The famous History of PALMENDOS SON to the most Renowned Palmerin D' Oliva EMPEROUR of CONSTANTINOPLE And the Heroick Queen of THARSUS Wherein is likewise A most pleasant Discourse of Prince Rifarano the Son of Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda Sister to the Soldane of Persia With their Knightly Deeds and Acts of Chivalry Their Famous Adventures and most Worthy Resolutions Newly Corrected and Amended and most Profitable and Delightfull for all sorts of People LONDON Printed by E. Alsop and are to be sold at her house in Grubstreet near the Upper Pump 1653. The Epistle to the Reader THere is no doubt but among those who shal peruse this History some there are that wil esteem it worthy a more advantagious title then that of Letters as wel in regard of those things therein frequently handled as in respect of the exactnesse of the Dialect whereof it is composed which sufficiently commends it self and the ability of the Author whose works whereof this is but a part can hardly be paralell'd by any for the gracefulnesse of discourse or the sublimity of conceits Here are no long and tedious Apologies but at the first dash you wil find matter of substance and delight the Reasons go altogether along without assistance and their ornament allowed them with freedome of conceptions the fecundity of language and yet that is not passed promiscuously But as concerning the several subjects whereon this History is grounded they are sufficient to draw and allure the inclination of the mind and the scope of the matter equally incident and naturally delightful to all sorts of people of both sexes and it were an errour to imagine there are some things so particular to the one that the other cannot touch upon the same without some injury thereunto briefly whatsoever may fal into discourse and under reason are the objects the Author aims at All the wisdome of the Pagans is contained in those Epistles and Orations of Seneca and we are beholding to the Author of this History for the very Quintaessence of Romancy wherein we shal yet stand amazed at the perfection of those things here treated on and to say that any hath joyned Art to abundance and mingled mildnesse with Majesty or hath raised his stile without either losing himself or straying from his subject that is it which in truth we find no where better performed then in this History And if any little defects be found herein which hath hapned in the Presse I hold they ought to be born with they being but literals in regard the matter it self is ful of variety It is altogether impertinent to insist further in the praise and commendations of this work but I shall leave it to all those that are delighted and desire to edifie themselves by History first to read and then to judge and in so doing I doubt not but when they have weighed the matter and the phrase in the ballance of their own reason they will acknowledge that it is both pleasing and profitable and if in this kind it find the like vitility in these times as it hath done heretofore then hath he his desire who is Thine c. A M. THE HISTORY OF PALMENDOS Son to the famous Palmerin d'Oliva Emperour of Constantinople and the Queen of Tharsus Discoursing likewise of the Prince Rifarano son to Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda sister to the Soldan of Persia their Knightly deeds of Chivalry famous Adventures and worthy RESOLUTIONS CHAP. I. How Belcar and Tyrendos being in the Court of the Emperor Palmerin received their Order of Knighthood and how Belcar departed secretly from Constantinople And of the Combat he fought in the Realm of Macedon against the three Sons of a Knight that lodged him NOt long after the destruction of the magnificent Monarchie of the Romans was erected a new Empire in Greece which the incomprehensible bounty divine favoured with continual happiness placing the good Prince Palmerin d' Oliva in the Crown and lawfull Government thereof as well in respect of his great prowesse high and Knightly paradoxes which with vigilant care he used for the defence of such an estate the onely renown whereof brake the designs of many that by hostility sought to disquiet him as also in regard of the notable linage and posterity discending from him of whose vertues and heroical perfections this present History of Palmendos his son is contrived and therefore to be placed at the end of his fathers travels In which discourse already extant gentle Readers you have understood how the Emperor Palmerin so loved and honoured Knights errand that from the furthest parts of the world they came to his Court because yearly he continued a sumptuous spectacle in form of a Tourney for the exercise of Knightly and military discipline And with such religious zeal was this worthy practise followed that the Court might well be called the School of Arms and Nurse of civility For this cause many Kings Princes and great Lords sent their sons to be there educated among whom the good Knight Frysol King of Hungaria sent one of his named Belcar and the Duke Eustace of Mecaena another called Tirendos that they might deserve their Knighthood at the hand of the Emperour the true mirror and Idea of manhood and so consequently they to participate some part of his bounty and prowesse The time then being come that Belcar son to King Frysol should receive his order of Knighthood he humbly intreated the Emperour that he might enjoy it at his hand and Tirendos son to Duke Eustace of Mecaena desirous of the self same honour made the like request unto his Majesty Whereto the good Emperour who loved them both with singular affection knowing how well Chivalry would be imployed by them right willingly condescended Hereupon after they had performed the accustomed vigil he knighted these two Princes with great royalty desiring God to bestow such favour on them as at no time they might degenerate from their famous predecessors And to Belcar embracing him in his arms he said My good Nephew heaven accomplish in you such perfections of manhood as each one may know you to be the son of the worthy Knight Sir Frysol a Prince so hardy and valiant as any that ever followed Arms. The ceremonies being ended they all returned to the Pallace where the new Knights being unarmed rich Robes and Mantles were brought them for the greater honour of the feast which in the Court at this time excéeded But Belcar took little pleasure in beholding the divers occurrences at this Assembly because his mind mas more busied with expectation of future glorie which made him thus to commune with himself Belcar thou hast now no longer time to rest séeing thou hast received the honourable order of Knighthood and that at the hands of the Emperour thine Vncle whom the divine providence hath indued with so many laudable vertues nor doth any thing want in the King thy father that is required in
in and out the Court were greatly amazed hereat and moved to pity her case very much so that Palmendos came himself to behold her and seeing she would use no speeches to him went in again and sate down to dinner Afterward comming forth to walk abroad for his delight he found her sitting there still in the same place wherefore he called his Cousin Ozalio to him who was son to his Vncle and Tutor saying Can we not understand what this poor old woman would have Ozalio as desirous as the Prince came to the old woman demanding of whence she was and if she stood in need of any thing But she without answering one word gave him a very frowning countenance and afterward scornfully turned her back towards him wherewith Ozalio somewhat offended did give her such a spurn with his foot as she tumbled quite beside her seat whereat Palmendos and his Lords merrily laughed But their pastime was quickly altered into admiration for after the woman arose again she séemed of such huge deformed stature as each one was amazed that had beheld her before and turning her self angerly towards the Prince she used these spéeches Ah Palmendos little regardest thou to resemble the Emperour of Constantinople thy father whose gentlenesse and swéetnesse stretcheth as well to the meanest persons as them that are Lords and of great account What gainest thou in rejoycing at the injury done me by thy Knight I pray that the great imperious Monarch Cupid quoth she with lifting up her eys and hands to heaven may so cruelly wound thy heart with the love of fair Francelina and cause thee to conceive such gracious thoughts of her as thou mayest leave this idle and delicious life thou leadest to win the honour that is gotten with pain and travel So did thy father heretofore for the fair Princess Polynarda whom he loved so religiously as with the dexterity and strength of his body he assayed to gain the reward which Fortune provideth for her chiefest favourites whereon imperially he is now mounted accompanied with the greatest felicity that can happen to any one under this Hemisphere Leave then these wanton and Courtly surfettings wherein thy mother laboureth to contain thée and now begin to manage Arms which may make thy name perpetual and yéeld the reward of immortal glory for it will redound to thy great shame being son to so rare and so invincible a Knight not this way to imitate his laborious déeds And when I shall sée thee throughly wrapped in the passions of love I wil think my self satisfied with revenge of the dishonour which thou hast suffered to be done to me in thy presence The old Woman so breaking off immediately vanished away to the great terrour of all the beholders especially of the young Prince Palmendos whose sences were for a while estranged and walking up and down musing on the old Womans words his heart was so enflamed with the love of her he knew not as he was enforced thus to cōmune with himself What may the Lady be with whom at the report of this woman I find my self so distraughted Doubtless if her words be no fables but that I am son to the Emperor of Constantinople it behooves me to enterprize such actions as I may be judged somewhat to resemble him While his spirit was thus busied with diversity of these thoughts and no one daring to interrupt him Ozalio went into the Quéens chamber and telling what had happened she was therewith greatly displeased Immediately she came down into the great Hall and finding her son thus perplexed took him by the hand causing him to sit down by her and then begun to him in this manner I know not my son what follies it should séem the old Hag hath troubled your mind withal but refrain from giving credit to them and I shall tell you the very truth of all Madam answered Palmendos I am certain you will not dally with me notwithstanding I cannot but marvel that you would all this while conceal the original of my birth for the Emperour Palmerin being such a worthy accomplished Knight as he is estéemed of every one little occasion have I of disdain to be his son and you much lesse to kéep it from me Wherefore I humbly intreat your Majesty to resolve me faithfully of this present doubt to the end if it be so I may shew my self forward in duty in causing the bud to flourish that came from such a noble and vertuous stalk And fear not that for his sake I will abandon you because it is impossible for me to leave the Law wherein I have hitherto lived for a strange opinion which I am ignorant in Ah my son quoth the Quéen the Gods so inspire and direct your designs that you may perfectly accomplish what you have promised for the onely fear to lose your company hath caused me to conceal the thing you are so desirous to know But séeing you have heard what I can no longer dissemble assure your self my son that the old woman hath told nothing but truth Hereupon she recounted the whole History how to have issue by such a péerlesse Prince imitating Thalestris Queen of the Amazons who for the like cause acquainted her self with the valiant king Alexander she by the counsel of a wise Magician amourously beguiled the Emperour Palmerin Lastly she intreated him not to forsake her while she lived because her life was onely prolonged by his presence Great matters have you told me answered the young Prince the Emperour then knows not that he hath any child by you No verily replied the Quéen nor would I he should know it for the whole world Nor can he I think understand it by any said the Prince yet in mine opinion I count it necessary that one day I should go see my father But trust me Madam it shall not be without speedy return because I am determined not to leave you or give over with my will the Countrey and Kingdome which the heavens have appointed me to rule and govern Thus reasoned the mother and her son on divers matters and henceforth the Prince shewed himself more chearfully disposed intending very shortly to be armed Knight and to be called the Knight of Cupid bearing for his Devise an Heart wounded with an Arrow For himself he provided an Armour as red as bloud and for Ozalio whom he loved as his brother a fair white Armour and were both Knighted by Ozalio his father who was one of the best Knights in all those parts Having thus received their order a very solemn feast was made in honour thereof during which time Palmendos gave away sundry sumptuous gifts Yet could he not be unmindfull of Francelina or forget one jot of the old Womans words because he had lodged them so near his heart as they were in manner a martyrdom to him For ease whereof he determined to see Greece as also to visite the Emperour his father and learn some tidings
