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
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
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
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
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
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
and the other they might behold great store of armed Knights cheefly they that came from the Court of the Emperour who because he could not be present at his sisters marriage sent many of his bold Barons to honour the assembly The brave exploits in feats of arms there performed surpassed them of greatest reputation and among other the Dukes of Anemon and Mensa so well behaved themselves as they had well near gained the honour of the first assault if Belcar had not suddenly arrived who stayed a while to behold the order of the Iousts intending to help the weaker part when at length he said to his companions follow me my friends to assist the vanquished So giving his horse the spurs he ran fiercely with his sword drawn against Bellequin the son of Mosso who did the greatest harm to the other side and with him he met so bravely in his carreer as horse and man went both to the ground Afterward he dealt so roughly with all them that durst meet him in the face as in short time courage began to revive in those Knights who in the judgement of all the beholders were before estéemed vanquished Which the Duke of Anemon perceiving and his company to grow into such disgrace he was thereat excéedingly offended and thrusting himself among the thickest gave Belcar a very great stroke with his sword on the Helmet for which he received spéedy repayment for Belcar raising himself in his stirrops returned the Duke such a cruel blow through the sight of his helmet as he fell to the ground astonied betwéen his horse legs Then breaking in amidst the praase he gave such sharp entertainment to all that met him as the King Florendos and the other great estates that accompanied him were driven thereby into great admiration nor was he known to any there but the Princesse Alderina who being seated on the right hand of the Quéen Denisa could not smother her thoughts but thus spak What think you Madam of the Knight in Gréen Armour What do I think answered the Quéen truly never did I sée the man who might eual or paragon himself with him for that he alone hath done more in this tourny then all the other and greatly would it content me to know if he be descended of noble bloud as he delivers good testimony of his knowledge in feats of Arms. Madam quoth Alderina I cannot think him lesse then you doubt of in respect he concealeth himself so closely and would not willingly be known of any Herewith she recounted how she found him at the Fountain bare headed without his helmet and this I can assure you qd she that as you confesse him valiant Arms so can I witnesse him of such brave feature and complexion as there is no one absolute point wanting in him Your speeches said the Queen makes me much more desirous to know him wherefore I will send one to him for the same purpose Then I beseech your Majesty answered Alderina to send one of my Pages who shall attend for him till the end of tho Tourney and then conjure him in your name that he send you word of whence and what he is and if he stand loth to be known to resolve him from your Majesty and me that no living creature shall bewray him by our means Your counsell I very well allow said the new married Queen but I would that this Embassage should rather go from you because he remembring what knowledge you had of him at the Fountain will happily manifest himself unto you rather then any other Hereupon Alderina called one of her pages named Gracian artificially instructing him in his errand to the green Knight that using instant intreaty accompanied with a singular desire he should gain the mean to return with his name and parentage All this while Belcar shewed such rare deeds of Chivalry as having well laboured the adversary and none lest that would confront him he went as Conquerour forth of the Lists where he met the two Knights that came with him thither who stayed more desirous to note his behaviour in the fight then to intrude themselves in place of such danger and being not a little glad of the honor he had done them in that their companion bare away the palm of victory they rode on each side of him towards their Tent being followed all the way by the Princesse Page who awaiting due time to deliver his message took Belcars horse by the bridle and using such means of secret conference as Belcar stooped to hear him he softly thus whispered with him Sir Knight I would it might like you to ride aside a little that I might deliver a matter of secresie to you He who was so courteous and affable as any man could be presently left his two companions when Gracian thus began his message My Lord Alderina daughter to the Duke of Pontus and Durace hath at this time sent me to you to let you understand that she hath received just cause of offence towards you in that she comming to see this Tourney you disdainned to make offer of your company Notwithstanding if you will grant one request that she makes by me forgetting all passed ungentlness she will gladly leave further to misdeem of you My friend answered Belcar the thing must be very difficult or impossible that I would not enterprize to obtain the gracious pardon of so choise a Lady as is thy Mistress it may be that I have trespassed in duty towards her excellency but in sooth meer ignorance of her estate was the onely cause And when I left her at the Fountain far was my intent from coming to this Tourney in so much as I was thereto in a manner constrainned notwithstanding excuses of as great importance as those I used to thy gentle Lady It resteth now quoth the Page that you grant my Mistresse her earnest desire which is to know what you are and why you conceal your self in such sort For beholding your noble and valiant behaviour she sets you beyond all other in her conceit and promiseth withal under the word of so great a person as she is not to reveal it to any if you be willing it should be so Highly may I commend my fortune said Belcar that a Princesse so gentle and perfect would deign to enquire after my poor deserts and though I had vowed to conceal my self from the whole world yet would I strain courtesie with that vow for her sake Say to her therefore courteous Page that my name is Belcar Nephew to the Emperour of Constantinople and the cause why I would not willingly be known to any is the small portion of time since I received my Knighthood And having not yet done any thing worthy my name or to be accounted among the actions of honour I determined not to publish the same til I might do it with good testimony Thou mayest also assure her from me that hēceforth I shal serve as her devoted knight hoping
two of them and put the third in great danger of his life And in this just cause I pursue the villain in hope to meet with some worthy man who detesting such notorious and horrible ingratitude will in taking compassion on my grief revenge this injury So well could the traytresse colour her speeches and set so fair a glosse on her cautelous presopopey as she imprinted in the heart of Cardino a dutiful regard to revenge such wrong wherefore he thus answered Damosel if it be so as you say the Knight cannot excuse himself but that he is both a Traytor and a Fellon nor will the God of Heaven suffer him to escape unpunished in this world The Damosel with terrible oaths protested what she had said desiring him to give her aid if no other occasions might hinder her suit Right gladly quoth Cardino will I perform my duty herein for that I am a professed enemy to such offenders and shall cause him to pay dearly for his treachery So rode he with the Damosel after Belcar but all that day they could not overtake him On the morrow they got sight of him on the edge of a Mountain whereat the Damosel not a little contented desired Cardino now to rouze his forces against the Tyrant that had so dishonoured her Cardino promising to accomplish her desire gave the spurs to his horse and gallopped after Belcar and in a great Bravado thus cried to him Stay Traytor unworthy the name of a Knight and receive thy guerdon at my hand for slaughtering him that entertained thee with all humanity Belcar hearing himself thus injured was immediately provoked into choler and turning towards him that touched him with disloyalty he thus sternly answered But little to thy profit will it be to pursue me with such false and lying accusations So clasping his helmet he ran furiously against Cardino who met him with no lesse courage and vivacity and breaking his lance bravely somewhat scarred the skin of his enemy but Belcar welcommed him with so sound a salutation as he fell down with the saddle betwéen his legs so sore astonied with his fall as he was not able to stir hand nor foot which Belcar perceiving rode on and there left him The Damosel séeing Cardino in such wofull plight alighted from her palfray and with the help of his Squire binding up his wounds determined to bring him to some place for help using the greatest shews of lamentation that could be Ah heaven quoth she why give ye strength to wicked men against the good and vertuous suffer not this disloyal villain to do any further danger but rather give some miserable end to his unworthy life By this time the Squire had mounted Cardino on his horse and so they returned the same way they came happening to the place where Belcar had broken his fast the morning before There they understood by their Host that he was gone to prove the adventure of Francelina whither the Damosel would gladly have followed him yet was she loth to leave Cardino in such danger and therefore abode there with him three days using all the means she could to heal him because that for her sake he was so wounded where we will leave them and return to the onely thread of our History So long rode Belcar that he arrived within half a days journey of the Castle where Francelina was This Fortresse appertained to a Lady that was a Widdow who had two fair daughters and a son already knighted of no lesse valour in feats of Arms then learned and well seen in divers other Disciplines In this place was he marvellous well entertained the Lady of the Castle being a woman of great honour and her daughters of very Courtly and civil behaviour After supper Belcar entred into conference with them and among many other things enquired the cause that moved so many Knights to attempt the adventure of that Isle when the Ladies son who was named Lypes answered him in this sort Beleeve me sir I have ever accounted the man but badly counselled that takes such pains to travel hither seeing it is so long time since any Knight arrived here who returned not without dishonour because the action and exploit of this enchantment so wonderfully compacted by the three