as in short time he arriued in Allemaigne where hee was graciously welcommed by the Emperour and especially by the Princesse his Daughter to whome he reported the honorable behauiour of Palmerin and howe he was sworne Prince of Greece and Macedon Héereof was she so ioyfull as neuer coulde shée be satisfied with the discourse making many demaunds to the Duke as well of the Tryumphes Tourney and disports as also of the marriage celebrated at Constantinople whereto the Duke returned such fitte aunswers as nothing wanted to extoll her Fréendes honor yet without anye occasion of iealouzie to the Princesse wherto amorous Ladies are commonlie subiect But nowe returning where wee left before you must note that Palmerin béeing departed the confines of the Empire entred his Fathers Realme where in euery Cittie he was entertained with great tryumphing especiallye in the Cittie of Hermida where the Merchaunt dwelt that was Palmerins Maister for whom he sent but hée was aduertised by his Wife that her Husband was gone to the Sea and his two Sonnes with him wherefore he gaue her manie rich gifts and Letters for his Maisters frée enfranchise and libertie At his departure from thence he came to the place where Vrbanillo his Dwarfe was borne whose father was there liuing a poore auncient Knight and his Sister of as tall stature as Vrbanillo whom Palmerin at her Brothers request sent to Constantinople to his Mother And for the honor of the order his Dwarfes Father had receiued hée gaue him the Uillage wherein he dwelt and in the presence of the Macedonians put him in possession thereof who not a little commended the discréete and liberal mind of the Prince From thence he iourneyed to the chéefe Cittie of Macedon where remained the aged King his Grandfather but how the Cittizens entertained him and what honorable Tryumphes were made at the Court I list not héere sette downe because it would be more tedious then benificiall As for his Aunt the Princesse Arismenia shée at his comming mette him in the base Court with all her Ladies and as Palmerin fell on his knée before her to kisse her hande she stayed him in her armes saying God forbid Sir Palmerin that the Knight of the greatest fame in the world should reuerence so simple a Damosell as my selfe but rather am I bound by duetie to honor you as the man by whose especiall vertues our linage is this daie crowned with perpetuall memorie Fayre Aunt answered Palmerin if before I knewe you to be my Fathers Sister I deuoted my selfe to your seruice with much more affection shall I desire to followe it nowe wherefore suffer me swéete Madame to kisse your hand as being the Ladie to whome I rest continually bounden I beséech you my Lord quoth the Princesse to pardon me for neuer shall Macedonian Maiden be so repâ—â—â—ued but that she well knowes her dutie to her betters At these spéeches came the King of Sparta the Dukes of Pontus and Mecaena and the Prince Eustace whom the Princesse welcommed with excéeding honor After all courtesies ended Palmerin said I vnderstand Madame that the king your Father is crazed and sicklie if it be so I am verie sorrie I praye you therefore let vs goe sée howe his Maiestie fareth When you please my Lord quoth the Princesse for I thinke if héeretofore hee receiued health by you Fortune may at this time affoord the like and yet as I haue read there is no remedie for troublesome age but onelie death it selfe which is the Gate to immortalitie and endeth all diseases whatsoeuer So entred they the Kings Chamber and the Princesse going to the bed side to her Father saide My Lorde sée héere the good Knight Palmerin your Nephew may it please you to speake to him and bid him welcome Well know I that he is right welcome to your Maiestie were there no other cause then the happye recouerie of your former health which his aduenturous trauaile héeretofore brought ye The good olde King whome the palsie caused to shake and tremble raysed himselfe vppe a little and beholding Palmerin with weake and féeble voice thus spake Come néere my noble Sonne that these armes halfe deade may embrace thée and my lips now drie and withered may once kisse thée before I die So holding him betwéene his armes and lifting his eyes to Heauen said O my God for euer be thy name honored and praysed in vouchsafing me to sée my Sonne before my death Ah swéete death the ende of all miseries and beginning of felicitie now art thou welcome forbeare not thy stroke in that I haue now séene the honorable defence of my Subiests héereafter yea such a worthie Fréende for them as neuer had they the like Ah my Son howe déerelie ought I to loue thée how gracious hath thy remembraunce béene of mee yet féele I my selfe so weake and feeble as nature cannot prolong my life thrée daies Alas I knowe not which of vs twaine hath greatest cause to reioyce eyther the Father seeing his Sonne euen when he is readie to leaue him or the Sonne finding his Father attending his comming before he giue vp the ghost I hope my good Lord said Palmerin that you shall not leaue vs so soone therefore take a good heart and that no doubt will prolong your life Alas my Sonne quoth the King vnweldie age hath so weakened my body and euen dried vp my vitall blood as longer I may not liue and had not hope to sée thée lengthened my languishing daies thou hadst found my bodie breathlesse which yet sustaineth féeble life onely by thy presence Now that I may leaue this worlde with content and trauaile with better quiet to mine ende tell mée good Sonne the whole matter concerning thy Father Florendos with the perfect discourse of thine owne fortunes Then Palmerin rehearsed euery circumstaunce both of his Fathers deliuerie howe hée had maried the Quéene Griana and in what estate he left them both at his departure Chap. XL. How the aged King Primaleon of Macedon graundfather to Palmerin dyed and how the King of Spaâ—ta espoused the faire Pâ—incesse Arismen Sister to the prince Florendos NOt two dayes had Palmerin stayed in the Court of his Graundfather but the aged king resined his life to the celistiall powers for which cause all the triumphes ceased and generall sorrow entertained for the losse of their good king Arismena who so reuerently loued her father as in his life time she would not match in mariage with any one because it was his will it should be so neuer shewed her selfe disconted therewith but her Father béeing now dead shee committed the whole affayres of the Realme to the Counte Roldin one appointed for that office by generall good liking With such honorable pompe was the funerall obsequies executed and the Princesse gracious behauiour therein so especially commended as the young King of Sparta became amorous of her discouered his mind to Palmerin intreating him so to fauour the cause as he might make
opinion that when the fayrest were present beautie would then bee most spleâ—dant For this cause hee sent to Prince Guilharaâ— Sonne to Polidia her mothers sistâ—r that he should bring his Sister Ardemia to the Court who was counted the Paragon through all the Monarchie of Babilon 〈…〉 and defende thy selfe so woorthily as thou hast done Then was shée certifyed by an auncient Knight that one of the squyres of her Chamber smote him as he lay a sleepe which he reuenged in such sort as she had séene Trust me quoth she the dumbe man did as well be seemed him wherefore in respect of his ciuilitie and that he can so well correct the ouerboldnesse of fooles I will intertaine him as one of our Court forbidding any to wrong him as they â—ender my fauour and their owne liues So commaunding buriall for the dead and prouision for the wounded shée went to her Pauilion which was not farre off willing Palmerin by signâ—s to go with her deliuering him his sword again and saying he should he her seruant Humble graces did Palmerin requiâ—e her withall and in signe of his obeysance offred 〈…〉 would not permit him and taking 〈…〉 Looke that hereafter thou go not from me whereto by signes be consented knowing that by heâ— meanes he 〈◊〉 be safely protected 〈…〉 Princesse Pauillion but the Greyhounde 〈…〉 pace as he caught her in the presence of Alchidiana 〈◊〉 with 〈◊〉 owne handes tooke her from the Dogge and gaue her in kéeping to one of her Pages By this tyme it 〈◊〉 towards night wherfore each one mounting on their Palfrayrs set forwarde to the Cittie the two Princesses hauing no other talke all the way but of the singuler behauiour of the 〈◊〉 Knight They riding faire and easily because Palmerin trauayled by them on foote Ardemia beholding his goodly Sworde demaunded of him if hée werâ— a Knight which he by signes made knowne vnto her wherof Alchidiana verie ioyfull sayde that shée woulde present him to the Soldane her Father and for this cause the more she beheld him the greater pleasure shée conceyued in him Beeing nowe come to the Gates of Calpha there stood manie Knights readie with lighted Torches to conduct the Ladies and their traine to the Pallace which was so rare and sumptuously edifyed as Palmerin was amazed to 〈◊〉 such royaltie All the way Alchidiana had the dumbe knight by her site giuing him her hand to alight from her Palfray which hée did with excéeding reuerence and nothing discontented with his office but manie Kings and Princes there present murmured thereat thinking him not worthie to come so néere her nor might he so be suffered but that the Princesse somewhat 〈◊〉 of him would suffer none to contrarie her pleasure and leaned on his arme al the while shée went vppe the stayres of the Pallace to giue the 〈◊〉 euen to the Soldane who stayed his Daughters returne in the great hall Still leaned shée on Palmerin till she came to her Father who 〈◊〉 in a magnificent Chaire of estate hauing the resemblaunce of the firmament ouer his heade after the Turkish maner so garnished with Rubâ—es and Dyamonds which with the lights of the Torches shined most gloriously whereat Palmerin wondered 〈◊〉 the Princesse with so braue gesture as many reputed 〈◊〉 some noble person and other 〈◊〉 thought the woorst of him The Soldane who loued his Daughter as you haue heard before arose from his Chayre to welcome her home demaunding what sport shée had on hunting and if shée had brought any venison home with her Certes my Lord quoth she we haue had better fortune then you thinke on but before I declare the manner thereof to you will it please you to giue mee what I haue found this day The Soldane not able to denie his Daughter any thing liberally graunted her request A thousande thankes good Father quoth shée this dumbe Knight hath your Maiestie giuen me who in his owne defence hath this day slaine certaine of your Knights and hereof you may assure your selfe that hee is one of the most hardy Gentlemen that euer came into these partes Séeing it is your request Daughter quoth hée I coulde hée well contented to graunt it but how shall I aunswere â—he Fréendeâ— of the murthered to whom I haue alreadie promised that for his offence he shall be deliuered to the Lions So which of these graunts ought best to bée kept yours béeing my Daughtâ—r wherein nature ruleth or theirs béeing my Subiects which the Lawe commaundeth I may not bée iâ—dge herein sayde the Princesse notwithstanding me thinkes vnder your highnesse correction that you haue béene but 〈…〉 to giue a sentence so cruell hauing not heard or séene the partie And albeit hée were guiltie of blame as heâ— is not yet before his condemnation hée ought to bée heard howe hée could cléere himselfe but if hée must die I hauing assured him life and taken him into my defence the disgrace is so great to mée as mine honour must remaine for â—uer condemned And you my Lord and Father whose authoritie may discharge me of this reproch if you refuse now to assist me the gréefe hereof will bée my death Thâ—se words she spake with such affection and so heauily wéeping as woulde haue mooued a 〈◊〉 heart to pittie her whereâ—â—â—â— Mâ—uliâ—us touched with naturall remorse sayd You shall peceyue Daughter what I haue deuised to the ende my worde may not bee impeached He shall be put into the Lyons Denne and suddenly taken out againe by this meane I shall kéepe my promise to his accusers and satisfie your earnest desire And the better to content you herein his enemies shall bee perswaded that he escaped the Lions with life and then will I giue him safetie thorow all my dominions The Princesse fearing the bloodthirstie desire of the Lions coulde not so content her selfe which Palmerin perceyuing that the Father and daughter thus contended for him fel downe on his knée before the Soldane making signes that hee should accomplish his promise for hee feared not the daunger of his life Maulicus maruailing hereat perswaded his daughter that being so hardie hee might escape therefore to content her selfe for thing should bee handled in such sort as the Knight should no way be endangered These words somewhat contented the Princesse causing Palmerin to be conducted to his chamber charging him that was appoynted to attend on him to sée that he were very honourably vsed and in the morning to bring him againe before her father The Soldane and his Knights spent all that euening in diuerse iudgements on the dumbe Knight each one being glad of the Soldanes sentence but Alchidiana was so pensiue considering the dangerous hazard he should passe as she 〈◊〉 to her Chamber refusing all sustenaunce and spending the time in â—oloroâ—s complaints desiring rather her own death then the dumbe knight should be any way harmed Chap. V. How Palmerin is put into the Denne among the Lions and Leopards and hauing killed three of them
Palmerin was the better more richly prouided of all things necessarie for the field Olorico was the more glad of his companie so the day béeing spent and the Tents pitched in a goodly plaine Palmerin inuited the Prince of Arabia to suppe with him for the Souldane had appointed him such honourable prouision as better hée could not for his owne sonne The Tables withdrawne and spending the time a while at Chesse play they went to bed where Olorico not able to sléepe beganne in this manner to his friendly companion Most fortunate Palmerin howe much more could I wish to resemble you then the greatest King or Lorde in the world to be likewise beloued of her who in beautie good grace and swéete spéech hath not her like And because my good Friend and Brother I haue noted the speciaâ—â— loue of the Princesse Alchidiana towardes you let me intreate you to tell me who shée is you aboue all other loue and intend to make your espoused Wife vowing to you on the word of a Prince whosoeuer it bee to conceale it with secrecie and to disswade my selfe from my loue newly begunne for your sake albeit I died therefore For your noble minde and braue gentilitie hath gained such soueraigntie ouer me as all other pleasures whatsoeuer I despise onely to haue your companye and fauour Thus quallifying the passions which day and night doo secretly torment mée I will sette downe such order as my Father shall not néede to send his Ambassadours nor imploy any of my Fréendes to demaunde her for mee albeit for this onelye cause I left my Countrey in such sort as you haue seene Palmerin hearing the wordes of the yoong Prince and perceiuing him wounded with her loue whom he desired to be furthest from smyling said My Lorde Oloriâ—o I sweare to you by the honour of my Knighthoode I neuer thought of the loue which you demaunde nor haue I any desire to followe that humour But true it is that I would doo so much for her as a Knight may for his Ladie for so shée well deserues her fauour and gentle behauiour woorthye farre better abilitie wherefore my déere Fréende if you will beléeue me giue not ouer your intent but practise to gaine her to your Wife and I promise you that I will so mooue the matter to the Soldane and her as happilie maye effect the end of your desires Yet let me intreate you to continue so iust a Fréende to her as her high calling well deserueth otherwise I had rather die the death then once to speake a word on your behalfe These newes so cheered the Prince as embracing him manie times and returning him manifold thanks he said Assuredlie my noble Freend I am greatly beholding to my father who gaue me my present being but much more owe I to you because my estate had now ended but that your gracious spéeches called me againe to 〈◊〉 My second selfe hauing thus lost my libertie I despaire of attaining what you haue promised and endure a death more then mortall but that you breath hope of successe into me assuring mée of immediate felicitie and ioyfull dayes héereafter which no father but so good a fréende was able to doo After other such like spéeches the Prince slept but Palmerin touched in another sort was solliced with the remembraunce of his lost fréendes and perceiuing his companion slept soundlie he began thus to deliuer his sorrowes Ah vnfortunate and wretched Palmerin how can thy mind so long beare this yoke of seruitude onely standing in feare of death Hast thou so forgot those two perfect louers Trineus and Agriola with thy true fréend Ptolome not knowing whether they bee aliue or deade what wilt thou not searche for them The Emperour of Allemaigne hath not hée good cause to complaine of thée yea and to blame thée if his sonne be not returned Darest thou present thy selfe before him Ah touch of loyaltie faire Agriola how iustlye mayst thou call mée thine enemie inuenter and fiâ—st motion of thy misfortunes O wretched and miserable that I am for leauing thée so discourteouslye I well deserue a million of torments farre worse then those exercised by the cruell Dyonise on the Scicilians Nor coulde they be sufficient to expiate my hainous guilt in that forgetting thée fayre Princesse I liue in daylie delights among these Moores and Tartars But were I such as I ought to bee mindfull of a fault so foullie committed I shoulde not liue one houre in rest or quiet till I had found my déerest Fréendes againe Ah disloyall Traytour how canst thou thus waste thy time héere slothfullie knowing the great and continuall trauails thy Ladye and Mistresse endureth for thée But I vowe to God this warre finished I will not abide in the Soldanes Courte tenne dayes but intende to sette forwarde to sée the Iewell of of my welfare And were it not to my perpetuall discredit as also that I should be iudged a faynting coward I would begin my iourney presently Thus all the night continued Palmerin such like coâ—plaints considering his Fréendes misfortune and his owne with such déepe impressions as thence forward hee liued in meruailous melancholie and would not delight himselfe 〈◊〉 before hee was accustomed Chap. XVIII Of the Combat betweene Palmerin and two of Aâ—aranoes Brethren whom he valiantly ouercame and killed FOllowing the true discourse of our historie the King of Balisarca Lieuetenant generall of the whole Armie caused the next morning to bée proclaimed by souÌ„d of Trompet that euery man should attend on his Ensigne and not go robbing and forraging the Uillages on paine of death to be inflicted on the offender So marching on in good array in short time after they encamped themselues before a citie where the enemies kept themselues in garison and planting themselues there for their aduantage the next morning they determined to giue the assault All yâ— night they were ordering the maner of their batterie the Pyoners making Trenches and such defences as are requisit in warlike occasions Euery thing in due and perfect order at Sun rysing they beganne to assaile the Cittie rounde about following their intent with such courage and alacritie as with scaling Ladders and other Engines in lesse then two hâ—wres they gotte vpon the walles and in despight of their enemies entred the Cittie murdering and expulsing the Phrygians and sharing the spoyle among themselues All other Citties Townes and Uillages that were taken by the enemie within sixe dayes after were recouered they not daring to withstand the Soldans power Gramiell Amaranoes eldest Brother amazed héereat hauing vndertaken to reuenge his Brothers death with his men betooke himselfe to open Fielde determining to giue the Assirians battaile and that way to make triall of their fortune in which resolution they came within halfe a dayes iourney of theyr enemies The King of Balisarca aduertised héereof dislodged immediatlie taking aduauntage of a little Mountaine which was in the open sight of the enemie And Palmerin who