them great store of riches by their youngest son who had not yet received his order of Knighthood This young Prince was named Abenunco a gentle youth and very well given who earnestly intreated his mother to obtain so much of the Soldan his father that after his sisters marriage he might stay a while at Constantinople which sute at her request the Soldan granted and therefore sent him by sea well accompanied with Knights Abenunco sailing along the coast of Thrace met with Ocurites King of Culaquin who was son in law to the great Turk and reputed the hardiest Knight among al the Turkish Nobility his Majesty having given his daughter in marriage to this Barbarian she being one of the most accomplished Ladies in all Heathenesse Ocurites knowing the inveterate malice betwéen the Emperour and his father in law the more to please him provided himself of good strength by sea and daily came upon the coasts of Greece sending vauntcurriers with strong Brigandines before him to discover what Christians stirred abroad and sundry times took many of them captives as now he intended to do by the Soldans son When Ocurites by the streamers and banderolls heard of the Babylonian Prince and knew withall that his father was a chief friend to the Emperour in great fury with his ships he set upon him Abenunco with his Knights defended themselves so well as they could During this conflict Palmendos approached very near them and of a Galley filled with Christian slaves he demanded the cause of this fierce incounter Sir answered one of the slaves he to whom this great train of shipping appertaineth is Ocurites King of Culaquin and son to the great Turk that with divers of his league and faction daily coasts on Greece to endamage the Emperour Palmerin enemy to his Father and those he hath now met withall belong to the Soldan of Babylon they sailing as we understand toward Constantinople When the Prince heard what the Christian had said he bravely incouraged his cousin Ozalio in assisting the well-willers to the noble Emperour so coming to the Kings ship he thus spake Nor shalt thou Ocurites offend so good a Prince as is the Emperour of Constantinople herewith he began to lay about him valiantly and Ozalio not one inch behind him made the enemy well understand his invincible courage Palmendos knowing the King by his rich Armour gave him such a puissant stroke with the hills of his Sword on the Helmet as made him stagger and at length fall down when offering to rise again Palmendos caught him so strongly by the helmet as he puld it violently from off his head keeping him still under his sword in such subjection as at length he was carried prisoner into the Princes Cabin and there committed him to the charge of four trusty Knights In mean while Ozalio fought with the Kings brother who understanding that Ocurites was taken prisoner did what he could to recover him again but Ozalio stept between him and his purpose still labouring him with so many hardy strokes as at length he smote his head from his shoulders The rest beholding their King taken and his brother slain beside the great massacre made among them that they were not able to withstand their fortune a number fell headlong into the sea rather then they would die under the enemies sword Palmendos seeing no further resistance but that the Turks were utterly discomfited he caused such prisoners as were taken to be made sure the ships likewise to be seized on as his own then coming to Ozalio whose forwardness he commended he willed him to see all things disposed as beseemed such a victory afterward he imbraced the Soldans son and divers courteous ceremonies passing between them the one for his happy deliverance the other reported what he had done was for the Emperours sake at length Palmendos used these speeches My Lord willingly would I bear you company to Constantinople but that a voyage of great importance doth urgently call me to another place yet seeing you are delivered from the Tyrant Ocurites and all your Knights in sufficient safety let me obtain this favour at your hands to take the King with you to Constantinople and all the Christian prisoners delivered from captivity Them shall you present on my behalf to the Emperour Palmerin requesting that this ancient Christian enemy may be safely kept untill I come to see his Majesty which shall be with all the expedition I can Worthy Sir answered Abenunco it grieves me that your journy lies not presently to Constantinople because I should think my self happy in having your company being the man to whom I am continually bound for my life and liberty and hereof I am assured that over and above your gracious welcome you shall win the honour of the famous triumph ordained by the Emperour at the marriage of my sister with the Prince of Hungaria And heartily sorry I am answered Palmendos that I cannot be present in so worthy an assembly whereof at this time you may well excuse me not doubting but I shall come with some sufficient amends for my stay These spéeches he uttered his thoughts being far otherwise for so soon as he heard of the Iousts at Constantinople he determined to go thither secretly without making himself known to any but as a strange Knight to adventure his fortune among other wherefore he departed from Abenunco who offered him many rich presents for his great kindnesse yet would not he accept of any Abenunco returned him many thanks chiefly for his promise that he would in short time visite the Emperour in person so after many courteous spéeches and sundry familiar farewels Palmendos commanded his Pilot to lanch into the high Seas for that he intended another kind of course CHAP. XII How Abenunco arrived at Constantinople whose coming greatly rejoiced the Emperour but much more his Sister Esquivela And how Lynedes Lord of the Isle of Lique and the County of Pelada his cousin came to Just against the Knights of the Court attending the Tourney for the marriage of Ditreus GReatly did Abenunco commend his fortune in finding so good succour at a time of such necessity and all the Knights in his company held opinion that Palmendos was the onely flower of Chivalry but above all other the Christian slaves accounting their deliverance for a miracle imagined the author thereof was some great friend to the Emperour In this joy they sailed till they came to Constantinople where his Majesty being advertised that the Soldans son was arrived commanded Primaleon Ditreus and many of his best Barons to go and conduct him to the Court. In the mean while Abenunco cloathing himself most sumptuously caused the King Ocurites and the Christian prisoners to be carried on shore that he might not fail in the charge given him by Palmendos So the Babylonian Prince riding to the Court with all the prisoners going orderly before him he gave charge to one of his chiefest
them and coming down from the window where he stâ—od into the field he desired them at his request to give over the fight My gracious Lord answered Recinde that may we not consent unto unless the Damosel that complained of Belcar will first remit the injury he hath done her My self will thereto perswade her said the King in mean while do you travel no further in this controversie seeing you have both shewed sufficient and haughty chivalry So went the King to the Damosel who was wonderfull glad to see Belcar in such dangerous estate as no Knight before had brought him in the like Damosel said he séek not the death of two so good Champions as these are but for my sake pardon Belcar if he have in ought offended and I shall cause him to make such amends as your self shall like well thereof beside such courtesie shall you find at my hands as happily shall yéeld occasion of thanks while you live Hereto will I never consent though I die quoth she and more would the present death of Belcar content me then if the whole Monarchy of the world were under my puissance considering the enorm and detestable treason wherewith he villanously wronged my father and brethren which makes me I cannot discharge my Knight of his promise The King with great instance intreated her again and so did all the Lords attending on him but all was in vain she was so resolutely grounded in her wickedness as she accounted it pleasure to be self-willed therein Whereupon the Queen heartily sorry to see Belcar so sore wounded understanding the obstinate refusal of the Damosel she accompanied with the Dutchess of Pontus and the Princess Alderina her daughter came altogether and desired her to discharge her Knight of his promise and the Queen would entertain her amongst the Ladies of Honour in her Court All these prayers and requests nothing availed to move any pity in this inexorable Damosel which the Queen perceiving and that she continued so obstinate in cruelty she made a solemn oath that if she did not presently pardon the two Knights hearing a murmuring among the the people how her accusations against Belcar were false and slanderous that her self should die a most shameful death The Damosel seeing the Queen so displeased was affraid of her cause and beside she grieved to behold the tears of fair Alderina wherefore she alighted from her palfray and falling at the Queens feet desired her not to regard her great errour of ingratitude which she had shewed to the King her husband in denying a matter consisting in her power but for her Majesties sake she was content to pardon both the Knights The Queen embraced her in sign of thanks sending word to Recinde that he should proceed no further in battel So the Damosel went with the Queen and her Ladies to the Pallace and both the champions accompanied the King who bringing them to their chambers commanded that his chief Physitians and Chirurgians should give very diligent attendance to see their wounds healed Daily would the Queen accompanied with the Dutchess of Pontus and the fair Princess Alderina her daughter come to visit them so that at length they reconciled the two Princes to amity and shortly after the Queen in regard of her promise caused the damosel to be very honourably married when Belcar made her openly confess that her accusations were most false and untrue in respect that he never saw any of her brethren before that night wherein he was intreated by her father to lodge at his Castle But leave we these and let us now return again to our noble Knight Palmendos whom we left preparing his voyage towards Turkie CHAP. XXVI How after Palmendos and Ozalio embarqued for Turky they landed at a Poâ—t near the Castle of Albaizo where the King of Thessaly was kept prisoner and how Palmendos intended to be at the Tourney which was prepared for the marriage of the Captains son and what was his success AFter that Palmendos and Ozalio had left the Queen of Thessaly and her daughter Francelina they posted with all speed to their ship the Mariners having in the time of their abode there happened on a Turk left there in the Haven by reason of extream sicknesse wherefore they of Tharsus knowing him to be a Moor took him into their ship and by the time of the Princes arrival he had very well recovered his health He understanding that Palmendos would sail into Turky desired to grant him passage thither and in recompence of that gentlenesse he would direct him whither he pleased because he knew all the Ports and créeks of the country and most of the Cities and Towns on the land Palmendos joyfull of this good hap accepted him for his patron and without concluding to what place they would first sail he willed them to make toward the nearest port to the City of Tubant demanding of the Turk if he knew any harbour of surety near that place My Lord quoth the Turk I will conduct you if you please into a streight of the sea which is very secret where oftentimes ride divers great vessels and no other place of lodging is near at hand but my fathers house onely which standeth a days journey from Tubant and the like from the Castle of Albayzo where the great Turk at this present kéeps the King of Thessaly and all his treasure under the charge of a good Knight who is the Captain of the Castel and this place he reputeth as the strongest hold in all the country Moreover this dare I avouch Sir that there is no part so little in all that country but I know it as well by night as by day even as perfectly as the port whereof I tell you there may you abide in assurance and do what best your self shal please uncontroled by any this will I make good for the great courtesie I have found Palmendos séeing how fortune favoured him committed his conducting to the Turk who was named Oricano when at length they came to the port near Tubant then Oricano went on shore with the Knights to take some order for their good entertainment but finding not his father at home intreated his mother and two brethren who were not a little glad of his safe return to use those Gentlemen so courteously as might be expressing what kindnesse he had found at their hands Palmendos rejoiced that they were in a place so sure and secret and near Albayzo Castle where the King of Thessaly was detained in captivity yet kept he on his rich black armour which the Fairies left for him at the Castle of Carderia his good sword likewise he had by his side wherewith he could inchant and bring asléep any one by drawing it forth It was large and short as a woodknife or fauchion most artificially damasked and garnished with three sorts of Diamonds the whole sheath being composed of one the mosse-bar and pummel of an other and the handle of