Faries is of such efficacy as it behoves him that shall finish the same to be of most rare and exquisite perfection But tell me then quoth Belcar the state of this adventure and wherein consisteth the greatest peril thereof for as yet have I not met with any one that could tell me the truth to satisfie my long and earnest desire Better then any other answered Lypes can I discourse the same unto you because I have often accompanied Knights travelling thither as you now do and seen many Combat with him that defends the entrance on the bridge albeit to their great disadvantage Know then gentle sir that the Isle of Carderia stretcheth in diameter very far beeing on the one side enclosed with the sea and on the other are most wholesome Bathes and rivers which hinder the salt waters from comming near the Castle At the foot whereof is builded a marvellous artificial bridge heretofore accessable for all Knights errant but since the time that Francelina was enclosed within the great Dungeon there might not enter any stranger those of the Isle onely come and go but others not Vpon this bridge are erected thrée Turrets one of them being in the middest and the other two at either end In the first is a Knight surpassing the common stature and proportion of men so fierce hardy and couragiously as since the time of this enchantment he hath not béen dealt withal by any one that could in ought disable his prowesse onely the Lord of the Isle of Lique excepted son to him whom the Emperour Palmerin vanuished when in the Tourney he conquered the Sagittary He being named Lynedes was so resolute and magnanimous as he fought against the Knight of the bridge from morning till night and though the Combat was fierce and cruel yet could no want of courage be discerned in him which fell not out so with the guardant of the bridge because the losse of his bloud so weakened him as his heart began utterly to dismay But an ill favoured Dwarf who never stirs from the Beacon of the first Turret to discover such Knights as come along the field by winding an enchanted Horn that hung about his neck therewith so revived the Knights strength again as if he had but even then entred the combat In this sort the fight continued till Sun setting when Lynedes perceiving his enemy to wax féeble again and that the Dwarf as yet blew not his Horn brought the Knight of the bridge into such extremity that he fell upon his hands to the ground Then running swiftly over the bridge he came to the Turret in the middest thereof the gates whereof being open before clapt together at his arrival with such
a fearfull trembling of the whole building as Lynedes fell to the earth in a swoon In this trance he remained a great while so that his Squires fearing he was dead indéed bemoned their Master with very grievous lamentations But when hée came to his former féeling they saw hée was so cruelly wounded as they carried him to his tent where thrée days he remained to re-obtain his health and on the fourth féeling himself able to sit on Horseback and not willing to make any further proof of this adventure he departed thence sorrowing for his bad fortune And this I tell you sir for a certainty that when the Dwarf sits as Centinel in the lanthorn of the first Tower perceiving the Knight of the bridge to have the worst of the combat hée with the sound of his Horn renues his strength which is the cause that no man is able to deal with him Seeing then this enterprise bringeth such danger and oftentimes death withal I could wish that hereafter no man would attempt his own ruine You tell me matter of marvel answered Belcar and right skilfull were the Fairies in framing this enchantment so it should séem that they have 〈…〉 enclosed the Lady there without great occasion being assured that some Knight shall end the adventure to which each one travelleth with this couragious hope that he is the man for whom it is reserved Nor can I be disswaded from it if many heretofore have fallen in that errour therefore no doubt of what shall happen can hinder my determination If I happen in my tryal to be overcome I shall but encrease the number of them that could not attain the height of their enterprize and no other dishonour can I receive Lypes earnestly intreated him to forbear the voyage and so did his sisters likewise into whose grace he was greatly entred especially the youngest fair and debonair beyond the other but all their perswasive reasons could not chāge him for Belcar having travelled so far for that purpose might not by any occasion whatsoever be withdrawn from making proof of his fortune When Lypes saw him so obstinately inclined he made offer to bear him company if it were but onely to shew him the way which friendly courtesie Belcar accepted so on the morrow they mounted on horseback and came to the Isle about mid-day There was set up a rich Tent for this young Prince which the sisters of Lypes had sent thither by thrée Squires with all necessary provision for his attempt and in the evening Belcar went to view the Isle regarding the Tower wherin Francelina was imprisoned invocating on God in his spirit to endue him with such ability as he might deliver her and bear away the honour of the adventure These imaginations so busied his thoughts as all that night he could entertain no other but oftentimes thus talked with himself Ah Belcar why shouldest thou thus delay time and not rather couragiously attempt the execution of this enterprise Admit thou want force answerable to a matter of such dignity yet should the renown and generosity of thine Ancestors stimulate thée hereto being son to one of the best Knights that liveth this day under the Zodiack and nephew to the great Emperour with whom none may be equalled In these and such like conceits he consumed the night and in the morning having armed himself came to the Bridge where in a convenient place near the first Tower he espied the Knight that defended the passage whose huge stature somewhat amazed Belcar and as he offered to step on the Bridge the Knight very proudly thus spake Withdraw thy self Knight unlesse thou wilt enter fight with me for I am here to deny passage to any For no other cause come I answered Belcar but to try thy manhood and passe the Bridge if possibly I may With these words he gave the Knight such a sound stroke on the Helmet that he thought the fire flashed out of his eye and so they began a long and dangerous combat the Knight giving Belcar many cruel blows with his Iron mace and he defending them so well as he could till having somewhat wearied his enemy and thinking to do as he heard of Lynedes but the Knight gave him such a forcible stroke on the shoulder as he was constrained to set one knée to the ground to escape the fall Herewith the Dwarf blew his Horn which rejoyced them within the Castle albeit the Prince was astonied-hereat yet he dissembled the same from being espied The Knight having recovered his former strength assailed Belcar with marvellous fury who notwithstanding held out couragiously and one thing comforted him above all other which was that none of his adversaries blows gave him any bléeding wound but bruised his flesh a little under his Armor whereby he fought at his own pleasure Thrée times the Dwarf blew to animate his Champion by which means Belcar was much overlaboured because he could find no opportunity to rest himself but considering if he shewed lesse valour then he had done in vain he might account his travelling thither and greatly would it redound to his shame if the Emperour should be advertised thereof In the end he had brought his enemy into such a state as he got on the bridge without any more resistance and came to the Tower that stood in the middest thereof but the gates closed together so furiously that he was smitten to the earth deprived of his sences Lypes being glad that he had recovered the bridge came to him and with the help of the Squires carried him into the Tent where suddenly unarming him they applyed such remedies as brought him to his former sences He had no sooner féeling of himself but he entred into many ruful lamentations as well for his misfortune and disgrace as also with the pain he felt of his adversaries strokes wherof his Armour being battered to pieces was a sufficient witnesse Comfort your self my Lord quoth Lypes and let your wonted courage exile this anguish remembring that these eight years no Knight came to the Isle onely Lynedes excepted that won like honour as you have done at this instant Greater reason have you then to cherish your fortune then thus to condemn it with exclamations Ah my friend answered Belcar little pleasure take I in this successe for that my intent procéeded further but séeing there is no remedy I must with patience bear my shame for of matters so divelishly enchanted can seldom arise greater good But cursed be the Fairies and their hellish charms that deal so discourteously with poor travelling Knights CHAP. IIII. How Belcar concluded to combat with all such as came to prove the adventure of Francelina and how among other he fought with the Marquesse of Trosse whom he vanquished and afterward with Tirendos to whom he made himself known BElcar being indifferently calmed by the courteous behaviour of Lipes determined to recover his passed foil by actions of Chivalry and therefore resolved to continue in that