Palmerin hearing either fearing to offend them or induced by modest bashfulnes he went to his Sister the Princesse Armida whose thoughts hée sounded by such subtilties and dissimulations as he found the effect of her desires which was to enioy Sir Frysoll to her Husband He not a little contented héerewith confirmed her choyse to be commendable sealing the assurance thereof with an honourable report of his knightly déedes of Armes Then the Emperour called for the Duke of Mecaena and the Counte of Reâ—foâ—t as also his principall Secretarie whom hee commaunded to write to the Emperour of Allemaigne touching the marriage of the Princesse Polinarda and his sonne Paâ—merin shadowing the secret agréement betwâ—ene themselues and committed tâ—e rest to the discreâ—ion of the Ambassadours The Letters sealed with his great Signet was deliuered to them that had the charge of this message who could not so spéedily departe from Constantinople because the winde and weather was not nauigable Now had Palmerin promised Frysoll that he would speake to the Princesse his sister and solemnely resolue vpon their marriage wherefore méeting with this earnest Lâ—uer hee thus laboured to please him Trust me Cozin I haue so surely imprinted your especiall generositie in my Sisters minde as the carracters can neuer be defaced but remaine more perfect by your spéedie marriage Frysoll reuiued with these newes as all pretenders of loue may well imagine offered to kisse his hande which Palmerin would not suffer whereupon hée thus procéeded Ah my Lorde howe am I more and more indebted to you right wise was hee which saide that affabilitie and liberalitie are continuall companions with noblenesse and magnanimitie And though by al my seruices I cannot deserue the honour you do mee in accepting me for your Brother yet am I so faithfully vowed yours as the honours of my Father nor loue of the Princesse your Sister can seperate mee from your companie vntill you haue founde your long desired Friende Trineus And for this cause my Lord I earnestly intreate you to hasten Apolonio towards my Father for I will sende him to 〈◊〉 place where he shall be assured to finde him Palmerin accorded thereto immediatly and so labored with the Emperour that the Letters were deliuered and the oathes taken of all the Hungarians they were sent home into theyr Countrey with a Lieutenant appointed to gouerne them vntill the comming of Netrides to whom Frysoll wrote the truth of all his fortunes with earnest request of his spéedie presence And to enduce him to the greater haste hée feigned that many Princes laboured for the Crowne of Hungaria and were in likelihood to obtaine it all which was but to enioy the faire princesse Armida The same day Florendos sent to the King his Father at Macedon that hée should send the cheefest states of his Realme against the day that Palmerin should be sworne the Prince of Greece Chap. XXXIIII How Câ—tdyna the Gentlewoman attending on the Queene accompanied with her Brother and diuers other Squires brought Gerrard his wiâ—e and daughter to the Court and what entertainment Palmerin made them CArdyna with those that were commaâ—ded to kéepe her company in short time came to Gerrards house whom shee found sitting at dinner with his familie The good man was at first amazed séeing such courtly personages enter his house a matter estéemed rare among yâ— persons dwelling on the mountaine but séeing they came in decent and modest sort not proffering any discourtesie he entertained them very friendly when Cardyna taking him by the hande said Good Father are you the man that is called Gerrard I am the same quoth he gentle mistresse You are then the man aunswered Cardyna that I séeke and therefore I pray thée tell me what thou didst with a Childe that twentie yéeres and more since thou foundest in swadling clothes vnder a Palm Trée on this Mountaine for certaine I am that thou didst take him home with thée to thy house Ah mistresse quoth the good old man you haue killed my heart in remembring me of him whom I loued déerer then any of mine owne The infant of whom you speake I founde not farre hence vnder a Palme Trée for which cause at his Baptisme I named him Palmerin From that time forwarde I nourished him as hée had béene mine owne Sonne till hée rame to tall stature and as he grew in yéeres so did hee in vertuous and noble qualities which made him not a little beloued in these parts for when hee attended my Cattell he tooke pleasure to course the Wolfe Hart Beare Bore and Lion and oftentimes would kill them when him listed which none of mine owne Children durst at any time aduenture Ah swéete Mistresse when I remember his many seruices the dutifull reuerence and loue hee bare mée I am readie to die with conceite of gréefe that it was my ill hap so soone to loose him Yet came not this misfortune alone for mine eldest Sonne who loued him as he had béene his owne Brother immediately went after him and yet could I neuer heare any tidings of them Notwithstanding Mistresse if you know of whence hée was I can shewe you all the clothes wherein I founde him I shall be contented to sée them quoth Cardyna but what will ye giue the partie that can tell ye whee he is Cerrard at these wordes fell on his knée before her and with the teares trickling downe his graie beard saide By my troth mistresse if it shall like you to doo me so great pleasure of all my substance I will giue yée the one halfe or all my heard of Beastes which ye saw féeding on the Mountain as ye came beside my continuall seruice while I liue Gramercies Father sayd Cardyna but call for your Wife and Daughter and then shall I tell ye newes that well content you As for him whose friendly Parentes you were so long time hée is nowe at Constantinople and is the Sonne of Madam Griana daughter to the Emperour who commaundeth you thrée to come to the Court that she may content ye for nourishing so well the noble young Prince The olde man excéeding ioyfull without ordering his affaires or appointing his Seruaunts their course of labour saide to his Wife and Dyofena his Daughter Make ye readie presently in your best garments and let vs goe sée that noble Gentleman for all the Golde in the world cannot make me staie nowe I haue heard so happie tidings The good woman and her daughter trickt vp themselues in their countrey fines and taking the rich swadling clothes sette forward to Constantinople so merely as sometime did the foster Father of Paris Alexander his Wife and their Daughter Pegasis when they brought the Cradle and acoustrements of the infant royall to the Cittie of Troy after he was knowne by his Father King Priam and Quéene Hecuba his Mother Palmerin being aduertised by one of the Ladies of Honour attending on the Empresse that Cardyna had brought Gerrard to prouoke greater contentation he would
whether hee went he entred the Empresse Chamber where shee and her Son Caniano stoode conferring togeather without saluting the one or other he satte downe in a Chaire and gaue such bitter sighes as the Empresse hearing was somewhat mooued therewith doubting he had either receiued some greate iniurie or els coulde not prouide himselfe so sufficientlie as he would for the Triumphe wherupon she left her Sonne and calling Tarisius aside thus began with him Nephewe I sée you verie melancholie which makes me to iudge that you want some néedefull thing for the Tournament which my Sonne hath caused to be published With which words she beheld Tarisius more wishlie then she had doone before and perceiued the teares to trickle down his chéekes which made her more desirous to knowe the cause of his gréefe but his hart was so confounded and shut vppe in anguish as hée could not speake one word to her Neuerthelesse the Empresse who loued him as her owne Sonne founde so manie meanes to perswade him as in the ende he disclosed the loue he bare to Griana and the aunswere likewise which shee made him whereby I am assured quoth he that nothing but death can cease my torments The Empresse who of her selfe did manie times determine to make that marriage perceiuing nowe howe fitlie the occasion offred it selfe began to resolue on the consumation thereof and to content her Nephewe in excusing the Princesse Griana spake as followeth Doo you Nephewe mislike the aunswere of my Daughter beléeue me therein she didde but her dutie for she cannot dispose of her selfe béeing yong and vnder controule but the Emperour and I whom you ought firste to make acquainted with your request But since I perceiue how you are affected I promise you I will confer with my Lorde the Emperour and hope to preuaile so well in the cause as you shall spéede of that you moste desire As they continued these discourses they were giuen to vnderstande by a Messenger that the Prince Florendos the Kinges son of Macedon was newlie arriued with a braue companie of Knights But his comming to the Emperour was not as his vassaile or Subiect because the kingdome of Macedon was at that time no way beholding to the Empire but onelie to sée the faire yong Princesse Griana the renowne of whose beautie and vertues had so peirced his thoughtes as before he sawe her he loued and honoured her so that for this cause onlie he iournied to Constantinople where he was verie honourablie entertained bothe of the Emperour and his Sonne Caniano as also of the Empresse and faire Griana who oftentimes hearde him reckoned and estéemed amongst the most honourable and gracious Princes that liued at that daie CHAP. II. Howe the Empresse conferred with the Emperour as concerning the mariage of theyr Daughter Griana wyth Tarisius Sonne to the King of Hungaria whereof they both determined and of that which happened in the meane time THe Empresse was not forgetfull of her promise made to her Nephewe Tarisius but endeuoured by all meanes possible to find the Emperour at such leysure as she might impart the whole to him and because shee had so hardilie taken the matter vppon her shee would gladlie it should sorte to effecte as commonlie Women are couetous of their owne desires therefore no meruaile if shée were earnest in following her intent Soone after walking alone with the Emperour and smoothlie couering the baite she was desirous he shoulde swallowe shee desired him to graunt her one request whereof shee woulde not willinglie be denied The Emperour neuer before hearing her so importunate consented at the first to whatsoeuer she demaunded nowe perswading her selfe sure to spéede thus shee beganne My Lord hauing often considered with my selfe that our Daughter Griana is of yéeres and discretion able for a Husband I am the more desirous to sée her honourablie bestowed And for that the yonge Prince Tarisius hath béene trained vp in your Court and which I little thought some good will appeareth to be betwéene them I should thinke if not amisse to vnite them in mariage togeather for hardlie shall we finde 〈…〉 a Lord of greater blood and birth then he béeing heire apparant to the Crowne and kingdome of Hungaria besides they hauing béene so longe time conuersant togeather in their yonger yeeres will entertaine a more speciall regard of loue betwéene them then can be in anie other that may mooue yâ— question to her Madame aunswered the Emperour she is your Childe and I doo not thinke but you would her good therefore I like the motion well for that indéede I esteeme so well of Tarisius as of mine owne Sonne aâ—d since wee haue so happilie fallen into these discourses we will foorthwith certifie yâ— King his Father by our Ambassadours that we may vnderstand his opinion héerein The Empresse gratified her Lord with verie hartie thankes béeing not a little glad she had so well preuailed wherefore immediatlie shee aduertised 〈◊〉 But for Griana her affection was els where for she bare a certaine secrete good liking to Florendos so soone as shee behelde him hearing so great reporte of his knightlie bountie and prowesse so that beholding them togeather and their eyes deliuering the good conceite of eache other one might easilie iudge that Loue hadde so mightilie maistered her thoughts as if he consented she had sette downe her reste for her choise and hee on the other side was drawne into the same compasse notwithstanding eache of them for the time concealed what they rather desired should be known betweene them Yet this hidden fire stroue to gaine place of issue for diuers times the Princesse Griana béeing amongst her Ladies talking of such Knights as woulde shewe themselues at the Tournament the Prince Florendos was coÌ„monlie first spoken of and so highlie would the Ladies commende him beyonde all the other as Griana coulde not refraine from changing coloure so that the alteration she founde in her spirite might be euidentlie perceiued howbeit none of the Ladies as then noted it and thus shee continued till the feast of Saint Maria d' Augusta which was the daie appointed for the Tournament on which daie the Emperour knighted his Sonne Caniano and Tarisius Nephewe to the Empresse in honour wherof hee held a greater and more magnificent Courte then before time hee had doone for he suffered the Ladies to accompanie the Knights at the Table albeit they were not wont to doo so often at yâ— time yet full well it pleased the Prince Florendos who satte opposite to the Princesse Griana during which time of Dinner though manie piercing lookes and smothered sighes were sent from eache other as messengers of their sâ—mâ—lable opinions yet cunninglie they shaddowed all from being discerned But after the Tables were withdrawne and eache one preparing for the Tourney Florendos so well behaued himselfe as he founde the meanes to speake priuatlie with his newe Fréende and thus he beganne Madame the Heauens haue not a little fauoured mee in
howe he excused his consent by the promise he had made before to Tarisius through the dailie and earnest perswasions of the Empresse Notwithstanding quoth he in respect you haue not consented thereto I hope they shall finde themselues farre beyonde their reckoning Nowe for the Princesse she neuer knewe that Tarisius had laboured to haue her to hys Wife because she made so light account of him as she wold rather die then consent thereto whereuppon shee returned Florendos this aunswere The Emperour my Father hath reason to thinke hardlie of my Mother and great discredite will it be to her to procure my mariage against my wil for neuer shall I consent thereto and therefore my Lord I desire your aduise how I may preuent this ensuing daunger Madame answered Florendos my deuise is layd already so please you to accept thereof I will conuey you hence secretlie and before the Emperour or any one know of it into my Countrey of Macedon where I and mine shall entertaine you with great and reuerend honour and you shall be our gracious Lady and Princesse Beléeue me sayd she it is doubtfull in such a iourney what daungers may happen notwithstanding hauing vowed my selfe onlie yours be it to the lyking or dislyking of my Father and Mother I had rather breake through the straights of a greater hazarde then be forced to marrie him whome while I liue I can not like therefore doo you expecte the aduauntage of the time and I will aduenture with you whether you please Madame answered Florendos continue you this resolution and referre the rest to my charge which you shall see effected ere thrée daies be past in the meane while I entend to take my leaue of the Emperour your Father with this excuse that the King my Father commaundeth my returne home for which cause I will sende my traine before reseruing onelie but tenne of my best Knights to accompany me For that quoth Griana doo what you thinke best without anie further expecting me in this place certifie me how things happen by your Cozin Frenate or my Maide Cardina But nowe you sée the daie beginnes to breake wherfore let me desire you to depart that no sâ—andall or suspition arise of our méeting Florendos kissing the Princesse hand though longer hee woulde haue stayde humbly tooke hys leaue and by the helpe of Lerina hee got ouer the Wall againe where Fâ—enato stayed his comming to whâ—m when he was entred his lodging hee imparted the appointment betwéene him and the Princesse desiring him to discharge his trayne except ten of his best approoued Knights to help him if any hinderance preuented his intent as for the rest they should be going on before and stay his câ—mming at an appointed place thrée daies iourney from Constantinople In the morning he awaited the Emperours câ—mming abroad to whom he said that he had receiued Letters from yâ— King his Father with expresse commaundement to make spéedy returne home therefore my good Lord sayd hee I desire to depart with your fauourable lyking and in respect I may not contrary where I am bounde to obey I intend to morrow to set forward on my iourney assuring your highnesse that in what place I shall chaunce to come I am yours in loyall and faithfull seruice My good Cozin aunswered the Emperour I giue you thankes with all my hart for yâ— honour you haue doone me with your gentle presence and if you haue occasion to vse mâ—e in ought you shall perceiue howe highlie I loue and estéeme of you My Lord said Florendos I desire to deserue the great kindnes I haue found alreadie so taking his leaue the Emperour embraced him and as he issued forth of the Chamber he met the Prince Caniano of whom he tooke his leaue likewise who desired him to staie thrée or foure daies loÌ„ger In which time there came to the Courte certaine Ambassadours which yâ— Kinge of Hungaria had sent to the Emperour to conclude the mariage betwéene his Sonne Taâ—â—sius and the Princesse Griana the Duke of Gramay béeing chéefe in this Embassade who was accompanied with manie Knightes and Gentlemen of name and account to whom the Empresse gaue verie gracious welcome in that shee had priuatlie procured this their comming As these Ambassadours entred the great Chamber Caniano and Tarisius who accompanied them perceiued Griana to withdrawe her selfe aside very sad and mellanchollie whereupon Caniano came vnto her greatlie abashed at her angry countenaunce and thus hee began Fayre Sister at this time when you ought to shewe the moste cheerefull countenaunce you are more sadde then of long time I haue séene you me thinkes you haue good occasion to be merrie séeing the Emperour my Father hath prouided you so braue a Husbande as is my Cozin the Prince Tarisius who I am sure loues you as his owne life Ah brother quoth she I knowe not what should mooue him so to doo séeing I neuer thought so well of him and more gladlie could I entertaine mine owne death then bee constrained to loue where I cannot These words did Tarisius easily vnderstand notwithstanding he made shewe as though he did not but going to the Empresse he desired her to stay there with the Emperour séeing the Ambassadours were come from the King his Father that what was begun as concerning him and Griana might nowe be finished according to her promise Uppon this occasion the Empresse called Griana aside and with smoothe and swéete spéeches began to breake with her howe for her good shee had induced the Emperour to giue her in marriage to her Cozin Tarisius and what honourable aduantage she shoulde receiue thereby wherefore faire Daughter saide she resolue your selfe with childlike obedience to thinke well of that your Parents haue determined All these perswasions coulde not drawe one pleasing word from the Princesse but shee excused her selfe still by the desire shee had to remaine as sâ—ee was and rather then to marrie shee would take a religious life vpon her with which words she brake into such teares as the Empresse was constrained to leaue her alone not doubting to finde her the next time in better tune Griana then considering with her selfe how she shoulde be enforced at length to yéelde whether she woulde or no if Florendos did not the sooner accomplish his enterprise called Cardina vnto her and sent her with this charge to Florendos that that present night he shoulde not fayle to méete her in the Garden where she would be readie to depart with him otherwise he should neuer gaine the like opportunitie with which message Cardina departed CHAP. VII How Florendos came that night to the Garden to conclude what he and Griana had intended and what happened to them FLorendos vnderstanding the will of his Mistresse with great dilligence laboured to execute what they had intended and taking his leaue at yâ— Courte feigned he woulde returne no more but take his waie straight towards Macedon Tarisius whose iealousie increased
