displeased to seperate their Trinity they tooke their iournie strait to Constantinople whereby the Duke was marucylous glad of this Knights abode with him misdoubting nothing that be would lie in ambush for his wises honor who hoping to take some pastime in the amorous chace with her new Parramour made a great deale the better cheare to the Gentlewoman who was cause to retayne him with her â— where wee will leaue them to the liking of their loues to recount what befortuned Belcar and Recindes after they had parted company CHAP. VIII How Belcar and Recindes being arriued in Constantinople vnknowne of any vanquished the County Peter and continued the lawe of his Ioust dooing maruels of Armes and how the Emperour sent Palmendos and Primaleon to know who they were BElcar and Recindes perceiuing the will of Tirendes their companion prayed God to preserue him from all sinister accident then bidding him adien they fell into their way againe wherein riding many dayes iourneys they arriued at the last in Constantinople on a Sunday morning the seanenth day of the Ioust that County Peter enterprised as you may call to minde whereof they heard some newes by the way as they came By meanes wherof they determined before they would make themselues knowne to prooue themselues against him as Knights errant Belcar praid his companion to let him haue the first course which hee willingly graunted albeit hee coulde haue desired to win the honour or shame first himselfe Entring then into the Citty they made directly to the Tilt-yeard where they found the gate fast by reason the County dined then in the company of many Knights with great ioy and sollace as they were accustomed within his Pauilion So that being saint to stay the fit houre they leaued vpon their Launces vntill they sawe the Emperour take his place on the left hande to whome the King of Hungarie who fate at his side begins to say My Lord behold those two â—nights who will I 〈◊〉 how braue they gouerne themselues â—â— horse-backe Truly brother you say well quoth hee I beliue it will doo a man good to see them at the shecke When Belcar perceiued the Emperour whom he had not séene long time before force and courage increased so in his heart that hee purposed to shew this day some pleasure in his house where because his was nourished and brought vp in it from his infancy he knew not King Frisol his father who was with him in company beeing brought from Hungarie thither in his swadling clouts But the Earle séeing the Seigniory Noblesse in the galleries caused forth with his Helmet to be brought and by and by all his strings leathers and buckles to be laced and tyed Then mounting he commaunded the Trumpets and 〈◊〉 to sound and to open the Gate of his repairs Whereinto Belcar being first entred the Earle asked him whether he would Ieust or fight I will quoth the Assailant doo all that I shall know to be necessary but let vs first Ieust to sée what will follow Hauing thus saluted each other they encounter with 〈◊〉 a fury that Belcar lost his 〈◊〉 and the Earle breaking in dashing together the peâ—â—rall and the girths of his horse went mangre his nose to luste his greater and mother but â—â—â— soone got vp againe being greatly ashamed and vexed to loâ—â— an instant the honour he had conqurred in sixe dayes Sir Knight then quoth Belcar I haue wâ—rme your Coats of Armes if I be not giuen to misunderstand in declaring â—â—â— the Lawe of your enterprise According to which you must depart this field which I purpose to garde and defend in my turne as you haue done before me if seene body 〈…〉 not by force of Armes My Habilliament shall I 〈◊〉 giue you answered the County without departing the Tilt 〈◊〉 be not by Martiall exployte performed by you or some other which shall force me to doo it You will séene your 〈…〉 replied Belcar neuerthelesse seeing you will 〈…〉 hathly and con me thanke for she curtesie 〈…〉 which I shew you Then set the Earle foote to stirrup againe and in the meane time the Emperour being greatly astonished at the magnanimity of this Knight said to the King of Hungarie he well knew who he was the two Champions beganne with their swords a terrible and furious skirmish hewing out another in so bruske and strange manner that it terrified the bâ—â— olders to be are them onely For the County through rage and despite which surmounted his reason laid on without feare most desperately But his aduersary who was a little more nimble and could mannage a little better than hée did tiggle his ribbes with such sound flashes which eastly tamed him at length so that being weary to make him languish so much hee 〈…〉 in the ende a fell stroake vppon his Murrion which lâ—ude him in a stonny vpon the bare ground saying Now Knight must you condiscende by force to that whereunto you woulde not accord by your good with a thing surely procâ—â—ding from your rash presumption which make you thinke the honour of Chiualry dwelt onely among Frenchmen At this spectacle and words 〈…〉 the Prince Arnodes and had it not beene through the â—â—disposition of his person and that Philocrista would neuer haue permitted it hee had endossed his Armes to 〈◊〉 the County and his Nation of this reproach In the same paine and choller were all the rest of the French Nobility who séeing they coulde none other remedye listed by Earle Peter from his fall and bare him into his lodging to cause the Surgeons to â—â—ke vnto him and search his wounds Belcar who thought in the 〈◊〉 time what he haâ—â—â— doo tooke the coats of Armes and giuing it to one of his Pages commaunded him to be are it from him and one of his companions to Melissa the King of Hungaries Daughter whom they 〈…〉 all commers it shee would vouchsafe them so 〈…〉 to let them Combat vnder her 〈…〉 And gaue charge more-ouer to the young-man to tell the Emperour and those who were about his Maiestie that whosoeuer would Tourney against him should alwaies finde him ready within the Listes Where if per aduenture hee were vanquished by any of the Assailants the field should remaine tolâ—s companion who should second him therein which they did desire to did in attending the opening of the generall Triumph The Page vnderstanding throughly his Masters will went strait to the Pallace where knéeling before the Empresse hâ—e besought her to showe him which of her Ladies was Melissa King Frisols Daughter wherein beeing by her gratiously certefâ—ed the youth rose vp and with a most lowly reuerence began to say in this manner Madame Melissa the Knight who vanquished Earle Câ—â—â— kisseth the hand of your Excellencie and sendeth you by 〈◊〉 this his spoile the which hee knoweth beséeming your worthines whom he loueth more than any Lady of this company And although he neuer saw you hee assureth himselfe neuerthelesse
this profounde contemplation shee could not countermaunde her spirite but her eyes must shedde same teares for gladnesse when she thus brake foorth Lord God now let mee leaue this mortall world when it shall please thee seeing thou dooest mee this Grace to represent before mine eyes the thinges which I so extreamely destred to sée Scant had she finished these few words but the enchaunted bird who was within the auncient chamber of the Emperor sent forth two most lamentable scréeches and had not at their comming shewed any signe of gladsomnes as shée was alwaies accustomed to doo at the arriuall of the Emperours fauourites So that the Emperour who was very sorrowful for this presage gaue great héede vnto it with many other Seigneurs who knew the nature of this animall beléeuing verily by her hoarss chattering some siniser accident was presaged But he dissembled it as well as he might without shewing any outward appearance but said incontinent to the Queene Madame I beseech you most humbly let vs not talke in this happy time of recreation of any thing which may driue vs into melancholly seeing you being yet farre from death shall see your selfe long time serued and reuerenced of all these who are assistant before you and therefore doo not dismay your selfe by any thing which may bring you into a vaine and fantasticall opinion My sonne replied the Quéene then Death hath this by nature that there is none liuing in this world who can stew himselfe so strong against it that he may anoyde it our predestmation being such we cannot prolong or abridge it one little minute whereby ensueth that for any thing I haue now saide I can neither retarde it nor hasten it any thing the sooner When shee had spoken these words with