dutifull departed Shée was no sooner gone but Angelica fitting downe vppon the rushes leaning her head vppon the beddes side beganne to studie whence the occasion of that suddaine alteration she fell in her selfe should procéede sometimes deeming this and then that but still she could not certainly know what to iudge thereof that her minde was drawne so an extreame torment which so opprest her sences that presently she called Anna again who maruelling at her strange behauiour greeuing at her sadnesse kneeling downe by her vttered these spéeches My deare Mâ—stresse I beséech you conceale not from mée the occasion of your disquiet to whose secrecie you néede not feare to commit the same for I hope you are sufficientâ—y perswaded of my truthe that do estéeme my duely so you more deare then my selfe which I would most willingly spende for your sake or if you will voucsafe to employe mee any way or in what sort so euer so it please you to command I will be most willing to vse my vttermost endeuours as faithfully as euer did seruaunt to purchase your content Aye mée wretched creature quoth Angelica it is not mistrust of thy secrecie nor doubt of thy ayde nor ought else that I misâ—oubt in thee that maketh me withholde any part of my counsell from thee for if I would shewe it thée I cannot for this passion is so newly begunne that I cannot rightly coniecture what the cause thereof should be or why my thoughts should be thus suddainly disquieted and such assured confidence do I retaine in thy fidelitie that I would conceale no part of my thoughts from thée Anna hearing her mistresse spéeches beganne presently to suspect that shee had entertained some good conceit of some of the knights that were arriued that day whom she thought to be the young Prince Camillus which caused her make this answere Deare Mistresse quoth she I beleeue the approach of some of the gallant Knights that came with the King is the cause of your alteration Why quoth Angelica doest thou thinke their approach should disquiet me Marry quoth Anna because many Ladies haue been suddainly ouertaken with loue wherewith Angelica blusht saying Doest thou thinke my affections so light to looke of euery one I see Pardon mee deare Madame quoth shée I doe not thinke so Wel quoth Angelica suppose thou hast iumpt vpon the right which of those knights doest thou suppose it is Wil you pardon me said Anna if I giue my opinion I will saide she I thinke quoth Anna it is the braue Prince Camillus Camillus quoth she it is rather the stranger Indeed quoth Anâ—â— that strange knight farre surmounteth all the knights that euer I beheld for comlinesse courtesse and prowesse I am assured said Angelica breathing forth a sadde sigh thou speakest this rather to flatter me then according to that thou thinkest for otherwise why didst thou speake of Camillus Faith Mâ—stresse quoth she I named Camillus not for any thing I see in him comparable with the straunge Knight but for that I would thereby knowe your minde which now that I vnderstand if you would follow my counsell you should not onely like him but also loue him for there is no doubt but the cause of his comming hither was onely for your sake who in my rash opinion will prooue both constant and loyall for his very countenance bewrayeth the vnited essence of true Nobilitie and vertue to be placed in him O Anna quoth she thou woundest me to the heart before I had but a suspition of loue but by thy spéeches I begin to be inthralled therein Do not I pray thée séeke to augment that which is impossible to come to perfection which if I should entertaine as I shall I feare me against my will thou knowest how many impossibilitâ—â—s do threaten my euerlasting torment thereby therefore I pray thee doe not once name him to me againe for if thou doest I shall be more inthralled to that very name then to all the humble suttes of the most noblest knights in the world Didst thou not heare my brother Marcellus report how prodigally hee gaue away the kings daughter of Thrace and what paines he tooke to redéeme Venola that beautifull Lady from Andramarts Castle I know thou didst but likewise I know thou didst not heare what he said to me to refell these doubtes that he was long since enioyned to my seruice and was the thing hée had long time sought to attaine Didst thou not see how I found him a sléepe and yet notwithstanding all the Knights that guarded me how resolutely yet with humilitie he approached my presence where he tolde me that not want of regard had bredde that rudenesse but feare of missing that fit occasion considering how straightly I am kept and pried into by my Fathers decrée Didst thou not sée how brauely and valiantly hée ouerthrow thrée stout Knights together that would haue taken my gloue from him Doest thou not sée how dearely my brother Marcellus loued him and all in generall are well affected towards him These I thinke are occasions sufficient to refell all suspect of his good intent and meaning Quoth Anna Truely most gracious Madame I thinke verily all things considered hée hath not his equall neyther for valour nor for Vertue You may doe as you please whome I will not so much as once speake of hereafter since I shall offende you thereby Yes I pray thée speake of him quoth Angelica for nothing can please me better though I â—eare me nothing wil doe mée more harme And well maist thou thinke me ouerâ—ond so â—ooâ—â— to do intangled in the bondes of loue with a straunger that I neithâ—r knâ—we of whence nor what he is of whome we haue saide ynough at this time therfore I pray let vs deferre any further commendation of him vntill we haue made better proofe of his worthinesse which said they betooke themselues to their rest Early the next morning the Knight of Fame was vp to whom Marcellus was soone gotten who tooke no other delight but onely in his company vsing him so kindly and so honourably that the Knight of Fame maruelled thereat wondring whence such kindnesse should grow that he likewise beganne greatly to affect his company and being both come into the Kings presence who was accompanied by Camillus they spent the forenoone in seuerall discourses likewise Angelica spent her time amongst the Ladies of great account in such sort as agreed in their fancie Dinner time being come a most costly and sumptuous feast was prepared wherevnto Maximus inuited all his Nobles and Camillus and the Knight of Fame amongst the rest as his chiefest where they were most honourably entertained sumptuously feasted and kindly welcommed Camillus séeing that the Quéene and Angelica were wanting was suddainly fallen into a sadde dumpe because the Ladie of his delight was absent which the King noted more specially then all the rest who supposing that Camillus came as a Sâ—ter to his daughter had of purpose giuen order
that he restraineth me Angelicas presence and kéepeth his counsels from me to intrude my selfe into his counsels I will not presume onely my desire is that I may but be admitted to the sight of my sister Angelica Marcellus quoth the Quéene I pray thée bée contented for a time for thou seest thy fathers minde which will impart his secrets to none who if hee should knowe that your sadnesse were for that cause would be the more fearefull to imparte tâ—em to you which can no way pleasure you but rather fill your minde with greater â—ares which now is more happy then it would be then for Angelica so long as shâ—e is â—n health what neede you be so carefull for her then good Marcellus rest your selfe contented and desire not that which will rather adde more trouble to your head The Quéene hauing ended these spéeches departed and lest Marcellus where shâ—e found him Assoone as the Quéene was gone hâ—e â—egaâ— againe to ponder these things not knowing why his head shâ—ld be thus troubled for he knâ—w all that hee desired and yet his minde was troubled therewith that at last with more aduised consideration hee weighed euery conceit of his thoughts and found that neyther his Fathers vnkindnesse Angelicaâ—s absence nor his feare of disgrace was theâ— that troubled him but only a good conceyt of Dulcias kindenesse which caused him to enter into a viewe of her perfections which his fancie began so much to commend her that hée thought her worthy to bée beloued withall thought why he might not loue her which very thoghts â—rew to such insight into his owne fancies that he perceyued that loue had alreadie taken possession in his heart then hée began to consider what displeasure if might procure him if he should set his fancie on one so faâ—re his inferior and not rather seeke the loue of some Kings daughter that might adde honor to his title and not diminish the same which thought was no sooner begun but it ended being dasht by an other conceyt that Dulcia was as beautifull as any as vertuous as any as courtâ—â—us as any and therefore as worthy to be beloued as any that iâ— hee should marry with his equall she might rather marrâ—e him for his dignitie and of a haughtâ—e minde to keepe her owne high dignitie still then for any true loue and if she were his equall hée should rather be subiâ—ct to her will then shee any way obedient to him that Dulcia would bee a louing kinde and â—uetifull wife that shée would honour him rather then desire to bée his equall and that shée would refuse no perrill daunger nor hazardâ— for his sake