for your sake I may kéepe it while I liue Marcella woulde not denie his request but put it about his necke herselfe From which time forwarde Palmerin shewed himselfe of more cheereful disposition deuising how he might compasse the meane to goe seeke his fortune wherto his sundry apparitions had so often incited him And as none can shunne what is ordeined him by diuine prouidence not manye daies after as he was walking alone vppon the Mountain he heard a voice cry verie pittifullie for helpe and succour whereuppon Palmerin ranne that waie which hee hearde the voice where hee behelde a Lyon gréedilie deuouring a Horse and Palmerin hauing no weapon to defend himselfe withall but a staffe verie hardilie sette vpon the beast gyuing him such a stroake betwéene the eyes as he fell down dead to the grounde then comming to him hee hearde complaine saide I haue my Freende in some parte reuenged thy wrong Alas Sir ê™ he had you not béene my life had perished for as I trauailed on my iourney this Lion furiouslie sette vpon me to deuoure mee which the rest of my companie perceiuing tooke theÌ„selues to flight leauing mée as you founde mee The best is said Palmerin that you haue escaped with life and if you please to goe with mee not far hence where I haue béene nourished you shall haue the best entertainment that I can make you My Freende quoth the Straunger you haue alreadie doone so much for me as if you will goe with me into the Countrey where I dwell I haue wherewithall to reward your trauaile richlie Is it farre hence Sir said Palmerin In the Cittie of Hermida ê™ he in the Realme of Macedon I dwel from whence I parted a moneth since with my merchandise which I haue left at Constantinople froÌ„ whence returning homeward this vnlooked for mis-fortune befeil mee which had made an ende of me without your assistance As they were thus conferring togeather one of the Strangers seruaunts came to looke him and finding him so happilie escaped was not a little ioyfull reporting that he had left his companioÌ„s not farre off Returne then said his Maister and wil them come to me to the next Uillage where I meane to haue my wounds dressed which the seruaunt performed immediatlie and all this while stoode Palmerin in debating with himselfe if he should thus leaue his Father Gerrard or not at length after manie opinions fearing if hee returned home againe not to finde the like opportunitie concluded to depart with the Stranger So was hee sette on a verie good Palfray setting forwards to Macedon yâ— night they were entertained in a verie good lodging where the stranger caused his woundes to be searched reporting to eueriâ— one howe by the ayde of Palmerin his life was preserued for which cause he accounted of him as of his owne Sonne All this while Gerrard and his Wife little thought of this mishappe but expected Palmerins returne till darke night and séeing he came not as he was wont both he his wife the next daie searched the Mountaines but they could not finde him which made Gerrard to question in himself what euil he had offered him that should make him thus depart Nowe durst not his Wife Marcella tell him the talke betwéene her and Palmerin but accompanied her Husband in sorrow for their losse especially Dyofena and her Brother Colmelio were most sory Dyofena for losse as she thought of her Husband and Colmelio for the companie of his supposed Brother whose absence went so neere his hart as he intended neuer to giue ouer searche till he hadde founde him CHAP. XIII How Palmerin went with this Merchant named Estebon to the Cittie of Hermida who afterwarde gaue him Horse and Armour to be made Knight EStebon the Merchant thus conducting Palmerin on his way at length arriued at the Cittie of Hermida where he was louingly welcomed home by his Wife both yong and beautifull as anye in that Countrey to whom he reported his daungerous assault by the Lyon and without Palmerins help he had béene deuoured but quoth hee good fortune sent him at the verie instant that slewe him for which I shal be beholding to him while I haue a day to liue therefore good Wife entertaine him in the best sort you can deuise for he hath well deserued it This spéeche had the Merchant with his fayre Wife who embracing Palmerin said That nature had omitted nothing in her workmanship making him so amiable and ful of hardines Palmerin séeing himselfe so fauoured of so beautifull a woman hauing before spent his time among Shéep heards Swineheards and loutish Swaines of yâ— Country with modestie began to blushe and was so well stored with ciuilitie to make her this answere I desire Mistresse that 〈◊〉 behauiour may bee such as may continue my Maisters good liking and yours towards me So from that time hee followed Merchandise and profited so well in the course of traffique as Estebon committed all his affaires to Palmerins trust who rather gaue his mind to martiall exercises and followed Knightlie dispositions so much as verie nature declared the noblenes of his minde for he delighted to mannage great Horses to fight at al maner of weapons to sée daungerous Combats to frequent the assemblye of Knights to talke of Armes and honourable exployts and in bréefe to exercise all the braueries of a noble Courtier Whereat Estebon meruailed so much as faling in talke with him he said Me thinkes it is strange Palmerin that thou béeing the Sonne of a drudge and nourished on the Mountaine of Oliues as thy selfe hath often tolde me disdaynest the life of a Merchant frequenting the company of hardie Knights as though thou shouldest take Launce and shéelde to enter the Combat Sir said Palmerin I know not if my Father be such as I haue told you but I wot wel my heart so serues me as I can thinke of nothing but actions of honour and knighthoode The Merchant was contented to heare Palmerin in these terarmes because he perceiued that his Wife fauoured him greatlie wherat he became a little iealous and gladly would remooue the occasion wherfore he said Séeing it is so Palmerin that thou hast no mind to follow my affaires I am well contented yâ— shalt exercise chiualrie béeing the thing thou naturallie affectest and whereby thou mayst attaine to credite account For mine owne part because I will not hinder so good forwardnesse thou shalt haue of me money Horse and Armour that thou mayst goe to Macedon to the King where if thou request it of the Prince Florendos his Sonne he will not refuse to giue thée thy order Palmerin returned him verie hartie thanks and hauing prouided al things expedient for his iourney tooke his leaue of the Marchant Estebon and his wyfe hoping to speede well in his aduenturous enterprise CHAP. XIIII How Palmerin arriued at the Court of Macedon hoping to receiue the order of knighthood at the hande of the Prince Florendos Sonne
maist be deceiued but God is alwaies fréende to iustice and equitie and enemie to such as goe against them But because you shall know the occasion why these foure Knights would haue taken the glass from Vrbanillo you must note that they were all Sonnes to a great Lorde of a Castell which was a daies iourneie off the Mountaine Artifaeria who hauing intelligence by Shéepe-heards and other pesants what good fortune had befallen Palmerin to kill the Serpent and bring away the fatall water repined greatlie thereat for the Lorde did highlie mallice the King of Macedon because he had enforced him to surrender a Manour which he against all right held froÌ„ one of his Sisters and for this cause knowing that by the vertue of that water the King shold recouer his health hée sent his foure Sonnes to take it from Palmerin whose successe in their attempt fell out as you haue heard Now Palmerin by this time is come to Macedon to the King whom with great reuerence he saluted on his knée when yâ— King embracing him so well as he could saide Trust me my good Fréende next God I must néedes estéeme you dearest for that as he by his Godhead hath made me breath this ayre though weake and sicklie by diuine prouidence hee hath sent you to restore me my bodilie health from hencefoorth therefore I shall intreate you to commaund mee and mine at your pleasure My gratious Lorde saide Palmerin the heauens giue me successe to doo you seruice for I knowe no Prince liuing this daie for whom I would more gladly aduenture my life I thank you good Sir quoth the King but the gréefe I haue sustained for the sorrow of my Sonne Florendos brought me into such a long and lingering extreamitie as well may I blesse the time that by your good successe am so happilie deliuered let me therefore entertaine you as my seconde Sonne and perswade your selfe of such a Father who wil loue you as if you were his owne naturall Childe in that I and the greater part of my Kingdom shal be at your disposition Woorthy Sir saide Palmerin woorthilie might I be reputed amongst the worst in the world refusing the honour you please to offer mee especiallie in such an extraordinarie kinde of fauour for the rest beeing thus accepted in your princely grace I haue sufficient béeing furnished with Horse and Armour to doo me seruice With these wordes the King embraced him and méere ioy caused the teares to trickle downe his chéekes so that Palmerin staied longer with him then he made account to doo till the Duke of Durace sent for him as you shall reade in the discourse following CHA. XIX How Duke Astor of Durace sent to the King of Macedon desiring him to sende him the Knight that had slaine the Serpent on the Mountain Artifaeria to ayde him against the Countie Passaco of Mecaena who laide straight siedge to one of his Citties SO farre was spread the fame of this victory which Palmerin in had against the Serpent on the Mountaine Artifaeria as at length the Dake Astor of Durance hearde therof against whom the Countle Passaco of Mecaena wargeâ— battaile and seeing himselfe vnable to resiste his enemic minded to sende to the King of Macedon requiring ayde of teh Knight that slewe the Serpent at the enchaunted Fountaine and heereuppon he dispatched one of his Gentlemen towards the King who made good haste till he came thither when dooing his reuerence and deliuering his Letters of credite to the King he saide Dreadâ— Lorde the Duke of Durace my Maister most huÌ„bly salutes your Maiestie by me The King hauing read the Letters and noting the contents bad the Messenger discharge the rest of his message It is so Sir said the Gentleman that of long time my Lord and maister hath béene assaulted by the Countie Passaco and in such cruell sorte hath warred on him as he hath well neere destroyed his whole Countrie for he hath taken the Cittie of Mizzara and againste all right dooth challenge it for his owne After this the Duke my Maister raysing his siedge to bid him battaile Fortune hath béene so contrarie to my Lorde as his noble Sonnes are slaine and the greater part of his worthyest Gentlemen Yet not contented with all this the Countie pursues him sâ—il to his very Cittie of Durace which he hath begirt with siedge so stronglie as hee is doubtfull of a further daunger But within these eyght daies he vnderstood that your highnesse hath heere a Knight that slewe the Serpent on the enchaunted Mountaine in whose valour my Lorde reposeth such confidence as woulde you graunt him licence to come thither my Lorde will accompany him with so manie hardie men at Armes as he doubts not to enforce the Countie to leaue his Country and for that the matter requireth expedition he desires your assistaunce with all possible spéede I am sorrie quoth the King that the Duke my Nephew is in such extremitie and I promise you I did not thinke as yet to part with Palmerin but séeing the necessitie is so vrgent I will intreate him to goe with you and so manie approued Knights with him as the Countie shal perceiue I am not well pleased with his hard dealing towardes my Nephew Nowe was Palmerin present when the Gentleman deliuered his message which pleased him not a little because he would gladlie leaue the King to followe his fortune and was thus held from his desire by importunate requestes but seeâ—g the King had graunted to sende him to the Duke he fell on his knées vsing these spéeches In respect my good Lord that the Duke your Nephew hath vrgent occasion to imploy me and in that his sute is onely for me without any other of your people I beséeche you suffer me to goe alone to him for my hope is so good in a cause of trueth and 〈◊〉 that wee shall bee sufficient there to ende the controuâ—â—ie Not so my good fréende Palmerin said the King you 〈◊〉 not haâ—arde your selfe alone but take such companie 〈…〉 with you My Lord quoth Palmerin he demaundes me without any other companye and therefore let mee perswade you to satisâ—fie his request so turning to the Gentleman he bid him prepare to set forward for he was readie Worthie Sir answered the Messenger with what expedition you please for neuer was Knight expected with more earnest longing for then you are This suddaine resolution of Palmerin displeased Florendos wherefore taking him aside he said I sée then my déere Fréende you will needes bee gone albeit your companie hath giuen mee greater sollace delight then any thing els since I lost mine onelie content yet is my regarde of your honor such yâ— I feare more to heare your mis-fortune then I pittie the necessitie of my Cozin the Duke of Durace Yet let me intreate you that finishing your intent with fortunate successe you make your present returne to the King my Father whose loue and whose liberalitye you neede not
time on the other side Ptolome had so canuazed the Counties Brother as he sealed him a quittaunce with his sword for his life Then began the Counties Souldiours to dispayre of their successe and Palmerin with his traine to follow them so closelie as they were glad to take themselues to flight leauing theyr Maister ouerthrowne in the Armie where hee was troden to death with the trampling of the Horses Thus did the victorie remaine to the Duke his enemies scattering in flight gladde to saue their liues whom Palmerin commanded to follow no further least gathering themselues togeather againe and espying aduauntage they might so endanger them for oftentimes the vanquished too narrowly pursued recouer courage daunte the pride of the conquerers For this cause he returned with his men into the Citty the Duke vnderstanding the foyle of his enemie which made him with a great number of woorthy Cittizens to goe méet Palmerin and Ptolome whome embracing hee thus entertained Ah good Knights by you is my estate recouered and the death of my Sonnes reuenged on the murderer therefore dispose of me and myne as you shall thinke beste to which words Palmerin thus answered My Lord let heauen haue the honour of our victory as for me I haue doone and will héereafter what I can for the great kindnesse of the King of Macedon your Uncle who hath honored mee in sending me to you and other recompence I neuer did or will séeke As they thus parled togeather the Duke perceiued by the blood on Palmerins Armour that he was wounded in manie places wherefore quoth he I sée you are sore wounded let vs make haste to our Pallace where a Ladye attending on the Duchesse and well séene in chirurgeri◠shall giue attendaunce on you till you are recouered So mounting on horsebacke they rode to the Pallace where Palmerin was lodged Béeing brought into his Chamber the Duchesse and her Daughter holpe to vnarme him when the Ladie dressed his wounds perswading him there was no daunger in them to be feared Thus each one departing Laurana the Duchesse Daughter called Vrbanillo the Dwarsse saying to him My Fréende desire thy Mayster to make bolde of any thing he wants and that for my sake he will dispayre of nothing Madame said y◠Dwarffe you haue good reason to wish my Maister well as well for the good assistaunce he gaue the Duke your Father as also in respecte of his deserts which are as honourable as any that euer came in this Court These words Palmerin verie well hearde hauing his eye continually on her wherefore when shee and all the other were departed hee called Vrbanillo demaunding what talke he had with the Princesse which he reported and his answere also Gramercies said Palmerin I pray thée find the meane to let her knowe that I am her Seruaunt and Knight ready to accomplishe anie thing that she shal commaunde me Referre this matter to me Sir quoth the Dwarffe I knowe what Saint must patronize these affaires and what offering must bee layde on his Altar CHAP. XX. Howe Palmerin became highlie enamoured with the beautie of the Princesse Laurana thinking her to bee the Lady that sollicited him in his visions VRbanillo the Dwarffe not forgetfull of his Maisters commandement the next day when Laurana came with her Mother to visite Palmerin shee tooke the Dwarffe aside demaūding what reste his Maister tooke the night past Madame quoth he indifferent I thanke God and you for in you two consists the disposition of my Maisters health As howe quoth shee Thus Madame said Vrbanillo the first day that he behelde you hee gaue the whole possession of himselfe so firmely to you as day night he meditates on your diuine perfections doubting in requital of his seruice to my Lord your Father and his Countrey whose liues and yours he hath defended him selfe shal be repayed with suddaine and cruel death for had he not come for your safetie well had he escaped this daungerous extreamitie Then séeing fayre Madame that his valour hath béene the meane of your deliueraunce doo not so degenerate from gentle nature as to kill him that gaue you life Why my Freend quoth she what wouldest thou haue me doo To loue him swéete Madame quoth he as hée doth you Alas sayd she thou mayst assure thy selfe y◠none can wysh thy Maister better then I doo béeing my duetie and his desert with which wordes shee chaunged colour with such modest bashfulnes as it might be perceiued shee could hardly master her affectiōs Which when y◠Dwarffe behelde as one not to learne his lesson in this arte perswaded himselfe by the very lookes of Laurana that his Maysters loue would sort to happy ende and thereuppon he followed the matter thus I thinke Madame that you wysh my Maister as well as anie but that is not enough vnlesse your wysh agrée wyth his in this poynt that you graunt your selfe his onely Lady and Mistresse as hee hath vowed himselfe your Knight and Seruant If it may please you to wysh this good to my Maister vouchsafe this fauour as a president of your lyking that so soone as he shall finde himselfe better in health you wyll but consent to speake with him alone in some such conuenient and vnsuspected place as hee may haue liberty to acquaint you with the secrets of his thoughts Alas quoth she how should I so doo without offering too much impeache to mine owne honour Madame saide the Dwarffe the night giues fauour to loues swéete enterprises By this time the Duchesse was ready to depart which Laurana perceiuing sayd to the Dwarffe Assure thy Maister from me that I am more his thē myne owne and I will doo for his welfare what I may with modestie By reason of their departure the Dwarffe coulde not make her answere but shaddowing the matter as hee had doone before went about his Maisters busines till hee came and found him alone when he discoursed all that had past betwéene the Princesse and him which so well contented Palmerin as nothing coulde more because he perswaded himselfe as I haue saide alreadie that this was shee which the thrée Sisters promised him by whom he shoulde receiue the honour that destinie allowed him For thys cause thence forwarde he was verie desirous to knowe her name commaunding Vrbanillo very straightly to enquire it which hee did informing his maister that her name was Laurana whereupon he well sawe that hee was deceiued in that the Sisters had named his Mistresse Polinarda and therefore he resolued to withdraw his affection and to depart thence so soone as he should be able to beare Armor But it may be easilie presumed that when one hath so far ventured in loue that he perceiues himself beloued as the Dwarffe perswaded his Maister hardly can hee giue ouer so faire a beginning yet héere it fell out contrary as you shall well perceiue that the ende was more suddaine then the beginning Palmerin now knowing the Princesse name began to vse other