In brief he came on land and no one with him but his cousin Ozalio who would not at any time forsake his company Baledon pranceth up to the plain before his Castle commanding his attendants on pain of their lives not any way to trouble or molest his enemy Now are the champions covered with their swords and shields and with such fury do the weapons clash upon the Armour as though Vulcan and his Cyclops were at work with their hammers You must think that the Giant being a man of monstrous stature dealing with a young Prince but a gristle in a manner in comparison of him did often bring his life to very perilous exigents Notwithstanding so did the Heavens favour Palmendos and despise the manifold tyrannies of the Giant as after a long cruel and bloudy fight Baledon had received so many wounds as he was constrained to fall at the Princes mercy for which Palmendos humbly thanking heaven boldly set his foot upon the Giant saying Confesse thy self Baledon vanquished by me and let me enjoy the prisoners which thou unjustly detainest in thy Castle for the remainder of thy life hangeth on the point of my sword When the Giant beheld his great pomp so overthrown and he had no mean now left wherewith to defend himself he breathed forth these sorrowfull spéeches Ah angry Gods how strange and divers are your judgements in suffering both me and my son to be foyled by one Knight Now sée I well that mine infinite and wicked offences committed against men without desert hath thrown this wreakfull sentence on me Then calling his servants he comanded them to conduct the Prince into the Castle and deliver all his prisoners to him with any thing else he should command them So went the Prince with his cousin Ozalio and two of the Giants servants to the Castle the rest remained to bring their Masters dead body and when they were entred into the base Court they met the Giantesse heavily lamenting and cursing the Knight who was cause thereof But Palmendos made no account of her words commanding all the prisoners to be presently brought before him which indéed were very many both Knights Merchants and other travelling strangers who had long time béen kept there in captivity and now séeing they were so generally called they verily thought to die or endure some cruel torment but finding the contrary I leave their joy to the Readers judgement Then Palmendos called for the Knights Armour that each one knowing his own Armour might be armed therewith For this their happy deliverance they all fel down at the Princes féet desiring God to reward his honourable pains But among the prisoners there were two young knights of comely stature being both Moors who had not long time béen held in that servitude and witnessing by their countenances that they were descēded of royal parentage The one of them was Rifarano son to Trineus Emperour of Almain and Aurecinda the Soldans sister as you may read in the History of Palmerin d' Oliva the other was named Lecefin son to the Soldan of Persia being the youngest of thrée which he had by the Princess Zephira These two young Lords were nourished together by the Soldan because he beheld the towardly inclination of Rifarano whom he ever imagined would prove a worthy Knight and because he was son to his sister and the Emperour Trineus his great friend he loved him as Lecefin his own child Rifarano comming to the age of ten or twelve years waxed very forward in all commendable exercises and one day reasoning with his mother desired her to tell him the cause why she went so continually clad in mourning the truth whereof she discoursed to him and how his father was the Emperour Trineus of Almaign When Rifarano understood that he was son to one of the chiefest Princes in Christendome he made greater account of himself then he did before and disposed himself to matters of higher quality so that being of years to receive his Knighthood he requested the Soldan to honour him therewith which he with right good will performed causing Iousts and Tournaments to solemnize that time withall wherein Rifarano still bare away the prize Following arms and chivalry he stil continued and with good success won such fame through all Persia as the Soldan thought to join him in marriage with the King Maulerino's eldest daughter But he would never hearken to such matters for that he had secretly vowed to sée the Emperour his father whereto his Mother whose days long sicknesse had now shortned evermore provoked him that Trineus beholding the fruit of her love might think the better of his acquaintance with her After the obsequies and royall funeral as well beséemed a Princesse of so great regard and Rifarano loth to stay his mother being dead he desired the Soldan that he might travell to Constantinople to sée the Court of the Emperour Palmerin and thence he would go to his Father in Almaign Albeit very unwilling yet the Soldan condiscended whereat the young Prince Lecefin who loved Rifarano as himself began to conceive great sorrow wherefore he intreated his father that he might travell with him in company perswading him that it would be a cause of his cousins more spéedy return The Soldan liked hereof very well and although he was yet very young he gave him his Knighthood and so with divers presents from his father and Zephira as also Letters to both the Emperours accompanied with thirty hardy Knights they took shipping and by means of an excéeding rough tempest on the Sea they were driven perforce into this Isle of Delphos where being hemmed in with the Chain and flattered by the Gyant to come on shore without suspecting any treason they went to his Castle and finding outward friendly entertainment they were fetched forth of their beds and thrust into prison and twenty of the Knights that came with them cruelly murthered the rest were brought into the Dungeon to their Masters and afterward the Giant took the spoil of the ship at his pleasure But to come to our purpose Rifarano and Lecefin séeing themselves delivered from this dolorous life much worse then that of the slaves of the Gallies they spake to Palmendos in this manner Tell us in courtesie good Knight by what means you have obtained our liberty for we marvel we sée not the Giant who brought us hither by villany and treason Gentlemen quoth the Prince I am a Knight born far hence and being by the angry seas cast upon this Island I determined to come on shore where being no way able to escape the death present before mine eyes I was constrained to Combate with the Giant you talk of who to allure me the sooner to the battell promised me security from any save himself But heaven giving me strength to erect a mortal Trophie of his slaughtered body hath thereby given you all fréedome again Might we not said Rifarano know your name to whom we are so
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
Idol of the Crown Scepter and Book But as he would have lifted the Image forth of the chair he found it so heavy as he was not able to stir it wherewith he being offended said And I shall do thée more honour then thou hast yet received of me so lifting up his Mace he made it fall in pieces to the ground From out the body of the Image flew a very strange bird all black giving such fearfull shrikes and cries as the Prince was thereat amazed and following her out of the Temple he beheld a great many more such like birds with her they flying altogether with that noise the same way where Ozalio and his Knights attended whereat they likewise marvailing were certified by the men of the Island that this prodigie signified Palmendos entrance into the Temple for they had heard before by sundry learned Nigromancers that these were certain infernal spirits which should be chased forth of the Countrey when the adventure of the Temple was finished Rifarano Ozalio and all the Knights glad of this news went where they beheld the monstrous wild Bore and thence to the Temple where Ozalio first found the Prince opening a great chest which contained the Priests principal treasure consisting of such rare and inestimable Iewels as it was thought the like was never séen before Palmendos beholding his friend Ozalio ran and embraced him marvellous kindly the like did he to Rifarano Lecefin and the rest all of them extolling the happy star that guided the Prince and he acquainted them with all things since his departure from them saving his conference with the Damosel because none of them should suspect his love Then intreated he Guillador to send for some skilful man who might undertake to devise and build the Monastery in short time the greater part of the Clergy was sent for and among them to a virtuous man of special knowledge he gave the charge and superintendance of the work as also bountiful store of Gold and Silver which was taken out of the Priests wealthy Chest All things he committed to the trust of Guillador that the Temple Monastery and ways thereto should be done in decent order but he whose heart was onely dedicated to the Ladies beauty which appeared unto him under form of a bodily illusion took small delight in any thing else but in her gracious and divine remembrance Now did he hasten the day of his departure desiring Rifarano and Lecefin to make spéed to the Emperour and present the Gyantesse her Daughter and the other prisoners to him as also all the Treasure was found in the Temple from a strange Gentleman religiously vowed to his service who in respect of great affairs that called him elsewhere could not come to kisse his Majesties hand which he will no with all spéed possible Rifarano and Lecefin were loth to leave Palmendos but séeing it must néeds be so they soon after conveyed the Gyantesse and her Daughter on shipboard they making great mone to be carried from the Island In the same Ship was the Crown Scepter Image Basons and all the other Treasure carried and in another ship the prisoners found in the Castle on the promontory with all things else expedient for the voyage then Rifarano and Lecefin taking their leave of Palmendos and Ozalio went on board where the Gyantesse and the treasure was commanding their anchors to be weighed their sails hoised the wind then serving fit and favourable and so are they sailing toward Constantinople As yet above Palmendos in the Isle of Delphos to sée what Guilladors workmen would compasse in so great a work as he had given them charge of CHAP. X. How Rifarano and Lecefin with all their train arrived in Constantinople where they were honourably received by the Emperour and them of the Court greatly marvelling at the news he heard of Palmendos and what afterward followed AT what time Rifarano and Lecefin should arrive at Constantinople there were assembled many great Lords and Barons in honour of a solemn feast which the Emperour made for the marriage of the Hungarian Prince Ditreus son to King Frysol and twin brother to Belcar Ditreus so soon as he was armed Knight went to the Emperours Court where he was worthily welcommed and albeit he was his Majesties Nephew yet he loved him with a particular affection his courteous and civill manners joined with his forwardnesse in arms gave hope that he would prove a valiant Knight hereafter He had not béen long in the Emperours Court and throughly acquainted with every one but he grew enamoured with the beauty of Esquivela daughter to the Soldan of Babylon and Alchidiana so that being one day in the Chamber of his cousin Philocrista eldest daughter to the Emperour devising with her and her sister Melicia he got such apt time and occasion as he made his intent known to Esquivela she modestly answering that if he faithfully meant to make her his wife she would settle her choice upon him onely Ditreus who was thereon resolved desired the Emperour and Empresse to grant that marriage they being willing to gratifie their Nephew as also to prefer the young Princesse with the consent of King Frysol affianced them together and Ditreus fearing the marriage would be deferred too long solicited the Emperour in such sort as he sent with all spéed to make the same known to the Soldan In mean while his Majesty summoned the chiefest Lords of the Empire to prepare a Triumph in honour of this feast for the accomplishment whereof nothing wanted save onely the Embassadours return that went to the Soldan But now are Rifarano and Lecefin entred the Haven of Constantinople intending to land before the Emperour should know any thing of them because they came not in such equipage as happily he would expect Being then all Armed except with their Helmets they rode through the City but with two Squires onely that brought their Lances and Helmets they being wonderfully noted of every one and reputed for some strange Lords of great birth and in this sort they came to the Pallace where very boldly they would have entred but the guard stayed them to understand the cause of their comming We are quoth they two Knights of Countries far hence distant and hither we come to sée and serve the Emperour Palmerin You must then leave these offensive Arms answered the Guard if you mean to go where his Highnesse is or else declare your proper names to us that we may go sée if it be his pleasure you shall come in this sort before him Our Arms we will not leave said Rifarano because it ill beséems an honest Knight so to do but you may go certifie his Majesty that here is Lecefin son to the Soldan of Persia and the Princesse Zephira in whose company is Rifarano Son to the Emperour Trineus of Almaign who humbly desire to kisse his Highnesse hand His Majesty had no sooner notice of their names but in excéeding contentation