that hauing spent some time in these cogitations hée resolued to loue Dulcia whatsoeuer ensued thereon though hee incurred his Parents displeasure or anie other hazard of his honour whatsoeuer and with resolution hée went immediately vnto the place where shee was guarded in steed of Angelica and by the Damzells meanes who before had done him the like fauour he came to her chamber where he found Dulcia all alone very sad to whom he said How now Angelica what are you sadde can I neuâ—r come but that I must alwayes finde you in this melancholy dispoâ—â—â—ion what are you sorry to be thus pend from a husband My Lorde quoth Dulcia though I am otherwise sadde it doth mee good to see you merrâ—e You are deceyued Dulcia I am not merrie My Lorde quoth shee if I should giue credite to your words they shewe that you are merrie that call me Angelica yet knowe the conâ—rarie Oh Dulcia quoth he neither doth wordes nor countenance alwayes bewray the inward thoughts for this which you take to bée myrth in mée is but a forced habite which I haue taken vppon mee euen now but knewe you the thoughtâ— of my heart you would say I were sadde My Lord quoth shée I beséech you pardon my boldenesse which I presumed séeing your pleasant disposâ—tion wherein if I was deceyued I hope you will not bee offended with for indéed oftentimes the heart meditates of many things the mind cannot vtter So doth mine Dulcia quoth hée for I wish thée more good then I am able â—e vtter and the cause that my heart is sadde is because I am not able to do â—hée so much good as my heart doth wish and cannot vtter I most humbly thanke you quoth Dulcia acknowledging my selfe farre vnwoorthie such faâ—our and vnable to deserue such good which maketh mee thinke you still continue in that forced habit which maketh you vtter those spéeches Indéede well replyed Dulcia quoth he but as I suddainly tooke that habit vpon me it was gone again before I had vttered the words therfore you may bée assured now that my words procéede from a true heart and not from a forced habit My Lord quoth she againe where there is such often change of disposition there can bee no constant resolution Yes quoth hée that which is of purpose taken to shew myrth is forced but the naturall disposition still continueth firme In déede in â—ewe quoth she but not in all Then quoth hee thinke mee one of those â—ewe My Lord quoth shée I beséech you pardon me if I do not for it is giuen to all by nature to be more confâ—dent then prouident And I aunswere I haue receyued more fauour at your hands in suffering mée to be thus familiar with you then I am worthy or euer haue deserued therefore I craue pardon hoping â—hat you will beare wish my rudenesse Dulcia quoth hée doe not aske pardon when you haue not misdone but beléeue my words without any question to proceede from the deapth of my true heart which entendeth and wisheth you no lesse good then I haue vtâ—ered for I haue found such vertue in you that I am inthralled to that vertue and desire to be partaker and possesse thy bewtie which hath made mée your affectionate friende and intreate your loue then that which I desire nothing more My Lord replyed Dulcia my loue and duetiâ— is such that I will not refuse any commaund you shall impose vpon mée Dulcia quoth hée it is not such loue as is commaunded by dutie nor such friendship as riseth from feare but such kinde loue as procéedeth betwixt faithfull friendes from the yéelding consent of a true heart and such a loue as hath a further respect then that common duâ—y for if you knewe with what feruencie I desired your swéete consent to this loue you would pittie my torments My Lord replyed shée I beséech your Honour do not séeke to en thrall mée in loues bands that am frée and am assured your fancie cannot like of one farre vnworthie that high fauour you speake of but suffer me rather to continue in my peacefull estate that estéeme my selfe farre from euer enioying such happinesse as to be belâ—ued of my superiour being alreadie so farre bound vnto you in all humblenesse that you shall not commaund me any thing that
blowes with fresh courage that Corus fretting at his enemies vâ—lour and calling to minde his former spéeches strooke so mightie a blow at him that with the force thereof he made him stagger which turned Parismeuos sences into such furie that aduancing himselfe in his stirropes hée strooke Corus so full and so valiantly on the Crest that he was astonish therewith yet notwithstanding with quick courage soon recouered his memorie again prosecuting his blows with great fortitude vntill that both their armour and stéedes beganne to be coloured with the purple blood that issued from their wounds both of them waxing faint yet neyther willing to yéelde Sometimes the one driuing his enemie to reâ—yre and hée againe returning with new courage But Parismenos being the nimbler of bodie warded many of Corus blowes and in the end wounded him so sore that hee beganne to stagger too and â—ro to saue himselfe from his furie who still pursued him with such violence that Corus with faintnesse fell on his horse necke which hee espying was lifting his sword to fetch a fresh blowe to ende his life but that hee heard one call to him to stay and looking backe saw that it was Amasenus who missing him being tolde that hee departed from the Castle in Armour followed him to the place and had all that while stayed couertly and beheld the combat and séeing the daunger Corus was in desired Parismenos to spare his life who according to his request desisted Amasenus then caused his Knightes to take vp Corus fallen from his horse in a trance who receiuing fresh ayre came to himselfe againe but when hée saw the Duke present and his enemie still mounted and in a good estate his heart was ready to burst with inward gréefe which malicious ranckour filled vp all his sences that cursing himselfe and his ill fortune hee yeelded vp his fainting ghost Farewell quoth Amasenus the most proude and discorteous Knight that euer liued in Thrace thy inâ—olence and malicious discontented enuie hath wrought thine owne downe fâ—ll And most noble Knight quoth hée to Parismenos I both honour your valour and applaude your victorie wherein you haue behaued your selfe so valiantly as I shall for euer loue you and since you remaine vâ—ctor I praye returne with mee to haue your wounds cured Parismenos humbly thanking him departed and the rest of Amasenus Knightes tooke vp Corsus bodie which afterwards they buried with great sosemnitie After Corsus death the Knights that enuied Parismenos now beganne to imagine assuâ—redly that the Knight would darken all their glories and the more account they saw the D. make of him the more their maliciouâ— enuy increased that they deuâ—sed all the meanes they coulde to contriue hir death wâ—â—â—soever insued thereon waiting all opportunities But hée 〈◊〉 his woundes fully cured forsooke his chamber and betook himsâ—â—f again to his wonted exercisâ—s which was sometimes to mannage â—â—e â—â—urdie stéede and sometimes to sport himselfe in companie oâ— his vnknowne enemies amongst the Ladies and Gentlewomen who liked his behauiour and courtesie so well besides his comeâ—y proportion the swéete youth so greatly pleased their fancies that they accounted the Thracian Knights rude in respect oâ— him all both liking louing and commending him and that so openly that his enemies might heare their spéeches which wrought such a violent effect of rancor that no thought could harbour in their brests but tragicall deuises to worke his downfall One amongst the rest neare kinsman to Corus named Argalus was forwardest in this exployt who to further his intent with one Themides dissembling a friendly countenance iâ—sinuated themselues into his familiaritie vsing such kind behauiour towards him and entertaining his company with such curtesie that he hauing no insight into their dissimulation beganne to make account of their friendship and to take delight in their company oftentimes imparting his secrets vnto them and without suspition making them priuie to most of his actions Argalus vpon a time came to Parismenos telling him that a squire of his had found a mightie wild Bore and could bring them to his den desiring his company to goe with them to hunt him Parismenos hearing that was as forward as any of them and the next morning appointed to meete them in the midst of the Forrest at the Pooles side And early the next morning he got vp according to his appointment being ready to depart his chamber some fiue or sixe droppes of blood suddenly fell from his nose with which he started and staying felt a suddaine drowsie heauinesse and throbbing possesse his heart which draue him into a déepe studie what should be the cause of that vnwonted pâ—ssion at last he began to think with himself May not these fewe drops of blood deuine some bad successe to my enterprise this day I am here in a strange Country amongst such as I know not how to trust for I sée apparantly many of them do enuy me which they manifest by their lowring countenances and Corus behauiour may be a patterne of their dispositions therefore I were best not to go at all Then again he began to thinke Argalus and Themides are my friends then what néede I feare any mishap All which doubts would not stay him but arming himselfe and resoluing to endure all mischaunces