THE Honorable pleasant and rare conceited Historie of Palmendos Sonne to the famous and fortunate Prince Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Translated out of French by A. M. one of the Messengers of her Maiesties Chamber Patere aut abstine AT LONDON Printed by I. C. for Simon Watersonne are to be sold in Church-yarde at the signe of the Crowne Anno. Domini 1589. Fortissimo et militiae naualis Peritissimo viro Domino Francisco Draco Equiti Aurato DEsinat Herculeas iam Grecia vana columnas Mirari aut Minyas Dulichiâ—…mue ducens Amphitryoniadem super as fortissime Drace Iasonaque et comites Penelopesque virum Neptunusque suum credit tibi iure tridentem Cedit Sceptra libens imperiâ—…mque maris Palmendos tanto latus tutusque Patrono Audet in innumeras peruolitare manus Zoilus inuideat rumpantur et ilia Codro Palmendos Draco vindice tutus erit It volat et gaudet spernit que minacia verba Nempe soles tumides spernere Drace minas Antonius Mondaius To the courteous Reader HAuing finished this History of Pâ—…lmendos I commit the same to thy fauourable censure And though it bee not floorished foorth with borrowed phrases of eloquence yet hope I thou wilt accept it freendly as thou hast done heertofore my works of the like matter To make any commendation therof to thee I will not first reade thy fill thereon and after iudge as thou findest occasion yet with thy wonted fauour to encourage me in proceeding in translation of 〈◊〉 which by the next Tearme I hope will be accomplished From my house at Cripple gate the fifth of Februarie 1589. Thine in all courtesie Anthâ—…ny Monday The history of Palmendos sonne to the famous Palmerin d'Oliua Emperour of Constantinople and the Queene of Tharsus Discoursing likewise of the Prince Rifarano Sonne to Tryneus Emperour of Allemaigne Aurecinda Siâ—…er to the Soldane of Persia theyr Kâ—…ghtly deedes of Chiuâ—…e 〈◊〉 aduentures and woorthy resolutioâ—… CHAP. I. Howe Belcar and Tyrendos beeing in the Câ—…urte of the Emperor Palmerin receiued theyr order of knighthoode and how Belcar departed secretly from Constantinople and of the Câ—…mbat hâ—…e fought in the Realme of Macedoâ—… against tâ—…e three Sonnes of a Knight thaâ—… lodged him NOt long after the destruction of the magniâ—…cent and proud Monarchie of the Romaines waâ—… erected a new Empire in Greece which the 〈◊〉 bountie diuine fauoâ—…red with continual happines placing the good Prince Palmerin d'Oliua in the Crowne and lawfull gouernment therof as wel in respect of his great prowesse high and knightlie paradores which with vigilant â—…are he vsed for the defence of such an estate the onely renowne whereof brake the desseigâ—…es of manie that by hostilitie sought to disquiet him aâ—… alsâ—… in regarde of the notable linage posteritie discending from him of whose vertues and heroycall perfections this present Historie of Palmendos his Sonne is contriued and therefore to be placed at the ende of his Fathers trauels In which discourse alreadie extant gentle Readers you haue vnderstood howe the Emperour Palmerin so looued and honored Knights errant that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Courte because yéerelie hee continued a sumptuous spectacle in forme of a Tourney for the exercise of knightly and millitarie discipline and with such religious zeale was this worthy practise folowed as the Court might well be called y t Schoole of Armes and Nursse of ciuilitie For this cause many Kinges Princes and great Lordes sent their Sonnes to bee there educated among whom the good Knight Frysoll King of Hungaria sent one of his named Belcar and the Duke Eustace of Mecana another called Tirendos that they might deserue their knighthoâ—…de at the hand of the Emperor the true mirrour and Idea of manhoode and so consequentlie they to participate some part of his bountie and prowâ—…sse THe time then béeing câ—…me that Belcar Son to King Frysoll shoulde 〈◊〉 his order of knighthood he humbly intreated the Emperour that he might enioy it at his hand and Tirendos Sonne to Duke Eustace of Mecana desirous of the selfe same honour made like request vnto his Maiestie whereto the good Emperâ—…ur who looued them both with singuler affection knowing hâ—…w well Chiualrie woulde bee imployed by thâ—…m â—…ight willinglie condiscended Héereupon after they had performed the accustomed vigill he knighted these two Princes with great royaltie desiring God to bestow such fauour on them as at no time they might degenerate from their famous prâ—…decessours And to Belcar â—…mbracing him in his armes he sayd My good Nephewe heauen accomplish in you such perfâ—…ctiens of manhoode as each one may knowe you to be the Sonne of the worthy Knight Sir Frysoll a Prince so hardie and valiant as anie that euer followed Armes The ceremonies béeing ended they all returned to the Pallace where the newe Knights béeing vnarmed rich Robes and Mantles were brought them for greater honour of the feaste which in the Courte at this tâ—…e excéeded But Belcar tooke little pleasure in beholding the diuers occurrences at this assembly because his minde was more busâ—…ed with expectation of future glorie which made him thus to commâ—…ne with himselfe Belcar thou hast now no longer time to rest séeing thou hast recâ—…iued the honorable order of knighthood and that at the hande of the Empeâ—…ur thynâ—… Unckle whom the diuine prouidence hath endued with so manie laâ—…dable vertues nor dooth any thing want in the King thâ—… Father that is required in a man at Armes If then hetherto thou hast liued in pleasure delights hencefoorth thou must bequeath thy selfe to trauaile to shewe that thou doost resemble and imitate in some things thine Auncestors who with great labour and industrie haue attained such fame and renowâ—…e as the memory therof shal remaine immortali And if thou wilt not darcken this honour then must thou hasten thy departure from y â— Court and follow the search of strange aduentures as they dyd in their daies for thine example After many and sundry thoughts that fought together within his spirit he concluded to depart acccmpanied but with one Squire and that so secretly as could be deuised Thence would he trauaile directly towards Macedon to make the first proofe of his valour in y t aduenture of Francelina who was enchaunted in y â— Iâ—…le of Carderia as was declared in the History of Palmerin d'Oliua And at thys time was little talke of any other thing then of the number of Knights that daily sought to winne her in marriage and with her the Kingdome of Thessalie for such 〈◊〉 the promised guerdon and recompence to him that coulde deliuer her out of the enchaunted Castell but hetherto all the Knights lost thâ—…ir labour for no one was able to finish the â—…duenture Belcar béeing earnestly prouoked with the fame of this occasioÌ„ which was generally râ—…puted strange and full of â—…aunger resolued to frame his iourney thether because heâ—… earnestly
