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
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
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
was by her kind and modest answere so much comforted that hee resolued no miserie or calamitie whatsoeuer should alter his affection Laurana on the other side whose minde was neuer before in thraldome began now to bee so farre lied in the bonds of friendship good liking to Parismus that she was altogether vnwilling to leaue his coÌ„pany by this time the rest of the maskers hauing ended their speeches the sound of the musick made them remember their third measure which being ended Parismus kissing the Princesse hand with a heauy sigh left her in the place where he found her and being ready to depart Dionisius comming vnto them said Most courteous Knights I know not what entertainement to giue you for that you are to me vnknown but request this at your hands that you take a banquet my daughter hath prouided which words caused Parismus to bee willing vnto because it was the Princesse doing whose presence was the sweet preseruatiue of his life Your Maiestie answered Parismus maketh vs so kinde a proffer that wee cannot beeing bound at your command deny your request so vnmasking himselfe hee came with great reuerence to Dionisius who knowing him imbracing him said hee was glad he had no worse sicknesse then that and that he was much indebted vnto him for honouring his Courts with his pastime So saluting all the company the Knight that concealed himselfe suddenly departed the presence vpon occasion as shall heereafter bee declared All the assembly greatly commended Parismus being much delighted to behold his vertuous behauiour and was indeed worthy to be accounted the Prince of curtesie The Queene then told him she had beene his secret counsell keeper and he humbly kissing her hand thanked her and being come to the place where the banket was prouided Dionisius told them he would leaue them to be welcommed by the Queene and Laurana whilest â—…ent to accompany his other guests which Parismus was very glad of Laurania both who al this while had so furfeited with beholding his comly person that the deep impression of lone was now fully setled in her heart But Parismus not forgetting to salute that saint he serued with reuereÌ„ce kiss her thanking her that shee vouchsafed to take such paines to prepare entertainement for such vndeseruing guests vsing many others speeches which delighted her to heare and him to vtter that they were so farre delighted one in anothers company that it was death for them to part she not knowing that his loue was grounded vpon such firme resolue nor he thinking she would so kindely accept his proffred seruice During the time of the banquet a simple iudging eie might discerne their loue by their lookes that all the company began to déeme that which afterwards proued true Euery one with kinde salutations being parted to their seuerall lodgings Parismus told Oristus what kind and vndeserued fauour hee had receiued at Lauranaes hands which Oristus was very glad of the very recitall whereof affected the Princes heart with an exceeding ioy Laurana making all the haste she could to be rid from the company of Isabella and other Ladies that accompanied her because her heart was desirous to meditate of her loue went into her chamber where being alone much troubled in her thoughts she votered these speeches How happy am I to bee thus disquieted with the sight of Parismus not knowing whether his words proceed of custome or affection I that was earst at liberty am now become captiue to mine owne affections and inthralled to a stranger What of that peraduenture he is in the same mind I am neither haue I any cause to doubt but that his words proceed from the good will he beareth me and that the intent of his comming to my Fathers court was onely for my sake as he saith might I be happily assured of the truth of these doubts then would my disquiet mind rest highly contented and vntill that time I shall but spend my time in endles care and heauines if these words proceeded from the depth of true meaning then will he stil prosecute the suit heee hath begun neither haue I any cause to suspect his honorable meaning Well I will content my selfe so well as I can and séeke some meanes whereby to be assured and rid my pensiue heart of these doubts Earely the next morning she called Leda vnto her saying that she had a secret to impart vnto her that did concerue her life and honour and therefore willed her to be secret telling her all that had passed betwixt Parismus and her and how that vnlesse she might be certaine of his intent she should but consume her selfe with care CHAP. IIII. How Parismus by meanes of Leda Laurananes waiting-maide came to the speech of the princesse and how they met in an Arbour in the garden And how Sicanus described the loue betwixt Parismus and the princesse Laurana and fearing to be disappointed declared the cause of his comming to the King and what ensued thereon DIonisius was earely vp as his custome was to visit his guestes and busie in entertaining them with all roialty that might bee Parismus being as busie in his minde more then any knewe got himselfe into the Garden vnder the windowe of Lauranaes lodging beeing frustrated of all other hope to see his beloued where he had not long walked but was soone espied of Laurana who beeing delighted with his sight called Leda and willed her to make some excuse into the Garden where hee was walking to see it his comming into that place were for her sake or no. Leda therefore taking a faire cloath in her hand went into the Garden as if shee entended to gather some hearbes and had not seene him When shee came neere the place where hee was sitting vnder an open Arbour in deepe study hauing a sight of her hee suddenly started and knowing her to bee the seruant to Laurana kindly saluted her saying faire Damosell quoth hee if I bee not deceiued you are attendant on the Princesse Laurana Sir answered Leda I am I pray you saith hee how fareth your Mistris for I am in doubt our last nights â—…cise disquieted her which if I knew I wold not hereafter attempt such boldnesse Indeed quoth Leda I know not but I heard my Lady much commend the Prince of Bohemia to be a gallant Knight and that she was much beholding vnto him and vsed many gracious words in his commendation Do you not quoth he know Parismus if you saw him no sir said Leda I am the man said he and thou bringest me that comfort by reporting that my mistris thinketh well of mee as if thou hadst saued my life I am to entreat a fauour at thy hands which if thou grant I shal rest bound vnto thee for the same My Lord said Leda I humbly desire you to command me and I will both faithfully and secretly accomplish your request Then this is my request quoth he that thou wouldest commend me vnto thy Lady and deliuer
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
of Thessaly aliue and therefore assuredly thought hee was dead which so inwardly tormented her that shee gaue her selfe onely to mourning not giuing her minde one minutes respit of quiet in which estate for a time we will leaue her CHAP. VIII How Parismus in Palmers weedes found meanes to see the Princesse vnto whom he would not discouer himselfe hearing of Donisius absence and what befell to Dionisius in Bohemia AFter that Parismus had well recouered himselfe being able to walke vppe and downe hee was desirous to heare some newes from Dionisius Court but coulde not deuise how to bring the same to effect but thus fortunately it fell out those outlawes were so farre in loue with him that they with one consent intreated him that hée would vouchsafe to continue among them and be their captaine for that they were without a guide and thought so well of him as that aboue all men they were desirous he would bée the man which hée beganne to refuse alleaging that hée being a stranger in that countrey and vnacquainted with their customes was altogether vnfit vsing many reasons as excuses but considering with himselfe that it might much auaile him to his purpose at their intreaties was contented and so behaued himselfe that within a very short time his worde and counsaile was an Oracle amongest them and by his wisedome hée kept them from dooing much harme and yet seemed in their fancie to further them greatly Oftentimes hée was in mind to go make himselfe knowne at the court and so enioy his mistresse sight which grieued him to want but being diuersly minded at last this was his resolution he fitted himselfe on a day in Palmers wéedes and disguised himselfe so artificially that by hiâ—… disguise and long sicknesse which had somewhat altered his complextion none could any way know him telling the Out-lawes that he was determined to sée the Court which he had heard was so famous and that he would returne at night When hée was somewhat néere the Cittie hée might sée vppon a plaine hard by great preparation for war which made him much maruaile at last comming to the Kings Pallace he got himselfe vnto the place where Laurana euery morning vsually at her comming from Chappell gaue her almes and put himselfe amongst the rest of the Palmers and being taller then any of them he was much noted of many when the princesse came to giue her almes being in mourning attire shée called them all vnto her and beganne to demaund of whence they were what Countries they had trauailed and whether they had heard any newes of Dionisius the King who was missing or whether they heard any in their trauaile speake of the dead bodie of the Prince which by chance might be found being murthered by Sicanus of Persia which wordes she vttered with such sorrow that the teares ran abundantly downe her chéekes Parismus being rauished with the sight of his precious Iewell and séeing her wéeping for his losse and withall hearing from her mouth that heanie newes of Dionisius want could not though he striued to the vttermost of his power refraine from letting fall a few teares which Laurana perceiuing and viewing him withall began to feele a suddaine alteration in all her parts that shee was not in quiet till she had found meanes to commune with him and giuing all the rest their almes they departed but to him she would giue nothing to the intent hee should stay but hee seeing the rest gone was departing with them till Leda being by her Mistresse commaunded called him backe whom hee very well knewe and being returned Laurana demaunded of him what was the cause that he wept when hee heard her speake of Dionisius losse and Parismus death Parismus sayde Most vertuous Ladie I wept not to heare Parismus named but to heare of Dionisius losse for Parismus I knowe is at this present liuing and in good estate of health with whom I had some talke within these three weekes in the Countrey of Salmatia which was the cause of my comming hither being sent by him vnto a Ladie in this Court whom I know not how to speake withall nor will not name to any Laurana hearing the Palmers words blushed exceedingly and withall intreated him to tell out his newes for that it might be she was the partie Lord Parismus meant for I am Laurana quoth she whom Parismus did thinke well of with that she wept againe Parismus knéeling downe saide then to your Highnesse I will do my message for vnto you I was sent Lord Parismus growing into some good liking of me and hauing receiued my oath to be his faithfull messenger willed me to giue your highnesse this Iewel whereby you should be assured he was liuing but constrained to absent himselfe for causes that hereafter hée will let you vnderstand hée desired you to let him though vnworthy enioy but the least of your vertuous promises and he shal euer hereafter account himselfe to haue receiued his life and libertie from you Laurana séeing the Iewell which shée well knewe to bée the same shée had before giuen him and hearing the Palmer credible report that hée was in perfect health and beeing fully assured of the truth of that message by the certaine and firme protestation of the most Noble Parismus himselfe in the disguise of a Palmer shee was so surprised with ioy that she could not refraine from kissing the iewell saying welcome swéete token from a faithfull friend and calling Leda vnto her told her the newes the Palmer had brought reioycing with such vertuous kindnesse that Parismus thought himselfe the happpyest man liuing to enioy the loue of so vertuous a Lady Laurana comming to him tolde him that she was so much bound vnto him for bringing her those happie newes that she did not know which way sufficiently to recompence him for his paines and were it not quoth shée but that I stand in some doubt hereof as being too good to be true I should rest in such happy content by thy newes that no aduersitie whatsoeuer should cause my sorrow but onely his absence though my fathers losse doth neeerely concerne my happinesse The Palmer vsed such proâ—… stations that Laurana could not chuse but beléeue him as also by reason of the Iewel which she knew she had giuen Parismus So taking a Iewell from forth her bosome she gaue the same to him which he willingly receiued and kissing her hand departed When he was out of sight hée began to meditate of the vertues of Laurana and therein tooke such felicitie that before he was aware hée met with Oristus who had bene walking solitarily abrode in such heauinesse that it would haue caused any to pittie him Parismus séeing him was in minde to haue reuealed himselfe vnto him onely but being passed by him hée could not chuse but turne and looke after him his minde was touched with such kindnesse but the remembrance of Dionisius losse did so much grieue him that wasting the time with those