death but that the Quéene and the Lordes of hys Counsel founde meanes to quallifie his displeasure declaring what discredite his highnes shold receiue if he did not suffer them to be openlie conuicted of their offences All this while good Princes were they ignoraunt of this detection till at length the King discoursed the whole matter to theÌ„ and likewise who was their accuser nor did the Countie faile to maintaine his wordes openlie offering to make it good in fight against any that durst say the contrary and because he had two Cozins hardie and valiant Knights conspirators likewise in this faction there could be none found that would enter the Combat against them Which when the noble Prince Adrian vnderstoode very gréefe had well néere slaine him in respect he had no Child but this Dyardo as also for yâ— hee was accused with yâ— hee neuer thought Héereupon he went presently to the King his Nephew and preuailed so well with him as he obtained the space of two Monethes to bring with him one or two that might maintaine the innocencie of him his Sonne Dyardo and the Princesse Cardonia against the Traytour Domarto and his Cozins And this is the cause he sent mee to seeke you foorth in hope that you are as much his Freende as hee is yours which you may somewhat perceiue by the freendlie presents he sent you by mee to Macedon So helpe mee God saide Palmerin you haue reported a most strange dyscourse and neuer did I think that such treason could enter the thoughts of any Knight or other inferior person All this is true quoth the Damosell and it is appointed yâ— the Prince Dyardo with his aged and crazed Father shal defend their owne causes without séeking helpe of anie other but he neuer as yet receiued the order of Knighthoode and therfore is constrained to desire your assistaunce And that shall I doo with all my hart saide Palmerin would God we were there where he expecteth vs for the desire I haue to sée him as also to vnderstande what he knowes of my following fortunes Those matters are hid from mee quoth shee yet this haue I hearde him say diuers times being in talk of you that he accounted you the most honorable Knight in the worlde and that if he euer chaunced to sée you he wold aduise you to goe to the Emperour of Allemaignes Courte to be the knightly Seruaunt to the Princesse Polinarda When Palmerin heard the name of Polinarda he remembred that it was her name whome hee had so manye times séene in his fraunces for which cause he asked of the Damosell what the Lady was of whom shee spake My Lord quoth the Polinarda is Daughter to the Emperour and Niece vnto my Lorde Adrian the most beautiful Princesse that euer eye behelde By my faith saide Palmerin yâ— more easily may I be induced to graunt her my seruice and thether intend I to trauaile when I haue finished your Lords busines So rode they with much more haste theÌ„ before tyl at length they came to the Cittie of Almedya where the King remained and the Prince Adrian expecting Palmerins comming which when he hearde hee came to meete him eache embracing other with meruailous courtesie and the good olde man with the teares in his eyes thus saide Ah good Knight what may counteruaile this your exceeding paines to maintaine the right of my Sonne and mee who are falselie accused of such villainous treason as on the perill of my soule we neuer did imagine Thereof am I certainlie perswaded aunswered Palmerin and therfore am I come to enter the Combat with him that dare affirme otherwise Mine olde age quoth Adrian might excuse mee henceforth from bearing Armes but béeing vnable to endure so vile a slaunder so long as life and soule will holde togeather shal I doo my deuoire so please your companion to make the second as olde as I am I will be the thirde for the trayterous CouÌ„tie hath two of his Cozins yâ— take part with him And if my fortune so fall out as I die in this tryall I shall receiue my lot very contentedlie if mine eyes might first beholde mine iniurie reuenged I pray you said Palmerin goe presently to the King to the ende that hys highnesse may graunt vs the fielde for my Freende and I thinke long till we haue made your accuser knowe his trecherie Adrian immediatly went to the King and on his knées thus began My Lorde you knowe that the Countie of Ormeque hath accused mee my Sonne Dyardo and Madame Cardonya of the cryme of Lesae Maiestatis and in that we all are innocent I am readie to maintaine that he hath falsely and malliciously belied vs which I my selfe will approoue vpon him or two more with me against him and his Cozins if they dare enter the fielde with him in this quarrell where we will either make known their villainie or receiue the reward belongs to disloyall Traitors As for the wrong which you my Lord haue doone me béeing your Uncle and my Sonne Dyardo your Cozin germaine that I referre to God to recompence and to the better knowledge you shall receiue of mee héereafter béeing â—owe too olde to bee a Traytour and my Sonne too louing to proue disloyall The King was abashed to heare his Uncle speake so audaciously doubting nowe whether he should giue credite to what had béene reported especially against him so neere his highnes in bloode who so liberally offered to enter the Combat notwithstanding his white heade and aged body made him vnfit for such actions wherefore hee thus aunswered Good Uncle impute not mee any thing faultie in your accusation and that the proofe shall manifest that must be made The Countie beeing present was strooken in a quandarie at these wordes and gladly he wold haue demed this former slaunder but he could find no waie cleanlie to doo it wherefore seeing of force he must néedes enter the Combat he boldly fell on his knées before the King with these wordes My Lorde what I haue saide is verie certaine and most true it is that by the counsell of Prince Adrian héere present his Sonne practised with Lady Cardonya to poison you that he might be King which to make good there is my gadge on the behalfe of my selfe and my Cozins Thou lyest Traytor in thy throate said olde Adrian I take thine offer and as he woulde haue gone on with further spéeches Palmerin stept before the King saying Worthy Lorde séeing the effect of the wordes must be put in execution which haue béene heere spoken on bothe sides before your Maiestie may it please you the Prince Dyardo and Lady Cardonya may be sent for to take with vs their oathes as in such cases is required and in meane time let eache one goe put himselfe in equipage for the Combat Good reason said the King and presently hee commaunded the Princes to be brought who beeing come Palmerin demaunded where they were that tooke part with the Countie whereupon he
And though I vanquish one Knight it shall not be lawfull for me to rest a minute space but presentlie take him in hande that shall followe and bee it my fortune to bâ—â—oyled by him he shall kéepe the fielde in manner as you my Lord deuised And to the ende all may be the better executed pleaseth you yâ— in such places where your intelligencâ—rs shall come my enterprise may likewise bee declared in respect I hope to behaue my selfe so well as my Ladie will make speciall account of me The Lady for whoÌ„ the Duke of Sauoye thus attempted was Daughter to the King and Sister to Lewes named Lucemania whom he loued intirelie and aboue all thinges desired in marriage which to compasse and to honour his Ladie he thus offered the Combat against all Knights These Princes intending to goe thorow with their intent concluded betwéene them that the Duke of Sauoye shoulde breake it to the King to gaine his good-will whereuppon the Duke departing towards the Quéenes Chamber to finde the King espyed him aâ— very good leysure walking in his Garden to whome hee went in all haste and on his knee thus began So please it your highnes to graunt me oneâ—boone I shall be bounde to continue the â—oue I haue borne your Maiestie which is to prolong my life in your seruice as the most forwarde Knight in your royall Court The King who had long time fauoured the Duke 〈◊〉 him by the hande thus aunswered Demaâ—nde my good Cozin what you please and it shall bée graunted Then the Duke deliberatelie discoursed what the Prince Lewes and he had intended for the loue of theyr Ladies wherwith the King scant content and mâ—ruailing at this hastie enterprise said Why Cozin do you imagine your selues able to maintaine so hard a taske in resâ—â—â—ance of so manie hardie Knights wherewith the worlde is now plentifullie stored Beléeue me in maine Countries are Ladies of greater beautie I doubt then is at this 〈◊〉 in our Realme of Fraunce I promise you I hardly like what my Sonne and you attempt but seeing my worde is paste you shall not nowe be hindered doo â—herefore what your thinke expedient with this consideration alwaies that the ending of matters is greater then the beginning The Duke humbly thanking the King aunswered Wee doubt not my Lorde but by the hope of God and fauour of our Ladies to ende our affaires with fortunate successe but if nowe we should giue ouer and not goe forward with our promise we might woorthily be reprooued of shame cowardise the most villainous reproches that can be to any noble hart The King perceiuing the earnest affection of these two yong Princes and that to denie their request would be more hurtfull then to graunt commaunded him againe to procéede with their intent with such suretie against all strange Knights as what losse or victory happened to them they must be content with all that fell out The Duke not a little ioyfull kissing his highnes hande departed and immediatly acquainted Prince Lewes therewith but nowe the Queene vnderstanding her Sonnes enterprise sent for him and with sad countenance thus spake I would my Son that the intent of you and the Duke of Sauoye were eyther awhile deferred or vtterly forgotten because I greatlie doubt that the ende will bring a further consequence then you expect For thinke you that by all your forces and Chiualries the beauties of your Ladies shal be any iote increased no beléeue me but if they loue you as loyall Freendes ought to doo as greatlie wil they dislike your enterprise as feare the daunger whereinto you may fall a matter causing other desire then you thinke on more offensiue perhaps to them then anie honor you may winne can please them Lewes who by no meanes would be disswaded from his conceit aunswered Good Mother if for no other feare this matter shal not be reuoked in regard of the shame neuer dying dishonor I shall gaine thereby which makes mee desire a thousande deathes then not to bee so good as my worde therefore perswade your selfe good Mother that albeit her beautie for whom I enter the Combat cannot bee more perfect hereby in that it is without imperfection yet such is my resolution in a matter so certaine as her sweete lookes shall deliuer me strength enough to ende my taske without dreade of any inconuenience yâ— may happen The Duchesse enflamed with loue hearing these wordes on her behalfe must needes speake and thus began I knowe not my Lorde who is the Ladie you loue nor what are her vertues but heereof I can assure you that she is highlie beholding to you and except great reason to the contrarie ought to loue you considering what perill you thruste your selfe into for her beautie Madame quoth the Prince the trauaile I shall take and the bad fortunes may befall mee are little of no account in respect of her gracious deserts therefore for her honour I will beare my inwarde paines with secrete content and attempt these outwarde actions with the greatest courage I can possible desiring no other recompence then her fauourable conceit whereof once assured nothing can seeme difficult to me no were it to dye in her diuine seruice And as he would haue continued longer the King not yet thorowlie content with his promise past to the Duke of Sauoye entered the Chamber by whose countenaunce Lewes wel knewe he was mal content wyth him wherefore falling on his knée hee saide My Lorde no one is ignoraunt how all my welfare and reputation consisteth onelie in your Maiestie as a Prince and Father the most vertuous that I know which great good in some part to recompence I haue enterprised a matter vnwoorthie of dislike so please your highnes of your accustomed bountie to excuse accept it in good part in respect that such as are borne to the highest places of dignitie ought to bee more prompt and readie to all magnanimious actions then theyr inferiors chéefelie in prowesse chiualry and deedes of estimation What brought such renowne to Horatius Mutius Scaeuola Marcus Curtius Manlius Torquatus and a number more of Romaine Knights if not the couragious folowing of occasions offered What made for euer immortall the fame of Marius the Romaine Cittizen Hanniball the Carthaginian and Agesilaâ—â— the Greeke if not the vndaunted valour of their minds deliuered in their déedes of kinglie consequence Assuredly I beleeue that their Fathers Uncles and auncient progenitours neuer made them noble or ought renowmed what then onely vertue the very formatrix of all nobilitie For this cause my good Lorde and Father hauing now oportunitie as my Cozin yâ— Duke of Sauoye hath informed you may it please your grace to permit my endeuours with fauour to the ende I may deliuer perfect testimonie that I no whit degenerate froÌ„ your heroycall and kingly vertues The King somewhat moderating his former opinion answered Trust me Sonne full well you know howe to disguise and couer your follye
wyth vertues coullers God sende it to fall out so well arise and be it as your Cozin and you haue requested See in meane tune that you prouide all needfull occasions that when the daie comes nothing bee wanting Lewes humbly thanking his Father arose euery one present not a little reioycing because they feared all woulde be squandered Then began the Lordes and Ladies to conferre togeather and the Duchesse departing to her lodging béeing manned by the Prince did not as I thinke repent herselfe of her loue as a number of you martching vnder the same Ensigne wold doo the like in such a case In fine the Duchesse fearefull of the thwarts of Fortune that she would work her disgrace by some bad coniectures or wounding reports said I know well my Lorde the good will you beare me without anie further shewes or confirmations by actions so daungerous which I had rather die then beholde and therefore whatsoeuer you shall performe will condemne mee as vnwoorthy of so good deserts in this respect you shall therfore graunt me one thing which is that aboue all you haue care of your selfe els will perpetuall discontent cut short my date béeing bereaued of the honour of my greenâ— desires Nowe Madame quoth the Prince may I boast of my fortune not doubting to follow the deuise of a Ladie so vertuous for your swéete wordes prolong my life els ere this had death robd you of your Knight The Duchesse héereto with an amiable smile aunswered I muste not loose you yet good Prince for may I lengthen your life it shall bee for euer Many sollemne thankes the Prince returned and by this time had brought her to her Chamber wher hauing baise lâ—â— main departed CHAP. XXXIII Howe the Prince Lewes and the Duke of Sauoye sent theyr Heraldes and Horsemen into all parts to make knowne to all Knights their enterprises and the conditions of theyr Combats THe Prince Lewes ioyfull of the King his Fathers consent but of the gracious aunswere of the Duchesse most of all dispatched immediatlie his Heraldes into all the prouinces of Europe who executed their charge with such dilligeÌ„ce as there was no Court of Emperour King or Prince but they declared the enterprise of these two yong Princes So that one of the Princes Heraldes accompanied with the King of Armes belonging to the Duke of Sauoye came to the Emperors Court of Allemaigne which then was furnished with a great number of Lordes and Knights béeing there to sollemnize the day of hys byrth but especially Palmerin aboue all the rest tryumphing in the loue of his Mistresse Polinarda The Heralds béeing entred the great Hall founde the Emperour sitting in his chayre of estate with many Princes Barens and noble personages about him who graunting them libertie of spéeche the Heralde of Fraunce began first in this manner Illustrious and most redoubted Emperour the cause why we thus presume before your Maiestie is by the commaundement of the vertuous yong Prince Lewes Son to our dreade Lorde Agatiel King of Fraunce as also of the Duke of Sauoye his Cozin so good a Knight as may well commaunde what our message is so please your highnesse to call all your Knights in presence because it chéefelie concerneth them we with duetie will deliuer it The Emperour presentlie called for all Knights and Gentlemen of his Courte who desirous of the newes were not long in comming before whom he saide Dreade Lord the Prince Lewes of Fraunce my Maister commends him to your Maiestie with this Letter may it please your grace commande it to be read and you shall soone sée the effect of our Embassade The Emperour caused his Secretarie to reade it openlie and because it contained what you haue heard alreadie it shall be needelesse to wast longer time in talke thereof but the Letter béeing read the Heralde thus proceeded The Prince my Maister woorthie Emperour giues the Knights of your Court as els where to vnderstande that he intendes to prooue by deedes of Armes howe no Ladie in the worlde is comparable in beautie to the Lady he loues which he will bee readie to maintaine in Combat the first of Maie next and seauen daies following in his Tent before the Gates of Parris there will he verifie it against all commers that dare auerre the contrarie Afterwarde he rehearsed all the conditions to bee obserued in this Combat and the King of Armes to the Duke of Sauoie made known his Maisters challenge likewise as you haue hearde The Emperour meruailing at this message said Without doubt the Ladies had neede to be faire and my Cozins your Maisters valiant and hardie els it is doubtful howe such an enterprise will fall out for yâ— affections of persons are diuers and theyr fortunes daungerous neuerthelesse I desire the issue may sort to their honor These Lordes and Knights haue hearde your message and I iudge some of them will prouide to be there because they prize the beautie of theyr Ladies at as high a rate as your Masters doo estéeme their faire Freendes yet let them doo what they thinke most expedienâ— beâ—ause they are olde enough to make you answer As for me you may salutâ— on my behalfe the King my Brother and my Cozins to whom I sende thanks with all my hart that they thus acquainted me with their honourable endeuours All this while the Knights conferred together with diuers iudgments of these pretended Combats some were either fearefull or too forwarde others well aduised and prouoked with discréete courage Among whome repute we noble Palmerin all pensiue his eyes fixed on the groundâ— and not a wordâ— hauing in his spirite discoursed howe bitter the diuorcâ— would be of the eye from his swéete obiect in the ende concluded the Combat perswading him selfe not in Christendome nor in the other thrée habitable parts of the earth eyther Empresse Queene or Ladie was more accomplished with perfections then his gracious Mistresse Polinarda And in respect of this Embassage it seemed to him vituperous and a dishonour not sufferable if he should not iustifie the trueth haue so good occasion wheruppon he desired a thousande deathes rather then he would defer so braue a voyage and so on his knée before the Emperour thus began Gracious Lorde and my woorthy Patrone I intende with your good lyking leaue to depart with all spéede possible to the Ioustes and Combats of Fraunce and Sauoye let it not therefore displease for the honour of Chiualrie that I leaue your Courte a while but maie commit my selfe to this iourney with your fauourable opinion The Emperour verie lothe to let Palmerin goe aunswered In sooth Palmerin I greatly doubted so soone as I heard these newes from Fraunce that it would not passe without your presence which displeaseth mee not so much for their follie as your absence which is and wil be to mee greater gréefe then you iudge but let mee intreate that thy returne may be spéedie and stay no longer then thou hast good
former promise not to râ—ueale the least matter that may be hurtfull to them Neuerthelesse in regard of the reuerent good will they beare you and that I would not haue you offended with such an abiect creature as I am I would gladly tell you some thing to your content so you will promise me on your princely worde that what I reueale shall neuer be disouered by you Perswade thy selfe thereof sayd the Princesse and looke what thou sayst by my honor shall neuer turne to thy after harme Then know fayre Madame quoth he that the gréene knight is of the most noble and illustrious house in Europe louing a Ladie as his proper life for whom he hath left his Countrey parents friends to come and do her seruice The blacke knight as I haue alreadie tolde you is my maister and further then this I may not tell you What am I the nearer my desire quoth shée by this aunswere eyther thou shouldest haue sayde nothing or else thorowly satisfyed mâ—e for now I can not bée quieted till thou tell me what Ladie it is that the gréene Knight loues so déerely let mée not make so many intreaties for I promise to thée againe by the faith of a Princesse that neuer shall any creature know it by my meanes You vrge me so farre quoth the Dwarffe and haue made mee such great promises as I am constrayned beyond yâ— charge giuen by my maister to acquaint you with the trueth in respect the fault wil be greater in you to make refusal then in yéelding Resolue your selfe therefore good Madame that the braue gréene Knight so rich in Armes but more in minde is the Prince Trineus Sonne to the Emperour of Allemaigne so passionate in loue and so depriued of liberty by deuout seruice to your excellent bountie as against both duetie and nature he hath deceiued his Father feigning to come ayde his Kinsman the King of Norway where contrariwise he hath shewed himselfe his mortall enemie And to no other ende hath he thus offended both Father and Cozin then to make known his long labourous desires to make you Lady and Mistresse of him and his and such is his fearâ— to be refused as he endures more torments then the martired bodye of poore Prometheus Bee not then the cause swéete Ladie that a Prince so famous and a Knight so gentle shall buy his great good seruice to your Father and CouÌ„trey yea the most loyal loue he beares to you with vntimelie vnfortunate and cruell death Thinke with your selfe is it not the highest among all honours to be Wife to such a Lord and Empresse in time of renowned Allemaigne Is it not perpetuall report to be Lady and commaundresse of the principall parte of Europe Let not him beare record that a bodie so adorned and countenaunce so milde and gracious can entertaine tirannie or crueltie yea Madam such crueltie as if you receiue him not into your fauourable conceit you shall procure the death of the truest Knight in loue that euer liued The blacke knight is the renowned Palmerin d'Oliua the wonder of the world for â—alour conquering in Fraunce the Duke of Sauoy in maintenaunce of his Ladies beautie fayre without compare conforming his Shéelde and Armour equall to his mourning thoughts for his absence from her that tryumphes in his loue The third knight so adorned with white Roses is called Ptolome loued by a Ladie well woorthy of him It now remaineth fayre Princesse that you make the Prince Trineus equall with them in felicitie for you haue the mayden heade of his loue which with honor you may entertaine into your chastâ— thoughtes Thus haue I acquainted you with such a secrete as no creature but your selfe could haue got of mée and the danger to fall into your misconceit hath made mée such a blab leauing all you haue heard to your gracious coÌ„struction Agriola méetelie farre enough in loue before but now vtterly denied of longer libertie hearing the wordes of Vrbanillo was surprised with such a strange alteration as a long time she was driuen to silence not able to vtter the secrete conceits of her minde yet al length to shadowe her suddaine change from the Dwarfe shée sayde Ah my Fréende thou acquaintest me with matter altogither incredible is it possible that Trineus Sonne to the Emperor of Allâ—â—â—aigne would venture into this Court considering the mortall enmitie betwéene our Fathers Trust mée my Fréende I cannot credit thée I renounce mine owne soule sâ—ide the Dwarfe if it be not as I haue told you then iudge Madame what acceptaunce shoulde be made of his seruice when loue to you excéedeth nature may it not bee termed loue surpassing all other eyther registred in antiquities or present memorie If it should be quoth she as then sayest it is beyonde my power to returne condigne recompence yet in respect of thy secrecie I dare assure thée mine owne opinion of him hath so ouer-maistered me as in honorable modestie he may commaund and I am not so well nurtured to disagrée But if eyther by my words thou hast gathered or by any chaunge of countenaunce perceiued the suddaine yéelding of a flexible nature interprete it in this good sort that Princes afflictions make each other melt as framed of one mettall which I charge thée conceale from him as thou regardest my word and his safetie Pardon mee Madame quoth the Dwarfe it standeth not with my allegeaunce to obey you héerein what a villaine might I bee accounted and vnworthy the name of a faithfull seruant if I shoulde â—ide these happy tydings from him to ease those torments that euerye houre threaten his death Yea Madame did my maister but thinke I would so abuse him well deserued I to be â—orne in péeces Well quoth she if thou findest time conuenient till him but no other I charge thée on thy life and withall certifie him that I woulde not for my Fathers Crowne he should be knowne Feare you not good Madame sayde the Dwarffe they are alreadie so well aduised as none but your selfe ran any way endaunger them It sufficeth that the Prince vnderstande your pleasure which I will impart to him when the King is returned so kissing her hande hée departed leauing her so highly contented in assurance of the loyall loue of Trineus as she neuer determined any other Husbande yet woulde shée not disclose her minde no not to Eufemia her secret companion thinking herselfe too much bewrayed because the Dwarffe knewe it Soone after the Quéene sent for her to walke in the coole shadowe of the Trées where not long they stayed before the King returned who reported what pastime they had all that morning The Knightes hauing saluted the Quéene and her Ladies Trineus saluting the Princesse Agriola was so transported as hée scant knewe where he was The Princesse likewise fixed with a stedfast eye on him as wounded both him and her selfe togither her complexion so aptly deciphering her sickenesse as the Prince perceyuing it sayd to