all kind of prouision y â— might agrée with the time of their abode there By this time Belcar founde himselfe able to beare Armes and therfore went to take his place of chaâ—…ge at what time the Marquesse of Trosse came to hazarde his fortune This Marquesse was a braue and hardie man at Armes although â—…e came from his Countrey wel accompanied w e Knights Squires and Pages yet caused hee them to stay a pretie distaunce from this place and came thether but wyth one Squire that caried his Launce When Belcar sawe him make so couragiouslie toward the Bridge he mounted on horsebacke and comming to him thus spake Gentleman you may not passe héere except you first trie the Iouste with mee because I haue established heere such a Lawe as no Knight shall haue battaile with hiâ—… that kept the Bridge vntil hee haue first dismounted me for hauing receiued some foyle in this place not manie daies since I wil not suffer anie one to preuaile in this aduenture vnlesse heâ—… bring me first into subiâ—…ction Great boldnes is this in you aunswered the Marquesse that you will take in hande to beare a burthen of such waight but I thinke you doo it to this ende that you would depart hence with greater shame and confusion then euer you sustained héeretofore That quarrell quoth Belcar shall our Swordes soone discide and so without any more spéeches they fell to the Combat wherein the Marquesse she wed verie knightlie and gallant behauiour albeit Belcar cast him from his Saddle and afterwarde fought with him on foote a long while but in the end the Marquesse was vanquished and vnderstanding the name of his Conquerour returned to the place where hee left his companie and after he had recouered better health he rode straite to Macedon where he recounted his ouerthrowe by Belcar Of these newes the King Florendos and y â— Quéene were verie ioyfull saying they had a Nephew that was so named wherefore they desired to knowe what Armes hee wore when the Marquesse tolde them hee was in Greene Armour Without question quoth the King it was the same â—…night that wâ—…ne the honour of the Tourney and went hence secretlie least he shoulde bee knowne wherewith I cannot be iustlie offended because bothe in this enterprise and knightlie valour he resembleth his woorthy Father King Frysoll Eache one in Court was well pleased with these tydings but aboue all other the Princesse Alderina because she had bequeathed his remembraunce to the secrete closet of her hart and as the daies so her louelie affections to him increased in respect of the great praises was eueriâ—… where bruted of him which made manie woorthy Knights to aduenture their fortune with him with whose conquest hee still gaue grace to his owne report But let vs now return to the Daâ—…osell that folowed Belcar to bee reuenged for her Bretherens death shee séeing Cardino was indifferentlie recouered tooke her leaue of him because shee intended to prosecute her 〈◊〉 It so fell out that Tirendos Sonne to the Duke Eustace who trauailed to finde his companion Belcar arriued at the same lodging where the Damâ—…sell was and noting her complaints which shée could deliuer verie artificiallie he tooke coÌ„passion on her promising to assist her in what he could Demaunding the cause of her sorrowfull lamentations she tolde him howe she had two Bretheren trayterously â—…layne by a disâ—…oyall Knight whoÌ„ her Father entertained into his Castell and she pursuing the murtherer met a courteous Knight that vndertooke to reuenge her cause yet his mis-fortune was such as hee was likewise daungerously wounded which made her gréefes the more impatiâ—…nt These flattering gloses so beguiled Tirendos as hee againe made her promise of his ayde enquiring of her where y â— wouÌ„ded Knight was My Lord quoth she he is héere in his Chamber méetelie well recouered by my pains and dilligence No sooner was Tirendos entred the Chamber but hee immediatlic knew Cardino for whose hurt he was a great deale more sorrowfull and therefore vowed to him and the Damosell if euer he met the Knight to bâ—…e reuenged on him After many courteous embracings and kind spéeches he told Cardino how Belcar and hee were bothe Knighted in one daie by the Emperour of Constantinople from whâ—…nce hâ—…e very suddaâ—…nlie and secrâ—…tlic departed and euer since haue I followed in searche of him yet in no place can I heare anie tydings of him What Armes dooth hee beare saide Cardino White as I take it aunswered Tirendos and such as are bothe rich and costlie No such Knight haue I seene quoth Cardino happilie he may be now at Macedon at the magnificent nuptialles of the Princesse Denisa Thether would I goe sayd Tirendos had I not past my promise to this Damosell nor can my minde enioye anie quiet vntill I haue sound the Knight that so wronged her and you All this night they were merie together especiallie the Damosell for Tirendos his promise because hee séemed a man of sufficient valour to accomplish her dâ—…e On the morrow they tooke their leaue of Cardino iournied toward the Isle of Carderia where they arriued as Belcar was managing his great Horse and no sooner had the Damosell espied him but she presentlie knâ—…w him by his Armour wherefore dissemâ—…ling pittifull lookes shee thus spake to Tirendos Beholde Sir the Traytour that did my Bretheren to death I thinke the heauens stayed him in this place that vengeaunce might be taken on him for the shame he hath doone me Tirendos was not a little glad heereof because he should nowe make the first tryall of his Chiualrie But Belcar who knewe him by his Armour béeing the same wherein he receiuâ—…d his order was scant well pleased with his presence because hee doubted that he was sent to finde him not withstanding he would make a little proose of him in the Ioust and therefore hee came to him with these words You may paâ—…e no further this way Sir Knight because I stand here to make denâ—…l thereof Little count shall I make aunswered Tirendos of such as thou art that trayterously murderest Gentlemen who gaúe thée welcome beyond thy deserte which I wyll cause thee buy full déerelie That would I faine sée sayde Belcar if it be in thee to make mee confesse that which I neuer thought much lesse committed Thou liest as a homicide answered Tirendos I wil make good what I haue sayd therefore get ye to your tooles Heerewith they gaue the spurres to their Horsses and met very valiantly together so that with breaking their Launces they gaue each other a little wounde Belcar loosing his â—…rrops and Tirendos cast foorth of his saddle to the ground but recouâ—…ring himselfe presentlie he came against his enemie with his Sword drawne saying Alight Sir you were beâ—… or I shall sâ—…ay your Horse That will I gladlie doo quoth Belcar but it shall bee to embrace yâ—… for I haue no will to enter Combatte wyth yeâ—… Alas Sir said Tirendos