rode presently back to the Castle and finding the aged Knight in his chamber thus began Alas my Lord in an unhappy hour did you entertain the Knight that lodged here last night who as it séems came onely to kill your sons So delivered he the whole discourse of the fight which provoked the sad father to shed forth abundance of tears yet did he especially condemn his sons whose pride and arrogancy had thus caused their own death His servants understanding the cause of his laments went presently to the place where the brethren were discomfited and there they found two of them deprived of life the third likewise in very great danger unlesse spéedy provision were made to prevent it So causing him to be laid in a Litter and the other two on a Knightly Bâ—er they thus brought them to their fathers Castle where their Lady mother met them with wonderfull effuse of tears and lamentations as one would have judged her altogether void of sence and discretion then any way pertaker of humane wit or reason Like sorrow was made by one of her daughters who loved her brethren very dearly and after she had somewhat pacified her self she made a solemn vow to her mother never to take rest in her mind and thoughts untill she were throughly revenged on the murtherer Wherefore when her two dead brethren were buried she departed against her fathers will accompanied onely with two Squires to séek Belcar intending to be revenged on him by one means or other CHAP. II. How Belcar came unknown into Macedon where he bare away the prize of the Tourny which King Florendos had appointed to honour the marriage of the Princess Denisa and how he discovered himself to Alderina daughter to the Duke of Pontus and Durace BElcar riding in great haste toward Carderia finding the heat of the day very troublesome he alighted at a fair Fountain to refresh himself a while where long he had not stayed but in a path leading directly to the same place he beheld a company of Knights and Ladies coming attended on with a very sufficient train It was the Duke of Pontus and Durace who rode to Macedon to the marriage which the king Florendos had made betwéen his daughter Denisa and the King of Thrace Nephew to the wife of Caniano This Duke had his espoused Lady Laurana with him as also one of his fair daughters named Alderina who rode formost in the troop beguiling the time in talk with her Ladies yet intending to stay till the heat was past and in the mean while to solace her self at the Fountain There she arrived before Belcar had put on his Helmet so that she beholding his amiable countenance his rich armour and yet having no company but one Squire as a Lady wise and wall governed she saluted him very graciously whereat Belcar was somewhat amazed doubting she knew of whence and what he was But soon did he alter that opinion and rather thinking this kindnesse to proceed of debonair curtesie imagined her of high calling for which cause he made her humble reverence and séeing how many followed his Lady among whom he might peradventure be known he called for his horse minding to ride a contrary way Alderina hereat somewhat moved because she desired to know of whence he was thus spake Sir Knight abide here hardly at your ease and for our comming do not forsake a place so sweet and delectable you see the heat of the day is such as scantly will permit you to travell If you go to adventure your fortune in the Tourney at Macedon you may ride with the Duke my Father who will be very glad of your company and much more my self because my good hap was first to find you here Belcar humbly thanking her for this courtesie made an excuse that he could not go to Macedon because he had urgent affairs elsewhere and whither he must travell with all speed wherefore taking his leave again of her he rode which way liked him best onely to escape unknown of this company And meeting a Squire that came after the train with the carriage he demanded if he knew the Lord that rode by so wel accompanied to whom the squire answered that it was the Duke of Pontus who rode to Macedon to the feast of the King Florendos for the marriage of his daughter Denise and that the Duke had his fair daughter Alderina with him to see the Iousts and Turnament which was now prepared So soone as Belcar heard these words he presently conjectured that the Lady which came first to the Fountain was the Dukes daughter of whom report had made great commendation Hereupon he determined to go see this assembly in the most secret manner as he could devise for he had time enough to accomplish his voyage So forsook he the way to the Isle of Carderia framing his journy toward Macedon and comming near the City he overtook two Knights that rode to the Triumph they having reciprocally saluted each other the two Knights demanded of Belcar if he came to Ioust I come to see quoth he what men at Arms will enter the field at this time of brave exercise Then let us ride together if you please said they for we left our countries for the self same cause Thus rode they on friendly together and arriving at Macedon they found the field all covered with Tents which belonged to the noble personages that were come to the feast For this cause the two Knights gave in charge to their Squires to provide their Pavillion which was purposely brought with them intreating Belcar likewise to kéep them company whereto because he would not enter the City he gladly consented thinking he should hardly find a more convenient lodging On the morrow there arrived the Duke of Pontus before whom rode the King Florendos as one willing to welcome his new kindred but Alderina shewed such Majesty in countenance as every eye wondred at her rare perfections notwithstanding she was somewhat sad and pensive the cause procéeding from her desire to know the Knight she saw at the fountain whom yet she could not by any means forget When Belcar beheld her arm in arm with the King of Thrace and in what costly garments she was attired he imagined her more fair then when he saw her at the fountain so that he resolutely intended if he could not finish the adventure of Francelina to give himself to travell and to enterprise such attempts as might be thought worthy the love of this Lady All this while the Quéen Griana wife to the King Florendos very honourably entertained the Dutchess Laurana and the young princesse Denisa accompanying Alderina would not forsake her till the marriage night On the morrow following the King the Queen and the new married couple came into the field to behold the Tourney where they were no sooner mounted on the scaffolds which were sumptuously adorned as beseemed so great personages but both on the one side
answered Tirendos of such as thou art that traiterously murtherest Gentlemen who gave thée welcome beyond thy deserts which I will cause thée buy full dearly That would I fain sée said Belcar if it be in thée to make me confesse that which I never thought much lesse committed Thou liest as a homicide answered Tirendos I will make good what I have said therefore get you to your tools Herewith they gave the spurs to their Horses and met very valiantly together so that with breaking their Lances they gave each other a little wound Belcar losing his stirrops and Tirendos cast forth of his saddle to the ground but recovering himself presently he came against his enemy with his sword drawn saying Alight sir you were best or I shal slay your Horse That will I gladly do quoth Belcar but it shall be to embrace you for I have no will to enter combat with you Alas sir said Tirendos it is no time now to scoff albeit I am from my horse I am not vanquished Great pleasure took Belcar to reason with his singular good friend and alighting from his Horse thus replied I speak for your good sir if you can sée it but séeing reason will not rule you I am content to deal with you a little Tirendos somewhat offended at his fall began to strike at Belcar very reughly but he who was loth to wrong his friend threw his Sword and Shield to the ground and with open arms came to embrace him saying My perfect friend Tirendos I have heretofore had experience of thy valiant behaviour wherefore forgive thy brother Belcar for not acquainting thée with my departure from Constantinople yet was I assured that thou wouldest follow in search of me How now quoth Tirendos are you then my Lord and loving friend Belcar In sooth the errour committed was onely ignorance of you put off your Helmet that I may be resolved for your disguised Armour made me mistak you So casting down their Helmets they embraced each other very courteously when Tirendos thus spake to Belcar Hardly can I be perswaded my Lord that you would consent to such treason as this Damosel hath enformed me withal Declare I pray you quoth Belcar whence ariseth this slander for another Knight who I think I have slain or sore wounded pursued me with the like quarrel doubtlesse this Damosel is some bad woman to accuse me with any such disloyalty She told me said Tirendos that you being honorably entertained at her fathers Castle where one night you were very friendly lodged on the morrow her thrée brethren bare you company on the way and two of them without any cause you did murther leaving the third in very great danger Ah trayterous Damosel answered Belcar what an evident slander hath she raised on me and herewith he rehearsed the whole discourse according as thou have read it in the first chapter of this Book She séeing the two Knights agrée thus friendly with the tears in her eys gave forth these spéeches Miserable and unfortunate that I am what a subtil collusion do I hear This Knight is as false and disloyal to me in not revenging my shame as the murtherer that hath so highly wronged me But séeing I am thus circumvented and he a perjured wretch by breach of his promise unlesse I speedily die I will cause him to repent it and be sufficiently revenged on them both So gallopped she the same way she came and Belcar with Tirendos went into the Tent where they discoursed together on many matters Tirendos declaring how Cardino was the other Knight that fought in the damosels cause for which the Prince was greatly offended with himself and to wear away that conceit acquainted Tirendos with his fortune at the Castle and of the task he had taken in hand which he liked so well as he concluded likewise to bear him company Thus Lypes and they two remained there together oftentimes resorting to visit his mother and sisters who would not suffer them to want any thing And such was the fame of Belcars victories as the whole Realm of Macedon and the Emperours Court of Greece was cloyed with the dayly reports thereof But here will we leave these Champions a while and speak of the good Knight Palmendos son to the Emperour Palmerin and the Queen of Tharsus CHAP. V. How Palmendos understanding that he was Son to the Emperour Palmerin caused himself to be armed Knight And how he intreated licence of the Queen his Mother to go see Constantinople which at length very hardly he obtained and what happened thereon CArefully did the Queen of Tharsus nourish her young son Palmendos whom she had by the Emperour Palmerin when he followed the exercise of Arms and was entertained by the Admiral Alfarano in the Realm of Pasmeria as you may read in his worthy History This child as he grew in years so did he increase in all vertuous behaviour being unable to shadow his royal discent yet to hinder his desire from search after his father the Queen and all the Nobility so entirely affecting him no knowledge might be given him thereof lest by that mean he should become a Christian And that he might be instructed in those heroical qualities which beseem a Prince of so high calling the Queen committed him to the charge of the Brother to the deceased King her husband a Knight of great wisdom and valour by whom he was so worthily educated as he won the love of every one in general Rigour he would requite with mercy and clemency and charity he preferred in all his actions notwithstanding as he shewed courteous and benign countenance towards the good so did he sternly and severely oppose himself against the bad so that by his exquisit prudence and choise care in honourable causes in his youth he would learn to manage the affairs of the Realm wherein he shewed himself so quick of spirit and susceptible as he waxed to be such a politick Oeconomy that the Queen intended to put the Royall Government into his hands If he were thus enriched with all perfect vertues nothing wanted in him for brave constitution of body whereof he made no shew of pride or presumption but became so famous through all the neighbour Marches and limitrophes of Tharsus as the very best would come to offer him their service The Court was filled with resort of Nobles and others for beside the Royal Nature he brought from his Mothers womb according to the Idea and celestial influence of his constellation he was born and naturally inclined to Arms which made him evermore converse with the most skilful in that science But one day before he was armed Knight a very aged decrepit and over-spent woman came and sate down on a step in the Porch of the Palace attired in such poor garments as her naked flesh was seen in many places and there sate she trembling in such sort as though her soul were ready to forsake her body Such as passed
