the ayre rattle and the earth to shake they sette sayle bidding theyr friendes a short farewell who attending theyr enemies comming wée leaue them houering at the sea for a time till they méete againe CHAP. XXII Howe the two armies meeting at sea the Millaine Duke with his power was discomfited THese honourable Armies well appointed both by lande and Sea a generall expectation was made on both sides for their méeting wherein each one hoping for victorie wished for to sée the euent of theyr fortunes long looked for commeth at the last and time hath brought the two fléetes in sight one of the other which descried all pollicie was wrought for the aduantage in the fight wherein those gallants of Genoway shewed their best skill keeping in despight of the Millaine armie the winde and in great brauerie halled the enemies with their warlike musicke in such sort that the skyes resounding the ecchoes of theyr noyse which was not vnaunswered by the Millaine fléete made as gallant a shewe as the other where some time was spent in tryumph betwéene them and the Gallies and shippes within shot their prowesse with great courage was discharged and euerie man with such weapon as he vsed did his best Long time and much powder was spent on both sides with much effusion of bloud eyther parte doubtfull of the victorie which the Generall of the Genowayes perceiuing halling his Viceadmirall and the Admirall and Vice-admirall of each Squadrone with a flagge of parley they drewe neare vnto him to heare what hee hadde to saye who charged them vppon their allegiance without anie more forbearing or consuming of time to boord withall spéede euerie man as hee coulde haue aduantage and so to make quicke and short tryall of their fortunes This counsell of the generall was welcâ—me to euerie man who were verie gladde and ioyfull of that commaundement which was that which they expected for they attended but to sée him béeing aduised to follow his deceiuers And thereuppon forcing theyr Gallies by maine strength of Oares aboord with great courage and vallour they gaue this onset in which was many feates of honour and armes atchieued where many a man of woorth left his life others lost theyr limbes and many spoyled and wounded to the death The Gallies fired and diuers sunke all hazards that daye were with great perrill espaped after many bloudie strokes and much other mischiefe on both sides the houre of the victorie befell the Genowayes who tooke their Admirall gallie flew their chiefetaine and burned and sunke many of the rest such good successe followed their iust cause that fewe of their enemies escaped without great hurt from the fight The fight ended night approaching a retreat by the Admirall was sounded which doone a view was taken of the prisoners and the gentlemen and commanders of the Millenaries sent aboord the generall for the rest order was giuen that they should remaine aboord their seuerall gallies which done a generall laude was giuen to God for their victorie and euery one following the course of the Admirall they made their way for Genoway and in short time with the diligence of the Captiues and good encouragement of the commanders of each gallie they had sight of their port and not long after recouered the same where their ioies were increased by the sight of their friendes happie returne as by their solemne shewes of gladnes was manifest to the great encouragement of al the aduenturers and increasing of the prisoners great gréefe who made such sure account to tryumph in their ouerthrowes and like Lords to command ouer them nowe to be subiect to their enemies Thus their heauie sighes bewraying their sorrow the generall of the fléete moued with pittie of their care beeing a man very debonaire and kind with a countenance ful of pittie his bonnet vayled came vnto the caualleres perswading them to comfort themselues and to extend this vnexpected chance as one of fortunes bandies whose inconstancie was not to bée wondered at for quoth he they that gaine to day may loose to morrow the fortunes of warres are difficil a cleare conscience and a iust cause armeth men with courage they that fight in right are often fortunate Our cause God hath righted whom your duke sought to wrong he is the giuer of victory to whom bee all glorie Yet gentlemen quoth he dismay not neyther clogge your hearts with too much care of your bad fortunes you are fallen into the hands of a kinde and most noble enemie who will well intreate you and for mine owne part which am at the Gouernours commaund I assure you your ransomes shall be so easie as you shall like well of The Milleneres captiue hearing theyr kinde enemie vse such wordes of comfort where hee might menace with death and cruell reuenge béeing at his mercie with courtesie returned great thankes for his most friendly counsell and good perswasions vowing themselues his obedient prisoners neuer to departe or offer any manner of discourtesie in worde or action vntill they were lawfully licensed so to doo Which worde the Generall accepting each man had frée libertie within the Cittie to goe at his or theyr pleasures CHAP. XXIII How the Armies by land meeting what happened them AS God sent the sea power of these Princes to trie first theyr forces so not long after theyr armies approaching the Millaine Duke beeing aduertised by his espialles of their readinesse hearing of the ill succesle of his fléete loath to putte all on hazard without some more pause and resting his people which were verie sore wearied with theyr long and hard trauaile for which cause as well to consult with his leaders and copartners hée caused his Tents to bee picht giuing good directions for sure watch to bee kept throughout the Campe which done and they hauing reposed themselues that night the next day a parley by flagge was sommoned wherein euerie man was heard both for aduise in marshalling the Armie as for pollicie in surprising the enemie where in each mans opinion sayde the Duke melancholike for his ill successe and losse of his fléete was so malcontent that nothing might be said wherein he tooke pleasure yet gaue he leaue to euerie one to say his mind which humours nothing contenting his nobility and such as were drawne thither by his cause loath that his headstrong humours should dishonour them the Ferrâ—ra Duke as one that might be most bold with him sayd Cosin of Millaine for your sake wee haue gathered bordering neighbours maintaining no iust cause of our owne but your intended quarrell wherein if wee reape any dishonour wee haue our deserts Ledde by your counsell wée haue béene as shéepe to bée slaine and now hauing hadde a little crosse dismay you that our people séeing your discomfort may leaue vs héere in the middest of our enemies It is dastardlike to feare in such a cause and may bréede all our euerthrow wherefore resolue eyther to maintaine your honour and with resolution finish what