be departed towards the Poole By the way as he rode he met a damsel posting towards him with great spéed wringing her hands and making greâ—t lamentation Parismenos maruelling at her sorrow asked the cause of her complaint Sir knight quoth she I was going to Duke Aamsenus court carrying a present and a letter from my mistresse vnto a strange knight that lately arriued there but by that way I met with two knights in gréene Armour who dispoyled me thereof and most disâ—oyally effered to abuse me had I not fled Damsell quoth he bring me if you can where they are and I will do my best to cause them make you restitution Wherewith the Damiell turned her horse and rode back againe Sir Knight quoth she they tooke downe this narrow Lane Parismenos set spurs to his horse and with great spéed rode that way He was not farre entred but he espied the two knights in greene Armor readie mounted staying in a pleasant valley incompassed round with woods vnto whom he thus saide Is it the maner of you Thracians to offer violence to sille Damsels Render me those things you haue taken â—â—oÌ„ her or I protest I will not leane you vntil I haue compeld you to doit by force Vnto whom one of them replied If thy selfe art no Thracian what doest thou here or what interest hast thou in that Damsels quarrell that maketh thée so bold to controâ—ll our doings That interest I haue quoth he as all knights should haue which is to succor distressed Damsels wherewith turning back to take scope for his race he ran at one of them and at the encounter ouerthrew him backwards who by mischance in the fall burst one of his
satisfie my content his spéeches being ended with silence she gaue consent spending some time in sweet dalliance and in the end fell fast a sléepe Early in the morning Parismus with many swéet kisses took his leaue oâ— Laurana who bedewed her bed with abundance of teares for his departure and falling into a déepe passion of feare she presently started vp and arraying her selfe came downe into the court where Parismus was readie to take his horse running to him caught hold of him who maruailing thereat tooke her most louingly in his armes who was so far ouergon with griefe that she could not speake a word but bestowing many swéete tear wet kisses on her he left her amongst her maide and departed With him were Tellamor and Barzillus kéeping company togither some thrée dayes without aduenture at all at last they came to a goodly plaine wherinto a common beaten path conducted them vntill comming to the middest thereof there stood a brazen pillar from which parted thrée seuerall waies there they stayed deuising amongst themselues which of those wayes to take at last they concluded that each of them should take a seuerall way and solemnly taking their leaues with kinde farewells they betooke each other to their good or bad fortunes CHAP. VII How Parismenos called the knight of Fame woon the chief honor of the Tourney at the Court of the king of Thrace And hauing won Phylena the kings daughter was commaunded in a vision to giue her to Remulus PArismenos no otherwise knowne but by the name of the Knight of Fame vnder which name he did passe till he came to the knowledge of his pareÌ„ts being as is before said in another Chapter coÌ„ueied by Amasenus to his castle sore wounded in the batâ—el he had with Argalus and Thenudes was so carefully tended by the Dukes Phâ—sitians that in a fewe daies they had brought him to his perfâ—ct remembrances and within short time after that to his former health which greatly reioyced the good old Duke who tooke great felicitie in his company for the many honourable parts he saw to abound in him And vpon a time in the presence of all his Court demanded the cause of the combat between him Argalus which he requested as well to know the truth thereof himselfe as to satisfie the â—uspitious mindes of many that inwardly maligned the discontented Knight vnto whom he declared the truth in maner as is before set downe saying This my lord is the truth of our misadueÌ„ture whom I neuer iniuried but alwaies estéemed as my deare friends Amasenus was glad that no cause of disconâ—ent could be conceiued against him by any other of his knights who enuied him because his noble gifts darkned their glories but yet his â—rieous kind behauiour in short time expelled that rancor they that â—efore were his enemies began to make good estimation of him and his fame began to spred it selfe in most parts of Thrace and all that eeuer beheld him grew into admiration of his strength accoÌ„panied wiâ—h â—uch bewtie as his youth yéelded that had they not knowne the contrary by his prowesse they would haue taken him for some disguised Lady Wheilest the knight of Fame remained in Amasenus court the King of Thrace appointed a generall triumph to beheld for certaine dayes the occasion whereof is this He had one onelie daughter namâ—d Phylena whose bewtie was inferiour to none and her gifts of nature were such as made her much spoken of in many countries insomuch that many knights came as sutors to obtaine her loue but she had secretly betrothed her selfe to Remulus one of the knights of her fathers court without her pareÌ„ts consent by meanes of whose bewtie the court of Thrace was so full of gallant knights that sought her loue that the king was much troubled in minde how to bestowe her and séeing that she did not fancie one more then another he appointed a generall triumph to be held for seueÌ„ daies and whosoeuer bare away the prize the last day shuld marry his daughter Intending thereby to end his doubt and care that way thinking that though his daughter had not a rich and Princely husband yet shée should haue a valiant Champion to defend the price of her beautie Amongst the rest of the Knights there was Guido who had long time â—ued to obtaine her loue who now reioyced at this decrée hoping by his valour to beare away the bride There was Trudamor of Candie who thought none to equall him in strength and therefore none more forward against the appointed Tryumph there was Drio of Cicil who had sailed from his owne Country thither who likewise by his strength at seuerall times slew three Lyons who came with resolution to winne Phylena for his wife And many other knights of high account The report of this Tryumph came to the knowledge of the knight of Fame whose minde was kindled with a great desire to goe thither that he requested Amasenus consent who being destrous any way to pleasure him gaue him sufficient coyne to furnish himselfe of all things fit for such an attempt Who caused a most rich Armor of gréene to be made shadowed with trées of gold presenting a Forrest In his shield he bare this deuice A naked man leading a Lyon with this motto vnderneath Ouergone with discontent Wherein the expert Artsman had so cunningly immitated his Fancie that a man by his Armor and shield might easily vnderstand his meaning The appointed time of Tryumph drawing nigh Amasenus with a gallant troupe of knights amongst whom the knight of Fame was chiefe came to the Thracian Court whom the king honourably receiued Amasenus hauing done his hom age to the king pitched his Tent without the Court Gates vpon a little hill hard by the appointed place for Tryumph where likewise hard by him were the Tents of Guido Trudamor Drio and the three valiant knights of Candie Tristamus Tennulus and Babulus in whose companie were a number of valiant knights that came thither some to make triall of their valour and some of purpose to winne the faire Phylena Likewise there were the Tents of the young King of Aragon who came accompanied with a number of valiant knights hoping to beare away the prize that all the plaines were filled with Tents There might you sée knights breaking staues practising themselues against the day of Tryumph Here might you sée other recreating themselues in martiall exercises there might you heare the neighing of horses clattering of Armour cracking of staues and such companies of knights assembled as if the richest prize in the world had bin appointed for reward Whilst these things were acting Phylena was in great care for Remulus whom she loued so dearely that rather then she would part with him she would indure any miserie whatsoeuer who likewise addressed himselfe to trie his fortune amongst the rest And the day before the triumph Phylena secretly getting oportunitie to speake with him gaue him this assurance of