where finding a ship ready they hoised sail and away landing at the first port they came to in Greece and commanding the ship to stay for them at Constantinople One day Arnedes and Recinde rested themselves where they landed and the next day rode forward on their journey understanding by the way brave triumphs were ordained at the Court which pleasing them not a little they made such diligent speed as they arrived there three daies before the sports were ended even at the very instant when the County had vanquished another Knight in the Ioust Arnedes beholding the brave behaviour of the Conquerour and that the Knights made dainty who should try his fortune next noting beside the honourable assembly there present with the Emperour who marvelled what these two new come Knights should be untill he had advisedly marked their Arms when immediately he judged them to be Frenchmen gave the spurs to his horse and ran against the County each of them breaking their staves gallantly without any further danger At the second course the County was unhorsed by Arnedes whereat the Emperour and his Lords very much rejoiced highly commending the behaviour of the French Knight Needs must we think that Lynedes was offended seeing his cousin thrown so furiously to the ground wherefore arming himself speedily and mounting on horseback with a very strong Lance he angerly encountered Arnedes who gave his enemy as good as he brought Lynedes was very cholerick that he had sped no better whereupon at the second race Arnedes met him so full in the carrier as he cast him out of his saddle over the crupper of his horse he thinking to recover himself and loth to forsake the rains of his bridle caused his horse to fall backwards upon him that he was the worse for this long time after But Arnedes he remained fresh and frolick as though he had yet done nothing at all wherefore he came to his companion saying Now let us go kisse my Lord the Emperours hand seeing there is no more to be done here and so in the troop they withdrew themselves early one marvelling at this Frenchmans valour because they knew Lynedes was accounted one of the hardiest Knights in Greece When the Emperour saw them comming toward him he advanced himself to entertain them and imbracing them graciously in his arms said Right welcome are you Gentlemen into this Country where you have exceedingly contented me by your fortunate successe let me therefore know of whence and what you are that I may love and esteem you accordingly It is the wonted grace and vertue of your Majesty answered Arnedes that makes you evermore regard poor travelling Knights although their deserts be nothing equivalent the renown whereof spreading through all Regions caused us to forsake France to come and offer you our service We are my Lord Knights attending on the King of France where hearing the daily report what magnificent Chivalry was here continually exercised we came so please it your Majesty to live in your Court as men willing to learn the rules of Martial Discipline not doubting but to gain such grace as shall satisfie the desire that moved us hereto I thank you answered the Emperour for the pain you have endured in this journey which amply declares the generosity of your brave minds because such principles cannot procéed but from a haughty and resolute courage With these words for this day he returned to the Pallace commanding Arnedes to go on his right hand and Recinde on his left they both marvelling to sée the goodly train of Knights that attended on the Emperour All the way his Majesty eyed Arnedes very much imagining he saw the lively countenance of Lewis Duke of Burgundy and therefore desired to know his name and parentage telling him whom he resembled in many points In truth my Lord answered the French Prince it doth not beséem me to dally with your Majesty I am King Lewis his eldest son therefore I am the more like to him And for his sake said the Emperor must I needs love you the more because heretofore I received by him and his brother great honour Yet because he perceived that Arnedes was unwilling to be known he cut off these spéeches being come to the Pallace after the Princes were both unarmed he welcomed them as beséemed their estates Primaleoh dayly accompanied Arnedes and Recinde because his father had so commanded him yet could not the French Prince but marvel that all this while he might not sée Philocrista the cause whereof was the Ladies were loath to be séen till Ditreus Wedding day when each one would surpasse in bravery till which time he was glad and fain to hold himself contented Now had Bruquell his Dwarf leisure to get acquaintance with Risdeno Primaleons Dwarf for they were both of like stature and quality and therefore their familiarity was not long in bréeding Lynedes and the County displeased with their hard fortune yet they were in hope to recover their foil at the marriage Tourney which made their griefs the better pacified now leave we them a while to speak somewhat of the Princes of Tharsus CHAP. XIIII How Palmendos and Ozalio landed four daies journey from Constantinople from whence they parted after they had changed their Armour and how by the way they lodged in the house of an ancient Knight of whom Palmendos heard the discourse of the adventure of Francelina and what they did afterwards OVr gentle Knight Palmendos merrily sailed on hoping in short time to content his earnest desires and having left Abenunco by Sestos and Abidos he commanded his Pilot to strike to the nearest port for Constantinople so with favourable wind and weather they came to Saint Lordin which is a maritine City four daies journey from Constantinople There he and Ozalio went on shore onely to change their armour and Shields because they would gladly escape unknown and hauing made a quick dispatch they rode till they came to the house of an ancient Knight poor in goods but noble of heart and person who invited them friendly to be his guests and there were they right courteously entertained though not with dainty and delicate viands yet with indifferent good chear and kind humanity which especially proceeded from the Knights wife and her fair daughter who diligently noted the behaviour of these Knights Such was the countenance of the young Damosel as by the continual office of her eys her heart began to be somewhat touched and fain would she participate of the pleasure her mind conceived whereto Palmendos likewise was somewhat provoked séeing his eys over-busied with bathing in the flood of delight which the presence of this Damosel onely procured All supper time these queint glances endured when among other talk they had together the old Knight demanded of his guests if they travelled to the Tourney at Constantinople for yesterday quoth he came I thence not a little marvelling to sée the number of Knights come thither
perish Let idle and undecent thoughts be now abandoned and lift thy mind to the place of eternal comfort With these words he bound up his wounds so well as he could minding to lead him to his Hermitage But as one mischance happeneth not alone so fell it out at this instant for he was no sooner gotten on foot but Lecefin his mortal enemy arrived and knowing him to be his rival in love drawing his sword thus spake Now shall I teach thée my capital enemy what it is to love her whom thou art not worthy to serve and that shall I make thée presently confess or buy thy boldness with the price of thy bloud for a Lady of so care perfections standeth too high out of a Frenchmans reach Herewith he violently strook at Arnedes whom the good old Hermit seeing in such dangerous case did take him in his arms desiring Lecefin not to seek his death that had of late eâ—caped it so near But Lecefin being a Moor and therefore the more inexorable would give no ear to his words but cruelly gave the old man such a stroke on the head as that therewith he fell down dead to the ground Ah dogged and disloyal Traytor said Arnedes when he beheld this tragical act why hast thou slain this religious Father that never offended thee the Heavens I hope will not let thée pass unpunished but plague thée as such a damnable déed requireth So taking his sword as well as he might by reason of his former hurts he sought to defend himself and revenge the Hermits death but all was in vain for without a marvellous chance Arnedes death was now ordained In a happy hour arrived there Pernedin son to the Duke of Pera one of them that departed in the search of Palmendos who knowing both the combatants stâ—pped between them saying Why how now Gentlemen are courtly friends become enemies in field Arnedes who was no longer able to hold out falling down to the earth said Ah Pernedin revenge my wrong on this inhumane wretch who seeing me cruelly wounded before by the Knight that bare away the honour of the Tourney without any cause set violently upon me And this villanous Moor not content to wrong me alone hath slain this holy Hermit because he disswaded him from dealing with me that had been so hardly intreated before What tyranny is this in a Knight answered Pernedin by my Sword did not my love to Rifarano over-rule me the gentle prince that brought thée to the Court here I would make thee to breath thy last but I shall declare this treason before the Emperour and his Barons what manhood thou hast used to a wounded man whom thou durst not deal with had he been in health wherefore get thee gone I advise thee or I shall send thine accursed soul to hell At these words Lecefin was so ashamed of himself as mounting presently on Arnedes horse he rode away not speaking to either of them knowing he had notoriously blemished his honour wherefore he went to â— Monastery of Nuns near at hand to have his wounds bound up that he had received by Arnedes When the sisters knew that he was of the Emperours Court they entertained him very courteously and one of them being a cunning Chirurgian undertook in a short time to heal his wounds Now was