration and because he could not imagine whence they should proceed therefore he was the more desirous to behold the Knight whereupon he committed the King to a strong Tower commanding he should have all things necessary for his health and a Page to attend on him lest he should offend himself But now is Abenunco by Primaleon and the other Princes brought to the Emperor who embracing him very honourably in his arms gave him such entertainment as beseemed his estate and because he was not yet knighted he willed that he should be bedfellow to his son Primaleon which united a faithfull League of Amity between them hoping one day to travel as companions in Arms together Abenunco having likewise told the Emperour of his good successe and wonderfull deliverance by the means of Palmendos gave no little contentment to Rifarano and Lecefin who imagined themselves as much beholding to the Prince as any Afterward he was conducted to the Empresse chamber where she and her Ladies graciously welcomed him but especially the Princesse Esquivela his sister because he came to confirm what she most desired My Lord and brother quoth she nothing could happen to my greater contentment then to have your presence in the honour prepared for me whereto séeing our gracious parents could not come they have for my sake sent you in their place and doubt not but your entertainment shall be such as shall agrée with their expectation and your own worthinesse Fair sister answered Abenunco the Soldan our father hearing of the honour the Emperour intended by giving you in marriage to the Prince Ditreus his Nephew hath sent me to thank the Emperour on his behalf offering for this contract to articulate with his Majesty in all such things as with honour he shall demand As for our gracious mother Alchidiana she hath sent you by me jewels and treasure beséeming your degrée that on your marriage day you may witness the royal race from whence you are descended not doubting but before you depart this court to make the magnificence of the Babylonian Prince so famous as the most opulent Lord of Asia shall not compare therewith Divers other spéeches passed betwéen the brother and the sister till the coffers of treasure were brought and delivered to the Princesse which when Ditreus behold he judged them to excéed the limits of all frugality might full well beséem the greatest state in Christendome Now did the Emperor cause the Tourney to be openly proclaimed and the fifth day following the marriage was solemnized great store of worthy Knights resorting day by day to the Court that all the field appointed for Triumphs was covered over with Tents Among other came thither Lynedes the Lord of Lique he that hazarded himself so far in the adventure of Francelina being in sooth reputed one of the most valiant men at Arms in all Greece and the renown of this marriage drew him from his Castle accompanied onely with the County of Pelada his cousin who albeit he was younger then Lynedes yet was he thought little inferiour to him in Chivalry This County had espoused a Lady of great parentage and loved her with such singular affection as he brought her in company to sée the Iusts at Constantinople Being there arrived they would not enter the City but set up their Tent far distant from all the rest and afterward sent a Squire to the Court to publish that whosoever would hazard himself in the Tourney should find two Knights there ready in the field that would Iust with any one that durst enter the Lists such therefore as were minded to make proof of their valour might be entertained for thrée or four courses These spéeches being heard by the Duke of Pera he stept to the Squire and thus answered You may my friend return to your Masters and say that such as are minded to Iust will not stay long before they enter the field Then turning to the Knights of the Court he procéeded in this manner Doubtlesse these Knights are valiant and hardy that are loth to shew themselves slothfull in any vertuous exercise With this answer the Squire returned back to the Tent and the two Cousins being satisfied therewith prepared strong Lances at the entrance of their Pavilion for all such as should come to Iust against them But the County intreated Lynedes to suffer him to make the first tryal of his fortune which he did in regard of his love to his Lady who had caused the Tent to be so commodiously placed as she might at pleasure behold al the pastimes docking herself in most gorgeous attyre and bravely attended on by her waiting woman to out countenance such as came against her Lord and husband The Emperor understanding what message the Squire had brought imagined that these two Knights were Palmendos and his Cousin Ozalio for when one thing continually beateth on a mans conceit he imagineth every thing conformable to the same Wherefore he told his opinion to the Prince Rifarano who could not think them to be the Lords of Tharsus yet to satisfie the Emperours mind he mounted on horseback and being accompanied with other Knights of the Court rode to the Tent where the two Cousins remained Saluting the Squires he entred finding Lynedes unarmed but his Cousin was provided at all points except his helmet whereupon he demanded if they were the Knights that sent the challenge to the Court To whom the Lord of Lique answered that they were Then Rifarano procéeded thus Gentlemen ye have attempted a thing in my opinion but little for your ease but I think you did it to this end that you might méet with some one to abate your pride and presumption When that commeth to passe answered Lynedes we shall but accompany many others who unable to effect their haughty enterprizes have remained frustrate in their designs in vain therefore shall you take any further care for our affairs but if you will go arm your self return and prove what this Knight can do who is more desirous to sight with his sword then with his tongue otherwise you offer injury to the order which every noble mind preferreth as his proper life Rifarano somewhat moved with these words took his leave and returned to the Emperor assuring him that these Knights