was so mooued to see his King so kinde that he could vse no words but sorrowfull sadnesse and hauing saluted the King of Hungaria and the King of Sparta returned vnto the Queene Dionisius had so secretly lodged his Troups in the woods that the Persians had no knowledge of his beeing there but would oftentimes disguise himselfe into the Palmers weedes and so behold the Cittie how it was incompassed with Souldiers which strooke such sorrowe to his heart to see his Countrey ready to be wasted his Subiectes in distresse his Queene and his faire Daughter ready to be surprised and taken by the Enemies and such a multitude of bloodie minded Persians vnto whome he neuer had done wrong readie to destroy all things that he could not refraine from exclaming against Fortune and his owne destines that had allotted him such mischaunce and hauing diligently viewed the Campe he espied the Tents of the HungariaÌ„ King and of the Prince of Sparta who had giuen him their faithfull promise to ayde him against the Persians and therefore he was some what comforted with their presence at last he espied Osiris comming towards the Cittie who had prepared in a readinesse twelue thousand Thessalian horsemen and had lodged them some twelue miles from the Cittie and knowing him to be a man of most rare curtesie he saide vnto him Worthy Knight might I be so bold as aske this one question wherefore such a multitude of souldiers haue begirt this cittie Osiris most curteously answered Father those with the blewe Tents are the Persians who without any iust quarrell are come to destroy this Countrey Those with the red Tents are vnder the King of Bohemia come in reuenge of his sonnes death against the Persians The gréene and white Tents are the King of Hungaria and Prince of Sparta who are come to aide the Thessalians Indéed we are but a handfull in respect of the Persians but the greatest hope we haue is in God and we are also much comforted by the aide of a black knight for so we call him for that hée is vnknowne whose valour is able to discomfort a multitude of Persians who haue already tasted of his inuincible force for first he slewe thrée of the stoutest Persians in thrée single combattes and at last he defended himselfe against a multitude of them that like cowardes came running vppon him but at last hée was ayded by Lord Remus and Oristus who seeing his person indaungered by so vnequall a companie issued out of the Cittie with their power but before they could come to him he had slaine fortie Persians at which time by the asistance of that worthy Knight there died of Persians almost fiftie thousand amongst the rest this blacke knight encountered Sicanus of Persia and at one blowe ouerthrew both horse and man that had he not bene taken vp he had then bene troden to death but this is our care that we knowe not what is become of him for hée priuily got himselfe from forth of the field Whilest Osiris was telling this newes vnto the Palmer diuers were gathered about him to heare his talke by which meanes the report of the blacke knight came to the knowledge of the King of Bohemia the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta so that all the whole multiude were desirous to sée that valiaunt Knight Dionisius hearing this newes was so comforted therewith that he went vnto his Souldiers sent a Messenger vnto the Bohemian King that hee would haue some conference with the King of Hungaria and the Prince of Sparta to giue a suddaine onset on the Persians who were mightily inraged when they heard that the king of Hungaria and Prince of Sparta were come against them The Messenger returned answere that they were determined to giue the onset the next morning Parismus by this time had fully recouered his health therefore béeing still desirous to reuenge himselfe on Sicanus as also to be assured in what estate his beloued Laurana was thinking himselfe too slacke in performing his promised vowe armed himselfe in the blacke Armour and hasted towardes the Cittie where he was no sooner come but séeing such an alteration he was so perplexed to see such a multitude of enemies in compassing the person of his beloued that without any further aduise hée determined to assault the whole multitude and so die amongst his enemies At last calling to minde the former passed Loue betwixt him and Laurana hée thought it an vndutifull part to destroye himselfe whome shee so tenderly loued and taking to himselfe a more stayde resolution hée came into the Persians Campe and viewed the same next hée espyed the Gréene Tents and thither hee went and comming to one of the Souldiers demaunded whose Tent that was who answered him that it was the Kings of Hungaria and from thence hée went vnto the white Tents and asked of a souldier whose that was who told him that it was the Princes of Sparta at last hee espyed the Red Tents which he well knâ—…we to be his Fathers which caused an extreame feare in him least his Father should be also come against the Thessalians and comming thither hée met with one of his Fathers Knights of whoâ—…e he demaunded the cause of the comming of the Bohemian King into Thessalie The Knight presently thought that he was the Blacke knight of whom such generall commendation had béene giuen and therefore tolde him the whole cause of their comming and withall that the Hungarians and Spartans were on their side which newes so reuiued the blacke Knight that his ioy excéeded The Persians all this while viewed the behauiour of the blacke knight and likewise the knowledge of his comming was come to the hearing of the whole field which caused many thousaÌ„ds to forsake their tents to behold him which he no soner beheld â—…ut getting himselfe into the midst of the plaine which was betwixt the campes and wauing his speare aboue his crest challenged the Persians who beholding their terror come again to tormeÌ„t theÌ„ stood staring on one another at last one Brant a mightie strong knight belonging to the Bosphore of Thrace one of the contributories buckled on his Armour and mounting himselfe came out to méet the black knight who no sooner espied him but setting his spurs to his horse incountred the Persian with such fury that with the blow of his speare which hit him ful in the sight of his beuer shiuering into small péeces strooke into his brain wherwith he tumbled froÌ„ his horse dead which the Persians seeing none of theâ—… would come foorth at that time so that the black Knight departed greatly discontented that hée could make no further proofe of his valour leauing thousands praysing him some commending his person some his comelinesse some his curtesie all his powers and as he was going towards the caue he espied the troupe of souldiers that lay hidden in those woods which made him wonder greatly but wold not inquire of any because he knew
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
who hauing knowledge thereof immediately went vnto the Prince who vsed such intreaty that although very vnwillingly he yéelded to his request and comming backe told his daughter to what effect he was sent for which shee was glad of though outwardly shee made a shew of vnwillingnesse Pollipus hauing vnderstood the cause why Parismus sent for her Father Parismus louing him so dearely that he would not conceale any thing from him reuealed vnto Parismus the loue that he bare to Violetta who promised to further him in what he could by this time the banquet was ended and the King departed to the Pallace with great ioy and excéeing triumph and soone tooke order to haue Violetta sent for but her father séeing the messenges come began to take such sorrow for their departure that it would haue melted a heart of stéele into teares to heare his complaints that the messengers pittying the sorrowes olde Andrugio made returned without her which draue Pollipus to such an extasie of desperate sorrow that he seemed altogether impatient to endure want but seeing on another furtherāce to his loue he oftē repaired to old Andrugios house and manifested his sute vnto her who vsed him most kindly but still delayed his sute with such excuses that hee was thereby further intrapped in the snares of loue and yet nothing the neerer of obtaining his sute At last it was concluded betwixt Parismus and him that Parismus should accompany him in some disguise and make himselfe knowne to none but Violetta thereby the sooner to procure her good liking to Pollipus which shee was the more willing to doe for that he thought vpon manifesting himselfe vnto her she would not denie Pollipus request and therefore finding a conuenient time they went to olde Andrugeos house where they were kindely vsed of Andrugio and his Daughter Violetta who welcommed these more kindly then euer shee had done Pollipus comming alone beeing thereunto drawne by an inward forwardnesse which she felt contrary to her former disposition where they had not long continued but Parismus found opportunity to greet Violetta in this sort Faire damosell quoth he I am come vnto you an humble petitioner in the behalfe of my friend Pollipus whose loue is such and so feruent towards your selfe that vnlesse you pitty him yeeld some comsort to his care you will be the death of the worthiest knight liuing therefore I desire you that I may be the happy Oracle to declare vnto him his happy Fortune pronounced from your sacred lips Violetta all this while stood as one amazed feeling such an excéeding throbbing at her heart that shee could not well tell what to answer at last being touched with remembring of his loue that had reapt the fruits of her virginitie she replied in this sort Gentle knight quoth she I would not willingly be any mans death if I could otherwise choose but to grant to this sute I cannot without doing another as great wrong as might be for so it is I haue already placed my affections and haue already vowed neuer to alter them whilst life doth last in me Which sodaine and resolute reply of hers Parismus much commended yet vsed many perswasions in the behalfe of Pollipus and began to demaund of her to whom she had vowed her loue vsing many intreaties that at last she said it was but a folly to aske the question for that she was resolutely determined not to declare who it was Said Parismus what would you say if I name the man wherewith Violetta blushed exceedingly and Parismus puld out of his bosome the scarfe which she had before giuen him Quoth he behold in this scarfe your self haue set down a description of your loues first comming vnto you which was the Prince of Bohemia himselfe vnto whom you presented this who leaping downe the Pallace wall slew your Fathers dogges and what kindnesse he receiued at your hands your selfe know best and since it is impossible to obtaine any recompence at his hands being wedded to the Princesse Laurana let Pollipus who in Chiualry is inferiour to none be the man that shal possesse the second roome in your good liking Violetta hearing him make so true a rehearsall of her aduenture so affirme by many reasons that it was Parismus was strooken with such a sudden feare and shame to sée her secrets disclosed that she was ready to swound with grief and knéeling down with the teares standing in her eies began to intreate him not to reueale the same to any for she was fully resolued not to loue any but him although it were Parismus and although it were impossible to attaine any fauouror recōpence at his hands I wil not quoth he reueale it to any for none but Parismus knoweth thereof who is heere present with thee wherewith hee most louingly tooke her in his armes and kissed her shee yet beeing in some doubt that it was not he vntill at the last Parismus made himselfe knowne vnto her and by such priuate tokens as she both certainely and assuredly knew that it was hee which so reioyced her heart that she most humbly vpon her knees intreated him to pardon her boldnesse and vowed neuer to loue any but himselfe which protestation so grieued him that he began to perswade her not to wrong her selfe so much for that hee was no way to breake his Wedlocke vowes to pleasure her My déere Lord quoth she if I had a thousand liues and euery life tenne thousand times dearer then this my life I would most willingly spend them in meditating on the first fruits of your kind nesse towards me Hee séeing her firme resolue could not tell what other meanes or perswasions to vse to alter her stedfast resolution but passing some time with her in that priuat talk till he saw Pollipus expected with heauie sighes his happy or vnhappy newes therefore he departed and came vnto him telling him that there was some hope of obtaining her loue vpon which comfortable spéech Pollipus still earnestly proscecuted his sute vnto Violetta who hearing that Parismus was departing towards his owne Countrey determined to aduenture her life credit to goe with him and therefore fitted her selfe in Pages Apparell which so well became her that she seemed to be the most excellentest workmanship that euer Nature had framed her sute being gréen Satten her buskings of the finest Spanish Lether fastned to her dainty legge with Christal buttons her haire wreathed with a carnation Ribbin and all things else so neate and decent vpon her delicate body that she was most comely to view and behold and so in this changeable sort apparalled shee secretly stole away from her Fathers house and soone gate to the Pallace where although there were a generall search made by Andrugios means who soone mist her and the report of her losse came to Parismus hearing yet she was not in that habite any way suspected where she continued many daies together in which time she laboured by al meanes to be
