Laurana to see her friend caused them to break off and walke out to him who had quicklie mist Parismus and beganne earnestly to enquire for him in which time of his absence hee had sought in most places of the Castle but still mist the darke passage wherein hee was entred which draue him into a carefull woonder what should bée become of him Wherwith he began greatly to feare that he was by som treachery endangered but suddenly in the midst of this perplexity hée espied him with Laurana coming towards him which sight exceedingly reioyced his heart with an vnexplicable ioy When comming to Laurana hee reuerenced her with all humilitie and shee most kindely saluted him yeelding him many hearty thankes for his honourable Loue and kindenesse showne in the manifold paines hee had taken for her behoofe Likewise speaking to Adonius shee greatly commended and kindely thankt him for his diligent seruice to Parismus promising to reward him with all kindenesse So with exceedinâ—… ioy on al sides they spent the rest of that day in pleasant communications hauing all things necessarie readily prouided by Tellamor and diligently ministred by such prisoners as had receyued theyr libertie who had now so well refresht themselues with wholesome meates that they were of sufficient strength both for theyr owne defence and the safety of those that had set them at libertie whom they exceedingly tendred Parismus presently sent a messenger to Barzillus to certifie him of theyr happy successe who leauing the custodie of the Passage to his trustiest Souldiours came to be partaker with them in theyr reioycings But not withstanding when all thought there was no more cause of sadnesse theyr quiet and pleasures were darkned by the heauie countenance of Laurana who could not forget the death of her yong sonne Parismenos but still was purposed to conceale the same from Parismus which made them greatly to maruell And vppon a day when Pollipus by the intreatie of Parismus hadde rehearsed the whole discourse of all theyr Aduentures in the Desolate Iland and the occasion of theyr arriuall in that place Laurana with these sad remembrances was put in minde déepely to compare her owne miseries with theirs and found them to be greater for that they were all in safety but shee missed her young Sonne who was vntimely lost which strooke such a sadnesse into all her Sences that suddainely shee burst into aboundance of teares Which draue them all into an admiration that Adonius and Leda seeing her teares could not refraine from partaking with her in that sadnesse but as the custome of Women is wept for company Parismus maruelling what was the cause of her sorrowe and desirous to knowe the same for that his heart therewith was excéedingly tormented most earnestly intreated her to vnfolde the cause of her griefe that he might iâ—… it were possible comfort her therein Laurana beeing vnwilling in the least degrée to shewe her selfe vndutifull to his will began to declare the manner of her bringing to that place by the Pyrates after they had betrayed him on the coast of the Desolate Iland as also the kindnesse she had found at Andramarts handes and how that from time to time he had vsed her in most honourable sort But my Lorde quoth shee Andramart had a Sister named Adamasia who many times vrged mée to yeelde to Loue her Brother Which when shee could effect by no perswasions First shee imprisoned my Seruant Leda next shee withhelde from mee the cause of this my sadnesse my young Sonne that was borne in this vnluckie place whome I caused to be named Parismenos and with cruell torment afflicted my bodie and daylie caused two Olde-Women to whippe me in most cruell sort which I was contented to endure But when shee sawe that all this would not preuaile she caused the Nurse that kept Parismenos to come vnto mee with a Message in this sort That vnlesse I would in euery respect fulfill her demaunde â—…hée would before my face strangle that tender Babe And being about that cruell déede I intreated her to referre his punishment and vnnaturall Doome vntill the nexte day since which time I neuer saw my tender Babe nor is hée or his Nurse any where to be founde and afterwardes againe shee centinued her former manner of crueltie Nowe Andramart all this while by perswasions of his Sister absented himselfe from mée for that shée had promised him to obtaine my consent to his request nothing misdoubting the crueltie shée daylie vsed to mee But at length séeing his sute still frustrated and finding as well by mine owne report as by other manifest prooses her treacherie and my miserie hee would with his Sworde haue slaine her but shée running away to auoyde his rigour burst her necke downe a payre of stayres The two Olde-Women hée likewise slue with his owne hands my Seruants he sent vnto mee and euer after againe vsed me in most kinde and good sorte And the very day when you entered in fight in this Court he caused mee to be lodged in the place where you found mée The greatest cause of this my sadnesse is the losse of my young Sonne whose death was vntimely and whose presence would haue expelled such sadde thoughts as haue possessed my minde and disquieted the happie content I should receiue by your honourable presence Parismus hauing heard the summe of her Tragicall report could not chuse but grieue especially to think of the miserie she had indured and the death of his young Sonne whom he had neuer seene that what with his and Lauranaes sadnes all the whole company were growne into heauinesse But with the comfortable perswasions of pollipus the remembrance of these griefs were somwhat mittigated Many dayes after they stayd in this Castle in good and quiet estate vntill the longing desire Parismus had to returne into Thessalie caused him to make prouision for his Departure Tellamor hauing knowledge thereof desired that hée would vouchsafe hée might attend on him in his Trauells for that himselfe was of Salmatia who trauelling in the searche of a Sister that hee had lost was taken by those Pyrates rehearsing the whole trueth thereof whereby Parismus knewe him to bee brother vnto the Damosell in whose rescue Osiris was wounded as hath beene before declared which caused him make greater account of him then before he had done and enter into a deepe insight of his former courteous behauiour and with all the best kindenesse he could yeelded him thankes for the great Friendship hee had showen him and his friend Pollipus since theyr arriuall telling him that hee néeded not make any further search for his Sister for that shée was in the Court of Thessalie in good health repeating the whole circumstance of the Fauours hee had found aâ—… her handes and the manner how shee was taken by the Outlawes Which newes much gladded Tellamors heart as also that hée had liued to be so happie as to be esteemed oâ—… so worthie a Knight as Parismus was that hauing
Gyant and with long striuing and strugling at last ouerthrew him against the rayles of the bridge which being roâ—…ten and not able to vpholde his weightie carkasse falling with such force burst and he fell downe into the chanell That done this noble knight nimbly catching vp his sword pursued other of Brandamors seruants who fledde into the Castle intending to shutte them out but hee being warie to preuent such a mischiefe slew the hindermost euen as he was entring the gate that his dead body fell so right therein that the other were thereby disapointed and hee by that meanes got in which they perceiuing were so terrified with feare of him that euery one of them fledde and hid themselues from his sight In which time Madera and her two maydes seeing Brandamors ouerthrow and all his seruants fledde came to her Sonne who of all the three was neerest death to whom she gaue breath by pulling off his helmet Her damzels likewise came to Parismus whose beuer they lift vp and withall gaue him fresh ayre afterwards pulling off his helmet hee came to himselfe againe being fallen into that traunce by extreame heat want of breath and effusion of blood but by the Damzells indeauours was pretily recouered and remembring himselfe lookt earnestly about for the Knight that came in such prosperous time to his â—…scue and neither séeing him nor the Gyant he matnelled what was become of him that raysing himselfe vp he went with Tellamor towards the Castle gate where he found that most valiant Knight breathing himself whom Parismus embraced in his armes saying Most noble and couragious Knight whose prowesse hath redeemed our liues and destroyed our enemies what prayses may I giue to your victory with what thanks may I gratulate your courtesie towards vs that onely by your happy arriuall and high Chiualrie haue béene shielded from the tyranny of that cruell homicide and cut him off from executing any more of his treacherie If euer it may lye in my power you shall both command me to requiâ—… your kindnesse and binde me to you in all the vndissoluable bonds oâ—… true friendship This Knight thus replyed I count my vndeseruing valour vnworthy the least estimation much lesse to deserue such thanks at your hands who before my comming had so weakned my enemies that it was an easie taske for me to accomplish his ouerthrow but if it were in my power to performe any such déede as you ascribe to me I would most willingly doe my best to pleasure you who attribute that commendation to me that by all right belongeth to your selfe I thanke you most heartily quoth Parismus hereafter trusting to be both better acquainted with you and of better abilitie to requite your kindnesse by this time Madera had brought Panuamus to his sences who was entred the Castle being supported by his mothers two Damzels for of himselfe he was not able to stand Parismus demaunded of Tellamor if hee knew him My Lord replyed Tellamor this Knight is sonne to this auncient Lady whome came hither with mee and the valiant Barzillus to redeeme her that this day was Prisoner in this Castle and by vs released as I will declare to your Honour hereafter In whose Castle scituate not farre hence remaines Violetta in good estate and kindly vsed And may it be quoth Parismus that Violetta is yet liuing and in safetie what ioy will that bee to Pollipus if hee might come to knowledge thereof who no doubt is trauelled farre hence in her search Not so my Lord replyed Tellamor Pollipus hath knowledge of her being there who is Prisoner within this Castle and to day was in good health Then quoth Parismus what further cause haue we of sadnesse but onely for the death of Barzillus whom I was euery way beholding vnto which we must ouerpasse with forced patience and let vs séeke out Pollipus who I know will reioyce to meete vs here then turning to Panuamus he most louingly embraced him the like he did to Madera and taking the Knight whom vnknowne by the hand he desired his company to search for Pollipus and the Lady Venola whose imprisonment was the cause of both their arriuals there who willingly went with him before their departure making fast the gate that none could enter or goe out As they entred into the Hall there were diuers of the Gyants Seruants who willingly submitted themselues to their mercies Parismus told them if they meant faithfully he would no way offend them which they assured him by many protestations Then quoth he one of you direct vs to the place where the Lady Venola remayneth but they made answere We dare not come thither for there is with her a Knight that hath slayne fiue of our fellowes who likewise will vse vs no better if we come within his reach Well quoth Perismus come I will be your warrant CHAP. XI How Parismus met with Pollipus and the Lady Uenola and of the ioy was made but especially for the Knight of Fames arriuall THen Brandamors seruants conducted them to the Chamber doore which was fastned with so many barres that it was long before they could vndoo the same Pollipus as aforesaid hauing slaine Venolas Gardiants seeing that he could by no meanes get out came to Venola desiring her not to be dismayed to see his rudenesse for quoth he there are diuers Knights in fight with the Gyant amongst whom is the most valiant Prince of Bohemia vnto whom I would willingly haue gotten downe for I greatly feare his death being beset with the Gyant and a number of his seruants Sir quoth Venola doe not thinke me one whit dismayed with your presence but wish you all happy successe and the ouerthrow of your enemies and fortunate had that worthy Prince béene if hee had not arriued here for Brandamor by his treachery no doubt will betray his life and libertie Then both together stepping to the window saw the combattants and beheld the danger Parismus was in and the comming of the strange Knight to his rescue and withall how valiantly hee ouerthrew the Gyant which when he had seene he thought in his fancy that hee had neuer before beheld so valiant and comely a Knight And also noting the carefull regard he had of Parismus hee exceedingly wondred what he might be that his heart was drawne to so great affection towards him entring into these spéeches Most fayre Princes did you euer behold a goodlyer or more valianter Knight then yonder is who by his onely prowesse hath ouercome such enemies doe you not behold how carefully and valiantly he hath rescued the Prince which maketh me so much the more maruell what he should be for neuer in my life did I before this see him such valor such courtesie and comelinesse did I neuer behold in any with the one hee hath left his foes slaughtered with the other preserued the Prince Pollipus had no sooner ended his words and Venola readie to make answere but they heard some vnboulting the
how immoderaâ—…ely doe you gouerne your selfe to fall into 〈◊〉 extreames I 〈◊〉 my heart if I doe not repeâ—… that euer I â—…ke in hand to be an Aâ—…tor herein What haue you no more wisdome but so fondly to dote on a stragling Knight that cannot or at the least will not vnderstand your meaning taking a delight to see your torment for it is impossible but that hee should perceiue your loue towards him then be not so affectionate towards such a one as neither regardeth loue nor knoweth what belongeth to Courtly ciuility Peace peace quoth Venola either fill my eares with the sound of better words orelse hold thy tongue or I tell thee it is more odions vnto me then death to heare thee so much disgrace the Prince of courtesie for in him remaine all honourable parts whose presence is more deare vnto me then all the proffered seruices of the knights in the world and if thou canst comfort me no better then by these speeches keeps secret what thou knowest and hereafter thou shalt know no more of my minde For I imparted the same to thee thinking to haue comfort by thy counsell but thou contrarily addest care to my griefe Sweet Mistresse quoth shee I beseech you doe not conceiue so hardly of my meaning for I speake nothing but with intent to procure your good and rather will I teare my accursed tongue from foorth of my head then it shall vtter a word to displease you Then qd Venola 〈◊〉 againe counsell me what do too for thou séest how farre I am tyed in thâ—…nds of Loue to that worthy Knight that without some hope of comfort my 〈◊〉 wâ—…the excéeding and more then my poore heart will be able to iâ—…e This I thinke qd Flauia is the best to be done eyther doo it your selfe or let mee giue him knowledge of your loue and then you shall soone sée whether he will accept thereof or no. Doo so then qd Venola I commit all to thy discretion The Knight of Fame being departed to Venolaes chamber was as farre from conceiuing the cause of her Passion as hee was from the knowledge of all things and being walkt into a Garden alone by him selfe Flauia came to him 〈◊〉 hee kindely gréeted asking her how her Mistresse did Syr Knight quoth shée in the same case you left her and yet rather Worse the cause of whose disquiet is procured by no disease but by an extraordinarie 〈◊〉 which none but one can remedie Which I would willingly giue the partie knowledge of but that I knowe not whether hee will take the same kindely or no Else â—…ere hée much too blame q. he â—…or hâ—… 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 that would not pittie the distresse of so diuine a creature Gentle sir quoth she thus it is My Lady hath euer since the first sight of your person beene greatly tormented with loues passions which is the cause of her sicknesse which resteth onely in your power to salue The Knight of Fame hearing her speeches was so suddenly aâ—…nisht and therewith drawne into such cogitations that he stood a good while like one in a trance at last he said the harder is her happe and the worse my misfortue for I am vnworthy of such kindnesse and vnable to yeeld her recompence which words being spoken he turned himselfe from her being drawne into such a deepe meditation that hee regarded not nor scarce heard some words Flauia spake to him afterwards who thinking that he had of purpose contemned her departed in a monstrous rage and being alone