a very good grace shee embraced the Infant Flerida who seemed vnto her the â—aprest and gratious creature shee had euer seene in her life before and kissing her sweete cheekes many times shee saide Fayre Daughter I pray God he suffer you to liue so long as your beauty and sweetnes of feature deserueth wherein I thinke well neither maide nor wise can bee founde to come once neere your Paragon Most true was that which the Queene spake for whosoeuer behelde this young Princesse iudged her to be a Venus in beauty and a Pallas in prudency But this day they past in great ioy and sollace throughout all the Court and in the euening Primaleon besought the Emperour againe that hee woulde the next day following giue him the order of Knighthood and the same hee entreated him also to doo for Abenuâ—â—cq and Arnasin Duke Tolomus sonne which be accorded vnto very willingly Therefore on the morrowe euery one doathing himselfe pompeously in rich and sumptuous Habits except Primaleon and his â—ead companions who watched all that night their Armes within the Chappell whether the Emperour comming with his father and the other Kings and Princes there was asolemne Masse begun You must vnderstand since the first time that Abenuncq saw Amand in the King of Spartaes daughter hee was so attainted with her loue that no other thought than of her dwelt within his breast So that in meane time while the Masse was saying hee resolued to become a Christian to shew more euidently vnto his Lady and Mistresse the extreame desire which set him on and especially to enter the Tourney as her onely Knight wherein hee hoped to adde vnto his praise that which he could make good there The Masse beeing ended hee humbly besought the Emperour hée might be partaker of the holy Sacrament of Baptisme before he came to the order of Knighthood For knowing how much the Law of Christ was more sublimate and in blessednes excéeding that of the Mores hee would no longer liue in Paganisme Which the Emperour and all the Assistants hearing were passing glad of his renouncing of Infidelity So that vncouering his head the Patriarck of Constantinople did baptize him presently cheâ—sing for his Godfather the King Florendos who commended him greatly for so vertuous an act For testemony whereof he promised strait to make him so great and puissant a Prince that hee should haue cause to put in obliuion the estate and riches of his father Whereof the new Christian returning him humble thankes the Greekish Monaâ—ke turned himself towards Primaleon saying Sen request of my most honourable father it would please him to arme you Knight with his hand for if I haue purchased some little honour in this world I can assure you all procéeded from him who inucsted mee first with this honourable degrée of Knighthood which I hope will be augmented more in your person if it please him to enrich you therewith Then you shall giue it vnto the young Arnasin and I vnto Abenuncq your companion Primaleon hauing heard what the Emperour his Father said went full ioyfull to knéele before the King his Grandfather beséeching him he would put on his spurre and girde vnto him his sworde of Armes whereof hee excused himselfe saying it were better to bee done by his Sunnes hand But the Emperour himselfe and all the other Princes who were there prayed him so instantly that in the end he was constrained to condiscend thereunto and giuing him as well his fatherly blessing as the militarie acoladoâ— hee soone made him Knight the Emperour armed Abenuncq Knight and afterwards Primaleon himselfe dubbed Arnasin of the same order The ceremonies were done with so great pompe that it was noone before they departed out of the Chappell so that the dinner staying for them after that the Yeomen of the Pantry had recouered the Tables rounde the Squiers of the kitchin were not long before they serued in their first seruice So comming from Church they went strait to dinner where the Emperour sate downe with his father the other Kings and great Lordes beeing serued most honourably and as such a magnificent Feast â—e séemed so Royall a companie of Princes After the tables were taken vp the Quéene Griana and the Empresse whose prouision was no lesse came to them with all the rest of Ladies so richly attired that the onely aspect of them put some gladnes into the Knights heartes who beheld them and amongst the rest filled some of their breasts with such amorous and pricking desires which tooke so déepe roote therein that they could neuer afterwards hee 〈…〉 Then beganne the dauncing and other reuelling in midst whereof thy enter laced interchaunge able talke of many matters Belcar tooke in the meane time Recindes by she hand whome hee brought to sit downe hard by Melissa with this language Deare Sister I must estéeme great and maruellous the felicity which God hath within this little while sent you to make you Ladie and Mistresse of one of the most valiant Knights who liueth vnder the zodiacke besides he is in all other thinges a Prince so accomplished that there are few at this day founde to be his like in valour and worldlie riches He of whome I speake
hands of any Knight who were issued out of that so noble and generous race of Palmerin de Oliua Notwithstanding séeing without doubt it is an inâ—uitable extremity I must patiently yéeld my selfe his humble captiue beséeching God I may finde so much curtesse in him as once did my mother in the like accident receaue of the so redoubted Prince Palmerin de Oliua Prince Edward afterwardes hauing vnderstoode by the More the interpretation which the Infant had accompanied with so heauy a sigh he would take the charge of her himselfe saying to the Master of the shippe that of all the booty they had taken he demanded nothing els for his share but this Damsell So Prince Edward lead away into his Chamber the Princesse Zerphira with fower of her principall Damsels onely who carryed with them theyr rings and iewels giuing the rest of the pillage to the Merchant and his companions then procéeding in theyr voyage the Knight called to minde how there were diuers Christians within his shippe who did him seruice with great reuerence whereupon mistrusting lest they should know him he tooke aside a little the Master of the Shippe saying thus vnto him my friend I perceaue you know who I am whereby men may thinke great simplicity in me to conceale my selfe hereafter Understand therefore that I departed out of the King my fathers Court with an vnspeakable desire to come to sée as well the good Knights which are in the Court of King Frisol as also in that of the Emperour of Constantinople therefore I must request you not to manifest mee to any one considering that what I doo now is but for some good respect And â—o the ende wee may auoyde the inconuenience which might ensue by the enquiry made of mée you shall doo mee hereafter the least honour you can reputing me but for a simple and poore wandring Knight whom you shall call the Knight of the Dogge and say I am of some farre Nation to you vnknowne who wandring thorough the world to séeke strange aduentures and arriuing at the King of Englands Court soiourned there a while with Prince Edward his sonne with whome I was so well acquainted that he would haue kept me there a long time with him whereby it procéedeth that I can better speake that language than any other yea than mine owne naturall tongue And if yee doo so and God giue mee grace to liue the age of a man I will reward you so that you shall thinke it a blessed hower wherein you first met me Syr replyed the Merchant you haue already done me more grace than I shall euer bee able hereafter to deserue at your hands which may well assure you I shall neuer dare disclose you seeing the great care and dilligence you your selfe vse not to bee descried of any whatsoeuer and whereas there is others beside in this vessell who knowe you as well as I doo I will make them all come before you to the ende they may promise not to make knowne your name but when and to whom you shall please So it fell out when they arriued afterward with great gladnesse at Arriace which was the place of the birth and dwelling of the chiefe Merchant who was owner of the ship Being a Cittie verie strong and of good defence situate in the Kingdome of Hungarie on the one side confining with the Countries of the Soloan of Nicea There came they into a Hauen and for the Merchant was rich and had a faire lodging hee tooke the Knight with him into his house who would néedes bring