sâ—gh and sad teare thinking that with each others sight each others life had parted Tellamor according to his promise arriued in Libia euen at the time of Parismus departure whome we will leaue onwardes of his iourney towardes Bohemia The Knight of Fame hauing slept his fill and longer a great deale then he determined awaked within two daies after Parismus departure little thinking the Prince had béene gone but beginning to arme himselfe Flauia comming to him said as followeth Worthie Knight quoth she I am glad to sée that you are well which vntill now I doubted The knight of Fame wondring at her speeches saide Gentlewoman as yet I haue not bene sicke then why do you make any question of my health Indeed sir quoth she I sée now you haue not béene sicke but you haue slept very long for I haue bene your kéeper heere this two dayes euer since the Prince of Bohemia departed who thought to haue had your company some part of the way but séeing your sleepe from which you could not be wakened hée imparted his minde to the Ladie Venola who hath giuen me especiall charge to attend you diligently Hée hearing her spéeches was amazed in his thoughts to thinke of them entring into many cogitations what should be the cause of his sléepinesse which hée perceiued was the potion which hée had tasted that he was excéedingly inraged with himself that he thereby was disappoynted of Parismus company whom hée estéemed aboue all the knights that euer he had met withall and making a vertue of necessitid blaming himselfe for his sléepinesse he went downe into the company of other knights making the best excuse he could thereof Flauia in the meane time went to Venola and tolde her all that had happened and what she had told him of Parismus departure wishing her to deuise what she thought best to satisfie his minde The Knight of Fame being desirous to know what message Parismus had left with Venola méeting with Flauia desired her to certifie her Mistresse that he attended her pleasure to know what the Prince of Bohemia had tolde her as concerning him Flauia hearing his spéeches brought him into a gallerie where shée desired him to stay and she would go bring him answere presently so comming to Venola she tolde her thereof Venola then hauing ridde her chamber of all company willed her to bring him in whom shee welcommed with vnwoonted kindnesse and taking him by the hand desired him to sit downe by her vppon the beddes side to whom shée said as followeth Most courteous knight the Prince of Bohemia willed me to certifie you that he would within foure daies returne to this place to desire your company in executing a secret of importance desiring me that I would intreate you to stay here some fewe daies and at his returne hée will requite that kindnesse therefore I pray quoth shée bée my guest for so long time for I haue receiued such benefits by your courtesie as I would willingly if it lay in my power requite the same I thanke your excellencie quoth hée for proffering mee such kindnesse acknowledging my self both vnwoorthie thereof and vnable to requitâ— the same being so much the more willing to stay Parismus returne thereby to shewâ— my dutie to your request and séeing you vouchsafe mée to bée your Guest hauing yet deserued no suche kindnesse pleaseth you to commaunde or imploy mée any way and I will most willingly vndertake any trauell to procure your content which wordes hee spake little knowing what passions had possest her heart whome shee vsed so kindely and entertained with such louing glaunces that hee beganne greatlie to commende her courtesse and maruailed why shee vsed him with such kindenesse that would haue pearced the heart of any other Knight but onelie himselfe whose affections were setteled on his inward deuoted Ladie that Venolaes loue was but bestowed in vaine and shee spent her sighes and her good will in a barraine soile where she s wept in hope of recompence which draue her to such extreamitie of griefe that shee was often in minde hauing him so fittely in her companie and fearing to loose so swéete opportunitie to reueale her loue to him of her selfe but that purpose was suddainely altered by contrary thoughts that shee satte rackt with so manie and so extreame cogitations that the gréefe on the one side that hee could not conceyue of her good liking by so manie euident tokens as shee hadde shewen thereof and her owne passions ouerwhelmed her heart with such care that shee suddainly burst into aboundance of teares and so rose from the bedde and went to a window The Knight of Fame maruailing what should bee the cause of her saddenesse thinking that his companie could but disquiet her departed her chamber which shee perceiuing was ouercome with such passion that shee fell downe dead wherewith Flauia gaue such shriekes that the knight of Fame hearing her outcrie suddainely returned and finding Venola in that estate did the best hee could with the Nurse to recouer her sences which at last beganne to turne to their woonted vses Venola lifting vp her eyes and espying the knight of Fame holding her in his armes wisht that shee might for euer haue continued in that trance who carrying her to the bedde there laid her downe and Flauia and other Damzelles by that time tooke her into their custodie which caused him to depart againe after whome Venola cast such a gréedie looke accompanied with such scalding sighes that Flauia feared shée would haue fallen into the like trance againe After that shée was well recouered and all her attendants departed Flania saide as followeth Why deare Mistresse quoth shée how immoderately doo you gouern your selfe to fall into these extreames I beshrew my heart if I doe not repent that euer I vndertooke to bée an acter héerein What haue you no more wisedome but so fondly to dâ—aâ—e on a stragling knight that cannot or at the least will not vnderstand your meaning taking a delight to sée your torment for it is impossible but that hee should perceiue your loue towards him then be not so affectionate towards such a one as neither regardeth loue nor knoweth what belongeth to courtly ciuiltie Peace peace quoth Venola either fill my eares with the sound of better words or else hold thy tongue for I tell thee it is more odious vnto me then death to heare thée so much disgrace the Prince of courtesie for in him remaine all honourable parts whose presence is more pleasant vnto me then al the proffered seruices of the knights in the world and if thou canst comfort me no better then by these spéeches kéepe secret what thou knowest and hereafter thou shalt know no more of my minde For I imparted the same to thée thinking to haue comfort by thy counsell but thou contrarily addest care â—o my griefe Sweet Mistresse quoth shée I beséech you do not conceiue so hardly of my meaning for I speake nothing but with intent
sort being vnwilling to make choise of any but by your appointment but in the ende his sutes grewe to that importunacie that hee would haue no deuiall but comming into her chamber chusing his fittest opportunitie when my Mistresse was in her bedde and surprising her vnawares offered her excéeding shame and villanie but beeing by her striuing and out-crie disappoynted of his full intent hée presentlie fledde away The King hearing Flauias spéeches was excéedingly iuraged with furie commaunding his knights to poste euery way to learne where he made his abode This newes being spred at last came to a knight of Natolia who by occasion was then in the Lybian Court who presently came to the king and tolde him that hee needed not â—o make inquyrie for the knight of Fame for that hee was â—t the Golden Tower The King hearing that newes was exceeâ—ingly gladde thereof commanding his knightes to staye their iourney writing a letter to Maximus to this effâ—ct MOst mightie King I salute you requesting you to worke reuenge in my behalf vpon a traitor who now remaineth with you who hath dishonoured my Daughter hee is called the Knight of Fame assuming that name to colour his wicked practises who no doubt will soone deuise some mischiefe against your person let him not escape your hands but rather send him to mee that I may â—euenge that monstrous iniurie hee hath done mee by his life which onely shall satisfie mee Thus remembring my loue to you and desirng your secrecie I cease Your brother of Lybia Hauing written this letter and sealed it with his signet hée presently sent the same by certaine of his knightes to the Golden Tower who as effectually dispatched theyr iourney as hee hadde giuen them straight charge and arriuing at the Golden Tower deliuered the letter to Maximus who hauing redde the same and well considered the circumstance which augmented his hatred and suspiâ—ion alreadie begunne against the knight of Fame presently comming to the place where hee was in talke with Marcellus hee caused him to be apprehended and without any other iudgement caused him presently to be cast into a denne of Lyons to be deuoured The knight of Fame was no sooner put into the denne but the Lyons made an excéeding roaring that those without assuredlie iudged him deuoured and himselfe expected nothing but that terrible and â—eaâ—full death but the Lyons who by nature will not harme those of Royall blood spared his life and not so much as offered to touch him but were rather terrified with his presence Hee being glad of this happy escape beganne to assure himselfe that hee was sprung of Kingly race which greatly comforted his heart and added a perswasiue hope to comfort himselfe withall that by that occasion hee should attaine to Angelicas loue if hée could worke meanes for his releasement out of that place most of all hee woondred why Maximus had offered him that outrage In these and such like cogitations he spent the rest of the day Marcellus seeing the Knight whome hee most dearely loued destroyed without iudgement equity or cause was so inwardly inraged that he was in minde oftentimes to worke himselfe iniuâ—ie and séeke meanes of reuenge if he knew who had bene the causer thereof and not knowing what to doo nor in whose companie to spende his time hée presently thought to goe to Angelica whom hee thought bare some good will to the knight of Fame with her to bemoane his vntimelie death but comming to the place where shée was