the Knight deliuâ—…red these spéeches High and mightie Monarche of the world bâ—…hold héere the King of Culaquin Sonne to the great Turke who keeping the Seas with a stronge power to endaunger your Empire our Maister the Prince Abenunco and wee â—…ell into his â—…aunger from which â—… woorthy Knight named Palmendos by deedes of rare and hautie Chiualrie deliâ—…ered vâ—… in a time most needefull and therefore hath sent bothe vâ—… and hiâ—… to your excellencie â—…esiring that Ocurites should be safely kept till he come himselfe These sundry good turneâ—… receiued from a Knight vnknowne droue the Emperour into wonderfull admiration and for hee could not imagine whence they should proccede therefore he was the more desirous to beholâ—…e the Knight wherevppon hee committed the King into a strong Towre commaunding hee shoulde haue all thinges necessary for hys health and a Page to attende on him least he shoulde offend himselâ—…e But nowe is Abenunco by Primaleon and the other Princes brought to the Emperour who embracing him very honourably in his armes gaue him such entertainement as beseemeâ—… his estate for hee was not yet knighted he willed he should be beâ—…fellow to his Sonne Primaleon which vnited a faithfull league of amitie betweene them hoping one day to trauell as companions in Armes together Abenunco hauing likewise tolde the Emperour of his good successe and wonderfull deliueraunce by the meanes of Palmendos gaue no little contentment to Rifarano and Lecefin who imagined themselues as mnch beholding to the Prince as anie Afterward he was conducted to the Empresse Chamber where she and her Ladies graciously welcommed him but especially the Princesse Esquiuela his Sister because hee came to confirme what she most desired My Lord and Brother quoth she nothing coulde happen to my greater contentment then to haue your presence in the honour prepared for me whereto séeing our gracious parents coulde not come they haue for my sake sent you in their place and doubt not but your â—…ntertainment shall be such as shall agrée with theyr expectation and your owne woorthines Faire Sister aunswered Abenunco the Soldane our Father â—…earing what honour the Emperour intended by giâ—…ing you in mariage to the Prince Ditreus his Nephew hath sâ—…t me to thaâ—… the Emperour on his behalfe offering for this contract to articulate with his Maiestie in all such thinges 〈◊〉 with honour hee shall demaunde As for our gracious Mother Alchidiana she hath sent ye by me Iewels 〈◊〉 Treasurâ—… beséeming your degrée that on your mariage â—…y yee may witnes the royall race from whence you are discended not doubting but before you depart this Courte to make the magnificence of the Babilonian Prince so famous as thâ—… most opulent Lorde of Asia shall not compare therewith Diuers other spéeches passed betwéene the Brother the Sister till the Coffers of Treasure were brought and deliuered to the Princesse which when Ditreus behelde hâ—… iudged them to excéede the limits of all frugalitie might full well beséeme the greatest state in Christendome Now did the Emperor cause the Tourney to be openly proclaimed and the fift day following the mariage was solemnized great store of worthy Knights resorting day by day to the Court that all y â— field appointed for Tryâ—…mphes was couered ouer with Tents Among other came thether Lynedes the Lorde of Lique he that hazarded himselfe so farre in the aduenture of Francelina béeing in sooth reputed one of the most valiant men at Armes in all Greece and the renowne of thys mariage drew him from his Castell accompanied onelie with the Countie of Pelada his Cozin who albeit hee was younger then Lynedes yet was he thought little inferiour to him in Chiualrie This Countie had espoused a Ladie of great parentage and louâ—…d her with such singuler affection as hee brought her in company to sée the Ioustes at Constantinople Béeing there arriued they woulde not enter the Cittie but sette vppe their Tent far distant from all the rest and afterward sent a Squire to the Courte to publish that whosoeuer would haâ—…ard himselfe in y â— Tourney shoulde â—…nde two Knights there ready in the fielde that woulde Ioust with anie one durst enter the Lystes such therefore as were minâ—…d to make prâ—…ofe of their valour might be entertained for thrée or foure courses These spéeches béeing heard by the Duke of Pera he stept to the Squire and thus answered You may my Freende returne to your Maisters and say that such as are minded to â—…oust will not stay long ere they enter the Fielde then turning to the Knights of the Court he proceeded in this manner Doubtlesse these Knights are valiant and hardie that are lothe to she we themselues â—…othfull in any veruous exercise With this aunswer the Squire went backe to the Tent and the two Cozins béeing satis-fied there with prepared â—…rong Launces at the entraunce of their Pauilton for all such as shold come to â—…oust against them but the Countie intreted Linedes to suffer him make y e first triall of his fortune which he did in regarde of his loue to his Ladie who had causâ—…d the Tent to be so commodiously placed as shee might at pleasure beholde all the pastimes decking hâ—…rselfe in most gorgious attire and brauelie attended on by hâ—…r waighting woman to out countenance such as came against her Lorde and Husband The Emperour vnderstanding what mâ—…ssage y â— Squire had brought imagined that these two Knights were Palmendos and his Cozin Ozalio for when one thing continuallie beateth on a mans conceit hee imagineth â—…uerye thing conformable to the same Wherefore hâ—… tolde his opinion to the Prince Rifarano who could not think thâ—…m to be the Lordes of Tharsus yet to satisfie the Emperâ—…urs minde he mounted on horsebacke and accâ—…mpanied with other Knights of the Court râ—…de to the Tent where the two Cozins 〈◊〉 Saluting the Squirâ—…s hee â—…ntred finding Lynedes vnaâ—…ed but his Cozin was prouided at all pâ—…ints except his Helmet whereuppon he demaunded if they were the Knightes that sent the challenge to the Court to whom the Lord of Lique aunswered that they were thâ—…n Rifarano proceeded thus Gentlemen ye haue attempted a thing in mine opinion but little for your ease but I thinke you did it to this ende that you might meete with â—…me one to abate your pride and presuniption When that comes to passe aunswered Lynedes wee shall but accompanie manie other who vnable to effect their hautie enterprises haue remained frustrate in theyr disseignes in vaine therfore shal ye take any further care for our affaires but if you wil goe Arme your selfe return and prooue what this Knight can doo who is more destrous to fight with his Sworde then his tongue other wise you offer iniurie to the order which euery noble minde preferreth as his proper life Rifarano some what moouâ—…d wyth these words tooke his leaue and returned to the Emperor assuring him that these Knights were not Palmendos and Ozalio not withstanding