being blessed by y e loynes from whence thou procéedest a world of happinesse betide those whose tender paps gaue thée nourishment Honorable friend duke Philip happy father eternally shal thy name liue in this gracious and noble child oh Philip ioy of thy louing friends and kin didst thou know thy daughter whom long sithence it may be thou reckonest among the dead where liuing and so neare thee what ioy would it bring thy drooping aged heart Me thinkes I sée thy sprites how they would skip to heare thy Vallia liueth which thou shalt know with such spéede as I best may or can giue thee notise thereof if you gracious Ladie say Amen to what I intend Vallia seeing the ioy of the Emperour for her fathers good could not forbeare shedding teares at his kind offers which passing ouer as she best could prostrating her selfe she in all humblenes besought his Maiestie to thinke howe much she had incurred her fathers high displeasure so to leaue him without giuing any notice of her departure to any one which she doubted would neuer be recouered without his speciall suit which if by his most honourable meanes she did obtaine how she shoulde hold her selfe blessed of God and honoured of his highnesse modestie caused her conceale vewing by the honour of her husbands name that all the fauour he could do her was not neither could it be so acceptable vnto her as this The Emperour noting her heauinesse for her fathers displeasure comforted her all he might assuring her on his honour to recouer what she required And calling for pen ynke and paper wrote as followeth To the most gracious and noble Prince Philip Duke of Genoway and Naples health and continuall happinesse THrise honoured Duke a longing desire hath mooued vs oftentimes since our last being togither to see your excellencie but the consideration of your age and imbecilitie vomeete for trâ—uaile hath made vs forbeare to trouble you vntil this instant a cause of importance to our ioy and your great comfort happily chauncing at least if thy fatherly loue be such to see thy supposed lost childe the Princesse Vallia of whom we haue certaine tidings shee is in health and safetie for whose pardon we haue vndertaken to become a soliciter and hope of successe in our suite the offence beeing the more pardonable in that it was affection and entire loue of that noble Gentleman the knight of the holie Crosse your soldier and our long-friend whose wife to thy comfort and honour of your house she is Therefore if thou reioyce in her happinesse as thy age and abilitie will giue leaue come vnto vs who in person will accompany you to her presence who as we here groneth with the pains of another as our phisitions enforme vs. And so expecting what we desire from you we bid you heartilie farewell At our imperial court signed with our royal signet Augustus Magnus These letters written he read the contents vnto the Ladie Valya who praying for his long life she heartily thanked him for his gracious fauour and care of her which done she there with well pleased he signed and subscribed the same Then calling one of his Nobles which was graue and of honourable account he deliuered the same with especiall charge for the spéedie conuay thereof and secret conscealing of the Ladie Which done commending him to his iourney and good performance of his charge hee bid him farewell whom we leaue to his trauaile and the Emperour and the Lady vnto theyr pleasure vntill her time of deliuerance of which you shall here as soone as the midwife hath done her office CHAP. XIII How the Knight of the Crosse by the industrie of the two easterlings and the page was freed from prison and what chanced to them THe Noble Edward cloyed with his mishaps and harsh vsage in his imprisonmeÌ„t thought euery moneth a yeare and euerie minute a moneth vntil he was at libertie Oftentimes perswading himselfe to great hazard in fréeing him from that captiuitie And then by intreatie of those one whose trust he relied his determinations ceased attending his pleasure which neuer left him without comfort his poore followers dooing for him what they could But as long looked for comes at last so the time of his deliuerie drawing nie and euerie thing effected securely his guides by whome hee was to be ruled pretending a iourney to Sylo obtained his horse and armour of the bashaw for a present to their Bashaw from whence they came which closely they conuaied away out of the citie to a place of seacreciâ— which they in their idle walke had founde leauing the Page in his lodging which was in a Iewes house verie secret For the Page they ordained Turkish attire and him furnished very orderly with a counterfeit mustacho the better to disguise him for béeing known hauing another for the knight vnto whom before their going they had imparted their deuise which was so slay his keeper that euening when he came to bring him water and in his apparrell to escape appoynting him a place without the Citie where they with the Page would tarrie his comming This done first conuaying the page in his attire which escaped the watch without suspect they sought the gaylour of whome pretending to take a solemne farewell they carryed him to a Baniard a place where the Christian Captiues were kept plying him so with Aqua vitae or as they call it Rakcaye that hée forgot himselfe that with kindnes and shewes of loue they procured him to the prison to take their leaue of y e knight wherein the kéeper was no sooner entred but the Easterlings thinking that the fittest time gaue him y e word to make him away whilst they kept sure guarde for his safetie By whose dâ—uise béeing ruled the Gaylor ended his life with a weapon which they gaue him which doone long stood not our knight attyring himselfe in Cerberus apparrell who being furnished and disguised with a counterfeit beard hee aduentured thorow the gate all alone faining a manner of stumbling and réeling in the gate and passed the ward who seeing him in that mannâ—r drest cryed out Buracho which is to say drunken This dâ—one his companions séeing all well effected made no long stay but presently followeth and brought him vnto the taue where the Page with the Spaniard and Moore stayed they presently mounted themselues and away they go praysing God for his deliuerance The haste was made is not to be forgotten who neuer ceased gallowping vntill they came farre without daunger of the Towne where night ouertaking them they found place fit for their purpose where they alighting gaue God prayse and refreshed themselues awhile Here the knight armed himselfe with his armour girding his sword of great woorth close to his side which doone they againe mounted themselues and taking a course as they thought farre from sight of any theyr olde acquaintance or keeping any readie way for feare of entercepting they trauailed by ayme Two