other CHAP. XXI How Recinde arrived at the Isle of Carderia where understanding that Palmendos had ended the adventure he went to seek Belcar at Macedon and of the Combat he had with him by the false perswasion of the Damosel that followed the revenge of her brethrens deaths FOur daies stayed Recinde and the Merchant at the old Ladies Castle and then taking their leave the Prince commended the Merchant to his own occasions and he rode strait toward the Isle of Carderia desirous to try his fortune in the adventure as also to find the Knight he sought for but being there arrived he understood how Francelina was delivered Palmendos gone towards Turkie and Tirendos abode at the Castle with Lypes and his sisters from whence he sent a Squire to Macedon to certifie Belcar what had happened as also to intreat him to stay there for his comming As for the Prince Belcar he being now with Alderina his chosen Mistress to speak of all circumstances entercoursing betwéen them would be more labour to me then pleasure to you She accuseth him with a great many articles of ungentleness that he would travel for Francelina being before her vowed Knight and he excuseth all under this point that what he did in a place of such tryal was onely to eternize the name of Alderina and nothing to the advantage of Francelina nor could the greatest Monarch on the earth have commanded him from that service but onely the gracious Letter sent by her wherefore he desired to return thither again to make her more famous till the adventure were ended To stay her answer and appease his hot desire at that very instant the Currier arrived sent from Tirendos whose message being heard highly was the Princess contented but Belcar overcome with exceeding grief because fain he would have tryed his fortune against Palmendos Now come we to the Damosel again that pursued Belcar for the death of her brethren according as you have sufficiently heard before She understanding that he was in the Court of Macedon so highly loved of the King Queen and the whole nobility she was out of hope to work him any injury there wherefore she intended to return home again and by the way she hapned to meet with the Prince Recinde when beginning her accustomed complaints she delivered the same discourse which she had done to Cardino and Tirendos saying that the Knight who had so trayterously slain her brethren sojourned in the Court of Macedon Recinde desirous to win honour by succouring the distressed and hoping he might find the Knight he sought for at Macedon answered her in this manner If it be damosel as you say that the Knight in such trayterous sort slew your brethren I promise you by the faith I bear to Chivalry that to my power I will revenge your wrong because all Gentlemen receiving this Order are bound by duty to assist Damosels injuriously wronged by disloyal varlets The crafty deceiver fell at the Princes feet affirming what she had said with many oaths Go then with me quoth Recinde to shew me the Knight and either I will lose my life or make him confess his villany The effronted palliard mounted on her palfray and such speed they made in travel as at length they arrived at Macedon when entring the great Hall they found there the King Belcar and divers noble Barons whereupon the Damosel thus spake to Recinde Sée here my Lord the Knight that slew my brethren I beseech you make him know before the King the treason he committed against harmless men for his Majesty not knowing the enormity of the case reputeth this offender to be one of the most courteous Knights in his Court as my self perceived at my last being here Recinde having with humble reverence saluted the King Florendos turned to Belcar with these spéeches Sir Knight this Damosel hath sworn to me that you have trayterously slain two of her brethren after you had béen friendly entertained at her fathers house if you did so surely it was an act far unbeséeming you and by force of arms I shall make you so to confess it if you have the hardiness to enter the field with me Belcar greatly offended to hear himself so charged and evermore by one that sought to bring his life in danger in anger thus replied In sooth Knight I cannot but think thy discretion very simple in saying if I have the hardiness to enter the field with thée and thy presumption is as insolent as this Damosel is trothless and disloyal in accusing me without any cause notwithstanding I hope to recompence you for light belief and that false woman likewise the instrument of thy folly After these speeches he went and armed himself for the combat which the King many ways laboured to hinder but Recinde continued so resolutely against Belcar that the King could not disswade the matter wherfore he thus spake to Recinde Séeing you will not at my intreaty give over this rashness let me understand the name of him that will not grant so small a matter especially to one that is able to yéeld thanks therefore I am quoth Recinde a Knight of a strange Country who came to the Emperors Court at Constantinople mean while the Nuptials of the Hungarian Prince were solemnized whither likewise came a Knight unknown bearing a silver flower in his shield he having won the honour of the Tourney departed secretly from the assembly which made me follow in search of him and in respect I am but a poor Knight errant I desire no wrong may be offered me in the battel Be thereof assured said the King that none shall meddle