inhabited and because some incâ—…ory of hiâ—… and Francelina might be referued to fâ—…wing 〈◊〉 The Knight of the Isle feasted them â—…ery royallie and nothing was wanting that any way miâ—…ht delight them when Palmendos falling in conference with the Quéene destâ—…ed that she would accâ—…mpany her Daughter to Constantinople there to stay with her in the Emperors Courte 〈◊〉 sâ—…nt 〈◊〉 him and that she shoulâ—…â—…oreouer 〈◊〉 hiâ—… 〈◊〉 that hee hauing 〈◊〉 his voyage into 〈◊〉 would no longer conceale himselâ—…e as he had doone My â—…oble Soone quoth the Quéene I shall wyllingly performe wâ—…at ye haue appointed but I would know if you meane to take aâ—… strength witâ—… you against the Turke becaâ—…se I would sâ—…nde for 〈◊〉 to Thessâ—…lie and beside craue 〈◊〉 of the Emperour who I am sure will succour 〈◊〉 with all his legionâ—… Gracious Madame and mother answered Palmendos I wil take no other company with 〈◊〉 then I brought hetâ—…er for such busines must be doone raâ—…her by 〈◊〉 hazarde then by bringing forces intâ—… the 〈◊〉 so that were yours anâ—… all the Emperorâ—… 〈◊〉 together yet shoulde wee neuer compaâ—…e our intenâ—… that way But you shall vnderstande that I béeing on thâ—…â—…ea not long since met with the King of Culaquin â—…onne in lawe to the gâ—…eat Turke as hee coasted along Thrâ—…ce with hiâ—… Rouers and Pirats onely to 〈◊〉 the Empire â—…o farâ—…e 〈◊〉 he might yet by goâ—…d happe I 〈◊〉 hiâ—… prisoner and sent him to his Maiestie at Constantinople Iâ—…â—…appilie by secrete subtiltie I cannot preuaile I â—…hall mooue an exchaunge of these two Kings cullouring the â—…atter with manie plausible reasons in bréefe I wyll 〈◊〉 as the occurences shall best aduise me wherein I hope the diuine bountie will direct mee the best course tâ—…at I may compasse thâ—… issue of mine affectionate desire Thâ—… Quéene reioyced â—…erie much when she heard that y â— King of Cuâ—…aquin was likewise prisoner and hoping to haue her â—…usband in exchaunge for him she more dilligentlie hasteâ—…ed the departure of Palmendos the like though lothe to leaue his coÌ„panie so soone did faire Francelina not doubtting but her Lord and Husband woulde soone returne and â—…nit vp all their ioyeâ—… with the presence of the King her Father CHAP. XXIII Howe the Queeâ—…e of Thessalie and Francelina hâ—… Dâ—…ughter departing from the Isle of Carderiâ—… werâ—… accompanied on the way by Palmendos Ozalio when taking theyr leâ—…ue eâ—…ch of other the Queene and her Daughter râ—…de to the Emperours Court where they werâ—… very 〈◊〉 entertâ—…ined LOthe are 〈◊〉 Louers to part a sunder but the causes â—…ing â—…rgent â—…hey are conâ—…rained to make a vertue of neceâ—…itie wherâ—…ore taâ—…ing their leaue of the Knight of the Iâ—…e as also of all the Lordâ—… Baronâ—… that so fréendlie bare them company all this while after many amorous and ceremoniall courâ—…esses â—…companied with sighes teares and 〈◊〉 lookes and they had brought them hâ—…lfe a dayes ioâ—…ney on the waie Palmendos and Ozalio rode toward the sea-side where they had lest order that their Shippe shouldâ—… méete them The Quéene and her Daughter without any trouble to hinder their iourney arriued at the Cittie of Constantinople sendâ—…ng one of her Knightes to the Emperour to let him vnderstande the cause oâ—… her comming aâ—… also the discourse of all that had happeneâ—… The Knight discharging his duetie as he was commaunded his Mâ—…iestie requested to know his name who had so fortunatly deliuered Francelina Dreâ—…d Lord answered the Meâ—…senger hee is called Palmendos the most valiant and courteous â—…ight in all these parts of the worlde Mâ—…h good haue I heard of the man said the Emperor but commâ—…th he now in company with the Quéene No my Lorde replied the Knight because the future deliueraunce of our King hath procured his iourney into Turkie Then the Emperor coÌ„maunded Primaleon and his Sarons to goe accumpanie the Queene and her Daughter to the Court which they with all diligence performed for that the fame renowne spred of her thorow all those regions enereased their deâ—…re to behold her Arnedes like wise would haue gone with them but that as yet he was not perfectlie recouered and beside hee wexed dailie verie melanchollie séeing the Embassadours of Fraunce staied so long nor coulde he heare anie tyding of his Cozin Recindâ—… The Queene of Thessalie and her Ladies came attired in mourning blacke expressing her sorow for the King her Husband but Francelina like glorious Cynthia in her cheefest pride clothed as you haue heard in most statelie ornaments drew euery eye to admire her beautie Primaleon hauing saluted y â— Nueene gaue her place and rode with the Princesse her Daughter when caried awaie in conceit with her surpassing feature he entred into these spéeches Mâ—… thinkes Madame the Fairies were ouermuch iniurious to locke vppe in prison such admirable beautie in that anie gentle hart beholding you would the sooner aduenture for the King your father hauing such a gracious reward set downe for his trauaile wherefore Palmendos hath good occasion to boast if Fortune permitte him to deliuer the King of Thessalie And I quoth Francelina account my happines nothing inferiour gaining thereby the most valiant and debenaire Knight that euer enterprised actions of Chiualrie which makes mée estéeme the Fairies wise and discréet by enclosing me in the enchaunted Castell for verie few wold haue thrust their liues in perrill hauing once seene me where contrariwise to get honor by the aduenture they made proofe of that whâ—…ch was onely destenied sor Palmendos hee beeing the man that iusâ—…ly may be called the flower of Knighâ—…es In this matter I will not coâ—…tende with yee aunswered Primaleon for the vertues and graces of your beloued is such as no man may woorthilie bee compared with hâ—…m wherefore you haue good reason to affect him and he likewise is bounde to constant permanencie if your diuine lookes haue peirced his hart as they ought The Emperour and the Empresse with Philocrista and their other daughters came to the Pallace gate to welcom y â— Quéen when thee and her Daughter alighting from their Palfraies with humble reuerence saluted his Maiestie who with his Empresse honourably entertained them conducting them into the great Hall where the Quéene began in this manner Most mightie and inuincible Monarche Palmendos the onelie Iewell of knight-hoode by vs kisseth the hande of your imperiall Maiestie hauing sent yee this young Princesse to be kept vnder your protection till he returne from Turkie with my espoused Lord the King of Thessalie if Fortune graunt his deliueraunce from the cruell Infâ—…dels for which I continue in hourely deuotion as wel for the great desire I haue to see the King my Husband as also to sée the Knights spéedie returne who onely dedicateth his trauailes to your highnes seruice With these wordes she deliuered her Daughter to his Maiestie and the Emperour receiuing her very graciously shewed himselfe excéeding ioyfull for their arriuall desiring