by himselfe cogitating vpon these euents perceiued that her former kindnesse had proceeded from the same roote of affection greatly condemning himselfe of dulnes that could not before that conceiue the same wishing that he had departed with the Prince of Bohemia for that his fancy could by no meanes be drawne to the least good conceit of her loue for his heart was wholly imployed another way Then he beganne to call to remembrance the somniferous potion he had tasted by which meanes he was disappointed of Parismus companie reuoluing euery consideration and circumstance of the same and these Euents was in the ende fully perswaded that it was purposely done by Venola or some by her appointment to stay him there which thought was so fully grounded in his fancie that he assuredly perswaded himselfe that was the very truth and none else Which draue him into many studies how to rid himselfe from thence At last he determined to depart in secret and vnknowne to anie And with this resolution all that day he accompanied the rest of the Knights thereby to shun all occasions of hearing any further spéech of Venola Who hearing how scornefully he receiued Flauiaes Message Which Flauia had told her entred into such extream complaints against her hard fortune and shed such abundance of teares that the Bed whereon she lay was Watered therewith In which estate shee continued tormenting her selfe with extreame cares Early the next morning the knight without the knowledge of any departed clogged with such a chaos of confused cares as that he wisht the date of his wearie life subiect to so many crosses were expyred intending neuer to returne thithâ—…r whom Flauia soone mist The newes whereof shee conueyed to the hearing of Venola Who tooke the same se heauily so that many dayes shee continued as one likelyer to entertaine death then to suruiue Which draue her Parents into an extreame sadnesse From whome she still concealed the cause of her griefe In which estate for a while we will leaue her and the Knight of Fame onwards on his Iourney and Clarina in great carâ—… for the absence of Tellamor in the Forrest of Arde. CHAP. XV. I How the Knight of Fame arriued in Natolia And by what meanes hee found the Ladie he sawe in the Uision And of the Combat he fought with Collimus AFter the Knight of Fame was departed the King of Lybiaes Court to andyde the Loue of Venola hee trauelled many daies without any aduenture tyred with extreame care and desire to come to the knowledge of his Parents and to finde his deuoted â—…adie that when the Sunne was at the highâ—…t and by that meanes the season very hote hee alighted from his horse in a pleasant valley Where sitting vnder the shadow of a Chestnut-Tree he entred into this communication to himselfe What varieties of crosses do still prosecute my stéppes that I can in no place bee at quiet but am still troubled with that which I would not but cannot finds the thing I desire My Byrth-day was the beginning of my sorrowes Since which time nothing but Care and â—…ration hath befallen to my share Whereas I sée other Knights enioy theyr hearts content c. As â—…cerning my Parents they are so hidden from my knowledge as thaâ—… my selfe Trauelling to finde them Peraduanture goe rather a great waâ—…from them then to them For the Iland of Rockes from wâ—…nce I came and where I was brought vppe is very farre distant
vsed him whose acquaintance and friendship might be a meanes both of his stay in that place and also of obtaining Angelicaes loue Then againe considering how strange it was that hee would stay in the very place where his Lady should see him and how luckily he had left the Court of the king of Lybia and thereby he was ridde from Venolas rash loue which might haue both endangered his honour and person that with the remembrance of all these happy concurrences his minde was exceedingly contented and he seemed to haue attained more happy successe then hee would haue wisht that in that Sunne-path of sweete delight accompanied with quiet sleepe he spent that night Angelica was likewise no whitte inferiour to him in contrariety of passions but hauing likewise spent the day in company of her mother when the time of rest drew nigh shee soone gat from out of all company which she thought troublesome being much disquieted in her thoughts feeling a kinde alteration to her former liberty of of minde being desirous to be alone shee gatte to her Chamber where was none but her Damzell Anna that was her bedfellow to whom she said I pray thee good Anna leaue me alone for a while for my thoughts are possest with such disquiet that I desire by solitarinesse to ease my passonate heart Anna hearing her speeches maruelling what might bee the cause thereof and being in all respect dutifull departed She was no sooner gone but Angelica sitting downe vpon the rushes leauing her head vpon the beddes side beganne to study whence the occasion of that suddaine alteration she felt in her selfe should proceede sometimes deeming this and then that but still shee could not certainely what to iudge thereof that her minde was drawne to an extreame torment which so opprest her sences that presently she called Anna againe who maruelling at her strangâ—… 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 at her sadnesse knéeling downe by her vttered these speeches My deare Mistresse I beseech you conceale not from me the occasion of your disquiet to whose secrecy you neede not 〈◊〉 to commit the â—…ame for I hope you are sufficiently perswaded of my truth that doe esteeme my duty to you more deare then my life which I would most wiâ—…ingly spend for your sake 〈◊〉 if you will vouchsafe to 〈◊〉 me any way or in what sort so 〈◊〉 so it please you to command I will hee most willing to vse my vttermost endeauours as 〈◊〉 as euer did seruant to purchase your content Aâ—… mee wretched creature quoth Angelica it is not mistrust of thy secresie nor doubt of thy aide nor ought else that I misdoubt in thee that maketh me withhold any part of my counsell from thee for if I would shew it thee I cannot for this passion is so newly begunne that I cannot rightly coniecture what the cause thereof should be or why my thoughts should be thus suddenly disquieted and such assured confidence doe I retaine in thy fidelity that I would conceale no part of my thoughts from thee Anna hearing her Mistresse speeches began presently to suspect that she had enâ—…rtained some good conceit of some of the knights that were arrined that day whom she thought to be the yong Prince Camillus which caused her make this answer Deare Mistresse quoth she I beleeue the approach of some of the gallant Knights that came with the King is the cause of your alteration Why quoth Angelica doest thou thinke their approach should disquiet me Marry quoth Anna because many Ladies haue been suddenly ouertaken with loue wherâ—… with Angelica blusht saying Doest thou thinke my affection so light to looke of euery one I see Pardon me deare Madame quoth shee I doe not thinke so Well quoth Angelica suppose thou hast iumpt vpon the right which of those knights doest thou suppose it is Will you pardon me said Anna if I giue my opinion I will said shee I thinke quoth Anna it is the braue Prince Camillus Camillus quoth she it is rather the stranger Indeed quoth Anna that strange Knight farre surmounteth all the knights that euer I beheld for comlinesse courtesie and prowesse I am assured said Angelica breathing forth a sadde sigh thou spakkest this rather to flatter me then according to that thou thinkest for otherwise why didst thou speake of Camillus Faith Mistresse quoth shee I named Camillus not for any thing I see in him comparable with the strange Kinght but for that I would therby know your mind which now that I vnderstand if you would follow my cousell you should not onely like him but also loue him for therâ—… is no doubt but the cause of his comming hither was onely for your sake who in my rash opinion will proue both constant and loyall for his very countenance bewraieth the vnited essence of true Nobilitie and vertue to be placed in him O Anna quoth shee thou woundest we to the heart before I had 〈◊〉 a suspition of loue but by thy speeches I beginne to be inthralled therein Do not I pray thée seeke to augment that which is impossible to come to perfection which if I should entertaine as I shall I feare me against my will thou knowest how many impossibities doe threaten my euerlasting torment thereby therefore I pray thee doe not once name him to me againe for if thou doest I shall bee more intralled to that very name then to all the humble sutes of the most noblest knight in the world Diddest thou not heare my brother Marcellus report how prodigally hee gaue away the Kings daughter of Thrace and what paines he tooke to redeeme Venola that beautifull Lany from Andramarts Castle I know thou didst but likewise I know thou didst not heare what he said to me to refell these doubts that he was long since enioyned to my seruice and was the thing hee had long time sought to attaine Didst thou not sée how I found him a sleepe and yet notwithstanding all the Knights that guarded me how resolutely yet with humilitie he approched my presence where he told me that no want of regard had bredde that rudenesse but feare of missing that fit occasion considering how straightly I am kept and pried into by my Fathers decree Didst thou not see how brauely and valiantly he ouerthrewe three stout Knights together that would haue taken my gloue from him Doest thou not see how dearely my brother Marcellus loued him and all in generall are well affected towards him These I thinke are occasions sufficient to refell all suspect of his good intent and meaning Quoth Anna Truely most gracious Madame I thinke verily all things considered hee hath not his equall neither for valour nor for Uertue you may doe as you please whome I will not so much as once speake of heereafter since I shall offende you thereby Yes I pray thee speake of him quoth Angelica for nothing can please me better though I feare mee nothing will doe mee more harme And well maiest thou thinke me ouerâ—…ond so soone
towards the maiden Tower hoping now to enioy the sweete sight of his beloued which he neuer beheld but twise in all the time he had sought her loue Marcellus he departed backe againe to the court very sadde for the absence of Parismenos and Angelica being likewise much gréeued that Maximus his father should with hold any of his secrets from him which did both disgrace him to such as were strangers and specially to those Ladies that were Dulcias attendants which thogh he knew well inough yet that tooke away no part of his conceit of vnkindenesse but most of all he was troubled with griefe to be restrained from Dulcias company on whom his thoughts had continually run euer since he had bin last with her for her beautie excelled all the Ladies of the court Angelica excepted of her vertue he had good conceit by that which he had found in her good dispositions when she refused to thrust her selfe into the knowledge of the secrets but rather commited all that the king had commaunded her to his secrets which if Maximus should know of would be as much as her life were worth These cogitations so much altered his countenance that wheras before hée was of a pleasant disposition he now began to giue-his minde wholely so meancholy sadnesse often shunning the company of those he was wont to delight in which Maximus noted especially the Quéene both maruelled and was grieued thereat and finding him out when hée was in that heauy vaine she earnestly demaunded his cause of sadnesse to whom he made this aunswere My father I knowe not vpon what occasion accounteth me I thinke rather as one that would betray him then as his sonne that he refraineth me Angelicas presence and kéepeth his counsels from me to intrude my selfe into his counsels I will not presume onely my desire is that I may but be admitted to the fight of my sister Angelica Marcellus quoth the Quéene I pray thée be contented for a time for thou féest thy fathers minde which will impart his secrets to none who if hée should knowe that your sadnesse were for that cause would be the more fearefull to impart them to you which can no way pleasure you but rather fill your minde with greater cares which now is more happy then it would be then for Angelica so long as shee is in health what néede you be so carefull for her then good Marcellus rest your selfe contented and desire not that which will rather adde more trouble to your head The Quéene hauing ended these spéeches departed and left Marcellus where she found him Assone as the Quéene was gone hée began againe to ponder these things not knowing why his head shuld be thus troubled for he knew all that hée desired and yet his minde was troubled therewith that at last with more aduised consideration hée weighed euery conceit of his thoughts found that neyther his Fathers vnkindnesse Angelicaes absence nor his feare of disgrace was that that troubled him but only a good conceyt of Dulcias kindnesse which caused him to enter into a viewe of her perfections which his fancie began so much to coâ—…mend her that hée thought her worthy to be beloued withall thought why he might not loue her which very thoghts drew to such insight into his owne Fancies that he perceiued that Loue had already taken possession in his heart then he began to consider what displeasure it might procure him if he should set his fancie on one so farre his inferiour and not rather séeke the loue of some Kings Daughter that might adde honour to his Title and not diminish the same Which thought was no sooner begun but it ended being dasht by another conceyt that Dulcia was as beautifull as any as vertuous any as courteous as any and therefore as worthy to be beloued as any that if he should marrie with his equall shee might rather marrie him for his dignite and of a haughtie minde to kéepe her owne high dignitie still then for any true loue and if shee were his equall hee should rather be subiect to her Will then shée any way obedient to him that Dulcia would bee a louing kinde and duetifull wife that she would honour him rather then desire to be his equall and that she would refuse no peâ—…ll daunger nor hazarde for his sake that hauing spent some time in these cogitations hae resolued to loue Dulcia whatsoeuer ensued thereon though hee incurred his Parents displeasure or anie other hazard of his honour whatsoeuer and with resolution hee went immediately vnto the place where she was guarded in stéed of Angelica and by the Damzells meanes who before had done him the like sauour he came to her chamber where he found Dulcia all alone very sad to whom he said How now Angelica what are you sadde can I neuer come but that I must alwayes finde you in this mel ancholy disposition what are you sory to be thus pend from a husband My Lord quoth Dulica though I am otherwise sadde it doth me good to see you merrie You are deceiued Dulcia I am not merrie My Lord quoth shee if I should giue credit to your words they shewe that you are merrie that call me Angelica yet knowe the contrarie Oh Dulcia quoth he neither doth wordes nor countenance alwayes bewray the inward thoughts for this which you take to bee myrth in mee is but a forced habite which I haue taken vppon me euen now but knew you the thoughts of my heart you would say I were sadde My Lord quoth shee I beséech you pardon my boldnesse which I presumed séeing your pleasant disposition wherein if I was deceyued I hope you will not be offended with for indéed oftentimes the heart meditaes of many things the minde cannot vtter So doth mine Dulcia quoth hée for I with thee more good then I am able to vtter and the cause that my hart is sadde is because I am not able to do thée so much good as my heart doth with and cannot vtter I most humbly thanke you quoth Dulcia acknowledging my selfe farre vnworthie such fauour and vnable to deserue such good which maketh me thinke you still continue in that forced habit which maketh you vtter those spéeches Indéede well replyed Dulcia quoth he but as I suddainly tooke that habit vpon me it was gone again before I had vttered the words therefore you may be assured now that my words procéede from a true heart and not from a forced habit My Lord quoth she againe where there is such often change of disposition there can be no constant resolution Yes quoth hée that which is of purpose taken to shew myrth is forced but the naturall disposition still continueth firme Indéede in fewe quoth she but not in all Then quoth hée thinke me one of those fewe My Lord quoth she I be seech you pardon me if I do not for it is giuen to all by nature to be more confideÌ„t then prouident