onelye excepted who euermore hath beene my most trustie Seruaunt and fetcheth my necessaries at a village néere adioyning and by his honest perswasions hath manie times with-helde mee from committing violence on my selfe Thus haue you heard in bréefe the cause of my sorrowe the depth whereof cannot bée considered or valued but by such as haue in like manner tryed and suffered the disdayne and ingratitude of vnconstant Ladies Palmerin hauing heard the fortunes of the Knight repeated to him the graces and fauours of his Ladye Polynarda what honour shée did him in her Fathers Court and how hee was in daunger to receiue the like rewarde as the Knight did of his Valerica and fearing indéede that his mishappe woulde sorte to that issue he fell down at the féete of this poore refused Louer The Knight perceiuing that the reputitioÌ„ of his misfortune was cause of this alteration breâ—thing foorth a vehement sighe hee sayde Alas wretched â—atife that I am hath my destâ—ny made mee so vnhappie that enduring an extreamitye worse then death I cannot dye and yet hée that did but heare my miserie hath lost his life I will not liue any longer to preiudice any other men but will now make waye to the ende of mine owne troubles So drewe â—ée foorth Palmerins Sworde and â—ffered to thrust it into his bodye but Palmerin receiued his former estate started suddainlye vppe and catching him in his armes sayde How now my Fréende will you bée so incâ—nsiderate that for a little temporall paine which your body endureth to condemne your soule to euerlasting perdition And though your passions touch you so seuerelye as you will affoorde no pittie to your selfe yet lâ—t trée intrâ—ate you to forbeare this humour For not without reason haue I sustained this suddaine motion remembring the vnspeakable comfort I receiued by one who by false suggestions or slaundreous reports which woundeth more déepe then the fatall weapon may in like sorte be chaunged into such conceit as her iudgement may excéede a hel of torments Yet canne I not denye your Lady hauing with such shame refused you but you haue great occasion to gréeue thereat yet not to stretch the extreamily so farre as to dispayre or worke iniurie to your â—elfe calling to memory how light the opinion of a Woman is how suddaine shée will alter and howe prompt shée is to iealousie especially where shee loueth effectually And if héeretofore shée loued you feruentlye it is impossible but shee should féele some part of your anguish and more violently I thinke then your selfe can Trust then in him that hath all hearts at commaunde repose your self constantly on his prouidence for hée will not leaue you frustrate of your honourable intent standing with iustlâ—e and perfect integritie As Palmerin continued these comfortable perswasions the Dwarfe couered the Table and sette before them such a small pittaâ—nce as he had prouided when they hadde refreshed themselues Palmerin tooke his leaue of the Knight promising him if hée coulde by anye meanes to giue some ease to his oppressions Varnan returned him many thankes commanding his Dwarfe to conduct him to the high waye béeing not a little sorrowfull to leaue his compaâ—ie who had so well aduised and comforted him Palmerin being come into his ready way sent backe the Dwarfe and rode on till he was gâ—t out of the Forrest intending to finde out the Castlâ— where Valerica remained because he would somewhat sollicite the cause of sollitarie Verman Ryding along in this determination hée espyed a Knight and two squires before him yâ— knight thus speaking to one of his squires I knowe not whether it be time as yet to enter the Garden or if Madame Valerica be as yet come thither Go sée if she be there and returne quickly to mée againe Palmerin hearing the name of Valerica knewe well it was shée for whome the solitarie Knight liued in such pensiuenes wherefore mooued with pitty of his miseries hee sayde to himselfe Sée héere the trecherie of a trothlesse Woman so vnhonorablie to forsake the man that loues her so déerely and preferre the villanie of this intercepting Traytour but I shall teach him ere I go what a penalty belongs to the preuenting of a loyall knight and so comming to the knight hee sayâ—e Art thou a man villaine that wouldest forest all the loue of the best Knights in England by my Sword thou shalt déerely pay for thy disloyalty With these words he gaue him such a stroake on the head as he cleft it therewith to the very téeth The Squires séeing theyr maister slaine beganne to haste away but Palmerin caught him that was sent to the Garden to whome he sayde Come on Sirra if thou louest thy life bring mée to the Lady if thou doost not thou shalt neuer followe thy trade any longer The Squire durst doo no otherwise so he brought him to the little gate where Valerica was wont to receiue in her louer and knocking with his finger as his Master was accustomed Valerica opened the doore and thinking it was her Fréend cast her armes about Palmerins necke who brought her in his armes forth of the Garden commanding the Squire presently to followe him Valerica abashed hereat sayde Howe nowe swéete fréende whether will you carry mee Knowe you not if my father heard héereof that neyther of vs durst approch before him Tush Madame sayde Palmerin these are but wordes there is no remedy but you must go with mée So neyther with teares nor requests would hee be intreated but mounting on horsebacke caused the Squire to helpe the Lady vppe before him because he would be sure shée should not escape from him and riding on towardes the Forrest because the night drew on he left the rode way séeking some place where they might coÌ„ueniently repose themselues for that night At length hee founde out a little thicket where they alighted and hee returning his Horse to pasture tooke off his Helmet and came to the Lady desiring her to bée content with such hard lodging for that night but when shée behelde that it was not her fréend wringing her handes she thus exclaimed Alas vnhappy wretch that I am how trecherously am I deceiued What mishappe may be comparable to mine hauing lost my fréende and abyding at his pleasure that hath cruelly murdered him Ah Fortune why art thou so inconstant to chaunge my former pleasure into this gréeuous stratageâ—â—e Palmerin hearing her so impatient sayde You must thinke Lady that what hath happened is by diuine permission who hath thus appoynted to punish your loosenesse and your excéeding disloyalty towardes him who loues you dearer then his owne soule and for your loue leades a most austere life in the very desolate and vncomfortable place of the worlde If hée haue thus long endured such hardnesse for your sake it is good reason that you should participate a little with his misery Feare not therefore for I speake nothing of him but what I haue séene and by great chaunce haue
and hauing recourse to his onely comforter liâ—ting his eyes to heauen thus priuately inuocated My God deliuer me from this enemie and suffer me not to fall in consent to this temptation for I thinke her a Deuill incarnate and sent to deceiue me Impossible is it that a maiden by nature modest and bashfull would let slip such effronted wordes and audacious The conceit héereof so vexed and offended him as the Princesse feared he would haue dyed not with conceit that like hap might come to Alchidiana as did to Ardemia but because he shuld so wickedly sin against his owne soule and falsefie his loue to his swéetest Mistresse Yet knowing that this sadnesse would not satisfie the Princesse he feigned to swoune his colour changing in such sort as one would haue iudged him past recouerie Alchidiana was so gréeued héereat as wée could not imagine what to saye but séeing that Palmerin séemed nowe not to vnderstand her and before had by signes 〈◊〉 reuealed his meaning saide By our great God it may well beâ— said that this man is a huge lumpe of flesh which the deuil hath enchaunted to torment me withall or else some other shaddowe and resemblaunce for hée refuseth what all men desire yea and often despayre because they cannot 〈◊〉 it But fearing least her ende would imitate her Cozins or that the dumbe Knight should die in her presence shée 〈◊〉 presume no further but threwe her selfe downe vppon a Pallet not able to speake her stomacke was so enraged Which Palmerin perceiuing arose out of his feigned traunce and giuing a great sighe departed the Chamber 〈…〉 owne The Princesse séeing him gone 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 and lament very gréeuouslye and in midst of her nâ—elancholy fell into these spéeches You Gods how can you suffer one so contrary to nature as is this dumbe Knight â—o liue among men Can you behold that he whom I deliuered froÌ„ death brought into yâ— grace of my father and to whom I haue doone more honour then had hée béene mine owne Brother will not regarde me but against all reason disdaineth refuseth maketh no reckoning of my dolours and setteth at nought my earnest intreaties Ah vndiscréete and carelesse Girle thy folly at this time too much ouerruled thée that knowing thine owne estate and high linage wouldest submit thy selfe to loue one vnknowne to thée and of whom thou canst haue no answere more then of a sencelesse stocke or stone If I can now learne to hate thée it will be some comfort to me but the more he iniurieth mee the more am I deuoted to his loue Then againe she contraryed her selfe in this sort Yet séeing it is so ingratefull wretch that thou aâ—t I will cause thée ere it be long to repent thy 〈◊〉 In this anger she continued all the day not 〈◊〉 foorth of her Chamber intending 〈◊〉 vtterly to despise him but the first time shée sawe him againe shee reputed him so louely faire and gracious that to dye shée could not with him any harme but loued him much better then before Yet to couer her owne inconstancie shee sent him no more presents nor did him such 〈◊〉 as she was accustomed which Palmerin well perceiued but hee could dissemble it in such sort as the Princesse hardly might decipher him For hée 〈…〉 had made to his deceased Father to sende his Brethren to Constantinople in whose company hee might trauaile thither and so escape the Turks and Moorish 〈◊〉 Chap. X. How Amarano Prince of Nigrea came to the Soldans court to accuse Aâ—chidiana as causer of the death of the fayre Princesse Ardemia her Cozin DUring the time that the Princeâ—â—â— Aâ—chidiana 〈…〉 the Princesse Ardemia and if hée made such lamentatâ—ons when hée but heard of her death what iudgement may bée set downe of his moâ—â—s béeing nowe at the Sepulchre of his best beloued Ah inconstant Fortune quoth hée why wouldest thou not permit mée to sée her liuing Ah Ardemia accomplished with admirable beautie great was her sinne whâ— enuying thy perfections procured thy cruell death yet this is my comfort that I shall come time inough to reuenge thy vndeserued 〈◊〉 and he that dare gainesay mée with her the authour of thy tragedie shall receyuâ— such condigne punishment as shall remaine for euer in memâ—ri These complaintâ— deliuered with excéeding sorrowe his Brethren perswaded him that such behauiour 〈…〉 〈…〉 I haue left my Countrey and aduentured into your presence to accuse your Daughter Alchidiana whom â—o please you to call before this assemblie I will charge 〈◊〉 she by false and spightfull hatred as a most cruell and disloyall Ladie trayterously murthered her Cozin the Princesse Ardemia And because this vâ—â—lainie hath hitherto béene concealed verie secret in respect it could not easily bée verified I am héere readie to proue in open 〈◊〉 agaynst any of your Knights that dare maintaine her cause howe the treason before rehearsed was committed by her in reueâ—ge whereof she ought to bée rewarded with sharpe and shamefull death 〈…〉 part whereof séeing the pride of the Prince of Nigâ—â—a woâ—ld furiously haue runne vpon him saying that hée should repent his follie but the Soldane offended thereat caused a Herauld presently to proclayme that on paine of death no one should harme or offende the Prince nor anie in his companie and whosoeuer did otherwise shoulde presentlie die for breaking his commaundement then â—raming his speeches to the Prince sayde Amarano nowe maist thou behold my Daughter before thée disburden the greefe of thy minde to her and iustice shall bée doone thée to thine owne desire Imagine quoth the Prince that such as knowe you Madame Aldhidiana will not a little maruaile séeing you accomplished with such gracious beautie that you should so farre forget your selfe as to commit treason But because a matter so vnlikely demaundeth as hard a proofe I will auerre with mine owne person in Combat agaynst any one that dare support your quarell that you are guiltie in the accusation alreadie alleaged and principall cause of the death of the Arminian Princesse your Cozin To reuenge such famous wrong I haue forsaken my countrey trauelling night and day and haue presented my accusation before your Father with this condition that if your Knight shall bee vanquished you are to bee punished as a cause of such weight requireth If it he may fortune to bée foyled and your Champion victor I shall yéeld my selfe as conquered and demaund no better recompence for it can not gréeue mee to remaine with her bodie whose verie remembraunce 〈…〉 in this maner Alchidiana you haue heard the spéeches of the Prince aduise your selfe well of your answerâ— for which of you both shall be sound attainted in the cryme be it Leâ—e Maiestaris or other 〈…〉 Chap. XI Howe Paâ—merin seeing that none of the Soldans Knights would aduenture for Alchidiana against Amarano eaterprised himself her cause in combat And how the Queene of Tharsus sent him a sumptuous helmet ALchidiana hauing heard the 〈◊〉 of Amarano and
that he 〈◊〉 spâ—ken 〈◊〉 of her in the presente of the 〈…〉 with maruailous anger and disdaine returned him this aunswere Amarano the most rash and 〈◊〉 Knight that euer I sawe I wonder howe thy folly could make thée so audacious to come and accuse me of treason against all truth before my Father and his 〈◊〉 But thy spéeches well noted and considerâ—â— shew nothing but carelesse youth 〈◊〉 and too vaâ—nglorious conceit chiefly in this that thou armed 〈◊〉 and accompanied with so many well appoynted Knights commest in this sort to molest a poore maiden who neuer to thée or thine committed any offence but all seruiceable honour especially to her on whose behalfe than offerest the combat As for the valour thou reputest in thy selfe that 〈◊〉 which this slaunder doth encourage thée withall 〈◊〉 thy hartinesse and resolution of heart thou oughtest rather oppose against a Knight able to aunswere thée then a siely Uirgin who hath no weapon but her â—onour wherewith to defende her selfe I confesse I am a Ladie but not traiterous or false as thou auouchest yet of so noble courage as were I of thy sexe thou neuer shouldest depart this Hall before I had that conspyring head from thy shoulders to witnesse thy falshoode and maleuolent spirit Notwithstanding as I am so please my Lorde and Father with a Kitchin cudgell I shall let thée know that thou dotest in thy spéeches and against thine owne conscience chargest me with the murder of my Cozin Examine thy thoughts what likely reason might induce mée to such an offence If shée was fayre thanks to our Gods mine owne talent is so good as I néede not enuie her beautie If shée made account of her rich dowrie I béeing sole heyre to the Signories of the Soldane might iudge my selfe farre beyond her being desired in mariage by many Kings and Princes whereof I am well assured shée neuer had the like I knowe not then what cause should anie way induce me to request her death But what néede I make such prâ—â—estations to thée séeing that by some one of my Fathers 〈◊〉 thy pride will bee abated and I reuenged of the iniurie thou hast doone me Amarano not aunswering her a 〈◊〉 spake to the Soldane in this sort It is not decent my Lord that a Prince or Knight of qualitie should stay on the wordes of a Woman so little considerate who more by anger then vertue thinkes to reprooue and annihilate a 〈◊〉 accusation Wherefore according to the agréement 〈◊〉 determined cal for the knight that dare vndertake the quarrell of your daughter to whom I will manifest in plaine Combat that what I haue said is trueth and if hée bée vanquished your Daughter Alchidiana and he shall bée burned togither as the greatnesse of the offence well deserueth contrariwise if Fortune denie mée successe I will request no other iustice then what shall please you to appoynt for me Maulicus séeing that well he could not denie the Prince though to his gréefe pronouced the sentence that his Daughter that day shoulde present a Knight to sustaine her cause according to his conditions alleaged This hard prescription made neuer a Knight willing to aduenture the Combatte so much they feared Amarano for the great report they heard of his prowesse but stoode all silent as though themselues were condemned to death Alchidiana séeing the courage fayle of so manie Knights whom shée estéemed for men of great account knewe not to whom shée should haue recourse and therefore ouercome with excéeding sorrowe but that her Ladies assisted her had twise or thrise swouned before her Father Palmerin beholding her and knowing that his refusall was greater cause of Ardemiaes â—eath then the iniurious wordes of Alchidiana pityed her estate and hauing before his eyes the loue she bare him the great honours was done him for her sake and the pustillanimitie oâ— the Soldanes Knights was so mooued 〈◊〉 forgetting all daunger and his dissembled dumbnesse which hitherto hée had so cunningly obserued as though he had béene borne in that Countrey hée thus began in the Arabian tongue 〈…〉 vnwoorthie hencefoorth the name of Knights how can your hearts endure that a proude and presumptuous Prince shall come into your 〈…〉 to accuse your Ladie and Mistresse and not one of you daring to defende her right By the celestiall powers 〈◊〉 may you bee accounted heartlesse men and in suffering this wrong to be depriued of all noble titles and to bee solde in the market as slaues and villaines Thinke you the Prince Amarano is come hither for anie other intent then to make tryall of his great hardinesse Can you be destitute of reason and so easily abused as to thinke 〈…〉 Princesse Alchidiana whom nature hath so worthily 〈◊〉 with beautie and with whom no other may make comparison could be prouoked to murther Ardemia for this onely occasion because she was faire And you Lord Amarano for a matter so slender haue you enterprised to blame a Ladie so vertuous as is the Princesse Alchidiana I accept the Combat on her behalfe auouching that shamefully and without reason you haue accused her behold me readie likewise to maintaine in open fielde that falsely and maliciously thou lyest in thy throate in witnesse whereof there is my gage and I beseech your highnesse affoorde vs presently Iudges that may discerne the issue of our Combat I take thy offer quoth the Prince and before the Sun set will giue thée the payment that belongs to such a frollickâ— companion Who can nowe imagine the ioy of Maulicus and his Daughter séeing him whome they reputed 〈◊〉 by nature thus to recouer his spéech assuredly they were all so amazed that they thought Mahomet had come from the 〈◊〉 to performe this myracle The Soldane thus surprised with vnspeakeable comfort forgetting the maiestie of his person 〈◊〉 Palmerin in his armes saying Ah 〈◊〉 Knight hâ—we may this bée dreame I or dooth but my fancie delude me with your spéech O Mahoâ—et for euer bée thou praysed for this great grace By the highest God I am more ioyfull of this good fortune then 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 the fayrest Island in the Mediterâ—â—â—ean Sea Nowe will I dismay â—o longer 〈…〉 Daughters fortune séeing that you take her quarrel in hand and for her sake wil comâ—at with Amarano with all my heart I graunt you the Fielde and thinke that my Daughter will not denie it But tell mée noble Fréend howe you haue so happily recouered your speech Palmerin abashed that hee had so forgotten himselfe knewe not what excuse to make neuerthelesse â—éeing nowe there was no remedie and that the 〈◊〉 throwne could not bée recalled imagineâ— some likely â—â—militude of his suddaine spéech saying I promise you my Lord that the cerâ—itude of your Daughters iâ—â—ocencie and the great griefe I conceyued séeing your Knightes so cowardly and faint in courage mooued mée into such choâ—ler as the Catarrâ— which of long time hath hindâ—red my spéech dissolued it selfe and â—â—th giuen my tongue libertie