them to vse his Court as their owne and to be as frollike there as if they were in Thessalie Beside hee prayed God so to direct Palmendos in his atâ—…pt as hee might deliuer the King her Husband from captiuitie withal that iâ—… he had requested assistaunce in the cause he shoulde haue had his Maiesties power at commaund then taking Francelina by the hand he said To you Daughter Philocrista I committe the henourable charge of this young Prinâ—…sse vntill such time her Knight be returned My Lorde answered Philocrista I shall right willinglic fulfill your commaundement bee ing no lesse glad of such a companion then to haue y â— Ladie present with me for whom such rare déedes of Chiuâ—…lrie haue béene performed The Empresse fooke the Quéen by the hande and Philocrista her charge Francelina they all sitting downe vnder a sumptuous Canapie where the Knights regarding them especially the Emprcsse and the two Princesses imagined a second iudgâ—…ment for the Apple of beautie And admit we Arnedes for y â— gentle shéepeheard Paris yet hee imagined his Philocrista to bee most perfect although Francelina was very farre beyonde her al the Knights concluding that thâ—… had neuer séene more choyse beautie excâ—…pt the Empresâ—… when shee was in the flower of her youth But Philocrista neuer attained her Mothers perfections albeit shee had two Sisters named Flcrida and Bazilia which by the Author of Palmerin are named Belisa and Melicia that came verie neere her in resemblaunce especiallie Flerida of whcm we shall haue occasion to speake heereafter when wee câ—…me to the noble Prince Edward of England The Emperour intrcated Francelina to tell him if she coulde of whence Palmendos was where to the Princesse modestlie thus aunswered Dreade Lorde I can reueale no further of him then that hee is commaunder of a Kingdome diuers other Signories of great estate what els I knowe of him I am to be excused till his comming when himselfe will manifest his Countrey and originall not his valour courtesie sor that is blazed through moste partes of the world For this discreâ—…t aunswâ—…re shee was greatly commended by the Emperour who noting her comelic gestures and behauiour estéâ—…med her discréete and well aduised and seeing the Ring on her finger that Palmeâ—…dos gaue her he thought it very much resembled hys owne Ring which the Queene of Tharsus gaue him at his beyarture Now coulde hee not containe himselfe but demaunds of her of whom she had that costly Iewell so like one that he held in great estimation She aunswered that Palmendos gaue it her after her deliueraâ—…nce froÌ„ the Isle of Carderia wherat his Maiestie greatlie meruailing imagined this Knight to be the Quéene of Tharsus Son Now was he much more desirous to sée him then before remeÌ„bring what kindnes shee shewed him in the Realme of Pasmeria then causing his owne Ring to bée brought and compared with that the Princesse wore they were founde in euery point so like and conformable as hardly could the one bee knowne from the other Indéede they were made both by one workman and magicallie charmed like in resemblaunce as the perfect signall to discouer the originall of Palmendos which made the Emperour conceiue some suspition that this vnknowne Knight shoulde be his Son especiallie when he called the Quéenes darke speeches to memorie which she vsed after her acquaintance with him Yet woulde he not reueale this doubt to anie one but past it ouer with fresh welcomming the Queene her daughter and deliuering in spéeches that hee was glad Belcar kept not the Bridge when it was PaÌ„lmendos fortune to arriue there yet was hee sorrie for Tirendos mishap albeit he commended the courtesie of the Conquerer in exacting no further on the Prince of Mecâ—…na But leaue we Palmendos and Ozalio trauailing toward Turkie and speake a little of Recinde the Castilian Prince beeing one of them that followed in his search CHAP. XXIIII Howe Recinde pursuing the search of Palmendos reskewed a Merchaunt from fiue Theeues whom he dyscomfited on the mountayne And how by the meanes of an Archer that bent his bowe against him hee came to the mouth of a deepe Caue where hee kylled a Lyon that kept it and deliuered thence a Lady which was enchaunted into the shape of a Serpenâ—… REcinde leauing Constantinople for the same cause as the other Knights did happened to the same place where Palmendos lodged the night before demanding of his Hoste 〈◊〉 he had séene anie such man who made this answer Uerilie the same man that had the honour of y â— Tourney was my gueste this last night and neuer did I sée a more courteous Gentleman which makes me hope he wil ende the aduenture of Francelina whether he is gone as he tolde me he woulde With these words the Spanyard waâ—… well contented minding to follow him to the Isle of Carderia and ryding by the way he heard a verie lamentable cry which caused him to looke about when he espied one hanging on a Trée by y e armes and fiue villaines harde by making a fire to dresse some foode they had killed on the Mountaine Comming to the man that hunge in this wâ—…full plight he cut him downe and vnderstâ—…nding that these villaines had râ—…bd so misused him caused the Merchaunt to take his weapon and so they setting vpon the Thâ—…ues sâ—…ew three of thâ—…m dryuing the other to flight by which meanes the Merchaunt had most of his treasure againe for which hee thanked the Prince and mounting on horsebacke accâ—…mpanied him on the waie Not farre had they gone but they met a Knight vnarmed of huge constitution and euill fauoured hauing a 〈◊〉 Bowe in his hand and a Quiuer hanging by his â—…e full of Arrowes of whâ—…m they desirâ—…d to knowe which way they should get foorth of the Forrest The discourteous Knight without making any answer let flye an Arrow 〈◊〉 them wherewith hee killed the Prince Recindes horse â—…e beeing not a little mooued at this mishap grewe into great choller against him who made no longer staye but ranne from them so fast as hee could Recinde and the Merchaunt still pursued till hauing lost the sight of him and meruailing where he should be hidden at length they founde the mouth of a very dark Cauâ—… which they suspected the Knight had taken for refuge whereuppâ—…n the Prince intreated the Merchaunt to staie there without because hee intended to searâ—…h the Caue and be reuenged on the Knight that had so wronged him Not farre had he gone vnder the earth but hee hearde a pittifull voyce crying for helpe which caused him to returne backe againe when at the entraunce of the Uaute he bâ—…helde a mightie Lyon which came foorth with the Knight and ran â—…ppon the Prince 〈◊〉 furiouâ—…e but he who could not â—…ee frighted with matters of greater moment so valiantlie defended himselfe against the Beast as in short time hee layde him dead at his footâ—… New ranne the Knight backe
noâ—… to prolong so good an occaâ—…on but to morrow you shall recâ—…iue the holy charracter of Christianitie and be likewise aâ—…iaunced to your Lady Francelina for reason requireth herein to hasten your right séeing for her you haue endured such daungerous trauailes and forsaken a Realme of so great estate the riches and fertility whereof I am wel acquainted withall The King and Quéene of Thessalie were not a little glad when they heard that Palmendos was heire to a kingdome but much more was their 〈◊〉 vnderstanding his original whereof the Emperor would not as yet make further inquirie till he were better assured of the certaintie and good occasion falling out so wel as the Empresse her Ladies and euerye one departing to their Chambers leauing the Emperor and Palmendos secretly conferring together of matters concerning the I le Delphâ—…s and such like but at length his Maiestie opened his minde saying that he imagined him to be his Sonne wherefore he was desirous to be therein resolued In respect my good Lord answered Palmendos that truth must and will come foorth at length know then mighty Prince and my gracious father that in the Realme of Pasmeria you begot me your Sonne the night before you departed from the Quéene my mother for shee being aduertised of â—…our rare perfections became impacient in her amorous affections and compassed the meane of your acquaintance by a charmed drinke prouided for that purpose