protestations procéeding from his vnfained affection that Laurana being wounded with his intreaties could not chuse but accept of his loue vttering these speeches My Lord for that I am perswaded of the constancy of your loue and for that you vouchsafe to profer such kindnesse to me that haue not deserued the same I will manifest that which rather I should conceale for that you may suppose my yéelding so soone might proceed of light bred affection but my Lord I assure you that at such time as I sawe you comming first into this Court my heart was then suprised procured as I thinke by the Destinies that euer since I haue vowed to rest yours assured to commaund so that you way pretend my wrong and therefore committing all that is mine to giue into your handes I here giue you affurance of truth and true constant loue Thus they spent the night in kinde salutations and curteous imbracings to the vnspeakeable ioy and comfort of them both Leda all this while walking about the gardens and carefully looking about her espied a light in Oliuiaes Chamber whereof shee gaue those two Louers intelligence Parismus thought that newes vnwelcome whereby being compelled to depart which was done with much heauinesse Parismus desired to know when shee would vouchsafe him her presence againe which shee told him should be at his appointment for that she now was his to dispose of so with many a sweet embracing they parted Laurana going into her chamber said in that she had so soone lost his companie and could not tell what misfortune might befall him and glad in heart to recount and think of his passed promise Parismus quickly got ouer the wal and was soone safely come to his chamber where he recounted to Oristus his happy successe in loue asking his counsell how hee might procure Dionisius good liking to effect the mariage betwixt them which first he thought to motion himselfe then he thought that Dionisius would not like thereof without the consent of his father first had and also might blame Laurana of vndutifulnesse if he knew it were with her priuity Againe he thought it best to send Oristus into Bohemia to giue his father knowledge thereof and to entreat him to send Embassadors to that effect Contrarily he thought that in the meane time some other of greater birth then himselfe might demand her in marriage of the King and so haue the first grant though he were sufficiently assured that Laurana should neuer yeelde her consent Being in this perplexity he could not resolue vpon any thing but walking in the garden to ease his heart with some recreation he met the King with him were the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and Sicanus sonne to the King of Persia though vnknown The King for the more honourable entertainment of his guests made one most royall banquet for all in general the Quéen a gallant traine of beautifull Ladies were there likewise which was not a custome amongst the rest it fell so out that Parismus was seated right opposite to the Princesse Laurana which agreed to his hearts desire wherby he had meanes to satisfie himselfe with beholding that inestimable Iewell which as farre excelled all the rest of the Ladies as the Sunne doth the Moone or white his contrary who with such comely modesty behaued her self that her looke did rightly resemble a countenance ful of mild vertuous pitty able to rauish a multitude being also not a little glad that she had occasion to bestowe a kind looke on her Parismus Sicanus more narrowly marked Lauranaes behauiour then any other because his comming was onely to request her in marriage of her father and though both the young Princes were very circumspect yet Sicanus curious eye found or at lest suspected that there was some loue betwixt them which they full little thought of hauing their hearts busied with more pleasant meditations and euer after that Sicanus inwardly malised Parismus in his heart Dinner being ended the Knights spent some part of the afternoone in dauncing when being ended euery man betooke himselfe to what exercise liked him best Dionisius and Lord Remus accompanied the Princesse Laurana and the Lady Isabella to their lodgings which made Sicanus to fret inwardly to thinke that Parismus his onely enemy as he thought had gotten such possession in Lauranaes loue which might debarre him of his wished hope Parismus séeing Lord Remus talking to Isabella saluted Laurana with these speeches My deare Lady although I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy that kindnesse you haue already granted me yet I humbly request one farther fauour at your hands which is that you would vouchsafe to meet me tomorrow night in that happy place where I receiued the first assurance of your comfortable kindnesse for my passions are so extreame that my life would perish were it not onely maintained by enioying your loue where I would impart a secret to you that now I haue no time to vtter My Lord said Laurana you need not vse such intreaties to her that is not vnwilling neither hath she power to deny your request The Queen comming into the place where they were caused Parismus with a heauy sigh to depart and Lord Remus with him betwixt whom there began a firme league of friendship Now Lord Remus beare great affection to the Lady Isabella and had oftentimes solicited his suit vnto her which she in a manner yeelded vnto which made Parismus the rather chuse him for his companion by kéeping him company to haue the oftner accesse vnto Laurana The King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta and Sicanus were walked into the Garden where they were encountred by the king vnto whom the king of Hungaria began to declare how that the Prince of Sparta and himselfe had a matter to treate with his Maiestie if hee would vouchsafe them audience from the mighty King of Persia who hauing a great desire to be allyed to him and hauing hard manifold reports of the vertuous Laurana had sent them to intreat a marriage betwixt her and Sicanus his sonne and heire of Persia who was there present with them though vntill this time vnwilling to make himselfe known Dionisius most kindly embraced him telling him that he thought himselfe much honoured with his company and that since it pleased his father to treat of alliance betwixt them he would giue his consent willingly so that he would first get his daughters good will whom he would not willingly match contrary to her liking promising to vse his commandement vnto her for performance thereof For which Sicanus thanked him Thus hauing spent the day in this and such like talke supper was ready which being ended they betooke themselues to their lodgings CHAP. V. How Dionisius sent for Laurana and declared to her the cause of Sicanus comming which she sought occasion to make knowne to Parismus and how she gaue him assurance of her loue EArely in the morning Dionisius sent a messenger to will Laurana to come to him
his enemy Sicanus relating vnto her the long wars that had passed betwixt their fathers and the late peace that was conciuded and how that he knew Sicanus at his first comming into Thessaly desiring her to let him vnderstand such newes from her as did concerne their loue which she promised him she would and withall that she would neuer yéeld to loue him that was an enemy to Parismus but would hate her owne heart if it should but thinke a thought to wrong him Thus a thousand times imbracing each other they parted he to his lodging and shee to her rest CHAP. VI. How Sicanus hired three Tartarians to murther Parismus and how he was taken vp by certaine outlawes and had his life preserued What sorrow Laurana made for his losse and what befell at Dionisius Court THe next morning Sicanus sought all the meanes he could to sollicit his loue againe but Lauranas vsed the matter in such sort that shee kept her chamber three or foure daies to the ende hee should haue no ocsion to speake to her which made him almost mad and seeing himselfe frustrated of his desire that way his minde being apt for any impression began to deuise how he might either finde out the cause of Lauranaes strangenesse or reuenge himselfe on Parismus whom he thought was the onely man that hindred him in his loue And studying how to bring that about hee began to weigh how greatly Parismus was estéemed of Dionisius and that his vertues made him so well beloued of all that to offer him abuse openly euery one would condemne him and thereby his honour shâ—…uld the more encrease and he himselfe be euill thought of by Dionisius and contemned by Laurana and yet nothing the nearer his purposed determination At length giuing his minde ouer vnto all wickednes and cruelty he thought the best course he had was to murther him by some trechery therefore calling vnto him three of his seruants being Taxtarians he vsed a long circumstance of kind speeches vnto them promising that if they would deuise some meanes how to reuenge him on an enemy that had done him great iniury hee would preferre them to great dignity when he returned into his owne Countrey and in the meane time he would giue them a thousand pounds amongst them for their maintenance These villaines being gréedie of gaine and preâ—…erment being poore and needy sware that they would performe whatsoeur he commanded them so they might know the man Sicanus therefore giuing them the many told them that it was Parismus who had laâ—…e done him a monstrous iniurie at whose name the villaines beganne to stare one vpon another as though they had repented them of their promise and that when as custome was he rode foorth on hawking they might wait opportunity vntill he was alone and then accomplish their intended murther without suspition These villaines being fully bent vpon their intended mischiefe beeing heathens therefore the more easily drawn with the hope of reward to any treachery awaited their conuenient time with vnmoueable resolution Parismus being all that day in company of the king other nobles hauing giuen his mind to quietnesse for that hee was fully assured of Lauranas fauour nothing doubting the reason of Sicanus told Dionisius that her intended to go on hawking desiring him to vouchsafe to sée his Falcon flie which Dionisius promised to do for that his hawk was estéemed the best of all other Likewise Sicanus the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta would beare him company The next morning very earely King Dionisius Parismus and the rest of the company addressed themselues to that pastime and hauing spent most part of the day towards the Euening Parismus lost his Hawke which hee loued exceeing well beeing procured by a tempest that suddenly arose and thereby beeing wandred from the rest of the company chanced to heare the noise of her Belles as he thought in the Wood heard by where he could not ride and therefore alighted from his horse and got in on foot where hee was not entered farre but those villaines that Sicanus had hired hauing followed him all that day and now thinking finding this the fittest opportunity to execute their purpose were come into the wood and hard at Parismus héeles who espying them looking with gastfull couÌ„tenances as he thought and with their weapons about them the villaines indéede being amazed with his very countenance began to cal to remembrance the late mischance that Osiris had receiued in the same place but that thought was soone extinct for that hée knewe them to be Sicanus seruants at last hée asked them if they had not séene his hawke they answered not a word but one of them staâ—…ed about as if hée heard her néere hand which caused Parismus to looke diligently the same way And in the meane time one of them drawing his sworde strooke Parismus so violently vpon the head that hée being beare-headed by reason of the heate the blow hauing nothing to mittigate the force thereof so grieuously wounded him that he fell to the earth and before he could recouer himselfe and withall being disfurnished of his weapon for otherwise those thrée could not haue withstood his force they had giuen him two or thrée mortall wounds and seing that hée was now not able to resist them they began to consult what they should doe with his body In the meane time Parismus hauing gotten breath began to intreate them to spare his life for threates in such a case would not auaile promising to reward them with great kindnesse if they would not murther him perswading them withall that this their déede would be knowne for that such wickednesse is commonly reuealed and alwaies grieuously punished and hée that had set them about that villanie would alwayes hate them in his heart although outwardly hée might pretend a shew of friendship telling them that hée was a Prince â—…nd able to preferre pleasure them promising them that they should not néede to feare Sicanus displeasure if they would saue his life and all men would hate them for destroying him on the otherside all men would commend them for being so pitifull as to spare his life that had neuer offended theÌ„ Al these perswasions could nothing preuail but without making him any answer thrust their swords into his body in diuers places that now thinking him dead they couered him with mosse and leaues thinking that some wild beast would come and deuour him his horse they found tied without the wood but him they vnbridled and let go to auoyd suspition their own weapons they sunke in the bottome of a déepe poole of water that was by the woods side and so departed While they were striuing with Parismus in this sort it chanced that there was a knightas he séemed in armour that heard the noice hasting by guesse so well as he could to the place at last he came to the place where Parismus lay couered and looking about hee could
in whereby the Uirgin left off her speech bringing in with them good store of money which they had taken from honest passengers Parismus lying very weake yet marked wel their behauiour which made him maruell that men could be so inhumane as by their owne reports they seemed to be wishing himselfe with Laurana who he thought would accuse him of disloialty or that hee made choise of some other if shee did not so misdoubt him then the sorrow he thought she endured for his losse which might some way come to her knowledge so galled him to the heart that his inward passions would not suffer his outward physicke to doe him any good and the continual care he was in did much hinder his health being likewise as much tormented with remembrance of the grant that Dionisius had made to Sicanus concerning the marriage twixt him and Laurana who he thought might now be inforced to yeelde her consent when she was out of hope of recouering him this griefe farre exceeded all the rest that all the whole company began to note his sorrow for he was scarce able to containe himselfe within the bounds of reason In these perplerities he continued by the space of three months in all which time he could not fully recouer his health Where we will leaue him to speake of Dionisius who by tract of time hauing somewhat mittigated the remembrance of Parismus want most of his Knights being departed home into Bohemia Oristus onely excepted who by no meanes could be drawne to leaue Thessaly because there he had lost his Lord began to conferre about the marriage of Laurana being often importuned by Sicanus who caused the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta to be earnest solliciters in his behalfe at whose instance Dionisius promised to giue them answere the next day therefore sending for Laurana he demanded of her how shee fancied Lord Sicanus who was a most honourable Gentleman and one euery way worthy to be beloued telling her that he had giuen his sul cōsent and therefore it stood not with her vertue to séeme strange or shew her selfe vndutifull Laurana hearing her fathers speeches being much amazed stood still and gaue no answer a good space at last kneeling downe shee began in this sort I most humbly intreat your Maiesty to vouchsafe to heare my words with patience and not to impute any thing I shall desire at your highnesse hands to vndutifulnesse I cannot as yet fancy the Prince though I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy the honour you proffer me but haue presumed vpon your fauourable promise not to marry me to any without my liking to fuse the offer Sicanus maketh for that my fancy perswaded me he shall bring some sorrow to your highnesse and al the rest of this Court and Countrey as also for that I am vnwilling to this with my better but would intreate your maiesty if your highnesse will needs haue me marry rather to bestow mee on some honourable Gentleman of my degree but most of all my desire is to continue this my happy life wherein I entend with your gracious liking to spend the length of my daies Dionisius wondring to heare her answer began to waxe somewhat angry with her and told her that it was his pleasure shee should marry with him and he would haue it so My deare Lord and Father quoth shée because I am yours wholly to dispose of I humbly craue that I may haue a monthes respite to aduise my selfe and then I will accomplish your demand which he granted and so left her Laurana being alone began to weigh in what estate she was and how to auoid this iniurie the should doe to her selfe