for her content but in vaine do they séeke to mittigate her sorrowes or recouer her health such was her gréefe for her Lords absence and feare of more harsh pursuit of the enemies In this perplexed estate continued this good Lady past all hope of recouerie giuen quite ouer to death by all the companie who ceased not their prayers for her good health But as in all extremes the fauour of our God is most shewne so beholde in this Vallia lying on her hard cabine slumbring as in a dreame there appeared vnto her thoughts a beautifull Personage so glorious in his attyre as she beholding thereof séemed to lacke her senses This Angell as shée supposing after some pause and standing to behold her thus said VAllia surseace thy further dread thy Lord eioyeth his life whom once againe thou shalt meete but haue no knowledge of him for a time thine nearest allied death hath taken yet dismay not for in the seede of thy wombe shalt thou be made glorious My message is done thine intercessions are hard and thy deliuery from this place asit hand This said clapping his wings as to her séemed hée left the caue and departed wherewith Vallia as one awaked from a trance séeming as one of her wits to be bereft cried mainely out for helpe whose sodaine motions caused them all to feare her death was at hand yet comforted they her all they might with such spéech words of heauēly pleasures as in such times is conuenient to be vsed so long continuing their talke that in the end grasping her hād about the neck of her trusty Alinda she raised her selfe in her bed and fetching a déep sigh said Reuerent father Hermit you patron of learning and others my good friendes this night haue I séene my sauiour face to face who by his diuine prouidence hath vouchsafed to shew him selfe vnto me his sinfull handmaide by whom I am assured of my Lords prosperitie and all our fréedomes from this place The Hermit and the rest hearing these spéeches proceed from her imagined the lightnesse of her head had moued these fancies and had the more doubt of her good health and standing as men amazed gazing one the other in the face were as men senselesse whose hard beléefe of her words vttered caused her thus replie Fathers and my good friends let it not séeme incredulous what I haue sayde but attend the euent which ensuing to our comforts as we expect giue the honour to him by whose prouidence we are comforted This said bidding them good night shée fell into a most swéete sléepe in which she continued till the morning was farre spent Before which time the company which vsually went about their vndertaken labours for getting their victuals from the tops of the mountaines descried a small sayle at sea which they viewed earnestly waiting by a compasse they had which way shée bare but so long gazed they that the gale blowing hie and fitting their cause which were bounde thither for water hauing spent their store at sea through such continuall foule wether which they indured in such manner that they durst cease no land for feare of daunger They descried their hull which séene well was hée that might make most haste with the first tydings thinking the time long vntill they came to the caue where béeing néere spéechlesse with the hast they made a sodaine feare possessed all the companie specially Alinda whose heart was at her héele vntill shee heard them deliuer the cause of their spéedie comming which knowne God was glorified in generall And Villia as one ouer ioyed at this sodaine newes might not by any intreatie be held longer in her bed but calling for her apparrell attired her selfe with such courage as if shée had felt no gréefe which done resting her weake body on the arme of her Alinda shee left the desolate caue to take the comfort of the swéete ayre abroade and to sée the euent of those blessed tydidgs she hoped of By this time was the ship ancored and the Marriners making haste for water whereof they had great neede hoysed their boate and with their vessels came a shore where they were heartily welcommed of those poore distressed people who enquired diligently from whence they were and what occasion droue them to that coast Syr quoth the boatswaine being a man of some good demeanour we are of Sicilia an Iland belonging to the Spanish king bound by our charty partie for the coast of Egypt and méeting as poore sea men oft doo with foule weather the winds raiging in such maner our store of wine being spent water scarce our cōming is hither for that reléefe Thus sir quoth he as I haue acquainted you with our fortunes refuse not to let vs knowe what you are which haue your abode in a place so vnfrequēted as this where I haue before this time bin oftē but neuer saw or heard any y t liued here Friend quoth the Marchant wee are here a great many poore distressed soules which by violence of an enemie that vnawares assailed vs on the shore were driuen for safegard of this Lady to stand on our defence where by fortune and the assistance of God we vanquished the proude daring enemies which were on land with vs which when his companions perceiued that kept aboord his gally they first rifling our ship taking what they best liked and afterwards leauing vs without any reléefe sauing that apparrell on our backes sunke our ship and left vs to our fortunes since which time we neuer had sight of any man or shippe whereof we had any hope of comfort before this time Therefore if God haue ordained you for our good and that as Christians you pittie our distresses helpe this Lady with vs her friendes to any place inhabited by Christians your payment shall be large and your charitable déede rewarded both of God and men The Boatswayne being a man as full of pitte as courage hearing this lamentable discourse and séeing the weake estate of the Lady was moued with remorse of their good promising his best furtherance for their comforts so shipping one hogshead of water for the companie hastneth aboord taking with him the Fryer and two Marchants whose words wrought such effect with the master and the rest that a conclusion was paste for their passage and the master comming a shoare brought with him for the Ladies releefe such bread succor and other prouision as he had which came in good time and not before it was long looked for which was as thankfully receiued The master and his company hauing a care to bee at sea applyed all their people to labour so that within two dayes they were well prouided with water ready to set sayle CHAP. VI. How Vallia and the rest taking leaue of their good host the Hermit was shipped from thence with their fortunes SVch was the industrie of the Master that long time was not spent before all néedful things were prouided when hauing a pleesing