And heere beholde the effect of this action my selfe your humble son and obedient seruant yet did my mother giue mee a further testimonie hereof hauing her selfe giuen you the like at your departure but Francâ—…lina hath the same nowe in possession for to her I tooke it after her deliuerance And â—…uermore she concealed this matter from me till miraculouâ—…ly I was enfourmed both thereof and as concerning Francelina because she feared I would forsake my Countrey to come and sâ—…rue in your highnes Court. As concerâ—…ing my behauiour since that time some what I am sure hath happened to your hearing yet of such small and slender 〈◊〉 as they neither beséemed this place or your person The Emperour rauished with conceit of this report knew not which way best to signifie his ioy for considering the straunge course of the action paâ—… and what the successe thereof now prooued his spirites were carried away with woonderfull imaginations Ah my noble Sonne Palmendos quoth he full well 〈◊〉 I assured of what thou hast said although nature hath shaped thée not much vnlike me giuen thée such â—…eroycall courage as I had in my younger daies and albeit the Empresse may well be offended with me when shee shall be thus thorowly resolued yet is her wisedoome and modestie such as she will not mislike what I allow With these wordes the Emperour tooke him by the hand going with him presently to the Empresse Chamber and after his Maiestie had kindly kissed her hee entered into these spéeches I know well Madame that héertofore you haue held good opinion of my loyaltie and that I euer loued you entirely as your selfe could desire no better proofe thereof but the cause why I vse these wordes at this instant is a little scruple that long since entered my minde and I fear wil offend yee when the same is knowen Yet least further doubtes should trouble your thoughtes I protest before him who is the only searcher of hearts and I sweare by all the diuine assistaunts about his tribunall that neuer with my will and knowledge did I contaminate our wedlocke-bedde much lesse haue I infringed the lawes of mariage or polluted the inuiolable faith I solemnely gaue yée Notwithstanding such hath béen my former fortune that another woman beside your selfe by charmes obtayned what was your right then must you not Madame be so seuere and rigorous as not to pardon mee séeing I haue voluntarily confessed mine offence beside the fault not procéeding from me deliuers my cause to be more innocent Remember then Madame what sometime you tolde me concerning the Quéene of Tharsus your dreame I perceiue was 〈◊〉 altogether in vaine in that shee had suche knowledge of mee by meanes o an enchaunted drinke I receiued vnawares as engendered Palmendos this gentle Knight My Lord answered the Empresse with a smyling countenance at the first time I beheld Palmendos I was perswaded what you haue tolde me so liuely doth he resemble ye in countenance and personage wherefore I not onely pardon ye being ignoraunt of begetting such an excellent and perfect creature but thanke heauen that you â—…ere the father to a Son so famous As for Palmendos be shal now accept me as his mother I wil loue him no lesse then mine owne Sonne Primaleon With sundrie other spéeches were these ioyes confirmed and Palmendos right louingly imbraced by the Empresse at length Primalcon came and hee being thoroughly acquainted with the matter tooke the Prince in his armes thus speaking Hath the mighty gouernour of the heauens appointed that the onely flower of chiualrie should bee my brother wherein can I more honour that supercxcelling bountye then confirming my thanks to him by kindnes to the worthy copartner of my vitall bloode drawen from the selfe same source where I receiued my originall Assure your selfâ—… the refore my most noble brother that Primaleon is vowed to imitate your rare fortunâ—…s trâ—…ding the selfe same 〈◊〉 you haue doone to 〈◊〉 the name of our renowmed father continuing in the meane time so readie at your commaund as hee that honoreth you with most zealous affection Might I enter the boldnes answered Palmendos as to title you by the name of my brother the second step of my desires were attained and thogh I dare not strâ—…e to coequall my self with you in kindnâ—…s yet wil I oâ—…er pace ye in dutie affection continuing the seruant of Primaleons welfare while the starre of my birthday vouchsafeth mee breathing Here is occasion offered mee of large discourse concerning the seuerall salutations of the courtly personages so soon as these news happened in their ears how the Lords and knightes came to gratulate this newcome sonne and the Ladies likewise striuing to excel them in curtesie but it were needlesse labour considering the King and Quéen of Thessalie concerne this present occasion and with their daughters ioy vnite them altogeather preparing for the religious obseruations to bee vsed on the morrowe at the christning of Palmendos On the morrow the Emperour and all his Barrons mounted on horsebacke the like doth the Empresse withal her Ladies and in most honourable manner they ride to this solemnitie so passing in this pompe through the Citie they allighted at the Church of S. Sophie where Palmendos was religiously baptized and afterward affianced to Francelina by the reuerend Archbishop she béeing attired in as sumptuous ornaments as when Andromachye was espoused to the valiant Hector of Troy or Cleopatra Quéene of Aegipt when shee contended in magnificence with Marke Anthonie the Triuâ—…uirate her husband drinking one of the pearles that hung at her eares estéemed woorth two hundred and fiftie thousand crownes For euen as the Carbuncle the most rich and precious of all the Orientall stones dooth in the darke giue such a cléere and illustrious splendour as not onely illuminateth all the place but also setteth the regarders eies â—…o woonder thereat of no lesse vertue séemed Francelina in the Temple as the onely and perfect Phenix of her time In like pompe and royaltie they returned to the Pallace there beeing such a sumptuous feast prepared as beséemed the time of so general reioycing where wanted no honorable dâ—…uises to accompany the same And during the time of this is their honorable whole pleasure héere thinke I good to pause a little while you consider on the discourses passed and I haue moreleasure to perfect the rest of this Historie NExt Gentlemen followeth the historie of 〈◊〉 wherin what you see waÌ„ting here is perfectly finished both Palmendos mariage Ozalios loue to Marencida Rifaranoes fortunes Recinde his returne to Conâ—…tantinople But this I must tel you with al that now Primaleon beginneth his chiualrie the famous Prince Edward of England the course of his â—…duentures which are briefly touched in my book of Palmerin of Egnland who was his Son what woonderfull stratagems both he and Primaleon performed together attend till the next tearme and you shal be resolued And to accompany this discourse I hope to send ye the first booke of Amadis of Fraunce that when ye are wery of the one you may delight your selfe with the other so wishinâ—… ye no woâ—…se then to my selfe I end Yourâ—… to his poore power Anthony Monday Honos alit Artes.