hée would haue entred therein but Collimus according to Maximus commaund denyed him and that the more obstinately for that hée knew none fauoured the knight of Fame so much as hée whom he mortally hated Marcellus being before sufficiently inraged was now so much more vexed that hee drewe his dagger and with a violent blow stabbed the same to Collimus heart and withall going to Angelica hee found her very sad little thinking of these mischances who séeing him in that rage which shée soone perceiued by his behauiour shée came vnto him hauing seated himselfe downe in a chayre and desired to know the cause of his wrath O Sister quoth hée this place is the harbour of crueltie tiranny and dishonour which in times past hath bene famous and a receipt of honour but shortly will be hated and shâ—nned as odious omniminious and all procured by the foolish Diuining of a wicked Harlot that hath filled my Fathers head with such fancies that hée forgetteth himselfe his honour and Kingly behauiour and geueth credit to none but flat terers and parasites imprisoning his children murthering his friends and séeking the subuersion of honour and honourable knights Oh Angelica what should I say or to whome should I complaine hee hath slaine vertue he hath destroyed honour hée hath murthered my deare friend that kinde and courteous knight hée hath cast the vnknowne most honorable though vnknowne Knight of Fame into the Lyons den without iudgement iustice right offence or tryall Angelica hearing his words was ready to sound with gréefe but that feare to discouer her loue withheld her but being not able to refraine from teares she withdrew her selfe aside to conceale the same which Marcellus espying caught her in his armes and said Nay deare Sister do not conceale your gréefe for his death from mée that loue you so much the better and if you euer conceiued any good liking of him I shall honour you for the same for hée was worthy to be beloued of the best Lady in the world for in him shined all partes and poynts of true Knighthood and honour I cannot quoth Angelica denie but that I liked and loued him too neither shall I euer do otherwise whilest I liue though hee knewe not so much for whose death my heart shall neuer harbour quiet nor neuer shall thought of other loue siâ—ke into my breast for him had I vowed to loue and that vowe will I kéepe inuiolable whilest life doth last Oh Angelica quoth Marcellus had I knowne you had loued him so well I would haue dyed with him but I would haue saued his life which was so suddainly acted and so vnexpected that before I could recouer my sences from amazâ—ment he was past my reach What cause had my Father thinke you to séeke his destruction but because hée saw him in spéeche with you Aye me quoth Angelica was I the cause of his death I will then go to him with that such gréefe opprest her heart that shée fell downe in his armes Marcellus called to her Maides who presentlie came thronging about her maruelling at her suddaine sicknesse and especially Anna who was priuie to her thoughts hearing Marceilus speeches made great lamentation This newes was soone come to the Queenes hearing who presently came running vnto the place and hauing by her labour recouered her enâ—red into these speeches Why how now Angelica what meanâ—st thou to doo thy selfe this wrong What mâ—â—chance or suddaine passion hath caused this disquiet
in that you are easily knowne and I haue one within that is euery way of as good proofe The knight of Fame liked his deuice excéedingly well and armed â—imselfe in that armour which was very rich and costly guilded all ouer with Golde and Amell without any deuise to bée knowne by and in that armor the next night hée departed taking his leaue of olde Iabine with many courtesies beeing most vnwilling to leaue his companie and parting with a heauy heart for that hée went to vndertake â—â—â—ewe trauell which might detaine him long from returning to Angelica and by good fortune that night hée gat out of the countrey and past the search of the Natolians whom hée did not care to méete withall but that hée would not thereby hinder the spéede of his iourney CHAP. XXI How the Knight of Fame arriued in the Countrey of Bohemia and redeemed Violetta from Archas. How Archas was put to death How the Knight of Fame came to the knowledge of his Parents and after that departed againe towards Natolia AFter that the Knight of Fame was past the bounds of Natolia hée arriued in an exceeding great plain where hée saw many readie pathes but knew not which of them to take at last a suddaine thought and remembrance of Parismus entred his fancie which so fully possest his minde that the thought thereof would by no meanes remooue which was so effectually wrought in him by a naturall effect for there were his Parents and no where else which caused nature it selfe to pittie his restlesse Passions and no longer to procastinate his felicitie that hée fullie and resolutely determined to trauell thither Whither afterwards with long trauell he attained hauing great desire to see Parismus againe to whom his heart had vowed euerlasting friendship And now drawiâ—g nigh the court in the afternoone when the sunne had with his scorching beames made the season hotte he heard a gréenous complaint as it seemed to his hearing of some distressed lady which made him stay to listen which way that crie came and by the voyce drawing nigh to the place hee espied vnder the shadowe of a heape of Elâ—es a knight in Armour and a Lady at his â—éet who were the same that made that mone The knight of Fame comming neare them they both espied him to the Ladies comfort but the Knight presently tooke vppe his shield and addressed himselfe for his defence The Knight of Fame well noting the Ladies countenance remembred that he had séene her but hée could not remember where which caused him the more willing â—â— helpe her being otherwise of his owne vertuous inclination ready to succour any distressed Lady that comming to her demanded her cause of sorrow but she being readie to make him aunswere and holding vp her hands to craue his pittie the other Knight setting his sword against her brest vowing that if she spake one word he would thrust the same throught her body which the knight of Fame séeing thinking he went about to slay her with his sword drawne rusht violently against him and ouerthrew him but giuing him leaue to recouer his â—â—ete he said Traiterous villaine why offerest thou this Lady such discourtesie being ashamed she should declare thy treackery which mauger thy hart I wil know before we two part with that he lent him such a blow that he made him stagger the Knight thought himselfe now in worse case then euer he had bene but notwithstanding he resâ—sted the knight of Fame most couragiously for a space but he being the most â—allantest knight in the world soone brought him in great daunger of his life which when the knight saw and felâ— he staied himselfe and said Knight before the combat continue any â—onger let mée know your name I will not shew thée that fauour quoth the knight of Fame but wish thée yeelde thy selfe neither will I shew thée that fauour quoth hée with that hee began the combat againe beeing scarce able to lift vp his sword by reason of his faintenesse by effusion of bloud intending to ende his life which the knight of Fame perceiuing clasped him in his armes a with violence wroong his sword out of his hands and by force made him yeelde hauing no weapon to offend himselfe nor his aduersary The Lady seeing her selfe thus fortunately deliuered comming to the knight of Fame desired him to pittie her estate and not to forsake her vntil she were come to the Bohemian court With that the knight of Fame was excéedingly glad saying Lady I will not forsake you but see you there in safetie for thither am I bound But I pray you quoth he let me know your name for that I haue I am sure seene you about the Forrest of Arde Violetta with that was drawne into a great admiration what he should be at last she said my name is Violetta that am ordained to perpetuall miserie béeing indéede by the trecherie of a dislayall knight named Archas driuen to wander thitherwards The knight of Fame then immediately remembring her but béeing vnwilling to discouer himself questioned no more with her but only asked her what that knight was Sir knight quoth she I know him not nor why he hath offered me this outrage Which said the knight of Fame forced him to go with them and so they all departed towards the court where very soone thâ—y arriued Now it hapned that Parismus at that very instant was in the court who espying Violletta accompanied by two knights the one of them being gréeuously wouÌ„ded and as it were by his countenance and maner of forced comming seeming captiue to the other and not knowing of any misaduenture that had befallen her wondred thereat and comming to her not wel knowing in what sort to salute those Knights beeing ignorant of the cause of their coÌ„ming he demaÌ„ded where she had bin My Lord quoth she this knight meaning the knight of Fame hath preserued me from the dishonor of this most discourteous knight intended against me as I will declare vnto you presently With that Parismus most kindly embraced the knight of Fame departing altogither into the presence where was the king quéene Pollipus Laurana and many others Pollipus seeing Violetta amongst those strange knights maruelled thereat â—ut shâ— coÌ„ming before the king vpon her knes desired iustice against â—he we â—ided knight the king told her that she should haue iustice Violetta then said as followeth Most mightie king I beséech you regard my complâ—int reueng the monstrouâ— wrong don me by this most wicked and abhominable hâ—micide who haâ— offred monstrous ouâ—rage foâ— this afternoone attended by my damozoll I went forth of the court into the groue adioyning to the garden to recreate my selfe in the cooly shade where I had not long stayed but this discourteous Villaine surprised me and caught hold of my damzel who made great exclamation fearing my harme whome he bound both hand and foote threatning if she made any noyse to murther her Which done he tooke me