y e knights safetie beganne to question with her of many sundry matters who were with such wisedome and honourable courtesie answered that they admired her giuing her the prayse of all the Ladies that euer they had séene The nobles delighting in her companie neuer were satisfied with her spéech but as times conuenient serued with much pleasant parley and spéech of importance as occasioÌ„ was ministred they passed the time two or thrée daies After which tune the Lady who had often felt such fits as to yong women are incident though vnaccustomed with those passions and being acquainted with none but her Alinda which had as small skill in such causes as her selfe she put that off often with good countenaunce which beganne now to increase so on her that shée could no longer hide all which she attributed to her trauaile and such other cares as she endured that to be assured of her disease and to séeke reléefe for her beeing in verie weake case they acquainted the Phisitian of the cardinall with her water who by all his skill found the cause no other but bréeding child for which hauing a carefull regard commanded stricktly vnto it by his Lord he prescribed order of diet and gouernment for her which he gaue with great charge vnto Alynda to execute In this carefull heauinesse of the Ladies sicknesse a messenger arriued at the pallace which brought tidings of the Emperors comming who was within halfe a dayes iourney and meant God willing to sim with them that night At hearing of which a great stir began in the citie making all the preparation for his most honorable entertainment The Cardinal with al his crew mounting themselues with all the nobles and burgesses of the Citie in good and most commendable order issued the Citie to méete him at whose comming such a general ioy was séene in euerie place as of long time had not beene the like What kind and louing embracing was betwéene the Cardinall him the Bishops Aâ—ots and all the rest with shewes of loue and dutie and how honourably the same was requited I omit bringing him to the pallace gate his long desired place to be where the Lady Vallia with her Alynda and all the Ladies of the nobilitie and honour met him vnto whome Vallia prostrating her selfe on her knées besought his excellent highnesse to accept the humble seruice of her lord and husband who rested his in all dutie beseeching his imperiall maiestie to pardon hiâ— negligence and lusse ofher Lords letters by which she was commended vnto his fauourable custodie not omitting each particular action which chanced her and her companie with the cause of their losse of all which she intreated his maiestie to enquire of those marchants and that reuerent father the Frier to whose charge she was committed by her Lord. The Emperour full of maiestie and honour making great shewes of heartie welcome to her and her people most honourably entertained them giuing those Ladies and nobles of his countrey gracious thankes in honouring him so much as they had done in entertaining this welcome Lady to his countrey These welcomes of each side giuen the time vntil supper was ready they pleasantly spent in discoursing of seuer all matters the most part tending to the honour and high commendations of the knight of the Holy Crosse of whose vallor courtesie and resolution they all affirmed none could sufficiently speake At hearing of which suppose you Ladyes and women of what estéeme soeuer that haue men of person valour and honour endowed with many good parts as this noble Edward if Valia were proud yea or no you are made iudges of her thoughts which by your owne thoughts can best censure of hers if she be proude it is not her fault for by him his countries honour thorow the world is increased CHAP. XII How the Emperour taking care for the Ladie his charge after great honour done vnto her set forwards to Rome THe Emperour whose honourable thoughts was most in giuing due honour vnto the Ladie was ioyfull in her presence but more ioyfull in that she was with child which he hoped should haue his beginning in the world in his dominions for whom as for the Ladie he was not a little carefull taking an especiall charge on himself for her easie conuay to Rome whither after some stay made as well for the ease of his aged body as for dispatch of such businesse the lady had then in hand when by his excellent bountie at her entercession the Marchants for their goods lost were satisfied and those Christian prisoners with good rewards set frée and all things sorted to such happie euent as she desired euerie one content and the Emperour best pleased in his charge hearing by generall report her most godly behauiour and her resolute courage in their and her owne defence louingly embracing her he sayth welcome the flower of womanhood to thine owne Empire where thou shalt not liue to be commaunded but to command whatsoeuer I possesse in all places where I haue any command therfore honourable Ladie set feare and care apart and frolicke it with those whose care is now for you and your welfare For whose gracious offers Vallia rendered her most hearty thankes beséeching God to endue her Lord with life and safe returne to Rome that hee might acknowledge the like This finished the Emperour commaunded to prepare for their iourney which was in all readinesse against the next morning when with all the honour might be shewen shee was accompanied with all the estates of the countrey both Ladyes and others at whose departing the citie great gifts were presented vnto her which she most thankfully accepted and the Emperour for her sake most honourably and bountifully required Thus leauing the citie of old Rome by verie easie iourneyes they procéede passing the way with all deuises might be procured to beguile the wearinesse of the iourney as hauking hunting and other pastimes and pleasing discourses in which the Emperour desirous to knowe of what countrey she was for that shee spake his owne language so perfectly required it at her hande as an especiall fauour which Vallia with great reuerence and courtesie aunswered discoursing bréefely vnto him the long and heartie affection shee bore him béeing but a stranger and how she left her fathers court with her woman then attending on her disguised both in mans attyre not omitting his deliuerance froÌ„ the Spanish imprisonment with all their procéedings vntill their marriage Which wonderfull discourse the Emperor was neuer wearied to heare when she had all finished with such heartie loue and more zealous affection if more might be kissing her tender chéekes which he bedewed with his teares procéeding from the entire ioy of his most honorable hart he saith Thou lamp of honor wonder of y e earth how may thy most deserued praises be eternized as they merit my noble friend in so honourable a child and thy country thrise happie is renowmed wherein thou hadst thy