and that it might in some measure touch mée with the name of a Cowarde I would vse them in the kindest sort I could deuise and remitte all further cause of strife For I suppose they are come in searche of a Ladie that remaineth in this Castle whose presence is the onely preseruer of my life which béeing taken from mée will soone ende my dayes Therefore good brethren resolue mee of the best course to bee vsed herein Guilmor being of a proude and haughtie disposition and scorning at the lenitie of Andramart whose heart was touched with an insupportable feare would make him no aunswer but presently went and armed himselfe which they beholding did the like and altogether went downe into the Court And without any spéeches the two brethren being full of scornefull pride fully assuring themselues of the victorie assailed Parismus and Pollipus Who seeing no greater oddes but one to one entred the Combat so â—…hearefully as it had beene a sport or pastime which continued a good while betwixt them without any great disaduantage on eyther parâ—…e the noyse of whose weapons clashing on theyr Armour came to Lauranaes hearing who coulde by no meanes take any rest that night for feare and thought taking least Andramart should worke the death of her déere Lord and friende that on a suddaine starting to a windowe that lookt into the Courte shee â—…spyed the foure Knightes Combatting assuring her selfe that her friendes were twoo of them whome shee knewe not but as shee was informed by Leda to bee those in the blewe Armour Whose sight reuiued the afflicted heart of Laurana but on the contâ—…ary parte the daunger shee sawe them in as much tormented her with feare Andramart standing by to beholde the issue of this Combate hauing an eye to the windowe where Laurana was vnfortunately espied her looking out Where vppon immedâ—…ately hee sent foure of his Seruants to remooue her into a strong and close Prison farre from their sight which so tormented the minde of Laurana togither with the feare shee conceiued for Parismus hauing no friend but Pollipus inuironed with a number of enemies that had not Leda laboured the contrarie shee hadde there ouercome her vitall sences with extreamitie of sorrowe Still continued the Combate betwixt the Champions but Pollipus seeling himselfe sore wounded by Bramon was so inraged with furie that with all his force and skill hee laboured with such puissaunce against his assayling enemie that hee had soone laide him at his foote dead Which Andramart perceiuing came to Pollipus with these spéeches Knight quoth hée thy taske is not yet ended for héere am I to reuenge the death of him thou hast now conquered wherewith hee beganne to assaile Pollipus with all his force who aunswered his blowes with the like courage by which time Parismus hadde left his enemie breathlesse who lay wallowing at his feet strangled with his owne bloud Andramart seeing the same woulde haue â—…edde fearing his owne downfall hut Pollipus seeing his intent thought now or neuer to shewe préefe of his valour therefore to ridde themselues from further daunger with both his handes strooke with such violence vpon his crest that the weakenesse of his Armour yeelding to the sharpenesse of his sworde and force of his blowe so astonisht him that hée staggered Wherewith Pollipus closing with him ouerthrew him on the ground and thrust his sworde through his body in diuers places By which time Andramarts seruants seeing the distresse their Maister was in all at once assailed Parismus and Pollipus who could not well tell how to indure and further assault but drawing backe to the corner of the Court placed themselues in such sort that their enemies could not greatly indammage them but still receiued the woorste most of them beeing in small continuance of sight sore wounded and many of them were slaine so that they seemed therewith like men that were desperate One amongst the rest that Andramart hadde before taken Prisoner but for his good qualities hadde againe released as one of his chiefest seruants whose name was Tellamor seeing Andramart slaine and marking the braue and valiant courage of these two Knights vsed all the perswasions he could to withdrawe his fellowes from their madnesse who still followed their reuenge eagerly without any consideration of the little good they could reape thereby at last some of them beganne to listen to them by which meanes Pollipus haâ—…e reâ—…pit to breath himselfe and Parismus perceiuing them to stand doubtfully debating matters betweene themselues beganne to speake to them in this sort Maisters quoth hee mee thinks men that are indued with reason as you should bee should not shew themselues in incoÌ„sideratie as 〈◊〉 seeke reuenge against those that neuer harmed you what causeth you thus wilfully to endanger your selues by offering vs violence you will say the death of your maister why what was hee but a Tyrant what account did he make of any of you but to kéepe you as his vassalles and slaues in bondage and extreame seruitude how was hée estemed of any but as a cruell homicide a robber and spoyler of poore personages whereby him selfe and such as were his seruants were hated and despised of all good people Did he not continually tyrannise ouer you in most cruell sort tâ—…at many of you were put to shamefull offices for euery displeasure in danger of death and imprisonment by his furie what doe you thinke was the cause of our arriuall here not as you suppose to make you captaines nor to get wealth or the spoyle that théeues and robbers seeke after nor yet to offer violence to Andramart or any of you but to redeeâ—…e a losse friend that your maister hath wrongfully detained Then let that wisedome rule your minds that should be in men thewe what you require at our hands and we will in any reasonable respect satisfie you We are not determined to stay among you to beare rule ouer you thereby to spoyle you of your wealth but will leaue this Castle and the riches thereof as yours to dispose of which you may quietly enioy now your cruell maister is dead whose life would haue beene cause oâ—… your further seruitude but by his death you are freede from the crueâ—… bondage and slauerie wherein you liued and haue by the same occasion the choyse of electing or refusing of quiet content and peaceable wealth Parismus had no sooner ended these spéeches but by a generall consent being perswaded thereto by Tellamor whose counsell they highly estéemed they cast downe their weapons and yéelded themselues which greatly chéered the hearts of both the knights being before that in great perill and hazard of their liues hauing taken the faithful oath of their loyaltie Pollipus pulling off his Helmet began greatly to extoll and commend their wisdome in that they had that good consideration to conceiue aright of Parismus spéeches promising them that by his consent Parismus should so highly content them before their departure that they would for euer
Thrace and how by the way he ariued in Libia and from thence came to Brandamors Castle AFter that the knight of Fame had wonne the chiefe honour of the triumph in the Court of the king of Thrace and had giuen away the Kings daughter to Remulus with her Fathers consent therto and the solemnization of the wedding past and performed with great royalty the king calling to minde the valour of the knight of Fame and how prodigally he gaue Phylena to another whose beauty might haue satisfied a mighty Potentates liking and withall how little he regarded his heire by which meanes afterwards hee might haue come to the highest type of dignity and to the high honour to bee King and Quéen of so mighty a nation wondred what might moue him to refuse those offers sometimes thinking it proceeded from want of wisdome then againe he supposed a Knight endued with such bountiful and rare gifts of prowesse could not chuse but likewise enioy sufficient wisdome to consider the valew of such gifts And entring into a further consideration thereof he began to coniecture that he was sprung of some great personage which might be the cause thereof and for that hee was vnknowne he thought that to be the very truth Then againe he called to remembrance what Amasenus had told him about his comming into that country that he was by these thoughts grown into such a desire to be satisfied therin that he sent for the Knight of Fame and in the presence of the Queen Amasenus Remulus Phylena and al the assembly of gallant knights that came to the triumph he said as followeth Worthy knight whom I so much affect that if it in my power lye to doe you any more honour then I haue heretofore proffered I would willingly do it for you valour deserueth euerlasting commendations I haue offered you my Daughter in marriage and withall intended to haue adopted you my Sonne and heire both which you haue refused yeelding your interest in my daughter to Remulus and therewith left the inheritage I adioyned to her marriage which were both worthy of regard for that such gifts are seldome giuen which maketh me send for you desiring to be satisfied for your comming in the one and also to knowe of whence and what you are if I can without offence to you obtaine the same The Knight of Fame made this reply Most high and mighty King I will vnfold the truth of all to satisfie your demand I confesse your Maiestie did so much honour me as my life shall bee alwaies ready at your command in quitall of the same and your Princely gifts are of such estimation as I confesse my selfe farre vnworthy to possesse them but that they might haue beene bestowed of the greatest Potentate in the world which I neither refused nor lightly esteemed but alwaies regarded as of precious and inestimable valew not drawne thereto by any want of consideration of their worthinesse but for the honourable respect I beare to loyalty For should I haue presumed to haue wed your Princely daughter I should haue done her great iniurie and thereby parted the vnited hearts of true and loial friends For pleaseth your Maiesty at the first I intended with a ioyfull heart to haue claymed my interest in that sweet Princesse loue but I was commanded the contrary by an vndoubted meane which if it so please you I will in priuate vnfold as also perceiuing the true friendship betwixt her and that noble knight Remulus past with consent of both their harts I should haue esteemed it either in my selfe or in any other an acte of great dishonour and impietie to part those firmed bands of friendship which if I had dissolued might haue turned their sweet intent into discontented miserie neither could I so rudelie presume to challenge interest in so sweet a Ladies loue without desert which is not attained by armes but by loyaltie which was the cause that I yeelded my interest vnto him that had taken possession in her gentle heart before my comming and for my birth I know not my Parents but the truth of all that is manifest to me the noble Duke Amasenus hath made you priuie vnto The King hearing his answer greatlie commended his honourable minde saying Thou worthy knight if there bee any meanes left wherein I may pleasure you doe but aske and you shall assuredly obtaine whatsoeuer it bée for which