Pernedin both offended and grieved to see the old Hermit slain and Arnedes in such danger wherefore calling the Novice that always attended on the old Father they led the wounded Prince into the Hermitage and afterward fetching the dead body buried it as they could conveniently applying soveraign salves whereof the good old man was never unprovided to Arnedes wounds But Pernedin seeing there was no more help and they likewise ignorant in those kind of unguents thought it more meet they should go straight to the City of Constantinople There may you quoth he sooner recover your health because men of skill and knowledge shall take special care of you and for my part I will willingly accompany you thither albeit I have not sped in the cause of my departure It will be to my shame answered Arnedes that the Emperor should see me in this dangerous plight notwithstanding I will at this present be councelled by you being never able to recompence this honourable kindness CHAP. XVIII How Pernedin brought Arnedes to Constantinople where the Emperor the Empress with their Daughters Philocrista and Melicia came to visit him what talk the two Dwarfs had together PResently after that Arnedes was brought by the means of Pernedin to Constantinople in a Litter because he could not endure to sit on horseback news of this mischance was brought to the Emperour who growing into extream anger against the Moor said Well may Lecefin resemble the Soldan his father a man full of treacherous and ignoble practises but he must not thus think to wrong a Prince of France So stepping frowningly from his Chair he went to the Princes chamber to see him charging his Physitians and Chirurgians to tend him as well as if they had his own person in cure Then Arnedes revealed the whole discourse of that which happened between Palmendos and him at the end whereof the Emperor thus answered I wonder that the Knight should be so desirous to do me service and yet doth sly in this sort from me doubtless he is gone to prove the adventure of Francelina if he rode that way you say he did and it may be his fortune to end it I hope except our Nephew Belcar exceed him in valour and that I can hardly beleeve he will When the Emperor departed he commanded that the Empress and her daughters should go visit the Prince which she accordingly did taking Philocrista and Melicia with her she being greatly offended at the injury done to Arnedes Philocrista very much bemoned his mishap yet wisely and discreetly as became a sober virgin for the love she bare him was derived from gentleness and vertue which she noted him to prefer in all his actions and nothing had she in more especial account then to conserve her chastity pure and unspotted Arnedes was joyfull to see her he loved so dearly how she sorrowed for his hard fortune and blamed Lecefin as a disloyal Traytor which gentle speeches did more comfort his heart then all the Physick or cunning in the world could do While the Empress and her daughters beguiled the time with him Amenada a woman Dwarf that attended on Philocrista and Risdeno her Nephew came to Bruquel Arnedes Dwarf who used sundry lamentations for the great mishap had befallen his Master Amenada comforted him in the best sort she could saying that in respect his wounds were not mortal there was no doubt but he would soon recover them and the rather because the Emperour had given such charge of him as his own person could not be better attended Ah quoth Bruquel would God it were no worse then breaking forth a renting sigh he proceeded in
this manner Ah my noble Lord Arnedes how dear doth her beauty cost thee for whom thou leftest thy Countrey where the onely reputation of thine estate being â—â—tracted from such an high and illustrious linage was sufficient to have obtained her without hazarding thy life in so many perils and dangers Amenada marvelling at these words was immediately wrapped with a curious desire to know which was the Knight he named and therefore she laboured Bruquel with intreaties for her Lady Philocrista knew his Master to be a Knight of France yet none but the Emperor could tell that he was the Kings son All things that I can possible quoth the Dwarf will I do for you this onely excepted which without his command I dare not attempt because my liberty stretcheth not so far yet will I promise you to ask him the question and if he be pleased I will satisfie your desire Melicia who was earnest in affection to know more as concerning her Lover Recinde seeing these Myrmedons thus conferring together and over-hearing some of their speeches after they were departed to their chambers she demanded of Amenada what talk she had with Arnedes Dwarf whereupon she repeated the whole discourse to the no little content of Philocrista because this way she might attain to more knowledge of the French Prince And as she heard her say that he left his Countrey for the love of a Lady she presumed immediately her self to be same for commonly it falls out that Lovers will favour themselves in semblable judgements conjectures wherfore she commanded Amenada to await Bâ—uquel for performance of his promise The dwarf when he saw conuenient time to talk with his Master he gave him to understand what had past between him and Amenada which pleased him so well as nothing could do more commended to him the pursuit of his practice On the morrow the Emperour and Primaleon dined together wherefore Amenada went to find out Bruquell at his lodging and he méeting her by the way first of all told her that he would perform the promise he made the day before but quoth he before I satisfie you herein I must request one thing of you Demand hardly what thou wilt quoth Amenada for thy sute being honest thou canst not be denied You must promise me then said Bruquel that to no living creature except Madam Philocrista you disclose what I shall reveal to you So is it Amenada that for the love of her onely Arnedes my honourable Lord and Master eldest son to the King of France hath forsaken his native Country in that the renown of her excellent beauty spread by fame through all those parts caused him to cut through the dangerous seas to credit with his eys what his ears were cloid withall And having at ful contemplated her swéet face he finds that nature willing industriously to imbellish the chief piece of work hath taken all ability from human report how curious or eloquent soever it be thorowly to accomplish the praise of her merit wherefore he hath sent a Currier to the King his father that his Majesty should send Embassadors hither to confer with the Emperour on a marriage betwéen my Master and your Lady and till they come to dispatch this occasion he will not be known hereof to any one except it be to her gracious self onely Humbly then desire her with some benigne clemency to intreat the heart which her divine figure hath secretly ravished and made her thrall so shall she give cure to his wounds make him the most fortunate Champion that ever entred field for his Lady otherwise he can not long injoy his vital motion and by his death shall occasion divers other beside especially his cousin Recinde son to the King of Castile who loveth him as his proper life and as he bare him company in this voyage so will he take part of the hardest fortune for the love and near alliance that is betwéen them So well could this tall Pigmy use his language to gain successe for his Masters intent as he made no more difference betwéen the two Princes in respect of their loyal unanimity together then was betwéen the two Pythagorick companions Orestes and Pylades or Nisus and Eurialus that would one die for another Greatly did Amenada marvel hearing that a Prince of so high and great birth would adventure thorow such dangerous travells onely for the accomplishment of a marriage and might have gained it with much lesse labour wherefore she thus answered In sooth if I had not promised to acquaint my Lady herewith I durst not for my life discover such weighty matters because I cannot tell her the whole discourse in that her Sister Melicia is never from her and then shall she know as much as my Mistresse That â—urteth not replied Bruquel never conceal it through fear of her presence for she is such a wise and well governed Princesse as she will rather modestly hide it then any way seek to spread it abroad and will beside nothing at all mislike thereof This he spake for that she had her part in the play namely by her love to the Prince Recinde and if perhaps Philocrista should be slow or opinitive in her love Melicia happily would councel her not to refuse so good an offer in brief that they might reciprocally advise one another as sick folks who had surfeited both of one disease and so oftentimes it comes to passe that two thoughts afflicted with one kind of martyrdom receive together more consolation then they could by any other that féel not the like torment Bruquel having done his indeavour for the conciliation of Philocrista with his Master returned immediately to him whom he found attending in silent devotion to understand the issue of this amorous stratagem and after that the dwarf had word by word recounted all his negotiation Arnedes was wrapt in such unspeakable joy as he imagined the hour happy when he met with such an ingenious Truch man Amenada on the other side when she espied time for the purpose interpreted so well and faithfully the intent of the Prince to her mistresse Philocrista as she therewith was carried into a thousand imaginations And albeit the Knight despaired not in his sute but rather imagined so sweet a countenance would be inclined to mercy yet she had so lost her liberty in this cause by seeing her beloved so dangerously wounded as now she feared to send him any severe or rigorous answer wherefore she thus spake to her Dwarf I am offended that thou didst promise Bruquel to acquaint me with this news but seeing what hath happened cannot be prevented thou shalt then go to Arnedes and tell him from me that I marvell he would thrust himself into many perils for which I account my self beholding to him and promise him in requitall of his hard sufferings to accept of him as my loyal husband if my gracious parents will so permit it with this condition that he
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