dayes and some what more well neare was spent since their comming from Ioppa when they met with a Moore borne neare Algeere in Barbarie who comming from Myca the place wher their Prophet Mahomet was buried was that day spoyled by a rout of Arabian theeues which kept those mouÌ„tains Of those spoyling people the Moore warnâ—d the knight and his company who were all dismaide at his tydings yet by the most noble knight comforted relying on his vallour more then theyr owne manhood they proceeded trauailing all that day yet neuer heard any newes of them The next morning the knight hauing taken some extraordinarie sleep it was long before they putte forward when they had not ridden by theyr account one league but they espied a crewe of horsemen which were so farre from them on the side of a huge mountaine as they coulde well desearne This sight caused the companie to doubt of some ensuing euill which the knight perceiuing againe incouraged them so comforting those his companions with his spéeches that they cast al feare apart to take part with him that was not to be dared with euerie naked bug In this mind continuing these faint hearts looking about them often in their trauaile for feare they shuld be backed they espied another rout which had them in chase acquainting the knight withal of whoÌ„ he took little care but coÌ„manded them to holde on their way easily that if they followed them they might ouertake them before the formost could come to helpe them Long had they not ridden following the knights directions but one of the gallants that pursued them was come forward with them who viewing their strength which he supposed was far to weake to encounter them began in scoffing tearmes to flout them especially the knight which he saw armed Edward which brooked all offences vnwittingly committed and curteously reconciled séeing the peremtorie doings of this base groome drawing néere vnto him said Base fugitiue who was thy schoolmaister that learned thée no more good here after when thou chancest to méet strangers salute them with more curtesie And therewith all lifting vp his Battelaxe gaue him so sound a blow on the head as the brains started about his horse necke And he hauing no power to sit forsooke his horse falling dead vnder his feet His companie which saw him fall and had noted the blow he receiued gan all at once to assaile the knight bending their launces vpon his breast which like a man of power and policie he cunningly awarded and drawing his curtelar which before he had bathed in the luke warme gore of many those helhounds he so behaued himself that in few hours he left not many of them to stand but leauing their horses maisterlesse exchanged such as they beâ—t fancied and left the rest to their owne libertie The other companie which from the top of the mountain had feene the feats of Armes done by the knight thinking to rescue those that liued and to reuenge those that were slaine came amaine vpon them sparing not their horse sides from the spurs to learne them a swifter pace but in ill time to soone came they to the after reckoning for they were faine to pay the host who gaue them such entertainment as they had neuer power to depart from him so honestly did this honour of knighthood deale with them whom he found so cruel without cause offered them In this companie there were foure Portugall marchants whose Camils these villaines had spoyled taking their goods and kept them captine intending to sell them as slaues to the first cauaâ—liers of that countrey These Marchants being vnder the charge of their horse-kéepers left far off séeing the ill successe of the robbers made way for themselues recouering such weapons as the slaues had from whoÌ„ being cleare they mainly followed the knight crying vnto him for succor and earnestly beséeching his fauor which the knight perceiuing caused the rest to stay spurring his horse to méete them to giue them rescue from the slaues that pursued them from whom they fled with all the hast they could make but with too slow spéed for some of them were faine to stay behind their legs being too weake to carrie theyr bodies The knight returning from spoil of those slaues enquired of the marchants of whence they were they answered of Portugall and were bound for traffique with an hundred Camils laden with spice and silke for Constantinople of all which they had béene spoyled by these villaines of which fraternitie there was as many more as he had slaine The knight which saw the heauie countenance of the poore Marchants could not forbeare to pittie them commanded them to horse themselues vpon the best of theirs which he had slaine which done taking care for their reléefe of vittailes for their horses and for themselues they were conducted to the place where the store of those theeues lay where thâ—y furnished themselues with such viands as they liued with And after taking choyse of all maner of furniture money spice and iâ—wels so much as they pleased they fired the rest â—nd departed holding theyr iourney by the Portugals directions who were verie well acquainted in those mountaines applying still to recouer the holy Cittie of Ierusalem neuer daring to enter any towne or place of force as you shall hereafter vnderstand CHAP. XIIII How the Bashaw of Ioppa missing his prisoner pursued him and how he escaped NOw the couetous Bashaw which had the custodie of this honourable knight was perswaded by the Easterlings his friends that the Bashaw of Silo would giue for his prisoner tenne hundred thousand Duckats In hope of which at their earnest suites he kept him aliue sending his horse armour and furniture by them vnto their Bashaw for a present as besore you haue heard but when he missed the Knight the Page and those Runagates he was like in choler to haue slaine himselfe by desperation to send his soule to the Diuell before his time from which extremitie no perswasion of his best and dearest friendes might any way preuaile but that in a furie he would mischiefe himselfe séeing that by his too much trust he was so deceiued of a prisoner and a beâ—fellow of so much worth as the Knight and his Page whom he intended to yéeld to his pleasure The Bashaw which fared in such frantike maner bethinking him of all the Diuelish practises could bee intended called to minde an auncient Nigromancer which kept in the Mountaines betwéene Ioppa and Rama in the way to Ierusalem By this good fellow he thought to be reuenged what soeuer it cost him and so comforting himselfe in that hope hee ceaseth his raging furie dispatching two of his best approoued friendes in search of this diuelish practiser who vsed such diligence in their businesse that in short time they found him in whom this Bashaw reposed his whole confidence for reuenge This diuell incarnate they intreated with all curtesie and best pleasing speeches they could frame to