for her honourable promise past to Parismus and to him for his loue that she determined rather to destroy her selfe then yéeld to marry him whom she accounted her deare loues enemy and with this resolution went to her lodging Sicanus the next morning attended Dionisius answer who told him that his daughter had giuen her consent vpon condition he would grant her a months respite to consider of her duty therein wherewithall he was highly contented being now fully assured as he thought of his desire and began more boldly to visit Laurana who little esteemed his friendship though he vsed her kindly but farre from any shew of loue to the intent to breed no suspition in him of that shee intended CHAP. VII How Sicanus treason was discouered who suddainly fled into his Country and how Diomsius departed towards Bohemia vnknown to any in the disguise of a Palmer and what sorrow Oliuia the Queene made for his absence who created Lord Remus Regent in the Kings absence WHilest these things were acting it happened contrary to Sicanus expectation who now thought all things so buried in forgetfulnesse that his treachery could by no meanes be reuealed that the Tarrrians which murthered Parismus beganne to contend about the money Sicanus had giuen them in so much that one of them strooke the other such a blow on the head that he had wel-néere slaine him and would haue strucke him againe but that by chance Oristus comming by reprooued the other that had strooke his fellow and defended him that was already wounded from further harme and diuers other of Dionisius knights comming together they conueied him that was hurt into a Chamber and the other was carried before the king to be examined vpon what occasion hee did strike him who answered Diomsius that he would not be examined of any but his owne Prince which made Dionisius the more earnest to know the cause therefore willed Lord Remus to intreat Sicanus to come vnto him to end a doubt which none but he could decide Sicanus maruelling what the cause should be immediatly came but seeing one of the Tartarians that he had hired to murther Parismus standing before the King began to feare according to the guiltinesse of his conscience that his treason was bewraied notwithstanding he demanded why he had so wounded his fellow the villaine being amazed to see his master so ready to examine him and not rather to excuse him could not readily tell what to say but in that little respit of deliberation he answered that he had done him wrong that was the cause he had strooke him which words he vttered with great feare staring vpon Sicanus as if he should haue instructed him what to say Dionisius noting Sicanus countenance the villaines answer whom Sicanus would examine no further began to misdoubt some former mischiefe had bred this contention commanded the other Tartarian that was wounded to be brought before him who feeling himselfe almost past estate of life confest the cause why thy fell out and how that they had the money of Sicanus for murthering Parismus whose want was procured by their meanes Sicanus standing by and hearing his speech suddenly drew his dagger and stabbed him before he could vtter any more of his treachery Which so amazed all the company that a good
tyrannous that by his trechery in fight he had subdued many thousand knights in his trauels This Pollipus was desirous to trie his force against the Blacke knight and soone mounted himselfe being a most gallant proportioned and comely knight The blacke knight being still ready for any incounter met Polipus with such force that both their staues were shiuered in peeces the blacke knight not once moouing in Saddle but Pollipus with the focre of his blâ—…w lost one of his stirrops The blacke knight not once moouing in his saddle but Polippus with the force of the blow lost one of his stirrops the blacke Knight hauing drawne his sword ready to combat Pollipus espied vpon his Armour the deuise of three Falcons and suddainly put vp his sword againe which when Pollipus perceiuing he maruelled thereâ—…t and asked him the combate the black knight said pardon me worthy sir for I am bound not to combat any that weareth that Armor and without any more words departed Polippus wondring thereat at last remembred that when he was with the Persian king besieging Bohomia he made a couenant with Parismus neuer to combat any that had the deuise of the branch of roses vpon his armour which was Parismus armor Parismus likewise promised him the like therfore he thought that the blacke knight was either Parismus himselfe or some knight whom Parismus had bound by the like oath The occasion of which vow passed betwixt Parismus and Pollipus was growne through the excéeding loue and kindnes that had passed betwixt them from their youth being brought vp together in the vniuersity Wherefore Pollippus studying what he might be and reioycing that hee had so worthy a knight to his friend rode backe to the Persians tent who stood gazing to sée euent of this Combat but maruelled that they parted so friendly Pollipus beeing returned told the Kings of Persia and Natolia that hee refused the combat the reason was as hee thought the blacke Knight knewe him otherwise hee knewe not what might be the cause Adonius the King of Bohemia Oliuia Laurana and the rest all this while wondred at the blacke Knights behauiour but most of all to sée him part so friendly with the Phrigian Knight Whilest they were in this admiration they beheld the most valiant Zoylus ready to encounter the blacke knight the Persians now thinking to see the blacke Knights downefall for that Zoylus had vowed neuer to depart vntill hee had destroied him with whom the blacke Knight mette with such aduantage that maugre the force of Zoylus he ouerthrew him to the ground and himselfe had lost both his stirrups Zoylus soone recouered his Horse and with furious rage they both mette with their swords drawne when beganne a most terrible and cruell battell that all that behelde the same were amazed at the valour of both the knights in which cruel manner they contined for two houres space both being grieuously hurt but neuer weary nor willing to leaue off at last the blacke Knight séemed weary and only warded the furious strokes that Zoilus gaue him Zoylus thinking indeede that hee had fained laide on such blowes with such swiftnesse and force that all the whole company of the beholders déemed the black knight almost vanquished Zoylus still pursued him with forcible blowes and the blacke Knight still warded so long they continued in this manner that the Phrygian beganne to waxe wearie and also to suspect the blacke Knights pollicie therefore staying his hande he said Knight I giue thee leaue to aske pardon for thy life or else be sure thou art but dead The blacke Knight casting his eies towards the Tower where his beloued Laurana stoode beholding the combatte and wauing his sworde most couragiously about his heade answered No dastard Phrygian quoth hee I scorne thy proffer with which words he so freshly assaulted the Phrygian that in short space he draue him to deuise how to saue his life for hee had mangled and cut his body in many places that his Steede was all coloured with the bloud that ranne from his woundes which caused the Phrygian to thrust at the blacke Knight with such force and furie that hee wounded him most grieuously on the left side which wound and withall the remembrance the blacke Knight had who beheld the combatte caused him with both his handes to strike such a deadly blowe at the Phrygian that lighting full on his Beauer the force and vigour thereof both vnbuckled the same and his Sword cut off his right eare and wounded him so sore in the face that he fell on his Horse necks senselesse the blacke Knight strooke another blow at him with such a maine force that had not the Phrygians Horse started with the glimmering sight of his sword comming he had there parted his head from his shoulders and the Horse ranne loose about the fields at last the Phrygian beganne to recouer himselfe and looking about him hee espied Parismus with his sword put vp and himselfe without a weapon that what with shame and furie he was almost madde These Combattants were no sooner parted but the Thessalian horsemen by a priuie Watch-word from out the Citie rushed suddenly vpon the Persians at vnawares who expected no such matter and had their mindes otherwise busied so that before they could be in Armes to defende themselues the Thessalians had made a great slaughter amongst them which the black Knight perceiuing though he were gréeuously wounded made such hauock among the Persians that al men déemed him rather to be a Diuell then a mortall creature with whom Pollipus met but would not once offer to offend him Dionisius the Bohemian King the King of Hungaria the Prince of Sparta Lord Remus Osiris and Oristus likewise issued out vpon the Persian forces in seuerall Troupes which so amazed the Natolians Phrigians and the other Nations of the Army that they maruelled whence the Thessalians could haue such aide but their comming amongst them on such a suddaine made so cruell and mighty a slaughter that by that time the day was ended they had slaine of the Persians fifty thousand which caused them euer after to be more circumspect and wary All the Souldiers beeing retired into their places the blacke Knight likewise withdrewe himselfe towards the Wood Pollipus hauing al this day very diligeÌ„tly followed him being almost come to the Woods side set spurres to his horse and ouertooke the blacke Knight who espying him stayed his comming knowing him to be the knight with whom he had combatted that day by the thrée Faulcons on his Armor most kindly saluted him and demanded what might be the cause of his comming vnto him Who replyed thus Most worthy Knight quoth hee my humble suit vnto you is that you would vouchsafe me so much fauour as to let me vnderstand the cause you refused the Combat with me this day Gentle Knight quoth Parismus you must needs pardon me for that vntill I know whether you are the worthy Pollipus of Phrygia
assurance of his Sisters safety and his owne happy Fortune to haue so fit an occasion to rid himselfe from bondage hee euer after indeuoured by all dutifull means to grow further into his good fauour Parismus and Laurana remaining in happie and peaceable contentednesse by meanes of theyr good successe hauing respite to viewe others griefes began to note the sadde countenance of Pollipus which before they did not marke which caused Parismus suspect that his olde Sore was not cured which was his Loue to Violetta wherein hee aymed aright for Pollipus seeing his trauells for Laurana were at an ende beganne to desire to heare some newes of Violetta And though there was no likelyhood fore him to attaine her Loue yet the extreamitie of his affections were such that hee thought he could no way content himselfe better then to spend the rest of his life in her seruice still purposing according to a most noble and constant Resolution neuer to desist from shewing the true zeale he bare to purchase her fauour Oftentimes hee could spend many houres in secrete complaintes and Protestations of his true and loyall Loue wherin according to the humours of Loue-sicke people hée thought hee did in some measure ease his heart Which behauiour of his Violetta well noting as beeing infected with the selfe-same disease would oftentimes interrept him in his sadde Lamentations with such conceytes that Pollipus woondered to sée such wisdome in a Boy but by reason that shee was taken to be no other then a Boy he entred into no déeper consideration of her actions In the silent Night time Violetta did with such kindnesse affect his complaintes that when hée sighed shée likewise sighed and if hée chanced at any time to complaine of his hard Fortune Violetta would as often blesse the happie time and houre when shee first saw him and that shee was so happie to be beloued of so honourable a Knight The variable difference of whose Ioyes were contrarie For Pollipus little thinking his Violetta had bene so néere him continually spent his time in heauinesse not being any way able to comfort himselfe with any hope of attayning his wished desire being eftsoones terrified with the remembrance of her last doome and deniall to his sute as also the manifolde mischaunces that might befall her or that shee hadde so wilfully thrust herselfe into with a thousand other displeasant thoughtes sufficient enough to discourage anie from presuming vpon any good successe By meanes whereof hee continually remained in most heauie and sadde Estate still deuising how to ease his heart of that care it endured wherein hee greatly excelled in constancie the fickle and wandring thoughtes of diuerse which are discouraged from persisting in theyr first Resolutions for euery small discomâ—…ture Violettaes Ioyes were as excéeding as his sorrowes were extreame For â—…hee behelde continually behelde the constancie that raigned in his heart to her wards the noble gifts wherewith his minde was indued the comlines of his goodly proportion which might well please a curious Ladyes eye his vnconquered Ualour and prowesse whereby hee atchieued incredible victories with great Fame the friendship and courteous behauiour that abundantly flowed from his gentle hart wherby it was apparant that hee did not disdaine the meanest persons Besides hearing the continuall complaints hée made of her hard sentence and the constancie of his Resolution for that he determined to spend his life in her seruice and all the pleasure shée tooke in his company being neuer from him in the day time and his Bedfellow in the night that she was priuy to all his actions vsing many kindnesses which he full little thought procéeded from such affection And nothing déeming Violetta had bene so priuie to all his Cogitations though shée poore soule neuer touched his bodie but with a trembling feare remembring her owne Nakednes still vsing such a Modest kinde of bashfulnesse in her actions as if many Eyes had beene priuie to her Disguise and watchfully noted her behauiour wherewith her ioyes continued in such a secrete content as is not to be expressed And one night when she hadde shrowded her selfe within the Bed as Pollipus lay tossing and tumbling by reason of the restlesse thoughtes hee endured In the midst of his heauinesse Violetta pittying his sorrowes and to drawe him from remembring them vttered these spéeches Syr knight qd she I maruell what passion that is which so distempereth your quiet Sleepes and if my talke be not offensiue vnto you I beseeche you make mee acquainted with the same for in all my life time I neuer beheld the like in anie man Poore Boy qd Pollippus it were but follie for mee to expresse that to thée whereof thou canst not iudge for that thy yeares are not of sufficiencie to entertaine such diuine cogitations Diuine qd shee Can diuine cogitations so distemper mens wits Yea quoth Pollipus for Loue is a diuine and heauenly gift and Loue it is that so tormenteth mee Not that I Loue but that I am not beloued againe For in Thessalie I loued a Damsell named Violetta whose excellent Beautie and vertuous gifts haue so inthralled my Senses that I feare me Boy it will be to mée a cause of perpetuall heauinesse Whose absence is cause of my griefe and not onely that she is absent but that I knowe not where to beholde her Attractiue beautie for euen at my comming from Thessalie she was I know not by what misaduenture missing to my great sorrowe in whose continuall search I am determined to spende the rest of these my wearysome dayes It is very much mee thinkes quoth shée that you will so much regarde her good that hath showne her selfe so discourteous towards you and surely you are not of my minde in that you will take such paines to finde her out and in the ende peraduenture reape nothing but disdaine for your good will For it is likely shee hath made choyce of some other Knight not so worthy to be beloued as your selfe with whom shee is departed Then why will you hazarde your person in the daungers incident to trauell and spend your time in purchasing nothing but your owne discontent Well replyed Pollipus howsoeuer I am rewarded a thousand more perills then I can imagine shall not discourage me For were I but so happie as once to finde her then would I commit the rest to my good Fortune which shal be sufficient if I can but once againe make my Loue knowne to her that shée may haue some further triall of my seruice If shée should not regard you qd she according to your hearts content I should account her the most discourteous Lady liuing and were I in her case I would indure a thousand deaths rather then shewe my selfe ingratefull to so honourable and kind a friend and because I would see the issue of your loue I desire you that I may be partaker with you in your Trauells For though I am altogether vnworthie to be estéemed of you yet if you