along Zerphira with him leading hir by the arme where they were Honourably entertained by the Merchants wife who at their arriuall vnderstood secretly by meanes of her husband the discourse of this Nauigation But all those of this ship hauing purchased by the helpe of the Knight of the Dogge great riches from the Instdels the brute thereof came quickly to the eares of this Ladie who found her selfe at that instant in a wofull case because King Frisoll went about by his Soueraignâ—ty to take from her this Cittie to fortesie it as beeing the next frontier to the Mores Country And also because her deceased husband had rebelled in his tune against Netrides his Father when after the conquest of this Kingdome hee sought to inuest himselfe with the principall Citties wherein no man gaintsaide him but he onely who died in this reuolte Under this pretexte then sent King Frisoll for this Lady to come vnto him so dispossesse her of the Cittie promising neuerthelesse to recompence her in good sort But shee who had but one only Sonne as yet a tender pupill vnder age would not exchange it for any other Cittie of his Kingdome as well by reason that hers was well seated for all kinde of commodities as also for that she saw all her subiects and inhabitance growne very rich and wealthy So that this Lady had no more but eight dayes of tearme remayning when she was to appeare before the King when also Prince Edward arriued at Arriace and hauing not as yet found out any that durst appeare to answere for her so that she wared very sad beeing in perplexety knowing not howe to resolue what was best to be 〈◊〉 in this cale when she vnderstoode of the prowesse and magnanimitie of the Knight of the Dogge bruted abroad in her Cittie Whereuppon it fortuned that shee sent incontinent for the principall Merchant to come to her Castell who arriued there soone after with two handmaides of Zerphira which fell to his share whereof he made a present vnto her and declared vnto her as much as yon haue read before wherewith thee had her minde so troubled that she lost almost both her sence and reason and therefore she prayed him to moue the Knight to haue some compassion of her woefull distresse Whereuppon he protesting vnto her of a troth the great curtesie and generousnes of Prince Edward shee made no farther enquirie but beeing accompanied with the Marchant with some one of her Damsels she went presently to him and falling downe prostrate before him thus she began Braue Knight if the affliction of any poore desolate widdow hath euer found place of pittie in your noble minde I beseech you most humbly you will now vouchsafe to regard mée in the necessitie wherein I am And after shee had vnfolded the whole matter vnto him the Prince made her this aunswere Madame I am verie sorie and sore displeased at your sadnesse and cause of melancholie on the other side I am verie glad that so good an occasion doth offer it selfe now to make you knowe the desire I haue had euer since mine Infancie to helpe and succour to my small power all Ladies who would employ mee and especially those who feele themselues oppressed and destitute of aids and counsell And for this cause will I willingly present my selfe before your King making him to vnderstand that corrupting the inuiolable lawes of Iustice he
triumph day which was appointed for the Nuptialles of his Sister And for the more magnificent gracing thereof the Emperour grently desired to see the king his Father and the Queene his Mother there present which made him send a pest in this behalfe to request them The like did hee to the king of Sparta and Arismena his Aunt whome hee had not seene since their espousalls hee sent for King Frisoll also with the residue of his chiefest friendes that they would honour him with their presence at his Daughters wedding because soone after she was to depart for Fraunce The Horseman which the Emperour sent for Macedon found king Florendos in exceeding pleasure in that hee had married Belcar with Alderina Daughter to the Duke of Pontus and as yet the feast endured where Recinde was enforced to abide at the earnest intreatie of Belcar who promised afterward to accompanie him to Constantinople So that when the Poste arriued there they were prouiding to set forward on the way Now were the king and Quéene not a little ioyfull when they vnderstood that Palmendos was their Nephew Philocrista should marrie with so great a Prince as was the son to the king of Fraunce Hereupon they concluded not to frustrate the Emperours desire which hee had to see them at this solemnitie Then the messenger recounted to them how Arnedes had remayned vnknowen in the Court without any intent to make him selfe knowen untill the Ambassadours of Fraunce arriued there With whome quoth hee there came a knight of Spaine that enquired after Recinde Son to the Castile king because his eldest brother being deceassed the Subiectes of the Realme desire him for their king Recinde hearing these newes beeing vnable longer to endure deliuered forth meruaylous sorrowe for the death of his Brother saying that hee more desired his life than all the Kingdomes in the world Sundrie other mournefull spéeches hee procéeded in when the king and Balcar wundring that two such knights had so long concealed themselues reioysed not a little thinking themselues happie that they had done such honors to Recinde with whome they vsed many reasons and sweet perswasions to comfort and put him from his sorrowfull dumpes The messenger being likewise glad because hee had found the end of the Spanish Knights perigrination thus spake My Lord Recinde cease these teares which serue to no purpose for recouering the thing that is out of all hope of men but rather to hinder the Castillians who desire shortly to see yee as their Lorde and King Soueraigne For which me thinkes ye haue greater occasion to thanke God than thus to torment your selfe against all reason considering that the Scepter of Castile is one of the most rich and honourable in all Europe And if yee meane shortly to see the Prince Arnedes in Constantinople who is not a little pensiue for your cause of heauines yee will procure great ioy both in him and the whole Court of the Emperour because each one doth wish your presence there especially vpon so good occasion as is now offered When Recinde heard the Gentleman vse such spéeches he began to remember himselfe that nowe hee was to deliuer some Heroicall spectacle for better attayning his Lady Melicia whome by the sad and certaine newes of his Brothers death he thought the sooner to recouer as his owne Wherefore he determined to make one in this Tourney and as hee resolued on this honourable purpose many secret discourses combatted with his spirite which he generally imparting to Belcar receiued this answere from him My Lord and Brother although I durst not enterprise to goe so soone to Constantinople yet would I gladly beare you companie as well to grateste yée herein as any thing els I am able to deuise because you are the man to whom I would haue my nearest thoughtes knowen throughout my whole life with this assurance beside that yée shall not find any man lesse sparing of him selfe in such matters as may be déemed agreable to yée Seigneur Belcar answered Recinde I may well say that if Fortune heretofore hath slenderly fauored mee entertayning me often with verie rigorous tearmes yet might it bée interpreted but as a presage of vnspeakeable content in future prosperitie for the ioy I take in being of so good account with you surmounteth all the mishaps that haue befallen mee So knitting vp these courteous entercourses they purposed to take order for their voyage each one according to his owne best contriuing desiring the King not to make ouer much haste because they minded to trauaile together For Belcar Recinde and Tirendos required to go thither before meaning to perfourme some matter at honour and worthie commendation in the sight of the Emperour who had neuer seene anye deedes of Belcar and Tirendos whereto King Florendos agréed verie willingly who notwithstanding hee was aboue thréescore yéeres old yet was hee neuerthelesse of strong nature able to endure the paine of trauaile Nowe when hee had appointed euerie thing in equipage with a goodly companie he set on towarde Constantinople whither the Duke of Pontus could not come so soone as hee for certaine businesse of importaunce that had befallen him to the great griefe of the Princesse Alderina that shee should so long be absent