much indebted for our deliverance as for us it is necessary you should know of whence and what we are that if we should hereafter grow ingratefull for this kindnesse the meanest in the world might justly condemn us This young Prince quoth he is named Lecefin Son to the noble Soldan of Persia and I his unworthy Nephew issued from Trineus Emperour of Almaign brother by marriage to the incomparable Prince Palmerin d' Oliva hereto he added the whole discourse of their trouble which you have heard already In happy time came I hither answered Palmendos to succour so good and noble knights as you are chiefly for your near alliance to the Emperour Palmerin whom I continually desire to serve and shortly shall present my self unto him but first by the favour of Fortune I would have his ears so acquainted with some actions of account as might move his spirit with the more affection to sée me And séeing you go so soon to his Court let me intreat this favour at your hands as to conduct this company with you which I have delivered from prison and present his Majesty with them from me as also the wife and daughter of Baledon the Gyant for it is both just and reasonable to dispossesse this Island of such bad people as have with such horrible tyrannies so long time abused the same For I dare say the people that inhabit this Isle will more gladly submit themselves to the Emperours Regiment then be held in slavery by such Hell-hounds In mean while we will leave some good Knight of this soil as Governour thereof in his highnesse name untill he have disposed thereof as shall séem best in his wisedom Willingly would I make proof before your departure of a strange adventure couched in the Temple that if I die in the attempt you may revenge my death and happily live to finish the same Rifarano and Lecefin made answer that they would fulfill any thing he pleased to command them for which Palmendos requited them with many thanks CHAP. VIII How Palmendos placed in the government of the Isle of Delphos an ancient wise Knight named Guillador by whom he understood the danger and the difficulty of the adventure in the Temple whether notwithstanding he afterward travelled and how he fortunately ended the same AFter all the Knights and Gentlemen had armed themselves Palmendos caused the Giantesse and her daughter to be fastned with a strong chain to a pillar lest they should offer some violence on themselves the chain in the port he comanded to be taken away with all other dangers that might hurt travellers then summoning the people of the Island he thus began to confer with them My Brethren and friends I cannot think but you all rejoice to sée your selves delivered from the miserable servitude wherein the Tyrant Baledon hath long time held you henceforth therefore I intend that you shall acknowledge for your liege Lord and Soveraign the famous and vertuous Emperour Palmerin d' Oliva to whom I will make present of this Island which the God of heaven hath suffered me to conquer for you know the Gyant is slain his wife and daughter likewise remain my prisoners and to his Majesty will I shortly send them Let me therefore intreat you to continue his true and loyall Subjects and I shall so behave my self with his Highnesse as he shall henceforth defend this Island and you for the government whereof in mean while I will leave one that shall be chosen among you who shallswear to resign his office to him whom the Emperour shall please to send hither The Knights and Gentlemen of the Island were greatly contented when they heard Palmendos use such gracious spéeches acknowledging themselves happy to remain the Emperours vassals whereupon they sware fidelity to him and elected a reverend Knight of the Island named Guillador to whom the authority of Deputy was committed and then they caused the Giants body to be burned for the horrible villanies he had done in his life time to which execution all the people of the Island resorted not so much for the sight thereof as to honour the patron of their deliverance Every thing thus wisely and discréetly pacified he determined to try the adventure of the Temple whereupon the new Governour desired him not to hazard himself in a matter so perilous for that many Knights had lost their lives in the attempt which made Palmendos far more desirous to know wherein the greatest danger thereof consisted at whose request Guillador thus began the discourse Know my Lord that the Temple wherein our Priests great treasure is hid is a place now overgrown as a thicket of young trées by reason of the long time since any one durst approach the same and in that wood is a savage wild Boar of more cruel nature certain then that which Hercules slew on the Mountain Erymanthus in Arcadia And when any one doth offer to enter the Temple he commeth forth of his den and maketh him sure for ever returning again In sooth quoth the Prince these news are very terrible in hearing yet never was there any adventure in the world so difficult but one or other hath accomplished it and I trusting onely in the help of God will try if this enchantment were ordained perpetual not fearing all the Boars or divels in the world I am sure my Lord quoth Rifarano that if you finish not this enchantment it will never be accomplished by any other therefore boldly set upon it for gladly would I endure part of the pain and by the faith of a true Knight I shall assist you with my uttermost endeavour No other help do I desire answered Palmendos then the favour of the Gods onely and I hope they will not be far from me if so I stand in néed thereof notwithstanding I humbly thank you for your good will and if I happen to fail in mine enterprize you shall make no better witnesse of your words then courteously to hazard the adventure to recover the honour lost by me for which cause as also to beguile the tediousnesse of travel you shall accompany me to the Temple So willing the Merchants and other prisoners to stay in the Castle Palmendos Ozalio Rifarano Lecefin and the rest of the Knights being all well armed set toward the Temple many of the Island travelling with them to guide them the way and do other néedfull services Now had Palmendos caused to be made by marvellous subtil cunning a coat of Arms composed of wax and other like clammy mixtures wherewith he covered all his Armour that the sharp bristles and tusks of the Boar might have no power to hurt him And in this sort they rode on together Being at length come to a convenient place which was within sight of the Temple he beheld the brushie thornie plain which made him doubt how he should get thither with his horse Yet resolute for all chances he takes an Iron Mace that he
adventure not the least speeches hereof to me but hold himself sufficed by knowing my will herein And that I may be assured of the vehement affections he bears me desire him to feed on this answer as on the most soveraign Balm or perfect Cataplasm that may soonest of all consolidate his wounds so hastening his cure and coÌ„valescence that if it may be he honor me with his presence to morrow After Philocrista had instructed Amenada in her Embassadâ— she took Melicia aside to whom because they loved each other with sincere affection Philocrista discovered this amorous intent and Verbatim reported what the Dwarf had told her which discourse well contented Melicia chiefly when she heard that her Knight Recinde was of the royal bloud of Castile By this time is Amenada come to the French Prince and hath delivered the message from Philocrista wherewith he was so chearfully animated as soon after he determined to forsake his bed but before the dwarf returned again he desired her to convey a French ditty to her mistresse which for her sake he devised that morning and withall to intreat the Master of the Emperours chappel to order it in parts after the â—rt of musick the ditty was thus The finest gold is by the touch discern'd The Adamant the sturdy iron draws The proof hereof in love may well be learn'd For by these twain I shape a lovers cause You Madam framed of the finest Gold Upon the touchstone of my heart is tried And I composed of the Iron mold Follow the vertues that in you abide Then sith the touch tells if the Gold be pure And rugged Iron shews the vertuous stone Take Touch and Iron both into your cure For Madam they belong to you alone After that Amenada had received this Ditty she said to the Prince that she could not tell how her Mistresse would like of her bringing her such a presumptuoes message yet if she were displeased therewith she would disguise every thing so well as each of them in the end should receive contentment So returning to the Princess Philocrista she told in what extremity the Prince was for her love and to mittigate his passions had framed that ditty which when she had read and well noted she accounted her conquest greater then if she were possessed of all Asia Sundry times did the Empresse and her daughters visit the French Prince to the unspeakable contentment of the secret Lovers who awaited nothing but the comming of the French Embassadours for the confirmation of their long desired hope but let us leave them a while and come to Rifarano who is all this while in the search of Palmendos CHAP. XIX How Rifarano being in the search of Palmendos met with a Dwarf travelling toward the Emperour to complain on a wrong a Knight had done him and how to revenge the Dwarf and gratifie the Emperour herein Rifarano went to combat with the Knight before his Castle SIxe days together rede Rifarano after his departure from Constantinople without hearing any tidings of the Knight he sought for and now in the evening he met a Dwarf on horseback accompanied with four Squires of whom he inquired likewise as coÌ„cerning the knight In sooth quoth the Dwarf I saw not any such but tell me I pray you from whence you now come From the Court of the Emperour Palmerin answered Rifarano How happy then am I said the Dwarf to meet you here because I have evermore heard that thence comes many good and vertuous Knights wherefore I shall pray in respect of the good I wish to so benigne a Prince that you may soon find the man you look for and likewise that his Majesty may pitty my cause in revenging me on a Knight that hath shamefully outraged me I giving him no cause of offence in the world With these words he gave a marvellous sigh wherupon Rifarano desiring to understand the cause the Dwarf thus began Know gentle Knight that albeit God hath fashioned me as you sée yet did he bestow on me riches and possessions among other things I have a strong Castle not far hence there fell I in love with a beautifull damosel Daughter to a GeÌ„tleman my near neighbour with whom I dealt in such sort as soon after I enjoyed her in marriage Living afterward in all prosperous felicity we walked abroad to recreate our selves in a pleasant field near adjoyning to my house where this proud and discourteous Knight who long laboured to have my Wife in