he being the man that justly may be called the â—ower of Knights In this matter I will not contend with you answered Primaleon for the vertues and graces of your beloved is such as no man worthily may be compared with him wherefore you have good reason to affect him and he likewise is bound to constant permanency if your divine looks have pierced his heart as they ought The Emperour and the Empresse with Philocrista and their other daughters came to the Palace gate to welcom the Quéen when shee and her daughter alighting from their palfrays with humble reverence saluted his Majesty who with his Empresse honourably entertained â—hem conducting them into the great Hall where the Quéen began in this manner Most mighty and invincible Monarch Palmendos the noble Iewel of Knight-hood by us kisseth the hand of your imperial Majesty having sent you this young Princesse to be kept under your protection till he return from Turky with my espoused Lord the King of Thessaly if fortune grant his deliverance from the cruell infidels for which I continue in hourly devotion as well for the great desire I have to sée the King my husband as also to sée the Knights spéedy return who onely dedicateth his travells to your highnesse service With these words she delivered her daughter to his Majesty and the Empeperour receiving her very graciously shewed himself excéeding joyfull for their arrival desiring them to use his Court as their own and to be as frolick there as if they were in Thessaly Beside he prayed God so to direct Palmendos in his attempt as he might deliver the King her husband from captivity withal that if he had requested asistance in the cause he should have had his Majesties power at command then taking Francelina by the hand he said To you daughter Philocrista I commit the honourable charge of this young Princesse untill such time her Knight â—e returned My Lord answered Philocrista I shall right willingly fulfill your commandement being no lesse glad of such a companion then to have the Lady present with me for whom such rare déeds of Chivalry have been performed the Empresse took the Quéen by the hand and Philocrista her charge Francelina they all sitting down under a sumptuous Canopy where the knights regarding them especially the Empresse and the two Princesses imagined a second judgement for the Apple of beauty And admit we Arnedes for the gentle shepheard Paris yet he imagined his Philocrista to be most perfect although Francelina was very far beyond her all the Knights concluding that they had never séen more choise beauty except the Empresse when she was in the slower of her youth But Philocrista never attained her mothers perfections albeit she had two sisters named Flerida and Bazilia which by the author of Palmerin are named Belisa and Melicia that came very near her in resemblance especially Flerida of whom we shall have occasion to speak hereafter when we come to the noble Prince Edward of England The Emperour intreated Francelina to tell him if she could of whence Palmendos was whereto the Princesse modestly thus answered Dread Lord I can reveal no further of him then that he is commander of a Kingdome and divers other Signories of great estate what else I know of him I am to be excused till his comming when himself will manifest his Country and originall not his valour and courtesie for that is blazed through most parts of the world For this discréet answer she was greatly commended by the Emperour who noting her comely gestures and behaviour estéemed her discréet and well advised and seeing the Ring on her finger that Palmendos gave her he thought it very much resembled his own Ring which the Queen of Tharsus gave him at his departure Now could he not contain himself but demands of her of whom she had that costly Iewell so like one that he held in great estimation she answered that Palmendos gave it her after her deliverance from the Isle of Carderia whereat his Majesty greatly marvelling imagined the Knight to be the Quéen of Tharsus son Now was he much more desirous to sée him then before remembring what kindnesse she shewed him in the realm of Pasmeria then causing his own Ring to be brought and compared with that the Princesse wore they were found in every point so like and conformable as hardly could the one be known from the other Indéed they were made both by one workman magically charmed like in resemblance as the perfect signal to discover the original of Palmendos which made the Emperour conceive some suspition that this unknown Knight should be his Son especially when he called the Quéens dark speeches to memory which she used after her acquaintance with him Yet would he not reveal this doubt to any one but past it over with fresh welcomming the Queen and her daughter and delivering in speeches that he was glad Belcar kept not the bridge when it was Palmendos fortune to arrive there yet was he sorry for Tirendos mishap albeit he commended the courtesie of the conquerour in exacting no further on the Prince of Mecaena â— But leave we Palmendos and Ozalio travelling toward Turky and speak a little of Recinde the Castilian Prince being one of them that followed in his search CHAP. XXIIII How Recinde pursuing the search of Palmendos rescued a Merchant from five Thieves whom he discomfited on the mountain And how by the means of an Archer that bent his bow against him he came to the mouth of a deep Cave where he killed a Lion that kept it and delivered thence a Lady which was enchanted into the shape of a Serpent REcinde leaving Constantinople for the same cause as the other Knights did happened to the same place where Palmendos lodged the night before demanding of his Host if he had séen any such man who made this answer Verily the same man that had the honour of the Tourney was my guest this last night and never did I see a more courteous Gentleman which makes me hope he will end the adventure of Francelina whither he is gone as he told me he would With these words the Spaniard was well contented minding to follow him to the Isle of Carderia and riding by the way he heard a very lamentable cry which caused him to look about when he espied one hanging on a tree by the arms and five villains hard by making a fire to dress some food they had killed on the mountain Comming to the man that hung in this woful plight he cut him down and understanding that these villains had robbed and so misused him he caused the Merchant to take his weapon and so they setting upon the Thieves slew three of them driving the other to flight by which means the Merchant had most of his treasure again for which he thanked the Prince and mounting on horseback he accompanied him on the way Not far had they gone but they met
the crest rare and precious Calamite that ever was séen the blade of the finest tempered â—eel that could be in any sword in brief the like weapon was hardly to be found through the world By this time Oricano's father was come home who reâ—oycing to behold his son shewed very loving countenance to the Princes for his sake when amongst other talk Palmendos requested to know of the old man whence he came so late whereto the poor man humbly thus answered I come sir from a Town not far hence whither I went in the morning to sell fish because great number of Knights are assembled there against the marriage of the Lords daughter with the son to the Captain of Albayzo Castle and I stayed the longer to sée the Bridegroom and his sister who is reported to be the fairest woman in the world By many great Princes she hath been requested in marriage but she hath refused every one saying she will never â—e married but with him that can win her by martial prowess for which cause many brave and gallant Knights are come thither and on the third day of the feast have appointed a Tourney for her love the resort being so great to sée this Lady as if the great Turk with all his Bassaes and Ianizaries kept Court there Palmendos attentively noting this tale considered with himself that if he could by subtil trains entire this Lady to Love he might easily get into Albayzo Castle where he should the better compass the stratagem to set the King of Thessaly at liberty For this cause he determined to be present at the Tourney and in bed acquainted Ozalio with his whole intent who thought it the onely way to work their enterprize On the morrow Palmendos told the Fisher that he would make one in the Iust so giving him good store of money he prayed him to regard his ship and mariners till he returned and so he set forward with Ozalio and Orycano who served them faithfully during all this business Not far had they rid but they met with a Page that attended on Iffida for so was the beautifull virgin named the Captains daughter and occasion of this triumph Palmendos then asked him if the Tourney held the day following It doth sir answered the Page by general agreement and so please you to be there you shall see many valiant Knights enter the field where I hope the partakers of Ripole for so was the Bridegroom called shall bear away the honour of the day and sundry brave champions will adventure for the love of Iffida my Mistress whereby they may gain the better mean to offer her their service intending therefore to be on her brothers side who is the chief man in this enterprise The Prince calling to mind the perfections of Francelina breathed forth a sigh that came from his very soul and on the other side he was marvellous glad that he had so fortunately met with the Ladies Page and being desirous to gain some acquaintance with her he spake to the youth in this manner Gentleman I think the graces of your Mistress to be so amiable as in one instant they are sufficient to captivate all such as behold her and therefore I can assure you that with the better will and more sincere affection is he provided to her service that never saw her which I speak on mine own behalf who abandoning the place of my original have with insupportable travels crost many Countreys onely to come let her understand my extream devotion to be her perpetual and faithfull servant whereto the renown of her beauty induced me which I think is spread over the face of the whole earth And séeing my hap was so good to méet with you albeit you know me not nor have I yet deserved any thing at your hand yet let me intreat you to do one favour for me the issue whereof beside your atchievement of notable reputation in debonair courtesie which all of your young years ought to have in singular commendation I hope I shall let you sufficiently perceive that you deal not for an ingratefull person nor will ye mislike your travel in the cause What would you have me do answered the Page in respect you séem a man of vertue and quality if it be a thing possible for me and honourable I will with all my heart accomplish it A thousand thanks for your friendliness answered Palmendos and for nothing else is my suit but that you would say to your Lady Mistress how that a strange Gentleman which came into this Countrey onely to sée her graces and vertues most humbly commends himself to her favourable opinion earnestly desiring that she would accept him as her Knight in the Tourny where to morrow he intends to shew himself as one that will over-ballance her most favoured in weight of affection and will be accounted second to none in exploits of Arms having no better mean whereby to acquaint her with the insupportable burthen of his heart and that she may well perceive it I will not be on her brothers side but against them that take his part hoping to send them vanquished out of the field or make them glad to take their héels by the strength