kinde and kingly proffer the knight of Fame with all humanitie gaue him thankes Whilest they were in this Communication there suddenly entred into the Hall foure Knightes in mourning Attyre carrying on theyr shoulders a Coffin couered with blacke by theyr countenances pretending the discouerie of some tragicall euent The King of Thrace seeing this sadde Spectacle greatly maruelled of whence they should bee and what heauie Newes they hadde brought And they being come to the place where the King was setting downe their Hearse spake as followeth Most High and Mightie King of Thrace Wee are Knightes belonging to the King of Lybia Who kindely gréeteth your Maiestie by vs requesting you to take no offence at our rude Message the occasion whereof is this It is not vnknowne that the King our Lorde hath but one onely Daughter named Venola Who on a day riding foorth on Hunting being by a Tempest seuered from her Traine beeing accompanied by many Knights amongst whome was Tyrides a Knight of Thrace vnto whose custodie the King committed her and was vnawares surprized by the Gyant Brandamor that dwelleth in a Castle in the Forrest of Arde and by him by violence carryed away Whome the Noble knight Tyrides pursued but the Gyant too mightie a Foe for him to cope withall slue him and so conueyed the Princesse into his Castle Whose corps wee haue according to our Kings commaund brought hether Amasenus hearing this sadde report ranne vnto the dead bodie of his Sonne breathing foorth such Lamentations that it would haue made the very Rockes to haue rent at his sorrowes Whom the king comforted by all possible meanes hee could but griefe for his Sonnes vntimely death ouer-whelmed and opprest his heart with such Passions of desperate care that hee fell into an extreame Sicknesse which his olde-Age not being able to out-weare within fewe dayes after ended his life Amasenus death who was generally beloued turned their myrth into sorrowe and theyr Ioy into sadde preparation for mournfull Funeralls for the two dead Knightes Which was afterwardes performed in most stately manner The Knight of Fame séeing his déerest Friende Amasenus dead hearing of Venolaes Imprisonment resolued in requitall of some parte of Amasenus his Friendship to reuenge Tyrides death on the Gyant besides his minde was affected with such a desire to sée the Ladie Venola that giuing no respite to delay hee presently after the right of Amasenus Funeralls was performed made his intent knowne to the King and with all Reuerence tooke his leaue of him Likewise diuers that came to the triumph and still remained
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
in solitarinesse vnlesse it were in his company The time of Parismus departure beeing come which was appointed the next morning Venola was drawne into an exceeding feare least that the knight of Fame would goe with him that shee began to deuise what meanes to vse to stay him which she could by no meanes of her selfe inuent which draue her to her wits ende and in great heauinesse complaining in her Chamber casting her selfe vpon her bedde she vttered these complaints What misery may be compared to the torments I endure procured by loue which hath entangled me in her snares and setled my liking on a stranger that as carelesly regardeth my good will as I earnestly affect his perfections What extremity is this that my vnlucky destinies haue allotted me to refuse the offer of many Kings that haue humbly sued for my loue and to make choise of one that maketh least account of my kindnesse For it cannot be but he perceiueth my loue which being so how discourteous is he that in all this time will not yeelde mee any recompence for the same Peraduenture he seeth nothing in me worth the liking or else my beauty is not such as many flatteringly haue perswaded me it is Am not I a Kings daughter and he peraduenture borne of meane parentage and what dignity might he come to by my loue but all this he regardeth nat but being rudely brought vp according to that rudenesse cannot conceiue of my liking But what meane I â—…o disgrase the Knight whose courteâ—… maketh him beloued of all whose comelinesse maketh him liked of all and whose vaiour maketh him honoured of all who hath no doubt already placed his affections on some beautifull Lady and that is the cause of his strangenesse yea that is the thing that hindreth my ioyes for without his loue I can attaine no quiet which now I am likewise like to lose by his departure which I feare me will be too soone which words being ended such passions ouerwhelmed her heart that her eies burst into â—…eares and there she lay vpon her bedde tumbling with torment of those restlesse passions Whilest shee continued her sorrowes in comes Flauia her nurse who by espying her cheekes besâ—…eered with teares and her sad counteuance maruelling what should procure the same said My sweete Mistresse how hapneth it that you weepe thus Who hath done you wrong Or why doe you torment your sweet selfe with this sadnesse Deare Lady tell me O Nurse quoth Venola my owne folly hath procured me this disquiet and my selfe being the cause whom should I blame but my selfe Why Lady quoth shee what haue you done What is the matter Haue you done your selfe any harme Why should you conceale any thing from me that haue all your life long loued you as dearely as my owne heart My sweete daughter hide nothing from me but tell me why you marre those your prettie eies with such sorrow Why quoth Venola what should it auaile my to tell you when I know you cannot helpe me if I should declare it to you and by that meanes come to my fathers knowledge it would be more grieuous to me then death then good Flauia doe not seeke to know my cause of care but let me consume my selfe in silence when I haue no other meanes of remedy Flauia hearing her words was the more desirous to know what the matter was sometimes weeping sometimes intreating her to tell to her and sometimes protesting that shee would rather endure any torment then reueale the same that Venola wonne with her perswasions teares and protestations and withall desirous of comfort imparted her whole minde vnto her desiring her to be both secret and trusty and withall asked her counsell how she might stay him from departing wich the Prince of Bohemia Lady quoth Flauia since you haue imparted your minde to me I will both secretly keepe your counsell and diligently labour to stay his iourney at this time I but quoth Venola I pray thee doe it so that he may no way perceiue that it was by my procurement Let mee alone for that said shee and in the meane time cast you off those cloudy cares and get you downe amongst the rest of those Ladies with a merrie countenance and commit the care to me which I will effect to your liking Venola beeing somewhat reuiued with Flauias promise with a merrie heart forsooke her Chamber Flauia went about her businesse going into the Citie with all haste where dwelt an ancient Apothecary a very friend of hers to whom she durst commit any secret whom shee desired to compound certaine of his drugges together and to make a somniferous Potion which would cause him sleepe for foure and twenty houres in such sort that the party might by no meanes be awakened promising if he could make a confection to reward him richlie The Apothecary hearing her words tolde her that if shee would stay he would compound such a drinke as should euery way worke the same effect shee desired Flauia hauing attained her desire that way came to a Goldsmith and bought a most curious wrought bottell of golde whereon shee caused him to ingraue these Letters My pleasant taske doth doubts appease I banish care and griefe vnkinde Things yet vnknowne I doe reueale Vnknowne he is that shall me finde A friend vnknowne hath thee this sent Be bold and taste incontinent And hauing gotten euery thing according to her desire returneth to the Court and the time of rest drawing nigh she wrought such meanes that she had the appointment of the knight of Fames lodging where she laide the bottle in which time she had put the somniferous potion so right in his way that he could not chuse but finde the same intending that if she failed of her purpose yet she would worke such meanes that she would giue it him in the morning The Knight of Fame all that day kept company with Parismus vnto whom his heart bare an inward loue determining to bring him towards Bohemia and after to trauell in search of his Parents Parismus likewise was growne into such loue of his qualities and â—â—ch a hidden desire to pleasure him was stirred in his heart towards him that hee vsed him with such an extraordinary kindenesse as the friendship that past betwixt them seemed vnseparable Thus the day being spent euery one betook them to their lodgings the Knight of Fame comming to his lodging walking by and downe lighted on the bottle and noting the same tooke it vp and espying the verses read the contents which draue him into many cogitations how the same should come there at last among many other thoughts he déemed by the contents of the verses he was the man that should taste thereof Then he beganne to feare lest it might be some poison laid on purpose to betray his life but that suspition was soone extinguished the deâ—…e he had to finde ease to his doubts which the contents of the superscription promised that tasting a little of
â—…ffered it her againe Knight quoth she take it for your labour wherewith she turned away from him for that she espâ—…ed her Father comming which caused him being glad of that fauour to withdrawe himselfe One of Angelicas knights named Camillus to whose principall custodie the King had committed his daughter aboue all the rest noted the Knight of Fames behauiour and disdaining that a stranger should carrie away the gloue which he esteemed a fauor sar â—…ond his â—…esert himselfe hauing been her seruant a long time yet could neuer attaine any such kindnes withall supposing hee was some Knight Anglica knew presently hasted after him trusting too much to his owne valour and bluntly bade him render backe the Princesse gloue Sir quoth he againe the Princesse gaue it me and for her sake I will keepe the same Wherewith Collimus without any more words retired backe to encounter him and he did the like and remembring it was the best deede of Chiualrie he could performe in his Ladies presence thought with himselfe that if he sate not fast he would quaile his courage presentlie they met each other the one with brauery the other with force for Collimus measured his length on the ground By this time the King and Quéene had met Angelica and all gréetings ouerpast their Traines met which almost filled that pleasant valley in company of Maximus was Camillus Sonne to the king of Slauonia attended by a number of gallant Knights who hearing of the exceeding beautie of Angelica was lately come into the countrie as a suter to whom Maximus said beholding the braue course betwéen the two Knights What Knight is yonder that hath â—…uerthrowne his aduersarie with such agility A comely Knight he is quoth Camillus but it séemes he is a stranger With that another Knight of Angelicas attendants vpon the former quarrel incountred the knight of Fame who tasted of his valour as his predecessour Collimus had done after him another which when Maximus beheld hee called a Gentleman to him willing him to request the strange Knight to come and speake with him which fell out well for the Knight of Fames quiet for had not the King béene present the Knights of Angelicaes guard had taken such a secret indignation against him that they by violence would haue sought his death The messenger Maximus sent told the Knight of Fame that the King did request to speake with him Sir quoth he I am readie at his command to whom Maximus said as followeth Sir Knight you are it seemeth to me a stranger in this place but notwithstanding somewhat bolde with my knights both whose quarrell against you and your cause of arriuall I desire to know Most renowned king quoth he I am a stranger in this place or in any else in my trauels méeting with this gallant troupe to any of whom I I haue as yet giuen no cause of offence which should make them trouble me Sir quoth Maximus they haue reapt shame for their discontent but I pray let vs without offence know your name and of whence you are neither feare to disarme your selfe for vpon my promise you shall haue no wrong offred you which said the Knight of Fame pulled off his helmet making this answer By name most noble King I am called the knight of Fame my birth to my selfe vnknowne by no ill intent drawne into this Countrie but onely to finde out my Parents which are likewise vnknowne my selfe subiect to miserie by the want of knowledge of my selfe Marcellus sonne to Maximus a knight of exceeding courteous and honourable parts hearing his speeches humbling himselfe