marriage and by reason of his evil conditions could not obtain her came accompanied with two of his Kinsmen as bad disposed men as himself and there took my Wife perforce from me carrying her to a castle of his two days journy from hence where he kéepeth her under strong guard and hath sent me word by one of his Squires that if I complain hereof to any living creature he will come and kill me with his own hand in my Castle Yet being unable to endure this villanous oppression I am going to tell my cause to the Emperor Palmerin who I hope will spéedily do me justice herein being a Prince thereto greatly addicted as I have heard report Rifarano marvelling at this horrible injury said to the Dwarf Shew me the Castle where the Knight abideth for I doubt not but to do so much in the right of thy cause as he shall yeeld recompence for this fault and fear hereafter to offer the like to any one without any further troubling the Emperour herein The Dwarf accepting this friendly offer that night lodged Rifarano at his Castle where he was exceeding well entertained and on the morrow taking six Squires with them rode to the Knights Castle where espying one upon the walls Rifarano demanded if his Lord were within Marry is he answered the Squire on the walls he is now sporting himself with that tall fellows love but I am sorry that you would be so badly counselled quoth he to Rifarano as to come to end your life in this peace Be not thou so carefull for me answered Rifarano but go and let thy Master understand that I would speak two or thrée words with him on certain matters that very nearly concern his honour The Squire went presently to his Master who hearing that the Dwarf had brought a Knight with him took the Gentlewoman by the hand and brought her with him to a window where opening the casements that they might sée her said Knight that didst call me hither say boldly what thou canst for I well perceive thou commest to séek thine own ruine And there didst thou find thy dishonour answered Rifarano when by force and treason thou didst abuse this Gentleman who never gave thée any cause of offence wherefore restore his wife whom thou unjustly detainest or if reason may not thereto perswade thee come down and enter the combat with me and I shall let thée know the price of thy villany I had not thought replyed the knight of the Castle
that thy indiscretion had been so great as to think I would win a thing so hardly and deliver it from me so lightly nor shall the paragon of my heart be again in the custody of so base an excrement of nature Then he spake to the Dwarf in this manner Thou wretched and ridiculous creature commest thou likewise to make one in the Tragedy begin with thine own hand thou wert best or I shall plague thee with extream torments So took he the Gentlewoman in his arms and oftentimes lasciviously kissed her she striving in tears to hinder his imbracings wherefore he said Good Madame seek no occasion whereby to offend your self for you shall see me pluck down the bravery of this Knight and make the monster your husband safe from troubling you any more Tush these are but words quoth Rifarano let me see thee come armed into the field then shall I live in hope of some deeds And if thou wilt have me imagine thée couragious bring down the Lady with thée that the conqueror may carry her whither him pleaseth I am content answered the Knight because thou shalt sée how little I estéem thy threatning and soon shall all controversies be ended betwéen me and thée that hereafter may arise on this occasion Quickly had be armed himself and came forth leading the Lady in his hand which when the Dwarf saw he durst not tarry but got him a bow shoot further off So fell the Knight and Rifarano to the combat which continued long time doubtfull on either side but at length Rifarano had the upper had of his enemy having given him many cruel wounds on his body When the Squires of the Castle saw their Master overcome they would forcibly have carried the Lady into the Castle again but Râ—farano advertised thereof by her cry made them forsake her and run hastily into the Castle Then taking her by the hand said Come with me Lady and I shall deliver you to your husband that loves you loyally as you may be perswaded by this I have done at his earnest intreaty Many humble thanks she requited him withal séeing her self free from this injurious enemy and the Dwarf seeing this fortunate success came and humbled himself at the conquerors feet imbracing his wife with abundance of joy being neither of them able to express their contentation for that tears and inward motions of comfort had deprived them of speech Afterward the Knight had recovered himself again and came stealing on Rifarano thinking to murther him but the Dwarf espying him cryed out whereupon the Prince returned and once more getting him into subjection with his his sword smote his head from his shoulders The Dwarf not a little joyfull for this victory desired the Prince that he would accompany him to his Castle because that trayterous Knight had a brother and two cousins who hearing of his death would presently pursue them Whereto Rifarano courteously condescended and mounting the Gentlewoman behind her husband they journied thence with all speed possible But ere they could recover the place where they would be they were pursued by the Knights Brother and his two cousins when the Dwarf and his wife now verily thought to die notwithstanding such was the brave behaviour of Rifarano that one after another they sped as the Knight of the Castle had done and so without any more interruption they got home to their Castle where they feasted the Prince very sumptuously On the morrow he departed thence continuing his travel after Palmendos and by the way he succoured a distressed Countess against a cruel brother in Law of hers named Diole who sought forcibly to deprive her of her possessions but by the rare chivalry of Rifarano he lost his life in that bad attempt And here with the Countess we will leave Rifarano having too long forgotten our chief Knight Palmendos CHAP. XX. How Palmendos arrived in the Isle of Carderia where first he vanquished Tirendos in the Iust and and next the Knight that guarded the passage of the Bridge and also divers other that assailed him at the third Tower and how he came to the Gardengate where Francelina was NOt long since you understood how after Palmendos had vanquished Arnedes he followed his way with long desire to sée Carderia wherefore omitting all occasions that might hinder his voyage he determined to make no stay till he come to the Isle and very soon after it was his chance to arrive there when he implored the help of heaven in finishing this adventure and as a sacrifice after victory he promised to offer his soul to the holy character of Christianity and to be baptized so soon as he could At this time Belcar kept not the passage of the bridge because he was departed certain daies before to visit the King and Queen of Macedon for they hearing of his wonderfull déeds of Arms in defending that â—ridge sent for him to the Court by an expresse messenger And truly he would not have gone so resolute was he in his enterprise but that the Princesse Alderina secretly comanded him by a Letter written with her own hand she having discovered the truth of all to the Quéen Griana intreating her by some means to coÌ„tinue the Duke her father there till that time Belcar came from the Isle of Carderia The Queen liked hereof exceeding well and knowing her Nephew could not join in more honourable marriage then with the chast and vertuous Alderina she conferred with the Duke and Dutchesse of Pontus who likewise were glad of so noble alliance For this cause the Queen sent one of her GeÌ„tlemen to Belcar accompanied with Alderinaes page who closely delivered the Prince the letter the substance whereof followeth thus The Letter sent by the Princesse of Durace to Belcar Son to to the King of Hungary To the right valiant and renowned Prince Belcar Son to the King of Hungary a Maiden very easie to be deceived sendeth health condigne to his deserts EXcuse me Lord Belcar if I write to you what the abundance of my spirit inforceth because if it were of any thing else I fear I could not end without confused wandring in this discourse so extraordinarily are my sences herein perplexed as they can injoy no little breathing time of rest or quiet And if you would exactly consider from whence this molestation proceedeth you should find the ground thereof to be violent and excessive love which on my behalf was faithfully entertained and dedicated to none but onely you a reason to procure this Letter the more favourable entertainment and to be read with as good will as it was written Know then that I do not without great occasion silently complain of you because me thinks you séem a promise breaker or rather a prevaricatour in love towards me as the reading of this Letter will cause you to confesse if that reason be not alienated from your judgement which ought to direct your compass in all affairs What think you now
will be the vulgar opinion of your attempt nothing but that you desire to have the name of Francelinaes true champion considering the marvellous exploits in Arms which daily you perform in her defence making hereby the renown of her excellency more memorable and all Gentlemen more desirous to visit that Isle Wherefore I now perceive you are not my Knight but rather that your service is onely for the fair Princess Francelina which induceth me to beléeve that the speeches used on your behalf when you departed from the Tourney at Macedon were meer forgery and dissimulation an act sufficient whereon to raise condemnation unless I speedily perceive the contrary and to repute you the most disloyal Prince that â—ver made profession of manhood But to prevent this perswasion whereto common speech by your absence hasteneth me and that it may not be resolutely set down in my mind I pray you come hither with what speed you can before my departure hence to Durace that I may apply some remedy to my continual Martyrdome which in loves unquenchable sire my heart suffereth by your occasion Else send me word suddenly what is your intent as concerning the principal points dilated and by no other messenger then this bearer whom I charg with some speeches by word of mouth him you may boldly trust and acquaint with your secrets as the most faithfull messenger I could devise to send The Lady known to you whose death is near at hand If piâ—y cause you not to come the peril to withstand This Letter and other matters of credence wherewith Alderina right well instructed Gracian were the onely means that the Prince Belcar came to Macedon who left Tirendos in mean while defender of the Bridge at Carderia hoping to return thither again very shortly but other matters happened to him which excused that labour according as you shall read hereafter Now come we to the Prince of Tharsus whom Tirendos perceiving â—o approach the Bridge came and denied him passage according to the order whereupon they fell to the Iust Tirendos fortune proving so bad as he was sent to measure his length on the ground whereat the beholders were greatly amazed for that since the departure of Belcar he had prevailed against many a Knight Among the rest the Queen of Thessaly mother to Francelina who was come thither five or six days before because the last of the three Fairies that caused the enchantment in the Fortress foreseeing she could not live long hastened the comming of Palmendos as you have heard before and after ward sent word to the Queen that soon after her death she should see her desires accomplished The death of the Enchantress was no sooner known to the good Queen who had an extream affection to see her Dâ—ughter free from the Magical conjurations that thereby the King her husband might be delivered from cruel servitude amongst the Heathen but she departed from Thessaly and came to the Isle of Carderia where she nor any of hers could pass further then the bridge wherefore they erected Tents and Pavilions in the field attending there the end of the adventure when she seeing that Tirendos was vanquished wished such success to the new come Knight as that he might happily finish the inchantment Palmendos perceiving how his first adversary would trouble him no further approached to the gates of the first Tower where he beheld the great Knight ready to offer him battel wherefore he alighted from his horse and drawing his Sword said If the providence of the heavens have destinied me to conquer this enterprise far be all pusillanimity and cowardise from me till I have deliuered the gentle Princesse here inclosed forbear then mine eys as yet to covet the fight of Francelina albeit you desire to behold her and I wil keep promise