his departing time being come when the Prince attiring her selfe in her wâ—nted mourning garments and shaping her countenance to her former sorrow throwded her pleasures past and thus we will leaue them returning to our Affirianâ— sayling on the Sea Chap. XXIIII How after the tempest was past the soldans Armie assembled togither came against Constantinople where by the Emperours power they were discomfited the King of Balisarca his sonne Gueresin and 〈◊〉 other great Lords of Turkie slaine THe tempest which had thrown Palmerin on Hercuâ—es pillars after many loÌ„g and contagious stormes began nâ—w to cease the Sea béeing faire and calme and the windes very quiet whereupon the king of Balisarca General of the Armie in short time assembled togither the most part of his Fléete and came vpon the Coast of Natolia where hée attended the rest of his Foystes and Galleyes And hauing there â—â—ayed about fifteene dayes among all the Shippes that came hée could heare no â—â—dings of Palmerins Carrick the long slay wherof caused him to doubt least he had vnhappily 〈◊〉 in the Sea and ouercome with excéeding gréefe hee thus began Ah gentle Palmerin the flower of all Chiualrie in lucklesse howre didst thon betalâ—e thy selfe to the Sea what answere shal I make the Soldane for the 〈…〉 the Prince Olorico béeing so especially committed to my trust Nowe cannot Fortune 〈◊〉 so fauourable to vs as she would for by thy losse I vtterlye despayre of expected victorie To cut off these 〈◊〉 complaints he was counselled by the Lords Knights and auncient Captaines to sette forward to CoÌ„stantinople to discharge themselues of their promise to the Soldane least in returning without dealing with the enemie they should be reputed for fearefull faint-harted â—owards Setting their sailes to the wind at length they came to the Bosphor Now was the Emperour veriâ— aged and sickly hauing altogither committed the superintendaunce of the Empire to his sonne Caniano who had a son aged â—eaurntéene yéeres named Cariteos And being aduertised of the comming of so manie Assiriâ—ns Turkes and Moores hée sent to all the Christian Princes for succour the greater parte whereof was there as nowe arriued with resolute determination to welcome these Infidels When the Emperours scoutes had espied the enemiâ— to enter the straight yong Cariteos beholding the Knightes on all sides some on the walles and other in the Fielde came and knéeled before his Graundfather earnesâ—lye desiring him to graunt him his Knighthood For my Lord quoth he a better time and occasion cannot be then newe The aged Emperour graunted his request and with the teares in his eyes said In the name of God my Sonne maist thou receiue thy order and to the glorious maintenaunce of the Christian faith albeit thy youth forbids thée to venture so soone Presentlye arose the yong Knight Cariteos and clasping on his Helmet was the first that went foorth of the Cittie accompanied with tenne thousand Horsemen and twentie thousand Footemen to hinder the landing of the enemies which a great while hee did with such valour as the Hauen was channged with the bloud of the slaughtred The King of Balisarca hearing thereof commaunded his Archers to their taske 〈◊〉 shafts 〈◊〉 so thicke in such multitude as it were the Hayle that falleth from the Cleudes and on the other side hée gotte thiâ—tie thousande men on land who assayled the Christians so 〈◊〉 as yong Cariteos was slaine and a great 〈◊〉 of noble personages which was the cause that the Christians retired to the verie Gates of the Citie The Prince Caniano aduertised of his sonnes death and the great daunger wherein the 〈◊〉 issued foorth of the Cittie with eight thousande Horsmen and foure thousand hardie Archers who like hungry Tygers ranne vpon the Turkes beating them to the earth in such heapes as twelue thousand of them were slain at this encounter and the rest repulsed backe to their ships where many entred for sauegard of their liues and a great number were miserably drownâ—d in the Sea At this mishap the King of Balisarca was greatly eâ—â—ged who with his power presently went on shore the fight enduring so cruell and bloudie thrée howres space as neyther side could be reputed likeliest of victorie In this encounter ended their liues the King of Balisarca his Sonne Gueresin and a great number of Cailiffes and Taborlanes of Turkie and of the Christians the Prince Caniano with diuers other great Princes and Lords whose deathes are to this day lamented in Greece yet were the Pagans and Christians so animated one against another as darke night was the cause of their seperation When the Emperour vnderstood the death of his Sonne and Nephew hée was readie to die with conceit of griefe but séeing the necessitie of the time required other matter then sorrowing teares and vnprofitable lamentations hée presently dispatched Postes and Messengers to hasteâ— the succour was comming from Christendome In short time arriued a mightie Christian power and despight of the Turkes entred the Cittie when the Emperour presently sent tenne thousand into the Field and prouided a signall for the other to set fire among the Turkishe Fléete at what time they receiued the signe from the Cittie The Infidelles séeing the Christians to sallie abroad left their Shippes and came to méete them whereupon the Christians diuided themselues into squadrons and running furiously on the Moores Arabies and Assirians made such hauocke and slaughter of them as happie was he coulde best defend himselfe Then suddainly was the signall of fire made on the highest stéeple in Constantinople to the Emperours power wasting on the Sea which immediately launching among the Turkish Fléete suncke the greater part of them and burned the rest with their wilde fire When the Turkes beheld this stratageme and that they were now destitute of any helpe they beganne to faint so that at the comming of the Emperour who came himself vpon them with a fresh sallie of fiue thousand men they were all slaine except a fewe that escaped into Galleyes that brake from the rest vpon fight of the pollicie Great was the spoyle gotten by this conquest which the Christians taking with them entred Constantinople where they gaue God thankes for their happie victorie But although the Emperour sawe his enemies vanquished after the Princes were departed that came to his succour right gréeueus was the losse of his Sonnes to him wherefore his Lordes aduised him to send for his daâ—ghter the Quéene Griana and King Tarisius her husband and to commit the gouernment of the Empire to him For the accomplishment of this generall determination the Duke of Pera was appointed Lord Ambassadour being one of the most auncient Princes of Greece who accompanied with many noble Gentlemen made such expedition in his iourney as hée arriued in Hungaria before the King and his Quéene Oriana whose sorrowes may not be expressed for the death of her brother When they vnderstood the Emperours pleasure they resolued on their obedience which caused the
no Ladie may comparâ— her felicitie with mine Ah my sonne by thée are my sorrowes chaunged into ioy my dispaire into content and from death it selfe am I brought againe to life for if my husbands hard hap made me dâ—spise life now may you be assured how much I desire it Then declared shée how to saue the Prince Florendos life whose faithfull loue brought him to such extremitie by sicknesse she aduentured her honor for his safetie and entering the paradise of loue bestowed that iewel on him which she most of all estéemed And so maist thou quoth shée report to the Emperour yet in this manner that not by carâ—all impudicitie I so consented for God is my witnesse that notwithstanding the perill wherein I sawe him no perswasion could cause me yéeld him that especiall remedie before he had first solemnly vowed marriage to mée which against all right was broken by the Emperours commaundement Madame quoth Palmerin Florendos is of such valour and his honorable actions so well receiued among men that albeit he had made you no such promise yet reason may excuse you in this matter But if by promised faith and to saue the life of so gentle a Knight who happilie by your refusall might haue miscaried you honoured the Temple of Loue with so swéete an offering among people of good minde it ought rather to bée tearmed a vertue then anie bad affection or vnlawfull lust And therfore Madame comfort your selfe for shortly I hope to assure your peace with the Emperour and séeing I haue you for my mother and the Prince Florendos for my Father I féele my selfe frée from any gréefe or vexation assuring you that I will driue it to no further delay but this morning will I confer with his Maiestie The Quéene béeing fearefull that her long stay should cause anie bad opinion hauing kissed her sonne gaue him the good morrowe and so went to her Chamber where shée found Cardyna her Gentlewoman to wâ—om she shewed the Crucifixe her sonne had giuen her saying Tell me I pray thée Cardina doost thou remember that heeretofore thou hast séene this Crucifixe and in what place Beléeue me Madame quoth shée I thinke I haue seene it before nowe but in what place I am not certaine Why forgetfull creature knowest thou not that this is the Crucifixe which was tied about my sonnes necke when thy selfe did carrie him to the mountaine In gooâ— faith the Knight is hée who fought the Combate for my Lorde Florendos Nowe sée the great mercie and bountie of our God who preserued his life then and from infinite daungers hath defended him hitherto Notwithstanding bee thou secret and on perill of thy life reueale it to none vntill the Emperour my Father be acquainted therewith Cardyna was so ioyfull héereof as shée must néedes goe presently to sée Palmerin and finding the Chirugions with him visiting his woundes shée fetched a gorgious Mantle of purple Ueluet broydered round about with Pearles Diamonds and Rubies as wel might beséeme the greatest Monarch to weare As Cardina holpe him to put on this Mantle she noted the marke on his face which she remembred since thâ— time of his birth and in this maner goes Palmerin chéerefully to the Emperour whom he founde conferring with his Lords and Barons but his presence caused them breake off talke imagining him the comeliest person that euer they sawe The good olde Emperour Remicius reioycing to sée him in so good and able plight demaunded of him howe he fared Right well quoth he I thank God and your highnesse readie to aduenture on any occasion shal like you to commaund me and now am I come to aduertise your Maiestie of such matters as will not a little glad ye in the hearing so please your grace to vouchsafe me priuate audience Hereupon the Emperour commaunded euery one to depart the Hall and they béeing nowe alone Palmerin thus began Dreaâ— Lord and mighty Emperour till this time haue I frequented the Courts of manie Kings and Potentates without desire of requesting anie thing vntill this present when faine would I request one boone of your Maiestie the grant whereof shall returne you both profit and honor My noble Fréend Palmerin aunswered the Emperour what euer thou pleasest demaund and on my worde it shall bée graunted Palmerin with humble obeysaunce kissing the Emperours hand sayd In sooth my Lorde all that I haue to request is onely to desire your highnesse that all offences committed by the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter may not onely be forgotten but also forgiuen For thy sake Palmerin quoth the Emperour I forgiue all their offences whatsoeuer May it then please your Maiestie quoth he to remember howe when Florendos came to doo you seruice during your warres agaynst Gamezio because you denied to giuâ— him your Daughter hée was so sicke as euerie howre his death was expected It then so fortuned my Lord the Princesse your Daughter acquainted with the cause of his sicknesse to giue him some comfort as also to defend so good a Prince from death by gracious spéeches shée gaue him such hope of her loue and such for trueth as before they parted a solemne promise of marriage was concluded betwéene them I know not the conditions of their agréements but it séemed the Articles consisted on no difficult accorde for each receyued of other the swéete desires of loue in so much as that night was I begotten And for a trueth my Lord I am the Sonne to the Prince Florendos and Madame Griana your Daughter who as I vnderstand by the Empresse perswasion against all right you compelled to marrie with the Prince Tarisius Florendos notwithstanding my Mothers wrong was verye great hath continued so loyall as hée would neuer accept anie other for his Wife nor as yet will but onely her Nowe my Lord that this matter may not séeme a fantasticall inuention I can resolue you of the place of my byâ—â—h which was in the Tower where my Mother remained prisoner by your commaundement vnder the charge of a Ladie named Tolomestra who to defende your daughters honor caused me to be carried to a place not far hence which is called the Mâ—unt of Oliues from whence my surname is likewise deriued in that place was I â—ound by a Countrey pesant vnder a Palme Trée who in signe thereof named me Palmerin d'Oliua My sorrowfull Mother hoping one day to sée me againe diligently noted diuerse markeâ— I haue and hung about my necke a golden Crucifixe which this day I gaue her againe and by this marke 〈…〉 like a Crosse shée well remembers me to be her Sonne In this respect my Lord that your Daughters offence was occasioned by true and faithfull loue and hauing likewise promised to forgiue all causes of displeasure graunt my father nowe at length to enioy his lawfull Wife that I béeing their Sonne may not bée estéemed as illegitimate the dâ—â—ing whereof will renowme your name for euer and loue
should be maried to one of the best Knights of the world Wée néede not doubt that the Quéene was héereat amazed yet the loue of the Mother to her infant cannot conquer the loue of the Wife to her Husbande which among all loues is the most honest and loyall so that in hope to frée him againe on whom depended her health and welfare shée gaue her Childe to the Damosell intreating that shée might be vsed as beséemed the Daughter of a King and as the swéete beautie of the infant deserued Shée returning to Carderia with the Childe made her Sisters verie ioyful by her comming who there nourished the infant till shée was three yéeres olde when the beautie of the yong Princesse beganne to shewe it selfe as fayre Cynthia dooth among the Starres Nowe did the Sisters inclose her in a strong Tower made of purpose for young Francelina wherein was the most goodly Garden in the worlde there was shee attended by her Nursses and sixe waiting Gentlewomen and such enchauntments were imposed on the Tower as no man should euer sée her vnlesse he were the best Knight of his time The entraunce into the Tower was verie strayte and narrowe barred vppe with a great Gate of yron and guarded with two furious Lyons Ouer the gate stoode a huge Image of Copper holding a mightie Mace of Stéele wrought by such cunning as if anie Knight but he that was destenied to end the aduenture should assay to enter hardly might he escape to returne againe Moreouer the conquerour should not demaund the first demaund of the princesse which was the deliuerance of her Father and for this cause the Sisters enchaunted the faire Francelina whose Historie wée must yet forbeare procéeding where wee leâ—t before Olimaell béeing thus on the Sea laden with Christian spoyles and prisoners at length entred the port of the great Cittie of Tubant where hée made such a chéerefull noyse of Droms Trumpets Clarions and Cornets as though the greatest Monarch in the worlde had come to take landing The great Turke maruailing at this sodaine melodie sent one of his Knights to vnderstand the cause who béeing certified by Olimaell what great victories hee had obtained against the Christians and the number of prysoners he brought with him returned to the Pallace where he told his Lord that the Admirall Olimaell was come and had brought with him great spoyles from the Christians where among quoth hee is a Christian King in person many worthy Knights and Gentlemen and a young Princesse of incomparable beautie Not a little ioyfull was the Turke at these newes wherefore comming into his great Hall where the imperiall seates of maiestie were erected himselfe fate downe in the â—one and faire Agriola of England in the other expecting the comming of Olimaell who in tryumphant manner set forward with his prize brauely mounted on a lustie Coâ—rser sumptuously caparasoned and aduauncing his sword drawne in signe of victorie Béeing come to the Pallace Olimaell saluted his Lorde with great reuerence standing by him to make report of his conquest and make present of his prisoners after their estate and calling First he caused all the riches to be brought and all the meanest captiues one after another to kisse the great Turks foote then commaunding them to be carried thence he began in this manner It is not to be doubted most high and mightie Monarch that this victorie gotten on the Christians enemies to our Gods hath beene obtained onely by your fauour therefore it is good reason that the principall head of this enterprise the great and chéefest honour should be doone The witnesse héereof are the treasures present and these prisoners abyding your mercie who from the very meanest to the highest shall humble themselues at your maiesties fâ—â—te When very many had doone theyr reuerence and the King of Thessaly shoulde next follow who though his handes were pinniond behinde him yet had a Crowne of Gold on his head to shewe what hée was although he sawe himselfe in the Traitours power and Olimaell had commaunded him to kisse his Maisters foote boldly made this answere Nor will I so much displease my God vncircumcized Tirant as thou art in such sort to abase my self being a king and administratour of iustice to faithfull Christians to kisse the foote of the mostâ—nastie and vncleane creature in the world profaning the worship which I onely owe to my maker It is in thy power to take my life from mee but not to constraine me do the thing wherein consists my damnation and a thousand deathes I will endure before I yéelde so much as in thought to thée Uillaine quoth the Admirall darest thou speake so vnreuerently in the presence of my Lorde did not my regarde of him withholde mée soone should I seperate thy cursed heâ—d from thy shoulders With these words he gaue the King such a blow on the face as made him fall on his knées to the ground Ah Traytour quoth the King well hast thou shewen the nature of a villaine that without commaunde strykest a King captiue and vnprouided of Armes but might it so please thy Lorde in open Fielde will I prooue thée a disloyall and vnchristened Curre that thus abusest the bloud royall The great Turke séeing the King so moued and angrie the bloud likewise trickling from his nose and mouth commaunded him to be carried thence to one of the strongest Castles in Nacolia where he should be enclosed without any companie that his captiuitie might be the more gréenous to him When the King of Thessaly was departed Palmerin approched leading the Princesse Laurana by the hande hée and his fiue companions beeing Armed except theyr Helmets Gantlets and swords whereat the great Turke maruailing demaunded of Olimaell why hée suffered them to be armed My Lord quoth hee these sixe Knights were the first prize I tooke who after they had giuen me theyr oathes haue done such seruice to your Maiestie especially this poynting to Palmâ—rin one of the best knights that euer I saw as full well do they deserue libertie which in recompeÌ„ce of aduenturing their liues in your seruice vnder your highnesse correction I promised them By Mahomet answered the great Turk for thy sake I likewise confirmâ— it and if héereafter they will abide with mée I will make them greater then euer they were While the Turke was making these promises Agriola hauing well noted Palmerin knew him and with the sodaine conceit thereof was readie to swoune but staying her selfe on her Chayre said O sole bountie who is this are not mine eyes deluded and my thoughts be guiled At these wordes Palmerin knewe her which before hee did not by reason of her strange disguysed apparrell yet thought hee best to conceale his inward ioy least crooked fortune should now againe preuent him The great Turke séeing Agriola looke so pale and wan started from his Chayre and taking her in his Armes said Alas Madame hath any sodaine ill befallen yée hath any one in this companie