vpon his knee before his father said I humbly craue your Maiesties fauour to entertaine this knight honourably for that I haue some knowledgâ—… of him which I will declare to your Highnesse heereafter Maximus hearing his Sonnes spéeches said Rise vp Marcellus for thy sake and for his owne too he shall be welcome whom doe thou vse according as shall seeme good and be agreeable to his honourable deserts The knight of Fame hearing his speeches most humbly thanked him and Marcellus presently embraced him shewing many tokens of hearty good will Angelica all this while noted euery circumstance of this knights ariuall as first how shee found him a sleepe and next of his speeches to her then how valiently he had ouerthrowne three knights then her brothers speeches and lastly his gallant youth and comly â—…person which altogether wrought such a kind of admiration in her that shee beganne with a curious eie to marke all his actions and to affect his company more then she had done any mans oftentimes casting a looke vpon him she perceiued his eie was still vpon her which made a ruddie blush beautifie her cheekes In which time the King intreated him to stay somtime with him if his important businesse did not withdraw him which offer he willingly and kindly accepted which fell out according to his owne hearts content CHAP. XVI How the Knight of Fame was entertained at the Golden Tower and what speeches past betweene Anna and Angelica AFter these speeches past the King Camillus the Queene Angelica and all the â—…est departed towards the Golden Tower and by the way Marcellus beganne to declare in hearing of them all what he had heard of the Knight of Fame of his valiant exploits in Thrace and afterwards how in the Forrest of Arde he slew the Gyant Brandamor which he vttered in such ample manner and with such commendation that it made them all admire his noble gifts especially Angelica aboue all the rest noted euery circumstance thereof with such regard that she séemed to take great delight therein The Knight of Fame hearing thereof entertainning his mistresse perfections with such pleasure and admiring her beauty with such surfeting delight that he rode like one in a trance hauing all his sences bent vpon her By this time they were commen to the Golden Tower where was exceeding preparation made for the King who speaking to Camillus and the Knight of Fame tolde they were most heartily welcome thither likewise the Queene welcommed them with great kindenesse especially Marcellus care for the Knight of Fames entertainement was very great who caused him to bee lodged in a most stately lodging where euery thing was readily prepared for him in the best manner Euery one being departed to their seuerall lodgings the Knight of Fame meditating on his good fortune and the kinde entertainement he found in that strange place waying on the one side how late he was pluuged in care and how suddenly he was possest with pleasure how from miserie hee was aduanced to the highest degree of his felicity how hee was lately in dispaire of finding his deuoted and how prosperously he had now mette with her and had in some part manifested his affection how the occasion of his quarell for his Ladies Gloue was the cause of his kinde entertainement how fortunately in that strange plate his deedes were extolde and how kindly Marcellus
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
I shall honour you for the same for he was worthy to be beloued of the best Ladie in the world for in him shined all points and parts of true knighthood and honour I cannot quoth Angelica denie but that I liked â—…d loued him too neither shall I euer doe otherwise whilest I liue though he knew not so much for whose death my heart shall neuer harbour quiet nor neuer shall thought of other loue sinke into my breast for him had I vowed to loue and that vow will I keepe inuiolable whilest life doth last Oh Angelica quoth Marcellus had I knowne you had loued him so well I would haue died with him but I would haue saued his life which was so suddenly acted and so vnexpected that before I could recouer my sences from amazement hee was past my reache What cause had my Father thinke you to seeke his destruction but because he saw him in speech with you Aye me quoth Angelica was I the cause of his death I will then goe to him with that such griefe opprest her heart that she fell downe in his armes Marcellus called to her Maides who presently came thronging about her maruelling at her suddaine sickenesse and especially Anna who was priuy to her thoughts and hearing Marcellus spéeches made great lamentation This newes was soone come to the Queenes hearing who presently came running vnto the place and hauing by her labour recouered her entred into these speeches Why how now Angelica what meanest thou to doe thy selfe this wrong What mischance or sudden passion hath caused this disquiet Then turning to Marcellus Or can you tell Marcellus quoth shee for you were by I know not quoth he but I am sure wee haue all cause of little ioye when we that are the Kings children shall be imprisoned vpon the flattering report of euery dissembling Sycophant Why quoth shee who hath abused you That did Colimus quoth hee and him haue I rewarded Besides my Lord and Father hath destroied that honourable strange knight because I loued him who neuer deserued the least cause of such cruelty but was alwaies honourablie esteemed in euery Kings Court vntill it was his ill happe to arriue in this vnfortunate place to end his life by Tyranny not by Iustice. Take heede Marcellus Scandalize not your Fathers honour which may bring you in danger for that he hath done nothing but right and with good consideration for behold that Letter and thou shalt soone see what a counterfet that Knight of Fame was Marcellus hauing read this Letter was at the first suddenly amazed thereat but yet notwithstanding he said vpon my life this accusaticusation is most false and vntrue Angelica taking the letter and reâ—… ding the same was exceedingly astonisht thereat to whom Marcellus said Angelica beleeue it not for if you doe you shall too much wrong that honourable Knight that is too much abused already who if hee were liuing would soone reprooue these accusations but hee good Knight is now dead and past recalling whose death will bring more dishonour to the Natolians then euer will be recouered Why quoth the Quéen what maketh thée Marcellus thus inconsiderate by taking a strangers part to indanger thy owne life which knowest the Kings humor Loue quoth he to that stranger maketh mee bewaile his vntimely death whom I would that I had excused The Queene seeing Angelica somewhat well recouered departed vnto Maximus who by that time had knowledge of Collimus death and was meditating how to chastise Marcellus for that presumption But the Queene vpon her knees intreated him to pardon him alleaging that Collimus had greatly abused him that with much adoe the King was pacified Marcellus hauing somewhat comforted Angelica in a heauie and sadde estate departed to his chamber and left her with her Damzell Anna rather ready to yeelde vp the Ghoast then otherwise likely to suruiue and night being come the refusing meat went to her bed not to sleepe but to bewaile the Knight of Fames vntimely death The knight of Fame all this time remained in the Lions denne carefully deuising which way to get out of that place tyring his senses but finding no meanes of release One while accusing his hard fortune and then Maximus for his cruelty Sometimes fearing to be famished in that place and then comforting himselfe with perswasions of impossible deliueries Now dispairing to be vtterly exempt from the swéet sight of Angelica whose absense and restraint of liberty procured as he thought by his boldnesse pinched his heart with extreame feare In this sort he continued so long vntill he was ready to be starued and constrained to eate such vnsauory foode as was daily cast to the Lions Angelica likwise no whit mittigated her griefe but rather augmented the same being much comforted by Marcellus whose minde was not yet satisfied with sufficient consideration of these mischances both hee and Angelica continued as it were in a further hope in their fancies of the Knight of Fames safty though when they beganne to comfort themselues with any perswasions they were quite past hope Maximus likewise hauing considered with what seueritie hee had vsed the Knight and that he had condemned him without any triall of the accusation that had been vsed by his Knights euer since his death beganne to tell a remorse in his conscience of vniustice but by the setled opinion that was stirred in his heart by those false Prophesies hee soone shooke the same off Camillus all this time likewise noted what iealous suspition the King heard of him and hauing heard the report why he kept his daughter so strongly guarded and of set purpose withheld her from his sighâ—… and noting how suddenly the Knight of Fame was made away without any cause of offence giuen he began to feare himselfe and bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes durst not shew any signe of desire to sée Angelica â—…st bâ—… 〈◊〉 meanes hee should seeke some occasiâ—… of quarrell with him and â—…se him like the stanger within a while departed from the Golden Tower â—â—â—tending notwithstanding either with force or faite meanes to attaine her possession CHAP. XIX Of the Knight of Fames preseruation How he got out of the denne and departed the Tower THe next day after Camillus departure which Maximus perceiued was with a discontented minde the kéeper of the Lyons denne came to make cleane the same and vsed his wonted manner which was to set open those places that were cleane into which the Lions would soone enter and hauing fast bolted the dores and beeing owner of the Lyons ertred into the denne where the knight of Fame was who suddenly caught hold on him hauing before secertly shrowded himselfe from his sight and beeing carefull to prouide for his owne safty snatcht from his side a hanging Sword the Keeper knowing him maruelling to see him aliue and exceedingly astonished at his sight held vp his hands for mercy to whom the Knight of Fame saide My freinde I séeke not thy life but mine owne safety
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
next morning Iabine went foorth for to prouide food and left the knight of Fame alone who then vttered many complaints but at last finding fault with himselfe for vrging that effeminate kind of lamentation he striuing to ouermaster his passions which the more hee laboured to asswage the more they increased In this sâ—…rt he continued all that day and the next and many daies after still being in good hope of Marcellus approach but when he saw so long time past and he could heare no newes from him hée beganne to accuse him of dicourtâ—…e and diâ—…yaltie for breaking his promise and withall grew into a setled perswasion that both hée and Angelica had quite forsaken him which added griefe to griefe and more care and vexation to his minde not knowing what to do nor which way to shape his course that arming himselfe one day hée mounted himselfe and wandred in a melancholly studie towards the golden Tower and by chance met with two of Maximus knights who were excéedingly astonisht at his sight taking him to be a ghost but he drawing nigh to them they beganne to flye which hée perceiuing thought to stay the one of them to haue some further spéech with him that charging his launce at him and hitting him full ouerthrewe him to the ground the other being therewith excéedingly trrified fledde The Knight to Fame alighting comming to him that he had ouerthrowne thus said Knight thou néedest not to haue fledde from me for I intended thee no harme but was desirous to knowe some newes of thée which if thou wilt tell me I will let thee depart otherwise thou shalt neuer escape my hands The knight maruelling to heare him speake whom he thought had bene a ghost made this reply Pardon me good sir for I tooke you to be another then I sée you are but if I may know what you will commaund me I will doe it Quoth he tell me how fareth Marcellus Sir quoth he at this instant helyeth very weake by reason of many grieuous wounds hée receiued not long since where hée declared the whole trueth of that which had happened by Maximus meanes since which time quoth hée the King hath set such secrete watch about the Tower that none goeth in nor out without his priuitie The Knight of Fame hauing heard his spéeches departed backe to Iabine to whom hee declared the trueth of all that he had heard being very sory for Marcellus hurt and well waying euery circumstance of that report thought that when Marcellus was gotten with Angelica out of the Parke so slightly attended it was to come to him which added some comfort to his heart being fully