with you but your adversary onely And trust me it grieveth me to the very heart that comming from the Court of the Emperour Palmerin my son you should here enter the field against Belcar who is one of his Majesties chiefest favourites When Recinde heard Belcar named on the one side it displeased him that he was to deal with a Knight so famous and renowned on the other side it grieved him as much when he considered the near alliance betwéen him and Melicia whom he loved as his very soul so that willingly he would have forborn the combat but that he could not with honour gainsay it Now the King desires the Duke of Pontus and another of his chiefest Barons to judge the fight according to conscience and without any exception oi person Soon after the champions enter the Lists where breaking their Lances bravely in the carréer they were both dismounted notwithstanding they quickly recovered themselvs and drawing their swords fell to the combat Long while they continued a most furious fight sharp and cruel wounds being delivered on either side that judgment could not be given who was in greatest danger but his Majesty séeing Belcar wax féeble and that it was like this fight would end both their lives as one loth to sée the death of either he threw his staff of peace betwéen
them and coming down from the window where he stâ—od into the field he desired them at his request to give over the fight My gracious Lord answered Recinde that may we not consent unto unless the Damosel that complained of Belcar will first remit the injury he hath done her My self will thereto perswade her said the King in mean while do you travel no further in this controversie seeing you have both shewed sufficient and haughty chivalry So went the King to the Damosel who was wonderfull glad to see Belcar in such dangerous estate as no Knight before had brought him in the like Damosel said he séek not the death of two so good Champions as these are but for my sake pardon Belcar if he have in ought offended and I shall cause him to make such amends as your self shall like well thereof beside such courtesie shall you find at my hands as happily shall yéeld occasion of thanks while you live Hereto will I never consent though I die quoth she and more would the present death of Belcar content me then if the whole Monarchy of the world were under my puissance considering the enorm and detestable treason wherewith he villanously wronged my father and brethren which makes me I cannot discharge my Knight of his promise The King with great instance intreated her again and so did all the Lords attending on him but all was in vain she was so resolutely grounded in her wickedness as she accounted it pleasure to be self-willed therein Whereupon the Queen heartily sorry to see Belcar so sore wounded understanding the obstinate refusal of the Damosel she accompanied with the Dutchess of Pontus and the Princess Alderina her daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Queen would entertain her amongst the Ladies of Honour in her Court All these prayers and requests nothing availed to move any pity in this inexorable Damosel which the Queen perceiving and that she continued so obstinate in cruelty she made a solemn oath that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and slanderous that her self should die a most shameful death The Damosel seeing the Queen so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she grieved to behold the tears of fair Alderina wherefore she alighted from her palfray and falling at the Queens feet desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to the King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Majesties sake she was content to pardon both the Knights The Queen embraced her in sign of thanks sending word to Recinde that he should proceed no further in battel So the Damosel went with the Queen and her Ladies to the Pallace and both the champions accompanied the King who bringing them to their chambers commanded that his chief Physitians and Chirurgians should give very diligent attendance to see their wounds healed Daily would the Queen accompanied with the Dutchess of Pontus and the fair Princess Alderina her daughter come to visit them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amity and shortly after the Queen in regard of her promise caused the damosel to be very honourably married when Belcar made her openly confess that her accusations were most false and untrue in respect that he never saw any of her brethren before that night wherein he was intreated by her father to lodge at his Castle But leave we these and let us now return again to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio embarqued for Turky they landed at a Poâ—t near the Castle of Albaizo where the King of Thessaly was kept prisoner and how Palmendos intended to be at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captains son and what was his success AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Queen of Thessaly and her daughter Francelina they posted with all speed to their ship the Mariners having in the time of their abode there happened on a Turk left there in the Haven by reason of extream sicknesse wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to be a Moor took him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arrival he had very well recovered his health He understanding that Palmendos would sail into Turky desired to grant him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenesse he would direct him whither he pleased because he knew all the Ports and créeks of the country and most of the Cities and Towns on the land Palmendos joyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patron and without concluding to what place they would first