and say to her what you would haue mee know because shee is a Lady both vertuous and faithfull No lesse Madame haue I alwaies found her quoth Palmerin therefore I beséech you make account of her and acquaint her with your greatest affaires for shée is daughter to one of the most gentle Princes in the world But Madame I would gladly know what became of Trineus after that so vnhappily I departed from you The Admirall Olimaell quoth shée came with his Gallies so soone as you were departed who tooke vs and then seperated vs in sunder scant permitting me to speake to him or Ptolome nor knowe I what is become of them It sufficeth then Madame aunswered Palmerin that I haue founde you for on you dependeth the life of Trineus who shall not long I hope bee concealed from vs therefore aduise your selfe on the day when you will departe for I haue a shippe readie to carrie you from this seruitude Thanks be to heauen quoth she for so good fortune I will be so readie as you shall not stay for me Now entred Hippolyta who brake off theyr talke to other occasions where we will leaue and returnâ— to the Prince Trineus Chap. XLII How Trineus beeing enchaunted into the shape of a Dogge in the Isle of Malfada there came a Princesse of the Moores who requested him of the aged Enchauntresse to whom he was giuen and what happened to him afterward I Thinke as yet you remember without repetition of the former discourse in what manner the Knight Cozin to the Admirall Olimaell to whome the Prince Trineus was giuen arriued by tempest in the Isâ—le of Malfada and how he with his people were transformed into diuors shapes of Beasts among whom Trineus bare the likenesse of a goodly Dogge Béeing thus disguised a yong Princesse named Zephira Daughter to the King of the same Countrey came to demaund counsell of the aged Enchauntresse Malfada for the cure of a certain disease which by strange aduenture happened to her in this manner This yong Princesse one day béeing pleasant in her Fathers Court among many of her waiting Ladyes entred a goodly Garden which abounded with great diuersitie of swéet flowers and after shee had walked a prettie while in an Arbour of Muske-roses shee espied a Gille-flower which séemed so faire and beautifull in her eye as shee was prouoked to goe crop it from the stalke Hauing this dellicate flower in her hand wherein by misfortune a venemous worme was crept she tooke such delight in smelling it as her breath drewe vp the worme into one of her nose thrilles not béeing able to get it out againe So the venome and poysome of this little worme engendred a putrifaction and other like worms which gaue a smell so filthy and lothsome as hardly could any abide to stand by her Her Father not a little agréeued at this mischaunce sent for the most skilfull Phisitions to sée what remedie might bedeuised but all their paine and trauaile was in vaine for the disease continued still without any amendment In the end the King fearing it would change to a Canker incurable and hauing heard what straunge actions the Enchauntresse Malfada performed sent the Princesse Zephira to her where shée béeing arriued without anie daunger because she would not hurt anie inhabiting in the Isle declared to the Sorceresse the whole manner of her misfortune The Enchauntresse answered that shée could giue her no remedie and hardly should she finde any at all except it were by an ancient Knight who remained in the Court of the King of Romata and Grisca Realmes subiect to the Soldane of Persia and the knight was named Muzabelino The Princesse was so displeased at this answere séeing her intent frustrated as shée would receyue no sustenaunce wherefore walking in the Féeldes to represse her anger and so to the Sea-side where the Ships lay confused shée behelde the Dogge which was the Prince Trineus and so farre in liking was shée with him as she desâ—red the Enchauntresse to giue him her and hauing obtained her request returned to her Father who lay sicke in one of his Citties called Nabor whereof the whole Realme bare the name When the King saw his Daughter returned without cure his Melaâ—cholie conceit so strooke to his heart as with in thrée daies after he died Hauing made his Testament before his deceasse hee gaue his Daughter as her portion a Citie called Elain one of the greatest and surest strength in the Realme with all the signories belonging thereto To Maulerino his yongest Sonne he gaue an other like portion which was a dayes iourney distaunt from Elain After the Kings funerall rytes were solemnized the Princesse with her brother Mulerino went to their owne possessions doubting the furie of the Prince Tyreno their eldest Brother who alwayes had showen himselfe proude and contentious Shée béeing thus in quiet by her selfe tooke no other pleasure then in playing with her Dog because hée seemed verie subtile and politique so that shée prepared a Couch for him at her beds féete Tyreno béeing crowned King after his Fathers deceasse began greatly to despise that his Sister should enioy the fayrest Cittie in the Realme for which cause hée practised all the meanes he coulde to put her to death And that he might the better compasse his purpose hee secretly sent a Messenger to the maister of the Princesse horses that if hée woulde kill or poyson his Brother and Sister hée would giue him thirtie thousande Seraphes and make him gouernour of Elain The wicked noble man gréedie and couetous séeing the large promise of the Tyrant consented thereto so that one night the Princesse béeing asléepe he entred her Chamber with his Sword drawne there to haue murthered her and afterward the Prince her Brother Trineus who had lost nothing belonging to a man but bodily shape and voyce seeing the Traytour enter his Ladies Chamber with his weapon drawne started vp presently and setting his two foreféete on the villaines breast bit him so cruelly by the face and thraote as he being vnable to helpe himselfe was constrained to crie out aloude With this noyse the Princesse awaked and her Brother likewise who lay in the next Chamber comming in haste to sée the cause of this outcrie and knowing the Traytour beate him so fore with the Pommell of his Sword about the stomacke as in the end enforced him to confesse his treason Whereat Maulerino not a little maruailing and wrathfull at his villainous intent smote his heade from his shoulders In the morning he appoynted such guarde in the Cittie as no straunger might enter without great examination The Princesse knowing howe her Dog had saued her life loued him afterwarde so tenderly as shée would féede him at her owne Table and none but her selfe might giue him anie foode Héere will we likewise pause a while and declare the deliuerance of the Princesse Agriola Chap. XLIII Howe the great Turke became enamoured with the Princesse Laurana by means wherof he
by and sée not the Pillar send one of the Ladies to them to let them vnderstande that they may not passe before one of them haue 〈◊〉 with the Prince and his Knights If they be vnhorssed by him the Ladie must be deliuered to him yet with this condition that he refuse not to graunt her one demaunde By Mahomet sâ—yd Drumino husband to the Lady I will not meddle in this matter he may be such a one as if he hap to winne my Wife he will be loth to restore her backe againe Feare not that quoth the Magitian hee is so courteous and hath so faire a Fréend himselfe as he neyther may or will with-holde her By heauen said Tomano I will cope with him and to morrowe let the Pillâ—r and Pauillions bée erected there will I with my companions stay his comming Sée heere the cause why the King Aâ—imar commaunded the Princesse Zephira and her Knights to be so honourablie entertained By this time is the Princesse come within a daies iourney of Romata and Tomano with his Brother Sister Ladies and knightes betake themselues to â—he pauillions hearing that Zephira was come so neere and being themselues Armed their sister decked likewise in most sumptuous ornaments they vowed to breake many launces for her sake Chap. XLVIII How Palmerin Iousâ—ed against Tomano Drumino and their knights whome he all dismounted and what entertainment the king Abimar and the wise Nigromancer Muzabelino made them BY this time is the princesse with Palmerin and her companie come to the place where the pauillions were erected and not séeing the Piller they passed on wherefore Tomano sent a Damosell to declare the conditions of the passage Palmerin feigning himselfe somewhat wearie made this answer Damosell you may saye to the Prince and his knights that the Princesse Zephira is not in our guarde as the Lady he fights for abideth with him Nor comes she hither to he fought for rather doth she intreat him to spare vs the Ioust in that it will be small honor to him to conquer knights ouerlaboured in trauaile and whose horses are not able for that exercise The Damosell certifying the Prince of this aunswer he grew into anger swearing they should not passe before they tryed their fortune wherefore hee sent the Damosell againe who thus spake to Palmerin Sir knight your excuses may not serue you you must eyther Ioust or leaue the Princesse behind you Trust me Damosell answered Palmerin sorrie woulde I be to accompanie her so far and leaue her in the custody of one I know not did your Prince shewe more courtesie if woulde agrée much better with his order but because he shall not think that we refuse the Iouste through feare or cowardise say hee shall haue his desire both he and all his shall try their fortune ere wee passe further This answer returned to the Prince Drumino first shewed himselfe in the Fielde and by importunate intreatie certaine of the Princesses Knights would first try their valour but such was their ill fortune as Drumino vnhorsed them one after another Zephira somewhat offended heereat intreated Palmerin eyther to win them passage or else with his successe she was content to staye Prisoner I goe Madame quoth Palmerin and Fortune spéede mee as I regard the safetie of your honor Muzabelino hauing acquainted the King with this pastime they came in habits disguised to beholde it at what time the Prince Drumino encountred Palmerin But not to hold you with tedious discourse considering which way the victorie is intended the twe Princes and all their knights were manfullye foyled by Palmerin The Ioust béeing ended and the king returned again to the Cittie Muzabelino came to Palmerin and hauing saluted him with great reuerence thus spake Woorthie Lord who onelie deseruest the name of chiualrie let mee intreate you to excuse the kings Son who to make proofe of your valour by my meanes attempted this noble aduenture from which you haue escaped with great honour and to their shame that made the challenge What are you Syr said Palmeiin that know me so well and the cause why I came into this Countrey Your Fréend Muzabelino quoth he whome you haue taken such paines to finde and who knowing you to be a Christian will kéepe you from all dangers among these Mahumetistes Palmerin suddainlie allighting from his Horsse came and embraced him saying Noble Fréend suffer mée to kisse your hand as a witnesse of my reuerence to your honourable age Not so my Lord answered Muzabelino rather suffer me to doo my dutie to that incomparable person by whose meanes ere sixe Monethes be past the greatest nobilitie in the world shall receyue incredible honour While these courteous ceremonies endured the conquered Princesse with her Ladies came from the Pauillion and saluting Palmerin with great courtesie sayde Sée héere Sir Knight the Lady who trusting in your honourable benignitie commeth to submit her selfe at your disposition béeing woonne with more choyse chiualrie then euer any other Ladie was Notwithstanding I hope that you will not refuse to graunt me one demaund according to the conditions agréed in the Ioust Palmerin séeing her so discréet and modest so sumptuous in apparell and accompanied with so manie Ladies iudged that she was the Kings Daughter and Wife to the Prince Drumino wherefore entertaining her verie graciously hée thus replyed Unfitting it is faire Ladie that a Princesse of so high and speciall qualitie shoulde bée subiect to a poore and vnknowne Knight and though the agréement of the Ioust bee such yet do I humblie thanke you for this honour bequeathing you to your former libertie and restoring you to him that hath best right to you A thousand thankes worthie Lorde said the Princesse now I se'e the words of Muzabelino to my father are true that the Knight who conducted Madame Zephira as in chiâ—alrie hée surpasseth all other so in sranke ininde and ltberalitic hée hath not his seconde which was the chéefest cause why I aduentured my selfe in this hazarde of Fortune Madame quoth Palmerin if the wise Muzabelino hath vsed any speach of mée in mine absence and to my honor it procéeded not by my vertue but his good will in so â—â—â—ing which if I liue I will one day acknowledge Right welcome are you saide the Princesse and faire Zephira the rather for your sake and such be the houre of your arriuall héere as you may obtaine the ende of your desires Zephira humblie thanked the Princesse Tomano Drumino and all the rest embracing Palmerin thinking it no dishonour to bâ— conquered by him they mouâ—ted all on horsebacke and comming to the Cittie founde the King there readie with an honorable traine to receiue them who saluting the princesse Zephira verie kindly said No maruell Madame if you durst vndertake so long a iourney hauing yâ— only knight of Fortune in your companie as my Sonnes haue good occasion to witnesse and shée that ommits her selfe to his charge may bée well assured of 〈◊〉
Princesse with her Ladie shée being come thither to bathe her selfe and layd in her bed but in such surpassing brauerye as Iupiter with his lightning Neptune with his thrée forked Mace and Pluto with his Cerberus would stand and wonder thereat So â—inâ—lie had she tressed the golden wyres of her hayre and her heade attyre embellished with such goodlie Orientall Pearles as made her séeme a beautifull Angell béeing couered with a gorgious Canapie resemblingng the Sunne vnder a faire cloud Betwéene her daintie Breastes hung a precious Carbunckle which supplied the office of Venus her firebrand when she sawe Tryneus stand so agast she said Why my Lord are you more afraide of a naked Ladie then of the most puissaunt Knight in Persia armed cap ape I can iudge no lesse séeing you dare approch no néerer In sooth my Lord quoth the Pages Sister you may thinke your selfe happy to be desired of such a ladie whome mightie kings and princes haue earnestly sought and woulde gladly haue had the least fauour shée bestowes on you So taking him by the hand shee caused him to sit down in a Chayre by the beds side and giuing her Mistresse her Harpe she departed leauig them together Ah page quoth Trinens howe hast thou deceiued mee What saide the princesse you forgette where you are you must at this time somewhat pittie my sorrowes and heare a dittie which I haue made for your sake Then taking her Harpe shee thus beganne to sing as followeth The Dittie sung by Aurecinda to the Prince Trineus THe God of warre fierce stearne and rigorous when he beheld faire Venus heauenly beautie Made small account of her disloyalay But suddainlie became full amorous Beautie had thâ—n hâ—r power vigorous Chaunging rough lookes to sweetest secrecie But he I loue incenst with crueltie Doth not regard my torments langourous VVhy should I then pursue that stubborne minde That with excuses kils my hope out-right Yet if he helpe not death must me acquite Ah mightie loue in nature most vnkinde Thou doost constraine me to affect the man That neither fauour loue nor kindnes can VVhat haue I sayd the Knight of my desire Is meere diuine and furthest from compare VVhose Eagles eyes can well discerne my care Vnd with sweete pitties droppes â—lay this fire The little Cod hath made him gracious His Mother mild to rue the Ladies smart That shrines his liuely Image in her hart Then to despaire beseemes no vertuous Regard sweet freend the passions of thy Freend VVhom God and nature hath appointed thine Giue loue his due and then thou must be mine So shall long sorrow haue a happie ende The Persian mayd say boldly thou hast wonne That Monarches Kings and Princes neere could donne With excellent cunning did shée handle her instrument but with farre better grace and affection deliuered her dittie gracing it with such sadde countenaunce mournfull lookes and renting sighes as forced the Prince Tryneus to become excéeding amorous And burning in this newe fierie impression beheld the singuler beautie of Auredinda which rauished his sences in such sort as trembling like the Aspen leafe hee satte downe by her on the beddes side The Princesse laying her Harpe from her embraced him very louinglie with these spéeches Alas my Lord will you still continue in this rigour and cruell inhumanitie your heart is more harde then Adamant that will not bee mollified with so manie intreaties I sweare to you by the Sunne that lightneth the worlde vnlesse you graunt me one request before your face will I presentlye sâ—eye my selfe Full well doo I perceiue quoth Tryneus that hardlie can I escape mis-fortune the Seruaunt hath deceiued mee and now the Mistresse séekes my death Ah Madam quoth he how can I graunt your request considering mine offence to God and he that loueth me loyallie Eyther bée as good as thy worde quoth she else stand to the danger that may befall thée Why Syr Knight is my beautie of so slender account as I am not woorthie to bee helde betwéene thine armes wilt thou 〈◊〉 me to consume in this violent flame which thou maist with such ease and honor extinguish hadst thou rather sée a Ladie split her heart before thée then thou wilt vouchsafe to preserue her life Come come swéet Fréende sée how loue and his Mother hath made waye for thée refuse not opportunitie so fauourablie offered What blemish is on this bodie that shoulde deserue disdaine If the King of Gods would thinke himselfe honored with this conquest much more estimation shouldest thou make héereof In bréefe she was so perfect in her subtiltie and knâ—we so well how to inueigle the Prince with queint spéeches and swéete embracings that she made him forget God his Ladie loyaltie and himselfe so that of a Maiden he made her the fayrest woman in Persia. When the time came that hee should depart the Princesse saide to him Yet haue I a further request my Lord you must promise to mâ—ete mee in this place at timesâ— conuenient and endeuour with your companion that he may likewise loue my Sister Trineus made promise hee would but rather hee desired to stab himselfe with his weapon then that Palmerin shoulde knowe this great abuse so heinous did his offence séeme to himselfe Aurecinda perswaded her Sister still to pursue Palmerin with her loue and what had passed betwéene her and the Prince Trineus she declared whereupon her desire grewe the greater yet all was in vaine for Palmerin would giue no eare to her complaints which was the cause of this mishap following Lyzanda aduertised by her Sister that Tryneus still thus vsed her companie in the Bath euious of her Sisters benefit and despightfull at Palmerins obstinate refusall she went to the Soldane and with manie teares thus deliuered her gréefe Ah my Lorde how much better had it béene that wee had neuer knowne these cruell Christian Knightes whose ingratitude will bee the cause of my death for the yonger of them is meruailouslie beloued of my Sister who forgetting her faith honor and her obedience to your Maiestie hath dishonored both her selfe and you onelie to make proofe of the other knights Crueltie to me The Soldane admiring his Sisters report answered I did not will my Sister to abuse her selfe without promise of marriage but séeing it hath so fallen out by my Fathers soule they shall both repent it Durst the Traytour abuse me so much in mine owne Courte Why my Lord quoth Lyzanda you are the onelie cause thereof and therefore you must bee angrie with no bodie but your selfe Let me not liue an houre sayde the Soldane if I be not sufficiently reuenged on him Sister be you but secrete and referre the rest to my direction Then calling for the Captaine of his Guard willing him to take fiftie Knights and when his Maiestie was at Supper they shoulde goe take his Sister and the Knight with her in the Bathe and afterwarde carrie them to strong pryson But sée it doone secretlye quoth he for if