assured thereby that Angelica had not forsaken him By this time the Natolian that escaped from the knight of Fame was come to the Golden Tower and comming before the King â—…elde him that hee had met the Knight of Fame whereat hee beganne to laugh but presently came the other who iustified the same words alleadging that it was the knight of Fame and that he had both talked with him and knew him affirming the same most constantly Maximus woondring thereat was almost astonisht at their worâ—…s that he determined to send all his knights to search for him and the occasion now most fitly serued for the Nobles had according to his commaund gathered a number of forces together which Camillus séeing being vnprouided to withstand such force but comming for another intent immediately returned with his souldiers towards his country and Maximus now seeing the coast cleare of enemies presently sent foorth Knights euery way to finde the Knight of Fame Thus newes was soone come to Marcellus and Angelicas hearing which filled their hearts with exceeding care and feare leaste hee should bee apprehended this bredde new sorrowes in their troubled thoughts but principally in Angelicas whose lone was growne to such perfection that it was impossible to remooue the same that getting to her chamber shée entred into many heauy complaints able to haue rent the stoniest harts of the cruellest tyrants whom Anna comforted by all means she could deuise to whom Angelica said Oh Anna quoth she little doest thou know the torments my heart doth endure for wert thou so much inthralled as I am to so worthy a knight as he is thou mightest then haue some insight into my sorrowes but being ignorant therein how canst thou giue me counsell haue I not cause to sorrow nay rather to runne made with sorrow to see the danger that worthy Knight is now in hauing so lately escaped a most miserable death by my Fathers censure 〈◊〉 without cause who not contented there with nor satisfied in his minde hath now sent out many Knights to search for him who 〈◊〉 they finde him will bring him back or by violence destroy him whose death shall be the end of my life for I haue vowed if my Father seeke his mine hee shall also see my death for I will not liue one houâ—… after him in which complaintes we still continued without intermission It fortuned most happily that Iabin was gone foorth 〈◊〉 S. Austines Chappell left the knight of Fame in his Cell meeting with many of the Natolian knights who demaÌ„ded if he saw not such 〈◊〉 describing well as they could the knight of Fame whom he answered al after one sort that he had not seen any such but maruelling at their earnest inquirie he demanded what that knight might bee one of them tolde him that hee was called the Knight of Fame who lately arriued in that Country and was kindly entertained by Maximus but especially of Marcellus and hauing in some sort offended the King was by him afterwards throwne into the Lions den by reason of a letter the King of Libia sent wherein he accused him to haue dishonoured Venola his onely daughter whom that day was seene and spoken withall Iabine hearing his spéeches wondred thereat yet notwithstanding was carefull lest the knight of Fame should bee found abroad whom hee now beganne greatly to esteeme both that he deemed him to be sprung of royall 〈◊〉 and also for that Marcellus made estimation of him who he thought knew him cleare of those accusations or else he would not haue fauoured him so much that with all speed hee hasted to his Cell where being entred he found the Knight of Fame very sadde and fast bolting the Chappell doore he came to him saying Worthy knight I am glad that I haue found you here for were you abroad there are such a number of Knights in search of you that it were impossible to escape them For mée qd he I thinke you are deceyued Yea qd he if you are called the Knight of Fame and lately escaped out of the Lyons den With that his colour changed Nay qd Iabin feare not you shall be here as safe as your hart can wish for this place is no way suspected therefore thinke your selfe secure then Iabin declared vnto him all that had hapned and what he had heard
Oristus making spéede soone arriued at the Cittie of Thebes where the King then kept his Court and being admitted his presence deliuered his message Which when Dionisius vnderstood he told Oristus that he would very wilingly gratulate the Princes kindnes desiring him to certifie his Lord that he shuld be most hartily welcome wherewith Oristus departed Dionisius willing his Noble men to be in readines the next day for hée purposed to méete the Prince himselfe In the meane time hée commaunded all preparation that might bée deuised to be made for his more honorable entertainement Early the next morning Dionisius attended by his noble men rode forth to méete the Prince some thrée miles from the Citie whome he most louingly imbraced and welcommed with excéeding courtesie Parismus maruelling at this vnexpected kindnesse in him said Most high and magnificent King I being altogether vnworthy of this your excéeding fauour most humbly intreate your pardon to my presumption desiring you to impute my rashnesse to my youth which hath attempted this boldnesse without any hope in the least degrée how to deserue such kindnesse Dionisius taking him by the hand desired him to leaue off those spéeches for that hée estéemed his Court and Countrey insufficent to entertaine him according as hée desired telling him that hée was the most welcome guest to his Court that might be wherewith they ioyfully departed towardes the Cittie but as they roade they heard a most gréeuous grone in the Thicket of a Woode hard by Whereupon Dionisius commaunded his Knightes to beset the Wood on euery side himselfe Parismus and diuers Noble men entered the Thicket where they found an Armed Knight most grieuously wounded At which pittifull spectacle Dionisius alighted from his Horse viewed his face and knew him to be his trustie Knight Osiris whome hée most dearely loued Wherefore hée commaunded him to bee conueyed to the Court that his owne Phisitians might looke to him and binde vp his wounds In the meane time the King Parismus and diuers Knightes made diligent searche in the wood but coulde finde no creature there and thereby no certaintie how Osiris should be thus wounded That departing discontented the King was certified that there was great hope of his recouery who speaking to Parismus said Most noble Prince I hope this mischaunce hath not disquieted you for I would be sorie you should conceiue any occasion of sadnesse thereat but I trust by that time Osiris be recouered wée shall easily come to the knowledge hereof My Lord replied Parismus I haue no cause to be gréeued for my part but to see your Maiestie hereby disquieted Indéed said Dionisius it some what gréeueth me because Osiris is one that I loue being well worthy thereof for his vertues do farre excéed many mens of whose faith and fidelitie I haue had sufficient triall that a more loyall Knight cannot be found By this time they were come to the Pallace gate where was the Quéene with all her traine of Ladies to welcome Parismus which was a most pleasing sight to beholde that the Prince with the suddaine viewe of theyr beautie was driuen into a déepe studie from which hée was reuiued by the Quéene who most gratiously welcommed him saying In all kindnesse I bid your honour welcome into Thessaly where we will indeuour to requite your friendship in comming to vs. Most vertuous Quéene quoth hée for this your honourable fauour both my selfe and all that is mine shall be continually bound to do you dutifull seruice The glory of the Pallace made Parismus maruaile this honourable entertainment the sumptuous banquets the rare Musick and gallant showes too tedious to rehearse made him thinke that Fame had altogether darkened the glory of that place that all his sences were replenisht with varietie of delight At such time as Dionisius and the Prince entered the Court Laurana hearing of the Princes comming standing at her Chamber windowe viewed them well and knew or at least thought that to be Parismus that came with her father noting well his gallant comely proportion said to one of her maides named Leda Is not yonder Knight that accompaineth my father the Prince of Bohemia Yes quoth Leda I thinke so for a more gallant Knight did I neuer beholde Wherewith the crimzin colour in Lauranaes cheeke began to reuiue which Leda perceiuing said it would become our Couâ—… wel to haue his presence continually for it cannot chuse but a Knight of so faire prrportion must needs be endued with as excellent gifts Why quoth Laurana this Court cannot long containe such guests wherewithall she went to dinner féeling a kinde of alteration in al her parts which séemed strange to her for euen then loue began to kindle in her tender heart which yet shee did not well vnderstand but afterwards grewe to a burning heate as shall be declared She vsed sildome to come abroâ—…d but sometimes priuately for recreation for such was her chaste resolue that she delighted in nothing but vertuous meditations To relate the conference the King and Parismus had were tedious and imperitinent to the Historie But the Prince maruailed he could not sée Laurana so famous for her beautie being hereby drawne into many déepe cogitations by which thoughts and remembrance of the long iourny hée had passed onely to behold her person and now could not be assures hâ—…e had seene the beautie hée expected was drawne into such a sad studie that in a manner he neither heard what was spoken nor cegarded where he was At last reuiuing his sences that were dulled with passion hée suddenly sighed and smiling said fearing his heauinesse had bene noted your Maiestie may peraduenture note my sadnesse the remembrance of your Knights iniury maketh me study how he should be so gréeuously wounded and no man found that should act the same which words hée onely spake to excuse himselfe Surely answered the King some man by secret treachery hath wrought him that harme which at more conuenient time we shall finde the truth thereof which I would effect with all spéed but that I hope to be ascertained by himselfe whom my Physitions say is in good estate of amendment With these and many other spéeches Dinner being fully ended Dionisius Parismus and the Quéene walked into a most pleasant Garden where after a while he was entertained with a most costly and rare banquet prouided in an Arbour or banqueting House adioyning to a Groue fraught with many pleasant Birds whose swéete harmonie much augmented the pleasure of the place all things being most artificially contriued for delight which when Parismus beheld hee then began to thinke with himselfe how shall I sée the Princesse Laurana for whose sight I haue vndertaken this trauell whose delightfull presence shall refresh my tired sences and expell those inward cares wherewith I am thus perplexed But when he sawe none but the King and Quéene hée was much troubled in his minde to thinke what might be the cause that thée whose fame had long since come to