sail he willed them to make toward the nearest port to the City of Tubant demanding of the Turk if he knew any harbour of surety near that place My Lord quoth the Turk I will conduct you if you please into a streight of the sea which is very secret where oftentimes ride divers great vessels and no other place of lodging is near at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a days journey from Tubant and the like from the Castle of Albayzo where the great Turk at this present kéeps the King of Thessaly and all his treasure under the charge of a good Knight who is the Captain of the Castel and this place he reputeth as the strongest hold in all the country Moreover this dare I avouch Sir that there is no part so little in all that country but I know it as well by night as by day even as perfectly as the port whereof I tell you there may you abide in assurance and do what best your self shal please uncontroled by any this will I make good for the great courtesie I have found Palmendos séeing how fortune favoured him committed his conducting to the Turk who was named Oricano when at length they came to the port near Tubant then Oricano went on shore with the Knights to take some order for their good entertainment but finding not his father at home intreated his mother and two brethren who were not a little glad of his safe return to use those Gentlemen so courteously as might be expressing what kindnesse he had found at their hands Palmendos rejoiced that they were in a place so sure and secret and near Albayzo Castle where the King of Thessaly was detained in captivity yet kept he on his rich black armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castle of Carderia his good sword likewise he had by his side wherewith he could inchant and bring asléep any one by drawing it forth It was large and short as a woodknife or fauchion most artificially damasked and garnished with three sorts of Diamonds the whole sheath being composed of one the mosse-bar and pummel of an other and the handle of
rode presently back to the Castle and finding the aged Knight in his chamber thus began Alas my Lord in an unhappy hour did you entertain the Knight that lodged here last night who as it séems came onely to kill your sons So delivered he the whole discourse of the fight which provoked the sad father to shed forth abundance of tears yet did he especially condemn his sons whose pride and arrogancy had thus caused their own death His servants understanding the cause of his laments went presently to the place where the brethren were discomfited and there they found two of them deprived of life the third likewise in very great danger unlesse spéedy provision were made to prevent it So causing him to be laid in a Litter and the other two on a Knightly Bâ—er they thus brought them to their fathers Castle where their Lady mother met them with wonderfull effuse of tears and lamentations as one would have judged her altogether void of sence and discretion then any way pertaker of humane wit or reason Like sorrow was made by one of her daughters who loved her brethren very dearly and after she had somewhat pacified her self she made a solemn vow to her mother never to take rest in her mind and thoughts untill she were throughly revenged on the murtherer Wherefore when her two dead brethren were buried she departed against her fathers will accompanied onely with two Squires to séek Belcar intending to be revenged on him by one means or other CHAP. II. How Belcar came unknown into Macedon where he bare away the prize of the Tourny which King Florendos had appointed to honour the marriage of the Princess Denisa and how he discovered himself to Alderina daughter to the Duke of Pontus and Durace BElcar riding in great haste toward Carderia finding the heat of the day very troublesome he alighted at a fair Fountain to refresh himself a while where long he had not stayed but in a path leading directly to the same place he beheld a company of Knights and Ladies coming attended on with a very sufficient train It was the Duke of Pontus and Durace who rode to Macedon to the marriage which the king Florendos had made betwéen his daughter Denisa and the King of Thrace Nephew to the wife of Caniano This Duke had his espoused Lady Laurana with him as also one of his fair daughters named Alderina who rode formost in the troop beguiling the time in talk with her Ladies yet intending to stay till the heat was past and in the mean while to solace her self at the Fountain There she arrived before Belcar had put on his Helmet so that she beholding his amiable countenance his rich armour and yet having no company but one Squire as a Lady wise and wall governed she saluted him very graciously whereat Belcar was somewhat amazed doubting she knew of whence and what he was But soon did he alter that opinion and rather thinking this kindnesse to proceed of debonair curtesie imagined her of high calling for which cause he made her humble reverence and séeing how many followed his Lady among whom he might peradventure be known he called for his horse minding to ride a contrary way Alderina hereat somewhat moved because she desired to know of whence he was thus spake Sir Knight abide here hardly at your ease and for our comming do not forsake a place so sweet and delectable you see the heat of the day is such as scantly will permit you to travell If you go to adventure your fortune in the Tourney at Macedon you may ride with the Duke my Father who will be very glad of your company and much more my self because my good hap was first to find you here Belcar humbly thanking her for this courtesie made an excuse that he could not go to Macedon because he had urgent affairs elsewhere and whither he must travell with all speed wherefore