the whole circumstance of all that hée had heard of Tellamor and of Pollipus in the Castle of Brandamor Violetta hearing of a certaintie that Pollipus was yet liuing and not dead as she before that suspected for though she perceiued the contrary before in Archas Castle yet a scruple remaining in her minde thereof was somewhat comforted and in some better hope to come to him againe but calling to minde the daunger hée was now in was excéedingly againe ouerwhelmed with care of his welfare and hearing of his imprisonment determined to endanger her owne libertie to enioy his company if other meanes could not be wrought for his release Panuamus séeing her ouerwhelmed with such a chaos of confused cares said as followeth Most vertuous Ladie since Fortune hath brought you into this place that you haue thus happily heard of your knight Pollipus release your selfe from the bonds of those cares which disturbe your quiet for here you shall want nothing that accordeth to your will and my selfe will do the best I can to set Pollipus at libertie which whilst I goe about so pleaseth you my sister Clariana shall kéepe you company whose griefes are as great as may be Sir quoth Violetta might I obtaine this fauour at your handes that you would geue the knight you met knowledge of my béeing here then I am sure hée will soone come to mée with whom I would gladly speake for I knowe he is one of the knights of Bohemia That will I do quoth Panuamus or any thing else you shall commaund me and because I will not be disappointed of meeting him I will early in the morning follow him for that he is gone to the Forrest of Arde where I shall be sure to finde him Eâ—…rly the next Morning according to his word hee mounted himselfe and departed after Tellamor leauing Clarina and Violetta together vsing the best perswasions they could to comfort one another CHAP. IX I How Panuamus met with Tellamor and how hee and Tellamor met Barzillus at the GoldenTower and returning altogether to Panuamus Castle Tellamor was enamoured of Clarina PAnuamus hauing left Violetta and Clarina together with all speede hasted to finde Tellamor and Ryding an vnwoonted pace hee ouertooke him entring into the Forrest vnto whome he saide Syr Knight let me be so bold as to aske you one question Tellamor hearing his wordes and knowing him to be the same Knight he had met withall before courteously bad him aske what he pleased Are you not a Knight of Bomemia qd he Tellamor maruelling why he askâ—… him that question told him that he was indéed belonging to Parismus Prince of Bohemia Then said Panuamus a Ladie that remaineth not farre hence named Violetta hath sent mee backe vnto you and desireth to speake with you Tellamor hearing his wordes was affected with exceeding ioy thereat making this replie Syr Knight in a happy houre did I méete with you by your meanes to come to knowledge of theyr abode I most desire to finde indeede Violetta is the Lady I goe in search of and also wife to the Knight you told me of yesterday who by your report remaineth Prisoner in the Forrest therefore I will returne with you to visite that Ladie vnto whose seruice my life is whoâ—…y Dedicated This saide they returned backe together but the Night beeing approached and they without any place to lodge in thought it as good to trauell all Night as take vp their lodging vpon the cold ground therefore Panuamus vndertooke to guide them â—…sting to his owne knowledge and contrary to his expectation wandred a quite contrarie way and when Phoebus beganne to illuminate the Earth with his golden brighnesse they were come into a pleasant valley where they behelde two Knights continuing a most sterce combat and drawing neare vnto them Tellamor presently know the one of them to be Barzillus the occasion of which combat was thus After Barzillus had parted from Parismus and Telamor taking the middle way he wandred many dayes without any aduenture and at last arriued at a moste goodly Pallace most excéedingly beautified with inumerable Turreis of exceeding height that their toppes seemed to equall the cloudes of such curious Workmanshippe as the like hath not ben seen whose glistring reflection procured by the sunnes bright beames dazeled the eyes of the beholders with an admirable glittering In the midst of this stately Pallace stood a gallant Building in forme of a Temple seeming to the view of such as beheld the same to be made of the most purest and burnished gold on the toppe wherof stood the forme of a most goodly Lady with a crowne of gold vpon her head whose liuely proportion forme of exceeding beautie would haue detained a most constant minde in a wandring delight to behold the same Barzillus beholding the exceeding beautie of the Pallace and the stately forme of the pictured Lady was desirous to know who inhabited there and to that intent drawing nigh thereto at the entrance thereof he beheld a Tent with those verses written thereon Passe not this Bridge before thou knocke Least thou to late repent thy pride Leaue not obtained thou mayest go backe For entrance is to all denide A Knight within must know thy name Thy boldnesse else will turne to shame Barzillus reading the Superscription smoâ—…e the Tent with his lunce when presently issued out a Knight in euery poynt readie armed to whome Barzillus said as followeth Knight I reading the superscription ouer the entrance into the Tent according to the direction thereof haue called thee forth demaunded thy meaning thereby and what goodly Pallace this is the like whereof I neuer behelde for beautie Knight aunswered hee againe this Pallace is called the Golden Tower belonging to Maximus the most mighty and famous King of Natolia wherein is his onely daughter Angelica for beautie without compare for wit forme and vertuous Ornament excelling all the Ladyes in the world whose equall was neuer heard of nor can be found within the spatious continent of the earth The King hath places her in his most rich and gorgeous Pallace whose walles are of Brasse and framed of such inuincible strength that no power of man is able so subdue the same she hath to attend her a hundreth Ladies of great dignitie and a thousand of the most valiant Knights in all the world The occasion why he guardeth her person is this At her byrth an olde Inchauntresse prophecied that her beautie should set Kings a discord and be the cause of her fathers death A childe is borne whose beautie bright Shall passe each forme of other faire As doth the Sunne in perfect light Each little Starre fixt in the ayre For whom great Kings shall enter strife And warre shall shed Natoliaus blood Whose Ire shall spill Maximus life Yet wisedome oft hath harme withstood A mightie Prince her loue shall gaine Though vice doe seeke to crosse their blisse He shall her winne with restlesse paine And she of sorrow
in the kings Court being growne into great familiarity with the Knight of Fame and desirous to make tryall of their valour against the Gyant departed likewise toward Lybia With the Knights that brought the dead bodie of Tyrides amongst whome was the King of Arragon named Archilacus Guydo of Thrace Trudamor of Candie Drio of Scicile and Tristamus one of the thrée brethren and within thrée dayes arriued in Lybia Where the King hearing of their intent and cause of comming entertained them most Roially The Knight of Fame remained in the Court of the King of Lybia some two dayes Where his entertainment was most courteous and honourable Which might haue drawne a resolute determination to haue taken delight therein But hée thought all time though entertained with all varieties of pleasure tedious All delicate fare and costly banquetting superfluons and all company wearisom hauing his cogitations opprest with care his minde filled meditating on his Ladies swéete Beautie and his heart thyrâ—…ing for reuenge of Tyrides death respect no pleasure nor affecting no delight but to find some knowledge of his vnkinde Mistrisse making preparation to besiege Brandamor and thirsting for honor secretly departed towards the Forrest of Arde Where he arriued most fortunately to preserue his Princely Fathers life though to him vnknowne as is declared in the former Chapter CHAP. XIII 〈◊〉 How Pollipus and Tellamor departed from Brandamors Castle to Uioletta and Clarina And how as they were againe returning backe with them they met with Brandamor whome they supposed had bene dead and of the arriuall of the King of Lybia in the Forrest of Arde. PArismus the Knight of Fame and all the rest being in Brandamors Castle began with good aduisement to determine what to doe and at last concluded because Parismus and Panuamus were grieuously Wounded and thereby not able to endure Trauell they should staye and with them the Knight of Fame to Guarde Venola Pollipus and Tellamor should depart towards Panuamus Castle who taking kinde Fare-wells of Parismus and the Knight of Fame betooke themselues to theyr Iourney towardes the place that harboured theyr chiefest delights Pollipus being drawne with an excéeding desire to sée his constant Ladie Violetta from whence hee had bene long time seuered and to recreate his Sences ouer-rulde with care in the swéete solace of her pleasant companie The remembrance of which delight filled his hart with excéeding affectionate content Tellamor likewise had taken such a surfet with beholding Clarinas swéete Beautie that no Physicke but her beauty could cure the same neither could a thousand perills detaine him from thence Which hopefull conceyte fedde his heart with inward delight that in these Meditations entermingled with pleasaunt communications they spent theyr time vntill they were come neare to the Castle Where within short time they arriued And dismounting themselues they came to the Porter Who knowing Tellamor admitted their entrance Being conducted in by some of the Seruants into the Hall and asking for the Ladie Clarina the Wayting-mayde tolde them that shée was in the Garden accompanied by Violetta offering to conduct them to the place Nay quoth Tellamor fare Damzells I pray let vs goe alone With that Pollipus and hée entred the Garden and espying where they were seated vpon a gréene Bancke in communication And pacing softly towards the place they sheltred themselues from their sight by a Rose-bush that was close by them and hearde theyr conferences which was this Violetta leaning sadly vpon her Elbowe her countenance bearing shew that a multitude of cares possest her hart and Clarina was seated a little distance off tearing and dismembring the swéet Flowers that she had carelesly cropt from theyr stalkes Violetta answering to some spéech that Clarina had before vttered saide Yea my misfortunes haue bene too extreame and such as I thinke no creature euer bid the like but my most vnhappy self Which now being ouerpast would soon be banisht froÌ„ my remébrance might I once enioy the sight of my déere knight Pollipus which hope hath bene the onely preseruer of my life Oh qd Clarina happy and ten times more then happie in my infancie are Ladies that are Wedded to such constant knights but I feare mee there are too many of the contrarie part But I wish my Brother and these two other courteous Knightes such good successe as to set him at libertie so that I might behold him whom you so highlie commend Yea qd Violetta that would be a happie day to mée but I greatlie misdoubt that will not suddainly come to passe and I haue bene so often crost in my desire that my doubtfull heart will not suffer mee to entertaine the least conceit of such felicitie Which saide the Teares in aboundance fell from her eyes Which caused Clarina to doo the like and wept for coâ—…anie Pollipus hearing Violettaes spéeches and seeing her Teares could no longer withholde himselfe but intreated Tellamor to discouer himselfe and comming towardes them both of them espying them at the first maruelled what they shuld be but Violetta knowing Tellamor thought the other had beene Barzillus Tellamor comming to Clarina gréeted her ruddie Lippes with a swéete kisse saying Most vertuous Ladie Wee bring you happie Newes of the safetie and releasement of your good Friendes and the death of Brandamor Violetta well noting the other Knightes Shielde had a mightie perswasion that by his Deuise â—…ee should be Pollipus Withall marking his Proportion her Heart sometimes fainted and sometimes a pale colour appeared Which straight was ouerspredde with a Rostate blush and such perplexities One while of Ioy and other while of sorrowe ouer-whelmed her heart that the â—…rinish salte teares ouer-flowed her Eyes and shée turned backe to Wipe them off thinking to haue concealed the same In which time Pollipus had vnbuckled his Helme and discouered himselfe Violetta hauing Wiped off the deaw of her Salte tearés lifting vp her head espied him Which sudden ioy fâ—…lled vp her sences that she fell into his arms not being able to vtter a word whilest he louingly embraced her reâ—…ining her sences with many swéete kisses Which done he said Welcome my swâ—…ete delight After so many cares let vs now bid â—…ue to griefe and forget sad mischances â—…y deare Knight quoth Violetta my Trauells are now conuerted to carefull quiet Reâ—…t and the conclusion of my miseries so swéete as all the Worldes ioyes cannot be compared therewith Since that I haue my déere Loue folded within the circuite of my Embrace since I enioy your Companie which I haue long time wanted since after my griefes I am possest with such delightfull felicitie Whose Pleasure may be compared to mine What delight may equall my contenâ—… My care is banisht to comfort Woe with Weale is controld Paine conquered by pleasure Ioy vnited with ioy and Pleasure with delight possesse my heart Which Words being ended she entertained him with such a swéete Labyrinth of kinde Welcomes that it would haue rauisht a discontented heart with surfetting
to put him to death And how Maximus threwe him into the Lyons denne AFter that the Knight of Fame was departed front Lybia and Venola had knowledge thereof by Flauia she continued many dayes in great sorrow but afterwards by tract of time calming her griefe but no whit her affection by Flauiaes perswasions who was priuie to all her Actions Turned her former good Will that was grounded vpon Uertue to lust and mad desire That séeing she could not by fayre meanes winne him to loue her shee thought to leaue no meanes vnafsayed eyther by force to compell him thereto or else in some measure to be reuenged on him for his discourtesie The minde being alwayes readie by euery perswasion to yéelde to worke any meanes for to procure desired content euen so casting about many deuises with Flauia one day finding fit opportunitie when the King was in his dumpes for Venolas sickenesse came vnto him and told him that the cause of his Daughters sickenesse was procured by an exceeding flight she had taken by the discourteous vsage of the Knight of Fame who for that cause was lately fled from the Court which vntill that day she had concealed from her neither should she euer recouer her selfe vntill she were in some hope to be reuenged of him The King willed her to declare the same vnto him Flauia then began as followeth My Lord this Knight presuming often into my Mistresse presence by reason of the kindenesse she shewed him for working her relase in Brandemors Castle which hee well deserued began oftentimes to make loue to her whom sheé answered in good sort being vnwilling to make choise of any but by your appointment but in the end his sute grew to that importancy that he would haue no deniall but comming into her Chamber chusing his fittest opportunity when my Mistres was in her bed and surprising her vnawares offred her excéeding shame and villany but being by her striuing and out-crie disappointed of his full intent he presently fled away The King hearing Flauias speeches was exceedingly enraged with furie commanding his Knights to poste euery way to learne where he made his abode This newes being spread at last came to a Knight of Natolia who by occasion was then in the Lybian Court who presently came to the King and told him that he needed not to make inquirie for the Knight of Fame for that he was at the Golden Tower The King hearing that newes was exceedinglie glad thereof commanding his Knights to stay their iourney writing a Letter to Maximus to this effect MOst mighty King I salute you requesting you to worke reuenge in my behalfe vpon a traitor who now remaineth with you who hath dishonoured my Daughter hee is called the Knight of Fame assuming that name to colour his wicked practises who no doubt will soone deuise some mischiefe against your persoÌ„n let him not escape your hands but rather send him to mee that I may reuenge that monstrous iniury he hath done me by his life which onely shall satisfie me Thus remembring my loue to you and desiring your secrecie I cease Your brother of Libia Hauing written this letter and sealed it with his signet he presently sent the same by certaine of knights to the Golden Tower who as effectually dispatched their iourney as he had giuen