from her deare spouse Belcar So leaue we them voyaging as time fauoured to speake of such things as happened in the Emperours Court in meane while CHAP. III. How Ozalio intreated Palmendos to accomplish the promise he made him and he vnwilling to deny him any thing gaue him Marencida to wise as also the Kingdome of Tharsus And howe they both embarqued themselues with a gallant companie of Knights to goe thither And what hapned the Queene Mother to Palmendos at their arriuall WHile the Horsemen and messengers were thus busied about their charge the Emperour commaunded preparation for the great triumph feasting his Sonne Palmendos and the French Lords entertayning them with all pastimes his hart could deuise so that the whole Court exercised themselues in nothing els than in such things as might yéeld greatest pleasure to this honorable assemblie Among them all that were thus contented Ozalio had little minde of pleasaunce séeing his Cosen altered from the Law of Mahomet wherefore he intreated him according to his promise that he would giue him the Princesse Marencida to wife with leaue to returne againe to Tharsus which motion highly pleased Palmendos knowing that by these meanes the Queene his Mother should heare certaine tydinges of him Marencida on the other side was in no lesse paine than Ozalio and albeit the Princesse Philocrista euermore comforted her with such honorable meanes as became her calling yet could she not fasten vpon any thought of pleasure but continuing daylie solitarie like solitude it selfe would not come forth of her Chamber but there all the day streamed foorth fountaines of teares complayning without ceasing of her aduersitie Of one thing she might iustly make vaunt that her eyes were
some supposed they were stricken with the falling sicknes insomuch that they mâ—â—ed all the standers by to compassion and the Emperour for his parte would willingly haue deliuered them had hee not perceaued Palmendos could not honestly frustrate Ozalio of the promise which he had made him By meanes whereof not to abide beholding them any longer in this pitteous Tragedie he commaunded incontinent to recarry Ocurites to his loâ—ging Marencida backe into her chamber where she would willingly haue done that for him to saue him from death which Alceste whilom Quéene of Thessalie would only haue enterprised for Admetus her husband after she vnderstood by the Oracle that any one of his friends who would die in his stead might saue his life which else in no wife might bee preserued So great was she heartes griefe Ocurites felt during his traunce that refusing to eat or drinke a long time afterwards he weakned so much his members and spent his naturall vigour so farre that his soule was constrained to take leaue of his body which was interred afterward by commaundement of the Emperour in a rich tombe whereof Marencida neuer knew any thing for they sought meanes expressâ—â—y to conceale from her this mischaunce fearing lest she should goe after to héepe him companie in the other world as might bee misdoubted by the coniectures gathered of the anguish she indured séeing him in so miserable estate when shee sounded in his presence as you haue read before And for that Ozalio did solicite at the length her departure with all dilligence Palmendos caused two shippes to be made readie with all things necessary graunting him fréely his departure albeit there was much griefe on both sides for that from their infancie they had béene both brought vp together they gaue each other their last adieu not without bedewing their faces with store of teares their mindes beeing touched inwardly with the strict and more than fraternall amitie betwéene them so that euerie one maruelled why he would not for this only respect renounce Paganisme as Palmendos had done which hee would surely haue done if the loue of Marencida had not so preuailed with him The Emperour gaue them many sumptuous presentes to carrie from him to the Queene of Tharsus which beeing bestowed in fit place on ship boorde hee commaunded to hoyse sailes and so incontinent launched into the maine sea which was so calme and still that within fewe dayes hee fell within the coast of Tharsus So soone as he was ariued in the haue it all the Cinso began to make bone fires and many other tokens of ioy thinking to recouer their true liege Soueraigne Palmendos But soone after chaunged their reioycing into sadnes when they knew certainly Palmendos was so farre from that plate where they thought him to be present all the people doing nothing els but curâ—â—e and ban the old Beldame who 〈…〉 the loste of so made and gentle a Prince At this time â—ay she Quéene very grieuously sicke in her bed for the absents of her sonne Palmendos so that seeing Ozalio 〈…〉 for into the chamber her heart felt present he such an 〈◊〉 anguish that she had neyther sinew veine artir nor miâ—scle which was not depriued of their vsuall functions So that without hearing the Ambassage which the Emperor 〈◊〉 to Ozalio to oster hir with his presents she died more 〈…〉 euer â—â—erre through 〈…〉 This honourable Lady hauing thus accomplished the last law of nature and yeelded before God her mortall homage Ozalio gaue the principals of the Kingdome to vnderstand of the ordenance of Palmendos his Cosen wherby vpon calling them together soone after the decease of the Quéene hée shewed them fast scaled and so subscribed as they ought to bee by which meanes they all knowing him to bee a most sage and valerous Prince accepted him gladly for their King Thus hauing peaceably inuested himselfe in the kingdome he married forthwith in great triumph and magnificence his deare Marencida who seeing the loue her husband bare her to increase more and more euery day conuerted her mourning and sorrow into thankfull gladnes so that within few daies she quite forgate all thinges past louing afterward so perfectly the good King Ozalio her second husband that shee had by him many goodlie children many whereof proued very braue and hardie Knights Thus feasting them whom he tooke from Constantinople for to accompanie him homeward at length he returned them backe againe with such newes and rich giftes which the king Ozalio sent to his Cosen Palmendos as hee in memoris hereof continued the same euery yeare following in like manner for tribute and homage of the high estate which he confessed onely to hold of him No sooner were the Knightes arriued in the Emperours Court but Palmendos was aduertized of the death of the Quéene his mother whereupon he grew into great mellancholle and made woefull lamentation seeming to him that his absence was the principall cause of her death but he loued Franchelinaso ardently that hee could not well busie his spirites in any other thing than in those which he knew might cause her delight and pleasure wherefore in time hee forgot the sorrow which these heauie newes caused especially féeling himselfe so comforted by his loue whom wee will now leaue to take the gratious pastimes wherwith those that are 〈…〉 affianced and wont to sollace one another attending the wished day of their Nuptials And now returne wee vnto Rifarano whome we shall finde yet in the house of the Countesse of Island CHAP. IIII. How Rifarano beeing departed from the Countesse of Island to go to the Tourney which was to be held in Constantinople met with his companion Ledefin with whome hee fought to reuenge a pore Damsell whose husband hee had slaine RIfarano who Combated Dioll the Earle of Islandâ— brother if you remember remayned sometime with the Countesse his widdowe as well to heale his woundes throughly especially that in the scull of his head which hee was faine to cauterise and haue throughly seâ—â—ched as also for the pleasure and graunt of amourous fauours which he receiued daylie of her by meanes where of he could not leaue her till hée was aduertised how the Emperour Palmerin would holds open Court in Constantinople and of the great Triumphes which were here in preparation to solemniâ—s the alliance Nuptials of the infant Philocrissa with Arnodes Sonne is the King of Fraunce likewise of the Princesse Franchelina with Palmendos But not to loose so good occasion to present himselfe in so honorable a companie which hee hoped would there mâ—ete at this solemne feast hee demaunded licence of the Countesse to goe see the Prince Palmendos at whose handes he had heretofore receaued so much fauour that vs though that held his life but of him and the immortall God who might end it when â—â— best pleased him Whereunto very loath and vnwilling she accorded doubting lest bee should not returne againe to her so