their Captaine brauely encouraging them At length they buâ—keled togither and a daungerous fight began betwéene them so that seuen of the King Maulerinos Knights were slaine the King of Sparta sore wounded by Ptolome and Dyardo in great perill of his life When Palmerin saw the King of Sparta fall and that the Moores had daungerouslie hurt diuerse of his Fréends fearing the King was slaine hée came to Ptolome and after manie sharpe strokes on either side at last got him downe when pulling his Helmet furiouslie from him thinking to haue smitten off his head Ptolome cried Kill me not sir Knight for I yéelde my selfe to thée Palmerin knowing his fréend sayd to his companions and the rest Giue ouer my fréends and fight no longer for false fortune hath too much deluded vs. Ah worthiâ— Ptolome why haue I dealt so hardly with thée is it possible that any man may bee likened to mée in mishap no sooner am I out of one but presently I fall into another by heauen déere Fréende if I had slame thée right soone woulde I haue béene reuenged on my selfe Sée then swéet Ptolome how Palmerin gréeues for his offence more then if he had lost the best limme on his bodie When Ptolome behelde his Friend Palmerin and by him the noble Prince Tryneus embracing them he said O Sauiour of the world howe highly hast thou this day fauoured mée permitting mée to finde my déerest Fréendes then they brought him to the Princesse Agriola in her Cabin who was not a little glad to beholde the man that endured with her some part of miserie and Colmelio was ioyfull to behold Sir Ptolome in that their hap was to bée parted when they were ledde to be solde as â—laues but Agriola woulde néedes heare all his fortunes since the first time of their separation which hée and Colmelio trulie recounted Beléeue me Ptolome said Palmerin I sée wée all haue had our shares in aduersitie and hardlie can we iudge whose wrong hath béene greatest but howe came you thus to bée Captaine among the Turks My Lord quoth he the Princesse Alchidiana bought me and charged mée to séeke you both by Sea and Lande and for my defence gaue mee fortie Knights of whom there nowe remaines but ten aliue That Ladie am I highlie beholâ—ing to sayde Palmerin and for the wrong I haue done her by the death of her Knights I will excuse my selfe by an honourable Ambassade when I shall send the Prince Olorico to her againe And that thou Ptolome maist knowe some of my good happe vnderstande that I haue founde my Father and Mother who are Florendos the King of Macedon and Grâ—ana the Daughter and â—eyre to the Emperour of Greece I did euer perswade my selfe quoth Polome that your discent was of royall linage but I intreate you for my sake that these Knights which your men haue taken may be gentlie vsed and enioy their libertie Palmerin calling them to him said For Ptolome his sake that was your Captaine and her loue that commaunded you to trauaile with him I wish to you as to my selfe yet shall you all go with mée to Constantinople that you may helpe to conduct the Prince Olorico backe againe whom I meane to send with you to your Mistresse We abide my Lord quoth they at your direction and willingly obey your will in that wée haue knowne howe déerelie the Soldane loued you and better fortune coulde not befall vs then so luckilie to méete with you and the Prince Olorico as for our Companions that are sâ—aine there is no remedie for such mishaps are common where Fortune â—rowneth So sailed they on fréendlie togither and on the Sea we will leaue them to tell you of the return of the Ambassadour Maucetto to the Soldane of Babylon who hearing that the Persian had refused to assist him was somewhat offended thereat but when he saw that Palmerin had written he pacified himselfe saying Ah gentle Palmerin hadst thou béene in the battell at Constantinople I had not néeded to demaunde helpe of him whom I iudged my Fréend but séeing Fortune hath showne her selfe so contrarie I will not attempt anie thing from which thou disswadest me Maucetto declared that Palmerin had likewise sent a Letter to the Princesse Alchidiana which hee commaunâ—â—â— him presentlie to carrie her no sooner had she read the Letter and thereby vnderstoode his knightly déedes of 〈◊〉 but embracing the Ambassadour thus spake Maucetto neuer couldest thou haue brought mee better newes thou of the man whose name flourisheth in all 〈…〉 Letter written by the hand of the most perfect Knight liuing full charâ—e and choisly will I kéepe thée Ah Ptolome whom my noble Fréend loues so déerely thée haue I sent in daungerous hazarde of thy life but may I once sée thée againe thou shalt perceiue my loue for Palmerins sake Happie art thou Princesse Zephira hauing with thée the myrror of mankinde My Lord quoth shée as though Palmerin had béene present willt thou wrong thy selfe so much as to tarrie with her Dare the Soldans Sisters vaunt that they loue thée They be faire as I vnderstand but not so faire that thou shouldest refuse me for theÌ„ What haue I said doubtlesse matter to mine owne reproach for if thou wouldest the kingly offers of my Father and my importunate intreattes could no way mooue thée hardlie may the Persians preuaile with thée especiallie in such a weightie cause as loue is Maucetto what sayest thou is Lord Palmerin like to stay long in Persia with the Soldans Sisters No Madame quoth he I heard him 〈◊〉 verie often that he woulde depart thence before a Moneth was expired In these and such like spéeches they continued wherin wee purpose to leaue them for by this time is Palmerin and his Fréendes arriued in the Hauen of Constantinople and Colmelio is sent before to the Pallace to aduertise the Emperour of these ioyfull tydings As Colmelio entered the great Hall the 〈◊〉 man he mette was his Father Gerrard who was newly made Lord Chamberlaine to the King Florendos wherefore falling on his knée before him he said Father â—ittle did I thinke to finde you exalted to such honouâ— happie was the day when you 〈◊〉 Prince Palmerin and much more 〈…〉 you shall heare matter of maruaile 〈…〉 the Emperour with the King Florendos 〈…〉 Hall anâ— all the Ladies going to heare 〈…〉 Gerrard thus spake to his highnesse My Lord sée héere my Sonne Colmelio who long time hath trauailed in seare of Prince Palmerin hee hath some 〈…〉 to deliuer to your Maiestie Right welcome is 〈…〉 the Emperour say what thou 〈◊〉 my fréend 〈…〉 libertie Mightie Emperour sayd Colmelio your Son Prince Palmerin 〈◊〉 arriued in the Hauen and with 〈…〉 Prince Tryneus Sonne to the Emperour of 〈◊〉 the good Knight Sir Ptolome the fiue Princes which went with him from Macedon the two Princesses of England and Durace with diuerse other vnknowne to me and saluting your Maiestie with his humble dutie intreateth that
of so straunge and variable fortunes said I thought my Daughter had learned more modestie then leauing her Fathers Court to followe a Knight vnknowne to her in straunge Countries but séeing the ende hath fallen out so well hencefoorth I shall remaine in better contentment séeing a Prince of so great renowne hath now espoused her While this conference endured the Duke earnestly beheld the Princesse Sabinda Daughter to the Prince of Sansuega and Néece to the Quéene and of such excellent grace and beautie he estéemed her as forgetting the death of his Father who deceased since his departure from Allemaigne hée became so amourous of her that he demaunded of the Quéene if shée were her Daughter Shée is not my Daughter quoth the Quéene but the Daughter of my Brother the Princes of Sansuega Right glad was the Duke thereof and resolued to request her of the King in marriage who knowing the honourable place he held among the Prince of Greece and what account Palmerin made of him consented thereto so that within fewe dayes after they were espoused togither Herevpon to accompany the Princesse and to confirm the peace the King sent the Duke of Gaule and another great Lorde with them into Allemaigne the Quéen likewise sent twelue English Ladies to attend on her Daughter Thus returned the Duke of Mecaena to Vienna where 〈◊〉 was worthily welcommed by the Emperour Palmerin and Tryneus especially the yong Duchesse and the Ambassadours of England by whom the peace was faithfully ratified and confirmed Chap. LXII How Palmerin and Polinarda departed from Vienna toward Constantinople where after the decease of the aged Emperour Remicius Palmerin was crowned Emperour of Greece and what ioy was made at the byrth of Polinarda her first sonne AFâ—â—er the Ambassadours of England were returned home Palmerin pereciuing the Empire of Allemaigne was in quiet tooke his leaue of the Emperor minding to conduct his Polinarda to Constantinople not without manie sorrowfull lamentations of the mother to forgo her daughter and faire Agriola her new acquainted sister yet the Emperour pacified them well inough by shewing what benefit this contract would be to Christendome and so procéeded to his daughter in this maner Thou goest Polinarda to the séate of a great Empire but more pleaseth mée the péerelesse name of Palmerin d'Oliua thy husbands then the regiment of such a mightie Monarche Farewell faire Daughter continue in faithfull loue and obedience remembring the reuerende honour a Wife oweth to her Husband Polinarda hearing with what earnest affection her Father spake was so ouercome with modest duetie of a Childe to her Father as shée was not able to aunswere one word which Palmerin beholding kissed the Emperours hande embraced Tryneus and tooke a courteous farewell of all the Ladies commaunding the Pages presently to bring away the Princesse 〈◊〉 saying to her Madame the longer you staie héere the greater will be your conceit of sorrow by absence the griefe will be forgotten let vs then merely iourney to the Cittie of Constantinople where they that neuer sawe you wil reioyce more at your comming then all the Allemaignes can sorrow for your departure With like comfortable spéeches Palmerin frequented his Ladie by the way till at length they entred the Realme of Hungaria where Frysoll with his chéefest Lords attended their comming to whom Palmerin in iesting said Brother I haue aduentured to bring your Sister Polinarda into your Kingdome take héede if you laie claime to her now as sometime yée did for I am readie to defende her against whosoeuer dare I perceiue my Lorde quoth Frysoll that you will haue my follie generally knowne I pray 〈◊〉 let no such youthfull pranckes be nowe remembred for as you are the chéefest in chiualrie so haue the destenie giuen you a Ladie whome no one in the whole world may paragon Well may it be said that God and Nature fore-pointed this match nothing inferiour to louelie Paris and faire Helena or puissaunt Hector and wise Andromacha Frysoll accompanied them so farre as Alba where courteously parting from each other Frysoll returned to his Kingdome and Palmerin soone after came to Constantinople where no litle ioy was made for his safe arriual especially for the Princesse Polinarda who was a right welcome Ladie into Greece the olde Emperour prouiding such deuises and tryumphes as the Chronicles to this daye recorde the memorie thereof About tenne or twelue Monethes after Polynarda was deliuered of a goodly Sonne who was named Primaleon whereat the good olde Emperour so inwardly reioyced as his spirit onely comforted in the good fortune of his Sonnes and fearing afterwarde to sée anie sinister chaunce fall to them departed this fraile and transitorie life whose death was signified thrée dayes before by the enchaunted Bird. His Funerall was performed as beséemed so great an estate and faine woulde Palmerin haue had his Father the King Florendos crowned Emperour earnestly labouring the Princes in the cause But he desiring them to holde him excused returned them this answere Great offence were it to God my Friendes that the honour due to him who gaue me libertie defended my renowne and saued my life shoulde bee taken from him and giuen mée for if vertue authoritie and good fortune are the properties whereby to make choyse of an Emperour Palmerin is verie many degrées before me As for his generositie it is so well knowne to you that it were but lost labour to make report thereof For his authoritie the â—arbarous nations among whome hée hath liued and conqueringly controlled deliuer sufficient testimonie And for his high good fortune in all his enterprises where is the man that may bee equalled with him or what hath hée at anie time attempted but he hath finished the same with wonderfull honour I could name Kings and Princes that raign onely by his meanes To speake of the victories he hath obtained either in battell or single Combate your eyes haue beheld and the whole worlde apparantly witnesseth This dare I boldly say and some of you doo know it better then I that his onely name will be more feared in Greece then all your fore-passed Emperours haue bene by their greatest puissance So well did the people like what the King Florendos had sayd as immediately was the Prince Palmerin proclaimed Emperour of Constantinople and the same day he was crowned according to the accustomed rites and ceremonies Not long afterward did the King Florendos stay with his Sonne but returned with his Quéene to Macedon where hée goueâ—ned in loue and iustice among his Subiects daily sending Messengers to Constantinople as well to vnderstand the health of the Emperour and Empresse as also of yong Prymaleon who daily increased in strength and beautie Chap. LXIII How the Prince Olorico and Alchidiana thinking to trauaile to Constantinople to see the Emperour Palmerin and the Empresse Polinarda strayed on the Sea And what sorrowful mone she made and how she was found by Palmerin IN one of the Chapters before you
to the King Tarisius of Hungaria whome Paâ—merin and Frysoll slew at Constantinople hée was their Brother and Sonne to the Duchesse of Ormeda Shée vnderstanding the death of her two Sonnes could not conceale it from the Duke her Husband who presently died with very conceit of gréefe whereuppon shée to reuenge this mishappe caused by her report as also the death of her twâ— Sonnes made promise to Nardides then béeing eightéene yeeres olde that so soone as hée was knighted hee should go to Constantinople and there if it were possible to murder the Emperour and Frysoll All this he â—owed to performe and two or thrée dayes after hauing married the Kings Daughter of Polonia hee embarqued himselfe with â—orty Knights determining by a Combat for treason to compasse his intent These wreakfull aymers at reuenge landed all in one instant at Constantinople when the old Magitian calling to Nardydes sayde hee would gladly sprake with him in secret as concerning matters greatly for his auaâ—le Hereupon they went all closely together into one of the Cabins and the olde man entred into theâ—e spéeches Sir Nardides néedelâ—sie is it for you to hide your affaires from mee for I knowe that you depart from Poloma with fortie Knights disguised like Merchants onely with this determination to destroy the Emperour in reuenge of certaine iniuryes done to your Brethren But if you will giue credit to mée and go to worke in such sort as I shall aduise yée yée shall happily obtayne the end of your desire By God sayd Nardides you 〈◊〉 mée wonders there is not one in the shippe that knowes mine intent yet you haue sayde the truth whereat I cannot maruaâ—le sufficiently Seeing then you know so much it were but follâ—e to dissemble say then your minde and I will heare yée This night sayd the old man the Emperour wil suppe in the great Hall with the Prince Olorico and the Princesse Alchidiana the King of Sparta and his Queene with many other great Princes and Lordes so that such store of people are in the Pallace as little regarde will bee had of strangers or housholde sâ—ruants You then with my Sonne Mâ—nadeno beeing Armed as beseeâ—es a cause so 〈◊〉 shall sodainely enter and â—ill the Emperour my Sonne Lycado and I will stay your returne heere and I that can commaunde the winde and weather will carrie ye hence without danger of following And true it is that there is a Bird pearched in the Hall which the wise Muzabelino hath so enchaunted as neither good or ill tydings can come to the Emperour but she bewrayes the same by her song or fearefull crie yet doubt not you thereof strike boldly there will be none Armed so that you departe againe at your owne pleasure My Friend said Nardides happie be the houre I â—ette with thée assure thy selfe that if I can kill the Emperour and thou afterwarde deliuer me safely such recompence will I bestow on thée as both thou and thine shall for euer remember me Other recompence I demaund not sayde the olde man then the death of the Emperour prepare thy selfe therefore so follow thine intent The night béeing come these Traytors Armed themselues and casting their mantles about them entred the Pallace were among the Pages and seruants without suspition they came into the Hall leauing Lycado and his Father at the Port where hée threwe abroade such enchauntments that all such as came foorth of their houses presently fell downe a sleepe in the stréetes No sooner were the Traytours entred the Hall but the Bird gaue a horrible and fearefull crie beating her beake against her breast with such furie as though shee would haue rent foorth her heart My God sayd the Emperour in mercie behold mée for the cry of this Birde dooth foretell great misfortune Looke about my friendes quoth he to his Guard and sée if any Stranger or vnknowne body is entred our presence Nardides by these spéeches knew hée was the Emperour wherefore drawing his Sword hée thought to haue cleaued his head yet hée fayled of his intent for the Emperour séeing the blow comming with a great Golden Cuppe awarded it indifferently notwithstanding the Sword in slipping from the Cuppe gaue him a â—ore wound vpon the head Olorico sitting on the other side the Table ranne at the Traitour but the Emperour had receiued two strokes more ere he could come at him so that his maiestie fell from his Chaire as he had béene dead As the Prince Olorico held the Traytor Nardides by the armes Menadeno strâ—oke at him so rigorously as if Ptolome had not borne off the blowes with a great siluer plate Olorico there had lost his life Duke Eustace séeing this shamefull outrage wrong the Sword out of Nardides hande and gaue him such a sounde stroke therewith on the head as made him tomble his héeles vpwarde and by the helpe of Bellechino who founde the meanes to gette off his Helmet hée smote his head from his shoulders Bellechino who had béene newly baptised loued the Emperour as hée had béene his Father and comming to Menadeno whome Duke Ptolome strongly helde in his armes gaue him so many stabs on his throate that he likewise fell downe at his féete The Empresse séeing her Lord so wounded rent her garments tore her comely locks of hayre and smote her faire face with maruailous violence Ah my Lord quoth shée thou art not wounded alone for if thou die as God forbid right soone will my ghost follow thée Cease Madam your complaints saide the Emperour and comfort your selfe so wel as you may for this is the houre wherin I must leaue you I haue lost such aboundance of my bloud as longer may I not liue with you O my God forgiue my sins and receiue my soule In vttering these words he swouned againe and the Empresse with him for companie to the no little amazement of all the Lords and Ladies who were well néeâ—e at their wits ende to be holde this vnexpected alteration Alchidiana likewise was in wonderfull perplexitie fearing also that her Lord was wounded to the death but to comfort this sorrowfull and desolate Court good fortune sent this helpe ensuing CHAP. LXVI How the wise Muzabelino knowing by his arte the cruell treason doone to the Emperour came to succour him and of that which followed MVzabelino the Nigramanâ—er of whom we haue alreadie spoken by chaunce this day was turning ouer his Booke and â—ound the dangerous stratâ—gâ—me deuised by these Traitours and calling his familiars together demaunded the danger that would ensue by this treason whereto one of them replied that if hée went not spéedily to Constantinople the Emperour the Prince Olorico and their Ladies would hardly escape that day with life Then armed he himselfe in the selfe same maner as he was when he succoured the Prince Tryneus and calling two spirits of the ayre resembling Giants their faces so vglie and fearefull as no humane creature durst beholde them them hee commanded to carrie him to