go with them to Ioppa to the Bashaw promising great summes of golde for his paine But all thâ—â—r intreaties or perswasions preuailed nething with him if the Bashaw haue ought with him to do he must be messenger himself or surcease his businesse which peremptorie coursâ— of this Archdiuell vnto the Bashaw made knowne by his friends though he were in mind grieued at his denial yet he wisely considered how vainly he should spend his time in séeking reuenge on him Wherefore without any further trouble accompanied with a garrison of Ienesaries and his two friends for his guides he set forward froin Ioppa and in time conuenient came before the Caue where the Nigromancer kept who knowing of his coÌ„ming thought to be somewhat pleasant with him to trie his manhood WheÌ„ the Bashaw had a while attended saw none stirring vnto whoÌ„ to speake he commanded a souldier to knocke which done the Cuniurer transformed into the likenesse of a monstrous diuell breathing â—lames of fire from his nostrils came out vnto theÌ„ whose vgly shape caused them all to such feare that they wished theÌ„selues again in Ioppa and were ready to take their héeles to be gone But séeing their timerousnesse hee tooke another way from them and inuisibly returned into his caue Once againe making triall what was in them tooke on him the forme of a little goate thinking they woulde bee doing therewith if any occasion should be offered them To preuent therefore what danger in this disguise might insue he annoynted his head and body with an oyntment which so hardned his skin that no weapon wouâ—d pearce it This done he issued againe amongst them which durst not knocke anie more And approching neare the Bashaw himselfe began furiously to fling fire vppon him which his companie séeing armed them to his defence whom the supposed goate euer assailed with fire sometime flinging on him so furiously as hee woulde teare him in peeces manie times clawing him that he enforced him to runne away leauing his message to do for which he came This coniurer when he had plaids his part with him and saw that he would be gone thought to speake with him to sée how he liked his entertainment and shifting him to his wearing apparrell met him on the way as if he had no knowledge of his being there The Bashaw his kinsmen which did know him well when first they had sight of him shewed the Bashaw who comming towards him after the countrey fashion saluted him and alighting from his horse bréefely tolde him the cause of his comming beseeching his fauour and helpe for recouerie of the lost knight for which he promised to reward him to his content The sorcerer which saw the enuie of the Bashaw in hope of gaine promised him to do what art could for accomplishing his will crauing respit of time foure or fiue dayes that hee might finde what way he tooke which said and they both thervpon agréeing they take leaue each of other whom to their diuellish practise we leaue returning to the Ladie Vallia CHAP. XV. How the Emperors message being done to the duke of Genoway for verie ioy of his daughters life he dieth and what else chanceth HEre Gentles the storie sheweth vs of the Emperours safe arriuâ—ll in Rome where the many courtesies offered to the Ladie was such as well for her own sake being daughter and haire to the noble Duke of Genoway as for the loue and entire affection of the renowned knight of the Crosse her honourable and beloued husband that the Emperour thought himselfe greatly bound vnto all his nobles and communaltie and highly contented the ladie his charge for whose pleasure and content so much cost was employed The recounting of each particular I omit leauing the Ladie to the solitarie thoughts of her best beloued Lord and her gracious father the Duke from whom the Emperour expected hourely the returne of the noble man his amâ—assadour who being as carefull of the charge to him committed spareth not his hard and diligent trauail night nor day vntill he recouered the end of his long wished for iourney which finished and come to the Emperours presence prostrating him selfe on his knée was most graciously welcomed of the Emperour whom he questioneth of the Dukes health and welfare of his state The noble man which imagined how heauie the newes he had to report would be to his highnesse and all the hearers humbly besought the Emperour to heare in secret what he had to deliuer which the Emperour graunted withdrawing himselfe of purpose which done he saith Tell me noble friend what chance hath befallen thée in this trauell of thine and how fareth our honorable friend the duke Gracious liege and my deare Lord answered this noble gentleman to kéepe from your highnesse what you must know in time though with a heart full fraught with griefe it cumbreth me greatly to become the heauie messenger of such tragicke newes Know most excellent Prince the duke hath left this life to séeke the ioyes of the heauenly Hierarchie The Emperour whose thoughts were surprised with heauinesse hearing his long deferred answere to his questions breathing out manie sighes at the deliuerie of the same with sighes and bitter teares after he had a while lamented with many mournefull cries and pitifull shréekes the Dukes death he straitghly chargeth the noble man to deliuer vnto him the time of his departure from this world and the cause whether of any old griefe or suddaine action commaunding him all dread set a part to tell the truth The noble man whose heauie heart by his outward sorrowes might well appeare thought hee could well haue sorborne the reuealing thereof yet not daring through silence to incurre his highnesse displeasure he fayth Most gracious soueraigne thus and in this maner fared it with the duke at my first arriuall at his princely Court who frollicke with the best ioyâ—ull and pleasant to heare of your Maiesties health as his loue might well appeare by those welcomes I receiued from him and his Nobles by his commaund of whom I was â—â— intertained as well might beséeme a state of great account and maiestie reucrencing your highnesse in those honours done me But too soone dread and excellent Emperour was the gleaming ioyes of this courtly Nobilitie ouershadâ—wed with mysts of direfull sorrow chauncing by the dukes suddaine death who as it is supposed by his people most in account with him ouer ioyed at your excellent kind tydings of his supposed lost child surprised with a simphanie of exceeding gladnesse left his honorable life to the great heauinesse of his subiects as wel his Nobles as Commons who with most bitter and grieuous complaints spende their time in such continuall lamentation as might moue the heart most hardest with teares to accompanie them The Nobles for the comfort of their Duke with whome they were euerie where onely there reuerend duetie reserued companions in all exercises The Commons hee oppressed not the wronged he by law iustlie restored