am offended that thou didst promise Bruquell to acquaint mée with thâ—…se newes â—…ut séeing what hath happened cannot be preuented thou shalt then goe to Arnedes and tell him from me that I meruaile he would thrust himselfe into so manie perrils for which I account my selfe beholding to him and promise in requitall of his hard sufferings to accept of him as my loyall Husband if my gracious parents will so permit it with this condition that hee aduenture not the least spéeches hereof to me but hold himselfe suffised by knowing my will héerein And that I may bee assured of the vehement affection he beareth me desire him to feede on this aunswere as on the most soueraigne Balme or perfect Cataplasme that may soonest of all consolidate his woundes so hastening his cure and conualescence that if it may be he honour me with his presence to morowe After Philocrista had instructed Amenada in her Embassade she tooke Melicia aside to whom because they loued eche other with sincere 〈◊〉 Philocrista discouered this amorous intent and Uerbatim reported what the Dwarffe had tolde to her which discourse well contented Melicia cheefely when she heard that her Knight Recinde was of the royall blood of Castile By this time is Amenada come to the French Prince and hath deliuered the message from Philocrista wherwith he was so chéerfully animated as soone after he determined to forsake his bed but before the Dwarffe returned againe he desired her to conuay a French dittie to her Mistresse which for her sake he deuised that morning and withal to intreate the Maister of the Emperours Chappell to order it in partes after the arte of Muâ—…que the dittie was thus The finest Gold is by the touch discernd The Adamant the sturdie yron drawes The proofe heereof in loâ—…e may well be learnâ—… For by these twaine I shape a louers cause You Madame framed of the finest Golde Upon the touchstone of my hart is tryde And I composed of the yron molde Followe the vertues that in you abide Then sith the touch telles if the Gold be pure And rugged yron shewes the vertuous stone Take touch and yron both into your cure For Madame they belong to you alone After that Amenada had receiued this Dittie she saide to the Prince that shee coulde not tell howe her Mistresse would like of her bringing her such a presumptuous message yet if she were displeased therewith she woulde disguise euery thing so well as eache of them in the ende should receiue contentment So returning to y â— Princesse Philocrista she tolde in what eâ—…treamitie the Prince was for her loue and to mittigate his passions had framed that dittie which when she had read and well noted shee accounted her conquest greater then if shâ—… were possessed of all Asia Sundry times did the Empresse and her Dâ—…ghters visite the French Prince to the vnspeakeable contentment of the secrete Louers who awaited nothing but the comming of the French Embassadours for the confirmation of their long desired hope but let vs leaue them a while and come to Rifarano who is all this while in thâ—… searche of Palmendos CHAP. XIX Hoâ—… â—…ifarano beeing in the search of Palmendos â—…ette â—…th a Dwarffe traâ—…ailing toward the Emperour to complayne on the â—…rong a Knight had doone him and howâ—… to reuenge the Dwarffe and gratifye the Emperor heerein Rifarano went to combat with the Knight before hys Castell SIxe dayes together rode Rifarano after his departure frâ—…m Constantinople without hearing anie tydings of the Knight he sought for and nowe in the euening hée mette a Dwarffe on horsebacke accompanied wyth foure Squires oâ—… whom hee enquired likewise as concerning the Knight In sooth quoth the Dwarffe I saw not any such but tell me I pray yee from whence you nowe come From the Court of the Emperor Palmerin â—…unswered Rifarano Howe happy then am I sayd the Dwarâ—…fe to meete you here because I haue euermore heard that thence commeth manie good and vertuous Knightes wherefore I shall pray in respecte of the good I wishe to so benigne a Prince that you may soone finde the man you looke for and likewise that his Maiestie may pittie my cause in 〈◊〉 mee on a Knight that hath shamefullie oâ—…t-raged mee I giuing him no caâ—…se of offence in the world With these words he gaue a meruailous sigth whereuppon Rifarano desiring 〈◊〉 vnâ—…stande the cause the Dwarsfe thus begaâ—… Knâ—…we gentlâ—… Knight that albeit God hath fashioned me as ye sée yet did hee beâ—…tow on me riches possessions and among other thinges I haue a strong Castell not farre hence there fel I in louâ—… with a beautifull Damosell Daughter to a Gentleman my neere neighbour with whome I dealt in such sorte aâ—… soone after I enioyed her in mariage Liuing afterwarde in all prosperous felicitie wee walked abroade to recreatâ—… our selues in a pleasant field neer adioyning to my housewhere this proud and discourteous Knight who long laboured to haue my Wife in mariage and by reason of his euill conditions could not obtayne her came accompanied with two of his Kinsemen as badde disposed men as him selfe and there tooke my Wife perforce from me carying her to a Castell of his two dayes iourney hence where he kéâ—…peth her vnder strong guarde and hath sent me worde by one of his Squires that if I complayne heâ—…re of to aniâ—… liuing creature he will come kill me with his owne 〈◊〉 in my Castell Yet being vnable to endure this villainoâ—… oppression I am going to tell my cause to the Emperour Palmerin who I hope will speedilie doo me iustice herein beeâ—…ng a Prince thereto greatlie addicted as I haue heard report Rifarano meruailing at this horrible iniurie sayde to the Dwarffe Shewe me the Castell where the Knight abideth for I doubt not but to do so much in the right of thy cause as he shall yéelde recompence for this faulte feare heereafter to offer any one the like without any further troubling the Emperour heerein The Dwarffe accepting this frâ—…ndlie offer that night lodged Rifarano at hys Castell where hee was excéeding well entertained and â—…n the morrow taking sixe Squires with them râ—…de to the Knights Castelâ—… where espying one vpon the walles Rifarano demaunded if his Lorde were within Mary is he answered â—…he Squire on the walles hee is nâ—…we sporting himselfe with that tall â—…llowes loue but I am sorie that you would be so badlie councelled quoth he to Rifarano as to come ende your life in this place Be not thou so careful â—…or me aunswered Rifarano but goe lette thy Maiâ—…ter vnâ—…erstand that I woulde speake two or three wordes wyth hiâ—… â—…n matters that greatlie concerne his honour The Squire went presentlie to his Maister who hearing that the Dwarâ—…e had brought a Knight with him tooke the Gentle woman by the hande and brought her with him to a windowe where opening the Casements y â— they might see her said Knight that didst call me hether say boldly