number of gallant Knights who hearing oâ— the eâ—ceeding beautie of Angelica was lately come into the countrie as a suter to whom Maximus saide beholding the braue course betwéene the two Knightes What Knight is yonder that hath ouerthrowne his aduersarie with such agillitie A comely Knight he is quoth Camillus but it séemes he is a straunger With that another knight of Angelicas attendants vpon the former quarrell incountred the knight of Fame who tasted of his valoâ—r as his predecessor Coâ—limus had done and after him another which when Maximus beheld he called a Gentleman to him willing him to request the straunge knight to come and speake with him which fell out well for the knight of Fames quiet for had not the king béen present the knights of Angelicas guard had taken such a secret indignation against him that they by violence would haue sought his death The messenger Maximus sent told the knight of Fame that the king did request to speake with him Sir quoth he I am readie at his commaund to whom Maximus said as followeth Sir knight you are it séemeth to me a stranger in this place but notwithstanding somewhat bolde with my knights both whose quarrell against you and your cause of arriuall I desire to know Most renowmed king quoth he I am a straunger in this place or in any else in my trauels méeting with this gallant troupe to any of whom I haue as yet giuen no cause of offence which should make them trouble mee Sir quoth Maximus they haue reapt shame for their discontent buâ— I pray let vs without offence know your name of whence you are neither feare to disarme your selfe for vpon my promise you shalâ— haue no wrong offâ—red you which said the knight of Fame pulled off his hesmec making this answere By name most noble king I am called the Knight of Fame my byrth to my selfe vnknowne by no ill intent drawne into this countrey but onely to finde out my Parents which are likewise vnknowne my selfe subiect to miserie by the want of knowledge of my selfe Marcellus sonne to Maximus a knight of excéeding courteous and honourable parts hearing his speeches humbling himselfe vppon his knée before his Father said I humbly craue your Maiesties fauour to entertaine this knight honourably for that I haue some knowledge of him which I will declare to your Highnesse hereafter Maximus hearing his sonnes spéeches said Rise vp Marcellus for thy sake and for his owne too hée shal be welcome whom do thou vse according as shall séeme good and bée agreable to his honourable deserts The Knight of Fame hearing his spéeches most humblie thanked him and Marcellus presently embraced him shewing many tokens of hartie good will Angelica all this while noted euery circumstance of this knights arriuall as first how she found him a sleepe and next of his spéeches to her then how valiantly he had ouerthrwne three knights then her brothers spéeches and lastly his gallant yotuh and comely person which altogether wrought such a kinde of admyration in her that shée beganne with a curious eye to marke all his actions and to affect his companie more then shee had done any mannes oftentimes casting a looke vpon him shée perceiued his eye was stil vpon her which made a ruddie blush beautifie her chéekes In which time the king intreated him to stay sometime with him if his important businesse did not withdrawe him which offer he willingly and kindly accepted which fell out according to his owne hearts content CHAP. XVI How the Knight of Fame was entertained at the Golden Tower and what speeches past betwixt Anna and Angelica AFter these spéeches past the King Camillus the Quéene Angelica and all the rest departed towards the Golden Tower and by the way Marcellus beganne to declare in hearing of them all what her had heard of the Knight of Fame of his valiant exployts in Thrace and afterwardes how in the Forrest of Arde hee slewe the Gyant Brandamor which hee vttered in such ample manner and with such commendations that it made them all admyre his noble gifts especially Angelica aboue all the rest noted euery circumstance thereof with such regarde that shée séemed to take great delight therein The Knight of Fame hearing therof entertaining his Mistresse perfections with such pleasure and admyring her beautie with such surfetting delight that hée rode like one in a traunce hauing all his sences bent vppon her By this time they were commen to the Golden Tower where was excéeding preparation made for the King who speaking to Camillus and the Knight of Fame tolde them they were most hartilie welcome thither likewise the Quéene welcommed them with great kindenesse especiallie Marcellus care for the Knight of Fames entertainement was verie great who caused him to bee lodged in a moste stately lodging where euerie thing was readily prepared for him in the best manner Euerie one béeing departed to their seuerall lodgings the knight of Fame meditating on his good fortune and the kinde entertainement hée found in that straunge place waying on the one side howe late hee was plunged in care and howe suddainely hee was possest with pleasure howe from miserie hee was aduaunced to the highest degrée of his felicitie howe hee was latelie in dispaire of finding his deuoted and howe prosperously hée had nowe mette with her and had in some part manifested his affection how the occasion of his quarrell for his Ladies Gloue was the cause of his kinde entertainement how fortunately in that strange place his déeds were extolde and how kindly Marcellus vsed him whose acquaintance and friendship might be a meanes both of his stay in that place and also of obtaining Angelicas loue Then againe considering howe straunge it was that hee should staye in the verie place where his Lady should sée him and how suckily hee had left the Court of the king of Lybia and thereby hée was rid from Venolas rash loue which might both hauâ— indaungered his honour and person that with the remembrance of all these happy concurrences his minde was excéedingly contented â—ee seâ—med to haue attained more happy successe then hee would haue wisht that in that sun-path of swéete delight accompanied with quiet sléepe hée spent that night Angelica was likewise no whitte inferiour to him in centrarietie of passions but hauing likewise spent the day in companie of her mother when the time of rest drew nigh shée soone gâ—t from out of all companie which shée thought troublesome being much disquieted in her thoughts feeling a kinde alteration to her former liberty of minde being desirous to be alone shee gat to her chamber where was none but her Damzel Anna that was her bed-fellow to whom shée said I pray thee good Anna leaue â—ee alone for a while for my thoughts are possest with such disquiet that I desire by solitarinesse to ease my passionate heart Anna hearing her spéeches meruelling what might be the cause therof and béeing in all respects
and to desire him that hée would vouchsafe to come and speâ—ke with him about a matter of great importance The boy hauing receiued his message immediately hasted to execute the same and most fortunately met him in the outer court to whom he declared the cause of his comming Marcellus maruelling why the kéeper had sent for him presently began to remeÌ„ber the knight of Fame with which his heart began to throb but hasting downe to the den the keeper commanded his boy to depart humbling himselfe to Marcellus told him that the knight of Fame was still liuing Which said hée ran in vnto him who had shrowded himselfe from his sight and tolde him Marcellus was come then presentlie hee came foorth whom Marcellus espying with great reioycing caught him in his armes and most louingly embraced him seeming to be reuiued with ioye in respect of the care opprest his minde before hee hadde knowledge of his safetie Manie courteous gréetings past on eyther side Marcellus desired the kéeper not to reueale this secrete to any for if it should come to my fathers hearing it were impossible then to preuent his rigour and withall promised him that if he would let him lodge in his house but that night hée would reward him most beâ—utifully and withall promised him to higher dignitie and to such place of account as that hée should haue good cause to reioyce that euer the knight of Fame came within his house The kéeper both drawne by his owne good inclination and also by the hope of rewarde and preferment béeing but poore promised his vttermost ayde and assistance to pleasure him and withall to performe his full desire with such securitie that none should