Iland know we are ChristiaÌ„s as you are who hearing of thy distresse haue vndertaken to finde thy body supposed to be slaine by spoylers of such as passe these mountaines and here haue their resideÌ„ce Thy Lady I haue receiued from their tyrannie and on their liues haue reuenged the euill offered by them vnto her and by my maker whose souldiour I am vowed will not depart these desarts vntill I be acquited of all your wrongs or loose my life in your causes Therefore take comfort and thanke God for your safetie whom I doubt not but will be so gracious to restore you your wounds I will vndertake by Gods grace to recure and deliuer in safetie your loue and Ladie who liuing dyeth with very sorrowe for your great mishap The Gouernour hearing this comfort well noating the manlike countenance and corage of the Knight bending himselfe vnto him rendered many heartie thankes for those kinde fauoures and embracing the Knight as his weake arms would giuâ— him leaue protested by the faith and honour of armes for euer to become a firme freende and faithful coepartner of his aduentures so pleased him to accept of his loue and fellowship The Knight whome no Spaniard could match eyther in courtesie or honour of Armes taking his proffered loue as kindlie as they were offered gaue him many heartie thankes Then dressing his woundes with such comfortable Balmes as he had and binding them safe they horsed him pacing easily towardes the place where his company made their stay where by the prouidence of him who is the strength and conduct of all those that trust in him they arriued in safetie though not before they were lookt for accompanied with their tenis camills and their carriages to the excéeding ioy of the Ladie and the vnspeakable comfort of all his owne followers Theyr fréendly embrasings and other talke of their fortunes passing betwéene the Gouernour and his Lady I omit to recount what other aduentures happened to them CHAP. XVIII How the Knight of the Holy Crosse accompanied with the Easterling and his Page followed the robbers with his aduenture FAmous Edward the honour of his countrey whose vallour was not not to bee matched helde his countreyes reputation in more regarde then his life whereon now standing scorning the Spaniards braues or the scandall that might ensue by his report if hee should leaue them in such wise without reuenge which he had promised wherefore preferring his noble word early in the morning according to the directions he had giuen taking leaue of the gouernour and his Ladie accompanied with his Page and the Easterling he sette forward in search of those bloudie minded reprobates following the direction of one of the villaines he had last taken whom he taketh for his guide all that day riding without any aduenture hapning yet wearied with trauaile desirous to refresh himselfe with taking some sléepe hee caused his Tent to bee prepared and his viandes to bee ordained and when hee had refreshed himselfe not daring to committe the trust of his person to so vile a slaue which was not to be trusted After theyr horses were vsed as they ought he commaunded the slaue to be bounde taking order with his companie that one should watch whilst the other slept and to take diligent care of their welfares that they were not surprised at vnawares This charge the carefull attendaunts faythfully kept and performed the day appearing they loosed the Villaine from his bondes ordering the horses and each thing in readinesse which done they awaked the Knight who séeing the morning well spent was not long preparing but hastning with all the spéede he might betooke him to his intended pursuit of those homecides So long they trauailed that y e heat of the day encreasing they alighted and seating them close on the banke of a pleasant riuer taking such viands as they had merrily spending the time with pleasant parlie they might perceiue those gallants who returning from the death of a heathen Prince and spoyle of his people missing their Ladie vowed by all their gods neuer to surcease their trauaile vntill they had recouered knowledge of her For which coursing like men possest with a furie in pursuite of the Ladie the knight hath gained his desires who requiâ—ing of the slaue what they were mounted on such swift coursers he recounted vnto him what they were aduising him to regarde himselfe and to flie while he had time for that they were many and men of great puissance hauing done many great outrages and surprised sundry troupes of gallant men trauailing that way Peasant quoth the knight it is not thy spéech of their valour that can daunt me or cause me to turne my backe vpon those diuelish companions But as I am a Knight and a true English man or euer haue hope to beholde my natiue Country were they a thousand to my selfe alone armed as I am in the name of my God and hope of my rightful cause I would assaile them And so arming himselfe chearing his Page and his associates hee mounted his horse couching his staffe in his rest he put forwardes to meete the companie of robbing théeues who was no sooner espied of them but without word speaking most furiously they all assailed him who were all so well resisted and so eagerly encountred of the Knight as they had small cause to boast them of their gaines Euerie blow with blow redoubled this noble Brytaine on the robbers doing such feates of honor and chiualrie that it amazed them to see but more terrified they were that must of force abide his furie who sparing not his strength laide on them with such courage crying Saint George that after many sharpe alarums on either part many of thâ—n were sent to séeke their passeports in hell Thus our noble knight encouraged with the hope of victorie so behaued himselfe that they were all well neare brought to ende The Captaine of which route with foure others his confederates being men of valour and resolution séeing the massacre of their companie sought to reuenge their bloods with their greatest power And enclosing him on each side layde about them in such manner that the Knight was by them greatlie endaungered In this assault was his horse slaine when fighting a foote espying his best aduauntage he gored their horses as they came and gaue them that their mothers neuer prouided for them yet in despite of what hee coulde doo as the mightiest manie times bee forced to yéelde fighting on the grounde and in the greatest daunger of life The Page which singled himselfe from the broyle wherein hée left the Easterling bestirred him whereby hee had leaue to breathe and being somewhat refreshed reaching violently one of the robbers by the legge pulled him perforce from his horse mounting himselfe thereon and dashing out his maisters braines with his héeles The Knight nowe againe mounted so bestirred him in that the most brauest of them that liued coulde well haue affoorded to béene further off but