enâ—ampeâ— themselues on â—oe one side meane while Primaleon Armed himselfe who for that hee was of a middle stature but otherwise very well proportioned in hiâ— members did mannage himselfe with a woonderfull dexteritye both on footâ— and on horse back and soone had his Armourers sitted him carefully in all peeces so that he came lightly to present himselfe before his father who spake vnto him in this manner My sonne I pray God aboue to preserue you from death in this conflict and to manifest thereby that you are not â—â—lpable of this mischiefe which they lay to your charge Sir quoth he I can well assure you that what I did was done but with great reason knowing before that hâ—â— sought nothing more than to haue 〈…〉 for this cause I hope bée who knoweth that I procéeded not with any â—â—â—litions intent wil exempt me from death if he â—â—e that my life â—e as yet necessary Hauing ended these spéeches hee kissed his handes which embraced him quickly then mounting on horse backe he tooke his way towardes the Barriers accompanied with many other Seigneurs an footâ— And in the meane while Valido who felt his heart boyle in a vehement heate to finish victoriously this enterprise calling to 〈◊〉 the beauty of Gridonia said that a finall time shoulde his enemy stande before him Who after place was made by the Mâ—râ—â—â— within the running place came with a fury his Launce couched in rest vpon the Bohemian who vasting his Launce in like manner brake it to the handle without euer mouing the Constantino Poliâ—ane out of his saddle where also this Assailant lost his stirrâ—ps at the attaint of his and was also a little huâ—t in the right side Neuerthelesse beeing an 〈◊〉 and a skkill all Knight in Armes hee seated himselfe quickly againe in his saddle and began fiercely to say vppon Primaleon with his sword but he who exceeded him farre in Prowesse and dexterity bâ—eing ashamed hee had not at the first encounter made him kisse the ground beganne to hewe him with such fell and heauy blowes that withâ— a while euery one perceiued who beare beare away the victory And he himselfe knowing that his enemy who lost his bloud by great drops waxed féeble in sight of euery one deliuered him such a mighty backe stroake vpon his Morton that he cloâ—â—â—e a two both his heade and heade peece downe to his shoulders in such manner that presently falling vnder his horse feete Primaleon spake these words alowd see what you are come so farre to seeke then making cleane his sworde hee put it vp into his 〈◊〉 and the Iudges put him forth of the Lâ—sts with greatioy Of this victory was the Emperour and all the other Lords of the Court maruelous ioyfull séeing so â—â—â—dently the verity of this false accusation By meanes whereof causing Primaleon to bee disarmed and afterwardes dressed of some wounds which he had receiued of his aduersary communded the vanquished Knight to bee fetcht out of the Barriers and to be honourably enterred But the two Gentlemen who came in his company made a maruelous lamentation for his death especially the sonne of the Earle Marcus who in bewailing him vtterâ—â—â— stronge things so that by this meanes the Emperour knowing who Valido was sent for the Knights saying thus A merualle very much howe the King of Bohemia whom I holde for my friend hath permitted that his 〈◊〉 should 〈…〉 my Comâ— to dâ—â— here an exployâ—e whose sorrowfull 〈…〉 greatly grieued me which if I had fore seene it and 〈…〉 him as now I doo to be the accuser of my sonne I should by no meanes haue graunted him this combat as you may well assure him from me Syr answered then the sonne of Diartes willingly will I obay your commandement euen as I desirâ— also to 〈…〉 you my best seruice wherein when you shall know my 〈◊〉 you will not say that I came hither of mine owne accorde with Valido but full sore against my will and as not knowing to the King my Master my thing of his 〈…〉 case When the Emperour vnderstoode that this Knight was Diartes sonne hee made him many kinde offers thaâ—king him for the good will he bare him And then the sonne of the â—arle Marcus 〈…〉 with extreame 〈◊〉 to the gall could not forboâ—ye to speake thus much Emperour of Greece 〈◊〉 hath béeâ—â— to you 〈◊〉 uourable since you 〈…〉 which I cannot beare 〈…〉 to sée my selfe reuenged for his death Hee had no sooner spoken theâ—t words but for his best aduantage he quickly 〈…〉 of the Pallace because that many setting 〈…〉 him by the â—ares â—ad not the 〈…〉 them not to stirre after him but to let him goe whether hee thought good which was strait to the 〈◊〉 with his communion where embarking in Validoes shippe they reformed into Bohemia to tell the King the sorrowfull newes of his sonâ—e Wherevppon hee conceiued great 〈…〉 her for the principall occasion of this his death for the which mischance shée was no lesse sorrowfull than he could be for his life CHAP. XVII Howe Lurcon a Giant sonne to 〈◊〉 whome the Emperour steâ—e in 〈◊〉 the Damosell Esmâ—rinda came to defie Primaleon vppon the same quarrell as Valido had done before and what successe befell vnto him after his defiance IN Romanie was there long since a Giant named Lurcon whome the Emperour 〈◊〉 slowe to deliuer the Damosell 〈◊〉 as you may sometime haue read in the beginning of this History This Lurcon being esteemed a very braue Knight was not mishapen 〈…〉 so inhumane and sauage as the other Giants but a man very actiue 〈◊〉 amongst his friendes and euen when the Nurse carried him in her Armes who had giuen him sucke euer since his fathers death after the which hee recouered by force of Armes the Castels which they kept from him in his minorly â—y and vowed neuer to marry before he had reuenged so great wrong offered him So he began to make so cruell warre vppon Crispin the hus bande of Esmerinda that hee kept him at home within doores from walking to far abroade in the fields and now her entred into the eighth yeare of his Knighthoode when Pertequin died séeking to accomplish his promise to Gridonia Of whom on a day hauing vnderstoode the discourse imagined presently with himselfe none could 〈◊〉 Primaleon about better than hee nor sooner enioy the Lady so that reioysing greatly in himselfe vpon this conclusion hee cared not at all to goe to sée the Duchesse nor her Daughter hopingth haue her to wise by force or frée will Whereupon hee embarked himselfe in a Frigot rigged with all necessaries to voyage into Constantinople where being arriued in safety hee sent away a Squier to the Emperour to demaund a safe conduct for him to come into his Court to combat with Primaleon which if he should refuse him hée would make his vaunts abroad howe hee durst not graunt it for feare he had of him When the Emperour heard the Gentleman talke in
thou hast taken to come so farre to this place Verie glad was the Giant 〈◊〉 séeing Primaleon readie to enter the Barriers with him Into which the Emperor commaunded the Duke of Pera the Earle of Redon to conduct him and to assure him from all men except from his enemie in the meane time there remayned not almost any person within the Cittie which came not thither to beholde this Battaile euery man deuoutly praying him in whose handes are all victories to shew fauour to their Prince for whome they should bée in great dispaire were it not for the confidence they haue that hee will neuer forsake him in this necessitie as in him who neuer abandoneth nor reiecteth those who Arming themselues with true saith doe build their rain part on his refuge The Giant then after hee had laced and buckled the strings of his headpéece tooke a strong launce in his hand and seeing hys enemie come Armed conceaued so great pleasure that flourishing his Launce he thus began This staffe imbrâ—ed to day in the bloud of my aduersarie shall take vengeaunce on that 〈◊〉 who hath with his pearced the bosome of mine auncestors â—old thy tongue for shame great animall quoth Primaleon holde thy tongue and cease to vaunt thy presumptâ—ous 〈◊〉 till thou seest thy selfe banquisher for their is the houre to bragge and not before Then the Iudges séeing these two Combatants in good will euerie one to do his best for him selfe they departed the Barriers and presently the signe of the assault beeing sounded by the Trumpets the Knightes encountred with such furie that they 〈◊〉 their 〈◊〉 For the height of Lurcon constrayning him to carrie his Launce lower against Primaleon