with you so soon as fortune pleaseth After these words he closely buckled with the Knight of the Bridge continuing a long dangerous and doubtful combat with him the Dwarf in the Lant horn sundry times with his Horn renuing his Champions forces yet by the man of invincible courage who was ordained to be his Conquerour he was confounded maugre all his divellish helps So forward he marched to the second Tower and as the gates were clapping together according as they did to the Prince Belcar he thrust his Sword betwéen the gates when immediately the thunder ceased and they fell back wide open as they were before At this good hap the beholders were greatly amazed especially the Queen of Thessaly who followed on still accompanied with Ozalio and to him she highly commended the worthy behaviour of this Knight Ozalio answering her that she had good cause to applaud her stars having sent hither a Knight of such royal discent as his like was not to be found through all the Christian kingdomes Tirendos in this while was carried into his Tent by his Squires where he so grieved for his disgrace as he was ready to die in despight thereof Now is Palmendos come to the last Tower which was defended by three Knights armed cap a pe and they with three sharp Lances stood ready to receive him at the point wherewith he being somewhat amazed said to himself Whereon thinkest thou Palmendos what beginnest thou now to dismay tush man be of good chear thou labourest for her with whose beauty none in the world may compare if by comming so far thou hast done more then any Knight before thée could perform commit thy self to God and Fortune for the rest and follow thine intent though thou die therein Now begins he couragiously to adventure on them who joining altogether against him overthrew him that he could hardly arise again notwithstanding recovering his féet he pursued with such unconquerable hope as at length he drove them before him over the bridge when both they and the first Knight of the Tower vanished away tâ—gether and in like manner did the dwarf that sate in the Lanthorn with a horrible shaking of the earth and the whole fortresse The Queen Ozalio and the rest fel down and honâ—ured heaven for this victory perswading themselves that the worst of the adventure was past as for the Prince himself he followed the matter with such alacrity considering fair Francelina was the reward of his travel as nothing séemed to him impossible So passing on he shund the pâ—stern that guided the way to the garden which was guarded by two furious inchanted dogs there through the wicket he beheld a Fountain with sundry â—â—odly damosels about it and in the midst in a curious chair of cloath of gold sate Francelina the swéet Goddesse of beauty so wonderfully decked in rich ornaments as it would have made any heart enamoured to beheld her Palmendos ravished with the sight of her stept in at the door not dreading any peril when presently the inchanted dogs ran upon him as though they would have torn him in pieces and long time very dangerously they did assail him
a Knight unarmed of huge constitution and evil favoured having a Turkie bow in his hand and a quiver hanging by his side full of arrows of whom they desired to know which way they should get out of the Forrest The discourteous Knight without making any answer let fly an arrow at them wherewith he killed the Prince Recindes horse he being not a little moved at this mishap grew into a great choler against him who made no longer stay but ran from them so fast as he could Recinde and the Merchant still pursued till having lost the sight of him and marvelling where he should be hidden at length they found the mouth of a very dark Cave which they suspected the Knight had taken for refuge whereupon the Prince intreated the Merchant to stay there without because he intended to search the Cave and be revenged on him that had so wronged him Not far had he gone under the earth but he heard a pittifull voice crying for help which caused him to return back again when at the entrance of the Vault he beheld a mighty Lion which came forth with the Knight and ran upon the Prince exceeding furiously but he who could not be frighted with matters of greater moment so valiantly defended himself against the beast as in short time he laid him dead at his foot Now ran the Knight back again into the cave and the Prince after him so fast as he could till at length he came into a goodly Hall which was hanged round about with gorgeous Tapistry and therein might one behold all such as passed by the mouth of the cave as if they had discerned the same in a Glasse While he stood beholding this beautifull prospect he saw the Knight comming towards him armed and drawing his sword thus spake to the Prince Wretched Knight overmuch foolish hardiness hath brought thée to this place for I shall let thee sée the danger incurred by thy presumption More indiscreetly quoth the Prince hast thou behaved thy self in killing my horse without any occasion of offence Herewith they combatted a long while together till the Knight seeing himself unable to resist the Prince would have saved himself in the chamber he came from offering to keep the door against him as his defence but Recinde thrusting after him into the chamber he beheld a great and hideous Dragon lying there the sight whereof somewhat amazed him yet seeing the beast stirred not against him he continued his former quarrel with the Knight bringing him at length into such subjection that with his sword he smote his head from his shoulders The Serpent terrified with extream fear began to shrink back when Recinde lifting up his sword to strike the Serpent spake in this manner Sir Knight for Gods sake pity me and seek not to shed my bloud having no way offended you so shall I be perpetually bound at your commandement for delivering me from this cruel Knight who hath forcibly kept me here the space of six years The Prince hearing these words held down his sword when the Serpent thus proceeded I am no Serpent sir as happily I seem in your eye but a most infortunate and abused damosel having suffered the most miserable life that ever woman endured living against my will in the custody of this traiterous Knight If thou art a humane creature answered Recinde I marvel thou shouldest have the shape of such a deformed beast I know said the damosel what representation I have in your judgement but I dare assure you on my life that I am no Serpent or any thing else but a most distressed woman Which well she might affirm because the Knight nâ—w slain to conceal her the more cunningly made her to resemble so by Art magick as you shall understand the whole at large He loved this Damosel so extreamly she being the daughter of an ancient widdow dwelling not far off as séeing he could not obtain her in marriage by reason of his bad manners and ill favoured body so laboured with a Magician a friend of his to cause her to resemble a Serpent to any but himself Her mother and brethren being ignorant of this treachery séeing such an ugly Serpent among them were so affrighted at this strange metamorphosis that they fled presently out of their Castle The Damosel following to understand the cause of their fear wandred sorrowfully after them thorow the fields where she was surprized by her Lover and brought to the Cave prepared by the Sorcerer appointing she should continue in that appearance untill one of the best Knights in the world should arrive there and valiantly win her out of his custody onely by his death to be delivered and six years she had abode in that place séeming a beautifull woman to her Lover onely and to all others a monstrous Serpent Recinde driven into wonderfull admiration bemoaning her cause thus spake In sooth this is the most strange accident that ever I heard of but seeing your Lover is dead boldly may you depart the chamber and return home to your mother again for in time perhaps this hideous shape will forsake you My Lord quoth she I have many times striven to get forth of this prison but all my labour hath béen in vain for by like sortiledge hath the Knight bound me here as he got me from my mothers Castle So am I perswaded answered the Prince wherefore séeing of your self you cannot depart I will try if my strength wil release you of this servitude Then taking his arming girdle from about him he made it fast about the Serpents middle and forcibly thought to pull her out of the chamber but the strength of the inchantment over-mastering him when he had gotten her to the very door would violently pluck her back again Yet Recinde being all heart and courage gave not over for all these resistances but at length by exceeding labour and travel he got her into the Hall and then she seemed a very beautifull woman who falling down at his feet intreated him not to forsake her till that he had brought her to her mothers Castle So going forth of the Cave she told the Merchant all that had happened which made him answer her in this sort Madam both you and I are highly beholding to this Knight for he hath miraculously called you from a lamentable sufferance and not onely hath he saved my life but helped me to my goods again which were utterly lost wherefore we have good cause to think that he is the onely Paragon of Chivalry So breaking of these speeches they took the Knights horse because he had slain the Princes and mounting the damosel behind him brought her home to her mothers Castle the ancient Lady being not a little joyfull to see her daughter whom she reputed utterly lost likewise her brethren were very glad to see their sister restored home again As for their friendly entertainment you may judge it by the cause which being of nature must néeds surpasse all
other CHAP. XXI How Recinde arrived at the Isle of Carderia where understanding that Palmendos had ended the adventure he went to seek Belcar at Macedon and of the Combat he had with him by the false perswasion of the Damosel that followed the revenge of her brethrens deaths FOur daies stayed Recinde and the Merchant at the old Ladies Castle and then taking their leave the Prince commended the Merchant to his own occasions and he rode strait toward the Isle of Carderia desirous to try his fortune in the adventure as also to find the Knight he sought for but being there arrived he understood how Francelina was delivered Palmendos gone towards Turkie and Tirendos abode at the Castle with Lypes and his sisters from whence he sent a Squire to Macedon to certifie Belcar what had happened as also to intreat him to stay there for his comming As for the Prince Belcar he being now with Alderina his chosen Mistress to speak of all circumstances entercoursing betwéen them would be more labour to me then pleasure to you She accuseth him with a great many articles of ungentleness that he would travel for Francelina being before her vowed Knight and he excuseth all under this point that what he did in a place of such tryal was onely to eternize the name of Alderina and nothing to the advantage of Francelina nor could the greatest Monarch on the earth have commanded him from that service but onely the gracious Letter sent by her wherefore he desired to return thither again to make her more famous till the adventure were ended To stay her answer and appease his hot desire at that very instant the Currier arrived sent from Tirendos whose message being heard highly was the Princess contented but Belcar overcome with exceeding grief because fain he would have tryed his fortune against Palmendos Now come we to the Damosel again that pursued Belcar for the death of her brethren according as you have sufficiently heard before She understanding that he was in the Court of Macedon so highly loved of the King Queen and the whole nobility she was out of hope to work him any injury there wherefore she intended to return home again and by the way she hapned to meet with the Prince Recinde when beginning her accustomed complaints she delivered the same discourse which she had done to Cardino and Tirendos saying that the Knight who had so trayterously slain her brethren sojourned in the Court of Macedon Recinde desirous to win honour by succouring the distressed and hoping he might find the Knight he sought for at Macedon answered her in this manner If it be damosel as you say that the Knight in such trayterous sort slew your brethren I promise you by the faith I bear to Chivalry that to my power I will revenge your wrong because all Gentlemen receiving this Order are bound by duty to assist Damosels injuriously wronged by disloyal varlets The crafty deceiver fell at the Princes feet affirming what she had said with many oaths Go then with me quoth Recinde to shew me the Knight and either I will lose my life or make him confess his villany The effronted palliard mounted