you determined before our comming from our owne homes or on mine honour I will drawe my forces againe to theyr owne habitation and leaue you to your best fortunes say therefore your intent for wee may not heere long continue the enemie béeing strong and in their owne confines where wee are strangers assured of no fauour but what wee can purchase with the sword The Millaine Duke hearing his cosin of Ferrara so plaine thought best to make shewe of good content whatsoeuer hee thought wherefore without longer pausing as one that in that extremitie desired some counsell hee sayde Most honourable cosin pardon mee that haue not shewed my selfe in this action as I ought and consider the cause I haue of discontent which hath made mee forgette my honourable good friendes yet good Cosin dishonour me not so much to adiudge me of cowardize for euer my heart hath abhorred that odious fault but what your pleasure is to attempt I will performe and thereon giuing his worde of honour The Duke consented to his will who gaue in charge the next morning euerie man with his companie to bee marching by the breake of day that lying neare the anemie thâ—y might by theyr sedaine scaties see what aduantage there was to be gotten According to whose commaunde euerie thing was effected and the companyes marched neare to the Cittie within halfe a league where the Genowayes campe laie where they strongly en scanced themselues and hauing taken three or foure dayes respit wherewith theyr companie was well refreshed a Herauld was sent from the Gouernour of Genoway to knowe the cause of their comming in armes against the lawes of Christian Princes to disturbe their peace hauing no iust cause so to doo commaunding him and his friends confederates and followers either to rayse theyr campe and be gone or prouide them to battell and therein trie the euent of eythers fortunes The Millaine Duke hauing attentiuely hearkened to the Heraulds message mooued with choller at his brauing spéech without regarde of honour or lawe of armes hadde like to haue beaten the Herauld but beeing perswaded by the Duke of Ferrara from so vnhonourable a fact he sayth Herauld goo tell that vsurping Gouernour of my right that I am come to chastise his insolencie and learne him to knowe his dutie to his leige Lorde neyther shall any one of his rebellious companions escape the furie of my wrath without they come presently in submissiue manner and acknowledge their fault and great offence committed against mée which if they refuse by that time the sunne hath wise made hâ—r recourse about the earth I will méete him and those sléeping curres his companions in the plaine that lyeth Eastward from the cittie so God say Amen Therefore depart my word shall be thy safe concuct for this tune The Herauld hauing his answere without long stay hastneth to the campe where vnto the gouernour and his compeeres in armes he recounted the Dukes resolute determination willing him to prepare against the time appoynted to meete him wherewith the gouernour and the rest were all well pleased committing theyr cause to God and relying on theyr iust Title And thus resoluing to méete him at the time and place appoynied for the same hee presently gaue order to dislodge his Campe to drawe more neare the place by the Duke appoynted sending his most expert men at armes to viewe the grounde for theyr best aduantage which with great care was so accomplished that the sunne nor enemie could not greatly annoye them The Millaine Duke and his accomplises carefull of what they hadde in hande slept no time but with great care and regard procéeded with theyr companies more neare the place appoynted where all things framed by marshall discipline and good aduise of the Captaines they expect a happie day of tryall Time that finisheth all things hath brought the appoynted day in which the carefull leaders so busilie employed themselues that all things were ordered in most honourable and decent manner where no pollicie of eyther part was omitted for the aduantage which doone and the battailes readie to ioyne a Herauld was sent from the Gouernour of Genoway willing him before hee committed the iustice of his cause to the battaile to call to minde the iustice of God in deliuering his sea powers into their handes wishing him not so much to dishonour his noble house and followers to hazard all to fortune If hee woulde accept this proffer and confesse the wrong offered his estate and commons hee would remit the iourney past and giue him frée leaue to passe in quiet through his countrey if not and hee preuailed hée should finde in iustice what it is to disturbe the quiet gouernment of so peaceable an estate This message deliuered the Duke fretting at the Gouernours kinde and courteous motion sware by no small power to acquite his pride and learne him to knowe to his great greefe what it is to mooue his Prince to furie and so with a shâ—rt replie to his message sent the Herald away Scantly had the the Herau'd recouered the Pauillion of his Lorde but a Braueado was made by the Forara Duke who was the first that began the sight and was gallantly encountred with the Duke of Naples who met him hand to hand each knowing other by theyr colours Betwéene those Princes began a fierce and deadlie fight who singling themselues both hoping of honour so applyed theyr forces one against the other that it was doubtfull whether should haue the glorie of the day Both of them by their prowesse giuing courage to their followers betwéene whome many hardie feates of armes were atchieued the battell on both sides béeing very doubtfull In this conflict the two Dukes like Lyons beare themselues vntill the Ferara Duke with long continuance of the fight fell from his horse who was presently rescued by a Band of his owne companie that in the parting had like to haue slaine the Duke of Naples if the Duke his enemie had not béene more honourablye minded that rescued from daunger by his fréendes hée left the fielde that time Night growing on them a retreat was sounded on eyther part and euery man withdrew them to theyr Tents in which battell was taken many Prisoners on eyther part which by compremise of the Gouernors of both paprts was redeliuered Thus for a time wée leaue them to their repose and hopes of theyr good successe to tell you of the Princesse Vallia CHAP. XXIIII How the two childreÌ„ of the lady Vallia was solemnly christned with other aduentures THe most renowmed and noble minded Emperor deuising to honour the Christning of the two children had inuited all the nobilitie and Princes néere bordering on his confines to be witnesses of that solemnitie appointing for that time great tryumphes to be performed and for that purpose caused challenges to be set vp against all commers to be maintained by his champions the winners to haue rich rewards The day of solemnitie béeing come many Princes and Noble