conceyue anie suspition thereof with that they all together departed vp into his Lodge where the Knight of Fame refreshed himselfe with comfortable meates being excéedingly glad as hee had good cause of this successe and rendring many thankes to Marcellus who well deserued the same Marcellus being yet somewhat troubled in his minde about the Letter the King of Lybia had sent and desirous to bre satisfied of the trueth therein taking the Knight of Fame aside from the hearing of the kéeper said as followeth Syr knight although I haue shewen you this fauour and friendship which my fancie often perswaded mée to refuse yet vrged by the good well I beare you and for other considerations which I will yet conceale from you I could not choose but reioyce at your safeite and worke what meanes I can for your preseruation yet there remaineth a grudging in my conscience against you vntill you assure me by your faithfull oath to satiâ—fie me of the truth of my doâ—bt without fraude for if that be true which is alleadged against you by the affirmation of a King you deserue the punishment my Father inflicted vpon you and rather to bée generally hated then beloued at all Most honourable knight quoth hée I know my selfe so cleare from all such villanie as that I sweare and protest by my life by Heauen and by all the good that euer I expect which I desire to turne to my destruction if I tell you not the very truth Then quoth Marcellus the same day that the King my Father caused you to be throwne into the Lions den the king of Lybia sent hither certaine of his Knights with a Letter wherein hee accused you to haue most shamefully deshonoured his Daughâ—er Venola desiring my Father to dispatch you out of the way for your liâ—e nothing else might appease his ire which was the cause of his crueltie My Lord quoth the knight of Fame vpon mine honour my former oath and by all other truth and fidelitie this accusation is most vniust false and vntrue which if I may by your sauor in whose hands life now resteth haue libertie to approoue I will maintaine the contrary euen in the gates of the king of Lybia and cause my accusers to confesse the contrarie neyther did I euer séeke loue at that Ladies hands by whose dishonourable meanes this false accusation is raised against mee Deare friend quoth Marcellus you haue said ynough and I rest assuredly satisfied of your loialty The knight of Fame was so inwardly vexed with this accusation that he was halfe madde wiâ—â—h gréet but chiefly for that hée thought it was come to Angelicas hearing might bee a meanes to cause her vtterlie to forsake him which appalled his sâ—nces with â—xtreame vexation that hee stood like one transformed Marcellus perceiuing his discontent desired him not so bee gréeued but to ouerpasse the same vntill hée hadde meanes to prooue the contrarie My Lord replyed hée how can I chuse but be sorrie when thereby I am dishonoured in euery mans opinion which I account more dearer then my life Besides with what impatiencie may I shew my selfe before any knight liuing but rather rid my hated selfe out of this miserable life which is the next way to salue this blemish But if you will vouchsafe to heare the true reporte of the miseries I haue indured euer since my byrth you would say that I am the onely mappe of sorrow and borne to perpetuall calamitie I desire nothing more quoth Marcellus with that hée rehearsed to him all that hée could of his bringing vp in the Iland of Rockes his departure from thence and shipwracke at Sea how he was entertained by D. Amasenus in Thrace and the treacherie that was intended against him there by Corus and Argalus then of his successe in the Kings Court of Thrace and the occasion why hée departed from thence to the Forest of Arde and how there he met the Prince of Bohemia and released Venola then how Venola sought his loue and how shée gaue him by subtiltie a somniferous potion to withholde his departure with Parismus which hee purposed and how afterwards perceyuing her intent departed from thence Withall hee declared the manner of the vision that appeared vnto him in Thrace and how that hee was thereby enioyned to seeke out the Lady that appeared to him and sue for her loue which was the cause that hée both refused Phylenas marriage and Venolas proffer of kindenesse and also hée declared how hee first arriued in that countrie and met Angelica which was the very same Lady that appeared vnto him in the vision and also told him that hee was likewise enioyned to séeke out his Parents which the vision told him were of great birth This quoth hee is the true discourse of my forepassed life which I neuer yet manifested to any but your selfe whose fauour hath farre surmounted my desert into whose hands I commit my life to bee disposed of desiring you not to conceyue amisse of mée for that false accusation being most vntrue Marcellus againe embracing him in his armes desired him likewise not to thinke that hée did any way conceiue the least euill opinion of him but that he did estéeme of him as of the dearest friend he had in the world and that
him selfe vpon his elâ—ow who espying her raised himself from the ground blushing at hâ—r presence to whom she said Why how now Parismenos what sadnesse is that which possesseth your mind that maketh you estrange your selfe from company to delight in sollitarinesse is there none so highly in your fauour that they may know the truth thereof or is your cause of care such as none can remediâ— or not counsel you for your ease I am sure there are many would not refuse to vse their endeuours to pleasure you especially my self would both willingly do my best to comfort you and know the cause if it be not too secret Parâ—smenoâ— with humble reuerence made her this aunswere I beséech you do not thinke me so vndutifull nor my cause of care so secret that I would conceale the same from you but were it of much more importance I would willingly reueale it to satisfie your minde which I haue omitted as vnwilling to trouble you therwith and for no other respect Then I pray quoth she let me knowe is it not loue yes most deare mother quoth he it is loue and to that beautiful Lady Angelica who beareth me the like affection but so farre am I from enioying her loue as that iâ— attainteth my heart with care to thinke thereof which is the cause of my sadnesse which will encrease rather then diminish if I do not shortly trauel thither being now assured of all other doubts and hauing finished my trauell in search to finde you out Therefore I most humbly beseech you to procure my Lord and fathers consent to my spéedie departure for without the fruition of her heauenly sight my liâ—e will be but wearisome Laurana hearing his spéeches perceiued indeed that his affection was great and therefore not to be remooued and well knowing by her owne former experience that loue was incurable she was the more ready to pittie his passions that she promised to further him in what she could beeing now assured of the cause of his sadnesse CHAP. XXII How Parismenos after the knowledge of his parents departed towards Natolia How hee met with Marcellus and what afterwards befell to him WIthin fâ—we daies after Parismenos returned againe towards Natolia but with much sorrow in the Bohemian court for his departure spending much time in trauell vntill he arriued at S. Austins Chappell hauing gotten him other armour because he would not be knowne and knocking at the Chappell doore presently olde Iabin came out to whom he discouered himselfe who knowing him reioyced exceedingly at his presence and safetie desiring him â—o come in for that he had newes of importance to tell him Parismenos comming to him for no other intent but to heare newes from Angelica willingly went in with him And â—abin began as followeth Most noble knight I wil declare vnto you all that I haue â—arned of â—he estate oâ— Marcellus so â—â—are as I can After that you were departed from hence the Natolian hauing conâ—inued theyr deligent search some thrée dayâ—s in the end returned to the Court frâ—sâ—rated of their desire whereby Maximus gaue no credence to that report â—â—t soone forgot the same remaining in great quiet Marcelâ—es by this time had recâ—uered his health lettâ—â— passâ— no time came hither thinking to haue sonnâ— you â—éere but hearing by â—y report of your departure â—ee seemed to be quite ouâ—rcome with grâ—â—fe and declared vnto mee all that had happened to you in the Golden Tower which you had declared vnto mee before and withâ—ll manifested what had happened vnto him and Angelica and how hee was so greeuously wounded then â—aâ—in declared the same 〈◊〉 as Marcellus had tolde him in the very same manner as is before â—â—â—lared when hée determined to haue conueyed Angelica to S. Ausiens Chappell the day his Father was on hunting And quoth hée Marcelius hauing tolde mee this withall shewed mee with what sorrow Angelica endured your absence Parismenos hauing heard his wordes which yéelded him full assurance of Marcellus â—riendship and Angelicas constant loue was therewith excéedingly comforted rehearsing to him how fortunately hee had found his Parents Iabin then began to vse him with more reuerence and more feruently to affect his company and good that at Parismenos request hée went towardes the Golden Tower to sée if hee could by any meanes speake with Marcellus