on her palfray and such speed they made in travel as at length they arrived at Macedon when entring the great Hall they found there the King Belcar and divers noble Barons whereupon the Damosel thus spake to Recinde Sée here my Lord the Knight that slew my brethren I beseech you make him know before the King the treason he committed against harmless men for his Majesty not knowing the enormity of the case reputeth this offender to be one of the most courteous Knights in his Court as my self perceived at my last being here Recinde having with humble reverence saluted the King Florendos turned to Belcar with these spéeches Sir Knight this Damosel hath sworn to me that you have trayterously slain two of her brethren after you had béen friendly entertained at her fathers house if you did so surely it was an act far unbeséeming you and by force of arms I shall make you so to confess it if you have the hardiness to enter the field with me Belcar greatly offended to hear himself so charged and evermore by one that sought to bring his life in danger in anger thus replied In sooth Knight I cannot but think thy discretion very simple in saying if I have the hardiness to enter the field with thée and thy presumption is as insolent as this Damosel is trothless and disloyal in accusing me without any cause notwithstanding I hope to recompence you for light belief and that false woman likewise the instrument of thy folly After these speeches he went and armed himself for the combat which the King many ways laboured to hinder but Recinde continued so resolutely against Belcar that the King could not disswade the matter wherfore he thus spake to Recinde Séeing you will not at my intreaty give over this rashness let me understand the name of him that will not grant so small a matter especially to one that is able to yéeld thanks therefore I am quoth Recinde a Knight of a strange Country who came to the Emperors Court at Constantinople mean while the Nuptials of the Hungarian Prince were solemnized whither likewise came a Knight unknown bearing a silver flower in his shield he having won the honour of the Tourney departed secretly from the assembly which made me follow in search of him and in respect I am but a poor Knight errant I desire no wrong may be offered me in the battel Be thereof assured said the King that none shall meddle with you but your adversary onely And trust me it grieveth me to the very heart that comming from the Court of the Emperour Palmerin my son you should here enter the field against Belcar who is one of his Majesties chiefest favourites When Recinde heard Belcar named on the one side it displeased him that he was to deal with a Knight so famous and renowned on the other side it grieved him as much when he considered the near alliance betwéen him and Melicia whom he loved as his very soul so that willingly he would have forborn the combat but that he could not with honour gainsay it Now the King desires the Duke of Pontus and another of his chiefest Barons to judge the fight according to conscience and without any exception oi person Soon after the champions enter the Lists where breaking their Lances bravely in the carréer they were both dismounted notwithstanding they quickly recovered themselvs and drawing their swords fell to the combat Long while they continued a most furious fight sharp and cruel wounds being delivered on either side that judgment could not be given who was in greatest danger but his Majesty séeing Belcar wax féeble and that it was like this fight would end both their lives as one loth to sée the death of either he threw his staff of peace betwéen
intent and seeing him so pensive she immediately interpreted this Saturnine taciturnity to her own advantage thinking it proceeded from the ravishment of her beauty as her Embassadour had before perswaded her herewith she judged in him more elegancy of form and sweetnesse of complexion then in any other Knight whatsoever which made her so esprised with his attracting regard as to allay the extremity of this heat she desired nothing more then to speak with him that she might be resolved of whence and what he was Palmendos stirred not from his place nor thought he long of his stay there because he hoped to gather some fruit thereby but warily marks the amorous looks of Iffida and how her eye was the messenger of her inward desire all which he covertly imparted to Ozalio who moved not one foot from his dear friend They fearing lest their long stay would cause suspicion went their way which made Iffida likewise repair to her chamber and calling the minister of her love aside began in this manner Ah Page how truly didst thou discover the perfections of the strange Knight whose behaviour and discréet modesty joyned with his rare and martial prowesse makes me repute him for the chiefest man that ever came into this Countrey Madam answered the young Councellour if you would sée innumerable vertues conjoined in one body I beseech you hasten your speaking with him and let not the happy hour miscarry through your default which the fatal destinies have so graciously appointed his lovely spéeches shall acquaint you with his indowment which you may behold so correspondent in every point as you can wish 〈◊〉 nothing but is to be found in him How should I speak with him said Iffida without impeach to my honour which hitherto I have carefully regarded unlesse it be by thy means in some secret place free from the hurt of suspected persons wherewith the world is now mightily stored I shall tell you how Madam answered the page you know my Lord your father willed you the other day that you should return to him with all possible speed which will serve as a fit occasion to take your honest farewell of this company if then you will depart hence to morrow toward evening you may lodge by the way at my mothers house whither I will go before with the two Knights and cause her to say that they be both her Nephews who now are friendly come to visit her so may you confer together at your pleasure The invention is good answered Iffida yet must you be very circumspect herein that the drift of our intent be not discovered The complot thus concluded the Page went in the morning to Palmendos and making him not a little glad with this news caused both the friends to mount on horseback and set forward with him to his mothers house seated in a pleasant place between Tubant and the Castle of Albayzo When the Gentlewoman saw the two Knights she was much abashed but her son soon resolved her in every point and that she might boldly call them her Nephews her self being a stranger born far from that country The mother being throughly instructed by her son desired their intent might take good successe whereupon the Page returned to his Mistresse who had in this while so well ordered her departure as the new married nor any other could gather suspicion then forward she sets for her journey had hast so surely had love seized on her heart having no other company with her then her four waiting damosels and two squires of her fathers Nâ—w is she come unto the long desired place where being very graciously entertained both by Palmendos and Ozalio as also the Pages mother Iffida being not to learn her lesson desires to know what Knights they were that so friendly saluted her They are quoth the Pages mother my two Nephews who having not seen mo of long time are come to know if they may stand in any stead as also to offer their service to my Lord your father if in any thing it shall please him to imploy them Right heartily wellcome are they answered Iffida and of duty I must needs thank them for the good will they bear my Lord and father for which cause as also their near alliance to you I love them as they were my proper brethren Palmendos coming to her with great reverence gave her humble thanks for her honourable kindnesse and while they spent the time about other familiar conference supper was set on the table in a pleasant Arbour where Iffida could digest no meat her eies were so busied in beholding her champion afterward they walked up and down the garden and she seeing the pages mother was deep in talk with Ozalio as one loth to lose so good an opportunity she beginneth with Palmendos in this manner I cannot but marvel at my self Sir Knight that being nothing touched with the love of sundry Gentlemen which heretofore have divers times offered me their service my heart should by you whom I never saw before these two days past so vehemently be provoked to love so that I cannot hear or think on any thing but it is broken or rejected by the remembrance of you let me then intreat you not to repute me as carelesse of my chastity or forgetfull of the modesty beéesming a Virgin For the worthy behaviour I sée couched in your incomparable personage hath fatally depeived me of my formen liberty and yielded me wholly you captive not doubting but you will so estéem of your conquest as not to impeach the same by any dishonorable attempt considering my noble birth and parentage And to satisfie my earnest longing desire onely abouted to have further knowledge of your estate acquaint me with the secret considerations of your heart and what you will command me in guerdon of the pains you have taken for my sake wherein my honour defended I will yéeld that willingly to you which none else but you can have of me Madam answered Palmendos I cannot expresse my high good fortune finding such grace and courtesie at your hands being on my part no way as yet deserved but time may yéeld the due to every gentle mind and make me able to requite such extraordinary favour And think not sweet Goddesse of my heart that in pittying the unsupportable burthen of my oppressions you shall any way incur the detection of lightnesse but rather of honourable and well-governed care when you shall behold the place whereto I hope safely to bring you for Madam setting aside my simple outward appearance I am a King born and Governour of sundry famous Provinces and this attempt proceeded onely of religious zeal to make you Lady of me and mine as your wondefull fame at first took the soveraignty of my heart How can I worthy Lord quoth Iffida but stand amazed that you being a King and a man of so rare fortune in managing Arms should come hither for so simple a damosel as my self
Ozalio to kéep sure the gate that none might issue forth or more rescue come in remembring his swéet Lady Francelina determined to die or deliver her father from imprisonment Now makes he proof of his sword charmed by the Fairies which as he lifted about head caused every one that came against them sléepily to stagger and when they offered to strike with their weapons they fel down as though they had béen in a sound sléep being all in that case deprived of their lives both the Capâ—ain the Guard and the rest that could be found except the Turk who guided them by sea and the Page that came with these news to Iffida saying Alas Madam we are all betrayed by the false Knights that entred the Castle with us right worthy am I of a thousand deaths in that your father and all the guard have lost their lives by my means When Iffida and her mother heard these uncouth news they came down as women distrâ—cted of their wits and séeing this lamentable massacre she fell down on her fathers dead body uttering these words Ah my good Lord and father pardon me that was the cause of this thy death and séeing innocently I have béen so circumvented by a false Traâ— my life shall presently follow thee at the heels to accomplish thy obsequies with more solemn pomp and ceremonies Herewith she offered to run her head against a marble pillar but Palmendos came and stayed her when she being greatly offended thereat raging against him thus spake Thou cruel false and disloyal Knight seeing thou hast slain my Father and his chiefest friends why dost thou not also send me to bear them company Tell me thou bloudy Barbarian what did move thee to repay my faithfull love with such extream rigour How durst thou deceive me so treacherously considering what favour I shewed thee on so small acquaintance with guilefull and dissembling speeches thou secretly saidest thou wast a King but if thou be one it is of Robbers and Thieves and art come hither to steal the great Emperours treasure Miserable and unhappy that I was in giving credit to such false perswasions the end whereof sorteth to such monstrous effect 〈◊〉 such as heretofore have known me imagined me wise and discréetly inclined henceforth they may well tearm me a disloyal daughter being the onely cause of my fathers death But though unwittingly I have béen deceived yet will I complain on Fortunes instability that by the report of I know not what frivolous and vain ostentation should so easily change my heart But what wil the mighty Emperour of Turky