his knowledge was not to be séene that by constrained mirth hée past away the time in such Banquetting and other pastime as the King entertained him withal which were such as he much wondred at And night being come with all statelinesse that might be hée was by them conducted to his Lodging which was most sumptuously adorned with most precious and rich hangings that the place séemed a new Paradice for there wanted nothing that might either delight the eare or eye Lodgings for his Noblemen Knights and seruants were placed in such manner that they séemed by their scituation to be gardiants to their Lords person hauing then taken his leaue of the King and Quéene he betooke himselfe to his rest CHAP. II. How Parismus hauing soiourned some dayes in the Thessalian Court being frustrated of seeing the Princesse Laurana imparted his mind to Oristus one of his Knights by whose meanes afterwards he came to to a fight of her And what befell afterwards AFter Parismus was come to his Chamber hee called to him Oristus the onely man whome he trusted and asked him how hée liked the Court of Dionisius My Lord quoth hée the small continuance I haue had therein might be suficient to excuse me from sensuring thereof but to satisfie your demaund I doe estéeme and thinke of it as a most renowned and Honorable place But said Parismus what if thy Lord shal here purchase that which shal be worse theÌ„ death vnto him vnlesse hee haue remedie what wouldest thou then thinke I would my Lord said he speake my opinion if I knewe whence the originall of that euill should procéede From my selfe said Parismus for thus it is Thou I am sure hast heard of the renowned Lauarana and of the Hnoourable report that is spred of her Beautie and vertues which driueth me into manifolde thoughts because I cannot beholde that beautie therefore I impart my minde to thee as to the onely man I trust that vnlesse I can by thy meanes haue some hope of comfort I will both curse the houre of my Natiuitie and remaine hereafter in continuall griefe therefore counsell mee what I were best to doe herein My Lord saide Oristus since it pleaseth your Highnesse so much to fauour me as to chuse mee to be your ayde herein I wil most faithfully speedily do to my vttermost to accomplish your desire I pray thée then doo it said Parismus with all speeds for my restlesse passions require counsaile I haue said Oristus some acquaintance with Lord Remus who is greatly fauoured of the King continually Resident in the Court and well beloued of all by whose meanes I do not doubt but both to haue some certain knowledge of the Princes as also soone to bring you to her speech according as you haue put me in trust so I will vse all the meanes I can to purchase your content Much part of the night being past Parismus betooke himselfe to his rest and Oristus to his lodging In the morning Dionisius being early vp vsed his accustomed maner to visit his guests and coÌ„ming to Parismus Chamber he found him not there but walking in a gallery thereto adioyning and saluting him said Noble Prince if you are not weary of your late iourney I would request your company to goe â—…n hunting this day for that I haue appointed to maetâ—… a noble friend of mine at the Forrest of redde Déere for so it was called for the abundance of those beasts that the Country breedeth where you shall sée what pastims the Houndes can make Which Parismus kindly accepted Oristus he staied behinde to the ende to brng his purpose to effect and walking into the Gardein he chaunced according to his desire to méete with Lord Remus who hauing saluted him said he was glad to finde him at leisure to haue some conference with him about their acquaintance so that walking into a solitary Arbour talking of diuers matters it chaunced the Princes Laurana thinking to recreate her selfe in the Gardein for that she thought all the Nobles had bene gone with the King her Father on hunting to come accompanied with her mayden Leda vnto the solitary place where Lord Remus and Oristus were then talking espying Lord Remus who she presenly knew My Lord quoth she I had thought you had bene on huÌ„ting this day but I see your mind is busied with some other excercises Most noble Princes quoth he if I had goÌ„e on hunting I shuld haue left this honorable Lord without company so that I thought if my dutie to kéepe him from better studies with my homely talke so thée kindly saluting them told Oristus he was welcome to her fathers court and therewith departed Quoth Oristus My Lord is this the Princes Laurana of whome I haue heard such rare commendations in Bohemia it is said hée the very same and the most vertuous and courteous Lady that liueth this day who very seldome commeth abroad but continually giueth her mind to practise excellent qualities amongst other vertuous Ladies During this there talke they had walked about the Place to the end that Oristus might behold the statelynesse thereof who hauing séene all things and knowing which was Lauranas lodging was in some measure comforted by that knowledge Thus the day being spent and the King returned from hunting Parismus came to Oristus and required of him if hée had heard of Laurana and what comfort there was for him My Lord quoth he I haue beheld her and heard her heauenly voyce which is able to astonish any man with her exceeding beautie relating vnto him all the conference hée had with the Lord Remus which did greatly reioyce him to heare and so betooke himselfe to his rest where he spent the most part of the night in meditating how to come to talke or haue a sight of her Uery early the next morning taking a booke in his hand hée went into the Garden that was vnder Lauranas Chamber window where hauing walked a while hee spied her looking out that hée stood as one halfe amazed to behold her wonderfull beautie for though hée had neuer séene her before yet his fancie perswaded him it was shee which perceiuing slipping backe called Leda vnder her asking herif shee knewe the Knight that walked vnder her windowe who certified her it was the Prince of Bohemia whereat Laurana blusht so excéedingly that her heart séemed to leape within her then secretly looking out she diligently beheld him taking such general view of his comelinesse that presently her fancie began to commend his person féeling in her selte a kinde of delight to behold him but Parismus séeing her gone began to reprous himselfe of â—…olly that by his rashnesse had depriued himselfe of her sight By that time he had walked there a short space Oristus came to tell him that the King expected his comming into the grâ—…t Chamber which caused him to depart giuing a sadde looke to the window as very vnwilling to leaue the sight therof recounting to Oristus how
happie as to carrie any such good newes to my Ladie or were hee so happie as to arriue in this place that hee might be at your courteous disposition who I am sure for my Mistresse sake would â—…eate him well but had Andramart well marked her countenance it would haue bewrayed that which shee concealed and hee desired For thee thought the time very long vntill â—…hee were come to her Ladie with these ioyfull newes and hee being satisfied with her aunswere let her depart vnto her Mistresse Chamber where shee was no sooner entred but shee declared vnto her the cause why Andramart had called her foorth and that shee was assured Parismus and Pollipus were arriued rehearsing how they had slayne aboue twentie of Andramarts Seruants and that they were inclozed in a Yarde where they remained in very good estate Laurana was reuiued with such ioy to heare her déere Lord named that her heart leapt within her and a thousand times imbraced Leda for bringing that happie Newes Then shee began to consider of the estate they remained in being inclozed that they could not get out which thought was most grieuous vnto her but by the comfortable spéeches of Leda she was in great assurance of theyr happie escape out of all daungers in which gâ—…d hope shee remained with a most longing desire to heare some more Newes of them Andramart determining not to vse such rage as to famish them for that hee had in him some sparkes of Hâ—…nitie caused sufficent meate to be ministred vnto them fortifying his Castell so strongly as hee could possiblie deuise Hâ—…e was likewise giuen to vnderstand that the Passage towards the Sea was strongly fortified and defended that none could passâ—… that way which brought a great terrour to his minde The Imprisoned Knights continued in great care earnestlie studying to ridde themselues from that thraldome At last they concluded in the sâ—…ent time of the â—…ght to seâ—… Adonius on the Wall who could get downe 〈◊〉 goe â—…o Barzillus to will him send them some Cordes 〈◊〉 with they could make a Ladder which was the readyest meanes to further theyr intent which Violetta vndertooke most willingly nothing regarding the danger shee should put herselfe into thereby and so with much adoo they got her to the toppe of the wall whose heart began to faile when shee saw the height she should leape downe being vnaccustomed to such perills But remembring the parties for whose sake shee should vndertake that hazarde arming her selfe with an vnwoonted courage not agreeable to her Sexe and weake nature shee leapt downe and the Earth refusing to harme so sweete a Creature safely escaped the danger of the fall and with a ioyfull heart went towards the place where Barzillus remained which shee could scarcely finde by reason that it was darke and remembring the danger of the place she thought euery Bush that encountred her viewe had bene her enemie But with more then accustomed boldnesse in her Sexe shee soone arriued at the Passage where Barzillus was not slâ—…eping but carefully attending his chaâ—…ge Who espying Adonius requested to knowe howe his dâ—…re Lord and Pollipus fared who declared vnto them effectually the estate they remained in and the cause of his comming which Barzillus presently performed hauing good sâ—…ore of such prouision aboord his Shippe and leauing the custodie of the Passage to such of his Companie as â—…ee knewe to be both Couragious and faithfull he departed and went with Adonius vnto the Castle wall and with their Ladder mounted the toppe of the same so that both of them went ouer vnto the Knights who most ioyfully welcommed Barzillus Who hauing saluted them and conferred about theyr Exploytes at theyr intreatie hee departed againe vnto his charge whereon depented the chieâ—…est staye of all theyr safeties for that they knewe diuerse of Andramarts Seruants were abroade whose arriuall might much endamage them To preuent which it behooued them to haue an especiall regard being gladde that they had gâ—…tten this dâ—…ce they presently put the same in execution and gotte ouer into the next Court the statelinesse of which place in their opinion excelled for sumptuousnesse all the buildings that euer they beheld In the midst of the Court stood a most stately erected Fountaine whereon werr placed many beautifull Images of most curious ingrauen worke the pleasantnesse of which place much delighted theyr troubled cences to behold vnder which fountainet hey stayed to behold the gallant buildings stately Turrets and sumptuous walles that outwardly adorned the place expecting the cheerefull light of the Sunne to comfort them in their distresse which presently began to shew his splendant beames which glistered vppon the glasse windowe that the place seemed another Paradice and there they attended the conclusion of their attempt either to their comfort or confusions The first that entred the Court they layed hands on and by compultion vrged him to declare what force was in the Castle Who vppon promise that they would not offer him violence tolde them that lately there ariued at the Castle two of Andramarts Brethren being esteemed men of great courage which inhabited the further parts of that Iland who were determined to make tryall of their strength that day the eldest named Guilmor the other Bramon And that Andramart determined if that his Brothers failed himselfe would make triall of his fortune but if all of them failed hée had a hundred seruants readie in Armour to ayde him Parismus hearing his spéeches began greatly to dispaire of victorie considering that suâ—…d a number were in readinesse onely against them two but such was the constant resolution of these two Knightes that choosing the â—…test place for their furtherance in Fight they detemined to trye the vttermost of their Fortune Andramart being early vppe and discoursing with his Brethren about their affaires by chance lookt out at a window and espied where the Knights that hée thought had beene sure enough were walking at libertie which strook such a terror to his minde that at the very sight thereof his heart failed him which so altered his former purposes of crueltie that he thought it his best course to vse himselfe towards them as agreed with an honourable minde For notwithstanding that oftentimes in tyrannicall manner hee persecuted such ss neuer offended him yet hee often shewed many tokens of a courteous and vertuous minde though altogether darkened by his crueltie which together with the feare he had of these Knights valour and séeing their resolution caused him to come to his Brethren with these spéeches Behold quoth hée yonder are the Knights that haue escaped out of the place I had inclosed them in and are come to worke my further daunger hauing alreadie by their valour slaine twentie of my best seruants two more goodlier knights did I neuer behold which maketh mee pittie the estate they are in béeing likely now to suffer death by your Inuincible strength and were it not that I had sent for you to aide mée herein