and hardiness her divine beauty shall give me so please her to grant me the aforesaid favour and which will cause me to account my self the most happy Knight on whom the planets have breathed their celestial influence The Page séeing Palmendos fair and so richly armed imagined him to be some great personage wherefore be modestly thus replied My Lord this dare I not do for any man living without I knew the party to have some familiarity with my Mistress nevertheless being a matter of so small consequence and that you deserve much more then this on my behalf I shall deliver her this message for your sake who have so importunately requested it Palmendos requited the page with many thanks and to make him the more forward in the matter he took a bracelet of gold from his arm and gave it him So beguiling the time with other spéeches at length they arrived at Prisâ—a for so was the Town called where the triumphs were appointed the field being covered all over with costly pavilions wherefore Palmendos made choise of a convenient place and there commanded his rich Tent to be presently erected Mean while the Page courteously took his leave and entring the town went straight to his Mistress lodging where having first dispatched the answer sent from her sister and séeing her so conveniently apart from her Damosels he rehearsed all that Palmendos had said unto him I wonder quoth she what the Knight should be that durst send me such a presumptuous message séeing he saith he is a stranger and for my love hath forsaken his Countrey Believe me Madam answered the Page nor do I know him but he séemeth to be discended of great parentage and is one of the goodliest personages that ever I
I imagine my self fortunate having such a precious gage from a Knight so perfect nor shall she be worse intreated then mine own self Marencida hearing these gracious spéeches and what courtesie Palmendos used to the Princesse perceived that she was the Emperours daughter wherefore she gave her many thanks shewing better countenance then before she did to any which Philocrista took very kindly and mounting up the steps with her into the Hall she came to Francelina with these words This Lady Madam doth now supply your place séeing Lord Palmendos is returned for now your company with me must discontinue because reason and your fatal love doth so command me notwithstanding I hope our amity shall continue Fair Princesse answered Francelina we are both so far yours and so good part have you in my Lord as you shall find your self no lesse contented then abashed when you know all therefore fear not that I will forget your friendly familiarity rather will I continue your loving sister as our further assurance of our mutuall agreement Sundry other spéeches passed betwéen the two young Ladies in mean while Marencida looking about her and remembring the great pomp state and riches of her father she made but slender account of the Emperours Court which was not at this time so well stored with Knights as it was wont to be whereupon she giving a great sigh thus uttered her mind You know Emperour of Constantinople that the sumptuous royalty of my fathers Court doth exceed the greatest Princes in the whole world as also how many mighty Lords serve him with homage and fealty because heretofore you have seen the same where if you were so adventurous and hardy as to kill without fear of them as the whole world knoweth the mighty Emperor mine Vncle think I pray you what miserable case the Lady is in so trayterously brought from her own Country and now delivered captive into your custody wherein me thinks in respect of the renown spread abroad of you you should take example by my adversity and rather grieve then glory therein as I sée you do considering that inconstant Fortune is still variable and doth not always allow men felicity This I speak not whereby to gain the more favour or honour in your Court because death would be much more welcome to me then to live in the vexation of mind I do wherefore I intreat you again if intreaty may beseem an adversary hereafter to conserve your reputation in such sort as I may receive no impeach to mine honor and you shall comfort me better therein then all the commendation of your fame can do To these words she added many â—ufull complaints as the Emperor being therewith moved to compassion replied in this manner I understand Madam full well what you have said and know beside that the feminine choler which governeth your spirit maketh you use such kind of language as is clean exempt from all the rules of womanly modesty nor am I now to learn that the strength of earthly Kings and Potentates is less then nothing when God is bent repugnant against them whereby we are all to resolve that we can do no good act without his assistance According to his direction came I unto your Vncles Court before whom I protest and crave no mercy in the day of vengeance if I slew him or ever thought to do it being too far carried away from minding any such intent by the honor I had before received at his Highness hands Yet was I privie to his forcible detaining of the Lady and laboured to restore her to her Lord and husband she being daughter to the renowned King of England and wife to the now famous Emperor Trincus of Almain herein me thinks I committed no offence he kéeping her most unjustly profaning thereby the sacred Laws of royal equity And because the wise have evermore patiently endured their fortune being either good or bad I verily perswade my self Madam that you will forbear to complain and lament in this unséemly manner knowing your self to be conquered by the most courteous and debonair Knight that this day liveth in Europe even he that in Hellespont overcame the King Ocurites your husband These news so grieved Marencida to the heart when she heard the Emperor say that the King her husband and she her self were both taken captive by one Knight as frantick-like she could have eaten her flesh with anger but the young Princess Philocrista conducting her to her chamber appeased her fury with divers friendly spéeches and courteous behaviour But let us now return again to the Prince Palmendos who in this time unarmed himself that the Emperor might at more pleasure behold him CHAP. XXXI What courteous conference Palmendos had with the Emperour the Empress and Primaleon And how being afterwards baptized he was affianced to his Lady AFter that Palmendos had put off his Armour he threw a rich Turkish robe about him embroidered all over with Oriental Pearls which he brought from Tharsus with him according to the modern custome used among the most magnificent Kings of Asia intending to wear it when he should come into the Emperours presence Being returned into the great Hal and each one covetous to understand his Original Primaleon took him by the hand and sate down when the Emperour began in this manner My noble friend Palmendos longer must you not conceal your self your renown being so lavishly bruited through all Countreys tell me then I pray you of what parents you are issued as also what you think else convenient to acquaint us withal Gracious Lord answered Palmendos with you whom I so reverence by honour I may not dissemble in any point for that I were unworthy your presence if I should deal double with so great a state Know then mighty Emperor that I am son to the Quéen of Tharsus the affectionate servant and vowed friend to your Majesty forsaking my Country by a strange occasion so soon as I understood where my father remained which long before was concealed from me The cause of my comming into your Highness Court was the fame and praises I heard of Francelina to whose service the fatal destinies enjoyned me at my very essence in that I never affected any other Lady yet reputing my self unworthy of her grace and favour or to be seen in this honourable Court. To this he added the discouse of the old woman that appeared unto him in the Pallace at Tharsus and how she blamed him for his idle and slothfull life yet hiding how she assured him to be his son because further opinion should pass till that were discovered But quoth he as hitherto I have lived according to the Law of Mahomet so now would I willingly receive Christian Baptism which I faithfully promised for my good success when heaven made me able to deliver this worthy Princess When the Emperour heard these things he presently judged Palmendos to be his son by the sudden and summary supputation
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
Bay-trée Wrapping her costly mantle about her he departed safely from the guard and coming where Oricano staied with his horse made such shift as he mounted into the saddle and so gallopped to the rest of his company who marvelled not a little that he had got so good a booty Great hast they made till they got on shipboard when Palmendos laying her upon his bed and using her reverently because she was of such honour he put up his vertuous sword into the sheath when very soon after Marencida awaked and séeing her self in the company of strangers crying out with fear she said Alas where am I what have I no one about me that I know how came I so strangely into this place Why Fortune hast thou not yet afflicted me enough are my stars grown into such hatred toward me as in my sléep to séek my destruction And what are you that have béen so bold as to take me out of my bed this audacious behaviour will return you no other guerdon then the very sharpest death that can be devised Madam answered Palmendos from that we shall keep our selves so wel as we may as for my self I am a Knight of a Country far hence and hearing by chance what mone you made for the captivity of the King your husband as also how desirous you seemed to see him in Constantinople I was greatly moved to pity your affliction and as one willing to pleasure you herein as also what other thing you shall command me I took you forth of your bed promising you by my religious vows to Chivalry not onely to show you the King Ocurites but also to guard your chastity incontaminate as free from the least spot of dishonor as when you happened into my custody False and disloyal Knight quoth she how can I but receive shame and infamy by this treachery having in such sort been taken from among my Guard If I desired to see the King my husband it was only to content my mind which is thereto moved with vehement affection yet might my meaning be â—at enough from my words because I could not do it without my fathers licence and more willingly would I end my life in this place then go with thée of whom I can imagine no good thought but as thou hast feloniously stoln me from my bed so wilt thou hereafter traiterously murther me I am neither theef or traitor answered Palmendos but a Knight ready at your commandement if so you take my service in good worth and séeing you are now in my power determine to go with me willingly or perforce and think not I intend your death for it is far from my thought