than if he had béene of his â—oulenes so that he could attaint him but on the â—ippe where peareing his Armour he scracht his skâ—â—e a little But the Constantino Politane who came full vpon him with a right carriere with his Launce 〈◊〉 him cleane through the cuirace into the 〈◊〉 so they dasht their shâ—elds and rusht their bodies together in such sorte that they both smoked at it In this â—â—counter the Giants Horse had such a shouldering that hee could goe afterwardes but vpon thrée legges by meaneâ— whereof feeling the heauie burden which hee had vppon his backe he kept such a capering rearing and flinging that hee laid his loutish Master vppon the bare ground who in falling did so entangle one of his feete in his stirroppe that his horse tâ—aâ—ld him a long time from place to place Which Primaleon seeing ranne vppon him with his naked sword in his hand and before he could get up againe he gaue him so sound a blow vppon his legge that he cut the bone almost quite a two whereat he cast out so horrible a noyse that hee â—erristed all the assistants but not him who he 〈◊〉 him with the Cemitorie which the Knight of the Closed-Ile had sent him which hee so be laboured then with all his might vppon hys Helmet that cutting a two the stringes that hee shewed quicklie his bare head Whereuppon Lurcon entred into so intollerable a phrenzie that béeing vnable to defende himselfe from the fell blowes of his aduersarie hee purposed to gripe him by the bodye thinking to dispatch him that waye But for all that Primaleon kept himselfe at the point of hys sworde and with a backe stroke vppon the Mazzard felde him as dead as a Dogge to the ground saying It is now that thou mayest exeâ—te thy Trophies to Pallaâ— and Mars for the victories they haue sent thee and not before thou haste Combatted as not long since thou didst vaunte to doe It were verie difficult to recount the ioy and gladnesse that euerie one conceauâ—d seeing the happie successe of this spectacle The which to the ende to make it publikely knowne abroade the Iudges and Martials of the fielde perceauing the Giant to haue breathed his last did accompany Primaleon with victorious acclamations vnto the pallace where they presented him to the Emperor who receaued him with great ioy Then came forth the Empresse and her Daughters to entertaine him as if he had béene newly arriued from some forâ—en Countrie praysing and blessing God for so signall a 〈…〉 torie the which beganne to bring some comforte and reioycing to the Court which was before all in 〈◊〉 verie sad and mournefull for the death of King Florendos his Quéene Griana Father and Mother to the Emperour Afterwards there arriued manie Knights to Combat Primaleon vppon the same quarrell but it cost them all deare as béeing those who defended a wrong quarrell the Prince behauing himselfe euerie day more valiantly than other wherof the Greekes reputed themselues most happie men to haue after the Emperour so sage valiant a Prince for their Seigneur wherefore from diuers Countries were presented him manie good offers to marrie a wife the which he would accept of in no wise for the little desire hee had to marrie so young But let vs discourse a little of the great perrils and traualles that another Knight made him endure who came to Constantinople to defie him vppon the same pretended treason of the Polonians death as you shall in the next Chapter heare more at large CHAP. XVIII Howe Prince Edward the eldest Sonne to the King of England was inamoured of faire 〈◊〉 seeing her picture against a wall and hovve hee was afterward conducted by a strange aduenture into a Monasterie of Nunnes and what befell him there in the meane time he was within the Nunnerie KIng Fredericke of England brother to Agriâ—la Empresse of Almaine had by his wife manie Male Children the eldest whereof called Prince Edward was no lesse accomplished excellent in the exercise of Armes than verie well 〈◊〉 in most ciuill and good manners and in all other laudable vertuous and honest thinges So that hauing receaued the order of Knighthood he held daylse Ioustinges Tournyes to exercise and make himselfe skilfull in militarie profession And for asmuch as hee delighted also in hunting one of the brauest Knights called Robert sent him a faire dog which he recouered of a woman who was a great Magâ—rian as you shall vnderstand hereafter This Knight Robert being in the prime of his youth had a great desire to see the aduentures of the world by meanes whereof embarking himselfe among other Marchants who went to trafficke and to fall Armes in Turkie beeing tossed by tempest and foule weather on Sea come to an anker in the Iland of Malfada where they were all enchaunted except him onely who pleased much the Ladie of the Ile Whereuppon â—â— fortuned that hee liued there in verie great pleasure about the space of two yeares at the ende where of calling to minde vppon a time his owne countrie he fetcht a great â—igh from his breast so that this Fayrie who neuer was far from him desired to know the cause of that sigh vnto whome hee reuealed the whole matter In good faith faire sir
woulde come thither ere it were long to marrie her In the meane time her Aunt went to speake with the Duke her Brother with whome after shée had giuen him to vnderstand that â—ot knowledge was not to 〈◊〉 to work Prince Edward to this passe she aduised him to go accompanied with twenty Knights Armed into his Daughters chamber Where sayning himselfe ignoraunt of the matter and shewing himselfe fore displeased against them hath hée should â—eaze vppon his body and put him in prison and so they might worke their matters as they lifted The Duke than putting in prâ—â—tize this stratageâ—â—e came with twenty men all in Armes who the chamber dore wherin he 〈◊〉 entred all alone 〈…〉 â—ignes of adâ—â—cation began thus to say Alas my God what a bayâ—â—â—â— case â—â— Isle Am I awake or doâ— I meaning beholde this 〈◊〉 Ah! I should haue thought to haue had a vertuous 〈◊〉 and chast â—â—â—den to my Daughter more 〈…〉 than any other in these Northen Regions and 〈…〉 I trustrated of mine opinion for I sée before mine owne eyes she is more vitious and corrupt than euer was 〈◊〉 as Messalina Truely I may well vaunt my selfe to make thâ—â— both dye in prison by the most 〈◊〉 torment that may bee 〈◊〉 séeing they haue shamefully dishonoured 〈…〉 all my posterity Enter then and come in my Knights to â—â— handâ— vppon this murthering Palliaâ—d to the ende I may know who be is and who hath counselled him to enter to râ—shly into my house for all those who are culâ—able and in any 〈◊〉 consâ—crate in this misdéede I shall make them pay deareâ—â—â— for it by a most 〈…〉 shamefullend of their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that hee â—ept out of the Chamber doore to â—et â—â— his 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 come in did nothing animâ—â—â— nor terrifâ—e the English Prince who setting band to his sword and with an inuincible 〈◊〉 putting his shield on his arme 〈◊〉 them thus Come now hardly who 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 and I shall shew him 〈…〉 from all 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 gathâ—ring 〈…〉 〈…〉 â—et for all thâ—t 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 about him so 〈◊〉 thâ—t he 〈…〉 them all 〈◊〉 not the 〈◊〉 after gone to worke with her magicke spels as you shall heare Shée forsooth darkened all the light of the Chamber making a sulphurous and obscure ayre 〈…〉 darke than hell itselfe in stéed therof then deliuering forth the Knights with the Infant◠〈◊〉 who would willingly haue bin in his place who was dead she shut Prince Edward fast within the Chamber vntill the morrow morning when she saw seuen of the Dukes Squiers lying along on the ground one staine outright and other 〈◊〉 sore wounded Now could not the Duke tell what it were best to doo with him because if he should deliuer him it séemed to him but to hasten too shamefull a death for himselfe and if hee should kéepe him any longer in his house it should but encourage him to forethinke all meanes to put him to more cruell torment so that he passed the night in this conflict vntil the morrow morning when an auntient Knight reprehending him sharpely because he suffered himselfe to be gouerned by women counselled him to cause Prince Edward to bee secretly conuayed out of his house by the same Damosell which giuded him thither The Duke who liked well of this aduise caused the Damosell who had béene the messenger