what thou canst for I wel perceiâ—…e thou coâ—…nest to seeke thine own ruine And there didst thou finde thy dishonor aunswered Rifarano when by force and treason thou abusedst thys Gentleman who neuer gaue thee any cause of offence wherefore restore his Wife whome thou vniustlie detaynest or if reason may not thereto perswade thee come downe and enter the Combat with me and I shall let thée know the price of thy villainie I had not thought replyed the Knight of the Castell that thy indiscretion had beene so great as to thinke I would win a thing so hardlie and deliuer it from me so lightlie nor shall the paragon of my hart bee in the custodie againe of so base an excrement of nature then spake he to the Dwarffe in this manner Thou wretched and ridiculous creature commest thou likewise to make one in the Tragedie begin with thyne owne hand thou wert best or I shall plague thee with extreame torments So tooke he the Gentlewoman in hys armes and oftentimes laciuiously kissed her shee stryuing in teares to hinder his embracings wherefore hee sayde Good Madame seeke no occasion whereby to offende your selfe for yee shall sée me plucke downe the brauery of this Knight and make y e Monster your husbande safe froÌ„ troubling you anie more Tush these are but wordes quoth Rifarano let me sée thee come Armed into the fielde then shall I liue in hope of some déeds And if y u wilt haue me imagine thee couragious bring down the Ladie with thee that the Conquerer may carrie her whether him pleaseth I am content answered the Knight because thou shalt see howe little I esteeme thy threatning and soone shall all controuersies be ended betweene thee and me that heereafter may arise on this occasion Quickly had he Armed himselfe and came foorth leading the Lady in his hande which when the Dwarffe saw he durst not tary but gotte him a bowe shoote further off So fell the Knight and Rifarano to the Combat which continued long time doubtfull on eyther side but at length Rifarano had the vpperhand of his enemie because he had giuen him many cruell woundes on his bodie When the Squires of the Castell sawe their Maister ouercome they woulde forcibly haue caryed the Ladie into the Castell again but Rifarano aduertised thereof by her cry made them forsake her runne hastilie into the Castell then taking her by the hand sayd Come with me Ladie and I shall deliuer ye to your Husbande that loues yee loyallie as you may be perswaded by this I haue doone at his earnest intreatie Many humble thankes she requited him withal seeing her selfe frée from her iniurious enemie and the Dwarffe séeing this fortunate successe came and humbled himselfe at the Conquerers feete embracing his Wife in aboundaunce of ioy being neither of them able to expresse theyr contentation for that teares and inward motions of comfort had depriued them of speech Afterward the Knight had recouered himselfe againe and came stealing on Rifarano thinking to murder him but the Dwarffe espying him cryed out whereupâ—…n the Prince returned and getting him once more into subiection with his Sworde smote hys heade from his Shoulders The Dwarffe not a little ioyfull for this victorie desired the Prince that he would accompany him to his Castell because that trayterous Knight had a Brother and two Cozins who hearing of his death wold presently pursue them Whereto Rifarano courteously condiscended and mounting the Gentlewoman behind her Husbande they iourneyed thence with all spéede possible But ere they could recouer the place where they wold be they were pursued by the Knights Brother and his two Cozins When the Dwarffe and his Wife nowe verilie thought to die notwithstanding such was the braue behauiour of Rifarano that one after another they syedde as the Knight of the Castell had doone and so without any more â—…nterruption they gotte hâ—…me to their Castel where they feasted the Prince very sumptuously On 〈◊〉 morâ—…w he departed thence continuing his trauayle after Palmendos and by the way he succoured a distressed Countesse against a cruell Brother in Lawe of hers namâ—…d Diole who sought forcibly to depryue her of her possessions but by the rare Chiualrie of Rifarano hee lost hiâ—… life in that bad attempt And here wyth the Countesse we will leaue Risarano because wee haue too long forgotten our cheefe Knight Palmendos CHAP. XX. Howe Palmendos arriued in the Isle of Carderia where first he vanquished Tyrendos in the Ioust and next the Knight that guarded the passage of the Bridge and also dyuers other that assayled him at the thyrde Tower and howe he came to the Gardengate where Francelina was NOt long since you vnderstoode how after Palmendos had vanquished Arnedes hee followed his way with long desire to see Carderia wherfore omitting all occasions that might hinder his voyage he determined to make no stay till he came to the Isle and very soone after it was his chaunce to arriue there wheÌ„ he implored the helpe of heauen in fynishing this aduenture and as a sacrifice after victorie he promised to offer his soule to the holy caracter of Christianitie and to be baptized so soone as he could At this time Belcar kept not the passage of the Bridge because he was departed certaine dates before to visite the King and Queene at Macedon for they hearing of his wonderfull deedes of Armes in defending that Bridge fent for him to the Courte by an expresse messenger And truelie he woulde not haue gone so resolute was he in his enterprise but that the Princesse Alderina secreatly commaunded him by a Letter written with her owne hande she hauing discouered the trueth of all to the Quéene Griana intreating her by some meanes to continue the Duke her Father there till that Belcar came from the Isle of Carderia The Quéene liked heereof excéeding well and knowing her Nephewe could not ioyne in more honourable mariage then with the chaste and vertuous Ladie Alderina she conferred with the Duke and Duchesse of Pontus who likewise were glad of so noble alliaunce For this cause the Quéene sent one of her Gentlemen to Belcar accompanied with Alderinaes Page who closely deliuered y â— Prinâ—… the Letter the substaunce whereof followeth thus the beholders were greatly amazed for that since the departure of Belcar he had pâ—…uailed against many a Knight Among the rest the Queenâ—… of Thessalie Mother to Francelina who was come thether â—…lue or â—…xe dayes before because the laâ—…t of the three Fayrâ—…es that caused y â— enchauntment in the Fortresse foreseeing shee coulde not liue long haâ—…tened the comminâ—… of Palâ—…dos as you haue hearâ—… 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 word to the Queene that soonâ—…â—…ter her 〈◊〉 she 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her deâ—…res 〈◊〉 The death of the Enchauntresse was no sooner known to the good Queene who had an extreame affection to 〈◊〉 her Daughter free from the Magicall coniurations that 〈◊〉 the King her Husbande 〈◊〉 be deliuered frâ—…m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