them straight charge and arriuing at the Golden Tower deliuered the Letter to Maximus who hauing read the same and well considered the circumstance which augmented his hatred and suspition already begunne against the Knight of Fame presently comming to the place where hee was in talke with Marcellus he caused him to bee apprehended and without any other iudgement caused him presentely to be cast into a denne of Lions to be deuoured The Knight of Fame was no sooner put into the denne but the Lyons made an exceeding roaring that those without assuredly iudged him deuoured and himselfe expected nothing but that terrible and fearefull death but the Lyons who by nature will not harme those of Roiall bloud spared his life and not so much as offered to touch him but were rather terrified with his presence He being glad of this happy escape began to assure himselfe that he was sprung of kingly race which greatly comforted his heart and added a perswasiue hope to comfort himselfe withall that by that occasion hee should attaine to Anglicaes loue if he could worke meanes for his releasement out of that place most of all he wondred why Maximus had offered him that outrage In these and such like cogitations he spent the rest of the day Marcellus séeing the knight whom he most dearely loued destroied without iudgement equity or cause was so inwardly inraged that he was in minde oftentimes to work himselfe iniurie and seek meanes of reuenge if he knew who had been the causer therof and not knowing what to doe nor in whose company to spend his time he presently thought to goe to Angelica whom he thought bare some good will to the knight of Fame with her to bemoane his vntimely death but comming to the place where she was he would haue entred therin but Collimus according to Maximus command denâ—… him and that the more obstinately for that he knew none fauoures the knight of Fame so much as he whâ—… he mortally hated Marcellus beeing before sufficiently inraged was now so much more vexed that hee drewe his dagger and with a violent blow stabbed the same to Collimus heart and withall going to Angelica hee found her very sad little thinking of these mischances who seeing him in that rage which shee soone perceiued by his behauiour she came vnto him hauing seated himselfe downe in a chaire and desired to know the cause of his wrath O Sister quoth he this place is the harbour of cruelty tyrannie and dishonour which in times past hath beene famous and a receipt of honour but shortly will be hated and shunned as odious and ominous and all procured by the foolish Diuining of a wicked Harlot that hath filled my Fathers head with such fancies that hee forgetteth himselfe his Honour and Kingly behauiour and giueth credit to none but flatterers and parasites imprisoning his children murthering his friends and séeking the subuersion of honour and honourable knights Oh Angelica what should I say or to whom should I complaine he hath slaine Uertue he hath destroied Honour he hath murthered my deere Friend that kinde and courteous knight he hath cast the vnknowne most honourable though vnknowne Knight of Fame into the Lions denne without iudgement iustice right or triall Angelica hearing his words was readie to swound with griefe but that feare to discouer her loue withheld her but beeing not able to refraine from teares shee withdrew her selfe aside to conceale the same which Marcellus espying caught her in his armes and said Nay deare Sister doe not conceale your griefe for his death from me that loue you so much the better and if you euer conceiued any good liking of him
beeing as thou seest preserued by Diuine prouidence by the Kings cruelty by him vniustly cast into this place without any cause of offence but wrongfully as thou maiest perceiue by my preseruation for if my facte had deserued punishment no doubt I could not haue escaped the crueltie of these executioners hauing endured great danger of famishment Now my request vnto thee is that thou wouldest but suffer me to depart from hence without descrying me for I haue no reason to trust to Maximus courtesie and hauing already endured this miserie by his crueltie which thou maiest well doe without endangering thy selfe any kinde of way for there is none but doth assuredly thinke I am dead The Keeper hearing his spéeches and withall seeing how admirably hee was preserued and also fearing his owne death assured him by many vowes and protestations not onely doe that which hee had desireâ— but also would most faithfully execute what other thing soeuer he should command to his vttermost power Will thou then quoth he doe this for me Giue me the keyes and make fast the doore so that thou canst not goe from mee and then call downe thy boy and send him to Marcellus to request him to come to thee but in such sort that the boy may not see me and also to doe his message secretly which the Keeper told him he would most willinglie performe Then directing the Knight of Fame how to locke the doore that he could not escape hee called downe the boy who presently came to him whom he commanded to séeke out Marcellus secretly and to desire him that he would vouchsafe to come and speake with him about a matter of great importance The boy hauing receiued his message immediatly hasted to execute the same and most fortunatly met him in the outer Court to whom he declared the cause of his comming Marcellus maruelling why the Keeper had sent for him presently began to remeÌ„ber the knight of Fame with which his heart began to throb but hasting down to the den the keeper commanded his boy to depart and humbling himselfe to Marcellus told him that the knight of Fame was stil liuing Which said he ran in vnto him who had shrowded himselfe from his sight and told him Marcellus was come then presently hee came foorth whom Marcellus espying with great reioicing caught him in his armes and most louingly embraced him seeming to be reuiued with ioy in respect of the care opprest his minde before hee had knowledge of his safetie Manie courteous greetings past on either side Marcellus desired the Keeper not to reueale this secret to any for if it should come te my Fathers hearing it were impossible then to preuent his rigour and withall promised him that if he would let him lodge in his house but that night he would reward him most bountifullie and withall promised him to higher dignity and to such place of account as that hee would haue good cause to reioice that euer the Knight of Fame came within his house The Keeper both drawne by his owne good inclination and also by the hope of reward and preferrement beeing but poore promised his vttermost aide and assistance to pleasure him and withall to performe his full desire with such security that none should conceiue any suspition thereof with that they altogether departed vp into his Lodge where the knight of Fame refreshed himselfâ—… with comfortable meates beeing exceeding glad as hee had good cause of this successe and â—…endring many thanks to Marcellus who well deserued the same Marcellus being yet somewhat troubled in his minde about the Letter the King of Lybia had sent and desirous to be satisfied of the truth therein taking the Knight of Fame aside from the hearing of the keeper said as followeth Sir Knight although I haue shewen you this fauour and friendship which my fancie often perswaded mee to refnse yet vrged by the good will I beare you and for other considerations which I will yet conceale from you I could not choose but reioice at your safety and worke what meanes I can for your preseruation yet there remaineth a grudging in my conscience against you vntill you assure me by your faithfull oath to satisfie me of the truth of my doubt without fraud for if that be true which is alleaged against you by the affirmation of a king you deserue the punishment my Father inflicted vpon you and rather to be generally hated then beloued at all Most honourable Knight quoth he I know my selfe so cleare from all such villany as that I sweare and protest by my life by Heauen and by all the good that euer I expect which I desire to turne to my destruction it I tell you not the very truth Then quoth Marcellus the same day that the King my Father caused you to be throwne into the Lyons den the king of Lybia sent hither certaine of his Knights with a Letter wherein he accused you to haue most shamefully dishonoured his Daughter Venola desiring my Father to dispatch you out of the way for your life and nothing else might appease his ire which was the cause of his cruelty My Lord quoth the knight of Fame vpon mine honour my former oath and by all other truth and fidelity this accusation is most vniust false and vntrue which if I may by your fauour in whose hands my life now resteth haue liberty to approue I will maintaine the contrary euen in the gates of the king of Lybia and cause my accusers to confesse the contrary neither did I euer seeke loue at that Ladies hands by whose dishonourable meanes this false accusation is raised against mee Deare friend qd Marcellus you haue said inough and I rest assuredly satisfied of your loialty The knight of Fame was so inwardly vexed with this accusation that he was halfe mad with griefe but chiefly for that hee thought it was come to Angelicas hearing and might bee a meanes to cause her vtterly to forsake him which appalled his sences with extreame vexation that he stood like one transformed Marcellus perceyuing his Discontent desired him not to bee grieued but to ouerpasse the same vntill hee hadde meanes to prooue the con trarie My Lord replyed he How can I chuse but be sorrie when thereby I am dishonoured in euery mans opinion Which I account more dearer then my life Besides with what impatiencie may I shew my selfe before any Knight liuing but rather rid my hated selfe out of this miserable life which is the next way to salue this blemish But if you will vouchsafe câ—… heare the true reporte of the miseries I haue endured euer since my byrth you would say that I am the onely Mappe of sorrow and borne to perpetuall calamitie I desire nothing more quoth Marcellus With that hée rehearsed to him all that hee could of his bringing vppe in the Iland of Rockes his departure from thence and Shipwracke at Sea How hee was entertained by Duke Amasenus in Thrace and the treacherie
sléepe and leauing Panoraes house with his Sword in the one hand and his Doublet in the other ran out into the open stréetes to sée what might be the cause of this vprore By this time the stréetes were filled with Souldiers and Parismenos was gotten to the Court-gates Where he met with Maximus the King but would not offer to touch him Who like a furious mad and desperate man ranne amongst the Bohemian Souldiers brandishing his sword and slaughtering such as stood next him where he met with Marcellus ranging about starke mad with griefe Who desired him to withdraw himselfe least he were destroyed by the common-Souldyers but he refusing his counsell and ouercome with mad Frenzie rushed in amongst the thickest of them â—…out consideration Wounding some and slaughtering those that offered not to touch him being before commaunded by Parismenos not to lay violent handes on him but his carlesse surie wrought his owne downefall and his owne follie confirmed the Prophesie that he had long time feared For most lamentablie in throng of the Bohemian Horsemen he was troden to death By this time Marcellus was come to the Court fearing least the Souldiers should enter and affreight the Quéene and Angelica Where hee found Parismenos though vnknowne kéeping the Entrance running at him most furis ously To whom Parismenos saide Marcellus holde thy hands here is none but Friends With that word he saide Who art thou that knowest me I am qd he a friend to Marcellus and wish you withdraw your selfe into the Court least you be hurt amongst my souldiers Marcellus hearing his spéeches stept within the Court-Gates By this time the Prince of Bohemia and Pollipus had put the Natolian forces to fleight and taken Santodelodoro and Pridamor prisoners the king of Lybia was fled the common-Souldyers had ransackt the Campe and beganne to sacke the Citty vntill the day began to appeare and the Prince of Bohemia and Pollipus hauing attained victorie gaue commaundement that none vpon paine of death should offer to enter any of the Citizens houses The Nobles séeing what slaughter the Bohemians had made how the Moores and Lybians were fledde and the Cittie ready to be sackt came to the Quéene and certified her the trueth of all Who missing Maximus carelesly ranne into the Cittie to séeke him renting her garments and making excéeding mone and at last found him troden to death and not slaughtered by mans force but by the brute Beasts casting her selfe carelesly and desperately vpon his dead Corpes vttering many lamentable spéeches vntill the Nobles withheld her from dooing her salfe violence which shee often intended and taking vp the dead kings corps carried him to the Court with great lamentation Marcellus camming to Parismus with a kinde behauiour said Most Noble Prince of Bohemia I beséech you stay your incensed wrath and séeke not the Ruine and Destruction of this Cittie and vs For Maximus being dead there is none that will make resistance but rather entertaine you with willing harts being alwaies vnwilling to haue moued you to séeke this Reuenge but that it was not in vs to contradict Maximus will Who was rather ledde and ouerruled by rags then aduise Therefore we yéelde our selues to your mercie Parismus beeing certified that it was Marcellus whome loued Parismenos and was alwayes his deare Friende saide Noble Prince thinke that I sought no way to iniure you but to redéeme my Sonne and reuenge his wrong Which now the iust Heauens haue executed in my behalfe but what restitution can be made me for his lesse Whose vntimely death was noted by Maximus crueltie I séeke not your harme but his recouerie Therefore be you assured of Peace and that I will at your request cease all further strife vpon your Princely promise of securitie Marcellus then said I haue alwayes honored your Name much more doo I affect your presence desiring nothing more then to be well estéemed of you that now Maximus is dead and my selfe next to succéed in the Kingdome Whosoeuer shall offer iniurie to the worst Bohemian Souldier I will hate him whilest I liue Therfore I beséech you rest in assurance vpon my promise and vouchsafe such Entertainment as this Court can yéelde too vnworthy to giue you Welcome Which wordes Marcellus spake in the hearing and presence of all the Nobles and Péers of his Land who likewise notwithstanding the slaughter the Bohemians hadde made willingly ratified his spéeches with their vnconstrained consent Parismus then alighted and embraced Marcellus and Pollipus did the like First appointed what the Souldiers should doo And then went into the Court with Marcellus The Souldiers that were dispearsed to euery corner of the Cittie returned to the Campe sauing onely a sufficient Guarde of Bohemian Knightes that stayed to Guarde the Prince Marcellus sent out messengers to gather togither all the scattered Troupes of the Getulian Campd and gaue them great Rewards those that were maimed and Wounded hee also caused to bee brought to a place where they were very diligently looked vnto by skilfull Physitions And euery one notwithstanding theyr former discontentes were by Marcellus highly satisfied CHAP. XXXI ¶ How Sicheus sonne to the Emperour of Constantinople Remulus king of Thrace and others landed in Natolia Of Parismenos discouery How hee was elected Angelicaes husband by the consent of the Peeres And how Angelica performing Hymens rytes was stolne away by the King of Tunis from whom she was againe taken by certaine Out-lawes MArcellus hauing ordered these affaires then beeing with Parismus Pollipus the newes was brought that Remulus the King of Thrace was landed with a mightie Bande of Thracians and that Camillus was likewise Landed with a Band of well armed Souldiers With whome Sycheus Sonne to the Emperour of Constantinople had mette hauing with him a mightie Band of Grecians Marcellus hearing this newes sent out Heralds to know the cause of theyr comming Who returned and certified him that Camillus came to aide the K of Natolia and that Sycheus and Remulus had brought those forces in the aide of Parismenos but being certified of the victory the Bohemians had attained and beeing assured of the Peace was concluded and of Maximus death had sent backe their Bandes but themselues with Troups of gallant Knightes were comming to the Court Marcellus then sent out his Nobles to giue them good entertainment Angelica being now at libertie came downe attended by a gallant traine of beautifull Ladies her sad countenance bewraying her hearts sorrow and with a most comely and kinde submisse gesture Welcommed Parismus vttering these fewe words Honourable Prince regarding the denoted duety wherein I am bounde to your Worthinesse in that you are Parismenos Father I reioyce to sée your safetie though I haue cause inough to sorrow my selfe being the chiefest meane of your disquiet and by my vnlucky Destinies haue bene the greatest procurer of these griefes And since your noble Sonne Parismenos for my sake and my Fathers crueltie hath endured manie miseries and death too