say when he shall understand the truth of this slaughter wrought onely for the stealing hence of his treasure Foolish and miserable girl that I am why did not I remember the sundry injuries his Majesties brother sustained by the Emperor Palmerin of Constantinople when he travelled the world as a Knight errant had I but remembred those stratagems they would have forewarned me from affecting this stranger yet if the fatal decree made me so soon subject to him why could he not favour me with my fathers life Palmendos little regarding her injurious speecâ—â—â— desired her to be better pacified promised if she wouâ— be part with him to set the Crown of Tharsus upon her head which he would give to his Cousin Ozalio and joyn her in marriage with him if she pleased Moreover he assured her that he would not take any thing out of the Castle but the King of Thessaly whose deliverance could not be compassed by any intreaty and therefore he ransommed him with the lives of so many O Mahomet cried Iffida at these words why sufferest thou Christians to make such incursions on thy people and Countreys Why didst thou create and appoint women so near to men seeing that for them they pass through innumerable torments The brother to our great Emperour the Turk was cruelly murthered by the means of a woman and now by me is his Captain my father brought to the like end his prisoner likewise the King of Thessaly thereby delivered How can I but loath and despise my life being hemmed in on every side with such monstrous affliction Needless is it now to remember mortal incumbrances or to think â—n the wars which Hesione and Helena caused between the Greeks and Troyans Lavinia between Aeneas and Turnus or Deâ—anira between Hercules and Achelous and afterward among the Centaurs For the Wars which will spring by these new occasions ere long time be spent I fear will be so horrible and infamous that they will deface the memory of them done so long ago Afterward the mother and her daughter ran furiâ—usly on Palmendos labouring to do him what injury they could but he unwilling to hurt them suffered their violence til Ozalioes Squire seeing their impatience and fearing with their knives they would in the end murther him took up one of the Guards hatchets and therewith deprived the mother of her life Iffida extreamly raging at this grievous spectacle rent her hair from her head and with her nails most cruelly martyred her fair face then being suddenly surprized with a raging apoplexie she presently died without using any more speeches The Page grieving to behold this wofull accident determined not to live any longer after her But first upon the wall he wrote certain dolorous verses which afterward were converted to a funeral ditty in this manner DEad is the bud of Beauties chief delight The fairest flower on whom the Sun did shine The choice belov'd of many a famous Knight The pride of Honour precious and divine The lovely Maid of whom the Nymphs did sing That Nature never fram'd so rare a thing Had Paris seen this wondrous piece of Art Proud Venus had not carried Beauties prize Pallas and Iuno would have stood apart To see their gifts one Virgin royalize In every point surpassing curious Had Fate and Fortune been as gracious Ungentle star that domineer'd the day When first my Lady Mistress breath'd this air What angry object stood then in the way To cross the course that was begun so fair You lowring heavens why did ye oppress The Saint whom you so many ways did bless But wretch why stand'st thou charging these with guilt And art thy self the Authour of this ill Thou hapless Boy thy Ladies bloud hast spilt Thy Master and his servants thou didst kill When first thou travell'dst for this trothless man Even in that hour these miseries began But Soveraign Love immortal and divine Whose gracious name did shadow this abuse Canst thou permit before thy holy eyn This hainous deed exempt from all excuse O mighty Love what will thy Subjects say If foul offence go unreveng'd away Stand I expostulating this or that When on my back the weighty burthen lies Wast no more time with vain and idlechat But for this fault be thou a sacrifice Fair Iffida thy Page doth follow thee The onely engine of this Tragedy These verses fixed upon the wall by
he made of his age and of the time he was in Pasmeria where the Queen his mother came so subtilly acquainted with him Bashfull hereof he was when he looked on the Empress as his vermilion colour plainly discovered yet did he discreetly shadow the same notwithstanding the Empress misdoubted somewhat remembring her dream of the Queen of Tharsus and what the Emperour himself had told her before yet made she no shew of any such matter wisely governing her thoughts from outward suspicion whereupon the Emperor thus began again In sooth my especial good friend Palmendos I now love and esteem you much better then before understanding that you are son to the Queen of Tharsus who did me so great honour in her Countreys her very name maketh me to remember my travels in those parts So that I know not how to express my joy hearing your self so well resolved to forsake the Ethnick paganism of your blasphemous Gods Wherefore I am thus advised not to prolong so good an occasion but to morrow you shall receive the holy character of Christianity and be likewise affianced to your Lady Francelina for reason required herein to hasten your right seeing for her you have endured such dangerous travels and forsaken a Realm of so great Estate the riches and fertility whereof I am well acquainted withal The King and Quéen of Thessaly were not a little glad when they heard that Palmendos was heir to a Kingdome but much more was their joy understanding his Original whereof the Emperor would not as yet make further inquiry till he were better assured of the certainty and good occasion falling out so well as the Empress her Ladies and every one departing to their chambers leaving the Emperor and Palmendos secretly conferring together of maâ—ters concerning the Isle Delphos and such like but at length his Majesty opened his mind saying he imagined him to be his son wherefore he was desirous to be therein resolved In respect my good Lord answered Palmendos that truth must and wil come forth at length know then mighty Prince and my gracious father that in the Realm of Pasmeria you begat me your son the night before you departed from the Quéen my mother for she being advertised of your rare perfections became impatient in her amorous affections and composed the mean of your acquaintance by a charmed drink provided for that purpose And here behold the effect of this action my self your humble son and obedient servant yet did my mother give me a further testimony hereof having her self given you the like at her departure but Francelina hath the same now in possession for to her I gave it after her deliverance And evermore she concealed this matter from me till miraculously I was informed both thereof as concerning Francelina because she feared I would forsake my country to come and serve in your highnesse Court. As concerning my behaviour since that time somewhat I am sure hath happened to your hearing yet of such small and slender value as they neither beseemed this place or your person The Emperor ravished with conceit of this report knew not which way best to signifie his joy for considering the strange course of the action past what the successe thereof now proved his spirits were carried away with wonderfull imaginations Ah my noble son Palmendos quoth he full well am I assured of what thou hast said although nature hath shaped thee not much unlike me and given thee such heroical courage as I had in my younger daies and albeit the Empresse may wel be offended with me when she shall be thus thorowly resolved yet is her wisedom and modesty such as she will not mislike what I allow With these words the Emperour took him by the hand going with him immediately to the Empresse Chamber and after his Majesty had kindly kissed her he entred into these speeches I know wel Madam that heretofore you have held good opinion of my loyalty and that I ever loved you intirely as your self could desire no better proof thereof but the cause why I use these words at this instant is a little scruple that long since entred my mind and I fear will offend you when the same is known Yet least further doubts should trouble your thoughts I protest before him who is the onely searcher of hearts and I swear by all the divine assistants about his tribunal that never with my will and knowledge did I contaminate our wedlock-bed much lesse have I infringed the laws of marriage or poluted the inviolable faith I solemnly gave you Notwithstanding such hath been my former fortune that another woman beside your self by charms obtained what was your right then must you not Madam be so severe and rigorous as not to pardon me seeing I have voluntarily confessed my offence beside the fault not proceeding from me delivers my cause to be more innocent Remember then Madam what sometime you told me concerning the Queen of Tharsus your dream I perceive was not altogether in vain in that she had such knowledge of me by means of an inchanted drink I received unawares as ingendred Palmendos this gentle Knight My Lord answered the Empress with a smiling countenance at the first time I beheld Palmendos I was perswaded what you have told me so lively doth he resemble you in countenance and personage wherefore I not onely pardon you being ignorant of begetting such an excellent and perfect creature but thank heaven that you were the father to a son so famous As for Palmendos he shall now accept me as his mother and I wil love him no less then my own son Primaleon with sundry other speeches were these joies confirmed and Palmendos right lovingly imbraced by the Empresse at length Primaleon came and he being throughly acquainted with the matter took the Prince in his arms thus speaking Hath the mighty governour of the heavens appointed that the onely flower of chivalry should be my brother wherein can I more honour that superexcelling bounty then confirming my thanks to him by kindnesse to the worthy copartner of my vital bloud drawn from the self-same source where I received my original Assure your self therefore my most noble brother that Primaleon is vowed to imitate your rare fortunes and treading the self-same steps you have done to eternize the name of our renowned father continuing in the mean time so ready at your command as he that honoureth you with most most zealous affection Might I enter the boldnesse answered Palmendos as to title you by the name of my brother the second step of my desires were attained and though I dare not strive to coequal with you in kindnesse yet will I over pace you in duty and affection continuing the servant of Primaleons welfare while the star of my birth day vouchsafeth me breathing Here is occasion offered me of large discourse concerning the several salutations of the Courtly personages so soon as this news happened in their ears how the Lords and Knights came to gratulate this new come son and the Ladies likewise striving to excel them in courtesie but it were néedlesse labour considering the King and Quéen of Thessaly concern this present occasion and with their daughters joy unite them altogether preparing for the religious observations to be used on the morrow at the christning of Palmendos On the morrow the Emperour and all his Barons mounted on horseback the like doth the Empresse withal her Ladies and in most honourable manner they ride to this solemnity so passing in this pomp through the City ty they alighted at the Church of S. Sophy where Palmendos was religiously baptized and afterward affianced to Francelina by the religious Arch-Bishop she being attired in as sumptuous ornaments as when Andromache was espoused to the valiant Hector of Troy or Cleopatra Queen of Aegypt when she contended in magnificence with Mark Anthony the Triumvirate her husband drinking one of the pearls that hung at her ears esteemed worth two hundred and fifty thousand crowns For even as the Carbuncle the most rich and precious of al the oriental stones doth in the dark give such a clear and illustrious splender as not onely illuminateth all the place but also setteth the regarders eys to wonder thereat of no lesse vertue séemed Francelina in the Temple as the onely and perfect Phenix of her time In like pomp and royalty they returned to the Pallace there being such a sumptuous feast prepared as beseemed the time of so general rejoicing where wanted no honourable devises to accompany the same And during the time of this their honourable pleasure here think I good to pause a little while you consider on the discourses passed and I have more leisure to perfect the rest of this History FINIS