to come before him vnto whom after he had shewed some signes of great heauines his made this spéech It grieueth me much that my sisters pretence hath not sorted to so good effect as she expected and for so much as you are the cause hauing conducted the Knight into the aduenture of the Cloyster where hee hath conquered such a it well which safe-gardeth him from all her enchauntments néeds must you your selfe get him by subtle meanes from hence saying you onely haue meanes so saue his life and for you should thinke your selfe greatly culpable of his death if it should chaunce to happen vpon the assurance which you gaue him bringing him into my house you will willingly set him frée from hence into the fields if hee will promise you neuer to séeke any reuenge of the Duke nor of any of his family Hereunto willingly condescended the Damosell when departing from the Duke troubling like an Daken lease shee came to the Chamber where Prince Edward was who studied already how he might breake open the doore to sackage them who would come against him Shée prostrating her selfe before him with the teares in her eyes beginneth thus the â—enour of her words Fayre Prince great is the occasion which I haue nowe to complaine of fortune for I hauing brought yâ—u into this house vnder a protext of the extreame loue which my Mistris beareth you they haâ—e deuised a spéedy and most shamefull death for vs all thrée for you especially whome the Duke hath surprised with his Daughter whom albeit he should pardon the vainousnes of the case which hee supposeth falsely to haue béene aâ—â—â—â—knowing you should 〈…〉 will 〈◊〉 ther owne bosome with some sword or 〈…〉 some nowe kinde of death as did â—ortia the Daughter of Cato where shée heard of the death of her husband Brutus As forme you may well thinke my Lord the Duke 〈◊〉 of the sourâ—â— of this occurrence as he beginneth already to doo most tractly finding out at last my priuy practiâ—es which I protest before God I neuer went about to carry to any euill end I shall be most sharpely punished of vs all thrée Neuertheles yet iâ— I dye will I not surcease as being the person of this Trinity which know I haue best deserued as wel I know I must die for it to employ my self in some subtle inuentions to make vs escape this imminent perrill so that ye will aâ—â—are mee neuer to séeke any reuenge for the offence which hath béene offered you in this place Wherefore I beséch you fayre Lord most humbly to graunt me generall remission to the ende that declaring it to the Duke at the article of my death hee may bée moued to compassion to pardon me also himselfe and this is the meanes whereby wee may peraduenture saue our liues from the mortall punishment which they prepare for vs euery day So well knew the Damsell to colour her spéeches that she wone the mercy of the Prince who answered her thus Fayre maiden for the loue of Rene who surely meriteth much more at my handes I haue willingly pardoned this iniurie to the Duke and to all his familie albeit it is one the most vilest touch and outrage which might bee offered to any Knight And albeit the death which they determine to make vs die be horrible and cruell yet I shoulde take mine in very good part if I might execute vpon those vaâ—less who woulde lay hands on me such a massacre as they deserue Neuerthelesse séeing the occasion presents it selfe to auoyd this scandall I am content to followe it so that no greater dammage may
who vnderstood her well speaking for her set one knée on the grounde and made this answere Madame in very déede I beléeue your Lyon neuer sawe this Damsell before because shee commeth but nowe from a 〈◊〉 Lande farre distant from these Countries but hée presageth the great desire which the Knight who sent her vnto you hath to doo you seruice and also can iudge of the high choyce of this Princesse beeing Daughter to the Soldan of Persia for so much as the Lyons by nature as being Kings among the foure footed Beasts doo recognize and knowe perfectly the illustrious and royall bloud So hee procéeded to declare the Embassage which Prince Edward gaue him incharge to deliuer by worde of mouth beside the letter which he had already giuen into her hand praysing him in valour and curtesie aboue all the Knights to whom the fower Elements had euer lent any influence of harmonicall constitution And told her moreouer how he caused him self to be called the Knight of the Dogge by reason of a very great and fayre Dogge that he carried along with him which was of so good knowledge that hee ayded and succoured him greatly in his necessities Squire my friend replyed the Princesse Gridonia I make no doubt but that the Knight of the Dogge is both magnanimious and of great Prowesse séeing that without knowing me hee hath had this remembrance of me wherein I pray the Lord God to giue me the fauour that according to his merite I may returne him his due guerdon and rewards and giue him so much power and strength as by his happy victory he may chace from my hart the languishing and bitter sorrow which hath ceazed it a long time And for a testimony of the loue and duety I too owe him reciprocally I take and accept this Infant his present in the place and steede of a sister and a good friend and so will I loue and honour her as if wee were both issued out of one wombe For this acceptation and curtesie did Diazan thanke her most humbly in kissing her hand then did hee interprete to the Infant what she said whereat Zerphira bowing her selfe very low did giue her also thankes for her part and then did Gridonia take her by the hand to make her sit downe by her praying her to be of good cheare and to deuise what pastime shee pleased all which Diazan expounded vnto her as well as he could Then shee who perceiued so much honour was done vnto her in eating and drinking alwaies with Gridonia which made her greatly comfort her selfe and droue away all yrkesomnes of the place but not that she could in any wise altogether forget her aduerse and sinister fortune Neuerthelesse she neuer shewed any euident token thereof but very wisely dissembled it whereat Gridonia maruelled not a little but much more at her great riches and iewels which shée carryed about with her Diazan after hee had rewarded the Merchants of Arriace with some present sent them away home to their houses because hee meant to abide there to serue the Infant Zerphira whom he aduertized by the way to take héede least shée shuld speake any thing in fauour of the Emperour of Constantinople to Gridonia nor to shew by any token or signe that she loued him or any of his stocke or kindred Which shee who was both sage and well aduised tooke for so good a forewarning that shee was neuer heard in her presence to speake any thing by affection of this family CHAP. XXII How the Knight of the Dog presented himselfe with the Lady of Arriace before King Frisol who at his entreaties let the widdow alone with her Cittie and how afterward he got the best in a Tourney which was held in his Court and what fell out by occasion thereof DIazan being departed with the infant Zerphira Prince Edward the Lady of Arriace accompanied with twentie knights whom they tooke for their safe conduct tooke their iourney towards King Frisols Court so that arriuing there the third day afterward about euening praier the Knight being in his complete armour except his head-péece and gantlets onely led the Lady by the hand euen vp to the chamber of presence for in this place did the King recreate himselfe with his children and with many other Lords who were come the ther of purpose to see and welcome Belcar not long time before arriued from Durace and there was besides the Quéene his Mother accompanied with Esquiuela Alderine the wiues of Dâ—treus and Belcar his two Sonnes with many other Ladies deuising and sporting themselues together euery one according to their pleasure The King séeing the Lady come in knew presently she was Lady of Arriace and beholding the physiognomie and honest countenance of the Knight iudged with himselfe he descended from some high and great linnage when the Lady prostrating her selfe at his féete thus began to frame her complaint Sir it hath pleased you to cause notice to be giuen me to appeare before your royall Maiestie to the end that vnder the coulour of fortification and assurance of your kingdome you may dispossesse me of my towne of Arriace because it is situate vpon the frontiere confining vpon the Moores your enemies from whom yée suppose putting therein