close that though shée made great lamentation yet she could not be heard and causing Anna to mount vp behinde a knight they carried them away with the Priest which they did so closely and with such expedition that they escaped away vndsecried by reason the Temple stood on the outside of the Citie Now this Knight that carried away Angelica was the barbarous King of Tunis named Irus who long time before Parismenos arriuall in Getulia had bin a sutor to Angelica but was denied her by Maximus and departed from thence in a discontented vaine who hauing soiourned many daies in Getulia was well aquainted with their customes and hearing all that befallen in the Court and of Maximus death had manie daies awaited this opportunitie well knowing before that she would come to Hymens Temple to offer the acustomed sacrifice came at the very instant and surprized them and hauing past without suspition out of the suburbs of the Citie hasted with all spéede hée could towards his countrie And by the way as hée went they entered at thicke wood where Irus purposed to rest himselfe to determine which way to take fearing to be surprised for that he knew she should be soone mist he had not stayed there long but he was descried by certaine Knights that ltued in those woods the cause of whose abode in that place shall be declared in the next Chapter who hearing many lamentatons that Anna made set vpon Irus whome they thought to be a personage of great estate and by the richnesse of his Armour which was on the skirts and sides enamelled and besette with rich stones all ouer besette with bléeding hearts of Azure Irus séeing himselfe thus beset drew his sword in his defence with that one of the companie blew a horne wherewith there suddenly came out tenne in Armour with the rest of their fellowes equalling the number that was with Irus betwéene whom began a most sincere combat which continued so long that there were some flaine of both parties Hymens Priest in this time secretly stole away And Angelica being in the Litter looked out thereat beholding that cruell fight maruelling what those should be that had stolen her from the Temple and what those should be that sought to rescue her from them but shée was so excéedingly opprest with terror that her vitall sences were readie to yéeld vp her latest breath By this time Irus Knights were most of them slaine and some gréeuously wounded sauing Irus who being a Knight of resolued courage continued the combat with great valour against his assailliant who seemed to be a Knight of exceeding courage as he was indeed and by his strength soone brought Irus within his mercie who fearing his death desired the Knight to holde his hand Tell me then what thou art quoth he I will not quoth he tell thée my name but I am of Tunis Angelica hearing that word gaue a sudden shrike wherewith the Knight looking backe beheld her most excéeding beautie which was beautified with her Garland of flowers that hée stoode as one amazed thereat taking her rather to be a diuine then a mortall creature that he said What Lady is this that is fearefull to heare thy name It is quoth he Angelica with that he fell downe for faintnesse by effusion of blood The Knight then stepping to Angelica said Lady you now are mine by conquest therrfore feare not his name and goe with me where you shall not want any thing that you will desire with that he tooke her out of the Litter and carried her and Anna away with him and left Irus amongst his Knights almost wounded to death but thrée of them hauing escaped that cruell massacre CHAP. XXXII How Marcellus finding Irus knew him Of Parismenos sorrowe How hee departed in a disguise from Ephesus How Parismus departed towards Thessalie How Irus and Parismenos met in the desart and what afterwards befell HYmens Priest hauing escaped hastted with all speede vntill hée came to the Citie he Citizens séeing him there running as though hée were agaste whom they thought had bene at the Temple for that Angelica was supposed to be there euen then wondred thereat and many of them ran after him who being come towards the court met the Bridegroome and all the rest of the states going toward the Temple who séeing him in that case were driuen into admiration but hee casting himselfe before them breath not suffering him to vtter any longer spéech cried out Angelica Angelica and after that hée recouered a little more breath hee cried againe Angelica is betrayed stolen away by treason With that Parismenos was so confound in his sences that hée was like one senslesse and all the rest were dismaid with feare of this doubt till the Priest to satisfie them declared the truth of all that happened and how that hee had left Angelica in the wood called the desart Parismenos hearing his speeches saide What knight will bring me to that place with that euery one ranne for their steeds and Parismenos amongst the first was first mounted and with Marcellus posting toward the desart Parismus Sicheus and all the rest with enraged fury betooke themselues to their stéeds that on a sudden the whole Countrey was bespred euery way with Knights This newes likewise came to the Behemian Came that the horsemen posted euery way the Ladies ranne to the Temple where missing Angelica they filied the hollow Uaultes thereof with their cryes the Courtiers were amazed the Citie in an vprore and the Quéene in great feare Parismenos and Marcellus first gate into the desart where according to the Priestes spéeches with little searche they found Irus amongst his fewe wounded knights almost dead whose head they had vncouered to giue him breath Marcellus soone knew him and by his Armour which Hymens Priest had deciphered so well as hée could hée knewe that it was he that carried away Angelica Parismenos comming to him being excéedingly enraged offered to thrust his sword thorow him But Marcellus staying his hand said This is Irus the king of Tunis With that likewise he said to Irus who knew Marcellus King of Tunis What dishonour is this thou hast done to Angelica That which I haue done said he I repent not but for that I haue lost her With that Parismenos said Where is shée which way went shée then one of the wounded Knights said shée was rescued from vs in this place and the knights that haue her departed out of the wood that way By this time Parismus and Sicheus was come and Parismenos Marcellus againe hasted that way the knight directed them By this time all the desart was beset searched throughout with knights and Marcellus and Parismenos were stayed from the hast they made for that they met with thousads of knights that had bin in euery place of those parts of the country but could not once hear of her or of any knight but of their owne company that Parismenos at Marcellus intreatie returned backe to
Parismus the rest to know their aduice before hée went from them which Marcellus had a great care of him for t hat he knew his griefe was such that hée would neuer returne vntill he had found for whome likewise they should take as much care for him being absent Parismus hearing the report of the knights that had bin euery way in her searche could not tell what to say or what to thinke but first hée desired those that loued Angelica to poste euery way in her searche and speaking to thousands of his knights hée commanded them to depart presently both in the furthermost parte of Natolia and also into the neighbouring Countreys in her searche which he thoughée was the best meanes to finde her for hée was sure they could not bâ—…trauelled farre in that short space Promising to rewarde him most richly that could find her or could heare of her abode with that the knights departed euery way Parismenos was excéedingly tormented with griefe and thought himselfe negligent to stay there and not to be in her searche but not knowing which way to take his sences were dulled with that gréeuous conceit To whom Parismus said Be of good coÌ„fort Parismenos for we shall heare of Angelica againe therefore I pray doo not you leaue vs too least our care be as great for your absence for there are so many knights in her search that she cannot by any means be so secretly conueyed hence nor so spéedily but we shall heare thereof My Lord and Father quoth he I beséech you let me make some diligent searche for her otherwise my minde will not be satisfied and I beseech you to returne to the Court with these Nobles and leaue me alone in her search that amongst the rest I that haue most cause may according like a friend doo my best to finde her As for my safetie take you no care for be you assured I will preserue my selfe from danger onely for her sake which liberty if you graunt me by leauing me here alone it shall bee a great deale more pleasing to my minde then to be pend in the Court in idlenesse If you promise mee quoth hee faithfully to returne againe I will giue my consent but yet goe with vs to the court this night and to morrow depart I will my Lord quoth he returne to morrow for this night I may sooner finde her then hereafter for that notwithstanding our searche she may be in this Desart which if it be so they will conuey her hence this night Parismus and the rest seeing his resolution and trusting to his promise to returne lefte him and departed backe to the Court with Irus for that the night drewenigh Marcellus would haue stayed with Parismenos but that hée sawe hée â—…ather desired to be alone that he likewise hauing as heauy heart as any of the rest depariâ—…d Parismenos being alone by himselfe began to studie what to doe sometimes thinking shée was within the Desart where shee might be for that it was of an excéeding compasse then heremembred that one of Irus Knights tolde him that they left the wood which bred a contrary perswasion in him that they were departed and gone some whither else that in a multitude of thoughts not knowing what to doo and hauing in these cogitations spent most part of the night without the least hope at last tyred with griefe and filled with care he alighted from his Stéed whom he fastened to a bush sat himselfe downe vnder a Trée as one that had bene quite giuen ouer to carelesse dispaire where we will leaue him to speake of Angelica The Knight that had rescued Angelica from Irus presently conueyed her to the thickest of the Desart in the middest whereof he had a Caue or rather Labyrinth most artificially framed wherein were diuers roomes vaultes and turnings not made by nature but by the Art and Industry of skilfull workemen and with great coste In which place in times past the Giant Malachus kept his secret abode Into this place they brought Angelica and comforting her with many faire spéeches which were most sharpe to her hearing refusing all comfort denying to taste any foode which they offered her and shunning their company till at last the chiefest of them saide Ladie be not thus impatient nor vse me not so discurteously as to shunne my company that haue deserued no such hatred vnlesse it were in dooing you good for I haue released you from the bondage you were in by meanes of those that had you in their custodie that had as it séemed by Damozels complaints with violence brought you to that place For my selfe I will vse you so honourably as your heart can wish neyther shall you haue any violence offered you but rest in as good securitie as you can desire for this place harbâ—…reth no tyrants nor discurteous creatures but such as are of vertuous inclination although by the crosse mischances of hardâ—… Destenie we are driuen to liue in this place And not so much by destenie as by the crueltie of Maximus king of this countrey to whom neuer any offence was giuen by any of vs for knowe Ladie that my name is Iconius sometimes Duke of Sextos but nowe bannished by your Father Maximus from my Dukedome by the false accusation of Pridamor and the Kings malice Who accused mee of Treason and Conspiracie with the King of Tunis Who long since attempted by Treason to betray his life and to attaine your Possession Wherein the Heauens knowe how Innocent I was And not contented with my banishment and confiscation of my Goods hee also sought my life with great crueltie promising great Rewards to those that could finde mee out or bring him my head This is the cause of my desolate Life Wherein I finde greater quiet then in Courtly-pompe Therefore I pray you bee contented with such homely entertainment as my poore habitation yéeldeth whither you are as Welcome as you should be to the place you would desire to be in Angelica hearing his spéeches was more grieued then before for that shee feared hee would in Reuenge of her Fathers crueltie still detaine her there that with the feare shee had taken by these outrages such a passion opprest her heart that shee fell downe deade and Anna séeing the same cryed out most lamentably and did her indeuor the best shee could to recouer her Which when they had done Iconius helped to conuey her to one of those Roomes very sicke and in great danger of her life being diligently tended by Anna Who hadde all things necessarie to comfort her in that extreamitie where there was no want of any thing Iconius hauing leâ—…t Angelica with Anna came amongst the rest of his companie hauing bene sometimes Knightes of estimation likewise by miserie driuen to that Societie hauing liued in that place manie yeares Where they were as secure as in the safest place in the World where they kept themselues close Not once styrring abroade for that they knew the
doo so mortally hate thée that I will haue thy life before I part With that he assayled him most furiously and gaue him so many mortall Wounds that with much effusion of blood hee fell downe dead Parismenos hauing brought him to this estate espied another Knight comming out of the wood which made him leaue Irus and follow him and ouertooke him at the woods side to whome he saide Knight Who art thou The Knight looking backe seeing his swoord bloodie and his Armour battered seeming to haue come from some cruell skirmish and disdaining at him to be so peremptorily examined answered What art thou that examinest me in this place Parismenos being exceedingly enraged before by the smart of some Wound he had before receiued saide I am one that will knowe what thou art before I leaue thée and with that word strooke at him The Knight likewise drawing his swoord to reuenge that blowe but he was farre vnable to withstand Parismenos that he was soone by his vnconquered Chiualrie most grieuously Wounded and in some parte disarmed Parismenos striking another forcible blowe at him hit him right where the Armour was broken and with violence the Sworde pierced his heart and hée fell downe dead without speaking a word Which done Parismenos pulled off his Helmet to see if he knewe him but he knew him not Syr Iconius hearing the noyse of the clashing of theyr Armour being then abroade drewe towards the place where Irus lay gasping for breath Whome hee presently knewe to bee the same Knight from whom he had before rescued Angelica and putting off his Helmet presently knew him to be his déere friende Irus for whose sake he was banished So that taking him vppe he conueyed him to the Caue with great diligence labouring to reuiue him which by his Industrie hée at last attained Anna comming to haue a sight of this Knights comming in presently knewe him by his Armour to be the same that had with violence taken both Angelica and her out of Hymens Temple and enquiring of the Knights his name they answered none of them knew him for none but Iconius knewe him Angelica being now somewhat better recouered Anna made knowne to her what shee had séene but could not learne the Knights name Anna qd she neuer enquire his name but viewe him well and thou shalt soone finde him to bee Irus King of Tunis For diddest thou not heare him say how that he was of Tunis when Iconius rescued mee from him Being much more miserable by his approach For Iconius and hee are of such familiaritie that whereas before I had almost woonne his consent to conuey mee to the Getulian Court I am now out of all comfort of that for Irus will rather seeke to conuey me into Tunis So that now I feare mee I shall neuer see my beloued Knight Parismenos but must bee subiect to his power Who I know will according to his barbarous disposition vse me badly that I know not Anna what to doo in this extreamitie but rather then I will subiect my selfe to his Will I will sooner bee the executioner of mine owne death and first rippe my accursed heart out of my troubled brest Anna then comforted her by many perswasions putting her in some hope yet in the ende to attaine a happie issue to all these vnfortunate Euents Parismenos hauing slaine the Knight