taking his leave again of her he rode which way liked him best onely to escape unknown of this company And meeting a Squire that came after the train with the carriage he demanded if he knew the Lord that rode by so wel accompanied to whom the squire answered that it was the Duke of Pontus who rode to Macedon to the feast of the King Florendos for the marriage of his daughter Denise and that the Duke had his fair daughter Alderina with him to see the Iousts and Turnament which was now prepared So soone as Belcar heard these words he presently conjectured that the Lady which came first to the Fountain was the Dukes daughter of whom report had made great commendation Hereupon he determined to go see this assembly in the most secret manner as he could devise for he had time enough to accomplish his voyage So forsook he the way to the Isle of Carderia framing his journy toward Macedon and comming near the City he overtook two Knights that rode to the Triumph they having reciprocally saluted each other the two Knights demanded of Belcar if he came to Ioust I come to see quoth he what men at Arms will enter the field at this time of brave exercise Then let us ride together if you please said they for we left our countries for the self same cause Thus rode they on friendly together and arriving at Macedon they found the field all covered with Tents which belonged to the noble personages that were come to the feast For this cause the two Knights gave in charge to their Squires to provide their Pavillion which was purposely brought with them intreating Belcar likewise to kéep them company whereto because he would not enter the City he gladly consented thinking he should hardly find a more convenient lodging On the morrow there arrived the Duke of Pontus before whom rode the King Florendos as one willing to welcome his new kindred but Alderina shewed such Majesty in countenance as every eye wondred at her rare perfections notwithstanding she was somewhat sad and pensive the cause procéeding from her desire to know the Knight she saw at the fountain whom yet she could not by any means forget When Belcar beheld her arm in arm with the King of Thrace and in what costly garments she was attired he imagined her more fair then when he saw her at the fountain so that he resolutely intended if he could not finish the adventure of Francelina to give himself to travell and to enterprise such attempts as might be thought worthy the love of this Lady All this while the Quéen Griana wife to the King Florendos very honourably entertained the Dutchess Laurana and the young princesse Denisa accompanying Alderina would not forsake her till the marriage night On the morrow following the King the Queen and the new married couple came into the field to behold the Tourney where they were no sooner mounted on the scaffolds which were sumptuously adorned as beseemed so great personages but both on the one side
In brief he came on land and no one with him but his cousin Ozalio who would not at any time forsake his company Baledon pranceth up to the plain before his Castle commanding his attendants on pain of their lives not any way to trouble or molest his enemy Now are the champions covered with their swords and shields and with such fury do the weapons clash upon the Armour as though Vulcan and his Cyclops were at work with their hammers You must think that the Giant being a man of monstrous stature dealing with a young Prince but a gristle in a manner in comparison of him did often bring his life to very perilous exigents Notwithstanding so did the Heavens favour Palmendos and despise the manifold tyrannies of the Giant as after a long cruel and bloudy fight Baledon had received so many wounds as he was constrained to fall at the Princes mercy for which Palmendos humbly thanking heaven boldly set his foot upon the Giant saying Confesse thy self Baledon vanquished by me and let me enjoy the prisoners which thou unjustly detainest in thy Castle for the remainder of thy life hangeth on the point of my sword When the Giant beheld his great pomp so overthrown and he had no mean now left wherewith to defend himself he breathed forth these sorrowfull spéeches Ah angry Gods how strange and divers are your judgements in suffering both me and my son to be foyled by one Knight Now sée I well that mine infinite and wicked offences committed against men without desert hath thrown this wreakfull sentence on me Then calling his servants he comanded them to conduct the Prince into the Castle and deliver all his prisoners to him with any thing else he should command them So went the Prince with his cousin Ozalio and two of the Giants servants to the Castle the rest remained to bring their Masters dead body and when they were entred into the base Court they met the Giantesse heavily lamenting and cursing the Knight who was cause thereof But Palmendos made no account of her words commanding all the prisoners to be presently brought before him which indéed were very many both Knights Merchants and other travelling strangers who had long time béen kept there in captivity and now séeing they were so generally called they verily thought to die or endure some cruel torment but finding the contrary I leave their joy to the Readers judgement Then Palmendos called for the Knights Armour that each one knowing his own Armour might be armed therewith For this their happy deliverance they all fel down at the Princes féet desiring God to reward his honourable pains But among the prisoners there were two young knights of comely stature being both Moors who had not long time béen held in that servitude and witnessing by their countenances that they were descēded of royal parentage The one of them was Rifarano son to Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda the Soldans sister as you may read in the History of Palmerin d' Oliva the other was named Lecefin son to the Soldan of Persia being the youngest of thrée which he had by the Princess Zephira These two young Lords were nourished together by the Soldan because he beheld the towardly inclination of Rifarano whom he ever imagined would prove a worthy Knight and because he was son to his sister and the Emperour Trineus his great friend he loved him as Lecefin his own child Rifarano comming to the age of ten or twelve years waxed very forward in all commendable exercises and one day reasoning with his mother desired her to tell him the cause why she went so continually clad in mourning the truth whereof she discoursed to him and how his father was the Emperour Trineus of Almaign When Rifarano understood that he was son to one of the chiefest Princes in Christendome he made greater account of himself then he did before and disposed himself to matters of higher quality so that being of years to receive his Knighthood he requested the Soldan to honour him therewith which he with right good will performed causing Iousts and Tournaments to solemnize that time withall wherein Rifarano still bare away the prize Following arms and chivalry he stil continued and with good success won such fame through all Persia as the Soldan thought to join him in marriage with the King Maulerino's eldest daughter But he would never hearken to such matters for that he had secretly vowed to sée the Emperour his father whereto his Mother whose days long sicknesse had now shortned evermore provoked him that Trineus beholding the fruit of her love might think the better of his acquaintance with her After the obsequies and royall funeral as well beséemed a Princesse of so great regard and Rifarano loth to stay his mother being dead he desired the Soldan that he might travell to Constantinople to sée the Court of the Emperour Palmerin and thence he would go to his Father in Almaign Albeit very unwilling yet the Soldan condiscended whereat the young Prince Lecefin who loved Rifarano as himself began to conceive great sorrow wherefore he intreated his father that he might travell with him in company perswading him that it would be a cause of his cousins more spéedy return The Soldan liked hereof very well and although he was yet very young he gave him his Knighthood and so with divers presents from his father and Zephira as also Letters to both the Emperours accompanied with thirty hardy Knights they took shipping and by means of an excéeding rough tempest on the Sea they were driven perforce into this Isle of Delphos where being hemmed in with the Chain and flattered by the Gyant to come on shore without suspecting any treason they went to his Castle and finding outward friendly entertainment they were fetched forth of their beds and thrust into prison and twenty of the Knights that came with them cruelly murthered the rest were brought into the Dungeon to their Masters and afterward the Giant took the spoil of the ship at his pleasure But to come to our purpose Rifarano and Lecefin séeing themselves delivered from this dolorous life much worse then that of the slaves of the Gallies they spake to Palmendos in this manner Tell us in courtesie good Knight by what means you have obtained our liberty for we marvel we sée not the Giant who brought us hither by villany and treason Gentlemen quoth the Prince I am a Knight born far hence and being by the angry seas cast upon this Island I determined to come on shore where being no way able to escape the death present before mine eyes I was constrained to Combate with the Giant you talk of who to allure me the sooner to the battell promised me security from any save himself But heaven giving me strength to erect a mortal Trophie of his slaughtered body hath thereby given you all fréedome again Might we not said Rifarano know your name to whom we are so
that thy indiscretion had been so great as to think I would win a thing so hardly and deliver it from me so lightly nor shall the paragon of my heart be again in the custody of so base an excrement of nature Then he spake to the Dwarf in this manner Thou wretched and ridiculous creature commest thou likewise to make one in the Tragedy begin with thine own hand thou wert best or I shall plague thee with extream torments So took he the Gentlewoman in his arms and oftentimes lasciviously kissed her she striving in tears to hinder his imbracings wherefore he said Good Madame seek no occasion whereby to offend your self for you shall see me pluck down the bravery of this Knight and make the monster your husband safe from troubling you any more Tush these are but words quoth Rifarano let me see thee come armed into the field then shall I live in hope of some deeds And if thou wilt have me imagine thée couragious bring down the Lady with thée that the conqueror may carry her whither him pleaseth I am content answered the Knight because thou shalt sée how little I estéem thy threatning and soon shall all controversies be ended betwéen me and thée that hereafter may arise on this occasion Quickly had be armed himself and came forth leading the Lady in his hand which when the Dwarf saw he durst not tarry but got him a bow shoot further off So fell the Knight and Rifarano to the combat which continued long time doubtfull on either side but at length Rifarano had the upper had of his enemy having given him many cruel wounds on his body When the Squires of the Castle saw their Master overcome they would forcibly have carried the Lady into the Castle again but Râ—farano advertised thereof by her cry made them forsake her and run hastily into the Castle Then taking her by the hand said Come with me Lady and I shall deliver you to your