doore which made him againe betake himselfe to his barre but when he beheld Parismus and the rest entring he ranne to him embracing him with such kindnesse as true and loyall friends might proffer hee did the like to the strange Knight and the rest Parismus séeing so beautifull a Lady in his company so gorgeously attired and attended by so many Damzels thought that was the Princesse Venola whom he most kindly saluted whose heart melted into teares of ioy for her deliuery and their victory after that such courteous gréetings past on euery side as would be tedious to describe but suppose them to bee such as proceeded from the depth of ioy Presently Parismus Tellamor and Panuamus were vnarmed to haue their wounds dreft which taske the Lady Madera vndertooke which when shee had performed dinner was brought vp by Brandamors seruants who had all submitted themselues to the Conquerours The strange Knight all this while was prouiding things necessarie with as much diligence as might be that allin generall wondred at his courtesie who would not vnarme himselfe vntill hee had well ordered matters for their securitie not trusting to the truth of Brandamors seruants And when they were ready to take their repast Parismus desired him to vnarme himselfe and not longer to conceale what he was from their knowledge For Parismus thought him to be some Knight that knew him Venola likewise thought him to be some Knight that sought her loue but both were deceiued Now this Knight was the Knight of Fame the occasion of whose comming thither shall be declared in the next Chapter who beeing drawne by naturall instinct so much reuerenced Parismus that he thought hee could not sufficiently expresse his loue towards him and though hee neuer saw him before yet such a secret impression of reuerence towards him was stirred in his heart that he desired nothing more then to be gracious in his sight and although he had not the least thought that Parismus was his father nor he one perswasion that the other might be his sonne yet both of their hearts were stirred with an earnest and deuoted expectation of friendship and neerenesse of acquaintance And the Knight of Fame noting the others behauiour that Parismus was some great personage hearing him to desire him to discouer himselfe made this answere Right noble Knight at your command I will vnarme my selfe being a farre borne stranger to this countrey neither haue I any acquaintance in this place but by misaduentures forced to wander through the world to seeke that which I haue not yet found nor scarce know if I meet withall being onely fortunate to arriue in this place to make some triall of my strength in your defence which said he presently vnarmed himselfe Parismus beholding his youth beganne withall the rest to admire his valour accompanied with such young yeeres that embraced him in his armes he could not by that courtesie expresse his good will towards him The Knight of Fame likewise reuerently kissing Venolas hand said Most noble Lady my comming to this place was to set you at liberty and also to reuenge the death of the courteous Knight Tyrides sonne to the good Duke Amasenus of Thrace vnto whom I am infinitly bound that had I thousand liues I would venture them all in his behalfe that now is dead And seeing by the danger and valour of these Knights you are set at liberty and released from bondage be of good comfort for the King your Father will soone be heere with thousands of knights to conduct you safely into Lybia who at my last being in this Court was made great preparation for this expectation Venola made this reply Courteous knight I yeeld to you and this Noble Prince all humble thankes for your kindenesse beeing all the reward my Mayden estate can affoord and for the newes you bring of my Fathers approache that can yéelde no such quiet to my heart as your happy victorie hath done Which hath expeld those infinite troubles wherewith I was on euery side compassed and in stead of care replenisht my heart with comfort When these cerimonious salutions were past they went to Dinner Pollipus diligently noted the Knight of Fame his countenance proportion and gesture thinking it his Fancie he neuer saw a Knight more like Parismus that his minde was inwardly styried with a great destre to knowe his Name and his byrth After Dinner was ended Parismus with Pollipus and Tellamor grewe into conference about Violetta Determining the next Morning eyther to goe to the place where shee was or else to fetch her thither Venola shee continued in conference with the Lady Madera entering into manie extéeding commendations of the valour of these thrée Knights Parismus Pollipus and the Knight of Fame but the Knight of Fame withdrawing himselfe into a priuate place reuolued his cares in these cogitations How vnfortunate am I of all Knightes liuing to be tormented in such restlesse cares as daily torment me and am subiect to so manie and innumerable Troubles as none but my selfe could indure First my byrth and Parents vnknowne next my troubles in Thrace and the taske imposed me by Venus to finde out the Ladie shee shewed me in the Uiston Whom I was in hope had bene the faire Laâ—… Venola but contrary to my expectation I am still allotted to endure more miseries in her search Tush qd he may not Venola be the Lady she meant is she not faire Noble vertuous May not I be deceiued by that vision and so driuen to consume my time in purchasing my owne torment Do not dreams often fall out false and vaine Tut Why doo I make these doubts Venola is faire yet nothing comparable to the same I serue Whose swéet Idea perfectly fixt in my remembrance Venola is both noble and beautifull yet the countenance of my beloued countermaundeth that noblenes And that vision caÌ„not prooue fallible neither can I account it my labour if I endure a thousand miseries in her search so that in the end I may obtain her heauenly sight How shuld I come to any knowledge of her abode Which way should I dyrect my steppes in her Search Shall I first seeke my Parents or shall I giue ouer my care for them and imploy all my endeuours to finde her Such a chaos of confused carres doe oppresse my senses that I knowe not what to determine whose counsell to follow or what aide to implore If I knew in what continent of the world she were harboured then would I with some comfort direct my steps thitherwards and shunne no danger though neuer so doubtfull to purchase her good liking Well I will pacifie my selfe with constrained countenance and patiently endure the hardest extremity In these and such like complaints he spent some time and afterwards came and accompanied Parismus and the rest who spent that night in quiet resoluing vpon other matters the next morning CHAP. XII In this Chapter is declared the cause why the Knight of Fame departed from
by all likelyhoods I humbly desire you both to remit all cause of discontent conceiued against vs and also to vouchsafe me that fauour as if you knowe of his abode or safetie you would comforte my heart with that knowledge for an excending feare of his death doth still trouble my Sences which if I were assured of then would I soone resolue to followe him for that without him I am not for in him I liue and in his death my life confisteth With that an exceeding ouer-flowing of teares stopt the passage of her speeche that for inward hearts sorrowe she could not vtter a word more Parismenos being before minded not to discouer himselfe seeing her teares viewing the ofte chaunge of her countenance whereby hee sawe her heart was exceedingly opprest with care now put off his disguise beeing drawne wtth ioy for her presence hoping for euer to enioye her without contradiction and forced by a resistles desire to comfort her and himselfe with her When her eyes were full of teares her heart of griefe and all sadde to sée her sorrow hée imbraced her in his armes With that Marcellus ran vnto him for ioy the Ladies were gladde and the Nobles were contented with that pleasiing sight and within fewe dayes cast aside all sorrow for Maximus death because they had liued in disquiet during the time of his raigne onely the Quéene rested still in heauinesse Angelica hauing found her deare Knight thought to staye no longer in that publicke assembly but departed with Marcellus and Parismenos vnto her chamber Parismenos and Pollipus accompained the Quéene vsing many perswasions to comfort her Marcellus then being with Angelica and Parismenos amongst many other spéeches could not forgette Dulcia on whom his thoughtes were continuallie bent enduring great care for her for that hée could by no meanes tell what was become of her but feared that Maximus crueltie hadde sought her vntimely death to whom Parismenos declared both where shee was and how shee came thither Then Marcellus heart was reuiued with ioye and both hée and Angelica rested in exceding great content By this time Sycheus Camillus and Remulus were come to the Court and Marcellus and Parismenos hearing thereof went downe to welcome them Amongst the rest Parismenos yeelded Sycheus many thankes for his kindnesse Marcellus gratulated Camillus friendship And Parismenos with Remulus renued their former familiaritie That by the approach of the estates and a number of Knights that attended them the Getulian Court excéeded in Royaltie and all in generall after Maximus Funeralles were performed remained in great ioy The King of Lybia after his discomfiture hearing the report of these newes departed towardes Lybia Santodelodoro likwise sent home the remnant of his dismayed Moores into Barbary but himselfe stayed in the Getulian Court Manie dayes togither this royall assemblie stayed in the Getulian Court in great ioye spending the time in much mirth and honourable exercises Parismenos likewise attained the consent of the whole estates to marrie Angelica and Marcellus had causâ—d Dulcia in most Statelie sorte to bée fetcht from the Bohemian Campe and to be honoured as his betroathed Quéene and by that meanes all of them enioyed their hearts content and delighted themselues with eache others swéete presence The time for the Solemnization of the wedding béeing appoyinted and much sumptuous preparation made against the day the Knights making ready their costly Armours and rich furnitures for the triumph the Ladies electing choyce of riche attires and Ornaments to adore their beauties Skaffolds making to behold the Tylt and euery ones minde repleat with ioy And in this sort was euery one busie to honor these Nuptialls The Getulians haue a custome which is generally obserued amonst them that the Brides the day before their marriage offer Sacrifice in Hymens Temple whom the married folkes adore as a God Which superstitions custome is in such vse and of such high regard amongst them that they account it not lawfull for any to marrie before they haue performed those rights reputing them for accurst that neglect the same and estéeming them inricht with many blessings that execute those superstitions with most deuotions The manner whereof is this the Brides are adorned with rich Ornaments and Crowned with Garlands of Flowers and in that sort they go to the Temple attended by one Damozel which carrieth their incense which is balles of Frankensence and Rosewater which themselues cast into the fire that burneth vpon the Alter Which done Hymens Priest sayeth certaine prayers and vseth to blesse them with many inuocations which likewise done the Bride continueth after that saying many praiers to Hymen such as the Uotaries haue framed Now the time of Angelicas and Dulcias wedding being come for that but one could at once do sacrifice Dulcia was appointed to Hymens Temple the first day and Angelica the next which solemnitie Dulcia performed with great pompe And the next day Angelica attiring her selfe in the vsuall sort was attended to the Temple doore by Sicheus Parismus Camillus Sontodelodoro Remulus Pollipus Pridamor and many others gallant Knights and by a gallant traine of courtly Damzels And entered the Temple onely with Anna whom she most nearâ—…ly loued The doore being fastned by the Priest the knights returned backe to the Court and the Ladies departed vntill the time of her returne which would be within thrée houres The Priest wanting something that belonged to the sacrifice went into the house to fetch the same where hée was no sooner entred but he saw certaine knights who suddainly laid hands on him The Priest maruelling at this outrage demaunded what they were and therefore they came to whom one of them said We come for Angelica and her we will haue and therefore speake but a word more and thou diest With that one of the chiefest of them demmaunded 2. of his seruants to kéepe him fast Which done he alone with one more entred the Temple where he found her staying for the Priest Angelica séeing two Knights in Armour enter the Temple was with that sight suddenly agast fearing some trecherie as indéed it fell out For one of those knights came to Angelica and told her that she must goe with him Which said he tooke her by the hand to lead her out of the Temple with that Anna began to shrike and cry out but the other knights drawing foorth a dagger swore that if she did offer to cry he would split his heart Ang. well vnderstanding that this vilanous act was coÌ„plotted by treacherie thus said Uillain what outrage is this thou offerest whither will thou conuey me what treason dost thou intend Peace Lady quoth he for I must and will carrie you with me neither make any resistance for that which I came for I will perform Then he tooke her by the arme and led her with force out of the Temple into the Priests house where she saw the Priest bound And from out of his house they conueyed her into a Litter which was