returned to the place where he left Irus but found him not Which made him maruell what was become of him thinking that he was escaped and fled And againe being weary and somewhat Wounded he got himselfe to his secret couert to rest where he determined to spend the remnant of his life Where he continued many dayes after In which time Irus being in the Caue with Iconius had recouered his health and knewe Iconius his olde Friende to bee the man that had before endaungered his life by taking Angelica from him and leauing him to Parismenos for which hee had now made him amends by bringing him to his Caue that was likely to perish so that when he came first to the knowledge of these things he vttered these speeches How fortunate am I good Iconius to fall into your kinde handes that otherwise could not haue suruiued I haue long since heard of your Banishment from the Getulian-Courte and onely for my sake And withall hearde how strictly Maximus sought your life Who beeing come to my knowledge I sought diligently to find you out with intent to haue carryed you with me into Tunis but since I haue now so happily found and haue much more cause to loue you let me intreate you to leaue this Desart and depart with mee to Tunis where I meane to preferre you to greater Dignitie and honour then euer you haue had in Getulia I thanke you qd Iconius but I maruell what misaduenture hath nowe brought you into this Countrey and especially into this place vnacquainted with such hazard of your life Good Friende Iconius quoth he I will declare vnto you the truth of all Then he declared the truthe how hee had stolne Angelica out of Hymens Temple and how she was rescued from him in that place And withall declared all that he knewe of the estate of Getulia and of his latest comming from thence and how he met with a Knight in that Woodde that had brought him by his valiant behauiour néere his death Iconius hearing the report of the varietie of his Aduentures made him this answere Pardon mee Noble Irus for it was my selfe that tooke the Lady Angelica from you not knowing who you were who is within this Caue Irns hearing his spéeches caught him in his armes for ioy saying My deare Friende Iconius Was it you that tooke Angelica from me How was it that I knewe you not nor you mee And how fortunate and tenne thousand times blest may I bee by your meanes if you will but continue my trusty friende as heretofore you haue bene by letting me onely haue a sight of Angelica My Lord quoth he againe I haue not forgotten nor yet once diminished my former friendship but will commit the custodie of Angelica to none but your selfe For none but your selfe are Woorthy of her or none so Woorthie only if you please to follow my counsell doo not at the first motion your former sute vnto her but vse her kindely and rather for a time dissemble the extremitie of your passion for I perceiue shee is most déepely inthralled to the Bohemian Knight Parismenos that to make any other Loue to her at the first will rather increase her Affections but when shee is without hope of finding him againe then time will soone alter her minde for Womens affections are subiect to varietie Irus then tolde him that he did like his counsell excéedingly well and withall yéelded him manie thankes for that hee hadde so found his most true and loyall friendship Iconius beeing parted from Irus came presently vnto Angelica Whome he vsed most kindely And taking occasion for that he
come to enioy my Parismenos then when my Father imprisoned mee so closely in the Mayden Tower No time yéelds me any rest from trouble No place giueth me securitie nothing but sorrow is allotted to my portion and nothing but endlesse and perpetuall miserie awaiteth my steppes Deare Mistresse quoth Anna I beséeche you adde comfort to your heart for I will vndertake to satisfie Iconius and make a currant excuse for Irus absence and howsoeuer it falleth out you shall be no way troubled therewith In diuers such spéeches they continued vntill the Night drue nigh and they expected Iconius returne Where we will leaue her Iconius being gone out of the Caue with intent to finde out the straunge Knight tracing vp and downe most part of the day before he could finde him But at last passing by the place where he had rescued Angelica from Irus Parismenos espyed him hauing but two knights at that time with him and came out vnto him Iconius espying him comming to him said Knight I haue wandred all this day to séeke you but was frustrated till now the cause was for that my Knights were sometimes slaine and often Wounded by your valor that maketh me desirous to know the cause of your discontent being Willing to doe you what pleasure I can and also to bee acquainted with you therefore I pray you let me know what you are I am quoth he a miserable Wretch ordained to euerlasting torment banished from ioy exiled from Content Wretched and vnfortunate I séeke no companie nor desire acquaintance I care not for ease but discontent pleaseth mee best This life I leade not by constrainte but that none so well agreeth with my fancie Care kéeps me company and this Desart is fittest for mee to dwell in Syr quoth Iconius it séemeth some great mischaunce hath driuen you voluntarily to take this course or else the crueltie of Friends hath exiled you their companie Both qd he But what are you that séeke so much my acquaintance and knowledge I am quoth he a man as miserable as your selfe subiect to as manie misfortunes as your selfe and euery way filled with discontent if I should Name my selfe you knowe mee not hauing liued many yeares in this Desart a disconsolate and disquiet life my habitation being but simple Whither I come of purpose to bring you for that your Noble Chiualrie maketh mee honour you Where if you loue to liue in Discontent that place yéeldeth nothing but sadnesse yet with securitie Parismenos hauing well noted his spéeches beganne to maruell what hee should bee hearing him say hee had liued manie yeares in that Desart thought it good to sée his habitation and therefore saide Syr Knight although I know not whether I may with security giue credite to your spéeches or no yet if you will vouchsafe me such kindenesse I will accept thereof and for a time contrarie to my purpose take some ease Syr quoth Iconius you shall vppon my faithfull promise rest voyde of treacherie and be as secure as my selfe These spéeches past they departed towardes the Caue continuing as they went in some conference Where they arriued euen at such time as Angelica had ended her spéeches And being entred Iconius told Parismenos that was his habitation whether he was Welcome Then stepping into Angelicaes roome he thought to haue found Irus there but séeing her heauinesse and in what sort both shee and Anna by her sate Wéeping he came vnto her with kinde behauiour demaunding her cause of sorrowe But she casting downe her eyes to the Earth made no answere With that hee beganne to suspect Irus had done her some wrong and maruelling that hee could not see him with her nor in the other roome he returned to Anna and asked her if she could tell where he was Who made him answere that she knew not where he was now but that he had bene there not long since With that casting his eyes downe to the earth in 〈◊〉 studie hee espyed the Floore stayned and besprinckled with gore-blood that therewithall his heart began to swell And looking with a fearfull countenance hee asked what blood that was With that Angelica cast downe her eyes and Anna blusht but hee being earnest to know demanded againe What blood it was Anna then answered It is some of Irus blood spilt by himselfe Why quoth he did hee that déede Because quoth she Angelica would not giue consent to his wicked Lust. Where is he now saide hee I know not answered Anna neyther doe I care With that Iconius perceiuing the tract of blood that went out of the Chamber followed the same to his bed Which he found all bestained therewith and againe followed the blood to the Caues mouth that hee was assured that Irus was slaine that in a monstrous rage he ranne in againe to Anna saying Irus is murthered and you haue done the déede Anna then knowing her selfe guiltie stoode as one confounded with feare but at last reuiuing her selfe from her dumps shee said If I did murther him I did it but to saue my owne life and Angelicaes honour With that hee was so enraged that hee drue his Sword and in a furie would haue slaine her but that she with spéede ranne out of the roome and hee after her ready to strike her dead Parismenos hearing that noyse and séeing Iconius pursuing the Damzell being of a quicke conceit euen as the blow was descending stept vnder the Sword and caught the blow Which otherwise had partēd her life Iconius being inraged strooke another at him vntill Parismenos drawing his Sworde saide Holde your hands and knowe whome thou strikest or I will gore my Sworde in thy heart blood Pardon me good Knight quoth hee Rage made me forget my selfe What Damozell is that quoth Parismenos you would haue slaine It is quoth hee one that hath murthered my deare friend By this time some of them had caught Anna and brought her backe Whom Iconius offered againe to haue slaine but that Parismenos hauing séene her countenance knewe her and staying Iconius againe saide Be not so rash without aduisement to lay such violent handes on a sillie Damozell and before you execute reuenge be better aduised and first knowe the truth of the fact she hath committed and vpon what occasion shée was vrged thereto I will not quoth Iconius followe your counsell but now shee hauing confest the déede I will be seuerely reuenged by her life and nothing else shall make me satisfaction for his blood which shee hath shead Discourteous Knight qd he art thou voyde of humanitie or doo I wish thée to doo any thing that disagreeth to reason I sweare by Heauen let but a haire of her head perish by thy accursed hand and thy death shall be the ransome Here doe I stand in her defence and therefore the prowdest of you all touch her and if you dare With that Iconius said Doest thou requite my friendship in this sorte to take part with my enimies or tell me Doost thou
whom I iudge you to be by those Armes Indeed quoth hee I am the same Pollipus and the chiefest cause of my comming vnto you is my earnest desire to bee acquainted with you though vnworthy for that I know you could not come to the knowledge of mee but by the vertuous Parismus who is now dead in whose defence if you beare armes I will with you doe my endeudur to reuenge his death against mine owne Countrey for I am thereunto bound Worthy knight quoth he if you will vouchsafe to take such simple entertainement as my poore lodging doth afford I will make knowne vnto you my whole desire which Pollipus willingly accepted and being come to the Caue Pollipus maruelled to sée so worthy a knight in such an obscure place but being come in he was soone vnarmed and then Parismus knew him to be his friend and taking him by the hand led him aside and then made himselfe known vnto him whereat Pollipus wondred and so with excéeding ioy most louingly embraced him and after supper was ended which was prouided by the Outlawes cleanly drest by the Damsel Parismus declared vnto him the whole circumstance of this tragedy wherwith Pollipus was so inwardly vexed to heare of Sicanus falshood that he vowed for euer to remaine his professed enemy they continued in the caue al the night the one recounting vnto the other their forepassed friendship at last it was coÌ„cluded betwixt them that Pollipus should still continue there and therfore prouided him other Armour that thereby he might not be knowne It was some three wéekes space before Parismus could recouer his wounds during which time the Thessalians had receiued much dammage by their enemies growing into feare of Famine for that their victuals beganne to waxe scant their courage being likewise somewhat abated for that they saw not the black knight in all that time come into the field as his wonted manner was therefore they concluded by a generall consent to Parley with the king of Persia and appointed Lord Remus to be the messenger who comming to the Persian king told him that Dionisius king of Thessalie did desire to parley with his Highnes whom he knew not that he had any way offended Whose message the Persian King kindely accepted and vpon his Kingly promise protested to continue a truce for that day appotniting the place of meeting to be on the Greene before the west gate of the City whither he came with the Kings that were with him and Sicanus his Sonne whither also Dionisius and the King of Bohemia with all the rest of the Potentates on the Thessalian party likewise came Many things béeing alleaged on both sides the one in accusation of Sicanus the other in defence of his innocency at last by consent of all a peace was concluded for twenty daies and on the twentieth day it was concluded that this Controuersie should be decided by battel and the conditions were these That if Dionisius could not bring thrée knights to combate with thrée of the Persians that then he should acknowledge himselfe subiect to the Persian king and also should deliuer vnto Sicanus his faire daughter Laurana to be at his disposition and Sicanus to enioy the Crowne after his death and if the Thessalians should conquere the Persian knights then immediately the Persian should remooue his Forces and Sicanus should acknowledge the truth of the Fact vpon which conditions the peace was concluded and firmely ratified by the generall Oathes of both the kings of Persia and Thessalia During which time of peace Parismus Pollipus would vsually come abroad both armed in white Armour with Plumes of white feathers and white Steedes gallantly attired be held the Persians and Thessalians continually euery day combatting for triall of their manhood but stil the Phrygian Zoylus and the two Persians Brandor and Ramon bore away the victory that the Thessalians would no more encounter with them which draue Dionisius into such a deep study what Knights to prouide against the appointed day of combat altogether dispairing of the Blacke Knight for that he has not beene séene a long time amongst them and also for that Oristus Osiris were so gréeuously hurt that it was impossible for them to recouer their health by the time appointed Parismus hearing of this conclusion told Pollipus that if he would accompany him to be one of Lauranaes Champions he would be for euer â—…ound to requite that curtesie which gentle request Pollipus kindly accepted The third that Parismus had appointed was one of the Out-lawes that perserued his life whose valour exceeded most of the Kinghts in Thessalie though he endured some secret disgraces Laurana maruelled that during the time of those warres being so famous as they could not choose but bee spread through most part of the world she could heare no newes of Parismus iudging him now for a certaine truth to be dead for otherwise she thought it could not be for she knewe if the least report of those wars were but come to his hearing he would returne to aide her from Sicanus whom she so much abhorred that it was a griefe to her to heare him named withall remembring in what peril both her Father her Countrey and her selfe were brought by his tyranny and that this misery exceeding all the rest was now fallen vpon her that shee must finde Champions to defend her or else she must be thrall to him which was â—…ore gréeuous vnto her then ten thousand deaths the remembrance of which extremities caused her to brust forth into these exclamations Most vnhappy and accursed wretch that I am how can I exclaime sufficiently against my hard destinies that haue brought me in danger of him whom I mortally hate whose very name is odious in my hearing who by his treachery hath robbed me of my hearts delight and continually workes my endlesse torment had my vnlucky starres allotted me to some vntimely death or otherwise wrought my misery then could I haue endured this martirdome with patience and quietly haue suffered the extreamest calamitie but my euill destiny farre exeedeth all misery and hath shut mee from all hope of comfort in this my affliction by the death of my vertuous Lord and deare friend Parismus whose ghost is busied with diuine contemplations and not tormented as I am with temporall vexations I would willingly follow him to Elizium there to retaine the fruition of his heauenly company but my destinies likewise haue allotted mee a cowards heart not daring to execute my will vpon my selfe my forward minde likewise disswadeth mee by many impossible perswasions that in this extreamity I know not whose aide to implore my Parismus is dead my Fathers Knights mangled for my sake and all things so contrary to good successe that vnlesse I bee deliuered from this tyrant Sicanus by some admirable and strange meanes I must of necessity fall into his loathsome power whose serpentine breath doth infect my heart with deadly feare With these and such