husband that loves you loyally as you may be perswaded by this I have done at his earnest intreaty Many humble thanks she requited him withal séeing her self free from this injurious enemy and the Dwarf seeing this fortunate success came and humbled himself at the conquerors feet imbracing his wife with abundance of joy being neither of them able to express their contentation for that tears and inward motions of comfort had deprived them of speech Afterward the Knight had recovered himself again and came stealing on Rifarano thinking to murther him but the Dwarf espying him cryed out whereupon the Prince returned and once more getting him into subjection with his his sword smote his head from his shoulders The Dwarf not a little joyfull for this victory desired the Prince that he would accompany him to his Castle because that trayterous Knight had a brother and two cousins who hearing of his death would presently pursue them Whereto Rifarano courteously condescended and mounting the Gentlewoman behind her husband they journied thence with all speed possible But ere they could recover the place where they would be they were pursued by the Knights Brother and his two cousins when the Dwarf and his wife now verily thought to die notwithstanding such was the brave behaviour of Rifarano that one after another they sped as the Knight of the Castle had done and so without any more interruption they got home to their Castle where they feasted the Prince very sumptuously On the morrow he departed thence continuing his travel after Palmendos and by the way he succoured a distressed Countess against a cruel brother in Law of hers named Diole who sought forcibly to deprive her of her possessions but by the rare chivalry of Rifarano he lost his life in that bad attempt And here with the Countess we will leave Rifarano having too long forgotten our chief Knight Palmendos CHAP. XX. How Palmendos arrived in the Isle of Carderia where first he vanquished Tirendos in the Iust and and next the Knight that guarded the passage of the Bridge and also divers other that assailed him at the third Tower and how he came to the Gardengate where Francelina was NOt long since you understood how after Palmendos had vanquished Arnedes he followed his way with long desire to sée Carderia wherefore omitting all occasions that might hinder his voyage he determined to make no stay till he come to the Isle and very soon after it was his chance to arrive there when he implored the help of heaven in finishing this adventure and as a sacrifice after victory he promised to offer his soul to the holy character of Christianity and to be baptized so soon as he could At this time Belcar kept not the passage of the bridge because he was departed certain daies before to visit the King and Queen of Macedon for they hearing of his wonderfull déeds of Arms in defending that â—ridge sent for him to the Court by an expresse messenger And truly he would not have gone so resolute was he in his enterprise but that the Princesse Alderina secretly comanded him by a Letter written with her own hand she having discovered the truth of all to the Quéen Griana intreating her by some means to coÌ„tinue the Duke her father there till that time Belcar came from the Isle of Carderia The Queen liked hereof exceeding well and knowing her Nephew could not join in more honourable marriage then with the chast and vertuous Alderina she conferred with the Duke and Dutchesse of Pontus who likewise were glad of so noble alliance For this cause the Queen sent one of her GeÌ„tlemen to Belcar accompanied with Alderinaes page who closely delivered the Prince the letter the substance whereof followeth thus The Letter sent by the Princesse of Durace to Belcar Son to to the King of Hungary To the right valiant and renowned Prince Belcar Son to the King of Hungary a Maiden very easie to be deceived sendeth health condigne to his deserts EXcuse me Lord Belcar if I write to you what the abundance of my spirit inforceth because if it were of any thing else I fear I could not end without confused wandring in this discourse so extraordinarily are my sences herein perplexed as they can injoy no little breathing time of rest or quiet And if you would exactly consider from whence this molestation proceedeth you should find the ground thereof to be violent and excessive love which on my behalf was faithfully entertained and dedicated to none but onely you a reason to procure this Letter the more favourable entertainment and to be read with as good will as it was written Know then that I do not without great occasion silently complain of you because me thinks you séem a promise breaker or rather a prevaricatour in love towards me as the reading of this Letter will cause you to confesse if that reason be not alienated from your judgement which ought to direct your compass in all affairs What think you now
a Knight unarmed of huge constitution and evil favoured having a Turkie bow in his hand and a quiver hanging by his side full of arrows of whom they desired to know which way they should get out of the Forrest The discourteous Knight without making any answer let fly an arrow at them wherewith he killed the Prince Recindes horse he being not a little moved at this mishap grew into a great choler against him who made no longer stay but ran from them so fast as he could Recinde and the Merchant still pursued till having lost the sight of him and marvelling where he should be hidden at length they found the mouth of a very dark Cave which they suspected the Knight had taken for refuge whereupon the Prince intreated the Merchant to stay there without because he intended to search the Cave and be revenged on him that had so wronged him Not far had he gone under the earth but he heard