I promise you Then began Marencida to fear her hair which séemed as the golden wier and beat her fair hands so white as the Alabaster with out-cries as a Woman deprived of her sences when the Prince pittying these feminine importunities drew his sword and to ease these extreams charmed her a sléep again During this time Ozalio had told the King of Thessaly the whole news of his daugh Francelina whereto he gave good attention because since the time of his imprisonment he had not heard any thing as concerning the affairs of his Realm or that the Quéen his wife had any such daughter wherefore the tears trickling down his face he came and imbraced Palmendos saying In sooth my son all the grievous torments I have heretofore indured séem nothing in respect of the comfort I now feel that my unknown child shall injoy a man so vertuous and for this Ladies taking I am likewise glad because by this mean I shall be sufficiently revenged on the Turk Thus doth God answered Palmendos shew himself a just Iudge and the true directer of all humane actions limiting every occasion according as best him pleaseth but we were best to make what speed we can hence else may we repent our comming among these inexâ—rable tyrants Marencida awaking again and not perswaded with all the courteous entertainments he could devise she still continued her former acclamations not unlike Ariadne at the comming of Bacchus when she was found forsaken by Theseus at the sea-side in like sort did she renue her maledictions invocating on Neptune and Thetis as also the Tritons their Heralds Monsters Nimphs and Sirens that she might suffer shipwrack in the sea and the fishes feed on her unhappy carcasse But Ozalio pittying her dolorous complaints and finding his heart somewhat esprized with her love intreated Palmendos to grant him one request which above all things else he required at his hands when the Prince yeelding unto any thing his cousin would demand Ozalio proceeded in this manner My sute is worthy Lord and cousin to enjoy this Lady as my Wife to whom I know the destinies have fatally reserved me considering the sudden change and inexplicable controversie my heart indureth whereas the continual accompanying of beautiful Ladies heretofore could never move my frozen affections and now I féel them not warm but boiling Easily may you quoth Palmendos obtain this demand of me if nothing else stand in the way to hinder it and as much do I desire your advancement as any way I can be covetous of mine own hoping while I live to sée no divorce betwéen us but that our estates shall continue equally together and in witness of my word I deliver you the charge of this Princesse hereafter to dispose of her according to your desires Ozalio now uses all decent courtesies to Marencida thereby to gain favour in her conceit yet all was in vain for she would not afford him any good countenance but remain in her wonted obstinacy When the poor fisherman understood by his son Oricano how his guests had delivered the King of Thessaly out of Albayzo castle he thought it no longer tarrying for him in Turky wherefore he came and intreated the Prince Palmendos that he might sail with him into Christendom which suit was very soon obtained so he his wife and family came all aboard the ship the Prince promising to reward their gentleness liberally Now let us come to the Guard and them that attended on Marencida who waking and not finding their Lady in her bed began to chafe and rage in most extream manner some rending their hair and beards violently others running mad among the Trees thinking she had been metamorphosed in the Garden nor could they imagine how to escape the danger when the great Turk should hear of this mishap These comfortless creatures thus amazed not any one of them daring to go tell the Emperour hereof they determined to fly the Country and return no more to the Court leaving Marencidaes Ladies and Gentlewomen mourning in that unhappy place where about noon Ripole brother to Iffida arrived returning from the wedding with his wife and divers brave Knights but when he understood the cause of their sorrow he was stricken into such a quandary as he would pass no further before he
enquired more of this event In the mean while he sent a Squire to Albayzo Castle to advertise his father of his comming and the Squire prauncing up to the Fortress marvelled to see the gates wide open but much more when he saw the slaughter of the Knights and the Captain himself lie slain among them now was he surprized with such fear as he had not the heart to tarry there any longer but trusting to the speedy succour of his horse legs gallopped with all speed to his Master where standing a while as a man beside himself at length he thus spake Pardon me my Lord in declaring a bloudy and tragical report your worthy father and all the guard of the Castle lie cruelly murthered in the base Court and because I found the great gates open I doubt the treasure and riches in the Castle hath occasioned this massacre by some robbers and thieves Ripole hearing these unlooked for news was terrified in such sort as he could not tell what to say but mounting on a lusty courser he rode to the Castle the Gentlemen bringing his wife fair and softly after But when he beheld this wofull spectacle and what a butchery Palmendos sword had made his servants feared he would have followed in this hard fortune Nor can I here set down the rufull mones which Ripole made over his father mother and sister no doubt they were as strange and irksome as this accident but when they had searched through the Castle and found nothing wanting but the King of Thessaly they judged the authors of this tyranny to be Christians and that they likewise had carried away the Quéen Marencida After he had taken order for interring the dead he rode immediately toward the great Turk having heard of Iffidaes Nurse all that had hapned betwéen her and the two Knights and being come before the Emperour he fell at his feet delivering the signs of an afflicted spirit which onely sought for grace and mercy At length he declared the substance of this wreakfull occurrence as well that of Marencida his Majesties daughter as the other of his fathers death and deliverance of the King of Thessaly affirming his sister Iffida to be the onely cause thereof and by what trains she had been beguiled himself being altogether innocent of the treason notwithstanding he fréely offered himself at his gracious disposition to abide whatsoever he would assign him These words so wounded the Turk to the heart as he remained silent a great while anger having so locked up the passage of his spéech yet furiously at length starting from his Chair he railed on the Gods stars devils and all the infernal powers Ah Mahomet quoth he doubtless thou art angry with me or else dost take but litle care of thy servants that evermore have extolled thee above all other Gods and Prophets but much I wonder thou wouldst thus forget me unless thou wilt have me think thée extreamly offended or that the hope is vain and frustrate which is reposed in thée You stars not inclined to favour me but rather affecting my total ruine wherein have I so hainously offended that you should take so sharp and rigorous vengeance on me what may this presage to me hereafter but some great misfortune and sudden mutation in Asia Yet will I so carefully fore-sée these affairs as the seditious performers of this villany shall not carry it away so lightly Like sorrows made this Infidel for his mishap when many of his Knights without attending other commandment got ready Foists Gallies and other vessels for war to pursue the causers of this tragical accident but their labour was spent in vain albeit not long after they heard the truth of all which procured such hatred between the Turks and the Grecians as they ceased not till with hostility they hâ—d invaded Greece but it was not during the reign of the Emperor Palmerin or any of his race or next posterity for while they lived the Turks durst not stir against them yet long time after when Ottoman a fierce and proud Prince governed infinite evils happened in Europe where he took and sacked many good cities towns and castles Now would the great Turk not suffer Ripole to be further tormented because he was found altogether innocent in the action but sent him back to the Castle of Albayzo making him Captain thereof as his father was before And long time continued he sad and melancholy thinking he had received wonderfull dishonor by the loss of his daughter Marencida nor should he ever recover the same till Greece were beaten flat to the ground and the Emperor Palmerin with all his kndred utterly destroyed Where in these ragings we will leave him and return to our purpose CHAP. XXX How Palmendos with his company arrived at Constantinople where the Emperour came and received them at the Port What speeches he had with the Queen Marencida after they were come to the Pallace how joyfully likewise the Queen of Thessaly and Francelina her daughter welcommed home the King her father THe Mariners chearfully hoysing their sails left the coast of Turkie and lanched into the main sea having the wind and weather so favourable as without any impeachment they attained the Bosphore of Thrace where Palmendos sent his cousin Ozalio before to the Emperor that the King of Thessaly might be entertained with honour beseeming so great a Prince Ozalio making speed in a swift little Pinnace being landed went directly to the Pallace and finding the Emperor in the great Hall conferring with his Lords about the enchanted Bird which that morning had delivered many pleasant notes wherefore he expected some comfortable news when Ozalio falling on his knee began in this manner Dread Lord I am the servant and friend to the noble Palmendos whose renown hath heretofore been blazed in this Court and he humbly intreateth your Highness by me that you would entertain the King of Thessaly whom he hath brought from Turkie with such grace and honour as beseemeth his dignity By this time I think they are entred the haven in that they were not far off when I left them I being sent before to acquaint your Majecty herewith The Emperor exceeding joyfull at these news rose and embraced Ozalio very graciously and causing all his Knights and Barons to prepare themselves said that he would go to the Port in person to welcome them Right soon were these tydings bruited through the Court wherewith the Empress and her Ladies were highly pleased especially the mourning Queen of Thessaly for her husbands return and fair Francelina for her lovely friend whose absence made her imagine every hour a year wherefore in hast they got them before to the Port attended on by their Ladies and Gentlewomen where Palmendos being newly come on shore with the King thus spake to him Behold my good Lord your Queen and daughter who are joyfully come to salute your arrival But when he looked on Francelina the whole quire of heaven