sure guarde and good garrison to shut vp all passage that way to cut off the hostile inuasion which they might other wise make into your Maiesties dominions wherein I maruell much that you addresse your selfe to me being but a poore widow rather than to any other of your vassalls to vse such rigour extremitie towards them considering if you alledge that my sonne is too yong to kéepe quarter and to hold so dangerous a passage I will answer you this reason séemeth not sufficient to execute iniustice towards him but rather ought you as his King soueraigue Lord to take him into your protection and safegarde Nor can you finde iustly any fault that my citty is not well guarded and fortefited séeing I ordinarily kéepe in pay a great number of Knights and Souldiers who do not neglect their duty and diligence aswell in placing Sentinels and Scouts both by day and night within and without my walles as likewise in maintaining all other things which are requisite for a frontire towne besides euery one may presume that in loosing of it I should most of all be endammaged as being depriued of the principall cittie of my domaine which I will not exchange for any other which you shall offer me in recompence to haue it This is the matter I am come to let you vnderstand hoping to finde some pitty and compassion in a Prince so full of clemencie as you are otherwise I would neuer haue presumed to haue béen so bolde to appeare before your presence assuring my selfe if you cause the charters of your Royaltie to be exactlie looked ouer you shall finde it appertaineth not to you by any vassellage but hath alwaies beene the chiefe citie belonging
doth you wrong and great iniustice to take your Cittie away from you by force and authoritie And if there be anie Knight in his Court will maintaine the contrarie I hope by the helpe of God to make him confesse it by force of Armes Thus much hee said for that he knew before howe Belcar one of King Frisols Sonnes was lately married with Alderine the Duke of Pontus Daughter and brought away his wife into Hungarie whereupon that occasion they held great feastes and Tournies so that growing vppon this quarrell in this contention with him or with the Prince Dutreus and killing him in single combat he hoped to do acceptable seruice to his Ladie Gridonia being this house néere allied to that of Constantinople The Ladie thanking him for this honest and curteous offer tolde him that if it pleased him to bare her companie shee feared nothing and that leauing her Sonne vnder good sure garde shee purposed to depart verie soone with some number of Knights for her safer conduct Whereunto the Knight answered that he was readie at any time when so euer she pleased And therefore shee caused good order to bee taken for all thinges which might be needfull in this voyage desiring before her departure to get into her possession for the Knightes sake the Damsels of Zerphira which remayned still in the Marchants hands paying for euery one of them a reasonable ransome according to their estate All that night was Prince Edward very sad for hee could not resolue with himselfe whether he should first goe to Gridonia to present vnto her the Infant Zerphira or whether he should passe vnto Constantinople to end the Combat with Primaleon In fine after many resolutions he concluded that with himself which he put in execution very early on the morrow morning for hee came to request the Marchant his Hoast that it would please him to commaund a sonne of his called Diazan to goe doo an errand for him as farre as the Clouen-Rocke wherein he was more willingly obayed than hee coulde commaund then went he strait to the Infants chamber whome he told that he would send her to an excellent Lady who wold honour her and vse her with all humanity and hee besought her to bee willing to goe hoping to come to visit her there ere long and to bring her such newes which should giue her no occasion to repent her going thither The yong Princesse albeit this offer went néere her heart answered him neuerthelesse in this manner In good faith it is great reason sir that as your prisoner and captiue I should obay your requestes without any contradiction especially knowing they deriue from the sincere and honest amity which it pleaseth you to beare me albeit I am sure I shall neuer be able to merite it on my behalfe neuerthelesse I beseech you to cause my Damsels to be called hether vnto whome if it please you I will speake some few words before my departure most willingly will I cause it to bee done replyed the Knight So hee caused them to come into her Chamber forthwith where these young Damsels séeing their Mistres in strange manner to hate her owne life in deploring and bewayling her infortunate disaster they began altogether to make such a strange and pittifull complaint that the Knight was constrayned to separate them and soone after to send away Diazan with the Infant Zerphira towards the Castell of the Clouen-Rocke to present her to the Princesse Gridonia from a Knight vnknowne with a letter whose tenour followed in these words Prince Edwards Letter to the Princesse Gridonia TO the rarest Paragon of Princesses the Lady Gridonia the onely Phoenix of her time future Quéene of Polonia and lawfull heyre of the Duchy of Ormeda a Knight who desireth to serue her perpetually sendeth gréeting kissing with all curtesie the hand of her Excellency The perfect Idea of your neuer perishing beauty accompanied with so many other singuler gifts of grace which the celestiall prouidence doth distribute equally to diuers persons hath so dimâ—ned the cléere-séeing eyes of her burning and vnquencheable beames that the Artizan in pourtraying of his liueliest péeces helpeth himselfe with your diuine lineatures as it were beauty it selfe descended into these lower Regions to bee séene amongst vs Such an example séene with mine eyes besides the testemony of another strange accident haue as it were a fatall arrow so liuely pierced my breast that I can take no rest but in trauelling to aspire vnto that which shoulde giue mee the swéete fruition of so precious a rarenes of fortune which is onely to reuenge the death of Perrequin of Duas your Cosen vppon the false traytor and fellonious bomâ—â—â—de Primaleon of Greece Continuing which tranquâ—â—lity of spirit by traueile of my body I saylâ—d merrily towards Constantinople and for the same effect when by great fortune I met a Brigandine of Mores tossed by tempest of weather into the North sea which would haue taken me prisoner But the Soueraigne of all Gods constrayning these mine enemies to passe the edge of my sworde hath safegarded and reserued me to the end to be your comforter and the reuenger of your iust quarrell For assurance whereof in attending that happy season I send you in Hostage a Damsell issued of great parentage whom I found within the vessell of those nuscreant Mores whom so I pray you to vse and entertaine as you shall know her vertue and Princely deâ—â—anor doth deserue as well in regard of the anguish which she shall suffer perceiuing her selfe thus captiue as also in respect of the sincere and perfect amity which she will shew vnto you all her life time He who hath not his match in good will to doo your Ladiship all dutifull seruice So then departed Diazan with Zerphira and all her sewels accompanied with many Merchants who conuayed them very willingly and holding on their iourney they arriued at the Castle of the Clouen-Rocke where after they had giuen Gridonia to vnderstand that there was a Damsell which they had brought her in the behalfe of a Knight Incontinent the Draw-bridges were all let downe and the great gates set wide open Then Diazan tooke the Infant by the hand to lead her strait into the Chamber of the Princesse who séeing her so richly attyred and so curteous to doo her honour and reuerence supposed she must néeds be extracted from some high and illustrious Linage wherefore shee came to welcome and to entertaynâ— her honourably and perceiuing that the Lyon which neuer styrd from her began to fawne vpon her she said alowd Sister I cannot beléeue but that this Lyon knoweth you considering the gentle semblant and ioyfull entertainement bée sheweth you which as yet I haue neuer séene him doo to any since he was with me Zerphira vnderstood nothing shee spake but stedfastly beholding her excellent perfect beauty reputing her selfe most happy to become into the power and custody of so gentle and rare a Princesse Neuerthelesse Diazan