which hée willingly at his requesâ— did and brought newes backe that Maximus was departed with the Quéene Marcellus and Angelica towards the Gittie of Ephesus which he learned of such as were gardâ—ants at the Golden Tower Parssmenos hearing that immediateâ—y departed thitherwards and entring the Cittie rode presently vnto the Court where â—ée met a Knight whome hée desired of courtesie to câ—rtifie Marcellus that there was a Knight who would speake with him which at his request hée presently went and performed and finding Marcellus in the kâ—ngs great hall hée told him there was a sâ—range knight at the Court gatâ— that was desirous to speake with him Marcellus maruelling who it should bee immediately went out vnto him being a Knight of excéeding vertue that hée would not refuse any courtesâ—e and though hée were sonne vnto a mightie King yet hée disdained not to fulfiâ—l his request though hée neither knew him nor the cause of his comming Parismenos beholding him immediately allighted from his stéed and with a kinde behauiour said Most noble and courteous Prince I desire to haue some few words in priuate conference with you from the knight of Fame Marcellus hearing him name the knight of Fame desired him to say on for there were none then present but such as hee trusted My Lorde quoth Parismenos because I knowe not whether I may discouer my selfe or no with safetie I am the knight of Fame and now altered in name but not in good will to you Marcellius hearing his wordes had much adoo to refraine from embracing him but yet for that hée would not haue any note the same hée abstained but said Most noble knight nothing could haue brought that ioye to my heart your presence doth beeing a long â—ime seuered from you by Fortunes vnconstant mutabilitie who altereth the estate of things according to her variable disposition trusting you haue not misdoubted of my good will though I came not to S. Austins Chappell according to my promise which I was about to performe but that my intent was crost But séeing you are thus happily returned and haue as I hope attained the knowledge of your parents in whose search olde Iabine tolde mee you were departed I desire you repose that assured confidence in my trustinesse that I will labour to procure your content euery way to my vttermost power your safetie and returne will bring no little ioy to my Sister Angelica which is impossible to giue her knowledge of for my father hath now garded her more stricktly then euer before neither is shée héere in this Court as the common report goeth but still remaineth in the Golden Tower
owne auaile Marcellus séeing him falne into that heauâ—e dumpe reuiued him from the same with this comfortable spéech My deare friend abandon this habit of care and reuiue your drouping hart with hopeful comfort for my selfe will worke a meanes how you shall haue the custodie of Angelica which I will effect very spéedily if you will stay here but while I can bring the same about Parismenos being comforted with his curteous promise gaue him thankes in these spéeches Most noble Knight how may I expresse sufficient thankes to you for becomming so kinde and faithfull a friend to me vnwoorthie or which way may I recompence the least of your good deeds that haue in all abundance tasted of your honourable bouatie for which I render you thanks as all the recompence I am able to make vowing if euer you neede my helpe in any thing neuer to desist to hazard my life for your sake And since you haue of your own vertuous disposition voluntarily neither drawne by intreatie nor hope of recompence promised me your assistance which onely may be the meane to worke my euerlasting felicity I beseech you goe forwards therein that I may thereby bee much more indebted as well for that as for infinite other your Princely courtesies which though they passe vnrewarded yet they shall neuer rest vngrâ—tified in my duâ—ifull deuotions which by good right are eternally bound to requite your good will Worthy friend quoth Marcellus leaue off so to vse such thankes to mée that request nothing at your hands but loue and friendeship which am vnable to merit any such recompence as you kindly yeelde but I pray be you merrie yet in my absence with this kinde olde Ladie whilest I put my purpose in practise which so soone as I haue brought to perfection I will returne and not before till when I take my leaue committing you to your owne hearts desire which I wish Which words being ended with many courteous farewels he deparâ—ed the chamber and comming to Panora who before had beene his Nurse and loued him most dearely whom he requested in most earnest sort to vse his friend as kindly as she would vse himselfe who promised so to do and likewise performed it in euer vsing Parismenâ—s so kindly that hée could not chuse but greatly to ettoll and commend her courtesie Now let my muse returne to speake somewhat of Angelica who after she sawe that she was frustrated of her desire which was to depart with the King according as himselfe had giuen out spéeches and not to be any longer inthralled as she had of long time before béen and now perceiuing that her father had both deceiued her in that taken away all her damzels chaunged her guard and appointed her to bée guarded by such â—ealous sâ—aues as would neuer scarce day nor night suffer her to be out of their sight thought her selfe not onely in as bad case as before but rather in a thousand times worâ—e being depriued of many pleasures which she enioyed but neuer estéemed of them vntil now she was restrained missing the comfortable presence and sweet conference she was woont to enioy with Marcâ—llus and especially fearing neuer to sée the Knight of Fame again she wholly gaue her mind to sorrowe spending all her time commonly in teares and bewailing her sad estate that had not Anna in some measure comforted her shée would haue ouerwhelmed her tender heart with those cares and haue shortned the date of her precious life thinking euery houre a day and euery day a yeare till she were released from that bondage in which carefull estate she continually remained CHAP. XXIII How the Knight of Fame carried Angelica fâ—om the golden Tower to labines Chappell AS soone as Maximus was come to the Court hée presently got himselfe to his chamber and there began to studie how to compasse that which hee had vndertaken to effect at last he bethought himselfe that if he could deuise any meanes to get his fathers Signet hée would write a letter vnto the kéepers of the Maiden Tower in the behalfe of Parismenos that they should admit him as one of the Gardiants which presently he contriued in this sort THis trustie knight on whose fidelitie I repose my confidence I haue chosen and appointed to be one of your fellowes and to that effect I haue sent him to you with this letter signed by my selfe whom I require you to admit without any deniall and keepe this as your warrant to doe the same Maximus When Marcellus had wrote this letter and immitated therein so neare as he could his fathers hand which hée knewe they were not greatly acquainted withall he wrought such meanes that hee gate Maximus sâ—gnet and sealed the same which when he had signed the next morning he went to Parismenos and told him what he had done who liked thereof very well and quoth he if I may once be admitted amongst them let me alone with the Eunuches to come to Angelica neither will I be denied since I haue this good meanes that presently he armed himâ—elf for that he would not vâ—e any not the least which oftentimes bringeth things well begunne to an vntoward end and taking his leaue of Marcellus and the Lady â—anora with abundance of heartie thankes he departed with a merrie heart towards the maiden Tower hoping now to enioy the swéet sight of his beloued which hee neuer beheld but twise in all the time he had sought her loue Marcellus he departed backe againe to the court very sadde for the absence of Parismenos and Angelica being likewise much gréeued that Maximus hiâ— father should withhold any of his secrets from him which did both disgrace him to such as were strangers and especially to those Ladies that were Dulcias attendaâ—ts which thogh he knew wel â—â—ough yet that tooke away no part of his conceit of vnkindnesse but most of all he was troubled with grieâ—e to bâ— restrained from Dulcias company on whom his thoughts had continually run euer since he had bin last with her for her bewâ—ie excelled all the Ladies of the court Angelica excepted of her vertue he had good conceit by that which he had found in her good dispositions when shée refused to thrust her selfe into the knowledge of his secrets but rather committed all that the King had commaunded her to his secrecie which if Maximus should know of would be as much as her life were worth These cogitations so much altered his countenance that whereas before hée was of a pleasant disposition â—e now began to giue his minde wholely to melancholy sadnesse often shunning the company of those he was wont to deâ—ight in which Maximus noted especially the Quéene both maruelled and was gréeued thereat and finding him out when hée was in that heauie vaine she earnestly demaunded his cause of sadnesse to whom he made this aâ—nswere My father I know not vpon what occasion accounteâ—h me I thinke rather as one that would betray him then as his sonne