a pittifull voice crying for help which caused him to return back again when at the entrance of the Vault he beheld a mighty Lion which came forth with the Knight and ran upon the Prince exceeding furiously but he who could not be frighted with matters of greater moment so valiantly defended himself against the beast as in short time he laid him dead at his foot Now ran the Knight back again into the cave and the Prince after him so fast as he could till at length he came into a goodly Hall which was hanged round about with gorgeous Tapistry and therein might one behold all such as passed by the mouth of the cave as if they had discerned the same in a Glasse While he stood beholding this beautifull prospect he saw the Knight comming towards him armed and drawing his sword thus spake to the Prince Wretched Knight overmuch foolish hardiness hath brought thée to this place for I shall let thee sée the danger incurred by thy presumption More indiscreetly quoth the Prince hast thou behaved thy self in killing my horse without any occasion of offence Herewith they combatted a long while together till the Knight seeing himself unable to resist the Prince would have saved himself in the chamber he came from offering to keep the door against him as his defence but Recinde thrusting after him into the chamber he beheld a great and hideous Dragon lying there the sight whereof somewhat amazed him yet seeing the beast stirred not against him he continued his former quarrel with the Knight bringing him at length into such subjection that with his sword he smote his head from his shoulders The Serpent terrified with extream fear began to shrink back when Recinde lifting up his sword to strike the Serpent spake in this manner Sir Knight for Gods sake pity me and seek not to shed my bloud having no way offended you so shall I be perpetually bound at your commandement for delivering me from this cruel Knight who hath forcibly kept me here the space of six years The Prince hearing these words held down his sword when the Serpent thus proceeded I am no Serpent sir as happily I seem in your eye but a most infortunate and abused damosel having suffered the most miserable life that ever woman endured living against my will in the custody of this traiterous Knight If thou art a humane creature answered Recinde I marvel thou shouldest have the shape of such a deformed beast I know said the damosel what representation I have in your judgement but I dare assure you on my life that I am no Serpent or any thing else but a most distressed woman Which well she might affirm because the Knight nâ—w slain to conceal her the more cunningly made her to resemble so by Art magick as you shall understand the whole at large He loved this Damosel so extreamly she being the daughter of an ancient widdow dwelling not far off as séeing he could not obtain her in marriage by reason of his bad manners and ill favoured body so laboured with a Magician a friend of his to cause her to resemble a Serpent to any but himself Her mother and brethren being ignorant of this treachery séeing such an ugly Serpent among them were so affrighted at this strange metamorphosis that they fled presently out of their Castle The Damosel following to understand the cause of their fear wandred sorrowfully after them thorow the fields where she was surprized by her Lover and brought to the Cave prepared by the Sorcerer appointing she should continue in that appearance untill one of the best Knights in the world should arrive there and valiantly win her out of his custody onely by his death to be delivered and six years she had abode in that place séeming a beautifull woman to her Lover onely and to all others a monstrous Serpent Recinde driven into wonderfull admiration bemoaning her cause thus spake In sooth this is the most strange accident that ever I heard of but seeing your Lover is dead boldly may you depart the chamber and return home to your mother again for in time perhaps this hideous shape will forsake you My Lord quoth she I have many times striven to get forth of this prison but all my labour hath béen in vain for by like sortiledge hath the Knight bound me here as he got me from my mothers Castle So am I perswaded answered the Prince wherefore séeing of your self you cannot depart I will try if my strength wil release you of this servitude Then taking his arming girdle from about him he made it fast about the Serpents middle and forcibly thought to pull her out of the chamber but the strength of the inchantment over-mastering him when he had gotten her to the very door would violently pluck her back again Yet Recinde being all heart and courage gave not over for all these resistances but at length by exceeding labour and travel he got her into the Hall and then she seemed a very beautifull woman who falling down at his feet intreated him not to forsake her till that he had brought her to her mothers Castle So going forth of the Cave she told the Merchant all that had happened which made him answer her in this sort Madam both you and I are highly beholding to this Knight for he hath miraculously called you from a lamentable sufferance and not onely hath he saved my life but helped me to my goods again which were utterly lost wherefore we have good cause to think that he is the onely Paragon of Chivalry So breaking of these speeches they took the Knights horse because he had slain the Princes and mounting the damosel behind him brought her home to her mothers Castle the ancient Lady being not a little joyfull to see her daughter whom she reputed utterly lost likewise her brethren were very glad to see their sister restored home again As for their friendly entertainment you may judge it by the cause which being of nature must néeds surpasse all